Warriors outlast Cavaliers in overtime to win NBA Finals opener

Stephen Curry celebrates with Golden State Warriors teammates after their overtime win against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game 1 of the 2018 NBA Finals on Thursday evening in Oakland, California. (AFP)
Updated 01 June 2018
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Warriors outlast Cavaliers in overtime to win NBA Finals opener

  • Golden State won the 2015 and 2017 crowns while the Cavaliers took the 2016 title
  • James is playing in his eighth consecutive finals and ninth overall seeking his fourth career title and the second for the Cavaliers

OAKLAND: Stephen Curry scored 29 points and Kevin Durant added 26 to power defending champion Golden State over the Cleveland Cavaliers 124-114 in overtime Thursday in the NBA Finals opener.
LeBron James scored a playoff career-high 51 points in a losing cause as the Warriors took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven championship series, which continues Sunday in Oakland.
Golden State’s Klay Thompson added 24 points and Draymond Green contributed 13 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists, five steals and three blocked shots.
Green taunted Cleveland’s Tristan Thompson to spark a shoving incident in the final seconds of overtime that figures to carry over in the emotional fourth consecutive finals between the Cavaliers and Warriors.
Golden State won the 2015 and 2017 crowns. The Cavs took the 2016 title.
Four-time NBA Most Valuable Player James scored seven points in a 10-2 run that gave Cleveland a 104-102 lead with 50.8 seconds remaining — a layup, dunk and 3-point play by James plus a Love 3-pointer.
Durant was whistled for a charging call but it was overturned on video review into a blocking foul on James and Durant equalized with two free throws at 104-104.
James answered inside but Curry drove for a layup, got fouled by Love and sank the free throw for a 107-106 Golden State lead with 23.5 seconds in regulation time.
George Hill was fouled and made 1-of-2 free throws with 4.7 seconds remaining but missed the second and the game went to overtime.
Golden State dominated the extra five minutes, starting it with a 9-0 run. Klay Thompson hit two 3-pointers and Durant another to seal Cleveland’s fate.
In the final seconds, Green waved bye to Tristan Thompson after a foul and had the ball shoved in his face as players gathered to keep the two apart as Thompson was ejected and tempers were tested.
The Warriors seek their third title in four seasons and sixth overall.
James is playing in his eighth consecutive finals and ninth overall seeking his fourth career title and the second for the Cavs.
Physical intensity was on display from the start, with Cleveland’s J.R. Smith slipping and falling into Klay Thompson, forcing the Warriors guard to the locker room for a spell in the first quarter with a bruised left leg.
James drove to the hoop in the second quarter only to have Green deliver a left hand to the face that sent James to the floor clutching his face. Green was whistled for a technical foul.
The Warriors closed the first half on a 16-5 run and began the third quarter with a 10-3 spurt for a 66-59 edge.
But James scored seven consecutive points, capping the run with a 3-pointer, to pull the Cavs level at 68-68 with 5:27 remaining in the third, James hitting 11 of his first 13 shots.
Golden State answered moments later with a 14-4 run, Curry and Thompson sinking 3-pointers and Durant’s six points including a slam dunk to cap the spurt as the Warriors led 84-78 entering the fourth quarter.
Curry sank a 38-foot running 3-pointer at the half-time buzzer to lift the Warriors level at 56-56 after Cleveland had led by as much as 49-40 in the second quarter.
James had 24 points in the first half while Curry led the Warriors with 18.


Carnival of cricket awaits as ICC Champions Trophy 2025 kicks off in Karachi

Updated 16 sec ago
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Carnival of cricket awaits as ICC Champions Trophy 2025 kicks off in Karachi

  • Pakistan ends 30 year wait for an international team with home team taking on New Zealand at the National Stadium

KARACHI: Landing in Karachi yesterday morning, the excitement was palpable. The city has been transformed into a carnival of cricket, with banners on buildings and faces beaming with anticipation.

There were concerns about the readiness of the venues, but the National Stadium has been renovated in a short space of time. It stands ready for its moment in the spotlight.

