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Nets snap 10-game slide, beat Knicks

December 31, 2009

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP)—Brook Lopez(notes) had 21 points and 14 rebounds and theNew Jersey Nets not only posted a rare victory, they snapped a 10-game losingstreak with a 104-95 blowout of the New York Knicks on Wednesday night.

Yi Jianlian(notes) added 22 points, Chris Douglas-Roberts(notes) had 17 and Devin Harris(notes)had 17, eight assists and seven rebounds as New Jersey (3-29) ended its seconddouble-digit losing streak of the season.

The Nets set an NBA record opening the season with 18 straight losses.

New New Jersey Nets' Yi Jianli… AP – Dec 30, 8:59 pm EST New Jersey Nets' Brook Lop… AP – Dec 30, 8:54 pm EST New Jersey Nets' Brook Lop… AP – Dec 30, 8:52 pm EST YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index = 2; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_lazy_images = [http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.938c792087014683a8fef2c6df1b9bae.knicks_nets_basketball_era102.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=59&yc=1&wc=293&hc=325&q=70&sig=hfUHFtIgUpMcraNggf.G5Q--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.4308213f87144eaa8929fe7e35235cac.knicks_nets_basketball_era101.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=280&hc=311&q=70&sig=0fUC8qxdAYn9qauyw8PF.A--]; YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(window,load,YAHOO.Sports.articleLazyLoadCarousel.init); 1 of 3 NY-NJ 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();

Reserve Al Harrington(notes) scored 25 to lead the Knicks, who failed in their bidfor their first 10-win month since January 2003. David Lee(notes) added 24 points and15 rebounds for New York, which also saw its streak of holding opponents under100 points end at 11 games.

With the return of Douglas-Roberts to the starting lineup, this marked thefirst time since the second game of the season that New Jersey had itsopening-day lineup on the court.

It showed against the Knicks, who were playing the second of back-to-backgames.

The last time the Nets played the Knicks on Dec. 6, they scored aseason-high 61 points in the first half, and then got blown out in the secondhalf.

This time, they put up 60 points, shot 62 percent from the field and took a60-53 halftime lead. Then, they didn’t stop in the third quarter, opening with a12-2 spurt to push the lead 72-55 on a dunk by Lopez, who had nine points andnine rebounds in the quarter.

The Knicks had their chances in the fourth quarter when the Nets only madesix baskets, but they also struggled—hitting nine baskets while turning theball over seven times.

The closest the Knicks got was eight points, all in the final minute.

New Jersey, which shot 60 percent for the game, took control midway throughthe second quarter, hitting nine straight shots from the field to open a 57-44lead. Yi had three baskets in the run and Douglas-Roberts two, the last on afastbreak layup.

Lee kept the Knicks close, scoring eight of his 16 first-half pointsincluding a layup in the final second of the half.

^NOTES: Chris Duhon(notes) hit nothing but net on his first 3 3-point attempts andthen hit nothing on his fourth. He finished with 12 points. … Jared Jeffries(notes)had a bad night with the officials. He had five fouls, a technical and no freethrows. … The Knicks were called for two defensive three-seconds technicals.Yi made both shots and the one on the technical against Jeffries. …The Netsonly got 10 points from their bench, seven by Keyon Dooling(notes).

Written by chris · Filed Under NBA Basketball | Comments Off 

Pacers stumble to eighth straight loss

December 31, 2009

INDIANAPOLIS (AP)—Rudy Gay(notes) scored 31 points to lead the Memphis Grizzlies overIndiana 121-110 on Wednesday night, the Pacers’ eighth straight loss.

Zach Randolph(notes) had 28 points and 13 rebounds, and Marc Gasol(notes) added 21 pointsand 10 boards for the Grizzlies.

Indiana Indiana Pacers' Luther Hea… AP – Dec 30, 9:59 pm EST Memphis Grizzlies' Zach Ra… AP – Dec 30, 9:59 pm EST Indiana Pacers' Luther Hea… AP – Dec 30, 8:35 pm EST Memphis Grizzlies' Sam You… AP – Dec 30, 8:35 pm EST Memphis Grizzlies' Marc Ga… AP – Dec 30, 8:35 pm EST Memphis Grizzlies' Rudy Ga… AP – Dec 30, 8:34 pm EST YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index = 5; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_lazy_images = [http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.4d66671da69848b38f8237564f560173.grizzlies_pacers_basketball_naf107.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=272&hc=302&q=70&sig=uiZMCVP75BHzXWZNDABJwA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.62ad131cefda435583a8c29bfc6377d4.grizzlies_pacers_basketball_naf104.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=328&hc=364&q=70&sig=ZuLiunTjO7.h5JX6bPn2Eg--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.3c22eae6325645abaf1f2710b3e76a67.grizzlies_pacers_basketball_naf103.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=331&hc=368&q=70&sig=bHmEnfyIGY6fKhJyAcdRVA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.3d2ecf9c85de4c2980ad16a2c49d7c1b.grizzlies_pacers_basketball_naf102.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=310&hc=344&q=70&sig=wTJfvTpciOvcfwJZKmXN1g--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.8ce2d08ec40541fcb3c9b5d1f74b730c.grizzlies_pacers_basketball_naf101.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=274&hc=304&q=70&sig=IIG6CZosr4VRvZk9hePSvg--]; YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(window,load,YAHOO.Sports.articleLazyLoadCarousel.init); 1 of 6 Mem-Ind 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 Pacer Jamaal Tinsley(notes) scored three points in 15 minutes for Memphis.It was his first game in Indiana since the Pacers waived him this past summer.Tinsley often found himself injured or in legal trouble during his stay, andPacers fans who remembered showered him with boos when he entered the game latein the first quarter.

