Boston 106 - Atlanta 83


BOSTON, Nov. 9 (AP) -- Kevin Garnett had 27 points and 19 rebounds, Paul Pierce scored 23 and the Boston Celtics beat the Atlanta Hawks 106-83 Friday night, their third blowout win of a season in which they're off to their best start in 20 years.

The Celtics took the lead for good midway through the second quarter, stretched it to 17 points early in the third and led by between 8 and 23 the rest of the way.

Their 4-0 record is their best opening since 1987-88 when they won their first six games, finished with 52 wins and went on to the Eastern Conference finals, the last time the trio of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish got there.

Now the Celtics have a new Big Three that is quickly leaving behind the bad memories of last season's 24-58 record, the second worst in club history.

Garnett had six assists and posted his fourth double-double of the season when he picked off his 10th rebound in the first minute of the second quarter. He had 66 in 76 games for Minnesota last season.

Boston's third star, Ray Allen, scored 14 points. Another newcomer, Eddie House, came off the bench to score 19, hitting four of five 3-pointers.

Atlanta's two wins this season were against teams that won at least 60 games last season, Dallas and Phoenix. The Hawks led 31-30 before Allen's short jumper gave Boston the lead for good and began an 11-2 run that made it 41-33 with 4:49 left in the second quarter.

The Hawks cut that to 47-39 but the Celtics finished the half with an 8-2 spurt in which Pierce had six points.

Atlanta came back again, trimming the lead to 67-59 with 2:42 left in the third quarter. But the Celtics answered by outscoring the Hawks 19-9 and taking an 86-68 lead with 8:08 remaining.

Garnett started that rally with a short turnaround jumper, House hit a 3-pointer and Garnett sank two free throws before Marvin Williams' tip drew the Hawks to 74-61 at the end of the third.

With Boston leading 79-66, Garnett sank another turnaround and Allen made a 14-footer. Josh Smith countered with a jumper for Atlanta, but House ended the run with another 3-pointer.

The Celtics resumed the sharpshooting they displayed in their 119-93 win over Denver on Wednesday night when they made 64.5 percent of their shots, their best since Nov. 24, 1993. On Friday night, they hit 61.2 percent while holding the Hawks to 42.9.

The Celtics dominated in other categories. They outrebounded the Hawks 39-29 and had 30 assists to 17 for Atlanta.

Charlotte 96 - Indiana 87


CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 9 (AP) -- Emeka Okafor had 25 points and 23 rebounds, Gerald Wallace scored 26 points and the Charlotte Bobcats rallied in the fourth quarter to beat the Indiana Pacers 96-87 Friday night.

Okafor's second career 20-20 game helped the Bobcats erase memories of losing their previous two games by 31 and 32 points, while Okafor had his best game since he turned down a contract offer from the Bobcats before the start of the season.

Raymond Felton added 16 points in his return after missing a game with a sore left knee and the Bobcats overcame 14 missed free throws with a dominant fourth quarter.

Jermaine O'Neal had 18 points, Troy Murphy scored 16 points each and Danny Granger added 15 for the Pacers, who were outscored 24-4 in the first 8 minutes of the final period and lost their second straight game.

Okafor, who had 22 points and a career-high 25 rebounds in a triple-overtime win over the Los Angeles Lakers last season, seemed to grab every loose ball and consistently hit shots over O'Neal, who was held to seven rebounds and plagued by foul trouble.

Indiana led 73-65 entering the fourth, only to go scoreless for nearly 5 minutes. Okafor, who will become a restricted free agent at the end of the season, had a three-point play and Wallace had a thunderous dunk and a 3-pointer in a 10-0 run to give Charlotte a 78-73 lead.

Jamaal Tinsley ended the drought of six straight missed shots and three turnovers with a runner in the lane with 7:08 left.

But Okafor responded with a putback dunk, then grabbed his 20th rebound on the offensive glass on the next possession, leading to Matt Carroll's 3-pointer to make it 83-75 with 6:02 left.

Okafor's bucket with just four 4 minutes left gave Charlotte a 12-point lead, and he put it away 2 minutes later with a high bank shot over O'Neal.

For one night at least, Okafor looked like a player worthy of a monster deal. Okafor made 10 of 14 shots, but only 5 of 13 free throws just over a week after he turned down a contract for less than the maximum amount the Bobcats could have offered their former first-round pick.

The Pacers, coming off a home loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, were in control early, leading by 10 in the first quarter and eight in the third, when O'Neal went out with his fourth foul.

Indiana, outrebounded 52-39, couldn't take advantage of the Bobcats' 27-of-44 free-throw shooting. The Bobcats missed 21 free throws in a win over Milwaukee last week.

Notes: Pacers G Marquis Daniels sat out with a sore left knee, although coach Jim O'Brien said Daniels should play Saturday against Denver. ... Bobcats F Othella Harrington (knee) likely won't play for another week. ... Posted on the wall in Bobcats coach Sam Vincent's office Friday was a new rule calling for the best shooter to take technical free throws. On Wednesday in Philadelphia, Wallace took and missed a technical free throw ahead of Carroll, a career 86 percent shooter.

Hip Injury Sidelines Clippers’ Mobley vs. Pistons

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Nov. 9 (AP) -- Clippers guard Cuttino Mobley missed Los Angeles' game at Detroit on Friday night because of a hip injury.

Mobley, a starter in the Clippers' first four games, scored two points in less than six minutes of Wednesday's win at Indiana before leaving with a strained adductor muscle and is expected to miss at least a week. He's averaging 18.3 points and 3.8 rebounds.

Quinton Ross started for Mobley and forward Josh Powell, inactive the last two games, took Mobley's spot on the active roster Friday.

Forward Corey Maggette, listed as questionable after aggravating a bruised tailbone against the Pacers, started against the Pistons.

