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Deadspin | NBA roundup: Knicks advance with 51-point rout; Wolves move on, too Apr 30, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) celebrates after a victory over the Atlanta Hawks during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images OG Anunoby scored 26 of his 29 points in the first half to lead visiting New York to a historic 140-89 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday as the Knicks won their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series 4-2. It was the most points scored by the Knicks in a playoff game and the 51-point margin of victory their largest in the postseason. The only bigger victory margin in club history came earlier this year, when New York routed the Brooklyn Nets 120-66 on Jan. 21. The Hawks endured the second-worst postseason defeat in franchise history. The then-St. Louis Hawks lost 133-75 to the Minneapolis Lakers on March 19, 1956. New York, who produced a 63-11 first-half run, led by as many as 61 and beat the Hawks for the third straight game to advance to the conference semifinals for the fourth straight year. Karl-Anthony Towns had his second career playoff triple-double with 12 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, along with three steals. The starters were out of the game midway in the third quarter. Timberwolves 110, Nuggets 98 Elevated into the starting lineup of a heavily depleted backcourt, Terrence Shannon Jr. scored a career-playoff-high 24 points to help Minnesota close out Denver in Game 6 in Minneapolis. The sixth-seeded Timberwolves advance to face the second-seeded Spurs in the Western Conference semifinals, with Game 1 scheduled for Monday in San Antonio. Without All-NBA guard Anthony Edwards (knee), Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles), Game 4 hero Ayo Dosunmu (calf) and veteran Kyle Anderson (illness), the Timberwolves turned to Shannon — who did not play in the first three games of the series. He stepped up, capping his 9-of-20 performance shooting from the field with a crucial three-point play that ignited a game-ending 10-1 run for the Timberwolves. Jaden McDaniels scored a game-high 32 in the win. Nikola Jokic helped keep the Nuggets within striking distance, finishing with team highs in points (28), assists (10) and rebounds (nine). 76ers 106, Celtics 93 Tyrese Maxey scored 30 points as surging Philadelphia beat visiting Boston again, forcing a decisive Game 7 in their first-round series. The second-seeded Celtics led the series 3-1 following a 32-point win in Philadelphia on Sunday, but the seventh-seeded Sixers rebounded to post double-digit wins in Games 5 and 6. The teams will reconvene Saturday for Game 7 in Boston, where the Sixers will aim to complete a 3-1 series comeback for the first time in franchise history. Paul George added 23 points for Philadelphia, while Joel Embiid had 19 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in his third game since returning from an emergency appendectomy. Jaylen Brown led Boston with 18 points but also committed five of his team’s 13 turnovers. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Knicks #advance #51point #rout #Wolves #move

Deadspin | NBA roundup: Knicks advance with 51-point rout; Wolves move on, too
Deadspin | NBA roundup: Knicks advance with 51-point rout; Wolves move on, too Apr 30, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) celebrates after a victory over the Atlanta Hawks during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images OG Anunoby scored 26 of his 29 points in the first half to lead visiting New York to a historic 140-89 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday as the Knicks won their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series 4-2. It was the most points scored by the Knicks in a playoff game and the 51-point margin of victory their largest in the postseason. The only bigger victory margin in club history came earlier this year, when New York routed the Brooklyn Nets 120-66 on Jan. 21. The Hawks endured the second-worst postseason defeat in franchise history. The then-St. Louis Hawks lost 133-75 to the Minneapolis Lakers on March 19, 1956. New York, who produced a 63-11 first-half run, led by as many as 61 and beat the Hawks for the third straight game to advance to the conference semifinals for the fourth straight year. Karl-Anthony Towns had his second career playoff triple-double with 12 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, along with three steals. The starters were out of the game midway in the third quarter. Timberwolves 110, Nuggets 98 Elevated into the starting lineup of a heavily depleted backcourt, Terrence Shannon Jr. scored a career-playoff-high 24 points to help Minnesota close out Denver in Game 6 in Minneapolis. The sixth-seeded Timberwolves advance to face the second-seeded Spurs in the Western Conference semifinals, with Game 1 scheduled for Monday in San Antonio. Without All-NBA guard Anthony Edwards (knee), Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles), Game 4 hero Ayo Dosunmu (calf) and veteran Kyle Anderson (illness), the Timberwolves turned to Shannon — who did not play in the first three games of the series. He stepped up, capping his 9-of-20 performance shooting from the field with a crucial three-point play that ignited a game-ending 10-1 run for the Timberwolves. Jaden McDaniels scored a game-high 32 in the win. Nikola Jokic helped keep the Nuggets within striking distance, finishing with team highs in points (28), assists (10) and rebounds (nine). 76ers 106, Celtics 93 Tyrese Maxey scored 30 points as surging Philadelphia beat visiting Boston again, forcing a decisive Game 7 in their first-round series. The second-seeded Celtics led the series 3-1 following a 32-point win in Philadelphia on Sunday, but the seventh-seeded Sixers rebounded to post double-digit wins in Games 5 and 6. The teams will reconvene Saturday for Game 7 in Boston, where the Sixers will aim to complete a 3-1 series comeback for the first time in franchise history. Paul George added 23 points for Philadelphia, while Joel Embiid had 19 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in his third game since returning from an emergency appendectomy. Jaylen Brown led Boston with 18 points but also committed five of his team’s 13 turnovers. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Knicks #advance #51point #rout #Wolves #moveApr 30, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) celebrates after a victory over the Atlanta Hawks during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

