The Premier League title race is in full swing now and it will be Chelsea feeling the most pressure at present, with Manchester United and Arsenal hot on their heels.
Carlo Ancelotti's side are out of sorts at present and the situation has been complicated by the African Cup of Nations that begins on January 11.
Training camps are now underway and the Blues will have to manage for around a month without Didier Drogba, Salomen Kalou, Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel. No one can overlook the quality of the likes of John Terry, Frank Lampard and Nicolas Anelka but Chelsea will be heavily weakened over the next four weeks.
Meanwhile, United are all smiles. Sir Alex Ferguson has no African players in his squad and, with his defensive injury crisis improving day by day, the champions are set for a winning run.
Arsenal will be relatively unaffected too. Arsene Wenger will lose only Emmanuel Eboue and Alex Song to the competition, which is being held in Angola.
Everything points towards the next four weeks being absolutely critical in this season's title race and there is no doubt that United and Arsenal look the stronger forces over that period.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
NBA: Nuggets desperate for Billups' return
Everyone knew the Denver Nuggets would struggle without injured point guard Chauncey Billups - but no one expected it to be this much.
Denver have dropped their last three and five of the last six with Billups, who has been sidelined with a troublesome groin injury, managing just a half against Portland during that disastrous stretch. Carmelo Anthony has continued to score big but without Billups' leadership in his role as a reliable second option, the defeats have come in bunches.
Suddenly, the Nuggets' position in the West is far less stable.
The Blazers have closed in on George Karl's team in the Northwest Division and the likes of Phoenix and San Antonio are enjoying improved form. Karl admitted that Denver's three-day break had come at a good time and he is visibly concerned by the losing run.
The Nuggets have had a few days to work on their problems and they return to the court in Utah on January 2 to face another divisional foe.
Billups should be back to full fitness by then and boy do Denver need him right now.
Denver have dropped their last three and five of the last six with Billups, who has been sidelined with a troublesome groin injury, managing just a half against Portland during that disastrous stretch. Carmelo Anthony has continued to score big but without Billups' leadership in his role as a reliable second option, the defeats have come in bunches.
Suddenly, the Nuggets' position in the West is far less stable.
The Blazers have closed in on George Karl's team in the Northwest Division and the likes of Phoenix and San Antonio are enjoying improved form. Karl admitted that Denver's three-day break had come at a good time and he is visibly concerned by the losing run.
The Nuggets have had a few days to work on their problems and they return to the court in Utah on January 2 to face another divisional foe.
Billups should be back to full fitness by then and boy do Denver need him right now.
NFL: Race in the AFC reaching climax
The NFC playoffs spots may be all but decided but the AFC is going right to the wire with a string of teams still fighting to prolong their season.
From the NFC, the New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers have booked the places and only positional seedings are up for grabs in Week 17.
But the final week has major implications in the AFC, where the Indianapolis Colts, San Diego Chargers, New England Patriots and Cincinnati Bengals are all heading for the playoffs. That leaves two spots remaining and a lot of contenders to fill them.
The Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars are all still in the mix, though only the Ravens and Jets have full control of their own destiny.
There are bound to be plenty of twists and turns but by the end of the weekend, all will become clear.
From the NFC, the New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers have booked the places and only positional seedings are up for grabs in Week 17.
But the final week has major implications in the AFC, where the Indianapolis Colts, San Diego Chargers, New England Patriots and Cincinnati Bengals are all heading for the playoffs. That leaves two spots remaining and a lot of contenders to fill them.
The Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars are all still in the mix, though only the Ravens and Jets have full control of their own destiny.
There are bound to be plenty of twists and turns but by the end of the weekend, all will become clear.
Athletics: Bolt continues to set standards
Usain Bolt's 2009 ranked right up there with his outstanding 2008. Smashing his own records in the 100m and 200m at the World Championships in Berlin, the Jamaican brought crowds to their feet with his on-track exploits and all-round personality.
Bolt is almost single-handedly restoring athletics' good name and for that we should all be thankful. See the link below for a look back at Bolt's 2009 success:
http://www.morethanthegames.co.uk/athletics/227878-the-best-of-2009-usain-bolt
Bolt is almost single-handedly restoring athletics' good name and for that we should all be thankful. See the link below for a look back at Bolt's 2009 success:
http://www.morethanthegames.co.uk/athletics/227878-the-best-of-2009-usain-bolt
NBA: Bosh putting up numbers to remember
When Chris Bosh says that math was his favorite subject during his school days, it should come as no surprise. After all, Bosh is all about putting up big numbers.
This season the Raptors power forward, drafted out of Georgia Tech, is averaging almost 24 points and 11 rebounds in roughly 35 minutes a night. Bosh is shooting more than 51% from the field and 78% from the free throw line.
With these kind of numbers, it does not take a genius to work out that Bosh is Toronto's leading light. The Raptors have won five straight and sit sixth in the East with a 16-17 record. If Bosh stays on track alongside Hedo Turkoglu and Andrea Bargnani, they have the perfect formula for reaching the playoffs.
This season the Raptors power forward, drafted out of Georgia Tech, is averaging almost 24 points and 11 rebounds in roughly 35 minutes a night. Bosh is shooting more than 51% from the field and 78% from the free throw line.
With these kind of numbers, it does not take a genius to work out that Bosh is Toronto's leading light. The Raptors have won five straight and sit sixth in the East with a 16-17 record. If Bosh stays on track alongside Hedo Turkoglu and Andrea Bargnani, they have the perfect formula for reaching the playoffs.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Cricket: Cook reaps rewards of powers of concentration
Alastair Cook came out of his batting slump with a timely century in Durban on day three, putting together an innings founded on concentration and character.
Operating largely through the leg side, Cook managed 10 fours in bringing up his tenth Test hundred off 218 balls.
With Paul Collingwood still providing handy support, England have seven wickets in hand and are just over 100 runs behind.
Operating largely through the leg side, Cook managed 10 fours in bringing up his tenth Test hundred off 218 balls.
With Paul Collingwood still providing handy support, England have seven wickets in hand and are just over 100 runs behind.
Cricket: Second Test in the balance
South Africa claimed the vital scalp of Kevin Pietersen before lunch to keep England at bay in the Second Test.
Pietersen was given out lbw to Paul Harris playing across the line for 31, becoming the second wicket to fall on day two after Jonathan Trott was caught behind off Morne Morkel.
Alastair Cook's grit helped him reach fifty and he and Paul Collingwood are currently steering England towards the 200 mark.
Pietersen was given out lbw to Paul Harris playing across the line for 31, becoming the second wicket to fall on day two after Jonathan Trott was caught behind off Morne Morkel.
Alastair Cook's grit helped him reach fifty and he and Paul Collingwood are currently steering England towards the 200 mark.
NBA: Pistons struggling
The return of Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince to the starting line-up was supposed to turn the Detroit Pistons' season around. Instead, they slipped to a seventh-straight loss.
With Ben Gordon also back from injury, there were plenty of reasons to be optimistic about a trip to the inconsistent Toronto Raptors but Chris Bosh paced the home side with 25 points and 16 rebounds on the way to a 102-95 win.
The Pistons now sit at 11-19 and their playoff hopes are fading fast.
With Ben Gordon also back from injury, there were plenty of reasons to be optimistic about a trip to the inconsistent Toronto Raptors but Chris Bosh paced the home side with 25 points and 16 rebounds on the way to a 102-95 win.
The Pistons now sit at 11-19 and their playoff hopes are fading fast.
Soccer: Brilliant Rooney saves sloppy United
Wayne Rooney scored one and made two as Manchester United cranked up the pressure on leaders Chelsea with a 3-1 victory at Hull.
But that scoreline more than flattered the champions, who were careless in possession and clueless in the final third. Rooney, though, saved his team-mates' skin.
United were fortunate not to concede a first half penalty for a Wes Brown challenge but took the lead just before the break when Rooney tapped home Darren Fletcher's inviting low cross.
Just when it looked as though United had gained control, Rooney made his one error of the day. His senseless back pass was picked off by Craig Fagan and Rafael Da Silva fouled Seyi Olofinjana in the box. Fagan slotted the spot kick for 1-1.
Then it was all about Rooney's desire to make amends. With Dimitar Berbatov once more seemingly managing not to break sweat, the England man was on his own up front yet he was everywhere as United chased a winner.
And he got his reward when the champions counter-attacked and Hull left-back Andy Dawson could only turn Rooney's driven cross into his own net.
The former Everton man was not done yet either. With Hull throwing bodies forward in search of a late equaliser, Rooney broke on the left and threaded a beautiful pass through for Berbatov to seal the points.
On this evidence, United have a lot to do if they are to win the title and become the first team to do so after losing five games before Christmas. Rooney's performance papered over a number of cracks and Sir Alex Ferguson has some interesting decisions to make when the January transfer window opens.
But that scoreline more than flattered the champions, who were careless in possession and clueless in the final third. Rooney, though, saved his team-mates' skin.
United were fortunate not to concede a first half penalty for a Wes Brown challenge but took the lead just before the break when Rooney tapped home Darren Fletcher's inviting low cross.
Just when it looked as though United had gained control, Rooney made his one error of the day. His senseless back pass was picked off by Craig Fagan and Rafael Da Silva fouled Seyi Olofinjana in the box. Fagan slotted the spot kick for 1-1.
Then it was all about Rooney's desire to make amends. With Dimitar Berbatov once more seemingly managing not to break sweat, the England man was on his own up front yet he was everywhere as United chased a winner.
And he got his reward when the champions counter-attacked and Hull left-back Andy Dawson could only turn Rooney's driven cross into his own net.
The former Everton man was not done yet either. With Hull throwing bodies forward in search of a late equaliser, Rooney broke on the left and threaded a beautiful pass through for Berbatov to seal the points.
On this evidence, United have a lot to do if they are to win the title and become the first team to do so after losing five games before Christmas. Rooney's performance papered over a number of cracks and Sir Alex Ferguson has some interesting decisions to make when the January transfer window opens.
Friday, December 25, 2009
NBA: Celtics' defense delivers Christmas masterclass
It was Christmas Day but the Boston Celtics handed out no gifts on their visit to Orlando, holding the Magic to 33% shooting and winning 86-77.
Still smarting from a loss to Orlando in Boston earlier in the season, this was a chance for the Celtics (23-5) to make a statement and Doc Rivers' team overcame the absense of Paul Pierce to score an important victory.
Vince Carter was the sole success for the Magic with 27 points but a balanced Boston line-up used a second quarter push to establish an uncatchable lead. Ray Allen had 18 points and Rajon Rondo maintained his hot streak with 17 points, 13 boards and eight assists.
Orlando will be keen to move on quickly from this loss but only really let themselves down in the second quarter, when they were outscored 20-8.
These two teams will see plenty more of each other this year and, though Dwight Howard and company were off-color in this one, both look on track to reach the Conference Finals.
Still smarting from a loss to Orlando in Boston earlier in the season, this was a chance for the Celtics (23-5) to make a statement and Doc Rivers' team overcame the absense of Paul Pierce to score an important victory.
Vince Carter was the sole success for the Magic with 27 points but a balanced Boston line-up used a second quarter push to establish an uncatchable lead. Ray Allen had 18 points and Rajon Rondo maintained his hot streak with 17 points, 13 boards and eight assists.
Orlando will be keen to move on quickly from this loss but only really let themselves down in the second quarter, when they were outscored 20-8.
These two teams will see plenty more of each other this year and, though Dwight Howard and company were off-color in this one, both look on track to reach the Conference Finals.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
NBA: All eyes on Celtics-Magic, Cavs-Lakers
The NBA has served up an almighty feast for Christmas Day with the big guns out in force.
Among the five games set to grip viewers, two stand out as unmissable. First, Kevin Garnett and the Boston Celtics travel to Orlando. The Magic won in Boston earlier in the season and the 2008 champs will be on a revenge mission.
Orlando have Jameer Nelson back from injury but Boston have the more complete line-up and should edge it.
Then the main event follows as LeBron James and Kobe Bryant go head-to-head. The Cavs are putting early struggles behind them and James is on a tear but the Lakers have been top dogs in the West so far.
Kobe, who will also be squaring off against former team-mate Shaquille O'Neal, is getting solid support from Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol and the Lakers should take the honors in this one.
With Denver and Portland contesting the late game, NBA fans are in for an exciting day.
Among the five games set to grip viewers, two stand out as unmissable. First, Kevin Garnett and the Boston Celtics travel to Orlando. The Magic won in Boston earlier in the season and the 2008 champs will be on a revenge mission.
Orlando have Jameer Nelson back from injury but Boston have the more complete line-up and should edge it.
Then the main event follows as LeBron James and Kobe Bryant go head-to-head. The Cavs are putting early struggles behind them and James is on a tear but the Lakers have been top dogs in the West so far.
Kobe, who will also be squaring off against former team-mate Shaquille O'Neal, is getting solid support from Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol and the Lakers should take the honors in this one.
With Denver and Portland contesting the late game, NBA fans are in for an exciting day.
Soccer: McCarthy in the right
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy should be enjoying a more relaxing week as Christmas approaches.
The 2-0 victory over Burnley on Sunday vindicated his decision to field fresh legs - albeit youngsters and fringe players - at Old Trafford three days earlier and made a mockery of some of the criticism of that selection.
Wolves can now prepare for a trip to Liverpool on Boxing Day under rather less scrutiny.
The 2-0 victory over Burnley on Sunday vindicated his decision to field fresh legs - albeit youngsters and fringe players - at Old Trafford three days earlier and made a mockery of some of the criticism of that selection.
Wolves can now prepare for a trip to Liverpool on Boxing Day under rather less scrutiny.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Cricket: Expect England to name unchanged side for Second Test
Despite all the criticism of the balance of England's bowling attack at Centurion, do not expect wholesale changes from Andy Flower and Andrew Strauss.
With Ian Bell and Alastair Cook woefully out of sorts, there have been calls for a rejigging of the batting line-up but there are few options. There are no specialist batters in reserve while Luke Wright is unlikely to be trusted in the all-rounder role.
Therefore, England will presumably keep an unchanged side.
And, while Kevin Pietersen's run out deserved criticism on the final day, it is worth remembering he top-scored with 81 and had 121 runs in the match. Without him, England would have been rolled over before tea.
With Ian Bell and Alastair Cook woefully out of sorts, there have been calls for a rejigging of the batting line-up but there are few options. There are no specialist batters in reserve while Luke Wright is unlikely to be trusted in the all-rounder role.
Therefore, England will presumably keep an unchanged side.
And, while Kevin Pietersen's run out deserved criticism on the final day, it is worth remembering he top-scored with 81 and had 121 runs in the match. Without him, England would have been rolled over before tea.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Soccer: Hammers hold Chelsea
Gianfranco Zola's West Ham put in one of their finest performances of the season to hold leaders Chelsea to a 1-1 draw on Sunday.
Struggling in the bottom three, the Hammers could have been forgiven for dreading the visit of Chelsea but instead Zola's side rose to the challenge.
West Ham went ahead just before half-time through Alessandro Diamanti's penalty and, with Scott Parker in tigerish form in the centre of midfield, the Blues faced an uphill battle.
But former Hammer Frank Lampard kept his cool when things threatened to go pear-shaped for the league leaders. Chelsea won a penalty of their own and Lampard showed nerves of steel to overcome two re-takes and level the scores.
A point was a better result for West Ham than Chelsea but it leaves both teams with plenty still to do to reach their contrasting targets for the season.
Struggling in the bottom three, the Hammers could have been forgiven for dreading the visit of Chelsea but instead Zola's side rose to the challenge.
West Ham went ahead just before half-time through Alessandro Diamanti's penalty and, with Scott Parker in tigerish form in the centre of midfield, the Blues faced an uphill battle.
But former Hammer Frank Lampard kept his cool when things threatened to go pear-shaped for the league leaders. Chelsea won a penalty of their own and Lampard showed nerves of steel to overcome two re-takes and level the scores.
A point was a better result for West Ham than Chelsea but it leaves both teams with plenty still to do to reach their contrasting targets for the season.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Cricket: Amla ton leaves England in a tight spot
Hashim Amla's classy century put South Africa in the driving seat at Centurion, leaving England with a target of 364 to win.
The tourists will view day four as a missed opportunity. After making quick inroads with the dismissals of Graeme Smith, Paul Harris and Jacques Kallis, their victory bid was derailed by Amla (100), AB de Villiers (64) and then wicketkeeper Mark Boucher (63*). Jimmy Anderson led the English attack with four wickets.
Faced with such a daunting target, the last thing England needed was to lose an early wicket. There was time for just six overs before the close but South Africa struck a key blow as Morne Morkel had Andrew Strauss caught behind by Boucher for just 1.
The tourists closed on 11-1 and have an uphill battle on their hands on day five if they are to save the First Test.
The tourists will view day four as a missed opportunity. After making quick inroads with the dismissals of Graeme Smith, Paul Harris and Jacques Kallis, their victory bid was derailed by Amla (100), AB de Villiers (64) and then wicketkeeper Mark Boucher (63*). Jimmy Anderson led the English attack with four wickets.
Faced with such a daunting target, the last thing England needed was to lose an early wicket. There was time for just six overs before the close but South Africa struck a key blow as Morne Morkel had Andrew Strauss caught behind by Boucher for just 1.
The tourists closed on 11-1 and have an uphill battle on their hands on day five if they are to save the First Test.
Soccer: United left to look over their shoulders
Danny Murphy's streak of scoring against Manchester United drove Fulham to a 3-0 win over the champions on Saturday, piling more pressure on Sir Alex Ferguson's side.
Murphy broke the deadlock in the first half before Zoltan Gera and Bobby Zamora secured the points.
And United's misery was intensified by victories for Aston Villa, Tottenham and Arsenal. The Gunners can leapfrog the champions if they win their game in hand while Villa closed to within two points.
As Ferguson contemplates his continuing defensive injury crisis, he will quickly notice that his team's title push is faltering badly. Four away defeats in nine games suggests that he has plenty to consider when the January transfer window opens.
Murphy broke the deadlock in the first half before Zoltan Gera and Bobby Zamora secured the points.
And United's misery was intensified by victories for Aston Villa, Tottenham and Arsenal. The Gunners can leapfrog the champions if they win their game in hand while Villa closed to within two points.
As Ferguson contemplates his continuing defensive injury crisis, he will quickly notice that his team's title push is faltering badly. Four away defeats in nine games suggests that he has plenty to consider when the January transfer window opens.
NBA: Nuggets feeling effects of Billups' absense
Carmelo Anthony is having an MVP-calibre season but playing without Chauncey Billups hurt the Nuggets in New Orleans where the Hornets won 98-92 on Friday.
Without Billups as a second option, Denver struggled when the Hornets trapped Anthony and forced others to make the big plays. JR Smith contributed 25 points but Mr Big Shot's steady hand was sorely missed as he recovers from a groin injury.
With Dallas losing at home to the Rockets, Denver remain in second spot in the West but it is becoming increasingly apparent that the Nuggets can only challenge for a return to Conference Finals if their starters are in peak health.
Kenyon Martin has missed games this season - all of which the Nuggets have lost - and they are 0-1 in the current patch without Billups. Head coach George Karl has already suggested that his veteran leader might well sit against the Grizzlies on Sunday too.
If Billups does miss his second straight game, Denver will need a more composed performance than the one in New Orleans to secure their 20th win of the season.
Without Billups as a second option, Denver struggled when the Hornets trapped Anthony and forced others to make the big plays. JR Smith contributed 25 points but Mr Big Shot's steady hand was sorely missed as he recovers from a groin injury.
