MINNEAPOLIS -- While the rest of the NBA and their own fans clamour for the Minnesota Timberwolves to hire a coach and make a move with Kevin Love, the organization is remaining patient with two decisions that could determine the fate of their franchise for the next five years. Cheap Adidas Shoes Uk . The team is letting the search for a replacement for the retired Rick Adelman play out and has yet to see any potential trade talks involving Love, who can opt out after next season, or any of its other players heat up, general manager Milt Newton said on Thursday. The biggest domino to fall is Love, the three-time All-Star power forward who has been the face of the franchise for the last five years. Love can become a free agent next summer, prompting trade rumours to run rampant around one of the best power forwards in the league. The market figures to pick up as the draft approaches at the end of June, but the Timberwolves have not ruled out keeping Love and making enough moves to bolster the roster and convince him that he should sign a contract to stay in Minnesota, where he can make more money than anywhere else. "Well do whats best for the organization," Newton said. "Hes a hell of a player, a hell of a talent. Our first inclination is to keep him on board. If thats not the case, you best believe well be a better team based on what happens." The Timberwolves havent made the playoffs in 10 seasons, so if they do decide to trade their best player, they want to avoid a complete rebuild while doing it. A combination of high draft picks and solid veterans would likely be a starting point for the bidding. Hiring the right coach would be the first step in setting a new tone for Love. The Wolves interviewed coach Dave Joerger last week, but he decided to stay with the Grizzlies. The Wolves have had discussions with several other candidates, including Lionel Hollins, Sam Mitchell and Vinny Del Negro, who coached the Clippers and Bulls but is highly unlikely to get the job. Newton reiterated comments president of basketball operations Flip Saunders has made previously that the Wolves dont necessarily need to have a replacement hired by the draft. "Were not rushed for time to select a coach, the process will take care of itself," Newton said, before smiling to deliver a quick jab. "I guarantee we will have one before the season starts next year." The Wolves also held their first round of pre-draft workouts on Thursday, hosting a handful of players that could be second-round picks or undrafted free agents, including Minnesota guard Austin Hollins, Louisville forward Chane Behanan and UMass point guard Chaz Williams. The Timberwolves have three second-round picks in the draft, which made Thursdays workout an important day for a team that figures to be busy well into the night on June 26. "Not all the second-round picks are probably going to be on the team next year, so you want to be in a position to select guys and have them play in Europe or what have you," Newton said. "The players that we had today are definitely those level players that we would look at. "At the end of the day, you may have a guy that really impresses you, plays well in the summer league and finds a spot onto your team." Cheap Adidas Free Shipping . The Toronto Argonauts (11-7) look for an opportunity to repeat as CFL champions when they host the surging Hamilton Tiger-Cats (10-8) on Sunday. Adidas Fashion Shoes . Sundays game against the Colorado Rapids at B.C. Place Stadium has important implications in determining Major League Soccers playoff picture and will also mark the final game in the career of veteran South Korean defender Young-Pyo Lee. http://www.adidasshoessaleuk.com/ . Joel Embiid was nearly unstoppable in the paint in the second half, and Naadir Tharpe seemingly couldnt miss.HARRISON, N.J. - Thierry Henry wont be retiring — at least for two more games.The 37-year-old Frenchman set up the first of Bradley Wright-Phillips two goals in the final 13 minutes and helped rally New York to a 2-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City on Thursday night.The result eliminated the defending MLS Cup champion from the playoffs and sent the Red Bulls to the conference semifinals.New York will host D.C. United on Sunday in the first of a two-leg semifinal series. D.C. will host the second leg on Nov. 8.Henry is in the final year of his contract with New York and, despite several media reports indicating he intends to retire, has not commented publicly about intentions.He once again did not address the question, and Red Bulls coach Mike Petke grew exasperated when asked if he thought about the match being Henrys last when New York trailed.Do I have to get it tattooed on my head? I have no clue what Thierrys going to do, Petke said. I said it enough already. Thierry, I think, could play two more years.After Dom Dwyer finished a counter in the 53rd minute to put Kansas City ahead, Henry led New Yorks rally, forcing Kansas City keeper Eric Kronberg to tip his header over the bar in the 55th minute and volleying a loose ball high in the 72nd.Then in the 77th minute, he took a feed from Peguy Luyindula and sent a short ball into the middle of the penalty area. Wright-Phillips struck it first time, knocking it off the leg of defender Matt Besler and inside the far post.With less than a minute to go, Wright-Philllips won the game, knocking in a header off a cross from Ambroise Oyongo. Adidas Shoes Sale Uk. The goals continued the impressive year for the Englishman, who led MLS with a record-tying 27 goals in the regular season.Henry, arguably MLS biggest foreign-player acquisition behind David Beckham, came to MLS in the summer of 2010 with a resume that included World Cup and European Championship titles with France, league titles in France, Spain and England and a European Champions League trophy. He also was runner-up for FIFAs Player of the Year twice.Having been the beneficiary of Henrys passes, Wright-Phillips would be the saddest to see the Frenchman end his career.If it was up to me, Id keep him playing until when I retire, Wright-Phillips said. Obviously, hes our man. It will be up to him at the end of the day.Despite being bothered by sore Achilles tendons in both legs, Henry gave no indication that his body was making him consider retirement more this year than any other.Its the way it is. Ive been in the game for 20 years and I rarely miss games, he said. Its the same.The loss was the fourth straight for Kansas City, including a CONCACAF Champions League defeat, a slump coach Peter Vermes attributed to injuries and a crowded schedule that also included losing players to the World Cup.We just dont have bodies, Vermes said. Were just missing a lot of different guys in the group. We ran out of gas but its also a lot of guys have had to take on responsibility within games that normally they shouldnt have to. ' ' '