OG Anunoby scored 26 of his 29 points in the first half to lead visiting New York to a historic 140-89 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday as the Knicks won their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series 4-2.

It was the most points scored by the Knicks in a playoff game and the 51-point margin of victory their largest in the postseason. The only bigger victory margin in club history came earlier this year, when New York routed the Brooklyn Nets 120-66 on Jan. 21.

The Hawks endured the second-worst postseason defeat in franchise history. The then-St. Louis Hawks lost 133-75 to the Minneapolis Lakers on March 19, 1956.

New York, who produced a 63-11 first-half run, led by as many as 61 and beat the Hawks for the third straight game to advance to the conference semifinals for the fourth straight year. Karl-Anthony Towns had his second career playoff triple-double with 12 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, along with three steals. The starters were out of the game midway in the third quarter.

Timberwolves 110, Nuggets 98

Elevated into the starting lineup of a heavily depleted backcourt, Terrence Shannon Jr. scored a career-playoff-high 24 points to help Minnesota close out Denver in Game 6 in Minneapolis.


The sixth-seeded Timberwolves advance to face the second-seeded Spurs in the Western Conference semifinals, with Game 1 scheduled for Monday in San Antonio.

Without All-NBA guard Anthony Edwards (knee), Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles), Game 4 hero Ayo Dosunmu (calf) and veteran Kyle Anderson (illness), the Timberwolves turned to Shannon — who did not play in the first three games of the series. He stepped up, capping his 9-of-20 performance shooting from the field with a crucial three-point play that ignited a game-ending 10-1 run for the Timberwolves.

Jaden McDaniels scored a game-high 32 in the win. Nikola Jokic helped keep the Nuggets within striking distance, finishing with team highs in points (28), assists (10) and rebounds (nine).

76ers 106, Celtics 93

Tyrese Maxey scored 30 points as surging Philadelphia beat visiting Boston again, forcing a decisive Game 7 in their first-round series.

The second-seeded Celtics led the series 3-1 following a 32-point win in Philadelphia on Sunday, but the seventh-seeded Sixers rebounded to post double-digit wins in Games 5 and 6. The teams will reconvene Saturday for Game 7 in Boston, where the Sixers will aim to complete a 3-1 series comeback for the first time in franchise history.

Paul George added 23 points for Philadelphia, while Joel Embiid had 19 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in his third game since returning from an emergency appendectomy. Jaylen Brown led Boston with 18 points but also committed five of his team’s 13 turnovers.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Knicks #advance #51point #rout #Wolves #move

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Apr 30, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) celebrates after a victory over the Atlanta Hawks during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

OG Anunoby scored 26 of his 29 points in the first half to lead visiting New York to a historic 140-89 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday as the Knicks won their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series 4-2.

It was the most points scored by the Knicks in a playoff game and the 51-point margin of victory their largest in the postseason. The only bigger victory margin in club history came earlier this year, when New York routed the Brooklyn Nets 120-66 on Jan. 21.

The Hawks endured the second-worst postseason defeat in franchise history. The then-St. Louis Hawks lost 133-75 to the Minneapolis Lakers on March 19, 1956.

