Deadspin | Cade Cunningham pours in 45 as Pistons extend series vs. Magic Apr 29, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze (35) and Detroit Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart (28) go after the ball in the first half during game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images Cade Cunningham poured in a career-playoff-high 45 points as the top-seeded Detroit Pistons staved off elimination with a 116-109 victory over the visiting Orlando Magic in Game 5 of their first-round series on Wednesday. Tobias Harris supplied 23 points and eight assists for the Pistons, who trail 3-2 in the best-of-seven series. Game 6 will be played in Orlando on Friday. Detroit’s Jalen Duren and Duncan Robinson had 12 points apiece. 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, Desmond Bane tossed in 18 and Jalen Suggs added 10. Magic forward Franz Wagner sat out due to a calf strain. The Pistons were up by as much as 17 points in the first half. They were still on top by 13 late in the half, but Orlando closed it with a 7-0 run to cut its deficit to 66-60. Bane and Suggs sank back-to-back 3-pointers early in the third quarter to pull the Magic within 71-69. Orlando had several chances to tie or take the lead but couldn’t knock down the shots. Harris then answered with a jumper, and Detroit gradually pulled away again in the period. When Cunningham drilled a 3-pointer from the wing with 2:55 left in the quarter, Detroit was up by double digits again at 87-76. The advantage was 89-79 at the end of the quarter. Detroit’s Javonte Green made a long 2-pointer and Duncan Robinson drained a 3-pointer early in the fourth to push the lead to 96-81. Banchero scored 10 points in just over two minutes midway through the fourth to prevent the Pistons from putting the game away. Banchero’s corner 3-pointer with 3:24 left made it 110-104. Cunningham hit a step-back jumper that was answered by a Wendell Carter Jr. dunk. Banchero made another long ball to cut Detroit’s lead to three. Cunningham then hit a midrange shot with 32 seconds left. Following an Orlando turnover, Harris closed it out by making two free throws. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Cade #Cunningham #pours #Pistons #extend #series #Magic

Deadspin | Cade Cunningham pours in 45 as Pistons extend series vs. Magic
Apr 29, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze (35) and Detroit Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart (28) go after the ball in the first half during game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Cade Cunningham poured in a career-playoff-high 45 points as the top-seeded Detroit Pistons staved off elimination with a 116-109 victory over the visiting Orlando Magic in Game 5 of their first-round series on Wednesday.

Tobias Harris supplied 23 points and eight assists for the Pistons, who trail 3-2 in the best-of-seven series. Game 6 will be played in Orlando on Friday.

Detroit’s Jalen Duren and Duncan Robinson had 12 points apiece. 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, Desmond Bane tossed in 18 and Jalen Suggs added 10.

Magic forward Franz Wagner sat out due to a calf strain.

The Pistons were up by as much as 17 points in the first half. They were still on top by 13 late in the half, but Orlando closed it with a 7-0 run to cut its deficit to 66-60.

Bane and Suggs sank back-to-back 3-pointers early in the third quarter to pull the Magic within 71-69. Orlando had several chances to tie or take the lead but couldn’t knock down the shots. Harris then answered with a jumper, and Detroit gradually pulled away again in the period.

When Cunningham drilled a 3-pointer from the wing with 2:55 left in the quarter, Detroit was up by double digits again at 87-76. The advantage was 89-79 at the end of the quarter.

Detroit’s Javonte Green made a long 2-pointer and Duncan Robinson drained a 3-pointer early in the fourth to push the lead to 96-81. Banchero scored 10 points in just over two minutes midway through the fourth to prevent the Pistons from putting the game away.

Banchero’s corner 3-pointer with 3:24 left made it 110-104. Cunningham hit a step-back jumper that was answered by a Wendell Carter Jr. dunk.

Banchero made another long ball to cut Detroit’s lead to three. Cunningham then hit a midrange shot with 32 seconds left.

