Here are the AP’s top sports stories that have moved or are planned to move today. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan. Sports content can be found at http://newsroom.ap.org/page/APSports.

For access to AP Newsroom and other technical issues, including agate, contact AP Customer Support at apcustomersupport@ap.org or 877-836-9477.

The New York sports desk can be reached at 800-845-8450, ext. 1630. Sports photos, ext. 1918; graphics, ext. 7636.

——————————

UPCOMING

——————————

TEN--MADRID OPEN

DESCRIPTION: Coco Gauff faces top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in the final of the Madrid Open.

UPCOMING: By 05/03/2025 7:00 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo

___

CAR--NASCAR-TEXAS PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: FORT WORTH, Texas — Chase Elliott is the defending winner at Texas. But the stop in the Lone Star State comes a week after Austin Cindric won at Talladega, and there was an expletive-filled rant on radio about him from Penske teammate Joey Logano. By Stephen Hawkins. 700 words.

UPCOMING: By 05/03/2025 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

___

BKN--NBA PLAYOFF COVERAGE

FORMATS: Text, Photo

1. WITH: BKN--PACERS-CAVALIERS PREVIEW

2. DESCRIPTION: The Cleveland Cavaliers made quick work of the Miami Heat in the first round. They are expecting a harder time against their Central Division rival, the Indiana Pacers, when the series begins on Sunday night. By Joe Reedy. 600 words, file photos

3. UPCOMING: By 05/03/2025 7:00 p.m. EDT

4. WITH: BKN--NBA PLAYOFF COVERAGE

5. DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the NBA postseason

6. UPCOMING: By 05/03/2025 7:00 p.m. EDT

___

GLF--BYRON NELSON

DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the third round of the Byron Nelson. By Schuyler Dixon. UPCOMING: 600 words.

UPCOMING: By 05/03/2025 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text

___

GLF--LPGA TOUR

DESCRIPTION: IVINS, Utah -- Haeran Ryu has a two-shot lead going into the third round of the Black Desert Championship, the LPGA’s return to Utah for the first time in 60 years. Upcoming: 500 words.

UPCOMING: By 05/03/2025 10:00 p.m. EDT, Text

___

RAC--KENTUCKY DERBY

DESCRIPTION: LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Journalism is the early 3-1 favorite in a field of 19 3-year-old horses for the 151st Kentucky Derby with rain in the forecast. By Racing Writer Beth Harris. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos. Post time 6:57 p.m. ET. Sidebars on merit.

UPCOMING: By 05/03/2025 10:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

___

HKN--AVALANCHE-STARS

DESCRIPTION: DALLAS — The Stars and Avalanche play Game 7 to determine their first-round series. Coach Pete DeBoer is 8-0 in Game 7s, his last two with Dallas. Colorado has lost its last six Game 7s since 2002. By Stephen Hawkins 700 words, photos. Game starts 8 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 05/03/2025 10:30 p.m. EDT, Text

——————————

NEW AND DEVELOPING

——————————

BKN--ROCKETS-WARRIORS

Fred VanVleet and the Rockets force a deciding Game 7 by beating the Warriors 115-107 in Game 6

SUMMARY: Fred VanVleet had 29 points, eight assists and eight rebounds, Alperen Sengun contributed 21 points and 14 rebounds, and the Houston Rockets kept their season alive by beating the Golden State Warriors 115-107 and forcing a deciding Game 7 in their first-round series. Golden State went cold when it mattered most: The Warriors missed 13 straight shots between Draymond Green’s basket with 10:12 left and a 3-pointer by Stephen Curry at the 3:35 mark. Now, everybody will get back on an airplane and head to Houston for Game 7 on Sunday for a chance to meet well-rested Minnesota in the Western Conference semifinals.

