PHILADELPHIA: Joel Embiid scored 50 points, making all four 3-point attempts and scoring 18 in a potential series-shifting third quarter on Thursday night to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a 125-114 win over the New York Knicks in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference first-round series.
Embiid boldly stated “we’re going to win this series” after the 76ers dropped Game 2.
With one of the finest postseason efforts of his career, Embiid became the third player to ever score 50 points against the Knicks in the postseason and kept the hope of a Philadelphia series comeback very much alive.
The Knicks lead the series 2-1. Game 4 is Sunday in Philadelphia.
Embiid was 13 of 19 from the floor overall, made 19 of 21 free throws and hit five 3-pointers.
Last season’s NBA MVP, Embiid finally turned the crowd — which had a distinct New York flavor in South Philly --- into one rocking for the home team. The All-Star center played more like a sharpshooting guard in the third, when he saved the season.
The Sixers pecked away at a three-point halftime deficit when Embiid got hot. He hit one 3 and then two more — — the last two with assists from Tyrese Maxey — that gave the Sixers an 82-72 lead. His fourth 3 pushed the lead to 98-85.
Not bad for a career 34 percent 3-point shooter.
Maxey added two 3s in the quarter and the 76ers went a whopping 9 of 12 from beyond the arc for 43 points.
After getting punished in New York, the Sixers pushed back.
Embiid’s bulky left knee brace helped sturdy the 7-footer after dealing with injuries all season. He mostly kept his cool and was in the mix on both ends of the court all game. Embiid had 17 points, three fouls and he even grabbed Mitchell Robinson and dragged him to the court in a first half where they again weren’t good enough to look like a team that could beat the Knicks.
The Knicks won the first two games in New York, highlighted by Donte DiVincenzo’s go-ahead 3-pointer with 13 seconds left in Game 2. Against the backdrop of two Villanova national championship banners they helped the program win, the trio of former Wildcats were largely stifled in Game 3.
Jalen Brunson did lead the Knicks with 39 points and 13 assists. Josh Hart — whose spectacular 3-point shooting in New York was an unexpected bonus for the Knicks — scored 20 points but DiVincenzo had five.
They must felt at home inside a Sixers’ arena that sounded more like Madison Square Garden as chants of “Let’s Go Knicks!’ echoed throughout the arena for a chunk of the game. John Starks wildly cheered them on from his courtside.
The Sixers countered with Allen Iverson.
But nostalgia didn’t matter much between two teams that played each other in a postseason series for the first time since 1989.
This one could be shaping up as one to remember.
Embiid was serenaded with “MVP! MVP!” chants as he stretched the lead from the free-throw line in the fourth quarter.
“Joel Embiid has been banned from the Empire State Building,” was posted on the skyscraper’s social media account.
Maxey finished with 25 points. Kelly Oubre Jr. had 15 points and showed no lingering effects following his reported involvement in a car crash after Game 2.
Game 3 was played without any significant disputes with the officiating after the NBA said the referees missed several late calls in Game 2.
Joel Embiid scores 50 points to lead 76ers past Knicks 125-114 to cut deficit to 2-1
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Joel Embiid scores 50 points to lead 76ers past Knicks 125-114 to cut deficit to 2-1
Wang and Sun win mixed doubles table tennis title for China at Saudi Smash
- The duo and pre-tournament favorites from produced a clinical performance from start to finish, defeating No. 6 seeds Wong Chun Ting and Doo Hoi Kem
JEDDAH: China’s Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha won the Mixed Doubles title at the Saudi Smash table tennis event at King Abdullah Sports City on Thursday.
The duo and pre-tournament favorites from produced a clinical performance from start to finish, defeating No. 6 seeds Wong Chun Ting and Doo Hoi Kem from Hong Kong, without dropping a game in the best-of-5 final.
After winning the final 3-0 (11-6,11-6,11-6) and sealing a maiden Saudi Smash Mixed Doubles championship, the men’s world number 1 Wang Chuqin said: “We’re delighted to win and we’re thankful to our fans who have travelled all the way to Saudi Arabia to support us – they’re one of the biggest reasons we have performed better and better as the competition progressed.”
He continued: “The support and atmosphere here in Jeddah have been brilliant. Although the score was 3-0 today, our opponents are one of the strongest pairs in the world. I believe we came out better in the rallies today and this was decisive.”
Saudi Smash Day 6 also featured the Men’s and Women’s Doubles semi-finals with four matches across both competitions.
Wang Chuqin remains on track for a hat-trick of Saudi Smash titles as he and fellow Chinese sensation Ma Long beat Sweden’s Anton Kallberg and Kristian Karlsson 3-0 to make Friday’s final.
They face Japanese duo Hiroto Shinozuka and Shunsuke Togami after their 3-0 victory against the Lebrun brothers from France, Alexis and Felix.