Following an Orlando turnover, Harris closed it out by making two free throws.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Cade #Cunningham #pours #Pistons #extend #series #Magic

Sports news April 30, 2026

Apr 29, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze (35) and Detroit Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart (28) go after the ball in the first half during game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Cade Cunningham poured in a career-playoff-high 45 points as the top-seeded Detroit Pistons staved off elimination with a 116-109 victory over the visiting Orlando Magic in Game 5 of their first-round series on Wednesday.

Tobias Harris supplied 23 points and eight assists for the Pistons, who trail 3-2 in the best-of-seven series. Game 6 will be played in Orlando on Friday.

Detroit’s Jalen Duren and Duncan Robinson had 12 points apiece. 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, Desmond Bane tossed in 18 and Jalen Suggs added 10.

Magic forward Franz Wagner sat out due to a calf strain.

The Pistons were up by as much as 17 points in the first half. They were still on top by 13 late in the half, but Orlando closed it with a 7-0 run to cut its deficit to 66-60.

Bane and Suggs sank back-to-back 3-pointers early in the third quarter to pull the Magic within 71-69. Orlando had several chances to tie or take the lead but couldn’t knock down the shots. Harris then answered with a jumper, and Detroit gradually pulled away again in the period.

When Cunningham drilled a 3-pointer from the wing with 2:55 left in the quarter, Detroit was up by double digits again at 87-76. The advantage was 89-79 at the end of the quarter.

Detroit’s Javonte Green made a long 2-pointer and Duncan Robinson drained a 3-pointer early in the fourth to push the lead to 96-81. Banchero scored 10 points in just over two minutes midway through the fourth to prevent the Pistons from putting the game away.

Banchero’s corner 3-pointer with 3:24 left made it 110-104. Cunningham hit a step-back jumper that was answered by a Wendell Carter Jr. dunk.

Banchero made another long ball to cut Detroit’s lead to three. Cunningham then hit a midrange shot with 32 seconds left.

Following an Orlando turnover, Harris closed it out by making two free throws.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Cade #Cunningham #pours #Pistons #extend #series #Magic

Madrid Open: Lucky loser Potapova makes history by reaching semifinal <div id="content-body-70923242" itemprop="articleBody">Anastasia Potapova turned tennis heartbreak into history by becoming the first lucky loser to reach a WTA 1000 semifinal ‌with her thrilling 6-1, 6-7(4), 6-3 victory over Karolina Pliskova at the Madrid Open ⁠on Wednesday.The Russian-born Austrian, who lost in qualifying last week, has capitalised on her unexpected main draw entry and ‌stunned former world number one Pliskova in a roller-coaster clash despite squandering three match points.Potapova’s ‌run has included impressive victories over former ‌French ⁠Open champion Jelena Ostapenko and world number ⁠two Elena Rybakina.Asked if she had thought she would be in the final four after her qualifying loss, the unseeded Potapova said: “No, I wouldn’t, for ‌any money and anything. That’s what makes our sport beautiful. I was given a second chance, and now I’m here. I’m super happy. There’s nothing better that ‌could happen to me in my life at the moment.”After cruising through Wednesday’s opening set, Potapova appeared destined for a straightforward ⁠victory when she earned three match points in the second.But Pliskova clawed her way back to force a ‌tiebreak and level the match.Potapova trailed 3-1 in the decider, only to reel off five consecutive games and seal victory with her 10th ace before collapsing to her knees.“I was given a few match points in the second set on serve. I ‌couldn’t manage my nerves at the time, I know that,” Potapova said.“But it seems like this tournament keeps giving me second chances and I keep ⁠using them.”Potapova will face Marta Kostyuk in the ⁠semifinals after the Ukrainian beat Linda Noskova 7-6(1), 6-0. Kostyuk defeated Potapova in the fourth ‌round last year in Madrid, and is undefeated on clay this year.Published on Apr 30, 2026</div> #Madrid #Open #Lucky #loser #Potapova #history #reaching #semifinal

