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Deadspin | Alexandre Texier lifts Canadiens to 3-2 series lead over Lightning Apr 29, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson (48) blocks Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli (71) from shooting in the first period during game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Alexandre Texier netted a tiebreaking goal early in the third period, and the visiting Montreal Canadiens took control of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series by holding off the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 in Game 5 on Wednesday night. The Canadiens grabbed a 3-2 edge in the best-of-seven series, and they head home to Montreal for Game 6 on Friday. Just 1:06 into the third, Texier took a long feed from defenseman Lane Hutson, skated into the left circle unobstructed and blasted a shot that deflected off goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy’s glove and in. Montreal fended off 2:33 with Vasilevskiy (21 saves) pulled for the extra skater. Canadiens goalie Jakub Dobes wound up with 38 saves on the night. Brendan Gallagher and Kirby Dach also scored for the Canadiens, who are in the playoffs for the first time since 2020-21. Dominic James and Jake Guentzel found the net for the Lightning, who dropped to 1-2 on home ice in the series. Tampa Bay managed no shots over a span of 10:03 in the third, but they did test Dobes with 17 shots in the frame overall. After former Tampa Bay Buccaneers Super Bowl-winning coach Jon Gruden fired up the crowd in the pregame, Montreal stemmed the enthusiasm three minutes in when Alex Newhook stole the puck in the neutral zone and drove the net on Vasilevskiy to create a rebound. The gritty Gallagher, scratched the first four games and inserted for Oliver Kapanen, followed it up for a lead. Following a failed Tampa Bay power play after Hutson went off for a delay of game in the second period, the home side had another man advantage for Arber Xhekaj’s roughing infraction. Vasilevskiy had to immediately stop Jake Evans’ breakaway attempt to start the Lightning’s third power play. James evened it 32 seconds after the power play ended, drilling his first career playoff goal by Dobes on the glove side. However, Dach tallied 11 seconds later when he worked his way around Gage Goncalves, kicked the puck to his stick through the crease and flipped in a shot for a 2-1 edge. Tampa Bay caught Montreal for the second time on a 2-on-1 and scored as Guentzel fired one through the Dobes’ pads at 17:23 of the middle period. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Alexandre #Texier #lifts #Canadiens #series #lead #Lightning

Deadspin | Alexandre Texier lifts Canadiens to 3-2 series lead over Lightning
Deadspin | Alexandre Texier lifts Canadiens to 3-2 series lead over Lightning Apr 29, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson (48) blocks Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli (71) from shooting in the first period during game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Alexandre Texier netted a tiebreaking goal early in the third period, and the visiting Montreal Canadiens took control of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series by holding off the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 in Game 5 on Wednesday night. The Canadiens grabbed a 3-2 edge in the best-of-seven series, and they head home to Montreal for Game 6 on Friday. Just 1:06 into the third, Texier took a long feed from defenseman Lane Hutson, skated into the left circle unobstructed and blasted a shot that deflected off goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy’s glove and in. Montreal fended off 2:33 with Vasilevskiy (21 saves) pulled for the extra skater. Canadiens goalie Jakub Dobes wound up with 38 saves on the night. Brendan Gallagher and Kirby Dach also scored for the Canadiens, who are in the playoffs for the first time since 2020-21. Dominic James and Jake Guentzel found the net for the Lightning, who dropped to 1-2 on home ice in the series. Tampa Bay managed no shots over a span of 10:03 in the third, but they did test Dobes with 17 shots in the frame overall. After former Tampa Bay Buccaneers Super Bowl-winning coach Jon Gruden fired up the crowd in the pregame, Montreal stemmed the enthusiasm three minutes in when Alex Newhook stole the puck in the neutral zone and drove the net on Vasilevskiy to create a rebound. The gritty Gallagher, scratched the first four games and inserted for Oliver Kapanen, followed it up for a lead. Following a failed Tampa Bay power play after Hutson went off for a delay of game in the second period, the home side had another man advantage for Arber Xhekaj’s roughing infraction. Vasilevskiy had to immediately stop Jake Evans’ breakaway attempt to start the Lightning’s third power play. James evened it 32 seconds after the power play ended, drilling his first career playoff goal by Dobes on the glove side. However, Dach tallied 11 seconds later when he worked his way around Gage Goncalves, kicked the puck to his stick through the crease and flipped in a shot for a 2-1 edge. Tampa Bay caught Montreal for the second time on a 2-on-1 and scored as Guentzel fired one through the Dobes’ pads at 17:23 of the middle period. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Alexandre #Texier #lifts #Canadiens #series #lead #LightningApr 29, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson (48) blocks Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli (71) from shooting in the first period during game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Alexandre Texier netted a tiebreaking goal early in the third period, and the visiting Montreal Canadiens took control of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series by holding off the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 in Game 5 on Wednesday night.

