BBQ Banter

Wrapping up a three-day weekend with a quick read so you can dominate today’s BBQ with the right small talk, an epic pool float and the perfect poolside cocktail. 

Just don't bring the Indy 500 victory drink for the host, 

The Last Night's Game

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NBA (National Basketball Association)

When you feel like you’re doing three people’s jobs. King James still reigns supreme as his team beat the Boston Celtics last night in game seven to head to the NBA finals. Even though this will be LeBron James’ eighth consecutive appearance in the finals, some say this is his biggest feat yet because he has carried his team on his shoulders for the entire season.

Overtime

Hanging out in exotic locations with models is an average Sunday for quarterback Tom Brady (NFL – National Football League). Decked out for a white party, he spent his time at the Monaco Grand Prix (F1 – Formula One Racing) yesterday with model Bella Hadid at a sponsor event. He also took time to toss the football with race winner (see coaches’ corner). BEST DAY EVER?

Sideline stat

There’s still a chance for a rematch of the past three years of the NBA finals, featuring the Cavs and the Golden State Warriors, if the Warriors win tonight. Steph Curry and his team are in Houston to take on the Rockets in game seven tonight.

Coaches’ corner

Yesterday was a great day to be from the land down under, with the Aussies taking home victories in both the Indy 500 (IndyCar) and the F1 Monaco Grand Prix. First, Daniel Ricciardo dominated the picturesque course in Monaco, celebrating his victory with his signature shoey – a celebratory drink out of the shoe he wore for the race. (More like eewey). BOTTOMS UP

Then there’s Australia’s own Will Power, who chugged the traditional Indy 500 victory cocktail, a nice bottle of milk, after racing in scorching hot temperatures. Although all eyes were on Danica Patrick, whose racing career came to an end with a crash less than halfway through the race. INDY

What to watch

What happens in Vegas is certainly not staying in Vegas tonight in the first of seven games in the battle for the Stanley Cup (NHL – National Hockey League). This is the first time in 20 years the Washington Capitals have been in the finals and it's the first year on the ice for the Vegas Golden Knights, an expansion team. ARE YOU READY FOR IT?

The Rundown: Weekend Preview Edition

The always perfect date, Last Night’s Game, brings you all you need to know to impress your valentine (or the pizza delivery man) this weekend.

Pepperoni with cheese,

The Last Night’s Game Team

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NBA (National Basketball Association)

• Give me a break. Signifying the end of the first half of the NBA season, the All-Star break started today and the All-Star Game is this weekend. The second half of the season will resume with games on Thursday.
• In the lead. Cleveland Cavaliers are in first place in the East and the Golden State Warriors in the West. 
• Recipe for success. Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry is the reigning MVP and arguably the best player in the league. This was not always the case. When first came into the league had extreme ankle problems and the outlook on his career was dismal. He became the player he is today through hard work and dedication.
• A whole new world. The NBA is taking voting for the MVP of this Sunday’s All-Star Game to the next level. NBA has created emojis for the different players in the game and fans can vote via twitter using the emojis. The TNT broadcasters also have their own emojis, which includes a dig at former player turned TNT broadcaster, Charles Barkley, whose emoji is a donut. Nom nom.
• You can catch All-Star Saturday, which includes the skills competition, three-point contest and slam dunk competition on Saturday at 8:30 pm (EST) on TNT.
• The All-Star Game is on Sunday at 8:30 pm (EST) on TNT.  

NCAA BASKETBALL (COLLEGE)

• Practicing some self-restraint. University of Louisville announced a self-imposed post season ban this year. This ban is in hopes of avoiding further penalties from the NCAA. The possible NCAA smackdown stems from an escort scandal which took place from 2010-2014 involving potential recruits.

NFL (National Football League)

• Bad boys need not apply. In an attempt to clean up their image, the NFL announced that prospects with convictions involving weapons, domestic violence and/or sexual offense/sexual assault will not be allowed to participate in the predraft combine. The NFL combine takes place February 26 - 29th.
• Fast wins cash. Adidas is offering any prospect player at the combine $1 million if they break the 40-yard dash record. The current record is 4.24 seconds. Included in the fine print – the athlete must be wearing Adidas shoes.  
• Insert foot in mouth. Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning was on the Jimmy Fallon Show, where he told an amazing and hilarious story of how he first met a kid from Memphis named Justin (Timberlake).
• Three’s Company? Oakland Raiders announced they have signed a one-year lease agreement to stay in Oakland. The whole NFL relocation-stadium saga is about as intertwined as a telenovela so let's recap. Oakland is third in line for a possible relocation to Los Angeles. The Rams have already committed to move to L.A. and the San Diego Chargers have a year to decide if they too want to move to L.A. and share a stadium with the Rams. If not, the Raiders can make a move. Although according to reports, they really just want to stay in Oakland but need some love (i.e. money) from the City of Oakland. 

Soccer

• Victory for the people. Liverpool has announced they will put a price freeze on tickets after an uproar from fans and a staged walkout last week.  
• Fancy a date with a soccer player? You can start your Valentine’s Day with one of two big Premier League games this Sunday.
  • Arsenal vs Leicester City at 7 am (EST) on NBCSN
  • Aston Villa vs Liverpool at 9 am (EST) on NBCSN
• Money isn’t everything. Leicester City is a true Cinderella story. Last year they finished in 14th place and this year they are in first place in the league where they’re beating all the teams with much higher payrolls.

Overtime

• Wrestler Daniel Bryan of the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) has announced he is stepping away from the ring at the age 34 due to concussions. Bryan, who is married to reality TV star and fellow wrestler Brie Bella (one of the Bella Twins and star of the show “Total Divas”), has had a documented 10 concussions thought his career and suffered post-concussion seizures.

Sideline Stat

• Golden State Warriors hold the best record of any NBA team in history for the first half of the season (48-4). They are on pace to set the record for wins in a season. The record is held by the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls, who went 72-10. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was a player on that Bulls team. . 

Coaches’ Corner

• What is the NFL combine? The NFL combine is a platform for prospective NFL prospects to participate in various drills and interviews with NFL scouts to improve their visibility and draftability. Prospects can only participate if they’re invited.  The NFL Network will be covering the combine live February 26-29th.