Bottom of the table Portsmouth suffered yet another setback in their disastrous campaign, losing 2-1 at home to ten man Stoke.
Pompey took the lead through Federic Piquionne but Stoke levelled five minutes after half time with a Robert Huth header.
Andy Wilkinson saw red for a second yellow card with almost 20 minutes to go but, with the home side desperately trying to capitalise on the numerical advantage, the Potters hit the knockout punch in the first minute of stoppage time through Salif Diao.
Diao was on loan at Portsmouth during the 2005/06 season but may now have condemned the South Coast side to relegation to the Championship.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
NBA: Nuggets-Celtics headlines Sunday schedule
A special ABC double-header awaits NBA fans on Sunday with four of the elite teams in action.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have dropped two straight since the All-Star break and will have their work cut out in Orlando against the Magic. Dwight Howard has stepped up his game and Vince Carter seems to have rediscovered his shot.
But it is the Denver Nuggets-Boston Celtics clash later in the afternoon that looks to be Sunday's best offering. The Celtics are out to prove a point and may have new face Nate Robinson suited up. Road wins in LA and Portland show that the Celtics mean business and are starting their push towards the playoffs.
Ray Allen looks revived by the week off, Kevin Garnett is hungrier and more mobile and Rajon Rondo continues to provide the spark. Now Boston just need a bigger contribution from Rasheed Wallace and a healthy Marques Daniels.
Denver has gone 5-5 in its last 10 games, albeit against tough opposition, and Friday's loss to the Washington Wizards was perhaps its most embarrassing of the season. Chauncey Billups continues to light it up, scoring 28 in Washington and averaging a career high 19.7 points a game. Since January, he has been on a tear.
Carmelo Anthony is shooting it well too. He had 40 points in Cleveland on Thursday but went 0-5 in the fourth quarter against the Wizards as the Nuggets threw the game away in the final 12 minutes.
With all the hype and expectation regarding a Cavs-Lakers, LeBron-Kobe showdown in the NBA Finals this year, the Nuggets and Celtics are perhaps the two likeliest teams to prevent it. Sunday's clash will assess just h0w ready they might be to do that.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have dropped two straight since the All-Star break and will have their work cut out in Orlando against the Magic. Dwight Howard has stepped up his game and Vince Carter seems to have rediscovered his shot.
But it is the Denver Nuggets-Boston Celtics clash later in the afternoon that looks to be Sunday's best offering. The Celtics are out to prove a point and may have new face Nate Robinson suited up. Road wins in LA and Portland show that the Celtics mean business and are starting their push towards the playoffs.
Ray Allen looks revived by the week off, Kevin Garnett is hungrier and more mobile and Rajon Rondo continues to provide the spark. Now Boston just need a bigger contribution from Rasheed Wallace and a healthy Marques Daniels.
Denver has gone 5-5 in its last 10 games, albeit against tough opposition, and Friday's loss to the Washington Wizards was perhaps its most embarrassing of the season. Chauncey Billups continues to light it up, scoring 28 in Washington and averaging a career high 19.7 points a game. Since January, he has been on a tear.
Carmelo Anthony is shooting it well too. He had 40 points in Cleveland on Thursday but went 0-5 in the fourth quarter against the Wizards as the Nuggets threw the game away in the final 12 minutes.
With all the hype and expectation regarding a Cavs-Lakers, LeBron-Kobe showdown in the NBA Finals this year, the Nuggets and Celtics are perhaps the two likeliest teams to prevent it. Sunday's clash will assess just h0w ready they might be to do that.
Soccer: Chelsea and Arsenal earn precious wins
Chelsea moved four points clear at the top of table with a 2-0 victory at Wolves courtesy of a Didier Drogba double.
The Ivorian struck in each half to sink Mick McCarthy's side, who could have given no more in terms of work rate and passion. Wolves just did not have the killer instincts of Drogba to call upon - and ultimately that was all that separated the two teams.
And at the Emirates, a Nicklas Bendtner goal was enough to send Sunderland to yet another defeat. The Dane tapped home in the 27th minute from Emmanuel Eboue's cross.
Having been written off three weeks ago, Arsenal are now just two points behind second-placed Manchester United and six points off the top.
The Ivorian struck in each half to sink Mick McCarthy's side, who could have given no more in terms of work rate and passion. Wolves just did not have the killer instincts of Drogba to call upon - and ultimately that was all that separated the two teams.
