AP Sports Digest

Here are the AP’s top sports stories that have moved or are planned to move today. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan. Sports content can be found at http://newsroom.ap.org/page/APSports.

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UPCOMING

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SOC--GERMAN ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: Bayern Munich faces defending champion Stuttgart in the German Cup final as its bids for a domestic double of titles after winning the league.

UPCOMING: By 05/23/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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HKO--WORLDS

DESCRIPTION: A daily roundup of matches at the hockey world championship in Switzerland.

UPCOMING: By 05/23/2026 5:15 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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SOC--SPANISH ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: MADRID -- Five teams are hoping to avoid the last two relegation spots in the Spanish league.

UPCOMING: By 05/23/2026 5:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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CAR--NASCAR-KYLE BUSCH

DESCRIPTION: NASCAR driver Kyle Busch died Thursday at age 41. A 911 call obtained Friday reveals he experienced shortness of breath, felt overheated, and was coughing up blood the day before.

UPCOMING: By 05/23/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Audio, Text, Photo, Video

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CAR--F1-CANADIAN GP

DESCRIPTION: Qualifying for the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. Text, photos.

ON MERITS: By 05/23/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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GLF--BYRON NELSON

DESCRIPTION: McKINNEY, Texas — Si Woo Kim has a five-shot lead coming off an 11-under 60 at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, but hometown favorites Scottie Scheffler and Jordan Spieth are lurking. By Schuyler Dixon.

UPCOMING: By 05/23/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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HKN--NHL PLAYOFFS COVERAGE

HKN--GOLDEN KNIGHTS-HEADING HOME

DESCRIPTION: The Vegas Golden Knights were in a similar situation two years ago, opening the playoffs by winning the first two games at Dallas. But the Stars rallied to win the series. Could that memory influence how the Golden Knights handle their 2-0 series lead over the Colorado Avalanche entering Sunday night’s game?

UPCOMING: By 05/23/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT

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WITH: HKN--CANADIENS-HURRICANES

DESCRIPTION: The Montreal Canadiens try for a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday night. By Aaron Beard. 500 words, photos. Game scheduled to start at 7 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 05/23/2026 10:00 p.m. EDT

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BKN--NBA PLAYOFFS COVERAGE

BKN--KNICKS-CAVALIERS

DESCRIPTION: CLEVELAND — The New York Knicks take a 2-0 lead and a nine-game winning streak into Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers. 400 words, photos. Game scheduled top start at 8 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 05/23/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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HKN--GOLDEN KNIGHTS-AVALANCHE

Barbashev, Eichel score in 2:07 span, Golden Knights stun Avs 3-1 to take 2-0 series lead

SUMMARY: Jack Eichel and Ivan Barbashev scored in a 2:07 span in the third period and the Vegas Golden Knights stunned the Colorado Avalanche 3-1 on Friday night to take a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference Final. Eichel tied it, then set up Barbashev for the go-ahead goal with 8:38 remaining. Barbashev added an empty-netter with 1:03 remaining. The comeback stunned the capacity crowd and wiped out the top-seeded Avalanche’s 1-0 lead. By winning twice at Ball Arena, the Golden Knights put the Avalanche in a huge hole. Since 1982, road teams that started 2-0 in the conference finals have a 13-0 series record. Carter Hart had another stellar performance, stopping 29 shots. He made 36 saves in a 4-2 win Wednesday night.

WORDS: 735 - MOVED: 05/23/2026 12:48 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0afa2700e378c6b089fdd20b577938d9&mediaType=text

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BKN--THUNDER-SPURS

Gilgeous-Alexander, bench propel Thunder past Spurs 123-108 after historic slow start for 2-1 lead

SUMMARY: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 26 points and 12 assists, and the Oklahoma City Thunder climbed out of a 15-point hole minutes into the game to beat the San Antonio Spurs 123-108 on Friday night and take a 2-1 lead in their series. Jared McCain had 24 points and Jaylin Williams added 18 for Oklahoma City. The Thunder were without Jalen Williams, who sat out with left hamstring soreness. Oklahoma City’s bench outscored San Antonio’s 76-23, including 15 points by Alex Caruso. Victor Wembanyama had 24 points for San Antonio. Devin Vassell added 20 and De’Aaron Fox had 15 in his series debut. Game 4 is Sunday.

