Celtics legend Jones dies at 88

Basketball Hall of Famer Sam Jones, the Boston Celtics’ “Mr. Clutch” whose sharp shooting fueled the league’s longest dynasty and earned him 10 NBA titles — second only to teammate Bill Russell — has died, the team said. He was 88.

Jones died Dec. 30 in Florida, where he had been hospitalized in failing health, Celtics spokesman Jeff Twiss said.

“Sam Jones was one of the most talented, versatile, and clutch shooters for the most successful and dominant teams in NBA history,” the team said in a statement.

HAMMON TO LEAD ACES »

Becky Hammon is coming back to the WNBA as a head coach. The veteran Spurs assistant took the lead spot with the Las Vegas Aces on Dec. 31. “I am so excited to return to the WNBA and grateful for Mark Davis and Nikki Fargas having a vision for me to lead the Aces,” said Hammon. She will be the highest paid coach in the league, potentially earning three or four times more than the highest paid player according to a person familiar with the deal.

NFL QUARTERBACKS IN THE

NEWS » Baltimore star Lamar Jackson missed practice again because of his injured ankle, and the Ravens listed him as questionable for their game against the Rams. ... The Vikings placed quarterback Kirk Cousins on the COVID-19 reserve list . ... 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is listed as doubtful because of an injured right thumb.

College football

CHIPPEWAS WIN » Lew Nichols III ran for 130 yards and a touchdown, leading late replacement Central Michigan to a 24-21 victory over Washington State in the Sun Bowl and ending a fivegame bowl skid.