newyorkpost--2020-02-21--CDC confirms 34 cases of novel coronavirus in the US

The US now has 34 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus , officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Friday .
However , the new number comes as officials have changed the way the CDC calculates and tracks the virus — breaking case counts into two tables .
The CDC will track people who were repatriated by the State Department separately from all other cases .
“ We are keeping track of cases resulting from repatriation efforts separately because we don ’ t believe those numbers accurately represent the picture of what is happening in the community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said CDC official Dr. Nancy Messonnier .
The 34 cases confirmed include 21 among repatriated individuals — only 13 are US cases picked up through the US public health network , Messonnier said .
Of the 21 repatriated citizens with coronavirus — 18 were passengers of the Diamond Princess and three were evacuated from Wuhan , the epicenter of the outbreak .
Nearly all the remaining 350 Americans from the Wuhan repatriation flights who have been quarantined at US Department of Defense facilities have completed their 14-day quarantine and have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released from their quarantine from their cooperation and patience and wish them well as they return to home , work and school , ” Messonnier said .
“ I want to be clear that someone who has been released from quarantine is not at risk for spreading the virus to others , ” she said .
“ They are not infected.
” Officials said 329 US citizens from the Diamond Princess returned home on State Department chartered flights .
“ Of those , 18 tested positive at the CDC .
Another 10 were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Messonnier said .
Those passengers are “ seriously ill ” and will likely be added to the official US count once the Japanese test results have been examined .
Two Japanese passengers of the Diamond Princess have died , Messonnier said .
The most recent case in the United States was announced last night in Humboldt County , California .
The patient had traveled to mainland China .
Among the US cases , there are only two instances of person-to-person transmission — in Illinois and California .
Officials said the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are working at keeping the counts low .
Officials also announced further travel advisories yesterday — telling travelers to reconsider their cruise vacations to or within Asia due to dynamic travel restrictions .
“ This is a dynamic situation and passengers traveling by ship may be impacted by travel restrictions impacting their itineraries or may be subject to quarantine procedures implemented by local authorities , ” said Ian Brownlee , a representative with the State Department .
“ While the US government has successfully evacuated hundreds of our citizens in recent weeks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standard practice and should not be relied upon as an option for US citizens under the potential risk of quarantine by local authorities .
”

The US now has 34 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Friday.
However, the new number comes as officials have changed the way the CDC calculates and tracks the virus — breaking case counts into two tables. The CDC will track people who were repatriated by the State Department separately from all other cases.
“We are keeping track of cases resulting from repatriation efforts separately because we don’t believe those numbers accurately represent the picture of what is happening in the community in the United States at this time,” said CDC official Dr. Nancy Messonnier.
The 34 cases confirmed include 21 among repatriated individuals — only 13 are US cases picked up through the US public health network, Messonnier said.
Of the 21 repatriated citizens with coronavirus — 18 were passengers of the Diamond Princess and three were evacuated from Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak.
Nearly all the remaining 350 Americans from the Wuhan repatriation flights who have been quarantined at US Department of Defense facilities have completed their 14-day quarantine and have been released.
“We truly thank those released from their quarantine from their cooperation and patience and wish them well as they return to home, work and school,” Messonnier said.
“I want to be clear that someone who has been released from quarantine is not at risk for spreading the virus to others,” she said. “They are not infected.”
Officials said 329 US citizens from the Diamond Princess returned home on State Department chartered flights.
“Of those, 18 tested positive at the CDC. Another 10 were reportedly [tested] positive in Japan,” Messonnier said.
Those passengers are “seriously ill” and will likely be added to the official US count once the Japanese test results have been examined.
Two Japanese passengers of the Diamond Princess have died, Messonnier said.
The most recent case in the United States was announced last night in Humboldt County, California. The patient had traveled to mainland China.
Among the US cases, there are only two instances of person-to-person transmission — in Illinois and California.
Officials said the United States’ “aggressive” travel restrictions are working at keeping the counts low. Officials also announced further travel advisories yesterday — telling travelers to reconsider their cruise vacations to or within Asia due to dynamic travel restrictions.
“This is a dynamic situation and passengers traveling by ship may be impacted by travel restrictions impacting their itineraries or may be subject to quarantine procedures implemented by local authorities,” said Ian Brownlee, a representative with the State Department.
“While the US government has successfully evacuated hundreds of our citizens in recent weeks, such repatriation flights do not reflect our standard practice and should not be relied upon as an option for US citizens under the potential risk of quarantine by local authorities.”


newyorkpost--2020-02-21--The 76ers have a $109 million Al Horford problem

Forget the 76ers well-documented issues with Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid .
Al Horford has become a bigger problem — a $ 109 million problem .
Despite Simmons ’ absence , Horford played a season-low 19 minutes in Thursday ’ s come-from-behind win over the Nets , coming off the bench for the second straight game .
He registered a minus-26 rating .
When off the floor , the Nets outscored the Nets 79-45 .
“ It ’ s what the team needs right now , and that ’ s what we ’ re doing , ” Horford said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bench .
“ I didn ’ t really give it much thought to be honest , I ’ m just refreshed being back and ready for the second half of the season.
” Coach Brett Brown said he will use the next 7-10 games to get a set rotation , which means Horford might not return to the starting lineup anytime soon .
The veteran forward is averaging 11.9 points and 6.6 rebounds in 30.6 minutes per game .
His scoring output is the second-lowest it has been since he broke into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ career-low .
The addition of Horford , who signed a four-year , $ 109 million contract this offseason , was supposed to give the 76ers one of the best frontcourts in basketball , a dynamic trio that would be difficult to match up with .
Yet , they find themselves with the fifth-best record in the Eastern Conference at 35-21 , six games in the loss column behind the Raptors in the Atlantic Division .
They have struggled offensively , in part due to lack of spacing .
According to The Ringer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of minus-1.1 in 480 minutes Horford and Embiid are on the court to plus-7.6 in 707 minutes with just Embiid .
The two have averaged 14.3 minutes per game together and had the worst offensive rating ( 98.7 ) of any two 76ers teammates that have played together for at least 300 minutes , NBCSports.com reported .
“ Obviously as a group and as a team , we ’ re still trying to figure out and see what works best , ” forward Tobias Harris said .
“ Just to have that mentality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a great move for our team and see if it works , that shows a winning attitude , winning mentality , and we ’ ll see if it works .
”

Forget the 76ers well-documented issues with Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. Al Horford has become a bigger problem — a $109 million problem.
Despite Simmons’ absence, Horford played a season-low 19 minutes in Thursday’s come-from-behind win over the Nets, coming off the bench for the second straight game. He registered a minus-26 rating. When off the floor, the Nets outscored the Nets 79-45.
“It’s what the team needs right now, and that’s what we’re doing,” Horford said, according to PhillyVoice.com, about coming off the bench. “I didn’t really give it much thought to be honest, I’m just refreshed being back and ready for the second half of the season.”
Coach Brett Brown said he will use the next 7-10 games to get a set rotation, which means Horford might not return to the starting lineup anytime soon. The veteran forward is averaging 11.9 points and 6.6 rebounds in 30.6 minutes per game. His scoring output is the second-lowest it has been since he broke into the league and the rebounding is a career-low.
The addition of Horford, who signed a four-year, $109 million contract this offseason, was supposed to give the 76ers one of the best frontcourts in basketball, a dynamic trio that would be difficult to match up with. Yet, they find themselves with the fifth-best record in the Eastern Conference at 35-21, six games in the loss column behind the Raptors in the Atlantic Division. They have struggled offensively, in part due to lack of spacing.
According to The Ringer, the 76ers jump from a net rating of minus-1.1 in 480 minutes Horford and Embiid are on the court to plus-7.6 in 707 minutes with just Embiid. The two have averaged 14.3 minutes per game together and had the worst offensive rating (98.7) of any two 76ers teammates that have played together for at least 300 minutes, NBCSports.com reported.
“Obviously as a group and as a team, we’re still trying to figure out and see what works best,” forward Tobias Harris said. “Just to have that mentality and be able to do what could be a great move for our team and see if it works, that shows a winning attitude, winning mentality, and we’ll see if it works.”


newyorkpost--2020-02-21--Trump celebrates ‘Miracle on Ice’ Olympic heroes at Las Vegas rally

Donald Trump on denied reports from US intelligence officials that ...