The Canadiens grabbed a 3-2 edge in the best-of-seven series, and they head home to Montreal for Game 6 on Friday.

Just 1:06 into the third, Texier took a long feed from defenseman Lane Hutson, skated into the left circle unobstructed and blasted a shot that deflected off goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy’s glove and in.

Montreal fended off 2:33 with Vasilevskiy (21 saves) pulled for the extra skater. Canadiens goalie Jakub Dobes wound up with 38 saves on the night.

Brendan Gallagher and Kirby Dach also scored for the Canadiens, who are in the playoffs for the first time since 2020-21.


Dominic James and Jake Guentzel found the net for the Lightning, who dropped to 1-2 on home ice in the series. Tampa Bay managed no shots over a span of 10:03 in the third, but they did test Dobes with 17 shots in the frame overall.

After former Tampa Bay Buccaneers Super Bowl-winning coach Jon Gruden fired up the crowd in the pregame, Montreal stemmed the enthusiasm three minutes in when Alex Newhook stole the puck in the neutral zone and drove the net on Vasilevskiy to create a rebound.

The gritty Gallagher, scratched the first four games and inserted for Oliver Kapanen, followed it up for a lead.

Following a failed Tampa Bay power play after Hutson went off for a delay of game in the second period, the home side had another man advantage for Arber Xhekaj’s roughing infraction. Vasilevskiy had to immediately stop Jake Evans’ breakaway attempt to start the Lightning’s third power play.

James evened it 32 seconds after the power play ended, drilling his first career playoff goal by Dobes on the glove side. However, Dach tallied 11 seconds later when he worked his way around Gage Goncalves, kicked the puck to his stick through the crease and flipped in a shot for a 2-1 edge.

Tampa Bay caught Montreal for the second time on a 2-on-1 and scored as Guentzel fired one through the Dobes’ pads at 17:23 of the middle period.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Alexandre #Texier #lifts #Canadiens #series #lead #Lightning

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Apr 29, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson (48) blocks Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli (71) from shooting in the first period during game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Alexandre Texier netted a tiebreaking goal early in the third period, and the visiting Montreal Canadiens took control of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series by holding off the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 in Game 5 on Wednesday night.

The Canadiens grabbed a 3-2 edge in the best-of-seven series, and they head home to Montreal for Game 6 on Friday.

Just 1:06 into the third, Texier took a long feed from defenseman Lane Hutson, skated into the left circle unobstructed and blasted a shot that deflected off goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy’s glove and in.

Montreal fended off 2:33 with Vasilevskiy (21 saves) pulled for the extra skater. Canadiens goalie Jakub Dobes wound up with 38 saves on the night.

Brendan Gallagher and Kirby Dach also scored for the Canadiens, who are in the playoffs for the first time since 2020-21.

Dominic James and Jake Guentzel found the net for the Lightning, who dropped to 1-2 on home ice in the series. Tampa Bay managed no shots over a span of 10:03 in the third, but they did test Dobes with 17 shots in the frame overall.

After former Tampa Bay Buccaneers Super Bowl-winning coach Jon Gruden fired up the crowd in the pregame, Montreal stemmed the enthusiasm three minutes in when Alex Newhook stole the puck in the neutral zone and drove the net on Vasilevskiy to create a rebound.

The gritty Gallagher, scratched the first four games and inserted for Oliver Kapanen, followed it up for a lead.

