Dhoni defends 'non-performer' Chawla

Spurs Hornets to beat the best record in the NBA Report

What is the best record in the NBA San Antonio Spurs four times they mean 15 or more points behind to climb back before winning the fallen are not.

"We need to stop" Spurs coach Greg Popovich said.

Tony Parker scored 19 points and San Antonio Spurs beat the New Orleans Hornets to the second time in a week, on Sunday night 109-84, 38 not the most lopsided game trailing and leading to the Hornets this season.

In other cases Hornets: George Sheen sell the club to the NBA, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press agreed before the game. Hornets forward David West after the game "glitch" is called the issue of ownership.

"In the summer we had it going one way, and I thought things started to change, said West, scoring 13 points." Who knows. We are an experience I, the coaching staff and all involved parties would imagine. "

Matt Bonner Spurs added 14 points for the three points for hitting four of five attempts. San Antonio, the NBA, improved 17-3 record and 20 games since the 2007-08 season, matched its best start.

Parker, who in one of three to five previous games after failing to reach double figures another strong night was said the team had talked before the game on big losses.

Time New Orleans, where the Spurs rallying behind before the 17 was just a week earlier.

"We started very slowly, and defense response, passion and the only one not playing with no energy" Parker said.

Chris Paul Hornets, who lost four of five and recently the team opened 8-0 for the 16 points was not seen anything like it.

"They broke us" Paul said. They just beat us in all phases of the game it is quite embarrassing .. "

Hornets 2-6 last eight games, the franchise began recording what would be worse. New Orleans allowed points, opponent field goal percentage (58.6%), Paragon Support (29) and has season highs for rebounds for the short (30) season set.

Midway during the second quarter to a point, Spurs still have shot 74% as a team.

"I'm sure that we had earlier in the season believing we are going to play with'm not" Paul said. "Somehow, some way, we believe officials need to get back to the back."

Tim Duncan had 11 points and nine before sitting for almost the entire second half rebounds. Richard Jefferson 13 points and George Hill and Gary Neal was $ 11 per person.

West after a stomach bug "Hornets returned to compose the Friday night loss to New York put the West was -. 6 to -11 region and played 30 minutes.

Trevor packaging also scored 13 points for New Orleans.

A minority owner Gary Chouest to shine since last spring was born in Louisiana to sell the team to the talks, but negotiations have stalled for months.

League, a New Orleans native line checked Attorney Sperling, NHL vice president of the Minnesota Wild, Sports Director of NBA team owners to monitor its sales, more permanent, the person told the AP on condition of anonymity because the move now far has not publicly announced.

In the first year Hornets coach Monty Williams said he had heard speculation about the potential sale because he arrived in New Orleans, but he did not know any details - he says that he did not want to know.

"There are few distractions in our life," Williams said. "It's not a big deal for us."

See notes regular season (Coolage Football) the final USA Today coaches to cover

See notes regular season (Coolage Football) the final USA Today coaches to cover

USA Today Top 25 coaches of the regular season last survey in conjuction with, the ballot on the last Sunday of every 59 voters will have an interactive graphic on collegefootball.usatoday.com published.

American Football Coaches Association released only last decided to start the regular season, the ballot - in 2005 five years ago - the Bowl Championship Series standings that determine which teams play BCS national title of the set used.

Last year: how coaches voted last poll in 2009 regular season

USA TODAY them available soon after the voting has concluded on Sunday. Last regular season poll, so will be released.

The final BCS standings are expected to be released at 20:15 ET.

Monday's print edition of USA Today, polls and massive game coaches in the department will work on a full page.

A coach ballot poll released last January 10 next BCS title game, although Coach Federation decides that a sound is not the game winner.

Return to Cleveland as LeBron Cavs rout Heat dominate

Return to Cleveland as LeBron Cavs rout Heat dominate

Boos rain down on LeBron James and obscenities was once his home turf.

The booing directed. He smiled hate calls. He embraced all the negativity Cleveland could muster.

