UNDATED (AP) - The Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic picked up
key victories yesterday. The Celtics leapfrogged over Miami for the
NBA's Eastern Conference lead as Rajon Rondo (RAH'-zhahn RAHN'-doh)
had a triple-double of 11 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds in an
85-82 triumph over the Heat. Dwight Howard's 31 points and 13
rebounds led the Magic to an 89-75 stifling of the Los Angeles
Lakers.
CLEVELAND (AP) - The Washington Wizards have halted their
season-opening 25-game road losing streak with a 115-100 win at
Cleveland. Nick Young poured in 31 points to help the Wizards
finish four shy of the 1992-93 Dallas Mavericks' NBA record of 29
consecutive road losses to start a season.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) - Dale Earnhardt has won the pole for
Sunday's Daytona 500 with a top lap of 186.089, a little more than
1/10 of a mile faster than Hendrick teammate Jeff Gordon. Earnhardt
is coming off a disappointing season and spent part of the past
week facing questions about the 10-year anniversary of his father's
death at the track. The remainder of the field will be set
following Thursday's two qualifying races.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) - NASCAR made two technical changes in
hopes of limiting two-car hookups and high speeds before next
Sunday's Daytona 500, telling teams to add pressure-release valves
to cooling systems and reduce the size of grill openings. The
changes should limit the time two cars can run bumper to bumper
around the 2 1/2-mile superspeedway, something that became a
concern after speeds topped 206 mph during Saturday's Budweiser
Shootout.
NEW YORK (AP) - Pittsburgh Penguins owner Mario Lemieux
(leh-MYOO') has criticized the NHL for the way it handled the
aftermath of Friday's brawl-filled game between his team and the
New York Islanders. The Hall of Famer issued a statement saying the
league failed in its punishment of the New York Islanders following
a fight-filled game that included 346 penalty minutes, 10
ejections, 15 fighting majors and 20 misconducts. Lemieux called
the game a travesty, adding, "It was painful to watch the game I
love turn into a sideshow like that."
