05012026 SPORTS

Stayin’ Alive

Rookie guard Valdez ‘VJ’ Edgecombe Jr and Philadelphia 76ers force Game 7 vs Celtics

By DAN GELSTON AP Sports Writer

PHILADELPHIA

(AP)

— Tyrese Maxey scored 30 points, a resurgent Paul George had 23 points and a Philadelphia 76ers’ team that lost by 32 points twice in this first-round playoff series played their most complete game of the season and forced Game 7 with a 106-93 win over the Boston Celtics last night.

Rookie guard Valdez “VJ” Edgecombe Jr scored 14 points with eight rebounds, three assists and two blocks in 38 minutes on the floor. He shot 5 for 11 field goals and one for six three pointers with no turnovers.

The decisive game is Saturday in Boston.

Uplifted by Joel Embiid’s early return from an appendectomy, the Sixers rebounded from two blowout losses to win Game 5 in Boston and were buoyed by a throwback effort from George to keep a comfortable lead in Game 6. Embiid did his part in Game 6 with 19 points.

The play of the game — and maybe the series — came in the third when Kelly Oubre Jr. blocked Jaylen Brown, Maxey scooped the loose ball and fed to George on the break who then dazzled with a behind-the-back pass to VJ Edgecombe who finished with a thunderous dunk for a 69-54 lead.

A night after the Flyers won in overtime to advance to the second round of the NHL playoffs, Sixers fans cut loose after that slam.

The 76ers will only go as far as Embiid can take them on his injury-prone 7-foot

frame and Maxey is a bona fide All-Star.

Edgecombe's youthful exuberance made a fan favourite in Philly and an NBA Rookie of the Year finalist.

Lost in the shuffle at times is the 35-year-old George — in large part this season because of a 25-game suspension for flunking a drug test — who has deferred to the other three Sixers when needed yet can still flash that All-Star form.

George hit a team-high five 3s that all stretched the lead and the offense ran through him when Embiid — still recovering from his early April surgery — was on the bench.

George signed with the Sixers in the summer of 2024 on a four-year, $212 million free-agent contract and was expected to form a 1-2 championship punch with Embiid.

George was instead derailed by injuries, personal issues and the suspension that had him forgotten at times by fans and in the offence.

Not against Boston.

He keyed Philadelphia's game of the season, a stunner given how the Celtics toyed with them in their three wins this series.

The Celtics never led in Game 6.

Brown was hampered by three fouls in the first half and finished with 18 points. Jayson Tatum had 17 for the Celtics and left in third quarter with an apparent calf injury.

The Celtics went more than four minutes without a point to close the third and the Sixers stormed into the final quarter with an 82-63 lead.

By GREG BEACHAM AP Sports Writer

LOS ANGELES (AP)

— Jabari Smith Jr scored 22 points, Tari Eason added 18 and the Houston Rockets avoided playoff elimination for the second straight game with a 99-93 victory over the Lakers in Game 5 on Wednesday night, trimming Los Angeles' lead in the first-round series to 3-2.

Alperen Sengun had 14 points, nine rebounds and eight assists for the fifthseeded Rockets, who sent the series back to Houston for Game 6 tonight with a gritty performance to overcome Austin Reaves' return to the Lakers.

Houston has won two straight even without top scorer Kevin Durant, who has missed four of the series' five games with injuries.

“We put ourselves in a bad position, but we can still make history and come back one game at a time,” Sengun said. “Play at home, come back here, just do the same thing we're doing.” No team has ever

ered

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN professional golfer Lemon Gorospe is now back on the international scene, making a name for himself, this time on the senior circuit.

The 53-year-old former golf director played in the US Senior Open Qualifying Round at the River Landing (River Course) in Wallace, North Carolina, on Wednesday. Gorospe shot an even-par 72 to finish in a four-way tie for ninth place to join the top 14 golfers out of a field of 80 players to qualify for the final stage of the US Open on June 15 in Maryland. There was a three-way tie for the top qualifying spots with 69, two tied for fourth and fifth with 70 and three others tied at 71 for sixth, seventh and eighth places.

After falling short in his first appearance in the tournament last year, Gorospe said he made sure that history didn't repeat itself as he shot a three-under in the

front nine and three-over in the back nine to clinch his qualifying spot.

"This is my second season playing out there again," said Gorospe, who played on the pro circuit before he ventured into golf administration here. "But I feel comfortable and I feel pretty confident about playing now."