LeBron James had not been disturbed by something.

He brought his skills home and reminded everyone - even the enemy - what he missed.

24 virtuoso performance in the third quarter - - his pinpoint a villain and the city as the summer home country, James scored 38 points Thursday night to return to the Miami Heat 118-90 to win the lead, Cavaliers to embarrassing moments are changing their hostile homecoming.

by halftime, James had a joke to another. Fourth quarter, he expects from the bench as Cavs fans a disappointing campaign headed into the cold house.

I know the court. I have a lot of shots on the court, he said.

Cavs as he so often did during the seven seasons, two time defending League MVP wants to have all that on the ground. In the third quarter, he made 10 - -12 shots, a basic sweater jumpers from every angle appears to be impossible after drying Cleveland bench taunted.

Security guards to man the front line to create your own fence, James Quicken Loans Arena is accused in an environment out of the tunnel as more than 20,000 fans, jumps, the people they once liked him very much, James turned angry.

Just in case, Moondog, Cavs, the fuzzy mascot put a bulletproof vest.

Boos when he touched the ball, James scored 14 points in the first half when summer opened a 59-40 lead, and hope to crack the game threatened to turn.

Cleveland 36-25 outscored Miami in the third for a 95-65 advantage, the Heat coach Erik Spoelstra superstar to pull it open. James spent as an observer in the last 12 minutes, so looking at the scoreboard in the stands for familiar faces.

Las Vegas put the difference if James is his pregame ceremony at the scorer's table in the powder was thrown. He went through with it, leaving a cloud of dust on his head - is here for fans tribute throat but can not stomach.

He immediately came out after a fan pointed to the sign face before superstar James shouted. Cavaliers James, who in the summer, when Dwyane Wade in Miami for a free agent and Chris decided to leave to join Bush was crushed promised to protect.

As a native of Akron, the Cleveland fans, some have raised signs that read pregame layups Akron hate you too, My Quitness, decision: to stay or defect and 5 games, remember a reference to his final home game of the Cavs, he went just 3 of 14 and 15 for Boston last season's Eastern Conference semifinals with one-sided loss runs.

James was the first player introduced, and stand for the national anthem, Cavs owner Dan Gilbert ring was shown on a giant scoreboard, drawing loud applause. Notorious James hour television special called the announcement hours after Gilbert decision, it tore open letter to Cavs fans, and then 25 accused - playoffs during the year resigned last two seasons.

James looked and found the yield was about Gilbert. He shook his head, using his feet and turned to his new team, pumping his fist as he told them something.

Dan Cam for the TV cameras stayed fixed on Gilbert's own hopes of catching an animated moment.

Before the national anthem, former Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar, including some other local sports stars, wide receiver off the Cavs Joshua Cribbs, Travis Hafner Indians Slugger, and comedian Drew Carey, all the wine and gold uniform, known to help James is dreadlocked.

That Cleveland's big star, and still stuck in a downward spiral financially for the city was a keeper. Your decision Cavs fans, who burned his picture hanging on the wall his vast Jersey City threw stones at the building with the mouse to move left an indelible mark.

James with 3:35 left in the first quarter, his line made the first visit to the penalty. It was a time when the MVP will be required to be serenaded with the song, but this time it was different as the crowd broke into the hymn Akron hate you!

After receiving his first injection grinned, James grinned as fans continued to try to shock him.

Before the end, James was in the locker room is a separation between his Heat teammates, he only used as a high school student was. Mr James dress as two security officers and reporters at bay a member of media relations. Bouncing to beat his head, with music on the stereo in your room before putting on your headphones James used. He closed his eyes for a moment, and her hands folded as if praying.

Across the room, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, who followed James to Miami, with journalists want to hear about his return to the court held. Dear great Z Ilgauskas, Cavs man known as the leader in career rebounds and played, struggled with his emotions.

I had a great time here, Ilgauskas, 1996 was prepared by the Cavs. I miss people and I miss my friends .. I do not remember the season ... this house.

