Sports

Despite his outstanding postseason performance, Gasol is virtually left out in the fourth quarter of the 101-96 contest. 'We took too many three-point shots,' says Coach Phil Jackson.

It probably could be argued that Pau Gasol has been the best Laker in the postseason.

Mikael Samuelsson paired on the first line with the Sedin twins energized Vancouver’s attack in their 6-4 win on Wednesday.

One small change had a big impact in helping the Canucks pull even with the Kings and turn their playoff series into a best-of-three matchup entering Game 5 on Friday at GM Place.

The district received $1.4 million in pledges to help pay for teams next school year, and a long-term plan is expected to focus on securing corporate sponsorships.

One by one, athletes from the Los Angeles Unified School District stepped to the microphone Thursday and offered thanks to the community organizations and corporate sponsors that pledged $1.4 million to help the City Section sports program avoid cutbacks that would have folded teams and forced out coaches next school year.

David Stern's order, basically telling Phil Jackson to shut up, is taking the fun out of the postseason.

David Stern's order, basically telling Phil Jackson to shut up, is taking the fun out of the postseason.

Joe Saunders' rough start and a lack of timely hits spell doom against the Tigers.

Juan Rivera and Howie Kendrick had the night off. For rest, you know. Meantime, the primary Angels quandary regarded whether the backup closer was better than the starting closer.

With his shot not falling early on, he defends Bryant in the fourth quarter and stops him cold.

With his shot not falling early on, he defends Bryant in the fourth quarter and stops him cold.

Kevin Durant wins duel with Kobe Bryant, and Oklahoma City gets back in the series with a 101-96 victory in Game 3.

Kevin Durant wins duel with Kobe Bryant, and Oklahoma City gets back in the series with a 101-96 victory in Game 3.

The Lakers needed good Kobe to carry them in the fourth quarter, but all they got was bad Kobe.

The Lakers needed good Kobe to carry them in the fourth quarter, but all they got was bad Kobe.

Starter Joe Saunders is pulled in the third inning in 5-4 loss.

Justin Verlander labored through five innings for his first win in four starts since signing a long-term contract, and the Detroit Tigers' bullpen came through again in a 5-4 victory over the Angels on Thursday night.

Kobe Bryant misses eight of 10 shots in the fourth quarter and Oklahoma City cuts its deficit to 2-1 in best-of-seven game series.

The relievers each give up two runs in the seventh as the Reds rally to defeat the Dodgers.

Different names, same problem.

Five of the top six players selected are from the Big 12 Conference, including top pick Sam Bradford. Broncos take Florida's Tim Tebow at No. 24.

Five of the top six players selected are from the Big 12 Conference, including top pick Sam Bradford. Broncos take Florida's Tim Tebow at No. 24.

The receiver, who has been impressive, has an elbow sprain and may need wrist surgery.

Receiver Ronald Johnson was the offensive star for most of USC's spring practice, showing improved route running and a knack for getting open and making big plays.

The team's cleanup hitter has to leave in the sixth inning after straining a right calf muscle and the bullpen again can't do the job in an 8-5 loss to the Reds.

The team's cleanup hitter has to leave in the sixth inning after straining a right calf muscle and the bullpen again can't do the job in an 8-5 loss to the Reds.

Manager Mike Scioscia will continue to call on the closer despite problems in loss to Detroit Tigers on Wednesday.

It's hard to avoid controversy when established players get hurt and the backups more than fill their shoes. Such is the case with the Angels, concerning relief pitchers Brian Fuentes (the established) and Fernando Rodney (the backup).

Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford is selected first by the St. Louis Rams.

With the 31st pick, Indianapolis selects defensive end Jerry Hughes of TCU. Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford went to St. Louis with the first overall pick.

Manny Ramirez leaves the game in the sixth inning with a strained right calf as Dodgers fall to Reds, 8-5.

CINCINNATI -- Scott Rolen hit a go-ahead, two-run double to spark a seventh-inning rally and rookie Mike Leake earned his first major league victory in the Cincinnati Reds' 8-5 win over the Dodgers on Thursday night.

Senior offensive tackle doesn’t let Bruins take their traditional day off from practice.

UCLA football players ran into a wall they couldn't go over or get past this week … senior tackle Micah Kia .