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NBA roundup: Orlando Magic leads from start, downs top-seeded Detroit Pistons in opener  Paolo Banchero collected 23 points and nine rebounds as the visiting Orlando Magic never trailed in upsetting the top-seeded Detroit Pistons 112-101 in Game 1 of their Eastern ​Conference first-round series on Sunday.Every Magic starter scored at least 16 points. Franz Wagner supplied ‌19 points, five rebounds and four assists while Wendell Carter Jr. and ​Desmond Bane each contributed 17 points and five assists. Jalen Suggs had ⁠16 points, four assists and three steals.The Pistons have lost 11 straight playoff home games dating back to the 2008 Eastern Conference finals.Cade Cunningham carried Detroit with 39 points. Tobias Harris was ‌the only other Piston in double figures with 17 points. All-Star center Jalen Duren attempted only four shots in 33 minutes while being held to ‌eight points and seven rebounds. Orlando shot 48.9% from the field while limiting ‌Detroit ⁠to 40.3% shooting.Thunder 119, Suns 84Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 25 points to pace ⁠Oklahoma City to a blowout of visiting Phoenix in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round series. Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) looks to shoot over Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12).
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                AP
                            

                            Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) looks to shoot over Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12).
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                AP
                                                    Gilgeous-Alexander was just 5 of 18 from the field but went 15 of 17 from the free-throw line and ​had a game-high seven assists. Jalen ‌Williams added 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists in just 29 minutes while Chet Holmgren contributed 16 points.The Suns, who shot just 34.9% from the field, were led by Devin Booker’s 23 points. Dillon Brooks added 18 and Jalen Green 17. ‌The Thunder scored 34 points off 19 Phoenix turnovers.Celtics 123, 76ers 91Jaylen Brown ​scored a game-high 26 points and Jayson Tatum added 25 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists to lead Boston over visiting Philadelphia in ⁠Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series.Sam Hauser made 4 of 6 attempts from 3-point range to add 12 points for the second-seeded Celtics, who never trailed. ‌Neemias Queta was in foul trouble for much of the game but scored 13 points in 15 minutes of playing time.Seventh-seeded Philadelphia received 21 points with eight assists from Tyrese Maxey and 17 from Paul George. The 76ers shot 38.9% from the floor, including 4 of 23 (17.4%) from 3-point territory. Philadelphia also committed 15 turnovers, which helped Boston hold a 22-3 edge in points off turnovers.ALSO READ | LeBron James hits 19 points as Lakers beat RocketsSpurs 111, Trail Blazers 98Victor Wembanyama hit ‌for 35 points in his postseason debut as host San Antonio Spurs outlasted Portland in Game 1 ​of their Western Conference first- round playoff series.Wembanyama broke Tim Duncan’s franchise record (32 in 1998) for points in a playoff debut. He led all ⁠first-half scorers with 21 points — a league record for most in the first half of an ⁠NBA playoff debut going back to 1997, the start of the play-by-play era. Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox added 17 points apiece for the Spurs, with ‌Devin Vassell scoring 15 and Luke Kornet hitting for 10.Deni Avdija racked up 30 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Trail Blazers. Scoot Henderson scored 18, ​Robert Williams III had 11, Shaedon Sharpe hit for 10 and Jrue Holiday distributed 11 assists along with nine points.Published on Apr 20, 2026  #NBA #roundup #Orlando #Magic #leads #start #downs #topseeded #Detroit #Pistons #opener

NBA roundup: Orlando Magic leads from start, downs top-seeded Detroit Pistons in opener

Paolo Banchero collected 23 points and nine rebounds as the visiting Orlando Magic never trailed in upsetting the top-seeded Detroit Pistons 112-101 in Game 1 of their Eastern ​Conference first-round series on Sunday.

Every Magic starter scored at least 16 points. Franz Wagner supplied ‌19 points, five rebounds and four assists while Wendell Carter Jr. and ​Desmond Bane each contributed 17 points and five assists. Jalen Suggs had ⁠16 points, four assists and three steals.

