Congratulations Djokovic and Osaka, Australian Open Champions!

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Photo: The Atlantic

Naomi Osaka is now Japan’s first World no. 1 after her Australian Open win in Melbourne on Saturday night. She defeated Petra Kvitova in an epic 3-setter. She fought hard for it and won, 7-6, 5-7, 6-4. Congrats Naomi!

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Photo: Sky Sports

World no. 1 Novak Djokovic steam rolled World no. 2 Rafael Nadal in straight sets yesterday and stunned everyone with how easy he made it look to defeat his rival and 2nd all time great, Nadal, 6-3, 6-2, 6-3. Nadal had an extra day of rest compared to Djokovic, which could have worked against him in the final. He had a lot of unforced errors, but Djokovic was just spectacular. His game was at a new level. We all expected a memorable marathon 5-setter, but this defeat will be just as memorable.

This win, makes a record 7th Australian Open win for Djokovic and he now passes Pete Sampras with 15 Grand Slam title wins. He now eyes Rafael Nadal at 17 and Roger Federer at 20. Congrats Djoko!

Upcoming

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Photo: www.pjobriens.com.au

Super Bowl LIII (53), featuring the NFC champion, Los Angeles Rams vs. the AFC champion, New England Patriots, will be held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia this Sunday, February 3, 2019 at 6:30pm on CBS.

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

The Weekend in Sports

English Premier League

Arsenal got a massive win over Chelsea, 2-0.

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Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the 1st goal (14′) last Saturday. (Photo: Bleacher Report)

Manchester United continue their winning streak, beating Brighton and Hove Albion 2-1 with goals from Pogba and Rashford.

Tottenham Hotspurs were able to secure their spot on the table with a 2-1 win over Fulham.

Manchester City close in on table leader, Liverpool with a 3-0 win over Huddersfield Town.

Liverpool will continue to stay at the top of the table with a 4-3 win over Crystal Palace.

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Source: ESPN Scorecenter

NFL Championship Sunday

NFC Championship - Los Angeles Rams vs. New Orleans Saints

It was the Rams who came out with a controversial win over the Saints in OT, 26-23, booking their spot in the Super Bowl!

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‘Missed call further destroys NFL’s credibility’ – Bleacher Report

The NFL Refs failed to make a crucial  call late in the game with the score tied at 20. On third down, it was clear that Rams Nickell Robey-Coleman of the Rams committed pass interference with a hit AND helmet-to-helmet contact. There was only 1:45 left in regulation.

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The play that will never be forgotten by NOLA (Photo: Bleacher Report)

The Saints would have had first-and-goal at the Rams’ 6-yard line. So if the officials made the right call, the Saints would have more than likely be the ones going to the Super Bowl.

After that drama, there was more drama.

AFC Championship – Kansas City Chiefs vs. New England Patriots

It’s the Patriots that head to the Super Bowl for the 3rd straight time with a 37-31 win over the Chiefs in OT!

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New England Patriots celebrate their win to head to the Super Bowl last night

GOAT, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots were the underdogs of this Championship versus young QB, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.

I think the experienced Patriots Coach, Bill Belichick outcoached the Chiefs in the 1st half, locking down Mahomes with his defense.

It was a low scoring game up to the beginning of the 4th quarter that ended up being the AFC Championship with the most points scored in a 4th quarter. There were 5 lead changes in the 4th!

When it came down to it in OT, Tom Brady made the right call on the coin toss and executed a TD play on the 1st drive to head to his 9th Super Bowl.

Tennis – Australian Open

This weekend at the Australian Open was the definition of how the mighty have fallen.

Sharapova kicked things off, by upsetting defending champ, Wozniacki in 3 sets.

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Maria Sharapova eliminates the defending Champ. (Photo: UK National)

Just when the thought entered our minds that Sharapova could be making a comeback, Barty defeated her. Ash Barty defeated Maria Sharapova, 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 to become the first female Aussie to reach the Australian Open Quarterfinals since 2009.