And at the Emirates, a Nicklas Bendtner goal was enough to send Sunderland to yet another defeat. The Dane tapped home in the 27th minute from Emmanuel Eboue's cross.
Having been written off three weeks ago, Arsenal are now just two points behind second-placed Manchester United and six points off the top.
Golf: Woods makes tearful apology
Tiger Woods spoke publicly on Friday for the first time about his infidelity and the scandal that has engulfed the golf world since the end of November.
"I was unfaithful, I had affairs and I cheated. What I did was unacceptable," he admitted.
"I hurt my wife, my kids, my mother, my wife's family, my friends, my foundation and kids all around the world who admired me."
Woods did not confirm when he would return to the Tour, stating only that he would be back at some stage.
"I was unfaithful, I had affairs and I cheated. What I did was unacceptable," he admitted.
"I hurt my wife, my kids, my mother, my wife's family, my friends, my foundation and kids all around the world who admired me."
Woods did not confirm when he would return to the Tour, stating only that he would be back at some stage.
Winter Olympics: Medal count update
After the first week of the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, it is the USA sitting pretty at the top of the medal table with a haul of 20, including six golds.
The wily Germans are a distant second with 13 and Norway is third with a tally of 10, though half of those are golds.
Canada is next with eight medals but the hosts will look to make up ground as they are favourites to win gold in the men's and women's hockey.
Meanwhile, Great Britain grabbed its first medal of the Games as Amy Williams took gold in the skeleton, setting a track record in the process.
The wily Germans are a distant second with 13 and Norway is third with a tally of 10, though half of those are golds.
Canada is next with eight medals but the hosts will look to make up ground as they are favourites to win gold in the men's and women's hockey.
Meanwhile, Great Britain grabbed its first medal of the Games as Amy Williams took gold in the skeleton, setting a track record in the process.
Cricket: Pietersen back among the runs
After a rough tour of South Africa, Kevin Pietersen is bouncing back in the Twenty20 series with Pakistan.
First, his unbeaten 43 set up England's comfortable victory in the 1st T20 and then a rapid 62 - from just 40 deliveries - helped post 148-6 in the 2nd T20.
In reply, Pakistan are rocking at 12-2.
First, his unbeaten 43 set up England's comfortable victory in the 1st T20 and then a rapid 62 - from just 40 deliveries - helped post 148-6 in the 2nd T20.
In reply, Pakistan are rocking at 12-2.
Soccer: Everton rock United's title challenge
Home grown talents Dan Gosling and Jack Rodwell came off the bench to score the crucial goals as Everton stunned Manchester United 3-1 at Goodison Park.
Ten days after beating Chelsea 2-1, the Toffees produced another gritty display and deserved to take the points. Like against the Blues, Everton had to do it the hard way after falling behind to Dimitar Berbatov's smart finish. But Diniyar Bilyaletdinov levelled just two minutes later with a swerving strike into the bottom corner.
United had a couple of half chances in the second half, with the score at 1-1, but too often the final let them down and Wayne Rooney looked a shadow of the man who terrorised AC Milan in midweek.
And Gosling, a second half substitute, made the champions pay just under 15 minutes from time as he turned in Steven Pienaar's perfect cross. Sir Alex Ferguson, though, might well question Antonio Valencia's failure to track back and Patrice Evra's weak attempt to deny Gosling.
With Goodison Park rocking and United bombing forward, fellow sub Rodwell skipped past Jonny Evans, who had another shaky game, and fired low past Edwin van der Sar to seal the three points for Everton.
When all is said and done come May, Ferguson may well look back on this result as a killer blow in the title race.
Ten days after beating Chelsea 2-1, the Toffees produced another gritty display and deserved to take the points. Like against the Blues, Everton had to do it the hard way after falling behind to Dimitar Berbatov's smart finish. But Diniyar Bilyaletdinov levelled just two minutes later with a swerving strike into the bottom corner.
United had a couple of half chances in the second half, with the score at 1-1, but too often the final let them down and Wayne Rooney looked a shadow of the man who terrorised AC Milan in midweek.
And Gosling, a second half substitute, made the champions pay just under 15 minutes from time as he turned in Steven Pienaar's perfect cross. Sir Alex Ferguson, though, might well question Antonio Valencia's failure to track back and Patrice Evra's weak attempt to deny Gosling.
