Boston Celtics president Danny Ainge said star point guard Kemba Walker was "definitely not himself" during the team's stay inside the NBA's bubble at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

"I wasn't there [in the bubble]," Ainge said Thursday during his end-of-season conference call following the Celtics' loss to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference finals. "I was watching from here, but I could see, even when he was here before the bubble started -- which is why he was shut down a little bit and doing strength training and trying to prepare himself for the playoff run and the intensity of the playoff run -- but he was definitely not himself.

"In fairness to Kemba, he doesn't want to say that. He doesn't say that to our coaches. He doesn't say that to you, the media. He doesn't say that to me. I haven't heard one excuse from him. But watching the games, even the games we won, even the games where he played well, I could tell he wasn't the same physically as he was in October, November, December. So we're going to try to get that Kemba back."

Walker has dealt with left knee issues since January. They plagued him during the final two months before the league shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic -- especially between the All-Star Game in mid-February and when the season was halted in mid-March -- and then again after Boston returned to practice in June before heading to Orlando.

After slowly ramping up to full minutes during the six weeks preceding the playoffs, Walker looked terrific in Boston's sweep of the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round. But he appeared to tweak his left knee again in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Toronto Raptors. And while he had good games after that, Walker never quite looked the same.

"I know Kemba wants to be back 100 percent and playing his best basketball," Ainge said. "Even not at his best, he still averaged 19 or 20 points per game in the playoffs. He still is a really good player, but he's not what he was. There's nothing more frustrating for an athlete to be on the biggest stage in the world in your sport and not be able to be yourself. I've been there before as a player. It's not fun. It's stressful. And Gordon [Hayward] and Kemba were trying to do that.

"I know everybody is banged up a little bit this time of year. I'm just saying those guys were ... they were limited on what they could do from what we are used to seeing in them."

Overall, Walker had a successful first season in Boston, helping to stabilize the organization after the departure of Kyrie Irving. Walker made his first deep playoff run after reaching the postseason only twice -- and losing in the first round both times -- during his eight years with the Charlotte Hornets.

"Kemba is a great person," Ainge said. "His leadership and being accountable ... he didn't make any excuses, he came to play, he realized the moment he was in. He's a player who understood how special it is to be here, and to never have those opportunities he's had in his career. But he has a smile on his face, he brings joy to the game and the team and the entire organization on a daily basis.

"He's just great to be around, and that's why I feel so bad. It's his first time on this big of a stage ... and he gave everything that he had. He played well, but we know that he wasn't himself. But he's a terrific leader and a terrific teammate and an amazing person."

This year marked the third time in four seasons that the Celtics have seen their season come to an end in the Eastern Conference finals. The first two times, Boston's losses came against LeBron James during his eight consecutive NBA Finals appearances.

This time, however, marked the first time that Boston lost to a team that was considered an underdog -- albeit a slight one. And while Ainge said he saw plenty that he liked about this season, including the growth of Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart, he conceded that the final outcome proved Boston was simply "not good enough."

"First of all, I've been very impressed with the development of our young players and how good they're getting," Ainge said. "Two, I think that Jaylen and Jayson are very special. Marcus played a huge, huge role for us. He's a great complementary piece for those two guys. I learned how good Kemba and Gordon are when they're healthy and how good our team is when our team is healthy.

"But I feel like there's a lot that we don't know about our team, just because the opportunities haven't come for so many of our players that are on our bench. ... I think there's a lot we learned about each of the individuals and about our team collectively. I think that we learned that we're not good enough."

One thing Ainge did think was good enough, however, was the team's chemistry, which was called into question after a locker room dustup -- one that Smart was loudly in the middle of -- following Boston's Game 2 loss to Miami.

Chemistry issues dogged Boston all of last season, when Irving and the team's young players were at odds before getting routed in the second round by the Milwaukee Bucks. This year, aside from that moment after Game 2, those issues never surfaced, and Ainge was quick to defend the way his group had come together over the course of the year.

"I would say that the entire year, I had heard nothing from our players or our coaches through Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals," Ainge said. "I never heard anything but how positive a culture it was and what a great team we had and it was such a joy to be around, what a joy it is to watch this team play.

