A 26.2-mile race is obviously no joke. Walking is totally acceptable (as Nike learned after this controversial ad). So is pausing to read the crowd’s motivational signs. (Some real gems here.) And it’s definitely not funny, when you learn that the first woman to run the Boston Marathon had to sneak into the race because people didn’t believe women could physically run that distance. If this is all inspiring you to get up and move, here’s a guide to start running — because unlike the humanoid robots, your joints will need to ease in. Now, let’s get to the sports headlines…
— Maria Corpus / Editor / Madison, WI
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Playoffs Mode Activated
What’s going on: It’s playoff season across the sports world, with every game raising the stakes and players asking: Are you not entertained? Here are some of the highlights as the matchups get underway...
Ice, ice baby: The NHL regular season is over, and now 16 teams continue their quest for the Stanley Cup. Judging by the league’s Heated Rivalry-inspired hype video, the competition is fierce. One team nobody wants to face is the Colorado Avalanche. But right now all eyes are on the Buffalo Sabres, who just ended a 15-year playoff drought in the most chaotic, only-in-sports way possible. But maybe don’t start celebrating yet. Missing from this year’s postseason? Former back-to-back champs, the Florida Panthers, as well as the Toronto Maple Leafs. (Sorry, Justin Bieber.)
Hoop, there it is: Both the underdogs and history makers showed up for the first round of the NBA playoffs… mostly. The San Antonio Spurs’ 22-year-old sensation Victor Wembanyama set a franchise record in his post-season debut. But his playoff run may be cut short — a brutal fall took him out early last night. After barely making the bracket, the Orlando Magic pulled off a massive upset over the top-seeded Detroit Pistons. Meanwhile, LeBron and Bronny James became the first father-son duo in an NBA playoff game. As for the Knicks, they probably need a therapy session following their most recent face-off with the Atlanta Hawks. (Did anyone else know this ‘80s movie icon co-owns the team?) Spike Lee was courtside for the devastation. But if he was hoping for divine intervention, he didn’t get it.
🙈 Proof this track star’s gold medal isn’t in words of affirmation: His first-look response would turn any of us into a runaway bride. See for yourself.
Timeout...
Our Well Played co-hosts and friends of the show tackle listener Qs.
Who’s "Sexy Dexy"?
The biggest news in pro football right now is the NFL Draft, which starts tomorrow and wraps up Saturday in Pittsburgh. What we’re tracking? Last week the Giants traded three-time pro bowler DT Dexter Lawrence (or "Sexy Dexy" as they call him) to the Bengals, while QB Aaron Rodgers still hasn’t told the Steelers if he plans to return next season. Expect both moves to affect how all three teams select their rookies this year. What’s more certain is that the Las Vegas Raiders will use their No. 1 pick on QB Fernando Mendoza. The Heisman winner, who only has two apps on his phone (how?), will learn from QB Kirk Cousins. The pair couldn’t be less Vegas if they tried. It’s definitely a gamble.
Skimmed by Mallory Simon, Maria del Carmen Corpus and Jordan Galloway. Fact-checked by Barbara Kean.
Photos: Michael Owens, Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE, Adam Hagy/NBAE, Jon Putman/Anadolu, Ric Tapia, Cooper Neill, and Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images | Design: theSkimm