With Dallas losing at home to the Rockets, Denver remain in second spot in the West but it is becoming increasingly apparent that the Nuggets can only challenge for a return to Conference Finals if their starters are in peak health.
Kenyon Martin has missed games this season - all of which the Nuggets have lost - and they are 0-1 in the current patch without Billups. Head coach George Karl has already suggested that his veteran leader might well sit against the Grizzlies on Sunday too.
If Billups does miss his second straight game, Denver will need a more composed performance than the one in New Orleans to secure their 20th win of the season.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Soccer: Giggs rewarded with new deal
Things just keep getting better for Ryan Giggs.
The Manchester United midfielder, named BBC Sports Personality of the Year last weekend, is having a superb season for the champions and Sir Alex Ferguson rewarded the veteran wide man with a contract extension to keep the Welshman at Old Trafford until the summer of 2011.
With more than 800 appearances to his name in the United shirt, Giggs has already established himself as one of the club's all-time greats. He is playing so well at present that it is hard to imagine United without him.
The Manchester United midfielder, named BBC Sports Personality of the Year last weekend, is having a superb season for the champions and Sir Alex Ferguson rewarded the veteran wide man with a contract extension to keep the Welshman at Old Trafford until the summer of 2011.
With more than 800 appearances to his name in the United shirt, Giggs has already established himself as one of the club's all-time greats. He is playing so well at present that it is hard to imagine United without him.
Cricket: Swann to the rescue for England
Graeme Swann's inspired 85 dealt England's hopes of victory in the First Test at Centurion a major helping hand. In fact, he saved them from near-certain defeat.
Arriving at the crease with England faltering badly at 221-7, Swann took the fight to the South African bowlers and helped the tourists limit their hosts' first innings lead to just 62.
The Nottinghamshire off-spinner is relishing his big return to the international scene and, having picked up his third five-wicket for England in the first innings, his contribution with the bat was equally vital.
South Africa closed on 9-1 in their second innings - a lead of 71 - and Swann will be called upon again on day three to make the breakthroughs to keep the game in the balance.
Arriving at the crease with England faltering badly at 221-7, Swann took the fight to the South African bowlers and helped the tourists limit their hosts' first innings lead to just 62.
The Nottinghamshire off-spinner is relishing his big return to the international scene and, having picked up his third five-wicket for England in the first innings, his contribution with the bat was equally vital.
South Africa closed on 9-1 in their second innings - a lead of 71 - and Swann will be called upon again on day three to make the breakthroughs to keep the game in the balance.
NBA: The MVP battle
The latest rankings as we approach a spectacular Christmas Day schedule:
1) Kobe Bryant: Somehow, Kobe keeps finding new ways to top his previous heroics. Not content with the buzzer beater that sunk the Heat, the repeated the feat against the Bucks and had 42 points against Chicago. Who knows what he is planning for the next act. The Lakers are showing no flaws and a major reason is the way Kobe has integrated Ron Artest into the setup and brought out the best in Andrew Bynum.
2) Carmelo Anthony: The Nuggets dropped games in Charlotte and Detroit but Melo continued to shine, keeping his spot as the league’s leading scorer in the process. Whether he is in the post, pulling up for jumpers or driving to the hoop, no defender has kept him quiet this year. When Chauncey Billups limped out of the home game with Houston, Anthony took over and had a game-high 38 points.
3) LeBron James: The Cavs have some issues to address but LeBron is papering over the cracks with his stellar play. He is averaging 34 points a night from his past four games and Cleveland are just about keeping the Celtics in sight. James will need to be at his best again this week with clashes against the Mavs and Suns.
4) Dirk Nowitzki: The Mavs are putting together another streak and, barring a below par night against the Hornets, Nowitzki has been red hot. Playing nigh on 39 minutes a night, he is shouldering a lot of the pressure but 27 points and eight boards a night suggests he is handling it pretty well. Dallas have a tough run around the corner and will be relying more than ever on the German’s prolific shooting.
5) Dwight Howard: Eight blocks against the Raptors shows Howard is moving through the gears now, even if Orlando are sliding somewhat of late. He was the only Magic player to excel in Thursday’s humbling loss to the Heat and 18 points plus nearly 13 rebounds a night is a solid return. Those numbers will almost certainly kick on over the next few months.
7) Steve Nash: Losing a tight one to the Blazers was a blow but Nash still chipped in with 16 points and 13 assists. He led by example in important wins over Orlando and San Antonio and is generally so much more comfortable back in the high tempo offense. The key will be to keep that level going through until April and beyond for the playoffs.
8) Dwyane Wade: He might be shooting a career-low percentage from the field but he will not let the Heat slip down into the tight grouping in the East. An inspired 25-point effort against the Magic was the perfect response to Pat Riley’s comments and, considering Miami’s limitations and the output they need from their talisman every night, Wade is doing a fine job.
9) Deron Williams: Williams has definitely stepped his play up another notch over the past week. The 38-point night against the Timberwolves might have been in vain but his savvy ball-handling has kept the Jazz in the mix in the ultra-competitive West. The Williams-Carlos Boozer combination has been productive and the point guard is showing why he is among the league’s elite in that position.
10) Kevin Garnett: It is impossible to run this list without a Celtics player in the top 10. Their current run has been achieved for a batch of reasons – from Rajon Rondo’s continued development, to bench play and a total acceptance of roles at both ends of the floor. But nobody makes Boston tick better than Garnett and his presence this year, especially defensively, has made a massive difference.
1) Kobe Bryant: Somehow, Kobe keeps finding new ways to top his previous heroics. Not content with the buzzer beater that sunk the Heat, the repeated the feat against the Bucks and had 42 points against Chicago. Who knows what he is planning for the next act. The Lakers are showing no flaws and a major reason is the way Kobe has integrated Ron Artest into the setup and brought out the best in Andrew Bynum.
2) Carmelo Anthony: The Nuggets dropped games in Charlotte and Detroit but Melo continued to shine, keeping his spot as the league’s leading scorer in the process. Whether he is in the post, pulling up for jumpers or driving to the hoop, no defender has kept him quiet this year. When Chauncey Billups limped out of the home game with Houston, Anthony took over and had a game-high 38 points.
3) LeBron James: The Cavs have some issues to address but LeBron is papering over the cracks with his stellar play. He is averaging 34 points a night from his past four games and Cleveland are just about keeping the Celtics in sight. James will need to be at his best again this week with clashes against the Mavs and Suns.
4) Dirk Nowitzki: The Mavs are putting together another streak and, barring a below par night against the Hornets, Nowitzki has been red hot. Playing nigh on 39 minutes a night, he is shouldering a lot of the pressure but 27 points and eight boards a night suggests he is handling it pretty well. Dallas have a tough run around the corner and will be relying more than ever on the German’s prolific shooting.
5) Dwight Howard: Eight blocks against the Raptors shows Howard is moving through the gears now, even if Orlando are sliding somewhat of late. He was the only Magic player to excel in Thursday’s humbling loss to the Heat and 18 points plus nearly 13 rebounds a night is a solid return. Those numbers will almost certainly kick on over the next few months.
7) Steve Nash: Losing a tight one to the Blazers was a blow but Nash still chipped in with 16 points and 13 assists. He led by example in important wins over Orlando and San Antonio and is generally so much more comfortable back in the high tempo offense. The key will be to keep that level going through until April and beyond for the playoffs.
8) Dwyane Wade: He might be shooting a career-low percentage from the field but he will not let the Heat slip down into the tight grouping in the East. An inspired 25-point effort against the Magic was the perfect response to Pat Riley’s comments and, considering Miami’s limitations and the output they need from their talisman every night, Wade is doing a fine job.
9) Deron Williams: Williams has definitely stepped his play up another notch over the past week. The 38-point night against the Timberwolves might have been in vain but his savvy ball-handling has kept the Jazz in the mix in the ultra-competitive West. The Williams-Carlos Boozer combination has been productive and the point guard is showing why he is among the league’s elite in that position.
10) Kevin Garnett: It is impossible to run this list without a Celtics player in the top 10. Their current run has been achieved for a batch of reasons – from Rajon Rondo’s continued development, to bench play and a total acceptance of roles at both ends of the floor. But nobody makes Boston tick better than Garnett and his presence this year, especially defensively, has made a massive difference.
Soccer: Beckham wish granted, Mourinho returning to the Bridge
David Beckham got his wish as AC Milan drew Manchester United on Friday in the Champions League second round.
Beckham, who is set to join the Italian giants on loan in January, had pleaded for a chance to return to Old Trafford and face United, with whom he made his name. And the balls fell in his favour.
The two clubs met at the same stage in 2005, with Milan winning the two-legged tie 2-0. Paolo Maldini and company also eliminated Sir Alex Ferguson's side in the 2007 semi-finals with a 5-3 aggregate victory.
Meanwhile, Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho will return to former club Chelsea in another mouth-watering clash. Mourinho won two league titles in England and turned the Blues into a powerhouse but Inter will enter the tie as underdogs.
And Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is, of course, no stranger to Inter after spending a successful stint as AC Milan boss.
United and Chelsea will have been eager to avoid the Italian giants, who represented two of the toughest challenges among the group runners-up. The news from Nyon poses early tests for England's top two contenders.
There was better news for Arsenal who will face FC Porto and will be favourites to progress.
Other ties will see Real Madrid play Lyon, Olympiakos take on Bordeaux and Bayern Munich square off against Fiorentina.
Barcelona against Stuttgart and CSKA Moscow facing Sevilla completes the draw.
Beckham, who is set to join the Italian giants on loan in January, had pleaded for a chance to return to Old Trafford and face United, with whom he made his name. And the balls fell in his favour.
The two clubs met at the same stage in 2005, with Milan winning the two-legged tie 2-0. Paolo Maldini and company also eliminated Sir Alex Ferguson's side in the 2007 semi-finals with a 5-3 aggregate victory.
Meanwhile, Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho will return to former club Chelsea in another mouth-watering clash. Mourinho won two league titles in England and turned the Blues into a powerhouse but Inter will enter the tie as underdogs.
And Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is, of course, no stranger to Inter after spending a successful stint as AC Milan boss.
United and Chelsea will have been eager to avoid the Italian giants, who represented two of the toughest challenges among the group runners-up. The news from Nyon poses early tests for England's top two contenders.
There was better news for Arsenal who will face FC Porto and will be favourites to progress.
Other ties will see Real Madrid play Lyon, Olympiakos take on Bordeaux and Bayern Munich square off against Fiorentina.
Barcelona against Stuttgart and CSKA Moscow facing Sevilla completes the draw.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
NBA: Nuggets left to sweat on Billups injury
A Carmelo Anthony-inspired Denver Nuggets battled to a 111-101 victory over the Houston Rockets but an injury to point guard Chauncey Billups put a dampener on the celebrations.
Billups, who had 15 first half points, limped from the court early in the third quarter after failing to shake off a groin injury and is now questionable for the Nuggets' trip to New Orleans on Friday.
In his absense, Anthony tormented the Rockets, finishing with 38 points and pushing the team to an impressive 19-7 record.
Chances are George Karl will take no chances with Billups' health. The Denver head coach hinted that his veteran leader might need to sit out for a couple of games and, with the Nuggets sitting pretty at the top of the Northwest Division, the former Finals MVP can afford to fully recover before returning to the action.
Nonetheless, the anxious faces in Denver as Billups headed to the locker room were a reminder of his huge importance to the Nuggets' Finals quest.
Billups, who had 15 first half points, limped from the court early in the third quarter after failing to shake off a groin injury and is now questionable for the Nuggets' trip to New Orleans on Friday.
In his absense, Anthony tormented the Rockets, finishing with 38 points and pushing the team to an impressive 19-7 record.
Chances are George Karl will take no chances with Billups' health. The Denver head coach hinted that his veteran leader might need to sit out for a couple of games and, with the Nuggets sitting pretty at the top of the Northwest Division, the former Finals MVP can afford to fully recover before returning to the action.
Nonetheless, the anxious faces in Denver as Billups headed to the locker room were a reminder of his huge importance to the Nuggets' Finals quest.
NFL: Weekend preview
A lookahead to Week 15:
Dallas @ New Orleans: Can the Cowboys end the Saints' streak? Much will depend on the Dallas defense and how effectively they can limit Drew Brees and the balanced New Orleans offense. The Cowboys have lost two straight and now trail the Eagles in the NFC East, putting their playoff hopes in serious jeopardy. The Saints, already confirmed as division winners, have shown a few flaws in recent escapes against the Redskins and Falcons but home support should be enough to continue Dallas' December woes. Expect the streak to hit 14.
Miami @ Tennessee: Both teams remain in the playoff hunt, making this a critical clash. If the playoffs began today neither side would make the cut but the Titans are bringing a lot of momentum to the final weeks of the season. Meanwhile, the Dolphins bagged a big win over the Patriots and are within striking distance at 7-6. The running back battle could decide this one, though. Ricky Williams has shown he can still do a job for Miami at age 32 but Tennessee's Chris Johnson has rushed for over 100 yards in each of the last eight games and his explosive speed should give the Titans the edge.
Cincinnati @ San Diego: The Bengals have been rocked by the tragic death of receiver Chris Henry and could be forgiven for not being at their best in this one. The Chargers are rolling towards the playoffs with an eight-game winning run and Philip Rivers has been untouchable in recent weeks. It is hard to believe that San Diego were ever 2-3. Cincinnati have weapons of their own but are faltering at the worst possible time and the Chargers should be too strong, even if Chad Ochocinco has a big game.
Dallas @ New Orleans: Can the Cowboys end the Saints' streak? Much will depend on the Dallas defense and how effectively they can limit Drew Brees and the balanced New Orleans offense. The Cowboys have lost two straight and now trail the Eagles in the NFC East, putting their playoff hopes in serious jeopardy. The Saints, already confirmed as division winners, have shown a few flaws in recent escapes against the Redskins and Falcons but home support should be enough to continue Dallas' December woes. Expect the streak to hit 14.
Miami @ Tennessee: Both teams remain in the playoff hunt, making this a critical clash. If the playoffs began today neither side would make the cut but the Titans are bringing a lot of momentum to the final weeks of the season. Meanwhile, the Dolphins bagged a big win over the Patriots and are within striking distance at 7-6. The running back battle could decide this one, though. Ricky Williams has shown he can still do a job for Miami at age 32 but Tennessee's Chris Johnson has rushed for over 100 yards in each of the last eight games and his explosive speed should give the Titans the edge.
Cincinnati @ San Diego: The Bengals have been rocked by the tragic death of receiver Chris Henry and could be forgiven for not being at their best in this one. The Chargers are rolling towards the playoffs with an eight-game winning run and Philip Rivers has been untouchable in recent weeks. It is hard to believe that San Diego were ever 2-3. Cincinnati have weapons of their own but are faltering at the worst possible time and the Chargers should be too strong, even if Chad Ochocinco has a big game.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
NBA: The team tracker #4
The latest rankings:
1) Boston Celtics: With 11 straight wins, the Celtics are looking dominant and ready to represent the East come June. Contributions are coming from all over, as shown by the 110-105 victory over Memphis on Monday. Six players scored in double figures yet no one had more than 19 (Paul Pierce). This kind of teamwork makes Boston extremely tough to beat and Rajon Rondo is hitting top form. There is nothing much to worry about now on the road to a Christmas Day clash with the Magic.
2) LA Lakers: Kobe's Lakers finally dropped a game - in Utah - but there is little to fault when they have won nine of their last ten and have a two-game lead in the West. Bryant continues to lead the way, saving the Lakers in Chicago with a 42-point explosion and defying a broken finger in the process. With that kind of play, what is not to like? Trips to New Jersey and Detroit await them this week.
3) Orlando Magic: Dropping two straight for the first time this season has not knocked the Magic too much. After all, trips to Utah and Phoenix are hardly easy. Vince Carter continues to look a tidy bit of business and the bench is as good as anything in the league. Games with Miami and Portland will challenge Orlando this week.
4) Denver Nuggets: Things have not quite clicked but it is hard to grumble about a 18-7 start. Defensively, George Karl wants improvement but a gutsy win at home to Phoenix and a more comfortable one over the Thunder made it a decent week for Denver. The trip to New Orleans on Friday will test the Nuggets' rocky road form.
5) Atlanta Hawks: They have recovered well from a mini slump and have clawed back to level pegging with the Magic. A four-game winning streak and some inspired play from Joe Johnson has the Hawks soaring again. And they believe they can make it a 'big four' in the East. The visit of Utah will test the Hawks' defense before a trip to the struggling Bulls.
6) Dallas Mavericks: The win over the Hornets shows they can still win when Dirk Nowitzki has an off night and that is a great sign for Rick Carlisle. They have won their last four and have the luxury of easing Josh Howard back into the rotation. A December 27 clash with the Nuggets is an eye-catching fixture but first the Mavs must take care of the Thunder, Rockets and Cavs this week, which will be no easy feat.
7) Cleveland Cavaliers: They have won their last three but there are still areas for improvement - not that you would know it from the way LeBron James is playing. An 8-5 road record is the problem, especially when the Celtics have gone 12-1 on their travels this season. They could close in on the East's top three this week with games against the Sixers, Bucks and Mavs.
8) Utah Jazz: Two losses to Minnesota? Really? Deron Williams' 38-point effort was in vain as the Jazz dropped a shocker at home. And it is that inconsistency that must worry Jerry Sloan. At 14-10 they are in the thick of the playoff race but a road record of 3-6 is not good enough. They can make amends this week with trips to New Jersey, Atlanta, Charlotte and Orlando.
9) Phoenix Suns: Big wins over Orlando and San Antonio have got the Suns believing again - and they could have had another in Denver on Friday. The Nash-Stoudemire combination is wreaking havoc and they are hot on the heels of the Nuggets and Mavs. There is no let up, though, with the Blazers, Wizards and Cavs on the schedule this week.
10) Houston Rockets: Their solid progress is one of the great stories so far this season. Written off after injuries to Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady and the exit of Ron Artest, the Rockets have a 14-10 record and are in the playoff mix. Aaron Brooks is developing into a classy point guard and Carl Landry is on a roll off the bench but most of all it is teamwork that is carrying Houston. They will be tested in Denver and Dallas this week.
1) Boston Celtics: With 11 straight wins, the Celtics are looking dominant and ready to represent the East come June. Contributions are coming from all over, as shown by the 110-105 victory over Memphis on Monday. Six players scored in double figures yet no one had more than 19 (Paul Pierce). This kind of teamwork makes Boston extremely tough to beat and Rajon Rondo is hitting top form. There is nothing much to worry about now on the road to a Christmas Day clash with the Magic.
2) LA Lakers: Kobe's Lakers finally dropped a game - in Utah - but there is little to fault when they have won nine of their last ten and have a two-game lead in the West. Bryant continues to lead the way, saving the Lakers in Chicago with a 42-point explosion and defying a broken finger in the process. With that kind of play, what is not to like? Trips to New Jersey and Detroit await them this week.
3) Orlando Magic: Dropping two straight for the first time this season has not knocked the Magic too much. After all, trips to Utah and Phoenix are hardly easy. Vince Carter continues to look a tidy bit of business and the bench is as good as anything in the league. Games with Miami and Portland will challenge Orlando this week.
4) Denver Nuggets: Things have not quite clicked but it is hard to grumble about a 18-7 start. Defensively, George Karl wants improvement but a gutsy win at home to Phoenix and a more comfortable one over the Thunder made it a decent week for Denver. The trip to New Orleans on Friday will test the Nuggets' rocky road form.
