Super Mario: Chris Bosh embraces Mario Chalmers after the Heat's 104-98 win over the Thunder on Tuesday in Miami. APBetter get well fast, LeBron. You're one win away from the biggest party of your life.A limping, grimacing James shook off left leg cramps to hit a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 2:51 remaining and the Miami Heat held off the Oklahoma City Thunder for a 104-98 victory Tuesday night and a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals that no team has ever blown.Game 5 is Thursday night and James will have a chance to finish a nine-year chase that started in Cleveland before he famously — or infamously — left for South Florida before last season."Of course it's there to think about," James acknowledged.With James watching the final moments, Mario Chalmers finished off a stellar 25-point effort that matched Dwyane Wade. James had 26 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds, missing a shot at a triple-double only because he was on the bench at the end after thigh cramps emerged following a fall near the Thunder basket.The Heat needed all James could give and more to hold off Russell Westbrook. He scored 43 points for the Thunder, who wasted an early 17-point lead but were never out of the game because of their sensational point guard. Kevin Durant had 28 points but James Harden threw in another clunker, finishing with eight points on 2-of-10 shooting. Westbrook and Durant were the only Thunder players to score in the last 16:46."Shots were falling," said Westbrook, who was 20 of 32. "It really doesn't mean nothing. We didn't come out with the win."James stumbled to the court on a drive midway through the fourth quarter, staying on the offensive end of the floor as the Heat regained possession on a blocked shot, and he made a short jumper that made it 92-90. After Westbrook missed a jumper, the Heat called timeout as James gingerly went to the court. Unable to walk off, he was carried to the sideline by a pair of teammates.He returned to a huge roar with a little over 4 minutes left and the Heat down two, and after Chris Bosh tied it, James slowly walked into a pull-up 3-point attempt — perhaps doing so knowing he couldn't drive by anyone — and drilled it.That made it 97-94, and when Wade followed with a layup with 2:19 left, the Heat finally had enough room to withstand Westbrook, who kept coming all night."Whatever it takes. No excuses," said Wade, who had to shake off his own aches and pains after landing hard on his back in the first half following a spectacular block by Serge Ibaka. "You don't want to leave this arena saying you missed opportunities."Chalmers sure didn't. The player who was struggling so badly that the Thunder put Durant on him in hopes of avoiding further foul trouble made 9 of 15 shots, scoring more points than he had in the previous three games."Mario Chalmers is a winner," Wade added. "He was due for a big game and he came through for us."The Heat couldn't have done it without James, who refused to let any pain prevent him from taking the biggest step of his career.Miami never got past its second Finals victory last year, with James' struggles its biggest problem as it lost the last three to Dallas. But he was at his brilliant best in this one, keeping up his scoring surge but also willingly kicking it out to open teammates when double-teamed.He tried to play through the pain, but the Heat had to call another timeout and remove him for good.But there's no doubt he will play Thursday: "I'll be ready," James said. "I'll be ready for Game 5."
Showing posts with label within. Show all posts
Showing posts with label within. Show all posts
Friday, June 22, 2012
Heat move within win of NBA title
MIAMI — LeBron James could hardly stand, certainly couldn't run. Good thing all he needed to do was shoot.Super Mario: Chris Bosh embraces Mario Chalmers after the Heat's 104-98 win over the Thunder on Tuesday in Miami. APBetter get well fast, LeBron. You're one win away from the biggest party of your life.A limping, grimacing James shook off left leg cramps to hit a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 2:51 remaining and the Miami Heat held off the Oklahoma City Thunder for a 104-98 victory Tuesday night and a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals that no team has ever blown.Game 5 is Thursday night and James will have a chance to finish a nine-year chase that started in Cleveland before he famously — or infamously — left for South Florida before last season."Of course it's there to think about," James acknowledged.With James watching the final moments, Mario Chalmers finished off a stellar 25-point effort that matched Dwyane Wade. James had 26 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds, missing a shot at a triple-double only because he was on the bench at the end after thigh cramps emerged following a fall near the Thunder basket.The Heat needed all James could give and more to hold off Russell Westbrook. He scored 43 points for the Thunder, who wasted an early 17-point lead but were never out of the game because of their sensational point guard. Kevin Durant had 28 points but James Harden threw in another clunker, finishing with eight points on 2-of-10 shooting. Westbrook and Durant were the only Thunder players to score in the last 16:46."Shots were falling," said Westbrook, who was 20 of 32. "It really doesn't mean nothing. We didn't come out with the win."James stumbled to the court on a drive midway through the fourth quarter, staying on the offensive end of the floor as the Heat regained possession on a blocked shot, and he made a short jumper that made it 92-90. After Westbrook missed a jumper, the Heat called timeout as James gingerly went to the court. Unable to walk off, he was carried to the sideline by a pair of teammates.He returned to a huge roar with a little over 4 minutes left and the Heat down two, and after Chris Bosh tied it, James slowly walked into a pull-up 3-point attempt — perhaps doing so knowing he couldn't drive by anyone — and drilled it.That made it 97-94, and when Wade followed with a layup with 2:19 left, the Heat finally had enough room to withstand Westbrook, who kept coming all night."Whatever it takes. No excuses," said Wade, who had to shake off his own aches and pains after landing hard on his back in the first half following a spectacular block by Serge Ibaka. "You don't want to leave this arena saying you missed opportunities."Chalmers sure didn't. The player who was struggling so badly that the Thunder put Durant on him in hopes of avoiding further foul trouble made 9 of 15 shots, scoring more points than he had in the previous three games."Mario Chalmers is a winner," Wade added. "He was due for a big game and he came through for us."The Heat couldn't have done it without James, who refused to let any pain prevent him from taking the biggest step of his career.Miami never got past its second Finals victory last year, with James' struggles its biggest problem as it lost the last three to Dallas. But he was at his brilliant best in this one, keeping up his scoring surge but also willingly kicking it out to open teammates when double-teamed.He tried to play through the pain, but the Heat had to call another timeout and remove him for good.But there's no doubt he will play Thursday: "I'll be ready," James said. "I'll be ready for Game 5."
Super Mario: Chris Bosh embraces Mario Chalmers after the Heat's 104-98 win over the Thunder on Tuesday in Miami. APBetter get well fast, LeBron. You're one win away from the biggest party of your life.A limping, grimacing James shook off left leg cramps to hit a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 2:51 remaining and the Miami Heat held off the Oklahoma City Thunder for a 104-98 victory Tuesday night and a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals that no team has ever blown.Game 5 is Thursday night and James will have a chance to finish a nine-year chase that started in Cleveland before he famously — or infamously — left for South Florida before last season."Of course it's there to think about," James acknowledged.With James watching the final moments, Mario Chalmers finished off a stellar 25-point effort that matched Dwyane Wade. James had 26 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds, missing a shot at a triple-double only because he was on the bench at the end after thigh cramps emerged following a fall near the Thunder basket.The Heat needed all James could give and more to hold off Russell Westbrook. He scored 43 points for the Thunder, who wasted an early 17-point lead but were never out of the game because of their sensational point guard. Kevin Durant had 28 points but James Harden threw in another clunker, finishing with eight points on 2-of-10 shooting. Westbrook and Durant were the only Thunder players to score in the last 16:46."Shots were falling," said Westbrook, who was 20 of 32. "It really doesn't mean nothing. We didn't come out with the win."James stumbled to the court on a drive midway through the fourth quarter, staying on the offensive end of the floor as the Heat regained possession on a blocked shot, and he made a short jumper that made it 92-90. After Westbrook missed a jumper, the Heat called timeout as James gingerly went to the court. Unable to walk off, he was carried to the sideline by a pair of teammates.He returned to a huge roar with a little over 4 minutes left and the Heat down two, and after Chris Bosh tied it, James slowly walked into a pull-up 3-point attempt — perhaps doing so knowing he couldn't drive by anyone — and drilled it.That made it 97-94, and when Wade followed with a layup with 2:19 left, the Heat finally had enough room to withstand Westbrook, who kept coming all night."Whatever it takes. No excuses," said Wade, who had to shake off his own aches and pains after landing hard on his back in the first half following a spectacular block by Serge Ibaka. "You don't want to leave this arena saying you missed opportunities."Chalmers sure didn't. The player who was struggling so badly that the Thunder put Durant on him in hopes of avoiding further foul trouble made 9 of 15 shots, scoring more points than he had in the previous three games."Mario Chalmers is a winner," Wade added. "He was due for a big game and he came through for us."The Heat couldn't have done it without James, who refused to let any pain prevent him from taking the biggest step of his career.Miami never got past its second Finals victory last year, with James' struggles its biggest problem as it lost the last three to Dallas. But he was at his brilliant best in this one, keeping up his scoring surge but also willingly kicking it out to open teammates when double-teamed.He tried to play through the pain, but the Heat had to call another timeout and remove him for good.But there's no doubt he will play Thursday: "I'll be ready," James said. "I'll be ready for Game 5."
