Butler tops Washington St. 84-68 for Hawaii title (AP)

Mack Helsinki-Shelvin was awarded 20 points pace Butler 84 - 68 victory on Washington State Diamond Head-Classic Championship game Saturday night.

A second 15-0-run half fed their fifth victory right Bulldogs (9-4).

Klay Thompson scored a game-high 31 points leads Cougars (10-2), whose five-game winning streak ended.

Butler, creating a magical race in NCAA tournament lost to Duke in the national title game last season shot 50 percent in the field, including 11 of 27 on 3-pointers.

The Bulldogs marked their first six possessions of the second half, including three straight 3-pointers. Both come from Zach Hahn, who finished with 14 points. Andrew Smith and tournament MVP Matt Howard had also 14 points. Mack and Thompson also all-tournament team.

Florida State defeated No. Baylor 15 for third place.

Supporter of the FG thwarts Dallas rally, Arizona WINS (PA)

GLENDALE, Arizona - third string quarterbacks season began, John Skelton and Stephen McGee was lead parts in a drama performed by a couple of NFL teams led nowhere Christmas night.

Jay Feely 48-yard field goal shoved the crossbar with 5 seconds to play, the Arizona Cardinals to a victory for Dallas cowboys 26-27.

"Really, nothing is larger that defeat the Dallas cowboys on Christmas day now," cardinal rookie QB Skelton said. "Expert (coach Ken Whisenhunt) shook my hand before the game and I said, ' we have a last gift to unpack.". Sure enough, took the last minute, but we have it. »

Gathering of Dallas (5-10) 18 points to take a cash advance 26-24, Stephen McGee, in his first game of the NFL, discarded 45 meters to Miles Austin for a touchdown with 1 h 46 to play. But the extra point David Buehler wide left.

"I'm not feeling too good," said Buehler. "I feel bad for Stephen.". He led the team over there and got landing. Fade is something that something is automatically. You must place them in amounts. I think that I am a bit rushed. »

Arizona (5-10) was in deep trouble after the send, but Skelton, on fourth-and-15 Cardinal 19 26-metre threw on Larry Fitzgerald, just grab the game. When Skelton seasoned 19 metres of fellow rookie Max Komar.

A penalty of illegal training moves the ball back 5 metres but still well in the range Feely. Supporter, who had a previous three, 49 yards through the whole season, including a 49-yard attempt missed Saturday night.

Cowboys many thought she had won when the penalty was called because it is a drain for 10 seconds provided. But the referee Jeff triplet said that drain does not call illegal training.

Dallas fell behind 14-0 when Kitna intercepts returned to affected Cowboys first two possessions. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie back the first 32 metres and Greg Toler second 66.

Cardinals under clear skies with the roof open stage and at least half the capacity crowd cheering for Dallas, took a 21-3 lead. Skelton, in his third start of NFL, connected with large open rookie Andre Roberts on a 74 yards for a quarter of young first touchdown pass NFL games.

Kitna, starter as Tony Romo went with a fracture of the collarbone, obtained Dallas in the resting area. Scrambled 7 m of the centre line 2 yards of Arizona and the fourth quarter of 38 years threw Jason Witten score. He left the field and immediately went to the door with a hip injury and has not yet play watch margin wearing a baseball cap.

McGee, a fourth round choose Texas A & M in 2009, is flexible, repeatedly connecting third-down. He completed 11 of 17 metres of 111 with no interceptions.

The Cowboys dominate in the third quarter, Arizona 23 metres only and no first downs, real Cardinals lead 10-0 to cut 21-20.

49 Feely yards strengthens the head up to 24-20, forcing the cowboys go for a touchdown.

They got this on a perfect pass McGee in Austin at the end of your fingers. The best in Arizona could hope to overtime, everyone thought. Missed Buehler and then tries to kick conversion for the second time in 40.

Austin slipped on first ownership of Dallas, making Rodgers-Cromartie out of step and run at the end of the area.

On the next possession, the cowboys led Arizona 39, then Kitna pass bounced off the coast in the hands of Roy Williams in the arms of Toler, that is not known and which exceeded the competition for the TD.

This was the first time since 1999, a team of two interceptions for notes in the first quarter was returned.