5) Atlanta Hawks: They have recovered well from a mini slump and have clawed back to level pegging with the Magic. A four-game winning streak and some inspired play from Joe Johnson has the Hawks soaring again. And they believe they can make it a 'big four' in the East. The visit of Utah will test the Hawks' defense before a trip to the struggling Bulls.
6) Dallas Mavericks: The win over the Hornets shows they can still win when Dirk Nowitzki has an off night and that is a great sign for Rick Carlisle. They have won their last four and have the luxury of easing Josh Howard back into the rotation. A December 27 clash with the Nuggets is an eye-catching fixture but first the Mavs must take care of the Thunder, Rockets and Cavs this week, which will be no easy feat.
7) Cleveland Cavaliers: They have won their last three but there are still areas for improvement - not that you would know it from the way LeBron James is playing. An 8-5 road record is the problem, especially when the Celtics have gone 12-1 on their travels this season. They could close in on the East's top three this week with games against the Sixers, Bucks and Mavs.
8) Utah Jazz: Two losses to Minnesota? Really? Deron Williams' 38-point effort was in vain as the Jazz dropped a shocker at home. And it is that inconsistency that must worry Jerry Sloan. At 14-10 they are in the thick of the playoff race but a road record of 3-6 is not good enough. They can make amends this week with trips to New Jersey, Atlanta, Charlotte and Orlando.
9) Phoenix Suns: Big wins over Orlando and San Antonio have got the Suns believing again - and they could have had another in Denver on Friday. The Nash-Stoudemire combination is wreaking havoc and they are hot on the heels of the Nuggets and Mavs. There is no let up, though, with the Blazers, Wizards and Cavs on the schedule this week.
10) Houston Rockets: Their solid progress is one of the great stories so far this season. Written off after injuries to Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady and the exit of Ron Artest, the Rockets have a 14-10 record and are in the playoff mix. Aaron Brooks is developing into a classy point guard and Carl Landry is on a roll off the bench but most of all it is teamwork that is carrying Houston. They will be tested in Denver and Dallas this week.
Cricket: Kallis ton keeps England on back foot
Jacques Kallis scored a masterful unbeaten century as South Africa closed on 262-4 against England on day one of the First Test at Centurion.
Andrew Strauss' decision to field first looked promising when Stuart Broad removed South African captain Graeme Smith for a duck and the hosts were still stuttering at 93-3, despite Ashwell Prince's 45.
But Kallis pulled South Africa back into the game, ably supported by AB de Villiers (32) and then JP Duminy (38*). He finished on 112 not out - his sixth hundred against England - and his unbroken 103-run partnership with Duminy leaves the tourists in need of early wickets on day two.
Graeme Swann bowled manfully to take 2-61 from 24 overs but England will need more from Broad and Jimmy Anderson if they are to hit back and get into the South African tail.
Andrew Strauss' decision to field first looked promising when Stuart Broad removed South African captain Graeme Smith for a duck and the hosts were still stuttering at 93-3, despite Ashwell Prince's 45.
But Kallis pulled South Africa back into the game, ably supported by AB de Villiers (32) and then JP Duminy (38*). He finished on 112 not out - his sixth hundred against England - and his unbroken 103-run partnership with Duminy leaves the tourists in need of early wickets on day two.
Graeme Swann bowled manfully to take 2-61 from 24 overs but England will need more from Broad and Jimmy Anderson if they are to hit back and get into the South African tail.
Soccer: Birmingham continue fine run
Birmingham were tipped as relegation candidates by some pundits this season while others predicted a mid-table finish for Alex McLeish's side. But few expected the Blues to be knocking on the door of European places.
And that just goes to show how far hard graft can take you. Five straight Premier League wins - the latest a 2-1 victory at home to Blackburn with Cameron Jerome scoring twice - have moved Birmingham into the top six and they are muscling their way ahead of Liverpool and Manchester City.
After the Blackburn game, McLeish told the media: "I am proud of the players and the fans should be too. They have shown a fantastic appetite and from where we started this season, we have proved a lot of people wrong."
Birmingham have shown they are no pushovers. If Liverpool and City do not correct their inconsistency soon, McLeish's upstarts might just leave them trailing.
And that just goes to show how far hard graft can take you. Five straight Premier League wins - the latest a 2-1 victory at home to Blackburn with Cameron Jerome scoring twice - have moved Birmingham into the top six and they are muscling their way ahead of Liverpool and Manchester City.
After the Blackburn game, McLeish told the media: "I am proud of the players and the fans should be too. They have shown a fantastic appetite and from where we started this season, we have proved a lot of people wrong."
Birmingham have shown they are no pushovers. If Liverpool and City do not correct their inconsistency soon, McLeish's upstarts might just leave them trailing.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
NBA: Nuggets and Mavs roll on, Jazz stutter again against Timberwolves
Denver and Dallas continue to slug it out in the battle to be the West's second best team and both earned solid wins on Monday night.
Carmelo Anthony outdueled Oklahoma Thunder's Kevin Durant as the Nuggets moved to 18-7 with a 103-92 victory. Anthony had 31 points on 12-22 shooting while Durant managed 32, going 9-20 from the floor. Denver blew the game wide open in the second quarter, took a 15-point advantage to the locker room at half-time and never looked back.
Meanwhile, the Mavs had to scrap to hold off the New Orleans Hornets to win 94-90 in Dallas. Chris Paul led the Hornets with 20 points and 16 assists but a big night from JJ Barea, who had 23 points on 10-13 shooting, helped the Mavs overcome a quiet night from Dirk Nowitzki. The big German had just 10 points.
But things did not go so swimmingly in Utah where the Jazz wasted a monster night from Deron Williams, falling to a 110-108 loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Williams poured in 38 points to go with 13 helpers but it was T'Wolves rookie point guard Jonny Flynn who had the final say, scoring the game-winning layup to cap a 28-point career night. It was the Jazz's second loss to Minnesota this season.
Carmelo Anthony outdueled Oklahoma Thunder's Kevin Durant as the Nuggets moved to 18-7 with a 103-92 victory. Anthony had 31 points on 12-22 shooting while Durant managed 32, going 9-20 from the floor. Denver blew the game wide open in the second quarter, took a 15-point advantage to the locker room at half-time and never looked back.
Meanwhile, the Mavs had to scrap to hold off the New Orleans Hornets to win 94-90 in Dallas. Chris Paul led the Hornets with 20 points and 16 assists but a big night from JJ Barea, who had 23 points on 10-13 shooting, helped the Mavs overcome a quiet night from Dirk Nowitzki. The big German had just 10 points.
But things did not go so swimmingly in Utah where the Jazz wasted a monster night from Deron Williams, falling to a 110-108 loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Williams poured in 38 points to go with 13 helpers but it was T'Wolves rookie point guard Jonny Flynn who had the final say, scoring the game-winning layup to cap a 28-point career night. It was the Jazz's second loss to Minnesota this season.
Soccer: Midweek fixtures bring start of hectic period but schedule is smiling on big guns
With the Champions League on the backburner and the domestic cup competitions on hold til the New Year, all eyes will be on the Premier League over the next fortnight.
And the busy league fixture list kicks off on Tuesday night with four games, including red hot Aston Villa travelling to Sunderland and Manchester United hosting Wolves. Wednesday's action features Chelsea at home to Portsmouth and a pumped up Arsenal heading to Burnley. Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has promised a top four spot and that quest continues at home to Wigan.
There might be five months of the season to go but the Christmas period is so often telling in the title race and this year will be no different.
It must be said, though, that Chelsea, United and Arsenal have been handed favorable schedules for the hectic fortnight. After hosting Pompey, the Blues travel to West Ham and Birmingham then play Fulham at Stamford Bridge.
United have it easier still. Following the Wolves game, Sir Alex Ferguson's men go to Fulham and Hull then host Wigan. And Arsene Wenger will be smiling too. After travelling to Burnley, the Gunners host Hull and Villa before a visit to the South Coast to face Portsmouth.
As for Liverpool, even Benitez might be cheered to see Portsmouth and Wolves on his team's upcoming schedule.
All this means that dropped points will be more costly than ever. It is very possible that two or three of the so-called "Big Four" will dance through the Christmas period with maximum points and so the push for perfection is about to hot up.
And the busy league fixture list kicks off on Tuesday night with four games, including red hot Aston Villa travelling to Sunderland and Manchester United hosting Wolves. Wednesday's action features Chelsea at home to Portsmouth and a pumped up Arsenal heading to Burnley. Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has promised a top four spot and that quest continues at home to Wigan.
There might be five months of the season to go but the Christmas period is so often telling in the title race and this year will be no different.
It must be said, though, that Chelsea, United and Arsenal have been handed favorable schedules for the hectic fortnight. After hosting Pompey, the Blues travel to West Ham and Birmingham then play Fulham at Stamford Bridge.
United have it easier still. Following the Wolves game, Sir Alex Ferguson's men go to Fulham and Hull then host Wigan. And Arsene Wenger will be smiling too. After travelling to Burnley, the Gunners host Hull and Villa before a visit to the South Coast to face Portsmouth.
As for Liverpool, even Benitez might be cheered to see Portsmouth and Wolves on his team's upcoming schedule.
All this means that dropped points will be more costly than ever. It is very possible that two or three of the so-called "Big Four" will dance through the Christmas period with maximum points and so the push for perfection is about to hot up.
Monday, December 14, 2009
NBA: Knicks defying expectations
All the signs pointed to the 2009/10 NBA season being a miserable one for the New York Knicks. With all the talk about the 2010 free agent crop and the possibility of tempting LeBron James to New York, it seemed as though everyone in the Big Apple was just waiting for next year.
And the Knicks did little to make people think otherwise with their early season play, falling to 1-9.
But there has been a mini revival of late with Mike D'Antoni's team winning their last four and five of the previous six. The current streak has hauled the Knicks to 8-15 and a playoff spot suddenly seems an achievable target.
And with upcoming games against Charlotte, Chicago and the Los Angeles Clippers, the Knicks could improve on that record too.
If they keep up their recent form, they might just surprise a few people this year and head into a potentially-monstrous summer on a high.
And the Knicks did little to make people think otherwise with their early season play, falling to 1-9.
But there has been a mini revival of late with Mike D'Antoni's team winning their last four and five of the previous six. The current streak has hauled the Knicks to 8-15 and a playoff spot suddenly seems an achievable target.
And with upcoming games against Charlotte, Chicago and the Los Angeles Clippers, the Knicks could improve on that record too.
If they keep up their recent form, they might just surprise a few people this year and head into a potentially-monstrous summer on a high.
Soccer: Giggs honored by the BBC
Manchester United's Ryan Giggs won the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year award on Sunday night, adding another deserved prize to his overflowing trophy cabinet.
The midfielder, who turned 36 in late November, has been a revelation for the champions over the past two seasons and, despite younger faces arriving at Old Trafford, Giggs remains a lynchpin, rolling back the years.
The Welshman has won a staggering 11 Premier League titles with United to go with two Champions League successes and a string of other winners' medals. And, with the midfielder defying his age, manager Sir Alex Ferguson appears keen to extend the veteran's contract for another year.
Without a doubt, 2009 has been a special year for Giggs, who picked up the PFA Player of the Year award, made his 800th appearance for the club and scored his 150th goal.
In his speech, Giggs admitted: "I am playing for the greatest manager that has ever lived and I'm playing for the greatest club. Perhaps I've become more appreciated as I have got older.
"It's unusual for a 36-year-old to be playing with a team like Manchester United for 20 years but I am enjoying it and long may it continue."
Formula 1 champion Jenson Button finished second in the voting while heptathlete Jessica Ennis, who won gold in Berlin this summer, was third.
The midfielder, who turned 36 in late November, has been a revelation for the champions over the past two seasons and, despite younger faces arriving at Old Trafford, Giggs remains a lynchpin, rolling back the years.
The Welshman has won a staggering 11 Premier League titles with United to go with two Champions League successes and a string of other winners' medals. And, with the midfielder defying his age, manager Sir Alex Ferguson appears keen to extend the veteran's contract for another year.
Without a doubt, 2009 has been a special year for Giggs, who picked up the PFA Player of the Year award, made his 800th appearance for the club and scored his 150th goal.
In his speech, Giggs admitted: "I am playing for the greatest manager that has ever lived and I'm playing for the greatest club. Perhaps I've become more appreciated as I have got older.
"It's unusual for a 36-year-old to be playing with a team like Manchester United for 20 years but I am enjoying it and long may it continue."
Formula 1 champion Jenson Button finished second in the voting while heptathlete Jessica Ennis, who won gold in Berlin this summer, was third.
NFL: Vikings too strong for Bengals
With all the focus on the Colts and Saints securing 13-0 records, the Minnesota Vikings' 30-10 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday probably did not get the headlines it deserved.
The Bengals arrived in Minnesota with one of the best records in the league and high hopes of handing the Vikings a third loss of the season. Instead, Adrian Peterson had a field day, running for 97 yards and two touchdowns, and the home side clinched a playoff spot.
Cincinnati's Chad Ochocinco was limited to one touchdown and just 27 yards and, despite getting 96 yards from running back Cedric Benson, the Bengals never threatened.
Vikings QB Brett Favre did not have his most productive afternoon but the Vikings defense and Peterson ensured it did not matter as Minnesota moved to 11-2. One more win - or a Green Bay loss - and the Vikings will secure the AFC North.
The Bengals arrived in Minnesota with one of the best records in the league and high hopes of handing the Vikings a third loss of the season. Instead, Adrian Peterson had a field day, running for 97 yards and two touchdowns, and the home side clinched a playoff spot.
Cincinnati's Chad Ochocinco was limited to one touchdown and just 27 yards and, despite getting 96 yards from running back Cedric Benson, the Bengals never threatened.
Vikings QB Brett Favre did not have his most productive afternoon but the Vikings defense and Peterson ensured it did not matter as Minnesota moved to 11-2. One more win - or a Green Bay loss - and the Vikings will secure the AFC North.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Soccer: Capello with decisions to make on midfield back ups
The World Cup is drawing ever closer - and that means international managers around the globe must start making tough decisions for their final squads.
England boss Fabio Capello is one of many managers who still have decisions to make and choosing which midfielders to take to South Africa will not be easy.
Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry seem to have secured the central midfield berths while the on-going saga surrounding the notion that Lampard and Steven Gerrard cannot play together centrally has prompted Capello to use Gerrard on the left. The trio of Lampard, Barry and Gerrard have all done enough to clinch starting roles when England begin their World Cup bid on June 12 against the USA.
The right wing remains somewhat unresolved, however. Capello has a number of options with Tottenham’s Aaron Lennon looking to be the man in possession as he holds off Theo Walcott and David Beckham. All three should make the final 23.
But things get trickier from here onwards. The Italian only really needs one reserve for the centre of midfield as he has Gerrard who could tuck inside if required. Michael Carrick seems to be the favourite but Shaun Wright-Phillips and Jermaine Jenas will be aiming to make a late push.
Owen Hargreaves is the biggest question mark. If he can recover from his string of injuries, he should make the trip. Hargreaves is England's best defensive midfielder and adds versatility in being capable of filling in at right back and right midfield. Time is running out, though, for him to convince Capello that he is free from the knee problems that have plagued him since mid 2008.
Another alternative for the left flank is also critical. Barry has a cultured left foot and could slide across but Capello will surely consider Joe Cole and the Aston Villa pair of Ashley Young and James Milner. All three are comfortable on the ball and can deliver a good cross from wide positions.
All this leaves Capello with food for thought but the signs point to an eight-man midfield group of Barry, Lampard, Gerrard, Lennon, Walcott, Beckham, Carrick and, albeit debatably, Milner heading to South Africa next summer to chase World Cup glory.
England boss Fabio Capello is one of many managers who still have decisions to make and choosing which midfielders to take to South Africa will not be easy.
Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry seem to have secured the central midfield berths while the on-going saga surrounding the notion that Lampard and Steven Gerrard cannot play together centrally has prompted Capello to use Gerrard on the left. The trio of Lampard, Barry and Gerrard have all done enough to clinch starting roles when England begin their World Cup bid on June 12 against the USA.
The right wing remains somewhat unresolved, however. Capello has a number of options with Tottenham’s Aaron Lennon looking to be the man in possession as he holds off Theo Walcott and David Beckham. All three should make the final 23.
But things get trickier from here onwards. The Italian only really needs one reserve for the centre of midfield as he has Gerrard who could tuck inside if required. Michael Carrick seems to be the favourite but Shaun Wright-Phillips and Jermaine Jenas will be aiming to make a late push.
Owen Hargreaves is the biggest question mark. If he can recover from his string of injuries, he should make the trip. Hargreaves is England's best defensive midfielder and adds versatility in being capable of filling in at right back and right midfield. Time is running out, though, for him to convince Capello that he is free from the knee problems that have plagued him since mid 2008.
Another alternative for the left flank is also critical. Barry has a cultured left foot and could slide across but Capello will surely consider Joe Cole and the Aston Villa pair of Ashley Young and James Milner. All three are comfortable on the ball and can deliver a good cross from wide positions.
All this leaves Capello with food for thought but the signs point to an eight-man midfield group of Barry, Lampard, Gerrard, Lennon, Walcott, Beckham, Carrick and, albeit debatably, Milner heading to South Africa next summer to chase World Cup glory.
Soccer: Alonso glimpses void he left at Anfield
Xabi Alonso had plenty to ponder as he watched his former team Liverpool slip deeper into trouble with a 2-1 defeat at home to Arsenal.
The Reds' season is lurching from one disaster to the next while Alonso, who left Anfield for Real Madrid in the summer in a £32million move, is on the up in Spain. Real are chasing the title and have reached the second round of the Champions League.
As the midfielder took in the loss, he will surely have noted how pedestrian Liverpool have become in the centre of the park since he left for Madrid. The tempo is too slow and opponents are able to get men behind the ball, thwarting the threat of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard.
Reds boss Rafael Benitez is fighting for his job and might just look back on the sale of Alonso as the moment when things took a turn for the worse.
The Reds' season is lurching from one disaster to the next while Alonso, who left Anfield for Real Madrid in the summer in a £32million move, is on the up in Spain. Real are chasing the title and have reached the second round of the Champions League.
As the midfielder took in the loss, he will surely have noted how pedestrian Liverpool have become in the centre of the park since he left for Madrid. The tempo is too slow and opponents are able to get men behind the ball, thwarting the threat of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard.
Reds boss Rafael Benitez is fighting for his job and might just look back on the sale of Alonso as the moment when things took a turn for the worse.
NBA: Lakers' run snapped, Suns fade late
Deron Williams' Utah Jazz ended the LA Lakers' winning run at 10 games with a 102-94 home victory on Saturday night.
Fresh from a resilient comeback win over Orlando the previous night, the Jazz (14-9) took control in the second quarter and then held the Lakers to just 41 second half points.
There was an element of payback too after the Jazz were humbled 101-77 in LA on Wednesday - and Williams led the way with 21 points. Utah had five other players in double figures and shot 52% from the field.
Just as crucially, Kobe Bryant was held to 16 points on 7-24 shooting as the Lakers slipped to 18-4 for the year but 3-2 on the road.
Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets recovered from a shaky first half to score a key 105-99 win over the Phoenix Suns.
Despite trailing by 17 with eight minutes to go in the third quarter, the Nuggets (17-7) bounced back largely thanks to Chauncey Billups. The point guard hit 17 second half points, including five 3s, to finish with 24 to go with Carmelo Anthony's 32-point haul.
