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Billups lifts Pistons over Nets, 92-91
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061227/ap_on_sp_bk_ga_su/bkn_nets_pistons"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20061227/capt.dtp10212270209.nets_pistons_basketball_dtp102.jpg?x=98&y=130&sig=qbZ.oC4lGijIXReJKAcyNg--" align="left" height="130" width="98" alt="Detroit Pistons guard Chauncey Billups (1) goes to the basket past New Jersey Nets forward Vince Carter (15) in the first half of a basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2006, in Auburn Hills, Mich. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)" border="0" /></a>AP - For most of Tuesday night, the Detroit Pistons were angry about the officiating. In the end, though, the New Jersey Nets were the ones screaming. Chauncey Billups made two free throws with 7.2 seconds left, and Vince Carter didn't get a last-second call as the Pistons won their fifth straight, 92-91.</p><br clear="all"/>
Defense puts Pacers over Rockets, 81-76
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061227/ap_on_sp_bk_ga_su/bkn_rockets_pacers"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20061227/capt.naf10312270120.rockets_pacers_basketball_naf103.jpg?x=95&y=130&sig=vQb0WywXMCGRs84xa91Jrg--" align="left" height="130" width="95" alt="Indiana Pacers forward Al Harrington, right, battles Houston Rockets forward Shane Battier for a rebound during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2006. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)" border="0" /></a>AP - The Indiana Pacers played their best defensive game of the season to spoil Tracy McGrady's return to the Houston lineup. McGrady finished with 19 points but shot 7-for-22 from the field in the Pacers' 81-76 victory Tuesday night. He had seven turnovers, including two critical ones in the final two minutes while the Rockets were trying to come back.</p><br clear="all"/>
Wizards score 45 in 1st, top Grizzlies
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061227/ap_on_sp_bk_ga_su/bkn_grizzlies_wizards"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20061227/capt.vzn10212270124.grizzlies_wizards_basketball_vzn102.jpg?x=82&y=130&sig=UtqIPDxZ9HCQC0r.BE5MnQ--" align="left" height="130" width="82" alt="Washington Wizards' Gilbert Arenas tries to control the ball against Memphis Grizzlies' Chucky Atkins (3) during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2006, in Washington.(AP Photo/Nick Wass)" border="0" /></a>AP - Washington Wizards coach Eddie Jordan wonders how long his team can keep up this torrid pace. Washington had no problem Tuesday night, beating the Memphis Grizzlies 116-101. Gilbert Arenas scored 31 points, all in the first three quarters.</p><br clear="all"/>
Islanders beat slumping Rangers, 2-0
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061227/ap_on_sp_ho_ga_su/hkn_rangers_islanders"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20061227/capt.uni10712270325.rangers_islanders_hockey_uni107.jpg?x=130&y=126&sig=kHQxNFIqwBIlBWqqW.Ke0w--" align="left" height="126" width="130" alt="New York Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro (39) blocks a shot as New York Rangers Matt Cullen (5) looks on during the first period of their hockey game, Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2006 at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)" border="0" /></a>AP - Rick DiPietro stopped 28 shots for his third consecutive shutout at home, and the New York Islanders got goals from Arron Asham and Jason Blake in a 2-0 victory over the slumping New York Rangers on Tuesday night.</p><br clear="all"/>
Sabres score 6 in 1st to beat Capitals
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061227/ap_on_sp_ho_ga_su/hkn_capitals_sabres"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20061227/capt.nydh20212270126.capitals_sabres_hockey_nydh202.jpg?x=130&y=84&sig=jIVL7uwNQcl.M.BHAnXLoA--" align="left" height="84" width="130" alt="Washington Capitals goalie Brent Johnson breaks his goalie stick after allowing four goals to the Buffalo Sabres during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Buffalo, N.Y., Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2006. (AP Photo/Don Heupel)" border="0" /></a>AP - Chris Drury and the Buffalo Sabres got back at Alex Ovechkin the best way they knew how — by beating him and the Washington Capitals on the scoreboard.</p><br clear="all"/>
Giants' Strahan out for year with injury
