Magic beat NBA-leading Celtics 117-109 for 5th win in a row

Orlando Magic's Franz Wagner shoots against Boston Celtics' Luke Kornet during the second half of an NBA basketball game Friday in Boston. (AP)
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Updated 17 December 2022
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Magic beat NBA-leading Celtics 117-109 for 5th win in a row

  • Kyrie Irving hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to lift Brooklyn past Toronto for their season-high fifth straight victory

BOSTON: Moritz Wagner scored 25 points and Paolo Banchero added 20 and the Orlando Magic beat the NBA-leading Boston Celtics 117-109 on Friday night.

Franz Wagner scored 19 points to help Orlando win their fifth straight game. The Magic outrebounded the Celtics 53-38 and held the lead for the final 37 minutes.

Jayson Tatum scored 31 points and Jaylen Brown had 26 for Boston. The Celtics dropped to 22-8 with their third loss in four games.

Boston’s Robert Williams played in his first game since the NBA Finals after undergoing surgery on his left knee during the preseason. He had nine points and five rebounds in 18 minutes.

76ERS 118 WARRIORS 106

In Philadelphia, Joel Embiid had 34 points and 13 rebounds, James Harden added 27 points and nine assists and Philadelphia beat short-handed Golden State.

Stephen Curry sat out for Golden State two nights after injuring his left shoulder in a loss at Indiana. Draymond Green (right quadriceps contusion) and Andrew Wiggins (strained right adductor) also missed the game, while Klay Thompson played through soreness in his left knee to score 12 points. He was 4 of 17 from the field, missing 10 in a row at one point.

De’Anthony Melton had 17 points and seven assists for Philadelphia. The 76ers improved to 16-12, opening a seven-game homestand with four straight victories.

Jordan Poole led the defending champion Warriors with 29 points. Donte DiVincenzo scored 17 points in his return to the arena where he played in college at Villanova, and Kevon Looney had 14 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists. Golden State dropped to 2-14 on the road and 14-15 overall.

Embiid has scored 30 or more points in six straight games and 11 of 12.

CAVALIERS 118 PACERS 112

In Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell scored 18 of his 41 points in the fourth quarter and Cleveland overcame a 13-point deficit to beat Indiana.

Mitchell made his eighth 3-pointer of the game with 3:41 remaining, putting Cleveland ahead for good at 112-110.

The Cavaliers outscored the Pacers 35-18 in the final period, holding Indiana without a field goal in the final 5:42. Cleveland improved to 13-2 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, tying Memphis for the best home record in the NBA.

Darius Garland had 20 points and 10 assists, and Evan Mobley finished with 16 points and nine assists for the Cavaliers. Rookie Bennedict Mathurin scored 22 points off the bench to lead Indiana.

KNICKS 114 BULLS 91

In Chicago, RJ Barrett scored 27 points and New York again used 3-point shooting to beat Chicago, sweeping the two-game set to run their winning streak to six.

Jalen Brunson and Quentin Grimes each added 22 points to help the Knicks follow their 128-120 overtime victory over the Bulls on Wednesday night. New York, which entered 26th in the NBA in 3-point shooting, was 17 for 44 on 3s after going 18 of 34 two nights earlier.

Brunson made a career-high six shots on nine attempts from beyond the arc, Grimes was 5 of 9 from long-range and Barrett went 3 of 5.

Julius Randle had 19 points and 12 rebounds for New York.

Zach LaVine had 17 points for Chicago. The Bulls have lost three straight.

NETS 119 RAPTORS 116

In Toronto, Kyrie Irving hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to lift Brooklyn past Toronto for their season-high fifth straight victory.

Irving scored 15 of his 32 points in the fourth quarter, eluding Toronto’s Fred VanVleet to connect on the winning basket.

Kevin Durant scored 26 points and Nic Claxton had 15 points, 10 rebounds and a career-high six blocks as the Nets overcame an 18-point deficit to sweep the season series from Toronto for the first time since 2002-03.

VanVleet matched his season high with 39 points.

MAVERICKS 130 TRAIL BLAZERS 110

In Dallas, Luka Doncic scored 33 points, Christian Wood had a season-high 32 points along with 12 rebounds and Dallas beat Portland.

Two of Dallas’ top three scorers each had 20 before halftime — the NBA scoring leader Doncic with 23 to 20 for Wood — and combined to make 22 of 35 from the field as Dallas shot 56 percent.

Damian Lillard also had 20 before the break with 21, but finished with 24 to end a four-game streak of at least 35 points that was tied for the longest in the NBA this season with Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid.

The Mavericks ended the Blazers’ three-game winning streak while beating Portland for the sixth consecutive time.

KINGS 122 PISTONS 113

In Detroit, Domantas Sabonis had 23 points and 13 rebounds and Sacramento used a dominant performance from their starters to beat Detroit.

