Spurs win NBA crown

San Antonio: Tim Duncan had 25 points and 11 rebounds and San Antonio Spurs beat Detroit Pistons 81-74 here on Thursday to win their second NBA championship in three years. The Spurs ended the title defence dreams of the Pistons to capture the best-of-seven title series. The MVP award went to Duncan, who collected his third NBA playoffs MVP award in seven years — all of them during Spurs’ title runs. — AFP

Australia finally win

Chester-le-Street: Australia finally won a tour match when it beat England by 57 runs in a tri-series one-day cricket international at Riverside Ground on Thursday. Australia had lost its first four tour matches. Australia posted 266/5 in 50 overs, and made England struggle from 6-3, finally finishing on 209-9. All six Australian bowlers shared the wickets, with two each to Brad Hogg (2-19), Brett Lee (2-27) on his return from injury, and Glenn McGrath (2-31). Allrounder Andrew Symonds made a notable comeback with a top score of 73 for Australia. — AP