"I thought the same way. I really liked being around the team, I liked watching our team compete, and I liked all the guys I was communicating with."

Ainge said he didn't read too much into what happened after Game 2.

"I personally have been around a long time, as you guys can tell, and I wouldn't overreact to those [moments]," Ainge said. "I think our chemistry for sure was enhanced this year. Our team was enhanced by the great chemistry and great culture that was created here."

Entering the offseason, Ainge said Boston is prepared to pay the luxury tax -- an important point, given that, due to the pandemic and the financial havoc it has wreaked on the league, the Celtics are likely to be well into the tax next season. That will especially be true if Hayward, as expected, opts in to his $34.1 million player option for next season.

One thing that should remain constant is Tatum's presence. Despite stretches against Miami where he didn't make a big enough impact on the game, it was still a successful season as he made his first All-Star and All-NBA appearances.

Boston's title aspirations in the coming seasons will be built around Tatum and Brown, whom the team agreed with on a contract extension prior to this season.

"Jayson knows how much we like him," Ainge said. "We have a good relationship. Jayson likes it here, so I'm confident that we'll be able to work something out this summer -- this offseason, I should say."

After productive meetings with Philadelphia 76ers ownership and management on Wednesday, Doc Rivers has emerged as a serious candidate to become the franchise's next coach, sources tell ESPN.

Rivers' candidacy has gained momentum, although no offer has been extended to him, sources said.

Rivers was a late entry into a process that had become increasingly focused on former Houston Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni, who still remains in consideration with the Sixers, sources tell ESPN.

Once the LA Clippers dismissed Rivers on Monday, the dynamic of the Sixers coaching search changed. Rivers has been intrigued enough with the roster, marketplace and organization to fly from the West Coast to sit down with Philadelphia's hierarchy -- owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer, and general manager Elton Brand.

Rivers, 58, had two years left on his Clippers contract, sources said, so he remains owed a significant sum of money, although typically there are offset agreements on the payout put into place should a coach be hired in a new job.

The Sixers also interviewed Clippers assistant Ty Lue this week, sources said, but Lue is emerging as a strong candidate to replace Rivers with the Clippers. The Clippers are planning to interview other candidates, starting soon, sources said.

The New Orleans Pelicans are planning to interview Lue in the near future too, sources said. Lue and Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin have strong ties, most notably working together to win an NBA title with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.

Novak Djokovic continued his dominant start to the French Open with a ruthless straight-set win against Lithuanian world number 66 Ricardas Berankis in the second round.

Djokovic, 33, is one of the favourites to win the tournament and put together an almost flawless performance to triumph in one hour and 23 minutes.

"I felt really good," Djokovic said.

"I hope I can carry on like this."

The top seed has tough competition for the title in Spain's 12-time champion Rafael Nadal and Austria's two-time runner-up Dominic Thiem but he looked focused and in control against Berankis on the Roland Garros clay.

After dropping just five games in his first-round win against Sweden's Mikael Ymer, the Serb continued his bid for an 18th Grand Slam title in equally brutal fashion.

Djokovic broke Berankis's serve in the first game of the match and went on to win the first set in 22 minutes, with the Lithuanian 30-year-old winning just 10 points.

A further two breaks helped Djokovic take the second set and his level continued to rise even higher as Berankis struggled with a back injury.

In total, the world number one served 10 aces, hit 25 winners and won 95% of points on his first serve to claim an easy victory.

"Right from the blocks I want to bring in the intensity," he told Eurosport.

"I managed to do that in the past two matches. It's exactly how I want to roll into the match."

Djokovic will face either Colombian qualifier Daniel Elahi Galan, who beat American world number 47 Tennys Sandgren, next.

Unbeaten on the court this year, Djokovic's only defeat in 2020 came when he was defaulted from his US Open last-16 match against Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta after hitting a line judge with a ball.

Shock for ninth seed Shapovalov

On Court Suzanne Lenglen, Canadian ninth seed Denis Shapovalov lost a five-hour five-set battle against world number 101 Roberto Carballes Baena.

