Reuters Sports News Summary
Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.
Motor racing-Imola opens European season with plenty of firsts
Formula One's European season kicks off at Imola on Sunday with Lewis Hamilton racing in Italy for the first time as a Ferrari driver while local teen hero Kimi Antonelli makes his home debut with Mercedes. Even if champions McLaren take their sixth win in seven races, with Lando Norris hoping to cut teammate Oscar Piastri's lead, there will be some notable firsts when Imola hosts the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.
Thunder storm past Nuggets late for 3-2 series lead
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 31 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder rallied late for a 112-105 home win over the Denver Nuggets in Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals on Tuesday. Down by nine with 8 1/2 minutes to go, the Thunder wound up outscoring the Nuggets 34-19 in the fourth quarter to take a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Golf-McIlroy living the dream at Quail Hollow with career Grand Slam complete
Rory McIlroy, whose Masters triumph last month completed a years-long pursuit of the career Grand Slam, said on Wednesday he has accomplished everything in golf he ever dreamed of and will not be burdened by any number-specific goals going forward.
The five-times major champion was a picture of contentment while talking to reporters at Quail Hollow Club on the eve of the PGA Championship knowing his golf bingo card is complete.
Without Jayson Tatum, Celtics plan to 'leave it all out there' vs. Knicks
If the Boston Celtics extend their season by beating the visiting New York Knicks in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals Wednesday night, they will do so without leading scorer Jayson Tatum. Tatum, 27, suffered a ruptured right Achilles tendon in the final minutes of New York's 121-113 victory in Game 4 on Monday night. He had surgery Tuesday and will miss the remainder of the playoffs.
MLB roundup: Jacob Wilson homers twice as A's pound Dodgers
Rookie Jacob Wilson delivered four hits along with the first multi-home run game of his career in his homecoming, left-hander Jeffrey Springs went seven strong innings and the visiting Athletics earned an 11-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday. Wilson, a native of nearby Thousand Oaks, Calif., hit the fourth and fifth home runs of his career while finishing with his 16th multi-hit game this season. Nick Kurtz, Miguel Andujar and JJ Bleday also hit home runs for the Athletics.
Chiefs to visit Cowboys for Thanksgiving Day showdown
Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs will visit the Dallas Cowboys on Nov. 27 for the latter's traditional Thanksgiving Day game, CBS announced on Wednesday morning. Mahomes is set to play in Arlington, Texas, for the first time in his professional career. The Tyler, Texas native watched as Alex Smith started for Kansas City in its last road game versus Dallas in 2017.
Tennis-Alcaraz beats Draper at Italian Open, Gauff overpowers Andreeva
Third seed Carlos Alcaraz overcame a nervy start to beat Briton Jack Draper 6-4 6-4 on Wednesday and reach the Italian Open semi-finals for the first time. Four-times Grand Slam champion Alcaraz, who is gearing up to defend the French Open title later this month, fired off 24 winners in a strong performance to seal victory.
Luke Donald keeps Ryder Cup in mind ahead of PGA Championship
CHARLOTTE -- Luke Donald likes what he sees from European golfers entering this week's PGA Championship. He'll be the captain of the European team at the Ryder Cup in September.
Matt Carpenter, former Cardinals All-Star, retires
Matt Carpenter, a three-time All-Star who played 14 major league seasons, is retiring from baseball. He made the announcement Wednesday on Sports Spectrum's "Get in the Game" podcast hosted by former teammate Scott Linebrink.
Golf-Donald staying out of Ryder Cup eligibility issue for LIV Golf players
European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald would love for Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton to be available later this year but is not getting involved in their appeal of sanctions to maintain eligibility for the team event. Spaniard Rahm and England's Hatton were part of the last three European Ryder Cup teams but their eventual move to the Saudi-funded LIV Golf circuit has complicated matters.
