How could we forget about KarolÃna PlÃÅ¡ková?! The rankings of players differ on the various websites, but according to the WTA Rankings, PlÃÅ¡ková is ranked closely behind Serena Williams at No. 3.
Photo: ESPN
The experts have favored Simona Halep (4) to win her first ever Grand Slam title at Roland Garros. Elina Svitolina (6) is also a popular pick. It turns out that Halep and Svitolina will meet in the Quarterfinals and the winner could play PlÃÅ¡ková in the Semis.
Caroline Wozniacki (12) is still in it. She has come close to winning a Grand Slam a few times. Her Quarterfinal was suspended due to rain at a set a piece between her and Ostapenko.Â
Timea Bacsinszky (30) who eliminated Venus Williams is also playing in the Quarterfinals today but her match was suspended as well versus Miladenovic. Bacsinszky was up a set.
Wozniacki and Bacsinszky could meet in the Semifinals.
Men’s Singles
Photo: SB Nation
Although Rafael Nadal (4) is not in his prime, the ‘King of Clay’ is still in it and has been playing well. Of course we know that he could meet Novak Djokovic (2) in the Semis. But Djokovic has the challenge of defeating Dominic Thiem (6) in the Quarterfinals first.
Marin Cilic (7) defeated Gaël Monfils and will play Stan Wawrinka (3) in the Quarterfinals.
World no. 1 Andy Murray will play Kei Nishikori (8) in the Quarterfinals.
Suga thinks we may have a Murray-Wawrinka Semifinal.
Stay tuned!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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There will be a new French Open Winner for the Ladies this year, as Garbiñe Muguruza and Venus Williams were both eliminated yesterday.
Photo: ESPN
Venus was eliminated by Timea Bacsinszky of Switzerland for the second year in a row. Venus now looks forward to Wimbledon.
Men’s Singles
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal continue on their collision course to the Semifinals. They both beat their opponents in straight sets to advance to the Quarterfinals.
World No. 1, Andy Murray advanced to the 4th round.
NBA FINALS – Basketball
The Warriors blew out the Cavs in Game 1, 113-91 on Thursday night.
Coach Steve Kerr returned to coach the Warriors in the Finals, starting with Game 2. The game seemed close up to Half Time with the Warriors only up by 3. After that, Kevin Durant (KD) was unstoppable with 33 points and Steph Curry stepped up with 32 points to lead the Warriors to a 132-113 win and a 2-0 lead in the series. Even Klay Thompson got to find his rhythm and contributed 22 points.
Cavs’ LeBron James who scored 29 points, 11 rebounds and 14 assists, tied Magic Johnson for the most NBA Finals triple doubles. But it wasn’t enough for his team to win, despite 27 points from Kevin Love. Kyrie Irving was only able to score 19 points.
KD’s defense to offense was sensational.
The Cavs are in the same position as last year’s Finals, but versus a team who now has KD. After last night you cannot help but think a sweep is possible, but Suga thinks the Cavs may win Game 3 at home and sees the Warriors winning the Finals 4-1.
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Serena Williams (2)Â is on maternity leave and watching from the stands this French Open. So who is still in it for the Ladies?!
Photo of Venus Williams: ESPN
Her sister, Venus of course! Can Venus Williams (10) win another Grand Slam before she retires? It is very possible. She has been on top of her game and already through to the 4th round.
Who will stand in her way?
The Women’s side of the draw is usually a toss up, especially without Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams.
Photo of Angelique Kerber: ESPN
World #1, Angelique Kerber has been inconsistent and was defeated in the 1st round in straight sets by Tsurenko Makarova. Makarova was defeated in the 2nd round.
Suga thinks Venus’ biggest threat is Defending Champ, Garbine Muguruza(4), who is also moving on to Round 4.
Photo of Simona Halep: ESPN
Simona Halep (3) was questionable to enter the French Open because she injured her ankle in a tournament before this, but she is already through to Round 3. I don’t think she is in it for the long run though.
Agnieszka Radwanska (9) and Elina Svitolina (5) are through to Round 3.
