Cavs’ Hill earns college diploma

George Hill has gone from point guard to point grad in the NBA playoffs.

Cleveland’s starting guard was excused from practice on Saturday to receive his degree from IUPUI. As his Cavaliers teammates got in one last workout before heading to Boston for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, Hill took part in graduation ceremonies at the school in Indianapolis.

The 32-year-old Hill received his degree from the School of Liberal Arts. He was one of two student speakers to address the new graduates. Hill played for the Jaguars from 200408.

Cavs coach Tyronn Lue said Hill would rejoin the team in time for the series opener Sunday against the Celtics.

NHL

WINNIPEG CLAIMS SERIES OPENER AGAINST

VEGAS » Dustin Byfuglien scored about a minute after the puck dropped and the Winnipeg Jets built a three-goal lead early in the first period and went on to beat the Vegas Golden Knights, 4-2, on Saturday night in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.

Patrik Laine and Joel Armia had goals 46 seconds apart to put the Jets up 3-0. Mark Scheifele gave Winnipeg a 4-1 lead midway through the second period with his 12th goal this postseason.

Brayden McNabb scored midway through the first and William Karlsson late in the second period to pull Vegas within two, but the expansion team couldn’t get closer.

Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck made 18 saves. Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 22 shots for the Golden Knights.

The Jets will host Game 2 on Monday night before the series shifts to Las Vegas.

College basketball

WILSON TO GET STATUE AT SOUTH CAROLINA » Basketball star A’ja Wilson is getting a statue at South Carolina.

University President Harris Pastides closed graduation ceremonies Saturday by announcing the school plans to build a statue of the national player of the year.

Wilson helped South Carolina win the 2017 NCAA title and left as the school’s all-time scoring leader. Wilson received a loud ovation when she walked across the stage for her diploma.

She was the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft and will play for the Las Vegas Aces this summer.

Wilson was the SEC player of the year the past three seasons, a three-time All-American and swept all national awards this past season.