With Goodison Park rocking and United bombing forward, fellow sub Rodwell skipped past Jonny Evans, who had another shaky game, and fired low past Edwin van der Sar to seal the three points for Everton.
When all is said and done come May, Ferguson may well look back on this result as a killer blow in the title race.
NBA: Celtics grab another big win
Some people might be writing off the Boston Celtics' chances of winning an NBA title this season but the players have not stopped believing - and an easy win in Portland made it a great week for Doc Rivers' team.
Fresh from a gritty 87-86 victory over the Lakers in LA, Boston downed the Trail Blazers 96-76 with one of its best road wins of the season.
And the form of Ray Allen - the subject of plenty of trade whispers over the past few weeks - has been exceptional. He dropped 24 points against the Lakers on Thursday and added 21 in Portland on 9-15 shooting.
The Celtics shot 53% and held the Blazers to a measly 34%.
Elsewhere, the Dallas Mavericks scored a big win in Orlando while the Utah Jazz outgunned the Golden State Warriors.
The shock of the night came in Washington, where the Wizards - minus Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison and Brendan Haywood - used a mammoth fourth quarter spurt to beat the Denver Nuggets. One night on from beating the Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver blew a 13-point lead and wasted a 28-point outing from All-Star guard Chauncey Billups.
Fresh from a gritty 87-86 victory over the Lakers in LA, Boston downed the Trail Blazers 96-76 with one of its best road wins of the season.
And the form of Ray Allen - the subject of plenty of trade whispers over the past few weeks - has been exceptional. He dropped 24 points against the Lakers on Thursday and added 21 in Portland on 9-15 shooting.
The Celtics shot 53% and held the Blazers to a measly 34%.
Elsewhere, the Dallas Mavericks scored a big win in Orlando while the Utah Jazz outgunned the Golden State Warriors.
The shock of the night came in Washington, where the Wizards - minus Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison and Brendan Haywood - used a mammoth fourth quarter spurt to beat the Denver Nuggets. One night on from beating the Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver blew a 13-point lead and wasted a 28-point outing from All-Star guard Chauncey Billups.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
NBA: Anthony posts 40 as Nuggets end Cavs' win streak in OT
The Dallas Mavericks and Portland Trail Blazers might have upgraded with key moves ahead of the trade deadline but the Denver Nuggets have lofty ambitions of their own - just ask LeBron and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Denver signalled its intent to return to the Western Conference finals with a big 118-116 OT win in Cleveland, snapping the Cavs' 13-game win streak behind Carmelo Anthony's 40-point effort. James and Anthony went toe-to-toe throughout and the Cleveland man was unlucky to be on the losing team after pouring in 43 points to go with 15 assists and 13 rebounds.
The Nuggets got 18 points apiece from Kenyon Martin and Chauncey Billups, who missed a game-winning 3-pointer at the end of the fourth quarter.
In OT, Denver got ahead early and held their nerve as Billups found Anthony, who buried the go-ahead jumper with 1.9 seconds on the clock. It proved to be the winning bucket as James' desperate 3-pointer was off the mark as time expired.
The Cavs were without the recently-acquired Antawn Jamison but the former Wizards power forward was courtside with his new team-mates and Cleveland could have done with Jamison down the stretch.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets improved to 13-13 on the road and continue to show they can win anywhere - even if they have slipped up in Sacramento, Detroit and Charlotte already this season. This was Denver's latest big road scalp and coach George Karl must be encouraged by the way Billups and Anthony continually step up down the stretch. On several occasions, Karl opted not to call a timeout late in the game, knowing that Billups, in particular, would make the smart play.
Things get no easier for the Nuggets in the near future with games against the Celtics and the Lakers on the horizon. But Denver seems to save its best for the playoff-type contests and, with Anthony on fire, will fancy its chances against anyone.
Denver signalled its intent to return to the Western Conference finals with a big 118-116 OT win in Cleveland, snapping the Cavs' 13-game win streak behind Carmelo Anthony's 40-point effort. James and Anthony went toe-to-toe throughout and the Cleveland man was unlucky to be on the losing team after pouring in 43 points to go with 15 assists and 13 rebounds.
The Nuggets got 18 points apiece from Kenyon Martin and Chauncey Billups, who missed a game-winning 3-pointer at the end of the fourth quarter.
