Sports Buzz: From NBA Thrillers to Historic Female Referees in Copa America

This summary covers the latest sports headlines, including the Indiana Pacers' playoff challenge against the Boston Celtics, Travis Kelce's response to Harrison Butker's speech, Djokovic's upset loss in the Geneva Open, and other key moments in MLB, NFL, and soccer. Notably, Copa America will feature female referees for the first time.

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.

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.

MLB roundup: Juan Soto homers in return to SD; Yanks roll

Carlos Rodon tossed six-plus shutout innings Friday night and Juan Soto homered in his return to San Diego as the New York Yankees scored an 8-0 win. Rodon (6-2) allowed three hits and three walks, striking out two. Two relievers finished the shutout as New York won in its first visit to Petco Park since 2016.

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.

Tennis-Djokovic worried about French Open title defence

World number one Novak Djokovic said he does not consider himself a favourite ahead of his title defence at the French Open, which begins with a first-round match against local hope Pierre-Hugues Herbert on Sunday. Djokovic's barren run ahead of Roland Garros continued as the 24-times Grand Slam winner was beaten 6-4 0-6 6-1 by Tomas Machac in the Geneva Open semi-finals on Friday, weeks after losing heavily to Alejandro Tabilo in Rome.

Luka Doncic hits game-winning 3 to put Mavs up 2-0 on Wolves

The Dallas Mavericks needed a big shot as they trailed in the final seconds Friday night. Luka Doncic was on the floor. Therefore, nobody on the Mavericks had a question about which player would get the opportunity to shoot or find the open man.

Mariners send down struggling 3B Luis Urias

The Seattle Mariners optioned infielder Luis Urias to Triple-A Tacoma on Friday and recalled outfielder Jonatan Clase. Urias, 26, started 25 of the 34 games he played in this season at third base but was batting just .152 with three home runs and 12 RBIs.

Soccer-Copa America to feature its first female referees

Next month's Copa America will be the first edition of the continental men's football tournament to have female referees, South America's soccer governing body (CONMEBOL) said on Friday. Copa America, which runs from June 20 to July 14 hosted by the United States, will have a total of 101 match officials, including eight women.

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