WASHINGTON (AP)—NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and union head DeMaurice Smith refuse to reveal anything publicly about where things stand in their labor talks.
Everyone will know something substantive soon enough—less than a week from now, if not sooner.
That’s because the current collective bargaining agreement is set to expire at the end of the day next Thursday, and federal mediation between the sides will resume less than 72 hours before that. After a full week overseeing face-to-face meetings—more than 40 hours spread over seven consecutive days— mediator George Cohen said “very strong differences remain on the all-important core issues that separate the parties.”
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He also said: “At bottom, some progress was made.”
Cohen, director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, did not explain in his written statement Thursday where the progress came or where the differences stand. The biggest sticking point all along has been how to divide about $9 billion in annual revenues, including what cut the 32 team owners should get up front to help cover certain costs, such as stadium construction.
Among the other significant topics in negotiations: a rookie wage scale; the owners’ push to expand the regular season from 16 games to 18 while reducing the preseason by two games; and benefits for retired players.
If there’s no new deal in place a week from now, the union thinks owners will move to lock out players, threatening the 2011 season. And owners think the union will decertify, allowing for an antitrust lawsuit.
The NFL has said, however, that the deadline could be extended.
“If you’re making progress, you can stop the clock,” the league’s lead labor negotiator, Jeff Pash, said three weeks ago. “It’s not a ‘Thelma & Louise’-type situation, where you just go over the cliff.”
Cohen’s public comments Thursday were his first since he began working with Goodell, Smith and their negotiating teams last week.
No NFL team owners attended the talks in Washington. Ten active players did at some point, including the four NFLPA executive committee members present Wednesday and Thursday: Indianapolis Colts center Jeff Saturday(notes), Denver Broncos safety Brian Dawkins(notes), and Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Mike Vrabel(notes) and guard Brian Waters(notes).
“Just continue talking, man—that’s what we’re doing,” Saturday said. “I think ownership—everybody—needs to know that we’re all committed to it and committed to getting something done.”
Members of both groups now head to Indianapolis for the NFL’s annual scouting combine for draft prospects; the league briefed general managers, coaches and other team officials for 45 minutes Thursday about what the rules would be if the CBA does expire, while the union speaks to agents on Friday.
“Basically, it was about where we are, where we hope to get and, in case (a new CBA) doesn’t get there, scenarios that will play out,” Jacksonville Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio said after the NFL meeting in Indianapolis. “So we got a little bit of information.”
In other words: He and everyone else must wait to see what happens next week. In addition to the return to mediation in Washington, team owners are scheduled to meet in nearby Chantilly, Va., Wednesday and Thursday.
Seeking to keep a lid on what’s happening in the talks, the NFL sent an e-mail on behalf of Goodell to team owners, presidents, general managers and PR employees Thursday, attaching a copy of Cohen’s statement and saying: “We will have no further comment beyond this release and no club or member of your organization should comment beyond this release.”
After months of infrequent and sometimes contentious talks, the NFL and union have been communicating regularly with Cohen present. The sides went more than two months without any formal bargaining until Feb. 5, the day before the Super Bowl. The sides met again once the next week, then called off a second meeting that had been scheduled for the following day.
The most recent CBA was signed in 2006, but owners exercised an opt-out clause in 2008.
During the mediation—which was voluntary and intended to spur progress— the sides have been talking both in full groups and in smaller subcommittee meetings.
“Our time together has been devoted to establishing an atmosphere conducive to meaningful negotiations and, of course, matters of process and substance,” Cohen said in Thursday’s statement. “I can report that throughout this extensive period the parties engaged in highly focused, constructive dialogue concerning a host of issues covering both economics and player-related conditions.”
Also Thursday, there was a hearing before a U.S. District Court judge in Minneapolis to discuss the NFLPA’s complaint that the league improperly negotiated TV deals. The union has accused the NFL of structuring contracts so owners would be guaranteed money from networks even if there were a lockout in 2011—while not getting the most revenue possible in other seasons, when income would need to be shared with players.
It’s not clear when there will be a decision in the case.
AP Sports Writer Joseph White in Washington, and AP Sports Writer Michael Marot in Indianapolis contributed to this report.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Nets PG Williams Won’t Talk Contract Until 2012
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP)—Deron Williams(notes) isn’t going to make a decision on whether to opt out of his contract with the New Jersey Nets until next season.
