LeBron James scored 32 points and assisted on Drew Gooden's game-winning shot on Wednesday night to lead Cleveland over Detroit 86-84 -- the Cavaliers' third straight win en route to a 3-2 lead in the second-round series.
The Pistons, on the brink of elimination after two straight trips to the NBA Finals, have not been giving much respect to the Cavs, who are in the second round for the first time since 1993.
Game 6 of the series is tonight in Cleveland, and if the Pistons force a Game 7, they will be back on their home court on Sunday.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas scored 14 before fouling out, Donyell Marshall had 14 points and 13 rebounds off the bench and three other players added at least six points apiece.
Tayshaun Prince scored 21, Chauncey Billups had 17 before fouling out, Richard Hamilton scored 15, Rasheed Wallace added 10 while battling foul trouble and reserve Antonio McDyess chipped in with 11 points.
Spurs 98, Mavericks 97
At San Antonio, Tim Duncan tied an NBA postseason record by making his first 12 shots and scored 36 points, Tony Parker added 27, and the Spurs withstood losing two jump balls in the final 6.3 seconds to keep their title defense alive.
The Spurs still trail 3-2, but the way they played this game -- shooting more than 60 percent into the fourth quarter -- anything is possible. The Mavericks will get a second chance at advancing to the conference finals tonight at home. If they can't do it, the Spurs will host Game 7 on Monday night.
Dirk Nowitzki scored a series-high 31 points for Dallas, including his first 3-pointer, which tied it at 95.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely