US Sports
Delly, Bogut back in finals, but with different roles
Roy Ward 4:29 PM Two Australians will face off once again in the NBA Finals starting on Friday in Oakland.
NBA Finals: How Cavs and Warriors match up
![The money man: Steph Curry.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/p/9/e/u/x/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gp9eqt.png/1464776414950.jpg)
Jason Lloyd 11:18 AM Who's got the better squad in the NBA Finals? The reigning champions from Golden State or the team they beat in last year's decider, Cleveland Cavaliers.
Sixers coach can't deny strong Aussie ties to Simmons
![Getting his point across: Philadelphia coach Brett Brown barks instructions during a win in Detroit.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/1/2/2/v/w/h/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gp9elq.png/1464776457311.jpg)
Keith Pompey 7:17 PM "I get hit up all over the place," Brown acknowledged about drafting Ben Simmons. Catching himself in mid-sentence, the former coach of the Australian national team turned diplomatic. He followed those eight words with " ... just like Brandon (Ingram), just like I would with Kris Dunn or Buddy Hield."
It's Curry's chance to erase any doubt
![Challenge: Golden State's Stephen Curry will take on LeBron James' Cavs in the finals.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/p/5/r/o/9/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gp8v5v.png/1464776486766.jpg)
Marcus Thompson II If Stephen Curry bests LeBron James again, even Curry's harshest critics would have to tip their cap.
Warriors set up Cavaliers rematch
![Firing: Steph Curry shot 36 points in the final game of the series.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/p/8/0/u/e/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gp80va.png/1464776510282.jpg)
The Golden State Warriors extended their dream season by defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder, 96-88, in game seven of the NBA western conference finals.
Expect the Warriors-Thunder Game 7 to be one of the best in history
![Challenge: Golden State's Stephen Curry will take on LeBron James' Cavs in the finals.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/p/5/r/o/9/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gp722z.png/1464775108763.jpg)
Tim Bontemps No matter who is playing, no matter what round of the postseason it is or what is at stake, there is something mythological about a seventh and deciding game.
Simmons' college career presents a dilemma
![Popular but is he a franchise player? LSU forward Ben Simmons.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/m/t/j/g/b/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gp6rqh.png/1464523060189.jpg)
Mike Sielski Ben Simmons blends in, or seems to. Is the prospective No. 1 pick in the NBA draft supposed to do that?
Thompson stars as Warriors beat OKC
![Hot hand: Warriors guard Klay Thompson shoots over Oklahoma City defender Andre Roberson.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/p/6/i/3/0/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gp6i81.png/1464496440153.jpg)
Klay Thompson played a starring role as the Golden State Warriors staged a stellar comeback to beat the Thunder in game six at Oklahoma City.
New Orleans NBA rookie shot dead at 23
![College star: Bryce Dejean-Jones during his stint with the Iowa State Cyclones.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/p/6/d/8/s/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gp6d7g.png/1464473950993.jpg)
New Orleans Pelicans guard Bryce Dejean-Jones has been confirmed dead after suffering gunshot wounds at the age of 23.
Warriors coach hails 'phenomenal' Bogut
![Andrew Bogut.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/j/y/k/3/u/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gp5rew.png/1464331013840.jpg)
Just a day after Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr criticised Andrew Bogut for his inability to stay out of foul trouble, the Australian NBA centre stepped up.
Warriors shoot past Thunder
![Muscling up: Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green celebrates after scoring in game five.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/p/5/h/a/t/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gp5gwa.png/1464323156258.jpg)
The Golden State Warriors have staved off elimination from the NBA play-offs with an inspired game-five victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Warriors routed by Thunder, fall behind 3-1 in series
![Down and out: Steph Curry gets acquainted with the floor.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/p/3/g/k/5/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gp3gdb.png/1464149608175.jpg)
Diamond Leung The MVP didn't play anything like one. The Oklahoma City Thunder acted as if this series is theirs.
Former Police Academy and NFL star died with CTE
![Comedy capers: Bubba Smith in Police Academy.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/p/3/c/a/e/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gp3au2.png/1464144575265.jpg)
Ken Belson ​Bubba Smith, the All-Pro defensive end in the NFL who went on to a second career as a movie actor, had chronic traumatic encephalopathy, the degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma, when he died in 2011.
