Thrilling Sports Updates: Unusual Wins, Controversies, and Big Changes

The latest sports news includes the Indiana Pacers face challenges against the Celtics, Travis Kelce addressing Harrison Butker's controversial comments, Oakland Athletics' wild 11th inning victory, Djokovic's upset in Geneva, and more. Highlights include key player performances in the NBA playoffs, coaching changes, and player perspectives on improving their game.

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

Pacers, possibly sans star, bank on home court vs. Celtics in Game 3

The Indiana Pacers have an unblemished 6-0 home record during the NBA playoffs but another obstacle has emerged. Not only do the Pacers trail the Boston Celtics 2-0 in the Eastern Conference finals, but Indiana is unlikely to have the services of star point guard Tyrese Haliburton for Saturday's pivotal Game 3 in Indianapolis.

Travis Kelce weighs in on Harrison Butker commencement speech

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce said he doesn't agree with the "majority" of Harrison Butker's recent controversial comments but noted that he will not judge his teammate for it. Butker caused a stir during his 20-minute commencement address on May 11 at Benedictine College, which is a Catholic school in Atchison, Kan. He addressed the female graduates in attendance and spoke against the "diabolical lies" society places on women who emphasize their careers over motherhood.

MLB roundup: A's rally in 11th for wild win vs. Rockies

Pinch hitter Tyler Soderstrom drew a four-pitch, walk-off walk from Colorado Rockies reliever Peter Lambert to cap a five-run uprising in the 11th inning as the host Oakland Athletics rallied for a 10-9 victory on Thursday afternoon. The shocking finish came after the Rockies scored four runs in the top of the 11th, as Jake Cave and Brenton Doyle delivered run-scoring singles off A's closer Mason Miller, and Brendan Rodgers hit a two-run double off Brandon Bielak. Oakland countered with Max Schuemann's RBI double, Abraham Toro's RBI single and JJ Bleday's two-run, game-tying home run off the Rockies' Matt Koch.

Tennis-Machac upsets Djokovic in Geneva Open semis

World number one Novak Djokovic was beaten by Tomas Machac 6-4 0-6 6-1 in the Geneva Open semi-finals on Friday as the Czech reached his first ATP Tour final. Machac was down 1-4 before eventually taking the opening set as Djokovic requested a medical timeout at the end of it.

Jaylen Brown scores 40 as Celtics take 2-0 series lead vs. Pacers

Jaylen Brown scored a game-high 40 points to lead the Boston Celtics to a 126-110 victory over the visiting Indiana Pacers on Thursday in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals. Brown was 14 of 27 from the floor and made 8 of 11 free throws. He added five rebounds. Boston had a 13-point lead after three quarters and the Pacers were never closer than 11 points in the fourth.

Jets name Scott Arniel head coach

The Winnipeg Jets named Scott Arniel as the franchise's next head coach Friday, replacing Rick Bowness. Arniel, 61, was associate coach for two seasons under Bowness, who announced his retirement May 6.

Don Waddell steps down as Hurricanes president, GM

Carolina Hurricanes president and general manager Don Waddell resigned Friday morning. Eric Tulsky has been named interim general manager for the Hurricanes, who announced that they are beginning a search for a full-time replacement.

Commish: Automated ball-strike system still needs work

Commissioner Rob Manfred said the automated ball-strike system still needs work and likely will not be rolled out until at least 2026. Manfred addressed the current status of the system, known as ABS, following the conclusion of the owners meetings in New York.

Tennis-Gauff prepared for tough times in bid to improve

American Coco Gauff said she will not shy away from putting herself into uncomfortable positions to become a better player, adding that her struggles with her revamped serve in the build-up to the French Open would help her in the long term. U.S. Open champion Gauff lacked accuracy when serving in her first two tournaments of this year's claycourt swing, averaging around 10 double faults in the five matches she played in Stuttgart and Madrid.

Tennis-Wawrinka clash revives painful memories for Murray

Andy Murray's heavyweight first-round clash against Stan Wawrinka at the French Open will revive memories of a gruelling semi-final battle from which his crumbling hip never recovered. The three-time Grand Slam champions slugged out a five-setter on the red clay in 2017 with Wawrinka eventually prevailing to set up a clash with Rafa Nadal.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)