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Clippers defy Kobe, beat Lakers 118-110
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070413/ap_on_sp_bk_ga_su/bkn_clippers_lakers"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070413/capt.933ca94f4ce340db80e058f4f0989ea4.clippers_lakers_basketball_las102.jpg?x=86&y=130&sig=HOGeazzHONyDJjtdzgGpVg--" align="left" height="130" width="86" alt="Los Angeles Clippers' Corey Maggette shoots the ball while being defended by Los Angeles Lakers' Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, April 12, 2007, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jeff Lewis)" border="0" /></a>AP - After scoring a career-high 39 points in the Los Angeles Clippers' most important game of the season, Corey Maggette said he was just grateful to be on the winning side. And upset about missing seven free throws. Maggette scored 10 points and Sam Cassell added eight during a 26-8 run to finish the game, giving the Clippers a 118-110 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night.</p><br clear="all"/>
Future is now for Devils, Parise
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070413/ap_on_sp_ho_ga_su/hkn_lightning_devils"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070413/capt.6e23a0bf74a7458aace371e3707c708b.lightning_devils_hockey_era108.jpg?x=130&y=104&sig=aahZTRazphOrDjoTig0RfA--" align="left" height="104" width="130" alt="New Jersey Devils' Zach Parise celebrates with teammates after scoring an unassisted goal in the first period of an NHL first-round hockey playoff game against the Tampa Bay Lightning Thursday night, April 12, 2007, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Devils won their playoff opener, 5-3. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)" border="0" /></a>AP - Zach Parise is the future of the New Jersey Devils. Fortunately for Martin Brodeur and company, the future is now.</p><br clear="all"/>
High-flying Sabres may face DiPietro
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070413/ap_on_sp_ho_ga_su/hkn_islanders_sabres"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070413/capt.d0da2aad11f7409993bff4e1a95fc17c.islanders_sabres_hockey_nydh102.jpg?x=130&y=106&sig=DjqNonDbZrl4ZL_vpdu6kA--" align="left" height="106" width="130" alt="Buffalo Sabres center Chris Drury (23) tries to redirect the puck in front of New York Islanders goalie Wade Dubielewicz (34) during the second period of a NHL playoff hockey game at the HSBC Arena in Buffalo, N.Y. on Thursday, April 12, 2007. (AP Photo/Don Heupel)" border="0" /></a>AP - Rick DiPietro to the rescue? With their star goaltender cleared for practice for the first time in three weeks, the New York Islanders certainly need a boost after discovering how difficult it is to beat Buffalo when the No. 1-seeded Sabres are on top of their game.</p><br clear="all"/>
Mets' Glavine adjusts and gets 292nd win
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070413/ap_on_sp_ba_ga_su/bbn_phillies_mets"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070413/capt.60a299d81fe84477bf314f75ee88e38a.phillies_mets_baseball_nyjj102.jpg?x=126&y=130&sig=F0rMMiBx5wKSEB6FWSaizA--" align="left" height="130" width="126" alt="New York Mets' Tom Glavine delivers against the Philadelphia Philllies during the first inning in Major League Baseball action Thursday, April 12, 2007, at Shea Stadium in New York. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)" border="0" /></a>AP - A little in-game adjustment went a long way for Tom Glavine on Thursday night — all the way to his 292nd win.</p><br clear="all"/>
Text book win for Red Wings in opener
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070413/ap_on_sp_ho_ga_su/hkn_flames_red_wings"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070413/capt.b78be47c5bf54f19a92eb8cec6b9caf4.flames_red_wings_hockey_dta106.jpg?x=114&y=130&sig=JUcbwZA0rvJdffhxVBLtFQ--" align="left" height="130" width="114" alt="Detroit Red Wings' Henrik Zetterberg of Sweden celebrates a second-period goal by teammate Pavel Datsyuk of Russia during the second period of an NHL hockey playoff game against the Calgary Flames, Thursday, April 12, 2007, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jerry S. Mendoza)" border="0" /></a>AP - If the Detroit Red Wings could have scripted their playoff opener, it would have looked a lot like their 4-1 win Thursday night over the Calgary Flames.</p><br clear="all"/>
New spiking penalty among several rules changes
(Reuters)
Reuters - A five-yard penalty will be assessed
for spiking or throwing the ball after a play has ended, except
for after a touchdown, the NFL announced on Thursday.
