What happened to the NBA that I know and love? During the 2009-2010 season saw the Washington Wizards play the Boston Celtics and witnessed an amazing sight: the Wizards do not rebound in the second quarter over! They did not defend well either, and Boston shot 60% from the field for the quarter. There rebounds to be had, however, the Wizards simply is nothing of them. What is even more surprising was that the Wizards lost by only two points! They could not recover from a quarter of the game and still had a chance to win! What is wrong with the NBA? In the 70's and 80's, actually prefer professional basketball college basketball. The NBA will fall, Kareem, Bob Lanier, Pete Maravich, Connie Hawkins, Rick Barry, Nate Archibald, Elvin Hayes, Bob McAdoo, and other great players. The 70's gave us the Lakers with Wilt, Jerry West, Gail Goodrich (and Pat Riley)Knicks Willis Reed appear, Walt Frazier, Earl Monroe (and Phil Jackson), the great Celtic teams of Dave Cowens favorite, Paul Silas, John Havlicek and Jo Jo White, the Milwaukee Bucks boasted Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Oscar Robertson and Bob Dandridge, the Detroit Pistons said Dave Bing and Bob Lanier and the Baltimore / Washington Bullets were amazing with Elvin Hayes, Wes Unseld and Phil Chenier.Those were good days for the NBA, and when the older players old retired four ABA teams were allowed into the league.
Suddenly, we saw the talent of the lower league players known as Artis Gilmore, Julius Erving, George McGinnis, George Gervin, Maurice Lucas and others who now struggled with the established stars. The excitement grew in the 80's brought us Showtime Lakers, with Worthy and Magic running the break, while patrolling the center Kareem, Moses Malone, Dr. J and Charles Barkley together as a team and the original Twin Towers (which would have been fun to watch Ralph Sampson and Hakeem Olajuwon faced off against their counterparts from the 90, David Robinson and Tim Duncan), and a surprising team of the Celtics Larry Bird, Robert Parrish and Kevin McHale. In the mid-80's introduced a type that alone would change the landscape of the NBA named Michael Jordan. Despite his offensive brilliance, his teams were not yet ready to compete with the upper echelon of the NBA. It was fun to watch, however.
Jim Mone - AP
11 months ago: Golden State Warrior's Vladimir Radmanovic, left, of Serbia watches as Minnesota Timberwolves' Kevin Love pulls in a rebound in the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010 in Minneapolis. Love scored 23 points and had 16 rebounds in the Timberwolves' 107-101 loss. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
A sense of normalcy will return to the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight as Byron Scott's club arrives in the snowy Twin Cities hoping to halt a two-game skid against the lowly Minnesota Timberwolves.
In his first game back in Cleveland as a member of the Heat on Thursday, LeBron James scored a season-high 38 points with eight assists and five rebounds, and led Miami in a 118-90 rout of his former team.
James, an Akron native, spent his first seven NBA seasons with Cleveland before becoming a free agent this past summer. Instead of choosing to re-sign with the Cavaliers, James opted to play with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh on the Heat.
But the boos didn't rain down on James on Thursday because he chose another team, at least not totally. They also rained down because James chose another team through a much-hyped ESPN special -- "The Decision" -- in July.
The nature of James' departure from the Cavaliers prompted the team to increase security in preparation for James' return, and there were guards by the Heat bench throughout the game. But if anything, it was the Cavaliers who needed protection.
And if Cleveland fans hoped James and his new team fell flat, it didn't happen. James shot 15-of-25 and scored 24 points in the third quarter, while Wade almost posted a triple-double, going for 22 points, nine assists and nine rebounds. Bosh added 15 points as the Heat shot 56.6 percent in a third consecutive win.
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers were focused on winning a basketball game, but lost for the third time in four games. The other losses in that stretch were to East heavyweights Boston and Orlando.
Daniel Gibson sank 4-of-6 three-pointers and scored a team-high 21 points off Cleveland's bench.
The theory that James generated such ire because it was how he left -- not necessarily that he left -- gained credence during introductions. While fans booed James, they cheered for center Zydrunas Ilgauskas, who had played for the Cavaliers since they drafted him in 1996, then signed with Miami in July.
Fans had booed James during warmups and when he tossed powder in the air, as he so often used to do in Cleveland before tip-off. They continued to boo when James touched the ball, but James responded by making his first shot and never looked back.
"I thought he played great. Simple as that," Scott said of James.
Ramon Sessions finished with 11 points and seven assists for Cleveland, which shot 35.5 percent. Antawn Jamison and Mo Williams also finished with 11 points each.
"So many things went through my mind," James said of his approach to the game. "I have nothing bad to say about these (Cleveland) fans. It was seven great years. We grew from 17 wins in the year before I got here to the last two seasons I was here being the best team in the regular season. I understand their frustration and I was frustrated also because we didn't accomplish what we wanted to do at the end of the day. I wish this organization and these fans, which are great, the best."
