Four victories. That’s what the Oklahoma City Thunder need to win the franchise’s first championship since 1979 when they were the Seattle SuperSonics.

The Thunder reached the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012, beating the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-94 Wednesday in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals.

Game 1 of the NBA Finals is Thursday, June 5, in Oklahoma City (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC), and the Thunder will play the winner of the Indiana-New York series.

Oklahoma City dominated from start to finish, jumping to a 26-9 first-quarter lead and never letting up until the outcome was guaranteed. The Thunder led by as many as 39 points, and it was never a competitive game on the scoreboard.

Shop OKC Thunder NBA Finals tickets

NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander got it started with a hand in the Thunder’s first 11 points, assisting on four made field goals and making the other one, and he assisted on or scored 24 of their 26 first-quarter points.

He finished with a game-high 34 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and two steals – marking his seventh game with at least 30 points in the past eight games. Chet Holmgren had 22 points, seven rebounds and three blocks, and All-NBA forward Jalen Williams generated 19 points, eight rebounds, five assists, one block and one steal.

Oklahoma City’s league-best defense stumped Minnesota again, holding the Timberwolves to 41.2% shooting.

The Timberwolves exit the conference finals for the second consecutive season, and while deep playoff runs are the sign of a quality team, the Timberwolves aren’t yet Finals material. They didn’t have the personnel – even after trading Karl-Anthony Towns to New York for Julius Randle – to stay with the Thunder. Turnovers were a problem throughout the series.

Randle scored a team-high 24 points, and All-NBA star Anthony Edwards had 19 points.

Opinion: Sorry Pacers, Knicks. Thunder are your NBA champions

The Oklahoma City Thunder are your 2025 NBA champions.

Well, not officially.

Officially, they are just the 2025 Western Conference champs after eliminating the Minnesota Timberwolves in a five-game conference finals.

But you know where this is headed. The Thunder were the best team during the NBA’s regular season. They won the Western Conference in dominating fashion. Game 5 was a demolition – a 124-94 Thunder victory that left no doubt.

Read Jeff Zillgitt’s column here.

Timberwolves vs. Thunder Game 5: Highlights

Final: Thunder 124, Timberwolves 94

Oklahoma City dominated from start to finish, jumping to a 26-9 first-quarter lead and never letting up until the outcome was guaranteed. The Thunder led by as many as 39 points, and it was never a competitive game on the scoreboard.

End of 3Q: Thunder 88, Timberwolves 62

The Timberwolves outscored the Thunder 30-23 in the third period, but Oklahoma holds a comfortable lead.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the Thunder with 28 points, shooting 12-of-23 from the field. He also has seven assists, six rebounds and two steals in 31 minutes of play.

Julius Randle added 13 of his 21 points in the quarter for the Timberwolves. He didn’t miss a shot in the period. Anthony Edwards scored 19 points through the first three quarters. He’s shot 7-of-17 from the field and has struggled from the 3-point line, going 1-for-7.

Halftime: Thunder 65, Timberwolves 32

The Thunder need just two more quarters of solid basketball, and they will be headed for the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012.

Oklahoma City did not mess around in the first half, sending a message early and taking a 65-32 lead into halftime against the Timberwolves.

NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has 20 points, five assists, four rebounds and one steal. Chet Holmgren has 15 points for the Thunder, who shot 50% in the first half. Jalen Williams has 15 points and six rebounds, and Alex Caruso added eight points and three steals in 13 minutes.

Turnovers are once again a problem for Minesota, which committed 14 leading to 14 Thunder points. Anthony Edwards has a team-high nine points on 3-for-10 shooting for the Timberwolves (31.6% from the field, 27.8% on 3-pointers).

Thunder pouring it on

Another Thunder scoring spurt and another Timberwolves timeout. Minnesota called a timeout after Jalen Williams’ layup gave the Thunder a 36-14 lead with 9:04 left in the second quarter.

Oklahoma City is 14-for-27 from the field, and Minnesota is 5-for-23, including 2-for-10 on 3-pointers – and Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle are the only Minnesota starters who have scored.

1Q: Thunder 26, Timberwolves 9

The Thunder produced a dominant performance in the opening quarter, limiting the Timberwolves’ offense to just nine points. It was the fewest points the Timberwolves had scored in any quarter this season.