Lexington, KY (SportsNetwork. Cheap Asics Shoes Online .com) - The top-ranked Kentucky Wildcats will put their unblemished record in harms way on Saturday afternoon, as they play host to the 21st-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels at Rupp Arena. John Caliparis Wildcats have opened the season with 10 straight wins to solidify their position atop the national polls. Kentucky was last in action on Tuesday and may have shown some chinks in the armor, with a rather bland 56-46 victory over Columbia. This game closes out an eight-game homestand for the Wildcats, who will tangle with UCLA in Chicago next week. Roy Williams Tar Heels have a pair of losses on the season, falling to Butler (74-66) and Iowa (60-55). However, the team got back in the win column and moved to 6-2 on the season with Sundays 108-64 rout of East Carolina. This game begins a three-game road trip that has UNC playing at UNCG and against Ohio State in Chicago next week. North Carolina holds a 23-13 advantage in the all-time series with Kentucky and won last years matchup in Chapel Hill, 82-77. When North Carolina is at its best, it dominates play at both ends of the floor. The Tar Heels enter this contest averaging a hefty 81.6 ppg and boast of an impressive +17.8 scoring margin. The team also lives comfortably in terms of rebounding (+6.8) and turnover margin (+3.0). The starting five has been instrumental in UNCs success thus far, as the entire set averages double figures. Marcus Paige leads the perimeter assault with a team-best 14.0 ppg. Kennedy Meeks has been a monster in the paint, delivering on nearly 64 percent of his shots and averaging a double-double with 13.8 points and 10.1 rebounds per outing. Further scoring depth comes in the form of Brice Johnson (11.3 ppg), Justin Jackson (10.4 ppg) and J.P. Tokoto (10.0 ppg). The Tar Heels erupted for a season-high 108 points last time out, blowing past East Carolina. UNC shot 60 percent from the floor, including a scorching 71.9 percent in the second half, where they tallied a whopping 60 points. Johnson (19 pts, 17 rebs) and Meeks (12 pts, 11 rebs) both posted double-doubles. Tokoto poured in 19 points and doled out eight assists, while Nate Britt tacked on 10 points off the bench. The Wildcats have dominated the competition this season thanks to stifling defensive play. Kentucky leads the nation in both scoring defense (45.8 ppg) and field-goal percentage defense (.287), while also outrebounding foes (+12.4) and forcing more turnovers (+6.2). A young team did take a hit in terms of its veteran leadership this week however, as big man Alex Poythress suffered a torn ACL on Thursday and is lost for the season. Kentucky still has plenty of talent in the frontcourt to assuage the loss, with junior Willie Cauley-Stein (10.3 ppg, 6.9 rpg), sophomore Dakari Johnson (9.4 ppg, 6.1 rpg) and freshman Karl-Anthony Towns (9.1 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.8 bpg). Balance comes in the form of guards Aaron Harrison (9.8 ppg), Devin Booker (8.4 ppg) and Andrew Harrison (7.3 ppg, 3.7 apg). The usually efficient Wildcats really struggled offensively against Columbia last time out, shooting a mere .367 from the floor, a number weighed down by an ugly 2-of-17 effort from behind the arc (.118). However, Kentucky did own a huge advantage over the Lions on the boards (41-28) and held Columbia to just .375 shooting efficiency. Aaron Harrison led the team with 14 points in the win. Cauley-Stein recorded a double-double for Kentucky, finishing with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Asics Sale Australia . Manager Alex Ferguson says the injury was sustained while the player tried to hit a volley toward the end of training on Tuesday. Cheap Asics Australia . Liriano pitched in and out of trouble in his duel with Josh Beckett, and Ike Davis homered to help the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 2-1 Friday night. http://www.wholesaleasicsaustralia.com/ .com) - The Oakland Athletics needed to rely on a lot of young pitchers to win an American League West title this season.CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Al Jefferson laughed when told he finished three stitches shy of a triple-double. "I have to call my agent because Im done with my modeling career," Jefferson said. Jefferson had seven stitches in the first half to repair a gash above his right eye, but returned to finish with 19 points and 11 rebounds, helping the Bobcats overcome an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit and defeat Washington 100-94 Monday night. The win prevented the Wizards from clinching their first playoff berth since 2008. Jeffersons put back off an offensive rebound with 3:30 left in the game helped the Bobcats take the lead for good at 93-92. Kemba Walker had a big second half, finishing with 21 points and 10 assists, and rookie Cody Zeller scored a career-high 15 points on 4-of-4 shooting and added eight rebounds for Charlotte. Walker scored nine points in the final quarter and the Bobcats erased a 16-point halftime deficit and pulled within two games of the Washington in the race for the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs Both teams have eight games left and will meet again on April 9. "We made big shots and played well defensively in the second half and really came together as a team," Walker said. "It shows our resiliency. That was a big win for us." Bradley Beal had 20 points for the Wizards, who missed 11 of their last 14 shots from the field. "It (stinks) man," Washingtons Al Harrington said of not clinching a playoff spot. "Because obviously we played a great first half. We really thought tonight was our night, but to have them come out and play the way that they played and beat us -- thats tough." Washington still would have clinched a playoff spot if the Utah Jazz had defeated New York later Monday, but the Knicks won 92-83. The Wizards (38-36) came in looking to snap the third-longest playoff drought in the NBA -- and for a while it looked like they would. The Wizards shot 59 per cent in the first half, at one point hitting 10 straight shots from the field and scoring on 14 of 15 possessions to close the first half on a 30-7 run. The Bobcats could do little right in what Jefferson called an "embarrassing" first half. But he was confident they would battle back. New Asics Shoes Australia. . Jefferson walked to the scorers table at the start of the third quarter and told whoever was in earshot, "Hey, watch this comeback." "Everyone looked at me like I was crazy," Jefferson said. "At the end of the game though people were pointing at me saying, You said it. You said it." Charlottes defence was the big difference. Coach Steve Clifford also went to a pick-and-roll with Walker and Jefferson. "The Wizards did a good job of taking away the post," Clifford said. The momentum turned four minutes into the fourth quarter when Walker came up with the loose ball off a Washington