Lukoil warms up for Artland with an easy win

Lukoil Academic won against Cherno More Eurohold with a 27-point difference in the first game of the 8th round in the Bulgarian Men A-1. The final score in the Sports Complex in Pravec was 107-80 for the home side. The game was played one day earlier than all the other games from this round, due to Lukoil’s ULEB Cup clash against the Artland Dragons on Tuesday in Universiada Hall. There was some kind of challenge for the Students tonight only in the first 8 minutes, when the guests from Varna were leading with 19-20. After that there was a strong finish of the first quarter by Zeljko Lukajic’s side and the champions were leading 29-22.In the second quarter things came to usual, as with great defense and good work on the fastbreak Lukoil Academic led the game at halftime – 57-33.In the third period of play Lukajic rotated all the players, and Cherno More managed to take down the difference to 20 points – 80-60.In the last 10 minutes both teams just played calmly the rest of the game to fix the final score - 107-80.
That was 8th victory in a row for the Students in the Bulgarian championship, as they still remain the only unbeaten team. After their ULEB Cup game on Tuesday, they will go to Samokov to play against Rislki Sportist in their last game of the first rotation in the Men A-1. Cherno More has lost three of their last four games. On their schedule now there are two home games – against CSKA and then Balkan. Riste Stefanov exploded with 26 points, shooting 6/7 from beyond the arc, and also dished 6 assists and got 5 rebounds for 34 minutes. His Macedonian compatriot Pero Antic added 21 points and was one rebound short of a double-double – 9 rebounds. Debut for Lukoil Academic in the Bulgarian championship made the champions’ latest signing – the young Brazilian Murilo Da Rosa, who scored 18 points. American star Donta Smith finished with 16 points off the bench. Stevin Smith was in the starting line-up and for 17 minutes scored 2 points along with 4 assists and 2 rebounds. Youngster Dimitar Filipov didn’t play due to an injury.

For Cherno More, the Lithuanian center Augustinas Vitas had a good performance with 23 points and 9 boards, Leven Belberov added 15 points, and Simeon Tsenov finished with 11.

New Sun Grant Hill to Face Magic as Visitor

MIAMI, Nov. 9 (AP) -- Grant Hill's last time on the visitors' bench in Orlando was nearly eight years ago, in a game where he dropped 42 points on the Magic.

He'd gladly take another one of those efforts this weekend.

Now starting and flourishing in his first season with Phoenix, Hill returns to Orlando on Saturday when the Suns make the trip to central Florida. He spent seven seasons with the Magic, a stint derailed by chronic ankle problems, and signed with Phoenix as a free agent in July.

"It'll be interesting going in there and playing,'' Hill said Friday in Miami, where the Suns were playing the Heat. "They're a good team and we've got to come prepared. It'll be our fourth game in five nights, seventh game in 10 days. We've got to be mentally ready to go in there and fight and play the way we're capable of.''

He still owns a home in the central Florida region. But there's no denying that the seven-year run there didn't work out like both he and the team planned.

Hill was signed by the Magic before the 2000-01 season, getting a $93 million deal. But the right ankle problems - he first hurt the joint four months before signing with Orlando - limited him to a total of 47 games in his first four seasons with the team.

And even after all that money, Hill never was on the floor for a single playoff victory with the Magic.

But he's fitting in just fine with the Suns.

"He's great because he's a basketball player and if you can play basketball you should be able to fit in with anybody,'' Phoenix coach Mike D'Antoni said. "He's very smart, a great guy and doesn't care if he takes two shots or 20 shots. He's doing great.''

Hill entered Friday averaging 11.4 points and 5.8 rebounds in Phoenix's first five games.

He's greatly enjoying playing in Phoenix's up-tempo style and joining forces with the likes of Steve Nash, Shawn Marion and Amare Stoudemire - a core that most believe is good enough to win an NBA title.

That's why Hill went to Phoenix in the first place.

"I'm the new guy. I'm the rookie,'' Hill said. "I'm the one that's sort of learning everything and trying to have it become sort of instinctive. It's fun, man. It's fun to watch and it's fun to be a part of.''

Stoudemire Set to Return to Suns Lineup

MIAMI, Nov. 9 (AP) -- Phoenix center Amare Stoudemire's sore right knee is much better, and he was available to play in Friday night's game against the winless Miami Heat.

Stoudemire said he felt no pain during the team's morning shootaround in Miami.

"I think he'll start. He should,'' Suns coach Mike D'Antoni said. "It was just a matter of time. Now it's just getting our team together and getting a little bit better, so it's good to have him back.''

Stoudemire, who had arthroscopic surgery on the knee last month to remove a loose particle, sat out Phoenix's previous three games. The Suns went 2-1 in those contests.

"I feel good. Felt great. Today's one of my better days,'' Stoudemire said after Friday's brief workout.

He had 23 points and 11 rebounds in Phoenix's season-opening win against Seattle, but was largely ineffective the next night in a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, finishing with seven points on 2-for-10 shooting and one rebound in 24 minutes.

Stoudemire hasn't played since.

The two-time All-Star played in only three games of the 2005-06 season because of microfracture surgery on his left knee. He returned strongly last year, playing in all 82 regular-season games and averaging 20.4 points and a career-high 9.6 rebounds. Stoudemire also shot 57.5 percent last year, another career best.

Stoudemire had surgery on the right knee once previously, also to remove some debris.

Chinese TV audience for first Yao vs. Yi game may far exceed Super Bowl

HOUSTON -- Patriots vs. Colts? That's nothing.

In China, Friday night's game between the Milwaukee Bucks and Houston Rockets is expected to draw TV ratings that would put even a Super Bowl to shame.

It's Yao Ming vs. Yi Jianlian, the nation's greatest player facing his highly touted rookie countryman for the first time.

"It's the two best basketball players in the country coming to play in the best basketball league in the world," said Wang Meng, a sports writer who covers the Rockets for Titan Sports, a Beijing-based newspaper. "It doesn't matter who wins. It's the best thing that can happen in China, because people will be excited either way."

The game, starting early Saturday morning in China, will air on 19 television stations, including CCTV-5, the country's government-run network. It also will be available on two Webcasts and on video-enabled, wireless phones.

