National Sports

DENVER (AP) — The bling and the banner were nice. What the Denver Nuggets really relished, though, was opening defense of the franchise's first NBA title with a 119-107 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night.

RED DEER, Alta. — The Seattle Thunderbirds have served early notice that they plan to contend this season. Gracyn Sawchyn scored twice as the visiting Thunderbirds rolled over the Red Deer Rebels 5-2 in Western Hockey League action on Tuesday night.

MONTREAL — Tyler Toffoli didn’t score in his first return to Montreal after the Canadiens traded him. In his second visit, he made up for it by scoring three.

OTTAWA — On a night meant to recognize excellence in netminding, the Buffalo Sabres’ 6-4 victory over the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre did anything but.

KITCHENER, Ont. — Trent Swick scored twice as the Kitchener Rangers beat the visiting Sarnia Sting 6-1 in Ontario Hockey League action on Tuesday. Adrian Misaljevic, Tanner Lam, Carson Rehkopf and Matthew Sop also scored for the Rangers.

Montreal Canadiens defenceman David Savard is out six to eight weeks with a fracture to his left hand, the club announced Tuesday.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Auston Matthews scored his seventh goal of the season, Joseph Woll made 36 saves and the Toronto Maple Leafs handed the Washington Capitals their fourth loss in five games, 4-1 on Tuesday night.

World Rugby has announced sweeping changes to its international calendar, moves that formalize the gap between Tier 1 and 2 nations but assure Canada of regular matches.

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — With Connor McDavid out of the lineup, the Edmonton Oilers are putting on a brave face and embracing the opportunity for other players to step up.

TORONTO — A new era of the Toronto Raptors will dawn on Wednesday when they kick off the 2023-24 NBA season. But just what this new version of the team will look like is still unknown.