Thursday, May 31, 2018

NBA Finals: Despite LeBron's Playoff Career-High 51 Points, Warriors Take Game One In OT

At Oakland, California:
Stephen Curry scored 29 points and dished out nine assists on Thursday night as the Golden State Warriors took the opening game of the NBA Finals 124-114 in overtime over the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers.


Kevin Durant added to the Warriors' cause with 26 points and nine rebounds while Klay Thompson added 24 points of his own.

This, in spite of a playoff-career high 51 points from Cleveland's LeBron James, who grabbed eight rebounds and dished out eight assists.  Kevin Love added 21 points and 13 rebounds to the Cavaliers' coffers.


Here's Steph, showing his reaction after making a three-point shot at the end of the opening half of the contest.


Associated Press photo by Cary Edmonson

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Stanley Cup Final: Caps Gain First Ever Final Victory, Square Series With Knights At 1-1

At Las Vegas, Nevada:
AP STANLEY CUP CAPITALS HOCKEY S HKN USA NV
Lars Eller, Alex Ovechkin (power play; that's him celebrating after scoring), and Brooks Orpit each scored once on Wednesday as the Washington Capitals leveled the Stanley Cup Final at one game apiece after their 3-2 game-two road win over the Vegas Golden Knights.

After having been swept by Detroit in their previous appearance in the Final (1998) and having dropped the opener this year, the victory was the first in the NHL's championship series for the Capitals.

Associated Press photo by John Locher

Monday, May 28, 2018

NBA Playoffs: Warriors Overcome 11-Point Halftime Deficit, Knock Out Rockets, Set Up Fourth Straight Finals Encounter With LeBron And The Cavaliers

At Houston:

In Monday's seventh and deciding game of the NBA's Western Conference Finals, Kevin Durant scored 34 points while Stephen Curry added 27 (to go with his ten assists and nine rebounds) as the Golden State Warriors overcame an 11-point halftime deficit by outscoring the Houston Rockets 58-38 in the second half and winning the game 101-92 on the road for their fourth consecutive Western Conference title.

James Harden scored 32 points while Eric Gordon added 23 and Clint Capela 20 (to go with his nine rebounds) to pace the Rockets.

For the fourth straight year, the defending league champion Warriors will battle the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals, set to open in Oakland on Thursday (6:00 PM Pacific Time, ABC).

Stanley Cup Final: Golden Knights Outlast Caps In Series Opener

At Las Vegas, Nevada:

In Monday's opening game of the Stanley Cup Final, Tomas Nosek scored twice in the third period (the game winner [shown here], and the insurance empty netter) as the Vegas Golden Knights outslugged the visiting Washington Capitals 6-4.

Getty Images photo by Harry How

Sunday, May 27, 2018

NBA Playoffs: LeBron Carries Cavaliers To Fourth Straight Eastern Crown (And Finals Appearance)

At Boston:

LeBron James scored 35 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and dished out nine assists on Sunday night as the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Boston Celtics 87-79 in the seventh and deciding game of the NBA's Eastern Conference Finals, which the Cavaliers won four games to three.

Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 24 points.

Cleveland will be playing in their fourth consecutive NBA Finals against the winner of the Golden State-Houston West Finals (deadlocked at three games apiece, set to be decided on Monday in Houston).  The series will open this coming Thursday in Houston or Oakland (6:00 PM Pacific Time, ABC).

This will be LeBron's eighth straight Finals appearance.

NBA Playoffs: Warriors Ground Shorthanded Rockets, Force Game Seven Of West Finals

At Oakland, California:

In Saturday's sixth game of the NBA's Western Conference Finals, Klay Thompson scored 35 points, while Stephen Curry added 29 and Kevin Durant 23 as the Golden State Warriors routed the visiting Houston Rockets 115-86 to square the series at three games apiece.

James Harden paced the Chris Paul-less Rockets with 32 points.

The series will be decided on Monday night in Houston (6:00 PM Pacific Time, TNT).

Chalk Up Another Win For The Timbers

At Commerce City, Colorado:

In Saturday Major League Soccer action, Samuel Armenteros scored twice in the first half (29', 37') while Diego Valeri scored the winning goal in the 57th minute as the Portland Timbers held off the Colorado Rapids 3-2 on the road for their sixth straight victory, extending their MLS-era record winning streak.

The Rapids' tallies came through Julio Cascante (OG-31') and Yannick Boli (PK-90'+8).

Next up for the Timbers, a nationally-televised (ESPN 2) home encounter with the Los Angeles Galaxy next Saturday at 2:00 PM Pacific Time.

