(NEW YORK) — It was a New York buzzer-beating win for the books, heading into the weekend. The New York Knicks RJ Barrett launched a game-winning shot into the basket with 1.5 seconds left in Thursday night’s game, capping off a 25-point comeback for the team.
Watch the full report and the winning shot below:
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(NEW YORK) — Here are the scores from Thursday’s sports events:
NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
New York 108, Boston 105
Memphis 118, Detroit 88
New Orleans 101, Golden State 96
Phoenix 106, LA Clippers 89
NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
Pittsburgh 6, Philadelphia 2
New Jersey 3, Columbus 1
San Jose 3, Buffalo 2
Tampa Bay 4, Calgary 1
Minnesota 3, Boston 2
Dallas 6, Florida 5 (SO)
Colorado 7, Winnipeg 1
Arizona 6, Chicago 4
Vegas 5, NY Rangers 1
Nashville 4, Los Angeles 2
Toronto at Montreal (Postponed)
Ottawa at Seattle (Postponed)
TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL
UCLA 96, Long Beach St. 78
Southern Cal 77, California 63
Indiana 67, Ohio St. 51
Wisconsin 87, Iowa 78
San Francisco at Gonzaga (Postponed)
UCLA at Stanford (Postponed)
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(HONG KONG) — The world’s top-ranked tennis player, Novak Djokovic, remains on Australian soil — for now at least — after having his visa to enter the country cancelled on arrival in Melbourne late on Wednesday evening for the Australian Open.
Djokovic’s legal team launched a challenge against a decision to deport him, but he will need to wait until Monday to learn if he can stay on to play in the tournament, which begins on Jan. 17.
In the meantime, it appears that the 34-year-old Serb will be staying in immigration detention at the Park Hotel in inner Melbourne, which normally houses asylum seekers.
In a statement, the Australian Border Force confirmed that Djkovoic’s evidence for a medical exemption did not meet the requirements for entry after arriving in Dubai.
Among the considerations raised at the court hearing on Thursday was whether Djokovic was able to be moved to another hotel with tennis facilities. Tennis Australia also made a request that the issue be sorted by Tuesday because it would muck up scheduling. To that, Judge Anthony Kelly said, “the tail won’t be wagging the dog here.”
The Serbian tennis star announced on Tuesday evening that he’d been granted a medical exemption to play at the Open, where he’s chasing a record 21 grand slam titles.
The announcement sparked a massive public backlash down under, with social media platforms, letters-to-the-editor and talkback radio in Australia flooded with criticism towards Djokovic, who has refused to divulge his COVID-19 vaccination status but last year said was opposed to it.
Omicron cases have exploded in Australia in recent weeks since domestic borders were opened, and Victorian residents have suffered some of the strictest COVID-19 controls in the world over the past two years. More than 90% of Australia’s over-16 population is fully vaccinated, but some people still cannot travel internationally or interstate because of the measures.
There appears to be a blame game between the federal and state governments over the Djokovic debacle. Minister Karen Andrews, who is leading the charge for the Australian government, says that “the Victorian government has questions to answer.” But the Victorian government denies there’s any “finger-pointing,” saying “State Governments in Australia can’t grant a visa. That’s a fact.”
Australia is expected to hold a federal election sometime in the coming months, which could help explain why the claws are out and why political points are out to be won here — and Australia is currently run by a Liberal Party government, while the Victorian state is run by the rival Labour Party — so the friction was already there.
And there is now a diplomatic spat at play, with Serbia clearly slighted over Djokovic’s treatment down under.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said Djokovic was a victim of “harassment” and vowed to help through diplomatic channels. Vucic said the whole nation was behind him.
Morrison said the decision was not linked to “any particular position in relation to Serbia,” adding that the country was a “good friend” of Australia.
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(NEW YORK) — Here are the scores from Wednesday’s sports events:
NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
Charlotte 140, Detroit 111
Philadelphia 116, Orlando 106
Houston 114, Washington 111
San Antonio 99, Boston 97
Dallas 99, Golden State 82
Brooklyn 129, Indiana 121
Minnesota 98, Oklahoma City 90
Toronto 117, Milwaukee 111
Utah 115, Denver 109
Atlanta 108, Sacramento 102
Miami 115, Portland 109
NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
Toronto 4, Edmonton 2
Pittsburgh 5, St. Louis 3
NY Islanders at Vancouver (Postponed)
TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Michigan St. 79, Nebraska 67
Iowa St. 51, Texas Tech 47
Houston 83, South Florida 66
Alabama 83, Florida 70
Tennessee 66, Mississippi 60
Villanova 75, Creighton 41
Arizona St. at UCLA (Postponed)
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(NEW YORK) — Fury, shock and widespread confusion unfolded on social media in Australia after tennis great Novak Djokovic announced Tuesday that he was granted a medical exemption to play at the Australian Open, which begins Jan. 17.
However on Thursday, the Australian Border Force confirmed Djokovic’s visa has been canceled and he will be denied entry into the country. He could be deported, officials said.
