The newly published The UK Health & Fitness Market Report 2026 shows penetration has reached a remarkable 18 per cent of over-16s, with a record 12.2 million members.
Released this morning at an event in London, this is the second report into the UK fitness sector commissioned by UK Active, following last year’s debut. It is produced in collaboration with Sport England and 4Global, with analysis from Grant Thornton UK.
The data represents a sample coverage of 74 per cent of private operators, 85 per cent of public operators and 88 per cent of independent operators.
The headline stats are impressive: total income has reached £6.5 billion, up from £5.7 billion in 2024.
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Visits to clubs have risen by 10 per cent since 2024 – reaching 679 million and showing continued growth in demand from people of all ages.
The sector is generating £7.5 billion in attributable social value through health and fitness, measured in terms of life satisfaction and reduced health conditions.
The total number of clubs has reached 5,842 – an increase of 4.2 per cent since 2024.
Outgoing CEO of UK Active, Huw Edwards, says: “Today’s report provides clear evidence that the UK is home to one of the strongest health and fitness sectors in the world and a much-needed success story for UK plc.
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“Consumer demand for the services provided by gyms, pools and leisure centres is growing year-on-year, and our members are rising to the challenge by investing in new clubs and services.
“The most exciting thing is the untapped potential to get millions more people active if the sector gets the right support from the government to remove the barriers to growth and help us reach more communities.”
Utku Toprakseven, chief development officer, at 4Global, says: “This year’s analysis highlights a maturing sector, where operators are generating more value per member through more frequent usage, diversified offers and stronger alignment with consumer needs. At the same time, the data reinforces the critical role of the sector in supporting national health outcomes, with £7.5 billion of social value being generated through sustained participation.”
Rob Turner, partner, consulting, at Grant Thornton UK, says: “This sector is a key contributor to both the UK economy and the nation’s health. The growth in gym numbers and their rising popularity strongly support the Government’s Prevention Agenda and will, in turn, ease pressure on the NHS.
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“Additionally, fitness spaces are also evolving into key social hubs, with wellness becoming a core part of personal identity, and more than just exercise. For public and private investors alike, this is a high‑growth market with significant long‑term potential.”
The UK Health & Fitness Market Report 2026 is sponsored by headline partners BLKBOX, and Matrix, and contributing partners Precor and Technogym.
May 1, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) high fives the fans after scoring against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fourth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Michael Busch had two hits, including a two-run single, and the Chicago Cubs used two three-run innings to hold off the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks 6-5 on Friday in the first game of a weekend series.
Busch triggered a three-run first with a bases-loaded single, then the Cubs added three more in the fourth off Diamondbacks starter off Zac Gallen (1-2) for their third win in four games and ninth straight home win. They have won 13 of 16 to pull within a half-game of the Cincinnati Reds for first in the NL Central.
Cubs starter Colin Rea (4-1) gave up two runs on eight hits over 5 1/3 innings. He fanned six with no walks. Jacob Webb pitched the final two innings for his first save, the sixth Cub reliever to record a save this season.
Diamondbacks second baseman Ildemaro Vargas had a career-high four hits to raise his batting average to a major league-leading .404. Geraldo Perdomo cracked a three-run homer to cap a four-run sixth and pull the D-backs within 6-5, but they managed just one baserunner over the final three innings.
Vargas singled in the first to extend his season-opening hitting streak to 24 games. His 27-game streak dating to last September ranks as the longest in the majors since Trea Turner’s 27-game run in 2022.
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Per Elias, Vargas’ season-opening streakstands as the longest in the majors since the Detroit Tigers’ Ron LeFlore hit in 30 straight in 1976. His 27-game streak ranks second in Arizona history behind Luis Gonzalez (30, 1999).
Carson Kelly had two hits for the Cubs and Alex Bergman and Dansby Swanson had RBI hits in the three-run fourth that pushed their lead to 6-1.