turnover and fed Chris Douglas-Roberts for a fast-break layup in traffic with 7:38 left in the game. Douglas-Roberts had to adjust in midair to get his body from one side of the rim to the other to avoid defenders and get the shot to drop. Douglas-Roberts made a 3-point play and then knocked down a long-distance 3 to cut the lead to one before Jeffersons put back gave the Bobcats the lead for good. Jefferson hit a 16-footer to push the lead to three. Walker followed with a backbreaker when he scored on a driving layup to make it 97-92 after a Bobcats possession that took more than a minute off the clock. Charlotte twice came up with key offensive rebounds, allowing Walker to bring the ball back out and reset the offence and milk time off the clock. "When you give a team two to three looks one time down the floor, theyre going to make one," said Wizards forward Drew Gooden. "I would say we lost the game giving them second and third possessions offensively." Jefferson left the game briefly at the end of the first quarter to head to the locker room to get the stitches above his right eye after taking an inadvertent elbow from Trevor Booker. "I had to get a shot to numb it and I hate needles," Jefferson said. NOTES: Gary Neal returned to action for the Bobcats after missing two games with an ankle injury. He had nine points ... The Bobcats have won four of six against Washington, but have split their two games this season. ... The Bobcats have won 11 of their last 13 at home. ' ' '

Huge early deficit? No problem. Cheap Richie Ashburn Jersey . Blown save in the ninth inning? No problem. Down to the last out in the bottom of the ninth? No problem. The Winnipeg Goldeyes (16-9) came back from all of that in a 7-6 walk-off victory over the Grand Prairie AirHogs (10-15) Tuesday night at Shaw Park before 5,549 fans. The win pulls the Goldeyes within half-a-game of the St. Paul Saints for first place in the American Associations North Division. Grand Prairie took a big lead by scoring five runs with two out in the top of the second inning, which was highlighted by a three-run home run by Palmer Karr Jr. After that though, Salamida settled in and gave Winnipeg a chance to get back into the game. The Goldeyes started their climb in the bottom of the third when Ryan Pineda singled in Josh Mazzola, who reached first base on an error. Following two scoreless innings, the Goldeyes tied the game in the sixth inning. With one run in, Donnie Webb hit a two-run home run off the Manitoba Hydro superboard in right-centre field. Four batters later, Pineda singled in Mazzola again, as the Goldeyes belted out six hits in the inning. The Goldeyes missed a glorious opportunity by leaving the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh, but Casey Haerther erased that memory with a leadoff solo home run an inning later. It was his first home run of the season. “I was seeing it pretty well tonight,” Haerther said. “The one I hit out was a fastball middle-in. Ive been looking for that swing for a while and I finally got it. That gave me a lot of confidence right there.” Grand Prairie battled back to score a run off Goldeyes reliever Kyle Bellamy in the top of the ninth, but Winnipeg answered with a two-out RBI single from Haerther in the bottom of the ninth. Winnipeg tallied three consecutive two-out hits in the final inning to pull off the comeback, as Reggie Abercrombie and Mazzola led it off. “Without Abercrombie and Mazzola ahead of me, that would have never happened,” Haerther said. “It all happened with two outs, which was fun. “It was a great team win. We were down 5-0 most of the game.” Haerther had four hits in the game for the Goldeyes, as did Ryan Pineda. Along with Webb, they also had two RBI. Despite the five-run second inning, Salamida went 6 1/3 innings and took a no-decision. Bellamy got the win for Winnipeg. Despite the blown save, he got a double play with the bases loaded to end the top of the ninth. Bennett Whitmore suffered the loss for Grand Prairie. The rematch goes Tuesday night at Shaw Park. In a battle of lefties, Nick Hernandez (1-0, 5.75) will take the ball for Winnipeg against Grand Prairies Brandon Bargas (2-2, 5.80). Cheap Darren Daulton Jersey . Both sides came closest to scoring in the first half, when Roma had a goal from Mattia Destro waved off for offside and Inters Rodrigo Palacio headed high. "A draw was a fair result. Neither squad had many chances," Roma midfielder Miralem Pjanic said. Cheap Chase Utley Jersey . Louis, MO (SportsNetwork. http://www.cheapphilliesjerseys.com/?tag=cheap-lenny-dykstra-jersey . -- Jerome Williams glanced at Philadelphias schedule and realized he would be facing the Oakland Athletics yet again, with another new team.ALAMEDA, Calif. - After watching fellow receivers Cris Carter and Andre Reed get that coveted Pro Football Hall of Fame call the past two years, Tim Brown hopes its finally time for his number to be called.Brown is a finalist for a sixth straight year since first becoming eligible in 2010 and only has one other receiver to compete with in Marvin Harrison.I really think, not that this is my best shot, but now that Im the veteran guy in the receiving group, Im hoping that I will get a little bit more favour this time when it comes to this deal, Brown said. Well see what happens.Brown watched former teammate Jerry Rice get the honour in 2010 when Brown was first on the ballot. Then he became a casualty of a glut of qualified receivers with none getting enough support from the 46-person panel the next two seasons,But with Carter going in in 2013 and Reed last year, there is less competition for Brown and Harrison when the panel sits down to vote on Saturday in Arizona.Certainly the logjam is not the same, Brown said. Obviously, Marvin Harrison is out there, so thats one guy, not two guys.Brown called the process of waiting for the Hall of Fame gut wrenching and said it has been much harder on his close friends and family than on him.Making the wait more grueling is the fact that Brown has seen some of the most influential people in his life — his father, former teammate Chester McGlockton and Raiders owner Al Davis — die during this time, denying them the chance to witness the honour if it comes.Those are three people that I wont get an opportunity to shake their hand and get a congratulations from them, he said. Those are things that I dont get the opportunity to enjoy. So from that standpoint, you cant get those moments back. Will it be sweeter than it would have been? Absolutely not. Ive said that since the day I lost those guys that not having those guys around, its going to make this process — even once you get in — its going to make it bittersweet.Brown, a Heisman Trophy winner at Notre Dame, arrived in thee NFL in 1988 as a first-round pick of the Los Angeles Raiders. Cheap Larry Bowa Jersey. He had a prolific 17-year career, spending all but one of his seasons with the Raiders.He