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Permission for optimism: The Caps take on D.C.'s pain

No Washington big four team has won a title since 1991. With the hockey gods seemingly on their side, can the Capitals end the streak of futility?

Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire

Ovechkin: 'Been waiting for this moment for a long time'

Alex Ovechkin expresses how it feels to reach the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in his career.

0:47

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Facing elimination, LeBron finds comfort in a book

Up against elimination for the second time this postseason, the three-time NBA champion told ESPN about the lessons he has learned from reading "The Alchemist."

Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

Celtics bounce back at home

Jayson Tatum scores 24 points and the Celtics force 15 turnovers as they regain momentum with a 96-83 win in Game 5.

2:22

Lue explains Korver's limited minutes

Ty Lue says Kyle Korver didn't play more because the Celtics didn't play Korver's matchup, Semi Ojeleye.

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Brown says Celtics had their best defense of the season

Jaylen Brown explains why the Celtics' defense was a key factor in defeating the Cavaliers in Game 5.

1:10

    Fort Worth Invitational

    Streaming live on ESPN+

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    Fowler, Spieth among the players in Day 1 featured groups

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    NFL

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    Graziano: Bungled anthem policy shows NFL has much to learn from NBA

    Why can't the NFL get it right with its anthem policy and clumsy handling of players' rights? The answer has to do with sincerity and trust.

    AP Photo/John Bazemore

    Here's what the NFL anthem policy actually means

    How will "show respect" be defined? Can players raise their fist? Will there be any avenue to protest without discipline? Here's what to expect.

    The Undefeated

    Reid: NFL had chance to make statement -- and it fumbled

    Players, coaches and owners react to national anthem policy

    Is the NFL's anthem controversy over with new policy?

    The SportsNation crew believe that the NFL's changes to its national anthem policy have created other issues for the league.

    2:38

    What issues surround new anthem rules?

    Josina Anderson says NFL player rights are being infringed upon by not being able to express themselves freely.

    1:21

    NFL anthem policy leaves a lot open to interpretation

    Jason Reid joins OTL to weigh in on the NFL's new rules for the national anthem.

    5:20

    Riddick: 'Owners trying to protect their bottom line'

    Louis Riddick says the new anthem policy requiring players to stand or be in the locker room helps owners from alienating fans.

    1:13

    Thursday's Featured E+ Game

    Around the Diamond

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    Justin Verlander is better than he's ever been

    At 35, the Astros ace may be on his way to a season for the ages, posting a 1.08 ERA over his first 11 starts.

    Bob Levey/Getty Images

    Andreoli with impressive dive in debut

    In his MLB debut, John Andreoli lays out for a diving grab to rob the Athletics of extra bases.

    0:32

    Harper snags line drive for diving catch

    Bryce Harper extends to make a tremendous catch in right field to end the top of the fifth inning.

    0:17

    Schwarber throws out Lindor at second

    With Francisco Lindor heading to second with the hopes of a double, Kyle Schwarber's throw is spot on for the out.

    0:31

    Torres blasts homer in third straight game

    Gleyber Torres can't be stopped, becoming the youngest Yankee to homer in three straight games, and putting New York up 8-5.

    0:26

    Happy Birthday, Bartolo!

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    45 things to know about Bartolo Colon on his 45th birthday

    He's pitched for 11 teams over 21 seasons, winning 242 games and a Cy Young -- but there's so much more to "Big Sexy" than mere numbers.

    ESPN Illustration

    GIF: The evolution of Bartolo Colon

    The Rangers pitcher, who turns 45 today, has changed quite a bit since breaking into the big leagues with the Indians in 1997.

    Colon's HR is a part of history

    In honor of Bartolo Colon's 45th birthday, take a look at the lone home run of his career compared to other monumental long balls in MLB history.

    0:37

    Which set of attacking forces will win the Champions League?

    Real Madrid vs. Liverpool will be a tale of two strike trios as the "BBC" goes up against Salah, Firmino and Mane. It's a study in contrasts.

    Liverpool depart for Kiev

    Jurgen Klopp and his Liverpool team departed John Lennon airport as they head to Kiev for the Champions League Final.

    0:47

    "If Klopp doesn't win we should sack him" Taxi Talk

    We speak to Liverpool and Madrid taxi drivers about the Champions League final, Salah vs Ronaldo and score predictions.

    3:49

    Salah: I aim to be consistent like Messi and Ronaldo

    Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah is looking forward to facing Cristiano Ronaldo in the UEFA Champions League final with Real Madrid on Saturday.

    1:21

    Cafu delivers Champions League trophy to Kiev

    2007 Uefa Champions League winner Cafu has paraded the trophy in Kiev ahead of the final on Saturday.

    0:51

    Man Utd fan McIlroy admits he wants Liverpool to win Champions League

    Irish golf star and Manchester United fan Rory McIlroy hopes arch rivals Liverpool will win the UEFA Champions League final against Real Madrid on Saturday.

    0:25

    Wijnaldum: Salah can match Messi and Ronaldo

    Liverpool's Georginio Wijnaldum insists Mo Salah must replicate his form for many years to be mentioned with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

    1:47

    Assessing the best combined XI for Liverpool, Real Madrid

    ESPN FC's Stewart Robson reveals his best XI comprised of both Liverpool and Real Madrid players.

    2:30

    Inside Real Madrid's UCL final preparations

    As Real Madrid prepare for Kiev we go behind the scenes at the Bernabeu as Ronaldo grabs a lift to training, Zidane speaks about Liverpool and Kroos talks Klopp.

    3:05

    Del Bosque: Real superior to Liverpool

    Former Real Madrid coach Vicente del Bosque has claimed that no Liverpool player would get in the current Real Madrid side.

    0:28

    Will the UCL final be a thriller or a stalemate?

    Gab Marcotti and Stewart Robson examine the styles of Real Madrid and Liverpool and how they combine to set up a potentially thrilling UCL final.

    4:52

    Zidane: If you criticise Ronaldo, be careful

    Zinedine Zidane issues a warning to any doubters who are writing off Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of the Champions League final.

    0:49

    UCL Signwriters: Proofread your banners

    The Exploding Heads receive all type of Liverpool banner requests ahead of the Champions League final including the good, bad and absolutely dreadful.

    1:51

    Inside Liverpool's Champions League final preparations

    As Liverpool head to Kiev, a look behind the scenes at Anfield as Salah meets Lampard, van Djik nutmegs Lovren and ESPN meets Wijnaldum.

    4:28

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      Wozniacki's unfulfilling rise

      • Erik Madigan Heck for ESPN

      • When No. 1 Isn't Enough

        Caroline Wozniacki says she's never chased fame, only tennis excellence. But her search for fulfillment? That's been a longer, tougher journey.

      Tragic end, new beginning

      • Jon Lowenstein/NOOR for ESPN

      • Grounds For Return

        For Chicago White Sox grounds crew member Nevest Coleman, the journey from prison to exoneration is a story of time lost, new beginnings and a murder that remains a mystery.