Dubai Basketball star says he feels at home as UAE celebrates National Day

Latvian star Davis Bertons of Dubai Basketball. (SUPPLIED)

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Updated 47 sec ago

Arab News

December 02, 2024 10:26

Dubai Basketball star says he feels at home as UAE celebrates National Day

The Latvian player previously played for NBA teams San Antonio Spurs, Washington Wizards, Dallas Mavericks, Oklahoma City Thunder and Charlotte Hornets

Updated 47 sec ago

Arab News

December 02, 2024 10:26

DUBAI: Dubai Basketball star Davis Bertans, has expressed his deep admiration for the UAE, saying that since he and his family moved to Dubai earlier this year it is a place that has truly captured their hearts.

As the UAE marks the 53rd Eid Al-Etihad (UAE National Day) on Dec. 2, the Latvian is experiencing the celebrations for the first time since moving to the country. This follows an eight-year stint in the NBA, where he played for San Antonio Spurs, Washington Wizards, Dallas Mavericks, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Charlotte Hornets.

Eid Al-Etihad represents a historic moment for the UAE, founded through the unification of the seven emirates and now home to people from around the world.

After four months in Dubai, Bertans has special praise for the country and the warm welcome he has received. He said: “The number one thing that I enjoy about the UAE is the safety. I feel so safe being here with my family and walking the streets. All the people are amazing and they’re really polite and they make sure that everyone around them is feeling great.

“The way they take care of you is special and it’s a country represented by different nationalities, so you get to find a wide selection of cuisine from anywhere in the world. It’s also sunny every day, which we all like. We haven’t tried Emirati cuisine yet but it’s one that is on my list for sure.”

He added: “The country also has great attractions. One of the first places that we visited since we arrived was the Green Planet and that was unbelievable because it was an indoor forest. The kids had a lot of fun and met the snakes and reptiles — it was new for them and they loved it.”

Bertans is part of a strong roster that is making history during Dubai Basketball’s inaugural season in Europe’s prestigious ABA League, with home games played at Coca-Cola Arena. The 32-year-old has been one of Dubai Basketball’s key players, scoring 64 points in six games. He said it was an honor to be among the first players to represent the club and he is eager to inspire the next generation.

He said: “We will always be remembered as the first players of Dubai Basketball and we’re definitely enjoying the experience. Although it’s a new team, we have had a strong attendance at Coca-Cola Arena and hopefully throughout the season we’ll get more people to enjoy the sport and become huge fans of Dubai Basketball.

“Basketball has become such a global sport and if you look at the NBA and EuroLeague, there are so many players from different countries. If one country has one player who has reached the highest level, it can inspire so many young kids to play and that would have a snowball effect where people would have dreams of being a professional. I think we can do that here at Dubai Basketball and show how much fun it is and make them fall in love with the game, just like we did when we were younger.”

As for the season ahead, Davis has set his sights on winning the ABA League Championship. His team is in a strong position, with a 7-2 record and sitting two points off the top spot.

He said: “Our number one goal is to win the ABA League. To bring the championship to Dubai would be something incredible and a historic moment for all.”

Topics: Dubai Basketball basketball

James Harden joins Stephen Curry as the only NBA players to reach 3,000 3-pointers

Updated 31 sec ago

December 02, 2024 06:56

James Harden joins Stephen Curry as the only NBA players to reach 3,000 3-pointers

Harden hit the milestone in the first half of the Los Angeles Clippers’ 126-122 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night
Harden scored 43 points – his most as a Clipper – in a road win over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday

Updated 31 sec ago

December 02, 2024 06:56

INGLEWOOD, California: James Harden has joined Golden State’s Stephen Curry as the only NBA players to reach 3,000 career 3-pointers.
Harden hit the milestone in the first half of the Los Angeles Clippers’ 126-122 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night. He hit three 3s in the first half and three more in the second half while leading the Clippers with 39 points.
“Another one of those accomplishments that you never take for granted,” Harden said. “The amount of work that I’ve put in — countless days and nights where I put the work in — a lot of people don’t see it but the results happen, so I’m just thankful.”
Harden just missed a triple-double, with nine rebounds and 11 assists.
The achievement finished off a standout week for the 35-year-old guard. Harden scored 43 points — his most as a Clipper — in a road win over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday, his 100th career game of 40 or more. He joined Wilt Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan as the only players to do so.
“He had that first quarter against Washington where he reminded people, ‘Hey, I can still go out here and drop 40 on you real quick,’” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said.
The Clippers are 13-9 without superstar Kawhi Leonard, who has yet to play this season while managing ongoing inflammation in his surgically repaired right knee.
Harden has been tasked with carrying a greater offensive load in Leonard’s absence as well as Paul George leaving as a free agent in the offseason. He has responded and at times, like against the Wizards, his efforts have recalled his prolific scoring years with the Houston Rockets.
Malone noted that Harden has matured and responded to what’s been asked of him as a point guard.
“He makes almost every key decision for their offense,” the coach said. ”He can beat you with his playmaking as well, and that shows you the talent, that shows you the quality of his game, where he’s not solely the scorer.”
Harden is also mentoring the team’s younger players, a role he describes as “very, very comfortable” for him.
“It’s easy for me just because I’ve been in this situation for a lot of my NBA career. Just helping guys as much as I can to where it makes the game a lot easier for them,” he said. “It’s really fun.”
Norman Powell said he and the other Clippers love to play with Harden because they know he’ll get them the ball.
“It’s difficult to see from afar,” Powell said, “but on the floor knowing when to attack, knowing when to get his shot off, when to get the guys open, the pass that he makes. He knows how to get guys open and to get the most out of the team.”

Cavaliers get ‘statement’ win over Celtics in showdown of NBA’s best

Updated 02 December 2024

AFP

December 02, 2024 03:09

Cavaliers get ‘statement’ win over Celtics in showdown of NBA’s best

Donovan Mitchell scored 20 points in the fourth quarter as the Cavs rallied from 14 points down in the second half to defeat the reigning NBA champions

Updated 02 December 2024

AFP

December 02, 2024 03:09

NEW YORK: Donovan Mitchell scored 35 points and the Cleveland Cavaliers avenged a heartbreaking loss with a 115-111 victory over Boston on Sunday in a matchup of the NBA’s top teams.
Mitchell scored 20 points in the fourth quarter as the Cavs rallied from 14 points down in the second half to defeat the reigning NBA champions.
The Cavaliers started the season 15-0 but suffered their first loss at Boston last month by 120-117 and dropped their two prior games, both losses to Atlanta, before staging a fightback home triumph.
“For us, we’ve got to go out there and make a statement,” Mitchell said. “They beat us in the NBA Cup. No excuse. We’ve got to go out there and try to build. We had two losses that really hurt. We weren’t playing like ourselves. We needed this win.”
The Cavs improved to 18-3 to stay atop the Eastern Conference while the Celtics fell to 16-4 as Cleveland snapped their seven-game win streak.
“You’ve got to trust your work and what we’ve been working on since training camp. That’s the biggest thing,” Mitchell said. “That’s what you saw tonight and that’s what it’s going to continue to be.”
The Celtics were without starting guards Jaylen Brown due to illness and Derrick White with a sprained right foot.
“Just because they’ve got two guys down, they’ve got a lot of guys who are capable,” Mitchell said. “You’ve got to respect them. They’re champions for a reason.”
Cleveland led 51-49 at half-time but the Celtics dominated the third quarter for an 84-72 lead entering the fourth, Jayson Tatum scoring 17 of his 33 points in the third period to lead Boston.
Mitchell responded for Cleveland, including a floater that gave the Cavs a 103-101 lead with 67 seconds remaining and concluded his run of 11 consecutive Cavaliers points.
“The biggest thing is you’ve just got to pick your spots, find your moments throughout the game,” said Mitchell. “They kind of went on a run and in the fourth quarter I started to make my imprint.
Tatum missed a layup and Mobley followed with a dunk for a 105-101 Cavs lead. Porzingis responded with two free throws with 26 seconds to play but Mitchell sank two free throws of his own for a 107-103 Cavs lead.
Boston’s Payton Pritchard sank a 3-pointer to lift the Celtics within one point but Darius Garland, who had 22 points, hit two free throws to give Cleveland a 109-106 edge and the Celtics kept fouling Pritchard, who had 24 points, to keep him from taking more 3-point shots.
The teams traded free throws late until Pritchard deliberately missed one trying to get a rebound, but he committed a lane violation and Mitchell added two final free throws to seal the victory.
“At the end of the day, we executed on both ends of the floor,” said Mitchell. “I scored offensively but we were getting stops and finding ways to get rebounds, loose balls, different things. That’s what ultimately ended up getting us the W.”
In a battle between the Western Conference leaders, Fred VanVleet scored 38 points to lead the Houston Rockets over visiting Oklahoma City 119-116.
Houston improved to 15-6 but the Thunder, led by 32 points from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, fell to 15-5, still atop the best.
Dillon Brooks made a steal and sank a jumper to give Houston a 115-113 edge with 33 seconds remaining and VanVleet added two free throws.
Oklahoma City’s Jalen Williams sank a 3-pointer with 2.1 seconds to play but VanVleet’s two final free throws sealed victory.
Orlando’s win streak stretched to six games as Franz Wagner scored 20 points, grabbed nine rebounds and passed off eight assists to power the Magic (15-7) over host Brooklyn 100-92.
Also in New York, Mikal Bridges scored 31 points and Karl-Anthony Towns had 14 points and 19 rebounds to spark the New York Knicks over New Orleans 118-85.
Toronto’s R.J. Barrett scored 37 points and the host Toronto Raptors beat Miami 119-116.
Jaren Jackson led Memphis with 25 points and eight rebounds to spark the host Grizzlies (14-7) over Indiana 136-121.

