Sports Update

Minnesota forward Kevin Love wins the 2012 Foot Locker Three-Point Contest

2012-02-26T02:22:00.000-08:00

Minnesota forward Kevin Love wins the 2012 Foot Locker Three-Point Contest

Jeremy Evans dunks two balls at once over Jazz teammate, wins Slam Dunk Contest

2012-02-26T02:17:00.000-08:00

The second-year Jazz forward dunked two balls over teammate and close friend Gordon Hayward, paid tribute to Hall of Fame big man Karl Malone with his final slam, then shocked Jazz Nation and himself by winning a fan-only vote to capture the 2012 NBA All-Star slam-dunk contest Saturday at Amway Center.

Evans became the first player in franchise history to win the title.

Jeremy Lin: Linsane in the Membrane

2012-02-19T02:44:00.002-08:00

If you follow any sports blogs or just so happened to come across ESPN or Yahoo Sports in the last week or two, you probably have heard the name Jeremy Lin – or any combination of “Lin-sanity,” “Lin Dynasty,” Linception,” or even “Linsane in the Membrane.” The star point guard for the New York Nicks is the talk of all the sports media. He is definitely a feel good America story and for all the right reasons.

Jeremy Lin was a non-drafted free agent when he signed with the Golden State Warriors in 2010. He never got much playing time and the Warriors cut him the very next year. Lin had a stint with the Houston Rockets but was shortly put on waivers. The New York Nicks claimed him off waivers and the rest is history.

With an injury plagued back court, the “Miracle on 33^rd Street” began on February 4^th when Lin got his first serious minutes coming off the bench. In a 99-92 victory over the New Jersey Nets, Lin had 25 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds. Lin earned a start in the very next game where he lead the Nicks to their second straight victory with 28 points and 8 assists.

This is about the time when all the major sports networks jumped on the Jeremy Lin bandwagon. It got to a point when even Kobe Bryant, who had to guard Lin last week, spoke out before the game and said, “I don’t even know who this guy is.” Well, Jeremy Lin put up 38 points, a career high, on the best defender in the league. The Black Mamba was a little bit more humble about his statements on Lin in the post game press conference.

Even with NBA superstars such as Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire, the Nicks were a losing team, well under .500 and no hope for the future of the season. Then, out of nowhere, Jeremy Lin comes in and starts dominating. The Nicks are running a hot streak and are undefeated since Lin started playing. Lin is the leader of this team and proved it with a game winning three pointer with half of a second left against the Toronto Raptors. He contributes in everyway possible – passing, rebounds, jumpers, layups and even dunks. He is literally Lintastic.

Lin, an Asian American from Harvard – yes, that Harvard – has scored more points in his first three starts than anyone else in NBA history, even Michael Jordan. Teams passed up on this kid because he was too scrawny, because he didn’t have the drive, the passion. Scouts have never been so wrong in their lives. Jeremy Lin is a true American story. He is Rocky. He is the guy that everyone counted out and proves them wrong, a Hollywood story in the flesh. Who knows how long Lin-sanity will continue but I hope its for a long time. I mean, all he does is “LIN!”

Jason Delodovici has been blogging in the sports industry for 2 years; he writes for a Giants blog and loves everything sports. He grew up in San Francisco and is passionate about both the 49ers and Giants.

New York Knicks 100 at Minnesota Timberwolves 98

2012-02-12T02:39:00.000-08:00

MINNEAPOLIS — Jeremy Lin, Knicks rally for 5th straight, beat the Wolves (New York 100 at Minnesota 98). Lin hit a free throw with 4.9 seconds left to overcome a dreadful second half and lift the Knicks to their fifth straight victory, 100-98, over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night.

Steve Novak scored 15 points, including the game-tying 3-pointer with 36 seconds to play and Lin used his quickness to draw a foul and get to the line in the closing seconds. He finished with 20 points, eight assists and six rebounds.

Lin had just five points on 1-for-13 shooting and four turnovers in the second half. But Landry Fields and Iman Shumpert combined for 39 points on 17-for-26 shooting to keep an exhausted Lin in position for one final push.

Kevin Love had 32 points and 21 rebounds for the Wolves, who missed two chances to win the game in the final five seconds.

The Knicks trailed by seven with 6:41 to play and it looked as if a week of Tebow-like hype was finally catching up to Lin. His shot selection was erratic, his ball-handling was sloppy and his jersey was drenched with sweat as fired-up Wolves fans chanted “Over-rated!”

But the Wolves scored a season-low 11 points and missed 16 of their 19 shots in the fourth quarter to let the Knicks hang around, and Lin managed to find the energy for one final drive to the basket.

Playing yet again without the injured Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire, who was mourning the death of his brother, Fields scored 19 on 8-for-10 shooting and Shumpert added 20 points.

Fields hit a short jumper to make the score 94-93 with 2:10 to go and Shumpert added another for a 95-94 lead with 1:22 to go to give them their first lead since early in the second quarter.

Source: AP

Super Bowl XLVI: New York Giants defeat New England Patriots, 21-17

2012-02-05T19:31:00.003-08:00

New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw scored on a six-yard touchdown run with 57 seconds left, pausing before he finally stepped across the goal line to ponder whether or not he should leave New England's great quarterback Tom Brady that much time to rally from a 21-17 deficit.

Brady did pick up a first down on a fourth-and-16 play after getting sacked by New York lineman Justin Tuck, but on a Hail Mary pass from midfield, the ball fell incomplete in the end zone between tight ends Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski.

The Giants have won their second Super Bowl in four years, beating the Patriots both times, and fourth overall.

Which team will win? NY Giants vs. New England Patriots

2012-02-05T02:59:00.000-08:00

I will go with the New England Patriots! Go Pats! We will see Sun, Feb 5 6:30pm EST

Brady throws record 6 TDs defeat Broncos

2012-01-15T01:38:00.000-08:00

New England advanced to next weekend’s AFC championship game at home against the winner of Sunday’s game between the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens game with a 45-10 thrashing of Denver. The Patriots, as they have been wont to do over the years, played at a relentless pace for much of the game as Brady finished with an NFL playoff-record-tying six touchdown passes and a team record for passing yards (363) in a playoff game.

The Patriots’ defense is just too much for the Bronco's. Tebow completed just nine of 26 passes for 136 yards and no touchdowns and rushed for only 13 yards on five carries. With New England up 42-7, the fans began chanting, “Teeee-bow . . . Teee-bow.” On the next play, he was sacked for an 11-yard loss — one of five sacks for New England’s 31st-ranked defense.

Happy New Year 2012!

2011-12-31T05:49:00.000-08:00

Funny Intro Video From Miami Heat

2011-12-29T17:01:00.000-08:00

This is really funny because of poor acting. I wonder why Miami Heat do this yearly, if you can remember last year the big three was presented on the stage with all the smoke and promises of multiple championship.

Lawson, Nuggets cruise by defenseless Mavs 115-93

2011-12-27T15:15:00.000-08:00

Ty Lawson and the Denver Nuggets opened their season with a performance that sent a clear message to the rest of the NBA.

The reigning champions have quickly become a team everyone wants to play. There’s no telling which is worse right now, their offense or defense, their conditioning or chemistry, as they were drubbed for a second straight game, losing 115-93 to the Nuggets on Monday night.

Jason Kidd scored 12 points, Carter scored 11 and Rodrigue Beaubois scored 10. Aside from Nowitzki and Kidd, the other three starters (Marion, Brendan Haywood and West) scored a combined 11 points.

Kings open season with 100-91 win over Lakers; Lakers 0-2

2011-12-27T15:12:00.000-08:00

Marcus Thornton scored 12 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter and the Kings beat the Lakers at home for the first time in more than three years, 100-91 on Monday night.

The Kings took a 49-40 halftime lead, holding the Lakers to 36.4 percent shooting including an uncharacteristic 4-for-13 performance from Bryant.