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Ash Barty celebrates her win over Maria Sharapva to reach her first Career Grand Slam Quarterfinal (Photo: Australian Open)

Then there was a huge upset on the Men’s side. Young Greek, Stefanos Tsitsipas eliminated GOAT, Roger Federer. Tsitsipas fought off 12 break points from Federer during the epic 4-setter that he won 6-7, 7-6, 7-5, 7-6. Well done Stefanos.

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Stefanos Tsitsipas after the win of his career over idol turned rival, Roger Federer.

Is Federer going to retire this year? Nobody knows, but it looks like he is going all in as he will play the French Open for the first time since 2015.

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Roger Federer (Photo: Bleacher Report)

There were more upsets on the ladies’ side, with favourites, Angelique Kerber, and Sloane Stephens being defeated.

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Angelique Kerber (Photo: BBC Sport)
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Sloane Stephens (Photo: SI Tennis)

Garbine Muguruza is also out with her loss to the higher seed, Karolina Pliskova. 

Who won the duel with Serena Williams versus World no. 1 Simona Halep early this morning?! 

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Photo: BBC Sport

It was GOAT, Serena Williams who came out on top to win 6-1, 4-6, 6-4. Both women played their best. It was quite a thriller.

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Serena Williams celebrates her win over Simona Halep (Photo: The Guardian)

Serena will play Pliskova next!

Back to the Men’s side, Alexander Zverev was expected to go the distance this Australian Open and he was upset by Milos Raonic. He had probably the biggest meltdowns in Australian Open history.

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Alexander Zverev smashes his racket in his Australian Open loss
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Alexander Zverev’s racket – Australian Open 2019.

Who’s still surviving?

Young Kei Nishikori, Vets Rafael Nadal and World no. 1 Novak Djokovic!

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Kei Nishikori (Photo: Times of India)
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Rafael Nadal (Photo: Bleacher Report)
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Novak Djokovic (Photo: Bleacher Report)
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Naomi Osaka (Photo: The Indian Express)

World no. 4, Naomi Osaka, 2018 US Open Champ stays ‘lurkin’ on Serena’s side of the draw. She plays Elina Svitolina. Winner plays the winner of the Williams-Pliskova Quarterfinal.

Stay tuned!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

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US Open Update and Play of the Tournament so far!

Women

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Venus Williams (L) and her sister, Serena Williams (R) embrace after their 3rd round match last Friday night at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Serena Williams played her best tennis since her return from having a baby, routing her sister, Venus Williams 6-1, 6-2. Probably because she knows her best?

Serena moved on to send home Kaia Kanepi who eliminated the world no. 1, Simona Halep in the 1st round. Everyone thought the match would be over quickly after Serena destroyed her 6-0 in the first set in 18 minutes, but she recovered and came back to take the 2nd set 6-4. Serena took on the challenge to win the 3rd set and match, 6-3.

Serena plays Karolina Pliskova next, tomorrow at 9am ET.

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Photo: www.bbc.com

Dominika Cibulkova upset Angelique Kerber, 3-6, 6-3, 6-3.

Maria Sharapova eliminated young, Jelena Ostapenko in straight sets.

Madison Keys is through to the Round of 16.

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Madison Keys (Photo: BBC Sport)

Sloane Stephens, the last of the top seeds left in the tournament and Defending Champ, defeated Elise Mertens last night in straight sets and looks like she is in winning shape.

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Young Naomi Osaka, is also still in it to win it.

Men

Things are coming down to a crunch with the Men as well. Will there be a Djokovic-Federer Semifinal?

Novak Djokovic eliminated Richard Gasquet easily in straight sets.

Dominic Thiem who eliminated Stan Wawrinka early, also eliminated marathon-setter, Kyle Anderson in straight sets, which is never easy to do.

American, John Isner eliminated the Canadian, Milos Raonic in an epic 5-setter.

Juan del Potro sailed through his match to reach the Quarterfinals. He plays John Isner tomorrow!

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Roger Federer (Photo: Bleacher Report)

Roger Federer schooled the young Aussie, Nick Kyrgios in straight sets to advance to the round of 16.

Watch “US Open Hot Shot: Roger Federer Goes AROUND The Net” on YouTube here and the shot is legal! 