In OT, Denver got ahead early and held their nerve as Billups found Anthony, who buried the go-ahead jumper with 1.9 seconds on the clock. It proved to be the winning bucket as James' desperate 3-pointer was off the mark as time expired.
The Cavs were without the recently-acquired Antawn Jamison but the former Wizards power forward was courtside with his new team-mates and Cleveland could have done with Jamison down the stretch.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets improved to 13-13 on the road and continue to show they can win anywhere - even if they have slipped up in Sacramento, Detroit and Charlotte already this season. This was Denver's latest big road scalp and coach George Karl must be encouraged by the way Billups and Anthony continually step up down the stretch. On several occasions, Karl opted not to call a timeout late in the game, knowing that Billups, in particular, would make the smart play.
Things get no easier for the Nuggets in the near future with games against the Celtics and the Lakers on the horizon. But Denver seems to save its best for the playoff-type contests and, with Anthony on fire, will fancy its chances against anyone.
Soccer: Liverpool limp to victory
Liverpool needed an 81st minute winner from David Ngog to beat Unirea Urziceni 1-0 in the first leg of their Europa League tie.
While the clean sheet pleased boss Rafa Benitez, the Reds are still well below their best, which is a worrying sign ahead of a huge weekend clash with Manchester City.
Unirea still have it all to do at home in the second leg but it would be just typical of Liverpool's season if they threw away the advantage when they travel to Romania.
While the clean sheet pleased boss Rafa Benitez, the Reds are still well below their best, which is a worrying sign ahead of a huge weekend clash with Manchester City.
Unirea still have it all to do at home in the second leg but it would be just typical of Liverpool's season if they threw away the advantage when they travel to Romania.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
NBA: Nuggets attempt to halt Cavs' streak at 13
The Denver Nuggets' tough February schedule continues as they travel to Cleveland for their first game after the All-Star break, hot on the heels of the sad news about George Karl's battle with cancer.
LeBron James and the Cavs have won 13 straight games and boast an outstanding home record but will have their hands full coping with Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups. Plus, the Nuggets have saved some of their best performances for big road games this season, winning twice in San Antonio to go with victories in LA, Utah and Portland.
Cleveland continue to look for a deal ahead of the trade deadline, with Amar'e Stoudemire and Antawn Jamison heading the wishlist. But the Cavs are doing just fine as they are and tomorrow's clash could well be a classic.
LeBron James and the Cavs have won 13 straight games and boast an outstanding home record but will have their hands full coping with Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups. Plus, the Nuggets have saved some of their best performances for big road games this season, winning twice in San Antonio to go with victories in LA, Utah and Portland.
Cleveland continue to look for a deal ahead of the trade deadline, with Amar'e Stoudemire and Antawn Jamison heading the wishlist. But the Cavs are doing just fine as they are and tomorrow's clash could well be a classic.
Soccer: Porto, Bayern seal narrow advantage
Both of Wednesday's Champions League fixtures ended 2-1 to the home side, leaving things beautifully poised for the second legs.
Porto beat Arsenal 2-1 thanks to Falcao's hotly-disputed second half goal from a quickly-taken free-kick to leave Arsene Wenger fuming. But the injury-hit Gunners should be close to full strength for the return match and, though their defending was shambolic for both goals they conceded, they remain favorites to go through.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich used a controversial goal of their own to grab a slender advantage over Fiorentina. Miroslav Klose scored the winner but from an offside position. However, the Italians will fancy their chances of overturning the deficit in the second leg in front of their own supporters.
Porto beat Arsenal 2-1 thanks to Falcao's hotly-disputed second half goal from a quickly-taken free-kick to leave Arsene Wenger fuming. But the injury-hit Gunners should be close to full strength for the return match and, though their defending was shambolic for both goals they conceded, they remain favorites to go through.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich used a controversial goal of their own to grab a slender advantage over Fiorentina. Miroslav Klose scored the winner but from an offside position. However, the Italians will fancy their chances of overturning the deficit in the second leg in front of their own supporters.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
NBA: Mavericks fans get first glimpse of Butler, Haywood
The Dallas Mavericks made the first big move before the trade deadline and their new faces - Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood and DeShawn Stevenson - will be on show for the first time tonight against Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Mavs hope this trade - in which they surrendered four players including Josh Howard and Drew Gooden - will push them closer to the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets in the West.