While saying he had gotten over the shock of being traded to New Jersey and was excited about the future of the Nets’ franchise after talking with coach Avery Johnson and general manager Billy King, Williams refused to hint whether he would opt out of his contract after the 2012 season.
Williams is scheduled to make $17.7 million in 2012-13, but he can walk away from that deal after next season.
That’s important for the Nets, because it would leave them without a superstar for their first year in a new arena in Brooklyn, N.Y. The team is playing this season and next in Newark, N.J.
Williams seemed stunned by the question about his contract, adding he could not guarantee he wouldn’t opt out.
“I can’t really give any assurances or say that I’ll be here when I don’t know what the future holds,” Williams said. “I look forward to the possibility of (staying), it’s definitely a strong possibility. The fact they were willing to give up so much to get me definitely speaks a lot about them, and how they feel about my services.
“Like I said, it all depends on how the next year goes, the collective bargaining agreement and the type of moves we make, and the people we bring into this organization.”
The Nets, who lost out to the rival Knicks in the Carmelo Anthony(notes) sweepstakes Monday, gave up a lot to get one of the NBA’s premier point guards.
New Jersey shipped point guard Devin Harris(notes), rookie forward Derrick Favors(notes), the No. 3 pick overall in the draft, two first-round draft picks and $3 million in cash for the six-year veteran who spent his entire career with the Utah Jazz.
However, staying an extra season with the Nets might be worth it.
If Williams does opt out, he might run into problems with a new contract. The current collective bargaining agreement with the players’ union expires after this season, and Williams may not be able to earn as much in the 2012-13 season if maximum salaries are reduced in a new deal.
A two-time All-Star, Williams said he hoped he could help the Nets make a playoff run this season despite being 9 1/2 games out of postseason berth with 25 games left. He also said he would help the team in their free-agent, offseason recruiting.
Johnson said he was going to let Williams have a free hand in the running the offense the rest of the season. He also said that he’d let him play as much as he wants, at least in his first game at San Antonio on Friday night.
King said the stunning deal with the Jazz developed Tuesday, a little more than 12 hours after the Denver Nuggets turned down a Nets’ trade proposal and dealt Anthony to the Knicks.
Jazz general manager and close friend Kevin O’Connor telephoned King Tuesday morning to discuss a deal that didn’t include Williams. King got back to him later and turned down the offer, but proposed a trade that included Williams.
O’Connor thought about the offer, called back and said he was interested but needed to talk to his ownership, and would get back to King on Wednesday morning.
“He called,” King said, “and said ‘We’re in.’ And I said ‘We’re in.”’
The deal was announced early Wednesday afternoon. Williams found out off the television, while getting treatment with his teammates. He added he was admittedly nervous after finding out he was going to a team with 17 wins.
“After talking to Billy and coach Johnson and seeing the direction they want to go in, and vision they have for this organization,” he said, “I’m excited about the possibility of competing for a championship in a couple of years.”
Williams said making the playoffs this season might be a reach, but the team will have a fresh start next season.
One issue that miffed Williams was the implication that he forced Jazz coach Jerry Sloan to resign. Though the 26-year-old didn’t deny that he and Sloan “bumped heads” at times.
“I don’t think, in any way shape or form, that I led him out of Utah or urged him out,” Williams said. “I never talked to management or told them it was ‘him or me’ or any case like that.”
Johnson also was irked by questions about Williams’ past, saying this the trade was a celebration for the Nets.
“This is about disassembling a team that won 12 games (2009-10) and assembling a team that, in the future, can compete for a championship. And Deron is going to be a major part of that,” Johnson said in a scolding tone. “Whatever his relationship with coach Sloan, that will not have any affect on our relationship. I have never had a point guard with Deron’s talent level and skill level. I’ve coached some terrific guys, but with the package he brings to the table, we’re really excited.”
The big question, though, remains: Can the Nets’ keep him after next season?
The third overall pick in 2005 out of Illinois, Williams averaged 17.3 points, 9.1 assists and 3.2 rebounds in the regular season for the Jazz, and 21.1 points, 9.6 assists and 1.2 steals in the postseason.
While saying he had gotten over the shock of being traded to New Jersey and was excited about the future of the Nets’ franchise after talking with coach Avery Johnson and general manager Billy King, Williams refused to hint whether he would opt out of his contract after the 2012 season.
