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Bobcats’ Jackson suspended 1 game by NBA

November 30, 2010

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP)—The NBA has suspended Charlotte Bobcats top scorerStephen Jackson(notes) one game for verbally abusing an official and failing to leavethe court in a timely manner following his ejection from Saturday’s loss toMilwaukee.

Tuesday’s penalty comes less than a month after Jackson was fined $50,000for making inappropriate comments to the officials after a loss in Detroit.

Jackson will miss Wednesday’s game at New Orleans.

Jackson received consecutive technical fouls by referee Eli Roe midwaythrough the first quarter against the Bucks as he complained of being held andgrabbed. Teammates Gerald Wallace(notes) and Nazr Mohammed(notes) had to usher Jackson off thecourt.

Jackson has been called for six technicals this season, tied for the leaguelead.

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LeBron thanks Cleveland before return

November 30, 2010

MIAMI (AP)—LeBron James(notes) says he wants to give the fans of Cleveland “a lot ofthanks” for their support during his seven years with the Cavaliers.

He knows they won’t feel the same, at least not on Thursday night.

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James is going back to the city he scorned, wearing a Miami Heat uniform andplaying before fans that treated him like royalty. All that changed in July, ofcourse, when James went on television to announce that he was leaving Clevelandand joining the Heat.

James says “it’s going to be very emotional” for him, and that he’s hadsome good-natured talks with former Cleveland teammates about what the scenewill be like. Heat teammates say they have a sense James cannot wait for theexperience to be over with.

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Shaq eager to see James’ return to Ohio

November 30, 2010

CLEVELAND (AP)—Like most NBA fans, Shaquille O’Neal(notes) plans to watch LeBronJames’(notes) return to Cleveland on Thursday night.

O’Neal wants to see James do his “powder thing.” As part of his pregameritual, James fills his hands with a white resin to better grip the ball. Thenhe tosses it in the air.

James does it before every game, home or away. O’Neal played with James inCleveland last season and isn’t sure the two-time MVP will go through with it infront of the expected hostile Cleveland crowd.

O’Neal spoke before shootaround Tuesday as his Boston Celtics prepared toface the Cavaliers. That’s two nights before James comes back with the MiamiHeat.

O’Neal said he and his teammates have bets that he won’t do it.

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Jazz beat hurting Bucks, extend run to 6

November 30, 2010

SALT LAKE CITY (AP)—Al Jefferson(notes) had 22 points, 11 rebounds and four blockedshots to lead the Utah Jazz to a 109-88 victory Monday night overinjury-depleted Milwaukee.

Deron Williams(notes) also scored 22 points for the Jazz (14-5), who have won sixstraight.

Milwaukee Milwaukee Bucks small forward … AP – Nov 29, 10:57 pm EST Milwaukee Bucks small forward … AP – Nov 29, 10:57 pm EST Milwaukee Bucks guard Keyon Do… AP – Nov 29, 10:54 pm EST Milwaukee Bucks power forward … AP – Nov 29, 10:53 pm EST Milwaukee Bucks small forward … AP – Nov 29, 10:53 pm EST Utah Jazz guard Deron Williams… AP – Nov 29, 10:49 pm EST YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index = 5; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_lazy_images = [http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/ap/ba/fullj.cc9cc38953c7e4b142582ab80751aa61/ap-75abef25d4fc48da8b1d4037f4cde5ae.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=8&yc=1&wc=427&hc=474&q=70&sig=rcklceLwq.NZs9t6I.Dw1A--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/ap/ae/fullj.f03a6bfed0469247989e0fee422ee1e7/ap-a3e9f956901444baa3084d13be8ab904.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=352&hc=391&q=70&sig=X.wZr0eYdVb4ixC0vWT0.w--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/ap/83/fullj.44136cc460f8f9ced6ff5827b3165d7a/ap-fa32591bcaa44644b0b8b9661f39554e.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=439&hc=488&q=70&sig=baEH4qX7YuSnzHFS3YideA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/ap/fb/fullj.2acf49db2da2b5d769e2e9127c23ddc5/ap-1d8d45e6172b4bdb9bfd81cc83c1bc66.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=329&hc=366&q=70&sig=BM022js0Ui1y3arRM4rhvg--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/ap/25/fullj.62ab323d8809ed9f4b0f3a3e73d8d519/ap-50baa2358d054cea99901d15c5c28912.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=82&yc=1&wc=279&hc=310&q=70&sig=dnfdCx_odGh4WieD2p4zkA--]; YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(window,load,YAHOO.Sports.articleLazyLoadCarousel.init); 1 of 6 Mil-Uta 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) led Milwaukee (6-11) with 27 points while Ersan Ilyasova(notes)added 18 for the Bucks. Milwaukee, again missing three key players because ofinjury, made 7 of 12 3-pointers in the first half to keep it close.

