Durant ties record, Thunder get by Jazz

December 31, 2009

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP)—Nick Collison(notes) is the only player left from the last timethe Oklahoma City Thunder franchise won five games in a row, more than fourlong, loss-filled years ago.

With a crucial offensive rebound and two clutch free throws, he let histeammates find out what it feels like, too.

Kevin Durant(notes) scored 31 points to tie a franchise record for consecutive30-point games, Collison hit the tying and go-ahead free throws with 4.5 secondsleft and the Thunder beat the Utah Jazz 87-86 on Thursday night.

The Thunder franchise, which moved from Seattle to Oklahoma City before lastseason, hadn’t won five in a row since March 18-25, 2005.

Oklahoma City Thunder forward … AP – Dec 31, 11:14 pm EST Oklahoma City Thunder forward … AP – Dec 31, 11:13 pm EST Oklahoma City Thunder forward … AP – Dec 31, 11:12 pm EST Oklahoma City Thunder forward … AP – Dec 31, 11:09 pm EST Utah Jazz guard Wesley Matthew… AP – Dec 31, 10:45 pm EST Utah Jazz forward Carlos Booze… AP – Dec 31, 10:41 pm EST Utah Jazz guard Deron Williams… AP – Dec 31, 10:41 pm EST Oklahoma City Thunder forward … AP – Dec 31, 9:27 pm EST Oklahoma City Thunder guard Er… AP – Dec 31, 9:25 pm EST Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan sh… AP – Dec 31, 9:23 pm EST Oklahoma City Thunder forward … AP – Dec 31, 9:21 pm EST YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index = 10; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_lazy_images = [http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100101/capt.c49728457f0945218832d6e09e664818.jazz_thunder_basketball_okso108.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=285&hc=317&q=70&sig=49p7h5AdJY49EtoDVPjoKw--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100101/capt.56fefd0d5be54393a3a5eb308804e911.jazz_thunder_basketball_okso112.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=300&hc=333&q=70&sig=5f9zB55fgPwn6xAXDFiurw--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100101/capt.929fdda5aaf44bc49e9b186ba9e9c489.jazz_thunder_basketball_okso111.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=221&hc=246&q=70&sig=_Vm2uQwVdsq0_293KYAFBw--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100101/capt.20c909e79f64483c81609a3e5ed23f49.jazz_thunder_basketball_okso107.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=277&hc=308&q=70&sig=9IibD36IE2oUCCOp_ddk6A--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100101/capt.a38c7f14a7a64d8c8fda9a49912b1546.jazz_thunder_basketball_okso105.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=278&hc=309&q=70&sig=vVXQbCOZ6ex38rlmkToZZA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100101/capt.1bd0ce7d555d4c50a710a99aa77e14e7.jazz_thunder_basketball_okso106.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=249&hc=277&q=70&sig=biJ5WczSufP7dFUi6b.4pA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100101/capt.65c79d441f154daea3e66d8300097314.jazz_thunder_basketball_okso104.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=308&hc=342&q=70&sig=1TxnwFkJ9UXrv0rZw5QbPg--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100101/capt.2333c0ff805b4b09bbd705ba57f96483.jazz_thunder_basketball_okso103.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=298&hc=331&q=70&sig=B835hjHQC6Yxn_CBOQDFkw--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100101/capt.2a7c5de971564ffbb166bc70169424c5.jazz_thunder_basketball_okso102.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=326&hc=362&q=70&sig=f8doxx2kvdurk5hs6sKcUg--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100101/capt.fbba8be4363d4857927d4c518407681a.jazz_thunder_basketball_okso101.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=285&hc=317&q=70&sig=4MSRAylqm0ye1BMGrK0D_A--]; YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(window,load,YAHOO.Sports.articleLazyLoadCarousel.init); 1 of 11 Uta-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();

“We’re finding a way to win games,” Collison said. “We’ve been talentedfor a long time and now we’re finding a way to win even when we don’t playwell.”

Collison came away with the ball after Durant missed a jumper from the rightwing, and was fouled by Paul Millsap(notes) in the process. After hitting only one ofhis previous four foul shots, Collison made both when it counted the most.

“The bottom line is that somebody stepped up,” Thunder coach Scott Brookssaid. “Nick got in there, and he always does. Nick finds a way to help his teamwin.”

Ronnie Price(notes) missed a 3-pointer from the right side at the final buzzer forUtah, which got a final surge from Deron Williams(notes) to pull ahead beforeCollison’s game-winning free throws.

Carlos Boozer(notes) scored 17 points, reserve Wesley Matthews(notes) had 14and MehmetOkur(notes) had 11 points and 11 rebounds for the Jazz.

“It’s a tough one to swallow. We were right there,” said Williams, whoscored 10 of his 14 points in the final 5 minutes, including a three-point playwith 58 seconds left that gave Utah the lead.

“We played good enough defense the whole game to win the basketball game.Just offensively, we didn’t have everybody going.”

Durant surpassed 30 points for the sixth straight game, tying a franchiserecord set by Spencer Haywood in January 1972. He and Jeff Green(notes) ran togetherfor a mid-air chest bump after Price’s shot caromed off the rim, and white, red,yellow and blue balloons dropped from the rafters.

The win gave the Thunder the same 18-14 record as Utah, one year after a NewYear’s Eve win against Golden State was only their fourth of the season.

“It feels good. It’s a big step up,” Durant said. “We have a long ways togo, though. We can’t get satisfied.”

Williams had been practically silent all night before he scored the final 10points for the Jazz, including getting fouled on a driving jumper in the finalminute. He had a season-low three assists.

Green added 12 points but a season-high six turnovers, Collison scored 11and Russell Westbrook(notes) had eight points and 10 assists for Oklahoma City.

The Thunder had their largest lead at 70-62 after Eric Maynor(notes) stripped theball from Okur and raced down the floor for a fast-break layup early in thefourth quarter. The Jazz charged right back with a 10-2 spurt that featuredthree baskets by Matthews, including the tying fast-break layup with 8:16remaining.