Today, when Pakistan faces New Zealand in the tournament opener, it will be more than just another cricket match. It will be the end of a 30-year wait to host a major tournament. A generation of cricket fans can finally get behind their stars on the big stage at home.

The lead up to the tournament has involved many challenges, not least India’s unwillingness to travel to Pakistan. Eventually, the parties compromised and settled on a hybrid option. But even this does not seem to have dampened the spirit in Pakistan.

Praise is due to Wasim Khan, a man who will be at the stadium for the opening match in his current role with the ICC. As CEO of the Pakistan Cricket Board until September 2021, he laid the foundation for the country to host this trophy. His advocacy and relationships were vital in the convincing the world Pakistan could step up as host, and the next few weeks will be a statement that it is back and ready.

Turning to matters on the pitch, who are the favorites and which players will shine? In my opinion, this is one of the most open tournaments in recent memory. Over 19 action-packed days, eight of cricket's finest men’s teams will battle it out in what promises to be a fascinating sprint format which leaves little room for error.

The tournament’s compact nature is its secret weapon. Unlike the marathon of a World Cup, the 19day timeframe means teams need to hit the ground running. One bad day could spell a disastrous exit from the competition; a moment of brilliance could change fortunes. 

The eight teams are split into two groups. Group A features Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and New Zealand, whilst Group B throws together Australia, England, Afghanistan and South Africa. Each team faces their group opponents once, with the top two from each advancing to the semifinals.

What makes this edition particularly compelling is the level playing field. Australia, typically a powerhouse, enters the tournament without their first-choice pace attack — Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are managing injuries, while Mitchell Starc has withdrawn. Add to this the loss of Mitch Marsh with a back issue and, suddenly, the defending ODI world champions look vulnerable, although they should never be ruled out.

The tournament’s split hosting between Pakistan and Dubai adds another fascinating layer. India’s matches are all scheduled for Dubai, creating an interesting dynamic where they will enjoy significant support without the pressure of home conditions. The Dubai International Cricket Stadium has become something of a second home for Indian cricket, potentially giving them a subtle edge. This, coupled with their depth and spinning options, makes them slight favorites.

England’s aggressive brand of cricket makes them dangerous but unpredictable in this format, while New Zealand can never be discounted. Pakistan, playing mostly at home, will be formidable, and South Africa’s bowling attack makes them serious contenders. Afghanistan, with their spin-heavy attack, feel ever closer to a big moment.

Only Bangladesh, struggling to find consistency at the top level, seem out of their depth. Nevertheless, in a 19-day tournament where momentum is everything, even they could string together three good days and find themselves in a semifinal.

In terms of players to look out for, I expect Jake Fraser-McGurk to announce himself as cricket’s next superstar. The tournament format suits his aggressive style perfectly. Noor Ahmed, well-travelled in the franchise leagues at 20 years of age, might finally make his mark in this format.

The injury-hit Australian pace attack opens the door for their next generation. I will be watching to see if Spencer Johnson becomes this tournament’s surprise package. Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi, especially in home conditions, could make the difference in tight matches.

This Champions Trophy feels different. The compressed schedule, the split venues and no standout team has created perfect conditions for drama. On March 9, we will have the answer. As of now, any of seven teams could realistically lift the trophy.

Holders Pakistan have a team with determination in their eyes and can feel the energy of a nation willing them on.

When the first ball is bowled at the National Stadium, it will not just be about cricket. It will be about redemption, coming home, a nation’s love affair with a sport that never wavered, even in the darkest times. As the sun set over Karachi last night, casting long shadows across the practice nets where a few children still played, it was difficult not to feel that something magical was about to unfold.

For now, though, the city holds its breath, waiting for the start. Cricket is coming home and Karachi is ready to welcome it with open arms.


