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Pistons reach 5th straight Eastern final
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070518/ap_on_sp_bk_ga_su/bkn_pistons_bulls"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070518/capt.487bbff369db4a36ae6553edf6baecdb.aptopix_pistons_bulls_basketball_cxa102.jpg?x=130&y=115&sig=qwMPp8hNy4xe3Bfzekzyxw--" align="left" height="115" width="130" alt="Detroit Pistons' Chauncey Billups drives against the Chicago Bulls' P.J. Brown and Kirk Hinrich during the first quarter of an NBA basketball second-round playoff game Thursday, May 17, 2007, in Chicago. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)" border="0" /></a>AP - Chauncey Billups mentioned how quiet the United Center was after the game. If there's one benefit to closing out a series on the road, that's it. "In a strange sort of way it always feels better to close it out on the road," Billups said. "That silence, like church."</p><br clear="all"/>
Selanne breaks out as Ducks even series
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070518/ap_on_sp_ho_ga_su/hkn_red_wings_ducks"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070518/capt.bf3f6d030cae45f4a2cd13fa2325a4d0.red_wings_ducks_hockey_ana105.jpg?x=130&y=93&sig=3jn8dmjN8KAnWNvV0g0iEw--" align="left" height="93" width="130" alt="Anaheim Ducks defenseman Ric Jackman, upper left, celebrates his goal against the Detroit Red Wings with right wing Teemu Selanne, Ryan Getzlaf and Dustin Penner during the first period of their NHL Western Conference finals hockey game in Anaheim, Calif., Thursday, May 17, 2007. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)" border="0" /></a>AP - Coming off a lopsided loss, missing perhaps their best player, the Anaheim Ducks blew an early lead and were outshot from the start. They still found a way to even their Western Conference finals against the Detroit Red Wings.</p><br clear="all"/>
Red Sox sweep doubleheader with Tigers
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070518/ap_on_sp_ba_ga_su/bba_tigers_red_sox"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070518/capt.6fb92110c08e47b3b2815d2040246a30.correction_tigers_red_sox_baseball_mack109.jpg?x=130&y=86&sig=gCqC2ABXl4LE5F1Q94MZSA--" align="left" height="86" width="130" alt="Boston Red Sox's Eric Hinske, right, is congratulated by Jason Varitek after his two-run home run against the Detroit Tigers in the eighth inning of a baseball game Thursday, May 17, 2007, at Fenway Park in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)" border="0" /></a>AP - Eric Hinske slammed his face on the ground on a spectacular, run-saving catch then smacked the ball over the fence for a go-ahead homer. The second hit felt better "because it didn't hurt," he said with a smile.</p><br clear="all"/>
Mets rally for 5 in the 9th to stun Cubs
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070518/ap_on_sp_ba_ga_su/bbn_cubs_mets"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070517/capt.99c342cd295f43ab87b3ecd6a8048079.cubs_mets_baseball_nys110.jpg?x=130&y=99&sig=lm109yBFRSpRE.InwstB6w--" align="left" height="99" width="130" alt="New York Mets' Ruben Gotay celebrates the Mets come-from-behind 6-5 win over the Chicago Cubs after he scored the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning in their baseball game at Shea Stadium in New York, Thursday, May 17, 2007. Googay scored on Carlos Delgado's two-run single off Cubs reliever Ryan Dempster. Cubs catcher Henry Blanco is dejected as home plate umpire Eric Cooper signals the runner safe. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)" border="0" /></a>AP - The New York Mets spent most of the afternoon resting up for the Subway Series. Then in one sudden burst, they went rushing into their biggest rivalry. Carlos Delgado's two-run single capped a five-run rally in the bottom of the ninth inning and set off a wild celebration at home plate, and the Mets startled the Chicago Cubs 6-5 Thursday.</p><br clear="all"/>
Lee leads Ochoa by 2 at Sybase Classic
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070517/ap_on_sp_go_su/glf_lpga_tour"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070517/capt.86cb29e4535444de94b3c03ac21d95ae.lpga_tour_golf_njme110.jpg?x=130&y=88&sig=45E3HMRqjHPvqeZ5zOw6Zg--" align="left" height="88" width="130" alt="Sarah Lee, of South Korea, watches her tee shot on 13 during first round golf at the LPGA Sybase Classic in Clifton, N.J., on Thursday, May 17, 2007. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)" border="0" /></a>AP - Had it not been for been Sarah Lee, defending champion Lorena Ochoa would be atop the leaderboard again at the Sybase Classic. Lee shot a bogey-free 6-under 66 to take a two-stroke lead over Ochoa and four others after the first round of the $1.4 million Sybase Classic on Thursday.</p><br clear="all"/>
Rod Smith says bum hip hampered him
(AP)
AP - Rod Smith insists he's still pretty hip even at age 37. The 14th-year pro who holds all of Denver's career receiving marks said Thursday that his bum left hip — and not age — caused him to lose a step last season.