The 27-year-old Spaniard, who has never reached the third round before, beat his higher-ranked opponent 7-5 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 3-6 8-6 and now faces Bulgarian 18th seed Grigor Dimitrov.

Dimitrov made light work of Slovakian world number 102 Andrej Martin in a 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 6-1 win.

Greek fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas had an equally easy time later on Philippe Chatrier, beating Uruguayan Pablo Cuevas 6-1 6-4 6-2.

Russian 15th seed Karen Khachanov is also through after beating Jiri Vesely 6-1 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (9-7) 7-6 (7-2).

Leicester Tigers lock Tomas Lavanini has been ruled out until late December with a high ankle injury.

The Tigers finish the season with a home game against Harlequins on Sunday.

"We're disappointed to not have him for the final fixture of the current campaign and opening months of next season," director of rugby Geordan Murphy told the club website.

ST PETERSBURG, Fla. – Officials from the City of St. Petersburg and Green Savoree St. Petersburg, LLC announced Thursday that the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, rescheduled to Oct. 23-25, will be open to spectators.

The event was postponed from its original March date due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

At Thursday’s City of St. Petersburg City Council Meeting, Mayor Rick Kriseman, with the support of City Council, approved GSSP’s plans to operate the event with 20,000 spectators under specific health and safety protocols. Fans should visit gpstpete.com/covid19 for more information on these essential protocols.

“My thanks to Green Savoree Racing Promotions and INDYCAR for their flexibility and resilience during this challenging time. I know that everyone is excited to get back on the track in St. Pete,” said City of St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman. “I can’t wait for October 23rd. I know everyone will embrace this race the St. Pete Way, adhering to the COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Let’s have some great racing in the Sunshine City.”

Competitors, spectators and all associated with the event will be subject to a health screening and temperature check before entry is permitted. All attendees will be required to wear masks or facial coverings at all times unless when eating or drinking with the “No Mask, No Entry” plan. Those who don’t have one will be issued a mask at the entry gates.

“It’s exciting to be able to have fans attend the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Our entire team greatly appreciates the patience and understanding of our ticket holders as we worked through this process with Mayor Kriseman, City Council and local health officials,” said Kim Green, co-owner, chairman and CEO of GSSP, organizers of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. “It’s important for everyone who attends to read and follow all the COVID-19 protocols to contribute to a fun, safe and successful event for us all.”

To promote social distancing, the paddock and pit lane will be closed to spectators. The CDC’s recommended guideline of at least six feet of social distancing should be maintained while on site. Hand sanitizer and hand washing stations will be available across the venue.

“The ongoing guidance and support of Mayor Kriseman, City Council, and the City of St. Petersburg’s event team have been phenomenal. We also would not be in this position to move this spring tradition to fall without Firestone’s unwavering commitment and dedication,” said Kevin Savoree, co-owner, president and COO of GSSP. “It’s going to be a terrific weekend again in downtown St. Pete in three weeks featuring world-class racing from IndyCar.”

Previously purchased tickets to the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, which were not already deferred, will be valid for gate entry on the corresponding days of the postponed event.

Ticket purchasers on file will receive more information via email, and in some cases, reserved grandstand seating may need to be reassigned to allow for social distancing. Additional answers to common questions can be found at gpstpete.com/covid19faq. A very limited number of tickets will be released for sale in the coming days at gpstpete.com.

INDIANAPOLIS – Next year’s NTT IndyCar Series schedule will be heavier on street and road courses, and a bit light on ovals.

It will also feature some big changes with some venerable venues.

With more street and road courses on the schedule, that could mean seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson could be close to a full-time competitor, should he land sponsorship to an already committed partnership with Chip Ganassi Racing.

It will also include an expanded relationship with NBC as the television partner.

Those are some of the big takeaways to the 2021 NTT IndyCar Series schedule that was announced at 10:30 a.m. E.T. in Indianapolis.

Noticeably absent is Iowa Speedway, which hosted a doubleheader weekend this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Richmond Raceway, which was supposed to return to the schedule this year before the event was nixed by COVID-19, is also missing from the schedule.

