New-look Nuggets Bang Short Handed Celtics 89-75

DENVER – The integration of five new players offensively will take time for the Denver Nuggets. Defense? That came immediately.

Nuggets kept short-handed - and shortened - Boston Celtics profit in the last minute over six Thursday night, closing the game with a 16-0 run 89-75 victory, their second in a row from the front Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups at the New York Knicks.

"Defense is all effort," said Kenyon Martin, who led Denver with 18 points and 10 rebounds despite playing with the flu and missing the second quarter to get two bags of intravenous fluids.

"This is the difficulty of play. Plans to come and go," said Martin. "This is simply to give maximum effort every day. That's what we did. That's what we will continue to do so."

Wilson Chandler, one of the newcomers, had 16 points and eight players each played more than 20 minutes coach George Karl system to spread the new wealth stars Ty Lawson and Raymond Felton time to divide point to the last five minutes when they were in the field and helped the Nuggets to get out.

The game between two teams who have transformed their lists before the NBA trade deadline. Nuggets took a lot of new players and the Celtics a lot of empty seats along the bench after a wave of occupations that have landed a large group of men.

Celtics dressed only nine players and had to fight through the emotions of losing center Kendrick Perkins, who was treated in Oklahoma City to forward Jeff Green in the greater Boston trio trading Thursday.

"Tough day to play basketball," said Kevin Garnett. "Very difficult day to play basketball, not concentrated. Being honest right. You feel like you lost a family member today. Hard day. "

"It was very moving, especially for me is that I had the chance to see Perkins grow from day one, fresh from high school who come here and see the level he has come to a team of championship, "said Paul Pierce." It's definitely emotional. I had the chance to talk with him this afternoon a little, he was certainly injured. The guys around this locker room was pretty painful to see Perk go. "

Nuggets, 2-0 since trading Melo, had their full complement of players, but their best defensive player, Martin, spent the second quarter in the locker room.

New Nuggets Chandler, Danilo Gallinari and Felton went to a slow start, combined to shoot 2 for 12 in the first half, which ended in Denver ahead 37-36.

Denver took a 61-60 in the fourth quarter, when the pace taken lightly.

Pierce led Boston with 17 points, hit a 3-points with 6:05 left that gave a lead of 75-73 in Boston, but the Celtics would not score again.

Chandler 3-pointer put Denver in front of a good, and three-point play by Martin with 3:03 left gave Denver the largest lead to a point at 79-75.

Celtics Eastern Conference leading also dealt reserve Nate Robinson Thunder and scored Nenad Krstic, a future first round draft picks and cash in accordance Perkins.

Earlier in the day, the Celtics draft picks acquired by sending forward Luke Harangody and rookie center Semih Erden in Cleveland and forward Marquis Daniels injured in Sacramento.

With such a short bench for coach Doc Rivers to work with, called the Celtics center Chris Johnson of the D-League, made him sign a contract for 10 days and put right to work. He scored six points.

Once loaded inner dimension, the Celtics now have the hope of Shaquille O'Neal and Jermaine O'Neal to get healthy in time for the playoffs.

"We have healthy Shaq. Shaq will be healthy. But if Shaq plays a lot, this operation was obviously very, very good for us," said Rio.

Participation Krstic center from Thunder, when they returned to the NBA from Russia in December 2008 should help to mitigate the loss of Perkins Boston.

It was not just the Perkins' departure, the Celtics were so sad.

"We lost Semhar, Luca, Quis" Garnett said, stopping. "Just a tough day. A difficult day."Nuggets hope to stay in playoff race in the West after the megadeal that led Gallinari, Felton, Chandler, and Timofey Mazgov Kosta Koufus New York and Minnesota.

"The last two games have probably been more fun for me to coach and win because you play a strong and united," said Karl. "We have too many talented children. It can not be the same story every night, but we'll see how you can score points and we'll find a way to win if we play hard and defend. "

The Celtics are concerned about its chemical composition without Perkins.

"I'm sorry to lose a teammate like Perkins," Pierce said. "He meant so much. People do not understand the chemistry of the bus engine is derived from the dressing room, so it's definitely a shock. It depends on how the other guys to adjust.

Pierce also said that this is an example of the ruthlessness of the NBA for both.

