The Denver Nuggets charged back from a 13-point deficit to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 98-94 on Wednesday, picking up a crucial road win in their NBA playoff chase.
Chauncey Billups scored 31 points and Carmelo Anthony added 24 as Denver held Oklahoma City without a basket for the final 9 minutes while finishing the game on a 22-5 run.
Thunder’s Kevin Durant scored 33 points, but missed a shot that would’ve tied the score in the final 10 seconds. Anthony followed that with two free throws to clinch it with 6.8 seconds left.
PHOTO: REUTERS
SUNS 112, SPURS 101
In Phoenix, the hosts stayed tied for second in the Western Conference by dominating San Antonio.
Amare Stoudemire scored 29 points and Jason Richardson added 20 in Phoenix’s 11th victory in 12 games.
Roger Mason led six Spurs in double figures with 18 points. San Antonio lost its first game in five to fall into a three-way tie for the West’s final three playoff spots.
ROCKETS 113, JAZZ 96
In Houston, Aaron Brooks and Kevin Martin scored 28 points apiece as Houston defeated Utah.
Brooks hit five 3-pointers and has 197 this season.
CELTICS 115, RAPTORS 104
In Toronto, Boston capitalized on another injury to a Toronto player.
Following Chris Bosh’s facial fracture the previous day, the Raptors lost Hedo Turkoglu in the first quarter on Wednesday in a clash of heads that left the Turk with a cut nose.
Rajon Rondo scored 21 points and Paul Pierce had 20 for the Celtics.
In other games it was:
• Warriors 116, Timberwolves 107
• Mavericks 110, Grizzlies 84
• Magic 121, Wizards 94
• Bobcats 104, Hornets 103
• Trail Blazers 93, Clippers 85
• Pistons 90, Hawks 88
• Heat 99, 76ers 95
• Pacers 113, Knicks 105
• Bucks 108, Nets 89
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