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Dwyer hopes to get Heir-borne at Lakeside

DON’T worry about the name, the only thing contagious about Viral today at Sandown Lakeside will be the banknotes in our wallets.

Herald Sun tipster Gilbert Gardiner has found a number of winning hopes set to contest an tricky eight-race card at Sandown Lakeside.

Our value bet Hernandez got up and paid $10 on Tuesday at Bendigo.

SANDOWN

BEST BET

VIRAL

R5 No. 2 $4.20

Run of the race at the Valley last start when snagged back from barrier 11 and came with one big barnstorming run into second. Drawn out a shade but should be too good.

WAR TIGER

R8 No. 4 $3.40

Lloyd Williams-owned import won with some authority in Adelaide last start and from plum draw will go on with the job.

War Tiger (R) brings home the bacon in the Adelaide Cup. Picture SARAH REEDSource:News Corp Australia

NEXT BEST

CHART BUSTER

R1 No. 1 $4

Has improved with every run and looks ready to win now after being nabbed late last start. Small fields always tricky but race experience holds the colt in good stead.

DONE BY ME

R4 No. 1 $6

Savaged the line first up at Mornington and only just missed the placings. Has won second up previously and looks ready to go again.

VALUE BET

JIMMY WITHA DASH

R3 No. 3 $10

Decent SA form but when astute trainer Will Clarken brings horses to Victoria they tend to find another gear, especially with Jamie Kah on top. Market support?

THE TRAINER

HENRY DWYER

PEACE BROTHER

R2 No. 10 $41

"He's just kicking off, will need further."

MOSCOW RED

R6 No. 5 $16

"Going really well, hopefully some of the sting stays out of the track, really likes the wet track and ticking over really well."

HEIR TO THE THRONE

R8 No. 9 $13

"No luck at Albury last time over a mile and racing like he wants further. He's in good order and ready to run well."

THE BLACK LEOPARD

R8 No. 7 $9.5

"He just had a tick over run at Sale last week, back up to a more suitable distance, any give in the track would be a real advantage."

Apprentice sweats on inquiry after self-isolation blunder

Apprentice rider Lachlan King is free to ride today at Sandown Lakeside after stewards last night adjourned an inquiry into a minor breach of industry guidelines.

King was unable to fulfil a ride in Race 4 at Bendigo on Tuesday after being stood down for accidentally sitting in the wrong jockeys’ rooms.

King left the racetrack shortly after, pending the stewards’ inquiry.

As one of the 25 hoops in Racing Victoria’s self-isolation program King must not mix with other jockeys as part of a concerted industry effort to reduce the risk of COVID-19.

Under the radical isolation model, the “Green Team” jockeys, who cannot ride in track work or barrier trials either, use a separate jockeys’ room on race days.

King had strictly abided by the self-isolation rules before yesterday’s misdemeanour.

His agent Morgan Betts said the apprentice sat in the wrong room “out of habit” after being weighed out.

King has rides in races 2 and 7 today at Lakeside.

Originally published asDwyer hopes to get Heir-borne at Lakeside

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Former skipper calls out ‘scared’ Aussies

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has scrutinised Australian cricket stars who “sucked up” to India’s players in the hope of securing a lucrative Indian Premier League contract.

Earning an IPL contract is one of the most financially rewarding endeavours for professional cricketers – players can make millions for taking part in the annual six-week tournament.

For example, Australia’s Pat Cummins was offered a record-breaking AU$3.2 million contract to represent the Kolkata Knight Riders during the 2020 competition. If he played all 14 matches in the group stage, Cummins would make $9226 for every delivery he bowled.

IPL captains – including high-profile India players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma – are part of the bidding process, and Clarke believes some Australian cricketers were “scared” to sledge their Indian opponents, fearful of hindering their selection chances.

Big Sports Breakfast hosts Laurie Daley and Michael Clarke.Source:Supplied

“Everybody knows how powerful India are in regards to the financial part of the game, internationally or domestically with the IPL,” Clarke said on Big Sports Breakfast.

“I feel that Australian cricket, and probably every other team over a little period, went the opposite and actually sucked up to India.

“They were too scared to sledge Kohli or the other Indian players because they had to play with them in April.

“The players were like, ‘I’m not going to sledge Kohli, I want him to pick me for Bangalore so I can make my $1 million US for my six weeks’.”

