Chauncey Billups returned from a groin injury last night with 23 points as the Denver Nuggets held off the Cleveland Cavaliers for a 99-97 victory.
LeBron James had a big night with 35 points but the Nuggets did a good job defensively on James' team-mates.
With Carmelo Anthony still on the sidelines, Billups took control early with eight first quarter points but it was in the third quarter that he was most integral as he scored 11 points to hold off a spurt from James.
Cleveland still held the upper hand, though, heading into the fourth with a four-point lead and were up 91-88 late on. But Denver - a different team with their leader back on the court - rallied and a huge 3-pointer from JR Smith left the Cavs too much to do.
With Utah falling to the Grizzlies and Dallas sinking the Spurs, it was important that George Karl's team tightened their grip on a top seeding and their gritty performance achieved just that.
James and company continue their five-game road trip in Portland on Sunday while the Nuggets visit the Kings in Sacramento tonight.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Cricket: South Africa call up Parnell and Tahir
Needing a win in the final Test to square the series, South Africa have called up uncalled pair Wayne Parnell and Imran Tahir.
Paceman Parnell has had success in the one day game and will pose a different threat as a left arm seamer.
Tahir, who impressed as an overseas player for Hampshire, provides a more attacking spin option which may appeal to South Africa captain Graeme Smith as he chases the 20 wickets needed for victory.
England, meanwhile, are likely to remain unchanged, despite Kevin Pietersen's poor form.
Paceman Parnell has had success in the one day game and will pose a different threat as a left arm seamer.
Tahir, who impressed as an overseas player for Hampshire, provides a more attacking spin option which may appeal to South Africa captain Graeme Smith as he chases the 20 wickets needed for victory.
England, meanwhile, are likely to remain unchanged, despite Kevin Pietersen's poor form.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
NBA: Billups, Anthony hopeful of returning v Cavs
The Denver Nuggets have endured a tough run without first Chauncey Billups then Carmelo Anthony but both are expected to return against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday.
Despite a vital win over the Warriors in their last outing, the Nuggets have struggled badly since Billups picked up a groin injury against the Rockets in mid December.
But with their two All-Stars back in the line-up, Denver should return to being one of the biggest threats to the Lakers in the West.
Despite a vital win over the Warriors in their last outing, the Nuggets have struggled badly since Billups picked up a groin injury against the Rockets in mid December.
But with their two All-Stars back in the line-up, Denver should return to being one of the biggest threats to the Lakers in the West.
Soccer: Vieira set for Man City switch, Birmingham land Michel
The January transfer window is now in full swing and Manchester City were always likely to be active. New boss Roberto Mancini is keen to strengthen his squad for an assault on the top four and former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira is expected to be his first addition.
Vieira, who skippered the Arsenal Invincibles of 2003/04, is undergoing a medical to put the finishing touches on the deal.
Meanwhile, in-form Birmingham have completed the signing of Sporting Gijon midfielder Michel to provide competition for the likes of Lee Bowyer and Barry Ferguson.
Vieira, who skippered the Arsenal Invincibles of 2003/04, is undergoing a medical to put the finishing touches on the deal.
Meanwhile, in-form Birmingham have completed the signing of Sporting Gijon midfielder Michel to provide competition for the likes of Lee Bowyer and Barry Ferguson.
NBA: Bobcats look to continue run against Knicks
One of 2010's hottest teams, the Charlotte Bobcats can extend their win streak to four with a win in the Big Apple against the New York Knicks.
Larry Brown's team are chasing the Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors, currently fifth and sixth in the East, and have established themselves as serious contenders for the playoffs.
Just months after being written off as offensively limited and a likely lottery team, the trade for Stephen Jackson has been the catalyst for a Bobcat surge. Look for the winning run to reach four tonight.
Larry Brown's team are chasing the Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors, currently fifth and sixth in the East, and have established themselves as serious contenders for the playoffs.
Just months after being written off as offensively limited and a likely lottery team, the trade for Stephen Jackson has been the catalyst for a Bobcat surge. Look for the winning run to reach four tonight.
Cricket: England grab heroic draw, Pakistan stunned by Aussies
An enthralling couple of days of Test cricket left England relieved, Australia jubilant, South Africa frustrated and Pakistan stunned.
South Africa set England a mammoth target in the Third Test in Cape Town and needed just seven wickets on the final day to level the series. But a gritty stand between Paul Collingwood (40) and Ian Bell (78) gave the tourists hope before last-wicket pair Graeme Swann and Graham Onions completed a heroic escape.
England now carry a 1-0 lead into the Fourth Test.
Over in Australia, Pakistan managed to turn victory into defeat in extraordinary circumstances. The Aussies ended day three just 80 runs ahead with two wickets left but Mike Hussey's hundred helped set Pakistan 176 to win.
It proved beyond the tourists as Nathan Hauritz took 5-53 and Pakistan were skittled for an embarrassing 139. After being bowled out for a mere 127 in the first innings, this represented an amazing recovery from Australia and was Hauritz's finest hour in Test cricket.
South Africa set England a mammoth target in the Third Test in Cape Town and needed just seven wickets on the final day to level the series. But a gritty stand between Paul Collingwood (40) and Ian Bell (78) gave the tourists hope before last-wicket pair Graeme Swann and Graham Onions completed a heroic escape.
England now carry a 1-0 lead into the Fourth Test.
Over in Australia, Pakistan managed to turn victory into defeat in extraordinary circumstances. The Aussies ended day three just 80 runs ahead with two wickets left but Mike Hussey's hundred helped set Pakistan 176 to win.
It proved beyond the tourists as Nathan Hauritz took 5-53 and Pakistan were skittled for an embarrassing 139. After being bowled out for a mere 127 in the first innings, this represented an amazing recovery from Australia and was Hauritz's finest hour in Test cricket.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
NBA: Grizzlies run continues with win in Portland
Sooner or later, the Memphis Grizzlies will have to be taken seriously. Tuesday night's win over the Portland Trail Blazers was their fourth straight and moves the team to 17-16.
A debatable late foul call on Brandon Roy left injury-hit Portland fuming but the Grizzlies kept their cool and used a 13-1 run to win the contest 109-105.
The Western Conference is hugely competitive this year with Utah and New Orleans both adrift of the playoff spots despite boasting talents like Deron Williams and Chris Paul. But Memphis are not about to give up hope.
OJ Mayo and Zach Randolph both poured in 27 points while Rudy Gay and Marc Gasol had 18 apiece to give the Grizzlies a perfectly balanced attack.
Roy led the Blazers with 27 of his own but the home side ran out of steam down the stretch as their injury crisis, which forced coach Nate McMillan into a seven-man rotation, caught up with them.
Take nothing away from Memphis, though. They are on a fine run and will believe that they have the weapons to mount an assault on the playoff places.
A debatable late foul call on Brandon Roy left injury-hit Portland fuming but the Grizzlies kept their cool and used a 13-1 run to win the contest 109-105.
The Western Conference is hugely competitive this year with Utah and New Orleans both adrift of the playoff spots despite boasting talents like Deron Williams and Chris Paul. But Memphis are not about to give up hope.
OJ Mayo and Zach Randolph both poured in 27 points while Rudy Gay and Marc Gasol had 18 apiece to give the Grizzlies a perfectly balanced attack.
Roy led the Blazers with 27 of his own but the home side ran out of steam down the stretch as their injury crisis, which forced coach Nate McMillan into a seven-man rotation, caught up with them.
Take nothing away from Memphis, though. They are on a fine run and will believe that they have the weapons to mount an assault on the playoff places.
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