T2 Blank Real Monarchs At Home

At Portland, Oregon:

In Saturday United Soccer League action, Dairon Asprilla scored the only goal of the match in the 77th minute as Portland Timbers 2 defeated visiting Real Monarchs SLC 1-0.

Next up for T2, a road match against San Antonio FC this coming Saturday at 5:30 PM Pacific Time, to be streamed live over ESPN+.

Friday, May 25, 2018

NBA Playoffs: LeBron's Near Triple Double Helps Cavs Force Game Seven Of East Finals With Celtics

At Cleveland:

LeBron James scored 46 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out nine assists on Friday night as the Cleveland Cavaliers leveled the NBA's Eastern Conference Finals at three games apiece with their 109-99 game-six home win over the Boston Celtics.

George Hill added 20 points to the Cavaliers' coffers.

Terry Rozier paced the Celtics with 28 points while Jaylen Brown added 27.

This series---and the conference's representative in the NBA Finals---will be decided on Sunday night in Boston (5:30 PM Pacific Time, ESPN).

Thursday, May 24, 2018

NBA Playoffs: Rockets One Victory Away From Ousting Warriors

At Houston:

Eric Gordon scored 24 points while Chris Paul added 20 before suffering a late fourth-quarter hamstring injury on Thursday as the Houston Rockets held off the visiting Golden State Warriors 98-94 in game five of the NBA's Western Conference Finals.


James Harden added 19 points (despite missing all eleven three-point shots) to the Rockets' coffers.

Kevin Durant topped the Warriors with 29 points while Klay Thompson added 23 and Stephen Curry 22.

The Rockets, who lead the series three games to two, can de-throne the defending NBA champions (and advance to their first NBA Finals since last winning the title in 1995) with a game-six win in Oakland on Saturday (6:00 PM Pacific Time, TNT)

US Open Cup: Timbers Set To Host Quakes In Fourth Round

As a result of Thursday's draw for the fourth round of the US Open Cup soccer tournament, the Portland Timbers will host the San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday, June 6.

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

NBA Playoffs: Celtics One Win Away From Finals After Overcoming LeBron, Cavs

At Boston:

In Wednesday fifth game of the NBA's Eastern Conference Finals, Jayson Tatum scored 24 points as the Boston Celtics downed the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers 96-83, offsetting the 26-point, 10-rebound performance from the Cavaliers' LeBron James.

The Celtics, who lead the series three games to two, can end Cleveland's three-year reign as Eastern Conference champions and advance to the NBA Finals (for the first time since 2010; their most recent league crown came in 2008) with a game-six win in Cleveland on Friday (5:30 PM Pacific Time, ESPN).

NHL Playoffs: Caps Smother Lightning In Tampa, Win East Title; Washington Advances To Stanley Cup Final For First Time Since '98

At Tampa, Florida:

Andre Burakovsky scored twice and Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom (empty netter) each scored once while Braden Holtby saved all 29 shots as the Washington Capitals smothered the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-0 in Wednesday's seventh and deciding game of the Eastern Conference Final.

The Capitals advanced to their first Stanley Cup Final since 1998 and will face the Vegas Golden Knights in the series for Lord Stanley's Cup, starting Monday night in Las Vegas (5:00 PM Pacific Time, NBC).

Clint Walker, TV's Cheyenne, R.I.P.

Clint Walker, the actor best remembered for his portrayal of the title character on the ABC Network Western series Cheyenne, passed away on Monday at Grass Valley, California at age 90.

Mr. Walker's passing at a local hospital resulted from congestive heart failure.

Clint played the role of Cheyenne Bodie on the Warner Brothers-produced Western series that originally was a segment of Warner Brothers Presents which aired on ABC during the 1955-56 season, before spinning off into its' own series in 1956.

It lasted until 1963.

For more on Clint's life and career, click here.

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

NBA Playoffs: Rockets Hold Off Warriors In Oakland, Level West Finals At 2-2

At Oakland, California:

James Harden scored 30 points while Chris Paul added 27 on Tuesday as the Houston Rockets squared the NBA's Western Conference Finals at two games apiece following their 95-92 game-four road win over the Golden State Warriors.

Stephen Curry scored 28 points to pace the Warriors, whose NBA Playoff string of 16 consecutive home victories came to an end.  Kevin Durant added 27 points (to go with his 12 rebounds) to the Golden State coffers.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Caps Force Game Seven Of East Final

At Washington:

T.J. Oshie scored twice (once on the power play and once on an empty netter) while Braden Holtby saved all 24 shots on Monday as the Washington Capitals squared the Eastern Conference Final at three games apiece following their 3-0 game-six home victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Eastern Conference champion---and the opponent for the Vegas Golden Knights in the upcoming Stanley Cup Final will be determined on Wednesday at Tampa, Florida at 5:00 PM Pacific Time (game to be aired on NBCSN).

NBA Playoffs: LeBron Helps Cavaliers Square East Finals With Celtics At 2-2

At Cleveland:

In Monday's fourth game of the NBA's Eastern Conference Finals, LeBron James scored 44 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers leveled the series at two games apiece following their 111-102 game-four home victory over the Boston Celtics.

Jaylen Brown topped the Celtics with 25 points.

Sunday, May 20, 2018

NBA Playoffs: Warriors Ambush Rockets, Take 2-1 West Finals Series Lead

At Oakland, California:

Stephen Curry scored 35 points on Sunday as the Golden State Warriors posted their most lopsided NBA Playoff victory ever by brass-knuckling the visiting Houston Rockets 126-85 in game three of the Western Conference Finals.

Kevin Durant added 25 points to the Warriors' coffers as Golden State won an NBA-record 16 consecutive home playoff games.

James Harden scored 20 points for the Rockets, who suffered their most-ever lopsided playoff defeat.

The Warriors lead the series two games to one.


Stanley Cup Playoffs: Golden Knights Finish Off Jets In Winnipeg, Advance To Final

At Winnipeg, Manitoba:

Ryan Reeves scored the game-and-series-winning goal in the second period, while Marc Andre Fleury saved 31 of 32 shots on Sunday as the Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Winnipeg Jets 2-1 on the road in game five of the Western Conference Final, which the Golden Knights won four games to one, to become the first pure expansion club to reach the Stanley Cup Final since the 1968 St. Louis Blues.

Vegas will take on the winner of the Eastern Conference Final between Tampa Bay and Washington (which the Lightning lead three games to two) in the this year's Stanley Cup Final.

Timbers Make It Five Wins In A Row

At Portland, Oregon:

Cristhian Paredes (52') and Samuel Armenteros (81') each scored once on Saturday as the Portland Timbers picked up a club-record (Major League Soccer era) fifth consecutive victory, 2-1 over the visiting Los Angeles Football Club.

Carlos Vela scored for the guests in the 74th minute.

The Timbers' next match is this coming Saturday on the road against the Colorado Rapids (6:00 PM Pacific Time, telecast over the Timbers' broadcast TV network via KPDX-TV, Portland-Vancouver).

143rd Preakness Stakes: Justify Survives Duel With Good Magic And Late Comeback From Other Horses To Keep Triple Crown Hopes Alive

At Baltimore:

On a muddy track and in foggy conditions at Pimlico Race Course, Kentucky Derby winner Justify, with jockey Mike Smith aboard, battled tooth and nail with Good Magic (who ultimately finished fourth) for much of the race until the home stretch, then held off hard-charging Bravazo by a half-length to win Saturday's 143rd running of the Preakness Stakes.

Tenfold finished third.

It was a record-tying seventh Preakness victory for Justify's trainer Bob Baffert.

Justify will try on June 9 to become the 13th horse to win the Triple Crown (the first since American Pharoah in 2015) by winning the Belmont States at Elmont, New York.

Saturday, May 19, 2018

Johnny Football?

Might as well call him Johnny Canadian Football, eh?

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Lightning One Win Away From Final

At Tampa, Florida:

Cedric Paquette, Ondrej Palat, and Ryan Callahan each scored a goal on Saturday as the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the visiting Washington Capitals 3-2 in game five of the Eastern Conference Final, as the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued.

The Lightning can lock up a berth in the Stanley Cup Final with a game-six victory on Monday night in Washington (5:00 PM Pacific Time, NBCSN).

NBA Playoffs: Cavs Run Roughshod Over Celtics, Clip Boston's East Finals Series Lead To 2-1

At Cleveland:

In Saturday's third game of the NBA's Eastern Conference Finals, LeBron James scored 27 points and dished out 12 assists as the Cleveland Cavaliers cut the Boston Celtics' series advantage to two games to one following their game-three 116-86 home demolition.

T2 Overpower Galaxy II

At Portland, Oregon:

In Friday United Soccer League play, Foster Langsdorf produced a hat trick (25', 43', PK-57') as Portland Timbers 2 defeated visiting Los Angeles Galaxy II 7-3.

Next up for T2, an exhibition match this coming Tuesday at home against FC St. Pauli from the German second division, starting at 7:30 PM Pacific Time.

The next USL match will be at home next Saturday against Real Monarchs SLC at 2:00 PM Pacific Time (streamed live on ESPN+).