President Donald Trump saluted members of the famed “Miracle on Ice” US Olympic hockey team during a Keep America Great rally Friday in a wide-ranging address in which he also attacked Democrats, the media and boasted at length about his former reality TV show.
“We are thrilled to have with us today 14 players from that gold-medal team. Give them a big hand,” Trump said in Las Vegas, where team members had gathered to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their historic win over Russia on Saturday.
The president at one point called team captain Mike Eruzione to join him on the stage along with players Jim Craig, Bill Baker, Dave Christian, Ken Morrow, Jack O’Callahan, Mike Ramsey, Mark Wells, assistant coach Craig Patrick and the late coach Herb Brook’s daughter Kelly Brooks.
“Just tell them: am I a good athlete and am I a good golfer?” Trump asked Eruzione at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“You are. Yes, sir. Whatever you say,” Eruzione replied.
He then praised Brooks as a tough but great coach, prompting his daughter to reply: “My personal opinion, he would have been a Trump fan.”
He then attacked Democrats, accusing them of inventing another conspiracy theory that Russia and President Vladimir Putin were meddling in the 2020 presidential election to help him win.
“I see these do-nothing Democrats. They said today that Putin wants to be sure that Trump is elected. Here we go again,” he said.
“I was told a week ago and they said they are trying to start a rumor, it is disinformation, do-nothing Democrats, Putin wants to make sure I get elected. These people are crazy, they don’t think about the country.”
US intelligence reportedly officials told members of the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee in a classified briefing last week that Russia was again interfering in American politics ahead of November’s election.
At several points during his address, the commander-in-chief boasted about his former show “Celebrity Apprentice,” calling it “the greatest reality show in history,” and trashing Comcast.
“Comcast, terrible company, terrible people and had ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ for 14 seasons and they used to come to my office and kiss my ass, please sign,” he said, apparently referring to a contract extension.
“I signed and NBC is owned by Comcast and they thought the show would be a total failure so they only signed me for one season. It went to number one. I have the number one show in all of television. It was phenomenal.”
He also lashed out at “Mini” Mike Bloomberg, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, whom he called “Pocahontas” again, and former veep Joe Biden over their debate performances this week.
At one point, an attendee became stricken and needed medical attention.
“Thank you doc, thank you,” Trump said after the man had been attended to.
He also repeated familiar campaign themes about the border wall with Mexico, the booming economy and job creation on his watch.


newyorkpost--2020-02-21--‘Like living in hell:’ Residents of Michigan town in Travel Channel’s ‘Haunting in the Heartland’ pr

‘Like living in hell:’ Residents of Michigan town in Travel Channel’s ‘Haunting in the Heartland’ premiere

Homes and historic hotels are often reported to be haunted .
But one entire Michigan town , some say , is under a spooky siege .
Documentary filmmaker Steve Shippy heads to old farming village Merrill — population 735 — to explore the sinister spirits that have reportedly been torturing residents since the 1970s .
During the premiere episode of the new series , “ Haunting in the Heartland , ” airing Friday , Feb. 21 , on the Travel Channel at 10 p.m. , one family reveals to Shippy that they were forced to leave their house in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through six months of unexplained banging — even the FBI and a seismologist couldn ’ t determine its cause — and several spontaneous fires .
Meanwhile , a mile away , another family reports to Shippy , billed as a paranormal investigator , that they are currently being tormented by an apparition targeting a young girl in their home .
And for years , they ’ ve been dealing with inexplicable occurrences : cold spots , loud banging , cut electricity , shadowy figures , scratch marks and rooms suddenly filling with smoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a dream at first , ” one resident says in the episode .
“ Eventually , the dream turned into a nightmare.
” Another local remarks , “ It was like living in hell.
” Shippy says he was shocked at the number of eerie events chronicled in such a small area .
“ The number of hauntings per capita along the stretch of one road was fascinating to me , ” he told The Post .
“ It blew my mind that there were similar hallmarks in all the cases all in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first time I ’ ve ever experienced something like that.
” With the help of local authorities and historians , Shippy learned that a smallpox epidemic had ravaged the town ; there were forced quarantines and tragic fires .
“ Just imagine the angst and turmoil the spirits left behind , ” says Shippy .
“ That emotional residue stayed on the land.
” On the one-hour show , Shippy enlists the help of a clairvoyant to dispel an evil entity in the home of the family that had been forced out .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ such mysterious happenings — and helping Midwest residents finding peace — that will serve as the central theme throughout the season .
In the rest of the “ Haunting in the Heartland ” season , Shippy will visit five other Midwestern towns : Malvern , Iowa ; Atchison , Kansas ; Hebron , Kentucky ; Holly Springs , Mississippi ; and Greeneville , Tennessee .
Each place has reported paranormal presences that he strives to understand — so that he can then provide closure to those who feel haunted .
“ The stories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases can be and how town folks stick together , ” says Shippy , who also is also a rapper under the stage name Prozak .
“ Watching them fight for their peace is one of the most powerful things.
” The reason for his interest in such small towns ?
Shippy is a kid who grew up in the “ creepy house on the corner ” in a small town near Saginaw , Michigan — and says he was a victim of a severe haunting .
“ Growing up in a haunted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I understand the isolation of the experience , and it was only when others in town started to have similar experiences that I realized I wasn ’ t alone , ” Shippy said in an earlier Travel Channel statement .
“ These small towns have a bigger story to tell , and in order to find the resolution these families need now , we need to piece together their past .
”

Homes and historic hotels are often reported to be haunted. But one entire Michigan town, some say, is under a spooky siege.
Documentary filmmaker Steve Shippy heads to old farming village Merrill — population 735 — to explore the sinister spirits that have reportedly been torturing residents since the 1970s.
During the premiere episode of the new series, “Haunting in the Heartland,” airing Friday, Feb. 21, on the Travel Channel at 10 p.m., one family reveals to Shippy that they were forced to leave their house in the summer of 1974. They had suffered through six months of unexplained banging — even the FBI and a seismologist couldn’t determine its cause — and several spontaneous fires.
Meanwhile, a mile away, another family reports to Shippy, billed as a paranormal investigator, that they are currently being tormented by an apparition targeting a young girl in their home. And for years, they’ve been dealing with inexplicable occurrences: cold spots, loud banging, cut electricity, shadowy figures, scratch marks and rooms suddenly filling with smoke.
“Living in Merrill seemed like a dream at first,” one resident says in the episode. “Eventually, the dream turned into a nightmare.” Another local remarks, “It was like living in hell.”
Shippy says he was shocked at the number of eerie events chronicled in such a small area.
“The number of hauntings per capita along the stretch of one road was fascinating to me,” he told The Post. “It blew my mind that there were similar hallmarks in all the cases all in one location. It’s the first time I’ve ever experienced something like that.”
With the help of local authorities and historians, Shippy learned that a smallpox epidemic had ravaged the town; there were forced quarantines and tragic fires. “Just imagine the angst and turmoil the spirits left behind,” says Shippy. “That emotional residue stayed on the land.”
On the one-hour show, Shippy enlists the help of a clairvoyant to dispel an evil entity in the home of the family that had been forced out.
It’s uncovering possible causes for such mysterious happenings — and helping Midwest residents finding peace — that will serve as the central theme throughout the season.
In the rest of the “Haunting in the Heartland” season, Shippy will visit five other Midwestern towns: Malvern, Iowa; Atchison, Kansas; Hebron, Kentucky; Holly Springs, Mississippi; and Greeneville, Tennessee. Each place has reported paranormal presences that he strives to understand — so that he can then provide closure to those who feel haunted.
“The stories of the heartland show how powerful these cases can be and how town folks stick together,” says Shippy, who also is also a rapper under the stage name Prozak. “Watching them fight for their peace is one of the most powerful things.”
The reason for his interest in such small towns? Shippy is a kid who grew up in the “creepy house on the corner” in a small town near Saginaw, Michigan — and says he was a victim of a severe haunting.
“Growing up in a haunted house in a small Midwestern town, I understand the isolation of the experience, and it was only when others in town started to have similar experiences that I realized I wasn’t alone,” Shippy said in an earlier Travel Channel statement. “These small towns have a bigger story to tell, and in order to find the resolution these families need now, we need to piece together their past.”


newyorkpost--2020-02-22--Aaron Judge gives Aaron Boone thumbs-up sign after batting tee work

TAMPA — Before the first pitch of the exhibition season ...

