Tag: Oklahoma City

NFL Will Allow Players to Play in the 2028 Games, Thunder Roll, Panthers Dominate, and more.
NFL NEWS.

On Tuesday, NFL owners voted unanimously 32-0, in favor of letting league players “try out” for flag football at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angelos, California.

What we know so far about flag football at the Olympics,
- There will be 6 teams (USA included).
- It will be a 5 on 5 format. (5 on offense and 5 on defense).
- Each team will have a roster of 10 players. (That means it will be a 2 deep roster).
- Only 1 player from each team can try out. (Example: QB Jalen Hurts and HB Saquon Barkley from the Philadelphia Eagles, both cannot try out).
While this is an exciting development, the LA 2028 Games are still years away. A lot can happen in the time. Players playing college football right now could end up on the roster.

Personally, I don’t think flag football should be an Olympic sport.

They’re trying to attract “younger viewers”, and flag football is gaining popularity in youth sports and college campuses. So, I understand the reasoning behind the decision.

That being said, of course I’m going to watch it. It’s football.

NBA PLAYOFFS.

The #1 seeded Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the #6 seeded Minnesota Timberwolves 114-88 in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.

The Timberwolves had a 48-44 lead at the half, behind PF Julius Randle’s 20 points.

The break completely changed the momentum of the game, as the Thunder, led by PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, scored 20 of his team-leading 31 points in the 2nd half.

OKC scored 32 points in the 3rd quarter and 38 in the fourth quarter to get the important win at home. They now led the series 1-0. Full game highlights below.

Game 2 is Thursday night, in Oklahoma City, at 8:30 PM, on ESPN.

NHL STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS.

The A3 Florida Panthers went into Charlotte, North Carolina and got a big win against the A2 Carolina Hurricanes 5-2, in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

The Panthers special teams were on displayed, as they got powerplay goals by C Carter Verhaeghe in the 1st period, and C Sam Bennett in the 3rd period.

There was a stretch where Florida did not have a single shot for 15 minutes in the 2nd period. Carolina just dominated the puck. They had their chances, but Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky was just a brick wall. He stopped 31 of 33 total shots he faced. Full game highlights below.

Game 2 is Thursday night, in Charlotte, at 8:00 PM (EST) on TNT, truTV, and Max.

MLB SCORES.

The Chicago Cubs put a beatdown on the Miami Marlins 14-1.

The Red Sox get their 2nd straight win over the New York Mets 2-0.

The Detroit Tigers beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-4.

The lowly Colorado Rockies continue to struggle as they lose to the Philadelphia Phillies 7-4.

The Los Angelos Dodgers get the win over the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-3.

The New York Yankees beat the Texas Rangers 5-2.

OTHER NEWS.

The Ottawa Charge defeated the Minnesota Frost in Game 1 of the PWHL (Professional Women’s Hockey League) Walter Cup Finals, 2-1 in overtime.

Charge F Emily Clark scored the game winner at 2:47 into the OT period, beating Frost goalie Nicole Hensley just over the goalie stick. Full game highlights below.

Game 2 is Thursday night, in Ottawa, at 7:00 PM (EST) on TSN and RDS in Canada and FanDuel Sports North and PWHL YouTube channel in America.

– by Sean McKenzie

Follow me on X (Twitter) @JoeAmerican6771 and @allsportsfancom.

Stats and information courtesy of…..ESPN, NFL, Olympics, NBA, NHL, MLB, PWHL.

Pictures and videos courtesy of…..wallpapercave, Olympics, and YouTube.
May 21, 2025
NFL News, NBA and NHL Conference Finals Set, MLB Pitcher Test Positive, Scores, and more.

NFL NEWS.

The San Francisco 49ers have signed their starting quarterback Brock Purdy to a 5-year $265 million dollar contract extension, including $181 million dollars guaranteed. The new contract runs through the 2030 season.

Purdy made a total of $2.6 million in his first three seasons combined, now he’ll have an average salary of $53 million dollars, which is $2.9 million per week.

The old saying “He who laughs last, laughs the hardest”. Well, Purdy who is known as “Mr. Irrelvant” for being the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, is laughing all the way to the bank.