WORDS: 617 - MOVED: 05/03/2025 12:56 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4272c1c097a4f1def777380b3506d0bd&mediaType=text

___

HKN--JETS-BLUES

Blues score 3 goals in 2:13 of the second period to beat Jets 5-2 and force a Game 7

SUMMARY: Cam Fowler, Brayden Schenn and Nathan Walker scored in a 2:13 span of the second period and the St. Louis Blues beat the Winnipeg Jets 5-2 to force a Game 7 in the first-round series. Philip Broberg had a goal and an assist, Alexey Toropchenko also scored and Jordan Binnington made 21 saves for St. Louis who will return to Winnipeg for the deciding game Sunday night. Cole Perfetti and Nino Niderreiter scored for Winnipeg, and Connor Hellebuyck made 18 saves before being pulled after the second period for Eric Comrie who made four saves. Hellebuyck is 0-7 while allowed at least four goals in each of his last seven road playoff starts.

WORDS: 546 - MOVED: 05/03/2025 12:29 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e382ff0fa301fc0189659ffb7d353803&mediaType=text

___

ENT--MET GALA-DRESSING ATHLETES

This Met Gala is filled with pro athletes. Dressing them is a unique challenge

SUMMARY: When Brittney Griner became the first WNBA player to attend the Met Gala in 2023, just months after being released from a Russian prison in a high-profile prisoner swap, she wowed in a custom-made Calvin Klein suit. Behind the look was celebrity stylist Courtney Mays, who has dressed some of sports’ biggest stars for more than a decade. Putting together a look for anyone for such a huge event is a tall task. When working with the unique proportions of professional athletes the job becomes much more complicated. Mays says it’s an opportunity to think outside the box.

WORDS: 1276 - MOVED: 05/03/2025 12:09 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fd97ff252fa6408a5a7825f2df381919&mediaType=text

___

US--BURRO RACING

Backcountry runners embrace the thrill of racing with burros in New Mexico

SUMMARY: The backcountry sport of burro racing is a grueling feat of endurance that tests the sudden urge to stand still. A burro race through turquoise-mining country in northern New Mexico pairs each runner on foot with a burro to complete a 3- or 6-mile course on single-track desert trails. Other seasonal races can extend for nearly 30 miles. The burros carry a pick, shovel and pan in homage to a bygone era of Old West gold panning and the mythical sprint to a claims office by miners and beasts of burden. Semi-pro enthusiasts adopt wild burros. Novices can rent an ass to try it out for kicks.

WORDS: 773 - MOVED: 05/03/2025 12:01 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9f20f6736401139529c8946162b97046&mediaType=text

___

BOX--TIMES SQUARE BOXING

Times Square boxing event ends in a stunner as Rolando Romero beats Ryan Garcia. Haney, Lopez win

SUMMARY: Ryan Garcia arrived in Times Square in a Batmobile, hoping to look like a superhero in his return to boxing. Minutes later, he was hurt and on the canvas, looking up at the billboards and bright lights on the marquees surrounding the ring after being knocked down by Rolando Romero’s crushing left hand in the second round. Romero went on to beat Garcia by unanimous decision, a surprising finish to a night of boxing like none other. Earlier, Devin Haney beat Jose Ramirez by unanimous decision in a matchup of former 140-pound champions, after Teofimo Lopez defended his junior welterweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Arnold Barboza Jr.

WORDS: 839 - MOVED: 05/02/2025 11:29 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ab96969d83df8e6765cfe982d5e96773&mediaType=text

___

GLF--BYRON NELSON

Scottie Scheffler leads at 18 under through 36 holes after long weather delay at the Byron Nelson

SUMMARY: Scottie Scheffler has padded his lead at 18 under through 36 holes after a long weather delay at his hometown PGA Tour event, the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. The top-ranked player finished an 8-under 63 after a six-hour delay that came halfway through his second round. Sam Stevens also finished his round and was 12 under. About half of the 150-plus players in the field will have to finish the second round Saturday. Scheffler set the 36-hole scoring record for the Nelson at 124.

WORDS: 705 - MOVED: 05/02/2025 9:22 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:70e4fb9d4add80a248c6c2606d1f13a1&mediaType=text

___

BKN--SPURS-POPOVICH

Gregg Popovich, the NBA’s all-time wins leader, retires after 29 seasons as San Antonio Spurs coach

SUMMARY: Gregg Popovich has stepped down as coach of the San Antonio Spurs, ending a three-decade run that saw him lead the team to five NBA championships, become the league’s all-time wins leader and earn induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame. He will remain as team president. Popovich says “while my love and passion for the game remain, I’ve decided it’s time to step away as head coach.” Mitch Johnson, a Spurs assistant who filled in for Popovich for the season’s final 77 games, becomes the team’s head coach. Popovich suffered a stroke at the team’s arena in November and did not return to the bench.