Rounding off the top 10 ladies, Svetlana Kiznetsova (8) is through to the 4th round.
If Venus doesn’t win the French, my money is on her to win Wimbledon.
Men’s Singles
Photo of Rafael Nadal (L) and Novak Djokovic (R): ESPN
Novak Djokovic (2) seems to be back in Championship shape and he is now being coached by one of the greats, Andre Agassi. He is already through to Round 4 but may be destined to clash with the clay court specialist and veteran, Rafael Nadal (4)Â who is also through to Round 4.
Photo of Andy Murray: ESPN
Andy Murray (1) says he is feeling good again but he is still not at his best just yet. He will play Juan del Potro (29) in Round 3.
Milos Raonic (5) and the Austrian, Dominic Thiem (6) are through to Round 4.
Kei Nishikori (8), Stan Wawrinka (3) and Marin Cilic (7) who round off the top 10 Men are in Round 3.
Gaël Monfils (15), who is usually very competitive is in Round 3 as well.
Suga thinks either Djoko or Rafa will take the French Open for the Men.
Remember the veteran, Roger Federer is sitting this one out to save his energy for the grass and hard courts. If he stays in top shape, I believe he will win Wimbledon. Do we have another vintage Finals coming up at Wimbledon for the Ladies and Men? Possible.
Stay tuned everyone!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Perhaps one of THE most anticipated NBA Finals starts Today! There is so much on the line. Here are Suga’s top 7 reasons:
1. LeBron James
LeBron James is chasing 4 rings and GOAT status. The debate continues. With 1 more Championship win, will he be on Kobe’s level, a little higher or will he finally pass MJ?
For Suga, he will level with Kobe with 1 more ring.
2. Kevin Durant (KD)
The legacy of KD is on the line and the question of if one of the most controversial trades in history will prove beneficial? Will KD finally get his 1st ring?
Suga thinks a little karma will follow him the first year in and it will be a gamble if he gets this great chance again.
3.Stephen Curry
Curry and LeBron could have been tied with two Championships. How? If Kyrie Irving missed that final game-winning 3-pointer in Game 7 last year and Curry made his 3-pointer.
‘Coulda Shoulda NEVER’
Curry will never have a debate going for his level being close to MJ but he still has a chance of being a defining player of his era, especially if he wins this Championship and 1 more to level the Championship wins of LeBron.
The Warriors are 22-3 in playoff games when Curry scores 30 or more. Will Curry show up in these Finals unlike last year? Last year he scored fewer than 20 points four times in the Finals. He can forget about the ring if that is the case this year.
4. David West
Was West’s jump from the San Antonio Spurs to the Warriors worth it? Should he have taken more money to be a star on a team that had no chance of being in the Finals?
West has said one of the reasons that makes it worth it is being in the locker room during halftime of a close game with Coach Gregg Popovich.
Suga thinks the overall experience he has gotten with both teams of excellent quality makes the ring chase worth it, even if his post season ends without one.
5. Klay ThompsonÂ
In these playoffs, Klay is 36% on 3s, far off from his career percentage.
Will the real Klay show up in these Finals when it counts? Will he even get a chance to get the ball enough to fall into his rhythm surrounded by so many all-star teammates?
6. Kevin Love
Kevin Love  has been showing up in these Playoffs, averaging a career-best of 17.2 points and 10.4 rebounds.
With him out of the Playoff series with a shoulder injury in 2015, he can say he has never lost one and he may be LeBron’s lucky charm.
7. Mike Brown
If Coach Mike Brown guides the Warriors to another Championship without Steve Kerr, it is likely he will be a top candidate for Coaching jobs that open up next year with another good or great team, or even replace Steve Kerr full time.
The NBA Finals will kick off TONIGHT at 8pm!
Here is the Schedule for the next 3 games. You know there will be more after that, so stay tuned!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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It was quite an entertaining weekend in Sports, featuring Athletics at the National Stadium on Saturday and the Eastern and Western Conference NBA Finals.
JAMAICA INTERNATIONAL INVITATIONAL ATHLETICS MEET
Highlights
400m Women
Veteran, Novlene Williams-Mills won in 50.54 in a packed field. Although it was a slow race, she finished ahead of USA’s Phillis Francis (2nd) and Natasha Hastings (3rd).
