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Bucks C Bogut to return against Bulls

November 30, 2009

MILWAUKEE (AP)—Milwaukee Bucks coach Scott Skiles says center Andrew Bogut(notes)will return to the court for Monday night’s game against the Chicago Bulls.

Skiles says Bogut’s left leg began feeling better late last week, and Skilesplans to ease him back into the rotation. Bogut was kicked in the leg during aNov. 18 game against New Jersey and originally was expected to miss two to fourweeks.

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Bogut says he’s “pretty much” pain-free and eager to return to help theBucks, who have lost four straight games.

Written by chris · Filed Under NBA Basketball | Comments Off 

Antoine Walker: I’ll repay casinos $900K

November 30, 2009

LAS VEGAS (AP)—Former NBA all-star Antoine Walker(notes) is promising to pay morethan $900,000 to settle bad check charges with three Las Vegas casinos and avoidfelony criminal charges.

Las Vegas Justice of the Peace Melanie Andress-Tobiasson approved a dealMonday letting Walker pay almost $13,000 a month over five years.

Restitution and penalties would total $905,050, including $135,000 cash bailalready posted following Walker’s arrest in July at a Lake Tahoe hotel.

That would settle casino debts incurred between July 2008 and January 2009at Caesars Palace, Planet Hollywood and the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas.

Walker wasn’t in court. His lawyer, Jonathan Powell, says the 6-foot-9Walker hopes sign with a team in the U.S. or Europe this season.

Written by chris · Filed Under NBA Basketball | Comments Off 

Kings top Hornets for third straight win

November 30, 2009

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)—Seldom used in the first 12 games of the season,Sacramento Kings guard Sergio Rodriguez(notes) is currently making a huge statement formore playing time.

A flashy playmaker who played the previous three years in Portland,Rodriguez was a difference-maker off the bench Sunday night for the Kings.

Rodriguez scored a career-high 24 points and Jason Thompson(notes) had 22 pointsand 14 rebounds as the Kings won their third straight game with a 112-96 victoryover the New Orleans Hornets.

New New Orleans Hornets gaurd Chri… AP – Nov 30, 12:14 am EST Sacramento Kings forward Jason… AP – Nov 30, 12:09 am EST Sacramento Kings guard Tyreke … AP – Nov 30, 12:05 am EST Sacramento Kings guard Sergio … AP – Nov 30, 12:02 am EST New Orleans Hornets forward Da… AP – Nov 29, 10:25 pm EST New Orleans Hornets guard Devi… AP – Nov 29, 10:24 pm EST New Orleans Hornets guard Marc… AP – Nov 29, 10:24 pm EST YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index = 6; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_lazy_images = [http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.5f376561fb8144e6912c87156afaf901.hornets_kings_basketball_sca106.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=289&hc=321&q=70&sig=OHJm93N7bkNPYWVR1EqW9w--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.5907d56438104bc59caf9ef6bfc73646.hornets_kings_basketball_sca105.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=261&hc=290&q=70&sig=0VXw2_plRJw3Z6LaFp2J1g--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.f31a3b284bba43eb990df8aa9f1f4d45.hornets_kings_basketball_sca104.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=276&hc=307&q=70&sig=xVBy77BGAoRIGpbELjJw9A--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.40d0803ec34d4e3db7e7f882d80795fd.hornets_kings_basketball_sca101.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=333&hc=370&q=70&sig=V59QldmRoiNJTCSze2PIOA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.7be008ac93d04f78b7ada9e3d86cd6c2.hornets_kings_basketball_sca102.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=281&hc=312&q=70&sig=Z_8cmtmWieawno.lxYuEwA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.0b8a70ed40ae4cea8790293121bbde27.hornets_kings_basketball_sca103.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=18&yc=1&wc=368&hc=409&q=70&sig=VNKPCPYQCrwjmWKO9mpMZA--]; YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(window,load,YAHOO.Sports.articleLazyLoadCarousel.init); 1 of 7 NO-Sac Gallery function prev_photo() { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index > 0) { goto_photo(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index – 1); } else { goto_photo(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index); }}function next_photo() { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index 0) { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_prev, prev); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_prev, prev_disabled); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_prev, prev_disabled); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_prev, prev); } if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index < YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index) { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_next, next); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_next, next_disabled); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_next, next_disabled); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_next, next); }*/}function goto_photo(p) { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos) { for(i = 0; i < YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos.length; i++) { if (i == p) { YAHOO.util.Dom.setStyle(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos[i], display, ); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.setStyle(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos[i], display, none); } } if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page) { YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page.innerHTML =(p + 1); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index = p; } } update_buttons();}YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_init = function () { YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(article_carousel_prev, click, prev_photo); YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(article_carousel_next, click, next_photo); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index = 0; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page = YAHOO.util.Dom.get(carousel_page); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos = YAHOO.util.Dom.getElementsByClassName(item, div, leadphoto); if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos) { goto_photo(0); }}YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_init();

The Kings’ third option at point guard behind rookie Tyreke Evans(notes) and BenoUdrih(notes), Rodriguez is averaging 15.2 points in the past four games. Hisperformance against the Hornets matched his point total through the first 12games this season.

“There are only so many point guard minutes we have, but the way Sergio hasplayed lately he’s kicked the door down,” Kings coach Paul Westphal said.“It’s going to be harder and harder not to play him.”

Rodriguez made two 3-pointers and converted 9 of 14 shots overall. He alsohad five assists, two rebounds, two steals and zero turnovers in 24 minutes.

“I feel very comfortable playing here, I don’t worry about going out andmaking things happen, I just play my game,” Rodriguez said. “For me, theimportant thing is when I get in he (Westphal) just lets me play.”

The Kings took the lead for good early in the second quarter and led theremainder of the game in upping their home record to 7-2. The Kings can completea perfect four-game homestand with a victory Wednesday over Indiana.

Thompson helped the Kings establish an inside game early and it helped openup the perimeter. Sacramento shot 54 percent and converted 9 of 18 3-pointattempts.

“You have to give them a lot of credit,” James Posey(notes) said. “They wereable to execute with the high screen-and-roll and we didn’t stop them. They wereable to keep making plays out of it.”

