LOS ANGELES: Kawhi Leonard bounced in the game-winning shot at the buzzer as the Toronto Raptors advanced to the Eastern Conference finals with a 92-90 win over the visiting Philadelphia 76ers in a heart-stopping game seven on Sunday.
Game seven was a microcosm of the wildly-unpredictable series with each team taking turns making runs or being inept until the biggest twist of all from Leonard finished it off in dramatic style.
“I got a fortuitous bounce,” said Leonard. “I just shot it as hard as I could. I got some loft on it and it made the ball bounce soft and it ended up going in.”
The Raptors advance to the NBA final-four where they will play the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks in game one of the Eastern Conference finals on Wednesday.
With the score tied 90-90 and the game appearing to be headed to overtime, Leonard took matters into his own hands by getting open for a long shot from the right side. His arching moon ball at the buzzer bounced twice on each side of the rim before dropping in to clinch the series for the Raptors.
Leonard finished with a game high 41 points while Pascal Siakam tallied 11 points and 11 rebounds for the Raptors whose players had a combined 21 games of experience in game sevens compared to just nine combined games by the Sixers players.
Toronto has leaned heavily on Leonard all season long and Sunday he delivered with the help of his supporting staff. Serge Ibaka had 17 points, Kyle Lowry chipped in 10 and Marc Gasol grabbed 11 rebounds.
Joel Embiid led the Sixers attack with 21 points and 11 rebounds and Tobias Harris had 15 points and 10 rebounds.
Elsewhere, the Portland Trail Blazers rallied on the back of CJ McCollum’s 37 points to stun the Nuggets 100-96 in Denver and book a Western Conference finals date with NBA champions Golden State.
With Portland star Damian Lillard struggling to get shots to fall, Denver exploded out of the gates, seizing a 29-17 first-quarter lead that they stretched to as many as 17 in the second period.
McCollum kept the Blazers in it, his driving basket giving them their first lead of the game, 71-70 with 12 seconds left in the third quarter.
The Nuggets had reduced a seven-point deficit to one when McCollum drained a step-back jumper with 12.4 seconds left to stretch Portland’s lead to 98-95.
Evan Turner, who scored just four points in the first six games of the series, scored 10 of his 14 in the fourth quarter for Portland.
After Nikola Jokic’s last-gasp three-point attempt hit the rim Turner grabbed the rebound and the clock ran down.
Despite the third-quarter departure of Rodney Hood with a hyperextended knee, Portland booked their first trip to the conference finals since 2000.
They’ll open their best-of-seven series against the Warriors on Tuesday with a place in the NBA finals on the line.
Despite his shooting woes, Lillard contributed with 10 rebounds and eight assists to go with his 13 points. He connected on just three of 17 shots from the floor — but that included two three-pointers in the fourth quarter.
“I think for us the biggest thing was just to take it one possession at a time,” McCollum said. “We came out a little tight defensively ... Our biggest thing was just one stop at a time, one possession at a time.”
Portland coach Terry Stotts called the victory “arguably the biggest win we’ve had in the franchise in a long time.
“To be a part of it and the way we did, I’m thrilled for our guys tonight,” he said.
Jokic led Denver with 29 points. Jamal Murray had 14 points on four-of-18 shooting.
But Denver coach Michael Malone said Jokic blamed himself for the Nuggets’ inability to hang on.
“For him to be as emotional and upset as he was speaks to his caring,” Malone said. “He was upset because he thinks he didn’t do enough for us to win tonight.”
Raptors, Trail Blazers clinch game sevens to reach NBA final four
Raptors, Trail Blazers clinch game sevens to reach NBA final four
- The Raptors advance to the NBA final-four where they will play the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks
- The Portland Trail Blazers rallied on the back of CJ McCollum’s 37 points to stun the Nuggets 100-96 in Denver
Uihlein deposes Catlin as International Series Rankings race heads to Saudi finale
- The American golfer claimed a comfortable 5-shot victory in the $2.5m International Series Qatar, the penultimate event of the season
DOHA: American Peter Uihlein climbed to the top of The International Series Rankings by securing a second win of the season, deposing John Catlin, ensuring the campaign is set for a thrilling climax in Riyadh this week.
Uihlein claimed a comfortable five-shot victory in the $2.5m International Series Qatar, the penultimate event of the season, and collected 450 rankings points. The players now head for the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers.
Combined with his win at International Series England earlier this season and his T2 at International Series Thailand, Uihlein leapt from fourth to top spot with 1071.10 points, edging ahead of Catlin (927.45,) who had led since his victory in Macau back in March.
With a bumper 1,000 points going to the winner in Saudi Arabia, there is still all to play for. Nearest challengers Ben Campbell of New Zealand (851.55), Canada’s Richard T Lee (682.68), Lee Chieh-po (633.97) from Chinese Taipei and American MJ Maguire (541.26) will all feel confident of pushing for a vital second victory of the season.