But the Bucks couldn’t keep up with Utah’s inside game without big menAndrew Bogut(notes) and Drew Gooden(notes). The Jazz held a 54-18 advantage in the paint and48-26 edge in rebounds. They also had 10 blocked shot.

On the flip side, Utah committed 20 turnovers.

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James nets 30 after talk with Spoelstra

November 30, 2010

MIAMI (AP)—LeBron James(notes) and Erik Spoelstra had a pregame meeting Mondayafternoon to talk about Miami’s offensive woes.

Early returns suggest it was a productive chat.

James scored 30 points, Dwyane Wade(notes) scored 26, Chris Bosh(notes) finised with 20and the Heat beat Washington 105-94 on Monday night, keeping the Wizards winlessaway from home this season.

James had 20 of his points in the first half, Wade added 15 in the thirdquarter, and though it didn’t get into a blowout until the fourth quarter—it’sthe fifth time already this season where the Wizards have lost by double digitsaway from home—it was comfortable for Miami throughout.

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“We have to figure out how to complement each other on the court,” Jamessaid.

That wasn’t an issue Monday.

The Heat topped 100 points for the first time in seven games, and led by asmany as 22 on the way to just their second win in their past six outings. Itcame in the first contest following a Saturday loss in Dallas that remains a hottopic, for James’ shoulder-bump of Spoelstra during a time-out when Miami wascoming unglued in the third quarter, then a 40-minute players-only postgamemeeting.

“We move on. You know, we can’t dwell on this. It’s a step in the rightdirection,” said Spoelstra, whose career record moved to 100-82. “And now wehave to continue to build these habits and remember that pain. I won’t forgetthe pain of the other night, the third quarter, and I don’t want our guys toforget that, either.”

Andray Blatche(notes) scored 26 for Washington, which is 0-8 on the road. GilbertArenas(notes) added 23 for the Wizards, who lost to the Heat for the eighth time in theteams’ past nine meetings.

Nick Young(notes) scored 13 and JaVale McGee(notes) finished with 10 points and 10rebounds for Washington.

“We knew they have a lot of talent,” Wizards guard Kirk Hinrich(notes) said.“You have to give them credit. Their ‘Big 3’ kind of carried them tonight.”

The Wizards were without No. 1 draft pick John Wall(notes), who missed his secondstraight game with a bruised right knee, and went largely with a seven-manrotation for much of the night. Washington was also again without Al Thornton(notes)(ankle) and Yi Jianlian(notes) (knee).

“It got to the point late where we didn’t have any enough runs left inus,” Wizards coach Flip Saunders said.

Miami’s lead was only 55-49 with 10:31 left in the third quarter, beforeWade—who has been slumping—got his scoring touch back.

He did it in a hurry, too.

Wade scored 15 points in the quarter, matching a Heat season best for anyquarter this season, and needed only 6:17 to get that done. Consecutive jumpers27 seconds apart, both set up by James, got him started, and he went on theattack the rest of the quarter—getting all 11 of his remaining points eitherat the foul line or on driving layups.

“Bron kept telling me the whole game, stay aggreessive, stay aggressive.… Finally got some shots to fall,” Wade said.

Wade’s personal spurt ended with 3:17 left in the period, when he splitdefenders on a spin move, got fouled, made a layup from the left side and hitthe free throw for a 76-63 lead.

From there, things got chippy.

Washington’s Hilton Armstrong(notes) and Miami’s Juwan Howard(notes) were ejected with32.3 seconds left in the third. Armstrong flagrantly fouled Heat center JoelAnthony(notes) on a layup attempt, pushing him with both hands in what was deemed aflagrant-2 infraction. Howard’s night ended after referee Bill Kennedy saw hehad pushed Armstrong in the back while coming to Anthony’s defense.

