WASHINGTON (AP) — David West had a game-high 29 points, six rebounds and four assists as the Indiana Pacers beat Washington 93-80 to advantage to the Eastern Conference finals against Miami. Lance Stephenson added 17 points on 8-of-13 from the field for the Pacers, who shot over 50 percent. Indiana blew a 16-point lead in the second half before closing the series on a 20-6 run.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Oklahoma City Thunder have beaten the Los Angeles Clippers 104-98 to earn the right to face the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA’s Western Conference finals. Kevin Durant hit five of his eight 3-point attempts and scored 25 of his game-high 39 points in the second half. Russell Westbrook shot just 4-for-15 but finished with 19 points and 12 assists to help the Thunder overcome Chris Paul’s 25 points and 11 assists.
BOSTON (AP) — Prosecutors have announced new murder charges against Aaron Hernandez, saying the former New England Patriots tight end ambushed and shot to death two men following a chance encounter inside a Boston nightclub. The victims in the July 2012 shooting were killed in a car as they waited at a red light in Boston’s South End neighborhood, a few weeks before Hernandez signed a five-year deal worth about $40 million. Hernandez is awaiting trial in the separate 2013 shooting death of 27-year-old Odin Lloyd.
UNDATED (AP) — The Browns have agreed to contract terms with free agent wide receiver Miles Austin, insurance in case Pro Bowler Josh Gordon is suspended. The two-time Pro Bowler was released by the Dallas Cowboys two months ago in a salary-cap move. The 29-year-old played in just 11 games last season because of injuries.
NEW YORK (AP) — St. Louis Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. will lead the committee to find a successor to baseball Commissioner Bud Selig (SEE’-lihg), who is scheduled to retire in January. The committee already has started meeting and is to identify the candidate or candidates for Major League Baseball’s executive council, which will make a recommendation to owners. Selig sidestepped whether he would remain as commissioner emeritus, saying details would be worked out in the coming months.