Sacramento’s starting five outscored Detroit’s 99-66. De’Aaron Fox had 24 points and nine assists for the Kings, and Keegan Murray added 20 points.

Bojan Bogdanovic led Detroit with 22 points and rookie Jalen Duran added 15 points and 13 rebounds.

HAWKS 125 HORNETS 106

In Charlotte, North Carolina, Trae Young scored 31 points, Bogdan Bogdanovic had 28 points on 7-of-10 shooting from 3-point range and depleted Atlanta handed Charlotte their seventh straight loss.

AJ Griffin had 13 points and Frank Kaminsky added 12 for the Hawks. They shot 63 percent in the first half and built a 24-point lead.

LaMelo Ball had 27 points on seven 3-pointers in his second game back from an ankle injury for the Hornets. They are an NBA-worst 7-22.

TIMBERWOLVES 112 THUNDER 110

In Oklahoma City, Naz Reid scored a season-high 28 points and short-handed Minnesota beat Oklahoma City to snap a three-game losing streak.

Austin Rivers scored 20 points and Anthony Edwards added 19 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists for the Timberwolves. Minnesota was without injured starters Rudy Gobert (sprained left ankle), Karl-Anthony Towns (right calf strain) and D’Angelo Russell (bruised left knee).

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points for Oklahoma City. The Thunder have lost five in a row.


L’Etape Dubai by Tour de France unveils details ahead of Middle East debut

Updated 11 January 2025
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L’Etape Dubai by Tour de France unveils details ahead of Middle East debut

  • Cycling enthusiasts and professionals can choose 101km and 50km race routes, in addition to family rides and children races
  • First Middle East event on Feb 1-2 will feature a Tour de France Museum and appearances by cycling legends

DUBAI: L’Etape Dubai by Tour de France has revealed new information about its Middle East debut in Dubai this February, including details of two spectacular cycling routes and a special fan zone at Expo Village Park.

The event — powered by Skoda supported by Dubai Sports Council — will take place over the weekend of Feb 1-2. It departs from Dubai Design District, or D3, and ends in the Expo Village Park, offering cycling enthusiasts and professionals an experience inspired by the grandeur of the Tour de France.

Sunday, Feb. 2 will be the highlight of the event, with a 6.45 a.m. start following a pre-race breakfast at the designated starting point in D3. The Race is the longer 101km route, while The Ride is the less demanding 50km option. Both routes offer riders views of Dubai’s skyline and surrounding desert landscapes.

In the spirit of the Tour de France experience, participants can also test their sprint skills and endurance in three designated sprint sections along the L’Etape Dubai route, with the winners awarded the iconic Skoda Green Jersey at the finish line.

From D3, cyclists will navigate about 50 km along the Dubai-Al Ain Road (E66) and then Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al-Nahyan Street (D54). From there participants in The Ride will head to the finishing line at the Expo Village Park, while participants in The Race will turn inland toward the desert along the Expo Road (E77) before looping back to end their race at the same location. The event will conclude with an awards ceremony honoring the top performers.

Setting the scene for Sunday’s racing, Saturday, Feb. 1 will see the Expo Village Park transformed into an interactive Tour de France Village, while also playing host to a 20 km Family Ride and Kids Race. Visitors will be able to explore the Tour de France Museum, featuring historic jerseys and the official Tour de France director’s car, while the afternoon will feature cycling workshops, team introductions and a race briefing. 

“L’Etape Dubai by Tour de France offers a truly a genuine experience inspired by one of the world’s most famous sporting events,” the Dubai Sports Council said in a statement. “This event not only reinforces Dubai’s position as a hub for world-class sports but also promotes active and healthy living. Open to professionals, enthusiasts, families and children alike, the event embodies our vision to encourage sports as a way of life for everyone.”

Race Director Fairouz Al-Qazi said: “Bringing L’Etape Dubai by Tour de France to the Middle East for the first time is a major milestone for us and our co-partners from Europe from Be Cool agency. We are proud to introduce a route that showcases Dubai’s vibrant landscape. We hope to celebrate cycling in a way that unites sport, culture and community, and we believe this inaugural edition will offer an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.”


Seven of world’s top 20 set for 2025 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open

Updated 11 January 2025
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Seven of world’s top 20 set for 2025 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open

  • World No. 8 Emma Navarro joins strong line-up including title-holder Elena Rybakina and 2023 champion Belinda Bencic

ABU DHABI: The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council and set to take place from Feb. 1-8, has announced its strongest line-up, with seven of the top 20 players on the WTA Tour confirmed to compete.

Among the world’s leading players gracing the courts at Zayed Sports City are defending champion Elena Rybakina, the current world No. 6 from Kazakhstan, and fan favorite Daria Kasatkina, ranked ninth, who is seeking revenge after defeat in last year’s final.

