WASHINGTON (AP) -- Red Auerbach, the Hall of Fame coach who led the Boston Celtics to nine NBA championships in the 1950s and 1960s, died Saturday. He was 89.
Auerbach won 938 games with the Celtics and was the winningest coach in NBA history until Lenny Wilkens overtook him in the 1994-95 season. As general manager, the straight-talking Auerbach, who celebrated victories with a postgame cigar, was also the architect of Celtics teams that won seven more titles in the 1970s and 1980s.
Auerbach's death was announced by the Celtics, for whom he still served as team president. The team said the upcoming season would be dedicated in his honor.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Pete Smith
Pete Smith, the revered coach and architect of Kalaheo High School's boys basketball dynasty, died yesterday morning at Castle Medical Center.
He was 52.
Smith, who led the Mustangs to the state tournament in each of his 18 seasons as coach from 1983 to 1988 and 1990 to 2003, had been in poor health since suffering stroke-like effects after colon cancer surgery on Oct. 31, 2003. He was admitted to Castle last week with pneumonia and died yesterday at about 7 a.m., according to Kalaheo athletic director Lewis Fuddy.
"Pete Smith set the standard for the rest of us to follow as far as coaching and playing," said O'ahu Interscholastic Association executive secretary Dwight Toyama, a former Kaimuki football coach and athletic director. "He was a class act and very well-respected among his peers — not just other coaches, but all the athletic directors and everyone else in the athletic community."
He was 52.
Smith, who led the Mustangs to the state tournament in each of his 18 seasons as coach from 1983 to 1988 and 1990 to 2003, had been in poor health since suffering stroke-like effects after colon cancer surgery on Oct. 31, 2003. He was admitted to Castle last week with pneumonia and died yesterday at about 7 a.m., according to Kalaheo athletic director Lewis Fuddy.
"Pete Smith set the standard for the rest of us to follow as far as coaching and playing," said O'ahu Interscholastic Association executive secretary Dwight Toyama, a former Kaimuki football coach and athletic director. "He was a class act and very well-respected among his peers — not just other coaches, but all the athletic directors and everyone else in the athletic community."
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Terrell Owens reportedly attempts suicide
Dallas Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens reportedly tried to kill himself by overdosing on pain medication, even putting two more pills into his mouth after a friend intervened.
A Dallas police report released Wednesday morning said Owens told his friend "that he was depressed."
A Dallas police report released Wednesday morning said Owens told his friend "that he was depressed."
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Dodgers go back-to-back-to-back-to-back
It's a real shame the Dodgers have no more games scheduled with the Padres this year, because after finding all sorts of ways to lose to San Diego while dropping 13 of the first 17 games between the two teams, it looks like they've finally found a way to win.
The Dodgers hit seven home runs Monday night and needed every one, overcoming four-run deficits twice in a remarkable 11-10 victory in 10 innings that put them back into first place by one-half game and had to be seen to be believed.
"This will be a game," said manager Grady Little, "that people around here will remember for a long time."
The seven blasts by a team that ranked last in the league in homers included a stunning four in a row in the bottom of the ninth inning, and a shocking two-run walk-off blast by Nomar Garciaparra in the greatest performance by a disabled hitter in these parts since Kirk Gibson in the 1988 World Series.
The Dodgers hit seven home runs Monday night and needed every one, overcoming four-run deficits twice in a remarkable 11-10 victory in 10 innings that put them back into first place by one-half game and had to be seen to be believed.
"This will be a game," said manager Grady Little, "that people around here will remember for a long time."
The seven blasts by a team that ranked last in the league in homers included a stunning four in a row in the bottom of the ninth inning, and a shocking two-run walk-off blast by Nomar Garciaparra in the greatest performance by a disabled hitter in these parts since Kirk Gibson in the 1988 World Series.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
A tale of two hospitals
KINSHASA, Congo, Sept. 3 -- Two hospitals, named for two mothers. One is mired in the past; the other represents beaten-down Congo's hopes for a better future.
The 2,000-bed Mama Yemo, named after the mother of Mobutu Sese Seko, the country's late autocratic leader, was once the pride of Central Africa. Now the public facility is in such bad shape that patients must bring their own medicine and are not allowed to go home until they pay their bills.
Across town stands the new Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital, financed in part by Dikembe Mutombo, a child of Kinshasa who became a National Basketball Association star and is now with the Houston Rockets. It, too, is named for a mother -- Mutombo's. She died in 1997, as rebels were ousting Mobutu and this city, now with 6.5 million people, had erupted in violence that prevented her from getting to a hospital. Biamba Marie Mutombo was 64.