is the NFLs fifth all-time leading receiver with 1,094 catches, sixth in yardage (14,934) and tied for seventh in touchdown catches with 100. He also had 3,320 yards on punt returns and 1,235 yards on kickoff returns, with his 19,682 all-purpose yards ranking fifth all-time.For me, I think the one thing that I am proud of is the fact that no matter who the quarterback was, who the GM was, who the offensive co-ordinator was, I was able to go out and put up numbers, he said. Thats the one thing that I am super proud of and the one thing that I think sets me apart from anybody that is out there.Brown said he tried to leave the Raiders at one point to become teammates with John Elway on the Broncos but Davis wouldnt let him leave. While Brown wonders what would have happened if he had gotten the chance to play with a quarterback like Elway, he said hes happy he stayed with the Raiders for nearly his entire career.The Raiders rarely surrounded Brown with great offensive players in his tenure until late in his career when he got to play with Rice and Rich Gannon. His other quarterbacks during his career were players like Jeff Hostetler, Jay Schroeder, Jeff George, Vince Evans and Donald Hollas.Thats the one point Brown said he would like voters to remember on Saturday.I would ask them one question, You name one other receiver that was willing to trade positions with Tim Brown? Name one guy that would say, Ill give up Peyton Manning, Ill give up (Joe) Montana, (Steve) Young, Brown said. Jerry and I have had this conversation for years. Michael Irvin and I had that conversation for years. I used to ask him all the time at the Pro Bowl, You want to switch with me? Cmon, switch with me. But he would never take me up on that offer. (laughing) I probably did it the hard way.___Online:AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL ' ' '

ZURICH - Defending World Cup champion Spain will travel to Brazil as the No. Puma Shoes Online Clearance Sale . 1 team in the FIFA rankings, and the host nation will kick off as No. 3. Spain and Germany remain 1-2 in FIFAs monthly standings, while Brazil leapfrogs No. 4 Portugal. Argentina and Switzerland both climb two places to Nos. 5 and 6. Colombia drops three to No. 8. Group D rivals Uruguay, Italy and England are also all in the top 10. Canada remained in the No. 110 position, tied with Bahrain and sandwiched between Latvia and Niger. No. 11 Belgium is the lowest-ranked of the seeded World Cup teams. The United States at No. 13 leads CONCACAF nations. Algeria, at No. 22, is top-ranked in Africa and No. 43 Iran heads Asian confederation teams. Australia, No. 62, is the lowest-ranked team at the World Cup. Canada tied Bulgaria 1-1 in a friendly last month and played Moldova to a 1-1 draw a few days later. Wholesale Puma Shoes Uk . Vargas (8-3) allowed four singles and two walks while striking out five, allowing only two runners from a diluted Twins lineup to reach second base. Mike Moustakas and Jarrod Dyson hit RBI singles in the second inning against Kevin Correia (4-10), and that was all Vargas needed. Puma Shoes Clearance Sale Uk . She was a pioneer. She did things on skis that made the birds take notice. http://www.wholesalepumauk.com/ . -- Augusta James of Bath, Ont. WINNIPEG -- Robert Marve knows that when you give Winnipeg Blue Bomber fans something to cheer about, you feel the love. Marve is one of three quarterbacks coach Mike OShea says are in the running to back up starter Drew Willy for the Bombers. He spent a scant few minutes on the field last Thursday at the end of a 24-22 loss to the Toronto Argonauts but didnt waste a second. He rushed for 17 yards and connected with three out of four passes, including one for a touchdown to rookie receiver Donavon Kemp. It game fans a reason to cheer, and they responded in person and on Twitter. "I did get some Bomber love," he said Thursday after practice. "That was nice. The fans are awesome and I appreciate all the support." Marve will get another chance to play Saturday when the Bombers visit the Calgary Stampeders in Calgary, but coach Mike OShea couldnt say how much. "Well see all four," he said. "Now how the times broken down, well see how it all plays out. But the plan right now is, as I said yesterday, to give Drew all the time he needs to feel comfortable and for the offence to get comfortable with him." Willy also didnt sound too concerned Thursday about how much time he will get as the team plays its last pre-season game before their CFL home opener against the Argonauts June 26. He had two seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in a backup capacity and at least on Thursday was getting a lot more playing time in practice. OShea insists the role of backup in Winnipeg is still very much up for grabs. In terms of CFL experience, Max Hall would seem to have the inside track. HHe finished last season as the pivot the Bombers turned too most often as they struggled to find a way to win. Puma Shoes Uk Store. But they also brought in Marve and Brian Brohm to audition. At just 25, Marve is the youngest of the three. A high-school star in Florida, his college career was marred by three operations to repair three tears of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Likely as a result, he was undrafted in the 2013 NFL Draft but attended the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie minicamp on a tryout basis. He insists his knee feels better after this last operation than it has since it was first injured and he doesnt let the injury in any way dictate how hes going to play. "No, Im a loose cannon. I cant play holding anything back. And as you kind of saw on that one drive Im a pump up guy. I like to run around and make some things happen. "So I felt good in the game. My knee felt fine when I was running so Im ready to go physically." His last operation was about a year ago and he finished his college career at Purdue before having it. Among the cuts the Bombers announced Thursday was their No. 1 draft pick in 2012, offensive lineman Tyson Pencer. Although Pencer, who was taken third overall in that years CFL draft, has spent much of his time with the Bombers on an injured list, OShea said they have seen enough to know he was not going to make the team. They also released import defensive linemen Stafford Gatling and Louis Nzegwu, import offensive lineman Quentin Saulsberry and another draft pick, defensive back Kris Robertson, who they selected in the second round last year. ' ' '