“It’s not often I play doubles throughout the season and my goal is to win the championship with Wang,” Ma said. “I’ve already lost in the singles, so I’m putting all my efforts into our doubles campaign. I think Shinozuka and Togami are potential opponents for us in the Olympics and they’re playing well, we need to put all our efforts into the match.”
Togami also gave his thoughts on what it will take to overcome the pre-tournament favorites: “I believe we’ll have a great match if we take the initiative and attack. Against the French pair, we took a more aggressive approach and it paid off. We need to do the same in the final and play with the same mentality.”
An all-Asian showdown also awaits in Friday’s Women’s Doubles final. Chinese top seeds Chen Meng and Wang Manyu came from behind to beat the European pairing of Tatiana Kukulkova and Natalia Bajor 3-1 in the first semi-final.
The other side of the draw saw South Korean second seeds Jeon Jihee and Shin Yubin seal a 3-0 win against Yangzi Liu and NG Wing Lam.
Chen was full of praise for the travelling Chinese fans and hopes they enjoy tomorrow’s final.
“I didn’t expect so many of our supporters to make the journey here,” she said. “They created a great atmosphere in the arena today and we hope they enjoy the final and cheer us on again. We need to prepare well ahead of tomorrow and Wang and I will be discussing the tactics needed to win this event.”
Shin Yubin added: “We kept up the pace today and this was key to us putting in the best performance possible. They came out and attacked, so we had to find our own rhythm and we did that. Now it’s full speed ahead to the final. We’ve met Chen and Wang before.
“They are really skilled players but our preparation will not change because of this. We will prepare as usual and hopefully play well. Win or lose, playing against the top Chinese players always helps us learn and improve.”
Kohli knock keeps Bengaluru in the hunt
- Virat Kohli (92) rode his luck and shared two crucial partnerships with Rajat Patidar (55) and Cameron Green (46) as Bengaluru scored a big 241-7
- After Rossouw’s dismissal in the ninth over, none of the Punjab batsmen could stand up to the challenge, with the team being bowled out for 181 in 17 overs
DHARAMSALA: Virat Kohli slammed 92 to set up a 60-run win for Royal Challengers Bengaluru over Punjab Kings and keep their slim playoff hopes alive in the Indian Premier League on Thursday.
Kohli, 35, rode his luck and shared two crucial partnerships with Rajat Patidar (55) and Cameron Green (46) as Bengaluru scored a big 241-7 at the Dharamsala stadium.
Punjab paid the price for some sloppy fielding, dropping Kohli twice on zero and 10 off debutant seamer Vidwath Kaverappa.
Punjab suffered their eighth loss in 12 games and bowed out of the competition.
Kohli said he is always aiming to improve his game.
“I brought out the slog-sweep to the spinners. I know I can hit it as I’ve done it in the past,” he said.
“I know I need to take risks. Takes more conviction and to remove the thought ‘what if I get out?’ Means I can improve my strike rate in the middle overs.”
Punjab skipper Sam Curran said it had been a “frustrating and disappointing” end to their campaign.
“A lot of positive signs but not enough to get over the line and get the wins we needed. Gutted but lots to learn.”
Bengaluru bowler Swapnil Singh, who took two wickets, said the victory meant a lot to the side.
“Enjoyed it a lot. The ball was swinging initially, so I looked to swing it. Pressure is less when everybody is (scoring) runs. Mentally it relaxes you,” he said.
Rilee Rossouw gave Punjab a promising start, putting on 65 runs for the second wicket with Jonny Bairstow (27).
Rossouw, who belted his first half-century of the season, looked set for a bigger score but took a hit on his chin and was out the next ball off Karn Sharma for 61.
He hit three sixes and nine fours in his 27-ball innings.
After Rossouw’s dismissal in the ninth over, none of the Punjab batsmen could stand up to the challenge, with the team being bowled out for 181 in 17 overs.
Earlier, Kohli stitched a 76-run partnership with Patidar for the third wicket after Bengaluru were put in to bat.
Patidar looked in fine touch, hitting six sixes and three fours before being caught behind off Curran.
The leading run-getter of the season, Kohli went on to play some delectable shots including an imperious one-handed six over long off.
Kohli also put on 92 runs with Green but fell short of a century after he was caught at deep extra cover off Arshdeep Singh.
He smashed six sixes and seven fours during his 47-ball 92 at a strike rate of 196.
Bengaluru, who registered their fourth win in a row, saw their innings being interrupted briefly by a spell of rain and hailstorm.
Saudia partners with Newcastle United and Formula E to craft unique film
- Film is directed by the former series director of Top Gear and the Grand Tour Phil Churchward
- Film’s protagonist navigates the GEN3 car around lakes, through a shopping arcade and along the streets of Newcastle before arriving at St. James Park just in time for kick-off
JEDDAH: Saudia has partnered with Newcastle United and Formula E to craft a promotional film.