Evans had 14 points and Andres Nocioni(notes) and Udrih each added 13 for theKings, who moved to .500 with a surprising 8-8 record.

“It’s exciting the way we are playing right now,” Thompson said.“Everyone is tuned in. We have a lot of guys coming off the bench now andcontributing. Hopefully we can keep things going.”

David West(notes) scored 24 points for the Hornets, who had won four of theirprevious five. Emeka Okafor(notes) had 20 points and nine rebounds, and Darren Collison(notes)had 11 points and six assists.

After making a 3-pointer to put Sacramento ahead 102-87 with 3:06 remaining,Rodriguez joyously leaped on the back of teammate John Brockman heading into atimeout.

“I haven’t had a 20-point game since I was a rookie, so that (3-pointer)was a great moment for me,” Rodriguez said.

Former King Peja Stojakovic(notes) missed the game for personal reasons but mayrejoin the Hornets in time for Tuesday’s away game against the Los AngelesLakers.

The Kings played without starting center Spencer Hawes(notes), who bruised hisright knee in Friday’s win over New Jersey.

Trailing by 12 points at the half, Okafor helped get the Hornets closer inthe third quarter. He made all six shots and scored 13 points as the Hornetsclosed to 82-74 heading into the fourth.

“There were stretches where some of our turnovers were hard tounderstand,” Hornets coach Jeff Bower said. “A couple of those we would reallylike to have back.”

Thompson had 16 points and eight rebounds for the Kings, who pulled awaywith a 31-19 second quarter to assume a 57-45 halftime lead.

NOTES: Kenny Thomas(notes) started in place of Hawes, his first start since Dec.12,2007. … Two-time All-Star point guard Chris Paul(notes) is sidelined indefinitelywith a sprained ankle, but was vocal throughout the game on the Hornets bench.… A reserve guard, Rodriguez played the entire second quarter and had 11points, three assists and two steals.

Written by chris · Filed Under NBA Basketball | Comments Off 

Wolves top Nuggets to snap 15-game skid

November 30, 2009

DENVER (AP)—The Minnesota Timberwolves finally put an end to their long losingspell, and they did it against a team that had owned them over the last threeyears.

Ryan Gomes(notes) scored 27 points, the most by a Timberwolves player this season,and Minnesota snapped a 15-game losing streak with a 106-100 victory over theDenver Nuggets on Sunday night.

“Man, you don’t know how much a weight is off our shoulders right now,”Gomes said. “It was tough for us, but we had to battle. We knew it was going tobreak one day.”

Minnesota Minnesota Timberwolves center … AP – Nov 29, 11:33 pm EST Minnesota Timberwolves guard J… AP – Nov 29, 11:23 pm EST Minnesota Timberwolves head co… AP – Nov 29, 11:22 pm EST Minnesota Timberwolves center … AP – Nov 29, 11:20 pm EST Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo… AP – Nov 29, 11:09 pm EST Denver Nuggets guard Chauncey … AP – Nov 29, 11:09 pm EST Minnesota Timberwolves forward… AP – Nov 29, 11:08 pm EST Denver Nuggets guard Chauncey … AP – Nov 29, 11:07 pm EST Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo… AP – Nov 29, 11:02 pm EST Minnesota Timberwolves center … AP – Nov 29, 9:28 pm EST Minnesota Timberwolves guard J… AP – Nov 29, 9:28 pm EST Minnesota Timberwolves forward… AP – Nov 29, 9:27 pm EST Minnesota Timberwolves guard R… AP – Nov 29, 9:25 pm EST Minnesota Timberwolves forward… AP – Nov 29, 9:25 pm EST Denver Nuggets forward Nene, r… AP – Nov 29, 8:57 pm EST YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index = 14; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_lazy_images = [http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.2e3fa1fdfe004e52bc5bfc058bd65870.timberwolves_nuggets_basketball_codz113.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=247&hc=274&q=70&sig=ilAkve3gG1EwqiYCwakMgg--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.bc9f8976fd5641548767908040f62078.timberwolves_nuggets_basketball_codz114.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=83&yc=1&wc=246&hc=273&q=70&sig=Bi1gbvLwJouir3hYKwq7og--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.8d7753f637b6468e87d0a09e5ccaaa13.timberwolves_nuggets_basketball_codz112.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=30&yc=1&wc=351&hc=390&q=70&sig=cqZzCIfeULfTFVYIvdegBA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.f79898f7ec57421da3557ed4f02b3fec.timberwolves_nuggets_basketball_codz111.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=98&yc=1&wc=215&hc=239&q=70&sig=Vr0tPZpH710olq7lREapAw--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.f7beabd4a64a442a991022da8a96ac17.timberwolves_nuggets_basketball_codz108.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=275&hc=306&q=70&sig=uLaT6PKyVJmtJN2kjlfDig--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.6904aca4b08c46599c86e5b61163ee1c.timberwolves_nuggets_basketball_codz109.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=49&yc=1&wc=313&hc=348&q=70&sig=0f9ULENNMliZcMWiP518pw--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.9487c73f488b4ff5b6146d98d5b59c50.timberwolves_nuggets_basketball_codz107.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=60&yc=1&wc=293&hc=325&q=70&sig=tnchVnLjA7tMGxQBPdE3QA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.00bb5b8ec11149db802de35a22e1d6cb.timberwolves_nuggets_basketball_codz110.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=295&hc=328&q=70&sig=y8pcBvfsHrFC4ycIAF6chQ--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.053286e75eae4f79ba3c6868698f778e.timberwolves_nuggets_basketball_codz106.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=311&hc=346&q=70&sig=7wYpPdyyFTiVDNMQujPyDA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.390e80cd607646148bb5e523d40573ef.timberwolves_nuggets_basketball_codz102.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=75&yc=1&wc=260&hc=289&q=70&sig=NMl1fSUG_sohbQkuOH0VNg--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.1a39ee536bd640e682e7e998460eb980.timberwolves_nuggets_basketball_codz103.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=237&hc=263&q=70&sig=iMXJ0dwLK.L.VpmK7mTiTA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.84bcba90564141f4921a982d157e976b.timberwolves_nuggets_basketball_codz104.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=341&hc=379&q=70&sig=KoKa05FvPt3p1pyqfEaD2A--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.ad195bbc52c34c1d9d4adf06ac0d8179.timberwolves_nuggets_basketball_codz105.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=38&yc=1&wc=336&hc=373&q=70&sig=_PrA1SsovKs6TcyXiTuZLw--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.c907867a757140dfaed11bba807584e9.timberwolves_nuggets_basketball_codz101.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=256&hc=284&q=70&sig=hgjV9VU61TovKP9_.oW8RA--]; 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The shock was it came against the Nuggets, who had won their previous 10meetings against Minnesota and had been dominating at home, where they’d won 17regular season games in a row dating to last spring.