I said it was a slow race because Shaunae Miller of the Bahamas destroyed the field in 49.77 in Shanghai last week in a World Leading time. These ladies have work to do.
3000m Steeplechase
Jamaica’s Aisha Praught Leer won with a new Meet record time! Promising outlook for long distance from Jamaica.
100m Women
USA’s Morolake Akinosun who anchored the USA’s team at the Penn Relays, came away with the win in 11.06. She finished ahead of Trinidad & Tobago’s Michelle Lee Ahye (2nd) and USA veteran, Allyson Felix (3rd).
100m Men
Jamaica’s Yohan Blake finally had some good fortune and won in 9.93 ahead of USA’s Ronnie Baker (2nd) who finished in 9.98 and Mike Rodgers, also from the USA in 3rd.
200m Women
Jamaica’s Olympic Gold medallist, Elaine Thompson burnt up the track, sprinting ahead of her opponents on the curve and increased her speed and lead down the stretch. A spectacular run with a World Leading time of 22.09s.
Jamaica’s 400m runner, Shericka Jackson, tried her hand at the 200m and came 2nd. Is this a sign of greater things to come from Shericka?
Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson leads the field down the stretch in the Women’s 200m
200m Men
Canada’s Andre DeGrasse who won the Men’s 200m
Canada’s Andre DeGrasse had to run hard to win in 20.14 to beat USA’s LaShawn Merritt (2nd) and UK’s Zharnel Hughs (3rd).
Jamaica’s Nickel Ashmeade could not step up to the plate as usual and Warren Weir may need to consider an early retirement.
NBA PLAYOFFS 2017
The Cavs drstroyed the Celtics on Friday night to win by 44 points and to go up in the series, 2-0. It was an embarrassing loss for the Celtics in their own arena that many could not stay to watch, especially viewers at home in front of their televisions. Celtics’ Isaiah Thomas (IT) went to the locker room early during the game with a nagging hip injury. But if I were him I would run and hide too. They were throroughly disrespected by the Cavz. Even Cavs’ JR Smith had a petty moment, pretending to sweep a broom at one point in the game.
Before game 3, news broke that IT will be out for the rest of the Playoffs with the hip injury. So almost everyone wrote the Celtics off to lose in a sweep. But last night they came out without IT to compete and everyone contributed.
LeBron James only scored 11 points, his fewest points in his last 58 Playoff games! He was also scoreless in the last 16 minutes.
You have to question if this game was rigged by the NBA to save the Eastern Conference and the NBA. Because that loss by the Celtics on Friday was not only embarassing for them, but the league as well.
Either way, you have to say the Lepricon woke up and travelled with the Celtics to Cleveland after seeing Avery Bradley’s game-winning 3-pointer shot go in! Well done.
Watch “Avery Bradley GAME WINNER Celtics vs Cavaliers Game 3 May 21 2017 2017 NBA Playoffs” on YouTube here:
The San Antonio Spurs put up some fight on Saturday without Kawhi Leonard compared to their blow out loss in Game 2 vs the Warriors. Â But they still fell short and Warriors are now up 3-0 in the series. Kawhi has been ruled out to play Game 4, so the Spurs may need something special in order not to get swept. Something special from LaMarcus Aldridge perhaps? He has been a complete disappointment.
So we wait for the inevitable Cavs-Warriors rematch in the Finals.
Stay tuned.
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Celtics’ Isaiah Thomas and Wizards’ John Wall embrace respectfully after Game 7
John Wall and IT went cold in the late 4th and Bradley Beal kept it going for the Wizards with 38 points. However, the unlikely hero of the night, Kelly Olynyk, came up big for Boston from the bench in the 4th, finishing with 26 points!
Boston will head to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 5 years.
Upcoming games:
Photo: ESPN Scorecenter
Warriors vs. Spurstonight at 8pm.
San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard has been ruled out to play vs. Warriors in Game 2 after aggravating his ankle injury twice in Game 1’s 3rd quarter.