Following a failed Tampa Bay power play after Hutson went off for a delay of game in the second period, the home side had another man advantage for Arber Xhekaj’s roughing infraction. Vasilevskiy had to immediately stop Jake Evans’ breakaway attempt to start the Lightning’s third power play.

James evened it 32 seconds after the power play ended, drilling his first career playoff goal by Dobes on the glove side. However, Dach tallied 11 seconds later when he worked his way around Gage Goncalves, kicked the puck to his stick through the crease and flipped in a shot for a 2-1 edge.

Tampa Bay caught Montreal for the second time on a 2-on-1 and scored as Guentzel fired one through the Dobes’ pads at 17:23 of the middle period.

–Field Level Media

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How Elon Musk Squeezed OpenAI: They ‘Are Gonna Want to Kill Me’<div><p><span class="lead-in-text-callout">Elon Musk returned</span> to the witness stand on Wednesday to continue telling <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/model-behavior-elon-musk-testifies-at-musk-v-altman-trial/" class="text link">his side of the story</a> in his <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/musk-v-altman-trial-openai-xai/" class="text link">legal battle</a> against OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman. Under cross-examination from OpenAI’s lawyers, Musk was pressed on all the ways he tried to squeeze the organization over a 2017 power struggle that he ultimately lost. Around this time, Musk tried to hire away OpenAI researchers and stopped sending it funding he had previously promised, according to emails presented as evidence in the case.</p><p class="paywall">As the cross-examination began, tension rippled through the courtroom. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers started the day by reprimanding someone in the gallery for taking a picture of Musk. OpenAI president and cofounder Greg Brockman sat behind his lawyers with a yellow legal pad in his lap, giving Musk a cold stare as he testified. Musk grew visibly frustrated on the witness stand, pausing frequently to tell OpenAI’s lawyer, William Savitt, that he saw his questions as misleading. Meanwhile, Savitt’s cross-examination was derailed by objections, technical issues, and Musk continuously claiming he doesn’t recall key details of OpenAI’s history.</p><p class="paywall">Savitt showed the courtroom <a data-offer-url="https://app.box.com/s/d8dxew0n3g2xg13y5812lioqa9hxyoo4/file/2213917026057" class="external-link text link" data-event-click="{"element":"ExternalLink","outgoingURL":"https://app.box.com/s/d8dxew0n3g2xg13y5812lioqa9hxyoo4/file/2213917026057"}" href="https://app.box.com/s/d8dxew0n3g2xg13y5812lioqa9hxyoo4/file/2213917026057" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">emails from September 2017</a> between Musk, Brockman, and researcher Ilya Sutskever discussing the formation of what would become OpenAI’s for-profit arm. In the thread, Musk demanded the right to choose four members of its board of directors, giving him more voting power than his cofounders, who would be left with three in total. “I would unequivocally have initial control of the company, but this will change quickly,” said Musk in one message. Sutskever wrote back rejecting the idea because he said he feared it would give Musk too much power.</p><p class="paywall">Months before these negotiations started, Musk had halted payments to OpenAI, which was particularly difficult for the organization because he was then its main source of funding. Since 2016, Musk had been sending $5 million payments to OpenAI quarterly as part of a broader $1 billion pledge he made at the organization’s launch. But in the spring of 2017, he stopped sending the money. In another email from August 2017, the head of Musk’s family office, Jared Birchall, asked Musk if he should continue withholding it. Musk responded simply, “Yes.”</p><p class="paywall">Around the time Musk lost the power struggle, emails show that he held discussions with executives at Tesla and Neuralink, his brain-computer interface company, about hiring OpenAI employees. At the time, Musk was still a board member of OpenAI.</p><p class="paywall">Musk sent an email to a Tesla vice president in June 2017 about hiring an early OpenAI researcher, Andrej Karpathy. “Just talked to Andrej and he accepted as joining as director of Tesla Vision,” Musk wrote. “Andrej is arguably the #2 guy in the world in computer vision … The openai guys are gonna want to kill me, but it had to be done.”</p><p class="paywall">On the stand, Musk argued that Karpathy was already interested in leaving OpenAI when he tried to recruit him to Tesla. “Andrej had made his decision. If he’s going to leave OpenAI, he might as well work at Tesla,” Musk said.</p><p class="paywall">In October 2017, Musk also wrote to Ben Rapoport, a cofounder of Neuralink. “Hire independently or directly from OpenAI,” said Musk. “I have no problem if you pitch people at OpenAI to work at Neuralink.”</p><p class="paywall">When pressed about this by Savitt, Musk argued that it would have been illegal for him not to allow Tesla and Neuralink to hire from OpenAI. “It’s illegal to restrict employment. It would be illegal to say you can’t employ people from OpenAI. You can’t have some cabal that stops people from working at the company they want to work at,” Musk said.</p></div>#Elon #Musk #Squeezed #OpenAI #Gonna #Killmodel behavior,artificial intelligence,elon musk,openai,sam altman,lawsuits

