Two overtime thrillers Wednesday night, both decided by comeback performances. NHL: Colorado advanced to the Western Conference Final with a 4-3 overtime Game 5 win over Minnesota at Ball Arena. The Avalanche trailed 3-0 after the first period; only the third time they've come back from a 3-goal playoff deficit since moving to Denver (53 attempts). Nathan MacKinnon tied it late in regulation; Brett Kulak scored at 3:52 of overtime to seal it. Series ends 4-1; Colorado awaits the Vegas/Anaheim winner. NBA: Cleveland stole Game 5 in Detroit 117-113 in overtime; Cavaliers trailed by 9 with under 3 minutes left in regulation. James Harden led with a playoff-best 30 points; Donovan Mitchell added 21, Max Strus 20 (6/8 from 3), Evan Mobley 19/8/8. Cade Cunningham 39/9 in defeat. Cavs lead 3-2 with Game 6 at Rocket Arena Friday; one win from joining the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Final. Three close-out chances Thursday: SAS-MIN G6 (SAS leads 3-2), VGK-ANA G6 (VGK leads 3-2), plus BUF-MTL G5 (series tied).
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