WORDS: 1888 - MOVED: 05/02/2025 8:15 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d721a3d62bcdbb3946f0c3a23b1f096d&mediaType=text

___

NFL-AGENT-DEATH-THINGS-TO-KNOW

Jeff Sperbeck, former agent for John Elway, dies after golf cart injury. Here’s what we know

SUMMARY: California authorities say the death of Jeff Sperbeck in a golf cart accident appears to be a horrific accident. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco spoke to the Denver Post on Friday about the death of John Elway’s business partner and former agent. The sheriff’s department is investigating the incident. A witness says Elway was at the scene of the crash. The 62-year-old Sperbeck died on Wednesday after his injury at the Madison Club near Palm Springs. Sperbeck was Elway’s longtime agent during Elway’s time on the Denver Broncos, his business partner and his close friend.

WORDS: 750 - MOVED: 05/02/2025 6:01 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0b10a26e9a526d9ec397cd245fffcae8&mediaType=text

___

BKN--ON BASKETBALL-POPOVICH’S LEGACY

Appreciation: Gregg Popovich had a view of the world, and it changed both the Spurs and the NBA

SUMMARY: Gregg Popovich understood the world. That goes back long before the basketball world knew who he was. It probably can be traced to at least Popovich’s time at the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he majored in Soviet studies and was on his way to becoming a spy. He became an icon instead. Popovich’s time as coach of the San Antonio Spurs ended Friday, six months after a stroke essentially ended his tenure without him knowing. He stepped down, Mitch Johnson was promoted from acting coach to head coach, and just like that, the Spurs started a new chapter.

WORDS: 808 - MOVED: 05/02/2025 5:26 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1582db5bf3ac4497140403d7d2e779f6&mediaType=text

___

BBO--FAN SAFETY

After a fan’s terrifying fall in Pittsburgh, a look at safety measures across MLB

SUMMARY: When a fan flipped over the railing and fell off the 21-foot-high Clemente Wall in right field at Pittsburgh’s PNC Park on Wednesday night, it elicited memories of fans who have died from similar falls at other major league stadiums. Kavan Markwood was in critical condition as of Thursday after falling onto the warning track in right field just as Pirates star Andrew McCutchen hit a two-run double in the seventh inning to put Pittsburgh ahead 4-3. Railing heights at ballparks are team decisions based on local laws and codes. The railing that runs along the Clemente Wall is three feet (36 inches) in height, which exceeds the building code requirements of 26 inches, according to Pirates vice president of communications Brian Warecki.

WORDS: 558 - MOVED: 05/02/2025 4:22 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e5b0721cb418e4042c8129360773c320&mediaType=text

___

BKN--CAVALIERS-MITCHELL

Donovan Mitchell uses Jazz’s postseason disappointment from 2021 to fuel Cavaliers’ run this year

SUMMARY: Donovan Mitchell hasn’t allowed himself to enjoy leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to the top seed in the Eastern Conference. The painful memories of what happened the last time he was on a team with a top seed provided fuel for his leadership. His biggest disappointment came in the 2021 playoffs, when the Utah Jazz were the top seed in the Western Conference but were eliminated by the Los Angeles Clippers. Now the Cavaliers are preparing to open the Eastern Conference semifinals on Sunday night against the Indiana Pacers and Mitchell is ready for another shot at getting to a conference final.

WORDS: 808 - MOVED: 05/02/2025 4:13 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c2f2007d0cc3a563d8e1e3110f4793d8&mediaType=text

___

BKN--GRIZZLIES-IISALO HIRED

Tuomas Iisalo hired as Grizzlies coach after taking over the team near the end of the season

SUMMARY: Tuomas Iisalo, who was appointed interim coach of the Memphis Grizzlies in the waning days of the regular season, has been given the full-time job and becomes the first Finnish-born coach in the NBA. Terms of Iisalo’s contract were not released. He joined the team as the lead assistant this past season. Iisalo took over the team on March 28 after the Grizzlies returned home from an 0-5 road trip, the last loss coming at Oklahoma City. The road trip led to the firing of Taylor Jenkins, the winningest coach in Grizzlies franchise history.