The NBA also is throwing a viewing party for fans in Beijing.

Wang said the game is expected to draw more than 200 million viewers in China. By comparison, last week's New England-Indianapolis game in the NFL drew an average audience of about 34 million. Last year's Super Bowl drew an average of 93 million.

"The numbers are just extraordinary," said Heidi Ueberroth, the NBA's president of global marketing partnerships and international business operations. "It's very significant. It's showing how much the globalization of the league is on the rise."

Seems the only people not overly psyched about the game are the players themselves.

"You really have to ask fans," Yao said. "I'm playing on the court. I'm not really going to feel how they feel. I know they're excited, very excited."

The two may not even guard each other much, if at all -- the 7-foot-6 Yao matches up with Bucks center Andrew Bogut and the 6-11 Yi will likely draw one of the Rockets' forwards, either Chuck Hayes or Shane Battier.

"Just another game for me," Yi said.

Not for China.

The Rockets drafted Yao with the top overall pick in 2002. His first matchup with Shaquille O'Neal drew over 200 million viewers back home.

He's since developed into one of the game's top centers, a five-time All-Star who's increased his scoring average every season. He had 28 points and 13 rebounds against Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night.

And now comes Yi, the No. 6 pick in the draft. The two played together in Athens and Yao sensed immediately that 6-11 Yi would be a star.

"The first time I saw him, in 2004, for Olympic training camp, I know one day he would play here," Yao said. "He has huge talent. Already, he's shown some part of it, in his first four games."

The two haven't kept in touch much since Yi arrived in Milwaukee. When they did speak, Yao didn't give him much advice on life in the NBA.

"Just try to work hard," Yi said Yao told him. "First season is going to be not easy."

Yao said Yi is going to have to learn on his own, like he did.

"He's going through it in a different place," Yao said. "I don't know much about Milwaukee, I can't tell him too much. I don't want to give him too many pressures, or the wrong messages. Different people get different experiences."

Yi was reportedly disappointed that he wasn't picked by a team in a city with a larger Asian population. He seems to be adjusting just fine, scoring 16 points and grabbing eight rebounds in the Bucks' 78-72 win over Chicago last weekend.

They'll meet in Milwaukee on Feb. 2 and will team up in the Olympics in Beijing. Neither is thinking that far ahead.

"It's the NBA season," Yi said.

But they can't wait in China, where Wang thinks Friday's game will be long remembered as historic.

"When people talk about this, they will think about the game they watched where two Chinese players started in an NBA game," Wang said. "This will help Chinese basketball a lot, just like Luis Scola and Manu Ginobili watched Michael Jordan win the championship back in Argentina.

"Every kid who loves basketball has a basketball dream. For them right now, maybe some of them want to be like Kobe. Maybe some of them want to try to be LeBron James. Now, why not think about being like Yi? This will open their eyes. This is such a great thing."

EuroLeague - Round-up: Spanish delight

Unicaja, TAU, and Barcelona all enjoyed wins on a good night for Spanish sides in the Euroleague.
BASKETBALL 2007-2008 EuroLeague Milano-Unicaja Berni Rodríguez Herve Toure - 0

Group A

Prokom 66-82 TAU

TAU moved to 2-1 in Group A with a 66-82 victory over Prokom Trefl in Sopot to join a five-way tie atop the standings.

Pablo Prigioni and Igor Rakocevic led TAU with 15 points each, while Mirza Teletovic, Zoran Planinic and Tiago Splitter each added 12

Olympiacos 104-76 Virtus Bologna

Arvydas Macijauskas (24), Marc Jackson (24), and Qyntel Woods (23) all had big nights as Olympiacos crushed Virtus Bologna 104-76

The Greeks led 21-11 after one quarter and never looked back for the rest of the game.

Group B

Maccabi Tel-Aviv 73-67 Efes Pilsen

Maccabi overcame a five point deficit going into the final quarter to enjoy a 73-67 victory over Efes Pilsen.

No one Maccabi player in particular stood out during the match with their top scorer Esteban Batista downing only 14 points.

Armani Jeans Milano 65-74 Unicaja Malaga (Picture)

A defensive stand over most of the final quarter was enough for Unicaja to defeat Armani Jeans Milano 65-74 on the road in Italy for its second consecutive Group B victory.

Milano went up 55-53 early in the final quarter, but Unicaja responded with a 0-15 run over a seven minutes spell to decide the outcome.

Group C

Barcelona 82-76 Chorale Roanne

Barcelona registered their second consecutive home win and improved to 2-1 in the Group C standings with an 82-76 win over Chorale Roanne.

Mario Kasun led the winners with 22 points on 9-of-12 two-pointers, while Jaka Lakovic scored 16 points on 4-of-7 shooting from three-point range.
Eurosport

NBA Schedule For November 9th 2007

* Toronto @ Philadelphia

* Indiana @ Charlotte

* Atlanta @ Boston

* Phoenix @ Miami

* Orlando @ N.Y. Knicks

* San Antonio @ New Orleans

* Denver @ Washington"

* Milwaukee @ Houston

* Memphis @ Portland

* Minnesota @ L.A. Lakers

* Cleveland @ Sacramento

* Utah @ Seattle

Forget The 2009 All-Star Game, Phoenix Suns Media Interrogate David Stern Over Amare Stoudemire-Boris Diaw Suspensions

November 09 07

Arizona Republic scribe Paula Bovin reports on David Stern’s first press conference in Phoenix since suspending Amare Stoudemire and Boris Diaw from last year’s playoffs:

Stern’s press conference at US Airways Center that followed the announcement of the 2009 NBA All-Star Game coming here was tense and at times almost uncomfortable. By the end, when someone mentioned "this joyous day" in Phoenix, Stern said,"You could have fooled me."