Williams is scheduled to make $17.7 million in 2012-13, but he can walk away from that deal after next season.
That’s important for the Nets, because it would leave them without a superstar for their first year in a new arena in Brooklyn, N.Y. The team is playing this season and next in Newark, N.J.
Williams seemed stunned by the question about his contract, adding he could not guarantee he wouldn’t opt out.
“I can’t really give any assurances or say that I’ll be here when I don’t know what the future holds,” Williams said. “I look forward to the possibility of (staying), it’s definitely a strong possibility. The fact they were willing to give up so much to get me definitely speaks a lot about them, and how they feel about my services.
“Like I said, it all depends on how the next year goes, the collective bargaining agreement and the type of moves we make, and the people we bring into this organization.”
The Nets, who lost out to the rival Knicks in the Carmelo Anthony(notes) sweepstakes Monday, gave up a lot to get one of the NBA’s premier point guards.
New Jersey shipped point guard Devin Harris(notes), rookie forward Derrick Favors(notes), the No. 3 pick overall in the draft, two first-round draft picks and $3 million in cash for the six-year veteran who spent his entire career with the Utah Jazz.
However, staying an extra season with the Nets might be worth it.
If Williams does opt out, he might run into problems with a new contract. The current collective bargaining agreement with the players’ union expires after this season, and Williams may not be able to earn as much in the 2012-13 season if maximum salaries are reduced in a new deal.
A two-time All-Star, Williams said he hoped he could help the Nets make a playoff run this season despite being 9 1/2 games out of postseason berth with 25 games left. He also said he would help the team in their free-agent, offseason recruiting.
Johnson said he was going to let Williams have a free hand in the running the offense the rest of the season. He also said that he’d let him play as much as he wants, at least in his first game at San Antonio on Friday night.
King said the stunning deal with the Jazz developed Tuesday, a little more than 12 hours after the Denver Nuggets turned down a Nets’ trade proposal and dealt Anthony to the Knicks.
Jazz general manager and close friend Kevin O’Connor telephoned King Tuesday morning to discuss a deal that didn’t include Williams. King got back to him later and turned down the offer, but proposed a trade that included Williams.
O’Connor thought about the offer, called back and said he was interested but needed to talk to his ownership, and would get back to King on Wednesday morning.
“He called,” King said, “and said ‘We’re in.’ And I said ‘We’re in.”’
The deal was announced early Wednesday afternoon. Williams found out off the television, while getting treatment with his teammates. He added he was admittedly nervous after finding out he was going to a team with 17 wins.
“After talking to Billy and coach Johnson and seeing the direction they want to go in, and vision they have for this organization,” he said, “I’m excited about the possibility of competing for a championship in a couple of years.”
Williams said making the playoffs this season might be a reach, but the team will have a fresh start next season.
One issue that miffed Williams was the implication that he forced Jazz coach Jerry Sloan to resign. Though the 26-year-old didn’t deny that he and Sloan “bumped heads” at times.
“I don’t think, in any way shape or form, that I led him out of Utah or urged him out,” Williams said. “I never talked to management or told them it was ‘him or me’ or any case like that.”
Johnson also was irked by questions about Williams’ past, saying this the trade was a celebration for the Nets.
“This is about disassembling a team that won 12 games (2009-10) and assembling a team that, in the future, can compete for a championship. And Deron is going to be a major part of that,” Johnson said in a scolding tone. “Whatever his relationship with coach Sloan, that will not have any affect on our relationship. I have never had a point guard with Deron’s talent level and skill level. I’ve coached some terrific guys, but with the package he brings to the table, we’re really excited.”
The big question, though, remains: Can the Nets’ keep him after next season?
The third overall pick in 2005 out of Illinois, Williams averaged 17.3 points, 9.1 assists and 3.2 rebounds in the regular season for the Jazz, and 21.1 points, 9.6 assists and 1.2 steals in the postseason.
New-Look Nuggets Beat Depleted Celtics 89-75
DENVER (AP)—Integrating five new players offensively will take time for the Denver Nuggets. Defense? That came right away.
The Nuggets held the short-handed—and shortened—Boston Celtics scoreless over the final six-plus minutes Thursday night, closing the game with a 16-0 run for an 89-75 win, their second straight since sending Carmelo Anthony(notes) and Chauncey Billups(notes) to the New York Knicks.