"The nature of business," he said. "People think LeBron James was ice cold in Cleveland the way it is. This is an example of how to do it consistently until the end. It can not be angry with the players, because it can happen to them suddenly, as if the player can be anywhere he wants. It 's just a real character. "

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Melo has 27, Knicks Trash Bucks in his NY Debut

NEW YORK - Carmelo Anthony on the big stage debut was a huge success.

Anthony had 27 points and 10 rebounds, hit a pair of clutch buckets down the stretch in front of an audience that cheered his every move than New York beat Milwaukee Bucks 114-108 on Wednesday night in its infancy Knicks.

Anthony made only 10 of 25 shots but had his best closing minutes to help New York to resist because a friend of superstar Amare Stoudemire out of the dirty. He answered the questions of the third most in a game the Knicks debut in 1964, just two points' so Keith Van Horn 29, October 29, 2003.

"I'm just glad I got this game out of my system," Anthony said, adding that the last two days have been both "frantic" and a "roller coaster".

Chauncey Billups, who came to Anthony in Denver on Tuesday to trade blockbuster finished with 21 points and eight assists as the Knicks won for the third consecutive time. Toney Douglas scored 23 points and Stoudemire had 19

John Salmons scored 27 points for the Bucks.

With the fans sing, and Anthony and Billups at the last minute, New York, which corresponds to its total victory of the twenty-ninth of his victory of last season - the plans, but now the Knicks have a lot bigger.

Knicks never had a winning season since Anthony in the NBA and is mired in a stretch of the franchise more than nine consecutive losing seasons. Their revival began when Stoudemire was signed last summer and reached a new level Wednesday, when Anthony is out of the tunnel on the ground where he has averaged 30.4 points, just off Kobe Bryant 30.5 vertices among active players.

He said before the Knicks game could score 120 points per game, and they were not far off, even without any real practice time in their first match together.

Milwaukee has dropped to four, when Antonio was driving on the basis of incorporation with 1:18 left, and his band blow bucket with a clock that goes down to 26 seconds to go made 108-102.

He added two free throws with 11.4 seconds left fans chanting "Melo! Melo!" as he sank a six-point edge. Billups has been rocked by a "Chauncey Billups" song, he then went to the line.

The Knicks gave a lot of the country to be delivered to them first, Danilo Gallinari, Raymond Felton, Timofey Mozgov backup plan and Wilson Chandler. But say the price is worth it for the opportunity to pair with Anthony Stoudemire, and locked up in the long run, as Anthony has signed a contract extension on his way out of Denver.

With the building is fully completed before TIPOFF, fans roared as quotes Anthony appeared on the video board before introducing air, since he was born in Brooklyn and wanted to be a former Knicks star Bernard King.

Anthony had a rough, then use their popularity, and soon won his first points of the Knick offensive rebound with 9:37 left in the first quarter.

"I've never experienced anything like this before," said Anthony. "It was a hell of a time for fans to react as they did."

But appeared rusty after playing just last week, and maybe a little 'worn out after the tornado in the All-Star weekend, and his jumper was off all night.

He arrived in New York on Tuesday night and was introduced with Billups on a crowded news conference before the game, "said the crowd was" ready to go to work now. "

Just a quick workout, because players must pass physicals Wednesday, the Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni said he put in four or five plays and it would be almost like an All-Star game. The Knicks were sharp early, shooting 59 percent in the first quarter and opening a lead of 11 points early in the second Anthony Dunk.

Milwaukee cut to 59-57 at halftime and grabbed the advantage before the third quarter. The Knicks quickly came forward and were up 86-79 after Douglas was the last of five points of the season, including a 3-pointer 2.6 seconds left.

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Knicks Finally Lands Anthony

NEW YORK - The Knicks have agreed to a trade with Denver Nuggets Carmelo Anthony, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press on Monday night.

The agreement would end the saga of trade throughout the season involving Denver All-Star forward may not be completed until Tuesday during a conference call with the office of the NBA. Assuming it passes through, it puts Anthony Amare Stoudemire together in a potentially explosive frontcourt - a high cost for the Knicks.

The person did not provide other details, which was very, first reported on Monday, Denver Post. Person spoken to AP on condition of anonymity because he was unable to comment listed.

