ROME (AP) — An imposing stadium in a serious international capital did nothing to cease Bayer Leverkusen’s document unbeaten march throughout Europe.

The freshly topped first-time Bundesliga champion silenced the Stadio Olimpico with a 2-0 win at Roma within the first leg of the Europa League semifinals on Thursday to increase its unbeaten streak to 47 matches throughout all competitions.

No membership from Europe’s 5 largest leagues — in Germany, England, Italy, Spain and France — has had an extended unbeaten streak.

“We take issues sport by sport and we aren’t fascinated about being unbeaten,” Leverkusen midfielder Amine Adli mentioned. “We aren’t fascinated about making historical past or issues like that — that’s why we’re taking part in like this and the workforce is powerful. We simply need to take pleasure in ourselves.”

The end result additionally marked a measure of revenge for Leverkusen — since Roma had overwhelmed the German membership on this very same stage final season for its final defeat in Europe.

“We all know it’s not simple to play right here,” Adli mentioned. “We performed a really severe sport.”

Leverkusen’s final loss throughout all competitions was a 3-0 defeat to Bochum within the last spherical of final season’s Bundesliga almost a yr in the past — on Might 27, 2023.

Roma was harmful with an early header off the crossbar from Romelu Lukaku. However then Leverkusen scored on the counterattack seven minutes later.

A failed again cross from Roma proper again Rick Karsdorp below stress from Alex Grimaldo on the left flank resulted in a 3-on-1 for Leverkusen. Grimaldo then handed to Florian Wirtz, who calmly slotted in from the middle of the world.

Midfielder Robert Andrich added one other aim for Leverkusen within the 73rd with a long-range shot — simply as Roma had been threatening on the opposite finish.

Within the different semifinal, Atalanta drew 1-1 at Marseille.

The second legs will likely be held subsequent Thursday, with the ultimate to be held in Dublin on Might 22.

Leverkusen has gained just one European trophy: the 1988 UEFA Cup, which was then predecessor to the Europa League. Its solely different European last got here within the 2002 Champions League, gained by Actual Madrid.

Roma is aiming to qualify for its third consecutive European last after profitable the Europa Convention League in 2022 and shedding final yr’s Europa League last to Sevilla in a penalty shootout.

Daniele De Rossi changed Jose Mourinho as Roma’s coach in January.

The Giallorossi hadn’t misplaced a European knockout stage sport at residence in seven years — since getting beat 1-0 by Villarreal within the 2017 Europa League.

Roma followers’ pre-match choreography throughout one complete finish of the stadium spelled out the phrase “AVANZIAMO” (“Let’s advance”). However Roma now faces an uphill problem to get rid of Leverkusen, which hasn’t misplaced all season.

MARSEILLE-ATALANTA

Marseille’s gamers have been handled to an ovation at Stade Velodrome from their hard-to-please followers after the draw with Atalanta — which eradicated Liverpool within the quarterfinals.

Atalanta took the lead within the eleventh when striker Gianluca Scamacca hit a low shot into the underside nook after studying Teun Koopmeiners’ intelligent cross.

However Marseille equalized within the twentieth when central defender Chancel Mbemba collected Geoffrey Kondogbia’s cross and his fantastic curling shot from the sting of the penalty space hit the left put up and rolled in.

The second half was nearly fully one-way visitors as Marseille pushed ahead. Winger Ismaïla Sarr had a aim disallowed for an offside following a video evaluate and substitute Azzedine Ounahi hit the crossbar with a curling shot within the 73rd.

EUROPA CONFERENCE LEAGUE

Within the third-tier competitors semifinal first legs, Aston Villa’s hopes of reaching a primary European last since 1982 have been diminished with a 4-2 residence loss to Olympiakos, the primary defeat at Villa Park within the European marketing campaign for the final English membership in European competitions.

Villa got here again from 2-0 down however was not capable of reply Ayoub El Kaabi’s third aim of the sport. The striker transformed from the penalty spot to make it 3-2 for his eighth aim within the competitors this season. Santiago Hezze completed the scoring earlier than Douglas Luiz wasted a penalty for Villa.

Olympiakos is aiming to play on residence soil within the Might 29 last in Athens.

Earlier, El Kaabi scored twice inside a half hour put the guests in cost.

In Florence, substitute M’Bala Nzola netted in stoppage time for last-year’s runner-up Fiorentina to safe a 3-2 victory over 10-man Membership Brugge.

Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika was despatched off after receiving his second yellow card on the hour when the Italian membership was 2-1 up however the guests equalized by way of Igor Thiago to finish a counter simply minutes later.

Riccardo Sottil put Fiorentina forward early on, Brugge captain Hans Vanaken answered with an equalizer from the penalty spot after which Andrea Belotti restored the lead for Fiorentina on a rebound.

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AP Sports activities Writers Jerome Pugmire in Paris and Karel Janicek in Prague contributed to this report.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/Soccer

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — The Miami Marlins are engaged on a commerce that will ship second baseman and reigning NL batting champion Luis Arraez to the San Diego Padres.

The Marlins stated Friday that the deal was pending a evaluation of medical data earlier than it may very well be finalized and formally introduced.

“When a man like that’s taken out of the lineup or doubtlessly traded, you are feeling it, as a result of he’s such child and one of many leaders in that clubhouse,” supervisor Skip Schumaker stated, “so there’s undoubtedly a shock worth.”

There was additionally some shock within the Padres’ clubhouse after their 7-1 victory over the Diamondbacks on Friday night time, although it was for happier causes.