Luther Head(notes) tied a career high with 30 points, including 15 in the fourthquarter, and Roy Hibbert(notes) added a career-best 25 points and 13 rebounds for theshort-handed Pacers.

Tinsley started his pro career with Indiana in 2001 and remained with thePacers until July. He left the franchise with career averages of 10.4 points and7.0 assists. The Pacers told him not to report to training camp last season anddid not allow him to play. The NBA players’ union filed a grievance for him inFebruary, but the arbitration hearing was canceled when the Pacers waived him.

Tinsley shook off the crowd’s response and made his first shot, a 3-pointerthat got a friendly bounce with 10 minutes left in the second quarter. It wasthe only field goal he made.

Memphis led 68-51 at halftime and extended its lead to 20 points before thePacers cut their deficit to 84-70 in the third quarter. The Grizzlies regroupedand led 93-79 at the end of the period, despite Hibbert’s 12-point quarter.

Head made back-to-back 3-pointers to cut Memphis’ lead to 111-101 with justover 4 minutes to play, but the Pacers never trimmed their deficit below 10points.

Memphis shot 51 percent from the field and outscored the Pacers 29-17 fromthe free throw line.

Indiana’s Troy Murphy(notes) sat out after spraining his left ankle Tuesday againstChicago, and his return date is uncertain. Tyler Hansbrough(notes), a rookie who has

Notes: The Pacers shot 62 percent in the first quarter and still trailed35-29 at the end of the period. … The Pacers had only 10 available players.… Pacers F Solomon Jones(notes) scored four points in 13 minutes in his second start.… Indianapolis native Mike Conley(notes) had 13 points and seven assists for theGrizzlies. … Memphis improved to 13-7 when Tinsley plays.

Written by chris · Filed Under NBA Basketball | Comments Off 

Carter rallies Magic after collision

December 31, 2009

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP)—Vince Carter(notes) overcame a hard collision to score 25 points,rallying the Orlando Magic for a 117-92 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks onWednesday night.

Carter was thrust under the courtside seats on a hard hit by Ersan Ilyasova(notes)late in the third quarter that gave Orlando a brief scare. The Magic’s starshooting guard shook off the pain and never exited, igniting a 17-2 run thathelped them pull away.

Dwight Howard(notes) had 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Jason Williams(notes) added 16points to help Orlando rebound from its Christmas Day loss to Boston.

Orlando Orlando Magic center Marcin Go… AP – Dec 30, 8:26 pm EST Milwaukee Bucks guard Jodie Me… AP – Dec 30, 8:20 pm EST Milwaukee Bucks center Andrew … AP – Dec 30, 8:17 pm EST Orlando Magic guard Vince Cart… AP – Dec 30, 8:16 pm EST Milwaukee Bucks forward Ersan … AP – Dec 30, 8:11 pm EST YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index = 4; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_lazy_images = [http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.07d6cd49495b400585cdb6700caf5cd3.bucks_magic_basketball_doa104.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=273&hc=303&q=70&sig=s0T72j4cEXlQVU70go4_UA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.3de2fd3e001a460c83c1f7aac5d82870.bucks_magic_basketball_doa103.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=42&yc=1&wc=327&hc=363&q=70&sig=.qX1JxJs2Fu5M4xUaeA9pQ--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.9e32a3b59a2f4aaab58edbb7ed1e56d9.bucks_magic_basketball_doa102.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=325&hc=361&q=70&sig=KBjNWKmd9cV5RdLnogDtrg--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.06b6d3742246428abcafd8ae2451af00.bucks_magic_basketball_doa101.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=217&hc=241&q=70&sig=HosS99qyT6hfV2bxxAOusA--]; YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(window,load,YAHOO.Sports.articleLazyLoadCarousel.init); 1 of 5 Mil-Orl 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();

Brandon Jennings(notes) had 20 points, and Andrew Bogut(notes) had 15 points and 10rebounds for the Bucks, who lost for the seventh time in their last eight games.

