Rose scores 32 points, Bulls beat Knicks
February 3, 2012
NEW YORK (AP)—Derrick Rose and Carmelo Anthony are both All-Star starters.Only Rose is the reigning MVP, and he was the one particular who owned Madison SquareGarden on Thursday night.
Rose had 32 points, 13 assists and a basket seemingly every single time the Knickswere poised to rally in the Bulls’ 105-102 victory.
“Every time I step on the court, they’re coming at me,” Rose mentioned. “Ilove it where it’s a challenge like that. I’m not backing away from it, and Idon’t want them to back away from it. It’s just `be on’ each and every night.”
Chicago Bulls center Joakim No&hellip AP – Feb three, 12:22 am EST New York Knicks guard Landry F&hellip AP – Feb 3, 12:11 am EST
New York Knicks head coach Mik&hellip AP – Feb 2, 11:40 pm EST
New York Knicks head coach Mik&hellip AP – Feb two, 11:39 pm EST
New York Yankees relief pitche&hellip AP – Feb 2, 11:34 pm EST
Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Ro&hellip AP – Feb two, 11:31 pm EST
Chicago Bulls head coach Tom T&hellip AP – Feb 2, 11:22 pm EST
Chicago Bulls center Joakim No&hellip AP – Feb 2, 11:17 pm EST
Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibs&hellip AP – Feb 2, 11:14 pm EST
New York Knicks forward Carmel&hellip AP – Feb 2, 11:01 pm EST
Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Ro&hellip AP – Feb two, 10:56 pm EST
Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Ro&hellip AP – Feb 2, ten:55 pm EST
New York Knicks forward Amare &hellip AP – Feb two, 9:22 pm EST
Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Ro&hellip AP – Feb 2, 9:22 pm EST
New York Knicks forward Carmel&hellip AP – Feb two, 9:14 pm EST
New York Knicks forward Carmel&hellip AP – Feb 2, 9:12 pm EST
Chicago Bulls center Omer Asik&hellip AP – Feb 2, 9:10 pm EST 1 of 17 Chi-NY Gallery
This night brought relief for a Chicago team in the middle of a nine-gameroad trip and additional distress for New York and its embattled coach, who opened aback-to-back-to-back with their 10th loss in 12 games.
“For the most component, we played very hard tonight,” Anthony said.“We’ve got to pat ourselves on the back for something. We can go and magnifythe turnovers late in the second quarter we nonetheless had a opportunity to win thebasketball game.”
Rose had 15 of his points in the fourth quarter, scoring on three straightpossessions for the duration of 1 spectacular 79-second burst. He split Anthony and AmareStoudemire to flip in a shot from past the backboard, then hit a 3-pointer toput the Bulls up 95-88 with less than 6 minutes left.
Stoudemire had a season-high 34 points and 11 rebounds but missed a shotfrom beyond his normal range—a 3-point try with 11.9 seconds remaining—that would have tied the score.
“He can make that shot as well as anybody,” coach Mike D’Antoni mentioned.
Said Stoudemire: “That shot usually falls for me.”
Anthony had 26 points but just four in the fourth quarter and missed adesperation three at the buzzer that would have sent the game to overtime. Twice inthe final 92 seconds with the Knicks trailing by three, he had his shot blocked.
New York nonetheless had its odds. Landry Fields’ baseline drive with 23.4seconds left pulled the Knicks within 1. New York had no selection but to foul KyleKorver, a 74 percent no cost-throw shooter, with 13.7 seconds to go. He hit both.
After Stoudemire missed, a miscommunication by the Bulls kept thingsinteresting. With Chicago leading 104-100, the Bulls fouled Anthony on purpose—but they were supposed to do so only with a three-point lead.
Anthony produced both, and Rose failed to clinch the victory when he missed oneof his free of charge throws with 5.3 seconds remaining—something he seemed more focusedon afterward than his 32 points. Anthony couldn’t make him spend when his33-footer bounced off the rim.
“We usually say you got to locate a way, and the very good teams in this leaguefind unique ways to win games,” Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau mentioned of hisEastern Conference leaders. “Ideally, you’d like to count on each your offenseand your defense.”
Permitting New York to shoot 49 percent is not his notion of defense, butChicago additional than made up for it by producing practically 53 percent of its field goalsand 6 of 13 three-point attempts.
With the Knicks trailing by 11 at halftime, Anthony scored 12 in the third.His driving bank shot with 44.1 seconds left in the period tied the score forthe first time due to the fact early in the second quarter.
But on the Bulls’ subsequent possession, Jared Jeffries was called for a foul onRonnie Brewer. When Tyson Chandler barked to the refs, he received a technical.Korver hit that no cost throw, and New York by no means tied it once again.
The Knicks had to dig out of a hole immediately after committing 5 turnovers in thelast 3 1/2 minutes of the 1st half, including 1 immediately right after a timeoutwith 1:36 left. Joakim Noah had two dunks and Brewer added a third as the Bullspulled ahead 55-42 with 25.8 seconds remaining.
With boos pouring down from the stands, Anthony missed a jumper, then misseda layup after an offensive rebound. His third try with less than a second to gofinally went in.