Anthony Edwards scored six points and Julius Randle scored three points in the first quarter for the Timberwolves. Jaden McDaniels went 0-for-6 from the field and 0-for-3 from the 3-point line.

Mike Conley was optimistic about the Timberwolves’ outlook for the final three quarters of play when talking with ESPN.

“It’s all heart right now. … That’s all we are preaching right now to try and get back into this game,” Conley said.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to meet the standard as the regular season MVP, leading the game with 12 points, five assists and three rebounds for the Thunder. Chet Holmgren added seven points.

Thunder off to fast start

The Thunder have an 11-3 lead with 7:11 remaining in the first quarter, forcing Timberwolves coach Chris Finch to call a timeout after Chet Holmgren’s second dunk of the game. Holmgren has seven quick points, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is responsible for all 11 points. He has assisted on four of the Thunder’s five made field goals and made the other shot.

What time is Timberwolves vs. Thunder?

Game 5 of the Western Conference finals between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder will tip at 8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.

What channel is the NBA game on tonight? How to watch NBA playoffs

The Thunder take on the Timberwolves at 8:30 p.m. ET with coverage on ESPN.

Timberwolves vs. Thunder predictions: Expert picks for Game 5

USA TODAY: Thunder is the unanimous pick

Scooby Axson: Thunder 121, Timberwolves 114
Jordan Mendoza: Thunder 116, Timberwolves 104
Lorenzo Reyes: Thunder 124, Timberwolves 97
Heather Tucker: Thunder 112, Wolves 90
Jeff Zillgitt: Thunder 119, Timberwolves 104

Fox Sports: Thunder 118, Timberwolves 107

Fox Sports expects the Thunder to not only win but cover the -8.5 spread in Wednesday’s Game 5. They point at Oklahoma City’s 83.3% win rate as the favorites this season as a big reason they are riding with the Thunder.

Dimers: Thunder 114, Timberwolves 106

The Thunder are expected to win the series against the Timberwolves according to Dimers. Their model gives the Thunder a staggering 76% chance to win Wednesday night, leaving the Timberwolves just a 24% chance of extending the series.

Timberwolves vs. Thunder odds, lines:

The Thunder are favored to beat the Timberwolves in Game 5, according to BetMGM.  Here is a look at the latest spread, moneyline and points total for the contest:

All odds as of Wednesday, May 28.

Spread: Thunder (-8.5)
Moneyline: Thunder (-375); Timberwolves (+290)
Over/under: 221.5

Where to watch Timberwolves vs. Thunder Game 5: TV, stream

Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Location: Paycom Center in Oklahoma City
TV: ESPN
Stream:  ESPN+, Fubo

Watch Timberwolves vs. Thunder Game 5 on Fubo

Minnesota Timberwolves Game 5 starting lineup

Jaden McDaniels
Julius Randle
Rudy Gobert
Anthony Edwards
Mike Conley

Oklahoma City Thunder Game 5 starting lineup

Jalen Williams
Chet Holmgren
Isaiah Hartenstein
Lu Dort
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Timberwolves star duo must step up

Anthony Edwards and Julius Randall were limited to just a combined 21 points in the Game 4 loss to the Thunder. The Timberwolves managed to get the best of the Thunder of in Game 3 after the duo combined for 54 points.

Timberwolves face difficult scenario

The odds are against the Timberwolves who trail 3-1 in the West finals. Just 13 teams have come back from a 3-1 deficit to win a series. Denver was the last team to do it, eliminating two 3-1 deficits in the 2020 bubble playoffs. The last team to do it in a normal season is Cleveland in the 2016 NBA Finals against Golden State.

“I don’t sense any panic in the group,’ Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said before Game 5. ‘A lot of positivity, a lot of connectivity, a lot of belief.’

Thunder keeping focus on Game 5

The Thunder are one victory from reaching the NBA Finals. But OKC coach Mark Daigneault isn’t concerned about that.

“It’s a distraction,” Daigneault said about two hours before tip-off. “It’s obviously something positive, but it’s a distraction nonetheless because it’s something that can take us out of the present moment, the next possession, the next game and that’s how you stack up to whatever you want to accomplish. That’s what we have to do tonight. This team’s done a great job of growing through those types of experiences and staying present in those types of circumstances. Tonight’s a new challenge, and that’s what we have to do if we want to win the game.”