Carter’s big collision was the Magic spark.

Ilyasova was trying to take a charge but was called for a block. Carterclutched the right side of his neck and grimaced, pulled his jersey over hishead, lying on the ground four rows from his mother in the stands.

The arena fell silent. Fans sitting in the area checked to see if they couldhelp. Nearly everyone stood to see how hurt Orlando’s star offseason acquisitionwas. About 3 minutes later, still shaken, he finally stood up.

Then so did the Magic.

Perhaps ignited that Carter never left the game, the Magic scored 13straight points during the 17-2 run to end the quarter with a 79-74 lead. Cartermade two jumpers during that stretch, and Matt Barnes(notes) hit a pair of 3-pointers.

The Bucks never recovered.

Until the collision, they seemed to have the right formula.

Bogut was aggressive early and got Howard in foul trouble in the first andsecond quarters. He took advantage with Howard sidelined, helping the Bucksscore 10 straight points to take a 21-11 lead in the opening quarter.

Orlando was able to keep it close.

Carter’s one-handed layup with his back to the basket over Bogut wowed thehome crowd, but that would be about the only highlight for the Magic in thehalf. Bogut and the Bucks’ frontline twice disrupted alley-oop dunks by Howard,and they held Orlando to 1-for-9 shooting from 3-point range to go ahead 49-41.

NOTES: Thursday night was the 19-year anniversary of Milwaukee coach ScottSkiles’ NBA-record 30 assists during the Magic’s 155-116 victory against Denver.Skiles, who spent five seasons with Orlando, said there’s hardly a place he goeswhere people don’t ask about that game. “No offense, but I’ll be glad the dayit is (broken) because I get kind of tired of talking about it some times,”Skiles said. “It’s one of those things where it all came together in one night.Yeah, it’ll be broken at some point.” … Some of the Bucks staff attended theChamps Sports Bowl on Tuesday night, when Wisconsin beat Miami 20-14.

Written by chris · Filed Under NBA Basketball | Comments Off 

Iverson helps 76ers pull away from Kings

December 31, 2009

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)—Although not the prolific scorer he was in his earlieryears with the Philadelphia 76ers, Allen Iverson(notes) is still a difference maker.

The 34-year-old Iverson showed he still can score, getting 11 of his 20points in the third quarter. And his presence alone was a factor as the 76erspulled away in the final period for a 116-106 victory over the Sacramento Kingson Wednesday night.

Lou Williams scored 22 points and Andre Iguodala(notes) had 19 points, nineassists and seven rebounds for the 76ers. Both Williams and Iguodala scored 10points in the fourth quarter, when the 76ers stretched the lead to doubledigits. Iguodala said part of the credit belongs to Iverson.

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Suns rip CelticsAldridge hurts ankleNets end losing streak More NBA Videos Philadelphia Philadelphia 76ers head coach … AP – Dec 31, 1:05 am EST Sacramento Kings forward forwa… AP – Dec 31, 1:05 am EST Philadelphia 76ers guard Allen… AP – Dec 31, 1:05 am EST Philadelphia 76ers forward Elt… AP – Dec 30, 11:16 pm EST Philadelphia 76ers guard Jrue … AP – Dec 30, 11:16 pm EST Philadelphia 76ers gaurd Allen… AP – Dec 30, 11:15 pm EST Philadelphia 76ers gaurd Allen… AP – Dec 30, 11:14 pm EST YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index = 6; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_lazy_images = [http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.6a321469003c48ac8e5de977b40c8345.76ers_kings_basketball_sca106.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=291&hc=323&q=70&sig=6fb8xZi0JKdIq77XcAmljg--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.59303ccc95524afb91d87123d5591595.76ers_kings_basketball_sca105.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=304&hc=338&q=70&sig=o9xFx5EPR.DGZxsiqVaxCw--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.2bcdf2331adb4b56a3205af68f21ae3b.76ers_kings_basketball_sca103.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=245&hc=272&q=70&sig=aARSsiql2ozKxP8faW6TDw--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.9be4281c3854483e88a37ed2addfd01b.76ers_kings_basketball_sca102.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=285&hc=317&q=70&sig=aQSKNWJGnk_5ykTOrtm6HA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.03d5cb94034743ffa2185a1dc70420da.76ers_kings_basketball_sca101.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=313&hc=348&q=70&sig=NNCfOnKf2SC5B8.5X.yrag--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.4a03a32a2d8d46bf802cffee8d3452a3.76ers_kings_basketball_sca101.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=313&hc=348&q=70&sig=nzYleVY4Hu.SLfubCuGwWA--]; YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(window,load,YAHOO.Sports.articleLazyLoadCarousel.init); 1 of 7 Phi-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();

“He has helped us out a lot, he really opens the floor for everybody whenhe’s out there,” Iguodala said. “He still draws a lot of attention and teamscan’t key on myself or anyone else.”