LeBron, Cavs look ready for playoffs
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070413/ap_on_sp_bk_ga_su/bkn_nets_cavaliers"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070413/capt.87e59c0c2eb4493fbe1ec36737a4ac54.aptopix_nets_cavaliers_basketball_ohmd107.jpg?x=84&y=130&sig=lTeTwv2IyaH6v.fF50JMdQ--" align="left" height="130" width="84" alt="Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James (23) dunks for two of his 35 points during the fourth quarter of the Cavaliers' 94-76 win over the New Jersey Nets in an NBA basketball game Thursday, April 12, 2007, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)" border="0" /></a>AP - For 12 minutes, the Cleveland Cavaliers drove, dunked and did anything they desired. And all New Jersey could do was watch. LeBron James looked primed for the postseason, scoring 35 points in 36 minutes, and the Cavaliers secured home-court advantage for the first round of the NBA playoffs with a 94-76 win Thursday night over the Nets, who blew a chance to inch closer to a berth.</p><br clear="all"/>
Morneau, Twins beat blundering Rays
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070413/ap_on_sp_ba_ga_su/bba_devil_rays_twins"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070413/capt.d6a45d69689f4fbc98ff3327db997cf4.devil_rays_twins_baseball_mnah112.jpg?x=114&y=130&sig=CDgATQNDUT9Rn3wXErJOsw--" align="left" height="130" width="114" alt="Minnesota Twins' Justin Morneau, right, celebrates with teammates after hitting the game-winning home run off Tampa Bay Devil Rays reliever Brian Stokes during the ninth inning of a baseball game in Minneapolis, Thursday, April 12, 2007. The Twins beat the Devil Rays, 3-2. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)" border="0" /></a>AP - Carl Crawford compounded one baserunning mistake with another, and Justin Morneau made him pay for it. After Crawford's two blunders caused a double play in the top of the ninth, Morneau led off the bottom of the inning with an opposite-field home run off Brian Stokes to lift the Minnesota Twins over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays 3-2 on Thursday night.</p><br clear="all"/>
FC Dallas ends 13-game winless streak
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070413/ap_on_sp_so_ga_su/soc_mls_fc_dallas_galaxy"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070413/capt.a7df4eb769a548f9b20cb352d55a9796.mls_fc_dallas_galaxy_soccer_hdc104.jpg?x=130&y=109&sig=.69uJfB4wVcegnD.AUJx9A--" align="left" height="109" width="130" alt="Los Angeles Galaxy goalie Joe Cannon, right is unable to block a penalty shot by FC Dallas' Carlos Ruiz during the first half of an MLS soccer game in Carson, Calif., Thursday, April 12, 2007. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)" border="0" /></a>AP - Carlos Ruiz and Kenny Cooper scored in the first half to lead FC Dallas to a 2-1 victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy on Thursday night.</p><br clear="all"/>
Jagr, Rangers win and hope for good luck
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070413/ap_on_sp_ho_ga_su/hkn_rangers_thrashers"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070413/capt.8649723a74f141629ed55f5b1b8d6002.rangers_thrashers_hockey_gajb101.jpg?x=130&y=95&sig=FQbAydb2fpK4g9m7qlRt_w--" align="left" height="95" width="130" alt="New York Rangers' Jaromir Jagr, left, of Czech Republic, celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal in the first period an NHL playoff hockey game against the Atlanta Thrashers, Thursday, April 12, 2007, in Atlanta.(AP Photo/John Bazemore)" border="0" /></a>AP - Led by Jaromir Jagr, the New York Rangers scored the first two goals of Thursday night's playoff opener and held off Atlanta's comeback to beat the Thrashers 4-3.</p><br clear="all"/>
Damaged goods?
RB Adrian Peterson's career at Oklahoma was plagued by injuries, a concern for NFL teams and evaluators.
QB Bledsoe retires after 14 seasons (AP)
Drew Bledsoe retired Wednesday, ending a 14-season career in which he made two Super Bowls. The top overall pick by New England in the 1993 draft out of Washington State, the four-time Pro Bowl quarterback played for the Patriots, Buffalo Bills and Dallas Cowboys. He was a starter for all three teams, but ended up as a backup with the Cowboys.
Hall of Famer Swann may run for Congress (AP)
Lynn Swann is thinking about running for Congress. The former Pittsburgh Steelers star, a Republican who lost Pennsylvania's gubernatorial race last fall, said Thursday he has been approached to run for the Pittsburgh-area seat held by Democratic Rep. Jason Altmire. "I'm still collecting information," Swann, of Sewickley Heights, told The Associated Press in a phone interview.
Patriots-Colts, Saints-Bears meet in '07 (AP)
The New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts, who have developed one of the fiercest rivalries in the NFL, will meet in Indianapolis on Nov. 4 in what should be one of the highlights of the 2007 NFL season. That game will be a rematch of January's AFC title game, won by the Colts 38-34 after they fell behind 20-3.