Hey, we still had questions. The first two came from Channel 15’s Craig Fouhy and Channel 10’s Jude LaCava. Both asked pointed, stern questions about why the commissioner took a tougher stand with Amaré Stoudemire and Boris Diaw for leaving the bench area after a brief altercation in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals than he did with with his own officials, whom he recently acknowledged have all violated the contractual prohibition against engaging in gambling.

My Quick Take: He came in peace, offered the 2009 All-Star game as an olive branch, and then got torn to shreds by Phoenix’s press.

The Arizona media ignored the All-Star game announcement and went Spanish inquisition on David Stern, questioning the commissioner’s decision to suspend Stoudemire and Diaw for leaving the bench during a skirmish in last year’s playoffs.

Here is the real issue: Stern appears to have two sets of rules. Most of the time, he enforces the letter of the law. But sometimes he exercises discretion and only enforces the spirit of the law.

Nobody knows which rules Stern will enforce and when.

For example, every NBA referee wagered on games. Other than Tim Donaghy, they all received a light punishment from the suits at head office.

A few years ago, Antonio Davis didn’t just leave the bench; he jumped over the entire bench area, raced into the stands, and accosted a fan who had been provoked into an argument by the forward’s wife. Davis also got off easy, receiving a five game suspension.

For whatever reason, the commissioner threw the book at STAT and Diaw, suspending the forwards for a minor infraction and killing the Suns’ chances of winning the 2006-07 NBA Title.

Today, Phoenix’s reporters wanted Stern to explain the league’s process for deciding suspensions. What criteria are used? After all, it would appear that the ‘commish’ gets together with right-hand Stu Jackson and the two use an ouiji board to dole out random sentences for indiscretions.

But instead of providing the media with an explanation, Stern did the expected-he got defensive. And today’s press conference was as comfortable as Isiah Thomas and George Karl getting together for afternoon tea.

Suns-nation will eventually accept last year’s misfortune. They have to. After all, the players have moved on. But today’s press conference with Stern proved time hasn’t healed all wounds-even when the commissioner is extending an olive branch.

Should Phoenix’s media and fans let go of last year’s playoffs? Get at us in the comment box below with your thoughts.

2007-08 NBA Season Offers Broadest Global TV Distribution in League History



- NBA to Reach Fans in 215 Countries and 41 languages-

NEW YORK, Nov. 9, 2007 – Through new partnerships and key renewals, the 2007-08 NBA season will offer its broadest global television distribution in league history. Overall, NBA games and programming will be seen in 215 countries in 41 languages.

The NBA has a record 202 TV networks this season, 14 of which are airing NBA content for the first-time, including CBC (Canada) and TVB Jade and TVB Pearl (Hong Kong). The NBA has renewed key partnerships in markets including NHK (Japan), which will enter its 20th season as an NBA partner, Five (UK), SKY and SportItalia (Italy), Premiere (Germany), 7TV (Russia) and Beijing TV (China).

There is currently increased fan and media interest in China as the two Chinese NBA players, Milwaukee Bucks rookie Yi Jianlian and Houston Rockets All-Star Yao Ming, will play against each other in an NBA game for the first time tonight. The game will air on 19 television stations in Greater China, including national station CCTV-5, on two Web sites, Sohu.com and NBA.com/china, and Kong will make the game available on a live basis via mobile phones in China. All will take the game live, except for ESPN in Hong Kong.

The NBA is conducting a live viewing party in Beijing for fans, partners and media. Yi and Yao’s second regular season showdown will take place during the Chinese New Year on February 2. In China, the NBA airs on 51 TV stations in Greater China and will look to eclipse one billion viewers for the third consecutive season.

The NBA will follow the success of 2007 NBA Europe Live presented by EA SPORTS by expanding programming in the region. In Europe, the NBA is launching a new program called “NBA 360” that will air in prominent program slots in several European markets and offer highlights and "the best of the NBA" from the past weekend. On November 5, NBA 360 began to air in Germany (Premiere), UK (Five), Italy (Sportitalia), Russia (7TV), Hungary (Sport 1) and Slovenia (Sport Klub).



About the NBA
The NBA, founded in 1946, is a global sports and entertainment brand that features 30 teams in the United States and Canada. During the 2007-08 season, the NBA will distribute games and programming to 215 countries and territories in 41 languages. The league’s worldwide reach can also be seen with 76 international players from 31 countries and territories on NBA rosters. Domestically, the NBA broadcasted 142 games on national television last season on ABC, TNT, ESPN and ESPN2, and eclipsed attendance records for the fourth consecutive season.

NBA TV, launched in 1999 as the first 24-hour television channel created and operated by a professional sports league, is distributed to 80 countries. NBA merchandise is sold in more than 100,000 stores in 100 countries on six continents; NBA.com gets more than half of its visitors from outside the United States.

As fans witness tremendous performances on the court, some of the NBA’s most significant efforts occur off the court. NBA Cares is the league's social responsibility initiative that builds on the NBA's long tradition of addressing important social issues in the United States and around the world. During the first year of NBA Cares, teams, current and former players, and the league office contributed 205,000 hours of hands-on volunteer service, raised more than $32 million for charity, and created 109 places where kids and families can live, learn or play. NBA Cares works with internationally-recognized youth-serving programs that support education, youth and family development, and health-related causes, including: UNICEF; Reading Is Fundamental; Habitat for Humanity; Boys & Girls Clubs of America; Feed the Children, Special Olympics, KaBoom!, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and many others.

Suns’ Stoudemire Likely To Play Tonight

In the ARIZONA REPUBLIC, Paul Coro writes “in a way, the Suns worked it out in practice Thursday. That is because Amaré Stoudemire's session went so well that he said he would have played in a game Thursday. His presence can open passing lanes and shooting space for teammates. Stoudemire said his right knee was slightly sore and swollen Thursday but that it felt better when he warmed up. 'It's not for sure, for sure, but it's leaning more toward so than not so,' Stoudemire said in regard to his status for tonight's game at winless Miami."