“It’s actually superb — that man is a baller,” San Diego slugger Fernando Tatis Jr. stated about Arraez. “He’s most likely the closest to Tony Gwynn proper now, so wanting ahead to seeing him in our lineup. … The man’s a pure hitter and I can’t watch for him to assist us.”

Gwynn gained eight batting titles for the Padres throughout his Corridor of Fame profession from 1982 to 2001.

Miami modified its lineup minutes earlier than first pitch in Oakland, pulling the 27-year-old Arraez out of the leadoff spot.

As an alternative, he made his method by the customer’s dugout on the Coliseum shaking palms and providing hugs and goodbyes together with his now-former teammates, coaches and workers.

“Nice teammate,” Schumaker stated. “So after all, yeah, I feel that it’s human nature that there’s an preliminary shock worth when it occurs. Once more, nothing’s official, however when he will get pulled out of the lineup these guys aren’t dumb, they know what’s happening. I feel that the preliminary shock issue is unquestionably actual and hopefully it goes away in a pair days or tomorrow or no matter it’s as a result of we all know it’s a enterprise and also you’re paid right here to come back right here and win video games and be skilled.”

Arraez — who was passed by the tip of Miami’s 3-1 loss and his locker empty — ought to present an instantaneous spark to the Padres’ lineup. San Diego trails the first-place Dodgers within the gifted NL West.

Arraez was hitting .299 with 5 RBIs and had scored 22 runs with a .347 on-base proportion over 16 video games throughout Miami’s 9-24 begin. A two-time All-Star, he additionally gained an AL batting title for the Minnesota Twins in 2022 earlier than they traded him to Miami for Pablo Lopez in January 2023.

A’s supervisor Mark Kotsay appreciated the heads up from Schumaker earlier than the sport.

“It may be disruptive, however I feel Skip dealt with it very, very effectively,” Kotsay stated. “He’s been within the recreation a very long time. Delivering these messages isn’t simple, however it was good to see his teammates get an opportunity to say what they wanted to. By way of preparation, we’re all skilled right here. These issues occur. I’m certain it didn’t distract them from the sport.”

The Marlins had been reportedly anticipated to obtain 4 gamers: reliever Woo-Suk Go and prospects Dillon Head, Jakob Marsee, and Nathan Martorella.

Martorella was enjoying in a Double-A recreation for San Antonio and at second base when he was traded and faraway from the sport, confused initially earlier than saying his goodbyes.

ESPN first reported the commerce Friday.

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AP Baseball Author David Brandt in Phoenix contributed to this report.

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AP MLB:

[Editor’s note: The following post contains spoilers for the end of “The Idea of You.”]

Ask any fan about their favourite e-book, and they’re most likely a bit nervous when Hollywood comes calling with that very query. Streamers are affected by e-book variations that may by no means reside as much as the world created in a single’s personal head.

That’s why it’s such a deal with, then, that the Anne Hathaway-starring adaptation of “The Thought of You,” which hit Prime Video on Might 2, is such a steamy, enjoyable delight that really improves upon its supply materials.

It stays loyal to the e-book’s fantasy-driven plot: Hathaway portrays Solène, a newly-single mother of an adolescent who — after assembly backstage at a live performance in a pinch-me second of serendipity — falls right into a whirlwind, sex-forward romance with the lead singer of a world boy band, Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine). (Of be aware: The movie‘s screenwriters, Jennifer Westfeldt and director Michael Showalter, make the very good option to age up by a number of years each Solène’s daughter and Hayes himself from their e-book variations.)

However regardless of the fluffy rom-com premise, within the authentic 2017 e-book by Robinne Lee, Solène and Hayes don’t find yourself collectively. After their last breakup chat — principally a model of what’s within the film, with Solène realizing that finally her life, and her daughter’s, simply received’t mesh with worldwide fame — she tearfully lets him go. The novel’s last pages discover Solène telling Hayes she doesn’t love him (lie) and that she simply cherished “the concept of [him].” Hayes texts and texts and texts, begging her to rethink after which someday … he doesn’t anymore. He’s moved on. However we all know that Solène nonetheless loves him.

Are you kidding me? I like tearjerker as a lot as the following particular person, however once I initially learn the e-book, I’ve to confess: it felt a bit just like the rug was pulled out from beneath me. It simply didn’t really feel like the place the story was going, you realize? I’m making an attempt to get pleasure from a steamy examine two hotties overcoming all logic and sense to bang into the sundown, not ponder the difficulties of grownup life and fame within the trendy period.

Fortunately, director Showalter agreed that the unique downer ending ought to be readjusted.

“For me, there’s this ingredient of it is a style film,” Showalter informed IndieWire throughout a latest interview. “This can be a Hollywood movie. That is one thing that I would like audiences to get pleasure from and have enjoyable with, and there’s numerous want achievement right here. And it’s simply extra enjoyable. It’s simply extra satisfying to see them be collectively.”

Completely appropriate.

Within the film model, through the breakup scene, Hayes tells Solène to vow to name him in 5 years, when her daughter might be in school and issues will doubtless be simpler. The movie then jumps ahead 5 years: Solène remains to be fortunately working at her artwork gallery, and Hayes has moved on to a profitable solo recording profession.

However whereas showing on a chat present, Hayes mentions he’s about to take a touring break and go to LA as a result of there’s “somebody [he] needs to see there.” Solène wonders … after which he exhibits up at her gallery and she or he bursts into pleased tears, the sort that promise that love conquers all! Perpetually is feasible! You’ll be able to have nice intercourse with a boy bander and he’ll nonetheless be head over heels in love with you, even years later! Now that is a Hollywood ending.