NOTES: Rose scored at least 30 points for the fourth time in five games. …The Bulls’ nine-game road trip is the club’s longest given that the 1992-93 season.They enhanced to two-two soon after losing at Philadelphia 98-82 a night earlier. … TheKnicks got just 6 points off the bench, all by Toney Douglas. … New York isplaying three games in 3 days for the initial time given that 1999. New York musttravel to Boston to play Friday night before returning house to face the Nets onSaturday. … Knicks rookie Iman Shumpert had a career-high eight assists.
———
Follow Rachel Cohen at https://twitter.com/RachelCohenAP.
Spurs beat Hornets, push win streak to 3
February 3, 2012
SAN ANTONIO (AP)—Tim Duncan may not make the All-Star game for the firsttime in 12 years, or even give the San Antonio Spurs much scoring on mostnights.
But even in back-to-backs, he can still resemble his old self.
Duncan scored 19 points, Tony Parker had 18 and the Spurs ran away fromthe New Orleans Hornets in the fourth quarter to win their third in a row, 93-81on Thursday night.
A night after Duncan scored 25 in a win over Houston, it was somewhatsurprising he even played. Coach Gregg Popovich has vowed to limit Duncan’s wearand tear—even declaring that the 35-year-old will sit at least one game whenthe Spurs play four in five nights— and playing the West’s worst team seemed toinvite a night off.
New Orleans Hornets guard Carl… AP – Feb 2, 11:43 pm EST New Orleans Hornets coach Mont… AP – Feb 2, 11:32 pm EST
San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg … AP – Feb 2, 11:29 pm EST
San Antonio Spurs forward Tim … AP – Feb 2, 11:26 pm EST
San Antonio Spurs center Matt … AP – Feb 2, 11:24 pm EST
New Orleans Hornets forward Ca… AP – Feb 2, 11:23 pm EST
San Antonio Spurs guard Tony P… AP – Feb 2, 11:18 pm EST
San Antonio Spurs forward Tiag… AP – Feb 2, 11:01 pm EST
San Antonio Spurs forward Tim … AP – Feb 2, 10:58 pm EST
New Orleans Hornets guard Carl… AP – Feb 2, 10:02 pm EST
New Orleans Hornets center Jas… AP – Feb 2, 10:00 pm EST
New Orleans Hornets forward Al… AP – Feb 2, 9:53 pm EST 1 of 12 NO-SA Gallery
On the other hand, Popovich said, Duncan’s body is holding up just fine sofar.
“We kept his minutes down,” said Popovich, who played Duncan for 22minutes against New Orleans. “He didn’t play that much. As long as the minutesare low, he feels pretty good.”
The Hornets didn’t make it easy. Carly Landry scored 17 points and GreivisVasquez added 16 points staring in place of Jarrett Jack, keeping New Orleansclose before the Spurs blew on the game in the fourth.
Jack sat out with a sore knee but the pain isn’t considered serious. TheHornets have lost 12 of their last 13.
New Orleans trailed by just 3 after the third quarter but was outscored22-12 in the fourth. The Hornets shot 29 percent in the final period, while theSpurs missed only five shots.
“We lost the last two games in the fourth quarter,” Vasquez said. “Weplay hard in the third quarter and then we do not execute in the fourth. As apoint guard it’s hard to fill Chris Paul’s shoes but I expect myself to bebetter and that takes a little work.”
Tiago Splitter added 16 points and Danny Green had 11 off the bench for theSpurs, who improved to an NBA-best 12-1 at home. They need to stockpile all thehome wins they can: After hosting the NBA-leading Oklahoma City Thunder onSaturday night, the Spurs won’t be back home for three weeks.
The San Antonio Rodeo runs the Spurs out of town every February—but thefranchise has never seen a stretch like this. The compressed schedule in wake ofthe NBA lockout has San Antonio in the midst of playing 16 of 21 games outsidethe AT&T Center, the toughest road run in Spurs history.
So far, the Spurs are just 3-8 away from home.
“We got to find a way to win on the road. That’s the bottom line,” Duncansaid. “We’re going to have enough opportunities coming up soon.”
Duncan used to be a shoo-in among All-Star starters like those announcedThursday, but his streak of selections is in doubt this time. He’s averagingnearly 14 points and 7.5 rebounds, but the main concern for Popovich is keepingDuncan healthy now and not run him down before the end of the season.
The upside is that the Spurs should get Manu Ginobili back on their trip.Ginobili broke his hand Jan. 2 but the Spurs have persevered without their go-toscorer, going 12-7 so far and staying atop the Southwest Division.
Carldell Johnson scored 11 points and was the only other Hornets player indouble figures.
Like the Spurs, the Hornets were also playing for the second time in twonights after losing at home to Phoenix. Hornets coach Monty Williams shruggedbefore the game at the effect of defeat after defeat.
“We’ve had so many losses, they all sting,” Williams said.
NOTES: Parker needs 7 assists to surpass Avery Johnson for the franchiserecord. Parker has 4,468 career assists, all with the San Antonio. …Duncanneeds 19 rebounds to surpass Charles Oakley and become among the NBA’s top 20rebounders of all time.
Surging Clips end 16-game skid in Utah
February 2, 2012
SALT LAKE CITY (AP)—Chris Paul was shocked to learn the Los AngelesClippers hadn’t won in Utah since 2003.
He made sure that slate was wiped clean Wednesday night, scoring aseason-high 34 points in the Clippers’ 107-105 victory over the Jazz.