Circuit of the Americas, which debuted on the NTT IndyCar Series calendar in 2019, also falls off the schedule. The track was also set to host the series again this year, but the COVID-19 pandemic led to that event being canceled.

One of the biggest changes is Texas Motor Speedway will become a doubleheader and move to early May, before the 105th Indianapolis 500 on Memorial Day weekend.

“The changes in Texas are important and exciting,” said Penske Entertainment CEO Mark Miles. “To have not just one oval race, but two, before racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May is strategically very important to the growth of the event, as well.”

The 2021 campaign begins on Sunday, March 7 with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. It will be one of nine races televised on NBC. The remainder of the 17-race schedule with be on NBCSN.

“We’re really pleased that the current plans provide for one additional race on NBC’s network than we had this year,” Miles said. “In particular, the season will start with NBC coverage of the St. Petersburg event, a spectacular start for those in attendance and for those watching from home.”

The extra NBC opportunity could help create more awareness for IndyCar, it’s teams and sponsors.

“The IndyCar and NBC Sports partnership continues to be mutually beneficial, growing in viewership and providing adrenaline-packed entertainment to a national sports audience,” said Michael Perman, vice president, programming, NBC Sports. “We’re looking forward to providing increased exposure to the series in 2021, including network coverage of the season opener in St. Pete and the finale in Laguna Seca. Additionally, as a marquee event of our Championship Season, we’ll also provide wall-to-wall coverage of the Indy 500 on NBC, an international sporting spectacle filled with speed and exceptional drama.”

For the first time, IndyCar will race at the Texas Motor Speedway in the month of May during a doubleheader weekend May 1-2. The move places a crucial oval on the schedule before the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, scheduled for May 30.

The summer months kick off with the Detroit doubleheader moving to the second weekend in June, on June 12-13. Racing in Detroit will actually begin one week earlier, when the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship visits Belle Isle Park on June 4-5.

The Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course will host IndyCar during the July 4 holiday weekend.

In August, the NTT IndyCar Series enters an important stretch, with consecutive races on a street course, road course and an oval highlighting the audacious athleticism required to win a championship.

That important run begins with IndyCar’s debut on the on the streets of Nashville, Tenn., for the first Music City Grand Prix on Aug. 8. The three-day international festival of speed and sound will be staged on a temporary grand prix circuit in downtown Nashville and around the Nissan Stadium campus – home of the NFL’s Tennessee Titans.

“We couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to race on the streets of Nashville, which we think will be a blockbuster event in its first year,” Miles said. “It’ll help raise the bar – not just for great racing – but for a great festival around INDYCAR.”

Six days later, the NTT IndyCar Series once again will join NASCAR’s famous Brickyard weekend, returning to the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Aug. 14.

“After the proof of concept this year,” said Miles, “we look forward to having an IndyCar Grand Prix during the Brickyard weekend – and inviting fans be a part of it. We know the strong Midwest affinity for IndyCar racing and the love for IndyCar drivers will help that weekend reach new levels.”

The three-weekend stretch culminates with a return to the oval at World Wide Technology Raceway on Aug. 21.

Several traditional races return in 2021. More than half of the events on the NTT IndyCar Series schedule have been on the calendar for 16 or more years, with Long Beach and Mid-Ohio (36 years) leading legendary visits to Detroit, Road America, Toronto and Portland Int’l Raceway.

The NTT IndyCar Series season champion will be crowned Sept. 19 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, wrapping up the season on NBC. Event start times will be announced at a later date.

2021 NTT IndyCar Series Schedule

March 7 – Streets of St. Petersburg – St. Petersburg, Fla.
April 11 – Barber Motorsports Park – Leeds, Ala.
April 18 – Streets of Long Beach – Long Beach, Calif.
May 1-2 – Texas Motor Speedway – Fort Worth, Texas
May 15 – Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course – Indianapolis, Ind.
May 30 – Indianapolis Motor Speedway – Indianapolis, Ind.
June 12-13 – Raceway at Belle Isle Park – Detroit, Mich.
June 20 – Road America – Elkhart Lake, Wis.
July 4 – Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course – Lexington, Ohio
July 11 – Exhibition Place – Toronto, Ontario
Aug. 8 – Streets of Nashville – Nashville, Tenn.
Aug. 14 – Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course – Indianapolis, Ind.
Aug. 21 – World Wide Technology Raceway – Madison, Ill.
Sept. 12 – Portland Int’l Raceway – Portland, Ore.
Sept. 19 – WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca – Monterey, Calif.