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061227/ap_on_sp_fo_ne/fbn_giants_strahan_out"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20061226/capt.njbk10112262218.giants_strahan_out_football_njbk101.jpg?x=80&y=130&sig=NnjLlWraM1.1IsUVfiU_rA--" align="left" height="130" width="80" alt="New York Giants' Michael Strahan looks on from the sidelines during fourth quarter NFL football against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Dec. 24, 2006 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Strahan will miss the rest of the season for the Giants after aggravating a sprained right foot last weekend against the New Orleans Saints. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)" border="0" /></a>AP - Seven-time Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Strahan will miss the rest of the season for the New York Giants after aggravating a sprained right foot last weekend against the New Orleans Saints. He was placed on injured reserve Tuesday and could need surgery, the team said.</p><br clear="all"/>
Iverson, Nuggets top Celtics, 116-105
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061227/ap_on_sp_bk_ga_su/bkn_celtics_nuggets"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20061227/capt.dxa10212270257.celtics_nuggets_basketball_dxa102.jpg?x=102&y=130&sig=cmVD_RjMCLGHz5aqX85DeQ--" align="left" height="130" width="102" alt="Denver Nuggets guard Earl Boykins, left, is trapped by Boston Celtics guard Delonte West in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Denver on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2006. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)" border="0" /></a>AP - Allen Iverson had permission from Nuggets coach George Karl to shoot more and pass less.</p><br clear="all"/>
Diamondbacks confirm interest in Johnson
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061227/ap_on_sp_ba_ne/bba_yankees_johnson"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20061225/capt.ny13212252144.yankees_johnson_ny132.jpg?x=121&y=130&sig=YafkqqyC1tx4iGfMqIrnhA--" align="left" height="130" width="121" alt="New York Yankees starter Randy Johnson pitches against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays during the first inning of a baseball game in this Sept. 23, 2006 file photo, in St. Petersburg, Fla. Johnson could be leaving the New York Yankees after just two seasons. The Yankees have started trade talks with several teams, including the Arizona Diamondbacks, although it is too early to tell whether the discussions will lead to a deal. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius, file)" border="0" /></a>AP - If the New York Yankees are serious about trading Randy Johnson, the Arizona Diamondbacks would love to have him back. Arizona confirmed its talks with New York about the Big Unit, who won four Cy Young Awards with the Diamondbacks from 1999-2004, but thus far the Yankees' asking price has been too high.</p><br clear="all"/>
Inter Milan wins 11th straight
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061223/ap_on_sp_so_ne/soc_euro_rdp"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20061223/capt.xlb10712231548.italy_soccer_xlb107.jpg?x=130&y=98&sig=6GIiEdvu6XR6My13CCsahg--" align="left" height="98" width="130" alt="Inter Milan forward Adriano, of Brazil, celebrates after scoring during an Italian major league soccer match between Inter and Atalanta, at the San Siro stadium, in Milan, Italy, Saturday, Dec. 23, 2006. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)" border="0" /></a>AP - Inter Milan tied the Italian league record with its 11th consecutive victory by rallying past Atalanta 2-1 Saturday.</p><br clear="all"/>
Brodeur, Devils blank Penguins, 3-0
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061227/ap_on_sp_ho_ga_su/hkn_penguins_devils"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20061227/capt.era10112270141.penguins_devils_hockey_era101.jpg?x=110&y=130&sig=g7_k_EoYHEn05YD_lWAOHw--" align="left" height="130" width="110" alt="New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur makes a save as Pittsburgh Penguins' Ryan Malone (12) skates in on goal during first period NHL hockey Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2006 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)" border="0" /></a>AP - The New Jersey Devils had the perfect game plan against Pittsburgh: limit the scoring chances for Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, and let Martin Brodeur take care of the rest.</p><br clear="all"/>
Leinart to get second opinion on shoulder
Cardinals rookie QB Matt Leinart will have a renowned orthopedic surgeon look at the X-ray of his injured left shoulder.
Giants DE Strahan to miss rest of season (AP)
Seven-time Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Strahan will miss the rest of the season for the New York Giants after aggravating a sprained right foot last weekend against the New Orleans Saints. He was placed on injured reserve Tuesday and could need surgery, the team said. The Giants (7-8) can almost surely clinch a playoff berth by beating the Redskins (5-10) in the regular-season finale at...