The Post, citing a league source said the Knicks would send Wilson Chandler, Raymond Felton, Danilo Gallinari, Mozgova Timofey and 2014 draft pick of the first round of the Nuggets, who have additional and cash equivalents.

With Anthony, Chauncey Billups would acquire New York, Shelden Williams, Renaldo Balkman Anthony Carter and, according to the Post.

Nuggets Anthony has been studied in the store, because he refused to sign a three-year contract extension worth nearly $ 65 million, they offered him last summer. He seemed about to send him to New Jersey Nets on several occasions, but the Knicks increased to provide enough land Anthony, who was believed to prefer New York all the time.

The Knicks hope he could be a uniform on Wednesday when they host the Milwaukee Bucks.

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LeBron James posts All-Star Game's first triple-double since Michael Jordan

LOS ANGELES -- As LeBron James fielded questions from the press corps at Staples Center on Sunday night, he was asked about his favorite moments from All-Star weekend.

The Miami star answered by talking about charity, describing how richly he was rewarded for taking part in a number of good-will efforts in the days leading up to the game itself. Yet after the West had won 148-143, it was the MVP voters who had been in the giving spirit. At James' expense.

Despite his triple-double (29 points on 10-of-18 shooting, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists), James lost out to the Lakers' hometown hero, Kobe Bryant (37 points on 14-of-26 shooting, 14 rebounds and three assists) for the game's top award. The voting is done with media members accounting for nine votes and the fan votes accounting for three more. The triple-double was only the second in All-Star game history -- and the first since Michael Jordan turned the trick in 1997.

"I just tried to showcase my talent on both ends of the floor -- defending, rebounding, scoring," James said. "We came up short. And you know for me, I'm all about winning, so (I'm) just a little disappointed in our game. Disappointed that we didn't win."

James hasn't been disappointing in the games that count, though, and he is in prime position to capture a third straight MVP honor with the way the Heat have turned their season around. After the 9-8 start that sparked so many doom and gloom predictions from South Beach and beyond, Miami has won 32 of 39 games and is currently tied with Boston for the Eastern Conference lead.

Yet James, whose Heat play at Sacramento on Tuesday, isn't content because of a recent stretch in which the Heat have gone 11-6 leading into the break.

"For the last third of the season, we have to understand that we cannot afford to take a step backwards and we have to keep moving forward," James said. "We have to continue to get better, because there are teams out there that's better than us right now."

All-Star MVP voting aside, however, no one was better than him on this Staples Center stage.

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Cav’s Take Vengeance 55-point Defeat Against Lakers

Cleveland - The Lakers hit the All-Star break broken.

Looking nothing like the NBA champions on two occasions, which have dropped their third straight game, the loss of a magnificent 104-99 Wednesday night to the Cleveland Cavaliers - the worst team in the league, who avenged an embarrassing 55 points against Los Angeles last month.

Ramon Sessions came off the bench and scored 32 points for the Cavaliers, who were beaten by the Lakers 112-57 on Jan. 11. This loss was No. 11 in a series record in the league that eventually reached 26 before Cleveland ended last week with an overtime win against the package unless announced in Los Angeles, the Clippers.

Pau Gasol had 30 points and 20 rebounds for the Lakers.

Play the end of a tour of seven games, the Lakers spent much of the night seemed as if they were on vacation. Launched errant passes, forced shots and were unable to reach the Cavs down the stretch, despite a frantic return.

"It's back to the drawing board," said Lamar Odom, who asked what is the best team to do list. "Defense. Cohesion. Our chemistry on offense. I'm not worried. I think that's what we can fix it."
Kobe Bryant finished with 17 points on 8 of 25 shooting. Derek Fisher scored 19 for the Lakers, who committed 19 turnovers and furious Phil Jackson, coach of the normally quiet, he shouted at them during the idle time after inexcusable defensive deficiencies.

Eliminated in Orlando on Sunday is hardly cause for great concern. But a decline of 20 points at Charlotte on Monday, left both Jackson and Bryant silent. They expect more from the Lakers, and they do not see it.

But too bad they played, the Lakers had cut a 10-point lead to two in the last minute. But Anthony Parker and sessions in two free throws each in the last 17.9 seconds.

