Good Morning! Remember that time there were three awesome buzzer beaters in one weekend? Hard to say which one was the most impressive, but Paul Pierce’s was truly the most fun:

QUIPS FOR THIS WEEK

NBA

Midway through the second round, the NBA playoffs are still equally as exciting as they started out. In the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ series against the Chicago Bulls is all tied up at 2-2 and heading back to Cleveland after LeBron James’ game-winner for the Cavs on Sunday (which came after Derrick Rose’s game winner on Friday night in dramatic bank shot fashion). The Washington Wizards are up 2-1 on the Atlanta Hawks after Paul Pierce’s delightful game-winner in which he called game, not bank. Game 4 is coming up in DC on Tuesday.

Out West,  the Golden State Warriors are down 2-1 to the Memphis Grizzlies, but expect MVP Stephen Curry to bring it for Game 4 on Monday night in Memphis. Meanwhile, the LA Clippers are up 3-1 against the Houston Rockets after a convincing win Sunday night.

This week, tune in for all the action each and every night … the magic of the playoffs: games almost every night! And, let’s hope for less injuries and good health!

NHL

The NHL playoffs are on and popping on the ice. Of note, the NY Rangers defeated the Washington Capitals  on Sunday eve to force a Game 7 this week and the Montreal Canadiens beat the Tampa Bay Lightning to force a Game 6.

In non-playoff news, talented free agent goalie Matt O’Connor signed a two-year deal with the Ottawa Senators.

Let’s talk Hockey Worlds. The United States will advance to the quarterfinals after knocking out Slovenia. They will join Russia, the Czech Republic, and Canada in the next rounds.

MLB

The New York Yankees defeated the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday night, but the real story was Michael Pineda, who had a career high 16 strikeouts.

The LA Dodgers won their 9th straight against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday night despite Clayton Kershaw coming up short in his attempt to win his 100th game. Also — it may be May, but the Rockies had to clear off four inches of snow prior to game-time!

Lastly, the Washington Nationals gave DC sports fans another thing to cheer  about with a sweep of the Atlanta Braves this weekend.

Other

This past week, the NFL released the Wells Report on the New England Patriots’ “deflategate” scandal.

In all things gold, Rickie Fowler is the new champion of the PGA Tour Players Championship. Congrats!

Andy Murray did something he’s never done before and defeated Rafael Nadal for the first time on clay to win the Madrid Open.

 

JUST FOR FUN

Happy Mother’s Day (better late than never!)
The coolest moms we’ve ever seen, doing the coolest things we’ve ever seen — Here’s to you!

STORIES FOR INSIGHTS, COOL FACTOR + DEBATE

The Evans Scholarship
When a summer caddy job on the golf course turns into a full ride
A summer job on the green can shape you for life, but it also can change your life

Goodbye, Bill Simmons
Come September, we remember all the times we had together
His work will go down in history, and we are looking forward to following his story elsewhere

All’s quiet
Manila after Manny’s loss
Thinking about how the outcome of a fight — but especially the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight — affects Pacquiao’s home country

8 points, 9 seconds
Remembing Reggie Miller’s legendary game
Nearly 20 years ago, Reggie Miller led the Indiana Pacers back from the brink in a magical 8 point, 9 second performance