Pouya Rahmani proud to represent UAE in upcoming PFL World Tournament

Updated 17 min 58 sec ago
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Pouya Rahmani proud to represent UAE in upcoming PFL World Tournament

  • The 32-year-old fighter is undefeated in his MMA career with a record of 4 wins

DUBAI: Pouya Rahmani will have the biggest opportunity of his young mixed martial arts career when he joins the heavyweight division of the 2025 PFL World Tournament later this year.

The jiu-jitsu fighter is 4-0 in MMA, and will be looking to extend his winning streak in 2025.

“After my last fight, my manager asked me what I wanted. He offered to give me an opportunity to fight for the second-biggest MMA organization in the world, and I’m happy to fight in the tournament,” Pouya, 32, said.

“They have the best fighters in the world, and they’re all fighting for the title. This title, for me, is very important, and when I get that title, I’m going to have a much bigger goal.

“I’m going to challenge people from there, but until that happens, I just want to push myself to become PFL champion.”

Pouya says he will be representing UAE proudly when he steps inside the PFL SmartCage.

“I’m going to represent where I live now, the UAE. For four years I’ve lived here, and I’m so happy because everything I have achieved in MMA, I started in the UAE, and I’m going to represent that in the PFL,” the Iran-born fighter explained.

“It’s going to be my honor to represent this beautiful country. They’re open for everyone, and they give us the opportunity to train hard, push ourselves to the limit, and train with the best so that we have the opportunity to fight in the best organizations. I’m happy to be competing for them.”

A decorated amateur grappler with titles at the World Beach Games and the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro circuit in Gi and No-Gi tournaments, it is clear that Rahmani will be looking to take his opponents down.

“I’m the best grappler in the whole MMA community,” said Pouya. “No MMA fighter can do what I can do in grappling. I became world champion in grappling.

“No one can do the same thing as me. So it’s not just about getting the takedown, but also about how to control the guy. You can see a lot of people can take people down, (but) their opponents stand back up, you know.”

All of Rahmani’s wins have come by way of stoppage. Most recently, he won by first-round submission under the Absolute Championship Akhmat banner.

“In my last four fights, when I take someone down, it’s over. No one can move under me. It’s not because of magic or because of power, it’s because I train a lot for that,” Pouya said.

“I spend a lot of my time every day, learning to be the best grappler in the world. It’s not just about wrestling, it’s about learning jiu jitsu, learning control, so I can be dangerous in any position,” he added.

There is no doubt the 1.87-meter Iranian fighter will be a handful for the rest of the heavyweight field at the inaugural PFL World Tournament.

The 2025 PFL World Tournament will feature 64 fighters competing in eight weight divisions, with $500,000 at stake.

The tournament begins in April, with the first four events of the first round at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, US. The semifinal round is in June, and the finals in August.


Doncic energizes LeBron as NBA homestretch begins

Updated 19 February 2025
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Doncic energizes LeBron as NBA homestretch begins

  • James missed the NBA All-Star Game while resting a foot and ankle injury ahead of facing Charlotte on Wednesday and visiting Portland on Thursday
  • Oklahoma City Thunder lead the West and share the NBA’s best record with the Cleveland Cavaliers at 44-10

WASHINGTON: LeBron James is energized to play alongside new Lakers teammate Luka Doncic while in Oklahoma City, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hopes a National Basketball Association title will secure his place among league legends as the regular-season homestretch begins.

The NBA returns from the All-Star break on Wednesday when the Los Angeles Lakers, led by James and Doncic, entertain Charlotte in a game postponed from January by wildfires.

The Lakers, fifth in the Western Conference at 32-20, made a deal with Dallas on Feb. 2, trading away forward Anthony Davis and others to obtain Slovenian guard Doncic, uniting the playmaker with 40-year-old legend James in hopes of making the Lakers a title contender.

“Just the excitement of being able to add a caliber player like that, a generational talent like that to our franchise, it’s something that has given me energy,” James said.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do. We only had two games so far and I believe he has been on a minutes restriction since he came back from the calf (injury).

“As he continues to get in form, I think we could be really good going down the stretch. But we’ll see what happens.”

