SAN ANTONIO (AP) β Tim Duncan poured in 27 points and the San Antonio Spurs shot nearly 58 percent in taking Game 1 of the NBA’s Western Conference finals, 122-105 over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Manu Ginobili (MAN’-oo jih-NOH’-blee) finished with 18 points, while Tony Parker added 14 and 12 assists in his first game since injuring his hamstring in the Spurs’ clincher against Portland during the conference semifinals. Kevin Durant led the Thunder with 28 points and Russell Westbrook added 25, but the rest of Oklahoma City’s starters combined for just five points on 2-for-10 shooting.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) β The Memphis Grizzlies’ early exit from the playoffs has claimed a couple of suits in the front office. The Grizzlies have parted with team CEO Jason Levien and director of player personnel Stu Lash in a front-office shake-up that follows the Grizzlies’ elimination in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace assumes interim responsibility for basketball operations.
MONTREAL (AP) β The New York Rangers own a 2-0 lead in the NHL’s Eastern Conference finals after scoring the last three goals in a 3-1 triumph over the Canadiens in Montreal. Henrik Lundqvist made 19 of his 40 saves in the third period and blanked the Canadiens after Max Pacioretty (pash-uh-RET’-ee) scored 6:14 into the game, 17 seconds before Ryan McDonagh tied it. Rick Nash notched the game-winner later in the first period, and Martin St. Louis (mahr-TAN’ san loo-EE’) added a power-play goal just a day after attending his mother’s funeral.
ST. LOUIS (AP) β The St. Louis Blues have re-signed goalie Brian Elliott to a three-year contract. Elliott was 18-6-2 with four shutouts, a 1.96 goals-against average and .922 save percentage. The Blues also say they won’t pursue a new contract with goaltender Ryan Miller, who becomes a free agent on July 1.
NEW YORK (AP) β Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner California Chrome will be allowed to wear a nasal strip when he goes for the Triple Crown at Belmont Park next month. Stewards have cleared the horse to use the strip he wore while winning the Derby and Saturday’s Preakness. New York tracks have a rule prohibiting any equipment not specifically approved by stewards, and nasal strips were not on the list.