A win in Saudi would give one of them top spot at the end of the season and a place on the LIV Golf League roster, while the 525 points for second and 300 for third place could also be vital if the win goes to one of the big names from LIV Golf League, such as Cameron Smith, Joaquin Niemann or Tyrrell Hatton.
As a member of Range Goats GC, Uihlein would not claim the spot on the LIV Golf League roster but feels the title would strengthen his case for receiving invites to next season’s majors.
Following his win at Doha Golf Club, Uihlein said: “Now I have to try and win (the rankings). The worst thing they can do is say no, and if that is the case then I will try and qualify within the events. The Open and the PGA Championship, they would be the ones I could probably lobby for. And obviously Rankings champion is nice to have on your CV as well.”
It is little wonder Uihlein is confident going into the Saudi finale; he finished T3 in the Saudi Open presented by PIF at the same course earlier this season.
However he will not be the only one with a spring in his step as Catlin won the tournament, the second of back-to-back events following his play-off victory over David Puig — sparked by a wonderful 59 — in Macau.
Uihlein said: “They will have the course a little longer which is going to be good to see, but it should be great. I had a good weekend there; I made the cut on the number and then had a good weekend so I have good memories. Let’s see.”
With 32 places available on the LIV Golf Promotions event from Dec. 12-14, there is plenty of competition to get into the top 40 of the rankings. South Africa’s Jaco Ahlers (32) and Ian Snyman (34) were big movers, thanks to T10 finishes in Qatar. Miguel Tabuena of the Philippines (16) and Suteepat Prateeptienchai of Thailand (20) both moved into the top 20 after finishing T3 and T5 respectively at the weekend.
The LIV Golf Promotions event champion will secure a place on the roster for the 2025 season, while the top 10 will receive exemptions for all tournaments on The International Series schedule for next season.
Dubai Basketball star says he feels at home as UAE celebrates National Day
- The Latvian player previously played for NBA teams San Antonio Spurs, Washington Wizards, Dallas Mavericks, Oklahoma City Thunder and Charlotte Hornets
DUBAI: Dubai Basketball star Davis Bertans, has expressed his deep admiration for the UAE, saying that since he and his family moved to Dubai earlier this year it is a place that has truly captured their hearts.
As the UAE marks the 53rd Eid Al-Etihad (UAE National Day) on Dec. 2, the Latvian is experiencing the celebrations for the first time since moving to the country. This follows an eight-year stint in the NBA, where he played for San Antonio Spurs, Washington Wizards, Dallas Mavericks, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Charlotte Hornets.
Eid Al-Etihad represents a historic moment for the UAE, founded through the unification of the seven emirates and now home to people from around the world.
After four months in Dubai, Bertans has special praise for the country and the warm welcome he has received. He said: “The number one thing that I enjoy about the UAE is the safety. I feel so safe being here with my family and walking the streets. All the people are amazing and they’re really polite and they make sure that everyone around them is feeling great.
“The way they take care of you is special and it’s a country represented by different nationalities, so you get to find a wide selection of cuisine from anywhere in the world. It’s also sunny every day, which we all like. We haven’t tried Emirati cuisine yet but it’s one that is on my list for sure.”
He added: “The country also has great attractions. One of the first places that we visited since we arrived was the Green Planet and that was unbelievable because it was an indoor forest. The kids had a lot of fun and met the snakes and reptiles — it was new for them and they loved it.”
Bertans is part of a strong roster that is making history during Dubai Basketball’s inaugural season in Europe’s prestigious ABA League, with home games played at Coca-Cola Arena. The 32-year-old has been one of Dubai Basketball’s key players, scoring 64 points in six games. He said it was an honor to be among the first players to represent the club and he is eager to inspire the next generation.
He said: “We will always be remembered as the first players of Dubai Basketball and we’re definitely enjoying the experience. Although it’s a new team, we have had a strong attendance at Coca-Cola Arena and hopefully throughout the season we’ll get more people to enjoy the sport and become huge fans of Dubai Basketball.
“Basketball has become such a global sport and if you look at the NBA and EuroLeague, there are so many players from different countries. If one country has one player who has reached the highest level, it can inspire so many young kids to play and that would have a snowball effect where people would have dreams of being a professional. I think we can do that here at Dubai Basketball and show how much fun it is and make them fall in love with the game, just like we did when we were younger.”
As for the season ahead, Davis has set his sights on winning the ABA League Championship. His team is in a strong position, with a 7-2 record and sitting two points off the top spot.
He said: “Our number one goal is to win the ABA League. To bring the championship to Dubai would be something incredible and a historic moment for all.”
