National Sports - The Morning Sun

Denny Hamlin, front left, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Dover Motor Speedway, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Dover, Del. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

Denny Hamlin says 'worse drivers' than him have won a NASCAR championship. Who does he mean?

Denny Hamlin is off to one of the best starts of his two-decade career, with three wins for Joe Gibbs Racing. Hamlin and Christopher Bell have delivered four wins this season to JGR. William Byron … more

By DAN GELSTON | 4/29/24

Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Mike Trout, left, speaks with third base coach Eric Young Sr. during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

Mike Trout is healthy and producing. That hasn't been enough for the Shohei Ohtani-less Angels

Mike Trout has been healthy this year and is leading the major leagues in home runs. So far, that hasn’t been enough to help the Los Angeles Angels withstand Shohei Ohtani’s departure. Trout … more

By NOAH TRISTER | 4/29/24

FILE - New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) speaks during a news conference after an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, in Denver. The Dallas Cowboys are reuniting with running back Ezekiel Elliott after agreeing to terms on a contract with the former two-time rushing champion, a person with knowledge of the deal said Monday, April 29, 2024.(AP Photo/David Zalubowski, FIle)

Cowboys and running back Ezekiel Elliott reuniting after agreeing to deal, AP source says

A person with knowledge of the deal says the Dallas Cowboys are reuniting with running back Ezekiel Elliott after agreeing to terms on a contract with the former two-time rushing champion. Elliott … more

By SCHUYLER DIXON | 4/29/24

Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant pauses on the court during the first half of Game 4 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Phoenix. The Timberwolves won 122-116, taking the series 4-0. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

The Suns built a superteam with Durant, Booker and Beal. It produced zero playoff wins

The Phoenix Suns thought they had built a formidable superteam during the offseason by adding three-time All-Star Bradley Beal to form a star-studded trio with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. It … more

By DAVID BRANDT | 4/29/24

FILE - Las Vegas Aces' A'ja Wilson (22) looks to pass during the first half in Game 3 of a WNBA basketball final playoff series against the New York Liberty Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in New York. Wilson, Breanna Stewart and Brittney Griner will be back on the courts chasing another WNBA title when camps open on Sunday, April 28. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)

WNBA franchises look to build and strengthen chemistry during camp in their hunt for championships

The New York Liberty know how tough it is to put together a talented roster, have players jell in their first year together and win a title. They fell just short last year, losing to the Las Vegas … more

By DOUG FEINBERG | 4/29/24

New York Rangers left wing Artemi Panarin, center, celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the third period in Game 4 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series against the Washington Capitals, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

Presidents' Trophy-winning Rangers outmatch Capitals with depth and balance to move on in playoffs

The New York Rangers outmatched the Washington Capitals in nearly every possible way to move on to the second round of the NHL playoffs in dominant fashion. The Rangers swept the Capitals thanks to … more

By STEPHEN WHYNO | 4/29/24

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards celebrates a foul against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of Game 4 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Phoenix. The Timberwolves won 122-116, taking the series 4-0. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Edwards and Towns lead Timberwolves into the 2nd round of the NBA playoffs for 1st time since 2004

The Minnesota Timberwolves are off to the second round of the NBA playoffs for the first time in 20 years. Their first-round sweep of the Phoenix Suns served notice they might be ready to go even … more

By DAVID BRANDT | 4/29/24

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, left, shoots as Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James defends during the first half in Game 4 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Saturday, April 27, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray's status in jeopardy for Game 5 vs. Lakers because of calf injury

The Denver Nuggets on Sunday listed point guard Jamal Murray as questionable for Game 5 against the Los Angeles Lakers because of a strained left calf. Murray was seen nursing the calf in the fourth … more

By ARNIE STAPLETON | 4/29/24

Minnesota Timberwolves head coach hChris Finch calls times out during the second half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns, Friday, April 26, 2024, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Timberwolves coach Chris Finch leaves game in 4th quarter after collision with Mike Conley

Minnesota coach Chris Finch was helped off the court late in the fourth quarter against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night after colliding with Timberwolves guard Mike Conley. Conley was trying to … more

4/29/24

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) tries to get off a shot as Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) defends during the first half of Game 4 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Edwards scores 40 points and Timberwolves outlast Suns 122-116 to finish first-round sweep

Anthony Edwards scored 40 points, Karl-Anthony Towns added 28 and the Minnesota Timberwolves pulled away late to beat the Phoenix Suns 122-116 and sweep the first-round playoff series. Edwards scored … more