Broncos sign free-agent WR Terrell (AP)
The Denver Broncos signed free agent wide receiver David Terrell to a one-year contract Thursday. The 28-year-old played for the Broncos in 2005, but was out of the NFL last season after Denver released him on Sept. 2. He previously played for the Chicago Bears and the New England Patriots. Terrell has 128 career receptions for 1,602 yards with nine touchdowns in 54 regular-season games.
Saints sign WR Patten to one-year deal (AP)
The New Orleans Saints signed receiver David Patten to a one-year contract Thursday, hoping the 10-year veteran can rebound from two disappointing seasons with the Washington Redskins. A Saints spokesman confirmed the deal, but couldn't release financial details. Patten was cut last month two seasons into a five-year, $13 million free-agent deal he signed with the Redskins after helping the New...
Quinn thinks he can turn a team around (AP)
Brady Quinn already has taken a down-and-out football team and turned it around. He figures he can do it again. That's why the Notre Dame quarterback believes he is highly qualified to immediately help a troubled NFL franchise -- and why he should be the first Fighting Irish player taken with the opening pick in the NFL draft in 35 years.
Pacman banned for '07, Henry 8 games (AP)
Roger Goodell isn't alone. Almost the entire NFL supports the commissioner's get-tough stand on off-field misbehavior. "I think the commissioner is trying to make a statement, and I think it's good," Indianapolis coach Tony Dungy said Tuesday after Goodell suspended Tennessee's Adam "Pacman" Jones for the 2007 season and Cincinnati's Chris Henry for the first half of it.
Lottery team wish lists
For clubs not headed to the NBA playoffs, here is what they need in the June draft to turn around their franchises and fortunes.
Kobe scores 50, but Clips rally to win (AP)
After scoring a career-high 39 points in the Los Angeles Clippers' most important game of the season, Corey Maggette said he was just grateful to be on the winning side. And upset about missing seven free throws. Maggette scored 10 points and Sam Cassell added eight during a 26-8 run to finish the game, giving the Clippers a 118-110 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night.
Cavs clinch home court for first round (AP)
For 12 minutes, the Cleveland Cavaliers drove, dunked and did anything they desired. And all New Jersey could do was watch. LeBron James looked primed for the postseason, scoring 35 points in 36 minutes, and the Cavaliers secured home-court advantage for the first round of the NBA playoffs with a 94-76 win Thursday night over the Nets, who blew a chance to inch closer to a berth.
Pistons clinch top seed in East with win (AP)
For one half Wednesday, it looked like the late 1990s at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Grant Hill was attacking the basket and scoring at will, just as he did in his prime with the Pistons a decade ago. In the second half, though, it was the current Pistons who took over the game. Detroit held Hill to four points in the second half, and they went on to a 104-99 victory over his Orlando Magic.
Mavericks sign Willis for rest of season (AP)
The Dallas Mavericks are going to keep 44-year-old center Kevin Willis around a little longer. Willis, the oldest active player in the NBA, was signed Thursday for the rest of the season after the 10-day contract he got on April 2 ran out. The 7-foot Willis has played only six minutes in two games for Dallas, which has clinched the No.
Heat clinch Southeast Division title (AP)
Just as they have so many times over the course of the season, the Miami Heat saw their depth pay big dividends. And the result was another Southeast Division crown -- not the ultimate goal, but a nice prize nonetheless. Antoine Walker scored 19 points and took two crucial charges late in the fourth quarter, Dwyane Wade added 16 points, seven assists and six rebounds, and the defending NBA champion...
Timberwolves F Garnett out indefinitely (AP)
Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star Kevin Garnett is out indefinitely with an injured right quadriceps. Vice president of basketball operations Kevin McHale said Wednesday night that the injury has bothered the former MVP for months, and that Garnett and his agent decided it was time to shut it down and seek a second opinion before going forward.
Streaking Nuggets extend Jazz's slump (AP)
The Utah Jazz have the Northwest Division title. The second-place Denver Nuggets have something more important heading into the postseason -- the confidence that comes from playing their best basketball of the season. Denver extended its winning streak to seven straight by beating the slumping Jazz 115-106 Wednesday night to clinch a playoff berth.
Suns strengthen hold on No. 2 in West (AP)
Phoenix coach Mike D'Antoni is tinkering with his starting lineup in the last week of the regular season. The results are the same -- a Suns victory. Shawn Marion had 24 points and 10 rebounds, and Phoenix stayed two games ahead of San Antonio in the fight for the No. 2 playoff spot in the Western Conference with a 109-91 victory Wednesday night over the depleted Seattle SuperSonics.
Indiana draws closer to eighth in East (AP)
Despite all their struggles, the Indiana Pacers are still right in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Mike Dunleavy scored 25 points, including four free throws in the final 7.7 seconds, and the Pacers pulled within a game of eighth-place Orlando in the East on Wednesday night with a 104-98 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.
