BASKETBALL: The New York Knicks reached the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999 after completing a 4-0 Eastern Conference Finals sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Chasing a first title since 1973, the Knicks eased to a 130-93 win in game four — their 11th straight play-off victory. They will face either the San Antonio Spurs or reigning champions the Oklahoma City Thunder in the finals.

MEN’S FOOTBALL: Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been named in a 28-strong Ghana training camp squad ahead of their friendly against Wales in Cardiff on June 2. The 32-year-old, who now plays for LaLiga club Villarreal, has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault, relating to allegations from four different women over incidents between 2020 and 2022. The trial is due to start next June. 

MEN’S FOOTBALL: Tranmere have named former Bristol Rovers and Port Vale boss Darrell Clarke as their new manager. Clarke, who has overseen nearly 700 games across six clubs, has signed a two-year contract at the League Two outfit. The 48-year-old inherits a side that finished 21st last season, just two points above the relegation zone. He succeeds Pete Wild, who was brought in on a short-term deal in March after the sacking of Andy Crosby.

HORSE RACING: Haydock Park’s two-day meeting on Friday and Saturday has been abandoned after an inspection yesterday found the inner track unsuitable for racing. Concerns followed last week’s meeting, when Friendly Soul stumbled in a hole on the outer track. Sprint races switched to the inner course, but heavy recent use left conditions unsafe for this week’s fixtures.