Williams scored five straight points to give Utah its first lead of thesecond half at 81-78. Durant answered with a 3-pointer to tie it with 3:12 toplay, then Westbrook had a two-handed dunk to put Oklahoma City on top.

Collison answered Williams’ driving right-handed jam with a layup beforeWilliams gave the Jazz the lead one last time. Then Collison, in the gamebecause Green had five fouls, provided another response.

“He’s a winning basketball player. He knows that. Everybody around theleague knows that,” Brooks said. “Every player in this league can’t be on awinning team. The thing that I love about Nick is that he never accepted losingand never got into losing habits.”

The win put Oklahoma City in a tie with Utah for what would be the eighthand final playoff spot in the Western Conference, even though the season isn’teven halfway done yet.

“It’s early, man. We’re just hitting the new year. Anything can happen inthese next three or four months,” Durant said. “We’ve just got to continue toplay our brand of basketball and get better and worry about us.”

NOTES: Nine days after being traded from the Jazz to the Thunder in asalary-dumping move by Utah, Maynor had four points and six assists—his mostsince joining his new team. … The Thunder committed 20 turnovers, ending astring of eight straight games with 14 or fewer. … Williams is 14 assists shyof 3,000 for his career. … The Oklahoma City franchise’s last winning streakof more than five games came in November 2004, when Seattle won nine in a rowafter losing its season opener.

Written by chris · Filed Under NBA Basketball | Leave a Comment

Brooks’ 30 help Rockets top Mavs 97-94

December 31, 2009

HOUSTON (AP)—Aaron Brooks(notes) felt in a groove, and that was all the HoustonRockets needed to pull out another close victory over the Dallas Mavericks.

Brooks scored 30 points, Shane Battier(notes) made a tiebreaking 3-pointer with2:11 left, and Rockets beat the Mavericks 97-94 on Thursday night.

“I wanted to extend the defense a little bit and open up Carl (Landry) onthe inside a little bit,” Brooks said. “I feel we did a great job doing that.I’m going to go out there and play hard and shoot when I’m open and whateverhappens after that, I’m going to roll with it.”

Houston Houston Rockets' Carl Land… AP – Dec 31, 10:02 pm EST Houston Rockets' Trevor Ar… AP – Dec 31, 9:55 pm EST Dallas Mavericks' Dirk Now… AP – Dec 31, 9:55 pm EST Houston Rockets' Aaron Bro… AP – Dec 31, 9:53 pm EST Houston Rockets' Carl Land… AP – Dec 31, 9:47 pm EST Houston Rockets' Carl Land… AP – Dec 31, 9:41 pm EST Houston Rockets' Luis Scol… AP – Dec 31, 8:21 pm EST Dallas Mavericks' Erick Da… AP – Dec 31, 8:17 pm EST Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Ca… AP – Dec 31, 8:16 pm EST Houston Rockets' Shane Bat… AP – Dec 31, 8:16 pm EST Houston Rockets' Luis Scol… AP – Dec 31, 8:12 pm EST YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index = 10; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_lazy_images = [http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100101/capt.2afdd7409a1d49ef883fd874d8fa3bba.mavericks_rockets_basketball_htr109.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=263&hc=292&q=70&sig=g4ByPbsi8b4a6Pi0W3paIg--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100101/capt.df8c8a049909498ba0416290ac0026e5.mavericks_rockets_basketball_htr107.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=56&yc=1&wc=300&hc=333&q=70&sig=GZFlBjsK6emKYYqEbnlkEA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100101/capt.6f63c47e85544656bb244bb4534e46c4.mavericks_rockets_basketball_htr108.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=261&hc=290&q=70&sig=YDOdBcrSOlqHOd_Hfy2nww--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100101/capt.fae59ebe30fd4c118f5132854c739b1d.mavericks_rockets_basketball_htr106.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=272&hc=302&q=70&sig=QAVIMTxgspY8OkmDBbWaTw--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100101/capt.450e6ffa2fdc44888746a69b75507adf.mavericks_rockets_basketball_htr105.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=281&hc=312&q=70&sig=oVRZWSEyo3xXFR9YO9iUfg--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100101/capt.946202098c514021ab3330eeae42324d.correction_mavericks_rockets_basketball_htr101.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=55&yc=1&wc=302&hc=335&q=70&sig=gcqBJuRE.d9ljmD4M3RxDA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100101/capt.70c17834971845678f5124f10e681480.mavericks_rockets_basketball_htr104.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=45&yc=1&wc=321&hc=357&q=70&sig=fgOYIDOzquBFmyS5DzCEKA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100101/capt.c7a47726bb3a417a9e6f09d6f43da8a4.mavericks_rockets_basketball_htr103.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=297&hc=330&q=70&sig=eAg4nqmfJXmGUCuT0XNsxA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100101/capt.787f6c9918ac4f88a6bbfdbc19d5ddd6.mavericks_rockets_basketball_htr102.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=305&hc=339&q=70&sig=CSX.FqbqtT.CksTF1wnalA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100101/capt.dea4402c57984b3ca648c3bd58322d98.mavericks_rockets_basketball_htr101.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=55&yc=1&wc=302&hc=335&q=70&sig=ovw.U3jZjUHbapojJaE.fg--]; YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(window,load,YAHOO.Sports.articleLazyLoadCarousel.init); 1 of 11 Dal-Hou 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();

Brooks followed Battier’s 3 with one of his own for a six-point lead with1:35 remaining, and the Rockets held on when Jason Kidd(notes) missed a potential tyingshot from behind the arc in the final second.

“I got a great look,” Kidd said. “I might have rushed it a second. Iwould love to have that shot again. Give Houston credit. They won the game. Thezone helped us in the second half to get back in the game. We had anopportunity.”

The Rockets led through most of the first half and went up 66-52 in thethird quarter, aided by six quick points by Brooks. But the Mavericks scrambledback into the game and tied it at 89 with 4:52 to play.

Jason Terry(notes) led a strong bench performance by Dallas with 20 points. JoshHoward(notes) had 16 points and Drew Gooden(notes) added 10 points off the bench.

