Celtics roll past 76ers to take 2-1 lead

PHILADELPHIA (AP) Kevin Garnett yapped his way down the court after big baskets and clearly enjoyed taking it to the 76ers.

Rajon Rondo pushed the ball and relentlessly attacked the lane.

Paul Pierce gutted out a knee injury and grinded his way to the free throw line.

(Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)

Devils rally past Rangers to tie series

NEW YORK (AP) David Clarkson's deflected goal 2:31 into the third period snapped a tie and lifted the New Jersey Devils to a 3-2 victory over the New York Rangers that evened the Eastern Conference finals at one game apiece on Wednesday night.

Clarkson built off the momentum created by Ryan Carter's goal late in the second period that tied the game, 2-2. Ilya Kovalchuk had given the Devils a 1-0 lead with a power-play goal in the first. Defenseman Bryce Salvador added two assists, and Martin Brodeur stopped 23 saves for the win. (MORE)

Lakers look to rebound from blowout loss

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) For a megastar on a tradition-rich franchise with 16 NBA championships, Kobe Bryant has no problem admitting how the Los Angeles Lakers' shortcomings have popped up repeatedly this season.

Bryant plopped down in a chair courtside at Chesapeake Energy Arena after the Lakers' practice Tuesday and talked shamelessly about their second blowout loss in five days - this one by 29 points - and what it will take to challenge the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals. (MORE)

Pacers' Bird voted NBA Executive of Year
Everything always seemed to come so easily for Larry Bird on a basketball court. The way the ball appeared almost destined to swish through the net every time he finished his lightning-quick release with a flick of his right wrist. The way he could suck a defender in while running the break, only to zip a no-look pass to a cutting Boston Celtics teammate for an easy bucket. (MORE)

Coyotes F Hanzal suspended for Game 3
NEW YORK (AP) Phoenix Coyotes forward Martin Hanzal has been suspended one game for a hit on Los Angeles Kings forward Dustin Brown. The NHL announced the penalty Wednesday, a day after Hanzal was assessed a major penalty and game misconduct for boarding at 11:01 of the third period in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals series. (MORE)

Jays' Lawrie suspended 4 games, appeals
TORONTO (AP) Brett Lawrie heard the penalty, then expressed just one regret about his tantrum: that his batting helmet bounced up and hit an umpire. Major League Baseball suspended Lawrie for four games and fined him an undisclosed amount Wednesday, a day after the Toronto third baseman got into an altercation with umpire Bill Miller. (MORE)

Lakers' Ebanks fined $25K, Bynum $15K

Bodemeister 8-5 favorite for Preakness
BALTIMORE (AP) Just like in the Kentucky Derby, Bodemeister is the favorite in the Preakness. This time, Bob Baffert intends to justify the odds. (MORE)

Fine's wife threatens lawsuit vs. ESPN

Clemens' lawyer attacks McNamee's memory

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