While it's different from playing as a regular pro, Gorospe said he is thrilled to be performing at the senior level and proving to everybody that he can still play at a

Empire Sports Medicine Series

Weight Training in Junior Athletes: Facts vs Fiction

By DR KENT L BAZARD Sports Medicine Physician

FOR years, one of the most common warnings given to young athletes has been simple: “Don’t lift weights - you’ll stunt your growth.” It’s a statement that has been repeated so often that many parents and coaches accept it as fact. But from a modern sports medicine perspective, that belief is largely outdated.

The real question is not whether junior athletes should engage in weight training. The question is whether it is being done properly.

When supervised and appropriately programmed, resistance training is not only safe for young athletes - it is beneficial. Research consistently shows improvements in strength, coordination, injury prevention, and overall athletic performance. In fact, many of the movements performed in structured training - squatting, jumping, pushing, pulling - are

simply controlled versions of activities children already perform in sport and play. The concern around growth typically centres on injury to the growth plates, the areas of developing tissue near the ends of long bones. While growth plate injuries can occur, they are more commonly associated with acute trauma or poor technique rather than structured, supervised strength training.

In reality, the risk is higher when young athletes are exposed to high-intensity sport without proper preparation, rather than when they are guided through controlled resistance training.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that weight training must involve heavy lifting. For junior athletes, the focus is not on maximal loads, but on movement quality. Learning proper technique, developing coordination, and building foundational strength are the priorities. Bodyweight exercises, light resistance, and controlled progressions

Local Sports Calendar

NOBLE Preparatory Academy is holding its Spring Basketball Classic until May 2 at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium for high school teams in the senior and junior boys and girls divisions.

For more details and to register your team, please email info@npabahamas.com.

RED-LINE YOUTH

TRACK CLASSIC

THE Red-Line Athletics’ fifth annual Youth Track Classic is all set for the weekend of May 2-3 at the original Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium.

The event, geared for competitors in the boys and girls under-7 to under-15 division, will begin on Saturday, May 2 at 10 am and continue on Sunday, May 3 at 1pm. There will also be limited events in the under-17 to open categories for men and women. Interested persons can register online at www.coachoregistration.com or coach Tito Moss at 425-4262.

Medals will be offered to the top three finishers in all events. MVP crystals for under-7 to U15 and divisional trophies will be presented to the club winners.

BBSC SOFTBALL

CLASSIC

THE Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation Softball Classic, which was scheduled for this weekend, has been postponed until the weekend of July 17-18 at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.

The BBSF, instead, will not host its next event until the Volleyball Classic is staged at the CI Gibson Gymnasium over the weekend of June 19-20.

form the base of an effective programme.

From a physiological standpoint, younger athletes respond to training differently than adults.

Early strength gains are largely driven by improvements in neuromuscular coordination rather than muscle size. This means that even without significant increases in muscle mass, athletes can become stronger, more efficient, and better able to control their movements.

This has direct implications for injury prevention. Many common injuries in youth sports - such as knee pain, ankle sprains, and muscle strains - are often linked to poor movement patterns, muscle imbalances, and inadequate control. Strength training, when done correctly, addresses these issues by improving joint stability, enhancing coordination, and building resilience in the musculoskeletal system.

At the same time, it is important to recognise that not all training is

appropriate for this age group. Programmes that are poorly designed, overly intense, or focused solely on performanceoutcomes rather than development can increase the risk of injury. This is particularly true when athletes attempt to replicate adult training programmes without the necessary foundation.

In practice, a well-structured programme for junior athletes should include a balance of strength, mobility, and movement training. Emphasis should be placed on proper technique, controlled progression, and consistency rather than intensity. Exercises should be age-appropriate and tailored to the athlete’s level of development, sport, and training history.

Supervision is another critical factor. Qualified coaching ensures that movements are performed correctly and that progression occurs safely. It also creates an environment where athletes can develop confidence in their abilities, rather than feeling pressure

to lift heavier weights prematurely.

Beyond the physical benefits, there are also important psychological advantages. Structured training can improve discipline, focus, and self-confidence. Young athletes learn how to set goals, track progress, and take ownership of their development. These are skills that extend well beyond sport.

From a sports medicine perspective, we often see the consequences of athletes who have not developed these foundational qualities. Injuries that could have been prevented with better strength and control become recurring issues. In contrast, athletes who have been properly introduced to resistance training tend to demonstrate better movement patterns, improved durability, and a greater capacity to handle the demands of their sport.

