Sports — International

Former MMA star Ronda Rousey expecting first child

LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) — Ronda Rousey, who followed Olympic judo bronze with a stellar mixed martial arts career, is expecting her first child with husband Travis Browne. Rousey revealed in a YouTube video on Wednesday that she’s four months pregnant. “I can’t hide it anymore, so it’s time to show it off,” she said with a laugh as Browne gave her a kiss and a hug. It was part of a video that […]

Harden injury setback, out ‘indefinitely’: Nets

NEW YORK, United States (AFP) — Brooklyn Nets star James Harden has suffered an injury setback during his recovery from a hamstring strain and faces an indefinite layoff, the team announced on Tuesday. A statement from the Nets said Harden’s injury had flared up during an on-court rehab session on Monday. “Following an evaluation today which included an MRI, Harden will remain out indefinitely,” the team said. “Updates regarding his status will be provided as […]

Curry hot streak continues as Warriors down Sixers

by Rob Woollard LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) — Steph Curry extended his scoring streak with an electrifying 49-point display as the Golden State Warriors upset the Philadelphia 76ers 107-96 on Monday. Curry, who scored 47 points in a defeat to Boston on Saturday, bagged his 11th straight game with 30 points or more to give the Warriors a crucial victory in their fight for a playoff berth. It was another spellbinding performance from the […]

Adebayo’s step-back jumper at buzzer propels Heat to win over Nets

LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) — Bam Adebayo hit a thrilling game winner at the buzzer on Sunday to lift the Miami Heat to a 109-107 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, who lost superstar Kevin Durant to another injury. American Adebayo nailed a step-back 14 footer from the baseline as the Heat snapped a three-game losing skid. Both teams were short-handed with the Heat playing without Jimmy Butler (sprained ankle) and the Nets already without […]

Lakers star Davis cleared for full practice in injury rehab

LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) — Los Angeles Lakers star forward Anthony Davis is moving closer to a return from a calf and Achilles tendon injury, with coach Frank Vogel saying he’d been cleared for “full on-court activity.” Davis, an eight-time All-Star who along with LeBron James led the Lakers to the NBA title last season, was averaging 22.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in 23 games this season before he was sidelined in […]

Curry scores 53 to pass Chamberlain for Warriors record

SAN FRANCISCO, United States (AFP) — Steph Curry erupted with 53 points to pass Wilt Chamberlain’s all-time Golden State scoring record on Monday as the Warriors downed the Denver Nuggets 116-107. Curry — who started the game needing only 19 points to overtake Chamberlain’s tally of 17,783 points set between 1959 and 1965 — broke the record in a hurry, rattling in 21 points in the first quarter. The 33-year-old passed Chamberlain’s mark with a […]

Doncic leads Mavs over Jazz, Harden injury fear for Nets

LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) — Luka Doncic scored 31 points as the Dallas Mavericks shrugged off the injury absence of Kristaps Porzingis to snap Utah’s nine-game winning streak on Monday. Slovenian star Doncic spearheaded a superb offensive performance for the Mavs in a dominant 111-103 victory over the Western Conference leaders, who had been chasing a 10th straight win. Doncic’s tally included six three-pointers, while the 22-year-old prodigy also hauled down nine rebounds with […]

Japan swimmer Ikee wins Olympic relay spot after leukemia

TOKYO, Japan (AFP) — Japanese swimmer Rikako Ikee said she “didn’t know what had just happened” after qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics medley relay on Sunday, just two years after being diagnosed with leukaemia. Ikee, who only resumed training in March last year after being hospitalised for around 10 months, won the 100-meter butterfly race at Japan’s Olympic trials in Tokyo in a time of 57.77 seconds. That was not enough to earn her an […]

Durant fined $50,000 by NBA after apology for actor tirade

LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) — Kevin Durant was fined $50,000 by the NBA on Friday over a slew of expletive-laden social media messages including misogynistic and homophobic language. The league said in a statement the Brooklyn Nets forward was fined for “using offensive and derogatory language on social media”, noting that Durant, who had apologized for his remarks, had “acknowledged that his actions were inappropriate.” The 32-year-old superstar said late Thursday he was sorry […]

‘MVP’ Harden hits 44 to spark Nets while Celtics beat Bucks

WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — James Harden delivered game highs of 44 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists Friday to power the Brooklyn Nets over Detroit 113-111 while Boston ended Milwaukee’s eight-game NBA win streak. Harden missed Wednesday’s loss at Utah with neck soreness but returned with a vengeance at Detroit, hitting 14-of-30 from the floor, 4-of-11 3-pointers, and 12-of-14 free throws. It was Harden’s highest-scoring performance since joining the Nets from Houston, helping Brooklyn […]

Lakers legend Baylor dies aged 86: team

LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) — Los Angeles Lakers legend Elgin Baylor, widely regarded as one of the greatest players never to win a championship after playing and losing in eight NBA Finals, died on Monday, the franchise announced. He was 86. The 11-time Hall-of-Famer, a dominant force for the Lakers during 14 seasons in the league between 1958 and 1971, passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife Elaine and daughter Krystal, the Lakers said. […]

LeBron injury scare as Lakers slump to Hawks

LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) — LeBron James limped off injured as the Los Angeles Lakers slumped to defeat against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. Lakers superstar James exited for the NBA champions in the second quarter after appearing to roll his right ankle in a collision with Atlanta’s Solomon Hill. James collapsed to the Staples Center court and writhed in pain, clutching his right ankle before returning to the game briefly. He hit a […]