Yardbarker

Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb.

Mavericks advance to Western Conference Finals aided by controversial call late

The Dallas Mavericks again showed their toughness against the Oklahoma City Thunder, coming back from down 16 points in Game 6 to move on to the Western Conference Finals.

Watch: Thunder go on 24-6 run to close out first half of Game 6 vs. Mavericks

In a must-win situation, the Oklahoma City Thunder have shown up to play in Game 6 against the Dallas Mavericks.

Mystik Dan comes up short at Preakness, denied shot at Triple Crown

Mystik Dan managed second place at the Preakness Stakes, not quite good enough to continue a Triple Crown quest.

WNBA to investigate $100,000 sponsorship deals for Aces players

The WNBA is looking into the surprise sponsorships given out to Las Vegas aces players.

Toughest, easiest four-game stretches in the NFC North in 2024

With the NFL's 2024 schedule released, here are the toughest (and easiest) four-game stretches for each team in the NFC North.

Late goal sends Panthers to Eastern Conference Finals

There will be no Game 7 for the Boston Bruins.  Gustav Forsling scored with 1:33 left in the third period, lifting the Florida Panthers to a 2-1 victory in Game 6 on Friday and ending the conference semifinal series.

Ex-teammate of Shohei Ohtani placed bets with same illegal bookmaker as interpreter 

Just as the noise of the scandal involving the former interpreter for Shohei Ohtani, Ippei Mizuhara and bets made through an illegal bookmaker had begun to quiet, a new development has emerged linking the Los Angeles Dodgers star to the drama.

Watch: Bruins strike first in Game 6 with incredible backhand goal

With under a minute to go in the opening period, Pavel Zacha scored on a breakaway.

Paul Skenes makes incredible Wrigley Field history in second-career MLB start

Pittsburgh Pirates rookie starter Paul Skenes has been as-advertised in his first two MLB starts.

Rangers HC reveals why Hurricanes should stick with Rod Brind'Amour behind the bench

Following the premature ending to the Hurricanes' 2023-2024 season, doubts remain over head coach Rod Brind'Amour's future.

Rangers secure spot in conference finals after stunning third-period comeback over Hurricanes

Chris Kreider's natural hat trick in the third period will be the only thing many will remember from what was arguably one of the wildest games of this year's Stanley Cup playoffs.

Watch: Chris Kreider's natural third-period hat trick shatters Hurricanes' comeback hopes

The third-period heroics helped Kreider join some elite and rare company.

Watch: Timberwolves rip off 20-0 run to open big lead vs. Nuggets in Game 6

With their backs against the wall, the start of Game 6 had the makings of a long evening for the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, they turned the tables on the Denver Nuggets, going on an incredible run to close out the first quarter.

Avalanche force Game 6 with big third period vs. Stars

The Colorado Avalanche are reeling the Dallas Stars back in.

Celtics finally put away undermanned Cavaliers, advance to conference finals

It wasn't easy, but the Boston Celtics earned a trip to the conference finals for the third straight year.

Highlighting NFC North blockbuster games of 2024 season

Here is the blockbuster game and another intriguing matchup for every team in the NFC North.

Panthers come from behind to take Game 4 vs. Bruins

The Florida Panthers stayed relentless in Game 4 on Sunday against a motivated Boston Bruins team playing without injured captain Brad Marchand.

Watch: Late-period goal helps Panthers gain momentum heading into third vs. Bruins

After falling behind the Boston Bruins 2-0 in Game 4, the Florida Panthers made things interesting, cutting the deficit to one late in the second period. 

Watch: Physical Bruins take early lead vs. Panthers in Game 4

Without an injured Brad Marchand and trailing 2-1 in the series, the Boston Bruins came out with an edge for Game 4. The home team turned up the physical play early while perhaps getting away with a penalty or two.

Stars continue road dominance with Game 3 win over Avalanche

The Dallas Stars had more wins on the road than any other team in the Western Conference during the regular season. On Saturday night, they proved why they're so tough away from home.

Three stars from Saturday's NBA playoff games

The top two seeds in the NBA playoffs saw their fortunes go in separate directions on Saturday.

Celtics respond with impressive road win vs. Cavaliers in Game 3

The Boston Celtics returned to form in Game 3.

Watch: An outstanding first half by Donovan Mitchell keeps the Cavaliers alive in Game 3 vs. Celtics

Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell is doing everything he can to keep his team afloat against the Boston Celtics in Game 3.

Mavericks come from behind to down Thunder, take 2-1 series lead

The Oklahoma City Thunder might be showing their age against the Dallas Mavericks.

Three offseason moves the Packers must make

With the big moves likely over and the NFL Draft in the rearview, there are still areas that could use improvement for the Packers.