Jorge Barrosa had two doubles — one a bunt that kicked off the third base bag into left field — and scored twice for Arizona. Perdomo also had two hits for the D-backs, who have lost seven of 10.
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Gallen gave up six runs on seven hits in 3 2/3 innings, with three strikeouts and three walks.
Nico Hoerner doubled to open the three-run first and Gallen walked to load the bases. Busch hit a two-run single, then the third run scored when Kelly’s catchable pop to center fell safely.
Vargas singled in a run in the third before the Cubs knocked out Gallen in the fourth. The D-backs got within 6-5 with a four-run sixth, all scoring after Rea was replaced by Ryan Rolison with one out and one on.
Pinch-hitter Tim Tawa walked and Barrosa pushed a hard bunt down the third base line. When Bregman let it roll, the ball hit the bag and kicked into short left. Perdomo followed with a three-run homer.
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Hoerner was replaced by pinch-hitter Matt Shaw in the second inning. Hoerner was removed with a neck strain, the Cubs said.
Apr 30, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Scottie Scheffler watches his tee shot on the 18th hole during the first round of the Cadillac Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Romance-Imagn Images
The field list for the Truist Championship is out and, once again, Scottie Scheffler is not on it.
The World No. 1 opted not to compete at the $20 million signature event one week before the second major of the season, the PGA Championship.
The rest of the top 10 in the Official World Golf Ranking are in the field, announced Friday, except for eighth-ranked Russell Henley. The tournament will be played May 7-10 at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, N.C.
Scheffler also opted out of the Truist in 2025, when it was moved to Philadelphia Cricket Club for one year because Quail Hollow hosted the PGA Championship the following week.
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Scheffler went on to claim his third major and first PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, but that wasn’t enough to entice him to play the course again this year.
Scheffler has won just once on tour this year — at The American Express in January — but he has four other top-five finishes that include back-to-back second-place showings at the Masters and the RBC Heritage.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland, who’s sitting out this week’s Cadillac Championship at Trump National Doral, will endeavor to win his fifth tournament at Quail Hollow. When the Truist was known as the Wells Fargo Championship, McIlroy lifted the trophy in 2010, 2015, 2021 and 2024.
The League of Legends LoLdle answers for May 2, 2026, are now revealed. While deciphering the puzzles of the 1395th edition may seem perplexing, most diligent fans should be able to follow the hints provided. Nonetheless, an in-depth understanding of the champions’ numerous characteristics is somewhat required.
With that said, here is the Quote puzzle in the 1395th iteration of LoLdle:
“Bear hug!”
All League of Legends LoLdle answers for the 1395th edition (May 2, 2026)
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The League of Legends LoLdle answers for May 2 are shown below:
Classic: Lucian
Quote: Annie
Ability: Irelia; Bonus: Passive (Ionian Fervor)
Emoji: Seraphine
SplashArt: Corki; Bonus: Default Corki
The Classic answer of May 2 LoLdle is Lucian. That said, the Quote puzzle indicates Annie, a champion who is rated amongst some of the best choices in the mid lane role meta in League of Legends.
Next, the Ability riddle has Irelia’s Passive ability, “IonianFervor,” while the Emojis show Seraphine’s characteristics. Lastly, it is Corki’s Default skin in the Splash Art enigma.
Max Verstappen reacted positively upon realizing that he finished fifth during the Miami Grand Prix Sprint Qualifying on Friday. The Dutchman exclaimed that this result made for a “massive improvement” for him and Red Bull, who have been struggling for form in 2026 so far.
The new regulations era has not gotten off to a great start for Verstappen and his team as Red Bull sit P6 in the constructors’ standings after three rounds, behind Haas and Alpine for context. But the Miami GP weekend has gotten off to a relatively good start for the team as Verstappen managed to qualify in P5 for the sprint race on Friday.
