Weekend Preview: Explaining The Euro Cup, Who Is About To Get Swept + Rory's Lead
This weekend in sports is as busy as your summer social schedule.
Let’s explore the action-packed events that will keep you informed and ready to thrive in conversation.
NBA Finals: Can the Celtics Sweep?
The Boston Celtics aim to sweep the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4 of the NBA Finals (National Basketball Association) in Boston tonight. The city is buzzing with anticipation, so much so that the Boston Red Sox (MLB—Major League Baseball) moved their game against the Yankees to accommodate fans eager to watch the Celtics. It will be a big night in unless Dallas pulls off a miracle.
U.S. Open in Golf: Rory’s Big Comeback?
After day one of the U.S. Open, Rory McIlroy, with a bogey-free 64, is tied for first. Fans are cheering for Rory, who hasn’t won a major in 10 years and recently called off his divorce. But don’t count out the world number one, Scottie Scheffler, who’s been on fire this season.
Euro Cup: Europe’s Best Compete
The Euro Cup, happening once every four years, starts today. This year marks 20 years since Cristiano Ronaldo’s debut in the tournament. Ronaldo holds records for the most appearances (25) and goals (14) in the Euros. The tournament is massive, with over 365M people watching and attending. It should also significantly boost Germany’s economy, with 2.7M tickets sold and an estimated $4B in tourism revenue.
Who to Watch in the Euro Cup
Favorites: England, France, Portugal, Spain, and defending champions Italy
The pressure is on England, who has never won the Euros and hasn’t secured a major tournament victory since the 1966 World Cup. But Ukraine will undoubtedly be the fan favorite.
Stanley Cup Finals: Panthers on the Brink
In the Stanley Cup Finals (NHL - National Hockey League), the Florida Panthers lead the Edmonton Oilers 3-0. The Panthers could complete a sweep in Game 4 on Saturday night. Will the Oilers find a way to turn the tide?
Boxing Update: Fight Reschedules
After the Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight, it was moved from July to the fall. Now, Conor McGregor’s return to the octagon against Michael Chandler is delayed due to McGregor’s injuries. This much-anticipated fight will be rebooked for later this year.
UFL Championship: Brahmas vs. Stallions
The San Antonio Brahmas face the Birmingham Stallions on Sunday in the 2024 UFL Championship game. The UFL, born from the merger of the XFL (owned by The Rock) and the USFL, has seen a 30% increase in viewership this season. Birmingham aims for its third straight championship, promising an exciting showdown.
Olympic Swim Trials: Making Waves
The Olympic swim trials are happening this weekend at Lucas Oil Stadium. A football stadium has been transformed into a swimming venue, and around 1,000 Olympic hopefuls will compete from June 15 to 23. It’s a unique setup you won’t want to miss.
Also starting today is the Men’s College World Series in Omaha. For more, check out our social media.
That’s your sports rundown for the weekend! Stay updated and join the conversation by following us on social media or visiting Last Night's Game. Have a fantastic weekend, and catch you on Monday for our Monday Minute!
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Photo: Instagram/kingjames
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Monday Minute: Caitlin Clark-Less Olympics, Record-Breaking Wrigley + The Clay Queen
Better than a cup of coffee.
It's Monday, June 10th, and we have all the conversation starters to kick off your week. Here’s what’s been happening in the world of sports:
Team USA Women’s Basketball Roster Drama
Although it’s not official yet, the leaked roster for Team USA's women's basketball team for the Olympics has caused quite a stir. Notably absent is rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, who has been making waves in women’s sports. Fans are outraged, but sources say her exclusion is due to potential backlash over limited playing time. The roster is stacked with seasoned talent, and Clark, despite her prowess, might not get much court time.
Stanley Cup Finals: Panthers Strike First
In the Stanley Cup Finals, the Florida Panthers shut out the Edmonton Oilers 3-0 in the first game. What made this game unique was its first-of-its-kind alternative broadcast in sign language. Game two is tonight, and it’s shaping up to be another exciting showdown.
Belmont Stakes: Dornach’s Big Win
The Triple Crown races had different winners for the sixth year in a row. Dornach dominated the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, owned by retired MLB player and World Series champion Jayson Werth. Werth compared this big win to his World Series victory with the Philadelphia Phillies, claiming horse racing is the most underrated sport in the world.