Commenting on the endeavor, Khaled Tash, group chief marketing officer of Saudia, expressed his excitement, stating: “This film exemplifies Saudia’s commitment to innovation and collaboration. Sport has such a unique power to bring people together and through exciting projects like this we’re committed to bringing fans of both Newcastle United and Formula E closer to the sports they love.”
Jeff Dodds, CEO of Formula E, echoed Khaled’s sentiments, emphasizing the significance of this partnership.
“Formula E stands at the forefront of sustainable innovation and so we’re thrilled to work with Saudia and Newcastle United in highlighting our unique and exciting sport. As the wheels of Formula E race alongside the iconic wings of Saudia and the passionate spirit of Newcastle United, our collaboration showcases the possibilities for when organizations come together with a shared vision,” he said.
Peter Silverstone, chief commercial officer of Newcastle United, hailed the collaboration.
“Newcastle United provides the perfect platform for Saudia to engage with sports fans around the world. This Formula E collaboration shows how we can elevate the airline’s presence across different sectors,” he said.
“Newcastle United has a global following in all of the markets that Formula E is taking its race meetings to, whether it’s the Middle East, North America, or Asia. Our supporters will love seeing this video.
“It not only highlights the football club and our ambition to engage with supporters around the world, it also showcases the north-east of England and how special this part of the world really is,” he added.
The film is directed by the former series director of Top Gear and the Grand Tour Phil Churchward.
Director of photography Ben Joiner, known for his work on the race sequences for Rush, and professional driver Nikki Faulkner, who has featured in Hollywood movies such as Mission Impossible and Gran Turismo, also worked on the film.
The film follows a mysterious racing driver, dressed in Saudia-branded Formula E race attire, on a unique journey starting on board a Saudia aircraft and finishing at St. James Park.
The adventure, featuring 100 Newcastle United fans and three Premier League footballers, takes viewers through eight distinct locations as the film’s protagonist expertly navigates the GEN3 car around serene lakes, through a shopping arcade in Newcastle city center and around scenic urban roads to arrive at St. James Park just in time for kick-off.
Change of opponent for Saudi fighter Al-Qahtani after PFL MENA weigh-ins
- Abdullah Al-Qahtani meets Jordan’s Yazeed Hasanain in the featherweight main event
- Ali Taleb faces Nawras Abzakh in the bantamweight co-main event
RIYADH: The Professional Fighters League begins the historic inaugural season of PFL MENA (Middle East and North Africa) on Saturday at the Green Halls in Riyadh, with bantamweight and featherweight fighters from the region going head to head.
In the main event, Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Al-Qahtani is now set to meet Jordan’s Yazeed Hasanain after Taha Bendaoud did not make the contracted weight. Al-Qahtani weighed in at 66 kg, while Hasanain weighed 66.4 kg.
In the co-main event, Iraq’s Ali Taleb faces Jordan’s Nawras Abzakh in a bantamweight contest. Taleb weighed in at 60.5 kg with Abzakh tipping the scales at 61.4 kg.
Maraoune Bellagouit weighed in at 66.1 kg and now faces Mido Mohamed, who weighed in at 65.8 kg. Bellagouit’s original opponent Motaz Askar was not medically cleared by the commission to compete.
Hattan Alsaif, the first female from Saudi Arabia to sign with a major Mixed Martial Arts promotion, makes her highly anticipated PFL SmartCage debut against Egypt’s Nada Faheem. Alsaif weighed in at 47.1 kg while Faheem was 47.9 kg.
PFL MENA fight card:
Featherweight bout: Abdullah Al-Qahtani vs. Yazeed Hasanain
Bantamweight bout: Ali Taleb vs. Nawras Abzakh
Bantamweight bout: Xavier Alaoui vs. Rachid El Hazoume
Featherweight bout: Islam Reda vs. Adam Meskini
Bantamweight bout: Tariq Ismail vs. Jalal Al Daaja
Bantamweight bout: Elias Boudegzdame vs. Hassan Mandour
Women’s atomweight bout, amateur: Hattan Alsaif vs. Nada Faheem
Featherweight bout: Maraoune Bellagouit vs. Mido Mohamed
Featherweight bout: Ahmed Tarek vs. Abdelrahman Alhyasat
Flyweight bout, amateur: Malik Basahel vs. Harsh Pandya
Sri Lanka names T20 World Cup squad
- Team contains no changes from one that beat Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe this year
- Wanindu Hasaranga retained as skipper for World Cup set to kick off from June 2 in USA, West Indies
Colombo: Sri Lanka named its T20 World Cup squad Thursday with no changes from the team that won the three series against Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe this year.
Wanindu Hasaranga was retained as skipper.
Sri Lanka squad announced by Sri Lanka’s cricket board: Wanindu Hasaranga (capt), Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana and Dilshan Madushanka.
The 2024 edition of the T20 World Cup will take place in the USA and the West Indies from June 1 to 29.
The USA will play the opening match of the tournament against Canada, before facing Pakistan, India and Ireland in the league stages.