"To do something of this caliber in the name of your beloved mom, it will mean a lot -- not just to me but to the people of Congo," Mutombo recently said.
The 2,000-bed Mama Yemo, named after the mother of Mobutu Sese Seko, the country's late autocratic leader, was once the pride of Central Africa. Now the public facility is in such bad shape that patients must bring their own medicine and are not allowed to go home until they pay their bills.
Across town stands the new Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital, financed in part by Dikembe Mutombo, a child of Kinshasa who became a National Basketball Association star and is now with the Houston Rockets. It, too, is named for a mother -- Mutombo's. She died in 1997, as rebels were ousting Mobutu and this city, now with 6.5 million people, had erupted in violence that prevented her from getting to a hospital. Biamba Marie Mutombo was 64.
"To do something of this caliber in the name of your beloved mom, it will mean a lot -- not just to me but to the people of Congo," Mutombo recently said.
Friday, September 01, 2006
Agassi survives five set thriller
Buoyed by a cortisone injection, along with a raucous, sellout crowd that boosted his spirits when things looked bleak, Agassi kept his final tournament going by beating eighth-seeded Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 5-7, 7-5 at the U.S. Open.
"You're not guaranteed these moments," Agassi said, "and to feel it out there is something I can keep with me forever."
They traded stinging strokes as Thursday night became Friday, and it was the 21-year-old Baghdatis who broke down physically, his body contorted by cramps in both thighs during an eight-deuce, four-break-point game that Agassi eventually held to lead 5-4 in the fifth. At one point, Baghdatis dropped to the ground. Later, he used the chair umpire's stand to stretch his aching legs.
And there was Agassi, still hustling to reach seemingly unreachable shots, responding with winners, and skipping out to the baseline to start games at his record 21st consecutive Open -- one for each year of Baghdatis' life.
"You're not guaranteed these moments," Agassi said, "and to feel it out there is something I can keep with me forever."
They traded stinging strokes as Thursday night became Friday, and it was the 21-year-old Baghdatis who broke down physically, his body contorted by cramps in both thighs during an eight-deuce, four-break-point game that Agassi eventually held to lead 5-4 in the fifth. At one point, Baghdatis dropped to the ground. Later, he used the chair umpire's stand to stretch his aching legs.
And there was Agassi, still hustling to reach seemingly unreachable shots, responding with winners, and skipping out to the baseline to start games at his record 21st consecutive Open -- one for each year of Baghdatis' life.
Greece slips past U.S. basketballers
Greece used a sizzling stretch of shooting across the middle two quarters to turn a 12-point deficit into a 14-point lead, and beat the Americans 101-95 Friday in the semifinals of the world championships.
The U.S. seemed in control after Joe Johnson's 3-pointer gave the Americans a 33-21 lead with about 61/2 minutes left in the second quarter. It was around then that James told his teammates on the bench: "They don't know what to do."
Well, they figured it out in a hurry.
Greece scored nine straight points, pulling within three on Theodoros Papaloukas' drive with 3:51 left and forcing Krzyzewski to call timeout. Dwight Howard converted a three-point play, but the Greeks answered with a 13-2 surge, featuring eight points from Schortsianitis, to open a 43-38 advantage and force Krzyzewski to call a second timeout.
Greece hit nine straight shots -- its only miss in the last 5 minutes was a heave from halfcourt as time expired -- and led 45-41 at halftime. The Greeks shot 56 percent (15-of-27) in the half.
Greece kept it up in the third quarter, hitting 14 of its 18 shots, including all four 3-pointers in the first 5 minutes. Kostas Tsartsaris' 3-pointer with 5:45 left in the period gave the Greeks a 65-51 lead -- the biggest deficit the U.S. faced in the tournament.
After shooting 4-of-12 in the first quarter, Greece was 25-of-33 (76 percent) in the second and third and led 77-65 heading to the final period.
The U.S. seemed in control after Joe Johnson's 3-pointer gave the Americans a 33-21 lead with about 61/2 minutes left in the second quarter. It was around then that James told his teammates on the bench: "They don't know what to do."
Well, they figured it out in a hurry.
Greece scored nine straight points, pulling within three on Theodoros Papaloukas' drive with 3:51 left and forcing Krzyzewski to call timeout. Dwight Howard converted a three-point play, but the Greeks answered with a 13-2 surge, featuring eight points from Schortsianitis, to open a 43-38 advantage and force Krzyzewski to call a second timeout.