Young, Kei Nishikori is still in it to win it, as well as 2014 US Open Champ, Marin Cilic.

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Rafael Nadal (Photo: Bleacher Report)

World no. 1, Rafael Nadal was forced to rise to the occasion to eliminate hard-hitter, Nikoloz Basilashvili in 4 sets. That was quite a quality match! He plays Dominic Thiem tomorrow!

Stay tuned!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Serena vs. Venus in the 3rd round in the US Open Today!

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Photo: bbc.co.uk

Serena Williams is out in her tutu for the US Open after her cat suit was banned. I mean, it’s not like the fashionable G.O.A.T would wear it again anyway.

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Twirllll

Serena meets her sister, Venus today for the 3rd round at the Arthur Ashe Stadium at about 6pm ET on ESPN.

How has Serena been hitting? Check this video out from ESPN on her 2nd round win by clicking on the link here:

https://es.pn/2olVYVe

Upsets on the Ladies side so far

The no. 1 seed, Simona Halep crashed out of the US Open quite early in the 1st round! So did the no. 2, Caroline Wozniacki last night in her 2nd round match.

French and Wimbledon Champ, Garbiñe Muguruza also tapped out.

Who’s left for the Ladies besides the Williams Sisters who have dominated the sport for years?

The field is still wide open. But Defending Champ, Sloane Stephens is still in it to win it.

Maria Sharapova is still struggling with her comeback.

Then there is young Angelique Kerber, Naomi Osaka, Madison Keys, Karolína Plíšková, Jelena Ostapenko, Petra Kvitová and more!

What’s happening with Men?!

No upsets on the Men’s side just yet! Big name favourites Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer are looking good and still in it to win it!

Stay tuned!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Champions of the Weekend in Sports!

BRIANA WILLIAMS Won the Sprint Double (100m & 200m) for Jamaica at the Under 20 IAAF Championships in Tampere, Finland!

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16-year old, Briana Williams won amongst a stacked field of predominantly 18-year olds in her 100m and 200m finals. 

Jamaica’s Briana Williams edged out the World Leader from USA, Twanisha Terry to win the 100m in 11.16s.

She had a more convincing win for the 200m, clocking 22.50s in Championship record time.

Briana’s Coach, Ato Boldon says that she should be finishing high school before going pro. There is no rush.

Congrats Briana!

ANGELIQUE KERBER wins her 1st Wimbledon title!

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Angelique Kerber is the first German to win Wimbledon since Steffi Graf in 1996. After a 2-hour delayed start time, she beat the mother of all Champions, Serena Williams 6-3, 6-3. She caught Serena on a bad day, off her serve and overhitting shots, but she held serve, mixed things up when she needed to and stuck to her game. Well done and Congrats to Angelique Kerber!

NOVAK DJOKOVIC shows he is back with a WIMBLEDON TITLE WIN!

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Photo: ESPN

Novak Djokovic of Serbia won Wimbledon in straight sets vs. Kevin Anderson of South Africa, 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 after a 2-year Grand Slam drought! It is Djokovic’s 4th Wimbledon title and 13th career Grand Slam title. Congrats Djokovic!

FRANCE WINS the WORLD CUP 4 – 2 over CROATIA!

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Goal Scorers for France in yesterday’s World Cup Final

France has done it! France won the World Cup with a 4 – 2 victory over Croatia yesterday. It was an exciting game from start to finish with an early own goal by Mandzukic of Croatia, giving France the lead, then an equalizer by Perisic of Croatia. Afterwards, it was all about France. Griezmann scored a penalty given from a hand ball, then Pogba and Mbappé scored brilliant goals. Mandzukic with the self redemption for the own goal, beat France’s goalkeeper, Lloris all on his own and spoiled the party a bit with an awkward goal for Croatia.

Croatia ran out of time and France became victorious after 20 years! It’s a wrap folks!