Knicks’ Crawford Wins Community Assist Award for October

NEW YORK, Nov. 9, 2007 – In recognition of Jamal Crawford’s outstanding efforts in the community and for his ongoing philanthropic work, the NBA has honored the New York Knicks guard with the Community Assist Award for October.

During October, the 6-foot-5 Seattle native, unveiled the “Crawford Library,” a newly created full-service and state-of-the-art library at P.S. 58 in the Bronx, New York. Crawford’s partnership with the school began last fall through the nonprofit organization PENCIL. The organization works to improve student achievement in New York City public schools by creating and supporting customized partnerships leveraging the expertise, talents, commitment and resources of school and business leaders. The organization also runs an annual Principal for a Day program which the eighth-year guard participated in.

The entire project was underwritten by the Jamal Crawford Foundation, and includes new furniture, equipment, bookshelves, tables and chairs, carpeting, paint, a computer station, and a collection of new reading resources.

“I made a promise to Principal Velma Gunn last fall when I partnered with the school through PENCIL,” said Crawford. “The condition of the school’s library was unacceptable, and we agreed that the students deserved far better in order to get motivated about reading and learning. I’m confident they will take full advantage of what this newly renovated library has to offer.”

In addition to the NBA’s Community Assist Award, Crawford recently received the ‘Shining Stars’ award during the annual Starlight Starbright’s Celebrity Sports Auction, held in New York City for his work in the community. Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation helps seriously ill children and their families cope with their pain, fear and isolation through entertainment, education and family activities.

During the 2007-08 season, the Knicks star will host “Crawford’s Crew,” a section of 20 seats per game inside Madison Square Garden that are donated to community groups which serve youth in the NY-metro area. With an assist from Crawford, over 800 children will be able to experience a Knicks game in person this season at The World’s Most Famous Arena. Crawford also participated in a commercial shoot for this season’s Knicks and Garden of Dreams School Supply Drive. The Knicks will host school supply drives during three home games in December and fans that bring supplies will have a chance to meet a former Knicks player and receive a special commemorative item from the Knicks and Garden of Dreams.

In addition to his work during October, Crawford continuously devotes his time and resources to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Garden of Dreams Foundation, which is committed to "making dreams come true for kids in crisis,” and his own foundation, which helps expose inner-city children to numerous activities outside of their usual experiences.

As the recipient of the NBA Community Assist Award, Crawford will receive the David Robinson Plaque with the inscription, “Following the standard set by NBA Legend David Robinson who improved the community piece by piece.” In addition to the plaque, a $5,000 donation will be given to the charity of Crawford’s choice. The league presents the NBA Community Assist Award monthly to recognize players for their charitable efforts. The award honors the NBA player who reflects the passion that the league and its players have for giving back to their communities.

Lakers’ Odom To Return To Lineup

In the LOS ANGELES DAILY NEWS, Rich Hammond writes “the expected return of Lamar Odom to the Lakers' starting lineup on Friday will send one of his teammates to the bench, and the smart money seems to be on forward Luke Walton. Barring any last-minute setbacks, Odom, who underwent shoulder surgery in May, will play Friday. Last season, Odom partnered with Walton in the starting frontcourt, but that could change now. Phil Jackson did indicate that Odom would start, rather than ease his way back into the lineup as a reserve.”

Yao, Yi Set For Big Matchup

In the HOUSTON CHRONICLE, Jonathan Feigen writes “this is what NBA Commissioner David Stern had in mind that night of the 2002 NBA draft when, with visions of a vast global market waiting to be conquered, he called out the name Yao Ming. This will be a night that seemed impossible a few years ago when a November game between the Rockets and the Milwaukee Bucks represented anything but what tonight's game will be, a must-have ticket and an international sporting event.”

Dallas 120 - Golden State 115

OAKLAND, Calif., Nov. 8 (AP) -- Baron Davis lined up a straightaway 3-point shot to tie it in the waning seconds, and the Golden State crowd rose while the Mavericks' hearts sank.

From Dirk Nowitzki to the peanut vendors, everybody assumed the man who became a Bay Area folk hero with his dynamic playoff performances against Dallas last spring would hit another magical shot to hurt the Mavs.

"We gave Baron a look like that, and it looked like he was going to get it,'' Nowitzki admitted.

But Baron blew it, and the Dallas Mavericks fled Oracle Arena with a 120-115 victory over the winless Golden State Warriors on Thursday night -- and a bit of hollow revenge from their historic playoff defeat in the same arena they finally silenced.

Nowitzki scored eight of his 22 points in the fourth quarter, while Jason Terry and Josh Howard both had 24 points as the Mavericks snapped a five-game regular season losing streak against an opponent that always brings out the worst in one of the NBA's best franchises.

Until Davis' 3-point attempt clanged off the front of the rim with 4 seconds to play, the Mavericks were all but expecting a calamity. They lost three games in Oakland last spring in front of frenzied crowds as Davis led the eighth-seeded Warriors to the NBA's first upset of a top-seeded opponent in a seven-game series.

"We're always going to look at how that season ended,'' Nowitzki said. "That won't leave us, but this is a young team, and our team may still have its time.''

With a whole lot less at stake Thursday night, the Mavericks needed strong efforts from every veteran to hang on against an 0-5 Golden State team with 10 players in uniform. No matter the circumstances, the Mavs finally moved their biggest mental block a few inches.

"If we lose, maybe it's a big deal,'' said Jerry Stackhouse, who hit a key 3-pointer with 37 seconds left. "If we win, I don't know if it's that much of a big deal. With what's gone on over the past year and a half between these teams, any time we meet it's going to be a big game.''

Davis was outstanding again, scoring 15 of his 37 points in the fourth quarter and carrying his team's six-man rotation into the final minutes. Kelenna Azubuike had 27 points and a career-high 11 rebounds for the Warriors, who had a short bench because of injuries and the suspension of Stephen Jackson, their defensive leader against Nowitzki last spring.

"I think it was a big step for us,'' said Howard, who fouled out with 5:50 to play. "We took on a great team and beat them on their home court. That's something we can use later on.''

