Comment on Vic Tafur’s picks, Dec. 18-22

The Rockies were on the cusp of the most incredible comeback since Rocky Balboa decked Clubber Lang. An exaggeration? Of course. But the underdog Rockies only needed to land one more punch in Rocky’s City of Brotherly Love. But, “Yo, Adrian,” it never came, and the Phillies escaped with a 7-6 win Wednesday night at Citizens Bank Park to complete a three-game sweep.

Balkan spirits and Detroit-style slices were served to the various factions of the Denver Nuggets as they learned which opponent they would be facing in the playoffs. Jambalaya is officially off the table. It’s Nuggets vs. Lakers for the third time in five years after Los Angeles knocked off the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night.

A week after helping guide the University of Denver hockey team to its 10th national title, juniors Massimo Rizzo and Shai Buium signed entry-level contracts with NHL franchises. Rizzo inked a two-year deal with the Philadelphia Flyers, while Buium agreed to a three-year pact with the Detroit Red Wings that starts in the 2024-25 season, the teams announced on Wednesday, Rizzo, 22, was the Pioneers’ No.

When Ross Colton scored his 15th goal of the season last month, he turned and jumped into the arms of Zach Parise. It was a great moment for Colton, who grew up in New Jersey with Parise as one of his favorite players. Colton has a photo of that embrace, and he intends to find a frame for it. He might want to grab another photo with one of his teenage idols Thursday night. Colorado Avalanche center Ross Colton (20) celebrates his goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets with teammate Zach Parise (9) in the second period at Ball Arena in Denver on Friday, March 22, 2024.

Just because Cleveland made another mistake by the lake does not mean the Broncos must reciprocate. Broncos receiver Courtland Sutton missed the first day of voluntary workouts this week — he is not required to attend — because he is angling for a new contract, according to an NFL Network report.

By RALPH D. RUSSO (AP College Sports Writer) NCAA athletes will be immediately eligible to play no matter how many times they transfer — as long as they meet academic requirements — after the association fast-tracked legislation Wednesday to fall in line with a recent court order. The NCAA announced the Division I Council’s decision becomes official Thursday when its meeting adjourns.