Kevin Love had 42 points and 16 rebounds, and Ricky Rubio added a career-high 17 assists as the Minnesota Timberwolves beat Paul George and the Indiana Pacers 104-91 on Wednesday night.
J.J. Barea scored 12 points off the bench as the Wolves took control early against the Eastern Conference leaders.
George led Indiana with 35 points, but managed just two in the fourth quarter as the Pacers lost for the third time in five games, never once taking a lead.
It was Love’s eighth straight game with at least 25 points and 10 rebounds, the longest streak since Shaquille O’Neal accomplished the same feat from Jan. 3 to 19, 2005. Love has an NBA-best 14 games with 30 points and 10 rebounds this season.
SPURS 111, TRAIL BLAZERS 109
In Portland, Oregon, Patty Mills came off the bench to score 29 points and Marco Belinelli hit a go-ahead three-pointer with 1 minute, 34 seconds remaining as San Antonio defeated Portland in a game between short-handed teams.
Mills scored 24 points during the second half to lead the Spurs, who rested starters Tim Duncan and Tony Parker.
Belinelli had 20 points and Manu Ginobili 16 for San Antonio, which also sat Kawhi Leonard with an injured right hand.
Damian Lillard scored 31 points, Mo Williams added 19 points and Wesley Matthews had 18 for Portland, who played without LaMarcus Aldridge. The Trail Blazers’ leading scorer and rebounder was out with a groin injury.
In other play, it was:
‧ Rockets 134, Lakers 108
‧ Bulls 94, Raptors 92
‧ Warriors 101, Kings 92
‧ Cavaliers 101, Magic 93
‧ Bobcats 116, Pistons 98
‧ Nets 105, Jazz 99
‧ Wizards 114, Hawks 97
‧ Knicks 98, Pelicans 91
‧ Suns 100, Celtics 94
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