Friday, May 18, 2018

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Knights Top Jets; Vegas One Win Away From Final

At Las Vegas, Nevada:

As the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued on Friday, William Karlsson (power play), Tomas Nosek, and Reilly Smith each scored a goal while Marc Andre-Fleury saved 36 of 38 shots as the Vegas Golden Knights defeated the visiting Winnipeg Jets 3-2 in game four of the Western Conference Final.

The Golden Knights, who lead the series three games to one, can become the first pure first-year expansion club to reach the Stanley Cup Final since 1968 (St. Louis Blues) by beating the Jets this coming Sunday in Winnipeg (12:00 Noon Pacific Time, NBC).

Thursday, May 17, 2018

'47 Studebaker

Here's a 1947 Studebaker Champion four-door sedan---with suicide doors in the back!


http://bestcarmag.com/sites/default/files/56723213141762396_57e8046ba8_b.jpg

Glenda!

Here's another glamour photo of 1930s-1960s screen actress Glenda Farrell.


https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBV0_UcA5wmHEia3dxCy3HsMuERlmQ8_1bbdUvLRUVsf53ZGk-hApDR8xNaJpdpX5jL9LSh9STsjLES81Yv6vNaXcVl_qv274t_sQKjXfXGxaq7PvzgFSbfKPEjlXVzdjT4CDbVg/s1600/jkkk.jpg

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Lightning Top Caps In DC Again, Square East Final At 2-2

At Washington:

Brayden Point, Steven Stamkos (power play), Alex Killorn, and Anthony Cirelli (empty netter) each scored once while Andrei Vasilevskiy saved 36 of 38 shots as the Tampa Bay Lightning leveled the Eastern Conference Final at two games apiece on Thursday as the Stanley Cup Playoffs continue following their 4-2 road doubling of the Washington Capitals.

The road team has won each game in the series thus far.

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Knights Double Up Jets, Take 2-1 West Final Series Lead

At Las Vegas, Nevada:

As the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued on Wednesday, Jonathan Marchessault scored twice (once on an empty netter) as the Vegas Golden Knights doubled up the visiting Winnipeg Jets 4-2 in game three of the Western Conference Final, which the Knights now lead two games to one.

2018 NBA Playoffs: Rockets Level West Finals With Warriors At One Game Apiece

At Houston:

In Wednesday's second game of the NBA's Western Conference Finals, Eric Gordon and James Harden (who grabbed ten rebounds) each scored 27 points while P.J. Tucker added 22 as the Houston Rockets leveled the series at one game apiece following their 127-105 game-two beat-down of the visiting Golden State Warriors.

Kevin Durant topped the Warriors with 38 points.

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Madeleine---With A Hat!!!

Here's a glamour photo of English-born (and hat bearing) 1930s and 1940s screen actress Madeleine Carroll.


http://www.doctormacro.com/Images/Carroll,%20Madeleine/Annex/Annex%20-%20Carroll,%20Madeleine%20(Secret%20Agent)_01.jpg

NBA Playoffs: Celtics Overcome LeBron's Triple Double, Cavs; Stretch East Final Series Advantage To 2-0

At Boston:

In Tuesday's second game of the NBA's Eastern Conference Finals, Jaylen Brown scored 23 points as the Boston Celtics, with six players, including all five starters, scoring in double figures, came from behind to overpower the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers 107-94 to stretch their series lead to two games to none.

The Celtics outscored the guests 59-39 in the second half after trailing by seven points as the intermission.

LeBron James led the Cavaliers with 42 points while grabbing 10 rebounds and dishing out 12 assists for a triple double.

Kevin Love added 22 points and 15 rebounds to the Cleveland coffers.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Lightning Knock Off Caps In DC To Cut Washington East Final Series Advantage To 2-1

At Washington:

As the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued on Tuesday, Steven Stamkos (power play), Nikita Kucherov (PP), Victor Hedman, and Brayden Point each scored once while Andrei Vasilevskiy saved 36 of 38 shots as the Tampa Bay Lightning doubled up the Washington Capitals 4-2 on the road in game three of the Eastern Conference Final, which the Caps still lead two games to one.

Monday, May 14, 2018

NBA Playoffs: Warriors Best Rockets In West Final Opener

At Houston:

In Monday's opening game of the NBA's Western Conference Final, Kevin Durant scored 37 points while Klay Thompson added 28 as the Golden State Warriors downed the Houston Rockets 119-106 on the road.

James Harden topped the Rockets with 41 points while Chris Paul added 23 to go with his 11 rebounds.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Golden Knights Square West Final With Jets At 1-1 After Road Win In Game Two

At Winnipeg, Manitoba:

As the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued on Monday, Jonathan Marchessault scored twice while Marc-Andre Fleury saved 30 of 31 shots as the Vegas Golden Knights leveled the Western Conference Final at one game apiece following their 3-1 game-two road win over the Winnipeg Jets.