Joining them is Switzerland’s Olympic Gold Medalist Belinda Bencic, the 2023 winner, who is back to her best after her maternity leave sidelined her for six months last year.

Ons Jabeur of Tunisia will also be in the field following a lengthy lay-off due to a shoulder injury. She is likely to win the support of local fans as the Arab world’s firm favorite.

Former world No. 2, Paula Badosa of Spain, is also competing along with Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia, a semifinalist in the past two Mubadala Abu Dhabi Opens.

Also included is No. 8 Emma Navarro of the US, known for her powerful game and impressive consistency, whose late confirmation adds even more firepower to the tournament.

Adding extra spark to the competition is Jelena Ostapenko (No. 17), known for her all-out attacking game, and Diana Shnaider (No. 13), on the back of a break-out year that has seen her rise to be the youngest player in the Top 15.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Nigel Gupta, IMG tournament director, said: “This year’s Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open represents a significant step forward for tennis in the region. To have seven of the top 20 WTA players committed to competing is a testament to the tournament’s growing stature on the global stage.

“Beyond the action on court, our expanded Tennis Village is free for all to attend and will create a vibrant festival atmosphere, ensuring an unforgettable experience for fans.”

Back for another crack at the prestigious crown, Daria Kasatkina said: “I’m thrilled to be returning for another shot at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open title. Last year’s tournament was an incredible experience, competing in front of such passionate fans, and reaching the final was unforgettable.

“While on that occasion I came up short against a very strong opponent, it has only fueled my determination to go one step further this time. I’m feeling confident in my game, and I’m looking forward to competing once again in Abu Dhabi.”


DP World ILT20 Season 3 set to be biggest yet

Updated 47 min 39 sec ago
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DP World ILT20 Season 3 set to be biggest yet

  • Captains of all 6 franchises set their goals high as quest for the trophy begins Saturday
  • Bollywood superstars Shahid Kapoor, Pooja Hegde, and Sonam Bajwa will take the stage for opening ceremony

DUBAI: The stage is set for the highly anticipated return of the DP World ILT20 Season 3, which promises to mesmerize cricket fans across the globe. The action will begin on Jan. 11 with a clash between reigning champions MI Emirates and Dubai Capitals in a rematch of the Season 2 final, at the Dubai International Stadium.

Following two successful seasons, this year’s DP World ILT20 is primed to be bigger than ever before. Ahead of the month-long cricketing spectacle, captains from five of the six franchises and inaugural season champions Gulf Giants fast bowler Tymal Mills gathered to outline their expectations for the season ahead, fueling excitement for what promises to be an unforgettable tournament.

DP World ILT20 tournament ambassador Shoaib Akhtar said: “This season, the DP World ILT20 is larger than ever before; the kind of colors and hard work that went into it last year was amazing. It’s good to see people tune in and engage with the tournament. I’m sure this season will be even better.”

Nicholas Pooran, captain of defending champions MI Emirates, hopes to replicate his exceptional form from last season, where he amassed 354 runs across 10 innings.

“I have been a part of the competition since the inception,” he said. “We take winning very seriously and are eager to get the tournament underway, go out there and perform. We also understand what it takes to win. As a franchise, it’s important to have a strong core, and we’re really pleased to have retained a great unit, including somebody like UAE’s Muhammed Waseem. He has done very well for us and we are keen to watch him grow further as a player, batter and leader.”

DP World ILT20 Season 2’s most valuable player and Red Belt winner, Sikandar Raza, who returns to lead the Dubai Capitals’ campaign this year, said: “This is my third year with the Dubai Capitals, and it’s great to be with them again. Winning the MVP award last year was nice, but it would have been even better to lift the trophy. Having nine international players in the playing 11 certainly makes it one of the toughest leagues in the world. Hopefully, we can take that extra step this year, building on the lessons we learned last season.”

Sunil Narine, T20 veteran and skipper of the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, lauded his team’s composition. Narine said: “We have our eyes on the prize. As a captain, you have do it your own way. I think it’s a work in progress but I’m getting better and better at it. A key factor for us will be the powerplay batting and bowling, and how we perform in those phases, but we have quality players and we’re looking forward to having a good start.”

Lockie Ferguson is set to lead the Desert Vipers in his debut season at the DP World ILT20, and the New Zealander highlighted his enthusiasm at taking part in the competition for the first time.

“It’s great to be here with so many players that I have played alongside and against in my career,” he said. “It’s a beautiful part of the world and we are very looked after here. I am looking forward to a new role as a leader and putting my own spin on it. Fortunately, we have got a lot of experience on the team, and I am looking forward to getting to know the UAE players as well.”