In his career, Purdy has completed 67.5% of his passes, for 9,518 yards, with 64 TDs and 27 INTs.

NBA PLAYOFFS.

The NBA Conference Finals are now set.

The #1 seeded Oklahoma City Thunder will take on the #6 seeded Minnesota Timberwolves in the West.

The Thunder and Wolves split the season series 2-2.

Game 1 is Tuesday night, in Oklahoma City, at 8:30 PM (EST) on ESPN.

The #3 seeded New York Knicks will take on the #4 seeded Indiana Pacers in the East.

The Knicks got the season series 2-1.

This is a great nostalgia feel for me. Brings back memories of the Knicks-Pacers rivalry games in the 90’s.

Game 1 is Wednesday night, in New York, at 8:00 PM (EST) on TNT, truTV, and Max.

NHL STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS.

The Conference Finals for the Stanley Cup are now finally set.

In the West, the C2 Dallas Stars will take on the P3 Edmonton Oilers.

Game 1 is Wednesday night, in Dallas, at 8:00 PM (EST) on ESPN.

In the East, the A3 Florida Panthers will take on the very rested M2 Carolina Hurricanes.

Game 1 is Tuesday night, in Charlotte, at 8:00 PM (EST), on TNT, truTV, and Max.

MLB SCORES AND NEWS.

Philadelphia Phillies P Joe Alvarado has been suspended by Major League Baseball for the next 80 games, after testing positive exogenous testosterone, which is a performance-enhacing drug.

The suspension is effective immediately and also disqualifies him from being eligible to play in the postseason, if the Phillies make the playoffs.

Alvarado will not appeal the suspension.

My Aunt Chris’ teams continue to beat mine in 2025, as her Cincinnati Reds complete the weekend sweep against my Cleveland Guardians with a 3-1 win yesterday afternoon.

The Milwaukee Brewers ended the Minnesota Twins 13-game winning streak with a 5-2 win.

The Cubs sweep the White Sox with a 6-2 win.

The Yankees take two out of three from the Mets in the Subway Series, as they get the 8-2 victory last night.

OTHER NEWS.

The PWHL’s (Professional Women’s Hockey League) Walter Cup Finals are set.

The Ottawa Charge will take on the defending champion Minnesota Frost.

I’m very much looking forward to this series. Both teams have good goalie tandems and strong forward lines.

Women’s hockey doesn’t get enough love or credit.

Game 1 is Tuesday night, at TD Place in Ottawa, at 7:00 PM (EST), on TSN and RDS for Canada, and on FanDuel Sports Newtwork North and YouTube for America.

Prediction – I love that Ottawa has made it here, it’s good for the city and the fans, but Minnesota has been here before.

Frost forwards Kendall Coyne-Schofield (12G-12A-24P) and Taylor Heise (8G-14A-22P) just always seem to be around the puck in the big moments this season. The Frost also have a big edge on the Powerplay and Penalty Kill.

I’m taking Minnesota to repeat as Walter Cup Champions winning in 4 games.

– by Sean McKenzie

Stats and information courtesy of…..ESPN, NBA, NHL, MLB, NWHL, NFL.

Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, bleacherreport, totalprosports, kare11, chicagotribune.

May 19, 2025
#1 Seed Eliminated, Superstar Player Has Surgery, NFL Schedule Releases, Coach Involved in Sexual Assault Scandal Hired, and so much more.

NBA FINALS PLAYOFFS AND NEWS.

My #1 seeded Cleveland Cavaliers have officially been eliminated from the NBA Finals Playoffs, losing to the #4 seeded Indiana Pacers 4-1, with a 114-105 loss last night.

The injury bug finally got his teeth into the Cavaliers at the worst possible time. Superstar SG Donovan Mitchell with an ankle injury, PF Evan Mobley, SF De’Andre Hunter, all missed time in this series.

The shots just weren’t falling for the Cavaliers in this series. The momentum that came from winning 60+ games in the regular season and sweeping the Miami Heat, just didn’t follow them into the 2nd round.

The Pacers budding stars played their best this series. PG Tyrese Haliburton and PF Pascal Siakam stepped up when it was needed throughout this series. Full game highlights below.