After his team scored 12 points in the third quarter—a season-low forpoints in a period—to blow their 14-point halftime lead, Nuggets coach GeorgeKarl fumed over what he regarded as a lackluster effort.

“Tonight, we’re an embarrassment and we have to live with it for the next48 hours,” Karl said, referring to when the Nuggets next play. He said his teamfailed to play hard, especially defensively, on every possession and that “theplaying hard thing is driving me crazy.

“Tell me my play-hard team,” Karl said to reporters rhetorically. “Tellme the five guys that I can put on the court to play hard every possession. Tellme. I had it last year. I had a play-hard team last year. I don’t have aplay-hard team this year and it’s making me very angry.”

On this night, at least, the Timberwolves were far removed from thebitterness and second-guessing.

“It’s big for us,” said Timberwolves coach Kurt Rambis. “But in the(Nuggets) grand scheme of things, their long season, where they’re going as aplayoff team, it’s one tiny little drop in the ocean for them, something theycan use to motivate and propel for future ballgames. For us, there’s nothinglike a winning locker room. There’s a lot of relief in there.”

All five of Minnesota’s starters scored at least 10 points, with CoreyBrewer(notes) and Jonny Flynn(notes) chipping in 16 points apiece in helping the Timberwolvesregister their first win since a season-opening victory against New Jersey. Itwas also their first road win of the season.

Carmelo Anthony(notes) matched a season-high with 19 points in the first quarterand finished with 32 but could not prevent the end of Denver’s longest winningstreak at home since a 19-game run from Jan. 28-April 20, 1989.

Kenyon Martin(notes) added 16 points and 14 rebounds and Chauncey Billups(notes) had 14for the Nuggets, who lost for the first time in eight home games this season.

“We got exactly what we deserved,” Martin said. “That team is not goingto stop playing just because they lost 15 straight. That don’t matter. They area professional team and they got pride and so we got exactly what we deserved—nothing more, nothing less.”

Make no mistake, though, the Timberwolves earned what they got.

Down by as many as 17 points in the first half and trailing 64-50 at thebreak, Minnesota rallied with a 14-0 run to start the third quarter, pullinginto a 64-all tie on Flynn’s driving layup with 8:55 left in the period.

The Nuggets were held to 12 points on 4 of 19 shooting from the floor in thethird. After a layup by Al Jefferson(notes), the Timberwolves pulled ahead 81-76 goinginto the fourth quarter.

Minnesota extended its lead to 88-80 when Wayne Ellington(notes) hit a 3-pointerwith 9:27 left.

The Nuggets cut the deficit to 96-92 on Martin’s tip-in with 3:05 remainingbut Brewer completed a three-point play on the Timberwolves’ ensuing possession.

Denver again got within four points on Anthony’s layup with 51.6 secondsleft but the Timberwolves made five of six free throws down the stretch,including two each by Brewer and Flynn, to seal their first win against Denversince a 99-94 victory in Minnesota on Feb. 14, 2007.

“We came into the locker room and celebrated like we won a championship,”Flynn said. “Everyone was hugging each other. It was hard going through thisslide but with a great locker room and great coaching staff, it helped usthrough it. It just feels good to get another win in the win column.”

NOTES: Anthony also scored 19 points in the fourth quarter against Portlandon Oct. 29 … The Nuggets last lost a regular season home game on March 9against Houston. Their home winning streak started March 11 against OklahomaCity. … With Denver’s loss at the Pepsi Center, Phoenix is the only NBA teamwithout a home loss this season … The previous scoring high by a Timberwolvesplayer this season was 24 by Oleksiy Pecherov(notes) on Nov. 11 against Boston. …With the win, Minnesota avoided tying the franchise record longest losing streak(16).

Written by chris · Filed Under NBA Basketball | Comments Off 

Brooks, Landry power Rockets by Thunder

November 30, 2009

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP)—Aaron Brooks(notes) scored 18 of his 21 points in the second half,Carl Landry(notes) had 21 points and 10 rebounds after replacing injured Luis Scola(notes) andthe Houston Rockets beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 100-91 on Sunday night.

Already without All-Stars Tracy McGrady(notes) and Yao Ming(notes), the Rockets lost Scola22 seconds into the game when he was poked in the right eye by Oklahoma City’sEtan Thomas(notes).

Houston found a way to rally back from an early 10-point deficit, and Brooksand Landry closed it out.