“The Australian Border Force will continue to ensure that those who arrive at our border comply with our laws and entry requirements. The ABF can confirm that Mr. Djokovic failed to provide appropriate evidence to meet the entry requirements to Australia, and his visa has been subsequently cancelled,” the Australian Border Force said in a statement. “Non-citizens who do not hold a valid visa on entry or who have had their visa cancelled will be detained and removed from Australia.”
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison also confirmed Djokovic will not be allowed into the country.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said on his verified Instagram page that he had spoken to Djokovic on the phone, and “the whole of Serbia is with him, and that our authorities are taking all measures to stop the harassment of the best tennis player in the world.” It was not clear if he spoke to Djokovic before or after his visa was canceled.
Djokovic’s announcement Tuesday was mostly met with heated replies. Other social media platforms, letters to the editor and talk radio in Australia were also flooded with criticism toward Djokovic, who has refused to divulge his COVID vaccination status but said last year he was opposed to it.
“We have been taken for fools,” tweeted former Australian football player Kevin Bartlett.
“Many Australians have not been able to return home for two years. There has been little free movement across borders. So regardless of your views on vaccinations, the issue is the consistent rule bending for a selected few … Grubby decision,” said Australian broadcaster Shane Anderson.
“Though we now know that Djokovic plans to play the #AusOpen, there will still be considerable speculation about the legitimacy of his exemption. What ‘acute major medical condition,’ as listed here by Australian authorities, could a healthy #1-ranked athlete have?” said journalist Ben Rothenberg.
There were some voices of support from his Australian fans — after all, Aussies are a sporting nation and he is one major away from breaking a tie with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who also have 20 grand slam singles titles. But he would do it in a city that has mixed feelings about the tennis star.
Omicron cases have exploded in Australia in recent weeks since domestic borders were opened, and Victorian residents have suffered some of the strictest COVID controls in the world over the past two years. More than 90% of Australia’s over-16 population is fully vaccinated, but some people still cannot travel internationally or interstate because of the measures.
Deputy Victorian Liberal Leader David Southwick called the exemption decision “a disgrace” and a “kick in the guts” to residents.
Prominent Australian emergency physician and former president of the Australian Medical Association Stephen Parnis said the exemption sends the wrong signal to others who have sacrificed to stop COVID.
“I don’t care how good a tennis player he is. If he’s refusing to get vaccinated, he shouldn’t be allowed in … If this exemption is true, it sends an appalling message to millions seeking to reduce COVID-19 risk to themselves and others. Vaccination shows respect, Novak,” Parnis said.
Organizers said the defending champion has not been given special status, and insist exemptions are decided by a group of independent doctors on a panel, which makes a blank medical assessment based on whether a candidate has had major surgery, an adverse reaction to a COVID vaccine or if they are in recovery from the virus. Defending the process, Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley said, “no one knew who the applicant was.”
The Australian government said it’s not up to them to decide who gets granted exemptions — saying it’s a matter for the Victorian government, which hosts the tournament each year.
Speaking ahead of Djokovic’s arrival in Melbourne, Morrison said Djokovic would not be treated differently from anyone else.
“There should be no special rules for Novak Djokovic at all. None whatsoever,” Morrison said.
“If that evidence is insufficient, then he won’t be treated any different to anyone else, and he’ll be on the next plane home.”
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(MELBOURNE) — Fury, shock and widespread confusion unfolded on social media in Australia after tennis great Novak Djokovic announced Tuesday that he was granted a medical exemption to play at the Australian Open, which begins Jan. 17.
The announcement was mostly met with heated replies. Other social media platforms, letters-to-the-editor and talk radio in Australia were also flooded with criticism towards Djokovic, who has refused to divulge his COVID vaccination status but last year said he was opposed to it.
“We have been taken for fools,” tweeted former Australian football player Kevin Bartlett.
“Many Australians have not been able to return home for two years. There has been little free movement across borders. So regardless of your views on vaccinations, the issue is the consistent rule bending for a selected few … Grubby decision,” said Australian broadcaster Shane Anderson.
“Though we now know that Djokovic plans to play the #AusOpen, there will still be considerable speculation about the legitimacy of his exemption. What “acute major medical condition,” as listed here by Australian authorities, could a healthy #1-ranked athlete have?” said journalist Ben Rothenberg.
There were some voices of support from his Australian fans — after all, Aussies are a sporting nation and he is one major away from breaking a tie with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who also have 20 grand slam singles titles. But he would do it in a city that has mixed feelings about the tennis star.
Omicron cases have exploded in Australia in recent weeks since domestic borders were opened, and Victorian residents have suffered some of the strictest COVID controls in the world over the past two years. More than 90% of Australia’s over-16 population is fully vaccinated, but some people still cannot travel internationally or interstate because of the measures.
Deputy Victorian Liberal Leader David Southwick called the exemption decision “a disgrace” and a “kick in the guts” to residents.
Prominent Australian emergency physician and former president of the Australian Medical Association Stephen Parnis said the exemption sends the wrong signal to others who have sacrificed to stop COVID.
