On today’s SportsIQ, Larry Smith covers a jam-packed weekend in sports:

🏀 NBA Playoffs Heat Up — Indiana Pacers stun the Cavs in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semis with red-hot three-point shooting and clutch play from Tyrese Haliburton and Benedict Mathurin. Beat writer Dustin Dopirak (Indy Star) breaks down the Pacers' overlooked pedigree, playoff experience, and the rising stardom of Haliburton, who despite being voted “most overrated” by peers, continues to lead with elite basketball and emotional IQ.

🏇 Kentucky Derby 150 Recap — It was muddy, dramatic, and unforgettable. Ashley Anderson (Twin Spires) analyzes Sovereign’s strategic win, the impact of slop on race dynamics, and whether the colt will continue toward a Triple Crown bid. She unpacks post-Derby horse recovery and what’s next for the Preakness.

🎙️ NBC’s Kenny Rice Joins — The veteran racing journalist reflects on his 26 years with NBC, the significance of Sovereign’s victory for trainer Bill Mott, the changing culture around horse safety, and why the Triple Crown format might be due for a rethink.

🏒 NHL Game 7 Mayhem — Two unforgettable Game 7s this weekend! Producer Tony joins Larry to discuss the Winnipeg Jets’ stunning comeback against St. Louis in double overtime and the Stars’ late rally to defeat the Avalanche. Historic comebacks, electric atmospheres, and brutal heartbreak for Blues goalie Jordan Binnington.

🏌️‍♂️ Moment of Awe — Lance McCullers Jr. returns to the mound for the first time since 2022, throwing 3.2 scoreless innings after nearly two full years of injury setbacks. A quiet but powerful baseball comeback moment.

TAGS
Indiana Pacers Game 1
Tyrese Haliburton Pacers
Donovan Mitchell Cavaliers
NBA Playoffs Pacers Cavs
Kentucky Derby 2025 results
Ashley Anderson Twin Spires
Sovereignty horse win
Preakness Stakes preview
Kenny Rice NBC Sports
Bill Mott trainer
WNBA preseason Caitlin Clark
WNBA Fever Brazil
NHL Game 7 comeback
Jets vs Blues OT thriller
Stars vs Avalanche comeback
Jordan Binnington
Lance McCullers Jr. return
Houston Astros
SportsIQ Podcast Larry Smith