National Sports

HOUSTON — Chris Paul's grit and veteran leadership have pushed the Golden State Warriors to the brink of elimination. Now the Houston Rockets must wait to see if his injured leg is strong enough to help them take one last step to the NBA Finals.

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Thursday granted a rare posthumous pardon to boxing's first black heavyweight champion, clearing Jack Johnson's name more than 100 years after what many see as his racially-charged conviction.

Thursday's Games NBA Playoffs Houston 98 Golden State 94 (Rockets lead series 3-2) --- AHL Playoffs Rockford 3 Texas 2 (OT) (Stars lead series 3-1) --- MLB American League L.A.

With no deadlines to meet and a monthlong summer break coming up, NFL teams are in no hurry to formulate a policy on demonstrations during the national anthem.

REGINA — While several of his Hamilton Bulldogs teammates huddled around a TV in the team hotel for Wednesday's game at the Memorial Cup, Robert Thomas opted to stop watching shortly after the first period.

Canadian Zachary Claman De Melo isn't apprehensive about qualifying 13th for this weekend's Indianapolis 500. After all, 13 has been a meaningful number for the 20-year-old Montreal native, who'll be making his Indy 500 debut Sunday.

MILWAUKEE — Body camera video showing police using a stun gun on an NBA player over a parking violation is just the latest setback for efforts to improve the strained relationship between Milwaukee officers and the city's black population.

TORONTO — Perhaps a change of scenery is just what the Toronto Blue Jays need right now. A dismal 1-6 homestand was capped Thursday afternoon with an 8-1 loss to the Los Angeles Angels.

KAMLOOPS, B.C. — Odell Willis is acting more like his old self again. The veteran defensive lineman began his stay with the B.C.

MONTREAL — An ex-gymnastics coach is facing new conditions related to sexual assault charges for alleged crimes dating back to the 1980s and early '90s. Michel Arsenault is facing four charges of assault and three of sexual assault.