NBA Western Conference Semis
We are into the semifinals, and the Los Angeles Clippers seem to love a challenge. Once again, they are down 2-0 to a Utah Jazz team that is hot, hot, hot. Donovan Mitchell had 37 points in last night’s 117-111 victory. In the waning seconds of the game, Mitchell went down with what looked like an injury to his previously-sprained right ankle, but he finished the game and said he is fine. Game 3 is in LA tomorrow at 8:30 pm ET/5:30 pm PT.
Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns are looking every bit the part of potential NBA champions, as they lead the Denver Nuggets 2-0 in their semifinal series. They won Game 2, 123-98, and look virtually unstoppable behind the clutch play of Chris Paul and Devin Booker. Game 3 heads to Denver tonight at 10 pm ET/7 pm PT.
NBA Eastern Conference Semis
Over in the Eastern Conference, the Milwaukee Bucks are barely breathing, but they’re alive, after squeaking out an 86-83 win over the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets now lead the series, 2-1, with Game 4 taking place on Sunday in Milwaukee at 3 pm ET/noon PT.
Last, but certainly not least, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Atlanta Hawks are tied, 1-1. Perhaps the biggest story of the series is Joel Embiid, who is averaging 39.5 points and 11 rebounds, despite having a torn meniscus in his right knee. Game 3 takes place tonight in Atlanta at 7:30 pm ET/4:30 pm PT.
Women’s College World Series
With Oklahoma’s victory in the Women’s College World Series, Florida State’s Cinderella story came to an end, but it was one heck of a run. The Seminoles came in as a 10-seed and made it all the way to the championship, where they won Game 1, 8-4.
But ultimately, the Sooners were too much, as they took Game 2 (which set a record with over two million viewers), 6-2, and the decisive Game 3, 5-1. Oklahoma pitcher Giselle Juarez gave up two hits and one run, and the Sooners are the champs. Congratulations, ladies!
Finalists for NBA’s Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion Award
The finalists for the first-ever Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion Award are: Portland Trail Blazer’s forward Carmelo Anthony, Sacramento King’s forward Harrison Barnes, Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday, Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris and Golden State Warriors forward Juan Toscano-Anderson.
The award is given to the NBA player who most represents Abdul-Jabbar’s priorities of Black empowerment, racial equality and civil rights. Each of the finalist’s has picked an organization focused on social justice and the winner’s organization of choice will receive a $100,00 donation, while the other four finalists will receive $25,000 for their organization of choice.
The winner will be announced before Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Dianne Durham
On Friday, USA Gymnastics announced that Dianne Durham, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 52, will be inducted into the 2021 Hall of Fame.
38 years ago, Durham was the first Black gymnast to win the senior national championship. Other inductees include the 2004 U.S. men’s Olympic team and six-time world medalist Rebecca Bross. The ceremony will take place in St. Louis on June 26.