McLaren celebrates F1 legacy with Miami street show ahead of first race since last month’s Japanese GP McLaren showed off its Formula One heritage with a deafening display of title-winning cars driven by champions past and present on the streets ‌of Miami on Wednesday.Reigning champion Lando Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri joined double champions Mika Hakkinen and Emerson Fittipaldi in thrilling the fans ahead of what would ⁠have been a 1,000th grand prix celebration but for conflict in the Middle East.The cancellation of April races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia as a result of the Iran war means the milestone, achieved previously only by Ferrari, ‌will now be marked officially in Monaco in June — the race where the team founded by New Zealander Bruce McLaren debuted in 1966.“We were meant, obviously, to celebrate it ‌here,” Norris told Reuters before taking his 2025 car for a spin — literally — at Regatta ‌Harbour ⁠in the Florida city’s historic Coconut Grove area.READ | Audi appoints McNish as Racing Director ahead of Miami GP “It’s nice that I’ve played a small ⁠part in that but today is also a day where you get to see all the cars, the history, the drivers that have driven for McLaren,” added the Briton. “It’s a big milestone and I’m very proud of it.”FITTIPALDI, 79, STILL AT THE WHEEL Emerson Fittipaldi, McLaren’s first champion from 1974, drove the M23 during the event.
| Photo Credit:
REUTERS

Emerson Fittipaldi, McLaren’s first champion from 1974, drove the M23 during the event.
| Photo Credit:
REUTERS
Brazilian Fittipaldi, McLaren’s first champion in 1974 ‌and now 79-years-old, drove a V8-engined McLaren M23 similar to the one that took the late James Hunt to the 1976 crown.“I was the first one, I made a small part of McLaren history but then McLaren has a huge history and I’m very proud to be ‌here,” Fittipaldi, who won his first title with Lotus in 1972, told Reuters.Hakkinen, the 1998 and 1999 champion, shook the ground with his V10-powered MP4-14 while Bruno Senna, nephew of Brazil’s late triple champion Ayrton, drove his uncle’s MP4/6 with its ear-splitting V12. Two-time champion Mika Hakkinen in his V10-powered MP4-14 during the event.
| Photo Credit:
Marco Bello

Two-time champion Mika Hakkinen in his V10-powered MP4-14 during the event.
| Photo Credit:
Marco Bello
Brazilian ⁠Tony Kanaan, the 2013 Indianapolis 500 winner, also drove an Arrow McLaren IndyCar.“To just be alongside them, even just to be able to talk to them is really cool,” said Piastri.Norris and Piastri, driving Lewis ‌Hamilton’s 2008 title-winner, then took to the track together to salute the cheering throng before interviews on a stage.“It was nice to see so many people and it was just good to have a bit of fun,” said Norris. “Normally we have to be all serious and drive properly … we don’t get to just go out and do (tyre) burnouts and stuff.“I won the championship last year and wasn’t allowed to do any burnouts. So it was nice to just let loose and have a nice ‌day out.”McLaren has won the last two Miami Grands Prix — Piastri last year and Norris in 2024 — and Sunday could complete a hat-trick although Mercedes has been dominant since the start of a new engine and rules era.The Australian was cautious in offering any prediction, however, ahead of ⁠a weekend that could also see some thunderstorms and that will also be the first test of the ⁠rules since they were tweaked.“I think last year, and even 2024, we had a really big advantage around a place like this and this year we don’t have that so ‌we’ll have to wait and see,” said Piastri.“I think it’s going to be a weekend full of changes and trying to get on top of things better than everybody else. And if we can do that then there’s still going to be opportunities to finish higher than maybe where you should.”Published on Apr 30, 2026 #McLaren #celebrates #legacy #Miami #street #show #ahead #race #months #Japanese — Emerson Fittipaldi, McLaren’s first champion from 1974, drove the M23 during the event. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

