SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2014 SPORTS Stenson, Cabrera-Bello go three clear in Dubai

DUBAI: World number four Henrik Stenson and Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen (69). is on track to successfully defend his title at It was a bit of a battle for Stenson early in the DP World Tour Championship, but he will the day, when he three-putted for par from have to shake off the red-hot Rafael Cabrera- 20 feet on the par-5 second, and then need- Bello after yesterday’s third round. The ed to make and up-and-down for par on the Spanish world number 104 shot a seven- third before a chip-in for his first birdie of the under par 65 - the low round of the day for a day on the fourth. second successive day - and finished on 14- After another missed birdie chance on under par 202 after 54 holes, the same as the par-5 seventh hole, where he failed to make a four-footer putt, the 38-year-old shifted gears and made three birdies coming in for his 68. Stenson, who is yet to win a tournament this year despite a solid season, said: “It’s a great championship, this one, and of course it would mean a lot to me to defend, and to get a win this season. “It’s still been a good one, but still at the end of the year when we assess it, we will always look at the trophies and there has not been any yet. “We’ll try and make it happen, but there are a lot of strong players out there and Rafa seems to be on fire. We’ll see if we can hold him off tomorrow. “I struck it nicely today. I would say I was back to hitting it really good and had quite a few chances, but wasn’t as hot on the greens as I was yesterday. Left a couple shots out there but all in all, I’ll take that round. I am still in the race.” Cabrera-Bello, who needed just 21 putts to go through his round, fin- PHILADELPHIA: 76ers Henry Sims (right) stands near after knocking the ball away from center Miles Plumlee (22) as he ished with four birdies in his last five holes. drives to the basket in the first half on an NBA game. — AP And the Spaniard said his strong short game saved what could have been an ugly round. “It’s been a little crazy round, because I haven’t felt I’ve played perfect at all. I had to Suns scorch 76ers, work really, really hard, especially at the beginning. “I just managed to hang in there,” said Cabrera-Bello, winner of the 2012 Desert Classic. “I end up shooting three?under on the front nine and I could Wizards roll have easily shot two or three over, which DUBAI: Henrik Stenson plays during The was very good. And short game and putting DP World Tour Championship, held at has been unbelievable, probably the best PHILADELPHIA: Isaiah Thomas scored 23 points SPURS 121, TIMBERWOLVES 92 rolled past the struggling Los Angeles Lakers. Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai. — AP day of my life for short game.” McIlroy also and Markieff Morris had 18 to lead the Phoenix Tony Parker scored 28 points in 25 minutes The Mavericks won their sixth straight did not have the best start when he could Suns past the winless 122-96 and San Antonio cruised past short-handed game overall and fourth in a row against the Stenson, who shot a bogey-free round of 68. not make a birdie in the first four holes, but on Friday night. Minnesota. Parker made 12 of 18 shots, including Lakers, who were swept by Dallas in the regu- It was the Swede’s 12th consecutive he appeared to be motoring along as he The Sixers have lost their first 12 games and all three of his 3-pointers, and Danny Green lar season for the first time in 2013-14. round in the 60s on the Earth course of shot to the top of the leaderboard with four are just six losses shy of matching the 2009-10 scored 18 points for the Spurs, who got an easy Nowitzki, Monta Ellis and Chandler Parsons Jumeirah Golf Estates. The leading duo are birdies in the next six holes. New Jersey Nets for worst start in NBA history. night with a game against the at were a combined 23 of 33 from the field as the now three clear of Englishman Justin Rose, But he then hit two wayward shots off Philadelphia is also three away from matching home on Saturday. Mavericks had season highs in points, shoot- who leads the chasing pack at 205 following the tee on the 13th and 14th and was penal- the 1972-73 team for worst start (0-15) in fran- Anthony Bennett scored a career-high 20 ing percentage (62 percent) and assists (37). a round of 68. World number one Rory ized with back-to-back double bogeys. chise history and could challenge that squad for points for the Timberwolves, who had just 10 Parsons had 21 points and Ellis scored 20. McIlroy once again endured a difficult day. “I definitely felt like I