Four talking points from dramatic week of Asian World Cup qualifiers
AUSTRALIA: Remember when critics of FIFA’s decision to expand the World Cup to 48 teams claimed it would spell the end of the qualifying stages?
Lebron James Sport News
Surprise Bento dismissal raises questions about rest of UAE World Cup qualifying campaign
DUBAI: It takes something special to top the drama of a 98th-minute winner which kept UAE dreams of automatic World Cup 2026 qualification alive.
Big hitters shine as unstoppable Indian Premier League begins
The 18th Indian Premier League has begun with a bang. Although not as big a one as the very first match in 2008, when Brendon McCullum smashed an unbeaten 158 off 73 deliveries in a total of 222 for Kolkata Knight Riders, it has generated some powerful batting displays. In the first five matches, an average of 208.7 runs has been scored per innings in the first five matches; in 2008, it was 152.
LeBron James buzzer-beater rescues Lakers to halt losing streak
LOS ANGELES: LeBron James tipped in a buzzer-beating rebound with 0.1 seconds remaining as the Los Angeles Lakers halted their three-game losing streak with a pulsating 120-119 road victory over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday. A thrilling duel in Indianapolis saw the Pacers climb out of a 13-point fourth-quarter hole to snatch a 119-118 lead with 42 seconds remaining and leave the Lakers staring down the barrel of a fourth straight defeat. But with the clock ticking down, Luka Doncic made one last drive to the basket – only to see his attempted 13-foot floater bounce off the rim. James reacted fastest, leaping to palm the ball into the bucket for the winning score and give the Lakers a precious victory in the race for Western Conference playoff berths. The 40-year-old James – who had failed to score from the field in the opening three quarters – finished with 13 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists. Lakers coach J.J. Redick saluted the veteran superstar’s perseverance in dragging his team over the line despite having an offensive off-night. “It’s another great example of where he doesn’t necessarily have it going early, and got off to a slow start offensively,” Redick said. “But he was so good defensively for us.
Bronny James explains what fuels him throughout tumultuous rookie season: 'People think I'm a f---ing robot'
The Los Angeles Lakers have won 3-straight games without LeBron James. Paul Pierce explains how LeBron's absence has actually been good for the Lakers.
Brighton boss Hurzeler targets ‘new peaks’ in Premier League
Brighton’s extra-time FA Cup victory at Newcastle last weekend was a fifth straight win in all competitionsHurzeler has enjoyed an impressive first campaign at the club, who host Fulham on SaturdayLONDON: Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has urged his side to “climb new peaks” as they seek to move into the Premier League’s top six.The soaring Seagulls have been on an impressive run since being hammered 7-0 at Nottingham Forest on Feb. 1.Brighton’s extra-time FA Cup victory at Newcastle last weekend was a fifth straight win in all competitions for the south coast side.Hurzeler — at 32 the youngest permanent manager in Premier League history — has enjoyed an impressive first campaign at the club, who host Fulham on Saturday.Marco Silva’s Fulham are ninth in the table, one place below Brighton as the race for European places hots up.Hurzeler, two years younger than Brighton forward Danny Welbeck, has challenged his team to aim high.The club’s best-ever Premier League finish was sixth, in the 2022/23 season, earning qualification for the Europa League.“It is very important we focus on our journey and that we really believe in it,” Hurzeler said on Friday.“Yesterday, I received a picture from a mountain.
Doncic, James lead Lakers fightback as Knicks downed in thriller
LOS ANGELES, United States: Luka Doncic and LeBron James combined for 63 points as the Los Angeles Lakers produced a thrilling late fightback to seal a 113-109 overtime victory over the New York Knicks on Thursday. The red-hot Lakers extended their unbeaten streak to eight games in a pulsating battle at the Crypto.com Arena that saw Doncic finish with 32 points while James poured in 31. Doncic and James had both been instrumental in dragging the Lakers back into the contest after the Knicks led by 10 points midway through the fourth quarter. The Knicks meanwhile were left ruing a potential victory that slipped through their fingers despite a majestic performance from Jalen Brunson, who scored a game-high 39 points. The agony of the Knicks’ defeat was compounded by an injury to Brunson in overtime, with the mercurial point guard limping off the court after rolling his right ankle in a collision with the Lakers’ Austin Reaves. “Our physicality in the fourth quarter was next level,” an exhausted Doncic said afterwards. “Once we got started, we played basketball. “They’re a great team with great players and it’s a tough win.
Young Spanish star embraces transition from Barcelona to Al-Ittihad
JEDDAH: Although a statement addition to the Roshn Saudi League in January, Unai Hernandez had to wait a little before making his debut.