“If this was a extra form of romantic tragedy, like a ‘Howard’s Finish’ or one thing, then I might’ve been extra open to the unhappy ending,” Showalter informed IndieWire. “However I need to see them collectively on the finish of the film, or at the very least I need to really feel like that’s a chance.”

Mission: achieved.

Extra reporting by Kate Erbland.

A Prime Video launch, “The Thought of You” is streaming now.

BEIJING (AP) — A Chinese language truck driver was praised in native media Saturday for parking his car throughout a freeway and stopping extra automobiles from tumbling down a slope after a bit of the street within the nation’s mountainous south collapsed and killed not less than 48 folks.

Wang Xiangnan was driving Wednesday alongside the freeway in Guangdong province, a significant financial hub in southern China. At round 2 a.m., Wang noticed a number of autos shifting in the other way of the four-lane freeway and a fellow driver quickly knowledgeable him concerning the collapse, native media reported.

Reacting swiftly, Wang, a former soldier, positioned his truck to dam the freeway, successfully stopping dozens of autos from advancing into hazard, Jiupai Information quoted Wang as saying. In the meantime, his spouse acquired out of the truck to alert different drivers concerning the state of affairs, it mentioned.

“I didn’t suppose an excessive amount of. I simply needed to cease the autos,” Wang informed the Chinese language information outlet.

Wang’s brave actions not solely garnered reward from Chinese language social media customers but in addition recognition from the China Employee Improvement Basis.

The inspiration introduced Friday that in partnership with a automotive firm it had awarded Wang 10,000 yuan ($1,414). A charity undertaking linked to tech large Alibaba Group Holding additionally gave an equal quantity to Wang, newspaper Dahe Each day reported. Wang informed the newspaper he would donate the cash to the households of the collapse victims.

Native media additionally reported that one other man had knelt down to stop automobiles from continuing on the freeway.

The accident got here after a month of heavy rains in Guangdong. A few of the 23 autos that plunged into the deep ravine burst in flames, sending up thick clouds of smoke.

About 30 folks had been hospitalized. On Saturday, one was discharged from the hospital, state broadcaster CCTV reported. The others had been enhancing, however one stays in severe situation.

On Saturday, the Meizhou metropolis authorities in Guangdong mentioned in an announcement that authorities would conduct citywide checks on expressways, railways and roads in mountainous areas. A workforce led by the provincial governor is investigating the reason for the collapse, Southcn.com reported.

The Chinese language authorities had despatched a vice premier to supervise restoration efforts and urged higher security measures following calls by President Xi Jinping and the Communist Celebration’s No. 2 official, Premier Li Qiang, to swiftly deal with the tragedy.

The dispatch of Zhang, who can be a member of one of many ruling Communist Celebration’s main our bodies, illustrates the priority over a potential public backlash over the catastrophe, the most recent in a collection of lethal infrastructure failures.

Good fan fiction ought to transport you to the world of your goals, the place you adorably meet your favourite superstar and fall hopelessly in love. In The Concept of You, when Solène (Anne Hathaway) bumps into Hayes (Nicholas Galitzine), the lead singer of her daughter’s favourite childhood band at Coachella, sparks by chance fly. He’s unable to stroll round Silver Lake with out the paparazzi trailing behind, she’s a sizzling gallery proprietor who doesn’t actually care how well-known he’s, and so their entanglement begins. At first, the film units us up for what seems to be like horny, lighthearted enjoyable, however whenever you keep in mind that we stay in an period when you possibly can’t even make out with a celeb in a crowd with out having your id uncovered, it turns into clear that The Concept of You would possibly as properly be a horror flick.

Going into this film, I assumed I used to be going to get a smooth-brained horny story, however The Concept of You has made one factor very clear to me: The one factor worse than being well-known is being a girl relationship somebody well-known. I’ll admit, the preliminary assembly and subsequent chasing of Solène by Hayes is swoon-worthy — particularly once I imagined him as a 2024 model of 1D-era Harry Kinds, the actual individual upon whom he’s loosely based mostly. However there are merely a number of moments of pleasure all through the movie. Solène solely seems to be like she is having enjoyable whereas she’s taking part in groupie on the band’s European tour. At that time, nobody is aware of about her relationship with Hayes, together with her teenage daughter, who has been blissfully unaware of her mother’s whereabouts all summer season. A secret romance will be horny, nevertheless it’s such some extent of pressure on this film that it stops being enjoyable and begins to veer into tragedy. I can’t think about that I’d truly discover having to maintain quiet about my relationship with the lead singer of one of many hottest boy bands on the earth arousing, but when that is purported to be fan fiction, I don’t wish to be reminded concerning the real-world penalties of age-gap relationships between older ladies and youthful males too a lot.

Irrespective of the couple, when a celeb is concerned, there’ll at all times be trolls. However they shortly activate ladies extra typically than they activate males, calling her a predator if she dates a youthful man, whatever the dimension of the age hole. Despite the fact that she was already well-known after they met, the quantity of hate Olivia Wilde acquired whereas relationship Kinds (ten years her junior) from his fan base was excruciating. There have been infinite hashtags praying for the couple’s downfall, quite a few social-media feedback suggesting that relationship the singer correlated to her being a nasty mom, dying threats, and fixed chatter concerning the nature of their relationship. Most of his crazed stans conveniently ignored the truth that the connection started when Kinds was 26. Many of the destructive press was hyperfixated on Wilde, with Kinds’s followers claiming he was a “sufferer.”