During the period between the IPL’s introduction and Michael Clarke’s retirement, Australia never won a Test match in India.

Captained by Ricky Ponting, Australia lost both away Test series against India in 2008 and 2010, failing to win any of the six encounters. When Michael Clarke took over the captaincy, that record did not improve, the Australians suffering an embarrassing 4-0 defeat in 2013.

“I feel like that’s where Australia went through that little phase where our cricket become a little bit softer or not as hard as we’re accustomed to seeing,” Clarke said.

Virat Kohli during the memorable 2017 Test series against AustraliaSource:AFP

However, that “soft” phase seemingly came to a close during the 2017 tour under Steve Smith’s leadership, when Australia won their first match on India soil in 13 years.

Ahead of the opening Test, Kohli said he was “really good friends” with the Australian players, some of which he had played alongside in the IPL. But Smith and the Indian captain were involved in a string of heated confrontations throughout the four-match series, Kohli at one point accusing the Australian skipper of cheating.

Following the tour’s conclusion, Kohli defiantly declared, “The thing I said before the first Test, that has certainly changed, and you won’t hear me say that ever again”.

Despite a cultural change following the ball-tampering saga, Tim Paine continued the rivalry last summer, openly mocking Kohli from behind the stumps.

“I know he’s your captain, but you can’t seriously like him as a bloke,” Paine queried during the Perth Test in December 2018.

Evidently, the Australian captain has no desire to attain an IPL contract.

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Andrews backs racing continuing in isolation in Victoria

Racing in Victoria looks unlikely to succumb to a government shutdown anytime soon after Victorian premier Daniel Andrews again threw his support behind the industry.

Besides a 36-hour shutdown while jockey Mark Zahra was tested for coronavirus following a potential interaction with a confirmed positive, racing has been able to proceed in Victoria under strict social distancing protocols.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews addresses the media during a press conference in Melbourne, Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Credit:AAP

"I'm not a big racegoer myself but many people derive a lot of enjoyment from that," he said.

"And there's not a lot of that [enjoyment] going around at the moment.

"I've had it put to me that some people are getting quite a lot out of the fact that racing is going ahead in a limited form."

Andrews said the main driver behind racing's exemption was protecting the 25,000 full-time jobs in Victoria, and not the revenue derived from gambling.

"There [are] a lot people working in that industry," he said.

"And, again, it's making that difficult choice, the balance between what would be the public health benefit? Can you manage the risk?

"Clearly with an example like say building, the massive construction sector. We believe we can manage those risks. The moment I get advice that we can't then of course we will take further steps.

"But on gambling revenue … there was an exemption provided to Crown for a short period of time.

"The moment the Chief Health Officer was no longer confident that Crown could deliver and be safe and manage the risks of that sort of environment, that exemption was withdrawn and the casino floor closed."

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Ladbrokes Coral owner expects £50 million a month coronavirus loss

The owner of bookmakers Ladbrokes Coral expects to lose £50 million a month as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

GVC Holdings is being impacted heavily by the cancellation of sporting events and the closure of retail outlets.

Saturday's Grand National, which leads to around £400 million in turnover across the industry, was the most recent high profile loss.

However, bookmakers still raised £2.6 million from bets for NHS Charities Group, which is putting its resources into fighting coronavirus.

GVC Holdings originally predicted a loss of around £100 million a month, resulting from the national health concern.

But several mitigation opportunities, including the UK government grant towards employment costs and business rates relief, have been identified and brought the figure down.

GVC chief executive Kenny Alexander said: “As our first quarter trading numbers once again demonstrate, GVC is a business that, in normal times, delivers an outstanding performance.

"However, while our global and product diversification is standing us in good stead during the current uncertainty, the Covid-19 pandemic is posing an unprecedented challenge to our business and our industry.

"We are responding decisively, and have put in place a range of measures to keep our people safe, strengthen our financial position, limit cash outflow, preserve jobs and maintain a compelling customer offer.

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Shout The Bar ready for another round

Shout The Bar can complete a remarkable debut race campaign with another Group 1 success in the $500,000 Australian Oaks (2400m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.Trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott have kept looking for any signs that Shout The Bar might have come to the end of her preparation but their filly is “demanding” her chance in the fillies classic.“We have always been open-minded about her and if at any stage she showed signs of having had enough, we would have backed off and given her some time out,’’ Bott said.