In our setting at Empire Sports Medicine, this process begins with assessment.

Evaluating movement quality, strength, and coordination allows us to identify areas that need development before introducing more advanced training. Programmes are then built progressively, ensuring that athletes develop the necessary foundation before increasing intensity or complexity. The takeaway is clear. Weight training does not stunt growth when done correctly. Poor training does.

For parents and coaches, the focus should not be on avoiding resistance training, but on ensuring that it is introduced in a structured, supervised, and developmentally appropriate way. When approached properly, it becomes one of the most valuable tools in developing stronger, healthier, and more resilient athletes. In the end, it is not about how early an athlete starts lifting weights - it is about how well they are taught to move.

Noble Prep Academy’s ninth annual Spring Classic Invitational Basketball Tourney this weekend

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

ALTHOUGH it’s not the normal time of the year, the Noble Preparatory Academy is confident that their ninth annual Spring Classic Invitational Basketball Tournament will be a smashing success this weekend.

With 16 teams entered from all of the high school leagues in New Providence and one from the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Classic will get set for today at 4:30pm and wrap up on Saturday at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.

The CI Gibson Rattlers, who didn't get to complete their Government Secondary Schools Sports Association championship series but went on to win their ninth Hugh Campbell Classic title, will be back to defend their senior boys’ title.

They will be joined by the DW Davis Royals, the GSSSA champions, who will be back to defend their junior boys’ title as well.

According to Geno Bullard, Noble Preparatory Academy principal and tournament

organiser, this is a good time for the basketball fanatics to come out and watch some competitive games between the local schools and local clubs.

"You could expect a lot of excitement and high quality basketball over the next two days," Bullard said.

"It's an invitational tournament, so we invited all high school senior and junior boys teams, as well as the club teams, to come out and participate,” Bullard said.

"It's going to be a mixture of local talent, along with persons out of town. We decided to concentrate on the two divisions and we’re looking forward to crowning two new champions, but the defending champions are always tough to beat."

With more concentration on track and field, Bullard said it's good to get back to hosting his first love with their annual basketball tournament.

He noted that his Noble Preparatory Academy has had their share of successes in local tournaments and they were able to get a number of players off to play in colleges in Canada over the years.

As he ventures into track and field, Bullard said they have a number of athletes who have the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level. But he's still eager to see what is in the pipeline for basketball and the invitational tournament will do just that.

Here's a look at today's schedule, played simultaneously on two courts

Junior boys

4:30pm - St John's vs CH Reeves

5:15pm - Noble Preparatory Academy vs Windsor School

6pm - Freedom Baptist vs St Anne's

7pm - DW Davis vs Akhepran International School

Senior boys

4:30pm - Noble Preparatory Academy vs Freedom Baptist

5:15pm = St John's vs Greenville Preparatory Academy

6pm - Clement Howell High vs Westminster College

7pm - RM Bailey vs CI Gibson

Outfielder Pheron Charlton earns postseason award

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN outfielder

Pheron Charlton closed out his tenure with the Florida International University Panthers men's baseball team by being named to the Second Team All Sun Conference.

Charlton, a 2011 graduate of St Augustine's College, said he's thrilled to get the honour, especially after the Panthers just missed making the playoffs.

"It feels so sweet with being my last year in college," Charlton said. "t feels good knowing that I'm leaving with something that I worked so far towards. So it's more than an accomplishment than nothing else."

The 22-year-old walks away with some impressive statistics, including a .336 batting average from 149 at-bat with 50 hits, four doubles, a triple, scoring 54 runs and driving in 17 runs (RBI). He also had 32 base on balls (walks), was hit by a pitch 11 times and got struck out in 20 trips to the

Named to Second Team All Sun Conference

plate. "The season was great for me from a personal perspective because I hit my regular 57 bases this season, which was my determining goal going into the season," Charlton said.

"But nonetheless, playing with the guys and travelling on the bus rides for the last time were all a great moment to experience for the last time."

As he looks back at his tenure at FIU, Charlton could not help to admit that it was "sweet" and he will cherish the five years there under a few different head coaches.

"All in all, it was a great experience. I learned a lot, I laughed a lot and I cried a lot because a lot of blood, sweat and tears went into it. But I, at the end of the day, I would give it another chance if I had the opportunity because just stepping out on the field with the guys to play a game doesn't get any better than that."

