Canes magic, the Drake Maye debate and Uncle MJ in the sports moments of the week
The Carolina Hurricanes scored 5 unanswered goals to steal Game 2 at home on Monday. What the win could mean for their ultimate goal this postseason, NFL Draft talk and more!
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Hurricanes take Game 2 thanks to late rally
The Carolina Hurricanes entered the Stanley Cup Playoffs as the slight betting favorites to win it all. And after what we saw on Monday night, you've got to like their chances because destiny may just be on their side.
At one point, Carolina trailed 3-0 in the second period, making this the third three-goal playoff comeback in franchise history.
You probably remember the other two – Game 4 of the 2002 Conference Semis (4-3 over Montreal in OT) and Game 1 of the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals (5-4 over Edmonton).
The Hurricanes' game-tying and go-ahead goal came in the final 2:15 of regulation and happened just 9 seconds apart.
Monday night was magical, but looking forward it's also got to be a tremendous confidence boost for this Carolina team.
Through two games, they've shown that they can dominate a defense-first, grind-it-out type of game (like Game 1), and now they've shown that they have the offensive firepower to score goals in bunches when necessary and win a goal fest.
That's a gear that the Canes have been lacking in recent playoff runs, but it looks like they've unlocked it this season.
Next up, this Canes team will look to prove that it can win on the road too.
Here's hoping they check that box on Wednesday night and make this a short series.
Knicks, Nuggets thrill with last-minute victories
The Hurricanes weren't the only team to pull off a heart-pounding comeback on Monday.
In fact, the NBA delivered two of them in back-to-back games!
What a night for watching sports. 10/10. No notes.
In New York, just minutes before Carolina's rally, the Knicks erased a five-point deficit in the final minute to steal Game 2 over the 76ers.
Philadelphia is, of course, fuming at the loss which now has them in an 0-2 series hole, but they might have a case when it comes to the late game officiating.
During a wild scramble that led to DiVincenzo's big shot, you can clearly see the 76ers trying to call timeout before they turn the ball over.
It's unfortunate but, as a neutral observer, I have to say I'm ok with the way the final sequence played out.
But the hero of the game was Jokic's running mate Jamal Murray, who started the game ice cold but was clutch in crunch time.
Murray actually scored Denver's final six points -- two high-stakes free throws, a mid-range jumper to tie with 30 seconds left and then obviously the buzzer-beater.
All four of those shots were nothing but net.
Another moment that shouldn't be forgotten came right before Murray took over.
With Denver trailing by 3 after a LeBron James dunk (James was great in this game too), Jokic tried to draw a foul on a three-point attempt but didn't get the call.
At this point, the Nuggets seem inevitable... especially when playing the Lakers.
Denver has beaten LA in ten straight meetings, including this year's and last year's playoffs.
Panthers' first pick revealed?
The NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, but the Carolina Panthers won't be on the clock until Friday with the 33rd overall pick.
(Cuz, y'know, they traded their first rounder last year to ... never mind.)
I'm on record saying Carolina should be patient and wait to see which receiver falls to them at No. 39, but if Dave Canales and Dan Morgan love what they see in Legette, who am I to argue?
Drake Maye dominates pre-draft conversation
It seems that no player has sparked as many arguments during the pre-draft process than North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye.
The question is, which team?
The New England Patriots could very well stand pat and draft the UNC star, or they could trade down and get a huge haul in return.
The New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings have both been linked to Maye in recent weeks, with reports that they would trade multiple first round picks to move up to No. 3.
Of the three, you have to like Minnesota as the most favorable landing spot for Maye. The Vikings have an offensive-minded head coach and arguably the best receiver in the NFL, Justin Jefferson, already on the roster.
Whatever happens, Drake Maye is sure to be compared to Daniels (and probably Williams too) for his entire NFL career.
We get to find out on Thursday where that will be.
Michael Jordan still LOVES to win
In case you were wondering, Michael Jordan is still as competitive as they come. And on Sunday, he got to celebrate another big win.
23XI has won races before, but never with MJ in the building so he was pumped.
Fun with #PackPros
A pair of NC State alums were involved in wacky moments this week in the big leagues.
Giants catcher Patrick Bailey had himself a whale of a game on Saturday's win over the Diamondbacks. He went 4/4 with 3 RBI and finished a triple short of the cycle.
Perhaps even more impressive, though, is where his 5th inning home run landed.
Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, Trea Turner didn't exactly create the highlight here but he did benefit from some hilarity on the part of the Chicago White Sox.
As bad as your favorite baseball team may be this summer, just be thankful they're not as bad as the White Sox.
(Unless you in fact root for the White Sox, in which case I'm sorry.)
We'll see you next week.
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