Greece hit nine straight shots -- its only miss in the last 5 minutes was a heave from halfcourt as time expired -- and led 45-41 at halftime. The Greeks shot 56 percent (15-of-27) in the half.
Greece kept it up in the third quarter, hitting 14 of its 18 shots, including all four 3-pointers in the first 5 minutes. Kostas Tsartsaris' 3-pointer with 5:45 left in the period gave the Greeks a 65-51 lead -- the biggest deficit the U.S. faced in the tournament.
After shooting 4-of-12 in the first quarter, Greece was 25-of-33 (76 percent) in the second and third and led 77-65 heading to the final period.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Kimberly Kim and Dean Wilson break through
When Kimberly Kim fell behind after the first 18 holes of the 106th U.S. Women's Amateur, her caddie suggested she play "smashmouth" golf.
The 14-year-old player from Hilo took the advice and beat former bank clerk Katharina Schallenberg of Germany, 1 up, in 36 holes of match play yesterday to become the event's youngest champion.
* * *
Dean Wilson capped an arduous journey from Kane'ohe to the PGA Tour with his first victory on tour yesterday at the International.
Wilson, a 36-year-old Castle High alum, birdied the second hole of a sudden-death playoff at Castle Pines, topping Tom Lehman, who was trying to become the first Ryder Cup captain to win a PGA Tour event during his term since Jack Nicklaus won the Masters in 1986.
The 14-year-old player from Hilo took the advice and beat former bank clerk Katharina Schallenberg of Germany, 1 up, in 36 holes of match play yesterday to become the event's youngest champion.
* * *
Dean Wilson capped an arduous journey from Kane'ohe to the PGA Tour with his first victory on tour yesterday at the International.
Wilson, a 36-year-old Castle High alum, birdied the second hole of a sudden-death playoff at Castle Pines, topping Tom Lehman, who was trying to become the first Ryder Cup captain to win a PGA Tour event during his term since Jack Nicklaus won the Masters in 1986.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Bargnani taken no. 1 in NBA draft
The Toronto Raptors selected Bargnani with the No. 1 pick Wednesday night in an unpredictable NBA draft that saw four of the top seven picks switch teams by the middle of the first round.
LaMarcus Aldridge of Texas went second to the Chicago Bulls, starting a flurry of trades that would also include the fourth, sixth and seventh picks.
Aldridge's rights were later dealt to Portland for the rights to Tyrus Thomas, who had been chosen fourth, and forward Viktor Khryapa.
"Right before they said my name, they said, 'They are going to call your name in a minute, but don't worry about it, they are going to trade you,"' Aldridge said.
The Trail Blazers weren't done dealing. They acquired the rights to Randy Foye, taken seventh by the Boston Celtics, along with Raef LaFrentz, Dan Dickau and cash for Sebastian Telfair, Theo Ratliff and a 2008 second-round pick.
The Blazers then shipped Foye's rights to Minnesota for Brandon Roy, the Washington guard taken sixth by the Timberwolves.
The 6-foot-10 Bargnani, the first European player taken first overall, has drawn the comparisons to the Dallas Mavericks' All-Star because of his outside shooting skills. Playing last season for Benetton Treviso in Italy's Lega A, Bargnani shot 37 percent from 3-point range.
He's the second straight foreign-born No. 1 pick after Milwaukee chose Andrew Bogut of Australia from the University of Utah last year. Bargnani is the first No. 1 pick to not play college or high school basketball in the United States since Houston took Yao Ming in 2002.
"I hope to help the team as soon as possible," Bargnani said. "I'm a young player, I know that I will find a lot of tough moments because it's a new league and I'm used to playing in Europe."
Aldridge then went in a pick that came from New York in a preseason trade for Eddy Curry, and the fans at the Theater at Madison Square Garden didn't have to wait for it to express their anger toward Knicks coach and team president Isiah Thomas.
Chants of "Fire Isiah!" started 15 minutes before the draft, and "Fire Thomas!" cries followed just before the pick. The fans might get their wish next year -- Madison Square Garden chairman James Dolan warned Thomas on Monday that he has one year to turn around the franchise or he'll be out of a job.
Dolan wasn't spared, either: "Sell the Knicks!" chants also rang out before the draft started.
Gonzaga star Adam Morrison went to Charlotte at No. 3 with the Bobcats' first since pick Michael Jordan became a part owner of the team in charge of the basketball operations earlier this month. The mustachioed All-American led the nation in scoring as a junior with 28.1 points per game.
"It would be awesome if I could get some hands-on instruction from Mike," Morrison said. "Any time the greatest player of all-time is telling you what to do ... if he told me how to tie my shoes a certain way, I would probably listen."