James Harden joins Stephen Curry as the only NBA players to reach 3,000 3-pointers
- Harden hit the milestone in the first half of the Los Angeles Clippers’ 126-122 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night
- Harden scored 43 points – his most as a Clipper – in a road win over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday
INGLEWOOD, California: James Harden has joined Golden State’s Stephen Curry as the only NBA players to reach 3,000 career 3-pointers.
Harden hit the milestone in the first half of the Los Angeles Clippers’ 126-122 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night. He hit three 3s in the first half and three more in the second half while leading the Clippers with 39 points.
“Another one of those accomplishments that you never take for granted,” Harden said. “The amount of work that I’ve put in — countless days and nights where I put the work in — a lot of people don’t see it but the results happen, so I’m just thankful.”
Harden just missed a triple-double, with nine rebounds and 11 assists.
The achievement finished off a standout week for the 35-year-old guard. Harden scored 43 points — his most as a Clipper — in a road win over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday, his 100th career game of 40 or more. He joined Wilt Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan as the only players to do so.
“He had that first quarter against Washington where he reminded people, ‘Hey, I can still go out here and drop 40 on you real quick,’” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said.
The Clippers are 13-9 without superstar Kawhi Leonard, who has yet to play this season while managing ongoing inflammation in his surgically repaired right knee.
Harden has been tasked with carrying a greater offensive load in Leonard’s absence as well as Paul George leaving as a free agent in the offseason. He has responded and at times, like against the Wizards, his efforts have recalled his prolific scoring years with the Houston Rockets.
Malone noted that Harden has matured and responded to what’s been asked of him as a point guard.
“He makes almost every key decision for their offense,” the coach said. ”He can beat you with his playmaking as well, and that shows you the talent, that shows you the quality of his game, where he’s not solely the scorer.”
Harden is also mentoring the team’s younger players, a role he describes as “very, very comfortable” for him.
“It’s easy for me just because I’ve been in this situation for a lot of my NBA career. Just helping guys as much as I can to where it makes the game a lot easier for them,” he said. “It’s really fun.”
Norman Powell said he and the other Clippers love to play with Harden because they know he’ll get them the ball.
“It’s difficult to see from afar,” Powell said, “but on the floor knowing when to attack, knowing when to get his shot off, when to get the guys open, the pass that he makes. He knows how to get guys open and to get the most out of the team.”
Cavaliers get ‘statement’ win over Celtics in showdown of NBA’s best
- Donovan Mitchell scored 20 points in the fourth quarter as the Cavs rallied from 14 points down in the second half to defeat the reigning NBA champions
NEW YORK: Donovan Mitchell scored 35 points and the Cleveland Cavaliers avenged a heartbreaking loss with a 115-111 victory over Boston on Sunday in a matchup of the NBA’s top teams.
Mitchell scored 20 points in the fourth quarter as the Cavs rallied from 14 points down in the second half to defeat the reigning NBA champions.
The Cavaliers started the season 15-0 but suffered their first loss at Boston last month by 120-117 and dropped their two prior games, both losses to Atlanta, before staging a fightback home triumph.
“For us, we’ve got to go out there and make a statement,” Mitchell said. “They beat us in the NBA Cup. No excuse. We’ve got to go out there and try to build. We had two losses that really hurt. We weren’t playing like ourselves. We needed this win.”
The Cavs improved to 18-3 to stay atop the Eastern Conference while the Celtics fell to 16-4 as Cleveland snapped their seven-game win streak.
“You’ve got to trust your work and what we’ve been working on since training camp. That’s the biggest thing,” Mitchell said. “That’s what you saw tonight and that’s what it’s going to continue to be.”
The Celtics were without starting guards Jaylen Brown due to illness and Derrick White with a sprained right foot.
“Just because they’ve got two guys down, they’ve got a lot of guys who are capable,” Mitchell said. “You’ve got to respect them. They’re champions for a reason.”
Cleveland led 51-49 at half-time but the Celtics dominated the third quarter for an 84-72 lead entering the fourth, Jayson Tatum scoring 17 of his 33 points in the third period to lead Boston.
Mitchell responded for Cleveland, including a floater that gave the Cavs a 103-101 lead with 67 seconds remaining and concluded his run of 11 consecutive Cavaliers points.
“The biggest thing is you’ve just got to pick your spots, find your moments throughout the game,” said Mitchell. “They kind of went on a run and in the fourth quarter I started to make my imprint.
Tatum missed a layup and Mobley followed with a dunk for a 105-101 Cavs lead. Porzingis responded with two free throws with 26 seconds to play but Mitchell sank two free throws of his own for a 107-103 Cavs lead.
Boston’s Payton Pritchard sank a 3-pointer to lift the Celtics within one point but Darius Garland, who had 22 points, hit two free throws to give Cleveland a 109-106 edge and the Celtics kept fouling Pritchard, who had 24 points, to keep him from taking more 3-point shots.