Sacramento even had success matching 5-foot-9 rookie Isaiah Thomas on Bryant on a few possessions in the second quarter despite a 9-inch height disadvantage. After missing a turnaround jumper over the shorter Thomas, Bryant could only manage to chuckle on his way back down the court.

Drama is over Chris Paul Traded To Clippers

2011-12-14T19:15:00.000-08:00

CP3 drama is over finally. The Los Angeles Clippers have agreed to a deal in principle with the league-owned New Orleans Hornets to acquire guard Chris Paul, according to sources close to the process. The Clippers, sources said, will send guard Eric Gordon, center Chris Kaman, forward Al-Farouq Aminu and Minnesota's unprotected 2012 first-round pick to the Hornets for Paul. The Clippers will also receive two future second-round picks, according to sources.

As part of the deal, Paul has agreed to not opt out of his contract after this season – allowing the Clippers to keep him at least through the 2013-14 season.

Chris Paul to LA deal is OFF

2011-12-08T23:23:00.000-08:00

NBA commissioner David Stern killed the New Orleans Hornets’ trade of Chris Paul after several owners complained about the league-owned team dealing the All-Star point guard to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The trade between the Lakers, Hornets and Houston Rockets had been consummated late Thursday afternoon. The Lakers had reached an agreement to acquire Paul in a deal that would have cost them Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom. Under terms of the deal, the Lakers would have sent Gasol to the Rockets. The Hornets would have received Odom, Rockets guards Kevin Martin and Goran Dragic and forward Luis Scola, league sources said.

Houston had also agreed to send a 2012 first-round pick – previously obtained from the Knicks – to New Orleans as part of the package.

source: yahoo sports

NBA Lockout is over!

2011-11-26T01:59:00.000-08:00

Players and owners reach tentative agreement, what took you so long!

NEW YORK -- NBA owners and players reached a tentative agreement early Saturday to end the 149-day lockout and hope to begin the delayed season on Christmas Day.

Neither side provided many specifics but said the only words players and fans wanted to hear.

"We want to play basketball," NBA commissioner David Stern said.

After a secret meeting earlier this week, the sides met for more than 15 hours Friday, working to try to save the season. This handshake deal, however, still must be ratified by both owners and players.

Stern said it was "subject to a variety of approvals and very complex machinations, but we're optimistic that will all come to pass and that the NBA season will begin Dec. 25."

Barring a change in scheduling, the 2011-12 season will open with the Boston Celtics at New York Knicks, followed by Miami at Dallas in an NBA finals rematch before MVP Derrick Rose and Chicago close the tripleheader against Kobe Bryant and the Lakers.

The league plans a 66-game season and aims to open training camps Dec. 9. Stern has said it would take about 30 days from an agreement to playing the first game.

"All I feel right now is 'finally,'" Dwyane Wade told The Associated Press.

Just 12 days after talks broke down and Stern declared the NBA could be headed to a "nuclear winter," he sat next to union executive director Billy Hunter to announce the deal.

"We thought it was in both of our interest to try to reach a resolution and save the game and to be able to provide the mind of superb entertainment the NBA historically has provided," Hunter said.

A majority on each side is needed to approve the agreement. The NBA needs votes from 15 of 29 owners. (The league owns the New Orleans Hornets.) Stern said the labor committee plans to discuss the agreement later Saturday and expects them to endorse it and recommend to the full board.

The union needs a simple majority of its 430-plus members. That process is a bit more complicated after the players dissolved the union Nov. 14. Now, they must drop their antitrust lawsuit in Minnesota and reform the union before voting on the deal.

Because the union disbanded, a new collective bargaining agreement can only be completed once the union has reformed. Drug testing and other issues still must be negotiated between the league and the players.

"We're very pleased we've come this far," Stern said. "There's still a lot of work to be done."

The settlement first was reported by CBSSports.com.

Participating in the talks for the league were Stern, deputy commissioner Adam Silver, Spurs owner Peter Holt, the chairman of the labor relations committee, and attorneys Rick Buchanan and Dan Rube. The players were represented by executive director Billy Hunter, president Derek Fisher, vice president Maurice Evans, attorney Ron Klempner and economist Kevin Murphy.

Owners locked out the players July 1 and the sides spent most of the summer and fall battling over the division of revenues and other changes owners wanted in a new collective bargaining agreement. They said they lost hundreds of millions of dollars in each year of the former deal, ratified in 2005, and they wanted a system where the big-market teams wouldn't have the ability to outspend their smaller counterparts.

Players fought against those changes, not wanting to see any teams taken out of the market when they became free agents.

"This was not an easy agreement for anyone. The owners came in having suffered substantial losses and feeling the system wasn't working fairly across all teams," Silver said. "I certainly know the players had strong views about expectations in terms of what they should be getting from the system. It required a lot of compromise from both parties' part, and I think that's what we saw today."

But it was never easy. The day required multiple calls with the owners' labor relations committee, all the while knowing another breakdown in talks would mean not only the loss of the Christmas schedule but also throw the entire season in jeopardy.

"We resolved, despite some even bumps this evening, that the greater good required us to knock ourselves out and come to this tentative understanding," Stern said.

He denied the litigation was a factor in accelerating a deal, but things happened relatively quickly after the players filed a suit that could have won them some $6 billion in damages if the court ruled the lockout was illegal.

"For us the litigation is something that just has to be dealt with," Stern said. "It was not the reason for the settlement. The reason for the settlement was we've got fans, we've got players who would like to play and we've got others who are dependent on us. And it's always been our goal to reach a deal that was fair to both sides and get us playing as soon as possible, but that took a little time.

And led to the second shortened season in NBA history, joining the 1998-99 lockout that reduced the schedule to 50 games. This time the league will miss 16 games off the normal schedule.

Source: Associated Press

Penn State: Sandusky molestation case

2011-11-15T13:29:00.000-08:00

The Sandusky molestation case massively rocked the reputation of Penn State and the ripple effects destroyed the school’s leadership: Joe Paterno is gone, president Graham Spanier is gone, vice president Gary Schultz is gone, athletic director Tim Curley is on leave and unlikely to return, assistant coach Mike McQueary is in the same boat.

Manny Pacquiao wins against Juan Manuel Marquez

2011-11-13T11:34:00.000-08:00

Though it is controversial, Juan Manuel Marquez didn't do enough, he's the challenger he should have been more aggressive than Pacman. If that's what happened then he deserve to win. It is his own fault.

Marquez lost a majority decision at the MGM Grand Garden Arena with judge Robert Hoyle scoring it 114-114 and Glenn Trowbridge and Dave Moretti giving it to Pacquiao by 116-112 and 115-113, respectively.

Pacquiao was roundly booed by the crowd with most fans believing Marquez was a clear victor. The Filipino champion was pelted with beer and popcorn as he left the arena. Marquez also felt he had won the second fight of the trilogy in 2008, only to lose on the scorecards.

Heading into the closing rounds of the fight, Marquez was informed by trainer Nacho Beristain that he was clearly ahead.

“I always thought the judges and the commission in Nevada were the fairest,” Beristain said. “But this has been a robbery of the utmost.”

RIP Joe "Smokin' Joe" Frazier

2011-11-08T02:36:00.000-08:00

Joe Frazier won the heavyweight title in 1970 by stopping Jimmy Ellis in the fifth round at Madison Square Garden. He defended it successfully four times before George Foreman knocked him down six times in the first two rounds to take the title from him in 1973.

In 1971 he was in "The Fight of the Century," at Madison Square Garden where he knocked Ali and won in a unanimous decision. Ali won a less-dramatic rematch in New York in 1974, and the rubber match was "The Thriller in Manila," held in a sweltering arena in Manila in 1975, where Ali outlasted Frazier, who was disqualified in the 14th round after his eyes nearly shut, streaming with blood. Frazier wanted to go out for the 15th round but was held back by trainer Eddie Futch.

Rest in Peace Smokin' Joe!