Parts were given Arizona 12 return affected, second most in the history of the NFL behind Seattle 13 in 2003. This includes the interceptions, the kickoff, trays and analyses.

Cheat U.S. drug year cut from ban (AFP) tennis player

London (REUTERS) - to cover one year American Wayne Odesnik Wednesday tennis player shame has carved a prohibition of two years for doping offences after fully cooperate with the international tennis Federation in the program.

Of Africa's South-born Player aged 25 years who received a best ranking in the world of 77 April last year - was arrested on 2 January, in Brisbane, Australia, in possession of eight bulbs of human growth hormone and then pleaded guilty to an Australian court March 26 Australia import.

He refused to take the prohibited to increase performance.

Retroactive Odesnik ban had its strength at December 29, 2009, leaving free resume career playing next week.

Playoff spot on for affordable (PA)

Translate Request has too much data
Parameter name: request
Translate Request has too much data
Parameter name: request
Translate Request has too much data
Parameter name: request
By BARRY WILNER, AP Pro Football Writer Barry Wilner, Ap Pro Football Writer – Sat Dec 25, 10:58 pm ET

There it is, within grasp, for a half-dozen teams: that coveted playoff berth.

The chore is simple for five of them. If the Saints, Eagles, Giants, Jets or Ravens win, they are in. Doesn't matter what anybody else does; no help required.

Kansas City needs a victory and a loss by San Diego to capture the AFC West. The Chiefs host Tennessee, while the Chargers are at Cincinnati, and many expect that race to come down to the season finales.

"What you work and play all year for is to play after the regular season," says Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson. "And that's what we plan to do."

San Diego has made its usual charge in the second half of the schedule, winning six of seven. Star quarterback Philip Rivers figures it will take eight of nine to stay alive.

"We know we need to win the next two to even have a chance, and we still need some help," says the NFL's highest-ranked passer in December. "We've always wanted to finish strong, and we've been able to do that. But it's certainly going to be a challenge these last two weeks."

Well, maybe not that big a challenge: The Chargers' other game is at woeful Denver. Kansas City hosts its biggest rival, Oakland, next weekend.

New England, Pittsburgh and Atlanta already own postseason spots. The Saints get one if they win at Atlanta, which also would keep the defending Super Bowl champions in position to take the AFC South that the Falcons currently lead by two games.

The winner of that division figures to get a first-round bye.

"It's a huge advantage to have that bye and have that home game, but there's been teams that haven't had that luxury and moved on to do special things," says Saints linebacker Scott Shanle. "I won't deny that (playing on the road) does make your job harder. But it's not impossible."

The Eagles win the NFC East by beating Minnesota in the Sunday night game.

Also Sunday, the Giants are at Green Bay and the Jets visit Chicago. With wins at their NFC North opponents, both New York teams can secure wild cards.

Baltimore travels to Cleveland with a chance to secure a postseason berth; New England is at Buffalo with a shot at grabbing the AFC East crown and a first-round bye; Indianapolis tries to hold onto the top spot in the AFC South when it visits Oakland while division runner-up Jacksonville hosts Washington; San Francisco is at St. Louis and Seattle visits Tampa Bay in the not-so-wild NFC West race.

On Saturday night, in a rare Christmas game, Arizona edged Dallas 27-26 on Jay Feely's 48-yard field goal with 5 seconds remaining. Both teams are 5-10.

Two other games with no meaning whatsoever in the playoff races take place Sunday: Houston at Denver and Detroit at Miami.

The weekend's action began Thursday night with Pittsburgh beating Carolina 27-3. The Steelers are 11-4 and the Panthers are 2-13.

___

Tennessee (6-8) at Kansas City (9-5)

Matt Cassel showed tremendous grit last Sunday by returning from an appendectomy to guide Kansas City past Missouri rival St. Louis. But it's the staunch running of Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones that makes the offense go, and the defense under coordinator Romeo Crennel is among the most improved in the league.

"I'm happy we're in a situation where we can control our own destiny. I'm happy that no matter what, we're going to have a winning season. There are a lot of pluses," Chiefs guard Brian Waters says. "I'm very excited about it all. But now we have a responsibility to our fans and to ourselves not to get carried away and not to look too far ahead."

The Titans aren't eliminated from the AFC South race, but they need to get their house in order for next season and they broke a six-game slide by beating the Texans last weekend.