The win ended a string of 16 straight losses in Salt Lake City, where theClippers had prevailed just once in the previous 39 meetings.
“We really wanted this game,” Paul said. “It’s a new (Clippers) teamright here.”
Utah Jazz head coach Tyrone Co… AP – Feb 2, 2:09 am EST Los Angeles Clippers center De… AP – Feb 2, 2:09 am EST
Los Angeles Clippers head coac… AP – Feb 2, 2:09 am EST
Los Angeles Clippers guard Chr… AP – Feb 2, 1:56 am EST
Utah Jazz forward Paul Millsap… AP – Feb 2, 1:56 am EST
Los Angeles Clippers center De… AP – Feb 2, 1:56 am EST
Los Angeles Clippers forward R… AP – Feb 2, 1:56 am EST
Utah Jazz forward Paul Millsap… AP – Feb 2, 1:56 am EST
Utah Jazz guard Devin Harris (… AP – Feb 2, 1:56 am EST
Los Angeles Clippers guard Chr… AP – Feb 2, 1:42 am EST
Los Angeles Clippers guard Cha… AP – Feb 2, 12:07 am EST
Los Angeles Clippers guard Mo … AP – Feb 2, 12:07 am EST
Los Angeles Clippers guard Chr… AP – Feb 1, 11:40 pm EST
Los Angeles Clippers forward B… AP – Feb 1, 11:28 pm EST
Los Angeles Clippers forward B… AP – Feb 1, 11:27 pm EST 1 of 15 LAC-Uta Gallery
Paul scored 12 points in the fourth quarter of a tight game. He also handedout 11 assists, with most going to Blake Griffin for dunks, including one justseven seconds into the game.
“He’s just one of those guys that can make everybody on the floor better,”Jazz swingman C.J. Miles said of the Clippers’ superstar point guard. “He getsthe ball in his hands. He makes the right decisions. He makes it tough on youand he showed tonight why.”
The game was a far cry from the first meeting on Jan. 17 when the Jazzrolled to a 108-79 loss, and temporarily stole the nickname Lob City with eightdunks.
Paul didn’t play in that game because of a left hamstring injury, andneither did backup Mo Williams.
While starting forward Caron Butler was out Wednesday with a sore lowerback, the Clippers had just enough in the tank to hold off the Jazz down thestretch.
“It is tough to win here, we know that, and they’re playing very well,”Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro said. “But we were able to make enough plays inthe second half. Our defense was better and we got more stops.”
It helped that the Jazz are still struggling from the free throw line,making just 26 of 36.
The Clippers made nine free throws in the final 30 seconds.
Utah’s C.J. Miles intentionally missed his second free throw with the Jazzdown two points with 1.2 seconds left but Reggie Evans grabbed the rebound toseal the win.
Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin said L.A.’s 50-35 rebounding edge was a big factor,with Griffin grabbing a team-high 14 to go along with his 31 points (14 of 22shooting).
“I thought they outhustled us and got the ball,” Corbin said. “And wemissed 10 free throws in a two-point ball game and it ended up costing us.”
The Jazz also lost a valuable player in the process as backup point guardEarl Watson left in the third quarter with a left ankle sprain and is doubtfulfor Thursday’s game at Golden State.
The Clippers have now won four straight.
“We’re tired, but we have another game tomorrow night against a verydifficult opponent,” Del Negro said of facing Denver. “We’re going to have toget ready.”
Al Jefferson had 27 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Jazz.
Miles added 16 off the bench, including a 3-pointer with 8 seconds left thatpulled Utah to 103-102. But Chauncey Billups, who made only 1 of 8 field goals,hit two more free throws to put Los Angeles up 105-102.
Devin Harris’ two foul shots cut it to one point again, but Williams madeboth of his free throws.
The Clippers then quickly fouled, not letting the Jazz get off another3-point attempt.
“It’s a loss,” Miles said. “I felt like it’s a game we should have won.The beginning of the third quarter really hurt us.”
The teams combined for only 32 points in the third quarter, after the Jazzled by 10 points in the second.
The Jazz led by four points early in the fourth, but Paul and Williamsbrought the Clippers back.
Paul’s 3-pointer gave Los Angeles an 86-84 lead with 6:08 remaining, and hisreverse layup later made it 92-87.
Paul Millsap thought he had tied the score at 94 for Utah but he was calledfor an offensive foul going against Griffin, who was playing with five personalfouls at the time.
Both teams were hot in the first half, with the Jazz shooting 61 percent (27of 44) and L.A. 53 percent (24 for 45). The Clippers were just 5 of 22 on 3s,and the Jazz 3 of 11.
NOTES: Paul and Griffin combined for 26 of L.A.’s 32 first-quarter points.… Williams had a four-point play for the Clippers late in the first quarterafter being fouled on a 3-point shot by Josh Howard. He finished with 19 points.… Derrick Favors started the game 4 of 4 for Utah and had 10 points in thefirst half, and finished with 14. … Billups and Paul were both assessedfirst-half technicals, while the officials called double-technicals on GordonHayward and Williams in the third. … Jazz SG Raja Bell missed his secondstraight game with a strained adductor.
Knicks’ Anthony works out, may return
January 31, 2012
Carmelo Anthony missed the past two games with ankle, wrist and thumb injuries.(AP)
GREENBURGH, N.Y. (AP)—Carmelo Anthony took component in a morning workout andthe New York Knicks will choose on his availability shortly before their gameagainst Detroit.
Coach Mike D’Antoni says Anthony wants to perform out again Tuesday at MadisonSquare Garden so he can be certain he is ready to return immediately after missing the past twogames with ankle, wrist and thumb injuries. The sprained appropriate ankle is the onethat is causing Anthony the most discomfort.
Even so, D’Antoni says he doesn’t feel Baron Davis will play until nextweek. Davis has been working to get into shape after missing the entire seasonwith a herniated disk in his back. D’Antoni adds that Davis hasn’t had asetback, the instruction staff just thought he must take some more time.
Fantasy Basketball 11 registration is open. Sign up currently! And adhere to Yahoo! Sports NBA coverage on Twitter.
Publisher: Phil Jackson writing memoir
January 31, 2012
NEW YORK (AP)—Phil Jackson’s next title will be on the cover of his newbook.
Penguin Press says Tuesday that Jackson, the Hall of Famer who won 11 NBAchampionships as coach of the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers, is writinghis memoir referred to as “Eleven Rings.”
The book is tentatively scheduled to be out subsequent year.
The 66-year-old Jackson is a 1,155-game winner whose career .704 winningpercentage is the greatest in NBA history.
He retired from coaching following last season after the Lakers were swept inthe playoffs by the eventual champion Dallas Mavericks.
Jackson previously wrote “The Final Season,” published in 2004.
Fantasy Basketball 11 registration is open. Sign up today! And comply with Yahoo! Sports NBA coverage on Twitter.
Griffin’s dunk wows, Clips top Thunder
January 31, 2012
LOS ANGELES (AP)—Blake Griffin’s jaw-dropping 1-handed jam over KendrickPerkins sent Los Angeles Clippers fans into a frenzy, fired up his teammates,lit up the Twitterverse and burned the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Griffin had 22 points to go with Chris Paul’s 26 points and 14 assists in a112-100 victory Monday night that snapped the Thunder’s four-game winning streakin a matchup of division leaders.
Griffin downplayed his monster move after the game, a sly smile only brieflybreaking his severe expression.
“CP commands so a lot attention out there. He came off the choose-and-roll andhe hit me in stride,” Griffin stated.
Connected Video 
Griffin's monster dunk
Griffin's monster dunk
Lakers look for grooveHeat top HornetsBulls' Rose scores 35 More NBA Videos 
Oklahoma City Thunder forward &hellip AP – Jan 31, 2:24 am EST Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ru&hellip AP – Jan 31, two:24 am EST
Los Angeles Clippers forward B&hellip AP – Jan 31, 1:12 am EST
Los Angeles Clippers energy for&hellip AP – Jan 31, 1:12 am EST
Oklahoma City Thunder forward &hellip AP – Jan 31, 1:11 am EST
Los Angeles Clippers center De&hellip AP – Jan 31, 12:13 am EST
Los Angeles Clippers guard Ran&hellip AP – Jan 31, 12:12 am EST
Los Angeles Clippers bench cel&hellip AP – Jan 31, 12:11 am EST
Los Angeles Clippers forward R&hellip AP – Jan 31, 12:09 am EST 1 of 9 OKC-LAC Gallery
Paul added: “I told Blake after the game, `Thanks for letting me be part ofthat.”’
DeAndre Jordan grabbed Griffin from behind in a celebratory bear hug as thebasket got replayed more than and over in the third quarter.
Jordan, who had 11 points and 11 rebounds, couldn’t assist himself.
“I was shocked. I didn’t know what to do, so I just grabbed him. I hit himkind of hard,” he stated. “I’m going to go home and watch it once more. It’sprobably going to be the screensaver on my phone.”
Griffin stated he knew he’d produced an impression judging by the crowd’s raucousresponse. Then he felt Jordan behind him.
“He armlocked me,” Griffin stated. “I couldn’t breathe.”
The reaction on Twitter came fast and furious.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald tweeted: “Blake Griffinjust produced one particular of the leading dunks of the season. Maybe even his profession. (hashtag)Beast.”
Tracy McGrady of the Atlanta Hawks weighed in with “yo, crazy crazy dunk bythe dude Blake Griffin.”
Even Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-wife was impressed.
Shaunie O’Neal tweeted: “OMG!!! Did y’all just see Blake Griffin dunk!!!!!Daaayyyummm!”
Paul had 26 points and 14 assists, Caron Butler also had 22 points, ChaunceyBillups scored 13 and Mo Williams 12 as the Pacific-leading Clippers dunked withhigh-flying abandon against the team with the NBA’s finest record at 16-4. Theywon their third in a row to adhere to up a 109-105 victory at Denver a nightearlier that began a stretch of 5 games in seven nights.
“We’re not going to read too substantially into it,” Paul mentioned of the back-to-backwins. “It let us know what we’re capable of. We can explode offensively.”
Kevin Durant had 36 points and 13 rebounds, and Russell Westbrook added 31for the Northwest-top Thunder, whose league-best road record dropped to 8-three.They had won 11 of their earlier 12.
“Chris Paul was operating about, getting what he wanted to get on the floorand generating passes to guys for wide-open dunks and 3s,” Durant stated. “It’stough to quit.”