2011 NFL Regular Season Standings

2011-11-05T18:55:00.000-07:00


AFC
East	W	L	T	Pct	PF	PA	Home	Road	Div	Conf	Streak
Buffalo Bills	5	2	0	.714	211	147	4-0-0	1-2-0	1-0-0	3-1-0	Won 1
New England Patriots	5	2	0	.714	202	160	3-0-0	2-2-0	2-1-0	4-2-0	Lost 1
New York Jets	4	3	0	.571	172	152	4-0-0	0-3-0	1-1-0	3-3-0	Won 2
Miami Dolphins	0	7	0	.000	107	166	0-3-0	0-4-0	0-2-0	0-6-0	Lost 7

North	W	L	T	Pct	PF	PA	Home	Road	Div	Conf	Streak
Pittsburgh Steelers	6	2	0	.750	176	139	4-0-0	2-2-0	0-1-0	4-2-0	Won 4
Cincinnati Bengals	5	2	0	.714	171	123	2-1-0	3-1-0	1-0-0	4-1-0	Won 4
Baltimore Ravens	5	2	0	.714	185	110	4-0-0	1-2-0	1-0-0	3-2-0	Won 1
Cleveland Browns	3	4	0	.429	107	140	2-2-0	1-2-0	0-1-0	2-3-0	Lost 1

South	W	L	T	Pct	PF	PA	Home	Road	Div	Conf	Streak
Houston Texans	5	3	0	.625	206	145	3-1-0	2-2-0	3-0-0	5-2-0	Won 2
Tennessee Titans	4	3	0	.571	139	145	3-1-0	1-2-0	1-2-0	4-3-0	Won 1
Jacksonville Jaguars	2	6	0	.250	98	163	2-2-0	0-4-0	1-1-0	2-4-0	Lost 1
Indianapolis Colts	0	8	0	.000	121	252	0-3-0	0-5-0	0-2-0	0-6-0	Lost 8

West	W	L	T	Pct	PF	PA	Home	Road	Div	Conf	Streak
Kansas City Chiefs	4	3	0	.571	128	170	2-1-0	2-2-0	2-1-0	3-2-0	Won 4
San Diego Chargers	4	3	0	.571	161	159	3-0-0	1-3-0	2-1-0	3-3-0	Lost 2
Oakland Raiders	4	3	0	.571	160	178	2-2-0	2-1-0	1-1-0	4-3-0	Lost 1
Denver Broncos	2	5	0	.286	133	200	1-3-0	1-2-0	0-2-0	2-3-0	Lost 1


NFC
East	W	L	T	Pct	PF	PA	Home	Road	Div	Conf	Streak
New York Giants	5	2	0	.714	174	164	3-1-0	2-1-0	1-1-0	3-2-0	Won 2
Philadelphia Eagles	3	4	0	.429	179	152	1-2-0	2-2-0	2-1-0	3-3-0	Won 2
Dallas Cowboys	3	4	0	.429	156	162	2-1-0	1-3-0	1-1-0	3-2-0	Lost 1
Washington Redskins	3	4	0	.429	116	139	2-1-0	1-3-0	1-2-0	3-3-0	Lost 3

North	W	L	T	Pct	PF	PA	Home	Road	Div	Conf	Streak
Green Bay Packers	7	0	0	1.000	230	141	3-0-0	4-0-0	2-0-0	6-0-0	Won 7
Detroit Lions	6	2	0	.750	239	147	2-2-0	4-0-0	2-0-0	4-2-0	Won 1
Chicago Bears	4	3	0	.571	170	150	3-1-0	1-2-0	1-2-0	4-3-0	Won 2
Minnesota Vikings	2	6	0	.250	172	199	1-3-0	1-3-0	0-3-0	2-4-0	Won 1

South	W	L	T	Pct	PF	PA	Home	Road	Div	Conf	Streak
New Orleans Saints	5	3	0	.625	260	189	3-0-0	2-3-0	1-1-0	2-3-0	Lost 1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers	4	3	0	.571	131	169	3-2-0	1-1-0	2-0-0	3-3-0	Lost 1
Atlanta Falcons	4	3	0	.571	158	163	2-1-0	2-2-0	1-1-0	4-3-0	Won 2
Carolina Panthers	2	6	0	.250	187	207	2-3-0	0-3-0	0-2-0	1-6-0	Lost 1

West	W	L	T	Pct	PF	PA	Home	Road	Div	Conf	Streak
San Francisco 49ers	6	1	0	.857	187	107	3-1-0	3-0-0	1-0-0	4-1-0	Won 5
Seattle Seahawks	2	5	0	.286	109	162	1-2-0	1-3-0	1-1-0	2-2-0	Lost 2
St. Louis Rams	1	6	0	.143	87	192	1-3-0	0-3-0	0-0-0	1-5-0	Won 1
Arizona Cardinals	1	6	0	.143	143	183	1-2-0	0-4-0	0-1-0	1-4-0	Lost 6


x-Clinched Playoff Spot; y-Division Champ; z-Clinched Home Field Last updated Saturday, Nov 5, 2011 11:06 am EDT

yahoo sports

St. Louis Cardinals win World Series

2011-10-29T23:04:00.000-07:00

Behind series MVP David Freese the St. Louis Cardinals clinched the World Series with a win over Texas in Game 7, 6-2.

Rangers slugger Nelson Cruz wins ALCS MVP

2011-10-16T03:24:00.000-07:00

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) – The Rangers celebrated after winning their second consecutive AL championship, but they have bigger things on their minds.

Nelson Cruz hit two-run homer Saturday night, he upped his ALCS totals to six homers and 13 RBIs both major league records for a postseason series. The numbers will hold, too, because his Texas Rangers beat the Detroit Tigers 15-5 in Game 6 to advance to the World Series for the second straight year.

NBA Star Isaiah Rider’s Pee will set him Free!

2011-10-09T03:30:00.000-07:00

Isaiah "J.R." Rider a former NBA player and NBA Slam Dunk champion claims that he's been nothing less than a model parolee, he proved it with his pee.

Rider was arrested this week for a probation violation after allegedly failing to complete several probation requirements.

One of his probation officer's claims is Rider never took a required urinalysis. The document doesn't give any details about his results -- but it does show Rider completed the test on September 19th, 2011. It cost him $5.50.

Source: TMZ

Red Sox another epic collapse

2011-09-29T05:37:00.000-07:00

The Boston Red Sox (4-3) lost to the Baltimore Orioles in a baseball game Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2011, in Baltimore. Boston was eliminated from the playoffs after the Tampa Bay Rays beat the New York Yankees in extra innings minutes after Boston's loss.

2011-09-13T14:14:00.001-07:00

Manny Pacquiao and archrival Juan Manuel Marquez Highlights

2011-09-04T00:56:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines -- This video contains highlights of yesterday's press tour to promote the third fight between WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao and archrival Juan Manuel Marquez.

A press conference was held at the Manila Hotel in the morning, followed by a star-studded show at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta in the afternoon.

Pacquiao and Marquez will clash for a deciding third fight on Nov. 12 (Nov. 13 in Manila) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The two fighters engaged in two close bouts before -- the first one ending in a controversial draw in 2004 and the second one seeing a disputed split-decision win for the Filipino in 2008.

Mayweather discusses how much his fans mean to him.

2011-08-27T04:13:00.001-07:00

One of the best parts about my job is interacting with the fans. Without the fans, none of this would be possible. First and foremost, I fight for my family, my children. I want to give them the best life possible so I remember that with every fight and each victory is for them. And I even appreciate the fans that don’t support me either. It’s all love.

But after my family and children, I fight for the fans. I have always appreciated their support and when I am in public there really isn’t an autograph I won’t sign. If it wasn’t for the fans, I would not be the king of pay-per-view. I am in awe of their support and that is why I go out of my way to make them happy.

For my last four fight announcements I have always made sure they are included by inviting them to the media tour press conferences. They show me such love and support and it is for this reason that I can continue to train and work hard for each fight in front of me.

The fans are what brought me back to the square circle this time too. I knew that they waited long enough to see me fight again. So when I step into the ring against Victor Ortiz on Sept. 17, I plan on giving them another great performance. It’s the only way to make them happy. It’s the Mayweather way and experience.