The Trail Blazers then selected LSU's Tyrus Thomas, who already knew he wasn't going there. Even while wearing a Blazers hat, he spoke of playing for Chicago.
"They're young, they like to run and Coach [Scott] Skiles, I visited with him, and he's a great teacher and a motivator," Thomas said. "Just the organization as a whole, it has a bright future so I'm looking forward to doing some good things in Chicago."
The Atlanta Hawks also went for interior defense when they took Duke's Shelden Williams at No. 5. The Blue Devils' career leader in blocked shots was the ACC defensive player of the year in each of his last two seasons.
LaMarcus Aldridge of Texas went second to the Chicago Bulls, starting a flurry of trades that would also include the fourth, sixth and seventh picks.
Aldridge's rights were later dealt to Portland for the rights to Tyrus Thomas, who had been chosen fourth, and forward Viktor Khryapa.
"Right before they said my name, they said, 'They are going to call your name in a minute, but don't worry about it, they are going to trade you,"' Aldridge said.
The Trail Blazers weren't done dealing. They acquired the rights to Randy Foye, taken seventh by the Boston Celtics, along with Raef LaFrentz, Dan Dickau and cash for Sebastian Telfair, Theo Ratliff and a 2008 second-round pick.
The Blazers then shipped Foye's rights to Minnesota for Brandon Roy, the Washington guard taken sixth by the Timberwolves.
The 6-foot-10 Bargnani, the first European player taken first overall, has drawn the comparisons to the Dallas Mavericks' All-Star because of his outside shooting skills. Playing last season for Benetton Treviso in Italy's Lega A, Bargnani shot 37 percent from 3-point range.
He's the second straight foreign-born No. 1 pick after Milwaukee chose Andrew Bogut of Australia from the University of Utah last year. Bargnani is the first No. 1 pick to not play college or high school basketball in the United States since Houston took Yao Ming in 2002.
"I hope to help the team as soon as possible," Bargnani said. "I'm a young player, I know that I will find a lot of tough moments because it's a new league and I'm used to playing in Europe."
Aldridge then went in a pick that came from New York in a preseason trade for Eddy Curry, and the fans at the Theater at Madison Square Garden didn't have to wait for it to express their anger toward Knicks coach and team president Isiah Thomas.
Chants of "Fire Isiah!" started 15 minutes before the draft, and "Fire Thomas!" cries followed just before the pick. The fans might get their wish next year -- Madison Square Garden chairman James Dolan warned Thomas on Monday that he has one year to turn around the franchise or he'll be out of a job.
Dolan wasn't spared, either: "Sell the Knicks!" chants also rang out before the draft started.
Gonzaga star Adam Morrison went to Charlotte at No. 3 with the Bobcats' first since pick Michael Jordan became a part owner of the team in charge of the basketball operations earlier this month. The mustachioed All-American led the nation in scoring as a junior with 28.1 points per game.
"It would be awesome if I could get some hands-on instruction from Mike," Morrison said. "Any time the greatest player of all-time is telling you what to do ... if he told me how to tie my shoes a certain way, I would probably listen."
The Trail Blazers then selected LSU's Tyrus Thomas, who already knew he wasn't going there. Even while wearing a Blazers hat, he spoke of playing for Chicago.
"They're young, they like to run and Coach [Scott] Skiles, I visited with him, and he's a great teacher and a motivator," Thomas said. "Just the organization as a whole, it has a bright future so I'm looking forward to doing some good things in Chicago."
The Atlanta Hawks also went for interior defense when they took Duke's Shelden Williams at No. 5. The Blue Devils' career leader in blocked shots was the ACC defensive player of the year in each of his last two seasons.
Ferd Borsch
Ferd Borsch was the only beat writer The Advertiser had for the 27-year run of the Pacific Coast League Hawaii Islanders — and the only one it needed since he covered all 2,013 home games in the club's (1961-1987) existence.
Over parts of five decades and spanning several more eras, often pounding out his stories with two-fingered fury on his trusty Underwood No. 5 (vintage 1918) typewriter, Borsch chronicled many of the greatest moments in Hawai'i sports, adding perspective to the exploits of the stars for several generations of newspaper readers.
"Hawai'i lost its No. 1 baseball fan," said sportscaster Don Robbs, who knew Borsch for 43 years. "He covered baseball for more than a half century. I think he said one time that he covered something like 5,000 games. I don't know of anybody who has been as close to baseball as Ferd."