PG Tyrese Haliburton led the team with 31 points and 8 assists, while SF Aaron Nesmith brought in 13 rebounds.

The Pacers await the winner between the #2 seeded Boston Celtics and the #3 seeded New York Knicks.

The Knicks lead that series 3-1.

The #1 seeded Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the #4 seeded Denver Nuggets 112-105 last night, to take a 3-2 lead in the series.

PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 31 points and 7 assists. F Jalen Williams led the team with 8 rebounds.

Nuggets C Nikola Jokic had a big night in a losing effort, scoring 44 points, bringing in 15 rebounds, and 5 assists. Full game highlights below.

Game 6 is Thursday night, in Denver, at 8:30 PM (EST) on ESPN.

Boston Celtics superstar SF Jayson Tatum had surgery to repair a torn left Achilles tendon yesterday.

He suffered the injury late in the 4th quarter of the Celtics Game 4 loss to the Knicks on Monday.

No timetable has been given for his return.

NFL NEWS.

The NFL released the schedule for their international games this upcoming season.

The Minnesota Vikings have 2 games overseas this upcoming season, including one against my Cleveland Browns on October 5th.

My fellow LabRoomFam and close friend Nick, might have to put another wager on that game. I won the last bet on 10/3/21, when the Browns beat the Vikings 14-7 in Minnesota.

Games will be played in England, Ireland, Spain, Germany, and Brazil.

The full schedule release will be tonight at 8:00 PM (EST) on NFL Network.

NHL STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS AND NEWS.

The C2 Dallas Stars defeated the C1 Winnipeg Jets last night 3-1, to take a big 3-1 lead in the series.

Stars C Mikael Granlund got his first career playoff hat trick, scoring goals in all 3 periods, including 2 of them on the powerplay.

Stars goalie Jake Gettinger stopped 31 of the 32 shots he faced.

See all 3 goals below.

Game 5 is Thursday night, in Winnipeg, at 9:30 PM (EST) on TNT, truTV, and Max.

The Anaheim Ducks have hired Joel Quenneville as their new head coach.

The 66-year-old is 2nd in NHL history with a record of 969-572-150, in stints with the St. Louis Blues, Colorado Avalanche, Chicago Blackhawks, and Florida Panthers.

He’s been out of the league since October 27th, 2021, when he was fired by Florida Panthers, after he covered up evidence, of sexual assault on former Blackhawks player Kyle Beach, by then video coach Brad Aldrich in 2010.

My personal opinion is that this is a disgusting move. Quenneville deserves to be banned from coaching at any level, in any league, anywhere in the world.

It’s a disgrace to victims of sexual assault of both sexes everywhere. He knowingly covered up evidence and misled law enforcement and NHL investigators.

I’m ashamed of the NHL for even allowing this to happen. It puts a dark pall on what has been a very exciting Stanley Cup Playoffs this season.

MLB SCORES AND NEWS.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred removed all-time hits leader Pete Rose, “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, and others from the leagues permanently ineligible list.

They had all been banned from anything MLB related for admitting to gambling and in Jacksons’ case “fixing” the 1919 World Series.

They will now all be eligible for the MLB Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY.

In my personal opinion, lifting the ban on Pete Rose in long overdue. He never lost games on purpose. Lifting the ban on “Shoeless” Joe Jackson is a disgrace to the game of baseball and all sports. He and others intentially rigged the 1919 World Series. There should never, ever be a place of forgiveness in any sport, for that.

Guardians beat the Brewers 2-0.

The Detroit Tigers continue to surprise everyone, as they beat the Boston Red Sox 10-9.

The Mariners beat the Yankees 2-1, in extra innings (11).

The Dodgers get smoked by the Athletics 11-1.

Question of the day – Do agree that Pete Rose and “Shoeless” Joe Jackson’s bans deserve to be lifted???

Drop a comment telling me why or why not.

– by Sean McKenzie

Stats and information courtesy of…..NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, ESPN, bleacherreport, MSN.

Pictures and videos courtesy of…..NFL, SI, MLB, MSN, bleacherreport, and YouTube.

