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Ginobili scores 27 points, Spurs beat Lakers in Western finals rematch

JAN HUBBARD Depending on the day, as little as three games — and sometimes less — separate seeds 2-through-9 in the Western Conference playoff race. That makes trying to project a legitimate challenger to the Los Angeles Lakers tougher than trying to find a crystal ball on eBay.Much tougher. Actually, crystal balls are available on eBay, including one from a dandy place that sells all sorts of exotic witchcraft and metaphysical supplies.The Spurs are obviously always in the mix. The Hornets are trying to build on last year. The Nuggets have made a big move this season.The Rockets’ championship potential is exceeded only by their health problems. The Blazers’ potential is exceeded only by their youth. The Suns have played much better since trading for Jason Richardson.And Mavericks fans, think of it this way. Your team has yet to play its best basketball, and the No. 2 seed is still in play.But as the long-time roaring P.A. announcer in Salt Lake City likes to y

Roger Mason hit a jumper with 10 seconds left and made a free throw after being fouled by Derek Fisher, and the San Antonio Spurs beat the Los Angeles Lakers 112-111 on Wednesday night in the first meeting between the teams since the Western Conference finals.

Detroit PF Antonio McDyess scored seven points and added nine rebounds in Wednesday's loss at Indiana. He was 3-of-7 from the field and added a steal.

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - The Oakland Athletics have re-signed their home run leader Jack Cust on a one-year deal, the team announced on its website on Wednesday.

Former Giants pitcher Frank Williams died Friday, according to the Times Colonist of Victoria, British Columbia. He was 50. Mr. Williams, a Seattle native, was drafted by the Giants in 1979 and came up to San Francisco in 1984, when he went 9-4 as a reliever....

Wigan owner Dave Whelan says the club have rejected a £10m bid from Tottenham for midfielder Wilson Palacios.

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When coach Todd McLellan steps behind the West bench at the All-Star Game next weekend, he'll probably have more Anaheim Ducks at his disposal than his own San Jose Sharks.

Sharks forward Torrey Mitchell has joined San Jose's top minor league affiliate for a conditioning assignment in his comeback from a preseason leg injury.