Doncic, Lakers lose to Timberwolves in Game 1 of playoffs

Jaden McDaniels collected 25 points with nine rebounds, and Anthony Edwards added 22 points, eight rebounds and nine assists as the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves rolled to a 117-95 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in the opener of their first-round Western Conference playoff series.

Naz Reid scored 23 points and Julius Randle had 16 as the No. 6 seed as the Timberwolves improved to 5-0 in first-round games over the past two seasons.

Minnesota shot 51. 2 percent from the floor on Saturday and went 21-of-42 from three-point range while continuing their success from the end of the regular season, when it closed with a 17-4 record.

“It was just going out and playing with confidence,” McDaniels said on the ABC broadcast. “I know all my teammates trust me. [Edwards] always tells me, ‘Shoot the ball no matter what, miss or make’, and that’s what I did tonight. ”

On an otherwise ideal night, the Timberwolves saw Edwards depart to the locker room late in the third quarter with an apparent left leg injury before he returned in the fourth quarter. Reid was also injured late in the game.

Luka Doncic scored 37 points with eight rebounds, and LeBron James added 19 points for the No. 3 seed Lakers, who shot 39. 8 percent from the floor and lacked the energy present after Doncic was acquired in a February trade from the Dallas Mavericks.

Austin Reaves had 16 points after a slow start for Los Angeles, which was outscored 25-6 on fast-break points and 43-13 in bench points.

Game 2 in the series is set for Tuesday in Los Angeles.

The Lakers owned the first quarter, taking a 28-21 lead before the Timberwolves took charge in the second quarter to take a 59-48 lead into halftime. Minnesota shot 54. 2 percent in the second quarter while scoring 38 points.

The Timberwolves punctuated their second-quarter domination when Donte DiVincenzo made a 30-foot three-pointer at the halftime buzzer.

The Timberwolves continued their push into the second half, opening on an 11-0 run to take a 70-48 lead less than 2 minutes into the third quarter.

Minnesota had an 88-64 lead when Edwards landed hard after a drive to the basket and walked back to the locker room with 2:58 minutes left in the third quarter. He checked back into the game with 10:57 minutes remaining in the game.

Reid departed with 9:26 minutes remaining after taking an inadvertent elbow to the head from the Lakers’ Jarred Vanderbilt, but the Timberwolves easily held on to win the contest by 22 points.

In earlier Game 1 playoff matches on Saturday, the Indiana Pacers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 117-98, the New York Knicks overcame the Detroit Pistons 123-112, and the Denver Nuggets won an overtime thriller against the Los Angeles Clippers 112-110.

Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers during the Round 1 Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs on April 19, 2025, at the Crypto. Com Arena in Los Angeles, California, US [Adam Pantozzi/NBAE/Getty Images via AFP]

Russell Grant’s horoscopes for April 20 as Libra sets friendship boundaries

Today’s horoscope for April 20 will see Gemini offer a helping hand, while Libra has an honest conversation

Find out what’s written in the stars with our astrologer Russell Grant(Image: Daily Record/GettyImages)

It’s Sunday, and one star sign will feel motivated to beautify their home, while another should keep an eye out for new opportunities.

There are 12 zodiac signs – Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces – and the horoscopes for each can give you the lowdown on what your future holds, be it in work, your love life, your friends and family or more.

These daily forecasts have been compiled by astrologer Russell Grant, who has been reading star signs for over 50 years. From Aries through to Pisces, here’s what today could bring for your horoscope – and what you can do to be prepared.

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

People want you to know how grateful they are to have you as a friend. Someone is going through a tough time and more than once you have helped them out of a difficult situation. You may not realise how much it matters to them that you are there to help them through a whirlwind of problems.

Taurus (Apr 21 – May 21)

You’re ready to embrace life and have some fun with your friends. Just keep in mind that reality might come knocking on the door especially when it comes to property and financial matters. Taking small, consistent steps will help you keep on top of everything.

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Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

You’ve never had a problem multitasking. You are well able to juggle a number of tasks and situations while keeping the atmosphere peaceful. A friend or neighbour is feeling overwhelmed by responsibility. Offer to give them a helping hand.

Cancer (June 22 – July 23)

Love is in the air. You really don’t need to pull petals off daisies to discover the answer to a romantic question. There is something you would like to ask someone, so just pluck up the courage and do it. If you already have a partner, they are planning something special for you this evening.

Leo (July 24 – Aug 23)

If recently you have discovered a close friend or partner doesn’t share your interests, at least support them in exploring their own passions. This will allow them the freedom they seem to need while keeping your relationship intact and respectful.

Virgo (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

Friends expect you to take up some of their lively ideas. You haven’t a lot of energy and worry you might spoil everything through your lack of enthusiasm. If you do join them you might surprise yourself by having a fantastic time.

