ESPN Cleveland Sports Daily - Tuesday, June 17, 2025 presented by CHI Memorial

NBA Finals: Thunder Take Control

The Oklahoma City Thunder are one win away from an NBA title after defeating the Indiana Pacers 120–109 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday night. The Thunder now lead the series 3–2, thanks to another dominant performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and clutch late-game execution. Game 6 shifts back to Indiana, where the Pacers will try to stave off elimination and force a decisive Game 7.

College World Series: History in Omaha

Arkansas pitcher Gage Wood etched his name in college baseball lore on Monday, throwing the third no-hitter in College World Series history, and the first since 1960. Wood struck out an astounding 19 batters in the 3–0 win, eliminating Murray State and propelling the Razorbacks deeper into the tournament.

Elsewhere in Omaha, LSU was leading UCLA 5–3 in the third inning when severe storms suspended play. That game will resume today at 11 a.m. Eastern.

In other college baseball news, Tennessee reliever Dylan Loy — who led the NCAA in appearances this season — has entered the transfer portal, leaving a major gap in the Vols' bullpen heading into next year.

MLB: Braves Return Home

After a day off, the Atlanta Braves return to action tonight at 7:15 PM, opening a home series against the New York Mets. Catch the broadcast on Mix 104.1 and ESPN Cleveland 101.3, with pre- and postgame coverage presented by Cleveland Plywood.

College Football Recruiting: A Familiar Name Commits

JP Peace, a linebacker from West High School in Knoxville and the grandson of former Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer, became the first commitment in the Tennessee Volunteers’ 2027 recruiting class. Peace announced his pledge on Monday, continuing a family legacy in the orange and white.