Iverson is not happy about being limited to 28-30 minutes a game, whichare recommended by the team’s medical staff to come in shorter increments due tohis arthritic right knee. He missed four recent games with a sore knee, butplayed 32 minutes against the Kings in his second game back, making 6-of-14shots and adding five rebounds, three assists and three steals.

“All my life I’ve been watching him play and to have the opportunity toplay him was fun,” said Kings guard Sergio Rodriguez(notes), who was matched upagainst Iverson at times. “He showed that he can still play and he can playwell. He looked great.”

Iverson was at his best in the third quarter, when the 76ers took the leadfor good and went into the fourth ahead 79-76. He had 11 points, scoring on avariety of shots, including a 3-pointer that put Philadelphia in front 72-70.

“It’s important for me to do whatever I can to help the guys and givethem confidence that we can win games,” Iverson said. “I was telling them whenwe were down 13 in the first quarter to stay with it, and make them believe wecould come back.”

Even with Iverson on the bench for less than five minutesin the fourth quarter, that confidence was evident. The 76ers spread the court,moved the ball effectively, and repeatedly made perimeter shots when they builtthe lead to double digits in putting together back-to-back wins for the firsttime since Oct. 30-31.

Rodney Carney(notes) and Elton Brand(notes) scored 14 points apiece for the 76ers. whoconnected on 9-of-16 3-pointers.

“Allen gives us another dimension, guys are really playing off him,”76ers coach Eddie Jordan said. “Lou Williams got it going, and Carney came offthe bench and did a great job. All our guys played well in their roles.”

Donte Greene(notes) and Omri Casspi(notes) each scored 21 points for the Kings, who havelost three of their last four home games. But unlike the previous losses,overtime affairs to Cleveland the Lakers, this loss came against a team thatentered the game with only eight wins. Jason Thompson(notes) had 15 points and 11rebounds, and Rodriguez also scored 15 points.

“We were ripe to be picked off tonight and we need to learn that we arenot as good as people say we are,” said Kings coach Paul Westphal, whose teamdefeated Denver on Monday. “Sometimes you have to not only bounce back fromtough losses but you have to bounce back from big wins.”

The Kings played their second straight game without rookie guard TyrekeEvans(notes), who is nursing a sore ankle and is day to day. Beno Udrih(notes) played a rarepoor game in his place, shooting 3 of 11, scoring nine points, and committingthree turnovers.

“Tyreke is a big piece of our team and he’s been showing that the wholeyear,” Udrih said. “But we can’t feel sorry for ourselves. Injuries are a partof the game and you deal with it.”

Carney opened the fourth quarter with a pair of 3-pointers, and a jumperby Williams gave the 76ers a 90-81 advantage with 9:40 remaining. With the Kingsmissing open looks throughout the period, the 76ers’ lead grew to 107-95 whenIguodala made a follow shot with 3:34 left.

The Kings squandered an 11-point lead after one quarter and were outscored33-22 in the second. The aggressive inside play of Brand, who scored 11 points,helped fuel the 76ers’ comeback. Casspi had 11 points for the Kings.

NOTES: In the offseason, Jordan was an early candidate for the Kings headcoaching job, but took the offer from Philadelphia instead of waiting for theKings to end their search, which resulted in the hiring of Westphal. … Carneyscored 12 points in his first 10 minutes off the bench, all of them coming viafour 3-pointers. … Iverson entered the game 1 for 3 this season in 3-pointattempts, but made both attempts against the Kings.

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Aldridge sprains ankle in Blazers’ win

December 31, 2009

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP)—Brandon Roy(notes) had 25 points, seven rebounds and six assists,and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Los Angeles Clippers 103-99 Wednesdaynight despite losing LaMarcus Aldridge(notes) to an ankle injury.

Martell Webster(notes) added 15 points, Jerryd Bayless(notes) had 14 and rookie JeffPendergraph(notes) had eight points and 14 rebounds for the Blazers, who have won fourin a row and seven of eight against the Clippers.

Chris Kaman(notes) had 25 points and nine rebounds for the Clippers, and EricGordon(notes) added 24 points. Rasual Butler(notes) scored 15 and Baron Davis(notes) had 12 pointsand 11 assists but shot just 2-of-15. The Clippers have lost three of four.