After Golden State pulled within one point in the final minute, Stackhouse hit a 3-pointer from the sideline to put the Mavs up 117-113. Davis cut the lead to two points, but Brandon Bass -- who wasn't around for last season's defeat -- grabbed an offensive rebound amid four Warriors with 8 seconds left.

Stackhouse made just one free throw, giving Golden State a final shot to tie it. But Davis' 3-pointer was short, and Devin Harris hit two free throws to finish with 21 points.

While the Mavs spoke of the win's cathartic aspects, the Warriors have bigger problems -- their 0-5 start and another night of dismal free throw shooting (16-for-30).

"It's tough, because we're not putting ourselves in position to win the game when we're not making free throws,'' said Davis, who went 6-for-9. "I'm one of the culprits. We played well enough to win. We just didn't make our free throws.''

The Warriors lost their first four games this season while struggling to replace Jason Richardson and Jackson, who was suspended for pleading guilty to a felony charge of criminal recklessness. Golden State also played Thursday night without forward Mickael Pietrus, who stayed home with the flu, and injured veteran reserves Troy Hudson and Austin Croshere.

"I wouldn't count us out,'' Davis said. "This team is capable of winning 10 games in a row. We have to lock in, get Jack back and we're going to be good.''

Notes: Moments after Davis made an electrifying putback dunk in the second quarter, Harris and Matt Barnes both got technical fouls for a confrontation under the basket. ... Warriors rookie Stephane Lasme made his NBA debut, playing the final 3.8 seconds of the first half. Lasme was a second-round draft pick from Massachusetts. ... Guitarist Carlos Santana, a Bay Area resident, watched the game in a courtside seat.

Nuggets’ Nene Out 6 Weeks With Thumb Injury

DENVER, Nov. 8 (AP) -- Denver Nuggets power forward Nene is expected to miss up to six weeks because of a torn ligament in his left thumb.

Nene was injured in Denver's 119-93 loss at Boston on Wednesday night. He saw a hand specialist in Denver on Thursday, and the team said Dr. Carlton Clinkscale will operate on the thumb Friday.

The Nuggets, who have lost three straight games, have been hit hard by injuries for the third straight season. They have three points guards who are out: Michael Wilks (hamstring), Anthony Carter (broken hand) and Chucky Atkins (groin) and are monitoring minutes for power forward Kenyon Martin, coming back from a knee operation last year. Martin isn't playing in back-to-back games and is limited to about 18 minutes a game.

Nene made a successful comeback last season from a knee injury that wiped out almost his entire 2005-06 season.

Detroit Pistons - Chicago Bulls 97-93

CHICAGO, Nov. 8 (AP) -- Tyrus Thomas had 19 points and 14 rebounds and the Chicago Bulls finally got their first victory after four losses, beating the Detroit Pistons, 97-93, on Thursday night.

Chicago overcame a 36-point performance from Rasheed Wallace in the first meeting between the teams since the Pistons beat the Bulls 4-2 in the Eastern Conference semifinals last spring.

Luol Deng added 17 points and Ben Gordon had 16 for the Bulls, while Kirk Hinrich had 14 assists.

Richard Hamilton scored 18 points for the Pistons, who lost after winning their first three games.

Hamilton drove the lane for a sweeping basket as the shot clock went off, cutting the Bulls lead to 94-93 with 1:35 to play. After the teams traded turnovers, Chicago's Joe Smith missed a jumper and the Pistons had a chance to retake the lead. But Wallace's short bank shot wouldn't stay in and the Bulls rebounded with 33 seconds to go.

Gordon then made the first of two free throws after being fouled by Hamilton to give the Bulls a 95-93 lead with 26 seconds remaining.

After a timeout, Wallace's turnaround attempt over Thomas hit the rim and came off with 13 seconds to go.

But when Smith missed the first of two from the line it was 96-93 and the Pistons got one last chance for a tie. Hamilton's 3-pointer was short and the Bulls rebounded with 2.9 seconds left. Thomas' free throw sealed the victory.

The high-leaping Thomas had several rim-shattering jams and a spectacular left-handed reverse layup late in the third quarter. He was 8-for-12 from the field.

Wallace, who hit from both the outside and off post-up moves, was 12-of-24 from the field and had nine rebounds.

In the first half, the Bulls showed the hustle they'd been lacking in four straight losses and jumped to a 12-point lead in the second quarter.

Wallace's 3-pointer helped the Pistons go on a 13-4 run and Detroit hacked the lead to 51-45 by halftime, hitting 13 of 19 free throws.

Notes: Wallace's 36 points were his most since joining the Pistons in the 2003-04 season. His overall career high is 42. ... Ben Wallace says playing his former team, the Pistons, is old news. "It's been just another game for a long time. All the hoopla is dead now,'' he said. Wallace did not play in the fourth quarter Thursday and finished with seven rebounds and six points. ... Thomas' 14 rebounds were a career high. ... Chicago's bench outscored the Pistons' reserves 31-13.

New Jersey 87 - Washington 85


EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., Nov. 8 (AP) -- Hustling for rebounds, helping out on defense and getting another big effort from Richard Jefferson has the New Jersey Nets off to their best start in five years.

Jefferson scored 25 points and grabbed an offensive rebound to set up his two game-winning free throws with 24 seconds to play as the Nets rallied from a 20-point first-half deficit for an 87-85 victory over the winless Washington Wizards on Thursday night.

After blowing a six-point lead over the final 1:53, the Nets made two big plays to send Washington to its fourth straight loss.

Jefferson made the first, grabbing the rebound of a missed 3-pointer by Vince Carter.

"Your eyes get real big sometimes when it's a tied game and someone takes a shot,'' Jefferson said. "A lot of times people turn around and look at the ball. No one boxed me out and I had a free run at it and the ball bounced perfectly to me.''

Once Jefferson had the ball, he was fouled by Antonio Daniels. That was money for the Nets. Jefferson made both free throws, finishing a 12-for-12 night and making him 46-of-47 for the season, including 21 in a row.