Topics: basketball NBA Cleveland Cavaliers Boston Celtics

FIA president denies personally ordering recent firings of 3 F1 race stewards

Updated 02 December 2024

December 02, 2024 04:19

FIA president denies personally ordering recent firings of 3 F1 race stewards

Mohammed Ben Sulayem was emphatic in that he did not order any dismissals and added the FIA has no responsibility to discuss pending personnel changes with teams and drivers
George Russell, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, said all the turnover can be destabilizing to F1

Updated 02 December 2024

December 02, 2024 04:19

NEW YORK: The president of Formula 1’s governing body denied ordering a recent wave of staff dismissals — including the removal of the race director with three events remaining in the season — amidst mounting criticism from drivers over a lack of transparency by the FIA.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem spoke to The Associated Press on Sunday by telephone during the Qatar Grand Prix and insisted he had not personally ordered the recent dismissals of three race stewards.

“How many times have people who have lost their jobs or positions in companies, when they left, they attacked and blamed?” Ben Sulayem said. “We have nearly 300 (stewards) working for us, so what do I do? I have two choices: I empower the heads of the departments, sit with them and then judge them at the end of the year.”

Niels Wittich, who had been race director since 2022, was surprisingly let go ahead of last week’s race in Las Vegas. The drivers were stunned that the top rule-enforcer during F1 events would be removed with only three races remaining in the season.

Then there were two more dismissals ahead of this weekend’s race in Qatar as race steward Tim Mayer said he was fired by text message, and the FIA said Janette Tan, who was elevated to race director for Formula 2, had left the organization. Tan had just been promoted to the position to replace Rui Marques, who was elevated into Wittich’s position.

The drivers have complained about a lack of consistency from the race stewards for much of the season and have been vocal in their displeasure on a sudden crackdown on cursing. So when they arrived in Qatar to learn two more stewards had been fired, they were perplexed.

George Russell, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, said all the turnover can be destabilizing to F1.

“That’s very challenging for any team and it must be super challenging for everyone within the FIA right now,” Russell said earlier this week. “So we’d love to get a little bit of clarity and understanding of what’s going on and who’s getting fired next.”

Speaking to reporters in Qatar earlier Sunday, Ben Sulayem seemed defiant in saying it was “none of their business” how he runs things. He was emphatic in that he did not order any dismissals and added the FIA has no responsibility to discuss pending personnel changes with teams and drivers.

“Do the teams and drivers come and tell us when they are making changes? No,” he said.

Earlier this month, the GPDA created an Instagram account solely to publish a statement that urged the FIA to treat drivers like adults. It also asked for Ben Sulayem to consider “his own tone and language” following efforts during his tenure to enforce rules against swearing and jewelry more strictly.