Griffin’s monster mash had absolutely everyone talking and tweeting, but the Clippersput together a gorgeous sequence going into halftime.
They shocked the Thunder with four consecutive 3-pointers in less than aminute to lead 64-46. The flurry by Williams (two), Butler (one particular) and Billups(one particular) stopped the Thunder’s 11-2 run that had drawn them within six points.
“I told Mo that may possibly have been the greatest exchange I have been portion ofsince I’ve been in the NBA,” Paul stated. “That got the crowd into it. 4 3sin under a minute is unbelievable.”
Jordan said: “We had been just hot. It actually didn’t appear like it was real. Wewere on a high, but we knew we had to come out in the third and knock them outflat.”
The Thunder bumbled their way into the half, with Westbrook and Durantcombining on 3 straight turnovers that led to the Clippers’ extended-rangefireworks. Williams and Butler had two steals in the run.
“That doesn’t occur, and it most likely won’t occur once more the rest of theyear, that a team will make that many 3s in a minute,” Thunder coach ScottBrooks mentioned. “But they produced the shots. They started the game with a lot ofurgency and they had us back on our heels.”
Los Angeles shot 71 percent from lengthy range in a half that also featured aseries of massive dunks by Jordan, Griffin, Durant and Westbrook, even though bothteams missed their share of dunks, too.
Daequan Cook was the only other Oklahoma City player in double figures with12 points. Durant and Westbrook scored all but two of the Thunder’s 25 points inthe third quarter, which the Clippers ended on a 3-pointer by Paul to lead90-70.
Durant and Westbrook started the fourth on the bench, even though they each stoodup when Cook hit his second three-pointer of the period to get the Thunder to 95-81.Griffin then scored 5 in a row, capped by a two-handed jam that extended theClippers’ lead to 100-81.
The Thunder outscored Los Angeles 30-22 in the fourth, but never ever produced a bigrun to get close.
The Clippers made 13 three-pointers—just off their season high of 14 againstDenver on Sunday.
They made 10 3s in the 1st half, led by 4 from Butler, who connectedfrom his preferred spot in the left corner.
The Thunder’s only lead was 4 points to commence the game.
Notes: Butler reached the 10,000-point mark on his third three-pointer in thefirst quarter. … Durant and Westbrook have scored at least 25 points each and every 37times in their four seasons together. … The Clippers enhanced to 10-2 at household.… It was the Clippers’ 12th consecutive sellout this season and 24th in a rowoverall dating to last season. The crowd of 19,404 included Larry King and LosAngeles Angels pitcher Dan Haren.
Other popular content material on the Yahoo! network: &bull Wojnarowski: Dwight Howard is losing his Orlando Magic teammates&bull Los Angeles Lakers eye Cleveland Cavaliers’ Ramon Sessions&bull Forde Minutes: College basketball is ready to take center stage&bull Daily Ticker: Don’t anticipate GOP race to shrink anytime soon
Hayward comes up big late as Jazz rally
January 31, 2012
SALT LAKE CITY (AP)—Gordon Hayward absolutely could have been the goatMonday night soon after moving over to shooting guard for the Utah Jazz and tossingup nothing but bricks early.
Yet the second-year pro kept playing and hustling, and it ultimately paidoff in a 93-89 victory more than the Portland Trail Blazers.
Hayward shook off an -for-8 start off to finish with 12 points. Late in thegame, he had a block, a steal and a essential rebound, and sank three of four freethrows down the stretch as the Jazz prevailed.
Related Video Griffin's monster dunk
Griffin's monster dunk
Lakers appear for grooveHeat best HornetsBulls' Rose scores 35 Much more NBA Videos 
Utah Jazz head coach Tyrone Co&hellip AP – Jan 31, 12:10 am EST Portland Trail Blazers head co&hellip AP – Jan 31, 12:ten am EST
Portland Trail Blazers guard R&hellip AP – Jan 31, 12:08 am EST
Utah Jazz guard Gordon Hayward&hellip AP – Jan 30, 11:57 pm EST
Utah Jazz forward Josh Howard &hellip AP – Jan 30, 11:57 pm EST
Utah Jazz forward Paul Millsap&hellip AP – Jan 30, 11:57 pm EST
Utah Jazz forward Josh Howard &hellip AP – Jan 30, 11:49 pm EST
Portland Trail Blazers forward&hellip AP – Jan 30, 11:49 pm EST
Utah Jazz forward Paul Millsap&hellip AP – Jan 30, 11:49 pm EST
Utah Jazz forward Jeremy Evans&hellip AP – Jan 30, 11:48 pm EST
Utah Jazz forward C.J. Miles (&hellip AP – Jan 30, ten:27 pm EST
Portland Trail Blazers center &hellip AP – Jan 30, 10:13 pm EST
Portland Trail Blazers guard W&hellip AP – Jan 30, ten:12 pm EST
Portland Trail Blazers center &hellip AP – Jan 30, ten:ten pm EST
Portland Trail Blazers forward&hellip AP – Jan 30, 10:09 pm EST 1 of 15 Por-Uta Gallery
“I was trying to forget the very first half,” Hayward said. “It’s a thing Idon’t assume any player desires to do … missing layups, missing wide-open shots.… You will need to keep shooting.”
The Jazz known as this win particularly massive considering it came against theirNorthwest Division rivals, a team that had beaten them three straight instances toend last season.