Historic Event at Wrigley Field
Saturday evening saw the first professional women’s sporting event at Wrigley Field in 80 years. The Chicago Red Stars hosted their first game at an MLB venue as part of their Red Stars Takeover Wrigley Field campaign, breaking the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League) attendance record with 35,038 fans. This event was made possible by the ownership connection between the Red Stars and the Chicago Cubs, controlled by the Ricketts family.
French Open: Historic Wins on Clay
The French Open, the only major tennis tournament on clay, concluded with impressive victories. Carlos Alcaraz won his first French Open, defeating Alex Zverev, and became the youngest man to win a major final on all three surfaces (clay, grass, hard). This win moved him to the number two spot, surpassing Novak Djokovic. Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner climbed to the number one ranking, dethroning Djokovic, who held the top spot for a record 428 weeks.
On the women's side, Iga Świątek continues to dominate, winning her third straight French Open title and fourth overall at Roland Garros. She is now the youngest woman to win four French Opens, boasting an incredible record of 35-2 at the tournament. Additionally, Coco Gauff celebrated victory in the doubles championship.
For more details on these stories and other sports news, visit Last Night's Game or follow us on social media @lastnightsgame. Have a fantastic week ahead!
Photo: Unsplash
What’s Cookin’?
Have you tried our Tailgate Treats? They’re fan favorite meals served best with friends (or you can keep them to yourself). READ
Photo: Instagram/wnba
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Weekend Preview: Finals Galore, Stanley Pup Is For The Dogs + 4-Peat
Big weekend ahead.
Good morning, sunshine! Here’s your ultimate guide to what’s happening this weekend for your sports small talk.
Women's College World Series: History Made
Yesterday, Oklahoma made history by winning the Women’s College World Series, achieving the first-ever four-peat in college softball. Go Sooners!
NBA Finals: Celtics Dominate Mavericks
Last night, the Boston Celtics came out swinging in the first game of the NBA Finals and dominated the Dallas Mavericks. Game two is on Sunday.
French Open Finals: Swiatek vs. Paolini
On the women’s side, Iga Świątek (No. 1) defeated American Coco Gauff and will play against Italy’s Jasmine Paolini in the finals on Saturday. Świątek has an impressive streak, not losing at Roland Garros in three years.
On the men’s side, with Novak Djokovic out due to a knee injury, Janek Sinner will take over the number-one world ranking regardless of the results of his match in the semifinals later today.
Major League Baseball World Tour: London Series
The Major League Baseball (MLB) World Tour returns to London this weekend with the New York Mets facing the Philadelphia Phillies. Don’t miss Rob McElhenney’s genius marketing campaign with MLB.
Stanley Pups: Adorable Competition
Today is the first-ever “Stanley Pup.” This 90-minute show features celebrity dog lovers like Kristin Chenoweth. Lisa Vanderpump and Miranda Lambert, alongside adorable adoptable dogs representing the 16 teams that qualified for the Stanley Cup Finals. NHL (National Hockey League) players will introduce these furry friends, supporting local pet adoptions.
Stanley Cup Finals: Panthers vs. Oilers
The Stanley Cup Finals see the Florida Panthers in their second straight appearance, while the Edmonton Oilers return for the first time since 2006. Fun fact: the travel distance between Edmonton and Sunrise, Florida, sets a record for the longest in Stanley Cup Finals history at 2,541 miles.
Look out for superstars Conor McDavid leading the Oilers and Matthew Tkachuk leading the Panthers. Also, keep an eye on Corey Perry of the Oilers, who is making history by appearing in the Stanley Cup Finals with five different teams—a first in NHL history.
Have a fantastic weekend! For more updates, follow us on social media or at Last Night's Game.
Photo: Unsplash
What’s Cookin’?
Have you tried our Tailgate Treats? They’re fan favorite meals served best with friends (or you can keep them to yourself). READ
Photo: Instagram/kingjames
GAME CHANGER
Athletes rituals to bring into your 2024 - the good, the bad and the awkward. BRING IT ON