Thunder clinch playoff spot by passing Celtics test

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...

On a summer-like afternoon at Wrigley Field, the Chicago Cubs staged a thrilling comeback, overcoming a disastrous 10-run eighth inning by their bullpen to defeat the Arizona Diamondbacks 13-11. After initially leading 7-1, the Cubs watched their bullpen falter, allowing the Diamondbacks to score 10 runs, but rallied back in the bottom of the eighth with six runs, highlighted by Kyle Tucker's go-ahead two-run homer. The game became historic, marking a rare occurrence in Cubs...

Tyler Ankrum Wins AgainTyler Ankrum of McAnally-Hilgemann Racing secured his first NASCAR Truck Series victory since July 2019, ending a six-year winless streak after 130 races, the longest in series history. Despite falling a lap down early, Ankrum's strategic fuel-saving enabled him to maintain a lead after pitting later than competitors, notably Corey Heim, who lost control of the race due to fuel issues. Ankrum's victory marks a significant comeback, with Jake Garcia finishing second...