WORDS: 527 - MOVED: 05/02/2025 3:58 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:945859b79b781acf32b5eba992046541&mediaType=text

___

BKN--CELTICS-INJURIES

Jrue Holiday still day-to-day as Celtics prepare for playoff matchup with Knicks

SUMMARY: Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla says guard Jrue Holiday remains day-to-day with a strained hamstring. Mazzulla gave no indication Friday whether Holiday would be available for Game 1 of the second-round playoff series on Monday against the New York Knicks. Holiday missed the last three games of the first-round series against the Orlando Magic. The Celtics advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals on Tuesday night by eliminating the Orlando Magic in five games. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were also nursing injuries in the series and will benefit from the five days off.

WORDS: 333 - MOVED: 05/02/2025 3:34 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:37e8856a297a362f660c362e864a6d88&mediaType=text

___

RAC--KENTUCKY DERBY PREVIEW

The 151st Kentucky Derby could be a mudder’s delight with rain in the forecast

SUMMARY: Rain is in the forecast for the 151st Kentucky Derby and could turn the Churchill Downs dirt strip into something resembling peanut butter. A field of 19 3-year-olds is set to run 1 1/4 miles on Saturday. Thirteen of the contenders, including early 3-1 favorite Journalism, have never raced on a wet track. Six longshots have experience on a wet track, including four with victories. Coal Battle is 2 for 2, while Japanese horse Luxor Cafe is 3 for 4. Trainer Bob Baffert takes aim at a record-setting seventh victory with Citizen Bull after his other entry, Rodriguez, was scratched with a bruised foot. Grande was also scratched.

WORDS: 711 - MOVED: 05/02/2025 3:12 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4f8fb9472dfc675070168ff9fded28c5&mediaType=text

___

BKN--PACERS-HALIBURTON’S FATHER

Tyrese Haliburton’s father will not attend his son’s Pacers games for the foreseeable future

SUMMARY: John Halliburton, the father of Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, will not be attending any of his son’s games for the foreseeable future. The Pacers announcement Friday comes after John Haliburton ran onto the court and confronted two-time league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo after Tyrese Haliburton made the winning layup with 1.3 seconds left in overtime to eliminate the Milwaukee Bucks 4-1. Pacers officials met with John Haliburton after the game.

WORDS: 598 - MOVED: 05/02/2025 2:54 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7004b97599cba544e43487a8cb5ab381&mediaType=text

___

BKN--LAKERS-JAMES-SPRAINED KNEE

LeBron James sprained a knee ligament in Lakers’ final loss to Wolves, an AP source says

SUMMARY: LeBron James sprained a ligament in his left knee during the Los Angeles Lakers’ final playoff game, a person with knowledge of the injury told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Lakers and James didn’t make a public announcement two days after the Lakers were eliminated from the NBA playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games. The 40-year-old James would have been sidelined for at least a few weeks if the Lakers had avoided elimination or advanced out of the first round. That would have ended James’ streak of 292 straight playoff appearances.

WORDS: 360 - MOVED: 05/02/2025 2:41 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a72ab2bb954dd2bff0b07287efba8a78&mediaType=text

___

CAR--F1-MIAMI GRAND PRIX-PREVIEW

No team orders: McLaren plans to ‘let ‘em race’ as Piastri and Norris battle for F1 championship

SUMMARY: Just five races into the Formula 1 season and there’s already a compelling championship battle with inner organization implications. Oscar Piastri has aggressively shown he won’t sit behind teammate Lando Norris. The Aussie has won three of the first five races this season to take hold of the lead in the driver standings. Norris sits 10 points back from Piastri with one victory on the season. And as F1 shifts to the United States for the Miami Grand Prix on Sunday, McLaren boss Zak Brown insisted there will be no internal issues with this championship fight and, for now, he’ll let it play out naturally.

WORDS: 1073 - MOVED: 05/02/2025 2:09 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ab372bbce36310559304569b9b5492a5&mediaType=text

___