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Deadspin | Red-hot Matt Fitzpatrick popular PGA Championship pick Apr 18, 2026; Hilton Head, South Carolina, USA; Matt Fitzpatrick eyes his line on two green during the final round of the RBC Heritage golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images Matt Fitzpatrick’s recent run up to a career-best No. 3 in the Official World Golf Ranking has drawn significant attention from the public ahead of next month’s PGA Championship. Fitzpatrick outlasted World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler in a playoff to claim a signature event title at the RBC Heritage on Sunday. It was an exclamation point on a run that began with a runner-up at The Players Championship, a win at the Valspar Championship and a tie for 18th at the Masters. After a bogey on the 72nd hole on Sunday that dropped him into a playoff with Scheffler, Fitzgerald rebounded to knock his approach with a 4-iron into a stiff wind to 13 feet and drained the birdie putt on the first playoff hole. Following the effort Fitzgerald, 31, went from 35/1 to 20/1 to win the second major of the year at the PGA Championship by Oddschecker. The 2022 U.S. Open champion has also been the most-backed player this week with 23% of the total bets placed on the PGA Championship winner since his victory at Harbor Town. The second-most bet player this week has been Cameron Young, who tracked down and beat Fitzpatrick at The Players. Young has been backed by 6% of the total bets this week along with Ludvig Aberg, Sam Burns and Justin Rose. Scheffler is still the PGA Championship favorite at 7/2, giving him a 22% implied probability to win. He has been backed by 5% of the total bets this week along with LIV Golf’s Jon Rahm. The second shortest pre-tournament odds belong to Masters champion Rory McIlroy at 7/1. Rahm is 12/1, followed by Xander Schauffele and Bryson DeChambeau at 16/1 and Fitzpatrick and Young at 20/1. Fitzpatrick and his brother, Alex, are also the co-favorites ahead of this week’s Zurich Classic, the only team event on the PGA Tour. They are 11/1 along with the team of Brooks Koepka and Shane Lowry. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Redhot #Matt #Fitzpatrick #popular #PGA #Championship #pick

Deadspin | Red-hot Matt Fitzpatrick popular PGA Championship pick
Deadspin | Red-hot Matt Fitzpatrick popular PGA Championship pick Apr 18, 2026; Hilton Head, South Carolina, USA; Matt Fitzpatrick eyes his line on two green during the final round of the RBC Heritage golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images Matt Fitzpatrick’s recent run up to a career-best No. 3 in the Official World Golf Ranking has drawn significant attention from the public ahead of next month’s PGA Championship. Fitzpatrick outlasted World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler in a playoff to claim a signature event title at the RBC Heritage on Sunday. It was an exclamation point on a run that began with a runner-up at The Players Championship, a win at the Valspar Championship and a tie for 18th at the Masters. After a bogey on the 72nd hole on Sunday that dropped him into a playoff with Scheffler, Fitzgerald rebounded to knock his approach with a 4-iron into a stiff wind to 13 feet and drained the birdie putt on the first playoff hole. Following the effort Fitzgerald, 31, went from 35/1 to 20/1 to win the second major of the year at the PGA Championship by Oddschecker. The 2022 U.S. Open champion has also been the most-backed player this week with 23% of the total bets placed on the PGA Championship winner since his victory at Harbor Town. The second-most bet player this week has been Cameron Young, who tracked down and beat Fitzpatrick at The Players. Young has been backed by 6% of the total bets this week along with Ludvig Aberg, Sam Burns and Justin Rose. Scheffler is still the PGA Championship favorite at 7/2, giving him a 22% implied probability to win. He has been backed by 5% of the total bets this week along with LIV Golf’s Jon Rahm. The second shortest pre-tournament odds belong to Masters champion Rory McIlroy at 7/1. Rahm is 12/1, followed by Xander Schauffele and Bryson DeChambeau at 16/1 and Fitzpatrick and Young at 20/1. Fitzpatrick and his brother, Alex, are also the co-favorites ahead of this week’s Zurich Classic, the only team event on the PGA Tour. They are 11/1 along with the team of Brooks Koepka and Shane Lowry. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Redhot #Matt #Fitzpatrick #popular #PGA #Championship #pickApr 18, 2026; Hilton Head, South Carolina, USA; Matt Fitzpatrick eyes his line on two green during the final round of the RBC Heritage golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Matt Fitzpatrick’s recent run up to a career-best No. 3 in the Official World Golf Ranking has drawn significant attention from the public ahead of next month’s PGA Championship.