The Mavs hope this trade - in which they surrendered four players including Josh Howard and Drew Gooden - will push them closer to the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets in the West.
Soccer: Lyon stun Real
A second half thunderbolt from Jean Makoun helped Lyon grab a 1-0 advantage to take into their second leg against Real Madrid.
With Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka subdued by the French side's relentless pressing, Real had little to offer as a Plan B. Instead, Lyon will feel somewhat disappointed not to have extended their lead.
It is all perfectly poised for the return game at the Bernabeu, where Ronaldo and company will need to find top gear if they want to avoid another Champions League second round exit.
With Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka subdued by the French side's relentless pressing, Real had little to offer as a Plan B. Instead, Lyon will feel somewhat disappointed not to have extended their lead.
It is all perfectly poised for the return game at the Bernabeu, where Ronaldo and company will need to find top gear if they want to avoid another Champions League second round exit.
Soccer: United lean on talisman Rooney to overcome sloppy start
AC Milan 2-3 Manchester United
If anyone needed convincing that Wayne Rooney is the world's most in-form striker, they only had to watch his two-goal masterclass at the San Siro as Manchester United put one foot into the Champions League quarter-finals.
Rooney received limited service in the first half yet still looked one of the visitors' biggest threats, firing one left-foot strike wide and worrying Alessandro Nesta with his pace and power. And after the break, he was both breathtaking and unstoppable.
AC Milan made the perfect start as Ronaldinho's deflected strike left Edwin van der Sar helpless. United had Rio Ferdinand back at the heart of the back four but he and Jonny Evans endured a torrid first half, wasting possession and being caught out time and again as Milan counter-attacked.
By the time United pulled level through Paul Scholes, Milan should have been two or three goals to the good. But their failure to capitalise let Sir Alex Ferguson's side off the hook and Scholes equalised with arguably the luckiest goal of his career. Swivelling to meet a Darren Fletcher cross, he mis-kicked with his right foot only for the ball to ricochet off his standing leg before trickling in off the far post.
Ferguson's half-time team talk certainly hit home. United were a rampaging animal in the second half with Fletcher everywhere in midfield and Rooney on the prowl. David Beckham, on the other hand, had little impact against his former club.
And they were rewarded when Rooney blew the tie wide open with two goals in eight minutes. Moments after the ineffective Nani was replaced by Antonio Valencia, United went ahead. Valencia's cross picked out Rooney and the England hit man nodded a stunning header past Dida.
His second was far simpler as he headed home Fletcher's pass, leaving United looking home and dry.
That should have been the end of the tie but complacent defending from Rafael Da Silva allowed Ronaldinho to find Seedorf and the Dutchman flicked the ball past van der Sar to give the Italians a lifeline.
Seedorf's goal keeps the tie alive but the second leg - at Old Trafford on March 10 - is United's to lose now and they should be giving Rooney a hefty pat on the back for that. Ferguson had said pre-match that his striker could now be considered among the game's elite and Rooney backed up those words with another sublime performance.
As for Milan, much will depend on Ronaldinho, who showed flashes of his old genius and strengthened his case for selection for this summer's World Cup. Age is not on their side and their legs deserted them in the second half when United were on top. It will take a monumental effort to overturn this deficit.
Much of the attention had been focused on Beckham facing his former club but instead Rooney made his mark and pulled the spotlight away from the past and back onto the present.
If anyone needed convincing that Wayne Rooney is the world's most in-form striker, they only had to watch his two-goal masterclass at the San Siro as Manchester United put one foot into the Champions League quarter-finals.
Rooney received limited service in the first half yet still looked one of the visitors' biggest threats, firing one left-foot strike wide and worrying Alessandro Nesta with his pace and power. And after the break, he was both breathtaking and unstoppable.
AC Milan made the perfect start as Ronaldinho's deflected strike left Edwin van der Sar helpless. United had Rio Ferdinand back at the heart of the back four but he and Jonny Evans endured a torrid first half, wasting possession and being caught out time and again as Milan counter-attacked.
By the time United pulled level through Paul Scholes, Milan should have been two or three goals to the good. But their failure to capitalise let Sir Alex Ferguson's side off the hook and Scholes equalised with arguably the luckiest goal of his career. Swivelling to meet a Darren Fletcher cross, he mis-kicked with his right foot only for the ball to ricochet off his standing leg before trickling in off the far post.