TAMPA — Aaron Judge’s path back to taking full batting practice took a small step Friday when he hit off a batting tee and flashed manager Aaron Boone a thumbs-up when done.
“Everything is moving there the way it should,’’ Yankees manager Aaron Boone said of Judge, who hasn’t taken full cuts against pitching since arriving in camp last week because of soreness in his right shoulder. “It was another good day for him.’’
The exhibition season starts Saturday, but Boone didn’t have a date when Judge would participate in a game.
“Won’t be in a rush to put him in a game because of where we are in the calendar,’’ Boone said. “But I think he is pretty much good to go.’’
The Yankees’ team-bonding activity held following their workout Friday was a ping-pong tournament in the pavilion on the grounds of Steinbrenner Field.
“Togetherness away from the baseball stuff and try to build into that closeness,’’ Boone said when asked what his players get out of the sessions.
J.A. Happ starts the exhibition opener and will be followed by Michael King, Luis Cessa and Nick Tropeano. Jonathan Loaisiga, Gerrit Cole, possibly Cessa and Tanaka are the starters beyond Happ.
Miguel Andujar won’t play Saturday against the Rays, but Boone said he will travel to Port Charlotte on Sunday and play third base against the Rays. Boone said Andujar will be off Monday and play first base Tuesday night against the Pirates.
With Gio Urshela considered the starting third baseman Andujar —who finished second in the AL Rookie of the Year race as a third baseman in 2018 — is working at third, first and in the outfield.
“We will see how he is responding physically,’’ Boone said of Andujar, who missed most of last season because of right shoulder surgery. “Try to get him acclimated to all the different spots. I think he has shown he is probably going to be capable of it. Now it is about actually getting the experience.’’
For most of the live batting practice sessions, the pitchers, even those who have no chance of making the roster, have handcuffed hitters. Friday that turned a little bit when DJ LeMahieu homered and sent a sizzling line drive up the middle off Masahiro Tanaka.
New York weather took a stroll south. The final full-squad workout of camp was held with temperatures in the 50s and a brisk wind chilling Steinbrenner Field.
Having finished a bullpen session in short sleeves Gerrit Cole had some free time and he spent it watching Tanaka throw live BP. Cole thrives on information and has been impressed with Tanaka’s balance on the mound.
Yankees play the Blue Jays at Steinbrenner Field in the first exhibition game of spring training. J.A. Happ starts for the hosts.


newyorkpost--2020-02-22--Kobe Bryant’s death hit Mets’ Dominic Smith hard: ‘Sick to my stomach’

Hundreds of Kobe Bryant fans are flocking to the wrong ...

PORT ST. LUCIE — Dominic Smith’s worst day this offseason occurred Jan. 26, when he heard the news his childhood hero was dead in a helicopter crash.
Growing up in Los Angeles and loving basketball almost as much as baseball, Smith couldn’t help but idolize Kobe Bryant, who became so much more to the city than just a gifted athlete and Lakers icon.
“He did so much for the community, he started an academy, it sucks,” Smith said before a recent spring training workout with the Mets.
Smith never got the opportunity to meet Bryant. Their closest encounter occurred in August 2017, when Smith was promoted to the Mets for the first time. Among the well-wishers was Bryant, who made a video that was sent to Smith. And after Bryant, his daughter, and seven other people were killed in the helicopter crash in Southern California last month, Smith posted the video on his Instagram page.
“Kobe told me ‘congratulations’ and it was kind of epic stuff,” Smith said. “That meant a lot, and it sucks that I didn’t get to sit down and talk to him. It sucks the way everything happened, because he was such a great person.
“I know a ton of people who knew him. He was the best, a great guy. He was a father, that is the biggest thing, he cared about kids. He just wanted to help people and be the best. Be the best athlete, be the best person, be the best human being you could possibly be.”
Arriving in Florida for the start of camp, Smith still was dealing with the aftershock of Bryant’s death.
“I was sick to my stomach, I was very sad,” Smith said. “I’m still sad. It took me about a week to kind of numb the pain, because you couldn’t get away from it. It was all over social media, it was all over TV, so to just constantly be reminded, the death of a person or all the people who were great people on that flight, it was just a sad day. Anybody who dies, it’s going to be a sad day, but the way they died it’s just so sad.”
Smith now turns to his job, as he attempts to resume at the level he reached in the first half of last season, before a stress fracture in his left foot relegated him to riding a motorized scooter around the Mets clubhouse and serving as a team cheerleader.
In a breakout half-season, Smith had a slash line of .282/.355/.525, with 11 homers in only 177 at-bats. Now a left-fielder (in a crowded mix), following Pete Alonso’s emergence at first base, the 24-year-old Smith isn’t exactly sure how he fits, but he says he’s ready for any opportunity presented to him.
“We know we have so much talent that no matter who gets plugged in where, we all feel confident in each other that one of us will get the job done,” said Smith, who figures to share time in left with J.D. Davis and potentially Yoenis Cespedes. “We push each other because we all know we’re going to get enough time to show what we can do and with our success that is going to determine what the team does, so we want each other to do well because if we all do well we’ll get to our goal, which is to get to the playoffs and the World Series.”
Smith’s offseason focus was improving his outfield footwork. In an attempt to get faster, he hired a trainer who specializes in running technique and speed. Smith discovered he needed to lengthen his strides.
“Even around the bases my strides were just too short,” Smith said. “I wanted to work on lengthening my stride, and if I lengthen my stride I will be able to cover more ground, more efficiently, more evenly and I will get to more balls that way. I really wanted to work on my stride and looking up while I am running, kind of like a wide receiver. I accomplished those things and I am excited to see what I can do in spring and carry it into the season.”


newyorkpost--2020-02-22--Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury: Breaking down how fight will play out

LAS VEGAS — There was no traditional face-off at the ...

LAS VEGAS — Jay Deas, the trainer for Deontay Wilder, knows first-hand the power the WBC heavyweight champion packs in his punches. Those who hold the mitts while Wilder rains repeated thunderous blows to the padded hands and midsections don’t always escape without injury.
Broken fingers, sprained elbows and, for Deas, a rib that separated from its cartilage during an uppercut are just a few of the injuries that have been sustained during training over a 15-year partnership.
“He can hit you on the forearm and on the shoulder and it’s immensely painful,” Deas said Friday.
Wilder’s power will be the defining factor Saturday night in his pay-per-view rematch with Tyson Fury at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Can Wilder land what he calls “the Alabama Slammer,” his devastating right-hand? Can Fury avoid it? Fury must accomplish his task for 12 rounds. Wilder needs just an instant.
That’s why the prediction here is Wilder by a late knockout to retain the WBC heavyweight title
Wilder dropped Fury twice in their first fight at Staples Center on Dec. 1, 2018 — once in the ninth round and again in the 12th. Fury got up and survived both times. But a heavier and perhaps more aggressive Fury might be even easier to find in the rematch.
“All I’m telling him is don’t blink,” Wilder said Friday.
Wilder, of Tuscaloosa, Ala., is 6-foot-7 and currently owns the highest knockout percentage in heavyweight boxing history with a record of 41-0-1 with 40 knockouts. Only two men have gone the distance with Wilder, Bermane Stiverne and Fury, when they fought to a split draw. Wilder knocked out Stiverne in a rematch and will look to do the same against Fury (29-0-1, 20 KOs) Saturday night.
Wilder, who will be making the 11th defense of his heavyweight title, said he first knew he had devastating power early in his career. That power has since been compared to Tommy Hearns’ and George Foreman’s.
Fury felt that power when he looked like he was out cold from a left-right combination in the 12th round of the first fight. He somehow got up and finished strong.
Fury of Manchester, England, might be one of the most elusive heavyweights of his generation, but he has raised eyebrows with some of his decisions. First, he changed trainers, ending a successful partnership with Ben Davidson to hire SugarHill Steward, the nephew of the late Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward. He was added to make Fury more of a knockout threat. How they jell after only a couple of months could factor into the result of the fight.
“I think that’s an advantage for us,” Deas said. “We’ve been together for 15 years. Our team works well together. I’m interested to see how they’ll be with just two months together. There was a magic when Ben and Tyson were together.”
Secondly, Fury weighed in Friday at 273 pounds, more than 17 pounds heavier than for the first fight. Fury had predicted all along we would be near 270 and wasn’t concerned about the result.
“It’s 273 pounds of pure British beef,” he said. “I’m looking for a KO [of] Wilder.”
Still, that’s troubling for a man who once ballooned to over 400 pounds and will need all the stamina he can muster to hold up for 12 grueling rounds.
“It’s going to slow him down,” said Wilder, who weighed in a heavy 231.
Fury must also protect a cut he sustained over his eye in his last fight, against Otto Wallin in September, which required 47 stitchesto heal.
Deas said Wilder will need to be more poised then he was in the first fight and not give away too many early rounds.
“With Fury we have to make some inroads early,” Deas said. “We can’t go into round 8 and 9 and haven’t done anything. There has to be some progress made.”
Fury is the ultimate “Gypsy King” and will do what he can to survive. He likely will come out aggressively and force Wilder to fight off his back foot.
Sustaining that for 12 rounds and avoiding Wilder’s power is his ultimate challenge. Fury could win by decision if he holds up. But Wilder won’t let it get that far.
Prediction: Wilder by late knockout.


newyorkpost--2020-02-22--Yankees’ Masahiro Tanaka almost drilled by 2 comebackers