“I love what the veteran on our team did,” Wade said.

Armstrong sounded apologetic afterward.

“I wasn’t really trying to hurt him or anything like that, I just didn’twant him to have any easy dunk or an easy lay-up,” Armstrong said. “Youclearly saw he lost his balance when he was in the air. I didn’t mean to hit himthat hard, but he fell. I went to go try to help him out, but then Howard cameand pushed me in the back.”

Hinrich and Miami’s James Jones(notes) were called for double technicals aftergetting in each other’s faces with 8:20 left to play, and Washington’s TrevorBooker(notes) was called for a flagrant-1 about 5 minutes later.

Spoelstra wanted the Heat to bring a more physical approach, and theyresponded.

“I think it’s great,” Spoelstra said. “We don’t want guys getting thrownout of the game, but I think this was a direct residual of the weekend and guysare getting tired of it. We know we really have to get more physical,particularly under the glass. I like it when we come in with a chip on ourshoulder.”

NOTES: Arenas hit a 26-footer at the end of the half, drawing Washingtonwithin 52-44 at the break. … Carlos Arroyo(notes) was trying to give James a messagewhile Wade was shooting free throws in the third quarter, but couldn’timmediately find the two-time MVP—who was having a laugh at midcourt with Heatowner Micky Arison during the stoppage in play. … Marlins owner Jeffrey Loriawas courtside. … Wade was sidelined briefly in the first quarter to gettreatment—for a hangnail.

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Mavs beat Rockets for sixth straight win

November 30, 2010

DALLAS (AP)—Caron Butler(notes) scored 13 of his 19 points during a decisivethird-quarter run, Dirk Nowitzki(notes) had 20 points and 10 rebounds, and the DallasMavericks stretched their winning streak to six games with a 101-91 victory overthe Houston Rockets on Monday night.

Dallas Dallas Mavericks point guard J… AP – Nov 29, 9:55 pm EST Dallas Mavericks power forward… AP – Nov 29, 9:49 pm EST Houston Rockets forward Jordan… AP – Nov 29, 9:44 pm EST Houston Rockets point guard Ky… AP – Nov 29, 9:44 pm EST Dallas Mavericks center Tyson … AP – Nov 29, 9:44 pm EST Dallas Mavericks power forward… AP – Nov 29, 9:43 pm EST YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index = 5; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_lazy_images = [http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/ap/dc/fullj.1433308e739cac83918bbe02ca93ae13/ap-d5e8037a44ae457e9e46eb17d2d1c8a6.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=306&hc=340&q=70&sig=9iqnaZQ6EcV0GX3Mwd3sVg--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/ap/f2/fullj.c6ec8ce4a04e269e565213bc331f4e63/ap-349ff726237f4c6c92409b2dcca5d9be.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=311&hc=346&q=70&sig=KkNIaY8vfieRAp_Xg7EwyA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/ap/c7/fullj.7f3873d2a32e0088ba9c71f1b80a2801/ap-60a41fc963e04e5f9b640cb3216f142d.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=321&hc=357&q=70&sig=r58f3nJVTzPqkzfcnD7A1g--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/ap/fa/fullj.492d34a10d724177201f76e536e3aa3e/ap-bf5e369168d84eb684aef081c5175e1b.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=356&hc=396&q=70&sig=5sQaUL3awlEvMnGXxwNp9w--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/ap/91/fullj.1a5ebdc815662541e5e812c143a82309/ap-2824eeafb782436ba85eb2d41d44c554.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=323&hc=359&q=70&sig=uk1Ng5IWqEPEBCUMn0L9sA--]; YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(window,load,YAHOO.Sports.articleLazyLoadCarousel.init); 1 of 6 Hou-Dal 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();

Shawn Marion(notes) added 14 points and 10 rebounds, and J.J Barea scored 11 forDallas.

Kevin Martin’s(notes) 17 points and Luis Scola’s(notes) 15 paced the Rockets, who’ve lostsix of eight.

