The NBA Finals series is a key focus, with Oklahoma City evening the series thanks to SGA's fourth-quarter flurry, while Knicks coaching talks and Russell Westbrook's decision to decline his option generate buzz, alongside the intriguing friendship between Haliburton and Clark and latest rumors regarding star players like KD and Giannis.

• SGA's 4th-quarter flurry saves OKC, evens Finals — ESPN -
• Sources: Knicks set for talks with Brown, Jenkins — ESPN -
• 🤝 Haliburton, Clark most powerful friendship in basketball — ESPN -

• 2025 NBA Finals: The Thunder bounce back in Game 4 to tie the series — ESPN -
• Overheard at the NBA Finals: Latest buzz on the futures of KD, Giannis and the Knicks — ESPN -
• Source: Nuggets' Westbrook to decline option — ESPN -

Major player transfers and contract talks dominate headlines, with Liverpool and Barcelona pursuing deals, Paul Pogba in talks for a return to Monaco, and Real Madrid signing wonderkid Mastantuono, while Messi discusses Club World Cup expectations, Boca's Costa obtains a U.S. visa, David Beckham is knighted, and Mexico's president addresses Gold Cup concerns.

• Messi on CWC: Expectations different with Miami — ESPN -
• Sources: Liverpool agrees to $157M Wirtz deal — ESPN -
• Sources: Pogba in talks to return with Monaco — ESPN -

• Source: Barça set to sign keeper García for €25m — ESPN -
• Madrid sign Argentina wonderkid Mastantuono — ESPN -
• Boca's Costa gets U.S. visa for CWC after U-turn — ESPN -
• Arise, Sir David: Beckham knighted by king — ESPN -
• Mexico prez calls for no ICE action at Gold Cup — ESPN -

The U.S. Open saw Sam Burns atop the leaderboard as one of few players under par, while DeChambeau and Mickelson missed the cut, and George Duangmanee's second round performance highlighted the event's challenges, with a rare ace by Victor Perez and discussions about weekend favorites.

• Burns, one of 3 players under par, atop U.S. Open — ESPN -
• DeChambeau, Mickelson slip late, head home early — ESPN -
• How George Duangmanee's second round showed the beauty and the harshness of the U.S. Open — ESPN -

• Who is the favorite? Is Scheffler still in contention? Looking ahead to the weekend at the U.S. Open — ESPN -
• The best shots and moments from Round 2 of the U.S. Open — ESPN -
• Perez cards 2nd-ever U.S. Open ace at Oakmont — ESPN -

Garrett Crochet reflected on a home run pitch to Judge, Reds' Miley denied wrongdoing in the Skaggs case, Shohei Ohtani's batting impact for the Dodgers was highlighted, and Trea Turner celebrated an Emmy win for a film on his 2023 ovation, as the Brewers traded Civale and Men's College World Series draft prospects were noted.

• Crochet after win: No regrets on HR pitch to Judge — ESPN -
• Reds' Miley denies wrongdoing in Skaggs case — ESPN -
• The 15 early-round MLB draft prospects to know in the Men's College World Series — ESPN -

• Dodgers desperately need Shohei Ohtani's arm, but his bat will do -- for now — ESPN -
• Phils' Turner hails Emmy for film on his '23 ovation — ESPN -
• Civale traded to ChiSox after bullpen pushback — ESPN -

The Men's College World Series commenced with victories for Coastal Carolina and Oregon State, following discussions of key storylines, top players, and predictions for the tournament.

• Coastal Carolina, Oregon St. win to open MCWS — ESPN -
• Storylines, top players and predictions — ESPN -

Rhyne Howard tied a WNBA record with nine three-pointers in a game, while Aces star A'ja Wilson was placed in concussion protocol, marking significant player news.

• Howard (9 3s) ties record; Griner now 2nd in blocks — ESPN -
• Aces star Wilson placed in concussion protocol — ESPN -

Mya Lesnar, daughter of WWE legend Brock Lesnar, won a national title in shot put, showcasing a significant athletic achievement, while Dak Prescott expressed his desire for a Super Bowl title, regardless of legacy concerns.

• Mya Lesnar, daughter to WWE legend Brock Lesnar, wins national title in shot put — ESPN -
• Dak wants Super Bowl title, legacy 'be damned' — ESPN -