Awards

Golden Ball - Luka Modric (Croatia)

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Photo: Fifa World Cup

Best Young Player – Kylian Mbappé (France)

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The Golden Boot came home – Harry Kane with 6 goals (England)

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Golden Glove – Thibaut Courtois (Belgium)

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Fun Facts to take away from the World Cup

● France is the youngest squad to win the World Cup since Brazil in 1970

● Pogba of France is the 1st Manchester United player to score a goal in a World Cup Final

● Mbappé (19 yrs old) of France is the youngest player since Pele (17 yrs old) with a goal in a World Cup final

● Tottenham players scored the most goals in this World Cup

● Didier Deschamps is the 3rd coach to win the World Cup as a player and then as a Coach

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I think that we can all agree that if this was not the best World Cup you have ever seen, it was definitely one of the most entertaining World Cups.

Thanks for tuning in to Suga Lifestyle’s website and Facebook Page for continuous World Cup Updates.

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CONGRATS TO LES BLEUS, FRANCE!  See you in Qatar 2022!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

How are the Wimbledon Finals looking for this Weekend?

Men’s Semifinals

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Photo source: ESPN

Kevin Anderson upset Roger Federer to reach the semis. He will face John Isner who took out Milos Raonic. Their match is scheduled for this morning at 7 am ET on ESPN.

Novak Djokovic who is attempting his comeback after an elbow injury will have a hard task ahead of him to get past Rafael Nadal to the final. Their Semifinal follows at 10 am ET on ESPN.

The Men’s Final will be this Sunday at 8 am ET. If it is a quick one, it will not clash with the World Cup Final that starts at 10am ET.

Women’s Final

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Photo source: ESPN

Serena Williams is back in a Grand Slam final! She will play Angelique Kerber, who she defeated to win Wimbledon in 2016 in straight sets, 7-5, 6-3. The final is tomorrow at 8 am ET on ESPN.

Even though Serena is the G.O.A.T in the open era, will she get to 24 Grand Slams to match Margaret Court?

Stay tuned!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Who’s still in it to Win it on Manic Monday at Wimbledon?

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Photo: BBC Sport

It’s Manic Monday at Wimbledon as everyone in the Round of 16 battle it out on the courts on the same day! Every Wimbledon ticket holder wins today.

The King and Queen of the grass are surely still in it. Serena Williams is showing some fight to reach to her historic 24th Grand Slam title in her first few months after returning from her new life of motherhood.

Roger Federer who has 15 Wimbledon singles like Serena is looking good. But, fellow Champ, Rafael Nadal is playing some of the best tennis of his life and previous World no. 1, Novak Djokovic is showing determined signs of a comeback following his elbow injury.

Young Kei Nishikori, John Isner and Milos Raonic are still in it though and so is Kyle Anderson and the experienced, Juan del Potro.

The ladies could have some newcomers or young Champs vying for the title.

Karolína Plíšková, the last of the ladies ranked in the top 10 is currently battling it out with Kiki Bertens who is up a set on her and leading in the second. Kiki Bertens had previously eliminated veteran, Venus Williams in an epic 3-setter.

Angelique Kerber will be challenged by the promising Swiss talent, Belinda Bencic this morning.

Young, 2017 French Open Champ, Jelena Ostapenko and Daria Kasatkina are still in it to win it.

Today it’s all about tennis! Stay tuned!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this article, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

 

 

Champions of the Weekend in Sports!

NBA FINALS 

WARRIORS VS. CAVS GAME 4

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The Starting Five of the Golden State Warriors celebrate their NBA Championship win last Friday (Photo: ESPN)

The Golden State Warriors swept the Cavs Friday night in a blowout! 108-85!

This is the 3rd NBA Championship win for Stephen Curry and the 3rd ring for Steve Kerr as a Coach to add to his 5 rings as a player.

Kevin Durant won Finals MVP, snatching it from teammate, Steph Curry after his epic, unforgettable Game 3 performance.

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Photo: ESPN
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KD accepting his Finals MVP Trophy last Friday night (Photo: Bleacher Report)

LeBron James had a great run carrying his team that had no chance in the Playoffs all the way to the Finals. But he has now been swept twice in the NBA Finals, where the first time was by the San Antonio Spurs in 2007.

Stay tuned for LeBron’s next move. It will be a long summer.