Pistons oust Bulls to advance in NBA playoffs
(AFP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070518/sp_afp/basketnbaeast"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/afp/20070518/capt.sge.elz80.180507064249.photo00.photo.default-352x512.jpg?x=89&y=130&sig=upJGr1CQMhroeumJfK0wFA--" align="left" height="130" width="89" alt="Luol Deng (C) of the Chicago Bulls attempts a shot against Tayshaun Prince (L), Antonio McDyess (R) and Rasheed Wallace (Front) of the Detroit Pistons in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2007 NBA Playoffs at the United Center 17 May in Chicago, Illinois. The Pistons advanced to the Eastern Conference final for the fifth year in a row by beating Chicago 95-85(AFP/Getty Images/Scott Olson)" border="0" /></a>AFP - Richard Hamilton scored 23 points and the Detroit Pistons advanced to the National Basketball Association's Eastern Conference final for the fifth year in a row by beating Chicago 95-85 Thursday.</p><br clear="all"/>
Red Sox sweep Tigers in doubleheader
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070518/ap_on_sp_ba_ga_su/bba_al_rdp"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070518/capt.ca9bc03814ed4199acfac42e8761e2c1.tigers_red_sox_baseball_mack112.jpg?x=114&y=130&sig=9qLkG_H4Ci2X6rzW2Mrd8A--" align="left" height="130" width="114" alt="Boston Red Sox's Eric Hinske smiles as he heads to the dugout after belting a two-run home run, breaking a 2-2 tie, off Detroit Tigers pitcher Wilfredo Ledezma, in the eighth inning of their baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston, Thursday May 17, 2007. The Red Sox beat the Tigers 4-2. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)" border="0" /></a>AP - Eric Hinske took one on the chin and then delivered the knockout punch for the Boston Red Sox.</p><br clear="all"/>
Cooper, Toja lead FC Dallas past Fire
(AP)
AP - Kenny Cooper opened the scoring and Juan Toja got the winning goal as FC Dallas beat the Chicago Fire 2-1 in the MLS on Thursday night.
Miller saves Sabres' season with win
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070517/ap_on_sp_ho_ga_su/hkn_sabres_senators"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070517/capt.257c120adecc483bb11785af42d9b858.sabres_senators_hockey_pch110.jpg?x=130&y=97&sig=y2UCAhRLYmgmkn6Tow5LFg--" align="left" height="97" width="130" alt="Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller looses sight of the puck as he makes a save off the Ottawa Senators during second period of Game 4 of NHL Eastern Conference hockey finals Wednesday, May 16, 2007, in Ottawa. (AP Photo/Jonathan Hayward, CP)" border="0" /></a>AP - Ryan Miller prevented the Buffalo Sabres from being swept out of the playoffs. Yet, the Presidents' Trophy winners still have a long way to go to climb back into the Eastern Conference finals against the Ottawa Senators. One step at a time, Miller said after stopping 31 shots — including 15 in the third period — to preserve a 3-2 win in Game 4 on Wednesday night.</p><br clear="all"/>
Mutual interest between Titans, Keyshawn (AP)
The Tennessee Titans need an experienced receiver to help Vince Young, and said Thursday they are interested in veteran Keyshawn Johnson. "There's mutual interest I'd say right now," coach Jeff Fisher said. "I think we'll probably look into the possibility of pursuing things. Where that goes, I can't tell you." Johnson will visit the Titans on Friday.
Indy hoping to secure 2011 Super Bowl (AP)
As NFL owners prepare to pick the host city for the 2011 Super Bowl, city leaders in Indianapolis said they are confident they have lined up the amenities and funds necessary to make a strong pitch for the championship game. Deputy Mayor Steve Campbell said the city's bid committee will be able to raise $20 million to $25 million before next week's owners' meeting in Nashville, Tenn.
QB Schaub taking over as Texans leader (AP)
Matt Schaub wasted no time getting started on establishing himself as the leader of the Houston Texans. The day he was traded from Atlanta, the quarterback was on the phone calling key members of the team to introduce himself and let them know what to expect from him. "That was big," Pro Bowl receiver Andre Johnson said after Houston's minicamp Thursday.