In 05:33, five months after his famous declaration, James building where the enemy for the first time as his greatest victory was in the back. After the bag security, James, large glasses, a black stocking cap with the phrase in the leather jacket was checked: Back on the Time Roll saying as he walked toward the Miami locker room a word.

Akron native's homecoming for James what was expected to be adverse to the ring guard greeted before ducking inside.

Preceding cue, they all experience what James is about offering an opinion. Even the highest rated was the nation's basketball players. Obama's a brief description, simple, sweet drama with not said:

However, the boy was only 12 stitches his lip split open a raw pickup games after getting dropped.

Cavaliers LeBron James returns as fans prepare to evacuate

Cavaliers LeBron James returns as fans prepare to evacuate

North East Ohio, LeBron James was a believer. Fans here at one time in his life is like genius, and his promise to bring Cleveland to the NBA championship is considered.

We sit on five decades of frustration. We did not win the championship since 1964, Cleveland sports fans Canton, Ohio, resident Eric Knappenberger says, Browns team, led by Jim Brown, referring to the NFL title.

Akron's road access to the child to his white horse to play for his hometown team, lead us out of darkness. "Hey, Cleveland, even with the film script to follow and enjoy that it has a happy ending .." ... No, not really.

The story was really good to be true. Guy from Akron, not only Cavaliers NBA titles in his seven seasons can lead to, jump on the summer Miami Heat free agent - a gut-wrenching one-hour show for many by winning ESPN decisions, which ended with James stars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bush announced he would join.

Thursday night, anger, frustration disappointment and bitterness that I felt since the announcement of Cleveland, James Quicken Loans Arena, where over 20,000 fans to take center stage give it all the more uniform the first time in James (TNT , 20 for the Cleveland Cavaliers will be changed to: et 00).

There is no doubt about his decision.

LeBron Hates Cleveland, Derek DeCluett fans before the match called off the field.

Tension and anticipation for the game is palpable. Barley House on Wednesday planned to roast James - James has his customers to drink the jersey with the promotion - a comedy roast pork roast. Harry Buffalo bar and restaurant one block from the scene, before and after the game master lowlights James Introduction

There is concern, too, with some wondering if the inside or outside the ring will be ugly scene.

For some, Jersey James and Cavs owner Dan Gilbert water iron contact with the media photos of fans, the reigning MVP in his second statement after the time mad keen to linger.

Kirsten Brownrigg, 27, who left James Cleveland's decision and its impact on the city is making a documentary, people fear that the incident and a city will lead the audience through commentary and demonization says.

James, an 'anger Heat fans feeling a bit disappointed in the prison was struggling team said they expected a hostile reception is intense.

I do what I'm going to get a response'm ready, James said. It's going to be very emotional. I thank you for the city, the fans who gave me the opportunity to display not only give their talents, but to be a young man during his seven years. So it's going to be emotional. I can already tell.

No one is really sure what to expect, Cavs, the NBA announced the warmth of advice on their safety program, saying their security protocols already exceeds the requirements of the league. But more regular uniformed police officers inside and outside the ring, including an increased presence wearing. During the game on Tuesday, Cavaliers, four uniformed police officers were stationed near the visiting Boston Celtics bench. See more on Thursday.

Cavaliers fans have demanded to go through metal detectors.

Drinks will be put into plastic cups to prevent being thrown bottles sold.

Indecent and obscene shirts and posters will not be allowed.

Like us they have a police state auction for Communication child meticulous precautions to say about today's senior vice president of the Cavaliers do not want to feel. We are going to do the right steps that must be taken, but we fans want to have a good time to go down.

Brownrigg, against James in the various rallies Wednesday filming day, spending fans had planned to see the emotional response.

When it comes down to, if people do not react to it, to show that they do not care, she says. This is truly a testament to how much the city and how important it was impressive that he is. ... If they did not like him so much, they do not hate him so much.

