SPORTS SHORTS
NBA: Ball quiet in loss to Clips Blake Griffin scored 29 points, DeAndre Jordan added 14 points and 24 rebounds, and the Clippers spoiled Lonzo Ball’s quiet NBA debut with a 108-92 victory over the Lakers on Thursday night in Los Angeles. Ball had three points, four assists and nine rebounds in 29 minutes during the first game for the No. 2 overall pick. In Toronto, Jonas Valanciunas had 23 points and 15 rebounds, C.J. Miles scored 22 points in his Toronto debut and the Raptors beat the short-handed Bulls 117-101 in the season opener for both teams. Norman Powell added 15 points. NFL: Cam misses presser again Panthers quarterback Cam Newton declined to speak to reporters for the second consecutive day. Panthers spokesman Steven Drummond said Thursday the former league MVP gave no explanation as to why he wouldn’t participate in his weekly news conference before Sunday’s game against the Bears. The NFL will look into why Newton declined to speak to the media, according to ESPN.
The press silence comes amid reports that reporter Jourdan Rodrigue of the Charlotte Observer, had returned to cover the team following her public clash with Newton.
Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette said his ankle feels good and he “most definitely” will be healthy enough to play Sunday.
C.J. Beathard will start at quarterback for the 49ers against the Cowboys, replacing Brian Hoyer. GOLF: Thomas leads CJ Cup
Justin Thomas eagled twice in a 9-under-par 63 to take a three-stroke lead after the first round of the CJ Cup, the first U.S. PGA Tour regularseason event in South Korea. Jason Day is tied for 12th at 4-under.
In Sotogrande, Spain, tournament host Sergio Garcia shot a 5-under 66 to grab a share of the lead with Joost Luiten at the Andalucia Valderrama Masters in the European Tour. Garcia had seven birdies and two bogeys. ETC.: Paulus joins Cards’ staff
Louisville interim coach David Padgett hired former Duke star Greg Paulus as an assistant, the latest addition to the men’s basketball staff.
In Chicago, Mark Letestu scored on a power play with 15.8 seconds left in overtime to give the Oilers a 2-1 victory over the Blackhawks. The Oilers snapped a fourgame losing streak.
In New Orleans, Alex Morgan scored in a fourth straight game, Julie Ertz scored for the fourth time in five games, and the United States women beat South Korea 3-1.