Ferguson's half-time team talk certainly hit home. United were a rampaging animal in the second half with Fletcher everywhere in midfield and Rooney on the prowl. David Beckham, on the other hand, had little impact against his former club.
And they were rewarded when Rooney blew the tie wide open with two goals in eight minutes. Moments after the ineffective Nani was replaced by Antonio Valencia, United went ahead. Valencia's cross picked out Rooney and the England hit man nodded a stunning header past Dida.
His second was far simpler as he headed home Fletcher's pass, leaving United looking home and dry.
That should have been the end of the tie but complacent defending from Rafael Da Silva allowed Ronaldinho to find Seedorf and the Dutchman flicked the ball past van der Sar to give the Italians a lifeline.
Seedorf's goal keeps the tie alive but the second leg - at Old Trafford on March 10 - is United's to lose now and they should be giving Rooney a hefty pat on the back for that. Ferguson had said pre-match that his striker could now be considered among the game's elite and Rooney backed up those words with another sublime performance.
As for Milan, much will depend on Ronaldinho, who showed flashes of his old genius and strengthened his case for selection for this summer's World Cup. Age is not on their side and their legs deserted them in the second half when United were on top. It will take a monumental effort to overturn this deficit.
Much of the attention had been focused on Beckham facing his former club but instead Rooney made his mark and pulled the spotlight away from the past and back onto the present.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Soccer: Leonardo facing biggest test yet
The visit of Manchester United on Tuesday will see David Beckham back in the spotlight - but his manager Leonardo is under scrutiny too.
The Brazilian desperately needs a victory over United to strengthen his position at the helm while the consequences of elimination could be dire.
He will be counting on some huge performances from his more experienced heads like Ronaldinho, Beckham and Andrea Pirlo along with the youthful Pato in attack.
However, you can expect Leonardo to be losing a lot of sleep at the moment if he has been following the recent performances of United's Wayne Rooney.
The Brazilian desperately needs a victory over United to strengthen his position at the helm while the consequences of elimination could be dire.
He will be counting on some huge performances from his more experienced heads like Ronaldinho, Beckham and Andrea Pirlo along with the youthful Pato in attack.
However, you can expect Leonardo to be losing a lot of sleep at the moment if he has been following the recent performances of United's Wayne Rooney.
NBA: Bosh emphasises his value
Chris Bosh is having a career year and he showcased his considerable skills again at the All-Star Game, scoring 23 points and the winning free throws.
The Toronto Raptors forward will be one of the most desirable free agents this summer, with Cleveland and Miami likely to want to team Bosh with LeBron James or Dwyane Wade and many others in the hunt too.
Bosh's ability to rebound, shoot jumpers and drive to the basket have been evident this season as he has established himself as a double-double machine. His physical performance on Sunday off the bench (purely on form, he should have been a starter ahead of Kevin Garnett) just reminded fans that he is among the game's elite at present.
The Raptors will have a lot of suitors to fight off this summer.
The Toronto Raptors forward will be one of the most desirable free agents this summer, with Cleveland and Miami likely to want to team Bosh with LeBron James or Dwyane Wade and many others in the hunt too.
Bosh's ability to rebound, shoot jumpers and drive to the basket have been evident this season as he has established himself as a double-double machine. His physical performance on Sunday off the bench (purely on form, he should have been a starter ahead of Kevin Garnett) just reminded fans that he is among the game's elite at present.
The Raptors will have a lot of suitors to fight off this summer.
NBA: East relieved to see ball out of Billups' hands
Twice in the final 10 seconds of Sunday's All-Star Game, the West took timeouts. On both occasions, they trailed the East by two points and George Karl drew up plays for a potentially game-winning shot.
The first found the hands of Dirk Nowitzki, who was fouled and made both free throws, and the second play saw Carmelo Anthony miss a 3-pointer as the clock expired.
The East will have breathed a big sigh of relief - and not just because they had held on for the 141-139 victory. Much of the relief will have stemmed from the fact that on both plays, Chauncey Billups did not get to shoot the ball.
Billups poured in 14 points in the fourth quarter and hit five triples on the night. As always, he was thriving in the pressure situations and did as much as anyone to close the East's lead in the second half.