Shawn Marion(notes) had 16 points and Kidd scored 14 for the Mavs, but DirkNowitzki(notes) sat out much of the first half with three fouls, and finished with 11points and seven rebounds.

Landry added 15 points for the Rockets.

“We’ve struggled with Dallas early in the season,” Houston forward LuisScola(notes) said. “We finally could win the last two games so we finished the year ona great note and we’re happy with it.”

Houston led 56-47 at the half and Brooks took charge with 13 points in thethird quarter to keep the Rockets rolling to a 78-70 lead after three quarters.

The Rockets beat the Mavericks 116-108 in overtime in their last meeting onDec. 18. There were seven technical fouls called in the game and the Mavericksprotested to the NBA that the final 61 seconds should be replayed, believing a“misapplication of the rules” led to the ejection of Dallas center ErickDampier(notes) in the extra period.

This time, there were two technicals.

“We’re rivals and have been since I’ve been in Dallas,” Terry said. “It’sbeen tough all season and it’s an early end to our matchup during the regularseason. Good luck to them and maybe we’ll see them in the playoffs. They alwaysplay hard.”

The Rockets led by 10 points late in the first quarter, but the Mavericksfought back and took their only lead of the second period, 38-37 on a 16-footjumper by Terry. Kyle Lowry(notes) followed quickly with a 3-point basket and theRockets held on to their lead at the half.

Howard had 11 second-quarter points to keep Dallas close.

The Mavericks started cold and the Rockets broke from a 7-all tie to a 24-17lead. Scola broke the tie with two straight baskets and the Rockets tookadvantage of early foul trouble by Nowitzki, who drew his second foul at 6:31and sat out the rest of the first period. He got his third late in the secondquarter.

“Our undoing was a sluggish first quarter,” Mavericks coach Rick Carlislesaid. “Houston hit us with early transition points and 3s. The rest of the gamewas about even. With a team like this you have to come out with energy early oryou are in trouble.”

NOTES: Rockets rookie guard Chase Budinger(notes) is still recovering from asprained ankle Dec. 19 and sat out Thursday’s game and likely will missSaturday’s at New Orleans. Nowitzki has 10 double-doubles this season. Terry isthe Mavericks’ No. 7 career scorer with 6,152 points.

Written by chris · Filed Under NBA Basketball | Leave a Comment

Duncan, Spurs roll past Heat 108-78

December 31, 2009

SAN ANTONIO (AP)—Manu Ginobili(notes) and the San Antonio Spurs would’ve beenrelieved to beat a winning team by even a slim margin.

A blowout like this made the victory all the more satisfying.

Tim Duncan(notes) had 23 points and 10 rebounds, and San Antonio beat a winningteam for the first time in a month with a 108-78 victory over the Miami Heat onThursday night—the most lopsided Spurs victory this season.

Miami, meanwhile, was handed its most humiliating loss so far. San Antoniohas won 10 of 12, but the Heat (16-14) are the only winning team among thosevictories.

San San Antonio Spurs' George … AP – Dec 31, 10:20 pm EST San Antonio Spurs' Tim Dun… AP – Dec 31, 10:20 pm EST Miami Heat's Carlos Arroyo… AP – Dec 31, 10:19 pm EST Miami Heat's Michael Beasl… AP – Dec 31, 10:19 pm EST Miami Heat's Michael Beasl… AP – Dec 31, 8:42 pm EST Miami Heat's Michael Beasl… AP – Dec 31, 8:41 pm EST San Antonio Spurs' Manu Gi… AP – Dec 31, 8:35 pm EST Miami Heat's Michael Beasl… AP – Dec 31, 8:34 pm EST San Antonio Spurs' Tim Dun… AP – Dec 31, 8:27 pm EST San Antonio Spurs' Manu Gi… AP – Dec 31, 8:26 pm EST YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index = 9; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_lazy_images = [http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100101/capt.c97fb5ca98ac44459ed32c7c3d78aa8f.heat_spurs_basketball_txeg107.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=295&hc=328&q=70&sig=0dOUyt1Dtjw_klTliUVAMg--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100101/capt.1b04da217053486cb34853de058041bb.heat_spurs_basketball_txeg109.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=273&hc=303&q=70&sig=tf8QtSKNK2VBmREKkjZ2Rw--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100101/capt.b1fb7d11f6db4fda985eb1d71cca4aab.heat_spurs_basketball_txeg110.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=273&hc=303&q=70&sig=7J53FvTquZOXFRDmo2AsUQ--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100101/capt.4360c7116258463d9c134b9bc7aca881.heat_spurs_basketball_txeg106.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=95&yc=1&wc=221&hc=245&q=70&sig=bMTEwTVLVXzwxyJgw87Kmw--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100101/capt.f27f57f91b084456be631d57f0ea936a.heat_spurs_basketball_txeg105.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=45&yc=1&wc=321&hc=357&q=70&sig=w4r3kdAB_6jcUVySKNxAQQ--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100101/capt.171911d15a72495aa79470ee81c53d8f.heat_spurs_basketball_txeg104.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=2&yc=1&wc=368&hc=409&q=70&sig=TahIktpQ6egoUbxkrzRTVg--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100101/capt.381a4ab07cfc4d9a9cf58ef4ecb619c4.heat_spurs_basketball_txeg104.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=88&yc=1&wc=235&hc=261&q=70&sig=fOUlH8U2.6P7tHw7HjZcAw--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100101/capt.93fbaa2bcd834811a46935b5e4615fa7.heat_spurs_basketball_txeg102.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=273&hc=303&q=70&sig=XX67vVQxINCiBfy1zVQ7rA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100101/capt.8fce9fe09527449599235c01f8f96dd8.heat_spurs_basketball_txeg101.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=336&hc=373&q=70&sig=wQqkALTf_yKvcjylDOq0BQ--]; YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(window,load,YAHOO.Sports.articleLazyLoadCarousel.init); 1 of 10 Mia-SA 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();

“It was a long time,” Ginobili said.