Cleveland third-year forward JJ Hickson says if I have to say that this is a normal game would be lying.

Doubly delicious for Cavs fans of unexpected heat underwhelming start (against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday before the game 08/10) gaze that, win, South Beach has not created confusion.

Many people are enjoying it now, Brownrigg said. Many Clevelanders totally excited that there's a good chance they can beat the Cavs really stunned.

James's statistics are solid - 23.7 points, 7.7 assists per game and 5.7 rebounds - but the Heat roster struggled observed network, and James coach Erik Spoelstra healthy conflict between the players and coaching staff as the situation described.

Knappenberger, who writes under the name CavsWitness Twitter story of the game in a while Cleveland is not clear compared to Twitter, the return of James East to see the first time since isolation.

You quite sure what the feelings are not there are going to be, he says. Are you sure that you are going to react to are not. Anyway, it's going to be hot.

James Cleveland estimate showed $ 200 million to the economy as much as possible was talking. But the Cavs nine home games this season, a sign that the fans want to see the new coach Byron Scott, the 20 562 fans (capacity 100%) are average.

Business leaders say James is not all the region's economy will be all over with. $ 175000000000 economy of the Greater Cleveland Partnership, a commercial area according to the room, I'm sure if he even a ray of light GCP, President and CEO, said the Roman'm not.

Acclaimed chef and Food Network celebrity star Michael Symon, owner of Lola, a restaurant two blocks from the scene, he saw little difference in the business.

LeBron era Cavs game on Monday night, Monday night we'll be busy now? Of course, but not by much, Symon says.

Symon is a lifelong, die-hard Cleveland sports fan. He said he understands what fans are going through.

We were close to winning the championship, and we have to lose, he says. Clevelanders whole bunch is always half empty. We already have several times removed his teeth, but I think most Clevelanders thought he would stay. They look at the glass as half full, because of things he would have said in the past.

James's statement gave hope to fans.

I have a goal, which is a major goal, and the NBA championship to Cleveland to get here, I will not stop until I get it, playoffs before James April 2010, he said.

In 2006, he told ESPN magazine, I go, do not want to pursue the ring. I stay with the Cavs want to make a champion.

Symon says every time he asked James jerseys or signed basketball, he was on his desk that day. Every time James was one of his restaurants, he always had a good team, a class taken care of.

I'm sure happy with me Clevelanders are not saying, but LeBron James at his core, I think, a very nice guy, Symon says.

"I never thought he was going to go"

A cold, wet day, November Cleveland DeCluett Gray at the turn of events shakes his head.

Bothers me most is how the city championship ring has promised to do, DeCluett says. He got us to the playoffs. That we Finals (NBA) brought to. He gave us hope. Man, this is Cleveland. We need him here.

Some areas, like others in the rust belt, eastern Ohio, hit hard by economic problems. Area unemployment rate of 10.6% in the second quarter of 2009 was above the national average of 9.9%. Recent statistics show that close to the national average of 9.6% East Ohio rate inching.

Spirit has a way of taking the game in difficult times. Not so in Cleveland, although there have been close calls. James Cavs to the NBA Finals in 2007, had led, but swept the San Antonio Spurs.

Drive shot fumble: Cleveland sports teams and professional titles notorious shortcomings of the two words are immortal. When the Cavaliers lost in six games, their last three contests after dropping to 2-1 - - against the Boston Celtics in the playoffs last season's dismal performance briefly known as James.

Seemingly effortless performance James 15 - 14/03 point shooting to win Game 5 in Boston turned his Quicken Loans Arena is the last game.

Paul Beaver season tickets for about 30 years ago when they said they were $ 5 game, Cavaliers average ticket now costs $ 52, according to a report marketing team he won with James the Cavaliers was inevitable.