Steve Nash paced the Suns (16-8) once again with 28 but was left frustrated that there was no whistle on a late drive, allowing Denver to escape with the W.
Fresh from a resilient comeback win over Orlando the previous night, the Jazz (14-9) took control in the second quarter and then held the Lakers to just 41 second half points.
There was an element of payback too after the Jazz were humbled 101-77 in LA on Wednesday - and Williams led the way with 21 points. Utah had five other players in double figures and shot 52% from the field.
Just as crucially, Kobe Bryant was held to 16 points on 7-24 shooting as the Lakers slipped to 18-4 for the year but 3-2 on the road.
Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets recovered from a shaky first half to score a key 105-99 win over the Phoenix Suns.
Despite trailing by 17 with eight minutes to go in the third quarter, the Nuggets (17-7) bounced back largely thanks to Chauncey Billups. The point guard hit 17 second half points, including five 3s, to finish with 24 to go with Carmelo Anthony's 32-point haul.
Steve Nash paced the Suns (16-8) once again with 28 but was left frustrated that there was no whistle on a late drive, allowing Denver to escape with the W.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Soccer: United miss chance to close in on Chelsea
It was a day of shocks in the Premier League as only two of the top 10 managed a victory, leaving Chelsea three points clear at the summit.
The Blues stumbled to a 3-3 draw at home to Everton, relying on two-goal Didier Drogba but falling foul of sloppy defending. Their blushes were spared, though, by Manchester United's surprise 1-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa, with Gabriel Agbonlahor bagging the decisive goal.
Tottenham were another club on the receiving end as lowly Wolves defied the form book and won 1-0 at White Hart Lane.
The Blues stumbled to a 3-3 draw at home to Everton, relying on two-goal Didier Drogba but falling foul of sloppy defending. Their blushes were spared, though, by Manchester United's surprise 1-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa, with Gabriel Agbonlahor bagging the decisive goal.
Tottenham were another club on the receiving end as lowly Wolves defied the form book and won 1-0 at White Hart Lane.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Soccer: Benitez facing huge test
Rafael Benitez needs a win on Sunday like never before - but Arsene Wenger's Gunners stand in his way.
Liverpool are fading fast and Benitez's job - and the club's hopes for a Champions League spot - are hanging in the balance. So the visit of free-scoring Arsenal is the last thing they need.
With Robin van Persie out injured, the Gunners have taken a few steps backwards but they remain a hugely talented group and Benitez needs a big performance from captain Steven Gerrard to buy him a bit of breathing space.
Unfortunately for the Reds boss, the smart money is on Arsenal to take all three points at Anfield.
Liverpool are fading fast and Benitez's job - and the club's hopes for a Champions League spot - are hanging in the balance. So the visit of free-scoring Arsenal is the last thing they need.
With Robin van Persie out injured, the Gunners have taken a few steps backwards but they remain a hugely talented group and Benitez needs a big performance from captain Steven Gerrard to buy him a bit of breathing space.
Unfortunately for the Reds boss, the smart money is on Arsenal to take all three points at Anfield.
NBA: The MVP battle
The latest standings:
1) Kobe Bryant: The Lakers have won 10 straight and Kobe is putting up almost 29 a game. And he is never beaten - just look at that fadeaway 3-pointer that sunk the Heat in the final seconds. He has his team head and shoulders above the rest of the West and you get the feeling that he has a little more still up his sleeve.
2) Carmelo Anthony: His 20+ points in every game streak came to an end in Philadelphia but he has another strong week. The up and down Nuggets have dropped their last two but Melo's 40 in Detroit shows there is nothing wrong with his game. He continues to destroy teams in one-on-one situations but will need more from his colleagues if Denver are to close in on the Lakers.
3) LeBron James: Losses to Memphis and Houston have raised eyebrows but LeBron keeps bringing it. With 28 points a night and eight assists, he is doing more than his share. The Cavs seem a step or two behind the Celtics and Magic yet there is little more the King could be doing to remedy that.
4) Dirk Nowitzki: Dirk is on his way to a career year. The Mavs earned a big win over the Suns this week and the German is firing in 27 a game with his wide range of jumpers. He is also making an impact with his blocks and rebounds as Dallas push for the number two spot in the West.
5) Dwight Howard: There is a still a feeling that there is a lot more to come but what Orlando are currently getting is pretty special. With double-double in his last nine games, Superman has been a major factor in the Magic's good run but was well-subdued by the Jazz this week.
6) Dwyane Wade: His field goal percentage is down but Wade is still scoring 27 a night with six dimes and almost two steals. The Heat fought hard out West and came close to sinking the Lakers to go with a big win in Portland. Wade is leading by example but needs a little more from the supporting cast.
7) Kevin Durant: You cannot grumble about 27 points, seven boards and three assists a night. The Thunder are 11-9 and can taste the playoffs but so much depends on Durant's play. With Greg Oden going down with another injury, the Thunder small forward is looking an even bigger steal with the number two pick up that year.
8) Kevin Garnett: The fact that the highest Celtic comes in at number eight after a nine-game winning run shows the team ethic in Boston. The Celtics are top of the East for numerous reasons but Garnett's intense defense and deadly jumper are two of the biggest.
9) Steve Nash: The Suns are sinking fast and Nash's stock has fallen somewhat as a result. As his team-mates struggle, he has stepped up his scoring - putting up 32 against the Kings - but Phoenix have taken some tough losses with Nash's assists tally dipping.
10) Brandon Roy: Roy has raised his game another notch since Greg Oden's injury, threatening the 30-point mark in a couple of games. He is averaging 21 points a night and his leadership will be vital as the 14-9 Blazers look to put a run together and close in on the Jazz and Nuggets in the Northwest.
1) Kobe Bryant: The Lakers have won 10 straight and Kobe is putting up almost 29 a game. And he is never beaten - just look at that fadeaway 3-pointer that sunk the Heat in the final seconds. He has his team head and shoulders above the rest of the West and you get the feeling that he has a little more still up his sleeve.
2) Carmelo Anthony: His 20+ points in every game streak came to an end in Philadelphia but he has another strong week. The up and down Nuggets have dropped their last two but Melo's 40 in Detroit shows there is nothing wrong with his game. He continues to destroy teams in one-on-one situations but will need more from his colleagues if Denver are to close in on the Lakers.
3) LeBron James: Losses to Memphis and Houston have raised eyebrows but LeBron keeps bringing it. With 28 points a night and eight assists, he is doing more than his share. The Cavs seem a step or two behind the Celtics and Magic yet there is little more the King could be doing to remedy that.
4) Dirk Nowitzki: Dirk is on his way to a career year. The Mavs earned a big win over the Suns this week and the German is firing in 27 a game with his wide range of jumpers. He is also making an impact with his blocks and rebounds as Dallas push for the number two spot in the West.
5) Dwight Howard: There is a still a feeling that there is a lot more to come but what Orlando are currently getting is pretty special. With double-double in his last nine games, Superman has been a major factor in the Magic's good run but was well-subdued by the Jazz this week.
6) Dwyane Wade: His field goal percentage is down but Wade is still scoring 27 a night with six dimes and almost two steals. The Heat fought hard out West and came close to sinking the Lakers to go with a big win in Portland. Wade is leading by example but needs a little more from the supporting cast.
7) Kevin Durant: You cannot grumble about 27 points, seven boards and three assists a night. The Thunder are 11-9 and can taste the playoffs but so much depends on Durant's play. With Greg Oden going down with another injury, the Thunder small forward is looking an even bigger steal with the number two pick up that year.
8) Kevin Garnett: The fact that the highest Celtic comes in at number eight after a nine-game winning run shows the team ethic in Boston. The Celtics are top of the East for numerous reasons but Garnett's intense defense and deadly jumper are two of the biggest.
9) Steve Nash: The Suns are sinking fast and Nash's stock has fallen somewhat as a result. As his team-mates struggle, he has stepped up his scoring - putting up 32 against the Kings - but Phoenix have taken some tough losses with Nash's assists tally dipping.
10) Brandon Roy: Roy has raised his game another notch since Greg Oden's injury, threatening the 30-point mark in a couple of games. He is averaging 21 points a night and his leadership will be vital as the 14-9 Blazers look to put a run together and close in on the Jazz and Nuggets in the Northwest.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Cricket: Swann on fire ahead of Test series
Graeme Swann took centre stage as England dominated their rain-affected match against a South Africa Invitational XI.
Having scored a quickfire 39 in the tourists' 329-8, Swann led the England charge with the ball, taking 6-55 as the hosts limped to 167-7.
The game ended as a draw but the signs are promising for England ahead of the Test series. With the ODI series already in the bag, success in the longer format would cap an outstanding trip.
Having scored a quickfire 39 in the tourists' 329-8, Swann led the England charge with the ball, taking 6-55 as the hosts limped to 167-7.
The game ended as a draw but the signs are promising for England ahead of the Test series. With the ODI series already in the bag, success in the longer format would cap an outstanding trip.
NBA: Bulls, Del Negro struggling
The Chicago Bulls are on a wretched run and head coach Vinny Del Negro is feeling the heat.
Despite boasting talents like Derrick Rose and Luol Deng, the Bulls have lost four straight and nine of their last 10. Their 7-13 record leaves them outside the playoff spots and trailing Cleveland, Milwaukee and Detroit in the Central Division.
A victory over Golden State on Friday is vital ahead of brutal games against the Celtics and Lakers. If the Bulls lose their next three, Del Negro may be on borrowed time.
Despite boasting talents like Derrick Rose and Luol Deng, the Bulls have lost four straight and nine of their last 10. Their 7-13 record leaves them outside the playoff spots and trailing Cleveland, Milwaukee and Detroit in the Central Division.
A victory over Golden State on Friday is vital ahead of brutal games against the Celtics and Lakers. If the Bulls lose their next three, Del Negro may be on borrowed time.
NFL: Weekend preview
Week 14 is serving up some vital games as we head towards the playoffs:
Cincinnati @ Minnesota: After losing in Arizona, the Vikings will be out to make amends but the Bengals are having a phenomenal season themselves. This clash of the season's two biggest surprises will be decided by how effective Adrian Peterson can be after a disappointing outing last weekend. Look for Brett Favre's Vikings to get back on track in this one.
San Diego @ Dallas: Things are getting tight in the NFC East after the Cowboys' loss in New York last weekend which brought more questions about their defense against the pass. The Chargers, meanwhile, are marching towards the playoffs and head to Texas on the back of seven straight wins. Philip Rivers is on a tear this year and San Diego should move to 10-3 this weekend.
Philadelphia @ New York: With things hotting up in the NFC East, this game will have huge implications on the playoff race. The Giants are clinging on for dear life but impressed in their victory over the Cowboys last weekend. That might not be enough to sink the high-flying Eagles, though. The Philadelphia defense is a major strength and they put up 34 points in Atlanta in their last game. On Sunday, watch for QB Donovan McNabb to take charge and lead the road team to victory.
Arizona @ San Francisco: Cardinals QB Kurt Warner looks to keep his fine run going on Monday as Arizona chase a 9-4 record. The 49ers, their NFC West rivals, bring a 5-7 record into the clash and their limited pass defense will struggle to contain Warner and his talented receivers. The Cardinals look a safe bet to take this one.
Cincinnati @ Minnesota: After losing in Arizona, the Vikings will be out to make amends but the Bengals are having a phenomenal season themselves. This clash of the season's two biggest surprises will be decided by how effective Adrian Peterson can be after a disappointing outing last weekend. Look for Brett Favre's Vikings to get back on track in this one.
San Diego @ Dallas: Things are getting tight in the NFC East after the Cowboys' loss in New York last weekend which brought more questions about their defense against the pass. The Chargers, meanwhile, are marching towards the playoffs and head to Texas on the back of seven straight wins. Philip Rivers is on a tear this year and San Diego should move to 10-3 this weekend.
Philadelphia @ New York: With things hotting up in the NFC East, this game will have huge implications on the playoff race. The Giants are clinging on for dear life but impressed in their victory over the Cowboys last weekend. That might not be enough to sink the high-flying Eagles, though. The Philadelphia defense is a major strength and they put up 34 points in Atlanta in their last game. On Sunday, watch for QB Donovan McNabb to take charge and lead the road team to victory.
Arizona @ San Francisco: Cardinals QB Kurt Warner looks to keep his fine run going on Monday as Arizona chase a 9-4 record. The 49ers, their NFC West rivals, bring a 5-7 record into the clash and their limited pass defense will struggle to contain Warner and his talented receivers. The Cardinals look a safe bet to take this one.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Boxing: Pacquiao-Mayweather bout taking shape
The fight of 2010 looks to be on as Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jnr finalise plans for a welterweight bout on March 13.
Currently, the Superdome in New Orleans and Cowboy Stadium in Texas are among the arenas competing to host the fight.
There is clearly a lot of mutual respect for their career accomplishments but sparks will fly if, as expected, boxing's two best pound-for-pound fighters square off next year.
Currently, the Superdome in New Orleans and Cowboy Stadium in Texas are among the arenas competing to host the fight.
There is clearly a lot of mutual respect for their career accomplishments but sparks will fly if, as expected, boxing's two best pound-for-pound fighters square off next year.
Soccer: Big guns prevail as Champions League group stage ends
There was no happy ending for Champions League minnows Unirea Urziceni or Rubin Kazan as results went against them in the final round of group stage fixtures. Instead, heavyweights Barcelona and Inter edged through to the last 16.
Lionel Messi's free-kick helped Barcelona to a 2-1 win in Kiev while Jose Mourinho's Inter won 2-0 at home to Rubin Kazan of Russia. Meanwhile, Romanian surprise package Unirea Urziceni lost heavily in Stuttgart and missed out on qualification. Both the Russians and the Romanians had to settle for the Europa League.
So ahead of the draw for the next round, the group winners and runners up are listed below:
Group winners: Bordeaux, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Fiorentina, Barcelona, Sevilla, Arsenal
Runners up: Bayern Munich, CSKA Moscow, AC Milan, FC Porto, Lyon, Inter Milan, Stuttgart, Olympiakos
Lionel Messi's free-kick helped Barcelona to a 2-1 win in Kiev while Jose Mourinho's Inter won 2-0 at home to Rubin Kazan of Russia. Meanwhile, Romanian surprise package Unirea Urziceni lost heavily in Stuttgart and missed out on qualification. Both the Russians and the Romanians had to settle for the Europa League.
So ahead of the draw for the next round, the group winners and runners up are listed below:
Group winners: Bordeaux, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Fiorentina, Barcelona, Sevilla, Arsenal
Runners up: Bayern Munich, CSKA Moscow, AC Milan, FC Porto, Lyon, Inter Milan, Stuttgart, Olympiakos
NBA: The team tracker #3
The latest standings:
1) LA Lakers: Nine straight and gunning for 10 against the Jazz. Everything seems to be going the Lakers' way - just ask the Heat who were sunk by Kobe's late 3. They hit the road again later in the week and a visit to Utah will test their resolve before a trip to the slumping Bulls. The streak might well still be going by the end of the week.
2) Boston Celtics: Kevin Garnett continues to make up for lost time and the Celtics are riding an eight-game winning streak. The defense looks rock solid and they are getting plenty of contributions offensively. Trips to Washington, Chicago and Memphis should pose few problems for Boston this week.
3) Orlando Magic: The Magic have not missed a beat since Jameer Nelson's injury, with Vince Carter and Dwight Howard taking control. A six-game winning run and nine victories from their last 10 has Orlando bang on track but this is a big week for the Magic with visits to Utah and Phoenix before ahome banker against the Pacers.
4) Denver Nuggets: Until the loss in Charlotte, the week was looking perfect. The win in San Antonio settled the road nerves and Chauncey Billups put in a masterclass against the Sixers to overshadow AI's return. Melo is still dominating but the Nuggets have work to do if they want to match the Lakers. Games against the Pistons, Suns and Thunder this week will tell us more.
5) Cleveland Cavaliers: The loss in Memphis was a shock but otherwise the Cavs are sailing along nicely. LeBron and his team-mates have been dancing their way to victories but find themselves two games back from Orlando and Boston. A tricky week awaits Mike Brown's team with games against Houston, Portland and Oklahoma City and the Cavs will not want to surrender more ground on the top two teams.
6) Dallas Mavericks: Winning against Phoenix was a big statement and went some way to repairing the damaging home loss to the Hawks. Dirk Nowitzki has been outstanding but there are a few consistency issues for the team to address. Home games with Charlotte and New Orleans this week give the Mavs a chance to strengthen their position in the West.
7) Atlanta Hawks: It has been an up and down week for the Hawks, picking up a big win in Dallas but falling to the Knicks. The feeling remains that the top three are a class apart and that fourth is their likeliest finish but Joe Johnson, Josh Smith and company can improve their record with games against Chicago, Toronto and New Jersey this week.
8) Phoenix Suns: Dropping their last two and fiveof their last 10 has led to question marks about the Suns' chances of lasting the pace. They have had a tough patch and things will get no easier with upcoming games against the streaking Magic, the Nuggets and the Spurs. Phoenix will need to lean once again on Steve Nash and Amar'e Stoudemire as they try to stay in the hunt.
9) Utah Jazz: A big win in San Antonio made up for the loss to Minnesota and the Jazz have won eight of their last 10. Deron Williams continues to lead from the front and Utah are now three games back from division leaders Denver. They may struggle to close that gap, though, with games against the Lakers (twice) and Orlando ahead.
10) Oklahoma City Thunder: Still going strong after solid wins over the Sixers and Warriors. Their progress has been exceptional this year and, with the Spurs and Hornets struggling, a top eight spot is within reach. But after facing the Grizzlies on Friday, the Thunder take on the Cavs and Nuggets in games that will further assess their playoff potential.
1) LA Lakers: Nine straight and gunning for 10 against the Jazz. Everything seems to be going the Lakers' way - just ask the Heat who were sunk by Kobe's late 3. They hit the road again later in the week and a visit to Utah will test their resolve before a trip to the slumping Bulls. The streak might well still be going by the end of the week.
2) Boston Celtics: Kevin Garnett continues to make up for lost time and the Celtics are riding an eight-game winning streak. The defense looks rock solid and they are getting plenty of contributions offensively. Trips to Washington, Chicago and Memphis should pose few problems for Boston this week.
3) Orlando Magic: The Magic have not missed a beat since Jameer Nelson's injury, with Vince Carter and Dwight Howard taking control. A six-game winning run and nine victories from their last 10 has Orlando bang on track but this is a big week for the Magic with visits to Utah and Phoenix before ahome banker against the Pacers.
4) Denver Nuggets: Until the loss in Charlotte, the week was looking perfect. The win in San Antonio settled the road nerves and Chauncey Billups put in a masterclass against the Sixers to overshadow AI's return. Melo is still dominating but the Nuggets have work to do if they want to match the Lakers. Games against the Pistons, Suns and Thunder this week will tell us more.
5) Cleveland Cavaliers: The loss in Memphis was a shock but otherwise the Cavs are sailing along nicely. LeBron and his team-mates have been dancing their way to victories but find themselves two games back from Orlando and Boston. A tricky week awaits Mike Brown's team with games against Houston, Portland and Oklahoma City and the Cavs will not want to surrender more ground on the top two teams.
6) Dallas Mavericks: Winning against Phoenix was a big statement and went some way to repairing the damaging home loss to the Hawks. Dirk Nowitzki has been outstanding but there are a few consistency issues for the team to address. Home games with Charlotte and New Orleans this week give the Mavs a chance to strengthen their position in the West.
