Logo Lillard returns and more highlights you may have missed on Thursday

DENVER, CO - APRIL 29: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on during a game against the Denver Nuggets during Game One of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 29, 2019 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - APRIL 29: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on during a game against the Denver Nuggets during Game One of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 29, 2019 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Logo Lillard returns, Brad Marchand is a bigger jerk, Albert Pujols rakes, and more highlights from Thursday in sports.

1. Brad Marchand leads Boston past Carolina

What do you need to beat a bunch of jerks? And actual jerk. Brad Marchand had two assists in the third period to fuel the Boston Bruins four-goal, third-period comeback to take Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Carolina Hurricanes. Marchand set up Patrice Bergeron’s game-winning goal early in the third period.

The Hurricanes are an awesome feel-good story. But the Bruins are from Boston and the Boston Sports Hat Trick just feels like destiny.

2. Joel Embiid meets Kawhi Leonard at the rim

Joel Embiid wasn’t here for any Kawhi Leonard’s fun and games in Philadelphia. Embiid stuffed Kawhi twice — alright, we can all admit the first one wasn’t a block even though it looks really cool — and helped lead the Sixers to a 112-101 victory in Game 6. Not that +/- in the NBA is everything but Embiid was +40 in the game. I don’t even know how that’s possible in an 11-point win.

3. A Hazard to your health.

Nothing beats a game-winning penalty kick goal like a game-winning penalty kick goal set to Titanic music. In his last game at Stamford Bridge, Eden Hazard kicked Chelsea into the The Europa League final. I don’t know much about soccer but I know that’s a good way to close your career with a team.

A better way would be to bring home the Championship. No pressure.

4. Mr. 2,000

Albert Pujols has made a career out of crushing baseballs. He crushed this one for his 2,000th career RBI. The fan who snagged it from that empty seat decided to keep the ball because he knows he can milk more out of the Angels in 24 hours when the ball becomes more valuable. Mike Trout may have to take a paycut.

5. Logo Lillard is back

Damian Lillard wanted to visit Denver one more time. In a win-or-go-home situation, Logo Lillard finally made an appearance in the Blazers second round series against the Nuggets. It’s been a rough 3-point shooting series for the Portland star, but he finished Thursday’s game with 32 points including 6-13 from three to force a Game 7.

As a Thunder fan, I refuse to write anymore about Logo Lillard. It’s a bad shot.