Where is Timberwolves-Thunder Game 5?

The Thunder will host the Timberwolves from Paycom Center in Oklahoma City for Game 5 of the Western Conference finals. 

NBA championship odds 

BetMGM odds forNBA Finals winner as of Wednesday, May 28: 

1. Oklahoma City Thunder (-425) 
2. Indiana Pacers (+450) 
3. New York Knicks (+3000) 
4. Minnesota Timberwolves (+5000) 

When are the 2025 NBA Finals? Schedule

*-if necessary

Game 1, June 5: 8:30 p.m. ET, ABC
Game 2, June 8: TBD, ABC
Game 3, June 11: TBD, ABC
Game 4, June 13: TBD, ABC
Game 5, June 16: TBD, ABC*
Game 6, June 19: TBD, ABC*
Game 7, June 22: TBD, ABC*

NBA conference finals bracket 

Eastern Conference finals 

No. 3 New York Knicks vs. No. 4 Indiana Pacers (Indiana leads series 3-1) 

Western Conference finals 

No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves (OKC leads series 3-1) 

NBA conference finals schedule 

New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers (Pacers lead series 3-1)

Game 1: Pacers 138, Knicks 135 
Game 2: Pacers 114, Knicks 109 
Game 3: Knicks 106, Pacers 100 
Game 4: Pacers 130, Knicks 121
Game 5, May 29: Pacers at Knicks | TNT, Sling TV | 8 p.m. 
Game 6, May 31: Knicks at Pacers | TNT, Sling TV | 8 p.m.* 
Game 7, June 2: Pacers at Knicks | TNT, Sling TV | 8 p.m.* 

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (Thunder win series 4-1)

Game 1: Thunder 114, Timberwolves 88 
Game 2: Thunder 118, Timberwolves 103 
Game 3: Timberwolves 143, Thunder 101 
Game 4: Thunder 128, Timberwolves 126 
Game 5: Thunder 124, Timberwolves 94

NBA’s new era of parity

If the impending NBA Finals matchup of the league’s 23rd and 27th-ranked media markets is supposed to spell doom for the league, it is a doom the NBA’s owners intentionally brought on themselves. 

While two glitz-free Midwestern cities in the Finals might not have the celebrity pull the NBA has largely enjoyed through its historically successful franchises, it was an inevitable outcome once the league designed a collective bargaining agreement that dismantled its traditional cycle of superteams and dynasties. 

Welcome to the new NBA, where championship windows are smaller, the life cycle of a roster is shorter and the number of teams that can win a title in any given year is beyond anything we’ve seen in our lifetimes. — Dan Wolken

Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards in Game 4

Edwards had 16 points on 5-for-13 shooting and was just 1-for-7 on 3s. That’s not enough – the Timberwolves need more shooting and scoring from Edwards. It’s the second time Edwards, who averaged 27.6 points during the regular season, has scored fewer than 20 points in this series.

Oklahoma City executed another strong defensive gameplan, keeping Edwards from dominating.

Jalen Williams shines before Game 5

Williams surpassed his previous playoff high (32 points against Denver in overtime earlier this month) with 34 points – 14 coming in the fourth quarter when the Thunder needed his offense to hold off a Minnesota rally. He was 13-for-24 from the field and 6-for-9 on 3-pointers, including a key 3 with 3:34 left in the fourth quarter that pushed OKC’s lead to 116-109 and another with 1:21 to play that gave the Thunder a 123-116 lead. He also had five assists, three rebounds and three steals.

Find out more about Thunder-Timberwolves winners and losers with Jeff Zillgitt’s breakdown of Game 4.

Anthony Edwards pushes back against struggle narrative

After going just 1-of-7 Monday night, Edwards is 5-of-24 (20.8%) across the three Timberwolves series losses.

It’s difficult to see the Timberwolves becoming the 14th team in NBA playoff history to overcome a 3-1 deficit without Edwards drastically improving his 3-point efficiency.

Minnesota must also fix its turnovers issue, after committing 23 Monday night, five by Edwards.

“I don’t look at it like I struggled,” Edwards told reporters after the game. “They had a good game plan, making us get off the ball — especially for me, man, they was super in gaps. I made the right play all night. So I don’t look at it like I struggled. I didn’t get enough shots to say I struggled. That might be how you guys look at it, but, yeah, I didn’t struggle at all, I made the right play.” More from Lorenzo Reyes on Anthony Edwards in Game 4.