Before the game, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said he’s been “not quite asimpressed” as his team’s recent roll may suggest since its dominance has onlybeen against weaker competition. Nonetheless, San Antonio won its fourthstraight.

“I believe that we got a lot to improve to really become contenders and berespected as one of the best team in the league,” Ginobili said. “We’re notthat steady so far this season, but we’re on the right track.”

Michael Beasley(notes) scored 26 for the Heat, and Dwyane Wade(notes) had 16 beforewatching the blowout from the bench in the fourth.

The Heat fell on the road for the second consecutive night. Back-to-backgames have been trouble for Miami, which is 1-7 whether playing on the first orsecond night.

Miami made just 10 field goals in the second half, and afterward, coach ErikSpoelstra vowed to “re-evaluate” and talk with his team.

“They throttled us,” Spoelstra said. “We got what we deserved tonight.Very disappointing loss.”

Duncan scored 13 in the first quarter, but the Spurs didn’t need him muchafter leading 58-49 at halftime. He shot 10 of 13 from the field and didn’t playin the fourth quarter.

The Spurs have leaned on Duncan as their leading scorer in seven of theirlast 12 games. Even with the overhaul San Antonio underwent this summer to giveits aging All-Star help, Duncan has continued to carry the Spurs during theirbest stretch so far.

That stretch finally includes a victory over a winning team—which theSpurs hadn’t done since Nov. 27 against Houston.

Between then and now, the Spurs withered against division leaders Boston andDenver, lost to Utah and Phoenix and couldn’t beat Portland despite thebanged-up Trail Blazers playing without Brandon Roy(notes).

All told, even though San Antonio finally looks to be in a rhythm after a9-9 start, the Spurs are 3-10 against teams that had winning records enteringFriday.

“If all nine (recent) wins were against Cleveland, Orlando, Phoenix or theLakers, I’d be pretty impressed with us,” Popovich said before the game. “Butthat’s not the case. Hence, I’m not quite as impressed.”

Tony Parker(notes) had 15 points and rookie DeJuan Blair(notes) had 14 for the Spurs.

Beasley and Wade were the only Heat players in double-figures. Wade was justone point better than his lowest-scoring game of the season, and his seventurnovers were a season-high.

“We couldn’t get anything to go for us,” Wade said. “They playedexceptionally well. Normally with a team when we get down, we can make a run,but we just couldn’t do it tonight. So just chalk this one up.”

Notes: The Heat fell to 2-21 all-time in San Antonio. …The Spurs areslowly getting closer to getting their full roster back. F Matt Bonner(notes) (brokenhand) is expected to miss another two weeks, and F Michael Finley(notes) (ankle) hasresumed shooting baskets and conditioning.

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Duncan’s 23 and 10 power Spurs over Heat

December 31, 2009

SAN ANTONIO (AP)—Tim Duncan(notes) had 23 points and 10 rebounds, and the San AntonioSpurs beat a winning team for the first time in a month with a 108-78 victoryover the Miami Heat on Thursday night.

Manu Ginobili(notes) added 18 points for the Spurs, who have won 10 of 12. But theHeat are the only winning team among those victories, a fact not lost on Spurscoach Gregg Popovich.

Before the game, Popovich said he’s been “not quite as impressed” as thestreak may suggest since the Spurs have only been dominant against weakercompetition. Nonetheless, San Antonio won its fourth straight.

Miami Miami Heat's Michael Beasl… AP – Dec 31, 8:42 pm EST Miami Heat's Michael Beasl… AP – Dec 31, 8:41 pm EST San Antonio Spurs' Manu Gi… AP – Dec 31, 8:35 pm EST Miami Heat's Michael Beasl… AP – Dec 31, 8:34 pm EST San Antonio Spurs' Tim Dun… AP – Dec 31, 8:27 pm EST San Antonio Spurs' Manu Gi… AP – Dec 31, 8:26 pm EST YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index = 5; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_lazy_images = [http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100101/capt.f27f57f91b084456be631d57f0ea936a.heat_spurs_basketball_txeg105.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=45&yc=1&wc=321&hc=357&q=70&sig=w4r3kdAB_6jcUVySKNxAQQ--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100101/capt.171911d15a72495aa79470ee81c53d8f.heat_spurs_basketball_txeg104.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=2&yc=1&wc=368&hc=409&q=70&sig=TahIktpQ6egoUbxkrzRTVg--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100101/capt.381a4ab07cfc4d9a9cf58ef4ecb619c4.heat_spurs_basketball_txeg104.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=88&yc=1&wc=235&hc=261&q=70&sig=fOUlH8U2.6P7tHw7HjZcAw--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100101/capt.93fbaa2bcd834811a46935b5e4615fa7.heat_spurs_basketball_txeg102.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=273&hc=303&q=70&sig=XX67vVQxINCiBfy1zVQ7rA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100101/capt.8fce9fe09527449599235c01f8f96dd8.heat_spurs_basketball_txeg101.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=336&hc=373&q=70&sig=wQqkALTf_yKvcjylDOq0BQ--]; YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(window,load,YAHOO.Sports.articleLazyLoadCarousel.init); 1 of 6 Mia-SA 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();

Miami, meanwhile, was dealt its most humiliating loss this season. MichaelBeasley(notes) scored 26, and Dwyane Wade(notes) had 16 before watching the blowout from thebench in the fourth.

The Heat fell on the road for the second consecutive night. Back-to-backgames have been trouble for Miami, which is 1-7 whether playing on the first orsecond night.

Miami made just 10 field goals in the second half.

Duncan scored 13 in the first quarter, but the Spurs didn’t need him muchafter leading 58-49 at halftime. He shot 10 of 13 from the field as San Antoniocruised to its biggest victory of the season.

That stretch finally includes a victory over a winning team—which theSpurs hadn’t done since Nov. 27 against Houston.

All told, even though San Antonio finally looks to be in a rhythm after a9-9 start, the Spurs are 3-10 against teams that had winning records enteringFriday.

Tony Parker(notes) had 15 points and rookie DeJuan Blair(notes) had 14 for the Spurs.

Beasley and Wade were the only Heat players in double-figures.