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Deadspin | Matt Olson’s walk-off homer lifts Braves over Tigers <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28841799.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28841799.jpg" alt="MLB: Detroit Tigers at Atlanta Braves" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 29, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies (1) celebrates with first baseman Matt Olson (28) after a two-run home run against the Detroit Tigers in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images <!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Matt Olson delivered a long two-run walk-off homer in the ninth inning against closer Kenley Jansen to lift the Atlanta Braves to a 4-3 win over the visiting Detroit Tigers on Thursday.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Ozzie Albies opened the inning with a walk and Olson followed with his ninth homer, a 397-foot shot to right-center field that landed in the Atlanta bullpen.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>It was the second straight outing in which Jansen (0-2) has allowed a walk-off homer.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>The win extended Atlanta’s winning streak over Detroit to nine games.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>The winning pitcher was Reynaldo Lopez (2-1), who worked the final two innings of scoreless relief. He allowed no hits and struck out two.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-6"> <p>The loss ruined a fine effort from Detroit starter Tarik Skubal, who only allowed a two-run homer to Ozzie Albies in the first inning. Skubal gave up five hits, did not walk a batter and struck out seven.</p> </section> <section id="section-7"> <p>Skubal appeared to tweak something in his left arm after throwing the first pitch to Olson to lead off the seventh. Manager A.J. Hinch rushed to the mound, all while Skubal was saying, “I’m fine.” After a couple of warm-up throws, he was left in the game. Skubal went on to strike out the side, fanning Olson, Austin Riley and Mauricio Dubon.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>The Tigers scored twice in the second to tie the game. Wenceel Perez doubled, Jace Jung walked and Kevin McGonigle had an RBI single to center field, which extended his hitting streak to 13 games and his on-base streak to 25 straight when starting.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Jung was able to race home with the tying run when Atlanta starter JR Ritchie threw errantly to first while trying to pick off McGonigle, hitting him in the back.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Detroit took a 3-2 lead in the fourth inning on Riley Greene’s solo home run, his fourth, a 417-foot shot to straightaway center field.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Ritchie pitched 5 1/3 innings and allowed three runs, two earned, on five hits and four walks, striking out four. Dylan Lee followed and struck out four of the five batters he faced in 1 2/3 innings.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-12"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Matt #Olsons #walkoff #homer #lifts #Braves #Tigers

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Cricket Australia (CA) said on Thursday it is considering alternatives to its privatisation ​plan for the Big Bash League (BBL) after failing to ‌achieve consensus with state members.

CA had set ​a mid-April deadline for the nation’s ⁠six member states to indicate their support to sell 49 per cent stakes in most BBL teams and 100 per cent of ‌one team each in Victoria and New South Wales.

New South Wales rejected CA’s ‌proposal while Queensland deferred its decision, saying ‌it ⁠needed more information.

“Given CA does not ⁠currently have full alignment on the proposed next step with our members, some alternative options are being considered that ​require additional analysis and ‌consideration with States, and that work is underway,” CA said in a statement.

“Australian cricket remains united on the need to grow and continue ‌investment in all aspects of the game ​and CA thanks the state associations and players for their engagement and collaboration ⁠in this project.”