I have had some great times with my fans over the years. When we announced this fight against Ortiz , we started the press tour in June in New York City and fans started to line up in the heat beginning at 6 a.m. for a press conference which started at noon. The fans filled the two balconies at the Hudson Theatre in Times Square and stayed for hours for autographs and pictures.

Then we went to Los Angeles and tons of fans came out to this event too. We had it at night because it’s Hollywood, baby and we were promoting “Star Power.” They too were lining up in the early morning to get a great seat to watch the show. My fans know that when I fight, it is a mega-event, and they wanted to be a part of it, which means the world to me.

But I think my most memorable fan moment was in London when I went there to promote my fight with Juan Manuel Marquez. I told my CEO, Leonard Ellerbe, that I wanted to do a public workout. He found the Peacock Boxing Gym and we arranged for the workout and invited the fans.

It was unbelievable how many people showed up. The gym was packed, standing room only. I let them come right to the edge of the ring and surround me on all sides while we worked out. The energy and commotion was something I will never forget. After we finished the workout, I walked out to the balcony of the building so the fans who waited hours to see me, but couldn’t get in the gym, felt my gratitude for their support. I remember we could barely make it back to our cars. It was a fantastic experience and after my September fight I plan to go back and do it again. This time we will find a bigger place.

I also have to give much love to my 1.5 million Twitter followers. When I announced that I was returning to the ring on my Twitter account, even I was amazed at how fast the news spread. I love being able to reach all of my fans at one time and all the time. The responses and messages I get every day are motivation for me to keep working hard in the gym and bring home a win on September 17.

Crittenton charged with murder

2011-08-27T04:04:00.000-07:00

Police said late Friday that former NBA player Javaris Crittenton, who was once suspended by the league over guns in the locker room, has been charged with murder after a woman was shot on an Atlanta street.

Police spokesman Carlos Campos said police have secured a murder warrant for the arrest of Crittenton, who played at Georgia Tech, in connection with the shooting death of 22-year-old Jullian Jones on Aug. 19. Campos said Crittenton is not in custody and is wanted.

Atlanta police Maj. Keith Meadows told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Friday night that Crittenton is believed to be in the Los Angeles area. He said the FBI is involved in the investigation.

Jones, a mother of four, was walking with a group of people on the city’s southwest side when a dark-colored SUV drove by and she was shot by someone inside the vehicle, police said.

Investigators say they don’t believe the woman was the intended target. Campos said the motive appears to be retaliation for a robbery in April, in which Crittenton was a victim, Campos said in a statement.

Messages left for an agent who has represented Crittenton were not immediately returned Friday night.

Racist ESPN

2011-08-27T03:57:00.000-07:00

ESPN is under fire Thursday for creating and publishing the Photoshopped image of Michael Vick(aka dog killer) with a white face to accompany a column in ESPN The Magazine entitled "What if Michael Vick were white?"

2011-08-24T15:50:00.001-07:00

"Goodwill" exhibition game between U.S. and Chinese teams yeah right!

2011-08-19T05:09:00.000-07:00

The game between the Georgetown University men's basketball team and the Bayi Rockets on Thursday night in Beijing ended in a brawl.

You can see them punch and kick each other, chairs were thrown and water bottles are thrown from the bleachers.

The game was tied at 64, when an American player stole the ball away and may have hit the Chinese player and fight ensued. Pretty exciting, it’s better than watching the NBA.

Asian Baller Schools And Dunks On Lebron James

2011-08-16T15:02:00.000-07:00

LeBron James is currently traveling the world to expand his global brand. James participated in a nation all-star charity game alongside some local legends on Friday in Taiwan and look what happened.

You would expect LeBron to dominate a game like this one since he’s stronger, taller, and more skillful than everyone. He did dominate the game, but he also had a moment of embarrassment. Watch James get his pocket picked by a miniature school boy for a dunk at the other end.

David Ortiz makes Twins pay

2011-08-09T04:31:00.001-07:00

Ortiz hit absolutely everything the Twins chucked at him. Sinking fastball — crushed for a two-run homer in the sixth inning. Changeup — swatted to right-center for a leadoff double in the eighth. Curveball — served to center field for a two-out, go-ahead single in the ninth.

Clearly, the Twins were at a loss in the Red Sox’ come-from-behind 8-6 win last night at Target Field. Ortiz went 4-for-5, scored three runs, drove in three more and picked up hits against three pitchers. Even his lone out, a deep fly ball to left field, was scalded.

About the only thing he couldn’t do was assure that starter Tim Wakefield registered his 200th career win.

source

Patriots sign 2-time Pro Bowler Shaun Ellis

2011-08-09T04:26:00.000-07:00

Defensive end Shaun Ellis is switching sides in one of the NFL's most intense rivalries.

The two-time Pro Bowl selection signed with the New England Patriots on Monday after 11 seasons with the New York Jets. The Patriots also signed free agent defensive end Andre Carter, who has played 10 seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and the Washington Redskins.

Ellis, 34, had become the longest-tenured player on the Jets since he was taken 12th overall with a pick that New York obtained as compensation for letting coach Bill Belichick sign with the Patriots.

He told the Associated Press last year that he hoped to play 15 years in the NFL and get 100 sacks.

But when Ellis asked for a contract extension last off-season, the Jets cited their policy of having older veterans play out their contracts.

Man invented a floating car

2011-08-04T16:32:00.000-07:00

I know this is not a sports news but I can't help it. It's too funny not to post.

Durant ‘about 50-50’ on playing overseas

2011-07-31T01:58:00.000-07:00

TULSA, Okla. (AP)—Kevin Durant says he is “about 50-50” on playing overseas if the NBA lockout lasts.

The league scoring champion from the Oklahoma City Thunder hopes the work stoppage is settled in time for a full season, but says he’ll “have to think about” playing elsewhere if that doesn’t happen.

Durant says he has been working on his game during his time off, but took a break from that to attend the WNBA game between Tulsa and Chicago on Thursday night. Speaking at halftime, he called himself a “basketball fanatic” who enjoys watching the women’s game.

Jimenez traded to Indians

2011-07-31T01:56:00.000-07:00

Rockies right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez was traded to the Indians. Jimenez was pulled last night from his start after pitching one inning against the Padres. Jimemez says he was surprised. “Everybody knew it, even me,” he said after his outing.

"I was surprised I pitched," ... "When I got to the bullpen, it was, I'm not sure why I'm here ...... I got to the mound and I couldn't throw a strike. I didn't have my mind on the game."

2011-07-25T14:23:00.000-07:00

NBA All-Stars Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant and Derrick Rose made $400,000 apiece for an exhibition game in the Philippines over the weekend. The players agreed to play an exhibition against a collection of stars of the Philippines Basketball Association. The group also included Chris Paul, James Harden, second overall pick Derrick Williams, JaVale McGee, and Tyreke Evans

Kobe Bryant all start in Manila!

2011-07-24T06:19:00.000-07:00

Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher, Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose, JaVale McGee, Derrick Williams, Chris Paul, Tyreke Evans and James Harden all in one team? you must be kidding me!

Dog bites the shark

2011-07-21T18:01:00.000-07:00

Awesome!

Chinese great Yao Ming retires from basketball

2011-07-20T01:34:00.000-07:00

Yao made it official Wednesday, telling a packed news conference in his hometown that a series of foot and leg injuries forced him to end his playing career at the age of 30.

Lamar Odom Tweets condolences over teen car crash victim

2011-07-19T17:28:00.000-07:00

Lamar Odom has expressed his condolences over a 15-year-old boy, who was reportedly struck and killed by a car carrying the NBA player and reality star.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the young boys family," Odom Tweeted on Monday night.

The crash took place in New York on July 14. Odom was in Queens, New York for his cousin's funeral and was being chauffeured in a vehicle. His driver hit the boy and a motorcyclist. Both were taken to a hospital with series injuries and the boy died on Friday, Access Hollywood reported. Odom, who was sitting in the back seat, was not injured.