The Wolves, meanwhile, lost their sixth straight game in San Antonio on Friday when Tim Duncan scored 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead the Spurs to a 107-101 victory over Minnesota at AT&T Center.
Michael Beasley scored a game-high 28 points and Kevin Love added 25 and 18 rebounds for Minnesota, which had a 15-point lead at one point against the 16-3 Spurs but the Wolves made just 4-of-19 shots in the fourth quarter as San Antonio rallied.
"That's what good teams do," Minnesota coach Kurt Rambis said. "Good teams have the confidence that they're going to come back and win. They've been in those kinds of situations before; they know how to dig themselves out of holes. Every good team knows how to do that."
Luke Ridnour and Corey Brewer both finished with 14 points in defeat.
Cleveland has won nine straight against the Timberwolves, but James had a big hand in all those victories, averaging 30.1 points per game in the span.
Chris Carlson - AP
about 1 year ago: Miami Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne throws against the San Diego Chargers in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009, in San Diego. Henne replaced quarterback Chad Pennington who had injured his right shoulder. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
On one side, it's whos there. On the other, it's who's not.
The Miami Dolphins represent the former, and with the imminent returns of wide receiver Brandon Marshall and defensive end Phillip Merling, that could spell trouble for late-season opponents such as this Sunday's foe, the visiting Cleveland Browns.
Merling was activated Tuesday from the reserve/non-football injury list after being shelved since Aug. 31. Marshall, meanwhile, injured a hamstring during a Week 13 loss to Chicago and was lost for last Sunday's 33-17 defeat of the Oakland Raiders.
Also back for that win was quarterback Chad Henne, who threw for 307 yards in helping the Dolphins climb back over the .500 mark and back into the fringes of contention in the AFC's muddled Wild Card playoff race.
Miami opened the season with two straight wins, followed them with two straight losses, and has since alternated W's and L's. It sits two games off the 8-3 pace of the current leader for the conference's final Wild Card spot, the Pittsburgh Steelers, with five to play, and is three in back of both the New York Jets and New England Patriots, who share the top spot in the AFC East at 9-2.
The Dolphins finish with three divisional games in their final four weeks, including a trip to New York, a home date with Buffalo and a season-ending trip to New England.
"Getting Phillip Merling back [at Wednesday's practice] was really good," Miami head coach Tony Sparano said. "I was kind of kidding those guys. I said, 'Well, the boys are back in town.' We finally got that group together that we've seen in [offseason training activities]."
For Cleveland, the absence of quarterback Colt McCoy is making few feel fonder. The University of Texas rookie was lost to a high ankle sprain during a Week 11 loss to Jacksonville and did not play in last Sunday's 24-23 win over 1-10 Carolina.
Former Panther Jake Delhomme piloted the Browns to that one-point victory and has taken first-team snaps this week while McCoy, who's listed as questionable, endured the recovery process. Head coach Eric Mangini said the youngster has made progress and would be monitored heading into the weekend.
"Colt's moving along, but we'll see how it goes during the week," Mangini said. "From where we were last week to where we are now, we've made a pretty big jump."
Delhomme, who hadn't started since Week 1 because of a high ankle sprain of his own, was 24-of-35 against Carolina with two interceptions, giving him six picks this season against only one touchdown pass.
"There were a ton of good plays there," Mangini said. "[Delhomme] moved the offense really well. I thought the offense as a group, the communication, the way everyone was on the same page comes from the quarterback."
Also prepping for a comeback this week is wide receiver/kick returner Josh Cribbs, who missed the Jacksonville game and failed to make an impact against the Panthers because of a foot injury. Cribbs is also listed as questionable.
"I'm looking forward to getting Josh back out there, not just with [returning] kicks, but at receiver," Mangini said. "He does present some problems teams have to prepare for."
SERIES HISTORY
Miami holds a slim 7-6 in its all-time regular-season series with Cleveland, but the Browns have won their last three games played against the Dolphins, all of which were held in Ohio. Cleveland has lost in each of its last three non-playoff stops in Miami, however, and hasn't emerged victorious in South Florida since 1970. The Browns were dealt a 10-7 defeat in their most recent trip to Miami, which took place in 2004, but pinned a 41-31 loss on the Dolphins during the 2007 season in the last showdown between the teams.
The Dolphins have prevailed in each of their two postseason encounters with the Browns, posting AFC Divisional Playoff wins at home in both 1972 and 1985.
Mangini sports a 5-1 lifetime record against Miami, including a 3-0 mark on the road, with all of those game taking place during his time with the New York Jets from 2006-08. Sparano has never previously faced the Browns, but is 1-1 in head-to-head matchups with Mangini as a head coach.