“Defense is all effort,” said Kenyon Martin(notes), who led Denver with 18 points and 10 boards despite playing with the flu and missing the second quarter to get two bags of IV fluids.
DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 24: Nene #31 of the Denver Nuggets is called for a technical foul as he dunks against Glen Davis #11 and Kevin Garnett #5 of the Boston Celtics during NBA action at the Pepsi Center on February 24, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets defeated the Celtics 89-75. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
“It’s how hard you play. Shots come and go,” Martin said. “It’s about just giving maximum effort day in and day out. That’s what we did. That’s what we’ll continue to do.”
Wilson Chandler(notes), one of the newcomers, chipped in 16 points and eight players each played more than 20 minutes in coach George Karl’s new spread-the-wealth system that featured Ty Lawson(notes) and Raymond Felton(notes) splitting time at the point until the final five minutes, when they were on the court together and helped the Nuggets pull away.
The game pitted two teams that reshaped their rosters ahead of the NBA trade deadline. The Nuggets had a bunch of new players and the Celtics a bunch of empty seats along their bench following a flurry of trades that unloaded a bunch of big men.
The Celtics suited up just nine players and had to fight through the emotions of losing center Kendrick Perkins(notes), who was dealt to Oklahoma City for forward Jeff Green(notes) in the biggest of Boston’s trio of trades Thursday.
“Tough day to play basketball,” Kevin Garnett(notes) said. “Very tough day to play basketball, to even concentrate. Just being bluntly honest. You feel like you lost a family member today. Tough day.”
“It was very emotional, especially for me being that I had a chance to see Perkins grow up from Day One, fresh out of high school, coming in here and seeing the level he got to, a championship team,” said Paul Pierce(notes). “It’s definitely emotional. I had a chance to talk to him this afternoon a little bit, he was definitely hurt. The guys around this locker room were definitely hurt to see Perk go.”
The Nuggets, 2-0 since trading Melo, had their full complement of players, but their best defender, Martin, spent the second quarter in the locker room.
New Nuggets Chandler, Danilo Gallinari(notes) and Felton got off to a slow start, combining to shoot 2 for 12 in the first half, which ended with Denver ahead 37-36.
Denver took a 61-60 lead into the fourth quarter, when the pace picked up a little.
Pierce, who led Boston with 17 points, hit a 3-pointer with 6:05 remaining that gave Boston a 75-73 lead, but the Celtics wouldn’t score again.
Chandler’s 3-pointer put Denver ahead for good and Martin’s three-point play with 3:03 left gave Denver its biggest lead to that point at 79-75.
The Eastern Conference-leading Celtics also dealt reserve Nate Robinson(notes) to the Thunder and received Nenad Krstic(notes), a future first-round draft pick, and cash in the Perkins deal.
Earlier in the day, the Celtics acquired draft picks by sending forward Luke Harangody(notes) and rookie center Semih Erden(notes) to Cleveland and injured swingman Marquis Daniels(notes) to Sacramento.
With such a short bench for coach Doc Rivers to work with, the Celtics called up center Chris Johnson(notes) from the D-League, signed him to a 10-day contract and put him right to work. He scored six points.
Once loaded with interior size, the Celtics will now have to hope Shaquille O’Neal(notes) and Jermaine O’Neal(notes) get healthy in time for the playoffs.
“We need to get Shaq healthy. Shaq will be healthy. But if Shaq plays great, then this deal was obviously really, really good for us,” River said.
The inclusion of Krstic, the Thunder’s starting center since they brought him back to the NBA from Russia in December 2008, should help offset Boston’s loss of Perkins.
It wasn’t just Perkins’ departure that had the Celtics so sad.
“We lost Semhi, Luke, Quis,” Garnett said, pausing. “Just a tough day. Tough day.”
The Nuggets are hoping to stay in the playoff hunt in the West following the megadeal that brought in Gallinari, Felton, Chandler and Timofey Mazgov from New York and Kosta Koufus from Minnesota.
“The last two games have probably been as fun for me to coach and win because you’re playing hard and playing unified,” Karl said. “We’ve got too many talented kids. It may not be the same script every night but we’ll figure out how to score points and we’ll figure out how to win if we defend and play hard.”
The Celtics are concerned about their chemistry without Perkins.
“I hate to lose a teammate like Perkins,” Pierce said. “He meant so much. People don’t understand chemistry is from the bus to the plane to the locker room, so it’s definitely a blow. It depends on how the other guys make the adjustment.