Borsch covered everybody who was anybody in baseball — from Billy Martin and Bo Belinsky to Barry Bonds and Tony Gwynn — and many who never saw their name on a trading card. He treated them all with dignity and fairness.
"He was one of the few people (in the media) that I really trusted," said Les Murakami, former University of Hawai'i baseball coach. "He was a very positive person and when you read his articles everything was positive. I think that was one of the most important characteristics that he had."
Over parts of five decades and spanning several more eras, often pounding out his stories with two-fingered fury on his trusty Underwood No. 5 (vintage 1918) typewriter, Borsch chronicled many of the greatest moments in Hawai'i sports, adding perspective to the exploits of the stars for several generations of newspaper readers.
"Hawai'i lost its No. 1 baseball fan," said sportscaster Don Robbs, who knew Borsch for 43 years. "He covered baseball for more than a half century. I think he said one time that he covered something like 5,000 games. I don't know of anybody who has been as close to baseball as Ferd."
Borsch covered everybody who was anybody in baseball — from Billy Martin and Bo Belinsky to Barry Bonds and Tony Gwynn — and many who never saw their name on a trading card. He treated them all with dignity and fairness.
"He was one of the few people (in the media) that I really trusted," said Les Murakami, former University of Hawai'i baseball coach. "He was a very positive person and when you read his articles everything was positive. I think that was one of the most important characteristics that he had."
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Larry Brown fired, Isiah will be next
NEW YORK (AP) -- The New York Knicks put Larry Brown out of his coaching misery Thursday, ending weeks of uncertainty by firing the Hall of Fame coach with four years and $40 million left on his contract. President and general manager Isiah Thomas was named to replace Brown as coach.
In Brown's one season in New York, the Knicks stumbled to a 23-59 record -- second worst in the NBA and matching the most losses in club history.
But the postseason may have been even more difficult for Brown.
His coaching status had been in limbo for months, and reports surfaced in May that owner James Dolan was looking to buy out Brown's contract. It was at about that time that Brown called himself a "dead man walking" because of the uncertainty.
"No one in our organization is happy with last season and we all accept responsibility for our performance," Thomas said in a statement released by the Knicks. "This has been a difficult time for the entire organization and our fans.
"Larry Brown is a great coach, but for various reasons, bringing him to the Knicks did not turn out the way we had hoped and we wish him the best in the future."
Brown endured a miserable season with the Knicks, squabbling with star guard Stephon Marbury and other players and missing three games in April because of illness. He had only one worse season as a coach, when he went 21-61 with the San Antonio Spurs in 1988-89.
The Hall of Fame coach signed a five-year deal with the Knicks before last season worth a reported $50 million.
A message seeking comment was left Thursday morning for Brown at his home in East Hampton, N.Y.
Brown, a Brooklyn native, described his hiring last year as a "dream job," and the Knicks hoped his homecoming would lead to a long-awaited return to the playoffs. But despite a league-high payroll of more than $120 million, New York struggled throughout the season.
Thomas joined the Knicks as president and GM in December 2003. He was coach of the Indiana Pacers for three seasons through 2002-03, compiling a 131-115 record.
Brown coached the Detroit Pistons to the NBA title in the 2003-04 season. He missed 17 games the following year with the Pistons because of hip replacement surgery. That led to a bladder problem that required surgery.
"Larry has had a long and storied career. We hired him last summer with the expectation that he would be with the Knicks for a long time," Dolan said. "Sometimes decisions work and sometimes they don't."
In Brown's one season in New York, the Knicks stumbled to a 23-59 record -- second worst in the NBA and matching the most losses in club history.
But the postseason may have been even more difficult for Brown.
His coaching status had been in limbo for months, and reports surfaced in May that owner James Dolan was looking to buy out Brown's contract. It was at about that time that Brown called himself a "dead man walking" because of the uncertainty.
"No one in our organization is happy with last season and we all accept responsibility for our performance," Thomas said in a statement released by the Knicks. "This has been a difficult time for the entire organization and our fans.
"Larry Brown is a great coach, but for various reasons, bringing him to the Knicks did not turn out the way we had hoped and we wish him the best in the future."
Brown endured a miserable season with the Knicks, squabbling with star guard Stephon Marbury and other players and missing three games in April because of illness. He had only one worse season as a coach, when he went 21-61 with the San Antonio Spurs in 1988-89.
The Hall of Fame coach signed a five-year deal with the Knicks before last season worth a reported $50 million.
A message seeking comment was left Thursday morning for Brown at his home in East Hampton, N.Y.
Brown, a Brooklyn native, described his hiring last year as a "dream job," and the Knicks hoped his homecoming would lead to a long-awaited return to the playoffs. But despite a league-high payroll of more than $120 million, New York struggled throughout the season.