James missed the NBA All-Star Game while resting a foot and ankle injury ahead of facing Charlotte on Wednesday and visiting Portland on Thursday.

“With 30 games left and us trying to make a playoff push in the wild, wild west, I feel like it’s important for me to take care of myself and understand what’s coming on,” James said. “I have to look out for myself when it comes to this injury that I’ve been dealing with for years.

“Hopefully I can play against Charlotte on Wednesday and Portland on Thursday. It’s a big stretch for us.”

Oklahoma City Thunder lead the West and share the NBA’s best record with the Cleveland Cavaliers at 44-10.

In the East, the Cavs are 5.5 games ahead of reigning champion Boston while the Thunder lead Memphis by eight in the West.

Gilgeous-Alexander leads the NBA with 32.5 points a game.

The 26-year-old Canadian guard also averages 6.1 assists, 5.1 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.0 blocked shots a game for a team trying to defend its regular-season conference crown.

“We have an opportunity to, for sure, win an NBA championship,” he said. “Now we’re going to have to earn it.

“You go in the playoffs and you need to be the best team for a couple months and you’re not that unless you earn it throughout the season and playoffs.

“We’re more than halfway through the season, but it’s a long road and we’ve just got to keep getting better through the road and hopefully where we want to be at the end of it.”

Gilgeous-Alexander has accepted the growing attention brought by his exceptional play.

“I try to make sure I don’t let it affect the person I am, the player I am and the teammate I am,” he said.

“Doing so has helped me succeed on the court and us succeed as a team, as well. Yeah, I definitely notice it, embrace it, and try to make sure it doesn’t get in the way of things.”

Gilgeous-Alexander says he knows he will not be mentioned alongside such contemporary greats as James, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry unless he leads an NBA championship team.

“You play the game to win and that’s, at the end of the day, all that really matters,” he said. “If I don’t succeed in that in my career, I will have never have accomplished what I wanted to.”

He accepts he might have a chance to become the face as the NBA like James and Michael Jordan.

“That’s literally for the world to decide and whoever the world gravitates to is going to become it naturally,” he said. “It’s not really like a title, it’s more of an opinion, but it is something that is for sure surreal.

“If you’re in that conversation... you will probably go down in history, and to be in that conversation is a blessing.”


Champions Trophy 2025: A landmark event set to revive Pakistan’s cricketing glory

Updated 19 February 2025
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Champions Trophy 2025: A landmark event set to revive Pakistan’s cricketing glory

  • Champions Trophy 2025 is the first major ICC event in Pakistan since the South Asian country co-hosted the 1996 World Cup with Sri Lanka and India
  • Analysts say the event will not only cultivate new talent, but also help elevate Pakistan’s image and boost investment and tourism in the country

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to open the Champions Trophy 2025 in Karachi on Wednesday, marking the return of a major international cricket tournament to the country after nearly three decades, with analysts saying will not only revive Pakistan’s cricketing glory but also contribute to the country’s investment, tourism landscape and international image.
The elite one-day international tournament, which features the game’s top eight sides in the format, begins with the hosts facing off New Zealand in the southern port city of Karachi. This is the first major global tournament hosted by Pakistan in nearly 30 years and analysts and former cricketers say there is no escaping the excitement in the event.
Cricket teams abandoned Pakistan after an attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team outside Lahore’s Qaddafi Stadium on Mar. 3, 2009, forcing the cricket-mad South Asian nation into wilderness for several years. It took the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) several years to convince its counterparts that it was safe to travel to the South Asian country.
While Zimbabwe was the first international team to visit Pakistan in May 2015, former PCB chairman Najam Sethi says the success of Pakistan Super League (PSL) since its launch in 2016 boosted the confidence of foreign players in Pakistan, hailing the 50-over Champions Trophy as the culmination of Pakistan’s efforts to reintegrate into the global cricketing fraternity and promote new talent.
“The successful launch of PSL nearly 10 years ago was a game-changer. It enabled international cricket to return to Pakistan, and the Champions Trophy tournament is the icing on the cake,” he told Arab News.