Beaver, 62, a native of Cleveland, I thought he was going to say never. No logical reason why she left. Michael Jordan said it best. When the Boston Celtics lost, Larry Bird says he does not read, "I want to be in your group. "

Mike DiGiacomo, a sweater and hat, the Cavs pick up the salmon and drink your beer, Harry Buffalo saw the Cavaliers-hitting game. Management Consultants, DiGiacomo said he moved to Cleveland to Columbus in April, so it can be seen close to the title.

James DiGiacomo, I had high expectations for his presidency says. I thought his talent was much better. The only time I saw him the Detroit series exceeded my expectations three years ago (the last in the Eastern Conference) was. He took it to another level. I expected, and I saw disappointment.

It was so deep because of their faith Clevelanders James is difficult.

When you are down, the heart for seven years we have seen smoke and mirrors show, Knappenberger said. What we thought to be true at the end to find out exactly the kind of fantasy that has left us feeling was, "Hey, we just played for seven years."

Knappenberger not know what to expect today. Cleveland constant supervision of your Twitter and blogosphere is a sign of what can happen. Boos, laughter, silence, walking out and some thought he heard the fans are turning their backs on.

Knappenberger prefer silence: the silence is deafening. It will be epic, but it will be difficult.

Blue-collar ethos that defines the area earlier in the pro game because of James Cleveland - and do it again, he says.

Crime by encouraging fans of basketball are designed to share Scott's presence. The playoffs to lead two different teams, two NBA Finals appearances with the New Jersey Nets included. Cavs (10/07) was clearly another championship competition this year group, but they as bad as some fans do not expect. They may be able to compete for the playoffs.

Roman Northern Ohio's future economy is accelerating. Gilbert control soon $ 600,000,000 casino in the city center, which will include shops and restaurants will be built. Convention Center focused health and medical industries is scheduled to open in 2013.

Roman say Northeast Ohio between 2009 and 2012, investments are worth about $ 6 billion.

We have our own challenges, Roman said. But it has a very strong growth sector in our community. ... Cleveland real problem in many ways the economy is moving forward, LeBron has a lot to do with it.

Gilbert's commitment to the Cleveland Cavaliers is one reason there is gloom and doom within the organization. Summer Sports Group will auction a 92 line, but season ticket holders to renew before James's decision was needed. Test will come next season.

Beaver plans to resume. I'm not jumping ship, he says. Cavs have done nothing wrong. As a consumer, you should not punish.

Knappenberger is not what today's game to close five months have been hard for fans to bring hope. Things change here for the Cavaliers out of the ground is a legitimate star player who is going to be the pivot of the team going forward did not start, he says. After that, things start to get along. It is going to take a long time.

LPGA Tour players now have to be female at birth.

LPGA votes to change policy to allow women and transgender

LPGA Tour players now have to be female at birth.

LPGA Tour Championship on Tuesday before year-end meeting in Orlando this week, the players union to allow women to compete on tour transgender chance to change the constitution to vote.

LPGA players voted to amend the Constitution, the requirement that competitors must be female at birth to destroy, '" LPGA Commissioner Michael Whan a statement said, "The coming weeks will be moved to appropriate changes in the language of the Constitution to.

District Court on October 12 to change a sin is in response to a lawsuit filed in San Francisco. Wrongdoing, a police officer and a retired 57-year-old who five years ago, underwent a sex change operation, her lawsuit claimed that her civil rights were violated when the LPGA tour companies denied the request.

Best and Worst Week 12: Duane Bowe chips quietly assembling a monster season

Best and Worst Week 12: Duane Bowe chips quietly assembling a monster season

Best and Worst Week 12

31-26 "Bears win against the Eagles could be the answer to the critics suggest are not serious playoff contenders. 3.8, a repair NFC North offense for the game after a period of further training of the subject" QB Michael Vick led the Eagles.

Best receiver: Kansas City Dwayne Bowe 170 yards and three TDs to win 42-24 over Seattle to 13 did. Bowe 32 catches in three games last seven games in a row (13 total TDs this term) has scored the TDs.