Thomas joined the Knicks as president and GM in December 2003. He was coach of the Indiana Pacers for three seasons through 2002-03, compiling a 131-115 record.
Brown coached the Detroit Pistons to the NBA title in the 2003-04 season. He missed 17 games the following year with the Pistons because of hip replacement surgery. That led to a bladder problem that required surgery.
"Larry has had a long and storied career. We hired him last summer with the expectation that he would be with the Knicks for a long time," Dolan said. "Sometimes decisions work and sometimes they don't."
Miami defeats Dallas for NBA Championship
DALLAS (AP) -- Pat Riley first promised it 11 years ago: a Miami Heat victory parade down Biscayne Boulevard. Shaquille O'Neal guaranteed it two summers ago, vowing to add a fourth ring to his big hand in his new city.
And with one tenacious game after another in these NBA finals, Dwyane Wade delivered both.
The Miami Heat are champions for the first time, thanks to two basketball greats who made good on their promises -- and the next great one, whose promise seems unlimited.
The man they call "Flash" had 36 points and 10 rebounds in the teeth of a hostile Dallas crowd Tuesday night, capping his magnificent playoffs and the Heat's sizzling four-game comeback by leading Miami past the Mavericks 95-92.
"It's one of the best feelings, next to my wife and my son, that I've ever had in my life," Wade said. "I'm going to live it up!"
The Heat roared back from a two-game deficit to win the NBA finals in six. Wade, the obvious finals MVP, cemented his superstardom with a dominant four-game performance capped by four pressure-packed, final-minute free throws in the same building where Miami went down two games to none.
He even missed a pair in the waning seconds, giving Dallas a final shot to tie. But Jason Terry missed an open look for 3, and Wade grabbed the rebound and flung it joyously into the stands as time expired.
Where there's a Wade, there's a will. His grace added a fifth ring to Riley's finger -- third-most among NBA coaches -- and the first jewelry in Shaq's collection with no connection to Kobe Bryant.
"The great Pat Riley told me we were going to win today," said O'Neal, who had nine points and 12 rebounds. "I didn't have the best game. But D-Wade's been doing it all year. He's the best player ever."
And with one tenacious game after another in these NBA finals, Dwyane Wade delivered both.
The Miami Heat are champions for the first time, thanks to two basketball greats who made good on their promises -- and the next great one, whose promise seems unlimited.
The man they call "Flash" had 36 points and 10 rebounds in the teeth of a hostile Dallas crowd Tuesday night, capping his magnificent playoffs and the Heat's sizzling four-game comeback by leading Miami past the Mavericks 95-92.
"It's one of the best feelings, next to my wife and my son, that I've ever had in my life," Wade said. "I'm going to live it up!"
The Heat roared back from a two-game deficit to win the NBA finals in six. Wade, the obvious finals MVP, cemented his superstardom with a dominant four-game performance capped by four pressure-packed, final-minute free throws in the same building where Miami went down two games to none.
He even missed a pair in the waning seconds, giving Dallas a final shot to tie. But Jason Terry missed an open look for 3, and Wade grabbed the rebound and flung it joyously into the stands as time expired.
Where there's a Wade, there's a will. His grace added a fifth ring to Riley's finger -- third-most among NBA coaches -- and the first jewelry in Shaq's collection with no connection to Kobe Bryant.
"The great Pat Riley told me we were going to win today," said O'Neal, who had nine points and 12 rebounds. "I didn't have the best game. But D-Wade's been doing it all year. He's the best player ever."
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Bonds passes the Babe
Now there's only Hank Aaron.
Barry Bonds hit his 715th home run Sunday to slip past Babe Ruth and pull in right behind Aaron, whose long-standing record of 755 may prove even tougher to crack.
No. 715 played out exactly the way San Francisco's slugger wanted -- he hit it at home, in front of the fans who adore him. It just took him a little longer than he had hoped. The historic home run came eight days after he tied the Babe for second place on the career chart.
"For the fans of San Francisco, it can't get any better than this -- even though I made them wait longer than I have in the past," Bonds said.
Barry Bonds hit his 715th home run Sunday to slip past Babe Ruth and pull in right behind Aaron, whose long-standing record of 755 may prove even tougher to crack.
No. 715 played out exactly the way San Francisco's slugger wanted -- he hit it at home, in front of the fans who adore him. It just took him a little longer than he had hoped. The historic home run came eight days after he tied the Babe for second place on the career chart.