Fitzpatrick outlasted World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler in a playoff to claim a signature event title at the RBC Heritage on Sunday. It was an exclamation point on a run that began with a runner-up at The Players Championship, a win at the Valspar Championship and a tie for 18th at the Masters.

After a bogey on the 72nd hole on Sunday that dropped him into a playoff with Scheffler, Fitzgerald rebounded to knock his approach with a 4-iron into a stiff wind to 13 feet and drained the birdie putt on the first playoff hole.

Following the effort Fitzgerald, 31, went from 35/1 to 20/1 to win the second major of the year at the PGA Championship by Oddschecker. The 2022 U.S. Open champion has also been the most-backed player this week with 23% of the total bets placed on the PGA Championship winner since his victory at Harbor Town.


The second-most bet player this week has been Cameron Young, who tracked down and beat Fitzpatrick at The Players. Young has been backed by 6% of the total bets this week along with Ludvig Aberg, Sam Burns and Justin Rose.

Scheffler is still the PGA Championship favorite at 7/2, giving him a 22% implied probability to win. He has been backed by 5% of the total bets this week along with LIV Golf’s Jon Rahm.

The second shortest pre-tournament odds belong to Masters champion Rory McIlroy at 7/1. Rahm is 12/1, followed by Xander Schauffele and Bryson DeChambeau at 16/1 and Fitzpatrick and Young at 20/1.

Fitzpatrick and his brother, Alex, are also the co-favorites ahead of this week’s Zurich Classic, the only team event on the PGA Tour. They are 11/1 along with the team of Brooks Koepka and Shane Lowry.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Redhot #Matt #Fitzpatrick #popular #PGA #Championship #pick

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Apr 18, 2026; Hilton Head, South Carolina, USA; Matt Fitzpatrick eyes his line on two green during the final round of the RBC Heritage golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Matt Fitzpatrick’s recent run up to a career-best No. 3 in the Official World Golf Ranking has drawn significant attention from the public ahead of next month’s PGA Championship.

Fitzpatrick outlasted World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler in a playoff to claim a signature event title at the RBC Heritage on Sunday. It was an exclamation point on a run that began with a runner-up at The Players Championship, a win at the Valspar Championship and a tie for 18th at the Masters.

After a bogey on the 72nd hole on Sunday that dropped him into a playoff with Scheffler, Fitzgerald rebounded to knock his approach with a 4-iron into a stiff wind to 13 feet and drained the birdie putt on the first playoff hole.

Following the effort Fitzgerald, 31, went from 35/1 to 20/1 to win the second major of the year at the PGA Championship by Oddschecker. The 2022 U.S. Open champion has also been the most-backed player this week with 23% of the total bets placed on the PGA Championship winner since his victory at Harbor Town.

The second-most bet player this week has been Cameron Young, who tracked down and beat Fitzpatrick at The Players. Young has been backed by 6% of the total bets this week along with Ludvig Aberg, Sam Burns and Justin Rose.

Scheffler is still the PGA Championship favorite at 7/2, giving him a 22% implied probability to win. He has been backed by 5% of the total bets this week along with LIV Golf’s Jon Rahm.

The second shortest pre-tournament odds belong to Masters champion Rory McIlroy at 7/1. Rahm is 12/1, followed by Xander Schauffele and Bryson DeChambeau at 16/1 and Fitzpatrick and Young at 20/1.

Fitzpatrick and his brother, Alex, are also the co-favorites ahead of this week’s Zurich Classic, the only team event on the PGA Tour. They are 11/1 along with the team of Brooks Koepka and Shane Lowry.