“With the records and the standings and being in the exact same division, weneeded to win. When it comes to the end of the year, we need to have to have thetiebreakers,” said C.J. Miles, who had 15 points off the bench for Utah.
Paul Millsap led Utah with 19 points and 15 rebounds, and the Jazz held a51-37 edge on the boards.
Nevertheless, they appeared headed for their fourth loss at house, especiallyplaying with out starting center Al Jefferson (right ankle inflammation) andguard Raja Bell (strained proper adductor).
The Jazz were shooting just 27.3 percent at one point in the very first half, andLaMarcus Aldridge started lighting them up in the second.
Aldridge scored 14 of his team’s very first 18 points in the third, hitting hisfirst six shots as Portland built its lead to 63-52 with 5:32 left.
“We absolutely had control and we let it slip away,” mentioned Aldridge, whofinished with 25 points and seven rebounds. “No excuses. They kept playing hardand they ended up coming back and stealing one particular.”
The Jazz started their comeback late in the third with a 10- run behindpoint guard Devin Harris. He hit a lengthy jumper, sank a totally free throw, then stolethe ball from Jamal Crawford and fed Millsap for a jam that cut Portland’s leadto 63-59 with two:58 left in the quarter. Harris capped the run with a shortjumper off a quickly break.
Hayward hit a three-pointer to tie it at 65 with 1:26 left in the quarter. Inthe fourth, the Jazz trailed 79-74 when they went on a 13- run.
Millsap had four points in the spurt, but reserves Earl Watson, Jeremy Evansand Miles provided the spark.
Watson scored on a quickly-break layup and 19-foot jumper, and passed to Evansfor an alley-oop dunk.
“One to 13, the guys did a tremendous job just staying in there,” Jazzcoach Tyrone Corbin stated. “Things weren’t going nicely for us early. But westayed together, kept encouraging every other and forcing every other to play alittle tougher. It’s a fantastic team win for us.”
Aldridge ended a 6-minute Blazers scoring drought with a hook shot, andNicolas Batum followed with a three-pointer to pull Portland to 87-84.
But Hayward blocked Crawford’s layup, and Millsap hit a jumper for afive-point Jazz lead with 1:43 left.
The Blazers had been down 90-87 with 13.3 seconds left, but Wesley Matthewsdrove the lane for a layup rather than look for a three-pointer, and Portland triedto force the Jazz to make totally free throws to close it out.
Miles went to the line and made one but missed the second, only to haveHayward grab the rebound. He sank both foul shots to seal the win with two.3seconds left.
The loss was the eighth in 11 road games for the Blazers. They also lostBatum to an injury late in the game. He had to be helped off the court and isexpected to have an MRI on his left knee Tuesday.
“We just got outworked,” Portland coach Nate McMillan mentioned.
The Trail Blazers gave up 24 second-chance points and were outscored 20-6 onfast-break points.
“They were the aggressors all through, not only on the offensive end but ondefense,” McMillan said. “Earl Watson was genuinely excellent on the ball, and (rookieEnes) Kanter came in and was true excellent defending the post. They were thephysical team tonight and earned the suitable to win this game.”
NOTES: Jefferson, bothered by inflammation in his correct ankle, missed histhird game in two seasons with the Jazz. Bell had began every game this seasonbut strained his right adductor Saturday against Sacramento. … In the firsthalf, the teams had been a combined 2 of 14 from three-point range. … Gerald Wallacewas assessed a technical foul in the fourth quarter in the midst of the 13-0Jazz run. … The Trail Blazers gave up a season-high 38 no cost throws.
Bucks’ Jackson held out against Pistons
January 31, 2012
MILWAUKEE (AP)—After sitting out the final game for his verbal abuse of anofficial, Stephen Jackson was held out of Milwaukee’s victory more than Detroit onMonday night.
“It was my selection,” Bulls coach Scott Skiles said. “I liked the waywe’ve played the past couple games. He’ll have an chance to work himselfback in there.”
Jackson, acquired in a 2011 draft-day trade from Charlotte, has alreadymissed two games this season—one for missing shootaround against the Knicks onJan. 20 and Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers though serving theone-game suspension his tirade right after the Bucks’ loss at Chicago on Friday.
Jackson was on the active roster Monday and suited up, but never played.
“I ain’t surprised,” Jackson stated. “They know how I really feel. Everybody knowsthe circumstance. A single thing I’m not going to do is not be skilled. I’m goingto cheer the team on and do what I have to do.
“My circumstance is going to get better soon. Until then, I’m going to supportthese guys and continue to collect my check.”
Jackson also agreed with Skiles’ assessment of the team’s recent play.
“You know what? For the most component, Scott is appropriate,” he mentioned. “We areplaying well without me in the lineup but it’s all very good. It’s all about winning.It happens. Like he mentioned, the team is playing well. The rotation is great, andas extended as we’re winning, there’s absolutely nothing for no one to complain about.
“I’m expected to be prepared for something. I came in, did my work. I’mgoing to come in tomorrow and function at practice and continue to operate on my game.But at the finish of the day, I have to be in a position to perform wherever I’m at.”
Fantasy Basketball 11 registration is open. Sign up currently! And follow Yahoo! Sports NBA coverage on Twitter.
