The Knicks, of course, have been working at this all season.

They are ready, as is Brunson, for the different defensive tactics the Sixers will vault their way. @krisplashed
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The Mets are set to take on the star-studded Los Angeles Dodgers — led by Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani — for three games in Chavez Ravine. James O'Connell
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Joe Schoen’s stark assessment of the Giants’ current state was the biggest takeaway from Thursday’s pre-NFL Draft press conference at the team’s training facility.

“I think we’re not one player away, or two players,” Schoen said.
Pat Leonard
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How do you prepare for a reigning league Most Valuable Player recently returned from knee surgery?

You treat him like the MVP — then figure out the rest later.
@krisplashed
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MIKE LUPICA | The Knicks, and their fans, have the belief that this team, even without Randle, can at least make it back to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2000.

And the biggest reason for that belief is Jalen Brunson. Mike Lupica trib.al/LdwE7oN

Jose Trevino, who pinch-hit for fellow catcher Austin Wells on Wednesday, has gotten ahold of a few pitches lately, as he’s hitting .500/.539/.750 with six hits, one home run and five RBI over his last four games and 13 plate appearances.
Gary Phillips
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On a conference call with media members, NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah gave his prediction on what the Jets will do if the top three WRs and Notre Dame T Joe Alt are all gone when it's their time to pick at 10th overall.
Antwan V. Staley
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The News reached out to multiple coaches from Jordi Fernandez’s professional past to better understand how he can lead Brooklyn into a more competitive future. Based on their detailed accounts, the franchise appears to be in capable hands. C.J. Holmes trib.al/zFp5dws

The Sixers have earned the right to face the Knicks in the No. 2 vs. No. 7 Eastern Conference first-round playoff series.

Game 1 tips off at Madison Square Garden on Saturday at 6 p.m. @krisplashed
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Stanton began the frame with a 437-foot moonshot off Toronto righty Erik Swanson. The solo homer, hit 111.8 miles per hour to deep left, put the Yankees down 4-3 and ignited a lineup that had mostly been quiet all game. Gary Phillips
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The Knicks measured twice to cut once, and as a result, they remained prepared for Saturday's playoff opener at Madison Square Garden regardless of their opponent. @krisplashed
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Just when it looked like the Yankees were going to be swept for the first time this year, a few longballs and a ninth-inning rally sparked a come-from-behind, 6-4 win over the Blue Jays. Gary Phillips
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Tyrone Taylor can play anywhere in the outfield and up and down the lineup. The Mets' Swiss Army knife may not be playing every day, but when he has played, he's made an impact on the team already. Abbey Mastracco
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The Indiana Fever on Wednesday rolled out an actual red carpet for the newly minted No. 1 overall draft pick and introduced her at a packed press conference at Indianapolis’ Gainbridge Coliseum. Peter Sblendorio
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Starling Marte hit career home-run No. 150 and Harrison Bader hit the first of his season, while Luis Severino gave up only one unearned run to help the Mets win their fourth straight and move to 10-8 on the season.
Abbey Mastracco
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Gerrit Cole isn’t ready to get back on the bump just yet, but the injured ace planned on taking another step in his recovery from elbow inflammation on Wednesday. Gary Phillips trib.al/0XfI4xN

Donte DiVincenzo wasn't expecting to win the Most Improved Player award.

But his improvement this season speaks for itself, and the fact that he wasn't eligible for the award is laughable. Via @krisplashed trib.al/mXoK7G9

In an explosive ruling, the NBA banned Toronto Raptors center Jontay Porter for life after an investigation found he gambled on multiple games and limited his on-court availability for betting purposes, the league said Wednesday. Peter Sblendorio trib.al/bfDWINm

'You take a shabby downtrodden bunch of Mets, and you wrap them in a spanking new ballpark that cost somebody $25 million bucks and what have you got? A shabby, downtrodden bunch of Mets, still losing, this time 4-3 to Pitt.' (Dick Young, 1964) trib.al/lNLgn5S

Bill Belichick is reportedly eyeing the NFC East — and possibly the Giants. Peter Sblendorio trib.al/7C0GUrd