–Field Level Media

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FIFA World Cup 2026 — Georgios Donis replaces Herve Renard as head coach of Saudi Arabia <div id="content-body-70900199" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Saudi Arabia officially appointed Georgios Donis as head coach on Thursday, firing Hervé Renard, with less than two months before the start of FIFA World Cup 2026.</p><p>The 56-year-old Donis, a former Greece international, joins from Al-Khaleej, one of several Saudi Pro League clubs he’s coached.</p><p>“He has extensive experience in the league, including his most recent post (which) enhances his ability to adapt quickly,” the Saudi soccer federation said in its announcement.</p><p>Saudi Arabia opens its Group H play at the World Cup against Uruguay on June 15. It also plays Spain and Cape Verde.</p><p>Donis was a longtime Panathinaikos midfielder who also played in England for Blackburn, Sheffield United and Huddersfield. He has also coached Panathinaikos and Maccabi Tel Aviv, among others.</p><p>The appointment brings Renard’s second spell to an end after he returned to Riyadh in October 2024 to replace Roberto Mancini.</p><p>The Frenchman, a two-time Africa Cup of Nations winner, came under pressure following a 0-4 friendly loss to Egypt and a 1-2 defeat to Serbia.</p><p>Renard’s first spell included Saudi Arabia’s famous 2-1 victory over eventual champion Argentina at the 2022 World Cup.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 24, 2026</p></div> #FIFA #World #Cup #Georgios #Donis #replaces #Herve #Renard #coach #Saudi #Arabia

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Mitchell Santner clutching his shoulder after completing a stunning catch to dismiss Kartik Sharma in the 17th over of Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) innings was there for all to see.

But when news emerged that Shardul Thakur had replaced Mitchell Santner as a concussion substitute during Mumbai Indians’ (MI) chase, it raised more than a few eyebrows.

MI’s head coach Mahela Jayawardene was quick to clarify the sequence of events, stressing that the injury was not limited to the shoulder.

“I think he hit his head first, neck, obviously the shoulder as well. He went for a scan because once he got back he felt dizziness, so he was lying down. Yes, the icing was there for the shoulder, but he felt that he wasn’t stable,” Jayawardene said after his side was annihilated at home by CSK.

“So we took him for a scan in that situation, so we requested (a concussion sub). Obviously it’s at the match referee’s and umpire’s discretion, so they allowed Shardul.”

According to playing conditions, a concussion substitute is permitted only as a like-for-like replacement if a player suffers a head injury during the course of a match.

Santner, who also leads New Zealand in T20Is, had been seen on screen with an ice pack on his shoulder, prompting speculation. Jayawardene’s explanation, however, underlined that the primary concern was the head impact and subsequent dizziness.

Adding a touch of humour to the situation, Jayawardene quipped about the perceived like-for-like nature of the replacement.

“Mitch will be disappointed that his batting power is matched to Shardul Thakur, but it is what it is,” he said. “But hopefully it’s not too bad. Once he comes back, we will have a look at it.”

Published on Apr 24, 2026

#IPL #coach #Jayawardene #clarifies #concussion #substitution #Shardul #Santner">IPL 2026: MI coach Jayawardene clarifies concussion substitution of Shardul for Santner Mitchell Santner clutching his shoulder after completing a stunning catch to dismiss Kartik Sharma in the 17th over of Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) innings was there for all to see.But when news emerged that Shardul Thakur had replaced Mitchell Santner as a concussion substitute during Mumbai Indians’ (MI) chase, it raised more than a few eyebrows.MI’s head coach Mahela Jayawardene was quick to clarify the sequence of events, stressing that the injury was not limited to the shoulder.“I think he hit his head first, neck, obviously the shoulder as well. He went for a scan because once he got back he felt dizziness, so he was lying down. Yes, the icing was there for the shoulder, but he felt that he wasn’t stable,” Jayawardene said after his side was annihilated at home by CSK.“So we took him for a scan in that situation, so we requested (a concussion sub). Obviously it’s at the match referee’s and umpire’s discretion, so they allowed Shardul.”According to playing conditions, a concussion substitute is permitted only as a like-for-like replacement if a player suffers a head injury during the course of a match.Santner, who also leads New Zealand in T20Is, had been seen on screen with an ice pack on his shoulder, prompting speculation. Jayawardene’s explanation, however, underlined that the primary concern was the head impact and subsequent dizziness.Adding a touch of humour to the situation, Jayawardene quipped about the perceived like-for-like nature of the replacement.“Mitch will be disappointed that his batting power is matched to Shardul Thakur, but it is what it is,” he said. “But hopefully it’s not too bad. Once he comes back, we will have a look at it.”Published on Apr 24, 2026 #IPL #coach #Jayawardene #clarifies #concussion #substitution #Shardul #Santner

