Good Morning! Here’s what happened in the world of sports on Wednesday, May 14.

NBA

Facing elimination with their star out for the season, the Boston Celtics needed someone to step up in game five. That someone was Derrick White. White exploded for a game-high 34 points, including seven three-pointers. An efficient 26 from Jaylen Brown, 17 off the bench from Peyton Pritchard, and good team-defense was enough for a 127-102 Celtics victory. “You don’t get to pick the test that you have, you pick how you respond to them,” said head coach Joe Mazzulla after the game.

The second game of the evening went about as expected, as the Golden State Warriors were eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Once again, Golden State just didn’t have enough without Steph Curry. Credit is due to Minnesota, however, as they put their foot on the gas and never let up. Julius Randle continued his dominant series with 29 points and Anthony Edwards dished out 12 assists. This is the second-consecutive Western Conference Finals for Minnesota, too, as they await the winner of Denver and OKC. And while it may have been a weakened Warriors team, if they keep playing like this, there’s no telling how far the Timberwolves might go.

NHL

And that is why Florida are the defending champs! The Panthers crushed the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-1 in Toronto, causing the home crowd to boo their team during a pivotal game five. It was complete domination by Florida, who earned a chance to close out this series at home in game six this weekend.

Game two between the Oilers and Golden Knights is in overtime right now, but since I am on the East Coast, I will unfortunately be unable to see the conclusion. Here’s a choose-your-own adventure, imagining what might have happened:

Congratulations to the Oilers! Edmonton eliminated Vegas behind another spectacular Connor McDavid overtime play, taking game five by a score of 1-0.

Don’t count out the Golden Knights just yet! Despite a fantastic overtime display by Oilers superstar Connor McDavid, Vegas beat Edmonton 1-0 and survived for another day. They’ll host game six this weekend.

MLB

It wasn’t the most exciting game of the evening, but I can tell you from first-hand experience that the Braves and Nationals matchup at Truist Park last night was very enjoyable. ‘Twas a truly perfect night for a hot dog and a baseball game. Unfortunately for the large crowd in attendance, Washington won 5-4 after a late-inning rally.

The Dodgers are in a close one with the Athletics right now, so maybe check that box score. But I’m going to use this space for two fun highlights from games that are already over…

• Minnesota beat Baltimore 6-3 yesterday, increasing their win streak to 10 games in a row. Later, Minnesota beat Baltimore 8-6, increasing their win streak to 11 games in a row. That’s what we like to call Twin victories!

• For the second night in a row, the American League-leading Detroit Tigers won on a walk-off hit. However, they were only in that position because the Boston Red Sox pulled off one of the greatest outfield catches anyone has ever seen:

NOTEWORTHY NEWS

After weeks of hints and leaking random Thursday night games, the NFL announced their full schedule for the upcoming season. I won’t list any dates or matchups, because most of us aren’t going to remember them by the time September rolls around anyway. However, there are seven international games this season in five different countries, and the Kansas City Chiefs lead the league with seven primetime appearances. Cleveland, Tennessee, and New Orleans have zero.

Derrick Henry and the Baltimore Ravens agreed to a new two-year, $30 million contract extension. It’s the largest deal ever given to a running back over the age of 30.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have designated catcher Austin Barnes for assignment, cutting ties with their veteran backstop after 14 seasons. His replacement? Top prospect Dalton Rushing, who looks poised to become the next great Dodger hitter.

Finally, 14-year MLB veteran Matt Carpenter announced his retirement from baseball yesterday. A beloved member of the St. Louis Cardinals for 12 seasons, Carp was a three-time all-star, highlighted by his unbelievable 2013, where he led the majors in doubles, finished fourth in NL MVP voting, and led St. Louis to the World Series. Congratulations on a fantastic career!

TODAY’S BIG GAMES (all times Eastern)

NBA: Thunder @ Nuggets, 8:30 PM on ESPN; Denver leads 3-2

NHL:

• Hurricanes @ Capitals, 7 PM on TNT/Max

  • Carolina leads 3-1

• Stars @ Jets, 9:30 PM on TNT/Max

  • Dallas leads 3-1

GOLF: PGA Championship, 7 AM on ESPN+

• The second major of the year tees off this morning at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, NC. Sources are saying that the key to winning at Quail Hollow is being long off the tee, so keep an eye on the guys who hit the ball the farthest

“I don’t know what he was expecting– we’re trying to win the Masters. I’m not going to try to be his best mate out there,” –Masters champion Rory McIlroy, after Bryson DeChambeau told reporters McIlroy didn’t talk to him when paired together during their Sunday round at Augusta