"For the fans of San Francisco, it can't get any better than this -- even though I made them wait longer than I have in the past," Bonds said.
Gracie defeated by Hughes
LOS ANGELES (CP) - Welterweight champion Matt Hughes dominated UFC Hall of Famer Royce Gracie to win a non-title mixed martial arts fight in short order Saturday night. The bout was halted at 4:39 of the first round with Hughes on the back of a prone, face-down Gracie dealing more than 15 unanswered blows to the head of Gracie.
Hughes had earlier almost submitted Gracie, twisting the Brazilian's arm into a painful armbar hold. Gracie offered little offence during the bout and was on the defensive throughout.
"Of course I'm disappointed but he is the welterweight champion," Gracie said.
Hughes had earlier almost submitted Gracie, twisting the Brazilian's arm into a painful armbar hold. Gracie offered little offence during the bout and was on the defensive throughout.
"Of course I'm disappointed but he is the welterweight champion," Gracie said.
Friday, May 05, 2006
Wie makes the cut
Honolulu teenager Michelle Wie's breakthrough today came with a bonus — she remains in contention for the title in the Asian Tour's SK Telecom Open in Incheon, South Korea.
Wie made her first cut in a professional men's tournament in her eighth try, making four birdies against just one bogey for a 3-under-par 69 in the second round and was 5-under 139 overall.
Wie, a 16-year-old Punahou junior, is the second female to make a cut in a Korea men's tournament. In 2003, LPGA player Se Ri Pak finished tied for 10th at the KPGA Tour's SBS Pro-Golf Championships. Pak was 26.
Wie's first attempt at making a men's cut came as a 13-year-old in a Canadian Tour event in 2003. She has come close previously, missing the cut by a shot in the 2005 Casio Open (Japan men's tour) and 2004 Sony Open in Hawai'i (PGA Tour). Wie also missed a cut by two strokes at the 2005 John Deere Classic (PGA Tour).
The SK Telecom Open is a stop on the Asian Tour, not part of the more prestigious PGA Tour.
[5/6/06] According to Eric Adelson of ESPN The Magazine, the 14th hole at the Sky 72 Golf Club in Incheon, South Korea, created one of the strangest situations during the second round of the SK Telecom Open.
Adelson said the fairway rides along a major highway to the airport, and fans parked their cars along the shoulder to catch a glimpse of Wie. As Wie got to the green, dozens of vehicles lined up, and Adelson described it as like a scene from "Independence Day" without the aliens. As she stepped to her putt, Adelson wrote that a police car approached with sirens blaring. The officer, oblivious to the moment, kept his siren on and threw in some megaphone-enhanced admonishment for the gawkers. The noise kept on during Wie's putt, which she barely missed. Dozens of Korean fans on the course screamed obscenities at the officer.
Wie made her first cut in a professional men's tournament in her eighth try, making four birdies against just one bogey for a 3-under-par 69 in the second round and was 5-under 139 overall.
Wie, a 16-year-old Punahou junior, is the second female to make a cut in a Korea men's tournament. In 2003, LPGA player Se Ri Pak finished tied for 10th at the KPGA Tour's SBS Pro-Golf Championships. Pak was 26.
Wie's first attempt at making a men's cut came as a 13-year-old in a Canadian Tour event in 2003. She has come close previously, missing the cut by a shot in the 2005 Casio Open (Japan men's tour) and 2004 Sony Open in Hawai'i (PGA Tour). Wie also missed a cut by two strokes at the 2005 John Deere Classic (PGA Tour).
The SK Telecom Open is a stop on the Asian Tour, not part of the more prestigious PGA Tour.
[5/6/06] According to Eric Adelson of ESPN The Magazine, the 14th hole at the Sky 72 Golf Club in Incheon, South Korea, created one of the strangest situations during the second round of the SK Telecom Open.
Adelson said the fairway rides along a major highway to the airport, and fans parked their cars along the shoulder to catch a glimpse of Wie. As Wie got to the green, dozens of vehicles lined up, and Adelson described it as like a scene from "Independence Day" without the aliens. As she stepped to her putt, Adelson wrote that a police car approached with sirens blaring. The officer, oblivious to the moment, kept his siren on and threw in some megaphone-enhanced admonishment for the gawkers. The noise kept on during Wie's putt, which she barely missed. Dozens of Korean fans on the course screamed obscenities at the officer.