TAMPA — Before the first pitch of the exhibition season is thrown by J.A .
Happ on Saturday against the Blue Jays at Steinbrenner Field , the Yankees know they will open the season without James Paxton and might not have Luis Severino at the start either .
Then , they almost lost Masahiro Tanaka on Friday while the right-hander was throwing live batting practice on Field 2 at the Yankees ’ spring-training complex .
“ Close , ’ ’ Tanaka said of Brett Gardner ’ s sizzling ground ball up the middle that narrowly missed hitting the pitcher ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
LeMahieu smoked a line drive up the middle that wasn ’ t far from colliding with one of Tanaka ’ s body parts .
Despite the hard-hit balls , Tanaka said he was pleased overall with the two-inning outing ahead of his initial exhibition start Wednesday at home against the Nationals .
“ Just the gradual building , ’ ’ Tanaka said when asked what he took away from the outing .
“ The last time it was one inning , today was two innings .
I like how I feel right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ’ Tanaka has been attempting to sharpen a cut fastball and liked the action in previous stints on the mound .
Friday he reduced the number of cutters he threw .
As for not having Paxton ( back surgery ) maybe until June and the possibility of Severino ( sore right forearm ) not being ready to start the season , Tanaka said those events can ’ t affect his responsibility .
“ It always hurts , not just a starting pitcher , when somebody goes out with an injury , ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elbow surgery to remove a bone spur in his right elbow but hasn ’ t shown any signs it is a problem .
“ That can ’ t impact what I have to do .
’ ’

TAMPA — Before the first pitch of the exhibition season is thrown by J.A. Happ on Saturday against the Blue Jays at Steinbrenner Field, the Yankees know they will open the season without James Paxton and might not have Luis Severino at the start either.
Then, they almost lost Masahiro Tanaka on Friday while the right-hander was throwing live batting practice on Field 2 at the Yankees’ spring-training complex.
“Close,’’ Tanaka said of Brett Gardner’s sizzling ground ball up the middle that narrowly missed hitting the pitcher’s right leg.
Later, D.J. LeMahieu smoked a line drive up the middle that wasn’t far from colliding with one of Tanaka’s body parts.
Despite the hard-hit balls, Tanaka said he was pleased overall with the two-inning outing ahead of his initial exhibition start Wednesday at home against the Nationals.
“Just the gradual building,’’ Tanaka said when asked what he took away from the outing. “The last time it was one inning, today was two innings. I like how I feel right now with the fastball and off-speed pitches.’’
Tanaka has been attempting to sharpen a cut fastball and liked the action in previous stints on the mound. Friday he reduced the number of cutters he threw.
As for not having Paxton (back surgery) maybe until June and the possibility of Severino (sore right forearm) not being ready to start the season, Tanaka said those events can’t affect his responsibility.
“It always hurts, not just a starting pitcher, when somebody goes out with an injury,’’ said Tanaka, who had offseason elbow surgery to remove a bone spur in his right elbow but hasn’t shown any signs it is a problem. “That can’t impact what I have to do.’’


newyorkpost--2020-02-22--NFL Network analyst: Giants should look to draft Mekhi Becton

One player the Giants absolutely , positively will not take could ...

Years of waiting for the Giants to draft their future quarterback are over.
The time for decision-making that benefits Daniel Jones is just beginning.
Despite a desperate need for defensive playmakers and the appeal of trading back in the first round of the NFL Draft to hoard selections and improve one of the league’s least-talented rosters, the Giants are best off using the No. 4 overall pick on offense, according to NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah.
“As an organization, your No. 1 priority is ensuring that Daniel Jones is going to grow and develop and be a success,” said Jeremiah, a former Eagles, Browns and Ravens scout. “So if I have to go through another year of watching some vanilla, boring defense lacking in playmakers, I’m going to do that if it means I can go ahead and get my left tackle that will protect this kid for the next 10 years.”
Offensive tackle is considered one of the deepest positions in the draft class, led by Louisville’s Mekhi Becton, Alabama’s Jedrick Wills, Georgia’s Andrew Thomas and Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs.
Giants general manager Dave Gettleman only has drafted two offensive linemen – starting left guard Will Hernandez (second round) in 2018 and did-not-play offensive tackle George Asafo-Adjei (seventh round) in 2019 – with his first 16 total selections.
Gettleman is on notice from ownership entering his third season, so he needs to get this pick (and much more) right.
“To me, Mekhi Becton is an absolute freak,” Jeremiah said. “I’m not in the business of trading off freaks at a need position. He’s a left tackle. He’s a better version of (12-year NFL starter) Bryant McKinnie. He’s going to be that guy for the next 10 to 12 years to protect your franchise quarterback. He’s so big, so long, so athletic [that] even when he is not perfect, it doesn’t matter because nobody can get through him. He’s 6-foot-7, 370 pounds. You just don’t see guys like that come around very often.”
The Giants could move struggling veteran Nate Solder – likely in his final season on the roster, at a $19.5 million salary cap hit – back to right tackle, where he played as a rookie for the Patriots in 2011. Solder told The Post in December he is open to the possibility.
If the Giants want to trade, the No. 6 Chargers, No. 7 Panthers, No. 12 Raiders and No. 13 Colts all could be looking to jump in front of the No. 5 Dolphins to select a quarterback.
“I know trade-back options exist,” Jeremiah said. “I know you can take a defensive playmaker. To me, I’m not trading off that pick. I’m sitting there right there taking Mekhi Becton.”


newyorkpost--2020-02-22--Rangers’ Henrik Lundqvist a healthy scratch on Igor Shesterkin’s big night

RALEIGH , N.C. — If ever there was a perfect time to start Henrik Lundqvist , Friday against the Hurricanes would have been it .
Instead , the Rangers ’ legendary goaltender was a healthy scratch for the first time in his career and watched the game from the stands with his mother , as the players ’ moms are along on this two-game road trip .
When it was decided Igor Shesterkin would get the start in what ended up a 5-2 Rangers victory , Lundqvist decided to put in a lot of extra work during and after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Quinn then decided that it would be best to have Alexandar Georgiev back up .
“ Hank had a very heavy workday today just because he hasn ’ t played a lot we don ’ t have a lot of practices , ” Quinn said of Lundqvist , who has started just three games since Shesterkin ’ s arrival on Jan. 6 .
“ That was strictly Hank ’ s decision.
” Lundqvist had started all three previous games against the Hurricanes this season , and won them all , including the 45-save @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
During his 15-year career , Lundqvist has dominated the Hurricanes to a tune of a 33-12-1 record , with a 2.00 goals-against average and .934 save percentage .
Center Filip Chytil got only two third-period shifts and didn ’ t play the final 17:31 of regulation , with Quinn saying it was “ an upper-body thing , ” the severity of which he wouldn ’ t know until later Friday night .
As Quinn walked down the hallway after his postgame press conference , he yelled to the assemblage of players ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
” The group had been with the team since the start of the road trip with Wednesday night ’ s 6-3 win in Chicago .
“ They ’ re a lot of fun to be around , ” Quinn said .
“ It ’ s fun to watch the players interact with their mothers , and how excited they all are to be here , and how proud they are of their children — and they should be .
It ’ s not easy to make it to the National Hockey League.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the team that traded him on Tuesday , getting 5:25 of ice time , with just two shifts in each of the second and third periods .
The 22-year-old winger , standing 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds , was obtained in exchange for defenseman Joey Keane , and has played on a line with Brendan Lemieux and Brett Howden .
“ You can see there ’ s an awful lot there , ” Quinn said .
Forward Greg McKegg was a healthy scratch for the second straight game , this one against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past two seasons .
Brendan Smith was also a scratch .

RALEIGH, N.C. — If ever there was a perfect time to start Henrik Lundqvist, Friday against the Hurricanes would have been it. Instead, the Rangers’ legendary goaltender was a healthy scratch for the first time in his career and watched the game from the stands with his mother, as the players’ moms are along on this two-game road trip.
When it was decided Igor Shesterkin would get the start in what ended up a 5-2 Rangers victory, Lundqvist decided to put in a lot of extra work during and after the morning skate. He and coach David Quinn then decided that it would be best to have Alexandar Georgiev back up.
“Hank had a very heavy workday today just because he hasn’t played a lot we don’t have a lot of practices,” Quinn said of Lundqvist, who has started just three games since Shesterkin’s arrival on Jan. 6. “That was strictly Hank’s decision.”
Lundqvist had started all three previous games against the Hurricanes this season, and won them all, including the 45-save gem at PNC Arena on Nov. 7. During his 15-year career, Lundqvist has dominated the Hurricanes to a tune of a 33-12-1 record, with a 2.00 goals-against average and .934 save percentage.
Center Filip Chytil got only two third-period shifts and didn’t play the final 17:31 of regulation, with Quinn saying it was “an upper-body thing,” the severity of which he wouldn’t know until later Friday night.
As Quinn walked down the hallway after his postgame press conference, he yelled to the assemblage of players’ mothers, “Moms’ Trip extended!” The group had been with the team since the start of the road trip with Wednesday night’s 6-3 win in Chicago.
“They’re a lot of fun to be around,” Quinn said. “It’s fun to watch the players interact with their mothers, and how excited they all are to be here, and how proud they are of their children — and they should be. It’s not easy to make it to the National Hockey League.”
Julien Gauthier stayed in the lineup against the team that traded him on Tuesday, getting 5:25 of ice time, with just two shifts in each of the second and third periods. The 22-year-old winger, standing 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, was obtained in exchange for defenseman Joey Keane, and has played on a line with Brendan Lemieux and Brett Howden.
“You can see there’s an awful lot there,” Quinn said.
Forward Greg McKegg was a healthy scratch for the second straight game, this one against the team he played with for parts of the past two seasons. Brendan Smith was also a scratch.