Late BMX rider found to have had CTE
![BMX rider Dave Mirra, pictured in 2005.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/p/3/5/i/l/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gp31cw.png/1464134743757.jpg)
Victor Mather Dave Mirra, the star BMX rider who took his own life in February, had CTE, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, the brain disease linked to head trauma.
Green escapes ban after groin kick fells Adams
![Question time: Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and forward Draymond Green dispute a flagrant foul call.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/p/2/2/4/n/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gp222d.png/1464049108056.jpg)
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green escaped a possible one-game suspension when he was fined by the National Basketball Association for a flagrant foul that was upgraded from category 1 to 2.
NFL tried to influence concussion research: study
![The study found that the NFL was "privately attempting to influence ... research".](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/z/s/e/2/4/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gp25fu.png/1464045361788.jpg)
John Branch When the NFL agreed in 2012 to donate tens of millions of dollars to concussion research overseen by the National Institutes of Health, it was widely seen as a positive turning point
Raptors get on the board with Game 3 win over Cavaliers
![Dishing: Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan passes as Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James looks on.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/p/0/v/7/r/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gp0v7c.png/1463889526841.jpg)
The Toronto Raptors got their first win of the Eastern Conference Finals on Saturday with DeMar DeRozan scoring 32 points in a 99-84 Game 3 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
NBA draft: How the first round will play out
![Ben Simmons.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/p/0/p/e/7/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gp0pbh.png/1464666041030.jpg)
Broderick Turner The presumption across the NBA is that Ben Simmons from Louisiana State and Brandon Ingram from Duke are the best players in this year's draft and they are expected to go one-two to the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Hayne faces tough road to Olympics after uninspiring debut
![Jarryd Hayne.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/p/0/r/9/s/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gp0r8z.png/1463875375958.jpg)
James Buckley Jarryd Hayne's highly anticipated Rugby Sevens debut amounted to less than 10 minutes on the Twickenham turf across three games for Fiji on Saturday.
NBA: Warriors level Western finals
![Not impressed: Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant watches as Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry and fans ...](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/y/w/3/v/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goyvy4.png/1463716249961.jpg)
Stephen Curry exploded for 15 of his 28 points over a 1:58 stretch of the third quarter, helping the Golden State Warriors pull away from the Oklahoma Thunder en route to a 118-91 victory that evened the Western Conference finals at one game apiece.
James' triple-double powers Cavs to rout of Raptors
![Colossus: Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James looks to make a pass as Toronto Raptors forward DeMarre Carroll defends.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/z/u/x/z/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gozup6.png/1463716365620.jpg)
LeBron James recorded his 15th post-season triple-double as he moved past Shaquille O'Neal into fourth place on the all-time post-season scoring list in the Cleveland Cavaliers' 108-89 victory over the Toronto Raptors in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Muir laments loss of fellow countryman
![Blake Muir, wearing No.66, playing for the University of Hawaii college football team.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/j/g/a/a/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goziye.png/1463704620110.jpg)
Sydney rookie offensive lineman Blake Muir was excited about sharing the San Francisco 49ers' locker room with Jarryd Hayne, but suddenly the Aussie superstar was gone.
Simmons ready for whatever NBA throws at him
![Super talented: Ben Simmons.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/x/u/g/s/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goxsvo.png/1463623436584.jpg)
Roy Ward Ben Simmons will likely be drafted to either Philadelphia 76ers or LA Lakers after those two clubs won the number one and two picks at the NBA Draft Lottery on Wednesday.
Sixers won't say if they'll draft Simmons or Ingram
![Ben Simmons pulled out of the Olympic running earlier this year.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/m/l/7/4/f/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goyff4.png/1463738601377.jpg)
Keith Pompey Will they go with Ben Simmons or Brandon Ingram? "You are going to have to ask that question on June 23 when we are ready to announce it," said Bryan Colangelo, the Sixers' president of basketball operations.
Irving, James lead Cavaliers thrashing of Raptors
![Dominant: LeBron James handles the ball against DeMarre Carroll.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/x/z/u/1/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goxzni.png/1463547448271.jpg)
Jason Lloyd Another long layoff couldn't slow the Cavaliers. Neither could the Toronto Raptors.
Simmons tipped to head to 76ers
![Ben Simmons is tipped to go No.1 in the draft.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/y/i/0/8/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goxoy1.png/1463623555317.jpg)
Australian teenager Ben Simmons appears headed to the Philadelphia 76ers - where he would team up with former Boomers coach Brett Brown
49ers coach laments loss of Hayne
!["We were excited. He's a big body and has a skill set": Chip Kelly on Jarryd Hayne.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/x/i/n/g/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goxikq.png/1463516231431.jpg)
San Francisco 49ers coach Chip Kelly douses speculation the 49ers were planning to cut Hayne, which led to the Australian making a face-saving exit.
Hayne 'taking baby steps' at the moment
![Keeping his cards close to his chest: Hayne.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/v/s/i/l/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gowmh8.png/1463481306213.jpg)
Jarryd Hayne's surprise announcement on Sunday that he was leaving the San Francisco 49ers to seek a Rio berth with Fiji has sparked speculation about the 28-year-old's return to the NRL, or a shift to non-sevens rugby.
Hayne's friends feared his NFL dream was about to end
![Andrew Webster headshot dinkus](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/h/2/1/w/m/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gow2hk.png/1464811100588.jpg)
Andrew Webster But they had no idea he would be trying to play rugby sevens at the Rio Olympics.
Raptors beat Heat in Game 7, earn showdown with Cavaliers
![Finals: Toronto guard Kyle Lowry was the star once again as the Raptors beat the Miami Heat in game seven of the Eastern ...](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/v/w/s/f/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.govwqk.png/1463408826612.jpg)
Kyle Lowry scored 35 points and added nine assists and seven rebounds as the Toronto Raptors beat the Miami Heat 116-89 on Sunday in the seventh game of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
No Plan B: Hayne solely focused on Rio
![No Plan B: Jarryd Hayne has no Plan B after the Rio Olympics just yet.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/q/d/z/q/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.govvzs.png/1463404121592.jpg)
Jamie Marcuson Jarryd Hayne's Australian manager Wayne Beavis has said there is no plan B after the Olympics for the cross-code star.
Jarryd Hayne announces NFL retirement for tilt at Rugby Sevens
![Jarryd Hayne has announced he'll leave the NFL.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/m/i/9/b/8/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.govs1x.png/1463485460705.jpg)
Matt Bungard After just one season of American football, the Jarryd Hayne experiment in the NFL has come to an end.
Retiring Hayne no certainty for Fiji rugby sevens
![Keeping his cards close to his chest: Hayne.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/v/s/i/l/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.govsfx.png/1463481306213.jpg)
Jamie Marcuson Jarryd Hayne has announced his shock retirement from the NFL as he pursues a chance of Olympic glory with the Fiji rugby sevens side.
Hayne wants to prove the impossible is possible again
![New team: Jarryd Hayne, who met the Fiji rugby sevens in February in Sydney, has announced he will join them in Rio for ...](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/v/t/b/y/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.govt9e.png/1463587600704.jpg)
Michael Chammas Jarryd Hayne loves to throw away the rule book when it comes to his sporting career.
Hayne may have seen writing on the wall at 49ers
![Writing on the wall: Jarryd Hayne's decision to retire from the NFL may have been a result of realising he was low in ...](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/m/0/d/i/n/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.govyel.png/1463403920563.jpg)
Matt Barrows It's likely Jarryd Hayne could see that he remained at the bottom of the 49ers' pecking order.
Cold water poured on Hayne's Olympic dream
![Walking away: Jarryd Hayne has turned his back on his NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/w/b/i/0/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gowayj.png/1463432472196.jpg)
Jim Morton ​Jarryd Hayne knew he had a giant task to play in the NFL, but rugby sevens experts warn that's nothing compared to making Fiji's team for August's Rio Olympics.
Baseball feud erupts with on-field brawl
![Jose Bautista gets hit by Texas second baseman Rougned Odor.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/w/5/8/u/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gow4nk.png/1463396897164.jpg)
Texas Rangers second baseman Rougned Odor's vicious punch to Toronto right fielder Jose Bautista's jaw will be remembered for a long time.
Knights launch bold bid to sign Hayne
![Optimistic: Newcastle hope to negotiate with Jarryd Hayne.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/w/k/g/k/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gowkey.png/1463397473429.jpg)
Robert Dillon A day after Newcastle's club-record 62-0 pounding from Cronulla at Hunter Stadium – which left them as $1.40 favourites for their second consecutive wooden spoon – chief executive Matt Gidley confirmed they would be interested in making a play for code-switching superstar Jarryd Hayne.