May 14, 2025
NFL News, New Champion, Legend Retires, Hall of Famer Announced, NBA Playoffs, Stanley Cup, and more.

NFL NEWS.

Quarterback Derek Carr has decided to retire, after 11 seasons in the NFL. The former Raiders and Saints QB attended Fresno State and was the 36th pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. He finishes his career throwing for 41,245 yards, with 257 TDs and 112 INTs.

Rookie mini camps were held over the weekend. Jaguars #2 pick WR/CB Travis Hunter took snaps on the offensive side of the ball. HC Liam Coen said that Hunter will get defensive reps next week. Browns #5 pick DT Mason Graham made headlines after he was caught vomiting on the field. HC Kevin Stefanski blew it off saying that he simply ate too much.

MMA NEWS.

Jack Della Maddalena (18-2) defeated Belal Muhammad (24-4) to become the new UFC Welterweight Champion, in an absolute slugfest. The judges gave Jack the UD win with scores of 48-47 (x2) and 49-46. Jack has now won 18 straight fights. His last lost coming way back in 2016.

Some things just seem to stay the same. Valentina Shevchenko (25-4-1) defended her Women’s Flyweight Championship for a record 10th time, defeating Manon Fiorot (12-2) by UD. 48-47 (x3).

Featherweight legend Jose Aldo (32-10), retired in the octagon after losing to Aiemann Zahabi (13-2).

Former Light Heavyweight Champion Vitor Belfort will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame later this year.

Belfort (26-14) burst onto the scene when he won the UFC Heavyweight Tournament back in 1997, at only 19 years of age.

In 2013, his legal use of testosterone-replacement therapy (TRT) became a worldwide sports controversy. The Nevada State Athletic Commission later banned TRT, from competition without medical proof of necessity.

He holds career wins against legends Randy Couture, Wanderlei Silva, Rich Franklin, Luke Rockhold, Michael Bisping, and Dan Henderson.

NBA Playoffs.

The #4 seeded Indiana Pacers defeated the #1 seeded Cleveland Cavaliers 129-109, to take a 3-1 series lead.

PF Pascal Siakam led the team with 21 points. C Myles Turner had 7 rebounds, and PG T.J. McConnell had 8 assists.

Game 6 is Tuesday night, in Cleveland at 7:00 PM (EST) on TNT, truTV, and Max.

The #1 seeded Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the #4 seeded Denver Nuggets 92-87, to tie the series at 2-2.

PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led with 25 points and 6 assists. C Isaiah Hartenstein had 14 rebounds to lead the team.

Game 5 is also on Tuesday night, in Oklahoma City, at 9:30 PM (EST) on TNT, truTV, and Max.

NHL STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS.

The A3 and defending Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers, defeated the A1 Toronto Maple Leafs 2-0, to tie the series at 2-2.

Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky got his 5th career playoff shutout, stopping all 23 shots attempted.

Tempers flared at the end of the game, when Maple Leafs C Max Domi (Pussycat Max, as I call him), landed his latest in a long career of cheap shots, this time on Panthers C Aleksander Barkov.

Game 5 is Wednesday night, in Toronto, at 7:00 PM (EST) on ESPN.

The C2 Dallas Stars defeated the C1 Winnepeg Jets 5-2, to take a 2-1 lead in the series.

Stars RW Mikko Rantanen continues his incredible playoff run with another 3 points (1G/2A). Full game highlights below.

Game 4 is Tuesday night, in Dallas, at 8:00 PM (EST) on ESPN.

MLB NEWS.

Phillies beat the Guardians 3-0.

In a battle of division leaders, the Mets beat the Cubs 6-2.

League leading Dodgers beat the Diamondbacks 8-1.

Surprising Tigers lose to the Rangers 6-1.

The Rockies actually win a game!!! Beating the Padres 9-3.

OTHER NEWS.

Congratulations to my Aunt Chris’ as her Toledo Walleye defeated my Fort Wayne Komets 4 games to 2 and advance to the Western Conference Finals in the ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs.

Question of the day – Did your favorite team make the playoffs?

– by Sean McKenzie

Stats and information courtesy of…..ESPN, NFL, NHL, MLB, ECHL, NBA, bleacherreport, UFC.