Dallas used a 17-6 third-quarter spurt capped by 11 straight from Butler toexpand a seven-point halftime edge to 77-59.

The Mavs carried an 83-71 lead into the final quarter, and were up by asmany as 22 down the stretch.

Barea accounted for nine of Dallas’ final 19 points in the second quarter.The Mavericks finished the half with a 10-1 run for a 52-45 lead at the break.

Houston, coming off Sunday night’s road win over Oklahoma City, led afterone, 26-25.

The Rockets remain short-handed, missing center Yao Ming(notes) (bone bruise, leftankle) and guard Aaron Brooks(notes) (sprained left ankle). There’s no timetable fortheir return.

“I’ve stopped asking,” coach Rick Adelman said. “It’s just what thedoctor sees as they progress…They both have to get on the floor before we’llknow how long it will be.”

Adelman said before the game that his team has kept playing hard despite theabsence of two key starters, but the Rockets could not match the Mavericks’offensive firepower.

Dallas went 39 for 79 from the field and owned a 47-39 rebounding edge.

NOTES: The Rockets are in the midst of a strech of five games in sevennights. … The Mavericks played for the third time in four nights, includingSaturday’s home win over Miami.

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Westbrook rallies Thunder past Hornets

November 30, 2010

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP)—Russell Westbrook(notes) scored 12 of his 25 points during adecisive 14-0 run late in the fourth quarter and also had 11 assists and theOklahoma City Thunder rallied to beat the New Orleans Hornets 95-89 on Mondaynight.

Westbrook scored six in a row to tie the game, then kept going with adriving layup and a 3-pointer that put the Thunder up 88-81 with 1:38 to play.After the 3-pointer, he mocked slamming guns down into holsters at his side.

Kevin Durant(notes) hit four free throws down the stretch to seal the game andfinished with 26 points and 11 rebounds.

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David West(notes) scored 20 points to lead New Orleans, but missed his final sixshots while Oklahoma City was making its comeback. Chris Paul(notes) added 17 points,14 assists and five steals as the Hornets lost for the fourth time in five gamesafter an 11-1 start.

Westbrook missed 10 of his first 15 shots and committed eight turnovers butdid away with all those struggles in his final flurry.

He made his final four attempts and didn’t turn the ball over in the final 6minutes as Oklahoma City wiped away an 81-75 deficit.

Jeff Green(notes) and Thabo Sefolosha(notes) added 13 points apiece for the Thunder, whobounced back from a one-point loss in Houston a night earlier.

Emeka Okafor(notes) had 13 points and 11 rebounds, and Trevor Ariza(notes) and MarcoBelinelli(notes) scored 10 each as New Orleans faded in the second half for a secondstraight night. The Hornets were outscored 55-34 in the second half of a 109-95loss at San Antonio on Sunday.

This time, they took control in the third quarter but were unable to holdon.

After a 4-for-12 start, West hit three straight baskets to finish a 13-1 runthat put New Orleans ahead 65-57 in the third quarter. The Thunder chipped awayand got back within 76-75 when Durant’s two-handed fast-break dunk turned into athree-point play.

West answered with a fadeaway jumper and Paul hit a 3-pointer from the rightcorner to push the Hornets’ lead back to six, but Westbrook took over fromthere.

Oklahoma City sustained an early 10-0 run by Paul and Belinelli and regainedthe lead in the first quarter, then pulled ahead 45-36 when Green and Sefoloshaconnected on 3-pointers from the left wing on consecutive possessions midwaythrough the second quarter.

New Orleans rallied back to tie it at 50 on Belinelli’s jumper from thefree-throw line to start the second half.

NOTES: Oklahoma City’s Serge Ibaka(notes) was set to be ejected when he was calledfor a flagrant foul for hitting Paul with his elbows as he cleared space after arebound with 2:52 left in the third quarter. Officials checked the replay, sawIbaka initially missed Paul as he whirled before bumping him at the end of hisfollow-through, and reduced it to a technical foul. … Former Oklahoma runningback Marcus Dupree sat courtside.

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James scores 30, Wade 26 as Heat win

November 30, 2010

MIAMI (AP)—LeBron James(notes) and Erik Spoelstra had a pregame meeting Mondayafternoon to talk about Miami’s offensive woes.