7) Atlanta Hawks: It has been an up and down week for the Hawks, picking up a big win in Dallas but falling to the Knicks. The feeling remains that the top three are a class apart and that fourth is their likeliest finish but Joe Johnson, Josh Smith and company can improve their record with games against Chicago, Toronto and New Jersey this week.
8) Phoenix Suns: Dropping their last two and fiveof their last 10 has led to question marks about the Suns' chances of lasting the pace. They have had a tough patch and things will get no easier with upcoming games against the streaking Magic, the Nuggets and the Spurs. Phoenix will need to lean once again on Steve Nash and Amar'e Stoudemire as they try to stay in the hunt.
9) Utah Jazz: A big win in San Antonio made up for the loss to Minnesota and the Jazz have won eight of their last 10. Deron Williams continues to lead from the front and Utah are now three games back from division leaders Denver. They may struggle to close that gap, though, with games against the Lakers (twice) and Orlando ahead.
10) Oklahoma City Thunder: Still going strong after solid wins over the Sixers and Warriors. Their progress has been exceptional this year and, with the Spurs and Hornets struggling, a top eight spot is within reach. But after facing the Grizzlies on Friday, the Thunder take on the Cavs and Nuggets in games that will further assess their playoff potential.
NBA: Shock wins aplenty as Nuggets and Cavs stumble on the road
One of the refreshing elements of this season in the NBA has been the surprise victories that have cropped up so far. We are only around 20 games in but the heavyweights are quickly realising that they will not have everything their own way.
Tuesday night was a classic example. The Denver Nuggets rolled into Charlotte after road wins in San Antonio and Philadelphia yet the Bobcats - who have a losing record - said "not tonight", earning a gutsy 107-95 victory and leaning on Stephen Jackson's 25 points.
Then over in Memphis, the Grizzlies turned the tables on LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs, backed by many to make the NBA Finals, brought a solid run of wins into the contest but Mike Conley Jnr helped the home side to a 111-109 win.
Nothing is predictable in the NBA and long may that continue.
Tuesday night was a classic example. The Denver Nuggets rolled into Charlotte after road wins in San Antonio and Philadelphia yet the Bobcats - who have a losing record - said "not tonight", earning a gutsy 107-95 victory and leaning on Stephen Jackson's 25 points.
Then over in Memphis, the Grizzlies turned the tables on LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs, backed by many to make the NBA Finals, brought a solid run of wins into the contest but Mike Conley Jnr helped the home side to a 111-109 win.
Nothing is predictable in the NBA and long may that continue.
Cricket: West Indies earn impressive draw with Australia
It has been yet another rollercoaster year in West Indies cricket but Chris Gayle's side are threatening to end 2009 on a high note.
Touring Australia was probably the last thing the West Indians needed after boycotts and a resounding loss to Bangladesh but it finally appears to be bringing out the best in the tourists.
After a humbling innings defeat in the First Test, Gayle and his team-mates have clearly regrouped and they held their own in the Second Test in Adelaide, scoring 451 in the first innings and then relying on Gayle's 165 not out to set Australia 330 to win on day five.
But Michael Clarke saved the Aussies' skin with an unbeaten fifty as they moved to 212 for 5 and secured the draw.
There are, though, signs of life in the West Indian side. Dwayne Bravo continues to impress as an all-rounder, scoring a century in Adelaide and taking three wickets on the final day. Sulieman Benn took a five-wicket haul in the first innings and Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Brendan Nash bagged half-centuries.
If the spirit and solid form carries over to the Third Test in Perth, we could have a tight series on our hands.
Touring Australia was probably the last thing the West Indians needed after boycotts and a resounding loss to Bangladesh but it finally appears to be bringing out the best in the tourists.
After a humbling innings defeat in the First Test, Gayle and his team-mates have clearly regrouped and they held their own in the Second Test in Adelaide, scoring 451 in the first innings and then relying on Gayle's 165 not out to set Australia 330 to win on day five.
But Michael Clarke saved the Aussies' skin with an unbeaten fifty as they moved to 212 for 5 and secured the draw.
There are, though, signs of life in the West Indian side. Dwayne Bravo continues to impress as an all-rounder, scoring a century in Adelaide and taking three wickets on the final day. Sulieman Benn took a five-wicket haul in the first innings and Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Brendan Nash bagged half-centuries.
If the spirit and solid form carries over to the Third Test in Perth, we could have a tight series on our hands.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Soccer: Juventus crash out of the Champions League
Italian giants Juventus are out of the Champions League after a humbling 4-1 defeat at home to Bayern Munich.
Despite taking the lead through David Trezeguet, the Italians faded and conceded three second half goals. Bayern join Bordeaux as the group's qualifiers while Juventus are heading for the Europa League.
Elsewhere, Real Madrid and AC Milan booked their places in the second round draw while CSKA Moscow snatched the final qualifying place in Group B after Wolfsburg's 3-1 defeat at home to Manchester United.
Despite taking the lead through David Trezeguet, the Italians faded and conceded three second half goals. Bayern join Bordeaux as the group's qualifiers while Juventus are heading for the Europa League.
Elsewhere, Real Madrid and AC Milan booked their places in the second round draw while CSKA Moscow snatched the final qualifying place in Group B after Wolfsburg's 3-1 defeat at home to Manchester United.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Soccer: United injury crisis worrying Ferguson
Manchester United had plenty to smile about at the weekend as they hammered West Ham 4-0 and saw Chelsea lose at Manchester City. The Blues' lead is now just two points.
But along with all the positives, Sir Alex Ferguson will be losing sleep over his injury crisis in defence. With first choice centre back Rio Ferdinand already out, it has now been reported that Jonny Evans and John O'Shea will not play again until January while Nemanja Vidic has flu.
And at Upton Park on Saturday, Gary Neville and Wes Brown also picked up injuries.
Heading into the Champions League tie with Wolfsburg in midweek - which admittedly carries no major significance for United - Ferguson may have to pair midfielders Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher at the heart of the back four.
With a busy Christmas fixture list on the horizon, the growing queue for the treatment table is threatening to put a dampener on the champions' fine run of form.
But along with all the positives, Sir Alex Ferguson will be losing sleep over his injury crisis in defence. With first choice centre back Rio Ferdinand already out, it has now been reported that Jonny Evans and John O'Shea will not play again until January while Nemanja Vidic has flu.
And at Upton Park on Saturday, Gary Neville and Wes Brown also picked up injuries.
Heading into the Champions League tie with Wolfsburg in midweek - which admittedly carries no major significance for United - Ferguson may have to pair midfielders Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher at the heart of the back four.
With a busy Christmas fixture list on the horizon, the growing queue for the treatment table is threatening to put a dampener on the champions' fine run of form.
Cricket: Gayle fighting lone battle for West Indies
Chris Gayle scored a battling hundred as the West Indies finished day four of the Second Test in Australia on 284-8.
Armed with a first innings lead of 12, the tourists will be setting the Australians a fifth day target of more than 300 - but only thanks to Gayle's spirited 155 not out.
After his failure in the first innings, the West Indies captain took the fight to the Aussie attack, hitting 16 fours and a six. But it was a lone battle. The next highest contribution came from Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who made just 27.
For the Australians, Mitchell Johnson did most of the damage with four wickets and skipper Ricky Ponting will surely turn to the left-armer early on day five in the hope of taking the last two wickets in a hurry.
And, with plenty of quick scorers in the Australian batting line-up, there should be an exciting finish in prospect in Adelaide.
Armed with a first innings lead of 12, the tourists will be setting the Australians a fifth day target of more than 300 - but only thanks to Gayle's spirited 155 not out.
After his failure in the first innings, the West Indies captain took the fight to the Aussie attack, hitting 16 fours and a six. But it was a lone battle. The next highest contribution came from Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who made just 27.
For the Australians, Mitchell Johnson did most of the damage with four wickets and skipper Ricky Ponting will surely turn to the left-armer early on day five in the hope of taking the last two wickets in a hurry.
And, with plenty of quick scorers in the Australian batting line-up, there should be an exciting finish in prospect in Adelaide.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Soccer: Weekend of missed penalties in the Premier League
Scoring from 12 yards is not supposed to be diffcult - but that did not stop four players failing from the penalty spot in the Premier League this weekend.
In Saturday's early kick-off, Portsmouth's Aruna Dindane saw his penalty saved by Burnley's Brian Jensen but was relieved to see his team go on to claim a 2-0 win.
Then Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas was excellently denied by Thomas Sorensen in the Gunners' victory over Stoke.
The trend continued in Saturday's late game. With Chelsea trailing 2-1 at Manchester City, Frank Lampard had the chance to restore parity but could not beat Shay Given in the City goal. It was a costly miss - City held on for the points.
And Jermain Defoe completed the quartet with his miss on Sunday against Everton. Tottenham had surrendered a two-goal lead but Defoe was presented with the chance to win the game in stoppage time after Wilson Palacios was barged over by Tony Hibbert.
But Tim Howard saved smartly with his legs and the Toffees held on for a gutsy 2-2 draw.
In Saturday's early kick-off, Portsmouth's Aruna Dindane saw his penalty saved by Burnley's Brian Jensen but was relieved to see his team go on to claim a 2-0 win.
Then Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas was excellently denied by Thomas Sorensen in the Gunners' victory over Stoke.
The trend continued in Saturday's late game. With Chelsea trailing 2-1 at Manchester City, Frank Lampard had the chance to restore parity but could not beat Shay Given in the City goal. It was a costly miss - City held on for the points.
And Jermain Defoe completed the quartet with his miss on Sunday against Everton. Tottenham had surrendered a two-goal lead but Defoe was presented with the chance to win the game in stoppage time after Wilson Palacios was barged over by Tony Hibbert.
But Tim Howard saved smartly with his legs and the Toffees held on for a gutsy 2-2 draw.
NBA: Nuggets clinical in San Antonio, Raps win again
All the talk pre-season suggested that the San Antonio Spurs had taken huge strides forward over the summer and the Denver Nuggets had gone nowhere.
Saturday night said otherwise.
Carmelo Anthony took centre stage with 34 points as the Nuggets improved to 15-4 with a 106-99 victory, despite trailing for three quarters of the game.
Chauncey Billups made a fast start on the way to 18 points and five assists while JR Smith had 17 off the bench.
Tony Parker led the Spurs with 27 points and Tim Duncan went 10 of 12 for 26 points - but the Nuggets had the cool heads down the stretch.
Anthony made a slow start, going 2 of 7 early, as the Spurs led by seven at the end of the first quarter, thanks to George Hill's buzzer-beating three.
With their bench scoring 25 first half points and Duncan proving unstoppable in the low post, San Antonio kept the Nuggets in check and secured a 59-53 half-time lead.
But last season's run to the Western Conference finals has strengthened the Nuggets as a group and they seem to thrive on the big game atmosphere. George Karl's team cranked up their defense and Melo started to heat up.
The Spurs committed 19 turnovers on the night and Denver made them pay. Anthony, who went 14 for 27 and 10 for 16 in the second half, continued to sink jumpers - no matter who was guarding him. He had as many second half field goals as the entire Spurs team.
After three quarters, the Nuggets were within one and they took the lead on Smith's three-pointer at 78-76. From there, they rode Anthony and relied on a pumped up defense, led superbly by Kenyon Martin.
Maintaining a slender lead throughout the fourth quarter, Billups extended it to a six-point advantage with a clutch jumper and then sunk the free throws that put the game to bed.
For the Spurs, it was a second straight loss to a division leader and questions will be asked about their offense. New faces Richard Jefferson and Antonio McDyess are not shooting well and Parker had no assists in the second half.
San Antonio will bounce back but thus far the Nuggets, who have won seven of their last eight, certainly look the likeliest threat to the Lakers' domination in the West.
Over in the East, the Toronto Raptors have regained some belief. One night on from a big overtime win in Washington, Chris Bosh and company hammered the Bulls 110-78 in Chicago.
Toronto used a lightning start to establish a 21-point first quarter lead. Bosh had a game-high 25 points while four other Raptors got into double figures.
The Bulls shot a miserable 39% from the field but credit must go to a vastly-improved Toronto defense, which grabbed loose balls and challenged every shot. Players are taking more responsibility and a run of victories will follow if they can keep up this intensity.
Saturday night said otherwise.
Carmelo Anthony took centre stage with 34 points as the Nuggets improved to 15-4 with a 106-99 victory, despite trailing for three quarters of the game.
Chauncey Billups made a fast start on the way to 18 points and five assists while JR Smith had 17 off the bench.
Tony Parker led the Spurs with 27 points and Tim Duncan went 10 of 12 for 26 points - but the Nuggets had the cool heads down the stretch.
Anthony made a slow start, going 2 of 7 early, as the Spurs led by seven at the end of the first quarter, thanks to George Hill's buzzer-beating three.
With their bench scoring 25 first half points and Duncan proving unstoppable in the low post, San Antonio kept the Nuggets in check and secured a 59-53 half-time lead.
But last season's run to the Western Conference finals has strengthened the Nuggets as a group and they seem to thrive on the big game atmosphere. George Karl's team cranked up their defense and Melo started to heat up.
The Spurs committed 19 turnovers on the night and Denver made them pay. Anthony, who went 14 for 27 and 10 for 16 in the second half, continued to sink jumpers - no matter who was guarding him. He had as many second half field goals as the entire Spurs team.
After three quarters, the Nuggets were within one and they took the lead on Smith's three-pointer at 78-76. From there, they rode Anthony and relied on a pumped up defense, led superbly by Kenyon Martin.
Maintaining a slender lead throughout the fourth quarter, Billups extended it to a six-point advantage with a clutch jumper and then sunk the free throws that put the game to bed.
For the Spurs, it was a second straight loss to a division leader and questions will be asked about their offense. New faces Richard Jefferson and Antonio McDyess are not shooting well and Parker had no assists in the second half.
San Antonio will bounce back but thus far the Nuggets, who have won seven of their last eight, certainly look the likeliest threat to the Lakers' domination in the West.
Over in the East, the Toronto Raptors have regained some belief. One night on from a big overtime win in Washington, Chris Bosh and company hammered the Bulls 110-78 in Chicago.
Toronto used a lightning start to establish a 21-point first quarter lead. Bosh had a game-high 25 points while four other Raptors got into double figures.
The Bulls shot a miserable 39% from the field but credit must go to a vastly-improved Toronto defense, which grabbed loose balls and challenged every shot. Players are taking more responsibility and a run of victories will follow if they can keep up this intensity.
Rugby: Wasps outlast Tigers to continue playoff surge
Tries from Paul Sackey and Steve Kefu drove London Wasps to a resilient 24-22 victory over Leicester Tigers on Sunday.
Dave Walder added 14 points with the boot as Wasps took a six-point lead in at half-time and, led by the outstanding Simon Shaw, held firm to move just one point behind the Tigers in the Guinness Premiership table.
Toby Flood kept Leicester in contention with five penalties and a last gasp Jordan Crane try earned the Tigers a bonus point - but it was Wasps' day.
Sackey steamrollered his way over after just six minutes to give the home side a dream start but Flood soon punished Wasps with calm goal-kicking on the way to 12 first-half points.
But five minutes before the break, with his team trailing 12-8, Kefu dived over under the posts. Walder slotted the conversion and added a penalty to give Wasps an 18-12 half-time advantage.
In a scrappy second half, the hosts kept their noses in front as Walder struck two penalties while Flood managed just one. As the Tigers mounted a desperate late assault, Crane forced his way over and Aaron Mauger drilled over the extras.
But it was too little, too late as Wasps - who had Danny Cipriani back among the replacements -held on to stay in the midst of the playoff race.
Dave Walder added 14 points with the boot as Wasps took a six-point lead in at half-time and, led by the outstanding Simon Shaw, held firm to move just one point behind the Tigers in the Guinness Premiership table.
Toby Flood kept Leicester in contention with five penalties and a last gasp Jordan Crane try earned the Tigers a bonus point - but it was Wasps' day.
Sackey steamrollered his way over after just six minutes to give the home side a dream start but Flood soon punished Wasps with calm goal-kicking on the way to 12 first-half points.
But five minutes before the break, with his team trailing 12-8, Kefu dived over under the posts. Walder slotted the conversion and added a penalty to give Wasps an 18-12 half-time advantage.
In a scrappy second half, the hosts kept their noses in front as Walder struck two penalties while Flood managed just one. As the Tigers mounted a desperate late assault, Crane forced his way over and Aaron Mauger drilled over the extras.
But it was too little, too late as Wasps - who had Danny Cipriani back among the replacements -held on to stay in the midst of the playoff race.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Soccer: United earn emphatic win but it's another bad day for Benitez
Manchester United closed the gap on leaders Chelsea to two points with a 4-0 victory over West Ham.
A rocket from Paul Scholes just before half-time put the champions in front before Darron Gibson, Antonio Valencia and Wayne Rooney clinched the points.
Sir Alex Ferguson will be concerned, though, with his defensive crisis. Gary Neville limped off in the opening half and joins Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic on the treatment table.
Arsenal put their poor fortnight behind them with a 2-0 victory over Stoke. The signs were not promising when Cesc Fabregas' penalty was well saved by Potters keeper Thomas Sorensen. But Andrey Arshavin then opened the scoring from Fabregas' pass before substitute Aaron Ramsey settled matters late on. The Welshman fired a low drive past Sorensen.
But there was nothing for Rafa Benitez to smile about at Ewood Park as Liverpool dropped more points in a 0-0 draw with Blackburn. With Aston Villa beating Hull 3-0 and Tottenham set to play Everton on Sunday, the Reds have a fight on their hands now in the race for a Champions League qualifying spot.
A rocket from Paul Scholes just before half-time put the champions in front before Darron Gibson, Antonio Valencia and Wayne Rooney clinched the points.
Sir Alex Ferguson will be concerned, though, with his defensive crisis. Gary Neville limped off in the opening half and joins Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic on the treatment table.
Arsenal put their poor fortnight behind them with a 2-0 victory over Stoke. The signs were not promising when Cesc Fabregas' penalty was well saved by Potters keeper Thomas Sorensen. But Andrey Arshavin then opened the scoring from Fabregas' pass before substitute Aaron Ramsey settled matters late on. The Welshman fired a low drive past Sorensen.
But there was nothing for Rafa Benitez to smile about at Ewood Park as Liverpool dropped more points in a 0-0 draw with Blackburn. With Aston Villa beating Hull 3-0 and Tottenham set to play Everton on Sunday, the Reds have a fight on their hands now in the race for a Champions League qualifying spot.
NBA: Bosh, Turkoglu stand tall as Raptors end skid
The Toronto Raptors could have been forgiven for hanging their heads after Hedo Turkoglu missed a game winner in the final seconds of regulation on Friday - but instead they rallied to knock off the Washington Wizards 109-107 in overtime.
Turkoglu, signed this summer for his clutch shooting, redeemed himself by scoring the winning jumper in OT but it was the titanic effort from Chris Bosh that paced the Raptors throughout this gutsy victory. The Toronto team had held a meeting earlier in the day to address their recent woes and it seemed to pay dividends.
Bosh had 31 points and 16 rebounds, stepping up down the stretch to score a string of vital buckets. Looking like a man possessed, the Raptors power forward outhustled Brendan Haywood and Antawn Jamison on the boards and shot 13 of 25 from the field as Toronto ended their five-game skid.
With Jamison in foul trouble, it was Gilbert Arenas who led the Wizards, pouring in a game-high 34 points with five 3-pointers. Arenas' jumper tied the game at 96-96 with 13.7secs to go in the fourth but he could not find a repeat in OT.
After Turkoglu made it 109-107, Agent Zero missed out on a drive to the hoop and Andray Blatche's put-back would not drop, sparking frenzied celebrations on the Raptors bench.