The Pistons have lost 11 straight playoff home games dating back to the 2008 Eastern Conference finals.

Cade Cunningham carried Detroit with 39 points. Tobias Harris was ‌the only other Piston in double figures with 17 points. All-Star center Jalen Duren attempted only four shots in 33 minutes while being held to ‌eight points and seven rebounds. Orlando shot 48.9% from the field while limiting ‌Detroit ⁠to 40.3% shooting.

Thunder 119, Suns 84

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 25 points to pace ⁠Oklahoma City to a blowout of visiting Phoenix in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round series.

NBA roundup: Orlando Magic leads from start, downs top-seeded Detroit Pistons in opener  Paolo Banchero collected 23 points and nine rebounds as the visiting Orlando Magic never trailed in upsetting the top-seeded Detroit Pistons 112-101 in Game 1 of their Eastern ​Conference first-round series on Sunday.Every Magic starter scored at least 16 points. Franz Wagner supplied ‌19 points, five rebounds and four assists while Wendell Carter Jr. and ​Desmond Bane each contributed 17 points and five assists. Jalen Suggs had ⁠16 points, four assists and three steals.The Pistons have lost 11 straight playoff home games dating back to the 2008 Eastern Conference finals.Cade Cunningham carried Detroit with 39 points. Tobias Harris was ‌the only other Piston in double figures with 17 points. All-Star center Jalen Duren attempted only four shots in 33 minutes while being held to ‌eight points and seven rebounds. Orlando shot 48.9% from the field while limiting ‌Detroit ⁠to 40.3% shooting.Thunder 119, Suns 84Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 25 points to pace ⁠Oklahoma City to a blowout of visiting Phoenix in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round series. Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) looks to shoot over Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12).
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                AP
                            

                            Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) looks to shoot over Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12).
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                AP
                                                    Gilgeous-Alexander was just 5 of 18 from the field but went 15 of 17 from the free-throw line and ​had a game-high seven assists. Jalen ‌Williams added 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists in just 29 minutes while Chet Holmgren contributed 16 points.The Suns, who shot just 34.9% from the field, were led by Devin Booker’s 23 points. Dillon Brooks added 18 and Jalen Green 17. ‌The Thunder scored 34 points off 19 Phoenix turnovers.Celtics 123, 76ers 91Jaylen Brown ​scored a game-high 26 points and Jayson Tatum added 25 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists to lead Boston over visiting Philadelphia in ⁠Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series.Sam Hauser made 4 of 6 attempts from 3-point range to add 12 points for the second-seeded Celtics, who never trailed. ‌Neemias Queta was in foul trouble for much of the game but scored 13 points in 15 minutes of playing time.Seventh-seeded Philadelphia received 21 points with eight assists from Tyrese Maxey and 17 from Paul George. The 76ers shot 38.9% from the floor, including 4 of 23 (17.4%) from 3-point territory. Philadelphia also committed 15 turnovers, which helped Boston hold a 22-3 edge in points off turnovers.ALSO READ | LeBron James hits 19 points as Lakers beat RocketsSpurs 111, Trail Blazers 98Victor Wembanyama hit ‌for 35 points in his postseason debut as host San Antonio Spurs outlasted Portland in Game 1 ​of their Western Conference first- round playoff series.Wembanyama broke Tim Duncan’s franchise record (32 in 1998) for points in a playoff debut. He led all ⁠first-half scorers with 21 points — a league record for most in the first half of an ⁠NBA playoff debut going back to 1997, the start of the play-by-play era. Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox added 17 points apiece for the Spurs, with ‌Devin Vassell scoring 15 and Luke Kornet hitting for 10.Deni Avdija racked up 30 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Trail Blazers. Scoot Henderson scored 18, ​Robert Williams III had 11, Shaedon Sharpe hit for 10 and Jrue Holiday distributed 11 assists along with nine points.Published on Apr 20, 2026  #NBA #roundup #Orlando #Magic #leads #start #downs #topseeded #Detroit #Pistons #opener

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) looks to shoot over Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12). | Photo Credit: AP

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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) looks to shoot over Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12). | Photo Credit: AP

Gilgeous-Alexander was just 5 of 18 from the field but went 15 of 17 from the free-throw line and ​had a game-high seven assists. Jalen ‌Williams added 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists in just 29 minutes while Chet Holmgren contributed 16 points.

