Mikaela Shiffrin reacts on the podium after winning the women's slalom at the World Cup Finals on March 27 in Sun Valley, Idaho. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

Shiffrin tries to

build confidence

SALZBURG, Austria (AP) — After two major crashes the last two seasons and a battle with PTSD, American skiing standout Mikaela Shiffrin is entering the upcoming Olympic season on a more positive note. Shiffrin tells The Associated Press in an interview that “my confidence is getting better, generally I feel more comfortable.”

She’s still not ready to race in downhills again, however, and might drop super-G as well in a reduced World Cup schedule ahead of the Milan-Cortina Olympics. Shiffrin is content to compete in slalom and giant slalom and maybe super-G as she rebuilds her confidence following two injury-marred campaigns.

Aces look tonight

for WNBA sweep

PHOENIX (AP) — The Las Vegas Aces are in position to make short work of the WNBA’s expanded playoff schedule.

A’ja Wilson’s turnaround jumper with 0.3 seconds remaining lifted the Aces over the Phoenix Mercury for a thrilling 90-88 win on Wednesday night. It also gave Las Vegas a 3-0 lead in the first best-of-seven WNBA Finals in league history.

The Aces would already be celebrating their third championship in four seasons in the previous best-of-five format. In 2025, there’s more work to do. Game 4 is tonight in Phoenix.

Heat’s Spoelstra

may coach USA

(AP) — Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat has emerged as the frontrunner to become the next coach of the U.S. men’s basketball team for the 2027 World Cup and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Sources say USA Basketball is closing in on an announcement that could be finalized in the coming days. Spoelstra would replace Steve Kerr, who led the team to a gold medal at the Paris Games.

Spoelstra is entering his 18th season as coach of the Heat. He’s won two NBA titles as head coach and was part of USA Basketball’s coaching staff under Kerr.