(SportsNetwork. Discount New Balance Uk .com) - The Toronto Raptors set their sights on a second straight victory with the Oklahoma City Thunder visiting the Air Canada Centre tonight riding a two game streak of their own. The Raptors snapped a two-game losing streak in Wednesdays 107-100 road victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, while the Thunder dispatched the Chicago Bulls on Monday and then bested the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday as part of a three-game road swing. Toronto bested the Thunder in Oklahoma City on Dec. 22 to snap a three-game series losing streak. OKC has won two of its last three in Toronto. DeMar DeRozan poured in a game-high 31 points and Kyle Lowry tallied 23 points, eight rebounds and five assists in Wednesdays win over the Pelicans. Amir Johnson added 17 points and nine boards for the Raptors, who have won three of their last five. Tyler Hansbrough chipped in a game-high 13 rebounds and Greivis Vasquez contributed 14 points. "We understand we needed this game, plus we have a long flight back home that we didnt want to sit on this loss with," DeRozan said. The Raptors will get a boost to their lineup this evening, as centre Jonas Valanciunas will return to the lineup as a starter. Valanciunas, who left Tuesdays loss to the Atlanta Hawks late in the third quarter with a lower back sprain, participated in the shoot around Friday morning and was declared ready to play about an hour before game time. Kevin Durant had 35 points, 11 rebounds and six assists to lead the Thunder over the Cavaliers on Thursday. It was his 33rd consecutive game with 25-plus points, which is the longest run of his career and the longest in the NBA since Michael Jordan strung 40 straight together during the 1986-87 season. "My shot was a little flat and I missed some easy ones," said Durant, who shot 12-for-21 from the field. "I just tried to play as hard as I can on defense and make winning basketball plays." Serge Ibaka supplied 16 points and 11 boards, while Reggie Jackson added 13 points and six assists for the Thunder, who have won four of their last five games. Star Thunder guard Russell Westbrook did not suit up to rest his surgically- repaired knee. Oklahoma City is 1 1/2 behind the San Antonio Spurs for Western Conference supremacy. The Raptors are 2 1/2 games ahead of the Brooklyn Nets for the lead in the Atlantic Division, but they are only a half-game in front of the Bulls for the third seed in the Eastern Conference. Toronto will play two straight north of the border and will host the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday. New Balance Uk Sale . These days, just about anyone can get a taste of the friendship that has blossomed between All-Star Kevin Durant and Oklahoma City Thunder teammate James Harden, most famous in the past two weeks or so for the elbow to the head he took from the Los Angeles Lakers Metta World Peace. Wholesale New Balance For Sale .J. Mayo made seven three-pointers and scored 25 points, Ersan Ilyasova added 20, and the Milwaukee Bucks placed seven players in double figures in a 130-110 rout of the Philadelphia 76ers, who lost their 11th straight game on Monday night. http://www.newbalanceoutletuk.com/ .ca! There is plenty of blame to be shared as a result of the most recent NHL player (Pittsburghs Brooks Orpik) to be evacuated from the ice on a stretcher following an ugly incident Saturday night in Boston.GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Blake Bortles rolled right, crashed into two defenders and floated a pass to an open receiver just before going down. The two players who had a beat on Central Floridas quarterback stayed on the ground, each pounding their hands into the turf as the receiver ran up the sideline. Out of reach all game, the Knights pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the bowl season by outlasting the nations top offensive team in a rousing BCS debut. Bortles stymied Baylor with his arm and legs while accounting for four touchdowns, Storm Johnson ran for three more scores and No. 15 Central Florida turned the highest-scoring Fiesta Bowl into a big-play party by outlasting the sixth-ranked Bears 52-42 on Wednesday night. "Theres not many outside of us who believe we had a chance, but we did and I think we showed what UCF football is all about," Bortles said. Central Florida (12-1) wasnt given much of a chance at all, entering the game as a 17-point underdog. The Knights didnt care about the spread and certainly didnt back down from the big, bad Bears, racing past Baylor with an array of big plays. They took an early 14-point lead and kept rolling, piling up 556 total yards in the second-highest scoring BCS bowl ever. Bortles, the junior who could be weighing a jump to the NFL, was the catalyst, throwing for three touchdowns on 20-of-31 passing and running for 93 yards and another score. Rannell Hall accounted for some of the biggest plays, catching four passes for 113 yards and two touchdowns. Johnson kept Baylor from ganging up on UCFs passing game, grinding out 124 yards on 20 carries. So much about having no shot. "Its a great win, a great feeling for everyone whos been through the program," UCF coach George OLeary said. Known for its offence prowess, Baylor (11-2) had a hard time keeping up with the Knights. The Big 12 champions finished with 550 total yards, but were uncharacteristically undisciplined, getting 17 penalties for 135 yards. Bryce Petty tried to keep the Bears in it, running for three touchdowns while throwing for 356 yards and two more scores. Lache Seastrunk had some big runs in the first half and finished with 117 yards. None of it was enough the way UCF ran through Baylors defence. "We caught a football team that was hot," Baylor coach Art Briles said. "They played extremely well early, got into us. We tried to play catch up the whole game, never could turn it around when it needed turning." The Fiesta Bowl was the BCS coming-out party for Baylor and Central Florida before college footballls switch to a playoff system next season. Cheap Wholesale New Balance. The Bears had been building toward this since Briles became coach in 2009, winding up his high-octane offence to lead the nation in scoring and churn out the second-most yards in FBS history. Central Florida had a slower rise under OLeary. The coach who was fired by Notre Dame five days after being hired for lying on his resume has built his reputation back up in Orlando, taking a program that went winless in 2004 to the inaugural American Athletic Conference title and automatic BCS berth this year. The matchup was projected to be like the 2011 Fiesta Bowl, when mighty Oklahoma rolled over Connecticut 48-20. The Knights werent listening. They opened with a 76-yard scoring drive capped by Johnsons tackle-breaking 11-yard touchdown run. Johnson scored again on UCFs next possession, this one on a 2-yard run. The early 14-0 lead was expected. The team leading wasnt. Baylor finally revved up its offence late in the first quarter, scoring on a 1-yard TD sneak by Petty and Central Florida looked as if it was ready to fall apart with turnovers on three consecutive plays. Baylor only turned one of those into points: a 30-yard pass from Petty to Levi Norwood. Petty followed Johnsons fumble with an interception in the end zone, just his third of the