WHEN THE BROWNS HAVE THE BALL
Statistically speaking, the numbers are fairly similar across the line of scrimmage for Cleveland. The Browns average 19.6 points per game while the Dolphins allow 20.5, and generate 310.3 total yards per week while Miami surrenders 305.3. Specifically, Cleveland goes for 193.5 yards per game through the air (28th overall) and 116.8 on the ground (12th overall). Miami, on the other hand, is fourth-best in the league against the pass with a 201.4 yards per game average and 14th in the league against the run with a weekly total of 103.9 yards per game allowed.
Assuming he gets the start, Delhomme tries to follow up on one career game against the Dolphins in which he had 285 passing yards, three touchdowns, one interception and a 97.9 passer rating. Running back Peyton Hillis rushed for 131 yards and three scores last week and added six catches for 63 yards, joining Marshall Faulk as the only player in NFL history to record at least 130 rushing yards, three rushing scores, six receptions and 60 receiving yards in a game. He also joins Hall of Famers Jim Brown and Leroy Kelly as the only Browns to rush for at least 11 touchdowns in season. Elsewhere, wideout Brian Robiskie had a career-best seven catches last week and tight end Benjamin Watson has three career touchdown receptions vs. Miami, his second-most against any opponent.
For Miami, safety Chris Clemons had the first interception of his career in Week 12. Outside linebacker Cameron Wake aims for a third straight game with a sack and can add to his career-best 10 1/2 this season, while linebacker Karlos Dansby leads the team with 80 tackles.
WHEN THE DOLPHINS HAVE THE BALL
Miami scores 18.6 points per week and generates 341.5 total yards per game, totals that are 28th and 16th in the league, respectively. The Browns' average of 20.8 points per week allowed is 13th-best in the NFL, though their yardage total of 356.7 per game is just 22nd. The Dolphins are middle of the road with both the pass and run, compiling 235.6 and 105.9 yards per game to place 14th and 19th, respectively. Cleveland is similarly pedestrian, allowing 237.2 yards a game via the pass and 119.5 on the ground for the 19th and 21st-best numbers.
Since returning to the fold in relief of Chad Pennington a few weeks back, Henne has completed 36-of-58 passes for 547 yards with three touchdowns, two interceptions and a 96.0 passer rating. He posted his third 300-yard passing game of the season last week, as well as the sixth of his career. The Dolphins had a season-high 186 rushing yards last week, with running back Ronnie Brown gaining 101 yards in his last game against the Browns. Backfield mate Ricky Williams had a season-long 45-yard touchdown run last week. Wideout Marshall has a touchdown catch in two of three career meetings with the Browns, while second receiver Davone Bess had the second 100-yard receiving game of his career last week (111 yards). He leads the AFC and ranks second in the NFL with 24 receptions on third down. Wideout Brian Hartline, an Ohio native, has 70-plus receiving yards in each of his past four games and rookie Marlon Moore scored his first touchdown last week on a 57-yard catch.
Among Browns notables on defense, linebacker Matt Roth was selected by the Dolphins in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft and played in 65 games with Miami. Rookie cornerback Joe Haden, a Florida alum and No. 7 overall pick in last April's draft, is the first Browns player with interceptions in three consecutive games in his first NFL season since Bernie Parrish. Safety Abram Elam had a career-high pair of sacks last week.
FANTASY FOCUS
For the Browns, the starting quarterback doesn't mean as much to fantasy players as it does to fans of the team. The same cannot be said of Hillis, however, who's become a must-start in all leagues. Watson is starting to come around as a tight end, though kicker Phil Dawson and the Cleveland defense are risky at best. For Miami, Henne faces an iffy secondary and could exceed last week's big numbers if Marshall returns near 100 percent. Ronnie Brown and Williams will split carries and against a better Cleveland run defense, may not fare as well as with Oakland. Marshall and Bess are solid starters, while Hartline, kicker Dan Carpenter and the Dolphins defense range anywhere from lukewarm to comfortable options.
OVERALL ANALYSIS
As much as any team in football, the Dolphins are hard to read. Two weeks ago, they were completely inept in a shutout loss to Chicago. Last week, they score 33 points against the Raiders. The return of Henne is likely responsible for the uptick, and with Marshall back and the run game beginning to fire on all cylinders, Miami can suddenly appear dangerous again in the big AFC Wild Card picture. A win here furthers that momentum.
In an unheralded, but equally important move, the Cleveland Indians agreed to contracts with relievers Jensen Lewis and Joe Smith.
The Tribe have to stay smart with their low payroll, and contracts like this are quiet, but good ones. Lewis (2.97 ERA in 36 1/3 IP) will make $650,000 and Smith (3.83 ERA in 40 IP) will take home $870,000 plus bonuses.
A strong bullpen is critical to a team with young starters, especially when that starting rotation has so many question marks.
That closes the book on the Tribe's tendered contracts, as Lewis and Smith join Shin-Soo Choo, Chris Perez, Rafael Perez and Asdrubal Cabrera.