Verstappen put in a 1:28.461s lap time in SQ3, and while this was over half a second slower than pole sitter Lando Norris, it was still enough to secure a spot on the third row for Saturday’s dash.
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The 28-year-old’s race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, came over the team radio after the session concluded to share that he had finished ahead of the likes of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, as the driver replied, saying:
“Yeah. Okay. I think that’s already a massive improvement for us, so well done everyone. Well done.”
Red Bull Racing team principal Laurent Mekies then came over the team radio too as he said that the result was a step in the right direction for the team, as Verstappen added:
“Yeah, we keep working. It’s nice, to restart like this already. Really good job to everyone!”
Max Verstappen will indeed start ahead of and alongside rival George Russell for Saturday’s sprint, with the Mercedes driver achieving only a P6 qualifying spot. Lewis Hamilton in his fast-starting Ferrari will be directly behind Verstappen, starting in an underwhelming P7 alongside Franco Colapinto on the fourth row.
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Max Verstappen lays out Red Bull’s plans for the Miami GP
Max Verstappen at the Miami Grand Prix – Source: Getty
Max Verstappen has explained that Red Bull’s plan for the Miami GP and the rest of the season is to try and improve on the RB22’s issues and get closer to the teams at the front of the field. The driver said that while he did not know exactly how close they can get to the front, it is still the larger goal.
Speaking to the media at the Miami GP weekend, Verstappen said [via Formula 1]:
“The team has been pushing really hard to try and understand our issues and try to bring improvements. So that’s why I think it’s nice to see what we can do here. I mean, hopefully, we can be a bit closer to the guys ahead, that’s the target. I don’t know how close, but that’s definitely what we are aiming for at the moment.”
The approach seems to have worked relatively well in the initial stages of the weekend, as Red Bull is a lot closer to the front running Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren teams in Florida. Verstappen’s P5 Sprint Qualifying position also means he is finally mixing it with the big boys up front at least momentarily.
The Cleveland Browns entered last season with one of the NFL’s more crowded quarterback rooms.
Shedeur Sanders took over as starting quarterback in Week 12 last season, and after two more starts, he was named the starter for the remainder of the season.
Dillon Gabriel moved to a backup role as Deshaun Watson remained on the physically unable to perform list, even after the team opened his 21-day practice window in December.
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Sanders, Gabriel and Watson all return in 2026, but it remains unclear which quarterback will be under center when the regular season begins this fall.
Browns head coach Todd Monken reiterated his stance on maintaining an open competition for the starting job, telling Cleveland radio station 92.3 The Fan it’s premature to name a starter.
“It’s my job to let it play out,” Monken said.
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Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns looks to pass during a voluntary veteran minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea, Ohio, on April 21, 2026.(Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Monken’s comments Friday are in line with his previously stated belief in letting players decide who plays and giving all involved opportunities as the competition evolves.
The remarks also follow a report that Watson leads the race for the starting job. They also come after Shilo Sanders downplayed the report and publicly expressed support for his brother Shedeur’s bid for QB1.
Monken, who was hired in January, is expected to introduce a new offensive system in Cleveland. The first-year coach has indicated he prefers one quarterback to separate himself from the group.
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The Browns held a three-day voluntary minicamp shortly before the 2026 NFL Draft. At the lone practice open to the media, Watson led the quarterback rotation in most drills, but Monken said the plan called for Sanders to get more reps overall.
Head coach Todd Monken of the Cleveland Browns during a voluntary veteran minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea, Ohio, on April 21, 2026.(Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
“I’m not there yet, so I can’t say (there’s a leader),” Monken added. “We’ve been on the field three days.”
The Browns are scheduled to begin organized team activities in mid-May. In June, the team will hold a mandatory minicamp. The offseason program then concludes before training camp begins in July.
Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders run a drill during Cleveland Browns mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea, Ohio, on June 10, 2025.(Nick Cammett/Diamond Images)
The Browns drafted quarterback Taylen Green in the sixth round in last week’s draft.
Speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine in February, Browns general manager Andrew Berry cautioned that there’s no rush to decide on a starting quarterback.
“We don’t have to make that decision anytime soon,” Berry said at the time. “I think any player that we have in that room we would expect to compete to earn a role. Those two would be no different.”
There are growing signs that MS Dhoni could finally make his return in IPL 2026, despite earlier reports suggesting a longer absence. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter, who is yet to feature this season, was recently seen padded up during a Chennai Super Kings training session, as shared on the franchise’s social media. On May 1, ahead of CSK’s home clash against Mumbai Indians, Dhoni was spotted at the Chepauk Stadium in full training gear, where he reunited with former India teammate and current MI captain Hardik Pandya. The meeting turned into a warm moment, with the two sharing a hug during MI’s practice session. Pandya was also seen handing his bat to Dhoni, seemingly asking for feedback, with the CSK legend obliging and engaging in a brief conversation before Pandya returned to his teammates. In another clip shared by CSK, Pandya could be heard reacting to one of Dhoni’s shots in the nets, saying, “Mahi bhai love you darling bye bye,” while watching from behind. Dhoni, who was ruled out of the opening phase of the tournament due to a calf strain, has been regularly attending training sessions, hinting that his comeback may not be far away. Both CSK and MI find themselves in a tricky position this season. Mumbai Indians, sit second from bottom after eight matches, while CSK are slightly better off in sixth place but equally under pressure. With several teams pulling ahead in the standings, both sides are running out of room for error. Fitness concerns continue to linger over key figures, with Dhoni and Rohit Sharma both recovering from injuries. Meanwhile, leadership transitions under Ruturaj Gaikwad and Hardik Pandya have yet to fully settle, with both teams still searching for consistency. Frequent changes in playing combinations have not helped either side. Mumbai have already used 22 players this season, while CSK have rotated 19, reflecting uncertainty around their best XIs. Their use of the Impact Player rule has also raised questions, with tactical decisions often proving difficult to understand. As the iconic CSK-MI rivalry prepares for another chapter, Dhoni’s potential return could add a much-needed spark to both the contest and CSK’s campaign.
Benavidez and Canelo have been linked to a showdown for a number of years, but it has never materialised and both men have instead gone down different paths.
Since 2020, Canelo has had all but one of his fights at 168lbs, while Benavidez chose to move up to 175lbs where he has become the WBC light heavyweight champion.
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‘The Mexican Monster’ attempts to become a three-division world champion this weekend when debuts at cruiserweight to face Gilberto Ramirez, but now fighting 32lbs above Canelo, it seems Benavidez hasn’t given up hope of the bout happening.
In a clip captured by FightHype, Benavidez shared his latest thoughts on Canelo, who is set to be in attendance for Saturday’s bill in order to support stablemate Jaime Munguia, who competes on the card.
“It’s a big event, you can tell the magnitude of a big event because Canelo didn’t even go to Jaime Munguia’s last fight. He says it’s for Munguia but he’s coming to see me up close and personal.
“Whether it’s to scout for the next fight or anything I don’t know. But you see how everything plays out, I went to his fights now he’s coming to my fights.”
“I’m going up and fighting up for two titles at another weight class, I’m focused on this. Everybody can say what they want to say, I’m locked in to my s**t right now.”
Before any possible clash with Canelo could even be discussed, Benavidez must first deal with Ramirez on Saturday.