#McLaren #celebrates #legacy #Miami #street #show #ahead #race #months #Japanese">

mwasimuddin125 0

McLaren showed off its Formula One heritage with a deafening display of title-winning cars driven by champions past and present on the streets ‌of Miami on Wednesday.
Reigning champion Lando Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri joined double champions Mika Hakkinen and Emerson Fittipaldi in thrilling the fans ahead of what would ⁠have been a 1,000th grand prix celebration but for conflict in the Middle East.
The cancellation of April races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia as a result of the Iran war means the milestone, achieved previously only by Ferrari, ‌will now be marked officially in Monaco in June — the race where the team founded by New Zealander Bruce McLaren debuted in 1966.
“We were meant, obviously, to celebrate it ‌here,” Norris told Reuters before taking his 2025 car for a spin — literally — at Regatta ‌Harbour ⁠in the Florida city’s historic Coconut Grove area.
READ | Audi appoints McNish as Racing Director ahead of Miami GP
“It’s nice that I’ve played a small ⁠part in that but today is also a day where you get to see all the cars, the history, the drivers that have driven for McLaren,” added the Briton. “It’s a big milestone and I’m very proud of it.”
FITTIPALDI, 79, STILL AT THE WHEEL
Emerson Fittipaldi, McLaren’s first champion from 1974, drove the M23 during the event. | Photo Credit: REUTERS
Emerson Fittipaldi, McLaren’s first champion from 1974, drove the M23 during the event. | Photo Credit: REUTERS
Brazilian Fittipaldi, McLaren’s first champion in 1974 ‌and now 79-years-old, drove a V8-engined McLaren M23 similar to the one that took the late James Hunt to the 1976 crown.
“I was the first one, I made a small part of McLaren history but then McLaren has a huge history and I’m very proud to be ‌here,” Fittipaldi, who won his first title with Lotus in 1972, told Reuters.
Hakkinen, the 1998 and 1999 champion, shook the ground with his V10-powered MP4-14 while Bruno Senna, nephew of Brazil’s late triple champion Ayrton, drove his uncle’s MP4/6 with its ear-splitting V12.
Two-time champion Mika Hakkinen in his V10-powered MP4-14 during the event. | Photo Credit: Marco Bello
Two-time champion Mika Hakkinen in his V10-powered MP4-14 during the event. | Photo Credit: Marco Bello
Brazilian ⁠Tony Kanaan, the 2013 Indianapolis 500 winner, also drove an Arrow McLaren IndyCar.
“To just be alongside them, even just to be able to talk to them is really cool,” said Piastri.
Norris and Piastri, driving Lewis ‌Hamilton’s 2008 title-winner, then took to the track together to salute the cheering throng before interviews on a stage.
“It was nice to see so many people and it was just good to have a bit of fun,” said Norris. “Normally we have to be all serious and drive properly … we don’t get to just go out and do (tyre) burnouts and stuff.
“I won the championship last year and wasn’t allowed to do any burnouts. So it was nice to just let loose and have a nice ‌day out.”
McLaren has won the last two Miami Grands Prix — Piastri last year and Norris in 2024 — and Sunday could complete a hat-trick although Mercedes has been dominant since the start of a new engine and rules era.
The Australian was cautious in offering any prediction, however, ahead of ⁠a weekend that could also see some thunderstorms and that will also be the first test of the ⁠rules since they were tweaked.
“I think last year, and even 2024, we had a really big advantage around a place like this and this year we don’t have that so ‌we’ll have to wait and see,” said Piastri.
“I think it’s going to be a weekend full of changes and trying to get on top of things better than everybody else. And if we can do that then there’s still going to be opportunities to finish higher than maybe where you should.”
Published on Apr 30, 2026

#McLaren #celebrates #legacy #Miami #street #show #ahead #race #months #Japanese">McLaren celebrates F1 legacy with Miami street show ahead of first race since last month’s Japanese GP

McLaren showed off its Formula One heritage with a deafening display of title-winning cars driven by champions past and present on the streets ‌of Miami on Wednesday.