Houston Houston Rockets forward Luis S… AP – Nov 29, 10:26 pm EST Houston Rockets forward Carl L… AP – Nov 29, 10:21 pm EST Houston Rockets guard Trevor A… AP – Nov 29, 10:20 pm EST Houston Rockets forward Carl L… AP – Nov 29, 10:11 pm EST Oklahoma City Thunder coach Sc… AP – Nov 29, 10:10 pm EST Houston Rockets coach Rick Ade… AP – Nov 29, 10:10 pm EST Oklahoma City Thunder forward … AP – Nov 29, 9:57 pm EST Oklahoma City Thunder forward … AP – Nov 29, 9:55 pm EST Houston Rockets guard Trevor A… AP – Nov 29, 9:54 pm EST Houston Rockets guard Aaron Br… AP – Nov 29, 8:29 pm EST Houston Rockets forward Carl L… AP – Nov 29, 8:24 pm EST Houston Rockets guard Aaron Br… AP – Nov 29, 8:23 pm EST YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index = 11; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_lazy_images = [http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.332e1509aa96437cb59bdd6168759465.rockets_thunder_basketball_okso111.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=332&hc=369&q=70&sig=zEs5Hjvc4xWXMBITIuNF7g--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.9ddb529b781e4e6b9b242acb4b1661e2.rockets_thunder_basketball_okso112.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=285&hc=317&q=70&sig=PH6wKg30qKJ4IoXauB6UoQ--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.7e6c5d5380854613a8f3dc4857b39b00.rockets_thunder_basketball_okso110.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=269&hc=299&q=70&sig=3CDDwmMfEbQnoV_xL9vyDA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.a99eb0bbe6b8499fa353b98711e829c8.rockets_thunder_basketball_okso109.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=302&hc=336&q=70&sig=lLU_EpySk.FLyW.tSHqzKw--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.4f55942146794203ab720eec010258d6.rockets_thunder_basketball_okso108.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=48&yc=1&wc=314&hc=349&q=70&sig=DI5rCLYld3SSKzHrXjr7vA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.1832e26140a145319d9e53e808f41255.rockets_thunder_basketball_okso107.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=277&hc=308&q=70&sig=2idkLgqaKCn7.k6RyAijWg--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.0821994277894b12ae53d9aa7eef5235.rockets_thunder_basketball_okso106.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=274&hc=304&q=70&sig=ryU9sgraSfOLHcwF5aaZXA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.ed229df4c5994969b006b6957ec1f114.rockets_thunder_basketball_okso104.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=300&hc=333&q=70&sig=EiBlkJcq22XOe6n077AIew--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.12ddf4c56274404dabf342f21f35c9cb.rockets_thunder_basketball_okso103.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=285&hc=317&q=70&sig=BIqBlOl_mVdsnyXD1ESgaQ--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.6d958626a2bb4cb5a990ef40bf9b2a39.rockets_thunder_basketball_okso102.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=322&hc=358&q=70&sig=ZXO9PKbkuY_jq4o3mKWbkA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.757d286dbdd24c39937ba5960cba32dc.rockets_thunder_basketball_okso101.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=62&yc=1&wc=286&hc=318&q=70&sig=7UJ9413lxWy8S2_tIUPpIg--]; YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(window,load,YAHOO.Sports.articleLazyLoadCarousel.init); 1 of 12 Hou-OKC Gallery function prev_photo() { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index > 0) { goto_photo(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index – 1); } else { goto_photo(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index); }}function next_photo() { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index 0) { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_prev, prev); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_prev, prev_disabled); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_prev, prev_disabled); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_prev, prev); } if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index < YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index) { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_next, next); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_next, next_disabled); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_next, next_disabled); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_next, next); }*/}function goto_photo(p) { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos) { for(i = 0; i < YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos.length; i++) { if (i == p) { YAHOO.util.Dom.setStyle(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos[i], display, ); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.setStyle(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos[i], display, none); } } if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page) { YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page.innerHTML =(p + 1); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index = p; } } update_buttons();}YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_init = function () { YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(article_carousel_prev, click, prev_photo); YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(article_carousel_next, click, next_photo); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index = 0; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page = YAHOO.util.Dom.get(carousel_page); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos = YAHOO.util.Dom.getElementsByClassName(item, div, leadphoto); if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos) { goto_photo(0); }}YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_init();

Landry hit the go-ahead free throws with 5:12 remaining, and he and Brookscombined to score 15 of the Rockets’ final 20 points. Houston won for the 12thstraight time in the series and overcame a double-digit deficit in a victory forthe third time this season.

Kevin Durant(notes) scored 25 points to lead Oklahoma City, which committed 20turnovers and went just 1-for-15 from 3-point range. Russell Westbrook(notes) had 20points and Jeff Green(notes) scored 12 for the Thunder.

Landry scored 17 of his points in the second half after getting into foultrouble soon after he replaced Scola. Trevor Ariza(notes) added 17 points and reserveDavid Andersen(notes) had 12 points and eight rebounds.

After Russell Westbrook’s jumper pulled Oklahoma City within a point—85-84— Brooks answered by driving past Green for a layup and then nailing a jumperfrom the left wing to push the lead to five. Both then had misses beforeAndersen bailed out the Rockets with a putback that made it 91-86.

Landry provided the finishing touch with a two-handed jam after Brooks foundhim open under the basket. The Rockets went 9-for-10 from the foul line to closeit out.

Scola was hurt on a freak play as Thomas slammed the ball home with hisright hand, simultaneously smacking Scola in the face with his left hand. Scolaappeared to be bleeding before laying down on the floor.

A trainer came onto the court to help Scola, and he held a towel up to hisface as he walked to the locker room. Houston’s problems soon escalated asOklahoma City reeled off 10 straight points to take a 20-11 lead, and then ShaneBattier(notes) and Landry got into foul trouble.

The Rockets’ bench kept it close, and Houston was eventually able to eataway at a 10-point deficit and tie the game at 67 when Brooks hit a jumper as hefell down with 1:20 left in the third quarter.

Chase Budinger(notes) gave Houston its first lead since the opening period when heconnected on a 3-pointer from the right wing to make it 76-73 with 8:31remaining.

Landry hit a pair of free throws with 5:12 left to put the Rockets ahead82-80 after Oklahoma City had scored five straight points to tie the game.Brooks followed with a 3-pointer from the left wing, hitting the deck after hereleased the ball.

NOTES: Thomas made his first start for the Thunder in place of center NenadKrstic(notes), who was out with a sore Achilles tendon in his left foot. … OklahomaCity guards Kyle Weaver(notes) (shoulder) and Kevin Ollie(notes) (knee) are scheduled forsurgery Monday. A timeline for their return will be determined then. … Afterthe Rockets had closed a 10-point deficit to 37-36, Westbrook kept Oklahoma Cityin the lead by swatting Jermaine Taylor’s(notes) shot—right off of teammate MikeWilks’(notes) face. He shook it off while Westbrook raced down the court for afast-break layup and then completed the three-point play.

Written by chris · Filed Under NBA Basketball | Comments Off 

Magic run road streak to 6, beat Knicks

November 30, 2009

NEW YORK (AP)—Rashard Lewis(notes) scored 13 of his season-high 26 points in thethird quarter, and the Orlando Magic beat the New York Knicks 114-102 on Sundaynight for their sixth straight road victory.

