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McGrady Stays Hot As Rockets Oust Cavs (AP)
 AP - Tracy McGrady scored 34 points, Juwan Howard made two late jumpers and the getting-healthier-by-the day Houston Rockets got their second straight quality road win, 90-81 over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night.
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Source: Chiefs Close in on Hiring Edwards (AP)
 AP - Herman Edwards could be coach of the Kansas City Chiefs by Friday. A person familiar with the situation, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the talks, said the Jets and Chiefs were rapidly coming to a resolution on compensation for the coach.
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AP's MVP Honors Go to Seahawks' Alexander (AP)
 AP - Shaun Alexander was getting tired of having golfing partner Marshall Faulk remind him who owned an Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player award. So Alexander went out and got himself one — in record-breaking style.
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Rude Big East Welcome for Louisville (AP)
 AP - Villanova didn't exactly welcome Louisville to the Big East with open arms. Randy Foye scored 24 points and the third-ranked Wildcats pulled away late to beat No. 9 Louisville 76-67 on Thursday night.
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Bills Hire Levy for Front-Office Post (AP)
 AP - Marv Levy is back in football and feels like a newcomer.
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Brees Has Surgery on Right Shoulder (AP)
AP - San Diego Chargers quarterback Drew Brees underwent arthroscopic surgery Thursday to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder.
Knicks' Penny Hardaway Working With Lucas (AP)
AP - New York Knicks reserve guard Penny Hardaway is working out with a physical therapist in Houston to try to strengthen his knee so that he can return to the team.
Carroll Signs 1-Year Deal With Nationals (AP)
AP - Utility infielder Jamey Carroll agreed to a one-year, $700,000 contract to return to the Washington Nationals.
Ficken Retires As Columbia's Soccer Coach (AP)
AP - Dieter Ficken retired Thursday as Columbia's soccer coach after leading the team to eight Ivy League titles and two NCAA Final Four appearances in 27 seasons.
Canucks Hand Blackhawks 9th Straight Loss (AP)
 AP - Nolan Baumgartner and Markus Naslund scored in the second period, and Jarkko Ruutu converted a penalty shot late in the third as the Vancouver Canucks defeated Chicago 3-2 on Thursday night to hand the Blackhawks their ninth straight loss.
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Here comes the sun
SEATTLE – With the Seahawks' Super Bowl hopes aglow, Mike Holmgren no longer has clouds over his head.
Alexander easily wins NFL MVP honors (AP)
Shaun Alexander was getting tired of having golfing partner Marshall Faulk remind him who owned an Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player award. So Alexander went out and got himself one -- in record-breaking style. Alexander set an NFL mark with 28 touchdowns, led the league in rushing and ran away with the MVP voting Thursday.
Bills bring back Levy as general manager (AP)
Marv Levy is back in football and feels like a newcomer. Referring to himself as "an 80-year-old rookie," the Hall of Fame coach returned to the Buffalo Bills franchise he led to an unprecedented four straight Super Bowl appearances in the 1990s, eagerly accepting the position of general manager Thursday.
Chargers QB Brees has shoulder surgery (AP)
San Diego Chargers quarterback Drew Brees underwent arthroscopic surgery Thursday to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. The surgery was performed by Dr. James Andrews. Brees will return to San Diego next week and begin rehabilitation. He is expected to begin throwing in four months and be ready to participate in training camp.
Edwards' status still unresolved (AP)
Herman Edwards could be coach of the Kansas City Chiefs by Friday. A person familiar with the situation, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the talks, said the Jets and Chiefs were rapidly coming to a resolution on compensation for the coach. If the two sides agree, and the NFL approves the deal, Edwards could be out as Jets coach almost immediately.
Smith, Bruschi share comeback award (AP)
Tedy Bruschi didn't get a chance to tackle Steve Smith when the Patriots played the Panthers in September. By midseason, he'd made a remarkable comeback from a stroke and was starting for New England. Bruschi's return was as impressive as Smith's achievement of returning from a broken left leg that cost the Carolina receiver nearly all of the 2004 season.
Falcons' Mora fined for using cell phone (AP)
Atlanta Falcons coach Jim Mora was contrite after the NFL fined him $25,000 for using a cell phone on the sidelines during an overtime loss at Tampa Bay two weeks ago. "Expensive phone call," Mora said Thursday. "Consider that a lesson learned." With the Falcons and Buccaneers tied 24-24 late in overtime on Dec.
Panthers shrug off Umenyiora's jab (AP)
Julius Peppers did his best Thursday to resist reacting to Osi Umenyiora's claim that the New York Giants' defensive ends are better than Carolina's. But with every "No comment" Peppers offered, it became clearer and clearer that the Panthers' Pro Bowl defensive end was slightly irritated. Finally, he cracked.
Bucs' win over 'Skins was turning point (AP)
The Washington Redskins are one of the hottest teams in the NFL entering the playoffs, so they're not spending a lot of time rehashing a midseason loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Instead, they hope to settle the score when the teams meet again Saturday in the NFC wild-card round. "It took a little air out of us for that time, but it is what it is," receiver Santana Moss said, recalling the Nov.