“Just when we’ve asked for a bit of transparency and consistency we’re getting rid of two highly important people in the governing body, so it’s kind of gone in a full 360,” Russell said. “We still don’t have any reasoning for Niels’ removal.”

Ben Sulayem did not give specific reasons for any of the departures, and insisted the “single-seater divisions” made the decisions to replace stewards.

He also said the stewards are tasked with enforcing the rulebook, which was not written by Ben Sulayem. He inherited the rulebook and asked for an enforcement on some things that were being overlooked — such as the cursing, which is prohibited in the code of conduct.

“I did not write the rules and I do not implement them. The rules were before me, some of the rules from 1972,” Ben Sulayem said. “We are setting a clean sport here. We are not saying to them ‘the rule is do not (curse) anytime.’ We are just saying ‘don’t do it when you are at an FIA (news conference).’ We have young people, the age of 5, watching. And even on TV or movies, they always tell you in advance what you will see and that is what this sport has — discipline and respect.”

Topics: FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix

Mbappe and Bellingham respond to unhappy fans with goals in Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Getafe

Updated 02 December 2024

December 02, 2024 03:49

Mbappe and Bellingham respond to unhappy fans with goals in Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Getafe

Mbappe was still far from his best, and he did not take the penalty kick which was converted by Bellingham
Athletic Bilbao rallied to win 2-1 at Rayo Vallecano with a pair of second-half goals by Oihan Sancet, while Athletic’s Basque rival Real Sociedad defeated Real Betis 2-0 at home

Updated 02 December 2024

December 02, 2024 03:49

MADRID: Kylian Mbappe made some peace with Real Madrid’s fans.

Mbappe scored in Madrid’s 2-0 win over Getafe in the Spanish league on Sunday to help ease the pressure on the France star.

Mbappe, who has been criticized by some supporters because of his disappointing performances since joining the Spanish powerhouse this season, found the net in the 38th minute to seal Madrid’s victory at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

Mbappe was coming off a lackluster outing — which included a missed penalty kick — against Liverpool in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Jude Bellingham, also the target of some fans’ criticism for recent poor play, had put Madrid ahead at the Bernabeu by converting a 30th-minute penalty. He also assisted in Mbappe’s goal — a well-placed low shot from outside the area.

Mbappe had scored only once in the team’s last six matches across all competitions, and twice in the last nine games.

“He played very well, was active and was as dangerous as always,” Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said. “He scored and created opportunities. He was very active, it’s what we want from him.”

Mbappe was still far from his best, and he did not take the penalty kick which was converted by Bellingham. Another penalty — which was overturned by VAR — was also set to be taken by Rodrygo.

“The order for the penalties is Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, but without Vinicius, it was up to Bellingham and Mbappe to choose,” Ancelotti said.

The win moved Madrid within a point of league leader Barcelona, who lost 2-1 to Las Palmas on Saturday. Madrid, the defending champions, have a game in hand.

Madrid were one point ahead of city rivals Atletico Madrid, who won 5-0 at Valladolid on Saturday.

Madrid have lost three of their five Champions League matches but have won three straight in the league to cut into Barcelona’s lead. The Catalan club is winless in three consecutive league games.

“Things have been going well in La Liga since the last defeat, but we can’t get sidetracked because this is what Real Madrid demands,” Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger said. “We must continue and do better in the Champions League.”

Also Sunday, Villarreal drew 2-2 with visiting Girona after leading 2-0 and eventually conceding an equalizer seven minutes into stoppage time.

Athletic Bilbao rallied to win 2-1 at Rayo Vallecano with a pair of second-half goals by Oihan Sancet, while Athletic’s Basque rival Real Sociedad defeated Real Betis 2-0 at home.