The teams traded free throws late until Pritchard deliberately missed one trying to get a rebound, but he committed a lane violation and Mitchell added two final free throws to seal the victory.
“At the end of the day, we executed on both ends of the floor,” said Mitchell. “I scored offensively but we were getting stops and finding ways to get rebounds, loose balls, different things. That’s what ultimately ended up getting us the W.”
In a battle between the Western Conference leaders, Fred VanVleet scored 38 points to lead the Houston Rockets over visiting Oklahoma City 119-116.
Houston improved to 15-6 but the Thunder, led by 32 points from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, fell to 15-5, still atop the best.
Dillon Brooks made a steal and sank a jumper to give Houston a 115-113 edge with 33 seconds remaining and VanVleet added two free throws.
Oklahoma City’s Jalen Williams sank a 3-pointer with 2.1 seconds to play but VanVleet’s two final free throws sealed victory.
Orlando’s win streak stretched to six games as Franz Wagner scored 20 points, grabbed nine rebounds and passed off eight assists to power the Magic (15-7) over host Brooklyn 100-92.
Also in New York, Mikal Bridges scored 31 points and Karl-Anthony Towns had 14 points and 19 rebounds to spark the New York Knicks over New Orleans 118-85.
Toronto’s R.J. Barrett scored 37 points and the host Toronto Raptors beat Miami 119-116.
Jaren Jackson led Memphis with 25 points and eight rebounds to spark the host Grizzlies (14-7) over Indiana 136-121.
FIA president denies personally ordering recent firings of 3 F1 race stewards
- Mohammed Ben Sulayem was emphatic in that he did not order any dismissals and added the FIA has no responsibility to discuss pending personnel changes with teams and drivers
- George Russell, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, said all the turnover can be destabilizing to F1
NEW YORK: The president of Formula 1’s governing body denied ordering a recent wave of staff dismissals — including the removal of the race director with three events remaining in the season — amidst mounting criticism from drivers over a lack of transparency by the FIA.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem spoke to The Associated Press on Sunday by telephone during the Qatar Grand Prix and insisted he had not personally ordered the recent dismissals of three race stewards.
“How many times have people who have lost their jobs or positions in companies, when they left, they attacked and blamed?” Ben Sulayem said. “We have nearly 300 (stewards) working for us, so what do I do? I have two choices: I empower the heads of the departments, sit with them and then judge them at the end of the year.”
Niels Wittich, who had been race director since 2022, was surprisingly let go ahead of last week’s race in Las Vegas. The drivers were stunned that the top rule-enforcer during F1 events would be removed with only three races remaining in the season.
Then there were two more dismissals ahead of this weekend’s race in Qatar as race steward Tim Mayer said he was fired by text message, and the FIA said Janette Tan, who was elevated to race director for Formula 2, had left the organization. Tan had just been promoted to the position to replace Rui Marques, who was elevated into Wittich’s position.
The drivers have complained about a lack of consistency from the race stewards for much of the season and have been vocal in their displeasure on a sudden crackdown on cursing. So when they arrived in Qatar to learn two more stewards had been fired, they were perplexed.
George Russell, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, said all the turnover can be destabilizing to F1.
“That’s very challenging for any team and it must be super challenging for everyone within the FIA right now,” Russell said earlier this week. “So we’d love to get a little bit of clarity and understanding of what’s going on and who’s getting fired next.”
Speaking to reporters in Qatar earlier Sunday, Ben Sulayem seemed defiant in saying it was “none of their business” how he runs things. He was emphatic in that he did not order any dismissals and added the FIA has no responsibility to discuss pending personnel changes with teams and drivers.
“Do the teams and drivers come and tell us when they are making changes? No,” he said.
Earlier this month, the GPDA created an Instagram account solely to publish a statement that urged the FIA to treat drivers like adults. It also asked for Ben Sulayem to consider “his own tone and language” following efforts during his tenure to enforce rules against swearing and jewelry more strictly.
“Just when we’ve asked for a bit of transparency and consistency we’re getting rid of two highly important people in the governing body, so it’s kind of gone in a full 360,” Russell said. “We still don’t have any reasoning for Niels’ removal.”
Ben Sulayem did not give specific reasons for any of the departures, and insisted the “single-seater divisions” made the decisions to replace stewards.
He also said the stewards are tasked with enforcing the rulebook, which was not written by Ben Sulayem. He inherited the rulebook and asked for an enforcement on some things that were being overlooked — such as the cursing, which is prohibited in the code of conduct.
“I did not write the rules and I do not implement them. The rules were before me, some of the rules from 1972,” Ben Sulayem said. “We are setting a clean sport here. We are not saying to them ‘the rule is do not (curse) anytime.’ We are just saying ‘don’t do it when you are at an FIA (news conference).’ We have young people, the age of 5, watching. And even on TV or movies, they always tell you in advance what you will see and that is what this sport has — discipline and respect.”