Bogut no certainty to play against Oklahoma
![Injured: Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr is not sure Andrew Bogut will be fit to play the Oklahoma Thunder in ...](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/k/c/o/9/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gov2lm.png/1463220101113.jpg)
Peter Mitchell The Golden State Warriors are not sure if Andrew Bogut will overcome a groin strain and help combat the tall, athletic Oklahoma City Thunder featuring Kiwi centre Steven Adams.
Heat force Game 7 with Raptors
![On fire: Miami's Goran Dragic was unstoppable as the Heat pushed their Eastern Conference semi-final series into a ...](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/v/5/4/5/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gov50j.png/1463218036633.jpg)
Goran Dragic scored a career-playoff-high 30 points and the Miami Heat won their 10th straight playoff elimination game at home, defeating the Toronto Raptors.
Thunder knock Spurs out of NBA finals
![Dominant presence: Patty Mills.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/i/x/4/h/f/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goug5o.png/1463132966541.jpg)
Australian Patty Mills' San Antonio Spurs have been brutally knocked out of the NBA playoffs by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Cavaliers look capable of stealing NBA title
![Cleveland's LeBron James.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/l/0/g/n/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gouggt.png/1463132894208.jpg)
Tim Bontemps As the Cleveland Cavaliers have run roughshod through the Eastern Conference for a second straight season, sweeping both the Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks to reach the Eastern Conference Finals, their swift advance has mostly been met with indifference.
Bogut injured as Warriors defeat Trail Blazers to advance to Western Conference finals
![On top: Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry celebrates after scoring against the Portland Trail Blazers in the win that ...](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/t/r/u/9/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gotric.png/1463054871824.jpg)
Diamond Leung On Stephen Curry's night, the Golden State Warriors did it together.
Kyrgios calls NBA player his spirit animal
![Spirited sportsmen: Kevin Garnett and Nick Kyrgios.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/s/h/5/6/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gosgio.png/1462939441555.jpg)
Basketball-mad tennis bad boy Nick Kyrgios says he learnt a lot about how to compete from watching NBA great Kevin Garnett.
49ers backing Hayne for big things in 2016
![No Plan B: Jarryd Hayne has no Plan B after the Rio Olympics just yet.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/q/d/z/q/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goqdam.png/1463374617817.jpg)
Richard Shute Jarryd Hayne has received a considerable boost as the former Parramatta Eel looks to force his way onto the San Francisco 49ers active roster for his second season in the NFL.
Cavs complete sweep of Hawks to advance to conference finals
![Clean sweep: Lebron James and Kevin Love led the Cleveland Cavaliers into the conference finals with a sweep of the ...](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/p/j/i/y/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gopjf9.png/1463132890785.jpg)
Jason Lloyd Kevin Love scored 27 points and grabbed 13 rebounds and all three of the Cavs' superstars scored at least 20 points again in their Game 4 victory against the Atlanta Hawks, completing their second sweep of these playoffs to advance to the conference finals.
Durant's free agency double-edged sword in OKC
![Free agent: Kevin Durant.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/1/m/9/t/2/2/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gopis2.png/1462748226965.jpg)
Andrew Keh Oklahoma City never seemed like an obvious place for a major sports franchise, but the 27-year-old Kevin Durant, who lives downtown, has fit in about as well as any global sports superstar could.
Ingles on the NBA, twins and Rio Olympics
![Joe Ingles makes the play for the Utah Jazz against Paul Pierce of the Los Angeles Clippers.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/o/x/6/n/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gook2v.png/1462612634066.jpg)
Roy Ward It dawned on Joe Ingles during the NBA season he has become an elder statesman.
Hayne survives 49ers cuts
![Staying put: Jarryd Hayne has survived the first cut of Chip Kelly's San Francisco 49ers.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/j/c/x/d/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goopts.png/1463374318413.jpg)
Peter Mitchell Jarryd Hayne has survived round one of the San Francisco 49ers' cuts ahead of the next NFL season.
Baseball games relocated from Puerto Rico over Zika concerns
![Safety first: MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has moved a two-game series from Puerto Rico due to zika concerns.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/o/p/j/t/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goope2.png/1462619859257.jpg)
Larry Fine A pair of Major League Baseball games scheduled to be played in Puerto Rico later this month will be relocated to Miami due to growing concerns among players over the Zika virus in the area.
Knicks' coaching options are clear, except to Jackson
![Divisive figure: New York Knicks president Phil Jackson.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/o/n/8/q/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goon8d.png/1462537599807.jpg)
Harvey Araton As much as he fancies himself the consummate contrarian and Zen-versed outlier to conventional thinking, Phil Jackson's supposed preference for removing the interim label on Kurt Rambis as the New York Knicks' head coach now seems extreme and perhaps even irrational.