This victory, bristling with a greater commitment to defense and some encouraging team spirit, might just turn Toronto's season around.
Turkoglu, signed this summer for his clutch shooting, redeemed himself by scoring the winning jumper in OT but it was the titanic effort from Chris Bosh that paced the Raptors throughout this gutsy victory. The Toronto team had held a meeting earlier in the day to address their recent woes and it seemed to pay dividends.
Bosh had 31 points and 16 rebounds, stepping up down the stretch to score a string of vital buckets. Looking like a man possessed, the Raptors power forward outhustled Brendan Haywood and Antawn Jamison on the boards and shot 13 of 25 from the field as Toronto ended their five-game skid.
With Jamison in foul trouble, it was Gilbert Arenas who led the Wizards, pouring in a game-high 34 points with five 3-pointers. Arenas' jumper tied the game at 96-96 with 13.7secs to go in the fourth but he could not find a repeat in OT.
After Turkoglu made it 109-107, Agent Zero missed out on a drive to the hoop and Andray Blatche's put-back would not drop, sparking frenzied celebrations on the Raptors bench.
This victory, bristling with a greater commitment to defense and some encouraging team spirit, might just turn Toronto's season around.
Friday, December 4, 2009
NBA: The MVP Battle
The latest standings in the race for the MVP:
1) Carmelo Anthony: His record of scoring 20+ points in every game rolls on and with him go the Denver Nuggets. His 50 against the Knicks was a career high and he is doing a little bit of everything. Melo's jumper looks solid and he is getting to the rim at will as his development into an all-round star continues. He is leading by example more than ever and there is no small forward out there who can contain him.2) Kobe Bryant: The Lakers are on a tear and Bryant's team-mates are all playing their part. But Kobe is Kobe and when he takes over there is nothing any defense can do. He is still scoring 28 a game yet his assists are on the rise as he feeds Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum. He had 18 points against the Hornets as LA continue to profit from a favorable early schedule. Expect him to step things up further when the tough road trips come thick and fast.
3) LeBron James: He did not need to dominant the scoring against the Suns but he continues to shoot a good percentage from the field and is bringing out the best in his team-mates. Cleveland have moved to within 1.5 games of the leaders in the East and James deserves a lot of credit for masterminding the team's solid form. Putting up 25 against Dallas was a reminder of his big game pedigree.
4) Dirk Nowitzki: Dallas are 14-5 and they are leaning on the big German as usual. Dirk is not letting them down either, averaging 27 points and shouldering the offensive burden. Rick Carlisle calls Jason Kidd "the rock" but Nowitzki is the assassin who the Mavs look to time and time again. The fact that he is adding three assists a night is an added bonus.
5) Steve Nash: The Suns have dropped their last two but Nash still had 20 points and eight assists in New York and is rolling back the years with his performances. A tough trip to LA on Sunday will further test Phoenix but expect the point guard to get his team firing again against the Kings first. As one of the most experienced Suns, Nash must take the lead in pulling the team back on track.
6) Dwight Howard: Superman had not set the league alight coming into last week but that soon changed. The Magic sit top of the Eastern Conference and things may well get even better now that Howard is increasingly comfortable with new starter Vince Carter. The big man had 25 points and 20 boards against Milwaukee and his defensive pressure has helped Orlando win nine of their last 10.
7) Dwyane Wade: Wade struggled at Denver this week, where he is yet to win in his career, but he continues to play at a high level. The Heat earned an impressive win in Portland with Wade both scoring and facilitating and he is starting to trust the likes of Michael Beasley and Jermaine O'Neal to make the key plays. A trip to LA to face the Lakers give Wade another big stage to dominate.
8) Kevin Durant: Almost 28 points a night plus three assists and seven rebounds tells its own story. The Thunder were expected to improve this year but Durant has Oklahoma City (10-8) surpassing all pre-season predictions. He has struggled from 3-point range but is attacking the hoop and getting to the line. Surrounded by other fearless youngsters, Durant is leading by example and if he keeps this up a playoff spot is there for the taking.
9) Kevin Garnett: He is getting better and better. The Celtics look so much stronger now he is back and his performances in the big games have been inspirational. The effect he has on his team-mates is a reminder of how sorely he was missed in the playoffs last season. The win in San Antonio on Thursday was yet another example as he poured in a game high 20 points. He seems to have a spring back in his step and his intensity is there for all to see.
10) Tim Duncan: The Spurs had won five straight before Thursday's loss to Boston and Duncan is heating up. Even in the defeat to the Celtics he managed 16 points and 15 boards. He is shooting a career high 54.9% from the field with an average of 18 points and 11 rebounds a night, enabling the Spurs to stay in the playoff spots despite injuries to Tony Parker and Manu Ginobli.
Soccer: Tough draw for World Cup hosts
The whole World Cup adventure began today with the group stage draw in Cape Town - but there was little to smile about for the hosts while Brazil and Germany will also have left feeling slightly uneasy.
The South Africans were drawn alongside Mexico, Uruguay and France in Group A and will need a minor miracle to reach the second round. You can never underestimate the impact of home support but there are no easy games for them.
Meanwhile, of the tournament favourites, it is Brazil who arguably find themselves in the Group of Death. Dunga's side face Portugal, Ivory Coast and Korea DPR, meaning that Real Madrid team-mates Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo will have plenty to talk about at training this week.
Germany fared only marginally better, finding themselves drawn with Australia, Serbia and Ghana in Group D.
The widest smile will surely have been found on the face of England boss Fabio Capello, whose side ought to cruise through against USA, Algeria and Slovenia.
The tournament kicks off on June 11 with South Africa facing Mexico in the opening game.
Group A: South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France
Group B: Argentina, Nigeria, Korea Republic, Greece
Group C: England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia
Group D: Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana,
Group E: Holland, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon
Group F: Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia
Group G: Brazil, Korea DPR, Ivory Coast, Portugal
Group H: Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile
The South Africans were drawn alongside Mexico, Uruguay and France in Group A and will need a minor miracle to reach the second round. You can never underestimate the impact of home support but there are no easy games for them.
Meanwhile, of the tournament favourites, it is Brazil who arguably find themselves in the Group of Death. Dunga's side face Portugal, Ivory Coast and Korea DPR, meaning that Real Madrid team-mates Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo will have plenty to talk about at training this week.
Germany fared only marginally better, finding themselves drawn with Australia, Serbia and Ghana in Group D.
The widest smile will surely have been found on the face of England boss Fabio Capello, whose side ought to cruise through against USA, Algeria and Slovenia.
The tournament kicks off on June 11 with South Africa facing Mexico in the opening game.
Group A: South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France
Group B: Argentina, Nigeria, Korea Republic, Greece
Group C: England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia
Group D: Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana,
Group E: Holland, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon
Group F: Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia
Group G: Brazil, Korea DPR, Ivory Coast, Portugal
Group H: Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile
Thursday, December 3, 2009
NFL: Weekend preview
A look ahead to some of the weekend's big games.
Titans @ Colts: Both teams bring winning streaks into this one. Tennessee have turned their season around but a trip to Indianapolis will severely test their new resolve. Vince Young is in fine form while running back Chris Johnson represents a major threat to the Colts defense. But Peyton Manning and his team-mates do not scare easily, winning five straight games in the fourth quarter. The Titans will keep things close but the Colts will move to 12-0.
Patriots @ Dolphins: There is a lot on the line as New England travel south. Miami desperately need a victory to keep their hopes alive in the AFC East while the Patriots are looking to put their drubbing against the Saints behind them. Tom Brady and New England do not tend to lose two games on the spin so look for them to bounce back and inflict a damaging loss on the Dolphins on Sunday.
Saints @ Redskins: Much of the talk around the league has centred on whether the Colts or Saints will stay unbeaten the longest - and New Orleans ought to stay perfect this weekend with their varied offense and Washington's banged-up defense. Drew Brees is on a tear and it is hard to imagine the Redskins keeping him quiet.
Cowboys @ Giants: New York need this win badly with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread while Dallas are notoriously poor in December. But with Eli Manning doubtful and the Cowboys' DeMarcus Ware enhancing his reputation as a top sacker, this is where Dallas start to put their December record straight.
Vikings @ Cardinals: Kurt Warner's health is unknown, which is a major worry for Arizona with Brett Favre coming to town. Favre's stunning season just keeps going and Adrian Peterson is proving yet again that he is arguably the league's top running back. The Cardinals have weapons of their own but Minnesota should improve to 11-1 in Sunday's late game.
Titans @ Colts: Both teams bring winning streaks into this one. Tennessee have turned their season around but a trip to Indianapolis will severely test their new resolve. Vince Young is in fine form while running back Chris Johnson represents a major threat to the Colts defense. But Peyton Manning and his team-mates do not scare easily, winning five straight games in the fourth quarter. The Titans will keep things close but the Colts will move to 12-0.
Patriots @ Dolphins: There is a lot on the line as New England travel south. Miami desperately need a victory to keep their hopes alive in the AFC East while the Patriots are looking to put their drubbing against the Saints behind them. Tom Brady and New England do not tend to lose two games on the spin so look for them to bounce back and inflict a damaging loss on the Dolphins on Sunday.
Saints @ Redskins: Much of the talk around the league has centred on whether the Colts or Saints will stay unbeaten the longest - and New Orleans ought to stay perfect this weekend with their varied offense and Washington's banged-up defense. Drew Brees is on a tear and it is hard to imagine the Redskins keeping him quiet.
Cowboys @ Giants: New York need this win badly with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread while Dallas are notoriously poor in December. But with Eli Manning doubtful and the Cowboys' DeMarcus Ware enhancing his reputation as a top sacker, this is where Dallas start to put their December record straight.
Vikings @ Cardinals: Kurt Warner's health is unknown, which is a major worry for Arizona with Brett Favre coming to town. Favre's stunning season just keeps going and Adrian Peterson is proving yet again that he is arguably the league's top running back. The Cardinals have weapons of their own but Minnesota should improve to 11-1 in Sunday's late game.
NBA: Garnett, Celtics too strong for Spurs
Kevin Garnett scored 20 points and Rajon Rondo threw in 12 assists as the Boston Celtics outlasted the San Antonio Spurs 90-83 on Thursday for a sixth straight win.
Both teams brought five-game winning streaks into the game but the Celtics (15-4) established an early lead and never looked back, improving to 8-1 on the road.
Rookie DeJuan Blair led the Spurs with 18 points while Tony Parker had 17 points and Tim Duncan added 16 points and 15 rebounds. They pulled to within four at 87-83 with 57.6secs to play but would get no closer. The Spurs move to 9-7.
The Celtics are building some serious momentum. Garnett is getting stronger and stronger after last year's injury and his jumper is looking smooth. Paul Pierce might have struggled a touch in the past few games but a deep bench and the steady improvement from center Kendrick Perkins means Boston are not missing a beat.
They have pulled level with the conference-leading Orlando Magic, with the Cleveland Cavaliers 1.5 games back, as the race for top spot in the East hots up.
Both teams brought five-game winning streaks into the game but the Celtics (15-4) established an early lead and never looked back, improving to 8-1 on the road.
Rookie DeJuan Blair led the Spurs with 18 points while Tony Parker had 17 points and Tim Duncan added 16 points and 15 rebounds. They pulled to within four at 87-83 with 57.6secs to play but would get no closer. The Spurs move to 9-7.
The Celtics are building some serious momentum. Garnett is getting stronger and stronger after last year's injury and his jumper is looking smooth. Paul Pierce might have struggled a touch in the past few games but a deep bench and the steady improvement from center Kendrick Perkins means Boston are not missing a beat.
They have pulled level with the conference-leading Orlando Magic, with the Cleveland Cavaliers 1.5 games back, as the race for top spot in the East hots up.
Tennis: Mauresmo calls time on fine career
Amelie Mauresmo has retired from tennis at the age of 30.
The French star, who won the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2006, slipped to number 21 in the world rankings and admitted she no longer wanted to deal with the hours of practice required to keep up with the leading players in the women's game.
Mauresmo told reporters: "It's a bit sad, but this is the right decision. I was lucky enough to have an exceptional career and to experience very strong feelings on the court."
The French star, who won the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2006, slipped to number 21 in the world rankings and admitted she no longer wanted to deal with the hours of practice required to keep up with the leading players in the women's game.
Mauresmo told reporters: "It's a bit sad, but this is the right decision. I was lucky enough to have an exceptional career and to experience very strong feelings on the court."
Soccer: World Cup group stage draw awaits
The big soccer nations will be holding their breath on Friday as the groups for the 2010 World Cup are drawn in Cape Town.
Hosts South Africa are among the top seeds and are joined in Pot 1 by Spain, Germany, Brazil, Argentina, England, Holland and Italy.
There is certainly some potential for a "Group of Death", though, with Mexico and Australia in pot 2 and the Ivory Coast, Ghana and Paraguay in Pot 3.
And Pot 4 could provide the hammer blow for the seeds as it contains France, Portugal and Serbia.
By Friday night, fans will be able to crank their preparation for the tournament up another notch as they count down to the big kick off on June 11.
Hosts South Africa are among the top seeds and are joined in Pot 1 by Spain, Germany, Brazil, Argentina, England, Holland and Italy.
There is certainly some potential for a "Group of Death", though, with Mexico and Australia in pot 2 and the Ivory Coast, Ghana and Paraguay in Pot 3.
And Pot 4 could provide the hammer blow for the seeds as it contains France, Portugal and Serbia.
By Friday night, fans will be able to crank their preparation for the tournament up another notch as they count down to the big kick off on June 11.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Soccer: Manchester derby ahead in Carling Cup semis
Carlos Tevez led the way as Manchester City set up a derby with city rivals United in the Carling Cup semi-finals.
City beat a young Arsenal line-up 3-0 at Eastlands, with Tevez netting a fine opener before Shaun Wright-Phillips and substitute Vladimir Weiss added the gloss.
United booked their place in the last four on Tuesday thanks to a Darron Gibson double against Tottenham as they bid to defend the trophy they won last season.
In the other semi-final, Blackburn clash with Aston Villa. Rovers outlasted Chelsea to win 4-3 on penalties after 120 minutes of action ended with the teams locked at 3-3.
And a Stewart Downing-inspired Villa battered hapless Portsmouth 4-2 at Fratton Park.
Looking ahead, United are the standout favourites but much will depend on the strength of the line-up that Sir Alex Ferguson picks when the semi-finals roll round.
City beat a young Arsenal line-up 3-0 at Eastlands, with Tevez netting a fine opener before Shaun Wright-Phillips and substitute Vladimir Weiss added the gloss.
United booked their place in the last four on Tuesday thanks to a Darron Gibson double against Tottenham as they bid to defend the trophy they won last season.
In the other semi-final, Blackburn clash with Aston Villa. Rovers outlasted Chelsea to win 4-3 on penalties after 120 minutes of action ended with the teams locked at 3-3.
And a Stewart Downing-inspired Villa battered hapless Portsmouth 4-2 at Fratton Park.
Looking ahead, United are the standout favourites but much will depend on the strength of the line-up that Sir Alex Ferguson picks when the semi-finals roll round.
Soccer: Could Sevilla spring a surprise?
Sevilla will be in the second round draw for the Champions League - and there will not be many teams lining up to face them.
The Spaniards' fearless, attacking approach makes them dangerous opponents and they eased through the group stage. Admittedly, Group G, containing Rangers, Unirea Urziceni and Stuttgart, did not possess many demons but Sevilla still made a big impression.
With Luis Fabiano and Freddie Kanoute up front, they possess the firepower to hurt even the best defences. And Jesus Navas and Adriano offer good supply to the strikers. Sevilla play with heart and tireless energy to go with an abundance of attacking intent.
The second round will be a tougher proposition, though. Much will depend on the draw again. There will certainly be a batch of stronger sides in the second round – but also a fair few weaker teams. Barcelona, Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid are obvious ones to avoid while AC Milan and Inter are dangerous on their day. And there are still some question marks over how the Sevilla defence would hold up on a trip to Stamford Bridge or Old Trafford.
But there will be some surprise qualifiers, that is for sure. Liverpool are out while only one of Bayern Munich and Juventus can progress. There could well be an intriguing mix of clubs when the knockout rounds kick off. And Sevilla cannot be discounted.
The Spaniards would love to shake up the established pecking order and it would take a brave man to bet against them reaching the last eight.
The Spaniards' fearless, attacking approach makes them dangerous opponents and they eased through the group stage. Admittedly, Group G, containing Rangers, Unirea Urziceni and Stuttgart, did not possess many demons but Sevilla still made a big impression.
With Luis Fabiano and Freddie Kanoute up front, they possess the firepower to hurt even the best defences. And Jesus Navas and Adriano offer good supply to the strikers. Sevilla play with heart and tireless energy to go with an abundance of attacking intent.
The second round will be a tougher proposition, though. Much will depend on the draw again. There will certainly be a batch of stronger sides in the second round – but also a fair few weaker teams. Barcelona, Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid are obvious ones to avoid while AC Milan and Inter are dangerous on their day. And there are still some question marks over how the Sevilla defence would hold up on a trip to Stamford Bridge or Old Trafford.
But there will be some surprise qualifiers, that is for sure. Liverpool are out while only one of Bayern Munich and Juventus can progress. There could well be an intriguing mix of clubs when the knockout rounds kick off. And Sevilla cannot be discounted.
The Spaniards would love to shake up the established pecking order and it would take a brave man to bet against them reaching the last eight.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
NBA: Jamison casts spell over Raptors
From the Air Canada Centre, Toronto
Antawn Jamison was the hero with a game-high 30 points as the Washington Wizards squeezed their way to a 106-102 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night.
Gilbert Arenas added 22, taking charge in the fourth quarter to pour in 12 of his points, and Caron Butler had 19. The Wizards have struggled to find a rhythm thus far in the new season but their key trio all came to the party at the Air Canada Centre as they moved to 6-10.
And a fourth Wizard also had a big impact. The unsung Brendan Haywood took advantage of Toronto's lack of physicality inside to score 15 points to go with nine rebounds and a couple of priceless blocks.
In a way, Haywood's contribution was the difference because the Raptors had a productive trio of their own. Chris Bosh led the way with 22 points and 14 rebounds while Andrea Bargnani and Jose Calderon tallied 20 apiece.
The Raptors, for whom this was a fourth straight loss and their eighth in their last 10, have drawn criticism in recent weeks for sloppy third quarter efforts. Against the Wizards, they had no such problems but they fell away in the final 12 minutes, having led 77-72 going into the fourth.
First Arenas then Jamison hurt the hosts in the closing stages. The latter hit a clutch jumper for a 95-91 lead which was the dagger that kept the Raptors at bay. He then put a finger to his lips as the crowd fell silent. Arenas added two free throws for a six-point lead with 2:15 left.
Toronto would get no closer as Hedo Turkoglu misfired on some desperate late shots, allowing Jamison and his improving Wizards to savour a third win in four.
Antawn Jamison was the hero with a game-high 30 points as the Washington Wizards squeezed their way to a 106-102 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night.
Gilbert Arenas added 22, taking charge in the fourth quarter to pour in 12 of his points, and Caron Butler had 19. The Wizards have struggled to find a rhythm thus far in the new season but their key trio all came to the party at the Air Canada Centre as they moved to 6-10.
And a fourth Wizard also had a big impact. The unsung Brendan Haywood took advantage of Toronto's lack of physicality inside to score 15 points to go with nine rebounds and a couple of priceless blocks.