WORDS: 585 - MOVED: 05/23/2026 12:39 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:48dcf3fca2048d414864318ce42b2a8a&mediaType=text

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BBO--YANKEES-COLE

Gerrit Cole pitches 6 shutout innings after 569-day absence as Yankees lose to Rays 4-2

SUMMARY: Yankees ace Gerrit Cole pitched six shutout innings in his return from elbow ligament reconstruction that caused a 569-day absence. Cole left with a 1-0 lead against the Tampa Bay Rays, which New York wasted in a 4-2 loss Friday night. A 35-year-old right-hander who had surgery in March 2025, Cole allowed two hits and three walks while striking out two. Cole was unusually sharp for a pitcher coming off a long layoff. He needed just 11 pitches in the third and fourth innings and retired 10 in a row during one stretch.

WORDS: 760 - MOVED: 05/23/2026 12:03 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cac291333c068e347d8c929f6e2c871b&mediaType=text

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CAR--NASCAR-KYLE BUSCH

NASCAR’s Kyle Busch was short of breath, coughing up blood day before his death, 911 call reveals

SUMMARY: A 911 call obtained by The Associated Press reveals NASCAR driver Kyle Busch experienced shortness of breath, felt overheated, and was coughing up blood the day before he died at the age of 41. Busch was hospitalized with a “severe illness” three days before he was to compete in the Coca-Cola 600. He became unresponsive while testing in a Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord on Wednesday. An emergency call from the General Motors training facility described his symptoms. Busch was found on the bathroom floor, awake, and emergency responders were directed to the scene.

WORDS: 860 - MOVED: 05/22/2026 9:35 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:72ecbe2396b9246a77b5e683ee8dc16e&mediaType=text

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BBO--RED SOX-CLEMENS

Rocket returns: Roger Clemens throws out 1st pitch to son Kody at Fenway

SUMMARY: Roger Clemens let loose a fastball from the mound again at Fenway Park. Only this time with his son kneeling behind home plate. The Red Sox’s career leader with 2,590 strikeouts fired his latest offering just slightly off the right side of the plate to 30-year-old Twins utility player Kody in a ceremonial first pitch before Minnesota’s matchup with the Boston Red Sox. That was just fine by the 63-year-old grandfather. Since Clemens left Boston following the 1996 season, no other full-time Red Sox player has worn the No. 21. He said he’s open to the idea of seeing it retired by the Red Sox franchise for which he played the bulk of his career.

WORDS: 492 - MOVED: 05/22/2026 9:11 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:30cffab934ae361a5e2b7a3ecbe7533b&mediaType=text

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GLF--BYRON NELSON-KIM’S 60

Si Woo Kim just misses history at Byron Nelson, settling for 60 after a bogey on the final hole

SUMMARY: Si Woo Kim just missed out on a 59 at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, bogeying the final hole when a par would have given him the 16th sub-60 round in PGA Tour history. The 30-year-old South Korean put himself in position to break 60 with a curling 17-foot birdie putt from the fringe on the par-3 17th hole at TPC Craig Ranch. It was his 12th birdie of the day, putting him at 12 under on the par-71 layout. Kim was in the fairway on the 18th, but blasted his second shot over the green and failed to get up and down.

WORDS: 729 - MOVED: 05/22/2026 8:31 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:94f58fe68695cd53a596fc26a5ae3ee0&mediaType=text

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BKN-THUNDER-SPURS LINEUPS

Spurs guard Fox, Harper cleared to play in Game 3 but Thunder’s Williams ruled out as series tied

SUMMARY: San Antonio Spurs guards De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper will play in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals on Friday, but the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Jalen Williams was ruled out. All three were listed as questionable but their status was updated 45 minutes before the scheduled start of Game 3 with the series tied. Williams played in Game 1 after missing the previous six postseason contests with a hamstring injury. The 6-foot-6 wing exited Game 2 with tightness in his left hamstring. Fox did not play Monday or Wednesday due to his leg injury.

WORDS: 301 - MOVED: 05/22/2026 8:16 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:dc556332a33e339ae80d8f3873e20280&mediaType=text

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CAR--F1-CANADIAN GP PREVIEW

George Russell aims to recapture F1 momentum in Canada and stop Antonelli’s streak

SUMMARY: An upgraded car and a “painful” reminder not to lose sight of the Formula 1 fundamentals could be George Russell’s path back to the front of the field at the Canadian Grand Prix. Russell’s fourth place at the last race in Miami gave his Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli a yawning 20-point lead in the standings after four races. Russell said one reason he lost ground was focusing too much on the key new feature of the 2026 cars, their massive electrical power output, and not enough on the basics.