The most obvious play - and perhaps one that Karl discussed or even tried to set up - was to get Billups open on the perimeter. Sadly, it did not work out that way and players whose reputations seem to place them ahead of Billups in the pecking order took the final shots.
Nowitzki and Anthony have hit their fair share of game-winners, of course, but Billups has a ring and a Finals MVP trophy and bizarrely that seems to be overlooked at times.
When it comes to clutch shooting there are few who can match Mr. Big Shot and that explains why Stan Van Gundy and the East players looked so happy to see the ball out of Billups' hands with the game on the line.
The first found the hands of Dirk Nowitzki, who was fouled and made both free throws, and the second play saw Carmelo Anthony miss a 3-pointer as the clock expired.
The East will have breathed a big sigh of relief - and not just because they had held on for the 141-139 victory. Much of the relief will have stemmed from the fact that on both plays, Chauncey Billups did not get to shoot the ball.
Billups poured in 14 points in the fourth quarter and hit five triples on the night. As always, he was thriving in the pressure situations and did as much as anyone to close the East's lead in the second half.
The most obvious play - and perhaps one that Karl discussed or even tried to set up - was to get Billups open on the perimeter. Sadly, it did not work out that way and players whose reputations seem to place them ahead of Billups in the pecking order took the final shots.
Nowitzki and Anthony have hit their fair share of game-winners, of course, but Billups has a ring and a Finals MVP trophy and bizarrely that seems to be overlooked at times.
When it comes to clutch shooting there are few who can match Mr. Big Shot and that explains why Stan Van Gundy and the East players looked so happy to see the ball out of Billups' hands with the game on the line.
Soccer: Forest entering crucial stretch in promotion chase
Few fancied Nottingham Forest as promotion candidates in August but Billy Davies' side have forced their way into contention.
At the City Ground, Forest have been terrific, producing a string of positive, attacking displays on the way to 11 wins. In fact, no team in the league have scored more goals at home heading into Tuesday's fixtures.
But this is a huge week for Forest. They sit third, trailing Newcastle and West Brom by five and four points respectively, and stuttered to defeat against Doncaster at the weekend.
And the next seven days throws up two massive tests of their credentials. First, Forest head to Brammall Lane to take on a Sheffield United side who are a point outside the top six. Then they host Middlesbrough, who are also in hot pursuit of the playoff spots.
One way or another, we will learn a lot more about Forest's sticking power over the next week. Taking six points would be a big statement of intent and would heap the pressure on Newcastle and West Brom.
At the City Ground, Forest have been terrific, producing a string of positive, attacking displays on the way to 11 wins. In fact, no team in the league have scored more goals at home heading into Tuesday's fixtures.
But this is a huge week for Forest. They sit third, trailing Newcastle and West Brom by five and four points respectively, and stuttered to defeat against Doncaster at the weekend.
And the next seven days throws up two massive tests of their credentials. First, Forest head to Brammall Lane to take on a Sheffield United side who are a point outside the top six. Then they host Middlesbrough, who are also in hot pursuit of the playoff spots.
One way or another, we will learn a lot more about Forest's sticking power over the next week. Taking six points would be a big statement of intent and would heap the pressure on Newcastle and West Brom.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
NBA: Wade claims deserved MVP honors as East win All-Star Game
Led by 28 points from MVP Dwyane Wade, the Eastern Conference All-Stars outlasted their Western Conference counterparts 141-139 in front of more than 108,000 fans in Dallas.
The Miami Heat shooting guard added 11 assists while LeBron James chipped in with 25 and Chris Bosh added 23 as the East withheld a fourth quarter rally from the West, for whom Chauncey Billups scored 14 of his 17 points in the final 12 minutes.
Carmelo Anthony paced the West with 27 points and home favorite Dirk Nowitzki poured in 22. Anthony had a chance to be the hero in the final seconds but he was off target with a potential game-winning 3-pointer and the East escaped.
The Miami Heat shooting guard added 11 assists while LeBron James chipped in with 25 and Chris Bosh added 23 as the East withheld a fourth quarter rally from the West, for whom Chauncey Billups scored 14 of his 17 points in the final 12 minutes.
Carmelo Anthony paced the West with 27 points and home favorite Dirk Nowitzki poured in 22. Anthony had a chance to be the hero in the final seconds but he was off target with a potential game-winning 3-pointer and the East escaped.
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