NBA star Russell Westbrook expands role in giving back to Oklahoma City

Westbrook, despite leaving in 2019 to join the Houston Rockets in a trade, continues to shape the future of Oklahoma City. His partnership with Echo, a multi-strategy investment firm, helps to continue to grow the city’s sports and entertainment investments, particularly its future professional soccer team’s stadium. He has also taken on an expanded role as the creative director for the stadium district. — Elizabeth Flores

2025 All-NBA team 

Oklahoma City Thunder guard and league Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic were unanimous selections from a panel of 100 global reporters and broadcasters who cover the NBA and voted on the squad. View the complete list. 

NBA champions by year

Winners over the past 20 years. For a full list of champions, visit NBA.com.

2023-24 — Boston Celtics 
2022-23 — Denver Nuggets
2021-22 — Golden State Warriors
2020-21 — Milwaukee Bucks 
2019-20 — Los Angeles Lakers 
2018-19 — Toronto Raptors 
2017-18 — Golden State Warriors 
2016-17 — Golden State Warriors 
2015-16 — Cleveland Cavaliers 
2014-15 — Golden State Warriors 
2013-14 — San Antonio Spurs 
2012-13 — Miami Heat 
2011-12 — Miami Heat 
2010-11 — Dallas Mavericks 
2009-10 — Los Angeles Lakers 
2008-09 — Los Angeles Lakers 
2007-08 — Boston Celtics
2006-07 — San Antonio Spurs 
2005-06 — Miami Heat 
2004-05 — San Antonio Spurs 

Baylor defensive lineman Alex Foster has died after being shot multiple times in Greenville, Mississippi, the Washington County Coroner’s Office confirmed to the Clarion Ledger, part of the USA TODAY Network. He was 18.

‘We are heartbroken by the unexpected loss of Alex Foster, a beloved teammate, friend and a cherished part of the Baylor Family,’ vice president and director of athletics Mack B. Rhoades and head football coach Dave Aranda said in a joint statement on Wednesday. ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with Alex’s family and all those who loved him.’

Authorities responded to a call of shots fired in the early morning of May 28 at 12:11 a.m., the Greenville Police Department confirmed to the Clarion Ledger. Officers found a male victim who had been shot multiples times in a car at the scene. He was transferred to Delta Health Center, where he died from his injuries less than an hour later.

‘In this time of deep sorrow, we draw strength from our faith and the unwavering love of the Baylor community,’ the university added in a statement. ‘Our immediate focus is on supporting Alex’s family and his teammates through this devastating loss. Alex’s memory will forever be a part of Baylor University.’

The 6-foot-5, 292-pound defensive lineman is a native of Greenville, Mississippi and attended St. Joseph High School, where he was a three-star recruit and the No. 13 overall recruit in Mississippi, according to 247sports. Foster received offers from multiple colleges, including Georgia Tech, Arkansas, Mississippi State, Kentucky and Texas before ultimately signing with the Baylor Bears in July 2023. He redshirted his freshman year and was set to enter his sophomore year this season.

John Baker, head coach of the St. Joseph Catholic football, told the Clarion Ledger that Foster was back home in Greenville for summer break. Baker added that Foster was scheduled to return to Baylor in Waco, Texas this weekend.

‘He was just a great guy,’ Baker told the newspaper. ‘Real quiet, soft-spoken guy, you know. Had his head on right and was wanting to make it out. He was a good dude, man.’

In a follow-up posted on X, Aranda described Foster as a ‘beloved member of our Baylor Family.’ He added, ‘In his time at Baylor he made a long-lasting impact on all of us in the program. Our hearts are broken, and our prayers are with his family, friends and all those who loved him so deeply.’

The Big 12 also shared condolences, writing, ‘The Big 12 Conference extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Baylor football student-athlete Alex Foster. We are deeply saddened by his passing and join the entire Baylor community during this time of mourning.’

MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. – SEC officials arrived here this week with a goal of zeroing in on a conference schedule format for football for 2026 and beyond. And they probably will leave here Thursday without approving a format.

Two factors continue to hold up a vote on a schedule format.