The lack of consensus is a major blow for CA Chairman Mike Baird and ‌CEO Todd Greenberg, who spearheaded the privatisation push following a review by Boston Consulting Group last year.

CA had hoped to raise up to A$600 million ($427 million) to future-proof the sport, boost its finances and improve Australia’s competitiveness in ‌T20 cricket.

CA reported a net deficit of A$11.3 million ​for the 2024-25 financial year despite a hike in revenue from hosting the lucrative ⁠Border-Gavaskar series against powerhouse India.

Despite the potential for ⁠a major capital boost, influential cricket figures in Australia voiced opposition to opening the ‌league to private money, saying it could mean a damaging loss of control for the ​game’s local custodians.

Published on Apr 30, 2026

#Cricket #Australia #board #weighing #alternatives #BBL #privatisation #plans #blocked">Cricket Australia board weighing alternatives after BBL privatisation plans blocked Cricket Australia (CA) said on Thursday it is considering alternatives to its privatisation ​plan for the Big Bash League (BBL) after failing to ‌achieve consensus with state members.CA had set ​a mid-April deadline for the nation’s ⁠six member states to indicate their support to sell 49 per cent stakes in most BBL teams and 100 per cent of ‌one team each in Victoria and New South Wales.New South Wales rejected CA’s ‌proposal while Queensland deferred its decision, saying ‌it ⁠needed more information.“Given CA does not ⁠currently have full alignment on the proposed next step with our members, some alternative options are being considered that ​require additional analysis and ‌consideration with States, and that work is underway,” CA said in a statement.“Australian cricket remains united on the need to grow and continue ‌investment in all aspects of the game ​and CA thanks the state associations and players for their engagement and collaboration ⁠in this project.”The lack of consensus is a major blow for CA Chairman Mike Baird and ‌CEO Todd Greenberg, who spearheaded the privatisation push following a review by Boston Consulting Group last year.CA had hoped to raise up to A0 million (7 million) to future-proof the sport, boost its finances and improve Australia’s competitiveness in ‌T20 cricket.CA reported a net deficit of A.3 million ​for the 2024-25 financial year despite a hike in revenue from hosting the lucrative ⁠Border-Gavaskar series against powerhouse India.Despite the potential for ⁠a major capital boost, influential cricket figures in Australia voiced opposition to opening the ‌league to private money, saying it could mean a damaging loss of control for the ​game’s local custodians.Published on Apr 30, 2026 #Cricket #Australia #board #weighing #alternatives #BBL #privatisation #plans #blocked

Deadspin | NBA roundup: Rockets, Pistons stay alive with Game 5 wins Apr 29, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) shoots against Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) during the second half in game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Jabari Smith Jr. scored 22 points and Tari Eason added 18 as the Houston Rockets fought off elimination for a second consecutive game and crawled back into their first-round playoff series with a 99-93 road victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 5 on Wednesday. Alperen Sengun scored 14 points with nine rebounds and eight assists while Amen Thompson added 15 points for the Rockets, who now trail 3-2 in the best-of-seven Western Conference series after falling into a 3-0 hole. No NBA team has rallied back from a 3-0 deficit to win a playoff series. The consecutive Rockets victories have come without star Kevin Durant (ankle), who has only played in Game 2. Austin Reaves scored 22 points off the bench in his return from an oblique injury and LeBron James added 25 points for the Lakers. Deandre Ayton scored 18 points and grabbed 17 rebounds for Los Angeles, which will get a third chance to clinch the series on Friday at Houston. The Lakers continue to be without star Luka Doncic (hamstring). Pistons 116, Magic 109 Cade Cunningham poured in a career-playoff-high 45 points as top-seeded Detroit stayed alive with a victory over visiting Orlando in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference first-round series. Tobias Harris supplied 23 points and eight assists for the Pistons, who trail 3-2 in the best-of-seven series. Ausar Thompson contributed six points, 15 rebounds, six assists and five steals. The Magic’s Paolo Banchero countered Cunningham with a career-playoff-best 45 points to go along with nine rebounds and seven assists. Anthony Black had 19 points for eighth-seeded Orlando. Franz Wagner sat out due to a calf strain. Cavaliers 125, Raptors 120 Dennis Schroder scored 11 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter and James Harden finished with 23 points, rallying Cleveland to a 3-2 lead over visiting Toronto in an Eastern Conference first-round playoff series. The Cavaliers, who trailed by 12 points on multiple occasions, have won all three of their home games so far. Evan Mobley had 23 points and nine rebounds, and Donovan Mitchell scored 19 for Cleveland. Harden also had nine rebounds, five assists and six turnovers in a series-high 39:45 minutes. RJ Barrett paced the Raptors with 25 points and Ja’Kobe Walter scored a career-playoff-high 20 points and made 6 of 14 3-point attempts. Raptors forward Brandon Ingram injured his right heel in the second quarter and did not return. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Rockets #Pistons #stay #alive #Game #winsApr 29, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) shoots against Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) during the second half in game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Jabari Smith Jr. scored 22 points and Tari Eason added 18 as the Houston Rockets fought off elimination for a second consecutive game and crawled back into their first-round playoff series with a 99-93 road victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 5 on Wednesday.