Playoff observations
They settled everything in regulation Thursday as Buffalo and Detroit dominated while the Rangers and Devils survived.
Red Wings start quick, defeat Flames 4-1 (AP)
If the Detroit Red Wings could have scripted their playoff opener, it would have looked a lot like their 4-1 win Thursday night over the Calgary Flames. Detroit punished the Flames with checks and depth; its goaltending was solid; Pavel Datsyuk finally scored in the postseason; and Henrik Zetterberg played for the first time in two months.
Rangers spoil Thrashers' playoff debut (AP)
Jaromir Jagr scored the first goal of New York's playoff series against Atlanta, and the Rangers' leader couldn't have been more miserable. "I don't like to score the first goal," Jagr said. "That gives me bad luck. I scored the first goal this year and I struggled. I hate that." Led by Jagr, the Rangers scored the first two goals of Thursday night's opener and held off Atlanta's comeback to beat the...
Isles G DiPietro cleared to practice (AP)
Islanders starting goalie Rick DiPietro has been cleared for practice and could be ready to play Game 2 of New York's Eastern Conference first-round playoff series against Buffalo. DiPietro, out since March 25 when he sustained his second concussion, traveled to Buffalo in time to watch the Islanders' 4-1 loss to the Sabres on Thursday.
Sabres post methodical win over Isles (AP)
Rick DiPietro to the rescue? With their star goaltender cleared for practice for the first time in three weeks, the New York Islanders certainly need a boost after discovering how difficult it is to beat Buffalo when the No. 1-seeded Sabres are on top of their game. Chris Drury and Brian Campbell each scored two goals in helping the Sabres efficiently open the playoffs with a 4-1 win in their...
Parise snaps tie, lifts Devils to win (AP)
Zach Parise is the future of the New Jersey Devils. Fortunately for Martin Brodeur and company, the future is now. Parise, a 22-year-old who had a team-high 31 goals this season, scored two goals, including the winner early in the third period, leading the Devils to a 5-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning in their opening playoff game Thursday night.
Stars forced to regroup after 4OT loss (AP)
The Dallas Stars know better than most how hard it can be to overcome a long overtime loss. The Stars' five-overtime loss to Anaheim in 2003 was one of five games in NHL history that went longer than Wednesday night's 5-4 defeat to the Vancouver Canucks, which actually ended early Thursday morning local time after 78:06 of overtime.
Chelios sets playoff longevity record (AP)
Detroit Red Wings defenseman Chris Chelios set an NHL record Thursday by playing in the postseason for a 22nd time, facing Calgary in Game 1 of their first-round series. In his 23-season career, Chelios has been relegated to watching the playoffs only once. He has won two Stanley Cups. Hall of Famer Ray Bourque held the previous mark, appearing in 21 postseasons.
Injury adds to Predators-Sharks rivalry (AP)
The severity of Jonathan Cheechoo's injured right knee remained unknown Thursday with the San Jose Sharks wanting punishment for what they call a dirty hit. The Nashville Predators? They're not happy a penalty was called. It's safe to say the intensity in this Western Conference quarterfinal series has shot way up.
Pens behind Fleury despite lopsided loss (AP)
Marc-Andre Fleury stumbled in his NHL playoff debut yet the Pittsburgh Penguins are still squarely behind their promising young goaltender. Despite being pulled midway through the third period of Wednesday's 6-3 series-opening loss in Ottawa, Fleury will start Saturday in Game 2 of Pittburgh's first-round series against the Senators.
Trading Paint: Rolling and smoking
Ragan on pole in Texas, on front row with teammate Edwards (AP)
David Ragan earned his first NASCAR Busch Series pole Thursday night, edging Roush Racing teammate and series points leader Carl Edwards.
Kenseth surging since Daytona -- from 40th to 4th (AP)
Matt Kenseth was already behind before the first race, and wasn't in much better shape after it.
Earnhardt growing up through ownership role (AP)
Marcos Ambrose living every NASCAR fan's dream (AP)
Notes: Jarrett preparing for possible new career (AP)
Dale Jarrett, one of the Busch Series' founding drivers, will join ESPN2 as a booth analyst for Saturday's race...
Witness: "I didn't think anybody was alive in there" after Waltrip accident (AP)
The witness who discovered Michael Waltrip's overturned car initially thought no one survived the accident until the NASCAR driver wiggled out the back window.
Report: Waltrip cited for reckless driving (PA SportsTicker)
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (Ticker) - Michael Waltrip is having a tough year behind the wheel - and not just on the racetrack.
Busch's crew chief takes leave (AP)
Kurt Busch's crew chief has taken a leave of absence to be with his wife as she battles cancer.
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