Cowher to announce decision next week (AP)
Bill Cowher apparently won't make anyone wait to learn if he will return as the Pittsburgh Steelers' coach next season. Cowher is expected to announce his future plans within a few days of Sunday's season-ending game at Cincinnati, one that is without playoff implications for the no-longer-defending Super Bowl champion Steelers (7-8).
Mora defends record as Falcons coach (AP)
Jim Mora was an acclaimed coach the last time Atlanta played at Philadelphia in the 2004 conference championship game after the Falcons won the NFC South. Two years later, the heat is on Mora, his future with the Falcons (7-8) uncertain. The Falcons close a disappointing regular season Sunday at Philadelphia, but Mora's fate -- and the team's playoff hopes -- could be decided before the game...
Giants likely to make playoffs with win (AP)
The New York Giants have lost six of their last seven games and have played worse than uninspired football for the entire second half of the season. Yet if they win Saturday night in Washington, they almost surely will make the playoffs. That's because the Giants control almost all the tiebreakers among the five 7-8 teams vying for the NFC's last wild-card spot.
T.O. frustrated by lack of involvement (AP)
Terrell Owens is 0-for-2 against the Philadelphia Eagles. That's the least of his problems. While he wore a Cowboys-branded Santa hat on his head, Owens certainly wasn't joyful Christmas night. His frustration was evident after a 23-7 loss, when he scored the only Dallas touchdown, then complained several times that not enough passes are coming his way.
Packers, Bears to meet on Sunday night (AP)
The Green Bay Packers will face the Chicago Bears in the final Sunday night game of the regular season on New Year's Eve thanks to the NFL's flexible schedule. The Packers (7-8), one of five teams vying for the last playoff spot in the NFC, will take on the Bears at Soldier Field. The outcome will have no bearing on Chicago (13-2) because the Bears have already clinched the top seed in the NFC and...
Playoff-bound Eagles can win NFC East (AP)
Donovan McNabb was preparing for season-ending surgery, Jevon Kearse already was out, the defense was awful and the losses were piling up. A month ago, the Philadelphia Eagles seemed headed toward a disastrous finish after a promising start. Now, they're going to the playoffs and no team in the NFC is playing better.
Colts lose control of playoff position (AP)
Tony Dungy won't change his philosophy. He intends to play his regulars this week, build momentum for the playoffs and try to put the Indianapolis Colts in the best possible playoff position -- even though they no longer control their seeding fate. "We've got to treat this like a must-win game," he said Monday.
Bengals need help to make playoffs (AP)
Coach Marvin Lewis insists a botched extra point wasn't responsible for the Cincinnati Bengals' season-turning loss. He's right. A lot of very bad things have happened during a two-game meltdown that turned the Bengals into a long shot for the playoffs. A bad snap on an extra-point with 46 seconds to play left the Bengals with a 24-23 loss Sunday in Denver, costing them their lead in the AFC...
Bottom of the Atlantic
The Nets' nosedive has put the Atlantic Division up for grabs and made a sub-.500 champ a possibility.
Iverson powers Nuggets past Celtics (AP)
Allen Iverson had permission from Nuggets coach George Karl to shoot more and pass less. Iverson preferred to do plenty of both, finishing with 28 points and 13 assists in Denver's 116-105 victory over the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night. The Nuggets point guard was playing in his second game -- picking up his second double-double -- since being acquired by Denver for Andre Miller, Joe Smith and...
McGrady returns but Pacers beat Rockets (AP)
The Indiana Pacers played their best defensive game of the season to spoil Tracy McGrady's return to the Houston lineup. McGrady finished with 19 points but shot 7-for-22 from the field in the Pacers' 81-76 victory Tuesday night. He had seven turnovers, including two critical ones in the final two minutes while the Rockets were trying to come back.
Wolves blow big lead, win on Foye's shot (AP)
Randy Foye made a runner with 1.8 seconds left, and the Minnesota Timberwolves blew a 25-point lead before beating the Chicago Bulls 100-98 on Tuesday night. Foye, who finished with a career-high 25 points, took the ball from Kevin Garnett and drove to the right side before putting a shot over Kirk Hinrich.