After the final horn Lakers slowly toward their locker room and returned home not knowing what might happen. With the trade deadline just a week, rumors involving Denver star Carmelo Anthony might heat up.

One thing is clear: Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak has to do something to wake your computer.

The Cavs, however, less than half of the official season on a high note.

This was their best season. They played with energy coach Byron Scott wants every night, and have given fans a taste of what might be ahead.

Bryant 3-pointer helped the Lakers cut a 12-point deficit late in the third three, but the Cavs rookie forward Christian Eyenga followed embed Cleveland fans who had just texting "OMG" to friends and one of the best in the league this season.

Eyenga Bryant blew past the basics, reared back his right hand and smashed the ball through the block Gasol made a lazy society. Cleveland's bench erupted scene not to be included here because LeBron James has given them an almost every night.

Jackson seems to have lost patience with his team full of stars, which seemed tired of the way to win.

In the second half, called the Zen Master on Gasol in two separate dead and the coach's 11-time champion has been busy and also show the Lakers what they have erred on its erasable notepad.
Parker's jumper to end the first half capped by the jet 8-0 Cavs.

As his players back on the floor, Jackson sat in his high chair, orthopedic stunned by the shocking ineptitude of his team.

Bryant did not take a loss to Charlotte well, and he was still in a sour mood after the morning shootaround Lakers'. Perhaps it helps that he had to spend two days in the cold in Cleveland, but Bryant was not clearly beyond the performance of Los Angeles on Wednesday.

"Next game," he said dryly.

Bryant, who has been bothered by flu-like symptoms earlier this week refused to discuss what happened against the Bobcats, or if he and his teammates have worked on something in particular.

Things did not start well for the champions. Bryant made his second mistake with 5:37 left in the first quarter en route to the bank, he said something to the referee Kane Fitzgerald and was beaten by a technique. With Bryant, the Cavs have participated in the filming 11-2 and opened a lead of 10 points.

The Lakers were out of sync, and bungled their game was perhaps better in a possession of the second quarter when Gasol has turned and fired a passage where he waited for a teammate to be. There was nobody and the ball jumped into the feet of the coaches in Los Angeles.

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History in the Making: 2,562 times 3 for Ray Allen

BOSTON - Ray Allen has spent thousands of hours alone in a gym, practicing shooting, and when all efforts have paid off what he wanted more than anything was to share the honor.

With his family.

With his teammates.

With Reggie Miller, who worked on the short side of the telecast, when Allen broke the NBA record with his 3-pointer on Thursday night.

"Someone told me, 'This is your moment. Have fun." And I'm sitting there thinking that I never really had a moment that is mine, "Allen said after hitting three 3-indications against the Los Angeles Lakers to go to the top of the NBA's all-time list." I always shared with friends. ... I've never been a time when I had to stand there and say "thank you", because in reality I was. "

Allen hit his second 3 of the game with 1:48 left in the first quarter 2561 to reach in his career - a number that flashes on the dashboard in green and white, while the TD Garden erupted in applause.

35-year-old Celtic celebrated a bit 'as is back on defense, but the next whistle Miller moved to hug and a handshake, then rammed his fists with Lakers star Kobe Bryant.

"I'm so happy for her, because this is one of the best guys," Miller said TNT broadcast. "He is so humble, he is so determined, it is a good family man and I'm excited. This is great. This is great for basketball. You know why? Investing and talking about the shooting."

The record came on a basket of transition from the right side on a pass from Rajon Rondo. The sellout crowd at the TD Garden - a visit to the rival Lakers would have been sufficient for it - applauded, and his teammates came out of their seats.

"If I could have hidden, I would," Allen said. "I almost felt a little embarrassed because there was so much attention to this issue 3-point, and I've never really known because it is a team sport .. Very rarely you that emotional support individual So it was so overwhelming, but it was a great moment. I will remember for the rest of my life. "

After the quarter ended, Allen exchanged some words and a hug with another Miller, went to the touchline to receive the congratulations of his family. Allen was one more in the game to finish two ahead of Miller, but the Celtics lost the NBA finals rematch 92-86.