The 2nd time he aggravated the ankle, was by landing on Warriors’ Zaza Pachulia’s foot that slid slyfully where his injured foot would and did land. This occurred after Zaza contested the 3-point shot. Suga thinks it was a dirty play pulled off in a smart way. Cosigned by Stephen A. Smith who took a while to say it was ‘questionable’.
Coach Popovich says Zaza’s closeout on Kawhi was ‘unnatural’.
Zaza has responded saying he is not a dirty player.
The Spurs definitely do not have a chance versus the Warriors without Kawhi.
Celtics vs. Cavstomorrow at 7:30pm.
It suits the NBA to have a Cavs-Warriors Final and that will be the likely outcome.
The ball is round though and the Celtics have risen to every occasion up to this point. So can Boston as underdogs upset the fairytale ending?
Stay tuned. Don’t you just love this game!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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The Semi-Finals have not finished as yet but I am ready for the Cavs-Warriors rematch in the Finals!
Although you have to take match-ups into consideration, the other teams struggled in their series.
Spurs vs. Rockets
Photo: www.expressnews.com
The San Antonio Spurs struggled without Tony Parker who will be out for the rest of the postseason with a leg injury and the Houston Rockets were able to level the series at 2-2. The Spurs came firing back on Tuesday night winning an epic game in OT but they had their star, Kawhi Leonard’s ankle injury to worry about. Leonard sprained his ankle in Game 5.
The Kawhiless Spurs played in Game 6 as if they had no worries though. They closed out the series in 6, sending the Rockets home in a blowout, 114-75! How did they do it? Well, they have won without Kawhi before and truth be told, we should not have doubted them nor Coach Popovich.
It was a total team effort and they played the Spurs way. LaMarcus Aldridge finally came up big with 34 points. Patty Mills filled the spot of Tony Parker remarkably. Rookies, Jonathon Simmons and the future of the Spurs, Dejounte Murray stepped up and played well too. Not to mention Pau Gasol, the other big in the paint and Danny Green who was everywhere last night.
The Spurs completely shut down the Rockets from the 3-point line, which is their strongest area.
Well done Spurs and Congrats to Coach Gregg Popovich for eliminating all teams that exist in the West in the Playoffs. This was his first meeting with the Rockets in the Playoffs.
Where was the Beard? MVP who? Definitely not with that embarrassing performance. At the end of the first half, James Harden only scored 5 points and had 5 turnovers. I think based on the great number of turnovers for the Rockets last night, it was a bad decision to wear grey. It was if they were colour blind passing the balls to the Spurs who were in black.
Check this video out. What was Harden doing?! Watch “Harden’s Struggles | May 11, 2017” on YouTube here:
According to Stephen A. Smith, Harden looked like he was comatosed and Hall of Famers said he quit. I agree. Harden ended with 10 points (2/11 FG; 2/9 3-point line). He said he takes responsibility for their loss and isn’t quite sure what happened. He blamed the rhythm of the game.
James Harden taking responsibility for the Rockets’ loss in his Post-game interview
Celtics vs. Wizards
In the East, John Wall and the Washington Wizards found a new life to level the series with the Boston Celtics 2-2. But when Boston returned home they took care of business to make the Wizards face elimination in Game 6 tonight.
Suga thinks the Wizards will have the same fate as the Rockets.
Cavs & Warriors
In the mean time, the Cavs and Warriors are sitting pretty with lots of rest. They have created history, where 2 teams have started out the postseason 8-0!
Warriors swept the Utah Jazz and Cavs swept the Toronto Raptors. After being eliminated by the Cavs in the Playoffs for the 2nd consecutive year, it is said that Raptors’ Kyle Lowry is thinking about heading over to the West side to have a better chance of advancing to the NBA Finals.
Key Factors that would make a Cavs-Warriors Final Different from last year
â— LeBron James is looking better than ever for the Finals and has improved his 3-point game.
â— Kevin Love is not out injured and is back in the game making shots, though inconsistent.
â— The Cavs acquired Kyle Korver from the Hawks. He holds the NBA record for the highest 3-point Field Goal % in a season with 53.6%.