Delhi Capitals’ KL Rahul has played down his latest personal milestone after overtaking MS Dhoni on the IPL all-time run-scorers list, insisting that team success remains his ultimate goal.Speaking on JioStar’s ‘Superstars’, Rahul admitted he was unaware of the achievement at first and made it clear what truly matters to him.“I didn’t even realise I had gone past Mahi bhai on the IPL’s all-time run-scorers list,” Rahul said.“Honestly, the milestone I would love to match with MS Dhoni is his five IPL trophies that he’s won with CSK.”Rahul emphasised that while individual numbers are rewarding, they are not his primary focus.“When you have a long career, personal achievements do feel special. They tell you that your hard work and sacrifices have paid off,” he said.“But at the end of the day, cricket is a team sport. You want to win trophies. You want to be part of successful sides. That has always been my goal.”He also reiterated his commitment to delivering every season, regardless of the franchise he represents.“Every season, I give my best to win the IPL, no matter which team I play for. That matters the most to me,” Rahul added.“Personal milestones are good. They reassure me that I am on the right track. But what would truly make me happy is winning as many trophies as MS Dhoni.”Rahul’s comments come after he moved past Dhoni’s tally of 5,528 runs to become the fifth-highest run-scorer in IPL history. He now has 5,579 runs from 152 matches and 143 innings, averaging 46.88 at a strike rate of 138.37, with six centuries and 42 fifties.The 2026 season has seen Rahul in outstanding form. He has scored 433 runs in nine matches at an average of 54.13 and an impressive strike rate of 185.84.His campaign has also been filled with record-breaking performances. Rahul became just the third cricketer to register a 150-plus score in IPL history, while also setting the highest individual score by an Indian in the tournament. He struck Delhi Capitals’ fastest-ever century and now holds the franchise record for the highest individual score.Despite Rahul’s brilliance, Delhi Capitals have struggled for consistency. The side currently sits sixth on the points table with just four wins from nine matches.For Rahul, the message remains clear. Personal milestones may keep coming, but the pursuit of trophies is what defines success.
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks is selected by the Minnesota Vikings as the number 18 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Now that it has been a week, the Draft dust has started to settle a little bit. It will still be the primary talking point for a few weeks, as we enter the void that is May and June. The initial reaction wasn’t pretty for interim GM Rob Brzezinski and HC Kevin O’Connell, as many fans and analysts had Caleb Banks much lower on their board, mostly due to injury concerns. A very good Day 2 improved the initial analysis, which, coupled with some interesting Day 3 selections, bumped the Vikings’ grade.
Several Vikings Rookies Could Push for Real Roles Quickly
With more time to look at the players and the overall Draft class, I can comfortably say that the Vikings improved a lot, and the big picture is clearer as well. If we look at the past 5 Super Bowl champions and the teams in the Championship games in 2025, they all had a disruptor in the middle. Aaron Donald, Chris Jones, Jalen Carter, and Byron Murphy all helped lead their franchises to victories.
And, even though Jalen Redmond had a spectacular 2025 season, Caleb Banks has the potential to be one of these elite defensive tackles. Assuming the medical staff gave the green light, there’s a real possibility that we look back at this pick as a slam dunk.
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Jake Golday was my favorite pick in this class. I’ve seen a lot of fans on social media comparing him to Andrew Van Ginkel, but to me, they are similar but opposites. While Gink is an edge rusher who also excels dropping into coverage, Golday is an off-ball linebacker who can excel as a blitzer.
With the possibility to learn from Cashman, Ginkel, and Wilson while being coached by Brian Flores, Golday can be a key player for the Vikings’ defense. And, if Golday impresses with his versatility, Dominique Orange does it with his ability as a role-defined player. He probably won’t see the field in passing situations, but he won’t leave it when teams are trying to run the ball, and Big Citrus dares teams to run over the middle.
Oct 11, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Jake Golday (11) attempts to tackle UCF Knights quarterback Cam Fancher (14) in the second half at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images.
Caleb Tiernan is arguably the only pick that no one wants to see on the field as a rookie. A safety pick, he will add much-needed depth in the offensive tackle position. There’s also a possibility that the Vikings give him snaps at either guard spot, as their super-sub, Blake Brandel, is likely to be the starting center. Tiernan can also be a future starter, considering that Brian O’Neill is scheduled to be a free agent in 2027.