Raptors top Heat in OT despite guards' woes
![Heading out of bounds: Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry plays the ball off of Miami Heat's Justise Winslow to keep ...](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/o/l/u/m/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gooltn.png/1462530566382.jpg)
With All-Star guards Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan continuing to struggle, the Toronto Raptors are forced to find other ways to win.
The story behind $13 million hit from the bong
![Damning: A still from the video posted on Tunsil's Twitter account on the morning of the NFL Draft.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/i/3/l/k/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gono28.png/1462487773336.jpg)
Sally Jenkins It was the ultimate ill of an old-world system that earns millions for everyone but the players: It left a 21-year-old vulnerable to a vengeful shyster operating in an underworld.
Raptors force OT at buzzer, but Heat pull out Game 1 win
![Veteran savvy: Heat guard Dwyane Wade dribbles the ball as Raptors forward Norman Powell defends in the first half of ...](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/m/9/i/4/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gom9b9.png/1462343989922.jpg)
Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra was impressed with his club's mental toughness. After Toronto guard Kyle Lowry forced overtime by hitting a half-court, buzzer-beating 3-pointer, Miami opened the extra period on a 8-0 run and hung on for a 102-96 victory over the Raptors.
Warriors rally to beat Blazers in NBA Playoffs
![Great escape: Warriors duo Draymond Green celebrates with teammate Andre Iguodala.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/m/8/w/y/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gom8rj.png/1462343633164.jpg)
The Golden State Warriors held the Portland Trail Blazers to three field goals over the final 8:58 of the game on Tuesday, rallying from an 11-point deficit to record a 110-99 victory in Game 2 of the Western Conference semi-finals.
Bogut, Thompson slay Portland
![Cruising to victory: Andrew Bogut dunks during the win.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/k/c/o/9/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gojntb.png/1463203955065.jpg)
Peter Mitchell Andrew Bogut was a fortress and Klay Thompson scored at will in the Golden State Warriors' domination of the Portland Trail Blazers in game one of their NBA Western Conference semi-final series.
Hayne joined by fellow Aussie Blake Muir
![Blake Muir, wearing No.66, playing for the University of Hawaii college football team.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/j/g/a/a/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goj64g.png/1463704502129.jpg)
Matt Bungard Jarryd Hayne won't be the only Australian turning out for the San Francisco 49ers this preseason, after fellow Aussie Blake Muir was picked up as undrafted free agent by the club.
Day five off the lead at New Orleans
![Cranky pants: Jason Day during the second round of the Zurich Classic at TPC Louisiana.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/j/5/m/9/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goj5er.png/1462086807533.jpg)
Jason Day had a four-under 68 to sit five shots off the pace at the completion of the weather-delayed second round of the Zurich Classic in New Orleans.
Woods close to return
![Close to a return: Tiger Woods. illustration: John Shakespeare](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/r/d/i/i/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goj5ep.png/1462112266217.jpg)
Andrew Both Tiger Woods has made accommodation plans for the Memorial tournament in Ohio, sources have told Reuters, suggesting the Jack Nicklaus-hosted event could mark the former world No.1's PGA Tour return from back surgery.
Aussie punter heads to New York in NFL Draft
![Lachlan Edwards.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/j/5/f/r/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goj55k.png/1462060437520.jpg)
Matt Bungard, Peter Mitchell Multiple Australians have been picked in the NFL Draft for the first time ever after punter Cameron Edwards was selected in the seventh round by the New York Jets.
Walton agrees to be new Lakers NBA coach
![New gig: Golden State Warriors' Assistant coach Luke Walton has been named the new LA Lakers head coach.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/6/2/p/h/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goiw6v.png/1461988877889.jpg)
Golden State Warriors assistant Luke Walton is headed back to Los Angeles after agreeing to a multi-year contract to become the Lakers new head NBA coach.
Aussie Gotsis goes early in NFL Draft
![Drafted: Aussie Adam Gotsis has been picked by the Superbowl champion Denver Broncos.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/t/f/m/8/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goiuie.png/1462029740134.jpg)
Matt Bungard Australian Adam Gotsis has been selected to join the reigning Super Bowl champions in the second round of the NFL Draft.