Timbers Take Out Sounders In 100th Meeting (As Well As Cascadia Cup Clash); Fourth Straight Win For Portland

At Portland, Oregon:

In the 100th all-time meeting (dating back to 1975), as well as a Cascadia Cup clash, Sebastian Blanco scored the game's lone goal in the 86th minute as the Portland Timbers racked up their fourth straight Major League Soccer victory on Sunday 1-0 over the visiting Seattle Sounders.

Jeff Attinella registered his third consecutive shutout victory.

The Timbers' next match will their first-ever meeting against the expansion Los Angeles Football Club this coming Saturday at home, set to kick off at 12:00 Noon Pacific Time (nationally telecast on the FOX Network, with coverage set to start at 11:30 AM).

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Lightning In Big Trouble After Losing To Caps Again At Home; Washington Two Games Away From First Appearance In Final Since '98

At Tampa, Florida:

Tom Wilson, Devante Smith-Pelly, Lars Eller, Evgeny Kuznetsov (power play), Alex Ovechkin, and Brett Connolly each scored once while Braden Holtby saved 33 of 35 shots as the Washington Capitals extended their Eastern Conference Final series advantage to two games to none on Sunday with their 6-2 game-two road victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning as the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued.


NBA Playoffs: Celtics Smother LeBron, Bury Cavs In East Final Opener

At Boston:

In Sunday's opening contest of the NBA's Eastern Conference Final, Jaylen Brown scored 23 points (while grabbing eight rebounds) while Marcus Morris added 21 (to go with his 10 rebounds) and Al Horford 20 as the Boston Celtics belted the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers 108-83.

Kevin Love paced the Cavs with 17 points while LeBron James was held to 15 (to go with his nine assists and seven rebounds).

Sunday, May 13, 2018

T2 Knock Off S2 In Tacoma

At Tacoma, Washington:

Eryk Williamson scored the game's lone goal in the second minute of second-half stoppage time on Saturday as Portland Timbers 2 knocked off Seattle Sounders 2 by a score of 1-0 on the road in United Soccer League action.

Next up for T2, a home contest at Providence Park against Los Angeles Galaxy II at 11:00 AM Pacific Time on Friday, which will be streamed live over ESPN+.

Saturday, May 12, 2018

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Jets Open West Final By Outgunning Knights

At Winnipeg, Manitoba:

As the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued on Saturday, Patrik Laine and Mark Scheifele each scored a power-play goal as the Winnipeg Jets doubled up the visiting Vegas Golden Knights 4-2 in the opening contest of the Western Conference Final.

More Lizabeth!

Here's another glamour photo of film noir legend Lizabeth Scott.

Friday, May 11, 2018

Hedy!

Here's a glamour photo of screen legend Hedy Lamarr.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Caps Open East Final By Short-Circuiting Lightning In Tampa

At Tampa, Florida:

The Stanley Cup Playoffs' Eastern Conference Final opened on Friday as Alex Ovechkin and Lars Eller each scored a power-play goal in the Washington Capitals' 4-2 series-opening road win over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Thursday, May 10, 2018

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Jets Knock Out Predators In Nashville, Get Golden Knights In West Final

At Nashville, Tennessee:

In Thursday's finale of the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Paul Stastny and Mark Scheifele each scored twice (the former once on the power play, the latter scoring an empty netter) while Connor Hellebuyck saved 36 of 37 shots as the Winnipeg Jets knocked off the Nashville Predators 5-1 on the road in the seventh and deciding game of a Western Conference semifinal series.

The Jets, who won that series four game to three, will face the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference Final, set to open in Winnipeg on Saturday at 4:00 PM Pacific Time (NBC).

It will be the first conference final for the current Winnipeg organization, who started play in 1999 as the Atlanta Thrashers, before moving to Manitoba in 2011.

It will also be the conference final debut for the first-year expansion Golden Knights.

Wednesday, May 09, 2018

Lizabeth!

Here's a glamour photo of 1940s and 1950s film noir queen Lizabeth Scott.

NBA Playoffs: Celtics Hold Off Sixers To Win East Semifinal Series; Boston To Face Cleveland In East Final

At Boston:


In the lone Wednesday NBA Playoff contest, the Boston Celtics, with Jayson Tatum scoring 25 points and Jaylen Brown adding 24, the Boston Celtics defeated the visiting Philadelphia 76ers 114-112 in game five of their Eastern Conference semifinal series, enabling the Celtics to win the series four games to one.


Joel Embiid and Dario Saric each scored 27 points (while grabbing 12 and 10 rebounds, respectively) for the 76ers.