season. "Unfortunately, that was the turning point in the game," Petty said. "We needed that to save momentum up for us, especially after a turnover. Turnovers in the red zone kill an offence." Then came the spectacular plays, seemingly one after another. Hall darted and dashed through Baylors defence for a 50-yard touchdown on a screen pass, with help from Josh Reeses downfield block. Petty hurtled himself into the end zone, flipping over UCFs Brandon Alexander to cap a 13-yard run. That gave Baylor 659 points, breaking the NCAA record for a 13-game season set by Texas (652) in 2005. The momentum was gone shortly after, when Hall turned a swing pass into a 34-yard touchdown -- assisted again by Reese -- to put the Knights up 28-20 at halftime. Petty scored his third touchdown on 1-yard run in the third quarter and dashed in for the 2-point conversion to tie the game, but Central Florida still wouldnt back down. Bortles hit Breshad Perriman on a 10-yard touchdown pass and opened the fourth quarter by scoring on a 15-yard run to put the Knights up 42-28. Even after Baylor moved quickly for a 9-yard touchdown run by Glasco Martin, UCF had an answer, going up 49-35 on Johnsons 40-yard run through the heart of the Bears defence. ' ' '

I first covered the most unsavoury subject on planet futbol in a February 2006 blog, and at the time thought like all other pre-civilized diseases on mother earth the authorities would do all they possible could to ensure it would soon be eradicated. Nike Air Max 270 Clearance . How foolishly wrong I was. Forget the now inherent corruption and back handed favours that plague the beautiful game. Goal Line Technology? Youre having a laugh. As for them penalty cheating bandits, footballs lawmakers upend them by awarding the penalty to the opponent each time a player attempts to con the referee into awarding ghost penalties. This at least ensures Cristiano and Gareth remain upright for the next el clásico. What Josip Simunic did following the final whistle in Zagreb Tuesday night is beyond the pale of rational or reasonable behaviour. This has to finally be the point FIFA and UEFA finally begin to behave in a manner which will ensure the so termed beautiful game is rid of racism. Let there be no doubt, this is hardly an isolated case. Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini need to take a long, hard and very painful look at themselves and their organizations for their inertia, pitiful response and the lenient way they have dealt with offenders. In some cases, repeat offenders. The punishment is not even close to the offense taken and crime committed. Shaking hands doesnt count, Blatter. The effect of leniency has provided the breeding ground which has allowed racism on the terraces and the sacred pitch itself to evolve into a form that is not far removed from becoming structural. Dare I say an accepted practice? My February 2006 blog highlighted the fact a fringe minority of so called Real Zaragoza supporters were repeat offenders for racially abusing Samuel Etoo. Moreover, I was as troubled by the fact when the racism had occurred the previous year the response from the authorities was to fine Zaragoza €600, approximately $1,000. Etoo was so incensed by the events in 2006 to again be the target of this depraved and cowardly behaviour he wanted to send a message he had enough and was willing to walk off the pitch. It took his then coach Frank Rijkaard and some of his Barcelona teammates to convince the Cameroonian to not allow the racists win. Shamefully no one in a position of real authority that particular Zaragoza night decided to act in the required manner and right there in that moment begin the long hard process of finally doing something more meaningful than the lip service of an appeal on the PA system. The referee requested Real Zaragoza make an announcement on the stadium public address system for those guilty to refrain from the racism. Not sure if they used the word please. Obviously 2005s €600 fine to Zaragoza was hardly a deterrent. Or the first time such behaviour had occurred. Merely the first time the authorities felt compelled to be seen to be doing something about it. Plainly, what the Spanish Football Federation did, likely briefing or getting direction from UEFA as they went, sent a clear intention that brushing it under the carpet was all they were willing to do. I cant quite understand why its the club the authorities go after and not the actual cowardly perpetrators themselves. They use their football club as a smokescreen. We could list here all the separate racist incidents that have occurred in European football since 2005 and the word worthless could fit in terms of an adjective for the so called punishments that have been handed out. Excuse me, sanctions. Punishment almost directly infers a crime had previously been committed. The most recent reported case of racism occurred in last months CSKA Moscow v Manchester City Champions League match. Yes, many cases do go unreported and undetected. City captain Yaya Toure was the target on that particular Moscow night. Russian footballs response to this was to accuse the English of a smear campaign, whilst CSKA rolled out the denial campaign. UEFA went away from its fines system and went for the partial stadium closure sanction. Three institutions, three strikes. Shameful. Hows this for flexing your muscles? In UEFAs official statement, they omitted any explicit racist references to what went on that particular night. Wholly unacceptably, UEFAs statement referred to the matter as an incident. The first sentence of the statement reading, "The UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body has handed down sanctions to CSKA Moscow following incidents during their UEFA Champions League home game against Manchester City" An incident? Of what nature exactly. Late in the statement we find out the sanction is partial closure to a section of the stadium where the horrific abuse stemmed from. UEFA couldnt even bring themselves to close the entire stadium, or even for that matter, the South Stand which is the part of the ground the racist cowards like to associate themselves with. Tough guys only need apply. When CSKA and Bayern Munich play their UEFA Champions League group stage match Wednesday, Sector D of the Khimiki Arena will be closed. It was only in the final paragraph of UEFAs statement were they were willing to use the R word. "The fight against racism is a high priority for UEFA. All forms of racist behavior are considered serious offenses against the disciplinary regulations and are punished with the most severe sanctions." If closing a solitary section for a single Champions League match is UEFAs definition of the most severe sanctions then it is all the proof we need the European Custodian of the worlds game is incapable of correctly policing itself. Hardly surprising, shortly after the match, Yaya Toure began