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The Colorado Avalanche are feeling the weight of Cale Makar's absence in a big way. The star defenseman is sidelined with an upper-body injury, and without him, Colorado looked nothing like the team that dominated the first two rounds, dropping Game One to Vegas four to two. When your best player doesn't dress, the whole structure falls apart — and the Golden Knights exposed exactly that.
Shifting to the hardwood, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander answered any questions about his Game One performance with a masterclass in Oklahoma City. The reigning MVP shook off tight defense from Stephon Castle, hit the stepback mid-range dagger, and the Thunder pulled away for a one twenty two to one thirteen win over San Antonio, evening the series at one apiece. OKC looked sharp, composed, and very much like a championship-caliber team again.
And in football, Xabi Alonso is officially a Chelsea manager, and he's keeping it short and sharp. In his first interview since the appointment was confirmed, the Spaniard gave an eight-word answer about taking the job — all confidence, no noise. Chelsea are betting big on his Bayer Leverkusen magic translating to Stamford Bridge, and the early signs suggest he's ready to deliver.
That's your play-by-play. Sports Desk, back to the booth.