Khloe Kardashian, his wife and fellow star of E! series "Khloe & Lamar," reposted her husband's message on Twitter on Monday as well, saying: "Our love will give us strength! Love conquers ALL!"

Earlier, she Tweeted: "My heart/soul goes out 2every1 in pain from any suffering. Pray 4all of the angels surrounding us constantly. May our spirits stay strong."

Source: OnTheRedCarpet.com

Lamar Odom involved in a near-fatal car accident

2011-07-19T17:26:00.000-07:00

Lamar Odom was involved in a serious car accident in New York on July 14, when his driver hit a 15-year-old boy and a motorcyclist.

Odom was in Jamaica, Queens for his cousin's funeral when the driver of his car service struck the two victims. The basketball player was not injured, but was reportedly visibly upset about the accident.

"Thank you for your support and prayers!" Odom wrote on Twitter on Monday.

MediaTakeOut.com, who first reported the incident, said that the pedestrian and motorcyclist were seriously injured in the crash. Odom's wife, Khloe Kardashian was not in the vehicle.

"Khloe wasn't in the car. It was a driver, and Lamar was in the back seat," Kardashian's publicist told the New York Post.

Odom, who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers and is the star of the TV realty show "Khloe & Lamar," married Khloe Kardashian in 2009 after dating for a month.

Source: OnTheRedCarpet.com

Marc Tyler didn't receive a single penny

2011-07-18T14:41:00.000-07:00

Marc Tyler's father said the suspended USC running back should have known better than to joke about the university paying football players and said he is 100% certain Marc has not taken one illicit penny from the school.

Millions watched the Women's World Cup final

2011-07-18T14:37:00.000-07:00

Whoa! According to this news the Women's World Cup final has been watched by 13.5 million viewers, which is the highest television rating for any soccer game on an ESPN network. It was the sixth most watched soccer telecast ever in the United States. The record is still held by the 1999 Women's World Cup final, which had an 11.4 rating.

Japan beats the USA to capture the Women's World Cup.

Price strikes memorabilia deal

2011-07-14T15:06:00.000-07:00

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP)—The pitcher who gave up Derek Jeter’s 3,000th career hit has a deal to sign memorabilia connected with the milestone.

Tampa Bay’s David Price agreed with Steiner Sports to autograph collectibles, including baseballs and pictures. Some of the souvenirs will bear the inscription, “I Gave Up DJ’s 3K,” and be signed by both Price and Jeter.

Jeter became the first Yankee to reach 3,000 hits when he homered off Price last Saturday at Yankee Stadium.

NBA warns Michael Jordan not to golf with playersJordan

2011-07-14T15:04:00.000-07:00

Michael Jordan could lose $1 million dollars in fine at the American Century Classic golf tournament with the five NBA players scheduled to appear at the tourney.

The tournament's website notes that Boston Celtics guard Ray Allen, Sacramento Kings guard Jimmer Fredette, Dallas Mavericks guard Jason Kidd and New Jersey Nets guard Deron Williams are all scheduled to participate.

Since the lockout began on July 1, the NBA has yet to publicly issue a fine to a team executive who violates its gag order policy.

Ricky Hatton retired from boxing

2011-07-07T16:29:00.000-07:00

Well, it should happened a long time ago. Ricky Hatton finally announced in London overnight that he had decided to hang up his gloves after two years out of the sport.

Hatton said: 'I am very upset. It's a very sad day for me.

"I know it is the right decision though. I've known it was the right thing to do for 18 months to be honest.

'It's a bit of a relief to finally do it. It's been hovering over my head for such a long time. These last two years have been really frustrating. I hit rock bottom and it almost drove me insane.

'There's nothing more I love than training for a fight but I have no dreams left now.'

Hatton's retirement signals the end of a dramatic career that has seen him achieve success at welterweight and light-welterweight level.

Hatton beat Jon Thaxton to become the British light-welterweight champion in 2000 and went on to dominate the division, with his most notable victory at that weight coming in 2005 against IBF champion Tszyu.

Hatton then beat Carlos Maussa before moving up to welterweight where he defeated Luis Collazo to claim the WBA world title.

Rapidly earning a reputation as one of Britain's most popular sportsmen, Hatton went on to challenge Mayweather in Las Vegas.

Billed as the defining fight of his career, watched by millions around the world, Hatton failed to take the American's WBC welterweight title after being knocked out in the 10th round.

Undeterred by his first loss in boxing, Hatton returned to winning ways with victories over Juan Lazcano and Paulie Malignaggi before calling out pound-for-pound champion Pacquiao.

The two met at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in May 2009, when Hatton was knocked out cold in the second round to leave him with a 45-2 career record.

source

Philippines' Azkals blank Sri Lanka, march to World Cup 2nd round

2011-07-03T14:40:00.000-07:00

THE Philippine National Football Men’s Team Azkals' dream to qualify in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil lives on, as the nationals blanked the visiting Sri Lanka Brave Reds, 4-0 Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

The Azkals’ victory gave them the ticket to the 2nd round of the World Cup qualifying tournament against Kuwait on July 23 and July 28 on a home and away game.

In Sunday’s win, Ilonggo Azkals midfielder Chieffy Caligdong nailed a goal in the 19th minute to open up the scoring for the nationals.

Drilling from the left side just inside the box and passing through two Sri Lankan defenders, Caligdong struck the ball towards the right of keeper Manjula Fernando. The ball hit the right bar before it entered the goal.

With 1-0 advantage, the Azkals picked up the tempo, as striker Phil Younghusband scored the squad’s second goal in the 43rd minute.

In the second half, striker Angel Guirado fired the team’s third goal in the 50th minute on a pass from James Youghusband. Guirado drilled past a Sri Lankan defender and escaped Fernando’s defense for an open goal.

After seven minutes, the Azkals got another goal opportunity when Stephan Schrock was fouled on the right side of the goal just inside the box. Phil Younghusband was tasked to take the penalty kick and he nailed the squad’s 4th goal in the 57th minute.

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) chairman and Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Advisory Council member Monico Puentevella lauded the Azkals’ performance. “Our Azkals’s performance yesterday was great,” he said.

“But it would be an uphill game against Kuwait. We will be underdogs but we have a bigger chance. We will have a bigger crowd, too,” Puentevella stressed.

On the other hand, sportsman Oscar ‘Dodong’ Bascon praised the Azkals’ game. “They did great on defense and, most especially, improved their offense. It is noticeably that the team played well. They slowly got the chemistry. We just hope they play much better in the next round,” said Bascon.

Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on July 04, 2011

Rafa Nadal lost the Wimbledon final on Sunday

2011-07-03T14:32:00.000-07:00

Rafa Nadal lost the Wimbledon final on Sunday and will concede the number one ranking to his conqueror Novak Djokovic but the gritty Spaniard has known worse times. "You know what is the toughest moment? In Australia in 2010 when I had to go out with an injury. That is the toughest

moment," the 10-times grand slam winner told reporters.

Nadal is famous for his never-say-die mentality, so having to pull out of the Australian Open quarter-final against Andy Murray was as tough a time as the 25-year-old has known.

That withdrawal led to fears for his future, especially after the woes of 2009 where he missed the French Open and Wimbledon, but Nadal responded by winning three grand slams last year and his fitness troubles are now a thing of the past.

"After playing eight finals this year, winning Roland Garros a few weeks ago, playing the final here cannot be the toughest loss of my career," Nadal said, reflecting on a year that but for Djokovic could have ranked amongst his most dominant.

"Last five times wasn't my time. I'm gonna wait and I'm gonna try a sixth time," Nadal said of his five successive 2011 losses to Djokovic, all in finals.

"And if the sixth doesn't happen, or the seventh. It's going to be like this. That's the spirit of the sport.

"I understand the sport like this. When one player is better than you, at that moment the only thing you can do is work, try to find solutions, and try to wait a little bit for your time."

Given Nadal's bullish determination he will probably not have to wait long, and should Djokovic's form dip from the sensational 48 wins and just one defeat in 2011 the Spaniard will be waiting.