â— The Warriors lost Andrew Bogut but they acquired JaVale McGee who is a beast in the paint and strong for their defense.
â— The Warriors also acquired David West from the Spurs who is a good shot-maker as well.
â— The Warriors have K.D! Will he get his first ring?
But first, the Warriors play the Spurs in Game 1 of the NBA Western Conference Finals this Sunday at 3:30pm ET!
Stay tuned!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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San Antonio Spurs Guard, Tony Parker (34 yrs) ruptured his left quadriceps tendon last night in the 4th quarter versus the Houston Rockets. It was a non-contact injury. He could not put any weight on the leg when it occurred after jumping to drive a floater over Rockets’ Patrick Beverley. Teammates, Dewayne Dedmon and Dejounte Murray carried him off the court.
The team has announced that he will miss the remainder of the Playoffs.
The series is now tied at 1-1 and will go to Houston for the next 2 games, starting this Friday.
This was a devastating blow to the Spurs and probably the end of a brilliant Playoff era.
Although Tony averaged 10.1 points-per-game in the regular season, which was his lowest since his rookie 2001-2002 season, when it’s the Playoffs he steps up, regardless of his age.
He averaged the 2nd highest points for the Spurs during the Playoffs so far with 15.9. Don’t forget he helped to send the Grizzlies home with 27 points and Vintage Tony P play.
The Spurs have no money to buy a guard in the off-season and cannot apply for a career-ending injury until 1 year after the injury.
The Spurs will be likely to look to Patty Mills to step up, but besides scoring, he has a lot of maturity to do with regards to facilitating ball movement and plays.
It’s surely sad to see him go out like this. A timeline on his possible return is not yet determined.
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Isaiah Thomas and the Boston Celtics took care of the Washington Wizards on Sunday, even with IT losing a tooth during the game. They play Game 2 tonight.
Cavs vs. Raptors
The Cavs were pumped from very early in the game versus the Raptors. Check out how they set the tone below.
Watch “Kyrie Irving off the Backboard alley oop to Lebron James – Cavaliers vs Raptors Game 1” on YouTube here:
Another highlight was Shumpert’s disrespectful dunk over the Raptors’ Ibaka.
LeBron and the Cavs were so relaxed that they had time for fun and games in the 3rd Quarter.
Watch “LeBron James Pretends To Drink Fans Beer After A Foul | Cavaliers vs Raptors R2G1 | May 1, 2017” on YouTube here:
The game ended with the Cavs beating the Raptors 116-105.
Spurs vs. Rockets
The Rockets embarrassed the Spurs with a 126-99 bowout victory. They hit 22 3s and it was the Spurs’ worst post-season loss at home.
What happened?! The Spurs did not play their style of basketball. They played too fast pace, which hurt their offense resulting in many missed shots.
The realist in me says the Spurs can get 1 game, maybe 2 in this series. But if the Spurs really want it and they rise up and play like a Playoff team, slow down the pace and run their offense, they have a chance.
Warriors a.k.a Dubs vs Jazz
The Jazz closed out the LA Clippers in Game 7 in LA on Sunday. So the Dubs are stuck with the Jazz whether they like it or not. The Dubs’ concern? They wanted the Clippers because there is no night life in Utah.
Dubs play Jazz tonight.
On another note, where will CP3 go as a free agent this summer?!
Stay tuned!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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The Raptors sent the Bucks packing in 6 with a late 3-pointer by former Spur, Cory Joseph. They will move on for a rematch with the Cavs in the Playoffs.
Nothing but respecr shown between the two oldest players on the court who still played well this series. Vince Carter (L) and Tony Parker (R).
The San Antonio Spurs also move on from a spectacular series with the Memphis Grizzlies. Last night it was veteran, Tony Parker who stepped up big time with 27 points. Kahwi Leonard who played more minutes led the team to victory with 29 points.
Game 7s look doubtful for Round 1. If Suga had to choose 1, I would go with CP3 and the Clippers forcing a Game 7.
Here’s your Schedule for tonight! Enjoy!
Photo: ESPN Scorecenter
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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