The Denver Nuggets thrashed the Miami Heat 114-96 on Thursday, in a game where a match-up of two of the NBA’s top scorers took a back seat to the efficient offense of the home team.
Carmelo Anthony had 22 points to lead six Nuggets into double figures as Denver had little trouble offsetting a 25-point haul from Miami guard Dwyane Wade.
Anthony and Wade, both top selections in the 2003 draft, have been friends and rivals since they entered the league together, but Denver has enjoyed 11 wins in 14 meetings between the teams in that span.
This time, the Northwest division-leading Nuggets (14-5) built a 58-42 halftime advantage and sealed the win with a dominant third quarter, where their lead extended to as many as 25 points.
Arron Afflalo had 17 points and J.R. Smith added 16 off the bench as Denver avenged a 96-88 loss to Miami on Nov. 6.
CELTICS 90, SPURS 83
Boston won their sixth straight with a 90-83 victory over San Antonio. Kevin Garnett scored 20 points.
ROCKETS 111, WARRIORS 109
In Oakland, California, Aaron Brooks hit two free throws with 2 seconds left as Houston edged Golden State.
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