played better than the worst 82-game season (9-73) in NBA history. healthy players after announcing earlier in the Kobe Bryant missed his first eight shots and The 2012 champion, who is already assured yesterday, even though the score is the The Sixers actually led 27-26 at the end of the day that Kevin Martin will be out indefinitely was 6 of 22 for 17 points. Jeremy Lin had 18 to of becoming the European number one for same,” said McIlroy. “The 12th and 13th, obvi- first quarter until the Suns rolled toward the rout. with a fractured right wrist. The Wolves were also lead the Lakers, who came in with their first the season by winning the Race to Dubai, ously, ruined that scorecard a little bit. If I The Suns shot 69 percent in the first half and eas- missing starters Ricky Rubio, Nikola Pekovic and two-game winning streak. made rare back-to-back double bogeys en had not had those two holes, I would be ily shook off the early challenge to win their third Thaddeus Young and backup big man Ronny route to a two-under par 70. McIlroy will right up there in the lead. straight game. Michael Carter-Williams led the Turiaf. WARRIORS 101, JAZZ 88 start the final round four shots behind “It makes life a little more difficult for Sixers with 18 points. The Spurs shot 54.8 percent, including 61.9 Andre Iguodala scored 17 points, Harrison Stenson and Cabrera-Bello, tied for fourth on myself tomorrow, but hopefully I can get off percent (13 of 21) from 3-pointers, and out- Barnes had 14 points and 11 rebounds and the 10-under par with Frenchman Victor to a fast start and try to put pressure on the WIZARDS 91, CAVALIERS 78 rebounded the smaller Wolves 53-46. Golden State Warriors used a blistering start to Dubuisson (67), England’s Tyrell Hatton (68) guys ahead of me.” — AFP John Wall took over in the third quarter and beat the 101-88 for its fourth straight finished 28 points, seven assists and six rebounds GRIZZLIES 117, CELTICS 100 win. After a four-day layoff, the Warriors as Washington knocked LeBron James and Marc Gasol matched his career high with 32 showed no signs of rust. They led 28-13 at the Ciganda, Granada Cleveland back below .500 with the Cavaliers’ points and Zach Randolph added 16 points and end of the first quarter, 54-32 at the half and third straight loss. Resuming a rivalry that 16 rebounds to lead Memphis. 85-57 entering the fourth. peaked last decade when the Wizards and James’ Jon Leuer had a season-high 19 points, and Golden State (9-2) is off to its best start in tied in Naples Cavaliers met three consecutive years in the play- Mike Conley finished with 15 points and eight 41 years. Enes Kanter scored 18 points, and offs - it was so intense that both Jay-Z and Soulja assists for the Grizzlies, who shot 53 percent Gordon Hayward had 12 points and five NAPLES: Michelle Wie suddenly is in a posi- two shots out of the lead. Boy got involved - the Wizards grabbed a majori- from the field. Gasol led the way, going 13 for rebounds for a young Jazz team that’s strug- tion to consider a million ways how a great “All I want is an opportunity, a chance,” Wie ty of the 50-50 rebounds and capitalized on the 22. Kelly Olynyk led Boston with 18 points. gling against top competition. Utah (5-8) year can get even better. On a tough day that said. “I’m really proud of myself for giving defensive woes that have hurt Cleveland. Jared Sullinger had 13 points, Jeff Green hasn’t beaten a team that currently has a win- only rewarded the best shots, Wie holed out myself that today. I just want to go out there James scored 22 points on 8-for-21 shooting, added 12, while Avery Bradley and Marcus ning record. for eagle with a pitching wedge on her way to tomorrow and put myself in a great position but Cleveland committed 19 turnovers, shot 36 a 5-under 67 that moved her up high enough for Sunday. That’s all I want, and that’s all I’m percent and scored a season-low in points. James on the leaderboard Friday at the CME Group asking for. Whatever happens, happens.” was never below .500 more than 10 games into a NBA results/standings Tour Championship to get into position for a She did get some help from the top three. season during his four seasons with the Miami $1 million bonus. Lewis, who opened with a 69 and was only Heat, but he and the Cavaliers are now 5-6. Orlando 105, Charlotte 100; Phoenix 122, Philadelphia 96; Atlanta 99, Detroit 89; Toronto 124, Carlota Ciganda of Spain took advantage three shots out of the lead, struggled with Milwaukee 83; Memphis 117, Boston 100; San Antonio 121, Minnesota 92; Brooklyn 94, of a putting lesson from Spanish great Jose distance control in the blustery conditions Oklahoma City 92; Washington 