The Suns, who shot just 34.9% from the field, were led by Devin Booker’s 23 points. Dillon Brooks added 18 and Jalen Green 17. ‌The Thunder scored 34 points off 19 Phoenix turnovers.

Celtics 123, 76ers 91

Jaylen Brown ​scored a game-high 26 points and Jayson Tatum added 25 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists to lead Boston over visiting Philadelphia in ⁠Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series.

Sam Hauser made 4 of 6 attempts from 3-point range to add 12 points for the second-seeded Celtics, who never trailed. ‌Neemias Queta was in foul trouble for much of the game but scored 13 points in 15 minutes of playing time.

Seventh-seeded Philadelphia received 21 points with eight assists from Tyrese Maxey and 17 from Paul George. The 76ers shot 38.9% from the floor, including 4 of 23 (17.4%) from 3-point territory. Philadelphia also committed 15 turnovers, which helped Boston hold a 22-3 edge in points off turnovers.

ALSO READ | LeBron James hits 19 points as Lakers beat Rockets

Spurs 111, Trail Blazers 98

Victor Wembanyama hit ‌for 35 points in his postseason debut as host San Antonio Spurs outlasted Portland in Game 1 ​of their Western Conference first- round playoff series.

Wembanyama broke Tim Duncan’s franchise record (32 in 1998) for points in a playoff debut. He led all ⁠first-half scorers with 21 points — a league record for most in the first half of an ⁠NBA playoff debut going back to 1997, the start of the play-by-play era. Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox added 17 points apiece for the Spurs, with ‌Devin Vassell scoring 15 and Luke Kornet hitting for 10.

Deni Avdija racked up 30 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Trail Blazers. Scoot Henderson scored 18, ​Robert Williams III had 11, Shaedon Sharpe hit for 10 and Jrue Holiday distributed 11 assists along with nine points.

Published on Apr 20, 2026

#NBA #roundup #Orlando #Magic #leads #start #downs #topseeded #Detroit #Pistons #opener

Paolo Banchero collected 23 points and nine rebounds as the visiting Orlando Magic never trailed in upsetting the top-seeded Detroit Pistons 112-101 in Game 1 of their Eastern ​Conference first-round series on Sunday.

Every Magic starter scored at least 16 points. Franz Wagner supplied ‌19 points, five rebounds and four assists while Wendell Carter Jr. and ​Desmond Bane each contributed 17 points and five assists. Jalen Suggs had ⁠16 points, four assists and three steals.

The Pistons have lost 11 straight playoff home games dating back to the 2008 Eastern Conference finals.

Cade Cunningham carried Detroit with 39 points. Tobias Harris was ‌the only other Piston in double figures with 17 points. All-Star center Jalen Duren attempted only four shots in 33 minutes while being held to ‌eight points and seven rebounds. Orlando shot 48.9% from the field while limiting ‌Detroit ⁠to 40.3% shooting.

Thunder 119, Suns 84

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 25 points to pace ⁠Oklahoma City to a blowout of visiting Phoenix in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round series.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) looks to shoot over Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12).
| Photo Credit:
AP

lightbox-info

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) looks to shoot over Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12).
| Photo Credit:
AP

Gilgeous-Alexander was just 5 of 18 from the field but went 15 of 17 from the free-throw line and ​had a game-high seven assists. Jalen ‌Williams added 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists in just 29 minutes while Chet Holmgren contributed 16 points.