"I told him:" I'm glad you're here because it's your time well, "Allen said." When we came into the league, Allen Iverson, myself, all the guys in my class came ... Reggie was taken care that we were out there competing and trying to beat. It was a privilege to play with and play against him for this, and beat his record, and I in the building. - I would not have otherwise. "

6-foot-5 guard Connecticut, Allen is the top scorer No 25 in league history, finishing the night and 21 875 points in a 15-year career with Milwaukee, Seattle and Boston. He is already the leader of all time in the NBA in 3-pointers made per game since the shot was introduced in 1979, an average of 2.4.

"It 's just a car," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said before the game. "He shoots every day. He works. He runs every day. You look like her body. If you look at the young player Ray Allen, if you want a long career. He Pro Ultimate."

Allen was to record a bit 'faster than Miller's 6,430 shots without the need to obtain information - share of 39.8. Miller took over 6486 shots from 3-point distance in his career of 18 years, Indiana Pacers, when 39.5 percent.

Allen said beforehand that he had trouble sleeping unexpectedly, Wednesday evening, pending combination of NBA Finals against the Lakers rival a rematch and a chance to break the record.
"For the fans, I'm sure it's sweet. But for me, I'm really happy for Ray," Bryant said. "It's just unbelievable."

Allen came into the season, needs 117 to pass Miller, and he went into the need to link one night and two for the record. With the crowd cheering in anticipation every time he took the ball beyond the arc, he lost his first attempt and then his second of the top of the key.

Allen was a fist pump when teammate Nate Robinson lifted a finger in the air. The next time down, Allen, Paul Pierce passed ball on the left side and shot up another image that the public is unhappy, he left the circle. He missed the first attempt, too, but then has a record of his fifth 3-point attempts in the game.

"It's a little history, the Lakers and Celtics, Los Angeles forward Ron Artest said with a smile. "He chose to wait and do it against us. He did it on purpose." He waited and waited "until he plays against the Lakers. He is intelligent. Good marketing plan."

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LeBron Gets 41 – Heat Tops Pacers 117-112

MIAMI - With LeBron James on the bench, the Pacers took control quickly.

Unfortunately for them, he returned.

Reigning league MVP, twice had 41 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists, Chris Bosh added 19 points and the Miami Heat rallied to 14-point deficit to beat Indiana Pacers 117-112 Tuesday night for their seventh straight victory.

Miami held Indiana to 28 percent shooting quarter, giving up just 15 points, while in 1997 the first three periods, and so Mario Chalmers effect Dahntay Jones will be a key for 5 seconds violated 8.9 seconds remaining.

James took care of everything else, and moved to Miami a half game of idle best record in the Eastern Conference in Boston.

"We realized in the fourth quarter," James said. "Held them to 15 points, and we executed."
In his last 20 games, averaging 29.6 points by James, 8.6 rebounds and 7.5 assists. It is no coincidence that the Heat are 17 to 3 in the contest.

"I'll tell you who plays basketball and MVP both ends of the court," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra. "I had an engine that no fatigue at night. It was incredible."

James scored 26 points in the first half, sending a dunk through the net and accidentally head Dwyane Wade - "My bad," James said later - and then spend a tear in the last 2 minutes where he transformed what was a 66-52 deficit into a 66-63 game at halftime.

James goes on the attack - behind Danny Granger for a dunk in transition, gushing from the top post and take a pass from Chalmers for a second, so converting a layup as he was moving polluted .

"We would have been up 40 if it were not for him," said Granger. "He was unconscious."
In the end, Miami needed all his heroism.

"The best player in the world was at his best in their building," said Pacers interim coach Frank Vogel, who fell to 4-1 since taking over the sideline Indiana. "It 's hard to beat."

Wade scored 17 and Chalmers added 16 for Miami, who moved five games before the second place in Atlanta, the Southeast Division.

"You do not have to be great every night," Wade said. "We must find a way to help your club win, and we were able to do so."

Roy Hibbert scored 20 points and added 10 rebounds for Indiana. Granger scored 19 and Tyler Hansbrough added 18 for the Pacers.

Indiana's best chance 60 percent less than a point in the second half, and was at 57 percent entering the final quarter. But the Pacers shot 5 for 18 in the fourth, including a section brought to life the terrible heat.

Indiana lost nine straight shots to span nearly 6 1 / 2 minutes, but the position of Granger is 51.9 seconds remaining - the end of a drought - the Pacers got within 111-110.
They needed a stop and could not offer.