Portland Portland Trail Blazers center … AP – Dec 31, 12:57 am EST Los Angeles Clippers guard Bar… AP – Dec 31, 12:55 am EST Portland Trail Blazers guard B… AP – Dec 31, 12:55 am EST Portland Trail Blazers guard B… AP – Dec 30, 10:57 pm EST Los Angeles Clippers center Ch… AP – Dec 30, 10:55 pm EST Los Angeles Clippers guard Bar… AP – Dec 30, 10:50 pm EST YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index = 5; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_lazy_images = [http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.900c286e32344dfaa1b00a02cf9313e2.clippers_trail_blazers_basketball_ordr105.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=289&hc=321&q=70&sig=I3SykEYpHFz_X4r0pE1ZPA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.b1f0d4519fd541b9ac920acf52b158fc.clippers_trail_blazers_basketball_ordr104.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=297&hc=330&q=70&sig=hsGnhscU15iwtt9t_RvOyA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.7f617eea50614a1c9948a0f2de866cec.clippers_trail_blazers_basketball_ordr103.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=340&hc=378&q=70&sig=Vn4BDYhut.FnGY03Vn5ySw--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.d2e5daadea22453c9eba52e9d6c75a35.clippers_trail_blazers_basketball_ordr102.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=43&yc=1&wc=326&hc=362&q=70&sig=AU4xlKAunlbNNJ1XKGmeEg--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.5b82ea82e3b74a118badb7ea95b6dffc.clippers_trail_blazers_basketball_ordr101.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=279&hc=310&q=70&sig=Z_QfRn7mel7EhLrY3dotow--]; YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(window,load,YAHOO.Sports.articleLazyLoadCarousel.init); 1 of 6 LAC-Por 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 short-handed Blazers were dealt another setback when Aldridge sprainedhis left ankle early in the first quarter and missed the rest of the game.Portland is already without guard-forward Rudy Fernandez(notes) (back) and forwardsTravis Outlaw(notes) (left foot) and Nicolas Batum(notes) (shoulder). Centers Joel Przybilla(notes)and Greg Oden(notes) are both out for the season with knee injuries.

The Blazers were awarded a second hardship exemption to expand their rosterand used it to sign 6-foot-10 forward Shavlik Randolph(notes), who played for Portlandlast season and two games for Miami earlier this season. The Blazers also waivedforward Anthony Tolliver(notes) and assigned guard Patty Mills to the Idaho Stampede ofthe NBA Development League.

Despite the injuries, Portland had won four straight before falling 104-93to Philadelphia on Monday night in the Rose Garden.

The Blazers looked poised to run away with the game early in the fourthquarter. Bayless scored seven straight points and Roy added a bucket to givePortland a 12-point lead, but Gordon made two layups and a 3-pointer to cut thelead to 97-90.

Kaman hit a jumper and Butler converted a rebound and put-back to make it101-97 with 1:19 left. Roy and Kaman traded baskets, but Davis missed a jumperand a long 3-pointer for the Clippers.

The Clippers, who edged Boston 92-90 Sunday for one of their biggest wins ofthe season, got Marcus Camby(notes) back after he hyperextended his knee Dec. 22 andmissed a game. Camby had seven points and 11 rebounds.

After Aldridge left with 5:50 remaining in the first quarter, Portland led39-30 in the second. The Clippers erased the deficit before halftime, going on a15-6 run, with three baskets from Al Thornton(notes), to even the score at 45. Roysliced through the key for a three-point play and Webster hit two free throws togive Portland a 57-48 lead at the break.

The Blazers led by 11 early in the third, but Gordon scored eight straight,including back-to-back 3-pointers to tie the game at 69.

NOTES: The Blazers are 21-13. They were 20-14 after 34 games last season andwent on to win 54. … The teams will play again Jan. 4 in Los Angeles.…Thornton broke out of a slump, with 11 points on 4-of-6 shooting. He had beenaveraging 5.0 points and 4.0 rebounds on 28 percent shooting in his last twogames.

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Fs Murphy, Hansbrough out for Pacers

December 30, 2009

INDIANAPOLIS (AP)—Indiana Pacers forwards Troy Murphy(notes) and Tyler Hansbrough(notes)missed Wednesday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Murphy sat out with a sprained left ankle he suffered Tuesday againstChicago, and his return date is uncertain. He is the Pacers’ No. 2 scorer with13.8 points per game, and leads the team in averaging 9.1 rebounds.

Hansbrough, a rookie, is out with an inner ear infection. He has been one ofthe team’s top players off the bench, averaging 9.2 points and 5.1 rebounds.

The Pacers already were short-handed, with Danny Granger(notes) (heel), TravisDiener(notes) (toe) and Jeff Foster(notes) (sore lower back) nursing injuries.

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Suns top injury-depleted Celtics 116-98

December 30, 2009

PHOENIX (AP)—Amare Stoudemire and Channing Frye(notes) scored 26 points apiece, andthe Phoenix Suns handed what was left of the Boston Celtics their third straightloss, 116-98 on Wednesday night.

