Warriors steal home-court edge from Rockets, Timberwolves crush Lakers; John Cena atop wrestling world again

When will “impossible” truly mean impossible? Not as long as Stephen Curry is on the court.

Curry led the Warriors with 31 points on 12-of-19 shooting (5-of-9 from deep) in a 95-85 win over the Rockets. The superstar now has 41 career playoff games with at least 30 points and five 3-pointers — the most in NBA history. James Harden sits in second place with 19 such games.

Notably, Jimmy Butler made his Warriors playoff debut in style, posting 25 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals. The last Warrior to record a 25/5/5/5 playoff game was Curry in 2016.

Meanwhile, the Rockets struggled across the board:

• 39.1% shooting from the field

• 20.7% from three

• 55% from the free-throw line

• A season-low 85 total points

Colin Ward-Henninger named Curry, Butler, and Golden State overall among the winners of the weekend’s Game 1 matchups.

Ward-Henninger wrote: “The 37-year-old Curry, who in this series is particularly reminded of his age because he coached both Jalen Green and Amen Thompson at his camp several summers ago, also did all of this with a wrap on his thumb roughly the size of a catcher’s mitt.”

Around the NBA Playoffs

• The No. 1 seeds looked dominant:

  • The Thunder dismantled the Grizzlies, 131-80, the largest Game 1 win margin ever.

  • Ty Jerome led the Cavaliers to a 121-100 victory over the Heat.

• The Knicks used a 21-0 fourth-quarter run to take down the Pistons, 123-112. Jalen Brunson stepped up late, proving how dangerous the playoff Knicks can be, writes Brad Botkin.

• Kyle Kuzma had a forgettable Game 1, and the Bucks lost 117-98 to the Pacers. Giannis Antetokounmpo could soon be joined by Damian Lillard, which may help.

• The Celtics rolled past the Magic, 103-86, with Jayson Tatum playing through a wrist injury.

• The Nuggets edged the Clippers, 112-110, in an overtime thriller featuring the full Russell Westbrook experience.

Honorable Mentions

• NHL playoffs kicked off

• Jayden Daniels looks to build on last season

• Are Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders underrated?

• Top NFL Draft prospects confirmed

• Justin Thomas wins RBC Heritage

• Bryce Underwood impresses at Michigan’s spring game

• Jaden Rashada visits UNC

• Nate Ament commits to Tennessee

• NBA Draft lottery odds set

• Marlins call up top catcher prospect Agustín Ramírez

Rough Start for the Lakers

The Timberwolves crushed the Lakers, 117-95, thanks to a 70-point combo from Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, and Anthony Edwards. Minnesota also made a playoff franchise-record 21 three-pointers.

The Lakers looked unprepared for the Timberwolves’ intensity. LeBron James and JJ Redick admitted as much after the game. The Lakers’ lack of a true center stood out, especially as Luka Dončić scored 37 but managed only one assist.

Sam Quinn noted: “They aren’t built to win slugfests. Their goal is to use their star ball-handlers to find and torture your weakest defenders. That’s not going to be easy without a center to force those impossible choices. … Saturday was a reminder of just how hastily this team was put together.”

Not-So-Honorable Mentions

• Aaron Rodgers and the Jets differ on what caused their split

• Mavericks and GM Nico Harrison face a challenging offseason

• Lane Kiffin pokes fun at Miami over NIL drama

• Rangers fire Peter Laviolette, Ducks fire Greg Cronin

Nico Iamaleava Joins UCLA

Former Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava has officially transferred to UCLA, capping off one of the wildest transfer sagas in the NIL era.

• On April 11, Iamaleava skipped Tennessee’s final spring practice amid reports his camp wanted $4 million annually — double his original NIL deal.

• Tennessee moved on quickly, with coach Josh Heupel stating, “No one is bigger than the program.”

• Iamaleava ranked No. 1 in the transfer portal and was the No. 2 overall high school recruit in 2023.

• Despite an up-and-down 2024, he led Tennessee to the College Football Playoff and showed elite potential.

• UCLA, located in his native Southern California, emerged as a natural landing spot.

Cameron Salerno believes it’s a gamble worth taking: “Despite the Tennessee baggage, players like Iamaleava don’t grow on trees… the upside is still there for him to be an elite quarterback.”

John Cena Makes Wrestling History at WrestleMania 41

John Cena captured his 17th world title Sunday at WrestleMania 41, breaking the all-time record previously shared with Ric Flair.

Cena defeated Cody Rhodes for the undisputed WWE championship, aided by rapper Travis Scott and a combination of a low blow and a belt shot to the head.

Brent Brookhouse said: “The match was not great and was always going to come down to how WWE put together the finish. Scott interfering followed by a very obvious low blow and belt shot finish was just a disappointing way for things to end.”

Other big moments from WrestleMania weekend:

• Becky Lynch returned to WWE.

• Seth Rollins won after Paul Heyman shockingly betrayed CM Punk and Roman Reigns.

• Jey Uso claimed the world heavyweight title.

MLB Power Rankings and Highlights

Matt Snyder’s Power Rankings saw a familiar face at No. 1 for the first time this season:

1. Padres (previous: 1)

2. Dodgers (up from 6)

3. Mets (2)

4. Cubs (3)

5. Yankees (10)

The Yankees’ leap was second only to the Braves, who rebounded from an 0-7 start to go 8-6.

Weekend headlines:

• Aaron Boone ejected after Judge’s home run was ruled foul

• Max Fried lost a no-hitter in controversial fashion

• Devin Williams continues to struggle

• Liam Hendriks activated by the Red Sox

• Mike Trout homers in consecutive at-bats

• Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow suffers leg cramps

• Kris Bryant discusses his injury and uncertain future

• Luis Arráez carted off after a collision

• José Berríos accuses Cal Raleigh of sign-stealing

• Reds obliterate Orioles 24-2, led by a former Oriole

• Brewers steal six bases in one inning

Monday’s Must-Watch Games

• MLB: White Sox at Red Sox, 11:10 a.m. (MLB Network)

• MLB: Padres at Tigers, 6:40 p.m. (FS1)

• NHL: Canadiens at Capitals, 7 p.m. (ESPN)

• NBA: Pistons at Knicks (Knicks lead 1-0), 7:30 p.m. (TNT/truTV)

• NHL: Blues at Jets (Jets lead 1-0), 7:30 p.m. (ESPN2)

• NHL: Avalanche at Stars (Avalanche lead 1-0), 9:30 p.m. (ESPN)

• MLB: Brewers at Giants, 9:45 p.m. (MLB Network)

• NBA: Clippers at Nuggets (Nuggets lead 1-0), 10 p.m. (TNT/truTV)

• NHL: Oilers at Kings, 10 p.m. (ESPN2)