Pierce also said this is an example of how the ruthlessness of the NBA cuts both ways.
“It’s the nature of the business,” he said. “People thought LeBron James(notes) was cold for leaving Cleveland the way it is. This is an example of how it happens on the management end. You can’t get mad at the players because it can happen to them unexpectedly, just like a player can go where he wants. It’s just the nature of the beast.”
Notes: The Nuggets scored a season-low 37 first-half points, and the Celtics’ 36 points was one more than their worst first-half production this season. … Rivers said he expects his new players on the practice court Saturday.
The Nuggets held the short-handed—and shortened—Boston Celtics scoreless over the final six-plus minutes Thursday night, closing the game with a 16-0 run for an 89-75 win, their second straight since sending Carmelo Anthony(notes) and Chauncey Billups(notes) to the New York Knicks.
“Defense is all effort,” said Kenyon Martin(notes), who led Denver with 18 points and 10 boards despite playing with the flu and missing the second quarter to get two bags of IV fluids.
DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 24: Nene #31 of the Denver Nuggets is called for a technical foul as he dunks against Glen Davis #11 and Kevin Garnett #5 of the Boston Celtics during NBA action at the Pepsi Center on February 24, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets defeated the Celtics 89-75. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
“It’s how hard you play. Shots come and go,” Martin said. “It’s about just giving maximum effort day in and day out. That’s what we did. That’s what we’ll continue to do.”
Wilson Chandler(notes), one of the newcomers, chipped in 16 points and eight players each played more than 20 minutes in coach George Karl’s new spread-the-wealth system that featured Ty Lawson(notes) and Raymond Felton(notes) splitting time at the point until the final five minutes, when they were on the court together and helped the Nuggets pull away.
The game pitted two teams that reshaped their rosters ahead of the NBA trade deadline. The Nuggets had a bunch of new players and the Celtics a bunch of empty seats along their bench following a flurry of trades that unloaded a bunch of big men.
The Celtics suited up just nine players and had to fight through the emotions of losing center Kendrick Perkins(notes), who was dealt to Oklahoma City for forward Jeff Green(notes) in the biggest of Boston’s trio of trades Thursday.
“Tough day to play basketball,” Kevin Garnett(notes) said. “Very tough day to play basketball, to even concentrate. Just being bluntly honest. You feel like you lost a family member today. Tough day.”
“It was very emotional, especially for me being that I had a chance to see Perkins grow up from Day One, fresh out of high school, coming in here and seeing the level he got to, a championship team,” said Paul Pierce(notes). “It’s definitely emotional. I had a chance to talk to him this afternoon a little bit, he was definitely hurt. The guys around this locker room were definitely hurt to see Perk go.”
The Nuggets, 2-0 since trading Melo, had their full complement of players, but their best defender, Martin, spent the second quarter in the locker room.
New Nuggets Chandler, Danilo Gallinari(notes) and Felton got off to a slow start, combining to shoot 2 for 12 in the first half, which ended with Denver ahead 37-36.
Denver took a 61-60 lead into the fourth quarter, when the pace picked up a little.
Pierce, who led Boston with 17 points, hit a 3-pointer with 6:05 remaining that gave Boston a 75-73 lead, but the Celtics wouldn’t score again.
Chandler’s 3-pointer put Denver ahead for good and Martin’s three-point play with 3:03 left gave Denver its biggest lead to that point at 79-75.
The Eastern Conference-leading Celtics also dealt reserve Nate Robinson(notes) to the Thunder and received Nenad Krstic(notes), a future first-round draft pick, and cash in the Perkins deal.
Earlier in the day, the Celtics acquired draft picks by sending forward Luke Harangody(notes) and rookie center Semih Erden(notes) to Cleveland and injured swingman Marquis Daniels(notes) to Sacramento.
With such a short bench for coach Doc Rivers to work with, the Celtics called up center Chris Johnson(notes) from the D-League, signed him to a 10-day contract and put him right to work. He scored six points.
Once loaded with interior size, the Celtics will now have to hope Shaquille O’Neal(notes) and Jermaine O’Neal(notes) get healthy in time for the playoffs.
“We need to get Shaq healthy. Shaq will be healthy. But if Shaq plays great, then this deal was obviously really, really good for us,” River said.