Libra (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

A needy friend is starting to interfere with your social life. They seem to think you should always put them first before anyone else. You can’t be in two places at once and they’re starting to ask for more of your time and energy than you have to offer. It is time for an honest conversation.

Scorpio (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

You can get through the difficulties that face you today. Look on issues in a close relationship as challenges to conquer and remind yourself that no matter what obstacles life presents, you have the ability to pursue and achieve your deepest desires.

Sagittarius (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

You’re full of energy and enthusiasm for anything that takes you away from your usual surroundings. Keep an eye out for opportunities that will allow you to widen your horizons. Stay flexible and encourage a loved one to choose something different instead of getting stuck in the same old routines.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

After taking some time to recoup your energy you will be keen to get back into routine activities. If the clutter around you has begun to overwhelm you, you might feel motivated to beautify your home. Even new cleaning routines will lead to a less cluttered and more peaceful environment.

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Aquarius (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

You’re keen to explore new group or club activities or to look into starting a club of your own. Plans started now will bring rewards later in the year even if you aren’t expecting to make remarkable progress. You won’t be disappointed with your achievements.

Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

You have a lot of energy to burn. If you enjoy competitive sports, there will be more opportunities now for you to take part in these. On the other hand if you would rather walk, swim or run, you will find yourself appreciating the great outdoors.

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Fleetwood in contention as Kim leads RBC Heritage

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RBC Heritage third-round leaderboard

-15 K Si-woo (Kor); -14 A Novak (US), J Thomas (US); -13 M McNealy (US); -12 T Fleetwood (Eng), B Harman (US)

Selected others: -11 S Scheffler (US); -9 M Fitzpatrick (Eng); -8 S Lowry (Ire); -7 J Spieth (US); -6 J Rose (Eng); -4 A Rai (Eng)

England’s Tommy Fleetwood heads into the final round of the RBC Heritage just three shots off the lead held by Kim Si-woo.

Fleetwood mixed five birdies with two bogeys in his three-under 68 to improve to 12 under at the Harbour Town Golf Links in South Carolina as he aims for a first PGA Tour victory.

South Korea’s Kim started the day two shots behind overnight leader Justin Thomas but had six birdies in his 66 as he moved ahead on 15 under.

Andrew Novak also shot a 66 to finish one behind Kim and alongside Thomas, who is aiming for his first victory since winning his second major at the 2022 US PGA Championship.

Thomas’ round also included a one-stroke penalty on the second hole because the PGA Tour said he “caused his ball to move in a waste bunker”. Despite the penalty he called on himself, Thomas managed a par.

“It was weird,” said Thomas, who birdied the last to card a 69. “I was moving some rocks, pebbles and the ball kind of looked like it just moved a little. “

World number one and defending champion Scottie Scheffler is on 11 under after a 68 that included two birdies in his final four holes.

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Real Housewives star ‘devastated’ as brother is shot dead by police

Lydia McLaughlin from Real Housewives Of Orange County has been left heartbroken after her brother Geoffrey Shyam Stirling was shot dead by police during a traffic stop

Lydia McLaughlin shared her devastation after her brother’s death during a routine traffic stop on Thursday(Image: NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

Real Housewives of Orange County star Lydia McLaughlin is reeling from the tragic loss of her brother, who was shot dead by a police officer this week.

During a routine traffic stop in California, Lydia’s brother, 45-year-old Geoffrey Shyam Stirling, met a tragic end at the hands of law enforcement. The incident took place on Thursday night as Geoffrey was pulled over while cruising on his motorcycle down the iconic Pacific Coast Highway in Newport Beach.

The reality TV personality confirmed the heartbreaking news, saying that her family was utterly ‘devastated’ by the sudden and violent death of her brother Geoffrey. No cops were injured during the traffic stop, but her brother was still shot dead.

According to reports, things escalated when Geoffrey supposedly became “uncooperative”, leading to a confrontation with the police and resulting in him being fatally shot by an officer. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, TMZ reports that he succumbed to his injuries shortly upon arrival.

Real Housewives star Lydia and brother Geoffrey
Lydia McLaughlin appeared on the 12th season of ‘The Real Housewives of Orange County’(Image: Supplied)
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The police department confirmed that no officers were harmed during this incident and admitted that the California Attorney General’s Office has directed the California Department of Justice to conduct a thorough investigation into the shooting.

A day later, 44-year-old Lydia shared her sorrow with TMZ on Friday, expressing just how much this tragedy has affected her loved ones. She said: “My family and I are devastated by the loss of my brother.