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AI, T-Mac among All-Star voting leaders

December 31, 2009

NEW YORK (AP)—Back in Philadelphia, Allen Iverson(notes) could be back in theAll-Star game.

Tracy McGrady(notes) also could have a starting spot—even though he might notplay another game before then.

Iverson surged into second place among Eastern Conference guards Thursdayafter the third returns of All-Star balloting, putting him in position to makehis ninth start. He is more than 155,000 votes ahead of No. 3 Vince Carter(notes) orOrlando.

Iverson is listed with the Western Conference guards on the paper ballot,having started the season in Memphis. But his votes count toward the East sincerejoining his longtime team on Dec. 3.

McGrady inched back ahead of Steve Nash(notes) by 1,005 votes for second among Westguards. He played only six games for the Rockets before they decided he wouldleave the team while exploring a trade for him.

Starters for the Feb. 14 game in Dallas will be announced Jan. 21.

The other players on track to start are more predictable—and moredeserving. LeBron James(notes) and Kevin Garnett(notes) lead East forwards, Dwight Howard(notes) istops among East centers and Dwyane Wade(notes) is the No. 1 East guard.

Kobe Bryant(notes), who won his third All-Star MVP last year, is the overallleading vote-getter. Carmelo Anthony(notes) and Dirk Nowitzki(notes) are the leaders at Westforward and Amare Stoudemire at center.

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Bulls end 8-game road skid, beat Pistons

December 31, 2009

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP)—When the Chicago Bulls won in Washington on Nov. 14,they were hoping they’d get their next road victory before Thanksgiving.

Instead, it took until New Year’s Eve.

“I wasn’t thinking about the streak—I just wanted to get a win,” Bullscoach Vinny Del Negro said. “This was just a nice, solid win for us.”

Derrick Rose(notes) scored 22 points, and Joakim Noah(notes) added 15 points and 21rebounds to help the Bulls end a six-week road drought with a 98-87 victory overDetroit.

Detroit Detroit Pistons guard Rodney S… AP – Dec 31, 6:27 pm EST Chicago Bulls forward Tyrus Th… AP – Dec 31, 6:20 pm EST Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Ro… AP – Dec 31, 6:13 pm EST Detroit Pistons forward Jonas … AP – Dec 31, 6:08 pm EST Chicago Bulls coach Vinny Del … AP – Dec 31, 6:00 pm EST Chicago Bulls center Joakim No… AP – Dec 31, 4:40 pm EST Detroit Pistons center Ben Wal… AP – Dec 31, 4:38 pm EST Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Ro… AP – Dec 31, 4:36 pm EST Chicago Bulls center Joakim No… AP – Dec 31, 4:35 pm EST YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index = 8; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_lazy_images = [http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.f1233ad49ba949ef9716278080da1311.bulls_pistons_basketball_dtp108.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=324&hc=360&q=70&sig=mVI5oY3UC.S16tVjJdJrZw--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.efb65dc6d8b947358410f4b42c6cd7ac.bulls_pistons_basketball_dtp107.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=261&hc=290&q=70&sig=_9D_50auvNdjKratm24VzA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.b4cc33959d894073b0df3881b1e88ae0.bulls_pistons_basketball_dtp106.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=76&yc=1&wc=260&hc=289&q=70&sig=J9cu.9DOxfyRQ1SecKjXTw--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.f9c5976ad7d94869b4488338e1e27bec.bulls_pistons_basketball_dtp105.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=334&hc=371&q=70&sig=9O6oVBsrFO0ko9gi_.1PtQ--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.0a4e4f578582460f935748c4dfa33e91.bulls_pistons_basketball_dtp104.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=333&hc=370&q=70&sig=ybkmRiy1zv_r84Y34fHMUw--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.d8e3f7806e52424181e1aaedd37912f2.bulls_pistons_basketball_dtp103.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=324&hc=360&q=70&sig=yaLEqxyzlKGAX5.GkQZh7g--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.c5ddc9ce9c414f47a43691a126fd4674.bulls_pistons_basketball_dtp102.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=287&hc=319&q=70&sig=YluI6GkbaAbPRD0rRzBqyg--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.982e8f870859441bb3e58eedff8f48b2.bulls_pistons_basketball_dtp101.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=292&hc=324&q=70&sig=hQBXMKiCWts6fbsYP.gqCw--]; YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(window,load,YAHOO.Sports.articleLazyLoadCarousel.init); 1 of 9 Chi-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();

“This feels good,” Noah said after Chicago won its third in a row overall.“I think we are just playing better basketball right now for whatever reason.”

Rose finished with a point more than Ben Gordon(notes), who joined Detroit fromChicago this summer.

“Ben’s role is to score the ball, and I’m playing point guard, so no onesaid anything about this being me against him,” Rose said. “I’ll do whateverit takes for us to win, and today that took being aggressive.”

Chicago had lost eight straight on the road, but never trailed while handingDetroit its ninth straight loss. The Pistons (11-21) are 10 games under .500 forthe first time since the 2000-01 season, but coach John Kuester was stillencouraged.

“I saw a number of positive things out there,” he said. “I’m sure peopleare going to hear that and say, ‘You must be kidding,’ but we did some goodthings. We lost Rip (Hamilton), Tayshaun (Prince) and Ben Gordon for extendedperiods of time, and there’s no chance that they were going to come right backin midseason form.”

Tyrus Thomas(notes) added 19 points for Chicago (13-17), and John Salmons(notes) had 17.

Rodney Stuckey(notes) led the Pistons with 22 points despite leaving the game twicein the first half after spraining his left ankle.

“The first time Stuck went down, I was really concerned, because the way hefell, I thought this was going to be another long-term injury for us,” Kuestersaid. “He not only went back in, he hurt it again and he still came back. Noone would have blinked if he had taken the rest of the day off, so he earned ouradmiration.”

Stuckey acknowledged playing through severe pain in the second half.

“It hurt a lot—it always does when you sprain your ankle—and then itjust gave out on me the second time,” he said. “I was going to play though itif I could even walk, though, because we need to get something going. There’s noway this group of players should only be scoring 87 points.”