San Diego (8-6) at Cincinnati (3-11)

You sort of expect the Chargers to be a factor in the division and behind the superb work of Rivers, despite a slew of injuries around him, they are. A stumble in their longest trip east all season doesn't seem likely, and they don't have to worry about covering Terrell Owens: T.O. is MIA, on injured reserve after need surgery.

New Orleans (10-4) at Atlanta (12-2), Monday night

Ah, the marquee matchup of the weekend. Atlanta won on an overtime field goal at New Orleans in Week 3, a victory that provided tremendous impetus toward the league's best record. The Falcons can shut up any remaining doubters that they are a championship quality outfit by handing the Saints a second consecutive defeat, which also gives Atlanta home-field advantage throughout the conference playoffs.

New Orleans struggled against the run in its loss at Baltimore last Sunday, which bodes well for the Falcons, who can ram the ball through most defenses.

"We know what's at stake," Atlanta coach Mike Smith says. "The one thing I will say, though, is there's a lot of football left to be played over the next couple of weeks."

Minnesota (5-9) at Philadelphia (10-4)

Don't expect a 7-minute, 28-point explosion from the Eagles again. Then again, why not with the way Michael Vick, DeSean Jackson, Brent Celek, Jeremy Maclin and LeSean McCoy are performing behind an inconsistent line that they make look better than it actually is.

NBC wanted this game for prime time, perhaps hoping for a Vick vs. Brett Favre matchup. At least the network gets the most entertaining and dynamic offense in football — and it can recount, once again, all the tribulations in Minnesota, even if Favre isn't on the field.

N.Y. Giants (9-5) at Green Bay (8-6)

One day after that stunning collapse against Philly, Giants QB Eli Manning got vocal with his teammates. Is that a sign of leadership or are the Giants on the verge of panic?

Manning had one of the best games of his career in the 2007 NFC title game at frigid Lambeau Field, and he's pretty good at bouncing back from disappointment. Plus, a win and the Giants are in at least as a wild card, not a bad scenario if they then can emulate '07's run to the championship.

Green Bay is hopeful of getting back its star quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, from a concussion. The Pack must win its last two games to get into the postseason as a wild card.

N.Y. Jets (10-4) at Chicago (10-4)

No coach deserves more credit for his team's success this year than Lovie Smith. The Bears were projected as a .500 or below squad when the season began, yet if they win this one and the Eagles and Giants both lose, Chicago adds a bye to its NFC North crown.

Both teams excel on kick returns, Chicago with record-setting Devin Hester, New York with versatile Brad Smith. But this game figures to come down to which defense dominates, or which quarterback — the Jets' Mark Sanchez or the Bears' Jay Cutler — makes fewer mistakes.

Losses by Indianapolis or Jacksonville would lift the Jets into the playoffs even if they don't win.

Baltimore (10-4) at Cleveland (5-9)

Coming off a sturdy win against the Saints, Baltimore is in the same position as the New York teams: win and get a wild card. Baltimore also can win the AFC North — the Steelers hold the tiebreaker — and can make the postseason with a combination of losses by other teams Sunday.

The Ravens, with a staunch running game and diverse passing attack, aren't the overwhelming defensive team fans are used to watching. But they showed plenty of strength on D against New Orleans.

Yes, the Browns upset the Saints this year, but they definitely are not of the caliber of New Orleans.

New England (12-2) at Buffalo (4-10)

It only seems like the last time the Bills won in this series was in the old AFL.

The Patriots have won 14 straight and 19 of the past 20 meetings, outscoring Buffalo by a combined 209-39 in the second matchup of each season over the past seven years. QB Tom Brady is 16-1 against the Bills, having gone 339 of 514 for 3,965 yards with 36 TDs and 12 interceptions.

A win secures the AFC East, a bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Indianapolis (8-6) at Oakland (7-7)

Washington (5-9) at Jacksonville (8-6)

The Jaguars kicked away a chance to win the AFC South when they fell at Indy last Sunday. Now, they must take care of their last two weak opponents (Houston is next up) and hope the Colts trip up, or the Ravens and Jets both drop their final two games.