The Celtics will host the opening game of the Eastern Conference Final against the Cleveland Cavaliers this coming Sunday at 12:30 PM Pacific Time (ABC).

Tuesday, May 08, 2018

NBA Playoffs: Rockets, Warriors Advance To West Final With Wins On Tuesday

Both Western Conference semifinal series concluded in the NBA Playoffs on Tuesday.

At Houston:

Chris Paul scored 41 points and dished out ten assists (while grabbing seven rebounds) as the Houston Rockets defeated the visiting Utah Jazz 112-102 in game five of their conference semifinal series, which the Rockets won four games to one.

Donovan Mitchell scored 24 points and grabbed nine rebounds for the Jazz.  Alec Burks added 22 points to the Utah coffers.


At Oakland, California:

Stephen Curry scored 28 points as the Golden State Warriors finished off the visiting New Orleans Pelicans 113-104 in the fifth game of their conference semifinal series, won by the hosts four games to one.


Kevin Durant added 24 points to the Warriors' coffers while Klay Thompson added 23.

Anthony Davis scored 34 points and grabbed 19 rebounds for the Pelicans while Jrue Holiday registered a triple double (27 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds).



The Golden State Warriors will battle the Houston Rockets in the Western Conference Final, set to start next Monday in Houston at 6:00 PM Pacific Time (TNT).

Monday, May 07, 2018

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Caps Oust Penguins In OT; Predators Dominate Jets In Winnipeg, Force Game Seven Back In Music City

The Stanley Cup Playoffs continued on Monday with two games.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Pittsburgh:

Evgeny Kuznetsov scored the winning goal at 5:27 of overtime as the Washington Capitals ended the Pittsburgh Penguins' two-year reign as Stanley Cup Champions by winning game six of their conference semifinal series 2-1 on the road and taking the series four games to one.

Braden Holtby saved 21 of 22 shots for the Caps.

Washington will face the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Eastern Conference Final.  The Lightning will host the first two games of that series.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Winnipeg, Manitoba:

Viktor Arvidsson and Filip Forsberg each scored twice (with one of the former's an empty netter) while Pekke Rinne saved all 34 shots as the Nashville Predators squared their conference semifinal series at three games each after their 4-0 game-four road rout of the Winnipeg Jets.

The series----and the playoffs' second round----will conclude in Nashville on Thursday night (5:00 PM Pacific Time, NBCSN).  The winner will take on the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference Final.

NBA Playoffs: LeBron Helps Cavaliers Complete Sweep Of Raptors; Sixers Top Celtics In Philly To Stay Alive

Both Eastern Conference semifinal series continued on Monday as the NBA Playoffs continued.

At Philadelphia:

Dario Saric scored 25 points as the Philadelphia 76ers avoided elimination by defeating the Boston Celtics 103-92 on the road in game four of their conference semifinal series.

The Celtics, who lead three games to one, can still finish off the Sixers back home in Boston with a game-five victory on Wednesday.

At Cleveland:

LeBron James scored 29 points, dished out 11 assists, and grabbed eight rebounds as the Cleveland Cavaliers completed a four-game conference semifinal series sweep of the Toronto Raptors 128-93 at home.


Kevin Love added 23 points to Cleveland's coffers.

The Cavaliers will face either Boston or Philadelphia in the Eastern Conference Final with the Celtics or 76ers holding home-court advantage.

Sunday, May 06, 2018

NBA Playoffs: Warriors, Rockets On Cusp Of Setting Up Potentially Mouth-Watering West Final

The NBA Playoffs continued on Sunday with two Western Conference semifinal series games.

At New Orleans:

Kevin Durant scored 38 points while Stephen Curry added 23 as the Golden State Warriors took a three-games-to-one conference semifinal series lead with their 118-92 game-four road beat-down of the New Orleans Pelicans.

Anthony Davis topped the Pelicans with 26 points while grabbing 12 rebounds.  Etwane Moore added 20 points to the New Orleans coffers.

The Warriors can finish off the Pelicans with a game-five home victory in Oakland on Tuesday (7:30 PM Pacific Time, TNT).

At Salt Lake City, Utah:

Chris Paul scored 27 points while James Harden added 24 as the Houston Rockets defeated the Utah Jazz 100-87 on the road in game four of their conference semifinal series.

Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz with 25 points.

The Rockets, who now lead the series three games to one, can advance to the Western Conference Final with a game-five home win in Houston on Tuesday (5:00 PM Pacific Time, TNT).