The worst fall: Buffalo Steve Johnson dropped that TD would have been 40 - yard loss to Pittsburgh 19-16 in overtime to win the game. "I was playing in his hands and threw it," Johnson said. "I lost."

Miss the worst: - Yard - Panthers K John Kasay 42 field goal attempt missed as time expired to seal Cleveland's loss to the Panthers 24-23. Carolina fell to 10-10, 1-15 campaign in 2001, the worst mark since.

Bad split: "Heads & Loss' Broncos Seahawks NFC West Rams for first place in the sub-.500 record of 5-6 with wins against tied teams left. Forever" from the NFC West team after 10 weeks ago Rams win was. Between 49 and Monday, 3-7 3-7 Cardinals will play the game just in the first place.

Good Bad Team: Buffalo (2-9) ended their two-game winning streak and a sense Territories Steelers 19-16 upset loss blown opportunity. Past four years, "Bill deficit three points, those losses have come by one of three states came.

Best and Worst Week 12

Ugliest Action: Texans WR Andre Johnson Titans CB Cortland Finnegan were separated after they traded punches hit to ignite a controversy in the fourth quarter to win, "20-0 Texans a battle of two players that heavy discipline from NFL can bring other people landed blows on the head ..

Best Debut: Interim coach Leslie Frazier led his former coach Brad Childress Vikings relief after the first game to win 17-13 in Washington.

The best defense: 20-0 - - who started third string QB Rusty Smith, the NFL's worst pass defense with the Texans, struggling to close. Kevin Houston gloves had three INTs, which is half the team went to the Texans entered the game season.

Best Sustainability: Falcons, who never less than nine consecutive winning seasons in 2008 and 2009 before winning the posting, the repair operation off their third straight win by beating 9-2 improved.

Last longer line segment: Eagles QB Michael Vick this season, his first INT threw beer loss. Vic, his 212 not elected at the first attempt this year since not thrown INT 2006, before the dogfighting conviction two years due to a lack of NFL.

The worst sign for head coach: Denver fans still practice a coach the team himself in San Francisco reported 49 illegal recording was later fined $ 50,000 by NFL Broncos after calling for the firing at Josh McDaniels signal to bring the video director Steve Scarnecchia shot.

Bad fumble: Check Repair QB Aaron Rodgers Line 1 - yard effort after he jumped on Atlanta for a TD. Fumble, the second QB Rogers "to slip, destructive drive the Falcons marched 84 years to win the 80 yard TD touchback began to drive off.

Good running back: Peyton Cleveland Willis has 131 yards and three TDs off - all with the results in the first half - against Carolina during a 24-23 victory.

Best and Worst Week 12

The best QB: Jay Cutler in Chicago, four TDs, zero INTs thrown 31-26 victory against the Eagles a Guest rating was 146.2.

The worst team on the big stage: Bucs 7-4 and fell to 17-10 in Baltimore after losing are winless against teams with winning records. Ravens, Steelers, Saints loss of falcons, Bucs 113-50 has been outscored.

The Good: QB Aaron Rodgers a game tying drive repair led his team to drive, 90-yard TD that included two fourth down conversions - including the TD with 56 seconds left - near Atlanta in the fourth quarter. Visit was for naught, however, as the Falcons with nine seconds left back slot game winning field goal.

The best road win: Rams away from home the first time this season in Denver won for the 36-33 decision. St. Louis lost its first four road games.

Bad penalties: 77 - yard punt on fourth quarter of Washington's Brandon Banks disqualified by an illegal block, Perry Riley 17-13 loss to Minnesota return TD. TD will have to lead 20-17 with Redskins 6:54 to play.

Best finish: Giants comeback 'crushing 24-20 win over Jaguars for three consecutive plays with two minutes after the warning is expected sacks. Last sack, a fumble that the Giants down Antrel Rolle's third force recovered to seal the win.

The Bounce Back: - my first 3 weeks after cracking three time points - Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall 151 yards moved against the Bill, the worst ranked run defense to win 19-16.