Workers install billboards on a structure of an entry point to Gaddafi Stadium, in preparation for upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, in Lahore, Pakistan, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP)

“It will unleash the passion of tens of millions of Pakistanis and motivate a new generation of cricket fans to excel in the game by watching the best players in the world play their craft. I predict a wave of new talent will erupt in Pakistan in the wake of the [tournament]!“
Mirza Iqbal Baig, a sports journalist, recalled how the attack on the Sri Lankan team had disappointed cricket fans in the country, but described the Champions Trophy as a “milestone” for Pakistan cricket.
“Now all international teams, especially England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, who have a lot of security concerns, but they all have come and I think this will boost Pakistan cricket,” he told Arab News.
“Pakistani cricket fans will see international cricket stars playing before them in their home grounds, and there will be competition too. I think the hosting of Champions Trophy will prove to be a milestone for Pakistan cricket.”
Asked about its socio-economic impact on Pakistan, Baig said it will definitely send out a positive image of the country with regard to investment and tourism.
Sethi echoed the sentiment: “The matches will be seen by over a billion people. There can be no better projection of Pakistan’s soft power and budding prestige.”
The Champions Trophy 2025, being staged after a hiatus of eight years, is the first major ICC tournament in Pakistan since the South Asian country co-hosted the 1996 World Cup with Sri Lanka and India.
While all teams agreed to play in Pakistan, India refused to travel to the host country and will play its matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
“It is sad that sum-zero diplomacy remains a hurdle in cricketing ties between India and Pakistan,” Sethi remarked. “But I firmly believe that this hybrid model is a precursor to full blown bilateral cricketing relations sooner than later.”
Baig said Pakistan had “opened its arms” for everyone, but the Narendra Modi-led government had been using cricket as “political tool.”
“But anyway, the tournament is being played. People were saying that India would ask other teams to not visit Pakistan, but the rest of the teams have arrived,” he said.
“India will regret later why they did not play in Pakistan.”


Raducanu loses to Muchova after a spectator is ejected in Dubai

Updated 19 February 2025
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Raducanu loses to Muchova after a spectator is ejected in Dubai

  • Emma Raducanu lost to Karolina Muchova after an emotional first set in which a spectator was ejected at the Dubai Championships

DUBAI: Emma Raducanu lost to Karolina Muchova after an emotional first set in which a spectator was ejected at the Dubai Championships.
The 2021 US Open champion appeared to be in tears as she went to the umpire’s chair after the second game Tuesday and her second-round match was briefly paused on Court 2.
After speaking to the umpire, who immediately called tournament organizers, Raducanu stood in a small space between the official’s chair and courtside screening for a few seconds before Muchova moved over to console her.
Raducanu then picked up a towel, wiped her face, nodded and continued the match.
The British player rallied from 4-0 down to force a tiebreaker but eventually lost 7-6 (6), 6-4 to Muchova.
Organizers of the women’s tour issued a statement later saying Raducanu was approached Monday “by a man who exhibited fixated behavior” in a public space and “this same individual was identified in the first few rows during Emma’s match on Tuesday ... and subsequently ejected.”
“He will be banned from all WTA events pending a threat assessment.
The WTA said it was working with Raducanu and her team “to ensure her well-being and provide any necessary support.”
The 14th-seeded Muchova advanced to a meeting against No. 53-ranked McCartney Kessler, who upset 2023 US Open champion Coco Gauff 6-4, 7-5.
Third-ranked Gauff hadn’t fallen to an opponent ranked outside the top 50 since a loss to Sofia Kenin (128th) at Wimbledon in 2023.
Earlier, second-seeded Iga Swiatek beat Victoria Azarenka 6-0, 6-2 and will next face Dayana Yastremska for a spot int the quarterfinals.
Top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka eliminated Veronia Kudermetova 6-3, 6-4, and defending champion Jasmine Paolini defeated Eva Lys 6-2, 7-5.
Elena Rybakina , Jessica Pegula and Paula Badosa also advanced.