While you were sleeping: Minnesota hires Tom Thibodeau, NBA and NHL Playoffs highlights, #UFC197 Preview

Good morning! A lot happens in sports, even when you’re busy doing other non-sports-y stuff. So here are the top headlines and moments from yesterday, in case you missed anything while you were watching Empire.

Timberwolves tab Thibs

The Minnesota Timberwolves have found their new coach and president of basketball operations in Tom Thibodeau, who agreed to sign a five-year deal worth close to $40 million. Thibodeau was successful in five seasons at the helm of the Chicago Bulls with five straight playoff appearances, but clashed with management and was fired last season. The Bulls struggled in his absence and failed to make the playoffs.

Minnesota hasn’t made the playoffs in 12 seasons, the longest active playoff drought in the NBA. With a young nucleus led by Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine, a disciplinary and defensive-minded coach like Thibs might be exactly what the Timberwolves need to turn the corner.

NBA Playoffs: At least we got some highlights, right?

The Heat, Cavaliers and Clippers all won by double-digits to take 2-0 leads in their respective series. (Yawn.) While the Hornets, Pistons and Blazers search for answers, enjoy these highlights from Wednesday night.

Let’s start with LeBron James screaming like a madman during Cleveland’s 107-90 win:

You could say LeBron is hyped.

Cavs lead the Pistons, 55-53, at the halfhttps://t.co/pj2oyfMxy6

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 21, 2016

Next, see the Hornets miss eight (!) shots in a single possession on their way to a 115-103 loss:

8 misses in 6 seconds compliments of the Hornets 😂 https://t.co/4u3UvUPfQ8

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 21, 2016

Finally, here’s a monster throw-down from Blake Griffin in Los Angeles’ 102-81 win:

Blake. Griffin. 🔨https://t.co/KprpRMqqAr

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 21, 2016

NHL Playoffs: Panthers tie series with Islanders

In Wednesday’s Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Sharks staved off a late run by the Kings for a 3-2 win. The Flyers held on for a 2-1 win over the Capitals. The Stars gutted out a 3-2 win over the Wild. All three of those winning teams took 3-1 leads in their respective series. In our must-see moment of the night, the Panthers tied their series with the Islanders 2-2 thanks to this go-ahead goal from Alex Petrovic to earn a 2-1 win:

A little hesitation and a big game-winner. The @FlaPanthers tie the series at 2-2. #RoadWarriors @Vegashttps://t.co/9SVQjLLzVL

— #StanleyCup Playoffs (@NHL) April 21, 2016

Remember, you can catch each puck drop on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio (Ch. 91).

SiriusXM’s #UFC197 coverage

UFC 197 is just days away we’re incredibly excited for the return of former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones. Check out our preview of the main and co-main events, featuring analysis and predictions from our hosts at SiriusXM Rush. Also, for any Game Of Thrones fans, check out this fun post where your favorite characters are re-imagined as MMA fighters and find out who emerges as Undisputed Champion of Westeros.

Look cool every morning. Find out what you missed in the sports world while you were sleeping, and impress your friends and co-workers. We won’t tell them you were actually watching Survivor.