Reigning champion Lando Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri joined double champions Mika Hakkinen and Emerson Fittipaldi in thrilling the fans ahead of what would ⁠have been a 1,000th grand prix celebration but for conflict in the Middle East.

The cancellation of April races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia as a result of the Iran war means the milestone, achieved previously only by Ferrari, ‌will now be marked officially in Monaco in June — the race where the team founded by New Zealander Bruce McLaren debuted in 1966.

“We were meant, obviously, to celebrate it ‌here,” Norris told Reuters before taking his 2025 car for a spin — literally — at Regatta ‌Harbour ⁠in the Florida city’s historic Coconut Grove area.

READ | Audi appoints McNish as Racing Director ahead of Miami GP

“It’s nice that I’ve played a small ⁠part in that but today is also a day where you get to see all the cars, the history, the drivers that have driven for McLaren,” added the Briton. “It’s a big milestone and I’m very proud of it.”

FITTIPALDI, 79, STILL AT THE WHEEL

Emerson Fittipaldi, McLaren’s first champion from 1974, drove the M23 during the event. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Emerson Fittipaldi, McLaren’s first champion from 1974, drove the M23 during the event. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Brazilian Fittipaldi, McLaren’s first champion in 1974 ‌and now 79-years-old, drove a V8-engined McLaren M23 similar to the one that took the late James Hunt to the 1976 crown.

“I was the first one, I made a small part of McLaren history but then McLaren has a huge history and I’m very proud to be ‌here,” Fittipaldi, who won his first title with Lotus in 1972, told Reuters.

Hakkinen, the 1998 and 1999 champion, shook the ground with his V10-powered MP4-14 while Bruno Senna, nephew of Brazil’s late triple champion Ayrton, drove his uncle’s MP4/6 with its ear-splitting V12.

Two-time champion Mika Hakkinen in his V10-powered MP4-14 during the event. | Photo Credit: Marco Bello

Brazilian ⁠Tony Kanaan, the 2013 Indianapolis 500 winner, also drove an Arrow McLaren IndyCar.

“To just be alongside them, even just to be able to talk to them is really cool,” said Piastri.

Norris and Piastri, driving Lewis ‌Hamilton’s 2008 title-winner, then took to the track together to salute the cheering throng before interviews on a stage.

“It was nice to see so many people and it was just good to have a bit of fun,” said Norris. “Normally we have to be all serious and drive properly … we don’t get to just go out and do (tyre) burnouts and stuff.

“I won the championship last year and wasn’t allowed to do any burnouts. So it was nice to just let loose and have a nice ‌day out.”

McLaren has won the last two Miami Grands Prix — Piastri last year and Norris in 2024 — and Sunday could complete a hat-trick although Mercedes has been dominant since the start of a new engine and rules era.

The Australian was cautious in offering any prediction, however, ahead of ⁠a weekend that could also see some thunderstorms and that will also be the first test of the ⁠rules since they were tweaked.

“I think last year, and even 2024, we had a really big advantage around a place like this and this year we don’t have that so ‌we’ll have to wait and see,” said Piastri.

“I think it’s going to be a weekend full of changes and trying to get on top of things better than everybody else. And if we can do that then there’s still going to be opportunities to finish higher than maybe where you should.”