The Suns, who shot just 34.9% from the field, were led by Devin Booker’s 23 points. Dillon Brooks added 18 and Jalen Green 17. ‌The Thunder scored 34 points off 19 Phoenix turnovers.

Celtics 123, 76ers 91

Jaylen Brown ​scored a game-high 26 points and Jayson Tatum added 25 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists to lead Boston over visiting Philadelphia in ⁠Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series.

Sam Hauser made 4 of 6 attempts from 3-point range to add 12 points for the second-seeded Celtics, who never trailed. ‌Neemias Queta was in foul trouble for much of the game but scored 13 points in 15 minutes of playing time.

Seventh-seeded Philadelphia received 21 points with eight assists from Tyrese Maxey and 17 from Paul George. The 76ers shot 38.9% from the floor, including 4 of 23 (17.4%) from 3-point territory. Philadelphia also committed 15 turnovers, which helped Boston hold a 22-3 edge in points off turnovers.

ALSO READ | LeBron James hits 19 points as Lakers beat Rockets

Spurs 111, Trail Blazers 98

Victor Wembanyama hit ‌for 35 points in his postseason debut as host San Antonio Spurs outlasted Portland in Game 1 ​of their Western Conference first- round playoff series.

Wembanyama broke Tim Duncan’s franchise record (32 in 1998) for points in a playoff debut. He led all ⁠first-half scorers with 21 points — a league record for most in the first half of an ⁠NBA playoff debut going back to 1997, the start of the play-by-play era. Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox added 17 points apiece for the Spurs, with ‌Devin Vassell scoring 15 and Luke Kornet hitting for 10.

Deni Avdija racked up 30 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Trail Blazers. Scoot Henderson scored 18, ​Robert Williams III had 11, Shaedon Sharpe hit for 10 and Jrue Holiday distributed 11 assists along with nine points.

Published on Apr 20, 2026

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Deadspin | Four teams at 2-0 after opening week of CDL Stage 3 qualifying <div id=""><section id="section-0"> <p>FaZe Vegas and Toronto KOI joined two other teams at 2-0 in the standings after the first week of qualifying for the Call of Duty League’s Stage 3.</p> </section><section id="section-1"> <p>The Paris Gentle Mates and Vancouver Surge, who did not have matches on Sunday, also are 2-0.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Toronto downed Boston Breach, while FaZe Vegas topped the Riyadh Falcons and OpTic Texas won its first match over Cloud9 New York. All matches were by 3-1 decisions.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>The 12 Call of Duty League teams are playing a full qualifying round robin to determine seeding for the third major of the season, to be held May 15-17 as part of the DreamHack Atlanta event.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Toronto KOI won the opening map, Den Hardpoint, 250-178, then fell to Boston Breach 6-4 on Fringe Search and Destroy. Toronto closed out with wins on Exposure Overload (4-3) and Gridlock Hardpoint (250-191) to take the match.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Nicholas “Kips” Lyons of the United States paced Toronto with 87 kills and a plus-9 kills-deaths differential and was selected match MVP.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>FaZe Vegas opened with a 250-158 victory on Colossus Hardpoint before the Riyadh Falcons drew even with a 6-2 win on Fringe Search and Destroy. Vegas won two narrow decisions from there, 5-4 on Scar Overload and 250-241 on Scar Hardpoint.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Jordan “Abuzah” Francois of Belgium led Vegas with 100 kills and a plus-10 K-D differential and was picked the match MVP.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>OpTic Texas followed a similar pattern in defeating Cloud9 New York. Texas triumphed on Colossus Hardpoint (250-186), lost on Fringe Search and Destroy (6-5), then won on Scar Overload (5-2) and Gridlock Hardpoint (250-210).</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Anthony “Shotzzy” Cuevas-Castro of the United States was MVP of the match with 106 kills and a plus-27 K-D differential.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Week 2, Day 1 schedule for May 1</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>–OpTic Texas vs. Boston Breach</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>–Los Angeles Thieves vs. Cloud9 New York</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>–FaZe Vegas vs. Carolina Royal Ravens</p> </section><br/><section id="section-14"> <p>Call of Duty League Stage 3 Major qualifying, with match record and map differential</p> </section> <section id="section-15"> <p>1. FaZeVegas, 2-0, 6-1</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>T2. Paris Gentle Mates, 2-0, 6-2</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>T2. Toronto KOI, 2-0, 6-2</p> </section><section id="section-18"> <p>T2. Vancouver Surge, 2-0, 6-2</p> </section><section id="section-19"> <p>T5. Los Angeles Thieves, 1-0, 3-1</p> </section><section id="section-20"> <p>T5. OpTic Texas, 1-0, 3-1</p> </section><section id="section-21"> <p>T7. Cloud9 New York, 0-1, 1-3</p> </section><section id="section-22"> <p>T7. Miami Heretics, 0-1, 1-3</p> </section><section id="section-23"> <p>9. Carolina Royal Ravens, 0-2, 3-6</p> </section><section id="section-24"> <p>10. Riyadh Falcons, 0-2, 2-6</p> </section><section id="section-25"> <p>T11. Boston Breach, 0-2, 1-6</p> </section><section id="section-26"> <p>T11. G2 Minnesota, 0-2, 1-6</p> </section><section id="section-27"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #teams #opening #week #CDL #Stage #qualifying