Surging Mavs roll past Nash-less Suns
January 31, 2012
PHOENIX (AP)—The Dallas Mavericks, with their offense rolling in highgear, gave Phoenix fans a glimpse of how ugly life could be without Steve Nash.
With the Suns’ 37-year-old star point guard sidelined with a bruised leftthigh, the Mavericks routed Phoenix 122-99 on Monday night, the third victory ina row and sixth in seven games for the reigning NBA champions.
“We caught a break with Nash not playing,” Dallas coach Rick Carlislesaid. “I don’t think you can overlook that as a huge element in the game. Weplayed and I believed our work was even and constant. We were in a position to keepfresh guys on the floor. We moved the ball well and produced shots and our defensewas good sufficient to win.”
Associated Video Griffin's monster dunk
Griffin's monster dunk
Lakers appear for grooveHeat top HornetsBulls' Rose scores 35 A lot more NBA Videos 
Dallas Mavericks ' Yi Jian&hellip AP – Jan 31, 12:00 am EST Dallas Mavericks ' Vince C&hellip AP – Jan 30, 11:58 pm EST
Dallas Mavericks ' Delonte&hellip AP – Jan 30, 11:52 pm EST
Phoenix Suns ' Sebastian T&hellip AP – Jan 30, 11:47 pm EST
Dallas Mavericks ' Shawn M&hellip AP – Jan 30, 11:46 pm EST
Dallas Mavericks ' Shawn M&hellip AP – Jan 30, 11:43 pm EST
Phoenix Suns ' Grant Hill &hellip AP – Jan 30, 11:42 pm EST
Dallas Mavericks ' Ian Mah&hellip AP – Jan 30, 10:28 pm EST
Phoenix Suns ' Steve Nash &hellip AP – Jan 30, ten:26 pm EST
Dallas Mavericks ' Brandan&hellip AP – Jan 30, 10:23 pm EST
Dallas Mavericks ' Vince C&hellip AP – Jan 30, 10:19 pm EST
Dallas Mavericks ' Brandan&hellip AP – Jan 30, 10:18 pm EST
Dallas Mavericks ' Dirk No&hellip AP – Jan 30, ten:18 pm EST
Dallas Mavericks ' Vince C&hellip AP – Jan 30, 9:44 pm EST 1 of 14 Dal-Pho Gallery
Nash is certainly no defensive stopper, although, so his absence could notexplain the Mavericks’ onslaught in Dallas’ eighth straight victory overPhoenix.
“They’ve constantly been tough for us,” the Suns’ Jared Dudley mentioned. “It’sjust a difficult team to guard and once they start hitting shots, the flood gatesreally opened.”
A strained proper calf sidelined Dallas point guard Jason Kidd for the secondnight in a row, but the Mavericks had been just fine with no him, amassing aseason-high in points for a half (66) and for a game.
Delonte West scored a season-high 25 for Dallas on 9 of 12 shooting,including 5 of 6 three-pointers. Vince Carter, nevertheless getting paid by Phoenix soon after theSuns waived him before the season began, scored 21 for the second night in arow.
“We have so several playmakers, so quite a few guys who can put the ball in thehole,” West stated. “We just have to trust every other and that was on displaytonight. We didn’t have our leader, Jason Kidd out in the mix. He can knock down3-pointers. We hope we can develop on this and get him back as soon as possibleand get him back in the flow of factors.”
The Mavericks were 13-5 in January, wrapping the month up with wins onconsecutive nights more than San Antonio and Phoenix.
Carter was waived by Phoenix when the lockout ended, but his contract stillguaranteed him $four million. He would have produced $18 million had he stayed withPhoenix. He had missed five games with a sprained left foot prior to returning twogames ago. He has matched his season high with 21 points in every of his last twoappearances.
“Just acquiring into the flow,” he said. “With the injury, I had some timeto get my body right and focus on receiving wholesome. I was attempting to do all thethings I could to just to get back and step back in and continue to play.”
The 122 points surpassed Dallas’ 116 against Utah two games ago. It also wasthe highest score for a Phoenix opponent this season, topping the Bulls’ 118-97victory at Chicago on Jan. 17.
Longtime Sun Shawn Marion scored 20 for the Mavericks, winners of threestraight and six of seven.
Dirk Nowitzki had 10 points in his second game back following missing four gamesto rest his sore right knee.
Marcin Gortat had 17 points and ten rebounds for Phoenix. Dudley added 15points, Sebastian Telfair 13 and Grant Hill 12.
Dallas shot 55 percent, which includes 14 of 27 on 3-pointers.
Phoenix had cut Dallas’ lead to 55-47 on Gortat’s 9-footer with 1:56 left inthe half, then the Mavericks completed the half with an 11-1 run, taking a 66-48lead on West’s layup at the buzzer. Officials reviewed the play and called itgood. West had a pair of three-pointers to start the run.
The Suns got no closer than 16 early in the second half, with Dallas leadingby as many as 28.
Notes: Nash wants seven assists to pass Kevin Johnson as the Suns’ careerassists leader. … Dallas had never ever beaten Phoenix eight instances in a row untilMonday night. … Phoenix final beat Dallas on Jan. 28, 2010. … The Maverickshave scored 116, 101 and 122 in their final three games soon after reaching thecentury mark 4 occasions in their very first 19 games.