Friday, May 11, 2012
Manchester City has title within grasp
LONDON — It has always been what Sir Alex Ferguson considered would be his worst nightmare, losing the title on goal difference.
What he had never envisaged, though, was being pipped by the noisy neighbors who have been kept fairly quiet during Fergie's 25 years in charge at Manchester United. In Ferguson's mind that is as bad as it can possibly get, and he is bracing himself for the reality of a mathematical defeat.Both clubs have 86 points but Manchester City's goal-difference is +8. Yet it would be a fitting finale if a fascinating, unpredictable Premier League season which comes to an end Sunday had the most dramatic of climaxes.Queens Park Rangers, managed by former United icon Mark Hughes, who was fired by City and succeeded by Roberto Mancini, takes his team to Etihad Stadium where the title and QPR's future among English football's elite will be decided.Hughes would do his old club the biggest of favors if he completes the job he was brought in to do by Rangers. It would be a truly wonderful, remarkable story and one that would be spoken about for years to come.The problem is that City have an almost perfect home record in the league with 17 wins and one draw from their 18 matches. For their part Rangers have lost 13 times on their travels.There is also the little matter of United winning at Sunderland, which would love to finish the season with a victory over the reigning champions."You have to think there's hope," said Ferguson, which most would see as no more than an exercise in straw-clutching. "The way I look at it is, Queens Park Rangers have to go there to survive. I just wish Sparky [Hughes] was playing. Of course City are favorites, there's no doubt about that. The crowd will be right behind them. They will be on to the referee as they were doing against us to make sure they win the game."A bit rich coming from ref baiter supreme Fergie, but the title is City's to lose and, yes, there is always hope in football, but United will no doubt be left to look back on the 4-4 draw against Everton at Old Trafford after leading 4-2 until the 83rd minute as the catalyst for giving their neighbors the opportunity to become even noisier.It is not just the title that is up for grabs. Arsenal must beat West Bromwich at the Hawthorns, in what is sure to be an emotional match, as the Baggies bid farewell to Roy Hodgson, who has swapped club for country.Tottenham is ready to take advantage of any Gunners slip, though Fulham manager Martin Jol, making his first return to White Hart Lane after a savage sacking by Spurs five years ago, would love to make a point and come away with three.At the basement end of the table, Bolton can only pray QPR lose at City — probable — and they do the business at Stoke — possible but slim at best.* * *IN ANY OTHER industry the chairman and directors would have been run out of town by angry shareholders who had seen their company ruined by people who knew nothing about the business.But of course football is not like the real world, so different rules apply. In football it is OK for Venky's, an Indian company which specializes in chicken processing, to take over Blackburn Rovers and transform the club from an established member of the Premier League's middle classes to one relegated to the Championship in 18 months.They are able to fire Sam Allardyce, a respected, successful manager with a proven track record and replace him with the untried Steve Kean. Manager perhaps, but Kean was not in charge of transfers because Venky's brought in agent Jerome Anderson to "help."Sir Alex Ferguson, who knows a thing or two about football, said this was proof "the game has gone mad."Having finished 10th and 20 points off the relegation zone under Allardyce the previous season, after six months of the Kean era Rovers' Premier League place was salvaged on the last day of 2010-11 by beating Wolves 3-2.Twelve months later a home defeat by Wigan opened the trap-door to the second tier of English football.When they paid ?23 million for the club Venky's said their target was Champions League football. Next season they will be playing Barnsley not Barcelona.There have been regular protests by fans who, unusually, want both the board and manager sacked.In fact, the only person dismissed is Paul Hunt, the club's deputy chief executive, after a letter he sent to Venky's was printed on the Sporting Intelligence web site though they denied the leak came from Hunt.The letter, sent last December, was highly critical of Kean and Hunt urged the owners to make "significant changes" sooner rather than later.Kean, who has become little more than an apologist for the owners — his claim that Venky's are "100 percent right for Blackburn" would be funny if it were not so sad — remains but as Rovers have become football's Titanic there will indeed be significant changes this summer when there will be the inevitable fire sale.Out will go the likes of Martin Olsson, Junior Hoilett, Yakubu — in fact anyone the club can get a decent fee for will join Chris Samba and Phil Jones out of the Ewood Park departure lounge. Relegation has cost Blackburn a minimum of ?30 (thirty) million so the cost-cutting will be savage.There has been some stiff competition, but there is strong evidence that Blackburn has become the worst run Premier League club ever.Christopher Davies was a longtime Premier League correspondent for the London Daily Telegraph.