The Bulls led 44-39 after a sloppy first half that saw the teams combine for22 turnovers.

Detroit got to 46-44 in the third quarter, but Chicago led 69-56 at the endof the period. The Bulls led by 20 as the Palace emptied during the fourthquarter.

NOTES: Charlie Villanueva(notes), who had stopped wearing the mask protecting hisbroken nose, put it back on for the second half, but only wore it for a fewpossessions. … Detroit has not led in the second half of any of its last sixgames. Their only lead in the last two games—at home against the strugglingKnicks and Bulls—was 2-0 against New York. … Thomas had 10 points in thefirst three quarters without making a field goal. He was 0 for 2 from the floorand 10 for 12 from the line.

Written by chris · Filed Under NBA Basketball | Leave a Comment

Bulls hand Pistons ninth straight loss

December 31, 2009

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP)—Derrick Rose(notes) scored 22 points, and Joakim Noah(notes) added15 points and 21 rebounds to help the Chicago Bulls hand the Detroit Pistonstheir ninth straight loss, 98-87 on Thursday.

Chicago hadn’t won a road game in six weeks, but never trailed against theslumping Pistons (11-21), who are been 10 games under .500 for the first timesince the 2000-01 season. The Bulls (13-17) snapped an eight-game losing streakaway from home.

Tyrus Thomas(notes) added 19 points for Chicago, and John Salmons(notes) had 17.

Rodney Stuckey(notes) led the Pistons with 22 points, and Ben Gordon(notes) had 21 againsthis former team. Stuckey twisted his left ankle twice in the first half.

The Bulls led 44-39 after a sloppy first half that saw the teams combine for22 turnovers.

Detroit got to 46-44 in the third quarter, but Chicago led 69-56 at the endof the period. The Bulls led by 20 as the Palace emptied during the fourthquarter.

NOTES: Charlie Villanueva(notes), who had stopped wearing the mask protecting hisbroken nose, put it back on for the second half, but only wore it for a fewpossessions. … Detroit has not led in the second half of any of its last sixgames. … Thomas had 10 points in the first three quarters without making afield goal. He was 0 for 2 from the floor and 10 for 12 from the line.

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Raptors best turnover-plagued Bobcats

December 31, 2009

TORONTO (AP)—Another bunch of turnovers added up to another road loss for theCharlotte Bobcats.

Chris Bosh(notes) had 33 points and 13 rebounds, Andrea Bargnani(notes) matched his seasonhigh with 28 points, and the Toronto Raptors took advantage of 23 Charlotteturnovers to beat the Bobcats 107-103 on Wednesday night, their season-highfifth straight victory.

Marco Belinelli(notes) scored 13 points and rookie DeMar DeRozan(notes) had 10 as Torontoavenged its worst defeat of the season, a 116-81 loss at Charlotte on Nov. 25—the biggest margin of victory in Bobcats history.

Toronto Toronto Raptors forward Chris … AP – Dec 30, 10:27 pm EST Toronto Raptors forward Chris … AP – Dec 30, 10:26 pm EST Toronto Raptors forward Chris … AP – Dec 30, 10:24 pm EST Toronto Raptors forward Chris … AP – Dec 30, 10:08 pm EST Toronto Raptors forward DeMar … AP – Dec 30, 8:57 pm EST Toronto Raptors forward Andrea… AP – Dec 30, 8:56 pm EST Toronto Raptors forward Chris … AP – Dec 30, 8:52 pm EST Toronto Raptors forward Sonny … AP – Dec 30, 8:50 pm EST Toronto Raptors forward Chris … AP – Dec 30, 8:47 pm EST YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index = 8; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_lazy_images = [http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.56be76a7b19d4944b7774bcefc056027.bobcats_raptors_basketball_fng109.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=64&yc=1&wc=284&hc=316&q=70&sig=bViEDAEzKBWFoKWghkSvmA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.515c2fb60449487289e432b207658845.bobcats_raptors_basketball_fng108.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=62&yc=1&wc=287&hc=319&q=70&sig=3LfOo4Dp6DIs1hAW6NBOcA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.06a1f3591ae84f639c29ca6a947fe7c4.bobcats_raptors_basketball_fng106.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=273&hc=303&q=70&sig=xmE5Kj_4oWlpQR7dBi1cgQ--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.23cdf14c59e24b5580ab0d44fced3524.bobcats_raptors_basketball_fng104.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=286&hc=318&q=70&sig=gzUBi0Ases6hD8b.NRJr9Q--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.4761936a8c4f4619933b299991c3da5c.bobcats_raptors_basketball_fng105.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=294&hc=327&q=70&sig=BwLvt7x5DA8Qho5ZDezR7w--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.2b5c5ae8c57c4bc29a77a1c601cd963b.bobcats_raptors_basketball_fng103.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=46&yc=1&wc=320&hc=356&q=70&sig=IG4uAta9xmMzEn5lgIAD9w--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.824136e3e2ee4daca2d5ba3be572fba0.bobcats_raptors_basketball_fng101.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=287&hc=319&q=70&sig=ndESRafdEGH4eL0GW5FnPw--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.153c217bd2f548f1bdf0f694af8e2d14.bobcats_raptors_basketball_fng102.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=311&hc=346&q=70&sig=39ZrO7W0XsnFs4QqMhWdzw--]; YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(window,load,YAHOO.Sports.articleLazyLoadCarousel.init); 1 of 9 Cha-Tor 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();

“It’s always good to retaliate by winning in the fashion that we did,”Bosh said. “We didn’t lose our composure when they took the lead late in thegame.”

Stephen Jackson(notes) scored 30 points and Raymond Felton(notes) had 23 for the Bobcats,who are 1-14 on the road, the second-worst mark in the NBA. Gerald Wallace(notes) had15 points and 16 rebounds.

Bobcats coach Larry Brown was still fuming when he met reporters for anabbreviated postgame media session.

“The defense was pretty solid but when you give up 30 points on turnoverson the road, it’s too big a hill to climb,” Brown said before marching backinto the locker room.