Early returns suggest it was a productive chat.

James scored 30 points, Dwyane Wade(notes) added 26 and the Heat beat Washington105-94 on Monday night, keeping the Wizards winless away from home this season.

James had 20 of his points in the first half, Wade added 15 in the thirdquarter, and though it didn’t get into a blowout until the fourth quarter—it’sthe fifth time already this season where the Wizards have lost by double digits— it was comfortable for Miami throughout.

Miami Miami Heat head coach Erik Spo… AP – Nov 29, 9:17 pm EST Miami Heat 's LeBron James… AP – Nov 29, 9:14 pm EST Washington Wizards ' Andra… AP – Nov 29, 9:09 pm EST Miami Heat 's LeBron James… AP – Nov 29, 9:04 pm EST Miami Heat 's Dwyane Wade … AP – Nov 29, 9:01 pm EST YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index = 4; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_lazy_images = [http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/ap/03/fullj.2baa226312ca4439792389ef8ca823f7/ap-c5b6ab403cca452fa1a3f4a1b3deaced.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=404&hc=449&q=70&sig=cLLC5Sq_wVze2Y5ygQgv2Q--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/ap/f2/fullj.c010f78ce8815cffa42f36eea37ff087/ap-7e9b8543c4b7405888fc655bdac0508e.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=17&yc=1&wc=409&hc=454&q=70&sig=rSrPems92SLCJyHDmfPfCg--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/ap/3a/fullj.f7fde3d2ea71d6d9b3d4ab8cafbeb2ae/ap-6496b8d0f33e4c18944cca03ecf5ae10.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=5&yc=1&wc=431&hc=479&q=70&sig=ukwUaklXuRLzhBAvLtwcoA--,http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/ap/97/fullj.625607d43f29c068e7ac7670a9ac9520/ap-36e986c8bae0450f9e938e87be17d40b.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=1&yc=1&wc=360&hc=400&q=70&sig=Qoetm_4IXbzipZJz5b3Aug--]; YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(window,load,YAHOO.Sports.articleLazyLoadCarousel.init); 1 of 5 Was-Mia 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 Heat topped 100 points for the first time in their past seven games, andled by as many as 22 on the way to just their second win in their past sixgames.

And for Spoelstra, it was a milestone, his 100th regular-season victory,coming in career game No. 182.

Andray Blatche(notes) scored 26 for Washington, which is 0-8 on the road. GilbertArenas(notes) added 23 for the Wizards, who lost to the Heat for the eighth time in theteams’ past nine meetings.

Nick Young(notes) scored 13 and JaVale McGee(notes) finished with 10 points and 10rebounds for Washington.

The Wizards were without No. 1 draft pick John Wall(notes), who missed his secondstraight game with a bruised right knee, and went largely with a seven-manrotation for much of the night. Washington was also again without Al Thornton(notes)(ankle) and Yi Jianlian(notes) (knee).

Miami’s lead was only 55-49 with 10:31 left in the third quarter, beforeWade—who has been slumping—got his scoring touch back.

He did it in a hurry, too.

Wade scored 15 points in the quarter, matching a Heat season best for anyquarter this season, and needed only 6:17 to get that done. Consecutive jumpers27 seconds apart, both set up by James, got him started, and he went on theattack the rest of the quarter—getting all 11 of his remaining points eitherat the foul line or on driving layups.

His personal spurt ended with 3:17 left in the period, when Wade splitdefenders on a spin move, got fouled, made a layup from the left side and hitthe free throw for a 76-63 lead.

From there, things got chippy.

Washington’s Hilton Armstrong(notes) and Miami’s Juwan Howard(notes) were ejected with32.3 seconds left in the third. Armstrong flagrantly fouled Heat center JoelAnthony(notes) on a layup attempt, pushing him with both hands in what was deemed aflagrant-2 infraction. Howard’s night ended after referee Bill Kennedy saw hehad pushed Armstrong in the back while coming to Anthony’s defense.

The Wizards’ Kirk Hinrich(notes) and Miami’s James Jones(notes) were called for doubletechnicals after getting in each other’s faces with 8:20 left to play, andWashington’s Trevor Booker(notes) was called for a flagrant-1 about 5 minutes later.

