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The Best of the Day: April 22nd, 2021
See the best of the day in sports from April 22, 2021 including Cronenworth's Gold Glove-caliber plays, Giannis monster game, and more!
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The ‘Best of the Day’ is a daily PSO original series showcasing the most significant stories, highlights, and facts going on in the land of the NFL, NBA, & MLB every day. Get a recap on EVERYTHING that happened on 4/22 here.
The Padres and Dodgers duked it out again in another highly-entertaining game, as this time it was San Diego who came out on top thanks to Jake Cronenworth’s amazing defense at the keystone. The newest rivalry in sports continues to live up to the hype after the NL West rivals loaded up their rosters this offseason. Also, the Celtics have a shot to knock off any team if Kemba Walker plays like an All-Star, Giannis earned another player of the day after his huge game propelled MIL past PHI, and PSO released its NFL scouting report on Heisman Trophy winner WR DeVonta Smith.
Here is the best of the day from April 22, 2021:
Jake Cronenworth’s Gold Glove-caliber plays fuel Padres close victory over LA
Jake Cronenworth made a pair dazzling plays to help the Padres defeat the Dodgers 3-2 in a low-scoring affair between the two division rivals. After Los Angeles took two of three in San Diego last weekend, the Padres were able to answer with excellent pitching, timely hitting, and incredible defense in the eighth inning. They evened the season series at two apiece, making this contest just the latest in a string of well-played, tightly contested matchups between two of the most stacked rosters in the Majors.
4-6-3 TO MAINTAIN THE ONE-RUN LEAD. 😱 pic.twitter.com/I0iNxw6vZy
— MLB (@MLB) April 23, 2021
Cat-like reflexes from Cronenworth. pic.twitter.com/pZXYnDgCOr
— MLB (@MLB) April 23, 2021
Having ended a three-game skid since their last victory over LA, San Diego (11-10) will hope this win serves as a spring board in their attempt to catch the Dodgers (14-5) atop the NL West. However, LA isn’t the only team they need to worry about at the moment, as the Giants (12-7) are off to an excellent start as well. It remains to be seen whether SF can keep it up, but as of now, the NL West is shaping up to be one of the best divisions in baseball.
Related: Stories of the Day
BOSTON CAN BEAT ANYBODY WHEN KEMBA WALKER PLAYS LIKE AN ALL-STAR
Boston has now won seven of their last eight games, and Kemba Walker’s recent uptick in production is a large reason why. Against a top-two team in the West on Thursday, Jayson Tatum struggled from the field (3-17 FG) but Boston was still victorious, thanks to Walker’s contributions. The month of April has been kind to the Guard, who is averaging 17.7 PPG on 46% FG during this span. Additionally, the C’s are 8-1 when he plays for them this month, with their only loss coming against the East-leading Philadelphia 76ers.
Boston and Kemba’s success this month hasn’t been due to a weak schedule. They’ve beaten premier teams like Phoenix, Denver, Golden State, Portland, New York, and the LA Lakers all within the last three weeks. An 8-2 record in their last 10 contests has pulled them to within half a game of the top four in the East, putting them close to earning home-court advantage in the first round.
With Kemba’s stellar performances recently, Boston has made it clear they aren’t afraid of anyone. They’ve beaten top teams night in and night out, and have proven they can beat anyone when they’re at their best. A Cardiac Kemba with All-Star numbers along with the promising duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown is a recipe for great success. If the 4x All-Star continues to play well, Boston will re-emerge as legitimate contenders this season, despite earlier periods of poor results this season.
COLORS KEY | FULL CELTICS OUTLOOK
Season high-tying 32 for @KembaWalker to lead the @celtics to victory. pic.twitter.com/I8vIVUfHAG
— NBA (@NBA) April 23, 2021
Marcus Smart getting fancy with it 👀 pic.twitter.com/ASYXxUlgyB
— NBA TV (@NBATV) April 22, 2021
Related: NBA Takeaways of the Day
4-6-3 TO MAINTAIN THE ONE-RUN LEAD. 😱 pic.twitter.com/I0iNxw6vZy
— MLB (@MLB) April 23, 2021
Related: MLB Highlights
F Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL (W v.PHI): 27 PTS (8-15 FG | 1-2 3P), 6 AST, 16 REB, 1 BLK, 2 STL, 3 TO
#PlayerOfTheDay (4/22/21) - F Giannis Antetokounmpo
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) April 23, 2021
TOP FACTS:
- Most GP (41) w/ 25 PTS/15 REB/5 AST by MIL since '80
- ^No other Bucks player has more than 4 such GP
- Bucks started 10-10 FG and never trailed
KEY STATS:
27 PTS, 16 REB, 6 AST, 2 STL, 8-15 FG (53%), 1-2 3P https://t.co/c0OgAbXrE6
Related: Players of the Day
Dallas Mavericks (115) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (110)
[Highlights] @MAVERICKS (-152) d. LAKERS (+134) 115-110 [DAL -3 | o216]
Related: Games of the Day
Related: Facts of the Day
PSO Scouting Report: WR DeVonta Smith (Alabama) by Ricky Eisenbart
PSO breaks down Heisman winning WR DeVonta Smith’s future outlook and how his game will translate to the next level in the NFL
DeVonta Smith's NFL Scouting Report:
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) April 22, 2021
Physical Tools: ??
Game Film: A
Production: A+
Risk: ??
Overall: ??
FULL evaluation: https://t.co/T9lw9qsdff
Related: Latest PSO Posts
DATE: April 22, 1947
SIGNIFICANCE: Philadelphia Warriors won the very 1st NBA Championship ever played
April 22, 1947: Philadelphia Warriors won the very 1st NBA Championship, defeating the Chicago Stags 83-80 in Game 5
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) April 22, 2021
pic.twitter.com/5VGFzSMHPI
Related: Significant Sports History
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