New York, who produced a 63-11 first-half run, led by as many as 61 and beat the Hawks for the third straight game to advance to the conference semifinals for the fourth straight year. Karl-Anthony Towns had his second career playoff triple-double with 12 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, along with three steals. The starters were out of the game midway in the third quarter.

Timberwolves 110, Nuggets 98

Elevated into the starting lineup of a heavily depleted backcourt, Terrence Shannon Jr. scored a career-playoff-high 24 points to help Minnesota close out Denver in Game 6 in Minneapolis.

The sixth-seeded Timberwolves advance to face the second-seeded Spurs in the Western Conference semifinals, with Game 1 scheduled for Monday in San Antonio.

Without All-NBA guard Anthony Edwards (knee), Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles), Game 4 hero Ayo Dosunmu (calf) and veteran Kyle Anderson (illness), the Timberwolves turned to Shannon — who did not play in the first three games of the series. He stepped up, capping his 9-of-20 performance shooting from the field with a crucial three-point play that ignited a game-ending 10-1 run for the Timberwolves.

Jaden McDaniels scored a game-high 32 in the win. Nikola Jokic helped keep the Nuggets within striking distance, finishing with team highs in points (28), assists (10) and rebounds (nine).

76ers 106, Celtics 93

Tyrese Maxey scored 30 points as surging Philadelphia beat visiting Boston again, forcing a decisive Game 7 in their first-round series.

The second-seeded Celtics led the series 3-1 following a 32-point win in Philadelphia on Sunday, but the seventh-seeded Sixers rebounded to post double-digit wins in Games 5 and 6. The teams will reconvene Saturday for Game 7 in Boston, where the Sixers will aim to complete a 3-1 series comeback for the first time in franchise history.

Paul George added 23 points for Philadelphia, while Joel Embiid had 19 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in his third game since returning from an emergency appendectomy. Jaylen Brown led Boston with 18 points but also committed five of his team’s 13 turnovers.

–Field Level Media

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NBA Playoffs: New York Knicks advance with 51-point rout; Minnesota Timberwolves also enter Conference Semifinals <div id="content-body-70927612" itemprop="articleBody"><p>OG Anunoby scored 26 of his 29 points in the first half to lead visiting New York to a historic 140-89 victory over ​the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday as the Knicks won their first-round Eastern Conference playoff ‌series 4-2.</p><p>It was the most points scored by the Knicks ​in a playoff game and the 51-point margin of victory ⁠their largest in the postseason. The only bigger victory margin in club history came earlier this year, when New York routed the Brooklyn Nets 120-66 on January 21.</p><p>The ‌Hawks endured the second-worst postseason defeat in franchise history. The then-St. Louis Hawks lost 133-75 to the Minneapolis Lakers on March ‌19, 1956.</p><p>New York, which produced a 63-11 first-half run, led ‌by ⁠as many as 61 and beat the Hawks for the third ⁠straight game to advance to the conference semifinals for the fourth straight year. Karl-Anthony Towns had his second career playoff triple-double with 12 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, along ​with three steals. The starters were ‌out of the game midway in the third quarter.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Timberwolves 110, Nuggets 98</h4><p>Elevated into the starting lineup of a heavily depleted backcourt, Terrence Shannon Jr. scored a career-playoff-high 24 points to help Minnesota close out Denver ‌in Game 6 in Minneapolis.</p><p>The sixth-seeded Timberwolves advance to face the ​second-seeded Spurs in the Western Conference semifinals, with Game 1 scheduled for Monday in San Antonio.</p><p>Without All-NBA guard Anthony Edwards (knee), Donte ⁠DiVincenzo (Achilles), Game 4 hero Ayo Dosunmu (calf) and veteran Kyle Anderson (illness), the Timberwolves turned to Shannon — who did not play in the first three games of the series. ‌He stepped up, capping his 9-of-20 performance shooting from the field with a crucial three-point play that ignited a game-ending 10-1 run for the Timberwolves.</p><p>Jaden McDaniels scored a game-high 32 in the win. Nikola Jokic helped keep the Nuggets within striking distance, finishing with team highs in points (28), assists (10) and rebounds (nine).</p><h4 class="sub_head">76ers 106, Celtics 93</h4><p>Tyrese Maxey scored 30 points as surging Philadelphia ‌beat visiting Boston again, forcing a decisive Game 7 in their first-round series.</p><p>The second-seeded Celtics ​led the series 3-1 following a 32-point win in Philadelphia on Sunday, but the seventh-seeded Sixers rebounded to post double-digit wins ⁠in Games 5 and 6. The teams will reconvene Saturday for Game 7 in ⁠Boston, where the Sixers will aim to complete a 3-1 series comeback for the first time in franchise history.</p><p>Paul George added ‌23 points for Philadelphia, while Joel Embiid had 19 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in his third game since returning from an emergency ​appendectomy. Jaylen Brown led Boston with 18 points but also committed five of his team’s 13 turnovers.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on May 01, 2026</p></div> #NBA #Playoffs #York #Knicks #advance #51point #rout #Minnesota #Timberwolves #enter #Conference #Semifinals