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Lightning, Golden Knights Advance To Respective Conference Finals

The Stanley Cup Playoffs continued on Sunday with two games.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Tampa, Florida:

Brayden Point, J.T. Miller (power play), and Anton Stralman (empty netter) each scored once while Andrei Vasilevskiy saved 27 of 28 shots as the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the visiting Boston Bruins 3-1 in game five of their conference semifinal series, which the Lightning won four games to one.

Tampa Bay will have the home-ice advantage in the Eastern Conference Final against the winner of the Washington-Pittsburgh series (which the Capitals lead three games to two).



WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At San Jose, California:

Jonathan Marchessault, Nate Schmidt, and Cody Eakin (empty netter) each scored a goal while Marc-Andre Fleury saved all 28 shots as the Vegas Golden Knights finished off the San Jose Sharks by blanking them 3-0 on the road in game six of their conference semifinal series, enabling them to win the series four games to two.

Next up for the Golden Knights, an encounter in the Western Conference Final against the Nashville-Winnipeg series winner (the Jets lead that series three games to two).

Maestro's Late Goal Carries Timbers Past Quakes In San Jose

At San Jose, California:

Diego Valeri's goal in the 88th minute off a free kick on Saturday night made the difference as the Portland Timbers defeated the San Jose Earthquakes 1-0 for their first road win of the season.

Jeff Attinella came up with four saves to preserve his second straight shutout, and the Timbers' third successive Major League Soccer victory.

The Timbers will now prepare themselves for their 100th contest across all eras against the Seattle Sounders in a Cascadia Cup clash, set for next Sunday at home (1:00 PM Pacific Time, ESPN).

T2 Gain Scoreless Road Draw Against Saint Louis FC

At Fenton, Missouri:

In Saturday United Soccer League action, Portland Timbers 2 gained a 0-0 road deadlock with Saint Louis FC.

The next T2 match will be on the road in Tacoma, Washington against Seattle Sounders FC 2 next Saturday at 5:00 PM Pacific Time (streamed live over ESPN+).

Saturday, May 05, 2018

144th Kentucky Derby: Justify Tops Field On Rainy Saturday

At Louisville, Kentucky:

On a rainy Saturday, on a wet, muddy track at Churchill Downs, Justify, with jockey Mike Smith aboard, won the 144th edition of the Kentucky Derby, becoming the first horse since Apollo in 1882 to win the Run for the Roses without having raced as a two year-old.

Trainer Bob Baffert won his fifth Derby.

Good Magic was second and Audible finished third.


Stanley Cup Playoffs

Two Stanley Cup Playoff games were contested on Saturday.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Washington:

John Carlson (power play), Brett Connolly, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Jakub Vrana, T.J. Oshie (empty netter), Lars Eller (another empty netter) each scored once as the Washington Capitals doubled up the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins 6-3 in game five of their conference semifinal series, which they now lead three games to two.

The Caps can close out the series with a game-six win on Pittsburgh ice this coming Monday (4:00 PM Pacific Time, NBCSN).



WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Nashville, Tennessee:

Kyle Connor scored twice as the Winnipeg Jets, with Connor Hellebuyck saving 38 of 40 shots, defeated the Nashville Predators 6-2 on the road in the fifth game of their conference semifinal series.

The Jets can punch their ticket for their first-ever conference final by knocking off the Predators back home in Winnipeg on Monday (6:30 PM Pacific Time, NBCSN).

NBA Playoffs: Celtics, Cavaliers One Win Away From Showdown For East Title

The NBA Playoffs continued on Saturday with two Eastern Conference semifinal series games.

At Philadelphia:

Jayson Tatum scored 24 points as the Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 101-98 in overtime in game three of their conference semifinal series.

Joel Embiid scored 22 points to lead the Sixers, while grabbing 18 rebounds.

The Celtics can close out the series, which they lead three games to none, with a game-four victory in Philadelphia on Monday (3:00 PM Pacific Time, TNT).

At Cleveland:

LeBron James who scored 38 points (while dishing out seven assists), converted the game winner at the buzzer as the Cleveland Cavaliers held off the visiting Toronto Raptors 105-103 in game three of their conference semifinal series, which they now lead three games to none.

Kevin Love added 21 points to Cleveland's coffers.

Kyle Lowry paced the Raptors with 27 points while dishing out seven assists.

The Cavaliers can close out the series with a game-four home win in Cleveland on Monday (5:30 PM Pacific Time, TNT).

Friday, May 04, 2018

Glenda!

Here's a glamour photo of 1930s-1960s screen actress Glenda Farrell.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Lightning, Knights One Win Away From Reaching Respective Conference Finals

The Stanley Cup Playoffs continued on Friday with two games.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Boston:

Daniel Girardi scored the winning goal 3:18 into overtime as the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Boston Bruins 4-3 on the road in game four of their conference semifinal series.