speaking of African players and teams boycotting Russia 2018. Can anyone blame him? Why is it that where yet again society has grotesquely failed people of African origins they themselves feel compelled to take matters into their own hands? I ask FIFA and UEFA; do we need to see rioting on the streets before they recognize that it is they themselves who have a responsibility? They have failed this generation and are indirectly guilty themselves. I think the legal term is by association. Too bad Platini doesnt view racism in football as he does the so called financial doping in the code. When do we see a panel assembled that has the exact same resources and same wide ranging powers as UEFAs Financial Fair Play executive be put in place to finally rid us of racism in European football. Apparently you can no longer invest your own personal fortune to better ensure a winning culture pervades at your football club. But at the same token, sit idly back as your customers racially abuse and in some instances commit crimes on the employees of your rivals. Who invented this system? Didnt John Terry get charged by the London police in regards to the well documented case involving Rio Ferdinands younger brother? Ultimately standing trial shortly after appearing for England at EURO 2012. Why then are the people who claim allegiance to CSKA not feeling the full force of the legal system? Simunic was found guilty by the Zagreb legal system for, Spreading Racial Hatred and was fined a paltry $4,000 by the Prosecutors Office. What message does that send? Someone else willing to invoke 20th century Nazism for a sum of money Gareth Bale roughly receives for every minute he spends on the Santiago Barnebeau pitch. Those multi-national companies, including the recently added Russian energy company Gazprom, who set aside millions of dollars each year to partner up and brand themselves around the pinnacle of club football have a duty and obligation to greater society. Companies are very willing to associate themselves with good causes. There is no greater cause in all of humanity than to foster encouragement in us all to treat one another and each other as our equals. As in the immortal words of singer Timmy Thomas who asked in his 1972 classic, which over the years has gone on to be re-recorded by a variety of musical greats from a variety of different backgrounds: Why Cant We Live Together? Answers on a postcard to Sepp & Michel. Im sure the two most powerful men in world football are in a good place to cover the cost of the stamps. You can reach and follow Noel Butler at:Noel.Butler@BellMedia.ca @TheSoccerNoel on Twitter Nike Air Max 270 Cheap Uk . The turf is scheduled to give way to actual grass that is bright green, so we dont have to complain any more—we just have to wait a few years. Instead, do feel free to complain if the roof is closed for any reason other than to allow a game to be played. Air Max 270 Cheap Online . Nat Borchers headed in the sole goal in the 54th minute, getting on the end of a Kyle Beckerman free kick. The defeat cost Sporting top spot in the Eastern Conference. Even a draw would have moved the Kansas City club above Columbus. http://www.wholesaleairmax270uk.com/ . "All he says is, its crazy," DeMar DeRozan told reporters following Torontos win over the Pistons Wednesday. The Raptors longest-serving members, Johnson and DeRozan have had two coaches and 56 different teammates in five seasons with the club, all without appearing in a single playoff game.Tony Scheffler is retiring from the NFL. Scheffler told The Associated Press on Wednesday that having three concussions over the past four years had "a lot" to do with his choice. He had 258 receptions for 3,207 yards and 22 touchdowns in his eight-year career. The Detroit Lions released Scheffler in October. He later had workouts with Chicago and Kansas City annd says there was "moderate" interest in him as a free agent this off-season. Nike Air Max 270 Best Price. Denver drafted him in the second round in 2006 out of Western Michigan and traded him four years later to Detroit. Scheffler says his plans include becoming a real estate agent and assistant football coach at the high school in his hometown of Chelsea, Michigan. ' ' '

DENVER - Carve an extra piece of turkey to celebrate, David Backes and T. Cheap Puma Shoes .J. Oshie, because St. Louis is well on its way to the post-season. Treat yourself to another slice of pumpkin pie, Max Pacioretty, since Montreals virtually in, too.At least, the numbers seem to suggest as much.Since the 2005-06 season, NHL teams in post-season position entering the American Thanksgiving holiday have gone on to make the Stanley Cup playoffs 77.3 per cent of the time, according to STATS.So enjoy a heaping helping of mashed potatoes and gravy, Cam Fowler, because Anaheim is in prime position as the Ducks lead the Western Conference. After all, the top three teams in each conference on turkey day make the field nearly 90 per cent of the time.Just dont mention those figures to players, because it is too early to think about playoffs, Washington forward Troy Brouwer said.Its November.Fair enough, but what these numbers illustrate is that a fast start does, indeed, set up a team for success — or the lack of it.A quick start to a season may be even more beneficial in basketball, though. An NBA team in post-season position by Christmas — thats slightly more games than an NHL squad plays by Thanksgiving — goes on to make the playoffs 84.4 per cent of the time since 05-06, according to STATS.Translation: Be good by the holidays or say goodbye to the post-season.I dont believe you can make the playoffs in the first 20 games. But I do believe you can miss the playoffs in the first 20 games, said Eddie Olczyk, an NBC hockey analyst whos also a former player and coach.So if that Thanksgiving stat holds true, come April, these will be your Eastern Conference playoff representatives: Montreal, Pittsburgh, New York Islanders, Tampa Bay, Detroit, Washington, Boston and Toronto.In the Western Conference, it would be: Anaheim, Nashville, Vancouver, St. Louis, Calgary, Chicago, Los Angeles and Winnipeg.Most noticeably absent? Philadelphia and the New York Rangers in the East, along with Colorado in the West.All three have some work to do to get back to the playoff stage. Then again, the Flyers werent in the post-season picture last Thanksgiving, only to rally late behind the play of Claude Giroux.No reason to panic, though. Most teams have barely played a quarter of their schedule.I would never think that people should count us out, Avalanche defenceman Zach Redmond said.The teams seeded in the top three at the moment are definitely in solid shape. That would be you, Canadiens, Penguins and Islanders (Lightning in the mix as well). And also you, Ducks, Predators and Canucks (Blues and Flames are right there, too).Only five teams seeded in the top-three at Thanksgiving