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Shout The Bar has been a revelation this campaign. Picture: AAPSource:AAP

“But she has kept improving, she is thriving on her racing and her work so there is no reason to deny her the opportunity to run in the Oaks.’’
Shout The Bar only made her race debut in February, winning her maiden at the provincials.
Fast forward nearly two months and Shout The Bar has been a revelation, winning three of her four starts including the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at her most recent outing.
“She has just continued to make that necessary progression, she is a very tough filly,’’ Bott said. “Although she is by Not A Single Doubt, she is out of an O’Reilly mare, which is where she gets her stamina.
“We don’t know about her at 2400m but she has always indicated to us she should stay.’’
Shout The Bar is on the third line of Oaks betting at $5 as the Waterhouse-Bott stable set out to continue their memorable run of success at the Sydney autumn carnival.
They have trained feature race winners on each of the past four Saturdays, including three Group 1 wins at Rosehill with Con Te Partiro (Coolmore Classic), Farnan (Golden Slipper) and Shout The Bar (Vinery Stud Stakes).
Entente kept the stable’s winning streak going on Day One of The Championships winning the Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes at Randwick last Saturday.

Shout The Bar will be out to continue Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott’s stellar autumn carnival in the Australian Oaks. Picture: AAPSource:AAP

Waterhouse and Bott will have a strong presence this weekend with Dorothy Of Oz joining Shout The Bar in the Oaks, Hush Writer is lining up in the Group $1 million Sydney Cup (3200m), Dawn Passage contests the Group 2 $500,000 Arrowfield Sprint (1200m) and Yao Dash among entries for the Listed $150,000 South Pacific Classic (1400m).
“Dorothy Of Oz was disappointing last Saturday but she over-raced a bit so we will take the blinkers off,’’ Bott said. “Hush Writer goes to the Sydney Cup and we are hoping for an improving track, that’s the key for him.
“Dawn Passage was excellent first-up, he probably should have won the Darby Munro Stakes, so we are expecting a very good run from him.
“Yao Dash didn’t race up to our expectations when he resumed but he has trialled well since and I we think he can bounce back.

AUSTRALIAN OAKS

POT THE HOTSHOT

PROBABEEL tried hard when second in the Vinery Stud Stakes over 2000m. She is a brilliant filly but has been up a long time and has never raced at 2400m. Her class will carry her a long way but there is a doubt at the classic distance.

BLACK BOOKER

NIMALEE has won four of her six starts and was impressive beating older horses on the Kensington track at her most recent run. Bred to stay and she has a tremendous will-to-win.

WORTH A THROW

SHOUT THE BAR just keeps winning. Her only loss in four starts was a narrow second in the Kembla Grange Classic before scoring over 2000m in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes. She defied Probabeel last start in a strong staying effort.

OAKS EARLY ODDS

$4 Probabeel

$4.50 Shout The Bar

$5 Funstar

$7 Colette

$8 Nudge

$9 Paradee

$15 Aviago, Bonvicini, Fascino, Game Of Thorns, Nimalee, Subpoenaed

Originally published asShout The Bar ready for another round

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Strauss says he could have done more to stop Pietersen's England rift

‘In retrospect that was a mistake with KP’: Sir Andrew Strauss admits he could have done more to avoid bitter fall out between England and Kevin Pietersen that led to his sacking

  • Kevin Petersen was sacked by England in 2014 after a nasty falling out 
  • Petersen was one of the most talented England batsmen of a generation 
  • Sir Andrew Strauss now says he could have done more to handle the dispute 

Sir Andrew Strauss has admitted to mistakes in the way he handled Kevin Pietersen during the dispute that was to ultimately tear one of the best of all England teams apart.

Strauss says he could have done more when he was captain to embrace Pietersen and avoid the bitter fall-out that eventually led to him being sacked by England.

‘I feel I didn’t do enough work with KP,’ said Strauss yesterday in a Sky Cricket podcast. 

Sir Andrew Strauss has conceded that he could have done more to stop the Kevin Pietersen rift

The talented batsman was sacked by England in 2014 after a bitter fall out with his team 

‘There came a time when some of the people he was close to in the team either retired or got dropped and there was an opportunity for me to spend more time with him and make sure his views were valued and considered.

