Road to the natty: Sights and sounds from the CFP semifinals

Ja Morant, despite a sprained right ankle, led the Memphis Grizzlies to a 120-106 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in a play-in game, scoring 22 points, including a spectacular dunk. Memphis secured the No. 8 seed and will face top-seeded Oklahoma City in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Miami Heat defeated the Atlanta Hawks 123-114 in overtime, with Tyler Herro scoring 30 points, making Miami the first No. 10 seed to advance to the playoffs in...

David Moyes believes Everton's recent performances against top Premier League teams have revealed the players' potential and influenced his decisions regarding their futures. Despite initially expecting few points from a challenging April schedule, the team has gained confidence with a narrow loss to Liverpool, a draw with Arsenal, and a win against Nottingham Forest. With 13 players out of contract this summer, Moyes acknowledges the impact of the team's improved form on player evaluations, emphasizing...

The NBA playoffs reveal players' true capabilities, leading to a ranking of the top 40 for the 2025 postseason based on recent performance and past reliability. Tier 7 features high-variance players like Amen Thompson, who excels defensively but must improve offensively, and Darius Garland, whose injury has hampered his rhythm. Other notable mentions include Rudy Gobert, whose defensive impact remains significant despite offensive concerns, and Draymond Green, a vital contributor for the Warriors, known for...

Editor's Note: Coaches are reminded to send in game results each weeknight by emailing pjsports@providencejournal.com or by calling (401) 277-7340 between 6 and 10 p.m.GAME OF THE DAYCranston West's softball team rebounded from two losses by defeating Chariho 3-0, with Mia Crudale pitching effectively despite control issues, and Emma Regine contributing a crucial home run. In baseball, Westerly topped Lincoln 10-4, while Cumberland routed Coventry 15-2 with Liam Monahan's strong pitching performance. In Division II, Prout defeated...

BOSTON (AP) — Trevor Story shone with a 3-for-4 performance, including two three-run homers and six RBIs, leading the Boston Red Sox to a 10-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox. Hunter Dobbins pitched six solid innings, allowing two runs and striking out six, earning his second big-league win. Ceddanne Rafaela and Carlos Narvaez also contributed with their first home runs of the season, while the White Sox's Andrew Benintendi hit a solo homer, marking...

Paul Goldschmidt led the Yankees with three hits and scored the game's only run on Trent Grisham's RBI single, aiding New York's 1-0 victory over the Rays at Steinbrenner Field, marking their fifth consecutive win. Carlos Rodón pitched six innings, allowing just two hits and striking out nine, while three relievers maintained the shutout, with Luke Weaver earning the save. Tampa Bay's baserunning errors hindered their scoring chances, and Goldschmidt continues to shine, leading the...