Curry deputy Livingston helps Warriors stay in rhythm
![Eyes on the ball: Shaun Livingston watches his shot go in the basket against the Houston Rockets.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/i/q/k/l/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goiqb2.png/1461928587121.jpg)
Carl Steward Whether he's been asked to provide 15-20 minutes of stability off the bench or step in for the best, flashiest basketball player on the planet, Shaun Livingston's demeanour hasn't seemed to waver.
Atlanta bump Boston from play-offs with Game 6 win
![Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague drives against Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/i/4/w/c/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goi4ph.png/1461928677160.jpg)
The Atlanta Hawks eliminated the Boston Celtics with a 104-92 victory in game six of the eastern conference quarter-finals on Thursday at TD Garden.
Rookie's $17 million hit from the bong
![A still from the video posted on Tunsil's Twitter account.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/i/3/l/k/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goi1di.png/1461929153184.jpg)
David Sygall ​Day one of the ​NFL player draft was thrown into turmoil when ​a video of one the most sought-after players appeared on his official Twitter account. In it, the grinning rookie was using a gas mask as a bong.
And the No.1 NFL draft pick is ...
![California's Jared Goff poses for photos after being selected by the Los Angeles Rams as the first pick in the first ...](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/h/z/h/f/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gohze6.png/1461900737468.jpg)
KEN BELSON The Los Angeles Rams chose quarterback Jared Goff of California with the first overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft.
Aussies hopeful ahead of NFL draft
![Utah punter Tom Hackett.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/d/h/i/r/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gogrpa.png/1462679176452.jpg)
They are Australia's NFL draft odd couple, the giant defensive lineman Adam Gotsis and chilled out punter Tom Hackett.
Atlanta, Toronto take 3-2 NBA series leads
![Keep away: Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry battles for the ball against Indiana Pacers forward Solomon Hill.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/g/n/r/k/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gognqg.png/1461755529126.jpg)
The Atlanta Hawks overcame a sluggish start with a sizzling run that put away the Boston Celtics 110-83 in game five of an NBA Eastern Conference first-round playoff series at Philips Arena.
Win for NFL, and Brady has little recourse
![Banned: Tom Brady will miss the first four games of the NFL season.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/f/2/h/h/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gof15n.png/1461655051617.jpg)
Ken Belson Roger Goodell, the most powerful man in professional football, prevailed again Monday in his 15-month battle with Tom Brady.
Aussie prospect has NFL teams salivating
![Drafted: Aussie Adam Gotsis has been picked by the Superbowl champion Denver Broncos.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/t/f/m/8/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goex53.png/1462013562281.jpg)
The film NFL coaches and scouts see of Gotsis in his four barnstorming years for Georgia Tech, wrecking opposing linemen and hunting down quarterbacks has teams salivating.
Hayne mania going strong in spite of uncertainty
![Strong numbers: Jarryd Hayne.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/v/n/t/k/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goerqi.png/1461619538287.jpg)
Jarryd Hayne's future at the San Francisco 49ers might be uncertain, but he remains a remarkable NFL merchandise seller.
Mills, Delly into second round of NBA playoffs
![Talented trio: Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving is congratulated by Matthew Dellavedova and LeBron James.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/e/e/n/u/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goeeim.png/1461560193091.jpg)
Patty Mills and Matthew Dellavedova are moving on to the second round of the NBA playoffs, Aron Baynes is out and Andrew Bogut needs one more win.
Curry injured again as Warriors rout Rockets
![Injured again: Steph Curry has injured himself again as the Golden State Warriors ran riot over the Houston Rockets.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/n/6/2/6/5/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goe1f2.png/1461538770332.jpg)
The Golden State Warriors overcame the absence of guard Stephen Curry in the second half to rout the Houston Rockets.
'Laws of Base Ball' documents fetch record $4.15m at auction
![Record rules: The original laws of 'Base Ball' have sold at auction for over $4 million.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/n/9/c/c/t/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goe0iz.png/1461542631012.jpg)
Marcus E. Howard A trove of historical documents that shed fresh light on the origins of baseball sold at auction on Sunday for more than $4.15 million
Spurs beat Grizzlies to sweep series
![Clean sweep: Kawhi Leonard led the San Antonio Spurs to a clean sweep over the Memphis Grizzlies in their final series.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/a/v/c/l/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goe0eo.png/1461532432132.jpg)
Kawhi Leonard scored 21 points and LaMarcus Aldridge posted a double-double as the San Antonio Spurs cruised to a 116-95 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday to sweep their best-of-seven first-round playoff series.