Indy appears to be back on track for the postseason, but hardly is an elite club this year. Injuries throughout the roster and lots of growing pains for Peyton Manning's receiving corps and running backs has the four-time MVP in the unusual position of scrambling to qualify one season after going to the Super Bowl.

"The scenario has not changed," coach Jim Caldwell said Monday. "If we get a couple of victories, we'll be in basically the same position."

San Francisco (5-9) at St. Louis (6-8)

Seattle (6-8) at Tampa Bay (8-6)

Consider this, and if you're a true football fan, it's not something you want to think about: losses by the Rams and Seahawks will guarantee a losing record will win the NFC West because those teams meet next week. It also would keep the 49ers in the chase.

Oh, for relegation in the NFL.

Tampa Bay is slumping, done in somewhat by its inexperience, and the loss to the Lions last weekend pretty much shattered postseason hopes for the Bucs. Yet they could finish 10-6 and see a 7-9 club emerge from the West.

At least the Rams deserve some credit for a turnaround year behind top overall draft pick Sam Bradford and second-year coach Steve Spagnuolo. Maybe the Seahawks do, too, for making some strides in Pete Carroll's first season back in charge of a pro team.

But not too much credit if either one takes the division on the wrong side of .500.

Detroit (4-10) at Miami (7-7)

Houston (5-9) at Denver (3-11)

Dallas (5-9) at Arizona (4-10)

Shield your eyes for this trio of games, the exact type of matchups the NFL hopes to avoid in late December. And to the league's dismay, one of them is in prime time: the Christmas night, uh, showcase between the disappointing Cowboys and the wretched Cardinals.

Dallas placed Tony Romo on injured reserve this week, and it still probably has the two best quarterbacks on either roster in Jon Kitna and Stephen McGee. You could argue the Cardinals are as big a flop as anybody in the NFC — unless it's the Cowboys.

Houston doesn't even have a .500 record to play for, and that could cost coach Gary Kubiak his job. Denver has already fired coach Josh McDaniels, and a Mile High housecleaning is in the forecast.

Detroit deserves praise for breaking its record road skid with a win at Tampa last Sunday. The Lions could get another away victory in the Sunshine State because Miami is 1-6 at home.

How improved are the Lions this year? Detroit has been outscored by only 21 points compared with deficits of 232 last year and 249 in its winless 2008 season.

WBA flies from Japan Kameda defends his title (AFP)

SAITAMA Japan (AFP) - Japanese Daiki Kameda defended his title as World Boxing Association (WBA) flies on the points against Romania Silvio Olteanu Sunday.

In a split decision marked three judges 116 - 112, 114-113 of Kameda, while another counted 110-118 for the Challenger.

This is the old Kameda 21 years, the second defence of the title he won Denkaosen Kaowichit Thailand in February, which extends from its record with 19 WINS, including 11 KOs, two defeats.

Ranked 14th in the WBA, 32-year-old Olteanu now has 11 WINS, including five KOs against four defeat.

Kameda is the second of the three brothers boxing, all bad boy pictures in the media and fans of boxing.

He has suspended boxing for a year after his failed bid against the title of champion weight fly dirty, World Boxing Commission Daisuke Naito in October 2007, for the use of tactics including the champion of the struggle of the veteran on the canvas.

Kameda brother, Koki, was reprimanded by the Japan boxing Commission request for his brother to fight the sale.

Their father, Shiro Kameda, ruled by the WBC invoke man corner in its competition for abuse of match officials and lifetime ban was defeated by Japanese Boxing.

NFL mulls snow report of Viking-Eagles (AP)

NEW YORK--the NFL is considering to postpone Sunday Vikings-Eagles game due to a blizzard expected that up to 20 to 50 cm of snow on Philadelphia could flush.

Competition spokesman Greg Aiello confirmed the discussion in a Twitter post.

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter has declared a snow emergency by 2 pm EST Sunday. The game is at 8: 20 am

The Vikings were already two matches at home influenced by weather conditions this season. Their game against the Giants on 12 December, the day after Minneapolis is delayed 15 inches of snow. Then it was moved to Detroit when the Metrodome roof collapsed.

Their game against Chicago next week is played at the University of Minnesota, outdoor due to damaged roof stadium.