91, Cleveland 78; Dallas 140, LA Lakers 106; Denver 117, New MAGIC 105, HORNETS 100 Orleans 97; Golden State 101, Utah 88; Portland 105, Chicago 87. Maria Olazabal to make five birdies for a 67 and had to chip in for birdie and make a Evan Fournier scored 21 points, Tobias Harris that gave her a share of the lead with Julieta tough par putt on the 18th to salvage a 74. had 17 points and 16 rebounds as Orlando rallied Eastern Conference Western Conference Granada of Paraguay, who scrambled for a 71. He was six shots out of the lead. from 23 points down at halftime to hand Atlantic Division Northwest Division They were at 7-under 137 going into the Park couldn’t get a putt to drop. She also Charlotte its fourth straight loss. W L PCT GB Portland 9 3 .750 - weekend at the Tiburon Golf Club. had a 74. Ko had another 71 and was five The Magic trailed by 15 entering the fourth Toronto 10 2 .833 - Denver 5 7 .417 4 shots behind. “Six back is not a horrible posi- Brooklyn 5 7 .417 5 quarter, but Willie Green sparked a comeback by Utah 5 8 .385 4.5 tion,” Lewis said. “I don’t think anybody is run- Boston 4 7 .364 5.5 Minnesota 3 8 .273 5.5 ning away with this thing. I think it’s going to scoring all nine of his points in the final period. NY Knicks 3 10 .231 7.5 Nikola Vucevic had 14 points and 10 rebounds Oklahoma City 3 11 .214 7 end up being pretty bunched up at the end Philadelphia 0 12 0 10 Pacific Division and probably a playoff on Sunday. I’m right and Elfrid Payton had 16 points for Orlando on 7- Central Division Golden State 9 2 .818 - where I need to be. I’m trying not to think for-11 shooting. Al Jefferson had 24 points and Chicago 8 5 .615 - LA Clippers 7 4 .636 2 about player of the year and all that stuff. It’s 11 rebounds, and Kemba Walker added 15 points Milwaukee 7 6 .538 1 Phoenix 8 5 .615 2 up there, but trying not to think about it.” and 12 rebounds for the struggling Hornets. Cleveland 5 6 .455 2 Lewis can sweep all the significant awards Charlotte had a chance to climb out of the cellar Indiana 5 7 .417 2.5 Sacramento 7 5 .583 2.5 at this LPGA Tour finale provided she finishes in the Southeast Division but was outscored 41- Detroit 3 10 .231 5 LA Lakers 3 10 .231 7 ahead of Park, and so far she is three shots 21 in the fourth quarter and lost for the sixth Southeast Division Southwest Division ahead. Not to be forgotten is that $1 million time in the last seven games. Gary Neal added 17 Washington 8 3 .727 - Memphis 11 2 .846 - packaged in $100 in a glass case that they points for Charlotte. Atlanta 6 5 .545 2 Dallas 10 3 .769 1 posed with on the eve of the tournament. Miami 6 6 .500 2.5 Houston 9 3 .750 1.5 Along with prize money, the winner of the HAWKS 99, PISTONS 89 Orlando 6 8 .429 3.5 San Antonio 8 4 .667 2.5 Race to CME Globe will receive the largest sin- Jeff Teague scored a season-high 28 points Charlotte 4 9 .308 5 New Orleans 6 5 .545 4 gle-day payoff in the history of women’s golf. and Atlanta recovered after blowing a 19-point The first step is to try to catch the leaders. lead. Paul Millsap had 15 points and 12 rebounds Thornton finished with 11 points each. Evan TRAIL BLAZERS 105, BULLS 87 Ciganda was home in Spain last week when for Atlanta, which snapped a two-game skid. Turner added 10. Memphis never trailed in the Damian Lillard had 21 points and nine assists she called Olazabal and asked him for a les- Detroit had rallied after trailing 70-51 in the game and led by 21 in the fourth quarter, the before sitting out the fourth quarter as the son. “We stay there like three hours on the third quarter. Backup point guard D.J. Augustin, advantage fueled by a 9-0 run. Portland Trail Blazers built a big lead and beat putting green, just hitting putts,” Ciganda said. “He told me a few things and it seems who had 14 points, led the comeback as Detroit the 105-87. like it’s working, so I’m pretty happy. I have to pulled even with a 14-0 run that began late in NETS 94, THUNDER 92 LaMarcus Aldridge had 16 points and nine thank him. Then we played last Friday before the third quarter and continued into the final Jarrett Jack scored 23 points to help rebounds for the Blazers, who led by as many as coming here, so it was really nice to play. He’s period. Augustin had back-to-back baskets as the Brooklyn Nets end a five-game losing streak. 