Kobe's goal for final game: Play at highest level 6:02 AM ET print LOS ANGELES -- The next time Lakers icon Kobe Bryant appears on the Staples Center court, it will be for the final game of his NBA career. Has Bryant looked forward to that final game, April 13 against the Utah Jazz, and imagined what it will be like? "I try not to do it too much," Bryant said Wednesday night, "and … [Read more...]
Basketball Daily Dose: Dose: Rest for the Wicked
Basketball Daily Dose: Dose: Rest for the Wicked It was a night of rest for several big dogs, including Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, John Wall and LeBron James. Here’s who showed up to play and what happened on an eight-game Wednesday night. Follow me on Twitter! Pacers 123, Cavaliers 109 – The Pacers got a gift as they fight for their playoff lives, as LeBron James got the night off for the … [Read more...]
John McGrath: M's try to figure out how to help draft picks progress — not regress – The Olympian (blog)
John McGrath: M's try to figure out how to help draft picks progress — not regress - The Olympian (blog) When general manager Jerry Dipoto cleaned out the Mariners front office last fall with a zeal that presaged his aggressive overturning of the Seattle roster, it seemed inevitable that Tom McNamara, the team’s director of amateur scouting, would be among those looking for another job. Of … [Read more...]
Hundreds of Russian sportspeople used meldonium in the past: Ifax (Reuters)
Hundreds of Russian sportspeople used meldonium in the past: Ifax (Reuters) MOSCOW (Reuters) - Several hundred Russian sportspeople used to take meldonium when it was not banned, and Russian anti-doping services know who can be tested for the banned substance, Interfax news agency on Thursday quoted Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko as saying. Up to 30 percent of all Russian sports teams … [Read more...]
Dodgers set scoreless IP record after close call
Dodgers set scoreless IP record after close call The Padres looked like they'd done it. In their 24th inning of the season, it looked like, at long last, they'd finally scored their first run. Yet fate had other plans. With runners on the corners and one away, Wil Myers hit a bouncer to Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. Given the Dodgers' five-run lead, it was reasonable to expect Gonzalez to … [Read more...]
NBA Playoff Picture: Dallas opens up options, pushes Houston back
NBA Playoff Picture: Dallas opens up options, pushes Houston back With just a week left in the NBA's regular season, several games per night make a big difference in the fights for playoff berths and seeding. This post catches you up on everything that matters to these races. GAMES THAT MATTERED A LOT Texas justice: Wednesday's tilt between the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks carried … [Read more...]
Around 40 Russian athletes under investigation for meldonium use: Ifax (Reuters)
Around 40 Russian athletes under investigation for meldonium use: Ifax (Reuters) MOSCOW (Reuters) - A total of around 40 Russian athletes are currently under an investigation for using the banned meldonium substance, Interfax news agency on Thursday quoted Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko as saying. "If we talk about meldonium, the main task now is to stabilize the situation and minimize … [Read more...]
Alison Bender interview; World Soccer Talk Radio (4.6.16)
Alison Bender interview; World Soccer Talk Radio (4.6.16) The latest episode of World Soccer Talk Radio features an interview with Alison Bender, the former Chelsea TV reporter who has now expanded her role at ESPN FC. As well as revealing some of ESPN’s plans for Euro 2016, she shares her opinion about Antonio Conte being hired as the […] The latest episode of World Soccer Talk Radio … [Read more...]
NHL Three Stars: Howard blanks Flyers; Oilers close out Rexall
NHL Three Stars: Howard blanks Flyers; Oilers close out Rexall No. 1 Star: Jimmy Howard, Detroit Red Wings The Detroit netminder recorded his 22nd career shutout and third win in a row during a huge 3-0 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. Darren Helm and Andreas Athanasiou scored in the opening two periods and Kyle Quincey sealed things with an empty-netter late to help the Red Wings keep … [Read more...]
James Harden does it all until Mavs smother him, Rockets
James Harden does it all until Mavs smother him, Rockets 2:38 AM ET Calvin WatkinsESPN Staff Writer Close Calvin Watkins covers the Houston Rockets and the NBA for ESPN.com. He joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009. He's covered the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers as well as colleges, boxing and high school sports. print DALLAS -- The Houston Rockets' best player is James Harden. … [Read more...]