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Pistons hire Casey

Dwane Casey lost his job in Toronto because the Raptors wanted to advance further in the playoffs.

In Detroit, it would be an accomplishment if Casey can simply get the Pistons into the playoffs.

The Pistons hired the NBA coach of the year finalist Monday, hoping he can help the three-time NBA championship franchise regularly reach the postseason and eventually compete again for titles.

“Dwane is one of the most successful and highly respected coaches in our league,” Pistons owner Tom Gores said. “He’s a great communicator and a leader who will connect with our players and accelerate their growth. Having spent many hours with Dwane over the last few weeks, I’m confident he is the right person to get us to the next level.”

A month after being fired by the Raptors , Casey agreed to a five-year deal to become head coach of the Pistons, two people familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on Monday. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because the team had not announced the move, which was first reported by ESPN.

Casey led Toronto to a team-record 59 wins this year and helped the franchise earn the top seed in the Eastern Conference for the first time, a performance that won him coach of the year honors from his peers at the National Basketball Coaches Association. He had one year remaining on a three-year, $18 million dollar extension when he was fired shortly after Toronto was swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was 320-238 in seven seasons and is Toronto’s winningest coach.

Pony baseball

Jake Pattison drove in three runs and winning pitcher Emiliano Saldivar stole three bases as Chambers Insurance defeated McGuffey 8-1 in the opening round of the Washington Pony League playoffs Monday night.

Chambers advances to play top-seeded Marthinsen & Salvitti tonight.

Dancer, Stride

win PASS splits

Sidewalk Dancer peeled off cover past the three-quarters, turned on the jets in the lane and rolled to her third straight victory in Monday’s $159,868 Pennsylvania Sires Stake at The Meadows. The event for 3-year-old filly pacers, known as the Adios Betty, was contested over two divisions, with Serene Stride taking the other split.

All the victories in Sidewalk Dancer’s current streak, including a PASS leg at Harrah’s Philadelphia, have come since trainer Chris Oakes began treating her with Lasix. Winning driver Brett Miller believes the medication is making a difference.

“I think it’s played a big part,” Miller said. “Last year, she was real high strung, so I’m sure Lasix is really helping her. She’s amazing. Let’s keep our fingers crossed and hope she stays sound.”

In the Adios Betty, Sidewalk Dancer followed the live cover of Cult Icon before exploding late to triumph in 1:52, 2 lengths better than the rallying Alexa’s Power. Early leader Sansovina Hanover completed the ticket.

Falcons’ Jones to skip minicamp

The Atlanta Falcons will open their mandatory minicamp without Julio Jones, one of their most important playmakers.

Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said the team was informed Monday that Jones will not be present when the three-day minicamp opens Tuesday.

Jones, under contract through 2020, apparently is seeking a new deal as he has fallen behind other top NFL receivers in average earnings.

“We have been in contact with Julio and his representation,” Dimitroff said in a statement released by the team.

“We will not discuss those conversations publicly except to say we feel they have been productive and constructive. We understand the concerns and thoughts from their perspective. Although not ideal, Julio informed us today he would not be attending minicamp.

“We have much respect for him and what he means to our team, our city and our fans.”

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