Mike Miller missed a 3-pointer, but Bosh grabbed an offensive rebound to extend detention and James at the end of winding connection of 17 feet with 14.1 seconds to play a lead of 113-110 heat.

"A shootout for three quarters, both teams scored the ball, playing in obvious ... and scoring with relative ease," said Spoelstra. "Finally, we made a stand in the fourth quarter."

Darren Collison scored 15 points, Josh McRoberts added 12 and Jones scored 11 of Indiana, who tried to get to Boston and Dallas team that has beaten twice this season in Miami.

Heat has spoken to both Monday and Tuesday pre-game seeking to avenge the 93-77 loss at home to the Pacers on Nov. 22. It was easily his worst defeat of the season - look at the margin of 16 points in this game have exceeded the margin of 13 points from their four other total loss to Miami.

The words do not translate in games. At least for much of the night does not mean they do not.
With James on the ground in the first two quarters, Miami dominated Indiana with 11 Without him, the heat has outperformed by 14 - and it happened quickly.

James just had a break in the first half, 3 minutes, 35 seconds rest early in the second quarter. New York and Miami dominated 18-4 in that stretch to turn a 33-29 deficit into a 45-37 lead when James came back in the game.

It was not until 4:34 remained in the room of Miami to return to the top, comes when Erick Dampier hit the back of Miss Wade by a border of 106 to 105 - the first conductor of heat from opening two minutes of the second quarter.

Pacers did not lead again.

"If we want the size, fit together," said Spoelstra. "And we're not there yet."

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Silva Stops Belfort, Defends The Title In The UFC 126

LAS VEGAS - Even after a dozen straight wins during nearly five years of unparalleled perfection of the Octagon UFC, Anderson Silva, yet come up with another awesome way to end the fighting.

Vitor Belfort has stopped by Silva with a kick to face in the first round, the belt of defense of the average a record eighth time in the UFC 126 on Saturday evening.

After little action in the opening minutes of his party, Silva (28-4) flattened his teammate fighter with a well placed shot that caught Belfort squarely in the jaw, bringing a dramatic end to win UFC 13 Silva consecutive at 3:25 of the opening round.

"Thanks to my coach taught me missing," said Silva. "Everyone must respect Vitor. Even before the fighting began, was a champion, then he deserves respect."

The thunderbolt landed before anyone in the sold-out Mandalay Bay Events Center, Silva had even realized. Belfort eyes rolled, his knees bent as he fell limply on his back, and Silva landed two blows on the head Belfort subjects before the fight was stopped.

"I've only seen the video game" UFC president Dana White said.

Belfort (19-9) blamed himself for not having prevented a straight forward kick Silva, whose athletic style and versatile, they have maintained completely by 2006.

"There is no excuse. I was struck with a shot," said Belfort. "I just got caught. He rigged the body, and he hit his head. Anderson is a great fighter."

Jon "Bones" Jones was a match to light heavyweight title with a victory in the presentation of the second round by compatriot Ryan Bader perspective on the billboard in the birthplace of the UFC. Forrest Griffin also won a unanimous decision against fellow veteran Rich Franklin at a meeting of former champions.

Silva is the longest reigning champion in the history of the UFC, almost all candidates dominate since winning the belt in October 2006 with a first round of the Franklin's interruption. The fighter known as "Spider" is considered the largest in the world of mixed martial arts white and most experts.

Still, Silva, Aura had lost much of its luster over the past 10 months. White UFC fight was embarrassing Abu Dhabi is unlikely to engage in during the defense Demian Maia title last April, then Silva has largely been dominated by four strokes on the ground, Michael Sonnen in Oakland last August, before the jailbreak and the fifth round submission victory.

Belfort was the youngest fighter to win a UFC fight 14 years ago, but the 33, also called "Phenomenon" had to fight his way back to the UFC after losing his heavyweight title in 2004, Randy Couture, who was part of a team of Belfort corner Saturday night. After stopping the promotion and four boxing debut in MMA, UFC returned to Belfast in September 2009 with a knockout of Franklin, but had not fought since.

Previously, Jones (12-1) won the fight between the MMA elite prospects with a guillotine, Bader stopping previously unbeaten (12-1) - and win a big title shot just six weeks later.