Now let's see if the Tribe can't figure out that third base situation…
LAS VEGAS -- The only suspense in Thursday's announcement of NASCAR's 2010 Most Popular Driver Award rested with the winner. For the eighth consecutive year, Dale Earnhardt Jr. claimed the honor -- tops among the 1.5 million fan votes -- once again proving his popularity is soaring even if his on-track efforts have fallen flat.
LAS VEGAS -- Three-time IndyCar champ and 2006 Indianapolis 500 winner Sam Hornish Jr.'s NASCAR future remains in limbo, but his team owner, Roger Penske, said Thursday that he will likely field Hornish in the Daytona 500 and possibly in the Indianapolis 500, too.
Well, this should get sports talk radio through to Monday's Jets-Patriots game:
The Red Sox offered reliever Mariano Rivera a two-year, $30 million deal and were prepared to non-tender closer Jonathan Papelbon, according to a baseball source with direct knowledge of the negotiations.
Lancia Stratos GT2 model is a "thank you" project that may actually see production if the right backers can be lined up.
The crowd did its part for a while, but the excitement level was reduced in a hurry. LeBron James – and the cold-shooting, turnover plagued the Cavaliers – made sure of that. James took his talent back to Quicken Loans Arena on Thursday night, leading his new team, the Miami Heat to an easy 118-90 victory over the Cavaliers, the organization with which he spent his first seven seasons in the NBA. James, who did not even play in the fourth quarter, finished with a season-high 38 points, five rebounds and eight assists despite constant singsong chants of "Akron hates you", "De-lon-te", "Scottie Pippen "and that a certain body part. "I have nothing bad to say about these fans around," said James. "It was seven great years. We have grown from the year before coming here, a season of 17 to win the last years, being the best team in the league in the regular season. "I understand their frustrations. I was frustrated, too. I am with the Miami Heat now. I want this organization and the fans, but nothing better."
There was nothing good for the Cavs tonight, and there was nothing wrong with that for the Heat. When James was born in Akron 25 years old, hit a 3-pointer and then converted a three-point play, Miami, led by a whopping 38 points, 88-50, with 4:26 left in the third period. "It seems that always rises to the occasion when things look darkest," teammate Dwyane Wade said. "He did it again tonight." James, the league twice reigning MVP, scored 24 points in 10 of his 12 shots in the third quarter alone, when taunted the Cavs bench after his final basket. "He does not run from anything," said Miami coach Erik Spoelstra. Booed loudly when the Heat came out of pregame warmups, and each time it is displayed on the giant screen in the sand, James buried his first shot, a baseline jumper that hit 16 feet rather than with 10:41 remaining network the first period.
There was talk of him quitting on tonight, as he was when he disappeared mysteriously while the Cavs were defeated by Boston last season in the Q in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. The forward scored eight quick points to end the first period with 10 points, four rebounds and five assists, giving Miami a 31-23 lead and quieted the crowd considerably. Before shooting the second of two free throws with 3:35 remaining in the quarter, James laughed as fans booed and waved white towels. "I try to keep a clear head about it," he said. "It's nothing personal to myself and the fans. It will not be, ever. "I understand their frustrations. I understand that things could have been a little different this summer for both parties. I keep going."
Dan Gilbert knows the fans are not happy with how it all went down at The Q last night. He had a front row seat for it all, including all the LOL's going on between the Cavaliers players and LeBron James who seemingly spent more time near the Cavs bench during the game.
Gilbert expressed those feelings via Twitter last night and FearTheSword has it all.
Gilbert is one of the best owners in sports. I really believe that. The Cavaliers are still trying to figure out how to move on post-LeBron. Perhaps the first thing is a bit of a house-cleaning.
This isn't want the fans of the Cleveland Cavaliers had in mind when we circled tonight on the schedule. The Miami Heat, perhaps for the first time this season, played dominating basketball, at least for 24 minutes, to take a 59-40 lead over the Cavaliers.
LeBron James and Dwyane Wade scored 14 points each and Chris Bosh chipped in with 11 as Miami shot 52% in the first half.
It wasn't nearly as smooth for the Cavaliers, who appeared to wilt in the spotlight. Mo Williams was 1-7 in the half, leading the Cavaliers with 9 points. As a team the Cavaliers shot just 28.9%(13-45) from the field, and were out-rebounded by the smaller Heat 28-19.
Perhaps most disappointing was the Cavaliers laughing and joking around with LeBron James during time outs. It allowed James to play the way he likes to play - light-hearted, with a smile, joking around. It almost seemed as though LeBron was a Cavalier again.
Hopefully things get better for the Cavaliers in the 2nd half, or they at least show some pride and remind LeBron his bench is at the OTHER end of the court.
Gregory Shamus - Getty Images
about 6 hours ago: CLEVELAND OH - DECEMBER 02: LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat talks to the Cleveland Cavaliers bench during a game at Quicken Loans Arena on December 2 2010 in Cleveland Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and or using this photograph User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The Cleveland Cavaliers got blown out tonight. Most of us saw it, or listened to it or by now heard about it. The final score - 118-90 - is bad enough. The way the Cavaliers reacted during the game was even worse.