In The Concept of You, as quickly because the world discovers their relationship, Solène finds herself beneath the extreme scrutiny of hundreds of thousands of individuals, most of whom despise her for relationship a well-known singer. In actual life, we all know that she would have haters. (One other couple I couldn’t assist however be reminded of whereas watching the movie was Dangerous Bunny and his ex-girlfriend Gabriela Berlingeri, who now has a horde of on-line followers monitoring her each transfer.) To its credit score, the film does attempt to gesture towards the double commonplace that exists for girls by juxtaposing Solène’s new relationship with Hayes in opposition to her strained relationship together with her ex-husband, who as soon as cheated on her with a a lot youthful girl. He ignorantly assumes Solène’s actions are equal to his and the irony of the state of affairs is evident, however one thing concerning the distinction between the 2 relationships on this movie feels pointless. Finally, when her ex confronts her about it and embarrasses her additional in entrance of the paparazzi, it isn’t even a humorous sufficient second to make up for the uncomfortable encounters Solène and her daughter proceed to have with strangers due to her relationship with Hayes.

After which there’s the sensation that we’re purported to view the whirlwind affair as Solène’s fault. Solène even appears, generally, like she has internalized that blame. If solely she hadn’t been so selfless that she took her daughter to Coachella as an alternative of her philandering absentee father of an ex-husband! If solely she hadn’t been so careless as to let herself be noticed making out with a youthful hunk on the seaside in St. Tropez! Finally, I signed as much as watch some attractive fanfic, not a half-baked meditation on slut-shaming.

I used to be completely happy to see Solène stay somewhat after her divorce and date somebody sizzling and wealthy, nevertheless it’s onerous to consider that every one the ache — like being lambasted on TMZ as an alternative of praised for being a MILF — of getting concerned with a celeb can be price it. There are not any moments of peace in most of these relationships. Wish to seize a bagel hung-over, trying like shit? Assume once more. Low on cash and hoping to keep away from tipping for that chilly brew you simply ordered? Don’t you dare make your boyfriend look low cost by the transitive property! Think about infinite cameras outdoors your own home. I can barely go for a run with out eager about what I appear to be to others, and I wouldn’t survive onlookers snapping pictures of me whereas I huff and puff. (And even worse, movie a TikTok whereas I’m purple within the face.) It’s unfair what occurs to Solène, however I assume it’s actuality. This film has made it clear that the one good path ahead with a celeb is straightforward: You meet them, you kiss them, and also you overlook them.

BOSTON — The sky is blue, water is moist, and the Boston Bruins will likely be taking part in in a Recreation 7. So it goes.

Regardless of taking a 3-1 collection lead over the Maple Leafs simply over per week in the past, the Bruins have now misplaced two straight to arrange Saturday night time’s Recreation 7 again in Boston. However that is nothing new for the Boston Bruins.

Whereas most imagine that there aren’t any higher phrases in sports activities than “Recreation 7,” the Bruins would most likely argue in any other case. It is not that they are unhealthy in these winner takes all of it showdowns, they’re most likely just a bit sick of going through these high-pressure tilts 12 months after 12 months after 12 months.

Saturday night time would be the thirty first time in franchise historical past that the Bruins will take the ice for a Recreation 7, including to the staff’s NHL document. Half of their Recreation 7’s have come within the final 15 years, and Saturday night time will mark the third straight postseason the Bruins discover themselves in a do-or-die scenario.

At the least Bruins followers are seasoned veterans on the subject of this drill. There isn’t any higher fanbase ready for the lengthy, anxious await Saturday’s 8 p.m. puck drop, and the enjoyment or psychological anguish that lies forward. This marks the second straight postseason that the Bruins will want a Recreation 7 after going up 3-1 within the opening spherical, so Boston followers are battle examined.

Will Boston get to expertise the raucous celebration that follows a Recreation 7 victory on Saturday night time, or will Bruins followers have one other scar to heal? 

What is the Bruins’ document in Recreation 7’s?

What’s actually wild about this Recreation 7 is that it is actually anybody’s recreation, regardless of the way you slice it. 

Of their 30 earlier Recreation 7’s, the Bruins received 15 of them and misplaced 15 of them. And per the NHL, the Maple Leafs at the moment are the sixty fifth staff to pressure a Recreation 7 after falling behind 3-1 within the collection. In these earlier situations, the trailing staff received 32 instances, whereas the staff that led has additionally received 32 instances.

The right stability of every of these statistics is about to be thrown askew.

Getting again to the Bruins, Boston followers most likely do not want a reminder of what occurred final postseason towards the Florida Panthers. However right here we go in any case, as a result of historical past may be repeating itself.

Towards the Panthers, the Presidents’ Trophy winners let a 3-1 collection lead slip away to arrange a Recreation 7 at TD Backyard. After which they let a 3-2 lead slip away in that recreation earlier than dropping in additional time on a Carter Verhaeghe aim.

Two years in the past, the Bruins have been those forcing a Recreation 7, successful Recreation 6 at dwelling towards the Hurricanes to pressure a deciding recreation again in Carolina. The Canes received that 3-2 to finish Boston’s season.

At the least 2019 and 2018 have been a lot better for Boston, as was 2013, and we’ll get to these years in a second. However the B’s additionally misplaced a Recreation 7 to the Canadiens in 2014 and 2008, in 2012 to Washington, in 2009 to Carolina, and in 2010 to Philadelphia, the latter of which got here after Boston jumped out to a 3-0 collection lead.

So the current historical past of Recreation 7 has been somewhat tough for Boston. However not less than one 12 months was actually spectacular, if not somewhat nerve-wracking.

The 2011 Stanley Cup champion Bruins received three Recreation 7’s en path to their title, getting the higher of Montreal, Tampa Bay, and Vancouver — within the Cup Remaining, in Vancouver —  to seize that unbelievable trophy. 

