Sports

Thunder headlining NBA’s opening night, Christmas schedule for this season
The Oklahoma City Thunder felt slighted last season when they were left off the NBA’s Christmas schedule. The other Christmas games, released by the NBA on Tuesday: Cleveland at New York, Houston at LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg and Dallas visiting Golden State, and Minnesota playing at Denver.
Twins reinstate Byron Buxton from injured list to start series vs. Yankees
The Minnesota Twins reinstated center fielder Byron Buxton from the 10-day injured list. He homered in his first game back after missing 13 with an injury. He rejoined the Twins to start a three-game series against the New York Yankees and was leading off.
Darren Yapi’s two second-half goals lead Rapids to 2-1 victory over Minnesota United
Darren Yapi scored twice in the second half to spark the Colorado Rapids to a 2-1 victory over Minnesota United. Neither team scored until Yapi found the net in the 60th minute to give Colorado (9-11-6) the lead. Defender Sam Vines snagged his second assist this season and the third of his career.
Keaschall hits 2-run homer in 11th as Twins top Royals 5-3
Luke Keaschall hit a two-run homer in the 11th inning, Ryan Fitzgerald homered for his first career hit, and the Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 5-3. 
J.J. McCarthy returns to help lead Vikings to 20-10 win over Texans in preseason opener
J.J. McCarthy made a solid return for the Vikings, completing 4 of 7 passes for 30 yards in a preseason win over the Houston Texans. On Saturday, McCarthy led a scoring drive in his only series, helping Minnesota top Houston 20-10.
NFL preseason game ends early after serious injury to Detroit Lions' Morice Norris
The Lions safety was in stable condition after he was attended to for about 20 minutes and taken off the field in an ambulance Friday, with the preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons ending early.
Smith leads Lynx past Mystics for 16th home win
Alanna Smith scored 25 points, Courtney Williams had 14 and the Minnesota Lynx held off the Washington Mystics 80-76 on Friday night to improve to 16-1 at home this season.