28 points for their sixth straight victory. Rookie NAPLES: Michelle Wie putts on No. 16, Pistons pulled even at 74-74 with 8:31 remaining. Reggie Jackson, who led the Thunder with 21 Nikola Mirotic had season highs with 24 points during the second round of the LPGA’s so passionate about golf. It just his life.” Horford answered with a layup as Atlanta points, missed what would have been a game- and 11 rebounds for the Bulls. Chicago lost for- CME Group Tour Championship golf And how did that match turn out? tournament at Tiburon Golf Club. — AP Ciganda teamed with a Challenge Tour player reclaimed the lead for good and eventually winning 3-pointer at the buzzer. The Thunder ward Taj Gibson in the third quarter when he in Europe, their best ball against Olazabal. pushed the advantage back to 10 points. lost their fifth straight and have the league’s sprained his left ankle. The Bulls were already Morgan Pressel, who rallied on the back “We won on the last hole,” she said. “But it was second-longest losing streak. limited without Derrick Rose, who missed his nine Thursday to overcome a rugged start, tough.” Pressel was 3 over through 10 holes in RAPTORS 124, BUCKS 83 Deron Williams scored 17 points, Brook fourth straight game with a sore left hamstring. shot a 66 and was one shot out of the lead. the opening round when she battled back for Lou Williams scored a season-high 22 points, Lopez had 16 points and 10 rebounds and Pau Gasol missed his third game with a left calf All of them would love to win the LPGA a 72. She was headed for another slow start Jonas Valanciunas added 18 points and 12 Mirza Teletovic added 13 points for the Nets. strain. Tour season finale because it’s a big title with Friday until knocking in a 15-foot par putt on rebounds, and Toronto narrowly missed match- Serge Ibaka had 16 points and 10 rebounds, a $500,000 check for first place. None has a the third hole, and then she was on her way ing its largest margin of victory in franchise his- Anthony Morrow had 11 points and Steven NUGGETS 117, PELICANS 97 mathematical chance at the $1 million bonus to the best round of the day. tory. Kyle Lowry scored 20 points and Terrence Adams added 10 for the Thunder. Kenneth Faried and Arron Afflalo scored 19 for winning the points-based Race to CME Granada spent most her time swapping Ross had 13 as the Raptors wrapped up a fran- The Thunder, besieged by injuries all sea- points each, Wilson Chandler had 18 and the Globe. And that’s where Wie comes in. birdies with bogeys, though she stayed atop chise-record seven-game homestand at 6-1 and son and at times limited to eight active play- Denver Nuggets beat the Wie, who captured her first major this year the leaderboard. Sarah Jane Smith (69) and became the first Eastern Conference team to ers, finally got some depth. Andre Roberson 117-97 on Friday night. at Pinehurst No. 2 in the U.S. Women’s Open, Sandra Gal (71) joined Wie at 5-under 139, reach 10 wins. The Raptors’ biggest win was 96- started after playing limited minutes the pre- Danilo Gallinari had 17 points and JaVale is No. 4 in the Race to CME Globe. Only the while So Yeon Ryu had another 70 and was 54 victory over Miami on March 19, 2008. vious game and missing the seven games McGee 14 for the Nuggets, who have won four of top three players - Stacy Lewis, Inbee Park three shots out of the lead. Ryu is at No. 5 in and 17-year-old Lydia Ko - can win the $1 mil- the Race to CME Globe and is on the fringe on Williams connected on five of Toronto’s season- before that with a left foot sprain. Thunder their last five after starting the season 1-6. lion bonus simply by winning the tourna- contending for the big bonus. high 15 3-pointers, including one each at the end coach Scott Brooks used 10 players in the first Anthony Davis led the Pelicans with 18 points ment. Wie needs a little bit of help, only she The weekend is important for Wie to keep of the first and second quarters. Raptors rookie half, and Oklahoma City led 53-49 at the and nine rebounds. It was the first time in eight did most of the heavy lifting. Even though moving forward, and for Lewis, Park and Ko to Bruno Caboclo, making his career debut, hit a 3 break. games Davis has failed to eclipse 20 points. she made bogey on the par-5 opening hole start making up ground. “You can make up a at 6:01 of the fourth to put Toronto up 116-64 - Denver trailed 14-2 early but rallied to tie it at that irritated her, the 25-year-old from Hawaii lot of ground quickly,” Granada said. “But your giving the Raptors their largest lead in franchise MAVERICKS 140, LAKERS 106 18-all midway through the first. The Nuggets bounced back with her eagle on No. 7, birdies game has to be on. The toughness of the history. Jabari Parker scored 15 points and Ersan Dirk Nowitzki scored 23 points in yet used an 11-0 run that spanned the first and sec- on the par 5s and a score that put her only course will show it.” — AP Ilyasova had 14 for the Bucks. another efficient shooting effort and Dallas ond quarters to take a 37-26 lead. — AP