FRENCH OPEN WOMEN’S FINAL

SIMONA HALEP VS. SLOANE STEPHENS

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Photo: BBC Sport

World no. 1, Simona Halep finally won her 1st Grand Slam! Congrats to her and well fought after losing the 1st set to Sloane Stephens and being broken the 1st game in the 2nd. She beat Sloane Stephens, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1.

Simona Halep credited mental strength to winning her first Grand Slam.

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Simona Halep raises her long-awaited French Open Grand Slam Trophy last Saturday (Photo: Sports mole)

 

BELMONT STAKES

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Justify being ridden to victory by Mike Smith at the 2018 Belmont Stakes (Photo: New York Times)

Justify, an American thoroughbred racehorse, became the 13th winner of the American Triple Crown at the Belmont Stakes last Saturday. The 2018 Kentucky Derby and the 2018 Preakness Stakes preceded his big win at Belmont.

The last horse to do so was American Pharoah in 2015 who ended a 37-year Triple Crown drought. Both were guided by the same trainer, Bob Baffert.

JN RACER’S GRAND PRIX

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Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce in action at the JN Racer’s Grand Prix at The National Stadium Saturday, June 9, 2018.

The Queen is back! Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce not only improved on her time since her return, but won the 100m Women’s race as well in 11.10s!

This all went down at the National Stadium on Saturday night.

Also look out for our future Queen, young Briana Williams (16yrs), who had a faster start than our Pocket Rocket and sustained her speed throughout the race, finishing 3rd in 11.26. Congrats to Team Jamaica and thanks to other athletes who came to the island to compete.

Jenna Prandini of the USA and no stranger to Jamaica came a close 2nd to Shelly in 11.14.

FRENCH OPEN MEN’S FINAL

RAFAEL NADAL VS. DOMINIC THIEM

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Rafael Nadal reacts after winning Championship point and his 11th French Open title yesterday

Rafael Nadal won his 11th French Open yesterday! He beat Dominic Thiem who put up quite a fight, 6-4, 6-3, 6-2. Each set was about an hour-long, but the experience, strength, power and dominance of Nadal was just too much for Thiem. Winning never gets easier, but he has pulled it off again. Congrats Rafa!

Now let’s get ready for the World Cup!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.

Will LeBron and the Cavs get Swept tonight and who will win the French Open for the Women?

NBA FINALS 

WARRIORS VS. CAVS GAME 5

If you haven’t already heard or don’t follow Suga Lifestyle’s Facebook page, it was all about KD last Wednesday night for Game 3! Iggy came back and Curry’s only 3-pointer was a game changer in the 4th, but KD was a baaaad man. Check it out! Same spot, different year! Nasty.

Watch “Kevin Durant’s ‘deja vu’ dagger from Game 3 of the 2018 Finals: All the angles, all the reactions | ESPN” on YouTube here:

Cavs took a tough game 3 loss. Warriors won 110-102 and took a 3-0 series lead! I had given the Cavs one game, maybe two, but after a dramatic Game 1 loss and the loss at home on Wednesday, the sweep is looking possible. Also, according to Bleacher Report, KD says they are going for the sweep. After the Warriors blew a 3-1 lead in the 2016 Finals to the Cavs, they don’t want to risk playing with the gods like that again.

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What does LeBron have to say? According to ESPN, he says it will take Basketball IQ to beat the Warriors. Let’s hope he gives Coach Tyronn Lue a crash course.

FRENCH OPEN – WOMEN’S FINAL

SIMONA HALEP vs. SLOANE STEPHENS

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Simona Halep is focused to win her 1st Grand Slam! Photo: The New York Times

World no. 1, Simona Halep rolled over a tough opponent, World no. 3 Garbiñe Muguruza 6-1, 6-4 to book her spot in the French Open Final for a 3rd time. Will it be a charm?

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Sloane Stephens in action at Roland Garros 2018. Photo: telegraph.co.uk

Sloane Stephens (10) defeated her fellow American, Madison Keys (13) in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4. She is looking stong as ever.

Will Simona Halep finally win her 1st Grand Slam or will Sloane Stephens win her 2nd after winning the US Open last year?

We will see tomorrow morning at 8am ET.

Stay tuned!

By: Gabrielle Burgess

If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.