Sports Briefs 6/23/21

NBA

Deandre Ayton slammed home an alley-oop pass with just 0.7-seconds remaining as the Phoenix Suns slipped past the Los Angeles Clippers 104-103 in Game Two of the Western Conference Finals. Former Murray State standout Cameron Payne went off for a career-high 29 points to go with nine assists as he started again in place of Chris Paul, who missed his second straight game due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols. The Suns-who lead the series 2-0-meet the Clippers again Thursday night in Los Angeles.

The Atlanta Hawks take on the Milwaukee Bucks tonight in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals in Milwaukee. Atlanta makes its first trip to the East Finals since 2015.

NHL

The Montreal Canadiens are one step away from the Stanley Cup Final as they beat the Vegas Golden Knights 4-1 last night in Las Vegas in Game Five. Montreal leads the three-games-to-two in the best-of-seven series, with Game Six is Thursday in Montreal.

Tonight, the New York Islanders have a tall task in front of them as they look to prevent elimination against the Tampa Bay Lightning. They’re down three-games-to-two as they host Game Six of their series.