‘What I did instead was let KP be KP and in retrospect that was a mistake and might have sown the seeds for what was to come down the track.

‘I’ve always felt a good team environment embraces difference and has space for everyone. We did that for a period of time with KP and others but possibly through neglect KP became increasingly isolated in the team. It just wasn’t healthy.’

Strauss admitted he should have done more to embrace the controversial player 

But Strauss, who later backed Pietersen’s exile when he became England team director, does believe the maverick star was working to a ‘different agenda’.

‘There came a time that what worked for KP almost undermined what the team were trying to do and there were two completely separate agendas,’ said Strauss in conversation with Ian Ward. ‘That became a problem for the team and for me and Andy Flower.

‘If we’d had a bit more space it probably wouldn’t have got to the stage it did and we could have managed it better. But I don’t look back and think we were wrong to call KP out over some of the things he did because we had to do that.’ 




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Russian Camelot’s unorthodox twist in new quest

Russian Camelot’s quest for South Australian Derby glory has taken an unexpected twist – an unlikely appearance in a Pakenham benchmark 64 on Thursday – following the colt’s barrier scratching at Caulfield on Saturday.

Trainer Danny O’Brien is leaning towards the 1600m restricted race at Pakenham after Russian Camelot was withdrawn from the Neds Handicap at Caulfield after becoming fractious and rearing following a starting gates malfunction.

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Racing Victoria stewards reported the import had suffered a minor abrasion above his right eye and O’Brien said the horse had taken no ill-effect from the incident.

“He’s good, there’s not a scratch on him,” O’Brien said.

“We’ll look to take him to Pakenham on Thursday because he just needs to go to the races and he needs the run.

“He also needs the experience of just going to the races.”

Russian Camelot (L), ridden by Damien Oliver, hits the track with 2019 Melbourne Cup winner Vow and Declare. Picture: Mark WilsonSource:News Corp Australia

If all goes well, Russian Camelot will eventually head to Morphettville for the May 9 SA Derby, where he could clash with Saturday’s runaway Port Adelaide Guineas winner Dalasan and O’Brien stablemate Skiddaw.

Skiddaw finished 10th of 11 in the AJC Derby at Randwick behind Quick Thinker but O’Brien believes little should be read into the performance.

“He got knocked down a couple of times,” O’Brien said.

“He’ll come home and potentially go to Adelaide for the Derby.”

O’Brien could also send Coin Collector west for the Derby, providing he runs well at Caulfield on Saturday and then in the VRC St Leger at Flemington on April 25.

Gifted filly Paradee could also join O’Brien’s Adelaide squad and target the Australasian Oaks after her sixth in the Group 3 Adrian Knox at Randwick behind Colette on Saturday.

O’Brien’s stable star Vow And Declare was on track to contest Saturday’s Group Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick.

O’Brien said the Melbourne Cup winner, to be ridden by Glen Boss, was “super.”

Originally published asRussian Camelot’s unorthodox twist in new quest

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Tiger Roll ‘The Horse Of A Lifetime’ – How to watch the documentary

Betfair have released a new documentary detailing the rise of superstar racehorse Tiger Roll. The two-time Grand National winner would have been bidding for a historic and unprecedented third successive victory in the Aintree showpiece today.

The 10-year-old, though, will have to wait until 2021 to attempt the feat after this year’s race was called off due to the coronavirus pandemic.

‘The Horse Of A Lifetime’ documents Tiger Roll’s rise from his first-ever win back in 2013, to his stunning performances at the Cheltenham Festival, to his success on the Grand National stage.

Betfair said in a statement: “A win this year would have seen him match the legendary Red Rum for three Grand National victories, however he would have become the first horse to do so in three years, with Red Rum’s triumphs coming in 1973, 1974 and his third, three years later in 1977.

“The film gives first-hand accounts of Tiger Roll’s many ups and downs, with unique behind the scenes footage and interviews with the people who have been key to his success, including his trainer Gordon Elliott and jockey Davy Russell, the man who rode him to victory both times at Aintree.”

ALSO SEE: How does the Virtual Grand National work? Is it accurate?

The documentary also features other well-known figures of the racing world, giving “key insight” into Tiger Roll and his owner, Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary, who once famously described the horse as “a little rat of a thing, but with the heart of a lion”.

