Golden State advanced to the NBA Finals for a second straight year with Monday night's victory over Oklahoma City. The neighboring NHL franchise in San Jose punched its ticket to the Stanley Cup Finals, last Wednesday.
The shared spotlight marks just the ninth time in professional sports history that an NBA and NHL team from the same market will play in their respective championships at the same time.
The Warriors host Game 1 Thursday in Oakland. Two days later and 37 miles south on I-880, the Sharks bring the Stanley Cup Finals to San Jose.
Five years ago, Golden State won just 23 games and had made the playoffs only once in 18 seasons. The Sharks were regular postseason contenders, but had never made it past the conference finals.
These story lines might dare Minnesotans to dream that a Twin Cities NBA and NHL championship crossover might not be far off.
JASON GONZALEZ
Collin Morikawa part of 4-way tie for the lead at Hilton Head. Scottie Scheffler lurks 3 shots back
Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. heads into playoffs against Lakers after trying week for family
Jameson Taillon comes off the injured list and pitches Cubs to 8-3 win, dropping Marlins to 4-16
Timberwolves defense would benefit from a better offense