One: There’s not consensus behind a model. Some stakeholders want to stay at eight games. Others want to move to nine. Generally, the SEC’s coaches sound mostly interested in staying at eight, while the conference’s athletic directors seem to leave the door cracked a little wider toward nine. But, even within those groups, there’s not consensus.

LSU’s Brian Kelly said he’d favor nine conference games. Arkansas’ Sam Pittman prefers eight.

Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte would like nine, but he acknowledged he doesn’t speak for the room.

Back and forth the Ping-Pong ball goes.

The other element delaying the vote? The SEC is not up against a hard deadline. The conference’s 2025 schedule is set, and it retains some runway to drag out the decision for 2026. Amid the pandemic in 2020, the SEC scrapped its schedule and devised a new one less than six weeks before kickoff.

Don’t expect the SEC to repeat that 2020 timeline, but also don’t expect that all these diverging opinions will coalesce behind a solution within the conference’s spring meetings that end here Thursday.

Also affecting the decision: The College Football Playoff format for 2026 and beyond remains undecided, and multiple SEC coaches and administrators expressed reluctance to decide the conference schedule model until more information comes to light about the future playoff format and selection process.

Even Kelly, a proponent of nine conference games, says he’d slow-play this conference schedule vote, if it were up to him, and not give up that chip before knowing more about the playoff’s future.

The SEC has considered increasing to nine conference games for many years but consistently stayed at eight. The Big Ten and Big 12 play nine conference games. The ACC plays eight.

Around the conference, there remains “a variety of perspectives,” Sankey said.

“Some would say, ‘Let’s just go play nine games. More SEC games is better,’’ Sankey said. ‘Some would say, ‘Wait a second, I’m looking at bowl qualification, and it’s going to be harder to get to that six-win threshold as I build my program.’

“And then you have some who look at last year and say, ‘Our interpretation is, under the current selection criteria, losing weighs more (on the committee’s decision) than winning a solid game. Losing a game is more problematic, and until we have a better understanding on the future criteria or entry points for the CFP, we’re not willing to go to nine games.’

“I think those are three philosophies, but I think there are some who are ready to go to (nine).”

A majority vote would be required to reach a decision.

Will the SEC break camp on Thursday without making a decision?

“That’s my expectation,” Sankey said on “The Paul Finebaum Show.”

And, so, the can is kicked, a little further down the road. In the past, this familiar road always ends at eight.

Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network’s national college football columnist. Email him at BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow him on X @btoppmeyer.

Jalen Ramsey and the Miami Dolphins mutually agreed to seek a trade for the veteran cornerback in the weeks ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Despite this, Ramsey remains on Miami’s roster. That may not be the case for long, if some of Ramsey’s recent social media posts are to be believed.

Ramsey took to X (formerly Twitter) Wednesday and made a few cryptic posts about his future. His final one ended with him saying ‘a new chapter awaits.’

The timing of Ramsey’s posts is noteworthy. They came just days ahead of June 1, which is a key date on the NFL’s yearly calendar.

Once June 1 passes, NFL teams are able to split a player’s dead-cap hit – which is guaranteed money allocated to a player no longer on a roster – over two seasons. Players traded or released before June 1 see all of their dead-cap hit accelerate onto the current year’s salary cap, unless an NFL team uses one of its two post-June 1 release designations on a player.

With that in mind, it would be more palatable for Miami to trade Ramsey after June 1, if possible. The Dolphins would actually save $5.9 million in cap space by trading Ramsey after that date, per Spotrac. If they move him before June 1, it would cost them more than $12.5 million in 2025 cap space.

The cost to release Ramsey would also decrease after June 1. The Dolphins would lose just $14.3 million in 2025 cap space by cutting him after that date instead of the roughly $32.8 million it would cost them to do so before then.

Given the timing of Ramsey’s social media posts – including one that just read ‘5…,’ five days ahead of June 1 – his status will be worth monitoring over the coming days.

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The Oklahoma City Thunder will make their first NBA Finals appearance since 2012. They punched their ticket in dominant fashion against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Thunder had a 65-32 halftime lead over the Timberwolves on Wednesday, marking the franchise’s largest halftime lead in the playoffs, according to ESPN. They held the Timberwolves to just nine points in the first quarter and 23 points in the second quarter.