Jakobe Thomas was the other pick that deviated from the Consensus Board, but he should fit this defense like a glove. He was highly productive in his lone season with the Miami Hurricanes, recording 5 picks and 3.5 sacks. A very versatile safety, he should make an early push to be a starter.
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Max Bredeson was a weird pick to many, but it shows O’Connell’s commitment to improving the running game. Frank Smith, whom he brought from Miami to be the assistant head coach, used a fullback in 25% of the snaps, second only to the 49ers. As fullbacks don’t get used anymore, finding a true FB is very hard, and Bredeson was the best one in this Draft. If the Vikings plan to use heavier personnel, he’s a great option to fill C.J. Ham’s shoes.
Even though he’s a fifth-round pick, Charles Demmings has a clear path to an important role. He would be picked way higher if he played in the FBS, as he has the physical tools to be a starting cornerback in the NFL. His level of competition is the main problem, but holding his own during training camp can make him the primary backup in 2026 and maybe a starter as soon as 2027.
Jan 29, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; National cornerback Charles Demmings (16) of Stephen F. Austin guards National wide receiver Josh Cameron (34) of Baylor during National Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
If you think Caleb Banks is a boom-or-bust player, meet Demond Claiborne. Over his final two seasons, he had 407 total carries, with 1956 yards and almost 5.0 per carry. He has that home-run threat that the Vikings’ running game has been lacking since prime Dalvin Cook, which is why the team selected him. But he also fumbled the ball 10 times, an absurd amount. If Claiborne can improve his ball security, his explosiveness can change this offense.
With their last pick, the team finally addressed the center position. I admit that I didn’t know Gavin Gerhardt before the Draft, but he’s a very experienced player with over 50 starts and 3000 snaps in college. He impressed the coaches during his Top30 visit, completing a full install with the coaching staff. With what should be an open competition at center, Gerhardt’s experience will give him a chance to challenge Blake Brandel.
The big picture that emerged after the Draft is a franchise tired of losing in the trenches. 2024’s defense was great against the run, but Phillips and Bullard’s ineffectiveness in pressuring the QB proved to be exploitable. Allen and Hargrave didn’t make the impact that the team envisioned, and the front got weaker against the run.
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Big Citrus can help with the last problem, while Banks, if healthy, can form a strong, balanced duo with Jalen Redmond. Golday offers versatility and physicality in the front seven, while Thomas does the same in the backend. Offensively, the idea is that a better QB play will drastically improve what this team can do with the ball.
It may not have looked like it at the beginning, but the Minnesota Vikings are a better team now than they were a week ago.
The Cleveland Cavaliers try to steal the opening-round series on the road over the Toronto Raptors in Game 6 on Friday night. This is the perfect oppotunity to make a statement in the East and not turn this into a do-or-die Game 7 situation.
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Don’t expect the Raptors to lay down and let the Cavs pass in this one. On the other hand, the Cavaliers defeated the Raptors 125-120 in the last matchup on Wednesday. James Harden led the Cavaliers with 23 points, and RJ Barrett led the Raptors with 25.
1st Qtr-10:18: Scottie Barnes makes a 1-foot dunk.
1st Qtr-10:33: James Harden called for a technical foul for tripping. Officials review. Call is changed to double technicals. The intensity and aggressive play are present early.
1st Qtr-10:56:Jamal Shead makes a 27-foot three-point shot.
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1st Qtr-11:42: Evan Mobley with a no look pass to a cutting Jarrett Allen who reverse dunks. Allen took an awkward fall. Toronto had a 5 on 4 advantage on the other end as Allen stayed flat on the floor. Allen seemed alright on the next possession.
How to Watch Cleveland Cavaliers (3-2) vs. Toronto Raptors (2-3) Game 6 NBA Playoffs
Friday, May 1
Tip-off: 7:30 p.m. ET TV: Amazon Prime Cleveland leads the series 3-2
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