WORDS: 624 - MOVED: 05/22/2026 7:36 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:45bcbd21c9b3929363392649e8ec29ba&mediaType=text

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GLF--BYRON NELSON

Jordan Spieth shoots 62 but has uphill climb at his hometown Byron Nelson after Si Woo Kim’s 60

SUMMARY: Jordan Spieth could only watch a year ago as good buddy Scottie Scheffler became the first of the two to win the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, the hometown event they both cherish. Spieth is giving himself a good chance to answer, but he has some work to do after Si Woo Kim flirted with a 59. Kim settled for a 60 on Friday after a bogey on the par-4 18th hole, putting him at 18 under par through 36 holes. He has a five-shot lead over a group including Scheffler. Spieth is another shot back after a 62.

WORDS: 856 - MOVED: 05/22/2026 7:30 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:367f5a4a6d5d159231387009901fab5f&mediaType=text

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BBO--YANKEES-VOLPE

Anthony Volpe to start practicing at second base after José Caballero returns to shortstop

SUMMARY: Anthony Volpe will start working out at second base for the New York Yankees. José Caballero has returned from a broken finger and started at shortstop against Tampa Bay. Caballero was injured on May 10 and had been a key player for the Yankees. Volpe, who filled in at shortstop, has limited experience at second base. Caballero was hurt diving back to first base on a pickoff attempt by Abner Uribe during the ninth inning of a game at Milwaukee on May 10.

WORDS: 751 - MOVED: 05/22/2026 6:15 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f55d384499e1ed0fe6c10e7670cc4c2f&mediaType=text

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CAR--NASCAR-KYLE BUSCH-CAR

Richard Childress Racing is retiring Kyle Busch’s No. 8 car until his son is ready to take over

SUMMARY: Richard Childress Racing is temporarily retiring Kyle Busch’s No. 8 Cup Series car — at least until the late driver’s 11-year-old son Brexton is ready to take over behind the wheel. RCR will run the No. 33 car on Sunday night in the Coca-Cola 600 after the 41-year-old Busch died unexpectedly Thursday of unknown causes. Austin Hill will replace Busch in the driver’s seat. Brexton Busch is already known for his racing exploits. He won the Tulsa Shootout Jr. Sprint Championship to earn his first career Golden Driller last year.

WORDS: 344 - MOVED: 05/22/2026 4:59 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:200880317c943523957143ac8f035af9&mediaType=text

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OLY--ENHANCED GAMES

An SNL ‘All Drug Olympics?’ Not quite. But these Enhanced Games are no joke

SUMMARY: The event that tackles the age-old question, “What would happen if we just let all the athletes take drugs?” has arrived. “The Enhanced Games,” featuring 50 athletes who will compete in track, swimming and weightlifting, is set for Sunday in Las Vegas. There are no restrictions on what kind of performance enhancers these athletes can take, though organizers say they’re holding them to strict medical protocols to ensure safety. There are prizes of $250,000 for winners and up to $1 million for some world-record breakers. Among those to watch include 2022 100-meter sprint world champion Fred Kerley.

WORDS: 1267 - MOVED: 05/22/2026 4:32 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:08764b2ba187132e4f19fc30340d1726&mediaType=text

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TEN--FENDRICH-TRIBUTES

Nadal, Gauff and Pegula pay tribute to AP Tennis Writer Howard Fendrich

SUMMARY: Rafael Nadal, Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula were among the players paying tribute to Howard Fendrich a day after the longtime AP Tennis Writer died. Nadal wrote on X that “Tennis loses one of its great journalists.” Gauff opened her news conference as the defending champion at the French Open with a statement about Fendrich. She says “he was someone I always enjoyed having conversations with. One of my favorite faces to see in the room.” Fendrich died Thursday after being diagnosed with cancer in February. He was 55. Fendrich had been AP’s tennis writer since 2002. Fendrich was based in Washington and the city’s football, baseball and hockey teams also extended their condolences.

WORDS: 463 - MOVED: 05/22/2026 2:34 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:011cff86fe70ee89cd3f164acf499928&mediaType=text