Favre now expected to attend minicamp (AP)
 Packers quarterback Brett Favre has changed his mind and now is expected to attend the team's mandatory minicamp this weekend, a person familiar with the situation said Wednesday. The person, who requested anonymity because neither side planned to officially announce Favre's intention to attend, said Favre is now expected to be present when the three-day minicamp opens in Green Bay on Friday.
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McNair not distracted despite DUI case (AP)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Steve McNair doesn't seem to be distracted by his pending driving under the influence case. The three-time Pro Bowl passer appeared to be in good shape and threw crisp passes Thursday during the Ravens' voluntary minicamp. McNair was arrested May 9 in Nashville, Tenn., on a misdemeanor offense often referred to as DUI by consent.
Dolphins sign sons of two Hall of Famers (AP)
The Miami Dolphins added Hall of Fame bloodlines to their roster Thursday, signing safety David Lofton and receiver Michael Malone as undrafted free agents. Lofton's father is James Lofton, an NFL receiver from 1978-93 who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2003. Malone's father is Moses Malone, who played pro basketball from 1974-95 and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame...
Tank talks to Goodell, no discipline yet (AP)
 Chicago Bears defensive tackle Tank Johnson met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Wednesday to discuss legal problems that landed the player in jail, but no discipline was immediately handed down by the league. The meeting in New York came three days after Johnson was released from the Cook County Jail, where he served 60 days of a 120-day sentence for violating probation on a weapons charge.
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Pistons win Game 6, finish off Bulls (AP)
 Chauncey Billups mentioned how quiet the United Center was after the game. If there's one benefit to closing out a series on the road, that's it. "In a strange sort of way it always feels better to close it out on the road," Billups said. "That silence, like church." That quiet didn't come easily, but finally, the Pistons can breathe a little easier.
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Camby turns down offer to play for U.S. (AP)
Marcus Camby wanted to help the U.S. Team qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, but the Denver Nuggets' star is putting his family before the flag. Camby, the NBA's defensive player of the year, declined an invitation from USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo to participate in the team's camp in Las Vegas this summer because of a pressing family matter.
Suns' reinforcements ready for Game 6 (AP)
Talking about Amare Stoudemire's return Friday night for Game 6, Phoenix Suns coach Mike D'Antoni went for the understatement. "That'll help," D'Antoni said Thursday. Stoudemire and Boris Diaw were suspended for Game 5 on Wednesday night for leaving the bench during a minor scuffle late in Game 4. Without the two players, the Suns lost 88-85 and the Spurs grabbed a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven...
Nets overcome ugly 4th to force Game 6 (AP)
After the fourth quarter they played in Game 5, the New Jersey Nets were lucky they didn't spend Thursday cleaning out their lockers for the summer. Instead, they were back on the practice court, gearing up for Friday night's Game 6 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Nelson unsure he'll coach next season (AP)
Coach Don Nelson isn't sure he'll return to guide the Golden State Warriors through the next stage of their resurgence. And without their beloved Nellie, even the Warriors aren't certain they could duplicate the tantalizing promise they showed late in a memorable season. Nelson plans to decide by July 1 whether he'll be back for another year with the Warriors, whose surprising playoff run ended...
IRS says Warriors owner Cohan owes $160M (AP)
Now that his team is out of the NBA playoffs, Golden State Warriors owner Chris Cohan has another fight to wage -- with the federal government. The Internal Revenue Service says Cohan owes more than $160 million in back income taxes and penalties from the 1998 sale of a cable television company. The IRS claims Cohan set up three tax shelters to avoid a hefty bill after selling cable TV company...
Jazz still waiting to see who's up next (AP)
 The Utah Jazz still don't know if they should worry about Tim Duncan or Steve Nash. The Jazz returned to practice Thursday after a day off, still not knowing who they will be playing in the Western Conference finals. San Antonio leads the series against Phoenix 3-2 and can wrap it up Friday at home. Or Phoenix can force a Game 7, which would leave the Jazz's next opponent up in the air until Sunday.
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Oklahoma City lands CBA expansion team (AP)
Professional basketball will return to Oklahoma City this fall, although it will be a different league. The Continental Basketball Association said Wednesday that it will place an expansion franchise next season in Oklahoma City, where the NBA's New Orleans Hornets played most of their home games the past two seasons following Hurricane Katrina.