What he had never envisaged, though, was being pipped by the noisy neighbors who have been kept fairly quiet during Fergie's 25 years in charge at Manchester United. In Ferguson's mind that is as bad as it can possibly get, and he is bracing himself for the reality of a mathematical defeat.Both clubs have 86 points but Manchester City's goal-difference is +8. Yet it would be a fitting finale if a fascinating, unpredictable Premier League season which comes to an end Sunday had the most dramatic of climaxes.Queens Park Rangers, managed by former United icon Mark Hughes, who was fired by City and succeeded by Roberto Mancini, takes his team to Etihad Stadium where the title and QPR's future among English football's elite will be decided.Hughes would do his old club the biggest of favors if he completes the job he was brought in to do by Rangers. It would be a truly wonderful, remarkable story and one that would be spoken about for years to come.The problem is that City have an almost perfect home record in the league with 17 wins and one draw from their 18 matches. For their part Rangers have lost 13 times on their travels.There is also the little matter of United winning at Sunderland, which would love to finish the season with a victory over the reigning champions."You have to think there's hope," said Ferguson, which most would see as no more than an exercise in straw-clutching. "The way I look at it is, Queens Park Rangers have to go there to survive. I just wish Sparky [Hughes] was playing. Of course City are favorites, there's no doubt about that. The crowd will be right behind them. They will be on to the referee as they were doing against us to make sure they win the game."A bit rich coming from ref baiter supreme Fergie, but the title is City's to lose and, yes, there is always hope in football, but United will no doubt be left to look back on the 4-4 draw against Everton at Old Trafford after leading 4-2 until the 83rd minute as the catalyst for giving their neighbors the opportunity to become even noisier.It is not just the title that is up for grabs. Arsenal must beat West Bromwich at the Hawthorns, in what is sure to be an emotional match, as the Baggies bid farewell to Roy Hodgson, who has swapped club for country.Tottenham is ready to take advantage of any Gunners slip, though Fulham manager Martin Jol, making his first return to White Hart Lane after a savage sacking by Spurs five years ago, would love to make a point and come away with three.At the basement end of the table, Bolton can only pray QPR lose at City — probable — and they do the business at Stoke — possible but slim at best.* * *IN ANY OTHER industry the chairman and directors would have been run out of town by angry shareholders who had seen their company ruined by people who knew nothing about the business.But of course football is not like the real world, so different rules apply. In football it is OK for Venky's, an Indian company which specializes in chicken processing, to take over Blackburn Rovers and transform the club from an established member of the Premier League's middle classes to one relegated to the Championship in 18 months.They are able to fire Sam Allardyce, a respected, successful manager with a proven track record and replace him with the untried Steve Kean. Manager perhaps, but Kean was not in charge of transfers because Venky's brought in agent Jerome Anderson to "help."Sir Alex Ferguson, who knows a thing or two about football, said this was proof "the game has gone mad."Having finished 10th and 20 points off the relegation zone under Allardyce the previous season, after six months of the Kean era Rovers' Premier League place was salvaged on the last day of 2010-11 by beating Wolves 3-2.Twelve months later a home defeat by Wigan opened the trap-door to the second tier of English football.When they paid ?23 million for the club Venky's said their target was Champions League football. Next season they will be playing Barnsley not Barcelona.There have been regular protests by fans who, unusually, want both the board and manager sacked.In fact, the only person dismissed is Paul Hunt, the club's deputy chief executive, after a letter he sent to Venky's was printed on the Sporting Intelligence web site though they denied the leak came from Hunt.The letter, sent last December, was highly critical of Kean and Hunt urged the owners to make "significant changes" sooner rather than later.Kean, who has become little more than an apologist for the owners — his claim that Venky's are "100 percent right for Blackburn" would be funny if it were not so sad — remains but as Rovers have become football's Titanic there will indeed be significant changes this summer when there will be the inevitable fire sale.Out will go the likes of Martin Olsson, Junior Hoilett, Yakubu — in fact anyone the club can get a decent fee for will join Chris Samba and Phil Jones out of the Ewood Park departure lounge. Relegation has cost Blackburn a minimum of ?30 (thirty) million so the cost-cutting will be savage.There has been some stiff competition, but there is strong evidence that Blackburn has become the worst run Premier League club ever.Christopher Davies was a longtime Premier League correspondent for the London Daily Telegraph.Thursday, May 26, 2011