The Thunder led by as many as 39 points and went on to win 124-94 to clinch the Western Conference title, 4-1. They will face either the New York Knicks or Indiana Pacers. (The Pacers have a 3-1 lead over the Knicks.)

There were plenty of other wild stats to come out of the Western Conference finals. Here’s a look at some others:

Thunder defeat Timberwolves by 30 points

The Thunder defeated the Timberwolves by 30 points to clinch the series, which marked Oklahoma City’s fourth playoff victory of 30 or more points during this postseason. That’s a record.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dropped career playoff high in Game 4

Gilgeous-Alexander recorded 40 points in the Thunder’s 128-126 win in Game 4, which marked a career playoff high. He added 10 assists and nine rebounds to his stat line, finishing just one rebound shy of a triple-double.

Thunder lose by 42 points in Game 3

The Thunder were on the receiving end of one thumping. The Timberwolves defeated the Thunder by 42 points in Game 3, which marked Oklahoma City’s worst loss of the season and the Timberwolves’ largest points total of the season. According to OptaStats, the Timberwolves’ 42-point victory marked ‘the largest margin of victory in NBA history (regular season or playoffs) against a team that won 65+ games in the regular season that year.’The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

When does the Stanley Cup Final start?

That depends on what happens in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals on Thursday night in Dallas.

The defending champion Florida Panthers have clinched a third consecutive trip to the championship round and are awaiting the winner of the Dallas Stars-Edmonton Oilers series.

If the Oilers (up 3-1) win Thursday and bring about a rematch of last year’s Stanley Cup Final, the series would start on June 4, TNT announced Wednesday night.

If Dallas wins and forces a Game 6, the final would start on June 7. The last possible day has already been announced as June 23, but that would change if the series moves up.

TNT is broadcasting the Stanley Cup Final this year.

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast.Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves could not overcome a slow start with their season on the line Wednesday night in Game 5 of the WesternConferencefinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Edwards scored six of Minnesota’s nine points in the opening quarter as Oklahoma City jumped out to a 26-9 lead. The Timberwolves were then outscored 39-23 in the second quarter. The Thunder cruised to a 124-94 victory and a spot in the NBA Finals.

Entering Wednesday, Edwards had averaged 25.8 points, 7.9 rebounds and 5.7 assists through the first 14 games of the postseason.

Check out his full stat-line from Game 5:

Anthony Edwards stats vs. Thunder in Game 5

Points: 19
FG: 7-for-18
3PTs: 1-for-7
FT: 4-for-6
Rebounds: 6
Assists: 2
Blocks: 1
Steals: 0
Turnovers: 3
Fouls: 2
Minutes played: 38:30

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

Joe Flacco made it clear Wednesday he wants to be known as more than a potential mentor to the Cleveland Browns’ young quarterback room.

Flacco, entering his 18th NFL season, said he doesn’t have any fundamental issues aiding 26-year-old Kenny Pickett, 24-year-old Dillon Gabriel and 23-year-old Shedeur Sanders as the young trio gets acclimated in Cleveland.

The 40-year-old simply wants to focus on playing at as high a level as possible after signing a one-year, $4 million deal with the Browns.

‘It’s not really about that. It’s just not the main focus,’ Flacco said at the second day of Cleveland’s OTAs Wednesday when asked about being a mentor. ‘I see myself as a guy that can play in this league. So, if your main focus was just like, ‘hey, but I’m going to get you ready,’ you’re just not taking care of business.’

How does Flacco envision his potential role as a mentor? He sees himself as more of a lead-by-example type who will benefit from being on the field.

‘The best way to be a mentor, honestly, is to show people how you go to work and like I said, hope that they pick up on that stuff, but not necessarily force them to pick up on the things that you do,’ Flacco said.

Flacco has been given an early opportunity to test that theory. He appears to have the early edge in the Browns’ starting quarterback battle after beginning OTAs as Cleveland’s first-team quarterback. Whether that lasts may depend on how Pickett, Gabriel and Sanders progress as the season draws near.

Flacco – the Super Bowl 47 MVP and 2023 NFL Comeback Player of the Year – is welcoming the competition. He also said he is enjoying the vibe in the team’s quarterback room and working with younger quarterbacks like Sanders.