Aussie Whittaker wins again at UFC 197
![Robert Whittaker, left, hits Rafael Natal during a middleweight mixed martial arts bout at UFC 197, Saturday, April 23, ...](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/d/t/i/3/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.godt21.png/1461522910870.jpg)
Matt Bungard Australian middleweight Robert Whittaker shook off a barrage of blows and a broken hand to take a points victory over Brazilian Rafael Natal at UFC 197.
Aussie hopefuls gear up for NFL Draft
!["I fell in love as soon as I came here - everything was huge. The facilities are unlike anything I'd ever seen": Jamie Keehn.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/d/h/j/4/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.god95i.png/1461391252644.jpg)
Matt Bungard Australia could be on the verge of a 'golden year' in the NFL Draft - with a host of prospects set to learn their fates withing the next week.
Stephen Curry named to Time's '100 Most Influential' list
![Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry celebrates his three-point basket with the crowd.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/8/6/f/q/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.godiwr.png/1461390389828.jpg)
AJ Neuharth-Keusch Stephen Curry can add another accolade to his list.
Houston Rockets hold on for win over Golden State Warriors
![Houston v Golden State](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/d/5/i/a/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.god05h.png/1461316519952.jpg)
Dwight Howard defeated Australia's Andrew Bogut in the battle of the big men and the Houston Rockets hung on to claim their first victory in the NBA playoff series against the Golden State Warriors.
'One of the greatest Superbowl half-times': Sporting world pays tribute to Prince
![Prince showed his fans how to live fearlessly.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/c/c/a/u/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gocjwj.png/1461297613226.jpg)
David Sygall He was a keen basketballer and performed one of the great Super Bowl halftime shows. Now the sporting world has shown its gratitude.
Lin tries on newest label: Solid NBA player
![Playmaker: Charlotte Hornets guard Jeremy Lin directs teammates.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/c/k/j/w/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gockjv.png/1461291947358.jpg)
Andrew Keh For the past five years, Jeremy Lin has felt multiple, disparate identities foisted upon him: undrafted underdog, franchise saviour, overpaid mercenary. None quite fit. But over these past six months, a calibration seems to have occurred.
'9th Wonder of the World' mourned
![Joanie Laurer flexes her bicep as she arrives at the 31st annual American Music Awards, in Los Angeles in 2003.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/c/c/8/u/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gocc85.png/1461274486695.jpg)
Travis M. Andrews Chyna, who was found dead in her apartment in Redondo Beach, California, would break the glass ceiling for women in professional wrestling in the 1990's before becoming a pornographic film actress after a private sex tape was leaked.
'I am not retired': Conor McGregor
![Worried about interruptions to his preparation for UFC 200: Conor McGregor.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/l/m/r/2/b/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goccwo.png/1461284974609.jpg)
Victor Mather McGregor, who had sent out a Twitter message on Wednesday saying he was stepping away from a lucrative career as a mixed martial arts star, took it back on Friday.
Clippers' bench fuels Game 2 win over Blazers
![FILE - In this Nov. 14, 2015, file photo, Los Angeles Clippers' Jamal Crawford, left, and Blake Griffin talk during an ...](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/c/b/b/m/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gocbaw.png/1461240408820.jpg)
Ben Bolch The reserves sparked a couple of big runs that carried the Clippers to a 102-81 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center in Game 2 of an increasingly one-sided first-round playoff series.
Dellavedova fires up Cavaliers
![Cleveland Cavaliers' Matthew Dellavedova passes around Detroit Pistons' Reggie Jackson.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/b/r/1/8/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gobqxd.png/1461228210455.jpg)
Matthew Dellavedova has ignited the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 17-point romp over the Detroit Pistons in game two of their NBA play-off series.
Hayne opens up about life out in 'the wild'
![Jarryd Hayne has announced he'll leave the NFL.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/m/i/9/b/8/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.gobhzt.png/1463360352992.jpg)
Richard Shute In a lengthy interview, the 49ers player spoke glowingly about his off-season break over the Australian summer, the challenges of learning a new system under a rejigged regime, and revealed a recently acquired distaste for coffee.
Patty Mills top scores in NBA Spurs win
![Top scorer: Patty Mills scored 15 points in San Antonio's easy win over Memphis.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/a/v/a/o/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.goaun7.png/1461128482401.jpg)
Peter Mitchell Patty Mills scored a game-high 16 points for the San Antonio Spurs in another hefty win over the Memphis Grizzlies in their NBA Western Conference Playoff series.