The inclusion of Krstic, the Thunder’s starting center since they brought him back to the NBA from Russia in December 2008, should help offset Boston’s loss of Perkins.
It wasn’t just Perkins’ departure that had the Celtics so sad.
“We lost Semhi, Luke, Quis,” Garnett said, pausing. “Just a tough day. Tough day.”
The Nuggets are hoping to stay in the playoff hunt in the West following the megadeal that brought in Gallinari, Felton, Chandler and Timofey Mazgov from New York and Kosta Koufus from Minnesota.
“The last two games have probably been as fun for me to coach and win because you’re playing hard and playing unified,” Karl said. “We’ve got too many talented kids. It may not be the same script every night but we’ll figure out how to score points and we’ll figure out how to win if we defend and play hard.”
The Celtics are concerned about their chemistry without Perkins.
“I hate to lose a teammate like Perkins,” Pierce said. “He meant so much. People don’t understand chemistry is from the bus to the plane to the locker room, so it’s definitely a blow. It depends on how the other guys make the adjustment.
Pierce also said this is an example of how the ruthlessness of the NBA cuts both ways.
“It’s the nature of the business,” he said. “People thought LeBron James(notes) was cold for leaving Cleveland the way it is. This is an example of how it happens on the management end. You can’t get mad at the players because it can happen to them unexpectedly, just like a player can go where he wants. It’s just the nature of the beast.”
Notes: The Nuggets scored a season-low 37 first-half points, and the Celtics’ 36 points was one more than their worst first-half production this season. … Rivers said he expects his new players on the practice court Saturday.
Rose, Deng Lead Bulls Over Heat 93-89
Deng buried the tiebreaking 3-pointer with 16 seconds left and finished with 20 points, Rose scored 26 and the Chicago Bulls beat the Miami Heat 93-89 on Thursday night in a wild showdown between two of the Eastern Conference’s top teams.
In a game that could have playoff seeding implications, the Bulls used a big third quarter to turn a nine-point halftime deficit into a 71-67 advantage, then watched a nine-point lead in the fourth evaporate into a four-point hole before pulling it out.
Deng’s 3-pointer with 16 seconds left broke an 89-all tie and helped Chicago bounce back from a brutal loss at Toronto the previous night with the Bulls’ 16th win in 21 games.
“If you watched last night’s game and tonight’s game, it just shows what we’re capable of doing,” Deng said, referring to a 118-113 loss in which the Raptors shot an opponent-best 58.1 percent.
Wade scored 34 points and LeBron James(notes) added 29 for Miami, but it was a brutal night for Chris Bosh(notes). He missed 17 of 18 shots and had seven points with Joakim Noah(notes) mostly guarding him.
“It makes it frustrating just knowing that if I would have made two or three of them in a close game like that it would have made a difference,” Bosh said.
Adding to the misery is this: The bench got outscored 22-2 and the Heat got outrebounded 53-39 while losing for only the second time in 13 games. Both losses have come against teams also vying for the East’s top seed—Boston beat them on Feb. 13, and the Bulls now own the head-to-head tiebreaker.
Chicago beat Miami by three at the United Center last month, and this one was every bit as dramatic.
Rose and Deng led the charge in the third with 12 and 10 points, respectively, as Chicago outscored Miami 27-14, and the Bulls continued to pour it on early in the fourth.
The crowd was really rocking when Ronnie Brewer(notes) nailed a jumper to make it 80-71 with 8:26 left, but the Heat weren’t finished.
They answered by reeling off 13 straight points to go up 84-80 with just under 5 minutes remaining.
Chicago’s Kyle Korver(notes) nailed a 3-pointer from the right side at the shot-clock buzzer to make it a one-point game, and Rose’s drive along the right side put the Bulls back on top 85-84 with 2:48 remaining. Deng then nailed a jumper from up top, and when Rose buried one right in front of the Heat bench to make it 89-84 with 1:06 left, the crowd just about came unglued.
Wade answered with a fadeaway jumper and James tied it at 89 on a three-point play with 36.8 seconds remaining. Rose was then isolated at the top with James, and when he saw Wade help on a drive, he kicked it out to Deng in the left corner for the go-ahead 3.
“Derrick has been making great plays all year,” Deng said. “I just knew he was going to make the right play. D-Wade was so concerned with helping LeBron.”
Wade said, “(Rose) made a helluva pass and Deng hit a good shot. I think in that case you make somebody else beat you.”