Mavericks' Nowitzki wins NBA MVP honors (AP)
 As a teenager in Germany, Dirk Nowitzki stayed up late to watch the NBA finals and got up early to watch All-Star games. He worked on his shot every day and came home to a room with a poster of Scottie Pippen on the wall. Barely 20 when he was drafted, Nowitzki wasn't sure he was ready for the NBA. Even after his rookie season, he wondered "if I had it, if I was going to make it in this league." "I...
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Reports: Adelman interviews with Rockets (AP)
Former NBA coach Rick Adelman has talked to the Houston Rockets about the coaching job currently held by Jeff Van Gundy, according to media reports Tuesday night. KRIV-TV, citing anonymous league sources, reported Adelman flew to Southampton, N.Y., for a meeting at the home of Rockets owner Leslie Alexander.
Selanne, Ducks win Game 4, even series (AP)
 Coming off a lopsided loss, missing perhaps their best player, the Anaheim Ducks blew an early lead and were outshot from the start. They still found a way to even their Western Conference finals against the Detroit Red Wings. Teemu Selanne snapped out of his scoring slump with a goal and two assists, and Ryan Getzlaf scored the go-ahead goal Thursday night to help the Ducks beat the Red Wings 5-3...
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Sens confident despite failing to sweep (AP)
 It's going to take more than the Ottawa Senators' first playoff loss this month to rattle forward Jason Spezza and his teammates. After all, they have a commanding 3-1 edge over the Buffalo Sabres in the Eastern Conference finals, and remain one victory from clinching their first trip to the Stanley Cup finals.
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Sabres C Zubrus unlikely to play Game 5 (AP)
Sabres center Dainius Zubrus is unlikely to play Saturday when Buffalo hosts the Ottawa Senators in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals. Zubrus, acquired from Washington in a trade-deadline deal in March, has been hampered by a lower body injury that limited him to just four minutes of ice time in Buffalo's 3-2 win in Game 4 on Wednesday.
Flyers, Kukkonen agree to two-year deal (AP)
Lasse Kukkonen agreed to a two-year contract with Philadelphia on Thursday, the third free agent the Flyers have signed in the last week. Kukkonen had five goals and 14 points in 74 games for the Flyers and the Chicago Blackhawks last season. The defenseman led all NHL rookies in blocked shots with 151.
Blackhawks sign Toews to three-year deal (AP)
First-round draft pick Jonathan Toews signed a three-year, entry level contract with the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday. The 19-year-old center, a standout at North Dakota, scored two goals and added five assists for gold-medal winning Canada at this year's world junior hockey championships. Toews was one of the youngest members of the team that won the tournament the past two years.
Capitals agree to terms with C Backstrom (AP)
The Washington Capitals agreed to terms Wednesday with Nicklas Backstrom, the No. 4 overall pick in last year's draft. Backstrom, who will sign a three-year, entry-level contract, was considered a major piece of the Capitals' rebuilding plans when they drafted him a year ago, but the 19-year-old center decided to remain in his native Sweden for another season.
French racer Gregoire hospitalized after crash (AFP)
Frenchman Stephan Gregoire was hospitalized with a fractured vertebrae after crashing here Thursday during a practice session for weekend qualifying for the 91st Indianapolis 500.
Former NASCAR champion Elliott returns on part-time basis (PA SportsTicker)
HARRISBURG, North Carolina (Ticker) -- Bill Elliott apparently still has the itch to get behind the wheel.
Stewart will test his TV talent (AP)
First radio, now TV. Two-time Cup champion Tony Stewart will test his broadcast talents Saturday, when he works...
Newman's team wins Pit Crew Challenge (AP)
Known for playing games of touch football before races, Ryan Newman's pit crew made another name for itself.
Earnhardt merchandise up despite DEI defection (AP)
Sales of Dale Earnhardt Jr. merchandise has skyrocketed 107 percent in the week since NASCAR's most popular driver said he was leaving his late father's company at the end of the season.
Hamlin's crew shaken up after pit road mistakes (AP)
Denny Hamlin's crew was overhauled Wednesday, three days after the driver blamed the group for costing him a win.
Earnhardt docked 100 points, crew chief fined, suspended (AP)
 Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s split from DEI was already a soap opera. Cheating allegations have now made it a scandal.
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Rain gives Montoya time to wonder about Junior (AP)
Curled up in a leather recliner in his motor home, Juan Pablo Montoya watched TV in his home theater during a rain delay at Darlington Raceway.
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