“I don’t care how good a tennis player he is. If he’s refusing to get vaccinated, he shouldn’t be allowed in … If this exemption is true, it sends an appalling message to millions seeking to reduce COVID-19 risk to themselves and others. Vaccination shows respect, Novak,” Parnis said.
Organizers said the defending champion has not been given special status, and insist exemptions are decided by a group of independent doctors on a panel, which makes a blank medical assessment based on whether a candidate has had major surgery, an adverse reaction to a COVID vaccine or if they are in recovery from the virus. Defending the process, Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley said, “no one knew who the applicant was.”
The Australian government said it’s not up to them to decide who gets granted exemptions — saying it’s a matter for the Victorian government, which hosts the tournament each year.
Speaking ahead of Djokovic’s arrival in Melbourne, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Djokovic would not be treated differently from anyone else.
“There should be no special rules for Novak Djokovic at all. None whatsoever,” Morrison said.
“If that evidence is insufficient, then he won’t be treated any different to anyone else, and he’ll be on the next plane home.”
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(NEW YORK) — Here are the scores from Tuesday’s sports events:
NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
Toronto 129, San Antonio 104
Memphis 110, Cleveland 106
New York 104, Indiana 94
Phoenix 123, New Orleans 110
LA Lakers 122, Sacramento 114
NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
Tampa Bay 7, Columbus 2
Florida 6, Calgary 2
Boston 5, New Jersey 3
Detroit 6, San Jose 2
Colorado 4, Chicago 3 (OT)
Winnipeg 3, Arizona 1
Anaheim 4, Philadelphia 1
Nashville 3, Vegas 2
Washington at Montreal (Postponed)
NY Islanders at Seattle (Postponed)
TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Baylor 84, Oklahoma 74
Duke 69, Georgia Tech 57
Kansas 74, Oklahoma St. 63
Auburn 81, South Carolina 66
Texas 70, Kansas St. 57
LSU 65, Kentucky 60
Marquette 88, Providence 56
Colorado St. 67, Air Force 59
Seton Hall 71, Butler 56
Xavier at Georgetown (Postponed)
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(NEW YORK) — Here are the scores from Monday’s sports events:
NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
Philadelphia 133, Houston 113
Washington 124, Charlotte 121
Memphis 118, Brooklyn 104
Detroit 115, Milwaukee 106
Chicago 102, Orlando 98
Utah 115, New Orleans 104
Dallas 103, Denver 89
Golden State 115, Miami 108
Portland 136, Atlanta 131
Minnesota 122, LA Clippers 104
NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
NY Rangers 4, Edmonton 1
Carolina at Toronto (Postponed)
Minnesota at Ottawa (Postponed)
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Pittsburgh 26, Cleveland 14
TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Wisconsin 74, Purdue 69
Arizona 95, Washington 79
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(NEW YORK) — Here are the scores from Sunday’s sports events:
NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
Toronto 120, New York 105
Sacramento 115, Miami 113
Cleveland 108, Indiana 104
Boston 116 Orlando 111 (OT)
Dallas 95, Oklahoma City 86
Phoenix 133, Charlotte 99
LA Lakers 108, Minnesota 103
NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
NY Rangers 4, Tampa Bay 0
Pittsburgh 8, San Jose 5
Boston 5, Detroit 1
Colorado 4, Anaheim 2
New Jersey 4, Washington 3 (OT)
Winnipeg 5 Vegas 4 (OT)
Calgary 5, Chicago 1
Dallas at Arizona (Postponed)
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Buffalo 29, Atlanta 15
Chicago 29, NY Giants 3
Cincinnati 34, Kansas City 31
LA Rams 20, Baltimore 19
Las Vegas 23, Indianapolis 20
New England 50, Jacksonville 10
Philadelphia 20, Washington 16
Tampa Bay 28, NY Jets 24
Tennessee 34, Miami 3
LA Chargers 34, Denver 13
San Francisco 23, Houston 7
Arizona 25, Dallas 22
New Orleans 18, Carolina 10
Seattle 51, Detroit 29
Green Bay 37, Minnesota 10
TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Michigan St. 73, Northwestern 67
Houston 66, Temple 61
Ohio St. 87, Nebraska 79
Arizona at Southern Cal (Postponed)
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(NEW YORK) — The NBA and National Basketball Players Association have agreed on new health and safety protocols that would further shorten the timetable for asymptomatic and vaccinated players to return to play after a positive COVID-19 test, league sources told ESPN on Friday.
Previously, such players could be cleared from protocols after seven days if testing data showed that their cycle threshold (CT) levels were above 35, but the new protocols would allow players to return after five days if their CT levels are above 30, league sources said.
CT levels can help indicate how infectious an individual might be, and a CT level of 30 is considered fainter than, say, 20.
The move should help replenish rosters that have been decimated by COVID-19 as the omicron variant rages through the league. As of Friday morning, 260 players total have entered the NBA’s health and safety protocols this season, including 247 in December alone. Nine head coaches have also entered protocols in December, and 11 games have been postponed.
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