James then threw up a wild 3 from the top of the key with Deng closing in, the ball hitting all glass. Korver got fouled and missed the first free throw before hitting the second to make it 93-89 with 9.4 seconds left.
“It just lets people know that we can compete with some of the best teams in the NBA,” Rose said.
The wild game came after a somewhat uneventful afternoon.
While the Eastern Conference saw some big moves leading up to Thursday’s deadline, the Heat and Bulls stood pat.
“At the end of the day, in certain situations, we thought it was too rich to get marginally better,” said Forman, who still has about $2.9 million in salary-cap room.
Notes: James didn’t seem too offended that Bosh and Juwan Howard(notes) backed Rose for MVP. “The award isn’t named after myself,” the two-time reigning MVP said. He added, “D-Rose is having an unbelievable season. He’s doing everything and more to help his team.” Howard endorsed Rose for MVP during an interview on Chicago’s ESPN1000 on Wednesday, and Bosh did the same at the morning shootaround, saying “Looking at their record and how improved they are as a team and how much improved he is as a player, I think it’s close. But I think I would give it to Derrick if I were a voter. For what it’s worth, Wade endorsed James, saying, “I’m going to be biased and choose my teammate.” … Miami’s Mike Miller(notes) stayed home with an ear infection. … The Bulls and Heat play one more time a week from Sunday in Miami.
In a game that could have playoff seeding implications, the Bulls used a big third quarter to turn a nine-point halftime deficit into a 71-67 advantage, then watched a nine-point lead in the fourth evaporate into a four-point hole before pulling it out.
Deng’s 3-pointer with 16 seconds left broke an 89-all tie and helped Chicago bounce back from a brutal loss at Toronto the previous night with the Bulls’ 16th win in 21 games.
“If you watched last night’s game and tonight’s game, it just shows what we’re capable of doing,” Deng said, referring to a 118-113 loss in which the Raptors shot an opponent-best 58.1 percent.
Wade scored 34 points and LeBron James(notes) added 29 for Miami, but it was a brutal night for Chris Bosh(notes). He missed 17 of 18 shots and had seven points with Joakim Noah(notes) mostly guarding him.
“It makes it frustrating just knowing that if I would have made two or three of them in a close game like that it would have made a difference,” Bosh said.
Adding to the misery is this: The bench got outscored 22-2 and the Heat got outrebounded 53-39 while losing for only the second time in 13 games. Both losses have come against teams also vying for the East’s top seed—Boston beat them on Feb. 13, and the Bulls now own the head-to-head tiebreaker.
Chicago beat Miami by three at the United Center last month, and this one was every bit as dramatic.
Rose and Deng led the charge in the third with 12 and 10 points, respectively, as Chicago outscored Miami 27-14, and the Bulls continued to pour it on early in the fourth.
The crowd was really rocking when Ronnie Brewer(notes) nailed a jumper to make it 80-71 with 8:26 left, but the Heat weren’t finished.
They answered by reeling off 13 straight points to go up 84-80 with just under 5 minutes remaining.
Chicago’s Kyle Korver(notes) nailed a 3-pointer from the right side at the shot-clock buzzer to make it a one-point game, and Rose’s drive along the right side put the Bulls back on top 85-84 with 2:48 remaining. Deng then nailed a jumper from up top, and when Rose buried one right in front of the Heat bench to make it 89-84 with 1:06 left, the crowd just about came unglued.
Wade answered with a fadeaway jumper and James tied it at 89 on a three-point play with 36.8 seconds remaining. Rose was then isolated at the top with James, and when he saw Wade help on a drive, he kicked it out to Deng in the left corner for the go-ahead 3.
“Derrick has been making great plays all year,” Deng said. “I just knew he was going to make the right play. D-Wade was so concerned with helping LeBron.”
Wade said, “(Rose) made a helluva pass and Deng hit a good shot. I think in that case you make somebody else beat you.”
James then threw up a wild 3 from the top of the key with Deng closing in, the ball hitting all glass. Korver got fouled and missed the first free throw before hitting the second to make it 93-89 with 9.4 seconds left.
“It just lets people know that we can compete with some of the best teams in the NBA,” Rose said.
The wild game came after a somewhat uneventful afternoon.
While the Eastern Conference saw some big moves leading up to Thursday’s deadline, the Heat and Bulls stood pat.