Redd's 36 help Bucks rally past Spurs (AP)
Michael Redd scored 36 points, and the Milwaukee Bucks rallied from a 13-point deficit to beat the San Antonio Spurs 114-107 Tuesday night for their fifth straight victory. The Bucks (14-14) returned to .500 for the first time since they were 2-2 on Nov. 6. Redd was 14-of-22 from the floor and made all eight of his free throws as Milwaukee won in San Antonio for the first time in five years.
Suns bounce back, rout Trail Blazers (AP)
Leandro Barbosa scored 20 points in a six-minute span bridging the third and fourth quarters, and the Phoenix Suns beat the Portland Trail Blazers 110-87 Tuesday night for their 16th win in 17 tries. Barbosa, who had only two points at halftime and missed four of his five shots, was 8-of-9 in the second half and finished with 22 points.
Billups' late FTs lift Pistons over Nets (AP)
For most of Tuesday night, the Detroit Pistons were angry about the officiating. In the end, though, the New Jersey Nets were the ones screaming. Chauncey Billups made two free throws with 7.2 seconds left, and Vince Carter didn't get a last-second call as the Pistons won their fifth straight, 92-91. "We come to work, and we work extremely hard at this, only for the officials to screw us," Jason...
Arenas powers Wizards past Grizzlies (AP)
Washington Wizards coach Eddie Jordan wonders how long his team can keep up this torrid pace. Washington had no problem Tuesday night, beating the Memphis Grizzlies 116-101. Gilbert Arenas scored 31 points, all in the first three quarters. "I was talking to our trainer: 'How long can a seven-man rotation last in the NBA?' Jordan said.
Hornets' Paul suffers ankle injury (AP)
New Orleans Hornets star Chris Paul was carried off the floor Tuesday night against the SuperSonics in severe pain with a sprained right ankle. Paul, last season's rookie of the year, turned the ankle while landing his foot onto the left foot of Seattle center Johan Petro in the open floor on a Hornets fast break with about 90 seconds left in the first quarter.
Mavs win seventh straight, top Bobcats (AP)
Dirk Nowitzki is likely headed for his sixth straight All-Star appearance, and this season he could have Dallas Mavericks teammate Josh Howard along as a sidekick. Howard scored 27 points and Nowitzki added 23 as the Mavericks stretched their winning streak to seven games with a 97-84 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats on Tuesday night.
Brodeur overtakes Hall on shutout list (AP)
The New Jersey Devils had the perfect game plan against Pittsburgh: limit the scoring chances for Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, and let Martin Brodeur take care of the rest. Brodeur made 26 saves for his 85th career shutout as New Jersey beat the Penguins 3-0 on Tuesday night behind goals from Travis Zajac, Jay Pandolfo and Brian Gionta.
DiPietro shines again at home for Isles (AP)
Rick DiPietro stopped 28 shots for his third consecutive shutout at home, and the New York Islanders got goals from Arron Asham and Jason Blake in a 2-0 victory over the slumping New York Rangers on Tuesday night. DiPietro extended his home shutout streak to 185:43 in his 10th career shutout and fourth this season.
Six-goal first powers Sabres by Capitals (AP)
Chris Drury and the Buffalo Sabres got back at Alex Ovechkin the best way they knew how -- by beating him and the Washington Capitals on the scoreboard. Drury scored twice and added two assists, sparking a six-goal first period in Buffalo's 6-3 win over the Capitals on Tuesday night. It was a satisfying blowout for the Sabres after Ovechkin leveled Buffalo co-captain Daniel Briere with a blind-side...
Leafs extend Wild's road slide to eight (AP)
Even the slumping Toronto Maple Leafs were able to take advantage of Minnesota's road woes. Jeff O'Neill scored with just over 2 minutes remaining and Toronto ended a three-game skid with a 4-3 victory over the Wild on Tuesday night. John Pohl, Mats Sundin and Alex Steen also scored for the Maple Leafs, who have won just four of their last 14 games.
