Rockets hold on to even series
James Harden scored 30 points, Chris Paul had 27 and the Rockets sustained the latest second- half flurry by Stephen Curry, evening theWestern Conference finals at 2- 2 with a 95- 92 victory Tuesday night in Oakland, California.
Curry scored 28 points and Kevin Durant added 27 points and 12 rebounds but the defending champions missed their final six shots from the floor and their NBA- record postseason winning streak at home ended at 16 games.
The Rockets shook off a 12- 0 deficit to start the game and another big run by the Warriors in the third, then won it with defense down the stretch.
Paul rebounded KlayThompson’s miss just before the final buzzer sounded for the first time and pounded the ball down in delight. A replay review ensued and it was determined Shaun Livingston fouled Paul before the game ended, so Paul made a free throw with 0.5 seconds left.
Curry couldn’t get off a final attempt before the buzzer.
“I thought this is the highest level we’ve ever played defensively, without a doubt,” Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni said, “because we’re talking about the best offensive team ever.”
Game 5 is Thursday night in Houston.
Bucks rookie guard Sterling Brown plans to file a civil rights lawsuit against the Milwaukee Police Department over its handling of a January arrest in which he was tased by officers. MLB Sale has another solid start
Chris Sale allowed three runs or less in his 11th consecutive start, the longest stretch by a Boston pitcher to open a season since Pedro Martinez’s 12 in 2001 and the Red Sox beat the Rays 4- 2. Sale ( 5- 1) allowed four hits, struck out nine and walked two in 7⅔ innings. Red Sox outfielder Mookie
Betts hit his major league- leading 16th homer.
† Mets newcomer Jose Bautista ( 1- for- 3) doubled in his first at- bat in a 5- 1 loss to the Marlins. The Mets signed the veteran slugger to a one- year contract, getting the former home- run champion two days after he was cut by the Braves.
Bryce Harper hit his NL leading 15th home run of the season and Michael Taylor’s oneout double in the ninth scored the game- winning run as the Nationals defeated the Padres 2- 1. Juan Soto, the youngest player in the majors, reached base in all four at- bats in his second career start.
Yankees slugger Aaron Judge will sit out the annual home- run hitting contest during this year’s All- Star break.
Mariners second baseman Dee Gordon was placed on the 10- day disabled list with a fractured toe.
MISCELLANEOUS Top recruit signs with DePaul
DePaul received an oral commitment from 6- 7 swingman Romeo Weems from New Haven, Michigan. He is ranked as the top player in Michigan and No. 37 nationally by 247Sports for the Class of 2019.
Loyola promoted Bryan Mullins from assistant coach to associate head coach.
Boston University’s David Quinn agreed to become the next coach of the Rangers. He will replace Alain Vigneault, who was fired in the spring after filling the role for five seasons.
The Sharks are closing in on a seven- year contract with Evander Kane that will keep the high- scoring forward off the free- agent market.