MIAMI (AP) — Few Super Bowls in recent memory have appeared as competitive as 49ers-Chiefs. No wonder there's a little more buzz about this one. History and excitement are a nice combination for any championship game. The history stems from the Chiefs seeking their first title since 1970 when they won the fourth Super Bowl in the final matchup of AFL-NFL. The full merger took place the next season _ and Kansas City hasn't been back to the Super Bowl for which its founder, Lamar Hunt, provided the name. And the 49ers are seeking a record-tying sixth Vince Lombardi Trophy.
MIAMI (AP) — There are countless numbers that tell the story of how the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs made it to the Super Bowl. The Chiefs throw the ball at a rate rarely reached in NFL history. The Niners are running more frequently this postseason than any team since 1973. Kansas City thrives on deep passes, while San Francisco is the best at limiting them.
MIAMI (AP) — Even the oddsmakers aren't sure about this Super Bowl. That's how close the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers match up. The Chiefs are a 1-point favorite. That basically means a tossup. By kickoff on Sunday the 49ers could be the bettors' choice. There could be almost as much action on prop bets _ does Kyle Shanahan remember to run the ball if the Niners get ahead 28-3 in the second half, for example? Or a lot more bets on the over/under. That stands at 54 1-2 and seems a bit low.
National Headlines
LOS ANGELES (AP) — All-Star forward Paul George narrated a 2-minute video tribute to late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant before the Los Angeles Clippers faced the Sacramento Kings. It was the first basketball game at Staples Center since Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others were killed in Sunday's helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. Bryant's retired No. 8 and 24 Lakers jerseys were left uncovered in the upper left corner of Staples Center. Following the video tribute, there was 24 seconds of silence followed by “Kobe, Kobe” chants before the national anthem.
CHICAGO (AP) — In addition to the slam-dunks, fans at this year’s NBA All-Star game will actually pay attention to the scoreboard. In a new format, the NBA says the team that wins each quarter will receive money for charity. Scores will be reset at the start of the second and third quarters. They'll be restored to begin the fourth quarter, which will be untimed. The winning team will be the first team to add 24 points to whatever the leading score is after three quarters. The 24 is a tribute to Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash on Sunday.
BOSTON (AP) — A win’s a win. Gordon Hayward scored 25 points and the Boston Celtics earned their fifth victory in six games with a 119-104 win over the Golden State Warriors. Marcus Smart added 21 points, scoring 17 in the second half on a night when Boston became the latest team to offer a tribute to Kobe Bryant. D'Angelo Russell led the Warriors with 22 points. They have lost five straight.
Thursday Scores
TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Final (2)Gonzaga 87 Santa Clara 72
Final (11)Oregon 77 California 72
Final (15)Maryland 82 (18)Iowa 72
Final (19)Illinois 59 Minnesota 51
Final UCLA 72 (20)Colorado 68
NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
Final Washington 121 Charlotte 107
Final Toronto 115 Cleveland 109
Final Atlanta 127 Philadelphia 117
Final Boston 119 Golden State 104
Final Sacramento 124 L.A. Clippers 103
Final Denver 106 Utah 100