As a graduate student, Charlton said he has some decisions ahead of him to make. "I want to play

professional baseball and any aspect to it would be great," he stressed. "I do see myself in some aspect of baseball and so I want to jump on it and take the best of it wherever I go."

Looking back at his tenure at FIU, Charlton said his sophomore year will definitely go down as his most memorial one. He was named an ACC All-American.

"Just having that attached to me brought me some sense of enjoyment for the game," he stated. "It showed me that all of my hard work and dedication paid off. "And out of all of the AACs in America, I was chosen, not only to represent my school, but my country. So that was definitely the highlight of my career here."

If there was any disappointment, Charlton said it would have been this year as they fell two games short of making the playoffs with

19th Annual Tim’s Refrigeration Eleuthera Doubles Tennis Tournament

THE Eleuthera Tennis Association (ETA) and its president Artie Johnson thanked the sponsor Tim Dames for his continuous support of this tournament and of Eleuthera tennis overall. Thanks was also extended to all of the players that showed up and competed.

The 2026 winners are:

Men's Doubles Champions -  Kavaughn Ferguson and Ayai Bethel Runners Up - Jethro Armstrong and Chris Evans Mixed Doubles Champions - Horatio Green and Isabella Bullard Runners Up - Tim Dames and Kadence Hanna

The women's doubles winners in a walkover were Isabella Bullard and Kadence Hanna and the men's doubles consolation winners were Charles Rolle and Horatio Green.

Plaques were presented to Mr Dames for his continuous sponsorship of the tournament, Michael Tsoumpas and family for their support, and Wesley Lembert and family for their support for the ETA Feeding Programme "Tennis For Hunger." They also celebrated with threetime Bahamas Games bronze medal champion Albert McKinney and his wife for their 45th wedding anniversary.

The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association congratulates the ETA and Mr Johnson on another successful Tim's Refrigeration Doubles tournament where adults were able to compete in beautiful Eleuthera. Congratulations to all the winners, runners-up and participants.

was a blast in Eleuthera

a 15-29 win-loss record. "I wanted to play a little more baseball because I was done, but that's the part of it, so I just had to go with the flow," he stressed. "But it was disappointing that we didn't make the playoffs."

While he continues to complete his final exams, Charlton expects to graduate on Saturday, May 9, for the second time as he earns his master’s degree in business administration with a focus on marketing and finance. "I did it last year and so it was a great moment to have my family there with me to experience it," he said. "So doing it again, I kind of know what to expect this time."

Charlton, a member of The Bahamas men's national baseball team, noted that playing baseball is not "easy," but when you love what you're doing and you're having a lot of "fun" with it, it makes it so much easier to play.

Whitney Ferguson: ‘The question is how much will the Bahamas Boxing Academy pay the fighters?’

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

WHITNEY Ferguson said it’s disappointing to see that the local boxing promoters and organisers are not getting the same fair treatment as the foreign entities.

Ferguson, the president of HWF Entertainment, said it's disheartening that his company got the "shakedown" by the Bahamas Boxing Commission when they tried to stage a couple of professional boxing shows here.

But he said the Bahamas government opened the door for the establishment

of The Bahamas Boxing Academy by English investor and philanthropist Nick Maughan. Ferguson, in presenting his documents outlining the correspondence between his company and the Bahamas Boxing Commission that prevented him from staging his fights, is calling for the transparency surrounding the regulation of the sport in The Bahamas. "It's really a betrayal for boxing because me and Ronn Rodgers of Strikers Boxing Club went to the Minister (Mario Bowleg) on many occasions to develop a world-class facility for boxing, similar to what they have there," Ferguson said.

"And it looks like it fell on deaf ears. "We also presented big major events that could bring millions of dollars that could boost our tourism, but that too seemed to have gone on deaf ears. Now they have a foreign entity to come in and take over boxing. I think it's a betrayal." "I don't understand why?" Ferguson said. "This entity says they are a nonprofit organisation, but there is no such thing as non-profit in boxing. Boxing is a sport where the boxers fight for a salary. So how is it non-profit?" Ferguson said they have been lobbying to get the

pay rise for fighters from $300 to $1,400 for their debut, so the question is how much will the Bahamas Boxing Academy pay the fighters? We want the pay scale to be increased across the board."

As a result of their "shakedown" in trying to put in a few fights here, Ferguson said they are calling for an investigation of all of the boxing commissions and federations. "We want to know who is the president, who is the vice president, who is the chairman?" he said. "These things we need to know. Where is the office for the commission and these other agencies.