Deadspin | Sabres rally past Bruins in 3rd for 1st playoff win since ’11  Apr 19, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Viktor Arvidsson (71) and Buffalo Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson (23) go after a loose puck during the first period in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images   Tage Thompson scored two of the four goals by the Buffalo Sabres in the final eight minutes of the third period in a 4-3 comeback win against the visiting Boston Bruins in Game 1 of their best-of-seven Eastern Conference first-round series on Sunday night.  Mattias Samuelsson and Alex Tuch scored the final two goals and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 17 saves for Buffalo, the Atlantic Division champion that was appearing in its first playoff game in 15 years. Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is Tuesday in Buffalo.  David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie each had a goal and two assists,  Elias Lindholm also scored and Jeremy Swayman made 34 saves for Boston, the first wild card from the Eastern Conference.  Thompson cut it to 2-1 at 12:02 of the third when he pulled the puck out from behind the Boston net and pushed it across the goal line before Swayman could slide over.  Thompson recovered the puck below the goal line and went to the side of the crease before sliding the puck under Swayman’s pads to tie it 2-2 at 15:44.  Samuelsson then scored with a wrist shot from just above the left hash marks to give the Sabres a 3-2 lead at 16:36.  Tuch scored into an empty net with 1:12 left to make it 4-2, which came in handy after Pastrnak scored a power-play goal with eight seconds left to cut it to 4-3.   The Bruins took a 1-0 lead at 10:52 of the first period.  Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin blocked a shot by Pastrnak from just above the right circle off a rush, but the puck caromed to Geekie in the slot and he scored with a one-timer.  Geekie led the Bruins with 39 goals during the regular season.  The Sabres went on their second power play after Pavel Zacha was called for holding Alex Tuch, but the best scoring chance belonged to Boston forward Sean Kuraly, who stole a drop pass in the Buffalo zone before he was stopped on a breakaway at 1:41 of the second period.  Luukkonen also stopped Pastrnak on two breakaways during the second period to keep it a one-goal deficit.  Boston was outshot 13-4 in the second period, however, giving Buffalo a 27-13 edge entering the third, but the Bruins made it 2-0 at 1:08 of the third when Geekie’s shot from the slot hit the right post and the rebound came to Lindholm, who fired it into the net from the right hash marks.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Sabres #rally #Bruins #3rd #1st #playoff #winApr 19, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Viktor Arvidsson (71) and Buffalo Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson (23) go after a loose puck during the first period in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

Tage Thompson scored two of the four goals by the Buffalo Sabres in the final eight minutes of the third period in a 4-3 comeback win against the visiting Boston Bruins in Game 1 of their best-of-seven Eastern Conference first-round series on Sunday night.