Dwight Howard(notes) had 24 points and 16 rebounds for the Eastern Conferenceleaders, who capped a perfect three-game trip over the holiday weekend thatstarted with an impressive win at division rival Atlanta on Thanksgiving.Orlando improved to 50-14 in November the last three years, best in the NBA.

Reserve Nate Robinson(notes) scored 24 points for the Knicks, who lost their fifthstraight in the opener of a difficult stretch of four games in six nightsagainst teams playing .700 ball. They host Phoenix on Tuesday, visit the Magicon Wednesday and travel to Atlanta on Friday.

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Orlando needed a big second-half rally to pull out a 100-98 victory atMilwaukee on Saturday night, but seized control of this one midway through thethird quarter.

Lewis’ 3-pointer tied it at 57 early in the period, kicking off a 14-4 runduring which he added another 3 as Orlando opened a 68-61 lead. He followedDanilo Gallinari’s(notes) free throw with another 3-pointer, and the Magic led by asmuch as 11 in the period before settling for an 82-73 advantage after MickaelPietrus’(notes) basket at the buzzer.

The Magic pushed it to 12 early in the fourth, but Robinson scored orassisted on the Knicks’ first 22 points of the period, and his basket cut it to92-86 with 6:15 to go. New York could come no closer, and Orlando put it awaywhen Lewis hit a 3-pointer and converted a three-point play in a 40-second spanthat made it 106-92 with 3:19 remaining.

Vince Carter(notes) finished with 23 points for the Magic, who were far too deepfor a Knicks team that had little besides Robinson once it fell behind.

Jason Williams(notes) made a 30-footer to beat the buzzer to end the first quarter,giving the Magic a 31-29 lead. The Knicks opened a six-point advantage on AlHarrington’s(notes) three-point play with 4:25 left in the second, but Carter hit acouple of jumpers in the final 1:50 as Orlando went into halftime with a 54-52edge.

David Lee(notes) had 20 points and 12 rebounds for New York.

NOTES: The Knicks played without C Eddy Curry(notes), who missed his third straightgame with a sore left knee. … Orlando’s longest road winning streak is sevengames, set from Nov. 3-19, 2007, its first seven road games that season. …Orlando is 7-0 against the Atlantic Division, including 5-0 on the road.

Written by chris · Filed Under NBA Basketball | Comments Off 

Nets drop to 0-17, tie NBA’s worst start

November 29, 2009

LOS ANGELES (AP)—The New Jersey Nets matched the worst start to an NBA seasonwith their 17th straight loss Sunday night, with Kobe Bryant(notes) scoring 30 pointsin the Los Angeles Lakers’ 106-87 victory.

A few hours after New Jersey fired coach Lawrence Frank, the undermannedNets had little prayer of keeping up with the defending league champions, whowon their sixth straight game.

Falling behind by 27 points in the first half despite clearly playing hardfor temporary head coach Tom Barrise, the Nets matched the starts of the 1988-89Miami Heat and the 1999 Los Angeles Clippers.

Los Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe … AP – Nov 29, 10:55 pm EST New Jersey Nets forward Trento… AP – Nov 29, 10:50 pm EST Los Angeles Lakers center Pau … AP – Nov 29, 10:41 pm EST Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe … AP – Nov 29, 10:39 pm EST Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe … AP – Nov 29, 10:37 pm EST New Jersey Nets interim coach … AP – Nov 29, 10:32 pm EST Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe … AP – Nov 29, 10:31 pm EST Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe … AP – Nov 29, 10:26 pm EST New Jersey Nets interim coach … AP – Nov 29, 10:23 pm EST YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index = 8; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_lazy_images = [http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.ad68977e4d54443f9a75f904696c5cea.nets_lakers_basketball_las107.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=72&yc=1&wc=267&hc=297&q=70&sig=9yzycKJof0A_i0ZTpdPeUw--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.d61a52201c85442cb63c9291dd8b9fcf.nets_lakers_basketball_las106.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=73&yc=1&wc=266&hc=295&q=70&sig=w7F90n9w75hwGzT6U90.1Q--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.898944c8431c4205be4dca29bb208b69.aptopix_nets_lakers_basketball_las105.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=68&yc=1&wc=275&hc=305&q=70&sig=IzOyeUqs2iM6.8UIH2vFpg--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.280b1655e19c40f6951aca26426efa9d.correction_nets_lakers_basketball_las103.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=314&hc=349&q=70&sig=UuXNczZDsXt_3Pa7yviSVg--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.6b7b7be1157140ca870e1a1c66628e53.nets_lakers_basketball_las104.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=301&hc=334&q=70&sig=ITWhADdj_l4IcgtjZZtygQ--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.415821fc352b4e38b07d512370a159c8.nets_lakers_basketball_las103.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=314&hc=349&q=70&sig=7Ov3sVPZ63K6kz66xGo.Fw--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.bae8fe2b137f438b9b4aef6fb83f29c0.nets_lakers_basketball_las102.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=265&hc=294&q=70&sig=QvEseqVhH6rWB2KYK7c6kg--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.42993c7b7d2c465fbbeca33c8cdc81cc.nets_lakers_basketball_las101.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=253&hc=281&q=70&sig=Ru5dyXS3NlQaHkNQhFAPPQ--]; YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(window,load,YAHOO.Sports.articleLazyLoadCarousel.init); 1 of 9 NJ-LAL Gallery function prev_photo() { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index > 0) { goto_photo(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index – 1); } else { goto_photo(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index); }}function next_photo() { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index 0) { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_prev, prev); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_prev, prev_disabled); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_prev, prev_disabled); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_prev, prev); } if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index < YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index) { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_next, next); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_next, next_disabled); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_next, next_disabled); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_next, next); }*/}function goto_photo(p) { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos) { for(i = 0; i < YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos.length; i++) { if (i == p) { YAHOO.util.Dom.setStyle(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos[i], display, ); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.setStyle(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos[i], display, none); } } if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page) { YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page.innerHTML =(p + 1); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index = p; } } update_buttons();}YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_init = function () { YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(article_carousel_prev, click, prev_photo); YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(article_carousel_next, click, next_photo); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index = 0; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page = YAHOO.util.Dom.get(carousel_page); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos = YAHOO.util.Dom.getElementsByClassName(item, div, leadphoto); if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos) { goto_photo(0); }}YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_init();

New Jersey must beat the Dallas Mavericks back home in the East Rutherfordswamp on Wednesday night to avoid sole possession of an embarrassing NBA record.