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Deadspin | Twins bats come alive late to take down Jays in series opener Apr 30, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton (25) celebrates after hitting a double off Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Yohendrick Pinango (24) in the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images Byron Buxton went 3-for-4 with a double, a homer and an RBI, and the Minnesota Twins pulled away for a 7-1 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday night in Minneapolis. Ryan Jeffers hit a two-run homer for Minnesota, which won the opener of a four-game series. Austin Martin, Josh Bell and Luke Keaschall drove in one run apiece for the Twins. Daulton Varsho hit a solo homer for Toronto’s lone run. Twins right-hander Bailey Ober (3-1) limited the Blue Jays to one run on four hits in six innings. He walked two and struck out two. Blue Jays right-hander Kevin Gausman (2-2) allowed four runs on four hits in 5 2/3 innings. He also walked two and struck out two. Toronto opened the scoring in the top of the fourth inning. Varsho belted a 397-foot solo shot over the wall in right field for his fourth homer of the season and his first since April 14. The Twins responded to take a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the fourth. Trevor Larnach drew a leadoff walk, and Jeffers followed with a two-run homer over the wall in left-center field. Buxton continued his power surge in the sixth. He led off the inning with a solo shot to left-center field that marked his eighth homer of the season and his fifth homer in the past nine games. The blast by Buxton made it 3-1, and the Twins added another run in the sixth to seize a three-run lead. Martin ripped an RBI single to center to drive in Larnach. Minnesota tacked on three more runs in the eighth to increase its advantage to 7-1. Buxton started the big inning with a single to center. Jeffers reached on a fielder’s choice ground ball that included a throwing error by Blue Jays third baseman Kazuma Okamoto, and Bell capitalized moments later with a single to make it 6-1. Keaschall capped the scoring with a sacrifice fly to left to drive in Bell. Twins relievers Anthony Banda, Andrew Morris and Justin Topa combined to pitch three scoreless innings to preserve the victory for Ober. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Twins #bats #alive #late #Jays #series #openerApr 30, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton (25) celebrates after hitting a double off Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Yohendrick Pinango (24) in the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

Byron Buxton went 3-for-4 with a double, a homer and an RBI, and the Minnesota Twins pulled away for a 7-1 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday night in Minneapolis.

Ryan Jeffers hit a two-run homer for Minnesota, which won the opener of a four-game series. Austin Martin, Josh Bell and Luke Keaschall drove in one run apiece for the Twins.

Daulton Varsho hit a solo homer for Toronto’s lone run.

Twins right-hander Bailey Ober (3-1) limited the Blue Jays to one run on four hits in six innings. He walked two and struck out two.

Blue Jays right-hander Kevin Gausman (2-2) allowed four runs on four hits in 5 2/3 innings. He also walked two and struck out two.

Toronto opened the scoring in the top of the fourth inning. Varsho belted a 397-foot solo shot over the wall in right field for his fourth homer of the season and his first since April 14.


The Twins responded to take a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the fourth. Trevor Larnach drew a leadoff walk, and Jeffers followed with a two-run homer over the wall in left-center field.

Buxton continued his power surge in the sixth. He led off the inning with a solo shot to left-center field that marked his eighth homer of the season and his fifth homer in the past nine games.

The blast by Buxton made it 3-1, and the Twins added another run in the sixth to seize a three-run lead. Martin ripped an RBI single to center to drive in Larnach.

Minnesota tacked on three more runs in the eighth to increase its advantage to 7-1.

Buxton started the big inning with a single to center. Jeffers reached on a fielder’s choice ground ball that included a throwing error by Blue Jays third baseman Kazuma Okamoto, and Bell capitalized moments later with a single to make it 6-1.

Keaschall capped the scoring with a sacrifice fly to left to drive in Bell.

