“I’m here for one reason and one reason only, and that’s to compete for a championship.” 17 THE NUMBER

— LeBron James, who will make his 10th NBA Finals appearance Wednesday when the Lakers tip-off against the Heat. James won two titles with the Heat before adding another with the Cavaliers.

Record-breaking consecutive postseason losses by the Twins after falling 4-1 to the Astros in an AL wild-card opener Tuesday. The Twins had been tied with the NHL’s Blackhawks for most consecutive playoff losses in major North American sports. The Hawks dropped 16 straight from 1975-79.