Published on Apr 30, 2026

#McLaren #celebrates #legacy #Miami #street #show #ahead #race #months #Japanese

Deadspin | Rockets avoid elimination again, force Game 6 vs. Lakers Apr 29, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) moves to the basket against Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) during the first 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 on Wednesday. Alperen Sengun scored 14 points with nine rebounds and eight assists, while Amen Thompson added 15 points as the Rockets now trail 3-2 in the 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 with 17 rebounds for Los Angeles, which will get a third chance to clinch the series Friday at Houston. The Lakers continue to be without star Luka Doncic (hamstring), who was injured along with Reaves in an April 2 game at Oklahoma City. Both players missed the last five regular-season games and the first four playoff games. The Lakers appeared determined to close out the series by taking an 11-point lead with a minute remaining in the first quarter and leading 28-21 after the opening period. The Rockets stormed back for a 30-19 advantage in the second quarter and led 51-47 at halftime. Houston shot 6 of 12 from 3-point range in the second quarter and forced five turnovers. The Rockets extended their advantage to 76-67 through three quarters. Los Angeles used an 11-1 run to pull within 88-85 on a James layup with 2:59 left in the game. A steal and two baskets from Reed Sheppard pushed the Rockets’ advantage back to 92-85 with 2:20 left and Houston turned four consecutive free throws into a 96-87 advantage with 1:32 remaining. James and Reaves combined to miss three 3-point attempts over the final 28 seconds with James unable to pull the Lakers within two points when he was off target from long range with 12 seconds left. After he averaged 25.0 points over the first two games of the series, Lakers sharpshooter Luke Kennard was held to one point on 0-of-4 shooting. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Rockets #avoid #elimination #force #Game #Lakers

#Deadspin #Rockets #avoid #elimination #force #Game #Lakers">

mwasimuddin125 0

Apr 29, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) moves to the basket against Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) during the first 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 on Wednesday.

Alperen Sengun scored 14 points with nine rebounds and eight assists, while Amen Thompson added 15 points as the Rockets now trail 3-2 in the 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 with 17 rebounds for Los Angeles, which will get a third chance to clinch the series Friday at Houston.

The Lakers continue to be without star Luka Doncic (hamstring), who was injured along with Reaves in an April 2 game at Oklahoma City. Both players missed the last five regular-season games and the first four playoff games.

The Lakers appeared determined to close out the series by taking an 11-point lead with a minute remaining in the first quarter and leading 28-21 after the opening period.

The Rockets stormed back for a 30-19 advantage in the second quarter and led 51-47 at halftime. Houston shot 6 of 12 from 3-point range in the second quarter and forced five turnovers.

The Rockets extended their advantage to 76-67 through three quarters.

Los Angeles used an 11-1 run to pull within 88-85 on a James layup with 2:59 left in the game.

A steal and two baskets from Reed Sheppard pushed the Rockets’ advantage back to 92-85 with 2:20 left and Houston turned four consecutive free throws into a 96-87 advantage with 1:32 remaining.

James and Reaves combined to miss three 3-point attempts over the final 28 seconds with James unable to pull the Lakers within two points when he was off target from long range with 12 seconds left.

After he averaged 25.0 points over the first two games of the series, Lakers sharpshooter Luke Kennard was held to one point on 0-of-4 shooting.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Rockets #avoid #elimination #force #Game #Lakers">Deadspin | Rockets avoid elimination again, force Game 6 vs. Lakers

Apr 29, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) moves to the basket against Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) during the first 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 on Wednesday.

Alperen Sengun scored 14 points with nine rebounds and eight assists, while Amen Thompson added 15 points as the Rockets now trail 3-2 in the 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 with 17 rebounds for Los Angeles, which will get a third chance to clinch the series Friday at Houston.

The Lakers continue to be without star Luka Doncic (hamstring), who was injured along with Reaves in an April 2 game at Oklahoma City. Both players missed the last five regular-season games and the first four playoff games.

The Lakers appeared determined to close out the series by taking an 11-point lead with a minute remaining in the first quarter and leading 28-21 after the opening period.

The Rockets stormed back for a 30-19 advantage in the second quarter and led 51-47 at halftime. Houston shot 6 of 12 from 3-point range in the second quarter and forced five turnovers.

The Rockets extended their advantage to 76-67 through three quarters.

Los Angeles used an 11-1 run to pull within 88-85 on a James layup with 2:59 left in the game.