"For me when I was winning three grand slams last year, my level of last year is not forever. Probably the level of Novak of today is not forever. I'm gonna be here fighting all the time, waiting for my moment to beat him another time."

Source

Tyson rights a wrong with Nick Charles

2011-06-27T14:33:00.000-07:00

There are few things worse thank knowing you’ve wronged another person and then realize that it’s too late to make things right.

In the case of Mike Tyson, who marks his 45th birthday on Thursday, and sportscaster Nick Charles, who died at 64 from bladder cancer over the weekend, a past wrong was amended for while the former CNN Sports anchor and boxing lover was still breathing.

Not that Tyson’s bad deed was on the felony level but I’m sure Tyson feels some satisfaction that he went to visit the ailing Charles right before he died, a feel good story covered by Dr. Sanjay Gupta, appropriately enough on CNN.

On Saturday, on his Twitter page, Tyson saluted the universally popular Chicago native:

“Mourning the loss of a true warrior. My Friend & Brother, Nick Charles.”

It wasn’t really the Mellow Mike we see in the media today, the suburban Las Vegas father and husband of wife Kiki, who did something wrong to Charles.

No, it was the raging egomaniac named Iron Mike Tyson, back when we were in Los Angeles at the Century Plaza Hotel hyping Tyson’s first out of prison bout, his laugher against windy Hurricane Peter McNeeley.

Someone had assured the always diligent Charles that, if he jetted in from Atlanta, he was sure to land an exclusive, one on one chat with Mercurial Mike.

Tyson seemed to get into a foul mood, a bit of a rage, even at the presser when McNeeley tried to hold up his end of the brutal mismatch bargain by warning Tyson that he would take him “into my cocoon of horror.” (Only, with his thick Boston accent, it came out sounding like “hurrah.”)

Steve Brener, ex-Dodgers PR ace for 17 years, was handling fight pr on behalf of Showtime and he told me to ask if Tyson would carve out a few minutes for Charles and his camera crew.

Tyson answered negatively and Charles was rightfully irritated.

“I flew in from Atlanta just for this and am flying back right away, I can’t believe this,” the atypically furious Charles said to me and to Brener.

So Charles and his crew went back to Georgia with nothing special.

Charles, like I say, was a pro’s pro and not completing his assignment because of Tyson’s mood was something he surely brooded about for a while.

But, when Charles’ days on earth dwindled to a precious few, Tyson went to visit him.

This time, the cameras were rolling.

And, more importantly, Tyson’s 1995 one day, one interview blowoff was surely forgotten.

Tyson may have many regrets about how he treated some people when he boxing’s No. 1 attraction but his minor wrong to Charles was made up in a major way.

Happy birthday, Mellow Mike.

[Michael Marley]

Continue reading on Examiner.com Mike Tyson's minor wrong to Nick Charles was amended in major way before death - National Boxing | Examiner.com

http://www.examiner.com/boxing-in-national/mike-tyson-s-minor-wrong-to-nick-charles-was-amended-major-way#ixzz1QVwx9YOk

The Boston Bruins win the Stanley Cup

2011-06-17T05:40:00.000-07:00

The Boston Bruins won their first Stanley Cup in 39 years, defeating the Vancouver Canucks 4-0 Wednesday night in the seventh and deciding game of the National Hockey League's annual championship.

Funny Lebron

2011-06-15T05:28:00.000-07:00

Too funny not to post!

Suns’ Pietrus exercises player option on contract

2011-06-15T05:23:00.001-07:00

PHOENIX (AP)—Phoenix Suns swingman Mickael Pietrus exercised the one-year player option on his contract Tuesday.

The 28-year-old Pietrus played in 38 games for the Suns, averaging 7.4 points and 2.2 rebounds. However, he missed the last 12 games of last season with a quadriceps-tendon strain.

Horry’s daughter dies after long illness

2011-06-15T05:21:00.001-07:00

HOUSTON (AP)—The 17-year-old daughter of former NBA star Robert Horry died Tuesday after battling a rare genetic condition.

Ashlyn Horry was born in Houston in 1994 and eventually diagnosed with the 1p36 Deletion Syndrome, a rare chromosome disease that is characterized by intellectual disability, delayed growth, seizures and respiratory problems. Texas Children’s Hospital spokeswoman Nicole Terry says Ashlyn Horry died there.

Robert Horry and Ashlyn’s mother, Keva, set up a foundation in 2008 to provide support to families with children coping with similar illnesses. A message was left at the foundation’s office seeking comment.

Robert Horry won seven NBA championships with three teams in 16 NBA seasons. He earned the nickname “Big Shot Bob” for hitting several clutch shots in the playoffs and holds the record for 3-pointers made in the NBA finals (53).

The Houston Rockets selected Horry out of Alabama with the 11th overall pick in the 1992 draft. Horry helped the Rockets win NBA championships in 1994 and ’95.

“My deepest condolences go out to Robert and his family on the tragic passing of his daughter, Ashlyn,” Rockets owner Leslie Alexander said in a statement. “Ashlyn was born in Houston during Robert’s time with us and I know he shared a special bond with her. The entire Rockets organization is saddened by her passing and our thoughts are with Robert and his family during this trying personal time.”

Horry played for the Los Angeles Lakers from 1996-2003, and was a member of three more championship teams there. Former Lakers star Magic Johnson offered condolences on his Twitter account.

“My thoughts go out to Robert Horry and his family as they deal with the tragic loss of his daughter Ashlyn,” Johnson tweeted.

Horry finished his playing career in San Antonio, and won two titles with the Spurs to become the ninth player in league history to earn at least seven championship rings.

Doubters

2011-06-12T21:58:00.000-07:00

Let's check who are the doubters of Dallas Mavericks. Adrian Wojnarowski is the worst, he predicted Dallas will lose against Blazers, Lakers, Thunder, and Miami and look what happened. Shame, shame, shame.

Mavericks top Heat 105-95 for NBA title

2011-06-12T21:28:00.000-07:00

MIAMI – Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks captured their first NBA championship Sunday with a 105-95 win over the Miami Heat — the team that ended Dallas’ shot at a title five years ago.

Jason Terry scored 27 points and Nowitzki finished with 21 points and 11 rebounds as the Mavericks won the best-of-seven championship series four-games-to-two.

Germany’s Nowitzki was named Most Valuable Player of the finals, finally securing the NBA’s biggest prize to secure his place among the NBA legends.

“This is unbelievable,” said Nowitzki, who turns 33 next Sunday. “We are a resilient bunch. This team has come back from huge deficits all season long.”

Terry ran the clock down in the final minute then passed to a wide open Shawn Marion who chose not to shoot as the seconds clicked down.

When the buzzer sounded Marion handed the ball to 17-year veteran guard Jason Kidd who tried twice before in the finals but failed to get a ring.

J.J. Barea had 15 points and five assists for the Mavericks, who clinched their first NBA championship in their 31 year franchise history.

LeBron James scored 21 points and Dwyane Wade finished with 17 points, eight rebounds and six assists for the Heat, who failed to send the series to a decisive seventh game despite having home court advantage.

“Hats go off to Dallas,” said Heat coach Erik Spoelstra. “There is an emptiness to it. It was a tough series. Sometimes you just come up short. Crunch time needed to be done, they made bigger plays than us.”

This year’s final was a rematch of the 2006 NBA championship series, which Miami took in six games for its first title in franchise history.

With Terry having a superb start to game six, the Mavericks led 53-51 at the end of the first half in what began as a game of runs by either side. Terry came off the bench to score 19 points in the first two quarters on eight-of-ten shooting.

James had his best start of the series by scoring nine points and dishing three assists in the first quarter.

Tempers flared halfway through the second quarter when the Mavericks’ DeShawn Stevenson and Miami’s Udonis Haslem got into a shoving match.

Haslem was celebrating an Eddie House three pointer when he brushed past Stevenson who shoved him. The Heat players came charging off the bench and Mario Chalmers made a bee line for Stevenson.