The Celtics were without injured Kevin Garnett(notes) and Paul Pierce(notes) in the finalstop of what turned out to be an awful four-game road trip.

Without Garnett to guard him, Stoudemire scored 18 on 9-of-10 shooting inthe first quarter and finished 11 of 14 from the field.

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Frye had a season best in scoring, sinking 6-of-9 3-pointers and grabbing 10rebounds as the Suns swept the two-game season series.

Eddie House(notes) led the Celtics with 19 points, going 5 of 7 on 3s. Ray Allen(notes)managed 15 points of 4-of-13 shooting.

The Suns, who improved to 13-2 at home, never trailed after a 16-0first-quarter run.

Leandro Barbosa(notes) added 17 points for Phoenix, coming off a 118-103 homevictory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday. Rajon Rondo(notes) played 33 minutesdespite a sore hamstring for Boston and scored 13.

The Celtics lost all three of their games in the West during a trip thatstarted with a win at Orlando. It is Boston’s longest losing streak sincedropping four straight last Jan. 4-9.

Boston was without Pierce for the fourth straight game with a kneeinfection. Garnett joined him on the sidelines Wednesday with a hyperextendedright knee.

Coach Doc Rivers said Garnett was hurt in the loss to the Los AngelesClippers on Sunday and didn’t look right in the loss at Golden State on Monday.

The 16-0 run put Phoenix up 24-12 on Stoudemire’s 7-foot bank shot on a passfrom Steve Nash(notes).

The Suns stretched it to 38-23 after Barbosa’s 21-footer with 8:47 left inthe half. Barbosa sank a 31-footer as the shot clock expired to put Phoenix up44-30 6:21 from the break.

Stoudemire scored four, Frye sank a 3-pointer and Jason Richardson(notes) scoredsix in a 13-2 run in the third. Richardson capped the spurt with a 22-footerthat put Phoenix ahead 77-57 with 4:43 left in the quarter.

House’s 3-pointer cut it to 85-73 with 1:13 to play in the third, but Fryesank a pair of long ones, the first with his foot on the 3-point line and thesecond with both feet behind it, and Phoenix led 90-73 after three.

NOTES: The Celtics were 13-1 on the road before their trip West. … Bostonhad lost by no more than 11 in its seven losses going into the game. … Fryematched his season high in 3-pointers. … Frye went to the University ofArizona, House to Arizona State. … Besides House, the rest of the Celtics made1 of 14 3-pointers.

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Jazz avoid third straight loss to Wolves

December 30, 2009

MINNEAPOLIS (AP)—Deron Williams(notes) had 21 points and a career-high 12 rebounds,and the Utah Jazz finally beat the Minnesota Timberwolves, 107-103 on Wednesdaynight.

Williams led a second-half surge and all five starters were in doublefigures as the Jazz avoided an embarrassing third consecutive loss to the lowlyWolves.

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The Timberwolves trailed by 17 with 4:30 remaining, but cut the deficit tothree after a pair of 3-pointers by Kevin Love(notes) with about 35 seconds left.

Mehmet Okur(notes) missed a 3-pointer on the Jazz’s ensuing possession, but CarlosBoozer(notes) secured the offensive rebound and Williams made two of four free throwsdown the stretch to secure the win.

Al Jefferson(notes) scored 21 points for the Wolves, who took a 47-46 halftimelead. Boozer scored a quick inside basket and the Jazz opened the third quarteron a 9-1 run. Utah added a 10-0 burst later in the period to build a big enoughcushion to survive the Minnesota rally.

After going 1 for 10 in the first half, Boozer scored 13 points in thesecond and finished with 16 points and 12 rebounds.

Ronnie Brewer(notes) added 20 points, including a dunk over Corey Brewer(notes) late inthe game that helped slow down the Minnesota surge.

Williams also was strong defensively, limiting Jonny Flynn(notes) to just sevenpoints after Flynn scored 28 in their last meeting.

Utah had clamped down on Love before the second-year forward got hot downthe stretch. Love missed seven of his first nine attempts before making hisfinal three to finish with 17 points and 11 rebounds, his 13th double-double.

NOTES: Minnesota coach Kurt Rambis said the acquisition of Alando Tucker(notes)from the Phoenix Suns for the seldom-used Jason Hart(notes) gives the Wolves a “freelook at a high draft pick.” Rambis wasn’t sure when Tucker, the 29th pick inthe 2007 draft, would make his Wolves debut, but said his mid-range game anddefensive ability will be an asset. … Jazz swingman Kyle Korver(notes) missedWednesday’s game and will also sit out Thursday’s game against Oklahoma Citybecause of continuing pain in his surgically repaired left knee. … Williamshas recorded a double-double in 10 straight games against the Wolves. … Utahhad 54 field goal attempts in the first half, but shot just 35 percent.