The Lightning, who now lead three games to one, can finish off the Bruins with a game-five victory in Tampa on Sunday (12:00 Noon Pacific Time, NBC).


WESTERN CONFERENCE4:

At Las Vegas, Nevada:

Alex Tuch scored twice (once on a power play) as the Vegas Golden Knights held off the visiting San Jose Sharks 5-3 in game five of their conference semifinal series.

The Golden Knights, who now lead three games to two, can advance to the Western Conference Final with a game-six win in San Jose on Sunday (4:30 PM Pacific Time, NBCSN).

NBA Playoffs: Pelicans Cut Warriors' Series Lead To 2-1; Rockets Overpower Jazz For 2-1 Series Lead

Two games, both in the Western Conference, were played on Friday as the NBA Playoffs continued.

At New Orleans:

Anthony Davis scored 33 points and grabbed 18 rebounds as the New Orleans Pelicans cut the Golden State Warriors' conference semifinal series advantage to two games to one following their 119-100 game-three home victory.

Jrue Holiday added 21 points to the Pelicans' coffers.

Klay Thompson topped the Warriors with 26 points while Kevin Durant added 22 and Stephen Curry 19.

At Salt Lake City, Utah:

Eric Gordon and James Harden (who dished out 12 assists) each scored 25 points as the Houston Rockets defeated the Utah Jazz 113-92 on the road in the third game of their conference semifinal series, which they now lead two games to one.

Thursday, May 03, 2018

T2 Blank Republic At Home

At Portland, Oregon:

In Wednesday United Soccer League action, Dairon Aspilla (16') and Augie Williams (36') each scored once as Portland Timbers 2 blanked the visiting Sacramento Republic 2-0.

Next up for T2,  a road match against Saint Louis FC at Fenton, Missouri this coming Saturday at 5:30 PM Pacific Time, to be streamed live over ESPN+.

More Madeleine!

Here's another glamour photo of 1930s and 1940s British-born screen actress Madeleine Carroll.


Stanley Cup Playoffs: Penguins, Predators Square Respective Series At 2-2

Two games were contested on Thursday as the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Pittsburgh:

Jake Guentzel scored twice (once on an empty netter) while Matt Murray saved 20 of 21 shots as the Pittsburgh Penguins leveled their conference semifinal series at two games apiece following their 3-1 game-four home win over the Washington Capitals.



WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Winnipeg, Manitoba:

Ryan Hartman and P.J. Subban (power play) each scored once while Pekka Rinne saved 32 of 33 shots as the Nashville Predators defeated the Winnipeg Jets 2-1 on the road in the fourth game of their conference semifinal series, now squared at two games apiece.

NBA Playoffs: Cavs, Celtics Stretch Respective Series Leads To 2-0

Two games, both in the Eastern Conference, were contested in the NBA Playoffs on Thursday.

At Toronto:

LeBron James scored 43 points and dished out 14 assists (while grabbing eight rebounds) as the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers overpowered the Toronto Raptors 128-110 in game two of their conference semifinal series, which the Cavs now lead two games to none.


Kevin Love helped the Cavaliers' cause with 31 points and 11 rebounds.

DeMar DeRozan topped the Raptors with 24 points while Kyle Lowry added 21.

At Boston:

Jayson Tatum scored 21 points while Terry Rozier added 20 (to go with his seven rebounds and nine assists) as the Boston Celtics downed the visiting Philadelphia 76ers 108-103 in the second game of their conference semifinal series, which they now lead two games to none.

J.J. Redick topped the Sixers with 23 points while Robert Covington added 22 and Joel Embiid 20 (to go with his 14 rebounds).

Wednesday, May 02, 2018

Madeleine!

Here's a glamour photo of English-born 1930s and 1940s screen actress Madeleine Carroll.


Stanley Cup Playoffs: Lightning Take 2-1 Series Lead Over Bruins; Sharks Take Bite Out Of Golden Knights To Square Series At 2-2

Two games were contested in the Stanley Cup Playoff on Wednesday.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Boston:

Ondrej Palat scored twice in the first period while Andrei Vasilevskiy saved 28 of 29 shots as the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Boston Bruins 4-1 on the road in game three of their conference semifinal series to take a two-games-to-one lead and reclaim home-ice advantage.


WESTERN CONFERENCE:

Marcus Sorensen, Joonas Donskol, Tomas Hertl, and Joe Pavelski (power play) each scored once while Martin Jones stopped all 34 shots as the San Jose Sharks dominated the visiting Vegas Golden Knights 4-0 in game four of their conference semifinal series, now level at two games apiece.