Monday Minute: Snoop Dogg Surprises, Tom Brady’s Debut + Olympic Qualifying
Let’s do this.
It's Monday, June 17th, and we have the hottest sports topics to keep you chatting all week. From thrilling basketball and hockey games to Snoop Dogg’s antics and Olympic trials, here’s everything you need to know.
Mavericks and Oilers Surprise in the Finals
We'd have been skeptical if you’d told us on Friday that the NBA (National Basketball Association) and NHL (National Hockey League) Finals wouldn’t be decided this weekend. The Dallas Mavericks and the Edmonton Oilers seemed to be on the ropes. But both teams came through with blowout wins, keeping their championship hopes alive. Tonight, the Mavericks face the Boston Celtics in Boston, and on Tuesday, the Oilers play the Florida Panthers in Florida. The Celtics and Panthers could still clinch the titles at home, but the Mavericks and Oilers showed they’re not going down without a fight.
Snoop Dogg’s Milwaukee Adventure
Snoop Dogg made headlines again, this time in Milwaukee. He threw the first pitch at the Brewers game (MLB - Major League Baseball) and then entertained everyone in the TV booth with his hilarious commentary. With gems like, "That one player’s got a rocket in his pocket," Snoop had everyone laughing. Get ready to see more of Snoop’s unique commentary during the Olympics next month.
UFL Championship: Birmingham’s Triumph
Tom Brady made his FOX debut last night, covering the UFL Championship. The Birmingham Stallions shut out the San Antonio Brahmas to become the first UFL champions, marking their third consecutive championship. The UFL, born from the merger of the USFL and XFL (run by The Rock), saw Birmingham make history once again. Congrats, Birmingham!
Golf: DeChambeau’s Emotional US Open Win
Bryson DeChambeau clinched his second career US Open win, an emotion-filled victory. It was the 25th anniversary of his idol Payne Stewart’s win at Pinehurst. DeChambeau’s triumph was particularly poignant as it came on Father’s Day after losing his father to diabetes in 2022. His dad had witnessed his first win in 2020, making this victory even more special.
Olympic Trials: Swimming Highlights
Katie Ledecky continues to dazzle, qualifying for her fourth Olympics with ease. The Olympic trials at Lucas Oil Stadium (home of the Indianapolis Colts) set a record with 20,000+ attendees. The innovative setup included an Olympic-sized swimming pool inside the stadium and a bar below it, aptly named the "Dive Bar," offering a unique viewing experience.
Soccer: Eriksen’s Inspirational Return
In soccer news, Christian Eriksen scored for Denmark in their opening European Cup match against Slovenia on Sunday. This moment was incredibly moving, coming three years after Eriksen suffered cardiac arrest during the last European Championship in 2021. Seeing him back on the pitch and scoring was a full-circle moment that warmed hearts worldwide. Check out our guide to the 2024 Euro Cup here.
That’s your sports roundup for the week! Stay updated and join the conversation by visiting Last Night's Game or following us on social media. Have a fantastic week, and we’ll see you on Wednesday for our Wednesday Wisdom Podcast!
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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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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
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Photo: Instagram/wnba
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