The Nets' fourth victory in five games wasn't secured until Antoine Wright forced Gilbert Arenas to the corner in the waning seconds, and Carter deflected his off-balance shot.

"I got a finger or two on it,'' said Carter, who had 24 points, including 12-of-14 from the line. "I wanted to let Antoine know I was there and I just tried to contest it and make it as tough a shot as possible. He is still capable of hitting shots like that.''

Wizards coach Eddie Jordan had no problem with Arenas going for the win, since he came up big so often last season.

"He said, `Let's win it,' and we tried to win it,'' Jordan said.

The Nets made things tough on Arenas by switching to a zone for the final play.

"I should have stayed straight up going toward the basket instead of going right,'' said Arenas, who had 21 points on 7-of-17 shooting. "Once I went right, there was no time left and Vince jumped pretty quick. ... It was just a bad shot on my part.''

Arenas, who is coming off knee surgery, has struggled with his shooting this season. He is 27-of-76 from the field (35.5 percent).

Bostjan Nachbar had 10 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter, when the Nets shot 65 percent.

Antawn Jamison had 24 points and nine rebounds for Washington, while Caron Butler added 21 points.

The 0-4 start is the first for Washington since 1992-93.

"It's embarrassing to start off 0-4. Last year, we started off 4-0,'' Arenas said. "We got off to a good run tonight from the start and we hadn't seen that all year. We'll get better.''

Trailing 85-79 with 1:53 to play, the Wizards tied the game with two defensive stops and six free throws, the last two by Butler with 39 seconds left.

The Nets then made the plays to win.

Jefferson hit a 3-pointer and converted a three-point play in an 8-0 run that gave New Jersey an 85-79 lead with 1:53 to play.

Over the next 74 seconds, Butler hit four free throws and Arenas made two to tie the game.

Coming into the game there was some question whether Arenas would play after getting fluid drained from his left knee.

Not only did he start, Arenas hit his first three shots, including two 3-pointers to spark a 16-2 spurt. The Wizards' lead was 12 points at the end of the quarter and it ballooned to 37-17 5 minutes into the second when Jamison hit consecutive baskets.

The Nets called a timeout and switched to a zone. It worked perfectly as New Jersey finished the half on a 19-4 spurt to close the gap to 41-36. Carter had seven points in the burst and Jefferson five.

Notes: Butler tied his career high with seven steals. ... After averaging 18.3 offensive rebounds in its first three games, Washington had eight, including none in the first half. ... Jefferson has 6,778 points as a Nets, moving into fifth place all-time ahead of Chris Morris (6,762). ... Washington has lost six straight overall to the Nets and 13 of 14 in New Jersey. ... Backup Nets C Jamaal Magloire had a season-high 12 rebounds.

Wittman, McCants After Practice

Wolves Head Coach Randy Wittman

Q: On McCants:
A: He is out here shooting, that’s a positive. He didn’t practice. It’s sore. He felt much better yesterday and came in for treatment on the day off and felt better. We’ll take him on the trip. I’m not sure if he’ll play or not. We’ll see.

Q: On McCants’ performance prior to his injury:
A: He was doing a nice job. He was in a good mode of attacking, wasn’t settling for jump shots, taking the ball to the basket. He needs to keep doing it.

Q: On Greg Buckner in the early going:
A: Buck has been playing good. I can’t ask for him to give him any more than he’s giving. I’d be stupid to say, Hey Buck, you have to give me more. I’m probably stretching him going 39 minutes but I had to have him on the floor against Orlando.

Q: On Buckner as a scoring threat:
A: People don’t ever say that Buckner is a shooter. In Dallas, he played that way, off of Nowitzki and them at the three-point line. You don’t think about that … All of a sudden he knocks a couple shots down. I didn’t anticipate it but that is what he really did at Dallas. I’d like to keep him at this level, but he has given us a big lift.

Q: On Buckner defensively:
A: We knew he was versatile and more of an offensive threat than Trenton (Hassell). He has the ability in different situations to shoot. He’s a shooter if he’s open. Let’s just keep him at the same numbers.

Q: On comparing Buckner and Hassell:
A: A little different. Trenton was a great one-on-one defender. Buck is a great team defender. He reads situations well. He has that team understanding.

Q: On matching up with Kobe Bryant:
A: There will be different guys that will have to guard him. Marco (Jaric) will have to play him some. Corey (Brewer) will play him some. Gerald (Green) will get his chance.

Q: On Mark Madsen’s recovery progress:
A: I can see sometimes during play that he has limited range with it (shoulder). I’d like to see him get more range before we go forward.

Q: On whether Gerald Green will be activated:
A: I anticipate it. He went today and came in yesterday for his toe. It looks good so I anticipate that if his toe is good than he’ll be activated.

Q: On Theo Ratliff’s recovery from the flu:
A: He’s not quite where he is. He had a virus so he’s still fighting that a little bit. I asked him after practice and he said ‘fine.’

Q: On the Lakers:
A: I know that on opening night (Kobe Bryant) put up 45 and I don’t know what he has done since then. We have to play concepts. What type of team are we? We need to learn about defending post-ups, pick and rolls and things like that - not necessarily who we are playing. That is eventually where we have to get, but right now it’s more teaching these guys what we have to do.

Q: On getting the first win:
A: It’s important. They know it. We know it. That’s what this league is all about. But you know what? It’s also about doing things the right way and we’ve done a lot of things the right way. That’s part of the growing process. That’s why I don’t want these guys to get down. We are 0-3 and I don’t want anyone to be happy with that. I’m not happy with it, but I am happy with what we are doing.

Q: On performing down the stretch:
A: We have to make plays. It’s the fourth quarter and we have to make plays. Other teams have done that to us. Rashard Lewis hit three big shots and we had great defense on two of them. You have to make plays in the fourth quarter and we’ve tried to emulate that as practices goes along. Now is not the time to gamble on a steal and give them a layup. Now is not the time to reach in when they are in the bonus in a tie game with a minute and a half to go. Those are the things we have got to learn now. Those are the same things that have hurt us in the first three games.