Pictures and video courtesy of…..wallpapercave, UFC, ECHL, bleacherreport, and YouTube.

May 12, 2025
Knicks Do It Again, Thunder Reigns, Home Teams Hold Court, and so much more.

NBA PLAYOFFS AND NEWS.

For the 2nd time in 2 games, the #3 seeded New York Knicks overcome a 20-point deficit to beat the defending NBA Champion and #2 seeded Boston Celtics. The 91-90 victory last night, gives them a big 2-0 series lead going back home to Madison Square Garden.

The odds now heavily favor the Knicks, as 85.7% of teams who win the first 2 games on the road, end up taking the best of seven series.

SG Josh Hart led the team in points with 23, but it was C Karl Anthony-Towns with his team leading 17 rebounds. Dominating the glass and not allowing those pesky second chance shots by Boston. PG Jalen Brunson led with 7 assists. Check out the final seconds of the game below.

Game 3 is in New York, Saturday afternoon, at 3:30 PM (EST) on ABC.

The #1 seeded Oklahoma City Thunder laid a 43-point butt whipping on the #4 seeded Denver Nuggets with a 149-106 victory at home.

The Thunder set an NBA record, scoring 87 points in the first half alone. The shots just weren’t falling for the Nuggets last night, and the Thunder made 56.2% of their shots, including 44.4% from beyond the arch. Full game highlights of the record-breaking night below.

PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the team with 34 points and assists with 8. PF Chet Holmgren had 11 rebounds.

It was a big win for the Thunder as the series is now tied 1-1, going to Denver.

Game 3 is Friday night, in Denver, at 10:00 PM (EST) on ESPN.

Golden State Warriors superstar PG Stephen Curry has Grade 1 left hamstring strain, is slated to miss at least 2 games, if not more.

Hamstring injuries are hard to recover from, as they can linger for weeks or months.

NHL STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS AND NEWS.

The A1 Toronto Maple Leafs take a big 2-0 series lead over the defending Stanley Cup Champion and A3 Florida Panthers with a 4-3 victory at home. Full game highlights below.

Both teams got power play goals by Barkov (FLA) and Pacioretty (TOR) in the 1st period. Goals by Nylander and Domi, gave Toronto a 3-2 lead after 2 periods of play. Lundell scored at 5:33 of the 3rd to tie it at 3-3. Only 17 seconds later, Mitch Marner scored the eventual game winner at 5:50.

Game 3 is Friday night, in Sunrise, FL, at 7:00 PM (EST) on TNT, truTV, and Max.

The C2 Dallas Stars steal Game 1 in Winnepeg from the C1 Winnepeg Jets with a 3-2 win, to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

All 5 goals were scored in a wild and crazy 2nd period. Led by Stars RW Mikko Rantanen, who got his 2nd straight hat-trick. See all 3 goals below.

Game 2 is Friday night, in Winnepeg, at 9:30 PM (EST) on TNT, truTV, and Max.

The Utah Hockey Club in the NHL, now officially has a nickname and logo.

They will be called, the Utah Mammoth.

It was a 13-month process, and they had over 850,000 ballots cast by fans to come up with the name and logo.

It went through 4 rounds of “community voting” and this is the winner.

MLB SCORES AND NEWS.

The Guardians beat the Nationals 8-6.

The Yankees get the 4-3 win over the Padres in extra innings.

The Dodgers lay a beat down on the Marlins 10-1.

The Pittsburgh Pirates lose their 7th straight game to the streaking St. Louis Cardinals 5-0.

OTHER NEWS.

My Aunt Chris’ Toledo Walleye defeated my Fort Wayne Komets in double overtime, to get the 3-2 win, and tie the series at 2-2 in the ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs. Game highlights below.

Game 5 is tonight, in Fort Wayne, IN. Puck drops at 7:35 PM (EST)

Get out and support your local pro and semi-pro teams.

– by Sean McKenzie

Stats and information courtesy of…..ESPN, NBA, NHL, MLB.

Pictures and videos courtesy of…..YouTube, myhighplains, and the ChicagoSunTimes.

May 8, 2025