Twins relievers Anthony Banda, Andrew Morris and Justin Topa combined to pitch three scoreless innings to preserve the victory for Ober.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Twins #bats #alive #late #Jays #series #opener">Deadspin | Twins bats come alive late to take down Jays in series opener Apr 30, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton (25) celebrates after hitting a double off Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Yohendrick Pinango (24) in the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images Byron Buxton went 3-for-4 with a double, a homer and an RBI, and the Minnesota Twins pulled away for a 7-1 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday night in Minneapolis. Ryan Jeffers hit a two-run homer for Minnesota, which won the opener of a four-game series. Austin Martin, Josh Bell and Luke Keaschall drove in one run apiece for the Twins. Daulton Varsho hit a solo homer for Toronto’s lone run. Twins right-hander Bailey Ober (3-1) limited the Blue Jays to one run on four hits in six innings. He walked two and struck out two. Blue Jays right-hander Kevin Gausman (2-2) allowed four runs on four hits in 5 2/3 innings. He also walked two and struck out two. Toronto opened the scoring in the top of the fourth inning. Varsho belted a 397-foot solo shot over the wall in right field for his fourth homer of the season and his first since April 14. The Twins responded to take a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the fourth. Trevor Larnach drew a leadoff walk, and Jeffers followed with a two-run homer over the wall in left-center field. Buxton continued his power surge in the sixth. He led off the inning with a solo shot to left-center field that marked his eighth homer of the season and his fifth homer in the past nine games. The blast by Buxton made it 3-1, and the Twins added another run in the sixth to seize a three-run lead. Martin ripped an RBI single to center to drive in Larnach. Minnesota tacked on three more runs in the eighth to increase its advantage to 7-1. Buxton started the big inning with a single to center. Jeffers reached on a fielder’s choice ground ball that included a throwing error by Blue Jays third baseman Kazuma Okamoto, and Bell capitalized moments later with a single to make it 6-1. Keaschall capped the scoring with a sacrifice fly to left to drive in Bell. Twins relievers Anthony Banda, Andrew Morris and Justin Topa combined to pitch three scoreless innings to preserve the victory for Ober. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Twins #bats #alive #late #Jays #series #opener

Chris Wood scored from the penalty spot to give Nottingham Forest a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa in the first leg of their all-English Europa League semifinal on Thursday.

In a matchup of two teams hoping to revive former European glory, the win at the City Ground put Forest a step closer to what would be its first continental competition final in 46 years.

Wood fired his 71st-minute penalty high into the net, giving goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez no chance to save after defender Lucas Digne was whistled for handball.

“It’s nice to have the advantage but going to Villa Park will be a tough game,” the New Zealand striker told the TNT Sports. “But we’ve done the job here at home and now hopefully, we’ll build into next week.”

Vítor Pereira’s team stretched its unbeaten run to nine games in all competitions. Forest visits Chelsea in the Premier League on Monday before the semifinal second leg in Birmingham next Thursday.

Forest is in a relegation fight — currently five points above the Premier League drop zone. The winner of the Europa League title earns a spot in next season’s Champions League. That could create a scenario in which Forest gets relegated to England’s second division but also plays in Europe’s top club competition.

Forest has returned to Europe after 30 years to reach its fourth semifinal, but first since the 1984 UEFA Cup. That was after Forest dominated the European Cup — the predecessor of the Champions League — and won the trophy in 1979 and 1980. Villa became the European champion two years later.

Villa sits fifth in the Premier League and stands a good chance of qualifying for the Champions League domestically.

Villa coach Unai Emery has won the Europa League title four times — thrice with Sevilla and once with Villarreal.

In the other semifinal, Braga beat Freiburg 2-1 after substitute Mario Dorgeles netted the winner in second-half stoppage time in Portugal.

At 1-1, Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu denied Braga a golden opportunity to restore a lead by diving to his right to save a spot kick by Rodrigo Zalazar.

The Portuguese side hopes to advance to the final again after it lost to domestic rival Porto 1-0 in the 2011 title match.

The second legs are next Thursday and the final is in Istanbul on May 20.

In the third-tier Conference League, Ismaïla Sarr scored in the opening minute as Crystal Palace beat Shakhtar Donetsk 3-1 in the opening leg of their semifinal.