In a way, Haywood's contribution was the difference because the Raptors had a productive trio of their own. Chris Bosh led the way with 22 points and 14 rebounds while Andrea Bargnani and Jose Calderon tallied 20 apiece.
The Raptors, for whom this was a fourth straight loss and their eighth in their last 10, have drawn criticism in recent weeks for sloppy third quarter efforts. Against the Wizards, they had no such problems but they fell away in the final 12 minutes, having led 77-72 going into the fourth.
First Arenas then Jamison hurt the hosts in the closing stages. The latter hit a clutch jumper for a 95-91 lead which was the dagger that kept the Raptors at bay. He then put a finger to his lips as the crowd fell silent. Arenas added two free throws for a six-point lead with 2:15 left.
Toronto would get no closer as Hedo Turkoglu misfired on some desperate late shots, allowing Jamison and his improving Wizards to savour a third win in four.
NBA: The team tracker #2
New standings for the NBA's top 10:
1) Orlando Magic: With eight wins from their last nine games, Stan Van Gundy is on the verge of a smile. It could have been nine straight but for Michael Beasley's late intervention. Dwight Howard and Vince Carter continue to share the spotlight and Rashard Lewis is beginning to heat up too, scoring a season-high 26 against the Knicks.
2) Phoenix Suns: The predicted blip still has not come, though losing to the Knicks on Tuesday raised a few eyebrows. The Suns are winning over the sceptics with their play and Steve Nash is in stellar form, dropping 20 points and 16 assists in Toronto. Facing the Cavs on the road will bring the Suns face-to-face with Shaq again and a win in Cleveland would really cement their contender status.
3) LA Lakers: They've done nothing wrong this week and falling from top spot may seem harsh after doing everything right against the Warriors and Nets. But the light patch in their schedule meant the Suns and Magic kicked on. Phil Jackson must be happy to see important contributions coming from everyone in his squad, allowing him to limit Kobe's minutes.
4) Boston Celtics: The Celtics are rumbling into action now with some momentum behind them. Kevin Garnett has stepped up his play this week and is returning to his pre-injury form. His jumper looks good and his body is getting stronger game by game. Rasheed Wallace is back in the groove too, just in time for the clash with the Spurs.
5) Denver Nuggets: Inconsistency is hurting the Nuggets. Free-scoring one night against the Knicks, Denver then fell short versus the T'Wolves, who had not won since opening night. Melo is in unstoppable form but Chauncey Billups and JR Smith need to get their shot sorted - the pounding they gave the Warriors on Tuesday will have helped. They made big strides on defense last year but have been sloppy over the past few games.
6) Cleveland Cavaliers: The win over Dallas was a big statement and somewhat saved face after losing to the Bobcats. Delonte West's progress is encouraging and LeBron just keeps making key plays. The Suns and Bulls will provide energetic opposition over the coming days.
7) Dallas Mavericks: An up and down week for the Mavs. Defensively, they were shambolic in Cleveland but Jason Terry's jumper earned a solid win in Philadelphia. They have so many scoring options and Jason Kidd is still turning pulling the strings to perfection. There are still areas to tweak but the Mavs look set for a high playoff spot. Their record will receive a nice boost with games against the Nets and Grizzlies this week.
8) Atlanta Hawks: Things are on the slide for the Hawks. Losing at home to the Magic was a blow but a road loss in Detroit was particularly poor. Their fast start is fading but games at home this week against the Raptors and Knicks present chances to get back on track.
9) Utah Jazz: The Deron Williams-Carlos Boozer combination is showing signs of life and the Jazz are stringing wins together again. A demolition of Portland was an impressive showing and they have the Spurs in their sights later this week. Their road form is always a concern though and an upcoming game in Minnesota is the ideal opportunity to put that right.
10) San Antonio Spurs: Never write them off. Just when things start to look a little shaky, the Spurs crank things up. Gregg Popovich's team have won five straight and are back in the playoff slots. The visits of Boston and Denver this week will tell us more about San Antonio's progress since picking up Richard Jefferson and Antonio McDyess this summer.
1) Orlando Magic: With eight wins from their last nine games, Stan Van Gundy is on the verge of a smile. It could have been nine straight but for Michael Beasley's late intervention. Dwight Howard and Vince Carter continue to share the spotlight and Rashard Lewis is beginning to heat up too, scoring a season-high 26 against the Knicks.
2) Phoenix Suns: The predicted blip still has not come, though losing to the Knicks on Tuesday raised a few eyebrows. The Suns are winning over the sceptics with their play and Steve Nash is in stellar form, dropping 20 points and 16 assists in Toronto. Facing the Cavs on the road will bring the Suns face-to-face with Shaq again and a win in Cleveland would really cement their contender status.
3) LA Lakers: They've done nothing wrong this week and falling from top spot may seem harsh after doing everything right against the Warriors and Nets. But the light patch in their schedule meant the Suns and Magic kicked on. Phil Jackson must be happy to see important contributions coming from everyone in his squad, allowing him to limit Kobe's minutes.
4) Boston Celtics: The Celtics are rumbling into action now with some momentum behind them. Kevin Garnett has stepped up his play this week and is returning to his pre-injury form. His jumper looks good and his body is getting stronger game by game. Rasheed Wallace is back in the groove too, just in time for the clash with the Spurs.
5) Denver Nuggets: Inconsistency is hurting the Nuggets. Free-scoring one night against the Knicks, Denver then fell short versus the T'Wolves, who had not won since opening night. Melo is in unstoppable form but Chauncey Billups and JR Smith need to get their shot sorted - the pounding they gave the Warriors on Tuesday will have helped. They made big strides on defense last year but have been sloppy over the past few games.
6) Cleveland Cavaliers: The win over Dallas was a big statement and somewhat saved face after losing to the Bobcats. Delonte West's progress is encouraging and LeBron just keeps making key plays. The Suns and Bulls will provide energetic opposition over the coming days.
7) Dallas Mavericks: An up and down week for the Mavs. Defensively, they were shambolic in Cleveland but Jason Terry's jumper earned a solid win in Philadelphia. They have so many scoring options and Jason Kidd is still turning pulling the strings to perfection. There are still areas to tweak but the Mavs look set for a high playoff spot. Their record will receive a nice boost with games against the Nets and Grizzlies this week.
8) Atlanta Hawks: Things are on the slide for the Hawks. Losing at home to the Magic was a blow but a road loss in Detroit was particularly poor. Their fast start is fading but games at home this week against the Raptors and Knicks present chances to get back on track.
9) Utah Jazz: The Deron Williams-Carlos Boozer combination is showing signs of life and the Jazz are stringing wins together again. A demolition of Portland was an impressive showing and they have the Spurs in their sights later this week. Their road form is always a concern though and an upcoming game in Minnesota is the ideal opportunity to put that right.
10) San Antonio Spurs: Never write them off. Just when things start to look a little shaky, the Spurs crank things up. Gregg Popovich's team have won five straight and are back in the playoff slots. The visits of Boston and Denver this week will tell us more about San Antonio's progress since picking up Richard Jefferson and Antonio McDyess this summer.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Tennis: Davydenko stands tall in London
Nikolay Davydenko completed one of the best weeks of his tennis career with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Juan Martin del Potro in the ATP World Tour Finals in London.
The Russian picked up his biggest tournament win to date to move to number six in the world rankings, having dumped Roger Federer out in the semi-finals.
And now he has his sights set on winning his first major, though he admits his stamina needs to be improved to take his three-set form into the five-set Slams.
The Russian picked up his biggest tournament win to date to move to number six in the world rankings, having dumped Roger Federer out in the semi-finals.
And now he has his sights set on winning his first major, though he admits his stamina needs to be improved to take his three-set form into the five-set Slams.
NBA: Raptors' defense must improve
Steve Nash's return to Canadian soil on Sunday further highlighted the Toronto Raptors' struggles this season.
Nash, born in British Columbia, scored 20 points and had 16 assists as the Phoenix Suns continued their scorching start. The Suns romped to a 113-94 victory, largely thanks to a third quarter spurt, and Nash was at the heart of everything.
Once again, the Raptors were exploited defensively. Dribble penetration is hurting them badly, with Jose Calderon particularly having difficulty in keeping his man in front of him, and they just do not rebound well enough as a team.
Credit to Chris Bosh, though, who keeps putting up big numbers. Bosh was a rare bright spot at the weekend with a game-high 30 points and 17 boards but he is not getting enough help from his team-mates.
Hedo Turkoglu is still finding his way in Toronto while Andrea Bargnani, for all his offensive skills, is often found wanting going the other way. The Suns needed no second invitation to cash in.
And things get no easier this week, with the dangerous Washington Wizards arriving on Tuesday. Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler are all lethal scorers and will prosper if the Raptors do not step up their defense.
The Wizards love to run and gun and Toronto cannot get sucked into a flat-out scoring contest. Defense is the key and, until the Raptors sort themselves out, the .500 mark will remain out of reach.
Nash, born in British Columbia, scored 20 points and had 16 assists as the Phoenix Suns continued their scorching start. The Suns romped to a 113-94 victory, largely thanks to a third quarter spurt, and Nash was at the heart of everything.
Once again, the Raptors were exploited defensively. Dribble penetration is hurting them badly, with Jose Calderon particularly having difficulty in keeping his man in front of him, and they just do not rebound well enough as a team.
Credit to Chris Bosh, though, who keeps putting up big numbers. Bosh was a rare bright spot at the weekend with a game-high 30 points and 17 boards but he is not getting enough help from his team-mates.
Hedo Turkoglu is still finding his way in Toronto while Andrea Bargnani, for all his offensive skills, is often found wanting going the other way. The Suns needed no second invitation to cash in.
And things get no easier this week, with the dangerous Washington Wizards arriving on Tuesday. Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler are all lethal scorers and will prosper if the Raptors do not step up their defense.
The Wizards love to run and gun and Toronto cannot get sucked into a flat-out scoring contest. Defense is the key and, until the Raptors sort themselves out, the .500 mark will remain out of reach.
CFL: Howler hands Grey Cup to Montreal
Just when you think you have seen it all, sport finds a way to shock you. And so it was in Calgary on Sunday where the Montreal Alouettes dramatically beat the Saskatchewan Roughriders with the final play of the game to win 28-27 and lift the Grey Cup.
The shock was not that the Alouettes won - after all, they were heavy favorites heading into the final - but in the manner of Saskatchewan loss. Because, after all the pre-game hype and in-depth tactical analysis, the 97th Grey Cup was decided by the most elementary of errors.
The Roughriders' flying start meant the Alouettes were playing catch up throughout. But QB Anthony Calvillo steadily chipped away at the 17-3 half-time deficit and Montreal moved to within two points as the game reached its climax.
Then came the howler that sunk the Roughriders, a mistake that will go down in the history of the competition.
With Montreal within field goal range, Damon Duval stepped up for a 43-yard attempt. He had struggled with the boot during the game and blasted his kick wide of the posts. The Saskatchewan players and coaches alike celebrated. The Gatorade cooler was readied.
But there was a flag on the play. Unbelievably, the Roughriders had sent 13 players rather than 12 onto the field for the field goal. Duval got a second chance from 10 yards closer and duly won the game for the Alouettes.
After a season of hits and bruises and the countless hours on the training pitches, the Roughriders had lost due to a simple miscalculation. That was all that stopped them sealing a big upset - and you can expect to hear plenty more about it. They say there is a fine line between victory and defeat - and it does not get much finer than this.
The spirited fightback from Montreal should not be lost amidst the late game drama, though. MVP Avon Cobourne came up trumps and Calvillo was cool under pressure. Having lost the Grey Cup last year, this win was all the sweeter.
But for Saskatchewan, the bitter taste will linger.
Much of the talk pre-game centred around the role of the crowd, which was packed with Roughrider green. They would be the all-important 13th man, experts said. Unfortunately for Saskatchewan, it was the extra man on the field that was decisive.
The shock was not that the Alouettes won - after all, they were heavy favorites heading into the final - but in the manner of Saskatchewan loss. Because, after all the pre-game hype and in-depth tactical analysis, the 97th Grey Cup was decided by the most elementary of errors.
The Roughriders' flying start meant the Alouettes were playing catch up throughout. But QB Anthony Calvillo steadily chipped away at the 17-3 half-time deficit and Montreal moved to within two points as the game reached its climax.
Then came the howler that sunk the Roughriders, a mistake that will go down in the history of the competition.
With Montreal within field goal range, Damon Duval stepped up for a 43-yard attempt. He had struggled with the boot during the game and blasted his kick wide of the posts. The Saskatchewan players and coaches alike celebrated. The Gatorade cooler was readied.
But there was a flag on the play. Unbelievably, the Roughriders had sent 13 players rather than 12 onto the field for the field goal. Duval got a second chance from 10 yards closer and duly won the game for the Alouettes.
After a season of hits and bruises and the countless hours on the training pitches, the Roughriders had lost due to a simple miscalculation. That was all that stopped them sealing a big upset - and you can expect to hear plenty more about it. They say there is a fine line between victory and defeat - and it does not get much finer than this.
The spirited fightback from Montreal should not be lost amidst the late game drama, though. MVP Avon Cobourne came up trumps and Calvillo was cool under pressure. Having lost the Grey Cup last year, this win was all the sweeter.
But for Saskatchewan, the bitter taste will linger.
Much of the talk pre-game centred around the role of the crowd, which was packed with Roughrider green. They would be the all-important 13th man, experts said. Unfortunately for Saskatchewan, it was the extra man on the field that was decisive.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
NFL: Colts move to 11-0, Titans stun Cardinals
The Houston Texans pushed Peyton Manning and the Colts close but they just did not have enough to stop Indianapolis clinching the AFC South.
Manning threw for three touchdowns as the Colts overturned a 20-7 half-time deficit to squeeze home 35-27 and improve to 11-0. They managed 21 of those points in the fourth quarter, further enhancing their status as Super Bowl contenders.
Elsewhere, the Tennessee Titans used a last gasp touchdown to beat the Arizona Cardinals 20-17 while the San Diego Chargers continued their hot streak by thumping Kansas City 43-14.
The Cincinnati Bengals registered a 16-7 victory over the Cleveland Browns and Brett Favre's Minnesota Vikings moved to 10-1 by pounding the Chicago Bears 36-10.
Monday night sees the New Orleans Saints attempt to match the Colts flawless record against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.
Manning threw for three touchdowns as the Colts overturned a 20-7 half-time deficit to squeeze home 35-27 and improve to 11-0. They managed 21 of those points in the fourth quarter, further enhancing their status as Super Bowl contenders.
Elsewhere, the Tennessee Titans used a last gasp touchdown to beat the Arizona Cardinals 20-17 while the San Diego Chargers continued their hot streak by thumping Kansas City 43-14.
The Cincinnati Bengals registered a 16-7 victory over the Cleveland Browns and Brett Favre's Minnesota Vikings moved to 10-1 by pounding the Chicago Bears 36-10.
Monday night sees the New Orleans Saints attempt to match the Colts flawless record against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.
Soccer: Chelsea too strong for Gunners
As statements of intent go, this was massive.
Chelsea stretched their lead to five points at the top of the Premier League with a 3-0 victory at the Emirates against Arsenal on Sunday.
Two strikes from Didier Drogba and a Thomas Vermaelen own goal sunk Arsene Wenger's side as the rain poured down in London. The Gunners flooded forward but John Terry and the rest of the Blues' rearguard were outstanding.
And judging by this perofrmance, it will take something special for Manchester United and the rest of the pack to deny Carlo Ancelotti's side in the months ahead.
Chelsea stretched their lead to five points at the top of the Premier League with a 3-0 victory at the Emirates against Arsenal on Sunday.
Two strikes from Didier Drogba and a Thomas Vermaelen own goal sunk Arsene Wenger's side as the rain poured down in London. The Gunners flooded forward but John Terry and the rest of the Blues' rearguard were outstanding.
And judging by this perofrmance, it will take something special for Manchester United and the rest of the pack to deny Carlo Ancelotti's side in the months ahead.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Tennis: Surprise finalists set to do battle in London
Few could have seen this coming. The ATP World Tour Finals field has been narrowed to two but there is no Roger Federer, no Rafael Nadal and no Novak Djokovic.
Instead, after a gripping week of tennis, it will be Juan Martin del Potro against Nikolay Davydenko as men's tennis shows yet again how competitive it is at present.
Del Potro overcame surprise package Robin Soderling 6-7, 6-3, 7-6 while Davydenko produced a phenomenal effort to beat Federer for the first time in 13 attempts in the other semi-final, winning 6-2, 4-6, 7-5.
Now one can only hope that the pair give the tournament the fitting finale that it deserves.
Instead, after a gripping week of tennis, it will be Juan Martin del Potro against Nikolay Davydenko as men's tennis shows yet again how competitive it is at present.
Del Potro overcame surprise package Robin Soderling 6-7, 6-3, 7-6 while Davydenko produced a phenomenal effort to beat Federer for the first time in 13 attempts in the other semi-final, winning 6-2, 4-6, 7-5.
Now one can only hope that the pair give the tournament the fitting finale that it deserves.
NBA: Melo explodes for 50 against Knicks
The Denver Nuggets continue to ride Carmelo Anthony in their hunt for a high seeding in the Western Conference - and he is not letting them down.
Anthony exploded for a career-high 50 points at the Pepsi Center against the New York Knicks on Friday, helping the Nuggets to a 128-125 victory.
Chauncey Billups added 32 to fight off a plucky performance from the Knicks, who were led by a 41-point night from Al Harrington.
This was the first of a four-game home stand for the Nuggets, who face the Timberwolves next on Sunday.
Anthony exploded for a career-high 50 points at the Pepsi Center against the New York Knicks on Friday, helping the Nuggets to a 128-125 victory.
Chauncey Billups added 32 to fight off a plucky performance from the Knicks, who were led by a 41-point night from Al Harrington.
This was the first of a four-game home stand for the Nuggets, who face the Timberwolves next on Sunday.
Soccer: Rooney keeps United within touching distance of Chelsea
Wayne Rooney netted a hat-trick as Manchester United put pressure on Chelsea, who visit Arsenal on Sunday.
United used a dominant second half to pull away at Fratton Park against Portsmouth and secure a 4-1 victory. Rooney opened the scoring from the penalty spot after 25 minutes before Pompey equalised through Kevin Prince Boateng's spot kick seven minutes later.
But after the interval, it was all United. The lively Rooney put the champions back in front from Ryan Giggs' pass and then stretched the lead, completing his hat-trick with his second penalty after 54 minutes.
With Pompey out on their feet, Giggs - who turns 36 on Sunday - put the icing on the cake late on, adding a fourth with a low free-kick.
If Rooney can take this goal-scoring form into the busy month of football ahead, United are a good bet to close the gap on Chelsea by the end of 2009.
United used a dominant second half to pull away at Fratton Park against Portsmouth and secure a 4-1 victory. Rooney opened the scoring from the penalty spot after 25 minutes before Pompey equalised through Kevin Prince Boateng's spot kick seven minutes later.
But after the interval, it was all United. The lively Rooney put the champions back in front from Ryan Giggs' pass and then stretched the lead, completing his hat-trick with his second penalty after 54 minutes.
With Pompey out on their feet, Giggs - who turns 36 on Sunday - put the icing on the cake late on, adding a fourth with a low free-kick.
If Rooney can take this goal-scoring form into the busy month of football ahead, United are a good bet to close the gap on Chelsea by the end of 2009.
Cricket: England must bounce back quickly
South Africa squared the one-day series at 1-1 on Friday with a crushing 112-run victory and England must shake off the disappointment ahead of the fourth ODI on Sunday.