Pau Gasol(notes) had 20 points and nine rebounds for the Lakers, who cruised totheir 12th win in 14 games. Jordan Farmar(notes) added 15 points as the Lakers made 13of their 25 3-point attempts, including five by Bryant and three for Farmar.

Brook Lopez(notes) had 26 points and 12 rebounds for New Jersey, which wentscoreless for nearly 4 1/2 minutes in the first quarter while Los Angeles posted 13straight points to build a 27-10 lead.

Bryant’s fourth 3-pointer of the first half put Los Angeles up 57-30 shortlybefore halftime. The Lakers led by 34 midway through the third quarter, andBryant left the game with 4:14 left in the third.

The NBA’s lowest-scoring and worst-shooting team lived up to its direstatistics, managing just 60 points on 38.7-percent shooting in the first threeperiods before a strong fourth quarter against Los Angeles’ reserves. AlthoughNew Jersey consistently tried to match up on defense, the Nets don’t have afraction of the Lakers’ talent.

The Lakers’ public address announcer recognized the Nets’ historic lossafter the game, though he had the decency to wait until New Jersey was in itslocker room.

The Nets didn’t wait until returning from their four-game West Coast tripbefore dumping Frank, the winningest coach in franchise history and the EasternConference’s longest-tenured coach.

Although eight Nets already have missed multiple games this season withinjuries after New Jersey traded star Vince Carter(notes) in the offseason, Frank washeld responsible for the woeful start, which included three straightdouble-digit losses earlier on this trip. Guard Rafer Alston(notes) compared the Nets’roster to an awful poker hand, saying Frank was dealt “a pair of 2’s, and hetried to fight.”

Barrise, Frank’s assistant since the start of his tenure in early 2004,could be just a one-game replacement. Nets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe andassistant John Loyer are considered the top candidates to replace Frank for therest of the season.

Barrise made the most of perhaps his only chance to be an NBA head coach.The former bench boss at Ramapo College in Mahwah, N.J., stood for nearly everyminute of the game, clapping for his players’ successes and stomping his feet indisgust at their many foibles.

NOTES: Shannon Brown(notes) scored six points on his 24th birthday. Farmar turns 23on Monday. … The Lakers played 11 of their first 15 games at home, and theyopened another six-game homestand against the Nets. Los Angeles’ curiousschedule includes just four home games in all of March. … Lakers coach PhilJackson was a New Jersey assistant in the early 1980s when the club lost 15games in a row. He said New Jersey made him a lucrative offer to be its headcoach in 1999. … Courtside fans included actors Jonah Hill, David Arquette andJack Nicholson, who grew up in Neptune, N.J.

Written by chris · Filed Under NBA Basketball | Comments Off 

Clips give Dunleavy 600th coaching win

November 29, 2009

LOS ANGELES (AP)—Eric Gordon(notes) scored 29 points and the Los Angeles Clippersrallied from a 20-point deficit to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 98-88 on Sunday,giving coach Mike Dunleavy his 600th regular-season victory.

Al Thornton(notes) scored seven of his 18 points in the final 2:26 for theClippers, who held the Grizzlies to just 2-for-18 shooting in the fourthquarter. Marcus Camby(notes) added 14 points and 14 rebounds for Los Angeles.

Marc Gasol(notes) led Memphis with 26 points and was 13-for-18 from the field afterstarting the day tied with Portland’s Greg Oden(notes) for the league’s best field goalpercentage at .633. Rudy Gay(notes) had 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Los Los Angeles Clippers center Ma… AP – Nov 29, 5:18 pm EST Los Angeles Clippers forward C… AP – Nov 29, 5:17 pm EST Memphis Grizzlies forward Sam … AP – Nov 29, 5:17 pm EST Los Angeles Clippers guard Eri… AP – Nov 29, 5:17 pm EST Memphis Grizzlies center Marc … AP – Nov 29, 5:05 pm EST Memphis Grizzlies forward Rudy… AP – Nov 29, 5:04 pm EST YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index = 5; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_lazy_images = [http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091129/capt.1bb1efe0311d410298047671f5f0452e.grizzlies_clippers_basketball_las101.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=273&hc=303&q=70&sig=8OZ36jwKBPAfkn5z2gtZIw--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091129/capt.efda9138060a40eca3944275eef4f26c.grizzlies_clippers_basketball_las105.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=253&hc=281&q=70&sig=khpuTJdQ2ppdZ2sJV_YUoA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091129/capt.8d14c380c3b84481999b1ced5de90865.grizzlies_clippers_basketball_las106.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=261&hc=290&q=70&sig=IkJhAnjRPEYWdU2W87LLdA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091129/capt.746ebe952f9340c3adde91edaea73d9d.grizzlies_clippers_basketball_las104.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=314&hc=349&q=70&sig=GZRTV7VKmKLHUu9qkvcWzg--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091129/capt.9c39c08fd02b460dbaa72277f24e3e00.grizzlies_clippers_basketball_las103.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=48&yc=1&wc=314&hc=349&q=70&sig=_j0sqx5N6YeiOFnp87ZB6g--]; YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(window,load,YAHOO.Sports.articleLazyLoadCarousel.init); 1 of 6 Mem-LAC Gallery function prev_photo() { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index > 0) { goto_photo(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index – 1); } else { goto_photo(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index); }}function next_photo() { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index 0) { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_prev, prev); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_prev, prev_disabled); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_prev, prev_disabled); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_prev, prev); } if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index < YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index) { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_next, next); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_next, next_disabled); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_next, next_disabled); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_next, next); }*/}function goto_photo(p) { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos) { for(i = 0; i < YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos.length; i++) { if (i == p) { YAHOO.util.Dom.setStyle(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos[i], display, ); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.setStyle(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos[i], display, none); } } if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page) { YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page.innerHTML =(p + 1); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index = p; } } update_buttons();}YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_init = function () { YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(article_carousel_prev, click, prev_photo); YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(article_carousel_next, click, next_photo); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index = 0; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page = YAHOO.util.Dom.get(carousel_page); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos = YAHOO.util.Dom.getElementsByClassName(item, div, leadphoto); if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos) { goto_photo(0); }}YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_init();

Former Clippers forward Zach Randolph(notes) missed his first six shots and was1-for-8 overall, finishing with five points, six rebounds and three turnovers inmore than 40 minutes.