For me it started even before the game when LeBron James and Antawn Jamison shared a hug at half-court. I'm fine with guys being friends, off the court. It was one of the criticisms I had of LeBron james when he was a Cavalier. Who could forget his joking around with Detroit Pistons after Rasheed Wallace split open Zydrunas Ilgauskas' head? No, tonight, of all nights, should have been about giving LeBron James the cold shoulder. Like the fans, the Cavaliers players needed to make sure LeBron DID NOT feel at home at The Q.
Unfortunately, they failed.
Throughout the first half, as LeBron James was trying to get into a flow, he could be seen smiling, joking, talking with Cavaliers coaches and players. At different time, LeBron had some fun with Daniel Gibson, Chris Jent and J.J. Hickson. To be completely honest, the sight of it sickened me. What has been missing in LeBron's game all season - the fun - came back tonight and much of it was provided and enabled by the Cavaliers. It was like LeBron had never left.
In fact, it looked like the Cavaliers didn't want LeBron James mad at THEM. "Hey, LeBron, it's the fans that are chanting all those mean things. We still love you".
Once LeBron got going, and we have all seen this before, LeBron really go going. James scored 10 points in the first quarter, 4 points in the second and went off in the third quarter scoring 24 points. The 24 points was the most James has ever scored in one quarter at The Q.
LeBron finished with 38, while Dwyany Wade scored 22. James Jones came off the bench and scored 18 for the Heat.
As for the Cavaliers, they all appeared to be in awe of James and the Heat. Mo Williams was just 2-8 for 11 points. Anthony Parker was even worse, scoring 3 points on 1-4 shooting. Williams and Parker combined for 14 points and 8 turnovers. Not the kind of production you expect from your starting backcourt.
In the end, however, I'll take a couple things away from tonight. First, the fans came strong. They had something to say, said it, and were ready to put this team on their backs and will them victory. Secondly, the image of LeBron, with that big smile on his face, yukking it up with his former teammates. Guys that talked the past few days about how they knew tonight was different. Guys that LeBron had told, more or less, you aren't good enough to play with me when he decided to head to South Beach. Today they showed why James may have felt that way. They looked like lost puppy dogs playing against LeBron instead of professional basketball players playing for the pride and dignity of their city.
That is the biggest disappointment about tonight. Once again, the fans seemed to care more than the players. That's what hurts the most.
I'm hoping Byron Scott uses tonight as a learning opportunity with his team. Otherwise, it's time to make some changes.
Definitely do not give up
Rockets Mavericks had just lost to a hot, the next is not good against the Lakers, the defending champion a strong, many of the spaces will be difficult for the Rockets. Luis Scola said: "We need the next game, we need more games. We need to win and play better. We can not because the opponent is very strong, we will abandon the race. We have to play strong and some play better. "
Small lineup
Andrew Bynum injured, the Lakers lineup often play small lineup, the Rockets lineup Hill, Brad Miller and Michael Jordan to play inside, on the position of the difficulties still exist. Coach Rick Adelman said: "We start when put to Chuck Hayes, his main center to defend each other. Then we come in Brad and Jordan, but they played together The situation is not much. "
"In this league, more and more teams prefer to use small lineup, a lot of time, you need to make a response. Sometimes, you must also use the small lineup. I substitution principle is that they want to play a stable game . it is very difficult, the boys must remain mentally tough Caixing. we must keep fighting to find a way to shock opponents to respond. "
Super bad start
Rockets to record 5 wins and 12 losses into December, this success can be ranked sixth in franchise history worse. In the 1967-1968 season, was also called the San Diego Rockets, their record is 4 wins and 22 negative; in the 1971-1972 season, their record is 6 wins 18 losses. In the 1982-1983 season, their record of 2 wins and 12 losses; in the 1999-2000 season and 2005-2006 season, they start to record to 4 wins, 11 defeats. In the 2005-2006 season, they lost 12 months of the first game, 4 wins and 12 losses, but they then usher in a five-game winning streak.
Carmelo Anthony did not feel so bad. But I was sick of Denver referees.The do not forward outside the first quarter on Sunday against Phoenix, when it was at night after three minutes due to flu symptoms. They do not do third quarter Wednesday against Milwaukee, when he was ejected with 2:40 remaining.Anthony was upset when the Bucks forward Larry Sanders blocked his shot, and Anthony thinks it should have been goaltending. He was given a technical officer Eric Dalen. Anthony continued to bark, and was whistled for another technical officer Jason Phillips for an automatic ejection. "I did not talk with Melo about what happened,"Nuggets coach George Karl said after his team won 105-94." But I called Jason and said, 'I'll give you next time. "And I never got an explanation. Anthony refused to comment on the expulsion of FanHouse after the game. Asked about his health, he said, "I really do not see alright.It that way in the stat sheet. Anthony hit just 4 of 13 for 14 points." I do not think it was 100 percent,"Karl said. "I think it was slow. I think I was a bit trying to find ways to get enough energy to get in the game. … But I think it will be better Friday night (at home against the Clippers).