Mattias Samuelsson and Alex Tuch scored the final two goals and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 17 saves for Buffalo, the Atlantic Division champion that was appearing in its first playoff game in 15 years. Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is Tuesday in Buffalo.

David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie each had a goal and two assists, Elias Lindholm also scored and Jeremy Swayman made 34 saves for Boston, the first wild card from the Eastern Conference.

Thompson cut it to 2-1 at 12:02 of the third when he pulled the puck out from behind the Boston net and pushed it across the goal line before Swayman could slide over.

Thompson recovered the puck below the goal line and went to the side of the crease before sliding the puck under Swayman’s pads to tie it 2-2 at 15:44.

Samuelsson then scored with a wrist shot from just above the left hash marks to give the Sabres a 3-2 lead at 16:36.


Tuch scored into an empty net with 1:12 left to make it 4-2, which came in handy after Pastrnak scored a power-play goal with eight seconds left to cut it to 4-3.

The Bruins took a 1-0 lead at 10:52 of the first period.

Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin blocked a shot by Pastrnak from just above the right circle off a rush, but the puck caromed to Geekie in the slot and he scored with a one-timer.

Geekie led the Bruins with 39 goals during the regular season.

The Sabres went on their second power play after Pavel Zacha was called for holding Alex Tuch, but the best scoring chance belonged to Boston forward Sean Kuraly, who stole a drop pass in the Buffalo zone before he was stopped on a breakaway at 1:41 of the second period.

Luukkonen also stopped Pastrnak on two breakaways during the second period to keep it a one-goal deficit.

Boston was outshot 13-4 in the second period, however, giving Buffalo a 27-13 edge entering the third, but the Bruins made it 2-0 at 1:08 of the third when Geekie’s shot from the slot hit the right post and the rebound came to Lindholm, who fired it into the net from the right hash marks.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Sabres #rally #Bruins #3rd #1st #playoff #win">Deadspin | Sabres rally past Bruins in 3rd for 1st playoff win since ’11  Apr 19, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Viktor Arvidsson (71) and Buffalo Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson (23) go after a loose puck during the first period in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images   Tage Thompson scored two of the four goals by the Buffalo Sabres in the final eight minutes of the third period in a 4-3 comeback win against the visiting Boston Bruins in Game 1 of their best-of-seven Eastern Conference first-round series on Sunday night.  Mattias Samuelsson and Alex Tuch scored the final two goals and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 17 saves for Buffalo, the Atlantic Division champion that was appearing in its first playoff game in 15 years. Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is Tuesday in Buffalo.  David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie each had a goal and two assists,  Elias Lindholm also scored and Jeremy Swayman made 34 saves for Boston, the first wild card from the Eastern Conference.  Thompson cut it to 2-1 at 12:02 of the third when he pulled the puck out from behind the Boston net and pushed it across the goal line before Swayman could slide over.  Thompson recovered the puck below the goal line and went to the side of the crease before sliding the puck under Swayman’s pads to tie it 2-2 at 15:44.  Samuelsson then scored with a wrist shot from just above the left hash marks to give the Sabres a 3-2 lead at 16:36.  Tuch scored into an empty net with 1:12 left to make it 4-2, which came in handy after Pastrnak scored a power-play goal with eight seconds left to cut it to 4-3.   The Bruins took a 1-0 lead at 10:52 of the first period.  Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin blocked a shot by Pastrnak from just above the right circle off a rush, but the puck caromed to Geekie in the slot and he scored with a one-timer.  Geekie led the Bruins with 39 goals during the regular season.  The Sabres went on their second power play after Pavel Zacha was called for holding Alex Tuch, but the best scoring chance belonged to Boston forward Sean Kuraly, who stole a drop pass in the Buffalo zone before he was stopped on a breakaway at 1:41 of the second period.  Luukkonen also stopped Pastrnak on two breakaways during the second period to keep it a one-goal deficit.  Boston was outshot 13-4 in the second period, however, giving Buffalo a 27-13 edge entering the third, but the Bruins made it 2-0 at 1:08 of the third when Geekie’s shot from the slot hit the right post and the rebound came to Lindholm, who fired it into the net from the right hash marks.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Sabres #rally #Bruins #3rd #1st #playoff #win

Defending champion John Korir returns to the Boston Marathon on Monday aiming for a fourth straight marathon crown after adding victories in Chicago and Valencia last year.