Daichi Kamada and Jorgen Strand Larsen also scored for Palace after Oleh Ocheretko had equalized for Shakhtar.

The game was played in Krakow, Poland, because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The second leg is next Thursday in London.

Rayo Vallecano beat Strasbourg 1-0 in the Thursday’s other semifinal.

The final is on May 27 in Leipzig, Germany.

Published on May 01, 2026

#Forest #beats #Villa #Europa #League #semifinal #firstleg #Palace #wins #Conference #League #leg">Forest beats Villa in Europa League semifinal first-leg; Palace wins Conference League away leg Chris Wood scored from the penalty spot to give Nottingham Forest a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa in the first leg of their all-English Europa League semifinal on Thursday.In a matchup of two teams hoping to revive former European glory, the win at the City Ground put Forest a step closer to what would be its first continental competition final in 46 years.Wood fired his 71st-minute penalty high into the net, giving goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez no chance to save after defender Lucas Digne was whistled for handball.“It’s nice to have the advantage but going to Villa Park will be a tough game,” the New Zealand striker told the TNT Sports. “But we’ve done the job here at home and now hopefully, we’ll build into next week.”Vítor Pereira’s team stretched its unbeaten run to nine games in all competitions. Forest visits Chelsea in the Premier League on Monday before the semifinal second leg in Birmingham next Thursday.Forest is in a relegation fight — currently five points above the Premier League drop zone. The winner of the Europa League title earns a spot in next season’s Champions League. That could create a scenario in which Forest gets relegated to England’s second division but also plays in Europe’s top club competition.Forest has returned to Europe after 30 years to reach its fourth semifinal, but first since the 1984 UEFA Cup. That was after Forest dominated the European Cup — the predecessor of the Champions League — and won the trophy in 1979 and 1980. Villa became the European champion two years later.Villa sits fifth in the Premier League and stands a good chance of qualifying for the Champions League domestically.Villa coach Unai Emery has won the Europa League title four times — thrice with Sevilla and once with Villarreal.In the other semifinal, Braga beat Freiburg 2-1 after substitute Mario Dorgeles netted the winner in second-half stoppage time in Portugal.At 1-1, Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu denied Braga a golden opportunity to restore a lead by diving to his right to save a spot kick by Rodrigo Zalazar.The Portuguese side hopes to advance to the final again after it lost to domestic rival Porto 1-0 in the 2011 title match.The second legs are next Thursday and the final is in Istanbul on May 20.In the third-tier Conference League, Ismaïla Sarr scored in the opening minute as Crystal Palace beat Shakhtar Donetsk 3-1 in the opening leg of their semifinal.Daichi Kamada and Jorgen Strand Larsen also scored for Palace after Oleh Ocheretko had equalized for Shakhtar.The game was played in Krakow, Poland, because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The second leg is next Thursday in London.Rayo Vallecano beat Strasbourg 1-0 in the Thursday’s other semifinal.The final is on May 27 in Leipzig, Germany.Published on May 01, 2026 #Forest #beats #Villa #Europa #League #semifinal #firstleg #Palace #wins #Conference #League #leg

Deadspin | Quinn Hughes, Wild finish off Stars in Game 6 Apr 30, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild defensemen Quinn Hughes (43) celebrates his second goal of the night against the Dallas Stars during the third period in game six of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images Quinn Hughes scored twice and added an assist, leading the Minnesota Wild to a series-clinching 5-2 victory over the Dallas Stars on Thursday night in Saint Paul, Minn. The Wild won the best-of-seven Western Conference quarterfinal series 4-2 and will play the Colorado Avalanche in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Minnesota won a playoff series for the first time since the 2015 Western Conference quarterfinals against the St. Louis Blues. The series win was also Minnesota’s first against Dallas. Matt Boldy added a pair of empty-net goals and Vladimir Tarasenko also scored for the Wild, while Jesper Wallstedt made 22 saves. Wyatt Johnston and Mavrik Bourque responded for the Stars, who dropped the final three games of the series. Jake Oettinger stopped 16 shots. Hughes scored the go-ahead goal, and eventual winner, at 10:38 of the third period as his shot deflected off the skate of Stars defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin and past Oettinger. Hughes became the second defenseman in Wild history to score a go-ahead goal in a series-clinching game. Trailing 1-0, Johnston got Dallas on the board on a power play at 7:01, one-timing a Mikko Rantanen feed past Wallstedt for his fourth of the series. Bourque gave the Stars their first lead of the night, corralling the rebound off Michael Bunting’s shot and putting it home for his first career playoff goal. Minnesota responded 54 seconds later when Tarasenko backhanded a shot past Oettinger for his 50th career playoff goal. The Wild led 1-0 after 20 minutes. Hughes opened the scoring 6:23 into the game, snapping a shot from the top of the faceoff circle past Oettinger glove-side for his first of the series. Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin missed Game 6 with a lower-body injury and was replaced in the lineup by Jeff Petry. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Quinn #Hughes #Wild #finish #Stars #GameApr 30, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild defensemen Quinn Hughes (43) celebrates his second goal of the night against the Dallas Stars during the third period in game six of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images