Want somewhat extra positivity and good juju? Possibly the Maple Leafs can assist with that.

Bruins-Maple Leafs Recreation 7 historical past

Whereas the Bruins have given everybody loads of causes to stress about Saturday night time’s Recreation 7, let’s not overlook concerning the staff on the opposite facet. If anybody can out-Bruin the Bruins, it is the Maple Leafs.

The Leafs did not win a playoff collection for twenty years till final season, and the Bruins have been an enormous a part of that drought. The 2 groups performed three win-or-go-home Recreation 7’s within the final 11 postseasons, and the Bruins received all three.

The 2013 Bruins-Leafs collection is an all-timer, and Recreation 7 of that set is without doubt one of the finest Boston followers will reside via. The Leafs jumped out to a 4-1 lead at TD Backyard, just for the Bruins to come back storming again to pressure additional time. Patrice Bergeron ended it simply six minutes into the additional body to ship Boston onto the subsequent spherical, and the B’s made all of it the best way to the Cup Remaining that season.

That unbelievable Recreation 7 victory got here after the Bruins blew a 3-1 collection lead.

The B’s and Leafs additionally wanted a Recreation 7 to resolve their playoff collection in 2018 and 2019, and the Bruins received each of these too. Additionally they let a 3-1 collection led slip away in 2018, however bounced again to win Recreation 7 at dwelling, 7-4.

Of their three earlier Recreation 7 matchups, the Bruins have outscored the Leafs 17-9. Boston and Toronto at the moment are the primary franchises in NHL historical past to require a Recreation 7 in 4 straight head-to-head matchups within the playoffs. 

The Bruins and Leafs have performed 5 Recreation 7’s towards one another, and the Leafs have received only one: Again in 1959. The Bruins additionally bought the most effective of the Leafs in a Recreation 7 in 1941.

However as hockey followers know, nothing however the current issues in a Recreation 7.

What the Bruins are saying about one other Recreation 7

This complete Recreation 7 factor is getting irritating to anybody who needed a stress-free first spherical. However we must always have recognized higher. That is the NHL playoffs, and extra succinctly, that is the Boston Bruins. That is type of their factor.

The staff has appeared tight on the ice within the final two video games, with Toronto’s protection all of the sudden changing into a suffocating unit and blocking 35 photographs of their two straight victories. The Bruins have scored simply two targets of their final seven durations of hockey (plus a couple of minutes of additional time) and a type of targets got here with lower than a second left on the clock Thursday night time.

After their 2-1 loss in Toronto, the Bruins mentioned their focus is on Saturday — not on something that has led up up to now.

“We’re not worrying about it,” mentioned coach Jim Montgomery. “We’re not dwelling previously, we’re not dwelling sooner or later both. We’re dwelling within the current. Proper now we’re not proud of our recreation, however we have to prepare for Recreation 7.”

“I may care much less the way it unfolded,” B’s captain Brad Marchand mentioned of the staff’s street map to Recreation 7. “We’re right here and it is a possibility. We have got to be thankful for it. These are the moments you dream about as a child. Recreation 7. That is the place heroes are constructed and made. We bought to be excited concerning the place we’re in and take advantage of it.”

The stress is absolutely on the Bruins although. With a loss on Saturday, they’d change into the primary staff in NHL, NBA, or MLB historical past to blow 3-1 collection leads in back-to-back postseasons.

The underside line is that if the Bruins win another recreation, they’re on to the second spherical. If not, their season is over. That is what all of it boils all the way down to on Saturday night time.

We have been right here earlier than, and chances are high we’ll be right here once more. Buckle up, as a result of Saturday night time goes to be one other emotional curler coaster in Boston.

I actually don’t know what to say, however I’m going to attempt.

Final yr was devastating. That is embarrassing. To have a staff on the ropes after which put out the trouble the Bruins have proven is reprehensible. Two pictures on objective in half an hour of play? They wakened partially, however to what avail? We will gripe about missed calls (particularly Lohrei being ragolled by Pontus Holmberg that ought to have been a boarding 100%), however in the long run, that is on the highest 6. Pastrnak, Marchand, Zacha, and so on., and so on., they give the impression of being similar to final yr. Going via the motions, no emotion, no effort. How about Zacha and Coyle wanting horrible within the face-off dot?

The ghosts of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci are haunting me proper now and needs to be shaming their “top-6 facilities”.

DeBrusk was semi-lively, however that’s about it for the forwards. Geekie wants new skates for now a lot he was slipping and sliding tonight. It’s fallacious for Brandon Carlo to have the third most pictures of any Bruin on this collection. Charlie McAvoy and Mason Lohrei tried their darndest, however that’s about it for the skaters. None of this falls ought to fall on Jeremy Swayman’s shoulders, who’s genuinely enjoying lights out hockey. I’d be screaming at my teammates for not supporting that form of play with such an absence of goalscoring.

I really feel even worse for Jack Edwards. To ship a New England icon out with that fart of a recreation—love him or hate him—is simply fallacious.

Sport 7 Saturday evening, 8pm, TD Backyard. One thing HAS to vary. Monty’s job feels prefer it’s on the road. As Jack so fittingly made his final line, “Love Dwell the Boston Bruins.” That’s what it’s going to should be, or else it’s a really, very lengthy summer time in Beantown. The objective highlights are beneath, if you wish to be a masochist, however I wouldn’t blame you in case you didn’t.

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PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers had been leaving Josh Hart open behind the 3-point line all collection. It’s not that they have been comfortable to go away someone alone past the arc. However you’ll be able to’t guard every little thing on this league, and that was poison they picked of their first-round collection towards the New York Knicks.