Chalmers, Haslem and Stevenson all received technicals but no one was thrown out because a timeout had already been called before the players left the bench.

Nowitzki struggled early, scoring just a single point in the second quarter, and finished with three points on one-of-12 shooting in the opening half. He finished strong, however, by scoring 10 of his 21 in the fourth.

Dallas’s Ian Mahinmi of France nailed a buzzer-beating field goal at the end of the third to give the Mavericks a nine point lead at 81-72. Dallas got their own rebound and Terry ran down the clock and then pump faked James before slipping a short pass over to Mahinmi who got nothing but net.

The Heat had almost twice as many free throw chances as the Mavericks but hit just 60 percent of them. They also had 16 turnovers.

Although the Mavericks had several players in foul trouble in the fourth, they built their biggest lead of 13 points in the final period.

Dallas Mavericks 2011 NBA Champions!!!

2011-06-12T19:43:00.003-07:00

Dallas Mavericks 2011 NBA Champions!!!

High School Basketball Star Shot Dead

2011-06-06T14:37:00.000-07:00

Ryan Royall, 17, of Lynwood, IL was shot dead while another teen was wounded. Royall was a basketball star player on his Hillcrest High School team.

He had just finished his junior year and was seeking an athletic scholarship so his mother would not have to worry about paying for his college education.

All ofthat came to an end Sunday after shots rang out just before 1 a.m. outside the Ho Chunk Sports and Expo Center in south suburban Lynwood where a fight broke out.

Heat up 2-1

2011-06-06T14:33:00.000-07:00

The Miami Heat leads Dallas two games to one in the NBA Finals after last nights 88-86 win and regaining home-court advantage. Game 4 is tomorrow night in Dallas.

Nowitzki rallies Mavs to win that ties NBA finals

2011-06-03T02:17:00.000-07:00

MIAMI (AP)—Any pain in Dirk Nowitzki’s left hand wouldn’t have hurt nearly as much as a 2-0 deficit.

So he put the ball there—torn-up finger and all—and hoisted the shot that gave the Dallas Mavericks new life in the NBA finals.

Nowitzki shook off an injury to his non-shooting hand and made the tie-breaking layup with 3.6 seconds left, and the Mavericks roared back from 15 points down in the fourth quarter to stun the Miami Heat 95-93 on Thursday night and tie the series at one game apiece.

“You can just sense it in us that we weren’t going to give up, we were going to be resilient,” Dallas guard Jason Terry said.

Capping a furious rally by scoring Dallas’ final nine points, Nowitzki made two late baskets left-handed—despite a torn tendon on his middle finger. He finished with 24 points, saying the finger felt fine.

“Definitely a huge comeback for us and we never gave up, and that was big,” Nowitzki said.

Nowitzki was hurt in Game 1 when he slapped at the ball trying to make a steal from Chris Bosh. He fiddled with various braces and splints over the last two days before settling on a small one that sat lower on the finger and allowed him to keep a good feel of the ball.

Dwyane Wade had 36 points for Miami, but his desperation 3-pointer was off at the buzzer.

Game 3 is Sunday in Dallas.

Seemingly out of the game when the Heat led 88-73 with 7:15 remaining, Dallas held the Heat to just one field goal from there, a 3-pointer by Mario Chalmers with 24.5 seconds that tied it just 2 seconds after Nowitzki’s 3 had made it 93-90.

But after a timeout, Jason Kidd ran the clock down before getting the ball to Nowitzki, who drove into the lane, spun back to the left and made the layup.

“We’re a veteran team and we don’t get too high with the highs and too low with the lows,” Nowitzki said.

Terry, largely silent since the first half of Game 1, fueled the comeback with a couple of jumpers and finished with 16 points. Shawn Marion had 20 points for the Mavericks, who had lost four straight finals games in Miami since taking a 2-0 lead in the 2006 series.

They were about to go down 2-0 this time before Nowitzki, who insisted his injured finger wouldn’t hinder him, led a rally even more amazing than the one that won Game 4 of the Western Conference finals, when the Mavs trailed Oklahoma City by 15 in the fourth quarter before pulling it out in overtime.

“Just a different series, but we always believe we can come back regardless of the score,” Marion said. “The game is over when the final buzzer rings.”

LeBron James scored 20 points for the Heat.

He and Wade were running by and over the older Mavs for three quarters, and it appeared the only thing that could slow them down was that big trophy they would soon be holding.

Not so fast.

Wade angered the Mavs, particularly Terry, when he held his follow through after his 3-pointer from the corner with 7:15 left capped a 13-0 run and made it 88-73. Though the Mavs said they were bothered by the Heat’s actions, James and Wade—who have already endured plenty of criticism for premature partying— denied that was the case this time.

“There was no celebration at all,” James said. “I was excited about the fact that he hit a big shot and we went up 15.”

The Heat suddenly went cold, holding the ball too long on possessions and forcing James and Wade to attempt long jumpers with the shot clock winding down, instead of playing to their strengths and driving into the lane.

“We just didn’t execute down the stretch,” Bosh said. “There’s no shock. There’s disappointment. But the reality is the reality. We might as well get used to it and focus on the next one.”

A series of those missed jumpers eventually ended with the Mavs getting possession, and Nowitzki making a layup that tied it at 90 with 57 seconds to play.

The Heat lost for the first time in 10 games at home in the playoffs and will have to win at least once in Dallas to force the series back here.

“That’s about as tough a fourth quarter as you can have,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “When it started to slide, it just kept on going.”

The Heat held the Mavs, whose offense was so precise in their victories over the Lakers and Oklahoma City, to one of their worst performances of the postseason in Game 1. Yet Miami didn’t expect to shut down Dallas the way it did Boston and Chicago in the last two rounds, with Spoelstra saying before the game the Mavs would “hit back.”

But Miami weathered the early storm and appeared to have nothing to worry about in the second half.

A 29-10 burst spanning halftime showed off the Heat at their athletic best: A dunk by James, a dunk by Wade, and a long alley-oop pass from Wade to James on the fast break that turned a 51-all halftime tie into a 57-52 lead.

And just when Dallas got it down to four late in the period, James drove right for a powerful slam that left Tyson Chandler throwing his hands up in the air as if to say “How do we stop that?”

Eventually they did.

And they turned the tables on the Heat, who pulled off a stunning comeback of their own to spark the turnaround in the 2006 series. Dallas had a double-digit lead midway through the fourth quarter of Game 3 of that one, Wade brought Miami back, and the Heat never looked back.

Considering he has more help now with James and Bosh, the Heat’s inability to put this one away is even more amazing.

“We didn’t play the way that we normally play, so they deserved it and we didn’t,” Wade said.

The focus was back on the Heat’s stars in a finals where some attention during Wednesday’s off day was diverted to a former Heat player when Shaquille O’Neal, the center on their 2006 team who announced on a Twitter video he was retiring from the NBA. Also a teammate of James in Cleveland, O’Neal posted another video Thursday encouraging the duo to “go get that ring.”

The Heat played a video tribute showing some of O’Neal’s highlights in Miami during a first-quarter timeout and received nice applause, but not a standing ovation.

The offenses showed up for this one after neither team found a flow in the opener. Mike Bibby quickly got in the act with two 3-pointers for the Heat after he and fellow starter Joel Anthony were scoreless in Game 1 and it was tied at 28 after one.

It got heated late in the half and Miami appeared set to lose its cool, with Mike Miller called for a technical but Wade spared one, when after appearing to be fouled by Chandler on a layup attempt, he bumped Chandler while trying to get at the referee to protest.

Yet down nine and with James on the bench with three fouls, the Heat held the Mavs scoreless the final 3 minutes and tied it at 51 on Wade’s 3-pointer with 25 seconds to go.

Shaquille O’Neal announces retirement via Twitter

2011-06-01T14:54:00.000-07:00

"I really, really thought about coming back," he said, "but this Achilles is very damaged and if I had it done the recovery would be so long we'd have same outcome as this last year -- everyone sitting around and waiting for me.
"I didn't want to let people down two years in a row. I didn't want to hold Boston hostage again.
"I'm letting everybody know now so Danny (Ainge) and the organization can try to get younger talent. I would love to come back, but they say once the Achilles is damaged it's never the same. I don't want to take that chance."