Quinn Hughes scored twice and added an assist, leading the Minnesota Wild to a series-clinching 5-2 victory over the Dallas Stars on Thursday night in Saint Paul, Minn.

The Wild won the best-of-seven Western Conference quarterfinal series 4-2 and will play the Colorado Avalanche in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Minnesota won a playoff series for the first time since the 2015 Western Conference quarterfinals against the St. Louis Blues. The series win was also Minnesota’s first against Dallas.

Matt Boldy added a pair of empty-net goals and Vladimir Tarasenko also scored for the Wild, while Jesper Wallstedt made 22 saves.

Wyatt Johnston and Mavrik Bourque responded for the Stars, who dropped the final three games of the series.

Jake Oettinger stopped 16 shots.


Hughes scored the go-ahead goal, and eventual winner, at 10:38 of the third period as his shot deflected off the skate of Stars defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin and past Oettinger.

Hughes became the second defenseman in Wild history to score a go-ahead goal in a series-clinching game.

Trailing 1-0, Johnston got Dallas on the board on a power play at 7:01, one-timing a Mikko Rantanen feed past Wallstedt for his fourth of the series.

Bourque gave the Stars their first lead of the night, corralling the rebound off Michael Bunting’s shot and putting it home for his first career playoff goal.

Minnesota responded 54 seconds later when Tarasenko backhanded a shot past Oettinger for his 50th career playoff goal.

The Wild led 1-0 after 20 minutes. Hughes opened the scoring 6:23 into the game, snapping a shot from the top of the faceoff circle past Oettinger glove-side for his first of the series.

Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin missed Game 6 with a lower-body injury and was replaced in the lineup by Jeff Petry.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Quinn #Hughes #Wild #finish #Stars #Game">Deadspin | Quinn Hughes, Wild finish off Stars in Game 6 Apr 30, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild defensemen Quinn Hughes (43) celebrates his second goal of the night against the Dallas Stars during the third period in game six of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images Quinn Hughes scored twice and added an assist, leading the Minnesota Wild to a series-clinching 5-2 victory over the Dallas Stars on Thursday night in Saint Paul, Minn. The Wild won the best-of-seven Western Conference quarterfinal series 4-2 and will play the Colorado Avalanche in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Minnesota won a playoff series for the first time since the 2015 Western Conference quarterfinals against the St. Louis Blues. The series win was also Minnesota’s first against Dallas. Matt Boldy added a pair of empty-net goals and Vladimir Tarasenko also scored for the Wild, while Jesper Wallstedt made 22 saves. Wyatt Johnston and Mavrik Bourque responded for the Stars, who dropped the final three games of the series. Jake Oettinger stopped 16 shots. Hughes scored the go-ahead goal, and eventual winner, at 10:38 of the third period as his shot deflected off the skate of Stars defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin and past Oettinger. Hughes became the second defenseman in Wild history to score a go-ahead goal in a series-clinching game. Trailing 1-0, Johnston got Dallas on the board on a power play at 7:01, one-timing a Mikko Rantanen feed past Wallstedt for his fourth of the series. Bourque gave the Stars their first lead of the night, corralling the rebound off Michael Bunting’s shot and putting it home for his first career playoff goal. Minnesota responded 54 seconds later when Tarasenko backhanded a shot past Oettinger for his 50th career playoff goal. The Wild led 1-0 after 20 minutes. Hughes opened the scoring 6:23 into the game, snapping a shot from the top of the faceoff circle past Oettinger glove-side for his first of the series. Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin missed Game 6 with a lower-body injury and was replaced in the lineup by Jeff Petry. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Quinn #Hughes #Wild #finish #Stars #Game

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