"They are not operating or regulating any events. They are just showing up. But we can't put on any fights until the commission and the federations are functioning.

"We don't know how they are operating, but yet they are giving two and three different sanctioning fees. Which one is right now? We need to fight out if the commission, which is the regulated body for professional boxing, is doing what they are supposed to do."

In trying to stage their recent shows, Ferguson said his international partners were disturbed about the fact they are trying to

rejuvenate pro boxing in the country, but they were getting "shakedown" on the other end.

"When you are dealing with a professional sport like boxing, there are rules and regulations already in place to govern the sport," Ferguson said.

"All we are asking is for the boxing commission and the Ministry of Sports to follow the rules and regulations that govern professional boxing.

"There is no provision in the rules for the commission to make money, but they are trying to get their own money. We just want them to follow the established laws for boxing."

Wood’s penalty gives Nottingham Forest 1-0 win over Aston Villa in Europa League

By KAREL JANICEK Associated Press

CHRIS Wood scored from the penalty spot to give Nottingham Forest a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa in the first leg of their all-English Europa League semifinal yesterday.

In a matchup of two teams hoping to revive former European glory, the win at the City Ground puts Forest a step closer to what would be its first continental competition final in 46 years.

Wood fired his 71st-minute penalty high into the net, giving goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez no chance to save after defender Lucas Digne was whistled for handball.

Vítor Pereira’s team stretched its unbeaten run to nine games in all competitions. Forest visits Chelsea in the Premier League on Monday before the semifinal second leg at Villa Park next Thursday.

Forest is in a relegation fight — currently five points above the Premier League drop zone. The winner of the Europa League title earns a spot in next season's Champions League. That could create a scenario in which Forest gets relegated to England's second division but also plays in Europe's top club competition.

Forest has returned to Europe after 30 years to reach its fourth semifinal, but first since the 1984

UEFA Cup. That was after Forest dominated the European Cup — the predecessor of the Champions League — and won the trophy in 1979 and 1980. Villa became the European champion two years later.

Unai Emery’s Villa sits fifth in the Premier League and stands a good chance of qualifying for the Champions League domestically.

Braga beats Freiburg In the other semifinal, Braga beat Freiburg 2-1 after substitute Mario Dorgeles netted the winner in second-half stoppage time in Portugal. At 1-1, Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu denied Braga a golden opportunity to restore a lead by diving to his right to save a spot kick by Rodrigo Zalazar. The Portuguese side hopes to advance to the final again after it lost to domestic rival Porto 1-0 in the 2011 title match.

The second legs are next Thursday and the final is in Istanbul on May 20. Sarr on target again for Crystal Palace In the third-tier Conference League, Ismaïla Sarr scored in the opening minute as Crystal

THE WEATHER REPORT

beat Shakhtar

in the opening leg of

semifinal.

and Jorgen Strand Larsen also scored for Palace after Oleh Ocheretko had equalised for Shakhtar. The game was played in Krakow, Poland, because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The second leg is next Thursday in London.

Deandre Ayton and Lakers aim to shut down the Rockets tonight

career. “Listen, it’s one game,” James said.

“You give credit where credit is due. They played well the last two games, exceptionally well, and we’ve got to answer the call.”

Reaves had 22 points and six assists in his return from a nine-game injury absence for the Lakers, but they committed 15 mostly atrocious turnovers in their worst performance of the series and only their second loss in 16 home games since February.

Los Angeles awoke for a late 11-1 run and trimmed Houston’s lead to 88-85 on a driving layup by James, but Reed Sheppard hit a jumper before ripping the ball away from James for a dunk with 2:20 to play.

The moment looked like redemption for Sheppard, who committed a turnover forced by James that led to the Lakers’ last-minute comeback to tie Game 3.

“After what happened in Game 3, we could have very easily shut it down and pouted and quit,” said Sheppard, who was ill with congestion and a

headache during the day.

“That’s not what we did. We watched it and we learned from it. We keep fighting and keep giving ourselves a chance to win.”

Strained oblique muscles had sidelined Reaves since April 2, but he had 11 points and six assists in the first half of Game 5. Yet the Rockets coolly carried an advantage into the second half and led 87-74 with 5:55 to play.