Speaking about the release of the documentary, Tiger Roll’s trainer Gordon Elliot said: “He is the people’s horse and this documentary gives viewers a great understanding of the path he has taken us on in what, it’s fair to say, hasn’t always been a smooth one.

“We were close to selling him, but luck or faith meant we didn’t, thank God.

“While it’s disappointing to miss this year’s Grand National, as he is in flying form at home, there are currently more important things going on in the world and it’s all systems go for the 2021 Grand National, which is something to look forward to.”

READ MORE

  • Virtual Grand National runners and riders: Full list confirmed

Robyn Ree, co-producer of the documentary, said making the Tiger Roll feature “has been a roller coaster ride”.

Ree added: “In an industry as fast-paced as horse racing, the story of Tiger Roll was and continues to constantly evolve.

“Filmed over a six-month period, we followed a number of people who can claim credit for Tiger Roll’s success throughout the years.

“Betfair’s access to these world-class individuals provided us with the unique opportunity to tell the full story of the ‘Horse of a Lifetime’.”

https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y7ys1jlkYQQ

How to watch Tiger Roll – The Horse Of A Lifetime

Fans can watch the full documentary by clicking on the video above.

The documentary lasts 45 minutes and is also available on Betfair’s YouTube channel.

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McDonald excited but needs Premium effort

Champion jockey James McDonald concedes Japanese star Danon Premium will need to be at his best to win a star-studded Group 1 $2 million Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Royal Randwick next Saturday.

Danon Premium shares the top of Queen Elizabeth betting with another foreign raider, English stayer Addeybb, but the duo won’t lack for opposition.

Tancred Stakes winner Verry Elleegant, New Zealand’s outstanding Te Akau Shark, boom stayer Master Of Wine, veteran champ Happy Clapper and possibly Melbourne Cup winner Vow And Declare are among likely starters for one of the best Queen Elizabeth Stakes fields for years.

McDonald has a good handle on Danon Premium’s opponents, having ridden Verry Elleegant to her runaway win in the Tancred Stakes last start.

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“Verry Elleegant will be a massive force to be reckoned with, the way she is going,” McDonald said. “She can’t be any more impressive.

“Addeybb beat Verry Elleegant (Ranvet Stakes) and is a star in his own right.

“This is a tough renewal of the Queen Elizabeth but he (Danon Premium) is up there with the best of them.’’

Danon Premium is one of Japan’s best racehorses, winning six of his 10 starts, including the Group 1 Futurity Stakes. He also has a second placing in the Group 1 Tenno Sho behind champion mare Almond Eye.

James McDonald looks back at the field as he rides Verry Elleegant to victory in the Tancred Stakes.Source:AAP

He is certainly regarded as a far superior horse to another Japanese raider, Kluger, who ran second, beaten a length-and-a-half behind all-time great Winx in her swan song race, the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, last year.

McDonald rode Danon Premium for the first time at Canterbury trackwork late last week, galloping over 1200m with the five-year-old picking up pace from the 600m.

“He felt terrific,” McDonald said. “He is obviously a horse that oozes a lot of class.”

“He has a lot of presence about him. He feels enormous the way he goes through his paces.

“He is a very balanced horse and very push-button the way he executes his gallops. I couldn’t be more pleased with the way he felt today.

McDonald picks up the ride on Danon Premium because jockey Damian Lane is unable to travel to Sydney due to the coronavirus protocols.Source:AAP

“It was one of the better pieces of work I have felt for a while.”

McDonald picked up the ride on Danon Premium when Melbourne jockey Damian Lane was unable to travel to Sydney due to the coronavirus protocols.

Sydney’s leading jockey said Danon Premium reminds him of another outstanding Japanese horse, Real Impact, who he rode to win the George Ryder Stakes and finish second in the Doncaster Mile five years ago.

“Real Impact was a star that year, too,” McDonald said. “He was a great miler.

“Danon Premium feels every bit as good as that and is a bit more exposed in terms of better form, so it is pretty exciting.”

McDonald and Verry Elleegant combine to win the Hill Stakes last spring.Source:AAP

QUEEN ELIZABETH STAKES

POT THE HOTSHOT

Japan’s outstanding Danon Premium comes to Sydney with a huge reputation. He is at the top of betting for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes but he has never raced on anything but firm or good tracks. The likelihood of a rain-affected surface could hinder his chances.

