Gary Bettman dismisses Stanley Cup ratings concerns

The Indiana Pacers pulled off another jaw-dropping playoff comeback, erasing a 15-point deficit to snatch Game 1 of the NBA Finals from the Oklahoma City Thunder with a nail-biting 111-110 win. Tyrese Haliburton sealed the deal with a clutch game-winner, and Obi Toppin’s post-game confidence hinted this team believes they’re built for moments like this.

Editor’s Note: Comebacks like this aren’t just exciting—they shift momentum in a series. The Pacers are proving they’re resilient under pressure, and if they keep this up, the Thunder are in for a brutal fight. For fans, it’s a reminder why playoff basketball is pure adrenaline.

NBA legend Reggie Miller, famous for his own clutch performances, absolutely lost it watching Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton sink a dramatic game-winner in Game 1 of the Finals. Miller’s raw, joyful reaction—caught on camera—shows just how much this moment meant to someone who’s been there before.

Editor’s Note: Big shots define legacies in basketball, and Haliburton’s buzzer-beater is the kind of moment fans remember for years. Miller’s unfiltered excitement—a legend recognizing a new star’s rise—makes it even sweeter. For the Pacers, it’s a dream start; for everyone else, it’s a reminder why we love sports.

A Lexington TV station decided to have a little fun with its viewers by polling them on a cheeky question: What’s more annoying—the deafening buzz of cicadas or the passionate (and sometimes loud) fans of rival Tennessee sports teams? It’s a lighthearted jab at regional sports rivalries and the seasonal nuisance of cicadas, blending humor with local pride.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t hard-hitting news, but it’s a playful nod to two things that get under Kentuckians’ skin—Tennessee fans (a big rival, especially in college sports) and the periodic cicada swarms that take over the region. It’s a relatable, tongue-in-cheek way for local media to engage with their audience while poking fun at shared frustrations. Sports rivalries run deep, and even small, humorous stories like this tap into that passion.

Hong Kong might have to give up hosting next year's Women’s Foil World Cup in fencing because they’re struggling to find enough sponsors. The event, set for January, could be canceled unless funding comes through—a tough ask in today’s shaky economy.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about missing out on a big tournament—it’s a sign of how tight budgets are affecting even major sporting events. If Hong Kong backs out, it could dent the city’s reputation as a hub for international competitions and disappoint athletes and fans counting on the event. Plus, it shows how broader economic struggles trickle down into niche areas like sports funding.

Mets left-handed pitcher Sean Manaea made his first rehab appearance since March with High-A Brooklyn, but it didn’t go as hoped—he had a rough outing on the mound.

Editor’s Note: For Mets fans keeping an eye on injured players, Manaea’s shaky return raises questions about how quickly he’ll be ready to help the big-league club. Rehab starts are supposed to be steps forward, so this stumble adds a little uncertainty to his timeline.