Moments after the fight ended, Jones informed the UFC gets the next shot at heavyweight world champion Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at UFC 128 title from Newark, NJ, March 19. Rua was scheduled to fight Rashad Evans, training partner of Jones, but Evans was diagnosed with a knee injury Saturday.

White said he has done much to address Rua Jones while Jones was still in the octagon. The 23-year-old Jones did not back down from a challenge.

"I feel it is my time," said Jones. "My confidence is very high. I'm in shape, and I have six weeks to make me better."

Fight with Bader Jones is without doubt the two best hopes for the division responsible heavyweight. Jones is part of the UFC's most promising up and coming for his athletic abilities, unorthodox approach and spectacular save while earning Bader forged an unbeaten record with a remarkable strength and excellent fighting skills.

Jones dominated the first round on the ground near the bid with a team Bader unusual. The fighters spent much of the second round on their feet, but Jones took to Bader and landed a guillotine choke difficult, forcing Bader tapping for the first time in his career.

Griffin has enjoyed a strong first round, suspended in a win over Franklin at a meeting of former UFC champions who are among the most popular fighters in the sport. After Griffin (18-6) controlled most of the opening round, they traded punches and takedowns to avoid an overwhelming victory for Franklin (28-6), former middleweight champion who has lost three of his last five fights.

"Rusty, Rusty," said Griffin, who had not fought since the end of 2009 while recovering from a shoulder injury. "It's great to be back. I was so nervous. Camp was not right, but I feel good now. It is difficult to return after a year when you did not go at full speed. Fortunately, I got it in the first round and was able to paint a little. "

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James Scores Season High 51 Points as Heat Slip by Magic

Orlando, Florida - LeBron James had 51 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists, as the 23-point lead in the first quarter Miami 104-100 victory at Orlando on Thursday night.

It was a season high of James, whose scoring effort associated with the fifth best score of his career.

The heat has operated a fine line missing injured starting Magic forward Brandon Bass. It took less than 23 points. Dwyane Wade added 15 points and Chris Bosh 13.

Jameer Nelson led Orlando with 22 points. Dwight Howard had 17 points and 16 rebounds, but only one point after the break and was only 3 to 13 at the free throw line. Jason Richardson chipped in 16 race victory was the fourth straight. Magic lost for the fourth time in their last six season series 2-1 and lost to Miami.

The Heat led by 16 entering the final period and 90-69 before the Magic went 19-4 run, capped by Gilbert Arenas' 3-pointer cut the lead to 94-88 with 1:51 left in the game.

But James responded with his own Trey with the clock winds down to give Miami a 97-88 cushion.

Missed 3-pointer by Richardson at the other end was deflected by James, who was fouled and hit one of two free throws. Another 3 by Richardson narrowed the gap to 98-91 with 51.1 seconds left.

Nelson hit a jumper to cut to 98-93, then 99-95 with a pair of free throws with 22.5 to play.
After a couple of free throws by James to make it 103-97, Nelson hit a 3 point with 9.4 seconds left. The Heat lost the ball in the game that followed the tracks, but the Magic could not draw on their next possession. Wade hit a free throw to provide the final margin.

Heat led 55-45 at halftime as James magic defense picked it apart with a combination of midrange jumpers and runners in the lane.

He hit his shots from a November night and finished the half 29 points. His fast start helped Miami to shoot bubbles 58 percent in the opening 24 minutes.

Howard had 16 points and Turkoglu 11 to help keep the magic of striking distance, as James teammates combined for only 26 points. Bosh scored nine points in the first half, Wade scored five points, but it was November 4 terminals in the field.

James started his scoring spree in the opening 12 minutes straight at Türkoğlu Earl Clark and later when he came off the bench.

He had 23 points in the period, reaching nine of his shots on goal in the field and is June 5 at the free throw line as the Heat was ahead 30-26 in the second quarter.

James' 23 points in the first quarter broke Alonzo Mourning, the Heat scoring 21 points in the book, which established in 1996.

Magic did not help their hairline in front of everyone, getting into foul trouble first.

Howard took only 17 seconds to collect his first whistle of the night and was a bit shy on the inside of the defensive the rest of the period. Ryan Anderson were also hands a little too active when he was forced to the bench after picking up his second foul at the 10:07 mark.

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