James made 6 of his 9 shots in the first half, then started 2 for 7following the break before hitting a 3-pointer with 2:32 remaining for a 103-83lead.

NOTES: Arenas hit a 26-footer at the end of the half, drawing Washingtonwithin 52-44 at the break. … Carlos Arroyo(notes) was trying to give James a messagewhile Wade was shooting free throws in the third quarter, but couldn’timmediately find the two-time MVP—who was having a laugh at midcourt with Heatowner Micky Arison during the stoppage in play. … Marlins owner Jeffrey Loriawas courtside. … Wade was sidelined briefly in the first quarter to gettreatment—for a hangnail.

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Bogut, Delfino, Gooden out for Bucks

November 30, 2010

SALT LAKE CITY (AP)—The Milwaukee Bucks will again be without three keyplayers, as center Andrew Bogut(notes) and small forward Carlos Delfino(notes) did not makethe road trip and power forward Drew Gooden(notes) was ruled out Monday night againstthe Utah Jazz because of a foot injury.

Bucks coach Scott Skiles said forward Corey Maggette(notes) was sick most of theday with flu symptoms but was intending to play.

If so, that leaves the Bucks (6-10) with the same lineup they had in a104-101 home win Saturday against Charlotte.

“It’s more difficult … to get a quality win when you’re short-handed, butwe played pretty well short-handed the other night,” Skiles said.

The Bucks have lost eight straight in Salt Lake City. The Jazz (13-5) are ona five-game win streak.

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James, Spoelstra have pregame meeting

November 30, 2010

MIAMI (AP)—LeBron James(notes) says his shoulder-bump of Erik Spoelstra carried nohidden meaning.

“Incidental contact,” James said.

Regardless, James and Spoelstra met for about 30 minutes before the MiamiHeat hosted the Washington Wizards on Monday night, talking offense and tryingto find more common ground as the relationship between the two-time reigning NBAMVP and the third-year coach continues to grow.

James collided with Spoelstra while walking off the floor for a timeout inDallas on Saturday night, prompting almost immediate—and ongoing—speculationthat it was some sort of sign of disrespect. Spoelstra said he didn’t view itthat way, and James insisted Monday that there was nothing untoward going on atthat moment.

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“I didn’t realize. I don’t think Coach realized it either until theybrought it to our attention,” James said. “Really nothing, honestly.”

There is speculation that their relationship is frosty anyway.

Citing an unnamed source, ESPN.com reported on Monday that Spoelstra toldJames during a recent shootaround practice—which are closed—that he had tobe more serious. The same report also said unnamed sources believe Spoelstra“is panicking because he fears losing his job.”

James said Monday night that when he needs to say something to Spoelstra,“I go to Spo. I don’t need to tell a source or whatever the case may be.”

Spoelstra said he didn’t mind the adversity.

“This is when your relationships get strengthened,” Spoelstra said. “Aslong as it doesn’t break, I call these ‘healthy conflicts.’ I truly believethese are good for a team. As long as you can survive these, it’ll make youstronger. It’ll make your bonds stronger.”

Miami took a 9-8 record into Monday’s game, and players held a 40-minuteteam meeting in Dallas after Saturday’s loss to clear the air. Chris Bosh(notes) saidthe team spent the time deciding “what kind of style we’re going to play.”

“Everybody’s frustrated,” Bosh said.

With good reason.

A team with championship expectations is struggling, and although the Heatknew there would be rocky moments, no one expected this.

“It’s not always going to be good,” Spoelstra said. “I tell thoseplayers, even in July when I meet with them, that I look forward to thesemoments when there is controversy, when there is healthy conflict, when peopleare getting squeezed, there’s more pressure from the outside. I find comfort inthat because I can see the silver lining.”

James said the meeting could prove healthy, and Heat history suggests thesame.

Dwyane Wade(notes) pointed out that Miami had a team meeting after gettingembarrassed at Dallas in February 2006. The Heat came out of that meeting, won15 of their next 16 games, and wound up winning a championship in Dallas fourmonths later.

“We know we’re a better team, but right now, are we going out there andproving it every night? No, we’re not,” James said. “So we’ve got to figureout a way to be the team we know we can be.”

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