Wolves win Adelman’s return to Houston
January 31, 2012
HOUSTON (AP)—Rick Adelman has mainly excellent memories from his years inHouston, and his new team delivered one far more on Monday night.
Michael Beasley scored 34 points, Ricky Rubio had 18 points and 11 assistsand the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Rockets 120-108 in Adelman’s return toHouston.
Kevin Like had 29 points for the Timberwolves, who blew open a close gamewith a franchise-record 42 points in the third, also a season high for anyquarter.
Associated Video Griffin's monster dunk
Griffin's monster dunk
Lakers appear for grooveHeat best HornetsBulls' Rose scores 35 More NBA Videos 
Houston Rockets ' Kevin Ma&hellip AP – Jan 30, ten:48 pm EST Houston Rockets coach Kevin Mc&hellip AP – Jan 30, ten:47 pm EST
Minnesota Timberwolves ' L&hellip AP – Jan 30, 10:47 pm EST
Minnesota Timberwolves ' M&hellip AP – Jan 30, 10:44 pm EST
Houston Rockets ' Luis Sco&hellip AP – Jan 30, 9:23 pm EST
Houston Rockets ' Goran Dr&hellip AP – Jan 30, 9:21 pm EST
Minnesota Timberwolves coach R&hellip AP – Jan 30, 9:12 pm EST
Minnesota Timberwolves ' K&hellip AP – Jan 30, 9:ten pm EST
Houston Rockets ' Samuel D&hellip AP – Jan 30, 9:ten pm EST
Minnesota Timberwolves ' A&hellip AP – Jan 30, 9:09 pm EST 1 of ten Min-Hou Gallery
The 6-foot-ten Beasley, in just his third game back immediately after missing 11 gameswith a sprained appropriate foot, set a franchise record for single-game points by areserve. He went ten for 14 from the field and 12 for 12 from the cost-free-throw lineto finish just eight points shy of his profession high.
“That’s what I’ve got to do,” Beasley stated. “I’ve got to penetrate, usemy athleticism.”
Minnesota shot a season-greatest 58 percent (43 of 74) from the field andeclipsed its prior high point total for the season by 14.
And it could’ve hardly happened on a better night for Adelman, who turneddown the Rockets’ provide to renew his contract following final season since ofphilosophical differences with owner Leslie Alexander and general manager DarylMorey.
“We didn’t attempt to attack on one particular pass, we moved the ball from side toside,” Adelman stated. “I believed we could get to the basket if we did that. Itwas a truly good team win. A lot of guys played and a lot of guyscontributed.”
Adelman revealed additional about the reasons for his departure before the game,half-joking that he was nonetheless awaiting a telephone call from Alexander. Adelman saidhe read in a nearby newspaper column that he was to blame for the communicationbreakdown amongst the two throughout his tenure.
“I didn’t assume something of it, till I saw the stuff about how I neverlistened to anything,” he said. “I’m not actual smart, but I’m going to listento my boss. That just kind of turned me the incorrect way.”
Morey walked up and shook Adelman’s hand through pregame warmups, and the twohad a brief, apparently cordial conversation.
Adelman seemed additional animated on the sideline than usual, even though, especiallyonce the second half began.
The Timberwolves opened the second half with a 12-four burst, capped by Enjoy’ssecond 3-pointer for a 66-60 lead. Kyle Lowry and Kevin Martin answered with3-pointers, and Lowry turned a steal into a breakaway layup to tie it at 68.
Minnesota then pushed the tempo and poured it on, finishing the quarter witha 19-6 spurt. The Wolves hit 15 of 24 shots, such as 4 3-pointers, and went8 for 8 from the free-throw line to put together the highest scoring quarteragainst Houston this season.
“It was just like we were sitting there and we could in no way locate any kind ofrhythm defensively,” Houston coach Kevin McHale mentioned. “We never ever got manyconsecutive stops, we in no way actually dug in and got points.”
Rubio, Beasley and Like led the scoring barrage, with 32 points in the thirdon ten-for-12 shooting. Minnesota led 96-81 heading to the fourth, and theRockets hardly challenged the rest of the way.
“It’s fun basketball when you’re that effective,” Love mentioned. “We got openshots, set very good picks and we just did the tiny issues that helped us have abig third quarter.”
Martin scored 29 points after missing two games with inflammation in hisright heel. The Rockets lost for only the second time in 11 games.
“Just felt like 1 of those games when we had been stuck in the mud,” McHalesaid.
Minnesota completed 28 of 31 from the cost-free-throw line and dished out 18assists. The Timberwolves have won six of nine to get within 1 game of .500,and they’re beginning to get excited about the possibilities this season.
“We know we can go on big runs,” Enjoy stated. “It’s just the case of notgetting down so a lot and not getting to fight back from such a huge deficit.”
Chase Budinger scored 13 for Houston, also outrebounded 40-34.
The Rockets beat Minnesota 107-92 a week ago in McHale’s initially game back inhis house state given that he succeeded Adelman last June. The teams play once again inMinneapolis on Saturday.
NOTES: The Timberwolves have 5 road wins, already matching their total ineach of the earlier two seasons. … Timberwolves G J.J. Barea (sprained leftankle) sat out for the 10th time in 11 games. … The Rockets had their streakof games with double-digit leads halted at 13. … Minnesota’s field-goalpercentage (58 percent) was a high for a Houston opponent this season.