Anthony said before the game he felt better, but during the nights of the past "has been tossing and turning,"and was still" just drained the last few days."Anthony has been in crisis since the Nuggets played Nov. 22 at Golden State. He felt very bad against Chicago last Friday, but hit a victory in the buzzer.That was the last time Antonio came to the end of a game. Of course, if you do not see the technicals, I could not do at the beginning of a game one of these days.Anthony now leads the NBA with seven technical fouls. Players who reach 16 during a season to get an automatic suspension of one game, and Anthony is on track for 33 this season. "I think Melo has pushed the line in some other games where there was a technician,"Karl said when asked about the repression of the NBA this season demonstrative behavior." And I think we'll adjust. I'm not sure. You'd better shut up. I might get fined.As for Anthony, who has now passed to another level in the fine scale of the NBA. The players are docked $ 1,000 for each of his first five technical fouls and $ 1,500 for each of its next five after that. So Anthony was fined $ 8,000 so far this season.
Rockets to 99-98 win over the Thunder at home to avoid the two-game losing streak.
Rockets (5-11) has reported the loss of revenge for last time. 6 team scored in double figures, Kevin – Martin 23 points, Sean – Shane Battier hit four three-pointers, had 18 points, 6 rebounds, Kyle – Lori, 14 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds, Luis – Luis Scola 13 points and 6 rebounds. Brad banking – Miller had 11 points and 7 rebounds, Jordan – Hill 12 points and 7 rebounds.
Storm (11-6) their fifth straight game so far, but the road is now a run of 11 defeats for the Rockets. Russell – Westbrook had 23 points and 10 assists, Kevin – Durant hit just seven of 18, had 18 points, Sergio – Ibaka 16 points and 8 rebounds, and Jeff – Green July 15 rebounds.
Storm is also called the Sonics at the time the Rockets have been playing their advantage four times last season to play against the Rockets lost only once in the past, and before the rockets against Thunder (Seattle) is a streak of 13 wins, 22 of soil lost just one match.
Shock of the New Season, the Rockets lost to Thunder, the Thunder has a two-game losing streak. But at home, the Rockets still have data on the benefits of a 10-game winning streak in the Storm. The last home loss to Oklahoma City (Seattle) in February 2005.
Although the state is not good this season, but beating the thunder, like playing with the blood, as the rocket, one is particularly excited about the opening. Martin in the first 4 minutes 04 seconds when there are third beat the Rockets a 26-18 advantage. Ibaka once ruled the basket, the first had 12 points for Houston, the Rockets, but quickly found a way to deal with it, the first was leading by 10 points. In this section, after the Rockets to a 33-25 advantage.
Section II shortly after the start, Smith passed the basket, directly after Hill dunks the ball, the Rockets 37-25 to expand the file. Storm played in this section after the first 4 minutes, finally chasing the score as 34-39, but the rockets have been the two-thirds of repression. Third of three rockets made in this section is 2 minutes 26 seconds, Shane Battier for third place 48-37. This section of the rocket did not score last minute, the Thunder will be recovered as the score 42-50.
Storm Jiugong high, Westbrook stepped up attacks, the third quarter and nine minutes and 18 seconds, the ball is out, Battier riding mate, Thunder behind only 52-54. But once again play a third of the power of the rocket, Lori managed third, Scola hit two free throws, the Rockets have our land. Storm green light to 63-61 after the third of Shane and Lori have been successful, this last section 2 minutes, and twice third of Shane Battier to the Rockets hit the end of the first three quarters 77-71.
The first three shots 10 of 15 three-pointers, before such a high success rate to lead the Rockets. After the start of the fourth quarter, the Rockets homer two-thirds do not, but stepped up attacks on the basket, keeping the free-throw advantage. Pointer with 6 minutes 28 seconds, the Thunder will be recovered as the score 84-86 after a basket by Miller returned fire, Hill and Miller throws three balls later, after the rocket fell 7-0 to 93-84 to expand the file.
Storm began the counterattack last minute before the beep, press Verde third, Thunder will be recovered as the score 96-99. Battier then shot, Westbrook ran pointer with 29. 9 seconds to vote, after Hill and shot grazed the ball, the referee sentenced to interfere with the ball, the Thunder will be recovered as the score of 98-99.
Hill back from a sprained ankle, was simply end. The last rocket attack was made by Lori, unfortunately shot in 3.1 seconds left to give the Thunder. Durant missed the last-minute shots, the Rockets of balance.
Rockets starting lineup: Kevin – Martin, Kyle – Lori, Chuck – Chuck Hayes, Luis – Luis Scola and Shane – Shane Battier.