Deadspin | 2026 NFL Draft: Best available on Day 2 Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (DB20) speaks to media members during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images Round 1 of the NFL Draft came and went on Friday, starting the slide for prospects who were once viewed as first-rounders. Here’s a look at the best players still available as we head into Round 2 of the draft: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee — McCoy missed the entire 2025 season due to a torn right ACL, and his drop isn’t surprising given the news that there was still some work to do in the healing process. McCoy still being on the board means that, on Day 2 of the draft, a team will get a high-level player in terms of pure football talent. McCoy’s best reps from the 2024 season would have cemented him as a top 10 player had they occurred this year, but with the time away from the sport, McCoy slid. Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee — It wasn’t just an injured Tennessee secondary player who fell, as even a healthy one is still on the board. Hood being available in Round 2 is legitimately surprising, as his burst and physicality made him an obvious candidate for an early selection, not to mention his clean bill of health. You have to wonder if McCoy’s injury is hurting Hood’s stock. It will be interesting to keep track of what ultimately wins out, health or ability. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo — While two safeties came off the board in Round 1 (somewhat of a rarity), McNeil-Warren was not one of them. Perhaps it was to do with his Group of 5 background, or because his man-coverage ability still needed some cleanup. His zone instincts and impressive athleticism should make McNeil-Warren one of the first players to come off the board in Day 2, turning the Toledo defensive back into an early starter for a team. Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M — Most of the edge rushers selected on Thursday came with standard measurements, outside of Rueben Bain Jr., who slid to No. 15. Howell is likely still on the board because of his arm length, measured between 30 and 31 inches, depending on who you ask. If a team is willing to take a chance on an unorthodox player, it will get one of this draft’s most prolific speed rushers with a habit of converting pressures into sacks. Howell also does strong work dropping into coverage, so he should be chosen pretty early in Round 2. Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State — Four Ohio State players heard their names called Thursday night, but McDonald was not one of them. Teams may not have seen a lot of creativity with McDonald, who profiled primarily as a run-stopping nose tackle. While that evaluation could leave you believing McDonald had limited value, if a team needs an anchor in the defensive front, McDonald will hear his name called earlier in Round 2. Here’s a secret: His pass-rush reps aren’t so bad either. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NFL #Draft #DayFeb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (DB20) speaks to media members during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

Round 1 of the NFL Draft came and went on Friday, starting the slide for prospects who were once viewed as first-rounders. Here’s a look at the best players still available as we head into Round 2 of the draft:

Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee — McCoy missed the entire 2025 season due to a torn right ACL, and his drop isn’t surprising given the news that there was still some work to do in the healing process. McCoy still being on the board means that, on Day 2 of the draft, a team will get a high-level player in terms of pure football talent. McCoy’s best reps from the 2024 season would have cemented him as a top 10 player had they occurred this year, but with the time away from the sport, McCoy slid.

Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee — It wasn’t just an injured Tennessee secondary player who fell, as even a healthy one is still on the board. Hood being available in Round 2 is legitimately surprising, as his burst and physicality made him an obvious candidate for an early selection, not to mention his clean bill of health. You have to wonder if McCoy’s injury is hurting Hood’s stock. It will be interesting to keep track of what ultimately wins out, health or ability.


Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo — While two safeties came off the board in Round 1 (somewhat of a rarity), McNeil-Warren was not one of them. Perhaps it was to do with his Group of 5 background, or because his man-coverage ability still needed some cleanup. His zone instincts and impressive athleticism should make McNeil-Warren one of the first players to come off the board in Day 2, turning the Toledo defensive back into an early starter for a team.

Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M — Most of the edge rushers selected on Thursday came with standard measurements, outside of Rueben Bain Jr., who slid to No. 15. Howell is likely still on the board because of his arm length, measured between 30 and 31 inches, depending on who you ask. If a team is willing to take a chance on an unorthodox player, it will get one of this draft’s most prolific speed rushers with a habit of converting pressures into sacks. Howell also does strong work dropping into coverage, so he should be chosen pretty early in Round 2.

Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State — Four Ohio State players heard their names called Thursday night, but McDonald was not one of them. Teams may not have seen a lot of creativity with McDonald, who profiled primarily as a run-stopping nose tackle. While that evaluation could leave you believing McDonald had limited value, if a team needs an anchor in the defensive front, McDonald will hear his name called earlier in Round 2. Here’s a secret: His pass-rush reps aren’t so bad either.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #NFL #Draft #Day">Deadspin | 2026 NFL Draft: Best available on Day 2 Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (DB20) speaks to media members during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images Round 1 of the NFL Draft came and went on Friday, starting the slide for prospects who were once viewed as first-rounders. Here’s a look at the best players still available as we head into Round 2 of the draft: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee — McCoy missed the entire 2025 season due to a torn right ACL, and his drop isn’t surprising given the news that there was still some work to do in the healing process. McCoy still being on the board means that, on Day 2 of the draft, a team will get a high-level player in terms of pure football talent. McCoy’s best reps from the 2024 season would have cemented him as a top 10 player had they occurred this year, but with the time away from the sport, McCoy slid. Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee — It wasn’t just an injured Tennessee secondary player who fell, as even a healthy one is still on the board. Hood being available in Round 2 is legitimately surprising, as his burst and physicality made him an obvious candidate for an early selection, not to mention his clean bill of health. You have to wonder if McCoy’s injury is hurting Hood’s stock. It will be interesting to keep track of what ultimately wins out, health or ability. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo — While two safeties came off the board in Round 1 (somewhat of a rarity), McNeil-Warren was not one of them. Perhaps it was to do with his Group of 5 background, or because his man-coverage ability still needed some cleanup. His zone instincts and impressive athleticism should make McNeil-Warren one of the first players to come off the board in Day 2, turning the Toledo defensive back into an early starter for a team. Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M — Most of the edge rushers selected on Thursday came with standard measurements, outside of Rueben Bain Jr., who slid to No. 15. Howell is likely still on the board because of his arm length, measured between 30 and 31 inches, depending on who you ask. If a team is willing to take a chance on an unorthodox player, it will get one of this draft’s most prolific speed rushers with a habit of converting pressures into sacks. Howell also does strong work dropping into coverage, so he should be chosen pretty early in Round 2. Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State — Four Ohio State players heard their names called Thursday night, but McDonald was not one of them. Teams may not have seen a lot of creativity with McDonald, who profiled primarily as a run-stopping nose tackle. While that evaluation could leave you believing McDonald had limited value, if a team needs an anchor in the defensive front, McDonald will hear his name called earlier in Round 2. Here’s a secret: His pass-rush reps aren’t so bad either. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NFL #Draft #Day

CJ McCollum hit the game-winner with 12.5 seconds remaining as the Atlanta Hawks pulled off another nail-biting victory over New York to take a 2-1 lead in their NBA first-round playoff series on Thursday.

The Hawks beat the Knicks 109-108 in Atlanta, their second straight one-point triumph giving them the advantage in their best-of-seven Eastern Conference Series.

The Toronto Raptors also thrived at home, pulling away late in a 126-104 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers to cut the deficit in their series to 2-1.

The Hawks produced a fine collective effort, especially on the defensive end, to thwart the third-seeded Knicks’ comeback bid.

With plenty of time after McCollum’s go-ahead basket, the Knicks were unable to get a shot off as the Hawks pressured Jalen Brunson into a poor pass intended for Josh Hart and Jonathan Kuminga lunged in for a game-clinching steal.

“Picture perfect,” McCollum said. “When it was time to get a stop our guys dug deep and they did what it takes to win in these types of environments.”

Jalen Johnson scored 24 points, pulled down 10 rebounds and handed out eight assists for the Hawks. McCollum added 23 points and Kuminga scored 21 off the bench.

The Hawks led by as many as 18 in the first half, but the Knicks took a 108-105 lead on a three-point play by Brunson, who was fouled by McCollum on a drive to the basket and converted the free throw with 1:03 to play.

Johnson pulled the Hawks back within one with a putback layup and, after misses by Hart and Brunson, McCollum came through.

“I got to a spot and did what I had to do to get this win,” McCollum said.

OG Anunoby scored 29 points and grabbed nine rebounds for the Knicks.

Brunson scored 26 points and Karl-Anthony Towns scored 21 points with 17 rebounds for New York, who will try to turn the tables in game four in Atlanta on Saturday.

In Toronto, Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett scored 33 points apiece, and rookie Collin Murray-Boyles added 22 off the bench for the Raptors.

Barnes handed out 11 assists and the Raptors, who took a two-point lead into the fourth quarter, stormed home.

They connected on eight of nine three-point attempts in the final frame, out-scoring the Cavaliers 43-23.

“We knew we needed one,” said Barnes after the Raptors avoided falling behind 0-3, a deficit no NBA team has come back from to win a playoff series.

Toronto will try to level the Eastern Conference series when they host game four on Sunday.