Organizers: Games 2010 green despite some fog (PA)

Vancouver, British Columbia Colombia - the Organizing Committee for Olympic Games Vancouver 2010-said that the event can still be regarded as the most environmentally friendly and yet, despite not having to respond to some of their environmental objectives.

A Friday found the games generated more than expected effect of greenhouse gases were not carbon neutral ultimately. Neither manage organizers to divert waste as much as they had hoped during the Olympic and Paralympic events.

But the length to which the Commission is to anchor of sustainable practices in their plan d'ensemble, setting a new standard, Ann Duffy, former Vice President of sustainability for the organisation Committee called the VANOC.

Duffy said future committees must make better use of new technologies, ecological construction methods, and even social media to host more inclusive, respectful environment Board.

For the assessment of their ecological footprint, include the days of VANOC's games themselves, but every seven years of planning.

It is also incorporated the impact of aviation and the consequences of the huge, torch skiing.

Overall, the games from 277,677 tones of carbon dioxide, until their prognosis of 268 000.

The increase was pegged to travel more, using cruise accommodations and the total amount of waste.

So as a sponsor of carbon offsetter to make activity athlete and neutral torch relay carbon neutrality helped, General was impossible to achieve because the Horde sponsors and vendors themselves were not neutral, says the report.

A target of diverting the 85 per cent of the waste produced by the games was not partially filled by confusing signage.

"For many, multiple locations for multiple materials has caused confusion,"said the report".

Sustainability report final five products by the Organization Committee has also examined areas such as Aboriginal participation, social inclusion and financial implications.

At the end of account, organizers said, she has spent more than 5 million of assets and enterprises of the city and more than 59 million in goods and services from Aboriginal businesses.

They have divided approximately 60,000 free for the Olympic and Paralympic events, and thousands of unclaimed items lost to a non-profit community to use or sell Don tickets.

VANOC has been criticized in the endorse the games so that it can connect significantly with the communities of the city of Vancouver.

While the Commission had established a 37-point agreement on how the city in the great work, both parties never saw eye to eye, or that his promises.

For example, critics said game development has been a huge negative impact on the city, with a low income housing stock and that residents of some hotels may be pushed through tourism.

VANOC has contributed to $ 200,000 for the bed additional shelter were available in the months before the games, but in their report said there is no doubt for them.

"Sustainability or big game means different things to different people," said Duffy the Canadian Press.

"Must be the central channel that you can still provide a great event, but it is realistic to that can generate an organizing Committee.

Then the VANOC's sustainability report was conducted in-house, is also an independent impact study carried out by the University of British Columbia Colombia.

The next payment of this study is expected at the beginning of 2011.

Aust. open to precede (PA) Presidents Cup

BRISBANE, Australia - the Australia Open above November Presidents Cup, a decision that could put Australian Masters - a Tiger Woods in the past two years event played - in front of the star American own California tournament.

PGA Australia, announced Sunday that open, probably will be held on a course in the region of Sydney, 10-13 November will take place. The Australian PGA in Coolum will be played 24-27 November, a week after the Presidents between the United States and an international team of Royal Melbourne Cup.

PGA also said that Australian Masters was scheduled for December 1-4, but it was still to be confirmed. Woods, Australian winner of the Masters in 2009, said that he preferred to see it played in the week preceding the Presidents Cup.

The masters is scheduled to be played on another course of sandbelt near Royal Melbourne Kingston Heath, and which would have given Woods and other actors of the Presidents Cup an ideal preparation for the test team.

IMG, Woods handles, also runs the Australian Masters and had hoped for at the main location for Presidents to stimulate cutting field. The Australia Open in Sydney have now this chance, even if the more likely of rivers, lakes, not so much in common with the Royal Melbourne and Kingston Heath.

"We want this date." "It is crucial for us," said Mark Steinberg, head of global golf IMG Division in November to masters.

"We believe that we have taken the risk moving on that date, a few years ago is going against some great events, and we created successfully." We believe that we deserve to keep the date, now that it is a highly coveted date for next year. »

Woods received a fee of 3 million appearance - half paid by Government Victoria – but in its first year, a government study has shown the economic rate of return was over $ 30 million.

Max Garske, Chief Executive of the PGA of Australia said Sunday that the decision "was created in the best interest of the Australian golf course and the PGA Tour the Australia."