MOORESVILLE, N.C. – NASCAR Xfinity Series playoff contender Justin Haley will return to the seat of Spire Motorsports No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE in Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series Yellawood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway.

Parts Plus will be featured as the team’s primary sponsor.

Haley, a native of Winamac, Ind., has earned Xfinity series victories at both Talladega and Daytona Int’l Speedway in 2020 and currently sits fifth in points on NASCAR’s junior circuit with six races remaining to determine the series’ champion.

Over the course of this season, Haley has notched a pair of Xfinity Series wins while racking up eight top-five and 17 top-10 finishes. He’s completed 98.7 percent of the laps contested in 2020 while leading 101 laps.

“I’m beyond excited to get back behind the wheel of the Spire Motorsports 77 this weekend at Talladega,” said Haley. “Peter (crew chief Peter Sospenzo) and the whole team at Spire have been behind me since day one, and I’m so fortunate to get the call to come back and drive for them. Hopefully we can pick up where we left off last summer in Daytona.”

The 21-year-old driver has four previous Cup Series starts to his credit, including a surprise win last season in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona. His most recent start came in the 2020 Daytona 500, where he finished 13th.

“Justin Haley is one of the savviest superspeedway racers in the sport and his pedigree at Talladega and Daytona speaks for itself,” said Spire Motorsports co-owner T.J. Puchyr. “Justin helped put Spire Motorsports on the map when he and Peter Sospenzo won at NASCAR’s highest level a little over a year ago at Daytona. We’re thrilled to have him behind the wheel of the Parts Plus Chevrolet this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway. He has an incredibly bright future and we’re proud to be part of it.”

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Progressive American Flat Track officials have announced the Road to AFT program, its newest initiative designed in conjunction with the American Motorcyclist Ass’n to create a pathway for young riders striving to progress to professional competition.

This progression for the series will debut at the Yamaha Atlanta Short Track event with a featured amateur exhibition race held during the weekend program.

Effective immediately, the Road to AFT will recognize young, talented riders from AMA-sanctioned amateur flat-track racing series and aid in their progression and transition into professional competition in the AFT Singles presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys class. The program also will provide a resource for obtaining the knowledge necessary for success in Progressive AFT to pave the way for the next generation of champions.

“The need for a springboard from amateur to an AFT Professional Singles license has never been more apparent,” said Joey Mancari, chief competition officer of Progressive American Flat Track. “The Road to AFT will not only accomplish that, but will also give AFT Singles riders with limited pro experience a place to hone their skills. In both cases, the Road to AFT program is where these riders will gain the skill sets needed to succeed as an AFT competitor.”

The Road to AFT will include the AMA Flat Track Grand Championship and AFT Championship events. The program also will be present at select AMA-sanctioned amateur and Pro-Am events.

NEW YORK CITY – Superstar Racing Experience officials have announced that 1988 NASCAR Cup Series champion Bill Elliott will be a part of the inaugural season in 2021.

Throughout the course of his historic NASCAR career, Elliott won 44 NASCAR Cup Series races. Among his victories were two Daytona 500 triumphs, three victories in the Southern 500 and a Brickyard 400 win.

Elliott, who was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2015, is widely considered one of the most popular drivers in the history of NASCAR.

“I am excited to reunite with Ray Evernham and some of the great legends of our sport. I look forward to racing at some of the most historic American racing destinations and putting on an awesome show for the fans. We have a special driver field and it will be fun competing with some of the greatest drivers of all time,” said Elliott.

Elliott joins Tony Stewart, Tony Kanaan, Paul Tracy, Bobby Labonte, Willy T. Ribbs, Mark Webber and Helio Castroneves as the eighth confirmed driver for the series that will air Saturday nights in primetime on CBS Television Network in the Summer of 2021.