Trailing by 18 in the opening minute of the fourth, the Clippers outscoredthe Grizzlies 33-5 the rest of the way. After Gordon’s three-point play slicedthe deficit to 88-78 with 7:02 remaining, Los Angeles kept pouring it on afterGay missed a pair of free throws.

Gordon tied it at 88 with a fastbreak layup after Camby blocked a shot byGasol, and Thornton converted another fastbreak layup after a missed jumper byGay with 1:39 remaining to give the Clippers their first lead. Thornton followedup with a three-point play after Randolph threw the ball away, and SebastianTelfair(notes) provided the dagger with a 3-pointer in the final 37 seconds after Gaymissed a 17-footer.

Randolph was 0-for-5 in the first half, but the Grizzlies shot 64.9 percentcollectively over the first two quarters to build a 58-43 lead. Sam Young(notes) made apair of 20-foot jumpers during a 10-0 run that extended Memphis’ three-pointlead to 38-25 with 8:08 left in the second quarter.

Clippers center Chris Kaman(notes) got in early foul trouble, picking up his thirdwith 7:34 left in the half and his team down by 11. He got his fourth foul with9:19 left in the third and Memphis leading 59-47. The Grizzlies widened the gapto 77-57 on a 3-pointer by Jamaal Tinsley(notes) with 2:43 left in the quarter.

It was the third meeting between the teams this season, following theClippers’ 113-110 win Nov. 7 at Los Angeles and the Grizzlies’ 106-91 win onNov. 8 at Memphis—the day the Grizzlies gave disgruntled point guard AllenIverson(notes) a leave of absence that eventually became permanent. The team is 3-3since Iverson played his third and final game for them.

Clippers longtime TV play-by-play man Ralph Lawler and color analyst MichaelSmith met with Memphis Grizzlies reserve center Hamed Haddadi(notes), his manager andthree representatives of the Alliance of Iranian Americans before the game toexpress their regrets for the remarks they made about him during the Nov. 18broadcast from Memphis that led to a one-game suspension for both broadcasters.

NOTES: Haddadi, in his second NBA season, has played a grand total of 22minutes in six games this season and has scored four points. Last season, heappeared in 19 games, averaging 6.3 minutes and 2.5 points. He didn’t playSunday. … The Clippers, who made a franchise-record 18 3-pointers against theGrizzlies last February in a 126-105 win at Memphis, were only 2-for-11 frombehind the arc. … Clippers reserve C DeAndre Jordan(notes) returned after missingthree games because of a sprained right ankle.

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Wolves beat Nuggets to snap 15-game skid

November 29, 2009

DENVER (AP)—Ryan Gomes(notes) scored 27 points, the most by a Timberwolves playerthis season, and Minnesota snapped a 15-game losing streak by beating the DenverNuggets 106-100 Sunday night.

Corey Brewer(notes) and Jonny Flynn(notes) each scored 16 points in helping Minnesotarally from 17 points down in the first half and register their first win since aseason-opening victory against New Jersey. It was also their first road win ofthe season.

Minnesota Minnesota Timberwolves center … AP – Nov 29, 9:28 pm EST Minnesota Timberwolves guard J… AP – Nov 29, 9:28 pm EST Minnesota Timberwolves forward… AP – Nov 29, 9:27 pm EST Minnesota Timberwolves guard R… AP – Nov 29, 9:25 pm EST Minnesota Timberwolves forward… AP – Nov 29, 9:25 pm EST Denver Nuggets forward Nene, r… AP – Nov 29, 8:57 pm EST YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index = 5; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_lazy_images = [http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.390e80cd607646148bb5e523d40573ef.timberwolves_nuggets_basketball_codz102.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=75&yc=1&wc=260&hc=289&q=70&sig=NMl1fSUG_sohbQkuOH0VNg--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.1a39ee536bd640e682e7e998460eb980.timberwolves_nuggets_basketball_codz103.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=237&hc=263&q=70&sig=iMXJ0dwLK.L.VpmK7mTiTA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.84bcba90564141f4921a982d157e976b.timberwolves_nuggets_basketball_codz104.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=341&hc=379&q=70&sig=KoKa05FvPt3p1pyqfEaD2A--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.ad195bbc52c34c1d9d4adf06ac0d8179.timberwolves_nuggets_basketball_codz105.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=38&yc=1&wc=336&hc=373&q=70&sig=_PrA1SsovKs6TcyXiTuZLw--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091130/capt.c907867a757140dfaed11bba807584e9.timberwolves_nuggets_basketball_codz101.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=256&hc=284&q=70&sig=hgjV9VU61TovKP9_.oW8RA--]; YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(window,load,YAHOO.Sports.articleLazyLoadCarousel.init); 1 of 6 Min-Den Gallery function prev_photo() { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index > 0) { goto_photo(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index – 1); } else { goto_photo(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index); }}function next_photo() { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index 0) { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_prev, prev); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_prev, prev_disabled); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_prev, prev_disabled); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_prev, prev); } if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index < YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index) { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_next, next); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_next, next_disabled); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_next, next_disabled); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_next, next); }*/}function goto_photo(p) { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos) { for(i = 0; i < YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos.length; i++) { if (i == p) { YAHOO.util.Dom.setStyle(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos[i], display, ); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.setStyle(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos[i], display, none); } } if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page) { YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page.innerHTML =(p + 1); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index = p; } } update_buttons();}YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_init = function () { YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(article_carousel_prev, click, prev_photo); YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(article_carousel_next, click, next_photo); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index = 0; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page = YAHOO.util.Dom.get(carousel_page); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos = YAHOO.util.Dom.getElementsByClassName(item, div, leadphoto); if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos) { goto_photo(0); }}YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_init();

Carmelo Anthony(notes) matched a season-high with 19 points in the first quarterand finished with 32 but could not prevent Denver’s first loss to Minnesota inthe last 11 meetings. The defeat ended the Nuggets’ regular season home winningstreak at 17 games.