Alperen Sengun scored 14 points with nine rebounds and eight assists while Amen Thompson added 15 points for the Rockets, who now trail 3-2 in the best-of-seven Western Conference series after falling into a 3-0 hole. No NBA team has rallied back from a 3-0 deficit to win a playoff series.

The consecutive Rockets victories have come without star Kevin Durant (ankle), who has only played in Game 2.

Austin Reaves scored 22 points off the bench in his return from an oblique injury and LeBron James added 25 points for the Lakers. Deandre Ayton scored 18 points and grabbed 17 rebounds for Los Angeles, which will get a third chance to clinch the series on Friday at Houston. The Lakers continue to be without star Luka Doncic (hamstring).

Pistons 116, Magic 109

Cade Cunningham poured in a career-playoff-high 45 points as top-seeded Detroit stayed alive with a victory over visiting Orlando in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference first-round series.


Tobias Harris supplied 23 points and eight assists for the Pistons, who trail 3-2 in the best-of-seven series. Ausar Thompson contributed six points, 15 rebounds, six assists and five steals.

The Magic’s Paolo Banchero countered Cunningham with a career-playoff-best 45 points to go along with nine rebounds and seven assists. Anthony Black had 19 points for eighth-seeded Orlando. Franz Wagner sat out due to a calf strain.

Cavaliers 125, Raptors 120

Dennis Schroder scored 11 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter and James Harden finished with 23 points, rallying Cleveland to a 3-2 lead over visiting Toronto in an Eastern Conference first-round playoff series.

The Cavaliers, who trailed by 12 points on multiple occasions, have won all three of their home games so far. Evan Mobley had 23 points and nine rebounds, and Donovan Mitchell scored 19 for Cleveland. Harden also had nine rebounds, five assists and six turnovers in a series-high 39:45 minutes.