Ayton’s putback dunk made it 96-93 after James and Reaves both missed open 3-pointers. But Thompson hit one of two free throws, and James badly missed another 3-point attempt that allowed Houston to ice it.

The Rockets shot particularly poorly while losing the series’ first two games in Los Angeles, but they’ve rediscovered their collective touch while running a balanced offence in Durant’s absence.

Houston has played with the confidence exemplified Tuesday by Smith, who claimed the Rockets were “obviously the better team” despite their 3-1 series deficit.

CLEVELAND Cavaliers guard James Harden shoots a three point shot over Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett during the second half in Game 5 of a first-round NBA playoffs basketball series, Wednesday, April 29, 2026, In Cleveland.

Cavs, Magic and Lakers look to avoid Game 7s

By KRISTIE RIEKEN AP Sports Writer

HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Rockets are brimming with confidence after avoiding elimination twice with consecutive wins to force Game 6 against the Los Angeles Lakers tonight in the first round of the playoffs.

“We put ourselves in a bad position, but we can still make history and come back one game at a time,” Houston big man Alperen Sengun said.

“Play at home, come back here, just do the same thing we’re doing.”

That game is one of three Game 6 matchups in the NBA tonight starting in the

Eastern Conference with underdog Orlando Magic trying again to close out its series against the topseeded Detroit Pistons.

The second game of the night features James Harden and the fourthseeded Cleveland Cavaliers looking to wrap up their series against the fifth-seed Toronto Raptors. In today’s nightcap the Rockets will try to get a win to become just the fifth team in NBA history to force a Game 7 after losing the first three games of a series. None of the 159 teams that were in a 0-3 hole have won the series. They’ll likely do it without superstar Kevin Durant,

who has missed the last three games with an ankle injury after sitting out of the series opener with a bruised knee.

“You cannot take off days anymore,” Houston’s Jabari Smith Jr. said. “If you lose, you go home, and on this team, nobody wants to go home. Everybody is here to fight.”

The Lakers couldn’t finish off the Rockets on Wednesday night despite the return of Austin Reaves, the team’s second-leading scorer in the regular season who had been out since April 2 with an oblique injury.

He scored 22 points on 4-of-16 shooting in 34 minutes off the bench in the 99-93 loss.

LeBron James expects him to be more dynamic on Friday night after shaking the rust off in Game 5.

“A few of his jump shots were short. That makes sense. He hasn’t played in a month,” James said. “He gives us another ball-handler, another attacking threat at the point of attack, so it’s great for us.”

In Toronto, the Raptors are also feeling confident despite their 125-120 loss in Game 5 and some injury concerns. “I like our odds 100%,” Toronto’s Scottie Barnes said. “We’re going to go home and we’re going to get it done.”

They could have to do that without All-Star Brandon Ingram, who left

playoffs

Wednesday night’s game in the second quarter with right heel inflammation and didn’t return. Ingram scored just one point before his early exit.

Barnes is also not 100% after being kneed in the quadriceps while driving to the rim during the second quarter.

“Obviously, we need (Ingram) out on the floor,” Barnes said. “His playmaking ability and his defense and everything he brings.” Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson knows another huge mental test is coming up for this group after rallying to win on Wednesday night. “These are high pressure moments,” he said. “You’re down, you can feel the crowd getting nervous. So, I think we took a step (Wednesday). Now the big one is can you go and beat this team on the road? Can we go in there and go take this because we haven’t shown we can yet.”

The Pistons avoided elimination behind Cade Cunningham’s franchise playoff-record 45 points in a 116-109 win in Game 5. Now the Magic will try and close it out again to win a playoff series for the first time since 2010. If they’re able to pull it off, they’ll be only the second No. 8 seed to win its first-round series after advancing through the play-in tournament and first since Miami in 2023.

Pro golfer Lemon Gorospe making a name for himself on international scene

said he was happy to qualify for the Korn Ferry at the Abaco and his son, Aiden, followed in his footsteps, qualifying this year.

“So it’s good to see him playing at a high level and I hope that he can continue on and go even further than I did.

to keep working on all facets of my game.” Gorospe, who previously played in the mini tours,

“At least one of my kids turned out to be a golfer, so I’m happy with that,” Gorospe said. “We play together and we compete together on a regular basis against one another.

“He just needs to keep on working at it, which is what he is doing.” If there’s any consolation for Gorospe, Aidan will travel with him as his caddie in Maryland in a reverse role as Gorospe caddied for Aiden when he played in Korn Ferry at the