The Best of the Day: March 31st, 2021

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 3/31 here.

The New York Mets made franchise and MLB history after dishing out a massive extension to newly-acquired SS Fransisco Lindor on Wednesday. Now in the Big Apple for the foreseeable future, Lindor will look to lead the Mets to their first World Series title since 1986. The Eastern Conference looks upside-down this season with several former contenders struggling while former basement-dwellers find themselves in playoff positions. Also, Luka Doncic was money from deep vs. Boston and Devin Booker dropped another 45-point game.

Here is the best of the day from March 31, 2021:

Story of the Day

Mets give Francisco Lindor the largest contract ever for a SS

After several unsuccessful negotiations regarding length and dollar amount, the New York Mets and SS Francisco Lindor finally agreed to a 10y/$341M extension that includes a limited no-trade clause and no opt-outs. The largest contract ever given by New York, new owner Steve Cohen has delivered on his promise to spend big to compete.

UPDATE: New York Mets and 4x All-Star SS Francisco Lindor have agreed on a 10y/$341M extension, the largest contract in Mets franchise history (includes a limited no-trade clause and no opt-outs) pic.twitter.com/Ftm36w1Kl4
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) April 1, 2021

The historic deal is the third largest contract based on total value in MLB history behind only the Los Angeles Angels’ Mike Trout (12y/$426.5M) and the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Mookie Betts (12y/$365M). It is the richest deal ever given to a shortstop, surpassing Fernando Tatis Jr.‘s 14y/$340M contract signed with the San Diego Padres in February.

New York acquired the 27-year-old Puerto Rican native from Cleveland earlier this offseason. Lindor is a 4x All-Star, 2x Gold Glover, and 2x Silver Slugger in six seasons with the Indians, who drafted him No. 8 overall in 2011. He hit .285 with an average of 29 HRs, 86 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases per 162 games played.

Want to watch Francisco Lindor hit home runs?

Cool, me too.

Here are the longest homers of his career (including postseason) ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Bcnw3P8GAQ
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) April 1, 2021

Francisco Lindor has 3 30-HR seasons, already 4th-most by a SS

He's projected for 32 HR this year by ZiPS, plus another 30+ in each season from 2022-25

8 30-HR seasons would be the most ever by a shortstop (seasons w/50% of games at SS)
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) April 1, 2021

Related: Stories of the Day

Takeaway of the Day

THIS EASTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFF RACE IS POISED TO BE AS EXCITING AS EVER

The Eastern Conference standings are looking a lot different than what many expected over halfway through the 2020-21 NBA season. Additionally, a large chunk of teams aren’t separated by much. The 4-8 spots are currently separated by 1.5 games total. This year is more important than any to fight for a top-six spot and not get stuck in seventh or eighth. This is because with the shortened season due to COVID, the ninth and tenth spots will have a chance to beat those last two seeds to make it to the playoffs.

The teams who finish seventh and eighth based on win percentage will play a game to decide who gets the seventh seed. The loser will play the winner of a ninth vs. tenth seeded game, and the winner of that will capture the final spot, the eighth seed, in the playoffs. With so many teams so close together, and more shots at a playoff spot up for grabs, it is shaping up to be one of the most exciting playoff races ever seen.

Also, there are many teams in surprising spots right now. Charlotte is currently in fourth, which means they would actually have home-court advantage in the first round. The defending conference champs, the Heat, are in fifth after missing Jimmy Butler early in the season. New York, a laughing stock in recent years, are currently sixth and safe from the play-in tournament. Most shockingly is Boston, who was considered to be a top team in the preseason, are in eighth, and would have to earn their spot via the play-in tourney.

COLORS KEY | FULL CELTICS OUTLOOK

Related: NBA Takeaways of the Day

Highlight of the Day

Luka making crazy buckets

Luka from DEEP 🎯 pic.twitter.com/kErh6QnXve
— NBA TV (@NBATV) April 1, 2021

Related: NBA Highlights

Player of the Day

SG Devin Booker, PHX (W v.CHI): 45 PTS (17-24 FG | 2-5 3P), 4 AST, 4 REB, 1 BLK, 1 STL, 5 TO

#PlayerOfTheDay (3/31/21) - SG Devin Booker, PHX

TOP FACTS:
- 6 GP of 45+ PTS; no other Suns player in history has 3
- Put in the dagger layup to put Chicago away
- Season-high 45 vs. CHI without LaVine & Coby White

KEY STATS:
45 PTS, 4 AST, 4 REB, 17-24 FG (71%), 2-5 3P (40%) https://t.co/ZFAwaCfBr8
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) April 1, 2021

Related: Players of the Day