newyorkpost--2020-02-22--‘Big week’ for Yoenis Cespedes won’t lead to his first Mets game

PORT ST. LUCIE — Yoenis Cespedes ’ progression this spring is satisfying team officials , but the rehabbing outfielder has not been deemed ready for Grapefruit League action , which commences Saturday for the Mets .
“ I think it was a really big week for [ Cespedes ] , he is advancing , ” manager Luis Rojas said Friday .
“ He is progressing , and he ’ s doing things every day that impress you.
” Cespedes , who has spent the past 1 ½ seasons sidelined , rehabbing from surgery on both heels and multiple ankle fractures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boar on his Florida ranch , took live batting practice during the week .
He also participated in outfield drills , but at this point is limited to running in a straight line , according to Rojas .
Cespedes also has been participating in throwing drills , including heaves to home plate .
“ He ’ s basically going through the schedule , let ’ s say at like 75 percent of it , 80 percent of it from what everybody else is going , so that ’ s big news for us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a timeline for Cespedes ’ return to the field hasn ’ t been established .
“ He ’ s got to go through this progression and our performance staff is working closely with him .
He is doing a good job responding to it.
” Rick Porcello will start the split-squad game against the Marlins in Port St. Lucie , and Marcus Stroman will pitch against the Cardinals in Jupiter , Fla. Wilson Ramos , Pete Alonso , Jeff McNeil and Michael Conforto are among the players who will remain at home to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ includes Rene Rivera behind the plate for Stroman , with Brandon Nimmo , J.D .
Davis and Amed Rosario in the lineup .
Bench coach Hensley Meulens will manage the traveling squad .
Most of the Mets ’ workouts — including a three-inning simulated game — were canceled because of rain , but players participated in base-running drills .
The Mets had a movie night scheduled for Friday , when they planned to see “ Just Mercy.
” Rojas was expecting to attend .
“ I heard the movie has a great message @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it with the rest of the guys , ” Rojas said .

PORT ST. LUCIE — Yoenis Cespedes’ progression this spring is satisfying team officials, but the rehabbing outfielder has not been deemed ready for Grapefruit League action, which commences Saturday for the Mets.
“I think it was a really big week for [Cespedes], he is advancing,” manager Luis Rojas said Friday. “He is progressing, and he’s doing things every day that impress you.”
Cespedes, who has spent the past 1 ½ seasons sidelined, rehabbing from surgery on both heels and multiple ankle fractures sustained during an encounter with a wild boar on his Florida ranch, took live batting practice during the week. He also participated in outfield drills, but at this point is limited to running in a straight line, according to Rojas.
Cespedes also has been participating in throwing drills, including heaves to home plate.
“He’s basically going through the schedule, let’s say at like 75 percent of it, 80 percent of it from what everybody else is going, so that’s big news for us,” Rojas said, adding that a timeline for Cespedes’ return to the field hasn’t been established. “He’s got to go through this progression and our performance staff is working closely with him. He is doing a good job responding to it.”
Rick Porcello will start the split-squad game against the Marlins in Port St. Lucie, and Marcus Stroman will pitch against the Cardinals in Jupiter, Fla.
Wilson Ramos, Pete Alonso, Jeff McNeil and Michael Conforto are among the players who will remain at home to face the Marlins. The traveling squad includes Rene Rivera behind the plate for Stroman, with Brandon Nimmo, J.D. Davis and Amed Rosario in the lineup. Bench coach Hensley Meulens will manage the traveling squad.
Most of the Mets’ workouts — including a three-inning simulated game — were canceled because of rain, but players participated in base-running drills.
The Mets had a movie night scheduled for Friday, when they planned to see “Just Mercy.” Rojas was expecting to attend.
“I heard the movie has a great message, so I am going to see it with the rest of the guys,” Rojas said.


newyorkpost--2020-02-22--Knicks’ Maurice Harkless not ‘thinking about any buyout’

Maurice Harkless expects to stay with the hometown Knicks for the remainder of the season .
The Forest Hills product and former St. John ’ s star had been a candidate for a buyout following his arrival from the Clippers in a trade-deadline deal for Marcus Morris .
“ I ’ m not thinking about any buyout .
All I ’ m thinking about today is just making the most of it.
” Harkless said before scoring three points in Friday ’ s 106-98 loss to the Pacers at the Garden .
“ I ’ ll be here for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , the eight-year NBA veteran had insisted he hadn ’ t “ put any real thought into ” a buyout , nor had he discussed it with his agent or the Knicks .
Asked about coming from a contending team to an out-of-it franchise such as the Knicks , Harkless added : “ It ’ s definitely an adjustment just with the way things are .
Everything ’ s different , the culture and everything .
But it ’ s just basketball .
So we just have go out and play and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s not like we ’ re trying to lose .
Guys are still competitors , we ’ re just in a different situation.
” Kenny Wooten has been assigned to the Knicks ’ G-League affiliate in Westchester since signing a two-way deal in January .
The forward posted Friday a photo of Stephen A. Smith with his head down and captioned “ Mood , ” but he later tweeted that fans shouldn ’ t construe that as unhappiness with his situation .
“ Clearly I got ta say this again..
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
” Wooten tweeted .
“ ANYTHING I TWEET HAS TO DO WITH MY PERSONAL LIFE .
Appreciate y ’ all for caring though.
” Elfrid Payton ( sore right ankle ) was held out of Friday ’ s game , while Wayne Ellington ( strained right ankle ) was available , but did not play .
“ We don ’ t think it ’ s anything long-term at this point , ” interim coach Mike Miller said of Payton .
“ It ’ s just making sure it doesn ’ t turn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a couple of days I think should take care of that.
” Leading scorer Julius Randle netted just seven points in 30 minutes on 2-for-9 shooting , one point more than his season-low total of six on Dec. 5 in Denver .

Maurice Harkless expects to stay with the hometown Knicks for the remainder of the season.
The Forest Hills product and former St. John’s star had been a candidate for a buyout following his arrival from the Clippers in a trade-deadline deal for Marcus Morris.
“I’m not thinking about any buyout. All I’m thinking about today is just making the most of it.” Harkless said before scoring three points in Friday’s 106-98 loss to the Pacers at the Garden. “I’ll be here for the rest of the year.”
Earlier this week, the eight-year NBA veteran had insisted he hadn’t “put any real thought into” a buyout, nor had he discussed it with his agent or the Knicks.
Asked about coming from a contending team to an out-of-it franchise such as the Knicks, Harkless added: “It’s definitely an adjustment just with the way things are. Everything’s different, the culture and everything. But it’s just basketball. So we just have go out and play and still try to win games here. It’s not like we’re trying to lose. Guys are still competitors, we’re just in a different situation.”
Kenny Wooten has been assigned to the Knicks’ G-League affiliate in Westchester since signing a two-way deal in January. The forward posted Friday a photo of Stephen A. Smith with his head down and captioned “Mood,” but he later tweeted that fans shouldn’t construe that as unhappiness with his situation.
“Clearly I gotta say this again.. I HAVE NO INTENTIONS ON LEAVING THE KNICKS!” Wooten tweeted. “ANYTHING I TWEET HAS TO DO WITH MY PERSONAL LIFE. Appreciate y’all for caring though.”
Elfrid Payton (sore right ankle) was held out of Friday’s game, while Wayne Ellington (strained right ankle) was available, but did not play.
“We don’t think it’s anything long-term at this point,” interim coach Mike Miller said of Payton. “It’s just making sure it doesn’t turn into anything more serious and giving him a couple of days I think should take care of that.”
Leading scorer Julius Randle netted just seven points in 30 minutes on 2-for-9 shooting, one point more than his season-low total of six on Dec. 5 in Denver.


newyorkpost--2020-02-22--Nets’ DeAndre Jordan making own mark with out Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant

CHARLOTTE , N.C. — If any Net were going to take a “ wait ’ til next year ” working vacation , it could have been DeAndre Jordan .
He signed on to play with pals Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving , but Durant never suited up and Irving now is out for the year , leaving Jordan the last man standing .
Rather than go on cruise control , however , Jordan has been the veteran leader , driving the Nets to not fall into the trap of seeing this injury-riddled campaign as a lost gap year .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was expected to play with KD and Ky ’ and he ’ s playing with a different team , ” coach Kenny Atkinson said .
“ I ’ ve been so pleased with his spirit and his attitude and how hard he ’ s playing and helping our defense , his rebounding.
” After Jordan looked uninspired for last season ’ s tanking Knicks , his engagement level was a concern .
Atkinson admitted as much this summer , but has been happy with what he has received in that department .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
He ’ s doing his job .
That ’ s what he should do .
But on the other hand , we know that it can go differently , ” Atkinson said .
“ The proof ’ s in the pudding .
We finish games with him .
“ I ’ m getting to know him better personality-wise , getting to know his game better .
… He understands he has a real leadership role with a lot of young guys around him .
He ’ s taken that on seriously .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to lead this team.
” Jordan has averaged 11.8 points and 14.5 boards in his past four games coming into Saturday ’ s game against the Hornets .
The 37:04 he played Thursday are the most he has logged since Nov. 19 , 2018 .
But that wasn ’ t just a Joel Embiid thing .
It ’ s a Jordan thing .
“ It ’ s been growing , and it ’ s a credit to him .
He ’ s forcing us to play him more with his really stellar play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Atkinson said .
“ We have a two-headed monster there at the center position .
But it ’ s more than matchup-based : It ’ s been earned by his stellar play.
” Increasingly only one of those heads has any bite .
Atkinson has been using Jordan in fourth quarters and sitting Jarrett Allen , who went scoreless Thursday .
Jordan ’ s mobility isn ’ t what it once was , but he deters shots instead of blocking them .
His 23.8 percent rebound rate is second in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goal percentage is tops all-time .
“ Oh , man , veteran leadership , being a bigger body he ’ s capable of putting up resistance against a guy like Joel [ Embiid ] , ” Spencer Dinwiddie said .
“ His rebounding and field goal percentage are some of the best of all-time , just dynamic on the defensive end.
” Joe Harris could be in line for a raise on his $ 7.6 million deal as an unrestricted free agent this offseason .
But he said he would love to return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Durant and a healthy Irving .
“ Definitely .
Why wouldn ’ t you ?
” Harris said .
“ They ’ re incredible players .
You see what they ’ re able to do when they ’ re healthy and playing .
I don ’ t think there ’ s anybody in the NBA who wouldn ’ t want to play with those guys.
” ESPN ’ s Bobby Marks — the Nets ’ former assistant GM — said Harris could fit a wing need for Charlotte and be on their radar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that many teams in a position this summer to get Joe Harris , ” Marks told the Observer .

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — If any Net were going to take a “wait ’til next year” working vacation, it could have been DeAndre Jordan. He signed on to play with pals Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, but Durant never suited up and Irving now is out for the year, leaving Jordan the last man standing.
Rather than go on cruise control, however, Jordan has been the veteran leader, driving the Nets to not fall into the trap of seeing this injury-riddled campaign as a lost gap year.
“DeAndre’s been great. DeAndre was expected to play with KD and Ky’ and he’s playing with a different team,” coach Kenny Atkinson said. “I’ve been so pleased with his spirit and his attitude and how hard he’s playing and helping our defense, his rebounding.”
After Jordan looked uninspired for last season’s tanking Knicks, his engagement level was a concern. Atkinson admitted as much this summer, but has been happy with what he has received in that department.
“You look at it two ways right? He’s doing his job. That’s what he should do. But on the other hand, we know that it can go differently,” Atkinson said. “The proof’s in the pudding. We finish games with him.
“I’m getting to know him better personality-wise, getting to know his game better. … He understands he has a real leadership role with a lot of young guys around him. He’s taken that on seriously. He takes it as a personal challenge to lead this team.”
Jordan has averaged 11.8 points and 14.5 boards in his past four games coming into Saturday’s game against the Hornets. The 37:04 he played Thursday are the most he has logged since Nov. 19, 2018. But that wasn’t just a Joel Embiid thing. It’s a Jordan thing.
“It’s been growing, and it’s a credit to him. He’s forcing us to play him more with his really stellar play. It’s just that simple,” Atkinson said. “We have a two-headed monster there at the center position. But it’s more than matchup-based: It’s been earned by his stellar play.”
Increasingly only one of those heads has any bite. Atkinson has been using Jordan in fourth quarters and sitting Jarrett Allen, who went scoreless Thursday.
Jordan’s mobility isn’t what it once was, but he deters shots instead of blocking them. His 23.8 percent rebound rate is second in the NBA this season and his .669 field goal percentage is tops all-time.
“Oh, man, veteran leadership, being a bigger body he’s capable of putting up resistance against a guy like Joel [Embiid],” Spencer Dinwiddie said. “His rebounding and field goal percentage are some of the best of all-time, just dynamic on the defensive end.”
Joe Harris could be in line for a raise on his $7.6 million deal as an unrestricted free agent this offseason. But he said he would love to return to Brooklyn, partly to play with Durant and a healthy Irving.
“Definitely. Why wouldn’t you?” Harris said. “They’re incredible players. You see what they’re able to do when they’re healthy and playing. I don’t think there’s anybody in the NBA who wouldn’t want to play with those guys.”
ESPN’s Bobby Marks — the Nets’ former assistant GM — said Harris could fit a wing need for Charlotte and be on their radar.
“There just aren’t that many teams in a position this summer to get Joe Harris,” Marks told the Observer.


newyorkpost--2020-02-22--What is ahead after NFL Players Association delays vote on CBA

The NFL either is on the verge of a new ...

With the NFL owners hoping to have a new collective bargaining agreement in place by day’s end Friday, the brakes were applied on the process by the NFL Players Association, which opted not to vote to ratify the deal on Friday, delaying that process until next week, according to reports.
NFL team owners on Thursday voted to approve a potential new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the players that would last through 2029. The key changes the owners are requesting include expanding the regular season from 16 games to 17 games, expanding the playoffs from 12 teams to 14 teams and increasing the players’ revenue share from 47 percent to 48 percent.
The NFLPA Executive Committee was to vote first to recommend it to the 32 player representatives for a vote that had been expected to take place Friday afternoon. But the executive committee voted 6-5 against recommending the currently proposed CBA early in the day and the 32 player reps opted to postpone taking a vote until next week, according to multiple reports.
The vote still is expected to take place next week despite an NFLPA statement that said its board of representatives has declined to vote on a recommendation in hopes of further meetings with NFL management.
“Today, the NFLPA Board of Player Representatives did not take a vote on the principal terms of a proposed new collective bargaining agreement,” the NFLPA statement read. “The Executive Committee looks forward to meeting with NFL management again next week before the Board takes a vote shortly after.”
A conference call for the 32 player reps had been scheduled for Friday afternoon. They were expected to focus on key terms of the agreement including expanding the regular season to 17 games and expanding the playoff field to seven teams in each conference, according to ESPN. Other points included an increased share of revenue for players, increased spending minimums for clubs, changes to the league’s drug policy regarding marijuana, a modified on-field discipline fine schedule and increased benefits for former players.
The current CBA was ratified in 2011 and is set to expire following the 2020 season. If approved by the players, the new CBA could reportedly go into effect in time for the new league year, which begins March 18.
Reports said union leaders were still working out specific details on the next steps toward a vote. But an ESPN report said owners are not going to be receptive to further talks on the proposed CBA, essentially making this a take-it-or-leave-it proposition.
The strange twist to Friday’s proceedings was the fact the executive committee that voted 6-5 against the NFL’s proposal is the same group responsible for negotiating the deal with league owners in the first place.
Nevertheless, a number of high-profile players, including vice presidents Russell Okung of the Chargers and Richard Sherman of the 49ers, as well as Texans defensive end J.J. Watt and Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette, had come out publicly opposing the deal, perhaps causing Friday’s pause by the executive committee.


newyorkpost--2020-02-22--Islanders great John Tonelli has No. 27 raised to the rafters

Maybe it was the emotion from watching members of the ...

The Islanders retired a jersey for the first time in 19 years Friday night at the Coliseum.
John Tonelli’s No. 27 was raised into the rafters, honoring the former left winger’s seven seasons with the franchise and contribution to its historic four-year Stanley Cup run.
“Ever since I got the call from [general manager Lou Lamoriello], I’ve been in a different mood,” Tonelli said Friday before the Islanders beat the Red Wings 4-1. “All upbeat. Nothing stresses me out, it’s just been a constant excitement and a great feeling.”
The Islanders won 60 of 78 postseason games during those four trips to their Stanley Cup titles, going 12-1 in overtime and proving to be one of the most dominant teams in NHL history. Tonelli played a major role in the team’s prolonged success, coming up clutch in nearly every big moment he was given.
From assisting on Bobby Nystrom’s series-winning overtime goal in Game 6 of the 1980 Stanley Cup finals against the Flyers, to keeping the dynasty alive with a game-tying goal in regulation and the game-winner in overtime against the Penguins in the preliminary round of the 1982 playoffs, Tonelli solidified himself as one of the Islanders greats.
Tonelli deflected the individual spotlight, crediting his teammates for all the success he was able to have.
“It’s an individual honor but I don’t have it without my center icemen Wayne Merrick, Bob Nystrom, my right winger, and the rest of my teammates,” he said. “I don’t have anything without those guys.”
Tonelli said none of the Islanders’ success from 1979 to 1983 would’ve been possible without then-head coach Al Arbour, who died on Aug. 28, 2015 after suffering from Parkinson’s disease and dementia.
Struggling to find the words through tears in his eyes, Tonelli saluted Arbour for his leadership.
“Al for me is — he was an unbelievable leader, mentor,” Tonelli said before pausing to find his words. “I get emotional when I talk about Al because he was that important to me. He just said all the right things and he was good to all of us. He got the best out of every one of us.”
Nevertheless, No. 27 won’t officially be retired considering Islanders captain Anders Lee has worn the number since joining the club in 2013. But Tonelli wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Ever since he put on 27, I’ve been watching him like a hawk,” he said with a smile. “But I am so impressed, I am so honored that he is going to continue to wear our number. I can just tell he’s got character, he’s a great leader and I want him to wear that and hopefully one day we’ll be up there together. I’m cheering big time for that.”
Cal Clutterbuck, who has been sidelined since wrist surgery on Dec. 21, was placed on long-term injury reserve and assigned to AHL Bridgeport on a conditioning assignment.
Coach Barry Trotz said Clutterbuck told Lamoriello that he wouldn’t mind going down to the team’s AHL affiliate to put in some work before he’s able to rejoin the Islanders.
“That says a lot about Clutter’, trying to get prepared to help us out,” Trotz said. “Some guys feel too big that they can’t go down there. He’s preparing to help us and by doing that he’s going to get some game action and come and join us, hopefully, if everything goes well.”
Kieffer Bellows was assigned to Bridgeport, and Otto Koivula and Andrew Ladd were recalled from the Sound Tigers.