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James’ 48, Varejao’s late 3 lift Cavs

December 30, 2009

CLEVELAND (AP)—Anderson Varejao(notes) made his first career 3-pointer with 17.2seconds left—a 25th birthday present to teammate LeBron James(notes)—to giveCleveland a 106-101 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night, theCavaliers’ 11th victory in 12 games.

James scored a season-high 48 points with 10 rebounds for the Cavs.

With the score tied at 101 and the 24-second shot clock down to its finaltick, the ball wound up in the hands of Varejao, who missed his first 18 career3-pointers. But the frizzy-haired Brazilian stepped up and drilled his long shotbefore James rushed into his arms.

Atlanta Atlanta Hawks guard Mike Bibby… AP – Dec 30, 10:12 pm EST Cleveland Cavaliers' Ander… AP – Dec 30, 10:08 pm EST Atlanta Hawks guard Joe Johnso… AP – Dec 30, 10:05 pm EST Cleveland Cavaliers head coach… AP – Dec 30, 10:00 pm EST Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBro… AP – Dec 30, 9:58 pm EST Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBro… AP – Dec 30, 9:51 pm EST Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBro… AP – Dec 30, 8:46 pm EST Cleveland Cavaliers' Shaqu… AP – Dec 30, 8:36 pm EST Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBro… AP – Dec 30, 8:34 pm EST Atlanta Hawks guard Jamal Craw… AP – Dec 30, 8:30 pm EST Atlanta Hawks forward Maurice … AP – Dec 30, 8:26 pm EST YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index = 10; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_lazy_images = [http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.2ff6409ad8f54db28d8d0c8ad61fe71a.hawks_cavaliers_basketball_ohtd110.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=275&hc=306&q=70&sig=uaSQs_PuC0khxHUNjsYXXg--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.51b43f66384549c8b907ae1bdff2f08a.hawks_cavaliers_basketball_ohtd108.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=341&hc=379&q=70&sig=V1iIKNVlcBvwSAHqRwP7yQ--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.5f13bd8b93924ea8b4e0149eac18e9a9.hawks_cavaliers_basketball_ohtd109.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=7&yc=1&wc=368&hc=409&q=70&sig=SuAqfnNTRbll5QAXISsEZw--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.18d15ff5825e416b8620d17c03ec5dc2.hawks_cavaliers_basketball_ohtd107.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=257&hc=286&q=70&sig=7d7w4LZQQvh1K5Ne2McKng--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.04508ac6f36047f5b5f201d3c2ddcba5.hawks_cavaliers_basketball_ohtd106.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=297&hc=330&q=70&sig=yNELScqpHLNFXmLyzWvxmw--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.676372957f9645b6be3c61c642f19ce9.hawks_cavaliers_basketball_ohtd105.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=7&yc=1&wc=368&hc=409&q=70&sig=IcRDCAdv.2oTTYzrEyKb4w--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.928b6933baef4ad0bdec60e2bce25e97.hawks_cavaliers_basketball_ohtd104.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=12&yc=1&wc=368&hc=409&q=70&sig=is0xvZf8zZC9zBZ81mUm0w--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.b1f47fe3e18d4fc191936148144b8e8b.hawks_cavaliers_basketball_ohtd103.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=282&hc=313&q=70&sig=CSy_pmqfHfP1w2tdj7o5GQ--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.947fe4b1f19a447b935c9e8bee34a58b.hawks_cavaliers_basketball_ohtd102.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=325&hc=361&q=70&sig=4RuE5rXIfWd72OGk.JPIyg--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091231/capt.9663c2efcfd84ecd8e8e701074a920b5.hawks_cavaliers_basketball_ohtd101.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=318&hc=353&q=70&sig=wIYPPCatzDP0MPznMMrxwA--]; YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(window,load,YAHOO.Sports.articleLazyLoadCarousel.init); 1 of 11 Atl-Cle 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();

After Atlanta’s Mike Bibby(notes) missed a 3 with six seconds left, Jamario Moon(notes)made two free throws to ice the Cavs’ sixth straight win and 11th in a row athome.

Joe Johnson(notes) scored 35 for the Hawks, who were held to just 37 points in thesecond half.

The Cavs, who spent much of the night looking uninspired and watching James,didn’t take their first lead until their superstar’s layup—off a nice feedfrom Mo Williams(notes)—with 4:42 left made it 94-93.

James split a pair of free throws with 50 seconds to go to give the Cavs a101-99 lead but he was called for goaltending on a shot by Johnson with 41.5left that tied it. Cleveland was unable to get an open shot for James orWilliams, who had to swing the ball to the left side for Varejao.