have failed to make the post-season over the past eight seasons (2012-13 didnt get rolling until January). The last to do so was Minnesota in 11-12, in research provided by STATS.Heres a reason why its so difficult to jump over teams: The NHLs three-point system. A winner of a game receives two points, but if the loser happens to get beaten in overtime or in a shootout, it still gains a point.Olczyk isnt a big fan of that system, believing, if you win, you should get the whole ball of wax. If you lose, you get nothing.His logic is this: A team can go 1-5-4 in a 10-game stretch, but still pick up six points. In any other league, that would be a 1-9 skid and bury a team in the standings.It gets so exhausting when people in January and February talk about, Oh, I cant believe how close the race is, Olczyk said. Well, hold on a second. Why is it so hard to believe? A good percentage of the games have three points being given out. The races should be close. Nobody should be surprised how close it is.The deeper into the season races go, the more conservative teams may play, just to secure at least a point.Playing life and death (hockey) when youre trying to make the playoffs at the end of the season can be taxing, Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said. Certainly we dont want to be in a position of playing life and death (hockey) to try to get in at games 80, 81 and 82.Not that the Blackhawks have anything to worry about — theyre a virtual cinch to be in. At least, according to the numbers.On the flip side, a team like Colorado is in post-season jeopardy, if you placed stock in those stats.Ive never been a huge believer in stats, Avs captain Gabriel Landeskog said. Its a long season and theres a lot of hockey left.___AP freelance writer Dale Bublitz contributed. Wholesale Puma Shoes . Case in point: LeBron James vs. Ben McLemore. James was driving to the rim in the first quarter and McLemore decided to try to take the charge, which was quite admirable and predictably futile. Discount Puma Uk . -- ETwaun Moore had 14 points in 30 minutes, and the Orlando Magic defeated the Detroit Pistons 87-86 on Sunday night. http://www.discountpumauk.com/ .J. -- Rampage Jackson scowled, howled, then bellowed to the crowd: "Im back! Im back!" With rebuilt knees and a new promotion, Jackson might have one more act left in MMA.MIAMI -- Suspended Miami Dolphins guard Richie Incognito says teammate Jonathan Martin sent him a threatening text message as an apparent joke only a week before their relationship became the subject of a harassment case that has prompted an NFL investigation. In an interview with Fox Sports televised Sunday, Incognito said he never took the threat seriously. Incognito said he regrets the racist and profane language he used with Martin, but said it stemmed from a culture of locker-room "brotherhood," not bullying. "A week before this went down, Jonathan Martin texted me on my phone -- I will murder your whole ... family," Incognito said, quoting Martin as using a profanity. "Now did I think Jonathan Martin was going to murder my family? Not one bit. ... I knew it was coming from a brother. I knew it was coming from a friend. I knew it was coming from a teammate. That just puts in context how we communicate with one another." Responding to the interview, Martins attorney tweeted the message Incognito quoted. The message was accompanied by two photos of a laughing woman holding a dog, suggesting it was intended as a joke. "JMarts text 2 Richie Incognito. U decide....." attorney David Cornwell tweeted. That was the only response by Cornwell or Martins agent to requests from The Associated Press for comment on Incognitos interview. Incognito said Martin also sent him a friendly text four days after leaving the team to undergo counselling for emotional issues. The message came on the heels of the Dolphins overtime victory against Cincinnati. "Wassup man? The worlds gone crazy lol. Im good tho congrats on the win," Martin said in a text verified by Fox Sports. "Yeah Im good man. Its insane bro but just know I dont blame you guys at all. Its just the culture around football and the locker room got to me a little." Martin left the team two weeks ago, and Cornwell alleges the second-year pro was harassed daily by teammates, including Incognito. Martin hasnt spoken publicly but will discuss the case late next week with a special investigator hired by the league. "This isnt an issue about bullying," Incognito told Fox. "This is an issue of my and Jons relationship. You can ask anyone in the Miami Dolphins locker room who had Jon Martins back the absolute most, and theyll uundoubtedly tell you me. Cheap Puma Shoes Uk. "All this stuff coming out, it speaks to the culture of our locker room, it speaks to culture of our closeness, it speaks to the culture of our brotherhood." Incognitos phone showed 1,142 text messages between the two players over the past year, Fox reported. The network said Incognito declined to answer only one question: Did coaches order him to toughen up Martin? The NFL will investigate the role of coach Joe Philbin, his staff and Miami management in the case. The Dolphins (4-4) play for the first time since Incognito was suspended when they face Tampa Bay (0-8) on Monday night. Incognito is white and Martin is biracial. Teammates both black and white have said Incognito is not a racist, and theyve been more supportive of the veteran guard than they have of Martin. Incognito acknowledged leaving a voicemail for Martin in April in which he used a racist term, threatened to kill his teammate and threatened to slap Martins mother. "When I see those words come up across the screen, Im embarrassed," said Incognito, adding that Martin used the same racist term "a lot." "Im embarrassed by my actions. But what I want people to know is the way Jonathan and the rest of the offensive line and our teammates communicate. Its vulgar. Its not right. ... I understand why a lot of eyebrows get raised when people dont know how Jon and I communicate to one another." Incognito said he never sensed that football or the locker-room culture were getting to Martin. "As his best friend on the team, thats what has me miffed -- how I missed this," Incognito said. "I never saw it coming." Long labeled one of the NFLs dirtiest players, Incognito acknowledged his reputation for out-of-bounds behaviour -- and the impact the much-quoted, threatening voicemail has had on his image. "It sounds terrible. It sounds like Im a racist pig. It sounds like Im a meathead. It sounds a lot of things that its not. ... If you go just by all the knucklehead stuff Ive done in the past, youre sitting in your home and thinking, This guy is a loose cannon. This guy is a terrible person. This guy is a racist. That couldnt be farther from the truth." Incognito said if he met with Martin and his family, he would apologize for anything they took as malicious. ' ' '