Charlotte made nine turnovers in the first quarter, four in the second andeight more in the third. They’d made just one in the fourth before Feltoncoughed the ball up trying to drive past Bargnani inside the final minute.Antoine Wright(notes) grabbed the loose ball and, following a timeout, Bargnani made a3-pointer that put the Raptors up 105-101 with 11 seconds left.

“The ball got loose, that’s all I’m going to say,” a downcast Felton said.

Center DeSagana Diop(notes) said Brown has badgered the team about taking bettercare of the ball “after every game, at halftime and after every quarter.” Butwhile the message has been delivered frequently, it still doesn’t seem to begetting through.

“We had some horrible turnovers,” Wallace said. “I think we had eight inthe first eight minutes of the game. That kind of put us down. As a team, we’vegot to sit down and look. We had 20-something turnovers for 30-something pointsand it comes down to a defensive stop for us and a big shot by Bargnani thatdecides the game. If you cut those turnovers in half, that’s about 25 shots thatwe didn’t even get.”

Toronto forward Hedo Turkoglu(notes) bruised his right knee in the first half anddid not return after the break. He had two points and five assists in 14minutes. Coach Jay Triano said Turkoglu first injured his knee during Tuesday’spractice. Turkoglu’s status for Saturday’s game at Boston is not known.

Toronto led 84-80 heading into the fourth after Belinelli ended the thirdwith a buzzer-beating 3-pointer. Belinelli grabbed the ball after Stephen Graham(notes)had his shot blocked and raced up court before making a running jumper from thewing.

Jackson scored on three straight possessions, including a layup, a jumperand two free throws, to make it 96-95 with 3:53 remaining, but Belinelli made anoff-balance layup and Bosh drained a pair from the line to make it 100-95 with3:16 to go.

Felton pulled the Bobcats back with a pair of baskets, then fed Wallace fora driving layup to give Charlotte its first lead of the quarter, 101-100, with1:43 to play.

Bosh put Toronto back in front with a layup and, after both teams missed,Felton made his pivotal miscue. After Bargnani sealed it with his second3-pointer, he turned to the crowd and cheering as he danced back up court.

“I feel great,” Bargnani said. “(Bosh) passed me the ball and I justshot. The play was for CB in the low post but three guys went for him so he madea great pass to pick the open guy. It was me this time.”

Wallace, who had jawed with Toronto’s Amir Johnson(notes) after a foul earlier inthe third, had to be separated from Raptors guard Marcus Banks(notes) after Banksshoved Wallace to the floor under the Toronto basket with 28 seconds left in thequarter. After reviewing the play, the referees called personal fouls on Wallaceand Banks and technicals on Banks and Graham.

NOTES: Charlotte’s lone road win was a 92-76 victory at Washington on Nov.28. New Jersey (1-16) has the worst road record in the NBA. … Brown received atechnical for arguing at the end of the second quarter. … Toronto guard JoseCalderon(notes), who has missed nine of the past 10 games with a sore left hip, shouldreturn to the practice court next week, Triano said. … Raptors forward ReggieEvans(notes), who has yet to play this season because of a sore left foot, had an MRITuesday that showed no further damage. “He’s getting closer,” Triano said. …Bobcats center Tyson Chandler(notes) (left foot) missed his third straight game.

Written by chris · Filed Under NBA Basketball | Leave a Comment

West helps Hornets hold off Heat 95-91

December 31, 2009

NEW ORLEANS (AP)—David West(notes) scored six of his 21 points in the last 55seconds, and also grabbed 10 rebounds to help the New Orleans Hornets hold onfor a 95-91 victory over the Miami Heat on Wednesday night.

Chris Paul(notes) had 18 points and nine assists, and Emeka Okafor(notes) had 15 points,14 rebounds and a key block on Udonis Haslem(notes) in the final 30 seconds, helpingthe Hornets end a two-game skid and snap Miami’s three-game winning streak.

Dwyane Wade(notes) scored 22 for the Heat, which trailed by 15 early in the fourthquarter but led 88-87 when Quentin Richardson(notes) tipped in Wade’s missed jumperwith 59 seconds to go. Richardson made a late 3 to finish with 14 points andpull Miami to 93-91 with 8 seconds left, but New Orleans’ Devin Brown(notes), whoscored 16 points, made a pair of free throws to put it away.

New New Orleans Hornets guard Chri… AP – Dec 30, 11:14 pm EST Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade(n… AP – Dec 30, 11:11 pm EST Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade(n… AP – Dec 30, 10:59 pm EST Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade(n… AP – Dec 30, 10:59 pm EST New Orleans Hornets guard Marc… AP – Dec 30, 9:32 pm EST Miami Heat forward Quentin Ric… AP – Dec 30, 9:32 pm EST Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade(n… AP – Dec 30, 9:29 pm EST Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstr… AP – Dec 30, 9:27 pm EST New Orleans Hornets guard Devi… AP – Dec 30, 9:26 pm EST New Orleans Hornets guard Chri… AP – Dec 30, 8:56 pm EST YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index = 9; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_lazy_images = [http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.eecf1851bec741c4ad9655cdbdc59126.heat_hornets_basketball_ladm113.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=289&hc=321&q=70&sig=KbZtGvzmOdeX.kDNWxa4Zw--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.c1123063a87144c5b8875a5d687e101b.heat_hornets_basketball_ladm112.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=326&hc=362&q=70&sig=N1PYssNpkCu6hYdTY52J7w--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.02c230fd06404e9f93f413dbc7d4fc1c.heat_hornets_basketball_ladm111.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=365&hc=406&q=70&sig=7BztVweMkWG6NYRI0lTJxg--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.07b4cf9d3a58422d90eba45cea61b451.heat_hornets_basketball_ladm110.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=345&hc=383&q=70&sig=29KUqqhKjr7rUUjKHDo68A--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.3a82c60ed12f4af8bdc9d281033b7eca.heat_hornets_basketball_ladm109.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=290&hc=322&q=70&sig=CgemFRED_4hSiiy.Kwe5Hg--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.cd308eff1df14ed3b38c6957544c76bf.heat_hornets_basketball_ladm108.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=331&hc=368&q=70&sig=u8bkRr8EmxvYMxlNmUf9bA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.0aa85179e495435685465ab7554d39a3.heat_hornets_basketball_ladm106.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=79&yc=1&wc=254&hc=282&q=70&sig=yImgnaOSG.ISJKzWVFedUA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.73692466d17343f6b95b81034b3479fc.heat_hornets_basketball_ladm107.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=301&hc=334&q=70&sig=qTUyUc4PHGF6cmEPar2ung--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.edc774a71a5f48cd9e72dde117f7fcb5.heat_hornets_basketball_ladm105.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=345&hc=383&q=70&sig=HxIHY4Fbwod4gsWI.UGEBQ--]; YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(window,load,YAHOO.Sports.articleLazyLoadCarousel.init); 1 of 10 Mia-NO 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();