Williams joins Vikings' not guilty pleas (AP)
Minnesota Vikings running back Moe Williams pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges stemming from a bawdy boat party. Williams' attorney, Joe Friedberg, said he entered the plea in Hennepin County District Court. Vikings teammates Daunte Culpepper, Bryant McKinnie and Fred Smoot had previously entered their not guilty pleas in the case.
Why Weiss had to go
No defense plus an inferior roster equaled Bob Weiss' dismissal as Sonics head coach.
Hornets to play in New Orleans in March (AP)
The New Orleans Hornets on Thursday reached an agreement to play three games at the New Orleans Arena in March and move two other games scheduled in Baton Rouge this month to their temporary home in Oklahoma. In their first games in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina, the Hornets will face the Los Angeles Lakers on March 8, the Denver Nuggets on March 18 and the Los Angeles Clippers on March 21.
Warriors might have interest in Artest (AP)
Coach Mike Montgomery was evasive Thursday about Golden State's possible interest in acquiring Ron Artest from Indiana. Yet Pacers coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged the Warriors are apparently one of many teams interested in Artest, who has been on the inactive list for the last 13 games and isn't traveling with the club.
McGrady lifts Rockets over Cavaliers (AP)
As long as Tracy McGrady's back doesn't give out, he'll gladly carry the Houston Rockets. McGrady scored 34 points, Juwan Howard made two late jumpers and the getting-healthier-by-the day Houston Rockets got their second straight quality road win, 90-81 over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night.
Cavaliers G Hughes out 6-to-8 weeks (AP)
Cleveland guard Larry Hughes will miss the next six to eight weeks with a broken finger. Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry said that one or two screws would be inserted in the joint area of Hughes' right middle finger to close the fracture. The surgery will be done in Cleveland later this week. "We've done tests on the injury all year," Ferry said.
After toe surgery, Yao looks to return (AP)
Houston center Yao Ming has begun light workouts and said he expects to return to action in two to three weeks after surgery on an infected big toe. Yao said the Dec. 19 surgery on his left foot relieved tremendous pain, but also said the prospect of surgery made him nervous about hurting his career. "My toe before the surgery hurt me every time I step on the floor, particularly with the basketball...
Iverson wants to play in 2008 Olympics (AP)
Allen Iverson wants to be a part of the U.S. basketball team for the 2006 world championships and 2008 Olympics, USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo said. Colangelo met with Iverson on Wednesday before the Philadelphia 76ers played the Phoenix Suns. "He wants to win a gold medal," said Colangelo, the chairman and CEO of the Suns.
Hill a winner in Sonics' coaching debut (AP)
Their star player was in the locker room having his eye examined, and the opponent was rallying. Just when it seemed things were coming apart, the Seattle SuperSonics hung on for a 101-97 victory over the Chicago Bulls to make Bob Hill's debut as head coach a success. Rashard Lewis scored 21 points, Luke Ridnour hit two free throws with three seconds and a Seattle team that has struggled through a...
Hornets' Scott beats mentor Riley again (AP)
Even after six straight wins against his longtime mentor, Byron Scott still doesn't think he has Pat Riley figured out. Desmond Mason scored 24 points and Scott's New Orleans Hornets overcame Dwyane Wade's second career triple-double for a 107-92 win against Riley's Miami Heat on Wednesday night. It was the sixth time in a row Scott has prevailed in a matchup against Riley, his coach from 1983-90...
Jaric leads T-Wolves to win (AP)
The Minnesota Timberwolves need Marko Jaric to stop being so self-critical and start playing more consistently. He relaxed for once, and they reaped the benefits against the Dallas Mavericks. Jaric scored 22 points to spark struggling Minnesota to a 91-78 victory over Dallas on Wednesday night. "I was telling myself, 'Marko, this team needs a point guard out there,"' said the mercurial Jaric, who...
Power rankings
An explosive week returns Ottawa to the top spot in the year-end Yahoo! Sports NHL Power Rankings.
Gagne's goal at :07 in OT lifts Flyers (AP)
A train underneath Madison Square Garden was ready to take the Philadelphia Flyers to the next stop on their long road show. Simon Gagne did his part to ensure the trip to Washington wouldn't be delayed. The NHL's leading goal scorer needed only 7 seconds of overtime to lift the Flyers to a 4-3 victory against the New York Rangers on Thursday night.
Boyes gets game-winner, Bruins top Sens (AP)
The Boston Bruins have learned not to worry too much when losing a lead in the third period. Brad Boyes scored the tiebreaking goal and Bruins beat the short-handed Ottawa Senators for the second time this season, 4-2 Thursday night. "Earlier in the year, our mind-set when losing a third period lead was to hang our heads," Boyes said.
