The East No. 1 seed might be cursed after Pistons become latest to falter

"The East runs through Detroit."

Those were the famous last words of Jalen Duren in early April when the Pistons clinched the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, ensuring home-court advantage throughout the NBA playoffs. He apparently was unaware of the recent history behind that spot.

Welp, I bet he knows now.

The Pistons were sent packing by the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday, bowing out of the postseason far sooner than any 1-seed should ever be expected to lose, in the second round. But such is life in the East, where the top regular-season team has now failed to reach the NBA finals in 11 of the last 13 years.

The only two exceptions were the Celtics in 2024 and Cavaliers in 2016. And going back to 2003, only two more 1-seeds won the conference, the Heat in 2013 and Celtics in 2008. That's four teams in 24 years.

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It's a wonder the East has managed nine titles in that span.

By comparison, the top-seed in the West has reached four of the last seven finals alone, including two of the last three. It just further highlights the stark differences that have long-existed between the two conferences, where the West has generally boasted more star power.

I'm not sure what the East needs to do to break this curse. Maybe borrow some sage from Kyrie Irving or get Dr. Strange to do some reverse spells. But until then, Eastern Conference teams might want to avoid the top seed in the regular season. It hasn't worked out well for most.

Aaron Rai wins the PGA Championship

Aaron Rai won the PGA Championship over the weekend, overcoming 290-1 pre-tournament odds at DraftKings that made him the biggest long-shot major champion in the last 20 years.

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The lasting memory from his 5-under 65 final round Sunday will be this 70-foot putt he sank on 17 to widen his lead to three, all but locking up the championship.

It doesn't get better than that.

Quick hits: Rousey conspiracy ... Witty play ... and more

• Here's a replay, results and payouts for the 151st Preakness Stakes, won by Napoleon Solo.
• Ronda Rousey pre-fight video footage led to fan conspiracies after her 17-second win over Gina Carano.
• Bobby Witt Jr. completely fooled a base runner with an empty glove to headily save a run on a wild throw.
• Angel Reese's "great player" comment before playing the Aces backfired after a rough game.
• The Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong explained why he engaged in this heated exchange with a White Sox fan.

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