Not missing a beat, the 6-foot-11 forward, who provides hustle and reboundsfor Cleveland, nailed his shot to bail out the Cavs and deliver a deep daggerinto the Hawks. The shot was initially ruled a 2-pointer, but after reviewingthe bucket on video, the officiating crew determined that Varejao’s feet werebehind the line.

Moments earlier, Hawks coach Mike Woodson, who spent much of the nightcomplaining about calls and non-calls, was annoyed that the officials did notnotice that the 24-second shot clock was not reset following a miss by theCavaliers. The Hawks ended up not getting their allotted time and committed acostly turnover while rushing to get a shot off.

Afterward, Woodson said the team would file a protest with the league.

“It’s a shame it has to come down to that,” Woodson said. “It’s what itis and we’ll figure it out when the league reviews it.”

Trailing by 17 in the third and looking awful, the Cavs finally woke up.

They went on a 22-7 spurt, capped by James’ 3-pointer from the left wing topull within 76-74. The run got Cleveland’s crowd into it, but it didn’t faze theHawks, who closed the quarter with a 9-3 burst that gave them an 85-77 leadentering the final 12 minutes.

In his first quarter century, James has crammed in a lifetime worth ofaccomplishments.

He has already been a Sports Illustrated cover subject as a high schooler, aNo. 1 overall draft pick, NBA Rookie of the Year, five-time All-Star, Olympicgold medalist, league MVP, multimillionaire and one of the most recognizablesports figures on the planet.

“It’s amazing,” Cavs coach Mike Brown said of James’ early body of work.“You know how they say a young person has an old soul? Well, he’s got an oldgame. It’s athletic, powerful and energetic. The whole nine yards. It feels likehe’s been doing it forever.”

The Hawks were leading by nine and controlling the game at both ends whenJames checked in with 7:12 left in the second quarter.

Atlanta pushed its lead to 57-43 on Bibby’s 3-pointer, a basket that drew aloud groan from Cleveland fans. James was the only Cavaliers player doinganything on offense—he scored 16 points in the final 6:42—and connected onpair of 3-pointers in the last 1:20 to keep the Cavs within striking distance,down 12 at halftime.

NOTES: Buffalo Bills star Terrell Owens, in town to celebrate James’birthday along with rappers Fabolous, Akon and others, was booed when he shownon the arena scoreboard. … James’ 13,927 points before turning 25 were morethan any player in league history. Carmelo Anthony(notes) (10,768) was second followedby Kobe Bryant(notes) (10,658) and Tracy McGrady(notes) (10,420). James’ 3,419 assists werethe second-most for a player under 25, bettered only by Isiah Thomas (4,066).… Cavs C Shaquille O’Neal(notes) holds the NBA record for the most points on hisbirthday. He scored 61 against the Los Angeles Clippers on March 6, 2000.

Written by chris · Filed Under NBA Basketball | Comments Off 

Ailing Garnett joins Pierce on sidelines

December 30, 2009

PHOENIX (AP)—Kevin Garnett(notes) has joined Paul Pierce(notes) on the sideline for theBoston Celtics.

Garnett sat out Wednesday night’s game against the Phoenix Suns because of ahyperextended right knee.

Coach Doc Rivers said before the game that Garnett hurt the knee in Sunday’sloss to the Clippers in Los Angeles, then got kicked in Monday’s loss to GoldenState. Rivers said he didn’t like the way Garnett “looked at all” against theWarriors.

The Celtics were without Pierce for the fourth game in a row because of aninjured right knee.

Rivers said Garnett’s injury has nothing to do with the knee problems thatkept him out of last year’s Eastern Conference semifinals against Orlando.

“My only issue is, how long is it going to take to get him right fromthis?” Rivers said. “A week, three days, four days? We don’t know. But Ilooked at the schedule, and obviously this is a tough game. … If you’re goingto rest someone to get them right, there’s no better time than right now.”

The coach said he’s also keeping a close eye on guard Rajon Rondo(notes), whostarted against the Suns despite a sore hamstring.

“It’s funny, as far as injuries go, I’m actually far more concerned withhis than with Kevin’s,” Rivers said. “Kevin is sitting down, but Rondo I’mwatching closely, because with a hamstring, that’s a tough injury. He did strainit a little bit, but if it’s anything, if I see anything in the game, he’s out,too. And we’ll just play with who we’ve got left.”

Garnett sat out the Dec. 22 victory over Indiana because of a bruised rightthigh but returned to play at Orlando, the first stop of four in a row on theroad.

After the Phoenix game, Boston returns home to play Toronto on Saturday,then has three days off before beginning a three-game trip with a game at Miami.

Entering the Wednesday night game, the Celtics (23-7) had lost two in a rowfor the first time this season.

Garnett was averaging 15 points and 7.6 rebounds. Pierce is the team’sleading scorer at 18.2 points per game.

Written by chris · Filed Under NBA Basketball | Comments Off 

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