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.
Monday, December 28, 2009
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.
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