newyorkpost--2020-02-22--Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury: Why there was no face-off

LAS VEGAS — It has been a “ Don ’ t go there ...

LAS VEGAS — There was no traditional face-off at the end of Friday’s weigh-in for Saturday’s WBC heavyweight championship rematch between champion Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury. The Nevada Athletic Commission decided against it after the two fighters exchanged shoves and verbal taunts during Wednesday’s press conference at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Bob Bennett, the executive director of the commission, nixed the face-off to avoid the kind of trouble that would put the highly anticipated pay-per-view bout in jeopardy.
“What about the fans that purchased their tickets, bought airline tickets, have hotel reservations and spent a considerable amount of money to see this world-class fight?” Bennett told The Post on Friday. “It’s the commission’s job to have good judgment and look out for the safety of the fighters, the safety of the public and the safety of the fans.”
After Fury weighed in at a heavy 273 pounds and Wilder at 231, the two combatants stood about 12 feet apart from each other and began jawing about what was going to happen Saturday night. There were no incidents.
You can’t blame Bennett for being careful. He has seen press conferences and weigh-ins for boxing and MMA turn into melees before. What he saw during the press conference on Wednesday was enough to avoid more trouble. He called both camps on Thursday and informed them he was nixing the face-off at the weigh-in.
“We’re going to look out for the event so we can bring this to the finish line,” said Bennett, a former Marine and FBI agent. “We want to be proactive instead of reactive. What happens if someone twists an ankle or suffers a cut? We don’t want a delay in this fight.”
Not having a face-off shouldn’t matter. The heated exchange on Wednesday got plenty of play on television and social media. Another face-to-face photo hardly would add to the hype. About 6,000 mostly Fury fans packed the weigh-in.
“This is the commission doing its job,” Bennett said. “That’s what we’re paid to do.”
Bennett said he is confident the judges and referee assigned to the fight will do a credible job. They are among the best in the business. The judges will be: Glenn Feldman from Connecticut; Dave Moretti from Nevada and Steve Weisfeld from New Jersey. The referee will be Kenny Bayless.
The Englishman Fury had no problem with three American judges.
“My marching orders is to have the best officials for every fight,” Bennett said. “I don’t care where they come from. Just give me the best officials and that’s what we try to do.”
The judges in the first fight were Alejandro Rochin from Mexico, who saw it 115-111 for Wilder; Canada’s Robert Tapper, who had it 114-112 for Fury and Phil Edwards from Britain, who saw it a 113-113 draw.


newyorkpost--2020-02-22--Anthony Davis takes over after giving Lakers a big scare

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers hadn ’ t even been back on the court for three minutes after the All-Star break when Anthony Davis limped off with an injured leg .
With their superstar big man in the locker room , the Lakers played an ominous quarter wondering whether their playoff push had just hit some massive resistance .
Instead , Davis got his legs back under him and put up a monster performance that reminded everybody why the Lakers are atop the West .
LeBron James scored 32 points , Davis recovered from that early scare to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven blocked shots , and Los Angeles returned from the break with a 117-105 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night .
Davis bruised his right calf on an opponent ’ s knee shortly after the opening tip .
He has been slowed by several knocks that turned out to be minor throughout the season — and after several minutes of treatment , he returned to cheers in the second quarter .
“ The leg felt good enough for me to go out and give it a try , ” Davis said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted to be on the floor to help the guys.
” He found his formidable game after halftime , putting up 24 points along with 11 boards and five blocks in the second half .
Davis also led the Lakers ’ interior defensive efforts against the Grizzlies , whose well-known ability to drive to the rim only resulted in 14 blocked shots by Los Angeles .
Davis had 14 points , seven rebounds and four blocks in the fourth quarter alone as Los Angeles improved to 42-12 with its fourth straight win since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Year-type of night from Anthony , ” coach Frank Vogel said .
“ He ’ s the best defender in the league from a versatility standpoint .
Especially against a team like this , where you have concerns about a basket-attacking guard like Ja Morant.
” Avery Bradley added 14 points for the Western Conference-leading Lakers , who finished strong after blowing most of their 25-point lead accumulated in a superb first half .
“ Give the Lakers a lot of credit , ” Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ punked us in that first half .
We weren ’ t ready to play in the first half .
Proud of the guys to fight back , pick up our activity and win the third quarter .
… Overall , just one of those games where we didn ’ t come ready to play , and we ’ ve got to learn from this.
” Josh Jackson scored a season-high 20 points for the Grizzlies , who have lost back-to-back games in California after heading into the All-Star break with eight wins in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guys threw different looks at me , ” said Morant , who scored 17 points .
“ It ’ s just what they do .
I feel like everybody knows those guys are great defenders , but I still try to attack the game the same way .
Tonight I missed layups .
Missed a wide-open pull-up .
Made some shots , and forced some .
I could have been better.
” The Grizzlies erased most of LA ’ s lead with a strong third quarter , but the Lakers hung on with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a jaw-dropping rebound dunk by Alex Caruso off a missed free throw by Davis with 6:16 to play .
The Lakers improved to 3-0 against the Grizzlies this season .
They meet again in Memphis on Feb. 29 .

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers hadn’t even been back on the court for three minutes after the All-Star break when Anthony Davis limped off with an injured leg.
With their superstar big man in the locker room, the Lakers played an ominous quarter wondering whether their playoff push had just hit some massive resistance.
Instead, Davis got his legs back under him and put up a monster performance that reminded everybody why the Lakers are atop the West.
LeBron James scored 32 points, Davis recovered from that early scare to get 28 points, 13 rebounds and seven blocked shots, and Los Angeles returned from the break with a 117-105 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night.
Davis bruised his right calf on an opponent’s knee shortly after the opening tip. He has been slowed by several knocks that turned out to be minor throughout the season — and after several minutes of treatment, he returned to cheers in the second quarter.
“The leg felt good enough for me to go out and give it a try,” Davis said with a shrug. “I just wanted to be on the floor to help the guys.”
He found his formidable game after halftime, putting up 24 points along with 11 boards and five blocks in the second half. Davis also led the Lakers’ interior defensive efforts against the Grizzlies, whose well-known ability to drive to the rim only resulted in 14 blocked shots by Los Angeles.
Davis had 14 points, seven rebounds and four blocks in the fourth quarter alone as Los Angeles improved to 42-12 with its fourth straight win since Feb. 6.
“Another Defensive Player of the Year-type of night from Anthony,” coach Frank Vogel said. “He’s the best defender in the league from a versatility standpoint. Especially against a team like this, where you have concerns about a basket-attacking guard like Ja Morant.”
Avery Bradley added 14 points for the Western Conference-leading Lakers, who finished strong after blowing most of their 25-point lead accumulated in a superb first half.
“Give the Lakers a lot of credit,” Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins said. “They came out and just kind of punked us in that first half. We weren’t ready to play in the first half. Proud of the guys to fight back, pick up our activity and win the third quarter. … Overall, just one of those games where we didn’t come ready to play, and we’ve got to learn from this.”
Josh Jackson scored a season-high 20 points for the Grizzlies, who have lost back-to-back games in California after heading into the All-Star break with eight wins in 10.
“A lot of defensive guys threw different looks at me,” said Morant, who scored 17 points. “It’s just what they do. I feel like everybody knows those guys are great defenders, but I still try to attack the game the same way. Tonight I missed layups. Missed a wide-open pull-up. Made some shots, and forced some. I could have been better.”
The Grizzlies erased most of LA’s lead with a strong third quarter, but the Lakers hung on with a series of big plays, including a jaw-dropping rebound dunk by Alex Caruso off a missed free throw by Davis with 6:16 to play.
The Lakers improved to 3-0 against the Grizzlies this season. They meet again in Memphis on Feb. 29.