The Kenyan, who overcame an early fall to clock the third-fastest time ever in Boston — with a timing of 2:04.45 — can expect a strong challenge from 2021 winner Benson Kipruto as well as Alphonce Felix Simbu and Cybrian Kotut, who finished second and third last year.

Kenya’s Kipruto, who won the New York City Marathon last year to complete his collection of all the US World Marathon Majors, is the fastest man in the field with a personal best of 2:02.16.

Simbu followed his runner-up finish in Boston, 19 seconds behind Korir, with a victory in the World Championships marathon in Tokyo.

Korir thinks the quality of the field augurs a fast race on Monday.

“I think if I had someone to push me last year, we would have been very close to the course record,” Korir, who clocked a blistering 2:02:24 in Valencia in December, told the Boston Globe.

“If everything goes good this year, it is in my mind to go for it,” added the Kenyan, who is vying to become the first man to repeat as champion since Evans Chebet won in 2022 and 2023.

Women’s champion Sharon Lokedi is also going for a repeat a year after she clocked 2:17:22 to slice more than two minutes off the course record.

She ended the two-year reign of fellow Kenyan Hellen Obiri and said her strategy this year will be much the same.

“I believe in consistency, and what works is what I’ve always been doing,” said Lokedi, who also won the New York City Marathon in November.

Lokedi’s top challengers include fellow Kenyan Irine Cheptai, who was fourth in Boston last year, and Ethiopian Workenesh Edesa, who won the Osaka and Hamburg marathons last year.

Published on Apr 20, 2026

#Boston #Marathon #Korir #Lokedi #defend #titles #USA">Boston Marathon 2026 — Korir, Lokedi look to defend titles in USA  Defending champion John Korir returns to the Boston Marathon on Monday aiming for a fourth straight marathon crown after adding victories in Chicago and Valencia last year.The Kenyan, who overcame an early fall to clock the third-fastest time ever in Boston — with a timing of 2:04.45 — can expect a strong challenge from 2021 winner Benson Kipruto as well as Alphonce Felix Simbu and Cybrian Kotut, who finished second and third last year.Kenya’s Kipruto, who won the New York City Marathon last year to complete his collection of all the US World Marathon Majors, is the fastest man in the field with a personal best of 2:02.16.Simbu followed his runner-up finish in Boston, 19 seconds behind Korir, with a victory in the World Championships marathon in Tokyo.Korir thinks the quality of the field augurs a fast race on Monday.“I think if I had someone to push me last year, we would have been very close to the course record,” Korir, who clocked a blistering 2:02:24 in Valencia in December, told the        Boston Globe.“If everything goes good this year, it is in my mind to go for it,” added the Kenyan, who is vying to become the first man to repeat as champion since Evans Chebet won in 2022 and 2023.Women’s champion Sharon Lokedi is also going for a repeat a year after she clocked 2:17:22 to slice more than two minutes off the course record.She ended the two-year reign of fellow Kenyan Hellen Obiri and said her strategy this year will be much the same.“I believe in consistency, and what works is what I’ve always been doing,” said Lokedi, who also won the New York City Marathon in November.Lokedi’s top challengers include fellow Kenyan Irine Cheptai, who was fourth in Boston last year, and Ethiopian Workenesh Edesa, who won the Osaka and Hamburg marathons last year.Published on Apr 20, 2026  #Boston #Marathon #Korir #Lokedi #defend #titles #USA

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