And it was the poison that finally killed the Sixers’ season.

With the sport tied and Philly scrambling to maintain Jalen Brunson contained on the left aspect of the ground, Hart was open on the prime of the arc. Tyrese Maxey stunted towards Hart however selected to retreat to Donte DiVincenzo on the best wing.

“My first intuition was, in the event that they rotate, make the cross to [DiVincenzo],” Hart stated afterward. “Clearly, the sport plan was to not rotate to me.

“I used to be in a position to get my ft set and shoot an uncontested, open shot.”

His 3-pointer swished via the online with 24.4 seconds left, giving the Knicks the lead and, finally, a 118-115 victory in Recreation 6 that takes them into an Japanese Convention semifinals collection towards the Indiana Pacers that begins Monday (7:30 p.m. ET, TNT) at Madison Sq. Backyard.

Listed here are some notes, quotes, numbers and movie because the Knicks superior to the convention semis for the second straight yr …

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1. The up-15 Knicks are nonetheless undefeated

After scoring a tremendous 33 factors on their first 16 possessions, the Knicks led Recreation 6 by 22. Earlier than Thursday, they have been the league’s solely undefeated workforce in video games they led by 15 factors or extra.

However that 22-point lead rapidly started to soften away. The Sixers went on an 11-0 run late within the first quarter earlier than Hart ended the Knicks’ drought with a transition 3-pointer. Then Philly, regularly working via Joel Embiid within the publish, outscored New York by 17 factors (32-15) within the second to take a three-point halftime lead.

However the Knicks responded, scoring a tremendous 67 factors on 45 second-half possessions (1.49 per) to win the sport.

So, whereas they blew a 22-point lead, they continue to be undefeated (38-0) when main by no less than 15 factors.

Finest information when main by no less than 15 factors, 2023-24

Consists of common season, Play-In and playoffs

The Sixers, in the meantime, completed the season 0-18 in video games they trailed by no less than 20. Comebacks are slightly extra widespread now than they have been 10 years in the past, however they’re nonetheless not simple.

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2. Knicks win the power battle

They’re particularly not simple towards a workforce that may play with as a lot fourth-quarter power because the Knicks.

With Bojan Bogdanovic struggling a season-ending foot damage in Recreation 4, the Knicks used simply seven gamers within the final two video games of this collection. DiVincenzo was the one who performed all 48 minutes on Thursday, however Hart (who performed all 53 two nights earlier), Brunson and OG Anunoby additionally barely left the ground, all logging no less than 43 1/2 minutes.

But it was the Knicks who, collectively, once more had probably the most power down the stretch.

With each defenses stretched out to include the opposing level guards, there have been offensive rebounds available. The groups mixed for 9 offensive boards and 17 second-chance factors within the remaining interval.

Hart had three of these fourth-quarter offensive boards, ending with six within the sport and 22 for the collection.

The Knicks’ power additionally confirmed up in transition, with their three Villanova guys combining for an enormous fast-break 3-pointer (following certainly one of Hart’s eight defensive rebounds) halfway via the interval.

The one 76er in a position to match the Knicks’ power was Maxey. However New York was slightly extra aggressive in its pick-and-roll protection on Thursday, doing a greater job of getting the ball out of his fingers. After scoring 46 factors in Recreation 5, Maxey had simply 17 (on 6-for-18 taking pictures) in Recreation 6.

The Knicks’ pick-and-roll protection typically left Joel Embiid open on the foul line. However Embiid wasn’t in a position to assault the rotating protection. If he did drive, he didn’t do it with a lot burst, seemingly hoping to attract a foul.

This was nonetheless the Sixers’ second best offensive sport of the collection. However the Knicks simply had slightly extra down the stretch.

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3. Brunson wasn’t environment friendly, however he acquired the job completed

By way of Thursday, 13 gamers (three on this collection) have averaged no less than 25 factors within the playoffs. And among the many 13, Brunson has had the bottom true taking pictures proportion (52.5%), which means he’s been the least environment friendly of these high-volume scorers.

However there’s little question the Knicks wanted every little thing their level guard may give them. Solely Embiid has a better utilization charge in these playoffs than Brunson, who has accounted for 37% of the Knicks’ factors and 43% of their assists whereas on the ground.

The eye paid to Brunson created loads of the Knicks’ photographs, whether or not he assisted on them or not. And he had a few robust buckets of his personal down the stretch in Recreation 6.

Halfway via the fourth, he picked up his dribble with simply seven seconds left on the shot clock. He nearly acquired caught within the air however acquired the ball to Isaiah Hartenstein. Earlier than he hit the bottom, he was chasing his personal cross and gaining a step on his defender as he acquired the ball again.

When the Sixers seemingly had him trapped, Brunson discovered house to launch a leaning 15-footer that rattled in and put the Knicks up 5 …

Within the remaining two minutes, the Sixers double-teamed Brunson in the beginning of each possession. However after Oubre was referred to as for a foul making an attempt to disclaim him the ball, Philly did not ship one other double-team on the following inbounds play. Brunson drove previous Oubre, slammed on the brakes, drew contact, and acquired a floater to fall …

Brunson averaged 35.5 factors over the collection, the seventh most for any participant in a collection of no less than six video games within the final 25 years.

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4. Even a less-than-100-percent Embiid makes a giant distinction

Embiid bounced again from a tough Recreation 5 to attain 39 factors in Recreation 6, taking pictures 12-for-25 from the sector and 13-for-13 from the road.