AB de Villiers' brutal 121 put England's bowlers to the sword, with Jimmy Anderson and Luke Wright taking the brunt of the South African assault. Paul Collingwood's 86 was a brave response but ultimately in vain. Now Andy Flower's players must focus on Sunday's game. The third ODI must be consigned to the past.
Kevin Pietersen is desperately in need of some runs and how England would appreciate him ending his slump this weekend but, most of all, the bowlers need to get their lines right from the start. South Africa put on 107 quick runs for the first wicket on Friday, allowing de Villiers, Petersen and Boucher to swing freely with that platform to build on.
If Anderson and Stuart Broad - who was expensive but took four wickets in the last match - can make early inroads with the new ball, good things will follow.
AB de Villiers' brutal 121 put England's bowlers to the sword, with Jimmy Anderson and Luke Wright taking the brunt of the South African assault. Paul Collingwood's 86 was a brave response but ultimately in vain. Now Andy Flower's players must focus on Sunday's game. The third ODI must be consigned to the past.
Kevin Pietersen is desperately in need of some runs and how England would appreciate him ending his slump this weekend but, most of all, the bowlers need to get their lines right from the start. South Africa put on 107 quick runs for the first wicket on Friday, allowing de Villiers, Petersen and Boucher to swing freely with that platform to build on.
If Anderson and Stuart Broad - who was expensive but took four wickets in the last match - can make early inroads with the new ball, good things will follow.
Friday, November 27, 2009
NBA: The MVP battle
A weekly look at the MVP race in the NBA:
1) Carmelo Anthony: He has managed 20+ points in every game thus far and is keeping the Nuggets on track for a return to the Conference finals. He looks more focused than ever and is impossible to stop off the dribble. After torching the Blazers and Grizzlies in 40-point nights, he has enjoyed an easier stretch of late but remains the league's joint-second top scorer and the most complete scoring threat.
2) LeBron James: With Shaq sidelined, the King has stepped things up and Cleveland are now right up there again in the East. Averaging 35.5 points for the week, LeBron has pushed the Cavs to 11-4 after their 0-2 start and the fact that he is shooting 52% for the season is scary. Scarier is the fact that he may just be warming up.
3) Kobe Bryant: He just keeps bringing it. Bryant averaged 30 points this week and has Pau Gasol back alongside him. He has been particularly impressive in the low post this season, where he is impossible for other shooting guards to defend, and is proving an equally-effective distributer once again.
4) Paul Pierce: Whenever Boston are struggling, you can expect Pierce to step up. He led the team in New York and pushed them past the Sixers at home. The Celtics might be struggling with the three ball at the moment but Pierce has so many ways to score that his numbers are never in danger.
5) Dirk Nowitzki: With his seemingly endless array of shots, the German is pacing the Mavs again this year. The best shooting big man that the NBA has ever seen, Nowitzki has helped the Mavs to an 11-4 record with an average of 27 points in the last seven games. He has a more complete group around him than last year but he is still the star.
6) Steve Nash: The Suns' fast start is largely a result of Nash's fine play. Almost flawless from the line and averaging nearly 12 assists per game, he is bringing out the best in Channing Frye and Amar'e Stoudemire. With his speed and experience, Nash is on a mission to avenge last year's disappointments.
1) Carmelo Anthony: He has managed 20+ points in every game thus far and is keeping the Nuggets on track for a return to the Conference finals. He looks more focused than ever and is impossible to stop off the dribble. After torching the Blazers and Grizzlies in 40-point nights, he has enjoyed an easier stretch of late but remains the league's joint-second top scorer and the most complete scoring threat.
2) LeBron James: With Shaq sidelined, the King has stepped things up and Cleveland are now right up there again in the East. Averaging 35.5 points for the week, LeBron has pushed the Cavs to 11-4 after their 0-2 start and the fact that he is shooting 52% for the season is scary. Scarier is the fact that he may just be warming up.
3) Kobe Bryant: He just keeps bringing it. Bryant averaged 30 points this week and has Pau Gasol back alongside him. He has been particularly impressive in the low post this season, where he is impossible for other shooting guards to defend, and is proving an equally-effective distributer once again.
4) Paul Pierce: Whenever Boston are struggling, you can expect Pierce to step up. He led the team in New York and pushed them past the Sixers at home. The Celtics might be struggling with the three ball at the moment but Pierce has so many ways to score that his numbers are never in danger.
5) Dirk Nowitzki: With his seemingly endless array of shots, the German is pacing the Mavs again this year. The best shooting big man that the NBA has ever seen, Nowitzki has helped the Mavs to an 11-4 record with an average of 27 points in the last seven games. He has a more complete group around him than last year but he is still the star.
6) Steve Nash: The Suns' fast start is largely a result of Nash's fine play. Almost flawless from the line and averaging nearly 12 assists per game, he is bringing out the best in Channing Frye and Amar'e Stoudemire. With his speed and experience, Nash is on a mission to avenge last year's disappointments.
7) Dwyane Wade: Wade is pouring in almost 28 points a game to keep the Heat on track for the playoffs. His jumper is looking good and he is even chipping in with five assists per night. The progression of Michael Beasley and the promising start from Jermaine O'Neal ought to take some of the strain off Wade.
8) Kevin Durant: The Thunder promised to build on last season - and they have. Durant is among the league's leading scorers, with 27 a game, and his quick release on his jumper is giving defenders nightmares. His three ball needs some work but his progress is frightening.
9) Vince Carter: The Magic are rolling along despite a string of issues and Carter has shouldered a lot of the scoring responsibilities. With Dwight Howard's foul trouble and Jameer Nelson's injury, the former Net has been vital. His field goal percentage is not great but he has provided points when it matters and the Magic must be content with their summer's work.
10) Joe Johnson: The Hawks are in a mini slump after their strong start but Johnson has been solid, leading Atlanta again in their loss against the Magic on Thursday. His form tends to mirror the team's form and, generally, that has been a good thing so far for the Hawks.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Tennis: Federer and Del Potro head for semi-finals
Roger Federer and Juan Martin Del Potro have qualified from Group A at the ATP World Tour Finals in London.
Del Potro's victory over Federer in his final group game was enough to eliminate home favourite Andy Murray by the narrowest of margins, with the outcome decided by percentage of games won after the Scot, Swiss and Argentine all finished with two wins.
In Group B, Robin Soderling has booked his place in the last four and Nikolay Davydenko and Novak Djokovic are now fighting for the final spot in the semi-finals.
Del Potro's victory over Federer in his final group game was enough to eliminate home favourite Andy Murray by the narrowest of margins, with the outcome decided by percentage of games won after the Scot, Swiss and Argentine all finished with two wins.
In Group B, Robin Soderling has booked his place in the last four and Nikolay Davydenko and Novak Djokovic are now fighting for the final spot in the semi-finals.
NBA: Magic topple Hawks to head up Eastern Conference
There was plenty of anticipation ahead of Orlando's visit to the high-flying Hawks on Thursday night. Both teams have started the season well and for 24 minutes Atlanta showed why they believe they can break into the Eastern Conference top three.
Then Dwight Howard took over. Trailing by 12 at the half, Orlando cranked things up defensively after the interval and held the Hawks to just 25 points in the second half. Howard had 22 points to go with 17 rebounds and Vince Carter chipped in with 21 points of his own. Orlando made just 10 of their 31 three-pointers on the night but gained a priceless 17 points from back-up point guard Anthony Johnson.
Joe Johnson led Atlanta with 22 points but the struggles for Josh Smith and Jamal Crawford hurt the Hawks, who fell to 11-4 for the season.
Orlando moved top of the Eastern Conference standings with their 12-4 record.
Then Dwight Howard took over. Trailing by 12 at the half, Orlando cranked things up defensively after the interval and held the Hawks to just 25 points in the second half. Howard had 22 points to go with 17 rebounds and Vince Carter chipped in with 21 points of his own. Orlando made just 10 of their 31 three-pointers on the night but gained a priceless 17 points from back-up point guard Anthony Johnson.
Joe Johnson led Atlanta with 22 points but the struggles for Josh Smith and Jamal Crawford hurt the Hawks, who fell to 11-4 for the season.
Orlando moved top of the Eastern Conference standings with their 12-4 record.
NFL: Weekend preview
Thanksgiving weekend promises to be pretty special. Here's a look at some of the crunch clashes.
Pittsburgh @ Baltimore: This is an important game for both teams. The Steelers lead the Ravens by a game in the AFC North but on home turf Baltimore will fancy their chances, especially after pushing the Colts close last weekend. Pittsburgh are without safety Troy Polamalu due to a knee injury and that could be the difference. Expect a close game and a narrow Ravens victory.
Arizona @ Tennessee: The Cardinals are top of the NFC West but will be welcomed by a revived Titans team. After starting the season 0-6, the Tennessee recovery has been gutsy, with four straight wins. But Arizona and receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who has nine touchdowns to his name, should be too hot to handle on Sunday.
Cleveland @ Cincinnati: This one looks like a home banker. The Bengals are top of the AFC North while the Browns are a dismal 1-9. Cincinnati are dreaming of the playoffs and this game should push them one step closer.
New England @ New Orleans: The NFL is serving up a belter for Monday night. The unbeaten Saints have wowed everyone thus far but the visiting Patriots represent one of their sternest tests. Led by QB Tom Brady, New England are one of the few teams who can keep up with the free-scoring Saints, who have wracked up a league-leading 369 points from their 10 games. The Patriots will be keen to stretch their lead in the AFC East but may well find New Orleans too strong on home soil.
Pittsburgh @ Baltimore: This is an important game for both teams. The Steelers lead the Ravens by a game in the AFC North but on home turf Baltimore will fancy their chances, especially after pushing the Colts close last weekend. Pittsburgh are without safety Troy Polamalu due to a knee injury and that could be the difference. Expect a close game and a narrow Ravens victory.
Arizona @ Tennessee: The Cardinals are top of the NFC West but will be welcomed by a revived Titans team. After starting the season 0-6, the Tennessee recovery has been gutsy, with four straight wins. But Arizona and receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who has nine touchdowns to his name, should be too hot to handle on Sunday.
Cleveland @ Cincinnati: This one looks like a home banker. The Bengals are top of the AFC North while the Browns are a dismal 1-9. Cincinnati are dreaming of the playoffs and this game should push them one step closer.
New England @ New Orleans: The NFL is serving up a belter for Monday night. The unbeaten Saints have wowed everyone thus far but the visiting Patriots represent one of their sternest tests. Led by QB Tom Brady, New England are one of the few teams who can keep up with the free-scoring Saints, who have wracked up a league-leading 369 points from their 10 games. The Patriots will be keen to stretch their lead in the AFC East but may well find New Orleans too strong on home soil.
NHL: Big guns coming to the party
Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby have their teams in the top two spots in the NHL Eastern Conference - and you can expect to see them stay there.
Ovechkin scored his 16th goal of the season as the Washington Capitals sunk the Buffalo Sabres 2-0. But they remain second, though on equal points, behind Crosby's Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Penguins stretched their winning run to three games as Sid the Kid netted one and made another in a 3-1 victory at home to the Montreal Canadiens.
Ovechkin scored his 16th goal of the season as the Washington Capitals sunk the Buffalo Sabres 2-0. But they remain second, though on equal points, behind Crosby's Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Penguins stretched their winning run to three games as Sid the Kid netted one and made another in a 3-1 victory at home to the Montreal Canadiens.
Soccer: Champions League fairytales
It is stories like the surprise runs by minnows Unirea Urziceni and Rubin Kazan that make the Champions League so exciting.
Both are in contention to qualify, with the Romanians looking a good bet to squeeze through in Group G. They travel to Stuttgart needing to avoid defeat to reach the last 16.
Rubin Kazan face a tougher challenge, requiring a win in the San Siro against Inter. But after upsetting Barcelona in the Nou Camp, nothing is impossible for the lively Russians.
However it turns out, both clubs have made their mark on Europe this year, bringing a refreshing feel to the competition.
Both are in contention to qualify, with the Romanians looking a good bet to squeeze through in Group G. They travel to Stuttgart needing to avoid defeat to reach the last 16.
Rubin Kazan face a tougher challenge, requiring a win in the San Siro against Inter. But after upsetting Barcelona in the Nou Camp, nothing is impossible for the lively Russians.
However it turns out, both clubs have made their mark on Europe this year, bringing a refreshing feel to the competition.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Soccer: Real well-placed but other powerhouses left to sweat
Real Madrid all but booked their place in the second round of the Champions League but three other European heavyweights face a nervy last group fixture as the competition hots up.
Gonzalo Higuain's goal was enough to secure a 1-0 victory for the Spaniards over FC Zurich but the qualifying spots in Group C are still up for grabs. AC Milan blew the chance to progress ahead of the final game, drawing 1-1 at the San Siro against Marseille and staying just a single point ahead of the French side. The Italians travel to Zurich for their last fixture while Marseille host Real.
And the plot thickened in Group A too this week. Already-qualified Bordeaux beat Juventus 2-0 while Bayern Munich picked up three points against Maccabi Haifa. That sets up a titanic clash in Turin in a fortnight's time between Juventus and Bayern, who trail the Italians by a single point.
Elsewhere, Manchester United suffered their first home group stage defeat since 2001, losing 1-0 to Besiktas. The Red Devils are already into the next round but Wolfsburg and CSKA Moscow are both competing for the second qualifying spot in Group B.
There will be plenty on the line when the final round of group games begins on December 8.
Gonzalo Higuain's goal was enough to secure a 1-0 victory for the Spaniards over FC Zurich but the qualifying spots in Group C are still up for grabs. AC Milan blew the chance to progress ahead of the final game, drawing 1-1 at the San Siro against Marseille and staying just a single point ahead of the French side. The Italians travel to Zurich for their last fixture while Marseille host Real.
And the plot thickened in Group A too this week. Already-qualified Bordeaux beat Juventus 2-0 while Bayern Munich picked up three points against Maccabi Haifa. That sets up a titanic clash in Turin in a fortnight's time between Juventus and Bayern, who trail the Italians by a single point.
Elsewhere, Manchester United suffered their first home group stage defeat since 2001, losing 1-0 to Besiktas. The Red Devils are already into the next round but Wolfsburg and CSKA Moscow are both competing for the second qualifying spot in Group B.
There will be plenty on the line when the final round of group games begins on December 8.
NBA: The team tracker #1
1) LA Lakers: Pau Gasol is back and suddenly they are top of the West. Solid wins over Detroit, Chicago and New York sets the Lakers up for a three- day rest. Andrew Bynum is putting up big numbers and Kobe has already managed one 40-point night. Plus, they are still gelling and will improve over the coming weeks.
2) Atlanta: Adding Jamal Crawford is looking an inspired move. The Hawks are on course to push the East's top three all the way, as shown by victories over Boston, Denver and Portland. Joe Johnson, Josh Smith and company can further enhance their credentials against the Magic this week.
3) Orlando: Despite injuries and Rashard Lewis' suspension, the Magic are off to a hot start. Their trip to Atlanta on Thursday has leadership of the division at stake while a visit to Milwaukee will be another test of character. The injury to Jameer Nelson is a blow but will not derail them so long as Vince Carter keeps up his scoring.
4) Phoenix: They continue to surprise with their fast start. But can they maintain it? Steve Nash is leading by example and the wins keep coming. After pounding the Pistons at the weekend, there are few demons to be found in upcoming games against Memphis and Minnesota.
5) Dallas: The Mavs have taken charge in the Southwest. Dirk Nowitzki is pouring in points and Shawn Marion is looking a good fit. The loss to the Warriors was a shock on their own floor but things are generally on the up - especially with Josh Howard still not fully fit. Games in Houston and Cleveland will tell us more about their potential over the next few days.
6) Denver: Melo is flying and he is dragging the Nuggets with him. Chauncey Billups is having a quiet patch in terms of points but JR Smith is heating up along with bright spark rookie Ty Lawson. A stretch against the T'Wolves, Knicks and Warriors should boost their record. But there are some issues to address on the road where they are 4-4.
7) Cleveland: They are not exactly pulling up trees as yet but it was bound to take time for Shaq and Anthony Parker to bed in. Meanwhile, LeBron's number are not suffering and he has been clinical in the fourth quarter. Wins in Miami and Orlando bode well but they will have to step things up for the visit of Dallas at the weekend.
8) Portland: The Blazers are still figuring out what to do with Andre Miller but the wins keep coming. Despite a blip at Golden State, Brandon Roy and company have put their 2-3 start behind them. A busy end to the week sees routine home games with New Jersey and Memphis before the crunch divisional clash with Utah.
9) Boston: Even Doc Rivers admits that the Celtics have been playing badly. They escaped in OT against the Knicks and took a painful loss at home to Orlando, provoking questions about the age of the group. They are still top of the Atlantic Division though and will fancy their chances at home to the 76ers and Raptors this week.
10) Milwaukee: Brandon Jennings has made the Bucks the surprise of the season thus far, fighting the Cavs for top spot in the Central Division. The expected slump has yet to materialise. Trips to New Orleans and Oklahoma will put the upstarts to the test this week.
2) Atlanta: Adding Jamal Crawford is looking an inspired move. The Hawks are on course to push the East's top three all the way, as shown by victories over Boston, Denver and Portland. Joe Johnson, Josh Smith and company can further enhance their credentials against the Magic this week.
3) Orlando: Despite injuries and Rashard Lewis' suspension, the Magic are off to a hot start. Their trip to Atlanta on Thursday has leadership of the division at stake while a visit to Milwaukee will be another test of character. The injury to Jameer Nelson is a blow but will not derail them so long as Vince Carter keeps up his scoring.
4) Phoenix: They continue to surprise with their fast start. But can they maintain it? Steve Nash is leading by example and the wins keep coming. After pounding the Pistons at the weekend, there are few demons to be found in upcoming games against Memphis and Minnesota.
5) Dallas: The Mavs have taken charge in the Southwest. Dirk Nowitzki is pouring in points and Shawn Marion is looking a good fit. The loss to the Warriors was a shock on their own floor but things are generally on the up - especially with Josh Howard still not fully fit. Games in Houston and Cleveland will tell us more about their potential over the next few days.
6) Denver: Melo is flying and he is dragging the Nuggets with him. Chauncey Billups is having a quiet patch in terms of points but JR Smith is heating up along with bright spark rookie Ty Lawson. A stretch against the T'Wolves, Knicks and Warriors should boost their record. But there are some issues to address on the road where they are 4-4.
7) Cleveland: They are not exactly pulling up trees as yet but it was bound to take time for Shaq and Anthony Parker to bed in. Meanwhile, LeBron's number are not suffering and he has been clinical in the fourth quarter. Wins in Miami and Orlando bode well but they will have to step things up for the visit of Dallas at the weekend.
8) Portland: The Blazers are still figuring out what to do with Andre Miller but the wins keep coming. Despite a blip at Golden State, Brandon Roy and company have put their 2-3 start behind them. A busy end to the week sees routine home games with New Jersey and Memphis before the crunch divisional clash with Utah.
9) Boston: Even Doc Rivers admits that the Celtics have been playing badly. They escaped in OT against the Knicks and took a painful loss at home to Orlando, provoking questions about the age of the group. They are still top of the Atlantic Division though and will fancy their chances at home to the 76ers and Raptors this week.
10) Milwaukee: Brandon Jennings has made the Bucks the surprise of the season thus far, fighting the Cavs for top spot in the Central Division. The expected slump has yet to materialise. Trips to New Orleans and Oklahoma will put the upstarts to the test this week.
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