Storm starting lineup: Russell – Westbrook, Saab – Severiano Rosa, Sergio – Ibaka, Jeff – Green and Kevin – Durant.
No driver competing in NASCAR's two top series showed greater disparity in results in 2010 than Brad Keselowski, who won the Nationwide series championship with six victories while eking out a couple of top-10 finishes in a forgettable Sprint Cup campaign.
"Fastest, lightest and most powerful" Maserati goes on sale in February in Europe.
Toyota said it will fix accelerator pedal assemblies that may have been damaged in the company's big recall for unintended acceleration. The repair involves the Avalon, Camry and Camry Hybrid.
Hyundai's big front-driver doesn't offer much for enthusiasts, but packs plenty for everybody else.
Bracketed by the 10Best-winning Sonata (yes, we just said that) and the budget-luxe Genesis, the Hyundai Azera competes with other big front-wheel-drive sedans for the attention of a motoring sect committed to comfort. One of the oldest models in the Hyundai armory, the Azera went on sale in 2005 as a 2006 model.
Another one bites the dust. Cleveland's 5th round draft pick of this year, Nebraska's Larry Asante has been claimed by Tampa Bay off the Browns practice squad.
The former Big 12 All-Conference player had 42 solo stops, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions his senior year before being selected as the 160th pick in this year's draft.
It continues to beg the question, what is going on with talent evaluation if a guy can't even make it through his first year with the team that drafted him?
In other news, the Browns signed former Philadelphia Eagles WR Jordan Norwood to the active roster. RB Clifton Smith was released to make room for Norwood
Good news for American Porschephiles with an itch to go racing: Porsche Motorsport North America will import the 911 GT3 R racer to our shores. Well, three of them, anyway. The car was introduced at the Birmingham auto show in the U.K. in November 2009 and has raced in numerous European venues this year.
The GT3 R is based on the current 911 GT3 Cup and replaces the old GT3 Cup S—as the name suggests, it conforms to FIA GT3 rules. Weighing in at a claimed 2640 pounds, the R packs a 4.0-liter flat-six engine directing 473 hp through a six-speed sequential transmission to the rear wheels. It wears the same widened body dimensions as the GT3 RS, supplemented by a massive rear wing, flared fenders, and various aero pieces. The car is equipped with ABS and traction control, an electronic throttle that blips on downshifts, and a fully adjustable suspension.
Only three will be made available to American buyers, and each commands $335,000. But that price tag only gets your car out of the factory doors in Germany. Each buyer is responsible for transport and import fees to actually get the car stateside. Those figures will vary depending on where the car is shipped to and for what purposes, but Porsche tells us that shipping a car from Europe to the U.S. can run anywhere from $15,000 to $20,000—before any customs fees (buyers of the race-only 911 GT3 RSR had to pay $33,000 to get them here). We have a feeling Porsche will sell all three—and fast.
Don't let the mild face lift fool you: the Grand Caravan is massively improved for 2011.
By now you probably now that the Dodge and Chrysler product lines have been thoroughly overhauled for 2011. Nearly every model receives at least a face lift and considerable chassis revisions, while the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Durango get bumper-to-bumper redesigns.
Audi's homage to its historic rally monster is a real driver—and really capable.
Decker Canyon Road branches off the Pacific Coast Highway in northern Malibu to snake up the contours of the coastal range to the Mulholland Highway and Westlake Village. The road is narrow, sinuous, and challenging, edged by rock and unyielding Armco—and it is the road Audi management picked for us to try out the company's priceless, hand-made Quattro concept.
Audi plays it safe with its next-generation A6.
About a decade ago, when Mercedes-Benz was plagued with quality problems and BMW was about to launch its curiously styled E60 5-series, the Audi A6's rise to European executive-sedan favorite began. Behind its trademark grille lurked powerful engines (with 580 hp eventually available in the RS6); all-wheel drive was standard in many versions, and the fit and finish and attention to detail—especially in the interior—was enough to make the competition weep.
More engine power, enhanced aerodynamics are among the chief changes.
Land Rover is recalling 2,956 LR2s from the 2010-'11 model years because the driver's frontal airbag may not deploy in a crash, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Marcos Ambrose, NASCAR's Aussie driver, did not let a mid-season surge in futility by Elliott Sadler deter him from capturing the season 'championship' in yellow-flag crashes and spins.
Caron Butler scored 13 of his 19 points during a decisive third-quarter run, Dirk Nowitzki had 20 points and 10 rebounds, and the Dallas Mavericks stretched their winning streak to six games with a 101-91 victory over the Houston Rockets on Monday night.Shawn Marion added 14 points and 10 rebounds, and J.J Barea scored 11 for Dallas.Kevin Martin's 17 points and Luis Scola's 15 paced the Rockets, who've lost six of eight.Dallas used a 17-6 third-quarter spurt capped by 11 straight from Butler to expand a seven-point halftime edge to 77-59.The Mavs carried an 83-71 lead into the final quarter, and were up by as many as 22 down the stretch.Barea accounted for nine of Dallas' final 19 points in the second quarter. The Mavericks finished the half with a 10-1 run for a 52-45 lead at the break.Oklahoma City 95, New Orleans 89: Russell Westbrook scored 12 of his 25 points during a decisive 14-0 run late in the fourth quarter and also had 11 assists as the Thunder rallied to beat the Hornets.Westbrook scored six in a row to tie the game, then kept going with a driving layup and a three-pointer that put the Thunder up 88-81 with 1:38 to play.