By DAVID BRANDT | 4/29/24

New York Rangers players celebrate after scoring against the Washington Capitals during the first period in Game 4 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series, Sunday April 28, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

Rangers finish off sweep of the Capitals, move on to the 2nd round of the NHL playoffs

The New York Rangers have advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs after finishing off a sweep of the Washington Capitals with a 4-2 victory in Game 4. Artemi Panarin scored the go-ahead goal … more

By STEPHEN WHYNO | 4/28/24

Indiana Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton (0) shoots over Milwaukee Bucks' Pat Connaughton (24) during the first half of Game 4 of the first round NBA playoff basketball series, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Pacers hit franchise playoff best 22 3-pointers to beat Bucks 126-113, take 3-1 lead in series

Myles Turner scored 29 points, Tyrese Haliburton added 24 and the Indiana Pacers made a franchise playoff record 22 3-pointers as they pulled away from the Milwaukee Bucks 126-113. Indiana leads the … more

By MICHAEL MAROT | 4/28/24

Hannah Green hits from the second tee during the fourth round of the LPGA's JM Eagle LA Championship golf tournament at Wilshire Country Club, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Hannah Green wins LPGA Tour’s JM Eagle LA Championship for 2nd straight year

Hannah Green won LPGA Tour’s JM Eagle LA Championship for the second straight year Sunday, holing out twice from off the greens in a pivotal back-nine stretch at Wilshire Country Club. A year after … more

4/28/24

Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy argues a call during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Crew chief says Judge should have been called for interference on slide during Yankees' rally

Crew chief Andy Fletcher says Aaron Judge should have been called for interference for his slide on a botched double-play attempt that sparked New York’s winning rally in the Yankees’ 15-5 … more

By STEVE MEGARGEE | 4/28/24

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, chips onto the second green during the final round of the PGA Zurich Classic golf tournament at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La., Sunday, April 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry rally to win Zurich Classic team event in a playoff

Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans team event Sunday, beating Chad Ramey and Martin Trainer with a par on the first hole of a playoff. Trainer pushed a 6-foot par putt … more

By BRETT MARTEL | 4/28/24

Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George gestures to the crowd after shooting a 3-point basket during the first half of Game 4 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)

Paul George, James Harden help Clippers hang on beat Mavs 116-111 after blowing 31-point lead

Paul George and James Harden each scored 33 points while playing key fourth-quarter roles to help the Los Angeles Clippers hold on after blowing a 31-point lead and beat the Dallas Mavericks 116-111. … more

By SCHUYLER DIXON | 4/28/24

Winnipeg Jets center Vladislav Namestnikov (7) falls to the ice after taking a slap shot to the face in the third period of Game 4 of an NHL Stanley Cup first-round playoff series against the Colorado Avalanche, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Jets forward Namestnikov is taken to the hospital after a puck hit him in the face

Winnipeg forward Vladislav Namestnikov was taken to the hospital for evaluation after a puck hit him on the left side of his face in Game 4 against Colorado. Namestnikov was trying to jump out of the … more

By PAT GRAHAM | 4/28/24

William Byron (24) leads the field into Turn 1 on a restart during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Dover Motor Speedway, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Dover, Del. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

Denny Hamlin holds off Larson late to win NASCAR Cup race at Dover Motor Speedway

Denny Hamlin held off a hard-charging Kyle Larson over the final, thrilling laps and wiggled through lapped traffic to win the NASCAR Cup race by about a quarter of a second Sunday at Dover Motor … more

By DAN GELSTON | 4/28/24

New York Knicks' Jalen Brunson reacts during the first half of Game 4 in an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Brunson scores career playoff-high 47 points, leads Knicks over 76ers for 3-1 lead

Jalen Brunson scored a career playoff-high 47 points, added 10 assists and the New York Knicks beat the Philadelphia 76ers 97-92 on Sunday to take a 3-1 lead in their first-round playoff series. OG … more

By BRIAN MAHONEY | 4/28/24

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark looks to shoot as the WNBA basketball team practices in Indianapolis, Sunday, April 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Caitlin Clark turns focus back to basketball as training camp opens for Indiana Fever

Caitlin Clark returned to the basketball court Sunday — focused entirely on learning a new system and winning games. This is what the former Iowa star enjoys most, playing the game she loves, the … more

By MICHAEL MAROT | 4/28/24