Good morning.
Here's what's making headlines:
Cousins crowns Kings in victorious return to Saramento
DeMarcus Cousins returned to Sacramento on Thursday to remind Sacramento Kings fans of what they've lost.
Cousins played like a man possessed in his long-awaited return, amassing 41 points, 23 rebounds, and six assists to lead his New Orleans Pelicans to a thrilling 114-106 victory at the Golden 1 Center.
Emotions ran high as Cousins returned to the franchise that drafted him back in 2010 before trading him at last year's deadline. Kings fans gave Cousins a warm ovation when his name was announced before the game but mostly booed him throughout as he plundered their defense. Cousins was seemingly unbothered but admitted after the game that he felt nervous right up until tipoff.
He scored 14 points in the final quarter, shooting eight freebies while also snagging eight rebounds. He iced the game with a pick-and-pop three, then completed a sweet give-and-go with Jameer Nelson for the final dagger.
Ravens decimate Dolphins after losing Flacco
Alex Collins ran for a career-high 113 yards as the Baltimore Ravens romped to a 40-0 destruction of the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night, earning the most lopsided shutout in Ravens franchise history.
The Baltimore defense took back a pair of interceptions for touchdowns, and the Ravens overcame the loss of quarterback Joe Flacco, who left before halftime with a head injury.
They improved to 4-4, while the Dolphins dropped to 4-3.
Flacco concussed on late hit by Dolphins' Alonso
Flacco was taken to the locker room late in the second quarter after linebacker Kiko Alonso delivered a late hit while the quarterback was sliding. He was diagnosed with a concussion and ruled out for the game.
Alonso received a 15-yard penalty for the hit, but was not ejected.
Flacco completed 10-of-15 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown before suffering the injury.
Bonus Round
Breaking down the Yankees' options to replace Girardi
The New York Yankees announced Thursday that after a decade with the organization, Joe Girardi would not return to manage the club next season. There are plenty of capable options available for the Yankees to pursue, though.
5 standout performances from a loaded Thursday night in the NHL
Eleven games were played around the NHL on Thursday, and there was no shortage of scoring.
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)