Q: On Corey Brewer playing more aggressively:
A: I want him doing that. That’s who Corey is. Corey isn’t a catch-and-shoot player, he’s a slasher.

Wolves guard Rashad McCants

Q: On if he’s surprised about the quick recovery progress:
A: Definitely. Looking at it over and over again, it’s eerie, the way I went down and all. But I’ve had many ankle sprains and this one probably hurt the worst. I did a lot I didn’t expect to do today and it feels even a whole lot better than it did yesterday. In the next couple days, I hope to return.

Q: On seeing time during the road trip:
A: Definitely Sacramento, if not the Lakers. Just depends on how I feel at shootaround tomorrow. Just a matter of icing and getting it ready for tomorrow.

Q: On guarding Kobe Bryant:
A: You need four ankles to cover Kobe. You need the heart and determination—that’s the one thing that separates the men from the boys. Against Bryant you have to have the heart and you have to be fearless..

Q: On losing close games:
A: We really can’t worry and stress ourselves about close games. We could be 3-0. Other teams that are struggling as well as us that you would expect to win. Nobody expects us to win, but we expect us to win. One thing we have to focus on is doing what we are supposed to do and not worrying about other teams and situations. We just have to come in here and get better everyday. The wins are going to come … everything will turn our way, calls, shots, rebounds … all that stuff will come if you keep working hard.

Q: On getting down after losing first three games:
A: That is a winner’s response when you’re used to winning. You lose one, your head drops for a second and then you’ll realize that there is tomorrow. You can always do better and prepare for the next win. That’s one thing that we have to instill in our young guys … No matter how hard you work, sometimes you end up on the losing end but you learn that coming in everyday.

Q: On the frustration after the injury:
A: I felt the pain and I got up quickly. I walked it off and I thought it would go away if I just walked it off. As I started to come back on the floor I thought “no way could this be happening” after fouling out in New York, foul trouble in Denver, after microfracture surgery. You think that you’re done with all the bad luck, but luckily for me it was nothing serious. I’ll bounce back.

China's best set to meet for first time in NBA

HOUSTON -- Before departing on a recent road trip, Rockets star center Yao Ming swung by the team's video room with a special request.

He wanted a DVD featuring every highlight from Yi Jianlian's brief NBA career.

"He looks nice," Yao said after watching the disc.

On Friday night, Yao will finally get a closer look at China's next big thing in the NBA.

Before what is expected to be one of the largest television audiences in the history of the league, Yao will play against Yi for the first time in the NBA when the Milwaukee Bucks visit Toyota Center.

The two stars will be the first Chinese players to match up against each other since Dallas' Wang Zhizhi played against Denver's Mengke Bateer in 2002. But obviously, Yao vs. Yi has a bit more intrigue.

During a national telecast on China's CCTV on Saturday morning, nearly 150 million fans are expected tune into the game between the country's two biggest stars. The NBA is even throwing a huge viewing party -- complete with an American-style breakfast -- in downtown Beijing.

"After being in China for a couple of years, I finally appreciate how big Yao is," Rockets forward Shane Battier said. "It's going to be really cool to play knowing that so many eye balls are on this game. It really is a landmark occasion. But 20 years from now, it's going to be a common occurrence for Chinese players to be lining up against each other."

Yao is more than familiar with Yi's game.

Since training camp for the 2004 Olympic Games, Yao and Yi have formed the Chinese national team's formidable front line. Yi, a 7-footer, showed up to camp as a forward with good shooting range and athleticism.

The Rockets center said he knew in their first meeting that Yi would eventually be joining him in the NBA.

"I knew one day he would end up playing here," Yao said. "He has huge talent and he already showed part of it in his first four games."

Yi (pronounced Ee) has certainly shown why the Bucks made him the sixth overall pick in the NBA Draft.

The Chinese star has already emerged as a starter in the Bucks lineup, fitting into a starting five that features Michael Redd and Andrew Bogut. During his third NBA game, he showcased his potential by scoring 16 points and collecting eight rebounds to help the Bucks beat the Chicago Bulls.

But even with that progress, Yi has a long road to NBA stardom. He had a two-point performance against Charlotte in which he played only 15 minutes. The Bucks rookie also needs to add more bulk to his 239-pound frame and develop his low-post game.

Yao can relate to Yi's start. During his rookie season, Yao averaged 2.5 points and 4.0 rebounds in his first four games. He even joked Thursday that he was just hoping "the Rockets wouldn't send" him back to China.

Given that, Yao did offer Yi some advice upon his arrival to the United States.

"We talked to each other like twice when I got to the U.S.," Yi said. "(Yao said) just try to work hard (because the) first season is going to be not easy."

Despite Yi needing more time to develop his game and adjust to life in the NBA, the matchup against Yao has generated enormous fan interest in China. The Rockets have given media credentials to 14 Chinese reporters, which is double the amount that regularly covers the team. The game is expected to air on 19 different stations throughout the country.

Meng Wang, a sports reporter for Titan Sports who covers the Rockets and Yao, said Chinese fans have been clamoring about the potential matchup between Yao and Yi since the Bucks rookie was selected in the NBA Draft.

"It's such a big event," Meng said. "I think this a landmark (game). Two Chinese players start for two NBA teams. That means a lot. Because of this, more and more Chinese fans will watch the NBA and basketball will get bigger in China. This will encourage more kids to play basketball and, one day, there will be more Chinese players to come to the NBA."

Yao would certainly welcome the increased attention.

Despite all the hoopla and talk about how many viewers will be following Friday night's action, the Rockets center was actually a little disappointed to hear there wouldn't be more viewers in China.

He hopes more Chinese fans will be as anxious to see Yi as he was earlier this week.

"I heard it's going to be close to 200 million people watching," Yao said. "Hey, our country has 1.6 billion people. That's still a small part of it."