Huge image, it was one other postseason by which the reigning Kia MVP was not at his greatest, both coping with an damage or getting back from one. Embiid was not in nice form on this collection, having not too long ago returned from an prolonged absence. He seemingly re-aggravated his knee damage in Recreation 1, was coping with a case of Bell’s Palsy and was listed as questionable earlier than Recreation 5 with a migraine.

However any Embiid is best than no Embiid. On this collection, the Sixers outscored the Knicks by 46 factors (9.3 per 100 possessions) in his 248 minutes on the ground, they usually have been outscored by 47 (52.4 per 100 possessions) in his 45 minutes on the bench.

It was paying homage to the 2019 Japanese Convention semifinals, when the Sixers have been outscored by 109 factors in Embiid’s 99 minutes off the ground, dropping on the buzzer in Recreation 7.

For the season, Philly was 34-12 (.730) when Embiid performed and 16-27 (.372) when he didn’t. He wasn’t eligible for a second straight Kia MVP award, however he nonetheless stands out as the most respected participant within the league.

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5. Sixers head into the summer time with a largely clean slate

Philly is amongst 4 groups to win over 60% of their video games over the past seven common seasons. The opposite three — the Milwaukee Bucks, the Boston Celtics and the Denver Nuggets — have all been to the Finals in that stretch, and two of them received championships.

The Sixers (347-208, .625) haven’t reached the convention finals since 2001. They now head into one other offseason that would change the franchise dramatically.

It’s been a wild trip for the reason that begin of “The Course of,” with extremely paid gamers like Ben Simmons, Jimmy Butler, J.J. Redick and Tobias Harris biking out and in round Embiid.

Of the 16 gamers on the Sixers’ present roster, solely Embiid has a assured contract for subsequent season. Everybody else is both a free agent, a possible free agent (Philly has a workforce choice on little-used guard Jeff Dowtin), or has a non-guaranteed contract for 2024-25.

Precedence No. 1, in fact, is re-signing Maxey (a restricted free agent). After that, workforce president Daryl Morey is working with a really clean slate, although the listing of obtainable, star-level free brokers is proscribed.

One of many highest-paid gamers who will likely be a free agent is the Sixers’ personal Harris, who averaged simply 9 factors per sport on this collection. Given his underwhelming efficiency this season, his return doesn’t appear doubtless, however will probably be fascinating to see the phrases of Harris’ subsequent contract — wherever he lands.

The Sixers do have some additional picks in future Drafts, so they may additionally discover the commerce market. It doesn’t matter what, with Embiid now 30 years outdated, will probably be a essential offseason for one of many league’s marquee franchises.

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John Schuhmann is a senior stats analyst for NBA.com. You’ll be able to e-mail him right here, discover his archive right here and follow him on X. 

The views on this web page don’t essentially replicate the views of the NBA, its golf equipment or Warner Bros. Discovery

E coli Contamination Present in Floor Beef Bought at Walmart

A latest announcement by the US Division of Agriculture (USDA) revealed that over 16,000 kilos of floor beef have been recalled on account of potential contamination with E coli micro organism.

The affected floor beef originates from Cargill Meat Options, in Hazleton, PA. The USDA issued a “excessive class” warning on Wednesday, prompting the recall. This beef was distributed to Walmart areas all through the US.

Recognized by an institution ID of “EST 86P,” the recalled packages had been produced between April 26 and April 27 and bear the USDA mark of inspection. The packaging doesn’t explicitly point out Cargill. The affected merchandise embody numerous varieties of floor beef, reminiscent of “93% lean, 7% fats all-natural lean floor beef,” prime rib beef steak burgers, and “85% lean, 15% fats all-natural premium floor beef.”

Moreover, packages of “80% lean, 20% fats all-natural floor beef chuck,” together with 4-packs of floor beef chuck patties and floor beef sirloin patties, are additionally a part of the recall. In whole, the recall encompasses 16,243 kilos of meat.

Customers are suggested to return any of this stuff to the place of buy or discard them instantly.

Based on the CDC, name your healthcare supplier when you’ve got any of those extreme E coli signs: ²

• Diarrhea and a fever greater than 102°F
• Diarrhea for greater than 3 days that isn’t enhancing.
• Bloody diarrhea
• A lot vomiting that you simply can not preserve liquids down.
• Indicators of dehydration reminiscent of: Not peeing a lot, dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up.

Martinelli’s Apple Juice Recalled Nationwide Because of Inorganic Arsenic Considerations

In a latest improvement, Martinelli’s, a famend apple juice producer, has issued a voluntary recall of 1 lot of its merchandise bought at main retailers throughout the US, together with Goal, Entire Meals, and Publix. The recall is available in response to ranges of inorganic arsenic detected within the juice, surpassing the protection requirements set by the FDA.

Based on a report by USA At present, the affected lot includes one-liter glass bottles with a “greatest by” date of both March 9, 2026 or March 20, 2026. The exact measurement of the recalled lot, sometimes indicating the amount of a product manufactured throughout a single manufacturing run, has not been instantly disclosed.

Customers who’ve bought Martinelli’s apple juice with the desired “greatest by” dates are urged to examine their bottles and chorus from consuming the product. The recall extends to bottles distributed to shops between March 13, 2023, and September 27, 2023, and that are additionally accessible for buy at Kroger and Winn-Dixie shops.

Considerations about inorganic arsenic ranges within the juice arose after the State of Maryland performed testing on a pattern from the affected lot. The outcomes revealed arsenic ranges exceeding the steering set by the World Well being Group (WHO). Inorganic arsenic publicity can result in acute arsenic poisoning, posing critical well being dangers to customers.