Topics: real madrid La Liga

Liverpool pile on misery for Man City, Man Utd boss Amorim earns first Premier League win

Updated 02 December 2024

AFP

December 01, 2024 18:44

Liverpool pile on misery for Man City, Man Utd boss Amorim earns first Premier League win

City have lost four successive top-flight games for first time since 2008
First Premier League champions to endure such dismal run season after claiming title

Updated 02 December 2024

AFP

December 01, 2024 18:44

LONDON: Liverpool piled on the misery for Manchester City as the Premier League leaders beat the troubled champions 2-0 at Anfield, while Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim earned his first league win with a 4-0 rout of Everton on Sunday.
Arne Slot’s side moved nine points clear of second-placed Arsenal after Cody Gakpo’s first-half opener and Mohamed Salah’s late penalty dealt another blow to reeling City, who are languishing 11 points behind Liverpool in fifth place.
City have lost four successive top-flight games for the first time since 2008, making them the first Premier League champions to endure such a dismal run the season after claiming the title.
City have clawed back significant deficits to win the Premier League in the Guardiola era, but they have never managed to lift the title after being behind by more than 10 points.
City’s seven-game winless run ranks as boss Pep Guardiola’s longest barren streak in his glittering managerial career.
Just weeks after he signed a new two-year contract, Liverpool fans taunted Guardiola with chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning,” prompting a defiant response from the Spaniard, who held up six fingers to illustrate the number of titles he has won with City.
“The first 20 minutes Liverpool were unstoppable. We tried to play with a lot of control and passes, but it was difficult to take it,” Guardiola said.
“We’ll reset and start from zero. It is difficult to believe it. I rely a lot on these players. We’ll see what happens by the end of the season.”
Liverpool have won 18 of their 20 games in all competitions since Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp in the close-season.
With 11 victories from their 13 Premier League matches, Liverpool are firm favorites to win the title for the first time since 2020.
“We came close to perfection. That’s the only way to beat a quality team like City,” Slot said.
“We have to stay sharp. I don’t think anyone, including me, would have predicted this — to win so much with all the difficult teams we have played already.”
City’s defense was in disarray right from the start and when Salah curled a 12th minute shot toward the far post, Gakpo pounced to poke home from virtually on the line.
Salah’s 78th-minute penalty, awarded for keeper Stefan Ortega’s foul on Luis Diaz, was a dagger in the heart of City’s title hopes.
Amorim stole the spotlight in Sunday’s early games by extending his unbeaten start with United to three matches.
United were held to a 1-1 draw at Ipswich in his first Premier League game last Sunday, before the Portuguese boss earned his maiden win with United in a 3-2 success against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League on Thursday.
The 39-year-old, who arrived from Sporting Lisbon to replace the sacked Erik ten Hag in November, has warned United would “suffer for a long period” before they can expect to challenge for the title.
This was the most encouraging result of Amorim’s brief time at ninth-placed United.
Marcus Rashford’s 34th-minute drive from the edge of the area took a deflection off Jarrad Branthwaite before flashing into the net.
United struck again seven minutes later as Branthwaite lost possession to Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes teed up Joshua Zirkzee to convert with ease.
Rashford underlined United’s superiority just 20 seconds after the interval as he applied a cool finish to Diallo’s incisive pass, before Zirkee struck again in the 64th minute with a composed strike.
“The result was good but we were pragmatic. It was not pretty,” Amorim said. “It is a rollercoaster. We have some moments when we are good but then we have moments when we have to suffer.”
At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to six games with a 3-0 win against Aston Villa, whose dismal winless streak reached eight matches.
Enzo Maresca’s men look capable of securing Champions League qualification after a third successive win in the space of eight days moved them level on points with second-placed Arsenal.
Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez scored in the first half before Cole Palmer struck in the closing stages.
Seventh-placed Tottenham’s top-four hopes were dented by a 1-1 draw against 10-man Fulham.
Brennan Johnson slotted Tottenham into the lead from Timo Werner’s 54th-minute pass, but Tom Cairney curled Fulham’s equalizer into the far corner after 67 minutes.
Cairney was sent off with seven minutes left after his foul on Dejan Kulusevski was upgraded from referee Darren Bond’s initial yellow card to a red after VAR intervened.

Topics: football soccer England Premier league Liverpool Manchester city Manchester United Ruben Amorim

Dubai Basketball star says he feels at home as UAE celebrates National Day

Dubai Basketball star says he feels at home as UAE celebrates National Day

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Dubai Basketball star says he feels at home as UAE celebrates National Day

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