After the three-pointer, he mocked slamming guns down into holsters at his side.Kevin Durant hit four free throws down the stretch to seal the game and finished with 26 points and 11 rebounds.Miami 105, Washington 94: LeBron James and Erik Spoelstra had a pregame meeting to talk about Miami's offensive woes. Early returns suggest it was a productive chat.James scored 30 points, Dwyane Wade added 26 and the Heat kept the Wizards winless away from home. James had 20 of his points in the first half, Wade added 15 in the third quarter. The Heat topped 100 points for the first time in their past seven games, and led by as many as 22 on the way to just their second win in their past six games.Meanwhile, James downplayed his bump with Spoelstra the other night."Incidental contact," he said. "I didn't realize. I don't think coach realized it, either, until they brought it to our attention. Really nothing, honestly."Utah 109, Milwaukee 88: Al Jefferson had 22 points, 11 rebounds and four blocked shots to ignite the Jazz. Deron Williams also scored 22 points for Utah (14-5), which has won six straight.The Bucks, without big men Andrew Bogut and Drew Gooden, couldn't keep up with the Jazz's inside game The Jazz held a 54-18 advantage in the paint and 48-26 edge in rebounds. They also had 10 blocked shot.Boozer practicing with Bulls after hand injury Chicago Bulls forward Carlos Boozer reported no problems after practicing with the team for the first time since breaking his right hand in an accident at his home on Oct. 2. A return date for Boozer is uncertain. He is considered the crown jewel of the Bulls' offseason acquisitions.
Since the fines do not change their behavior, the Charlotte Bobcats NBA suspended guard Stephen Jackson, one game without pay for verbal abuse of game officials.Jackson will serve the suspension for the road game tonight against the Hornets in New Orleans. It will cost about $ 103,000 in payments, based on his salary this year of about $ 8.4 million. Suspension as a result of the expulsion at the beginning of a road game Saturday in Milwaukee Jackson. Jackson was charged with technical fouls in back-to-back "by the referee Eli Roe 41 / 2 minutes. The announcement of the NBA, Jackson said he could not leave the court in a timely manner. These technicals were fifth and sixth of Jackson in the season, tying him with Dwight Howard of Orlando for most of the league. The suspension was announced around 3 pm today, long after the Bobcats practice concluded. However, Jackson made it clear in comments on Monday that the league could suspend him this time. In November, Jackson was fined $ 50,000 for reprimand the referees after a road loss to the Detroit Pistons.
Jackson was more combative than contrite when asked Monday about his interaction with the referees. "I know every time I complain, it's for good reason," said Jackson. "When things are not fair, I speak my mind. I've never been a guy does not say what I think and I think people do not like that." Technical errors are common for Jackson, who served an automatic one game suspension as a Golden State Warrior in 2009 when it reached 16 technicals. Jackson said his history – which is part of the Pacers-Pistons brawl in 2004 and was involved in an incident with a gun outside an Indianapolis strip club in 2006 – left him with a reputation that can not overcome. "I'm perceived as something I'm not. I'm not regarded as a basketball player, a player who can play this game very well," said Jackson. "I love this game more than anyone in the league. I love playing and I played it the right way, and that's all I ask." Bobcats coach Larry Brown said Monday that Jackson needs to be contained, but is not sure it's in the makeup of Jackson. "I do not know how things will change," said Brown, who has often expressed concern about the volatility of Jackson. Jackson is the top scorer for the Bobcats, averaging 19.4 points per game. It is unclear who will replace Jackson in the starting lineup, but Dominic McGuire looks like a good possibility. Brown McGuire ordered 15-rebound, the performance of 13 points against Milwaukee "phenomenal."
Jared Sullinger led a balanced attack with 11 points and 13 rebounds, as the second-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes remained unbeaten with a 58-44 victory over the Florida State Seminoles as part of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.
Jon Diebler added 12 points for the Buckeyes (6-0), who have won all six of their games this season by double digits. David Lighty chipped in with 10 points and seven boards.
William Buford and Dallas Lauderdale donated nine and seven points, respectively, for Ohio State, which is off to a 6-0 start for the fourth time under Thad Matta, who is in his seventh year at the helm.
Ian Miller finished with 11 points for the Seminoles (5-2), who have lost two in a row since starting the season with five straight wins. Derwin Kitchen added 10 points and five rebounds, while Chris Singleton donated eight points and seven boards in defeat.
