NBA Basketball
Sky-Sun Preview (AP)
A win over the Chicago Sky prior to the WNBA's Olympic hiatus jump-started the Connecticut Sun's current winning streak. Now, the surging Sun will try to extend their season-high run to seven games on Friday when they host the Sky, who are coming off of a tough loss. Eastern … [Link]
Bird scores 19 to lead Storm past Sky 70-62 (AP)
Sue Bird scored 19 points to help the Seattle Storm clinch a playoff berth with a 70-62 victory over the Chicago Sky on Thursday night. Camille Little had 13 points and Yolanda Griffith added 10 for Seattle (20-10), which moved into sole possession of first place in the West and secured a fifth … [Link]
Oden still a rookie in second season (AP)
He was drafted more than 14 months ago, and even then he looked too old to be a first-year player, so it's easy to forget that Greg Oden is technically a rookie. Sidelined all season after knee surgery, the top pick in the 2007 draft never got to compete with No. 2 selection Kevin Durant for … [Link]
Howard wants another shot at gold in '12 (AP)
Dwight Howard and his Olympic gold medal have been nearly inseparable since the Beijing Games. And the Orlando Magic center would like another one. Howard hopes to be on the roster for the 2012 London Games so he can defend his Olympic title and capture his second gold medal. "I want to be a … [Link]
Monarchs-Mercury Preview (AP)
Last year, the Phoenix Mercury were in the midst of a postseason run that saw them breeze through the Western Conference playoffs on the way to their first WNBA championship. Now, one more loss means the Mercury likely won't get a chance to defend their title. Phoenix faces a near must-win … [Link]
Vitale talks way into Hall of Fame (AP)
Pat Riley, Patrick Ewing and Hakeem Olajuwon are the biggest names being inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Friday. When the speeches are given, though, they may see their spotlight stolen by a man who was fired after less than two years as an NBA coach. Dick Vitale is being … [Link]
Pat Riley enters Hall of Fame on Friday (AP)
Moments before entering the Hall of Fame, Pat Riley could barely control his emotions. Here Riley stood, championship ring on his finger and eyes misting ever so slightly, speaking of the 16 coaches whose philosophies were shaped into what became a legendary NBA career. He spoke of his mother, his … [Link]
Sparks-Silver Stars Preview (AP)
While Lisa Leslie, Candace Parker and DeLisha Milton-Jones were busy leading the United States to a gold medal during the WNBA's Olympic break, the rest of the Los Angeles Sparks focused on defense during practice. The team's top scorers have returned, and seem to have bought into that … [Link]
Fever-Shock Preview (AP)
The Indiana Fever lost twice to the Detroit Shock in the first two weeks of the WNBA season as Detroit got off to the league's fastest start. With the Shock stumbling to the finish line, the Fever now have their eye on catching them in the Eastern Conference playoff race. To do that, … [Link]
Dream-Liberty Preview (AP)
The New York Liberty were one of the league's hottest teams heading into the WNBA's month-long Olympic break, but that momentum seemed to have disappeared in their first two games back. They're hoping they rediscovered it with a thrilling win in their latest game. New York looks to … [Link]
Perth owner sets high bar
IT'S been eight long years since Perth tasted NBL Championship glory and the club's millionaire chairman Jack Bendat is getting rather impatient. [Link]
Mercury hold off Lynx (AP)
Diana Taurasi scored 19 of her 32 points in the second half to help the Phoenix Mercury beat the Minnesota Lynx 103-96 on Wednesday night. … [Link]
Rookie program ousts Chalmers, Arthur (AP)
Former Kansas stars Mario Chalmers and Darrell Arthur were sent home Wednesday from the NBA's mandatory rookie transition program for violating unspecified league rules. Both the Miami Heat, who acquired Chalmers in a draft-night trade, and agent Sam Goldfeder confirmed to The Associated Press … [Link]
Spurs' Ginobili undergoes ankle surgery (AP)
San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili had arthroscopic surgery to repair a ligament injury in his left ankle. The Spurs said Wednesday that the surgery in Los Angeles had gone well and Ginobili will be in a splint and on crutches for three weeks. Then, his rehabilitation schedule will be determined … [Link]
Oklahoma City's nickname to be Thunder (AP)
Thunder can be heard from miles away, an early warning that a storm is about to arrive. So, perhaps it's only fitting that the name of … [Link]
GB slip to Euro qualifying defeat
Luol Deng cannot inspire Great Britain to victory in their opening European qualifier against Israel. [Link]
Storm-Sky Preview (AP)
The Storm look to finish their three-game road trip with a winning record on Thursday night when they visit the Sky. [Link]
Ere signs up with Tigers
THE Melbourne Tigers' NBL championship defence received a major boost - at the expense of local rivals the South Dragons - with the signing of star player Ebi Ere. [Link]
Liberty beats Comets 90-87 in OT (AP)
Janel McCarville scored a career-high 34 points and Lisa Willis added a career-high 19 to help the New York Liberty beat the Houston … [Link]
Archibald joy at Spanish return
Robert Archibald is relieved to have secured a return to the Spanish League with Malaga following an unhappy spell in Ukraine. [Link]