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Mario Williams drafted ahead of Reggie Bush
Houston decides to take Mario Williams over Reggie Bush who was taken by New Orleans in the 2006 NFL Draft. Titans grab Vince Young over Matt Leinert. Leinert was finally taken by Arizona with the tenth pick.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
March Madness live on the net
CBS Corp. hopes to draw millions with March Madness on Demand, the first-ever free Webcast of the tournament. It works like this: Fans register at NCAASports.com, run by CBS's SportsLine unit, then watch games live on the site. They'll have their choice of any game except for the one being broadcast by the local CBS affiliate. (CBS determines which game to black out based on the location of the computer being used.) Fans can also watch games after they're played or view highlights and other features. The live Webcasts will continue until the tournament is down to eight teams.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Al Michaels traded for rabbit
In exchange for allowing sportscaster Al Michaels to leave ABC early for a job at NBC Universal, The Walt Disney Co. is getting back a piece of its history - the first animated character created by Disney and the forerunner to Mickey Mouse.
His name was "Oswald the Lucky Rabbit," and the cheeky bunny was created by Disney and his chief creative partner, Ub Iwerks, in 1927.
Al Michaels is moving to NBC and will broadcast Sunday night NFL games with John Madden, his partner on ABC during the past four seasons.
His name was "Oswald the Lucky Rabbit," and the cheeky bunny was created by Disney and his chief creative partner, Ub Iwerks, in 1927.
Al Michaels is moving to NBC and will broadcast Sunday night NFL games with John Madden, his partner on ABC during the past four seasons.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
more than Kobe
Epiphanny Prince of Murry Bergtraum High School scored 113 points in a game Wednesday, breaking a girls' national prep record previously held by Hall of Famer Cheryl Miller. Prince, a five-foot-nine senior guard, led her team to a 137-32 victory over Brandeis High School. "After I scored 29 points in the first quarter, I didn't think much of it," Prince told The Associated Press by phone Wednesday night. "After I had 58 points at the half, and especially after having in the 80s after the third quarter, I just decided to go for it.
"It was efficient," she said. "It wasn't like I missed a whole bunch of shots. That's what made it even better."
Prince, one of the nation's top high school players, is headed to Rutgers next season. Her previous high this season was 51 points for the Lady Blazers, ranked No. 2 in the nation by USA Today.
"At the half, we thought she had a chance to break the record so we just let her go," coach Ed Grezinsky said.
"It was efficient," she said. "It wasn't like I missed a whole bunch of shots. That's what made it even better."
Prince, one of the nation's top high school players, is headed to Rutgers next season. Her previous high this season was 51 points for the Lady Blazers, ranked No. 2 in the nation by USA Today.
"At the half, we thought she had a chance to break the record so we just let her go," coach Ed Grezinsky said.
Steelers defeat Seahawks to win SuperBowl XL
The Steelers' 21-10 victory in the Super Bowl on Sunday was their record-tying fifth, but the first since 1980 and the first ever for Bettis and Cowher.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Kobe second to Wilt
Kobe Bryant scored a staggering 81 points Sunday night against the Toronto Raptors in a 122-104 win. Only Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game stands ahead of him.
Saturday, January 21, 2006
USA plays ball with Cuba
The Bush administration is letting Cuba play ball.
The Cubans will be allowed to participate in the inaugural World Baseball Classic after the U.S. government reversed course Friday and issued the special license necessary for the communist nation to play in the 16-team tournament.
The Cubans will be allowed to participate in the inaugural World Baseball Classic after the U.S. government reversed course Friday and issued the special license necessary for the communist nation to play in the 16-team tournament.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Shaq makes peace
On Bill Russell's advice, Shaq shakes hands with Kobe. There is peace on MLK Day.
(Unless you count that Andrew Bynum thing)
(Unless you count that Andrew Bynum thing)
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Rod Dedeaux
Rod Dedeaux, who coached Southern California to a record 11 NCAA baseball championships and turned out a parade of future major leaguers, died Thursday. He was 91. Nearly 60 USC players under Dedeaux went on to big league careers, including Mark McGwire, Randy Johnson, Tom Seaver, Dave Kingman, Fred Lynn and Roy Smalley.
Texas dethrones USC in Rose Bowl
With the national title down to a final play, fourth down and 5 yards to go, Vince Young scrambled untouched for an 8-yard touchdown with 19 seconds left and the No. 2 Longhorns stunned No. 1 Southern California 41-38 in the Rose Bowl on Wednesday night.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Point for Flutie
Doug Flutie added another oddity to his football resume on Sunday when he converted a drop kick in the fourth quarter of the New England Patriots' game against the Miami Dolphins. It was the league's first drop kick since the 1941 NFL championship game, according to the Web site for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
But what happened to the ball?
But what happened to the ball?
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