‘Shedeur has been great. I mean, he’s a lot of fun to be around in those meeting rooms,’ Flacco said, per ESPN. ‘I think so far, there’s been at least once in the meeting room that he’s made me crack a smile, and that’s what it’s all about. You know, he’s a young guy trying to learn some football and come out here and practice well and do those things. And like I said, he’s been a lot of fun. I probably wasn’t too far away from playing against his dad, and now I’m playing with him.’

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – It took nearly a month, but Inter Miami has found itself in the win column once again following the most challenging stretch of its Lionel Messi era.

Messi and Luis Suarez each scored two goals and delivered an assist to one another, and Inter Miami beat CF Montreal 4-2 on Wednesday night at Chase Stadium for the club’s first win in 25 days.

Messi assisted the first goal of Suarez’s brace, while Suarez assisted Messi’s second goal of the match, helping Inter Miami win for the first time since May 3 – ending a five-game stretch between victories.

Overall, Inter Miami was amid a 10-match stretch where it lost five times, settled for three draws, and faced mounting pressure before next month’s FIFA Club World Cup.

“I think the most important thing to highlight is that we need to start winning again,” Suarez said in an interview with Apple TV after the match. “We were on a losing streak, and we had to take responsibility for the poor results. Now, it’s about correcting our mistakes, winning games to build confidence, and getting back to being the team we were.”

Added Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano: “We needed to break the negative dynamic.”

Despite the victory and offensive outburst from two of the greatest goal scorers in the sport’s history, the pressure is still relevant for Messi and his cast of former Barcelona teammates – including his first-year coach.

Inter Miami will host the Columbus Crew on Saturday night in the final match before it plays in the Club World Cup opener against Egyptian side Al Ahly at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on June 14.

Inter Miami will likely be without three defenders – standout leftback Jordi Alba, Gonzalo Luján and Toto Aviles – who each left the Montreal match after suffering lower-body injuries in the first half. Alba and Luján had hamstring injuries, while Aviles injured his right ankle, Mascherano said.

“I’m happy with the victory, happy because there were good moments in the game. The team went back to playing the way we’re used to,” Mascherano said. “Unfortunately, it was marred by the departures of Gonzalo, Jordi and Toto.” 

Messi fired a left boot from outside the penalty area, and found the back of the net in the 27th minute to give Inter Miami a 1-0 lead. He was assisted by midfielder Sergio Busquets, who delivered the pass and even set a pick on a defender to free his former Barcelona teammate for the score.

Suarez scored goals in the 68th and 70th minutes, and Messi ended the night with his second goal in the 88th minute.

Messi became the first player in Inter Miami history to reach 50 goal contributions (29 goals, 21 assists) in regular season play, in just his 37th game, according to MLS. 

Messi has scored 13 goals in 19 games across all competitions for Inter Miami this season, while Suarez has seven goals in 20 games. It was a resurgent effort by both stars — Messi won MLS MVP last year, while Suarez was also a finalist for the award. 

“Hopefully, they can continue in this vein,” Mascherano said of Messi, 37, and Suarez, 38. “At the end of the day, they are two of the most important players on the team and you always want them to be at their best.” 

Inter Miami, however, was unable to secure a shutout: Montreal’s Dante Sealy (74’) and Victor Loturi (90’+2’) scored for the visitors – which entered the match in last place in the MLS Eastern Conference and second-to-last in the league.

It was Inter Miami’s first win since beating the New York Red Bulls 4-1 – also the last time Messi and Suarez each scored in a match before Wednesday.

Inter Miami vs. Montreal highlights

Lionel Messi scores second goal: Inter Miami 4, Montreal 1

Lionel Messi has scored his second goal of the match, taking a pass from Luis Suarez and tipping it over the Montreal goalkeeper in the 88th minute to increase Inter Miami’s lead to 4-1.

Montreal’s Dante Sealy scores goal: Inter Miami 3, Montreal 1

Inter Miami won’t secure its first shutout in 39 days: Montreal’s Dante Sealy has scored in the 74th minute to narrow the lead.

Luis Suarez scores second goal two minutes later: Inter Miami 3, Montreal 0

Luis Suarez has scored his second goal in a two-minute span, and Inter Miami leads 3-0 against Montreal. Suarez was in the right place at the right time, picking off a Montreal defender in the penalty area, and sending another right boot into the net.