A steal and two baskets from Reed Sheppard pushed the Rockets’ advantage back to 92-85 with 2:20 left and Houston turned four consecutive free throws into a 96-87 advantage with 1:32 remaining.

James and Reaves combined to miss three 3-point attempts over the final 28 seconds with James unable to pull the Lakers within two points when he was off target from long range with 12 seconds left.

After he averaged 25.0 points over the first two games of the series, Lakers sharpshooter Luke Kennard was held to one point on 0-of-4 shooting.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Rockets #avoid #elimination #force #Game #Lakers

Sabastian Sawe receives hero’s welcome in Kenya after World Record sub 2-hour London Marathon Kenyan marathon record-breaker Sabastian Sawe received a hero’s welcome on Wednesday, complete with a water cannon salute for the aircraft he was aboard.Sawe, the first person to break the fabled two-hour barrier in the marathon, was welcomed back to his country by his parents and Sports Minister Salim Mvurya, who hailed the runner’s accomplishment at the London Marathon as “a win for Kenya.”Sawe pulled off the feat, which was long considered unthinkable, on Sunday when he won in a time of 1 hour, 59 minutes, 30 seconds. He bettered the previous men’s world record by 65 seconds.Before disembarking upon arrival on Wednesday at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Sawe told The Associated Press he was proud to have “made a great achievement in life” and was planning to “try and lower the record further.” A Kenya Airways plane receives a water cannon salute as it arrives with Kenyan runner Sebastian Sawe at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya, on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit:
REUTERS

A Kenya Airways plane receives a water cannon salute as it arrives with Kenyan runner Sebastian Sawe at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya, on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit:
REUTERS
He was adorned with a traditional wreath made from twigs to symbolise victory.READ | Lowering the marathon mark: Researcher says sub 2-hour record could be reduced by 5 minutesTraditional dancers sang his praises as he then climbed into a luxury government vehicle as part of the “heroic welcome” hailed by the sports minister, who said Sawe would be feted on Thursday.His parents told The AP they knew their son was destined for greatness even as a child, and his mother recounted how he sprinted during bath time.“He would run too fast. So, I would say to myself, this boy will shine for me one day,” Emily Sawe said.His father recounted watching Sunday’s marathon at his brother’s house because his television lacked a clear signal.“The moment my son pulled in front, I walked out and didn’t see him finish the race. I watched the replay afterwards. I was so happy, extremely happy. We screamed so much that now it is hard to swallow anything,” Simion Kiplagat Sawe said.Sabastian Sawe was introduced to professional running by his uncle, Abraham Chepkirwok, who ran the 800 meters for Uganda at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.Sawe won the Valencia Marathon in 2024, clocking 2:02:05. He went into Sunday’s race in London as the defending champion.His father says Sawe is disciplined and determined: “Even now, he still says that record was not enough; he wants to lower it further.”Published on Apr 30, 2026 #Sabastian #Sawe #receives #heros #Kenya #World #Record #2hour #London #Marathon — A Kenya Airways plane receives a water cannon salute as it arrives with Kenyan runner Sebastian Sawe at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya, on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

#Sabastian #Sawe #receives #heros #Kenya #World #Record #2hour #London #Marathon">

