Memorial Weekend "Kick"-Off

See what I did there?

It's finally Friday! Hope you're ready for a long weekend filled with sports, cookouts, and friends. I know that I am. Let's get in it and look at what happened and what will take place. 

Warriors Still Alive and Kicking, 120-111

Let's just give it up. Draymond Green is going to kick. Brace yourself and watch out because it's apparent after last night that his "shooting motion" isn't going to change. The Warriors fought off elimination with help from the same old crew and someone you had forgotten about. Steph Curry went for 31 while his running mate Klay Thompson dropped 27. The surprise was former number one pick Andrew Bogut dropping 15 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. It also didn't hurt that they hit 31 of 34 free throws. Kevin Durant showed up to play, but his 40 points just wasn't enough. Westbrook also had a very nice line: 31 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, and 5 steals. Still leading the series, OKC played sharp and good enough to win. Game 6 takes the series back to OKC on Saturday. 

Penguins Outlast Lightning, Advance to Finals

The Pittsburgh Penguins eliminated Tampa Bay last night with a 2-1 victory. They will advance to their 5th Stanley Cup Final to take on San Jose, who is playing in their first. Game 1 is Monday night. 

Looking toward tonight, Cleveland leaves the country again to try and finish off Toronto. Game 6 tip is at 8:30 and the Cavs can advance to a second straight Finals appearance with a win. Don't count out Toronto though. They have beaten Cleveland each time the matchup has been in Toronto. Expect the series to come back south on Sunday for Game 7. 

That's all for today. Be sure to check back for stuff from our other writers (hint, hint)

-Dug

@chansm1th

Mini Steven Adams Wake Up

Good morning people! I hope you are enjoying this Hump Day. We're halfway home to a long weekend. Here's what you missed yesterday. 

OKC Annihilates Golden State in Game 4

If you thought that Game 3 was bad, Game 4 was a nightmare for Steph and Co. Led by Russell Westbrook, the Thunder have pushed the Warriors to the brink of elimination. Fun Fact: When a team takes a 3-1 lead in the Conferemce Finals, that team has advance 37 times out of 39. How do you like your odds, Draymond? That -30 looks good on your stat sheet. 

Russell Westbrook was unstoppable last night. Westbrook had another triple double with 36 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. Steph Curry was held to 19 points, and wasn't a factor. OKC was the more physical team, as they have been all series. They out rebounded the Warriors to a tune of 68-49. Game 5 is tomorrow night at Golden State. The Thunder have a shot to send the Champs packing, but I think this series will go to six. 

Hit Streak Alert

Jackie Bradley Jr hit safely for his 28th game in a row. Teammate Xander Bogaerts is also on a 17-game streak. Both will look to add on tonight when They take on the Rockies. 

Super Bowls Awarded

Yesterday, the NFL announced that Atlanta, Miami, and LA would host Super Bowls in that order beginning in 2019. Two of those cities will have new stadiums. In my opinion, football is a cold weather sport. When they played it in New York, no one had any idea how the game would fair. The unknown weather and playing conditions are exciting. Send the Super Bowl to Chicago or Green Bay in February before I'm impressed. 

A lot going on today. It's the deadline for returning to college instead of staying in the draft. Also, we have a pivotal Game 5 tonight in Cleveland. Check back throughout the day for updates. 

-Dug

@chansm1th

Friday Morning Wake Up Call

Good Friday morning! We have made it through another week, nearly, and it's almost time for the weekend. Before we get ahead of ourselves, we need to go over what happened last night and see what's on tap today. Let's jump in. 

San Jose Advances to Western Conference Finals

The Sharks held a televised practice last night when there was supposed to be a game. If any one sees Nashville's starting five, let them know that they are now on vacation. Pekka Rinne stopped 21 shots, but it was the five that got by him that were the difference. San Jose now advanced to their first Western Conference Finals since 2011 when they take on St Louis in Game 1 on Sunday. 

OKC Closes Out Spurs

Oklahoma City defeated San Antonio 113-99 to advance last night in the NBA Playoffs. A late push by the Spurs kept the score closer than it really was. The Thunder would not be denied this time. Trying to avoid sending the series back to San Antonio, they led after three quarters 91-65. In what might have been Tim Duncan's last game, he turned in one of his better performances of the playoffs scoring 19 points. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook combined for 65. The Thunder will meet up at Golden State for Game 1 on Monday. 

Looking forward to today, it will be a light schedule. Toronto has a chance to knock out Miami when the two teams meet in South Beach tonight for Game 6. In something we haven't touched on, The Players Championship second round is currently underway. Jason Day was the leader after the first round after a -9 round. He will tee off at 1:58 today and currently leads by two strokes. 

That's about all I have for now. Be sure to check back through the the day for breaking stories and updates. 

-Dug

@chandm1th