Slater lifts Thrashers past Lightning (AP)
Tampa Bay's dominance of the Atlanta Thrashers has ended. Jim Slater scored with 8.1 seconds left to lift Atlanta to a 2-1 win over the Lightning on Tuesday night, the Thrashers' fourth straight victory. The Thrashers had lost four of five to the Lightning this season, including an 8-0 blowout in their previous meeting on Dec.7.
Special teams poer Blackhawks by Stars (AP)
The Chicago Blackhawks' power play finally came through. Denis Arkhipov and Martin Lapointe each scored a power-play goal Tuesday night, and Nikolai Khabibulin made 20 saves to lead Chicago to a 2-1 victory over the Dallas Stars. The Blackhawks snapped an 0-for-18 power-play slump that spanned four games and went 2-for-4 with the man advantage.
Vyborny, Blue Jackets top Bruins in OT (AP)
The Columbus Blue Jackets refused to quit even though they hadn't won a game this season when trailing after two periods. David Vyborny scored his second goal of the night with 1:54 left in overtime and Columbus rallied from a two-goal deficit to beat the Boston Bruins 5-4 on Tuesday. "We showed up in the third and were able to take over the game," said Vyborny, who also assisted on the tying goal.
Radulov helps Predators top Blues in SO (AP)
Alexander Radulov converted his first NHL shootout attempt to lift the Nashville Predators over the St. Louis Blues 3-2 Tuesday night. Predators goalie Chris Mason stopped four shootout attempts before Radulov skated in and fired a backhander high to beat Manny Legace. Paul Kariya had a goal and an assist, and Scott Hartnell scored in the third period for Nashville.
'Canes sweep home-and-home from Panthers (AP)
The last time the Carolina Hurricanes were this hot, they were rolling through the playoffs last spring and winning their first Stanley Cup. Their current streak is still alive largely because they went back to the trademark of that Cup run -- dominance of the third period. Rod Brind'Amour scored the go-ahead goal 50 seconds into the third, and the Carolina Hurricanes shook off a sluggish first 40...
Ducks among best ever through 38 games (AP)
No longer the Mighty Ducks, they're playing like the mightier Ducks. Chris Pronger, Scott Niedermayer, Teemu Selanne and Jean-Sebastien Giguere have led the way, and the Anaheim Ducks are flying along with one of the best records in NHL history at this point of the season. With Norris Trophy winners Pronger and Niedermayer anchoring the defense and igniting the offense, a rejuvenated Selanne...
Offseason caps: Rudd, Bodine, Wood
Ricky Rudd is back in Nextel Cup, but how much of an impact will he have?
Auto Racing 2006: Johnson, Hornish win big but quietly (SportsTicker)
For a sport known for its outspoken, colorful characters, the champions of the two major racing series in the United States let their actions do the talking.
Plan for Washington track lacks legislative support (AP)
Yates team pulls Rudd out of retirement (AP)
Robert Yates is bringing Ricky Rudd out of retirement to keep his sinking race team afloat, signing him Thursday to drive the full Nextel Cup schedule in 2007.
Rudd comes out of retirement to rejoin Yates Racing (SportsTicker)
HACKETTSTOWN, New Jersey (Ticker) - Robert Yates Racing filled a new spot with an old friend.
Marcos Ambrose to drive in up to 10 Nextel Cup races in 2007 (SportsTicker)
Australian Marcos Ambrose has joined the foreign invasion of NASCAR.
Anheuser-Busch to end NASCAR sponsorship in 2007 (AP)
Anheuser-Busch will end its title sponsorship of NASCAR's No. 2 series after the 2007 season.
Ekstrom defeats Loeb to win Race of Champions (AP)
Mattias Ekstrom beat three-time world rally champion Sebastien Loeb Saturday to win the Race of Champions at Stade de France. Loeb raced for the first time since breaking his arm in September and reached the final for the third straight year. The Frenchman won last year and lost to Finland's Heikki Kovalainen in 2004.
Jeff Gordon Children's Hospital Opens (AP)
Jeff Gordon saw firsthand the strain and heartache childhood illnesses bring early in his career when Ray Evernham's young son was diagnosed with leukemia.
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