Elias scores two, Devils defeat Habs 5-4 (AP)
Even Patrik Elias is surprised at how quickly the goals and points have come. Elias had two goals and two assists in his second game back since recovering from hepatitis to lead the New Jersey Devils to a 5-4 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday night. "I felt good," said Elias, who had an assist in his season debut two nights earlier.
G Legace returns, Wings blank Blues 3-0 (AP)
The struggling St. Louis Blues were the perfect opponent for Manny Legace. Playing for the first time in more than a month, Legace needed to make only 15 saves for his third shutout of the season, and the Detroit Red Wings beat St. Louis 3-0 Thursday night. Pavel Datsyuk, Kris Draper and Henrik Zetterberg scored for the Western Conference-leading Red Wings, who have won six of seven.
Sabres' power play overcomes Lightning (AP)
Winning hasn't come any easier for Ryan Miller since he returned from a broken thumb. It only looks that way. Miller made 21 saves to win for the fifth time in six starts since coming back, and Jochen Hecht had a goal and an assist to help give the Buffalo Sabres a 3-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night.
Stars sign Turco to four-year extension (AP)
The Dallas Stars have made sure goalie Marty Turco isn't going anywhere. Turco, a two-time All-Star, signed a four-year, $22.8 million contract extension with the Stars on Thursday that will keep him from becoming an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season. The deal keeps Turco, 30, in Dallas through 2009-10.
Islanders G Snow out up to four weeks (AP)
The New York Islanders will be without backup goalie Garth Snow for up to four weeks after the 12-year NHL veteran sprained ligaments in both knees. The 36-year-old Snow was diagnosed Thursday with medial collateral ligament sprains in both knees. He was injured with 8.5 seconds left in regulation in Wednesday night's 4-3 overtime win against the Florida Panthers.
Canucks hand 'Hawks ninth straight loss (AP)
Nolan Baumgartner and Markus Naslund scored in the second period, and Jarkko Ruutu converted a penalty shot late in the third as the Vancouver Canucks defeated Chicago 3-2 on Thursday night to hand the Blackhawks their ninth straight loss. Alex Auld made 26 saves for the Canucks, who snapped a three-game losing streak.
Tanguay, Aebischer lead Avs over Wild (AP)
The Colorado Avalanche have never had a problem scoring. Now that they're getting strong goaltending, look out. Alex Tanguay scored twice and David Aebischer had 33 saves to lead the Colorado Avalanche to a 4-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night. "The last two games I've played better, the way I know I can," said Aebischer, who had 32 saves in a shutout of Nashville on Tuesday.
Offseason capsules: Riggs, Schrader, Marlin
Yahoo! Sports breaks down the '06 Cup field as the season-opening Daytona 500 approaches.
NASCAR narrows potential Hall of Fame to three cities (AP)
NASCAR has narrowed the possible sites for its first official Hall of Fame to Atlanta, Charlotte or Daytona Beach, Fla., and expects to pick a winning city by the end of March.
Frenchman Magnaldi wins sixth stage of Dakar Rally (AP)
Frenchman Thierry Magnaldi won the sixth stage of the Dakar Rally as the cars crossed from Morocco into this desert nation Thursday. Magnaldi, driving a Schles-Ford-Raid, won the 275-mile stage that began in Tan-Tan, Morocco, in 3 hours, 22 minutes, 54 seconds. Jean-Louis Schlesser, also of France, was 2 minutes, 55 seconds behind.
Bill Elliott to race in Daytona 500 (SportsTicker)
MOORESVILLE, North Carolina (Ticker) - Bill Elliott was a long-time Ford driver who closed his career with Dodge. Now he will try a Chevrolet in the 2006 Daytona 500.
Elliott to enter Daytona 500 (AP)
Two-time Daytona 500 champion Bill Elliott will enter the race this year in a car fielded by MB2 Motorsports.
NASCAR drivers in a unique challenge -- piloting a bobsled (AP)
When NASCAR ace Ken Schrader was a kid, his father decided to make him a race car driver. Nearly a half-century later, Schrader will be in a bobsled to raise money for the Olympic-bound U.S. men's and women's teams. Schrader's father took an old truck axle, imbedded it vertically in concrete and strung a cable to little Kenny's go-kart.
Auto Racing 2005: Stewart grows up amid youth movement (SportsTicker)
MOORESVILLE, North Carolina (Ticker) - In a season where youth was not only served it was showcased, Tony Stewart topped the auto racing headlines by simply growing up.
NASCAR to restructure regional tours in 2007 (SportsTicker)
DAYTONA BEACH, Florida (Ticker) - NASCAR announced Wednesday that it will restructure its regional touring series divisions beginning in 2007.
Legge completes Champ Car test (AP)
Katherine Legge spent two days this week testing a Champ Car to see if she's ready to become the first female driver in the open-wheel series. The 25-year-old Legge ran a total of 238 laps for PKV Racing on the road course in Sebring, Fla. It was just the second time in a Champ car for the British racer, who ran 70 laps at Sebring in a test for Rocketsports Racing on Dec.
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