Hayne rival raves about new coach
![Jarryd Hayne has announced he'll leave the NFL.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/m/i/9/b/8/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.go9ytu.png/1463360352992.jpg)
Peter Mitchell ​Jarryd Hayne had his first real taste of new San Francisco 49ers' head coach Chip Kelly's offence and it could spell trouble for the former NRL star.
NFL's $987 million settlement upheld
![Former NFL player Junior Seau, who was suffering from a degenerative brain condition when he took his own life.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/1/1/j/g/x/d/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.go9hg0.png/1461069972187.jpg)
Sophia Pearson The National Football League's $US765 million ($987 million) concussion settlement has been given the all-clear by a federal appeals court.
Mills, Delly score NBA play-off wins
![Aggression: Matthew Dellavedova gets in the face of Detroit's Steve Blake.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/8/z/h/1/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.go8xrg.png/1461044477189.jpg)
Patty Mills' San Antonio Spurs and Matthew Dellavedova's Cleveland Cavaliers have impressively won their opening games of the NBA Playoffs.
Curry tweaks ankle, but Warriors beat Rockets
![Hobbled: Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/8/6/f/p/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.go86fd.png/1460892772613.jpg)
Diamond Leung The Warriors throttled the Houston Rockets to start the playoffs, but they played most of the second half without guard Stephen Curry, who tweaked his right ankle near the end of the first half. He is being listed by coach Steve Kerr as questionable for Game 2.
NBA says no decision yet on All-Star Game in Charlotte
![Complicated: NBA commissioner Adam Silver has not decided if the 2017 All-Star Game should be moved from Charlotte due ...](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/z/r/2/3/i/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.go7vp3.png/1460771728541.jpg)
Frank Pingue The NBA has not yet decided if the 2017 All-Star Game will be moved from Charlotte due to a 'discriminatory' LGBT law.
Kobe's finale was a grotesque display of hubris
![Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Lauren Jackson](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/n/v/s/3/4/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.go6xfe.png/1460674613350.jpg)
Childs Walker Bryant's final chapter was ugly, seemingly detached from the crumbling of the empire around him. Meanwhile, Steph Curry has been feeding off the love of his teammates.
Titans trade No.1 pick to Rams
![Tennessee Titans general manager Jon Robinson talks about the team's trade of the No. 1 overall pick in this month's NFL ...](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/6/x/e/0/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.go6xck.png/1460671817865.jpg)
The No.1 overall selection in this month's NFL draft has been traded for the first time in 12 years by the Tennessee Titans to the Los Angeles Rams.
Kobe says farewell in spectacular style
![Kobe Bryant](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/6/f/a/e/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.go6fdn.png/1460620198379.jpg)
Kobe Bryant has ended his legendary career in spectacular fashion, scoring 60 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a comeback win over Joe Ingles' Utah Jazz.
Live: Momentous day for Kobe and the Warriors
![One more night out: Kobe Bryant doing what he does best.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/4/x/b/r/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.go5t5c.png/1460610981613.jpg)
Paul Zalunardo Join us for all the action as the NBA farewells a legend, while the Golden State Warriors go for a record-breaking 73rd season win.
Hayne has NFL playbook epiphany
![Adventure: Jarryd Hayne said he didn't know the rules to American football before pursuing a career in the NFL.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/n/i/2/g/o/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.go5vmg.png/1461203663497.png)
Peter Mitchell As season No.2 draws near for the former league star, NFL is feeling a bit easier to understand.
Evidence of brain injury in NFL veterans
![Former NFL player Junior Seau, who was suffering from a degenerative brain condition when he took his own life.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/1/1/j/g/x/d/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.go3yu7.png/1461069972187.jpg)
More than 40 percent of retired NFL players tested with advanced scanning technology showed signs of traumatic brain injury, a much higher rate than in the general population, according to a new study.
Warriors tie Bulls' mark with 72nd win
![Changing the game: MVP Steph Curry.](/web/20160602073303im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/3/d/0/j/image.related.thumbnail.90x60.go3cuy.png/1463020463926.jpg)
Diamond Leung The Warriors joined the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls as NBA teams with the most wins in a single season after defeating the San Antonio Spurs 92-86 on Sunday to improve their record to 72-9.