RJ Barrett paced the Raptors with 25 points and Ja’Kobe Walter scored a career-playoff-high 20 points and made 6 of 14 3-point attempts. Raptors forward Brandon Ingram injured his right heel in the second quarter and did not return.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Rockets #Pistons #stay #alive #Game #wins">Deadspin | NBA roundup: Rockets, Pistons stay alive with Game 5 wins Apr 29, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) shoots against Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) during the second half in game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Jabari Smith Jr. scored 22 points and Tari Eason added 18 as the Houston Rockets fought off elimination for a second consecutive game and crawled back into their first-round playoff series with a 99-93 road victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 5 on Wednesday. Alperen Sengun scored 14 points with nine rebounds and eight assists while Amen Thompson added 15 points for the Rockets, who now trail 3-2 in the best-of-seven Western Conference series after falling into a 3-0 hole. No NBA team has rallied back from a 3-0 deficit to win a playoff series. The consecutive Rockets victories have come without star Kevin Durant (ankle), who has only played in Game 2. Austin Reaves scored 22 points off the bench in his return from an oblique injury and LeBron James added 25 points for the Lakers. Deandre Ayton scored 18 points and grabbed 17 rebounds for Los Angeles, which will get a third chance to clinch the series on Friday at Houston. The Lakers continue to be without star Luka Doncic (hamstring). Pistons 116, Magic 109 Cade Cunningham poured in a career-playoff-high 45 points as top-seeded Detroit stayed alive with a victory over visiting Orlando in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference first-round series. Tobias Harris supplied 23 points and eight assists for the Pistons, who trail 3-2 in the best-of-seven series. Ausar Thompson contributed six points, 15 rebounds, six assists and five steals. The Magic’s Paolo Banchero countered Cunningham with a career-playoff-best 45 points to go along with nine rebounds and seven assists. Anthony Black had 19 points for eighth-seeded Orlando. Franz Wagner sat out due to a calf strain. Cavaliers 125, Raptors 120 Dennis Schroder scored 11 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter and James Harden finished with 23 points, rallying Cleveland to a 3-2 lead over visiting Toronto in an Eastern Conference first-round playoff series. The Cavaliers, who trailed by 12 points on multiple occasions, have won all three of their home games so far. Evan Mobley had 23 points and nine rebounds, and Donovan Mitchell scored 19 for Cleveland. Harden also had nine rebounds, five assists and six turnovers in a series-high 39:45 minutes. RJ Barrett paced the Raptors with 25 points and Ja’Kobe Walter scored a career-playoff-high 20 points and made 6 of 14 3-point attempts. Raptors forward Brandon Ingram injured his right heel in the second quarter and did not return. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Rockets #Pistons #stay #alive #Game #wins

Coming on the heels of his Barcelona triumph earlier this month, Arthur Fils’ run ​to the Madrid Open semifinals shows he has fully ‌recovered from a long-term back problem and is ​ready to make a real statement ⁠at the French Open on home soil.

A stress fracture in his lower back suffered at Roland Garros last year all ‌but wiped out the remainder of Fils’ season, with his brief return in Toronto in ‌August proving to be premature and forcing ‌another ⁠long period of rehabilitation.

Since returning in February, ⁠Fils has made deep runs at Doha, Indian Wells and Miami before going all the way in Barcelona, where he downed Andrey ​Rublev in the final ‌to win his first title since his comeback.

Fils beat Jiri Lehecka 6-3 6-4 in the Madrid quarters on Wednesday to further heighten expectations before the ‌French Open begins on May 24, but ​the 21-year-old is shutting out all the noise.

READ | Madrid Open: Lucky loser Potapova makes history by reaching semifinal

“I don’t even look. Because if you start ⁠to, your head goes everywhere,” Fils told reporters.

“I try to be focused. I still have to play ‌here in Madrid, and I have to play Rome, then more preparation, and the French Open. So I have a lot of time.

“When you’re injured you get a lot of … criticism, bad comments. So I stopped looking at it (social media). Since then, I’m ‌feeling pretty good without it.”

While Fils’ goal will undoubtedly be ​to become the first Frenchman to win a Grand Slam since Yannick Noah’s 1983 Roland ⁠Garros triumph, his immediate focus is on world number ⁠one Jannik Sinner in the Madrid semis on Friday.

“I haven’t lost a match on clay. ‌He hasn’t lost a match on clay and hardcourts since a long time. It’s going to ​be pretty good,” Fils said.

Published on Apr 30, 2026

#Madrid #Open #Fils #ready #Sinner #clash #ahead #Roland #Garros">Madrid Open: Fils ready for Sinner clash ahead of Roland Garros Coming on the heels of his Barcelona triumph earlier this month, Arthur Fils’ run ​to the Madrid Open semifinals shows he has fully ‌recovered from a long-term back problem and is ​ready to make a real statement ⁠at the French Open on home soil.A stress fracture in his lower back suffered at Roland Garros last year all ‌but wiped out the remainder of Fils’ season, with his brief return in Toronto in ‌August proving to be premature and forcing ‌another ⁠long period of rehabilitation.Since returning in February, ⁠Fils has made deep runs at Doha, Indian Wells and Miami before going all the way in Barcelona, where he downed Andrey ​Rublev in the final ‌to win his first title since his comeback.Fils beat Jiri Lehecka 6-3 6-4 in the Madrid quarters on Wednesday to further heighten expectations before the ‌French Open begins on May 24, but ​the 21-year-old is shutting out all the noise.READ | Madrid Open: Lucky loser Potapova makes history by reaching semifinal“I don’t even look. Because if you start ⁠to, your head goes everywhere,” Fils told reporters.“I try to be focused. I still have to play ‌here in Madrid, and I have to play Rome, then more preparation, and the French Open. So I have a lot of time.“When you’re injured you get a lot of … criticism, bad comments. So I stopped looking at it (social media). Since then, I’m ‌feeling pretty good without it.”While Fils’ goal will undoubtedly be ​to become the first Frenchman to win a Grand Slam since Yannick Noah’s 1983 Roland ⁠Garros triumph, his immediate focus is on world number ⁠one Jannik Sinner in the Madrid semis on Friday.“I haven’t lost a match on clay. ‌He hasn’t lost a match on clay and hardcourts since a long time. It’s going to ​be pretty good,” Fils said.Published on Apr 30, 2026 #Madrid #Open #Fils #ready #Sinner #clash #ahead #Roland #Garros

Madrid Open: Lucky loser Potapova makes history by reaching semifinal

“I don’t even look. Because if you start ⁠to, your head goes everywhere,” Fils told reporters.

“I try to be focused. I still have to play ‌here in Madrid, and I have to play Rome, then more preparation, and the French Open. So I have a lot of time.

“When you’re injured you get a lot of … criticism, bad comments. So I stopped looking at it (social media). Since then, I’m ‌feeling pretty good without it.”

While Fils’ goal will undoubtedly be ​to become the first Frenchman to win a Grand Slam since Yannick Noah’s 1983 Roland ⁠Garros triumph, his immediate focus is on world number ⁠one Jannik Sinner in the Madrid semis on Friday.

“I haven’t lost a match on clay. ‌He hasn’t lost a match on clay and hardcourts since a long time. It’s going to ​be pretty good,” Fils said.

Published on Apr 30, 2026

#Madrid #Open #Fils #ready #Sinner #clash #ahead #Roland #Garros">Madrid Open: Fils ready for Sinner clash ahead of Roland Garros

Coming on the heels of his Barcelona triumph earlier this month, Arthur Fils’ run ​to the Madrid Open semifinals shows he has fully ‌recovered from a long-term back problem and is ​ready to make a real statement ⁠at the French Open on home soil.

A stress fracture in his lower back suffered at Roland Garros last year all ‌but wiped out the remainder of Fils’ season, with his brief return in Toronto in ‌August proving to be premature and forcing ‌another ⁠long period of rehabilitation.

Since returning in February, ⁠Fils has made deep runs at Doha, Indian Wells and Miami before going all the way in Barcelona, where he downed Andrey ​Rublev in the final ‌to win his first title since his comeback.

Fils beat Jiri Lehecka 6-3 6-4 in the Madrid quarters on Wednesday to further heighten expectations before the ‌French Open begins on May 24, but ​the 21-year-old is shutting out all the noise.

READ | Madrid Open: Lucky loser Potapova makes history by reaching semifinal

“I don’t even look. Because if you start ⁠to, your head goes everywhere,” Fils told reporters.

“I try to be focused. I still have to play ‌here in Madrid, and I have to play Rome, then more preparation, and the French Open. So I have a lot of time.

“When you’re injured you get a lot of … criticism, bad comments. So I stopped looking at it (social media). Since then, I’m ‌feeling pretty good without it.”

While Fils’ goal will undoubtedly be ​to become the first Frenchman to win a Grand Slam since Yannick Noah’s 1983 Roland ⁠Garros triumph, his immediate focus is on world number ⁠one Jannik Sinner in the Madrid semis on Friday.

“I haven’t lost a match on clay. ‌He hasn’t lost a match on clay and hardcourts since a long time. It’s going to ​be pretty good,” Fils said.

Published on Apr 30, 2026

#Madrid #Open #Fils #ready #Sinner #clash #ahead #Roland #Garros

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