"There are a number of factors that must be carefully examined in the finalization of 2011, including the time where a number of international events, the availability of specific locations as well as national calendar serving better public planning Australian golf," said Garske.

"With a main focus of the golf world also firmly on Melbourne come November 2011, is a viewpoint that the Presidents Cup will offer a number of advantages for the events of autumn on both sides. With these factors in mind we believed that we took the decision in the interest of the game. »

LeBron triple - double, even Lakers (PA) heat

LOS ANGELES - LeBron James and Kobe Bryant ran their mouth, then the downcourt, it makes eye contact with an unpleasant conversation in the last minutes.

"Only asked him what he received for Christmas," said James.

Although the two stars is not that they exchanged angry words reveal, it was not difficult to choose among a few Saturday statements. While Kobe and the Lakers in Los Angeles were given a first disturbing look at the Miami Heat, LeBron has the last word in Staples Center once more.

James has 27 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists while hitting a season high five 3-pointers and heat holiday scene in a 96-80 victory have flourished.

Although both teams play called curiosity television rather than a potential view of the NBA Finals, that clearly meant something James, who had his third triple-double with Miami and the 31st career. James is also poorly Bryant, who received 17 points in his second victory right Christmas arena home Lakers, after the last victory of the season for LeBron riders.

"We try not to be a declaration for everyone," said James. "We are trying to show each other that we can play at a high level and try to get the best of each match." It is a game. ... We are happy because we have better today.

While heat go account of Boston and Orlando are far more significant barriers to their hopes of Championship, while for the playoffs, the very enthusiastic Lakers play a nothing tangible edge into the crowd in the Staples Center to this confrontation intersections - heat constant defensive effort flattened the Lakers in the second half.

Chris Bosh 24 points and 13 rebounds, Dwyane Wade added 18 points on a painful knee and heat won 14 times in 15 games while flustering two defending champions a terrible offensive performance, beginning with 14 points Los Angeles first quarter.

"Our whole thing is just to play defense solid throughout the game, said Bosch." "" This is the first part of our identity. Our backbone is now defence. »

James played a match balanced, patient, even after a technical error in the neighbourhood of rest for a fight sous-le - basketball with Lakers defensive stop Ron Artest. James teammates have contributed enough to retain heat comfortably ahead of time, with Bosch play an excellent first half and Mario Chalmers contributions 13 points in a role of reserve, including three 3-pointers.

"Offensively, this is probably the most trusted and quiet, we played (with) this season," Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said.

Pau Gasol was awarded 17 points for the Lakers, who have fallen behind at the beginning and never mopped terribly new contenders for the title. Although door Bryant garish green shoes for the holidays, increase his Lakers simply their games to comply with the viewer following Miami fall well behind in the first half and never make a race.

Bryant, who are the third technical error in both competitions, was visibly unhappy with his teammates in the second half.

"It's as if these games at our opponents means more than us," said Bryant. "I believe that we get this right - game with more attention, more (stress) on these games." I don't like it. ... We know what we can do, and it is a part of the problem.

Lamar Odom had 14 points and nine rebounds for the Lakers, who have lost two straight home after five winners in a row on the road, followed by Tuesday collapse against Milwaukee with this large-scale flop. Although Odom think the Lakers are confident that Bryant believes the beginning of the problems in practice.

"Individually, you must make this decision on what is important," said Bryant. "The game is the most important thing." ... This is serious things. You not only two rings and say: "it is enough." We are pleased that we have. "I'm not going to let this slide."

Coach Phil Jackson doesn't like the annual location Lakers on Christmas of the NBA and perhaps for reasons independent of the season calendar: Los Angeles fell to 4-8 on Christmas since 1999, including unilateral loss of the season last in Cleveland, who finished with dozens of foam collective hands get raised to the Court.

Players from both teams broke out in festive holiday for the occasion, sneakers y included Nike lime-green thanks to Bryant Gasol, Odom. James and Bosch wore bright holiday-red with green lace shoes.

James received his T shortly after Artest in the basket, with 10 seconds left in the first half after Artest almost his entire arm James neck packed while fighting for bounce further position.

"I was in a cast of WWE and I tried out," said James.