Heat take Game 1 over Dallas

2011-06-01T14:52:00.000-07:00

The Miami Heat are three wins from the reason why the Big Three came together in the first place.
James scored 24 points for his first win in five NBA finals games, Wade scored 15 of his 22 points in the second half and the Heat beat the Dallas Mavericks 92-84 in Game 1 of the title series on Tuesday night—holding the Western Conference champions to their lowest point total of the playoffs after a dominant defensive showing down the stretch.

The Heat rallied from a 12-point deficit in the final minutes to beat the Bulls

2011-05-26T21:37:00.000-07:00

CHICAGO (AP)—LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh joined to win a championship. Well, now they have their shot.

James scored 28 points, Wade added 21, and they led a furious rally in the final minutes as the Miami Heat eliminated Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls 83-80 in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals on Thursday.

Now they are in a collision course with the hot Dallas Mavericks. This will be an interesting NBA Finals, both Lebron James and Dirk Nowitzky are aiming for the gold. Who do you think will get it?

Mavs top Thunder 100-96 advances to NBA finals

2011-05-26T14:53:00.000-07:00

DALLAS (AP) — Dirk Nowitzki wrapped his hands around the silver ball trophy that goes to the Western Conference champions and smiled. After five years, he and the Dallas Mavericks are kings of their conference again, earning another trip to the NBA finals.

Yet Nowitzki didn't flash the wide, toothy grin of someone relieved to have accomplished his goal. Because, he hasn't.

Unless the Mavs win the next round, too, and become NBA champions for the first time, their whole glorious postseason — and that silver trophy — won't mean as much. It's a lament heard by many superstars, but Nowitzki's indifference amid much of the frenzied celebration around him showed just how serious he is about it.

"I was already thinking about the finals," he said. "This is nice for a day, but we set our goals in October to win it all. We haven't done it yet."

Dallas capped its climb back to the NBA finals with a 100-96 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night that ended the Western finals in five games.

The young, up-and-coming Thunder made things tough on the older, now-or-possibly-never Mavericks as they had throughout the series. And, as he has throughout the postseason, Nowitzki made the plays that mattered most. His latest highlights: swishing a 3-pointer with 1:14 left that put Dallas ahead and making a pair of free throws with 13.3 seconds left to seal it.

"It feels good to finally go back," Nowitzki said. "This time, hopefully we can finish the job."

The Mavs' only other trip to the finals was in 2006. They were up 2-0, with a big, late lead in Game 3, but wound up losing to the Miami Heat in six games. They'd won only a single playoff series since until a tremendous run this postseason — going 12-3, with wins in 10 of the last 11 games, including a sweep of the two-time reigning champion Lakers.

This Dallas team filled with veterans all seeking their first rings has been playing with what coach Rick Carlisle calls "a laser-like focus." It showed when they clawed back from a 15-point deficit with 5:06 left in Game 4, and again in this game, when the Mavs were down by six with 4:37 left.

They outscored the Thunder 14-4 the rest of the way, with many of their most-accomplished players making the key plays: Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Shawn Marion and Jason Terry.

"It goes to our veteran leadership, our experience, us being in every possible situation we could possibly be in," said Terry, who along with Nowitzki are the only holdovers from the '06 team. "We know what we're going through offensively and defensively. We know we have to get stops and we're able to do that. When you have that belief and that trust in what you're doing it's just a confidence and more times than not you're going to be successful."

Nowitzki scored 26 points, nine in the fourth quarter. For the series, he averaged 32.2 points, 11.8 in the fourth quarters.

Marion scored 15 of his 26 points in the fourth. His steal, dunk and free throw right after Nowitzki's go-ahead 3 went a long way toward pulling this one out. It meant a lot to him because unlike Nowitzki, Kidd and Terry, he's never been to the finals.

"Lots of guys never go, so I'm going to make the best of it," Marion said. "We knew what we were capable of from the start of the season. This is a realization of that."

When the Mavs last made the finals, they advanced with a win in Phoenix. This time, they got to share the moment with their fans. Franchise founder Don Carter was right in the middle of it all, trading his signature white cowboy hat — the one that used to be featured in the team's logo — for a black baseball cap that read "The Finals 2011" with a Mavs logo and the championship trophy.

"All I can tell everybody is, we ain't done yet," team owner Mark Cuban said during the on-court trophy presentation ceremony.

Funny thing is, Dallas could face Miami again. Fans seem to hope so, chanting "Beat the Heat!" so loudly after Cuban spoke that they drowned out Carlisle's on-court interview.

Heat up 2-1

2011-05-22T21:58:00.000-07:00

Bosh scores 34, Heat top Bulls 96-85 for 2-1 lead

Chris Bosh scored 34 points to power the Miami Heat to a 96-85 victory over the visiting Chicago Bulls on Sunday in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals.

LeBron James added 22 points and 10 assists and Dwyane Wade scored 17 as the Heat took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Bosh hit four straight shots to start the fourth quarter and finished 13 of 18 from the floor.

Carlos Boozer scored 26 points and Derrick Rose added 20 for the Bulls, who will look to even the series Tuesday in Game 4 at Miami.

Phoenix Suns' Rick Welts discusses aftermath of announcement that he is gay

2011-05-16T15:00:00.000-07:00

Rick Welts is on the phone and the conversation is interrupted by another text message. It's from former Suns great Charles Barkley, who is offering his support.

see full article here

Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder in Western Conference Championship

2011-05-16T14:59:00.003-07:00

The Western Conference Championship pits the Dallas Mavericks, who are off a four game sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers, facing the Oklahoma City Thunder, who took the full seven game maximum to defeat the Cinderella Memphis Grizzlies

Mets 3B Wright has stress fracture in lower back

2011-05-16T14:59:00.001-07:00

New York Mets third baseman David Wright has a stress fracture in his lower back, general manager Sandy Alderson said.

Bulls take Game 1 from Heat with 103-82 rout

2011-05-16T14:57:00.000-07:00

Rose scored 28 points, Luol Deng ably contained LeBron James and the Bulls struck first in the Eastern Conference finals, pulling away to beat the Heat 103-82 in Game 1 on Sunday night.

Cristiano Ronaldo gave shirt to his injured fan

2011-05-16T14:54:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo's sleight-of-hand with a fan's gift, Fan catches 3 foul balls in one game, and Seinfeld inspires Rangers' lineup

Rivers signs new contract worth $35 million

2011-05-15T04:32:00.000-07:00

The Boston Celtics will be paying Doc Rivers $35 million for a new five-year contract which would make him the NBA's highest-paid head coach next season. That's a huge amount of money. I'm hoping he'll be hoisting 3 banners in that span.

Doc Rivers agrees to 5 year extension

2011-05-13T17:16:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: Doc Rivers has agreed on a five-year contract extension with the Celtics, according to a team source with knowledge of the negotiations. Terms were not disclosed. The final details of the agreement are still being worked upon.

Celtics' Last Stand

2011-05-11T07:28:00.000-07:00

Win Or Go Home! Boston Celtics Vs Miami Heat

Tipoff: 7:00 pm EDT Wed May 11, 2011

Can the old Big 3 stay alive and win against the new and young Big 3 of Miami Heat. We will see! I'm still hoping that this series will last for 7 games it's just too good not to.

NBA Playoffs: MVP Rose gives Chicago 3 - 2 lead over the Hawks

2011-05-11T07:21:00.000-07:00

Derrick Rose scored 33 points and backup forward Taj Gibson scored 11 points in the fourth quarter to lead the host Chicago Bulls to a 95-83 victory over the Atlanta Hawks to take a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinal series on Tuesday night.

NBA Playoffs 2011

2011-05-11T07:15:00.000-07:00

Here's the recent series breakdown towards the 2011 NBA Championship! It's getting pretty interesting as we go deep into the playoffs.