Gulf Giants’ fast bowler Mills, who addressed the press conference in place of his captain James Vince, said: “I am really excited for the first game. It is my first time working with Andy Flower, who is one of most successful coaches in franchise cricket. We’ve had a great week getting to know each other and we’re looking forward to the competition. We have many guys who have played for a long time, and we have won the competition in the first season, so a lot of us know how to win. We have high expectations and will hopefully lift the trophy.”

Also taking the reins as captain in his debut season, Sharjah Warriors’ Tim Southee said: “It’s a great tournament; I have watched from afar and can’t wait to get on in this season. My goal is always to try and contribute to the team’s success and offer some experience to the younger players, while always learning from some of the others.”

DP World ILT20 Season 3 will be launched with a grand opening ceremony which will be headlined by epic performances by Bollywood superstars Shahid Kapoor, Pooja Hegde and Sonam Bajwa, who are set to captivate spectators at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday. Renowned Bollywood producer and actor Jackky Bhagnani and Ridhima Pathak will present the ceremony.


Great Britain & Ireland dominate Europeans on first day of 2025 Team Cup in Abu Dhabi

Updated 11 January 2025
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Great Britain & Ireland dominate Europeans on first day of 2025 Team Cup in Abu Dhabi

  • Great Britain & Ireland take an early 3½ — 1½ lead at biennial Team Cup after Day 1 Fourball session
  • Captains Francesco Molinari and Justin Rose both lost their opening games of the tournament at Abu Dhabi Golf Resort

ABU DHABI: Great Britain & Ireland took the spoils in three of the opening matches of the 2025 Team Cup as they moved into an early 3½ — 1½ lead over Continental Europe after the Friday fourballs session at Abu Dhabi Golf Resort.

Despite losing the opening match of the session, GB&I Captain Justin Rose’s selections for the other four matches proved inspired as they claimed three and a half of the four remaining available points.

Rose and Matt Wallace lost 3&1 to the French pair of Romain Langasque and Matthieu Pavon, but the scores were quickly levelled by Laurie Canter and Jordan Smith who beat Rasmus Hojgaard and Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen 1Up.

GB&I then moved ahead after Tyrrell Hatton and Tom McKibbin beat Julien Guerrier, who was drafted in as a late replacement for Nicolai Hojgaard and Antoine Rozner.

Matthew Jordan and Paul Waring halved their match against Niklas Norgaard and Thorbjorn Olesen, while in the anchor match Tommy Fleetwood and Aaron Rai defeated Matteo Manassero and Continental Europe Captain Francesco Molinari 4&2 after winning three consecutive holes from the 14th to close out the match.

Both captains have made changes to their pairings for the first session of foursomes on Saturday morning, with Rose sending out three new pairs with Molinari conversely keeping three of his groups together.

In the opening match, Olesen and Norgaard remain paired together and will face Hatton and Wallace. The two captains will go head-to-head in match two, with Molinari and Guerrier taking on Rose and Fleetwood.

Hojgaard and Neergaard-Petersen will take on Rai and McKibbin in the third match, followed by Manassero and Rozner against Waring and Jordan. In the final match, Pavon and Langasque, Continental Europe’s only victorious pair from Friday will play Smith and Canter, who also won their match on the opening day.


Elena Rybakina disagrees with the WTA’s provisional suspension of coach Stefano Vukov

Updated 11 January 2025
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Elena Rybakina disagrees with the WTA’s provisional suspension of coach Stefano Vukov

  • She was the runner-up to Aryna Sabalenka two years ago at Melbourne Park and is seeded No. 6 this time
  • Rybakina says she disagrees with the WTA Tour’s decision to provisionally suspend her longtime coach, Stefano Vukov

MELBOURNE: Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, said Saturday she disagrees with the WTA Tour’s decision to provisionally suspend her longtime coach, Stefano Vukov, and reiterated that she never made a complaint about him.
“I always said that he never mistreated me,” Rybakina said at a news conference the day before the start of the Australian Open, where she was the runner-up to Aryna Sabalenka two years ago.
Rybakina, who is seeded No. 6 in Melbourne, characterized the whole thing as “definitely not the ideal situation” as she prepares to compete in the year’s first Grand Slam tournament, and said she objected to comments made by “some coaches,” mentioning Pam Shriver by name.
Rybakina announced right before last year’s US Open that she no longer was working with Vukov, then said ahead of this season that her new coach would be Goran Ivanizevic. He won Wimbledon in 2001 as a player and then was Novak Djokovic’s coach for 12 major titles.
But Rybakina said this month that Vukov would be rejoining her team. The WTA then said Vukov “is currently under a provisional suspension pending an independent investigation into a potential breach of the WTA code of conduct.”
The WTA added that “Vukov is not eligible to obtain a WTA credential at this time,” which would prevent him from going into player-only areas at tournaments such as practice courts or training areas.