Dwight Howard scored 17 points to help the Orlando Magic beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 100-84 and sweep a two-game preseason series between the NBA teams in China.
Howard and the Cavaliers' star guard LeBron James both sat out the fourth quarter of the game in Macau. James and Larry Hughes led Cleveland with 14 points before the sell-out crowd at the new arena at the Venetian Macao Resort Hotel.
The Magic beat the Cavaliers 90-86 on Wednesday in Shanghai. On Thursday, Orlando defeated a team of Chinese All-Stars 116-92.
The Cavaliers dominated the first period as guards James and Hughes each scored eight points to give Cleveland a 23-30 lead. Howard also had eight points, but struggled at the foul line, sinking only two of five attempts.
Orlando charged back in the second period and tied the game at 43-43 after Howard was fouled on a fast-break layup and hit the free throw for a three-point play with 25 seconds left in the period. But in the final seconds, the Cavaliers took the lead again at 45-43 after James sank two free throws.
The Magic opened the third period with an alley-OOP jam by Howard, and moved ahead for the first time when Turkish forward Hedo Turkoglu sank a three-pointer for a 49-47 lead. Turkoglu hit another three-pointer, while forward Pat Garrity and guard J.J. Redick each contributed threes and the Magic finished the period leading 71-69. The Cavaliers trailed the rest of the game.
Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy said the third quarter was the best his team has played so far in the preseason.
"We started the game just getting absolutely manhandled on the boards and just throwing the ball all over the building," Van Gundy said. "But then we settled down and got a little more competitive."
Garrity, guard Keith Bogans and Redick each scored 14 points for Orlando.
Cleveland coach Mike Brown said his starting five did a good job cutting and screening on offense during the first quarter, but he was disappointed with his team's defense.
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