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Kenyan marathon record-breaker Sabastian Sawe received a hero’s welcome on Wednesday, complete with a water cannon salute for the aircraft he was aboard.
Sawe, the first person to break the fabled two-hour barrier in the marathon, was welcomed back to his country by his parents and Sports Minister Salim Mvurya, who hailed the runner’s accomplishment at the London Marathon as “a win for Kenya.”
Sawe pulled off the feat, which was long considered unthinkable, on Sunday when he won in a time of 1 hour, 59 minutes, 30 seconds. He bettered the previous men’s world record by 65 seconds.
Before disembarking upon arrival on Wednesday at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Sawe told The Associated Press he was proud to have “made a great achievement in life” and was planning to “try and lower the record further.”
A Kenya Airways plane receives a water cannon salute as it arrives with Kenyan runner Sebastian Sawe at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya, on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: REUTERS
A Kenya Airways plane receives a water cannon salute as it arrives with Kenyan runner Sebastian Sawe at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya, on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: REUTERS
He was adorned with a traditional wreath made from twigs to symbolise victory.
READ | Lowering the marathon mark: Researcher says sub 2-hour record could be reduced by 5 minutes
Traditional dancers sang his praises as he then climbed into a luxury government vehicle as part of the “heroic welcome” hailed by the sports minister, who said Sawe would be feted on Thursday.
His parents told The AP they knew their son was destined for greatness even as a child, and his mother recounted how he sprinted during bath time.
“He would run too fast. So, I would say to myself, this boy will shine for me one day,” Emily Sawe said.
His father recounted watching Sunday’s marathon at his brother’s house because his television lacked a clear signal.
“The moment my son pulled in front, I walked out and didn’t see him finish the race. I watched the replay afterwards. I was so happy, extremely happy. We screamed so much that now it is hard to swallow anything,” Simion Kiplagat Sawe said.
Sabastian Sawe was introduced to professional running by his uncle, Abraham Chepkirwok, who ran the 800 meters for Uganda at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Sawe won the Valencia Marathon in 2024, clocking 2:02:05. He went into Sunday’s race in London as the defending champion.
His father says Sawe is disciplined and determined: “Even now, he still says that record was not enough; he wants to lower it further.”
Published on Apr 30, 2026

#Sabastian #Sawe #receives #heros #Kenya #World #Record #2hour #London #Marathon">Sabastian Sawe receives hero’s welcome in Kenya after World Record sub 2-hour London Marathon

Kenyan marathon record-breaker Sabastian Sawe received a hero’s welcome on Wednesday, complete with a water cannon salute for the aircraft he was aboard.

Sawe, the first person to break the fabled two-hour barrier in the marathon, was welcomed back to his country by his parents and Sports Minister Salim Mvurya, who hailed the runner’s accomplishment at the London Marathon as “a win for Kenya.”

Sawe pulled off the feat, which was long considered unthinkable, on Sunday when he won in a time of 1 hour, 59 minutes, 30 seconds. He bettered the previous men’s world record by 65 seconds.

Before disembarking upon arrival on Wednesday at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Sawe told The Associated Press he was proud to have “made a great achievement in life” and was planning to “try and lower the record further.”

A Kenya Airways plane receives a water cannon salute as it arrives with Kenyan runner Sebastian Sawe at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya, on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

He was adorned with a traditional wreath made from twigs to symbolise victory.

READ | Lowering the marathon mark: Researcher says sub 2-hour record could be reduced by 5 minutes

Traditional dancers sang his praises as he then climbed into a luxury government vehicle as part of the “heroic welcome” hailed by the sports minister, who said Sawe would be feted on Thursday.

His parents told The AP they knew their son was destined for greatness even as a child, and his mother recounted how he sprinted during bath time.

“He would run too fast. So, I would say to myself, this boy will shine for me one day,” Emily Sawe said.

His father recounted watching Sunday’s marathon at his brother’s house because his television lacked a clear signal.

“The moment my son pulled in front, I walked out and didn’t see him finish the race. I watched the replay afterwards. I was so happy, extremely happy. We screamed so much that now it is hard to swallow anything,” Simion Kiplagat Sawe said.

Sabastian Sawe was introduced to professional running by his uncle, Abraham Chepkirwok, who ran the 800 meters for Uganda at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Sawe won the Valencia Marathon in 2024, clocking 2:02:05. He went into Sunday’s race in London as the defending champion.

His father says Sawe is disciplined and determined: “Even now, he still says that record was not enough; he wants to lower it further.”

Published on Apr 30, 2026

#Sabastian #Sawe #receives #heros #Kenya #World #Record #2hour #London #Marathon

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