Kenyon Martin(notes) added 16 points and 14 rebounds and Chauncey Billups(notes) had 14for the Nuggets, who lost for the first time in eight home games this season.

Down by as many as 17 points in the first half and trailing 64-50 at thebreak, Minnesota rallied with a 14-0 run to start the third quarter, pullinginto a 64-all tie on Flynn’s driving layup with 8:55 left in the period.

The Nuggets were held to 12 points on 4 of 19 shooting from the floor in thethird, a season-low for points in a quarter. After a layup by Al Jefferson(notes), theTimberwolves pulled ahead 81-76 going into the fourth quarter.

Minnesota extended its lead to 88-80 when Wayne Ellington(notes) hit a 3-pointerwith 9:27 left.

The Nuggets cut the deficit to 96-92 on Martin’s tip-in with 3:05 remainingbut Brewer completed a three-point play on the Timberwolves’ ensuing possession.

Denver again got within four points on Anthony’s layup with 51.6 secondsleft but the Timberwolves made five of six free throws down the stretch,including two each by Brewer and Flynn, to seal their first win against Denversince a 99-94 victory in Minnesota on Feb. 14, 2007.

NOTES: Anthony also scored 19 points in the fourth quarter against Portlandon Oct. 29 … The Nuggets last lost a regular season home game on March 9against Houston. Their home winning streak started March 11 against OklahomaCity. … With Denver’s loss at the Pepsi Center, Phoenix is the only NBA teamwithout a home loss this season … The previous scoring high by a Timberwolvesplayer this season was 24 by Oleksiy Pecherov(notes) on Nov. 11 against Boston. …With the win, Minnesota avoided tying the franchise record longest losing streak(16).

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Undermanned Pistons hold off Hawks

November 29, 2009

DETROIT (AP)—Ben Wallace(notes) had 18 rebounds, including 11 offensive boards, tohelp the undermanned Detroit Pistons end a seven-game losing streak with a 94-88victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday.

Rodney Stuckey(notes) had 23 points and eight assists for Detroit, which was againwithout starters Richard Hamilton(notes) (ankle), Tayshaun Prince(notes) (back) and Ben Gordon(notes)(ankle). Will Bynum(notes) added 19 points off the bench.

Detroit Detroit Pistons center Ben Wal… AP – Nov 29, 4:07 pm EST Detroit Pistons guard Rodney S… AP – Nov 29, 4:00 pm EST Atlanta Hawks guard Joe Johnso… AP – Nov 29, 2:25 pm EST Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smi… AP – Nov 29, 2:25 pm EST Atlanta Hawks guard Jamal Craw… AP – Nov 29, 2:24 pm EST YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index = 4; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_lazy_images = [http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091129/capt.3bae15f854d24a808a4bda7a5c81bffe.hawks_pistons_basketball_dtp104.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=305&hc=339&q=70&sig=CjV4Wc7dTvYmtjweQ3rKwA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091129/capt.2232f1ffbdca4c148c6db9f90d3877e4.hawks_pistons_basketball_dtp103.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=257&hc=286&q=70&sig=PnIGEGSnri682ixmuv1qtQ--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091129/capt.803b0497f73c4287a3cea91b19af1381.hawks_pistons_basketball_dtp102.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=279&hc=310&q=70&sig=XcnO9RDQHmqdB38Nhtefhw--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091129/capt.181900aed7d24f11ac4379d01b980622.hawks_pistons_basketball_dtp101.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=335&hc=372&q=70&sig=JAoO_Bk_cgk5hTEqy41zxQ--]; YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(window,load,YAHOO.Sports.articleLazyLoadCarousel.init); 1 of 5 Atl-Det Gallery function prev_photo() { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index > 0) { goto_photo(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index – 1); } else { goto_photo(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index); }}function next_photo() { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index 0) { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_prev, prev); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_prev, prev_disabled); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_prev, prev_disabled); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_prev, prev); } if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index < YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index) { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_next, next); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_next, next_disabled); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_next, next_disabled); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_next, next); }*/}function goto_photo(p) { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos) { for(i = 0; i < YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos.length; i++) { if (i == p) { YAHOO.util.Dom.setStyle(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos[i], display, ); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.setStyle(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos[i], display, none); } } if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page) { YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page.innerHTML =(p + 1); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index = p; } } update_buttons();}YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_init = function () { YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(article_carousel_prev, click, prev_photo); YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(article_carousel_next, click, next_photo); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index = 0; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page = YAHOO.util.Dom.get(carousel_page); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos = YAHOO.util.Dom.getElementsByClassName(item, div, leadphoto); if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos) { goto_photo(0); }}YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_init();

Josh Smith(notes) led Atlanta with 21, but the Hawks couldn’t overcome Detroit’s30-10 advantage in second-chance points.

The Pistons juggled their patchwork starting lineup—replacing Austin Daye(notes)and Charlie Villanueva(notes) with Chucky Atkins(notes) and Jason Maxiell(notes)—and the move paidoff in the first half. Wallace, Jonas Jerebko(notes) and Maxiell all attacked theoffensive glass, and Detroit had 17 second-choice points on their way to a 55-47halftime lead.

Detroit expanded the margin to as many as 11 in the third, but Atlanta waswithin 67-65 at quarter’s end. The Hawks scored the first basket of the fourth,but the Pistons responded with an 10-0 run to go up 77-67 with 7:45 left.

Atlanta narrowed the gap to 89-85 with 30 seconds to play, and after Maxiellmade one of two free throws, Mike Bibby(notes) made it a two-point game with a long3-pointer. Detroit, though, clinched the game from the line.

NOTES: Atkins hadn’t started an NBA game since 2007, and hadn’t started forDetroit since Nov. 30, 2002. … Villanueva was hit in the face while beingfouled with 9:30 to play, causing a nosebleed. He shot the free throws with alarge wad of gauze stemming the blood flow, but then went to the locker room anddid not return.

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