“At the end of the day, in certain situations, we thought it was too rich to get marginally better,” said Forman, who still has about $2.9 million in salary-cap room.
Notes: James didn’t seem too offended that Bosh and Juwan Howard(notes) backed Rose for MVP. “The award isn’t named after myself,” the two-time reigning MVP said. He added, “D-Rose is having an unbelievable season. He’s doing everything and more to help his team.” Howard endorsed Rose for MVP during an interview on Chicago’s ESPN1000 on Wednesday, and Bosh did the same at the morning shootaround, saying “Looking at their record and how improved they are as a team and how much improved he is as a player, I think it’s close. But I think I would give it to Derrick if I were a voter. For what it’s worth, Wade endorsed James, saying, “I’m going to be biased and choose my teammate.” … Miami’s Mike Miller(notes) stayed home with an ear infection. … The Bulls and Heat play one more time a week from Sunday in Miami.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Saturday, November 28, 2009
*India promises best and green Commonwealth Games
India promises best and green Commonwealth Games
Port of Spain: Blending sports with climate change diplomacy, India on Saturday said it will hold the first-ever Green Commonwealth Games in 2010 and the best-ever sporting show and underlined that the event will propel New Delhi to a world-class city.
Suresh Kalmadi, chairman of the organizing committee of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, made the remarks at a ‘sports breakfast’ that the leaders and sports ministers of former British colonies attended.
The breakfast was held at the seaside Hotel Hyatt, where most of the world leaders participating in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) are staying.
Addressing the gathering, Kalmadi reaffirmed India's commitment to holding the best-ever Commonwealth Games and a unique event that will have environment and climate as its focus.
"We will hold the best ever Commonwealth Games and the first green Commonwealth Games," Kalmadi told journalists here.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday made a vigorous pitch for "equitable and balanced outcome" at the upcomming UN conference on climate change at Copenhagen during his intervention at a special session devoted to climate change at the CHOGM meeting.
"Environment today is a critical component. Recognising this, we will strive towards reducing the carbon footprint to hold the first-ever Green Commonwealth Games and thus become the benchmark for all multi-disciplinary games in the future," Kalmadi said at the sports breakfast.
India will invest in green infrastructure, pro-active waste management, greening and green ceremonies, Kalmadi said.
Despite skepticism expressed by some about India's preparedness for holding such a mammoth sporting event, Kalmadi conjured a robust picture of the preparations for the Games.
There are always skeptics, but we have proved them wrong again and again, Kalmadi told IANS.
Outlining the detailed preparations for the Games and its expected spinoff for the Indian economy, Kalmadi said the mega sporting event will generate $4.5 billion for India in the 2008-2012 period.
It will create 2.5 million jobs and over 100,000 tourists are expected to visit India, Kalmadi said.
The Games will leave behind a great legacy for New Delhi and for India in the areas of civic and world class facilities, thus promoting Olympics sport in the country, he said.
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Patrick Manning, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma and Mike Fennel, president Commonwealth Games Federation, as also sports ministers from the Commonwealth countries, attended the sports breakfast.
*Beehives to be cleared before ODI
Beehives to be cleared before ODI
The Orissa Cricket Association is worried over the recurring problem of formation of beehives in two galleries of the Barabati Stadium.
The venue will host the third one-dayer between India and Sri Lanka on December 21.
Presently, gallery number seven and eight are dotted with over a dozen large beehives and OCA Secretary Asirbad Behera told reporters that they have to be removed before the match.
"We are planning to remove the beehives in the first week of December so that the bees would not get time to form fresh hives before the match," he said.
The organisers came across the same problem during the India-Englandencounter at the venue in November 2008. Honey collectors from Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj districts had removed the beehives then to allow a trouble-free match.
"We have got in touch with the same honey collectors who will be in the town much in advance to remove the beehives," Behera said.
Presently, gallery number seven and eight are dotted with over a dozen large beehives and OCA Secretary Asirbad Behera told reporters that they have to be removed before the match.
"We are planning to remove the beehives in the first week of December so that the bees would not get time to form fresh hives before the match," he said.
The organisers came across the same problem during the India-Englandencounter at the venue in November 2008. Honey collectors from Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj districts had removed the beehives then to allow a trouble-free match.
"We have got in touch with the same honey collectors who will be in the town much in advance to remove the beehives," Behera said.
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