James Harden scored 18 points and the Cavs also got 15 apiece from Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Max Strus.

– Timberwolves dominate Nuggets –

In Minneapolis, Rudy Gobert keyed a formidable Minnesota defensive effort in the Timberwolves’ 113-96 victory over Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.

The Timberwolves, who had erased an early 19-point deficit to snatch game two in Denver, seized a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference series and host game four on Saturday.

Minnesota led all the way in this one, holding the Nuggets to 11 points in the first quarter and pushing their lead to as many as 27 in the third.

Ayo Dosunmu scored 25 points off the bench for the Timberwolves.

Jaden McDaniels scored 20 points and added 10 rebounds as Anthony Edwards, limited by foul trouble, scored 17.

Gobert kept three-time NBA Most Valuable Player Jokic largely in check.

The Serbian star finished with 27 points and 15 rebounds but connected on just seven of 26 shots from the field.

Published on Apr 24, 2026

#NBA #Playoffs #Hawks #fend #Knicks #Raptors #pull #Cavaliers #cut #deficit">NBA Playoffs: Hawks fend off Knicks, Raptors pull away from Cavaliers to cut deficit CJ McCollum hit the game-winner with 12.5 seconds remaining as the Atlanta Hawks pulled off another nail-biting victory over New York to take a 2-1 lead in their NBA first-round playoff series on Thursday.The Hawks beat the Knicks 109-108 in Atlanta, their second straight one-point triumph giving them the advantage in their best-of-seven Eastern Conference Series.The Toronto Raptors also thrived at home, pulling away late in a 126-104 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers to cut the deficit in their series to 2-1.The Hawks produced a fine collective effort, especially on the defensive end, to thwart the third-seeded Knicks’ comeback bid.With plenty of time after McCollum’s go-ahead basket, the Knicks were unable to get a shot off as the Hawks pressured Jalen Brunson into a poor pass intended for Josh Hart and Jonathan Kuminga lunged in for a game-clinching steal.“Picture perfect,” McCollum said. “When it was time to get a stop our guys dug deep and they did what it takes to win in these types of environments.”Jalen Johnson scored 24 points, pulled down 10 rebounds and handed out eight assists for the Hawks. McCollum added 23 points and Kuminga scored 21 off the bench.The Hawks led by as many as 18 in the first half, but the Knicks took a 108-105 lead on a three-point play by Brunson, who was fouled by McCollum on a drive to the basket and converted the free throw with 1:03 to play.Johnson pulled the Hawks back within one with a putback layup and, after misses by Hart and Brunson, McCollum came through.“I got to a spot and did what I had to do to get this win,” McCollum said.OG Anunoby scored 29 points and grabbed nine rebounds for the Knicks.Brunson scored 26 points and Karl-Anthony Towns scored 21 points with 17 rebounds for New York, who will try to turn the tables in game four in Atlanta on Saturday.In Toronto, Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett scored 33 points apiece, and rookie Collin Murray-Boyles added 22 off the bench for the Raptors.Barnes handed out 11 assists and the Raptors, who took a two-point lead into the fourth quarter, stormed home.They connected on eight of nine three-point attempts in the final frame, out-scoring the Cavaliers 43-23.“We knew we needed one,” said Barnes after the Raptors avoided falling behind 0-3, a deficit no NBA team has come back from to win a playoff series.Toronto will try to level the Eastern Conference series when they host game four on Sunday.James Harden scored 18 points and the Cavs also got 15 apiece from Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Max Strus.– Timberwolves dominate Nuggets –In Minneapolis, Rudy Gobert keyed a formidable Minnesota defensive effort in the Timberwolves’ 113-96 victory over Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.The Timberwolves, who had erased an early 19-point deficit to snatch game two in Denver, seized a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference series and host game four on Saturday.Minnesota led all the way in this one, holding the Nuggets to 11 points in the first quarter and pushing their lead to as many as 27 in the third.Ayo Dosunmu scored 25 points off the bench for the Timberwolves.Jaden McDaniels scored 20 points and added 10 rebounds as Anthony Edwards, limited by foul trouble, scored 17.Gobert kept three-time NBA Most Valuable Player Jokic largely in check.The Serbian star finished with 27 points and 15 rebounds but connected on just seven of 26 shots from the field.Published on Apr 24, 2026 #NBA #Playoffs #Hawks #fend #Knicks #Raptors #pull #Cavaliers #cut #deficit

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