Comments: the Lakers had won five games directly at home against Miami, whose final victory of the season on a flying buzzer 3-pointer stored on defence Wade by Bryant, who is the happiest hit of his career. ... Flatten Miami Jamaal Magloire almost Artest swooped in Bank of Miami in the third quarter behind its turnover. ... Fans near included aside Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz, Larry David, Kanye West, will.i.am, Gabrielle Union, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Jeremy Piven, Christian Slater and Lionel Richie.

Ellis led Warriors past blazers 102 109 (PA)

Oakland, California-Monta Ellis conducted once more the Golden State Warriors return victory.

Ellis has 39 points and the Warriors won 11 straight to remove six points in the fourth quarter deficit and beat Portland Trail Blazers 102 109 Saturday night in their first game in the Christmas at home.

Ellis, who was third in the NBA scoring 26 points per game, purchased 119 points on the last three games, best score stretch of his career.

"It is our MVP" coach Keith Smart said. "He tries to do the work required for a player like him so much for a team can do." It is our MVP and goes in this group of NBA players who play at a high level every night is what he has done.

David Lee added 21 points and Dorell Wright scored five of his 16 during the decisive help win warriors consecutive games for the first time since November 8-10 thrust.

After having lost matches first 17 while only after three quarters, the Warriors defeated the finish to win the last two games deficit.

They did not have to dig a hole as deep as they did Tuesday night, when they buy 16 points in the fourth quarter to beat the Sacramento Kings in overtime. But they should still link plays at Portland's end three-game winning streak.

"This really is the mark of a good team," said the Lee. "We must find a way to win these games and deburring of some of those with." If you win that GAM, which corresponds to the difference that a team of 35 or 40 - win or 50 winning games. »

Blazers LaMarcus Aldridge gave a 97-91, with a little advance more than 5 minutes left and it seemed to Portland was in a position to win the second time in Oakland after nine losses in a row here.

But Wesley Matthews polluted Ellis on a 3 pointer to start with the term Golden State. Ellis makes all the three free throws and Wright struck a 3 pointer grouped together on the next possession of warriors. Wright then stole a passage from Rudy Fernandez and went the other way by a dunk that gave the Warriors their first lead of the quarter.

Reggie Williams capped the term with another pointer 3 102-97. Ellis Range the game with a cavalier, followed by a long fly and stacking which gave the warriors a 106-99 with 1 h 04 to play lead.

Blazers shot 31% in the fourth quarter, missing 10 strokes of straight lines on the ground in a chapter.

"We were after," Ellis said. We played defense, challenged each time and did what we needed to do to win because we needed it.

Matthews leads Portland with 25 points and Nicolas Batum added 18. Aldridge was 15 and Andre Miller had 12 points and 14 rebounds and seven assists.

"They push their side and she walked just with," says Aldridge, who missed a dunk in the fourth quarter. "We have come to take care of the ball at best." We weren't notation but transformed us and they fire easily get us shots. »

Teams come to the second right on Saturday evening, after the week last victory 96-95 in Portland by the blazers when missed a potential game-winner at the Ellis Bell. Portland has won this competition despite missing injured starters Brandon Roy, Batumi and Marcus Camby. Roy was the only one of these three was not returned for this game, missing his fourth directly with an injured left knee.

The Warriors have point guard Stephen Curry after only six it corresponds to a sprained right ankle missed. Curry was rather a facilitator as drawer, with 11 passes and only four points on 2-for-15 shooting.

It was a tight first half with no head of team of more than five points at any time. Ellis held only done close the Warriors 18 of his 24 points first half scoring in the second quarter. He scored a sparkling left-handed reverse cutting Portland 49-48, as fans "M-V-P!" several times at the end of the half sang.

He hardly missed a half-court drawn on the doorbell, shortly after Matthews gave a lead of 57-56 with a dunk in Portland. This was the fourth time this season Ellis at least 24 points scored the opening half - mark reached only seven more times by anyone in the NBA.

"It is very aggressive, Portland coach Nate McMillan said." He can flat out rating. It is not fear in the basket. When he has his jump shot is very difficult to defend, and was beginning to go. »

Comments: this is the game warriors 11 Christmas since moving West in 1962 - 1963. They played last Christmas in 1984 on Portland. ... The blazers fell to 14-3 to Christmas, with five victories against Golden State of 1977-84. ... Warriors wore red shoes with green socks.