“Inorganic arsenic compounds (reminiscent of these present in water) are extremely poisonous whereas natural arsenic compounds (reminiscent of these present in seafood) are much less dangerous to well being,” in accordance with WHO. “Acute results The instant signs of acute arsenic poisoning embody vomiting, belly ache, and diarrhea. These are adopted by numbness and tingling of the extremities, muscle cramping, and loss of life, in excessive circumstances.”⁴

These remembers function a reminder of the significance of meals security and thorough inspection of merchandise earlier than consumption. It is very important keep up to date and knowledgeable for additional updates on these creating conditions because the investigations proceed.

References

1. Greater than 16,000 kilos of floor beef bought at Walmart recalled over E. coli contamination. New York Submit. Revealed Might 2, 2024. Accessed Might 3, 2024. https://nypost.com/2024/05/02/enterprise/over-16k-pounds-of-ground-beef-sold-at-walmart-recalled-over-e-coli-contamination/
2. Abene S. FDA Recall on Natural Walnuts Linked to E coli Outbreak. ContagionLive. Revealed Might 1, 2024. Accessed Might 3, 2024. https://www.contagionlive.com/view/fda-investigating-multistate-outbreak-of-e-coli-infections-linked-to-organic-walnuts
3. Thaler S. Martinelli’s remembers apple juice bought at Goal, Entire Meals over excessive arsenic ranges. New York Submit. Revealed April 30, 2024. Accessed Might 3, 2024. https://nypost.com/2024/04/30/enterprise/martinellis-recalls-apple-juice-sold-at-target-whole-foods-over-high-arsenic-levels/
4. WHO. Arsenic. Revealed December 7, 2022. Accessed Might 3, 2024. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/element/arsenic#:~:textual content=Thepercent20immediatepercent20symptomspercent20ofpercent20acute,andpercent20deathpercent2Cpercent20inpercent20extremepercent20cases.

Uncooked floor beef merchandise bought at Walmart shops nationwide have been recalled on account of attainable contamination with E. coli micro organism.

There have been no confirmed instances of an infection with the micro organism thus far, however officers are urging shoppers who bought the recalled merchandise to throw them out and make contact with their well being care suppliers if they’ve sickness issues.

On Could 1, the U.S. Division of Agriculture’s Meals Security and Inspection Service (FSIS) introduced it was recalling over 16,000 kilos of uncooked floor beef merchandise that could be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, a lethal kind of micro organism.

The uncooked floor beef gadgets had been manufactured by Cargill Meat Options, which relies in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, and shipped to Walmart retail areas throughout the nation.

Which floor beef gadgets are affected by the Walmart recall?

The recalled gadgets, which embrace uncooked floor beef and burger patties bought in plastic-wrapped trays, had been produced between April 26 and April 27, 2024. These embrace:

• 2.25-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays containing “93% LEAN 7% FAT ALL NATURAL LEAN GROUND BEEF”
• 1.33-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays containing 4 “PRIME RIB BEEF STEAK BURGERS PATTIES”
• 2.25-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays containing “85% LEAN 15% FAT ALL NATURAL ANGUS PREMIUM GROUND BEEF”
• 2.25-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays containing “80% LEAN 20% FAT ALL NATURAL GROUND BEEF CHUCK”
• 1.33-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays containing 4 “80% LEAN 20% FAT ALL NATURAL GROUND BEEF CHUCK PATTIES”
• 1.33-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays containing 4 “90% LEAN 10% FAT ALL NATURAL GROUND BEEF SIRLOIN PATTIES”

The recalled merchandise all have a USDA mark of inspection on the entrance of the label, the institution quantity “EST. 86P” on the again of the label, and loads variety of both 117 or 118, the FSIS says.

What to do when you purchased recalled floor beef from Walmart

Customers who bought these uncooked floor beef merchandise are urged to not eat them. All recent and frozen beef merchandise ought to be thrown away or returned to the shop the place they had been bought.

Because the recall was introduced, there have been no confirmed reviews of hostile reactions on account of consumption of the recalled merchandise, the FSIS says. Anybody who is anxious about sickness linked to the recalled beef ought to contact their physician.

What’s E. coli O157:H7?

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a micro organism that usually lives within the intestinal tract of people and animals, in response to the U.S. Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention.

Many E. coli micro organism are innocent to people, however some could cause illness. Sure varieties, like E. coli O157:H7, produce highly effective Shiga toxins, which may make folks very sick. These are referred to as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), per the CDC.

The most typical STEC within the U.S. is E. coli O157:H7, which is transmitted to folks primarily by way of contaminated meals.

What are the signs of E. coli an infection?

E. coli O157:H7 is a doubtlessly lethal STEC which may trigger the next signs:

• Abdomen cramps
• Bloody diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Fever (normally lower than 101 levels Fahrenheit)

Signs normally start between two to eight days after publicity to the micro organism, per the FSIS. Most individuals will get better inside every week, however some folks can develop extreme dehydration or life-threatening problems.

About 5–10% of individuals contaminated with STEC can develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a sort of kidney failure. This situation can occur to anybody but it surely’s most typical in youngsters beneath the age of 5 and older adults, in response to the FSIS.

Indicators of HUS embrace decreased frequency of urination, feeling drained, bruising simply, and shedding colour within the face (pallor), per the CDC. Anybody with these signs ought to search care instantly.

The FSIS encourages any shoppers with inquiries to contact Cargill Meat Options.

Recent and frozen uncooked meat ought to at all times be cooked totally to an inner temperature a minimum of 160 levels Fahrenheit, which is excessive sufficient to kill micro organism, says the FSIS.

Wash your fingers, surfaces and utensils after they contact uncooked meat to stop cross-contamination in whereas making ready meals, the CDC says.