“We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support from friends, family, and the community. We kindly ask for privacy as we mourn. “

Not long after releasing her statement, Lydia took to Instagram to thank Jesus Christ for helping her through the difficult time, adding: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

Accompanying the quote was her own choice of words: “Because of the pain of Good Friday, we have the JOY of Easter Sunday. “

Condolences have been pouring in for Lydia, a former star of Real Housewives, after her brother’s passing. Fans and friends have reached out to comfort her. One heartbroken supporter wrote: “Lydia, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother! My heart hurts for you and your family. Peace be with you. “

Another fan expressed their love, commenting: “Oh Lydia, I love you so much. Sending prayers. ” Another said: “Lydia, I am so incredibly heartbroken to hear about your brother. Lifting you and your family up in prayer. “

Geoffrey Shyam Stirling
Geoffrey Shyam Stirling also had a brief media career

Geoffrey, Lydia’s brother, also had his moment in the spotlight. Hailing from San Diego, he shared a love for performance with Lydia, embarking on a modelling career at 16 when a talent agency snapped him up.

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According to his IMDB page, Geoffrey showcased his acting chops in several gigs, including parts in ’30 Days Of Night: Blood Trails’ (2007) and ‘Vanquisher’ (2011).

Beyond acting, he wore many hats: from personal training to teaching karate, producing TV, baking, and performing stunts. Lydia herself, originally part of the Real Housewives cast for just one season, decided to exit the show and cultivate her brand independently of the ‘the Housewives’ label.

‘Fitter and stronger’ MacDonald stakes claim for Grand Slam decider

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“I was terrified to be anywhere near a rugby pitch or a rugby ball. “

Following a second neck injury in February 2024, the thought of playing again was a huge ask for England wing Claudia MacDonald, who had already considered retirement.

A comeback that seemed nearly impossible, when MacDonald barely left her house after being told not to go in a car, is now at an unimageable point.

The 29-year-old picked up the player-of-the-match award after scoring two tries in a convincing win over Scotland in the Women’s Six Nations.

She has not just come back on the biggest stage, but is thriving and pushing for a starting spot against France in Saturday’s Grand Slam decider at Allianz Stadium.

“I’m just loving every second of being back,” a beaming MacDonald told the BBC. “We’re just surrounded by so many talents – amazing, incredible rugby players.

“It’s a privilege to put the shirt on. To be picked out today, player of the match? It makes me a bit emotional to be honest.

“The best is yet to come. Look at the skill we have throughout the squad. People say we need to be beaten but we beat each other up in training and push each other so hard. “

Having only returned in Exeter’s Premiership Women’s Rugby defeat by eventual champions Gloucester-Hartpury last December, John Mitchell decided to select MacDonald in his Six Nations squad.

After more than 12 months away from the Red Roses, she scored on her return against Italy in round one, but had to wait until the game against Scotland in Leicester to get a second shot.

Jess Breach’s form in MacDonald’s absence has made getting back into the side difficult, with the Saracens wing scoring four tries in last year’s Six Nations.

A brilliant take in the air and some nifty footwork helped MacDonald break through the Scotland defence early in the game, but her final pass failed to find full-back Ellie Kildunne.

However, her electric start continued throughout the game as she again showed her balanced running to slice through and this time round the final defender for England’s fourth try.

The Exeter Chief, who can also play at scrum-half, then grabbed another try in the second half, showing her punchy and deceptively quick running style to race clear down the left wing.

Having said she had to “learn to trust her body again”, MacDonald is back in the form that saw her start England’s World Cup semi-final win over Canada in 2022.

“Coming back from a double neck injury is all about whether you are going to be brave,” former England captain Katy Daley-McLean told the BBC.

“Can you still be brave and play in that same way? For me Claudia doesn’t look like she has been away.

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MacDonald only started playing rugby at Durham University as a 19-year-old, before a rapid rise in the sport saw her capped in 2018 by the age of 22.

Following the World Cup final defeat by New Zealand, where the Exeter Chiefs utility back came off the bench, it seemed natural that MacDonald would cement a spot in the Red Roses’ starting back three.

Breach is yet to score this Six Nations after only returning in February from a hip injury sustained in November.

Gloucester-Hartpury’s Mia Venner arguably is the quickest out of the trio and is also back in the selection mix after an impressive try-scoring return to international rugby against Italy.

“The thing that has changed MacDonald’s game is her handling and comfort under the high ball,” former England fly-half Daley-McLean told BBC’s Rugby Union Weekly.

“She looks born to do that now and she hasn’t always had that.

“The balance to her game now puts a bit of pressure on John Mitchell as Jess Breach has come back in decent form from a long-term injury, and you can’t leave Abby Dow out.

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‘There are plenty of headaches’

Mitchell has heavily rotated his squad throughout the Six Nations to build “two teams” before a home World Cup that starts in August.

Mitchell might not have been planning to start MacDonald in the Grand Slam-decider when pencilling in his best team at the start of the tournament, but the New Zealander acknowledged he has a few tough calls to make this week.

“There are plenty of headaches for me, it’s a great side to select,” Mitchell told the BBC.

“I have to sit down at home and make a few cups of tea and go through the spreadsheet to pick the side. We have two or three areas of selection I really have to think about. “

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