National Sports

OAKLAND, Calif. — James Harden scored 30 points, Chris Paul had 27 and the Houston Rockets sustained the latest second-half flurry by Stephen Curry, evening the Western Conference finals at two games apiece with a 95-92 victory Tuesday night.

NEW YORK — Jose Bautista was sitting on his couch at home in Florida when the call came Tuesday afternoon. He had a new job, with the New York Mets.

TORONTO — Hitting a two-run home run just a game after throwing a scoreless inning of relief, Blue Jays designated hitter Kendrys Morales was quick to laugh off any comparisons to Los Angeles Angels phenom Shohei Ohtani.

Michael Phelps was hanging at the pool on Tuesday. No, he's not planning another comeback. He's got a bigger goal to tackle. Mental health.

TORONTO — Slugger Mike Trout predicted teammate Shohei Ohtani would hit the Rogers Centre scoreboard during batting practice Tuesday. Los Angeles Angels hitting coach Eric Hinske went one further and said Ohtani would put a ball right over it.

TAMPA, Fla. — Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin is closer than ever to playing for the Stanley Cup, and he's determined to make the most of the opportunity.

TORONTO — Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan says he knew once Kyle Dubas was elevated to general manager, an exodus from Toronto's front office was all but assured.

TORONTO — Devon Travis ran from the clubhouse to the Blue Jays' daily video session, quick-timed it out on to the field at Rogers Centre, and then was all smiles with Toronto media in the dugout.

A Saskatchewan member of the legislature who was spotted hawking tickets outside a Winnipeg Jets game says he purchased them for a friend who was unable to make it.

NEW YORK — James Hinchcliffe once likened Indianapolis Motor Speedway to a cruel mistress. A few days ago, he found out just how cruel when he was bumped from the race that means the most to him — and really, any IndyCar driver.