Luis Suarez scores goal: Inter Miami 2, Montreal 0

Luis Suarez capitalized on an assist from Messi, sending his right boot into the back of the net to help Inter Miami increase its lead to 2-0 in the 68th minute.

Montreal’s Giacomo Vrioni misses shot on goal: Inter Miami 1, Montreal 0

Inter Miami found itself fortunate, but unlucky just before halftime. Montreal’s Giacomo Vrioni fired a left boot slightly outside the right post to remain scoreless – those types of opportunities late in halves have doomed Inter Miami recently. But Inter Miami defender Toto Aviles left the match with a lower body injury after the sequence, becoming the third injured defender for Messi’s side in this match.

Lionel Messi scores goal: Inter Miami 1, Montreal 0

Lionel Messi to the rescue. The Inter Miami captain fired a left boot from outside the penalty area, and found the back of the net in the 27th minute.

Messi’s goal was set up by midfielder Sergio Busquets, who delivered the pass and even set a pick on a defender to free his former Barcelona teammate for the score.

Inter Miami leads 1-0, but is playing without two defenders who left the match early due to leg injuries.

Jordi Alba leaves with injury: Inter Miami 0, Montreal 0

Inter Miami’s Jordi Alba has become the second player to leave this match with an injury in the first 20 minutes. Alba limped off on his own, but his injury is tough for a club that has struggled in the last 10 matches and has one more match Saturday vs. the Columbus Crew before the FIFA Club World Cup.

Messi attempts header, but to no avail: Inter Miami 0, Montreal 0

Messi left his feet to attempt a header, on a pass from Luis Suarez, but he was unable to properly connect on the opportunity in the 20th minute. About two minutes earlier, Luis Suarez was unable to put away a right boot in the 18th minute. His kick soared over the net and into the stands.

Messi gets up after three Montreal defenders converge: Inter Miami 0, Montreal 0

Call it a Messi sandwich if you will: Three Montreal defenders converged to defend Messi, and he fell to the pitch after a tackle. But he quickly got back on his feet and resumed playing.  

Inter Miami has an early substitute: Inter Miami 0, Montreal 0

Inter Miami is making an early change to the lineup: Toto Aviles will replace Gonzalo Lujan, who appeared to sustain a left hamstring injury about 10 minutes into the match.

As for Messi, the World Cup champion is engaged and nearly orchestrated an opening attempt in the fourth minute, but Inter Miami was unable to get a shot on goal during the sequence.  

When is the Inter Miami vs. CF Montreal match?

Inter Miami hosts CF Montreal at Chase Stadium on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET.

How to watch Inter Miami vs. CF Montreal live stream?

The match will be available to stream on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.

Is Messi playing vs. CF Montreal tonight? Inter Miami starting lineup

Messi is in the starting lineup for the Montreal match, Inter Miami announced before the match. Here’s Inter Miami’s starting 11:

Inter Miami vs. CF Montreal prediction

Inter Miami 4, Montreal 1: Expect Messi, Luis Suarez and Inter Miami to get back on track with a multi-goal performance at home. Montreal and Inter Miami enter their match ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, in surrendering goals to their opponents. However, Montreal is tied with Austin as the lowest-scoring clubs in MLS with just 10 goals from 15 matches this season. –Safid Deen

Inter Miami vs. CF Montreal betting odds

Inter Miami is the favorite to win at home (-250), while a draw (+400) has better odds than a road win by Montreal (+550). The over/under is set at 3.5 goals, according to BETMGM.

Messi, Inter Miami upcoming schedule

May 28: Inter Miami vs. CF Montreal, 7:30 p.m. ET (MLS)
May 31: Inter Miami vs. Columbus Crew, 7:30 p.m. ET (MLS)
June 5: Chile vs. Argentina, 9 p.m. ET (World Cup qualifying)
June 10: Argentina vs. Colombia, 8 p.m. ET (World Cup qualifying)

Messi, Inter Miami schedule for Club World Cup

June 14: Inter Miami vs. Al Alhy, 8 p.m. ET (Hard Rock Stadium in Miami)
June 19: Inter Miami vs FC Porto, 3 p.m. ET (Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta)
June 23: Inter Miami vs. Palmerias, 9 p.m. ET (Hard Rock Stadium in Miami)