Big 3 brings Heat within one win of reaching finals
Temperature's rising: Heat forward LeBron James backs down the Bulls' Ronnie Brewer during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals on Tuesday in Miami. The Heat took a 3-1 lead in the series with a 101-93 victory. APMIAMI — Dwyane Wade missed a dunk in the first quarter. He didn't score in the second half. He was slow at times, sluggish at others, barely a factor for long stretches of the game.That is, until it mattered most.The Big Three is one win away from playing for the NBA's biggest prize, and all three had a huge hand in putting the Miami Heat on that doorstep.LeBron James scored 35 points, Chris Bosh added 22 and Wade perked up to block as many shots — two — as Chicago made in overtime, as the Heat topped the Bulls 101-93 in a scintillating Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals on Tuesday night to take a 3-1 lead in the series."You could tell that neither team wanted to lose," Wade said. "Both teams were clawing. If you're a fan of the game, this was a great basketball game. . . . This was will."Miami will go for the clincher Thursday in Chicago, where the Heat can wrap up their first finals trip since 2006."It's one game away," James said. "We're not taking anything for granted."Derrick Rose scored 23 points for the Bulls, who got 20 apiece from Luol Deng and Carlos Boozer. Chicago has lost three straight games for the first time this season, and afterward, the league's reigning MVP pointed the finger of blame at himself."It's not over," said Rose, who shot 8 of 27 and turned the ball over seven times.Still, some doubt may be creeping in. Chicago had its chances, and knew it, but was unable to take advantage of a largely off night by Wade. Rose was guarded in the game's biggest minutes by James, and the MVP past had the upper hand against the MVP present."It's extremely hard," Rose acknowledged, "when a 6-8 (203-cm) guy can easily defend you."The Heat were down by 11 early, led for only 4? minutes in the third and fourth quarters, and had Wade stuck on eight points from late in the second quarter until past the midpoint of overtime.Somehow, it wasn't a problem. A sleep-deprived Mike Miller — whose wife delivered a baby last week — scored 12 points and made plenty of key defensive plays to help Miami outscore Chicago by a whopping 36 points with him on the floor.And the stars, well, were stars."We know offensively, at times, we have rough stretches," James said. "But we give ourselves chances to win every game because we defend."James was 11-for-26 from the field and 13-for-13 — his best playoff showing ever — from the foul line. Bosh was aggressive again, making 10 of his 11 free throws. Miami made its last 24 straight from the stripe, and the defense was again the biggest key of all."Defense is the reason that we're here," Bosh said. "Defense is the reason that we win every game. And defense is the reason why we have a chance of winning Game 5."From the Miami perspective, this game will be remembered for how the Heat rallied around Wade — then watched him save his best for last."We reminded him in one of the final huddles, this is his time," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.The 2006 NBA Finals MVP was in the arena late Monday night, trying to work on some things in one of his customary playoff after-dark sessions.Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn't. This seemed like it would be the latter.Whatever answer he sought, he didn't find for much of Game 4. Wade made just 5 of 16 shots from the field, lacking his usual lift at the rim. He made a pair of free throws with 1:50 left in the first half for his seventh and eighth points, and didn't score again until overtime.Better late than never."Hey, they're a great team," Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said. "They compete. They play hard. They play great defense . . . and they made plays at the end."Sunday, May 22, 2011
Hakuho moves within sight of title
Yokozuna Hakuho moved within grasp of a record-tying seventh consecutive title on Saturday after beating Estonian ozeki Baruto with a powerful display, but was forced to wait with a possible showdown looming against Georgian Tochinoshin on the final day of the May Technical Examination Tournament.Hakuho rebounded from a loss to ozeki Harumafuji the previous day, giving him a 13-1 record, while Tochinoshin sent out sekiwake Kotoshogiku (9-5) in a frontal force-out to improve to a 12-2 mark at the 15-day Tokyo test meet.In the day's final at Ryogoku Kokugikan, Hakuho and Baruto squared off in a grappling duel at the ring's center and the heavier ozeki was not about to go quietly.But Hakuho stood firm against the ozeki's strong right-handed grip before getting his left hand on his opponent's mawashi and heaving all 184 kg of the behemoth over the straw bales. Baruto slipped to 10-4."I was able to get my left hand inside. He is a big opponent, so it was tough for sure," said Hakuho.
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