Paul had nine of his points in the third quarter when he made one of thebaskets of the night. After stripping the ball from Haslem on the defensive end,Paul raced down the court, spun into a crowd of defenders and hit a shortfloater fading away from the hoop as he was fouled by Carlos Arroyo(notes).

Paul completed the three-point play, giving New Orleans a 61-51 lead. Latein the period, Paul found Okafor inside for a dunk and then hit a jumper in thefinal seconds, putting New Orleans up 73-59 heading into the fourth quarter.

The Hornets took their largest lead when Darius Songaila’s(notes) jumper made it77-62 early in the fourth quarter, but Miami suddenly turned the tide with a10-0 run highlighted by Wade’s transition 3 and Haslem’s three mid-rangebaskets.

With the Hornets desperate for offense, West and Paul got them going again,with West hitting a jumper to stop Miami’s run. Soon after, Paul banked in a30-foot, bailout 3 at the shot-clock buzzer, putting the Hornets up 82-76.

Miami kept chipping away, however, and the Hornets needed West’s jumper with54.3 seconds left to regain the lead at 89-88. After Daequan Cook(notes) missed a 3 forMiami, West was fouled on the rebound and hit two free throws, then hit two morefoul shots after rebounding Okafor’s block of Haslem’s shot in the lane.

Haslem had 10 points and nine rebounds in a reserve roll. Jermaine O’Neal(notes)scored 12 for the Heat, while Michael Beasley(notes) and Arroyo each scored 11.

Songaila scored 11 off the bench for the Hornets.

New Orleans led most of the first half and was able to widen its lead withreserves in the middle of the second quarter. Rookie Darren Collison(notes) led twofast breaks to perfection, finishing one with a soaring dunk and the other witha pass to Songaila cutting through the lane for a layup as he was fouled. MarcusThornton(notes) capped the surge with a 3, giving New Orleans a 39-28 lead.

Richardson made a pair of 3s late in the second quarter to pull Miami asclose as 46-40. Then West, who had 10 points in the first half, scored inside tohelp the Hornets take a 48-40 lead into halftime.

NOTES: Brown was 4 of 4 shooting in the first half with two 3-pointers andhad his only points of the second half on the last two free throws. … TheHornets have won 10 of 11 at home and are 12-3 at home overall. … The Heatbeat the Hornets in Miami in the only other meeting this season. … Miami playsagain on New Year’s Eve in San Antonio. … Richardson banked in a 79-foot heavejust after the horn sounded to end the first quarter.

Written by chris · Filed Under NBA Basketball | Leave a Comment

Bosh, Bargnani lead surging Raptors

December 31, 2009

TORONTO (AP)—Chris Bosh(notes) had 33 points and 13 rebounds, Andrea Bargnani(notes) matchedhis season high with 28 points, and the Toronto Raptors beat the CharlotteBobcats 107-103 on Wednesday night for their season-high fifth straight victory.

Stephen Jackson(notes) scored 30 points and Raymond Felton(notes) had 23 for the Bobcats,who are 1-14 on the road, the second-worst mark in the NBA.

Gerald Wallace(notes) had 15 points and 16 rebounds for the Bobcats, who made 23turnovers, none bigger than Felton’s miscue in the final minute that gaveToronto the ball and allowed Bargnani to make a 3-pointer that put the Raptorsup 105-101 with 11 seconds remaining.

Toronto forward Hedo Turkoglu(notes) bruised his right knee in the first half anddid not return after the break. He had two points and five assists in 14minutes.

Felton pulled the Bobcats back with a pair of baskets, then fed Wallace fora driving layup to give Charlotte its first lead of the quarter, 101-100, with1:43 to play.

Bosh put Toronto back in front with a layup and, after both teams missed,Felton turned the ball over while trying to dribble past Bargnani. Wrightrecovered and called timeout before Bargnani sealed it with his second3-pointer, turning to the crowd and cheering as he danced back up court.

Charlotte shot 11 for 15 in the first but also made nine turnovers in theopening quarter and trailed 31-26 after one.

The Bobcats, who came in leading the NBA with 17 turnovers per game, madejust four in the second. They also got 12 points from Jackson but still needed ajumper from Felton in the final second to take a 56-55 lead at the half.

Charlotte returned to its sloppy ways in the third, making eight moreturnovers and trailed 84-80 heading into the fourth.

NOTES: Charlotte’s lone road win was a 92-76 victory at Washington on Nov.28. New Jersey (1-16) has the worst road record in the NBA. … Bobcats coachLarry Brown received a technical for arguing at the end of the second quarter.… Toronto guard Jose Calderon(notes), who has missed nine of the past 10 games with asore left hip, should return to the practice court next week, coach Jay Trianosaid. … Raptors forward Reggie Evans(notes), who has yet to play this season becauseof a sore left foot, had an MRI Tuesday that showed no further damage. “He’sgetting closer,” Triano said. … Bobcats center Tyson Chandler(notes) (left foot)missed his third straight game.

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Durant ties record, Thunder get by Jazz

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Raptors best turnover-plagued Bobcats

West helps Hornets hold off Heat 95-91

Bosh, Bargnani lead surging Raptors

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