The Seawanhaka Sports Rundown is a weekly roundup of five stories that examine developments in sports news at the local, state, national and international levels.
By: ZACK JONES / DEPUTY SPORTS EDITOR
Phoenix Suns Fail to Win a Playoff Game
After trading for Kevin Durant, the Suns failed to translate the roster talent into success. The Suns were just eliminated from the NBA playoffs after getting swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The series defeat leaves many questions up in the air for the Suns when the offseason begins. Kevin Durant has expressed frustrations with his role under coach Frank Vogel and is suspected by many to request out of Phoenix.
Kevin Durant is allegedly not the only unsettled Suns player. Long-time Suns star, Devin Booker, is rumored to have an interest in joining the Knicks this summer. The collapse of Phoenix would be one of the more interesting downfalls in recent years, especially with the team holding none of their first-round picks for the next six years.
It should be a hot summer for the Suns and all eyes will be glued to the decisions of their superstar-studded roster.
NFL Draft Concluded
The NFL Draft concluded this past weekend and the results were as electric and exciting as ever.
Many teams answered questions concerning their roster, such as the New York Jets who drafted offensive tackle Olu Fashanu in round one.
Other teams, however, seemed to raise new questions. Primarily, the Atlanta Falcons drafted Washington University quarterback Michael Penix Jr., just months after signing former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins to a 4 year $180 million contract. Many saw this pick as a head-scratcher, especially considering that Penix Jr. is one of the older quarterback prospects of the draft, coupled with the fact that he was taken so early with the eighth overall pick. This came instead of addressing key needs on the defensive side of the ball with the premium draft position.
New York Rangers Are Only Team to Sweep Series
The New York Rangers won their series against the Washington Capitals 4-0. The series was absolute domination for the Rangers, with only a single game being a one-goal difference. They also scored 3+ goals in all four of their outings. The Rangers finished with the most points and wins recorded this season and landed the top seed, so their success should come as no surprise. However, the way they dismantled a 40-win Capitals team should prove that they are not only title contenders this year but title favorites in the NHL Playoffs.
Bayern Munich and Real Madrid tie 2-2 in First Leg of Champions League semi-final
The two historical juggernauts face off against each other in the Champions League semi-final match after winning their respective quarterfinal matchups where Real Madrid defeated Manchester City and Bayern Munich took down Arsenal.
The first leg of their matchup was as thrilling as expected with four goals across the course of the game and a penalty a piece for the respective sides. Madrid evened the game late after a Vinicius Jr. penalty to complete his brace.
The second leg is set to be in Madrid and the home team should expect to play hard and get a victory to go on to the Champions League final.
LIU Baseball Defeats Army West Point
The Sharks survived a late surge from Army West Point to win the game 3-2. After taking a 3-0 lead in the 8th inning, the Sharks had only two innings of baseball remaining to maintain their lead. After a strong bottom of the 8th where they allowed zero runs, the win was only contingent on how the bottom of the 9th inning played out. Luckily for the Sharks, Army would get just under the threshold to force extra innings, scoring two runs and losing in the close game.
Editor's note: Congratulations on graduation, Zack! Thank you for not only your hard work and dedication to Seawanhaka, but for always making us smile along the way. It was an honor to serve as a sports editor alongside you, and you will be sincerely missed on campus. Congratulations again, my friend, we are excited to see you do incredible things in your next chapter!!!
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