BLACK BOOKER

Master Of Wine is a talented stayer on a four-race winning streak. He has brilliant acceleration and toyed with his rivals to win the Sky High Stakes by more than three lengths last start. Team Hawkes has concentrated Master Of Wine’s autumn campaign on this race.

WORTH A THROW

Verry Elleegant was beaten by Addeybb in the Ranvet Stakes after a stirring struggle but she backed up a week later and romped away with the Tancred Stakes. Mares have won the past four Queen Elizabeth Stakes, with Lucia Valentina (2016) before Winx’s three-peat (2017-18-19).

QUEEN ELIZABETH EARLY ODDS

$4 Addeybb, Danon Premium

$4.50 Te Akau Shark

$6 Verry Elleegant

$9 Castelvecchio

$11 Master Of Wine

$15 Melody Belle, Shadow Hero, Vow And Declare

Market: TAB Fixed Odds

Originally published asMcDonald excited but needs Premium effort

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Overheard during the NBA 2K Players Tournament

Day 1 of the 16-player NBA 2K20 Players Tournament on ESPN concluded Friday night after four first-round matchups. For each matchup, the players had a chance to choose which team they wanted to control. The winners cannot use the teams they played with Friday night in future rounds.

What follows is some of the fun banter overheard during Friday’s action and spotted on social media:

Read more: NBA 2K20 players tournament predictions | When watching NBA stars play video games is the only game in town

Derrick Jones Jr. (Milwaukee Bucks) 78 vs. Kevin Durant (LA Clippers) 62

ESPN’s Bomani Jones tweeted out: “so i’m checking out a little of this 2k tournament, and what i’ve learned so far is kevin durant has no respect for what ersan ilyasova brings to the table.”

Durant on Ilyasova: “Hold up, they got Ilyasova out here? Cross back … get there … [after Ilyasova makes the steal] Come on man, this is a fluke!”

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Evan Turner thinks Durant is too old to be competing in the tournament.

– Evan Turner (@thekidet) April 4, 2020

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Deandre Ayton (Houston Rockets) 57 vs. Zach LaVine (Miami Heat) 41

LaVine: “Can I pick the All Star team? You’re gonna go with the Rockets!”

Ayton: “I’ve been playing 2K since 2K9 … with KG on the cover. That’s my guy.”

While competing against each other Friday, Ayton and LaVine talked about the last time they faced each other on the court.

Ayton: “You caught me last game, bro. They called timeout after that, I was like yo, I think Zach just dunked on me.”

LaVine: “Aye man, you a big dude, you’re supposed to get dunked on every once in a while.”

Ayton: “It was quick … and you jumped off the wrong leg, so I’m waiting for you to take another step … yeah … that was kinda crazy.”

– Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) April 4, 2020

Trae Young (Milwaukee Bucks) 101 vs. Harrison Barnes (Toronto Raptors) 59

Barnes on Dirk Nowitzki: “He was the best man, he was hilarious. By far the funniest teammate. He worked super hard, and he’s a killer on the floor, but he always made sure that he has fun and that everyone around him has fun.”

– Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) April 4, 2020

– Josh Hart (@joshhart) April 4, 2020

Patrick Beverley (Milwaukee Bucks) 84 vs. Hassan Whiteside (Los Angeles Lakers) 54

Beverley: “Get freaky with it, da da dadada da da … Ima beat him by 30! Ima beat him by 30!”

Whiteside: “Man, Giannis is a cheat code, I ain’t gonna lie.”

Beverley: “It ain’t Giannis that’s playing, I’m controlling him. So I’m just a cheat code. You can just call me The Cheat Code, I’ll take that.”

Beverley: “That’s how we get busy. Up 10, just had to lock in a little bit, yes sir, he has no business in my game … no business in my game. Greek, they forgot about you Greek. Yeah Greek, YEEEAAHHHHHHH! I SMELL IT! I knew it, I was too locked in. I was too locked in.”

Beverley after LeBron James’ effort to the hoop gets stopped: “Uh uh. This ain’t video game James, he got some years on him now, he can’t just be jumpin all over the rim now!”

– CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) April 4, 2020

The next four first-round matchups will air Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m. ET on ESPN2. The quarterfinals will be on Tuesday from 7 to 11 p.m. ET on ESPN2. And the semifinals and finals will be on April 11 on ESPN.

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