newyorkpost--2020-02-22--Maxi Kleber’s big night off bench helps Mavericks win on road

ORLANDO , Fla. — All-Star Luka Doncic did his usual thing in Orlando and got some unexpected help from teammate Maxi Kleber .
Doncic nearly had a triple-double , finishing with 33 points , 10 rebounds and eight assists , and the Dallas Mavericks cruised past the Magic 122-106 on Friday night .
Kleber added a career-high 26 points off the bench as the Mavericks improved to 19-8 on the road this season .
They won just 18 road games the last two seasons combined .
“ I probably never had a night like that in the NBA , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Germany playing his third season in the league .
“ I didn ’ t really even notice .
It just sort of happened.
” Kristaps Porzingis chipped in 24 points and 10 rebounds , and Tim Hardaway Jr. , scored 16 points .
Evan Fournier led Orlando with 28 points .
Nikola Vucevic had 27 points and 12 rebounds , and Terrence Ross scored 19 points for the Magic , who were doomed by another dismal shooting night .
Orlando made just 9 of 43 attempts from 3-point range and shot just 39 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a bunch of open shots the whole game , ” Orlando coach Steve Clifford said .
“ What ’ s better than a wide-open shot ?
You ’ ve got to make them.
” The Magic trailed by 18 in the first half , but surged ahead behind Fournier ’ s 18 points in the third quarter .
The shooting guard hit four of his first five shots to spark a 17-4 run in the first 5 minutes of the second half .
His driving , baseline layup gave Orlando its first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That one-point advantage lasted one possession and turned out to be Orlando ’ s lone lead of the game .
Porzingis drained a 12-footer to put Dallas back in front , and the Mavericks extended the lead to 91-84 by the end of the period .
Kleber scored 12 points in a little over 3 minutes early in the fourth to help the Mavs pull ahead 107-93 .
The forward from Germany hit three straight 3-pointers and finished his run with a three-point play that started with a rousing dunk .
The Mavericks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 the rest of the game .
Doncic had 24 points , five rebounds and five assists in the first half , which Dallas controlled throughout .
Doncic , Porzingis and Tim Hardaway Jr. , combined to hit 8 of 13 3s , while Orlando made just 3 of 22 from beyond the arc before the break .
Kleber ended up making 3 of 6 from behind the 3-point-line .
“ It ’ s great having 7-footers who can shoot , ” Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said of Kleber .
“ The boost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was huge .
It gave us some separation and allowed us to bring the game home .
”

ORLANDO, Fla. — All-Star Luka Doncic did his usual thing in Orlando and got some unexpected help from teammate Maxi Kleber.
Doncic nearly had a triple-double, finishing with 33 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, and the Dallas Mavericks cruised past the Magic 122-106 on Friday night.
Kleber added a career-high 26 points off the bench as the Mavericks improved to 19-8 on the road this season. They won just 18 road games the last two seasons combined.
“I probably never had a night like that in the NBA,” said Kleber, a 6-foot-10 forward from Germany playing his third season in the league. “I didn’t really even notice. It just sort of happened.”
Kristaps Porzingis chipped in 24 points and 10 rebounds, and Tim Hardaway Jr., scored 16 points.
Evan Fournier led Orlando with 28 points. Nikola Vucevic had 27 points and 12 rebounds, and Terrence Ross scored 19 points for the Magic, who were doomed by another dismal shooting night. Orlando made just 9 of 43 attempts from 3-point range and shot just 39% from the floor.
“We had a bunch of open shots the whole game,” Orlando coach Steve Clifford said. “What’s better than a wide-open shot? You’ve got to make them.”
The Magic trailed by 18 in the first half, but surged ahead behind Fournier’s 18 points in the third quarter. The shooting guard hit four of his first five shots to spark a 17-4 run in the first 5 minutes of the second half. His driving, baseline layup gave Orlando its first lead of the game, 69-68.
That one-point advantage lasted one possession and turned out to be Orlando’s lone lead of the game. Porzingis drained a 12-footer to put Dallas back in front, and the Mavericks extended the lead to 91-84 by the end of the period.
Kleber scored 12 points in a little over 3 minutes early in the fourth to help the Mavs pull ahead 107-93. The forward from Germany hit three straight 3-pointers and finished his run with a three-point play that started with a rousing dunk.
The Mavericks never let the Magic get closer than 11 the rest of the game.
Doncic had 24 points, five rebounds and five assists in the first half, which Dallas controlled throughout. Doncic, Porzingis and Tim Hardaway Jr., combined to hit 8 of 13 3s, while Orlando made just 3 of 22 from beyond the arc before the break.
Kleber ended up making 3 of 6 from behind the 3-point-line.
“It’s great having 7-footers who can shoot,” Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said of Kleber. “The boost he gave us in the fourth quarter was huge. It gave us some separation and allowed us to bring the game home.”


newyorkpost--2020-02-22--Zion Williamson dominates again as Pelicans pound Trail Blazers

PORTLAND , Ore. — Zion Williamson hears the accolades but insists he ’ s still getting comfortable in his new job .
He had 25 points for his seventh straight game with at least 20 , and the New Orleans Pelicans beat the short-handed Portland Trail Blazers 128-115 on Friday night .
“ Even though I ’ m a rookie and people think I ’ m doing good there ’ s still so much I have to learn , ” he said .
“ There ’ s so much about the game I ’ m still learning , I feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m gon na have all that down.
” The No .
1 draft pick was playing in just his 11th game after a right knee injury sidelined him for the first half of the season .
The Pelicans , who led by as many as 22 points , have won four of their last five games .
Even his teammates are impressed .
“ He definitely takes us to another level , ” Jrue Holiday said .
“ He ’ s so hard to guard and hard to stop , so for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 games in is impressive.
” The Blazers , who have lost three straight , were without Damian Lillard , who is expected to miss three or more games because of a groin injury that occurred in Memphis last week .
It kept Lillard out of the All-Star Game and the 3-point contest last weekend .
Lillard is averaging a career-high 29.5 points and 7.8 assists .
His absence hurts the Blazers , who went into the game 3.5 games back of Memphis for eighth in the Western Conference standings .
And it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had only nine players available for the game .
CJ McCollum took over as point guard and finished with 27 points and 10 assists .
Hassan Whiteside added 19 points and 12 rebounds .
“ Overall I thought we competed , we just didn ’ t play well enough defensively to win , ” McCollum said .
The Pelicans were among four teams , along with the Blazers , fighting for those last playoff berths with just a third of the season left .
Coach Alvin Gentry said he ’ s treating the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We want to play to get into a tournament .
We want a high seed .
Those are the things that we ’ ve talked about .
Obviously , we have to play good basketball , ” Gentry said .
The Pelicans also won the previous three meetings this season with Portland .
Earlier this month in New Orleans , Williamson had 31 points and nine rebounds in a 138-117 victory over the Blazers .
Williamson , who played just one season at Duke before going pro , went into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 7.5 rebounds .
His streak of games with 20-plus points is the longest among NBA rookies this season .
And he was the first player since Michael Jordan to have 20 or more in eight of his first 10 NBA games .
At just 19 , he ’ s the youngest player in league history with 20-plus points in seven straight games .
“ He just fits in , ” Gentry said about his emerging star .
“ It ’ s not like we call a bunch of plays for him .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the flow of our offense trying to find him.
” Lonzo Ball ’ s 3-pointer put the Pelicans up 29-17 in the opening quarter .
But the Blazers closed within 40-38 early in the second on Whiteside ’ s dunk .
It was as close as Portland could get , and Williamson ’ s dunk gave New Orleans a 54-46 lead .
Williamson ’ s layup pushed the Pelicans ’ advantage to 65-50 and New Orleans led 73-63 going into halftime .
He led all players with 19 points .
Consecutive jumpers from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pulled Portland within 80-75 in the third quarter .
The Pelicans pulled away with a 12-0 run to head to the fourth with 102-83 lead .
Portland closed the gap a bit in the fourth when back-to-back 3-pointers from Trevor Ariza and McCollum got the Blazers within 114-105 .
Holiday ’ s 3 and Ball ’ s layup extended New Orleans ’ lead again and fans at the Moda Center headed for the exits .
Holiday finished with 20 points and nine assists .

PORTLAND, Ore. — Zion Williamson hears the accolades but insists he’s still getting comfortable in his new job.
He had 25 points for his seventh straight game with at least 20, and the New Orleans Pelicans beat the short-handed Portland Trail Blazers 128-115 on Friday night.
“Even though I’m a rookie and people think I’m doing good there’s still so much I have to learn,” he said. “There’s so much about the game I’m still learning, I feel like by year four, five I’m gonna have all that down.”
The No. 1 draft pick was playing in just his 11th game after a right knee injury sidelined him for the first half of the season. The Pelicans, who led by as many as 22 points, have won four of their last five games.
Even his teammates are impressed.
“He definitely takes us to another level,” Jrue Holiday said. “He’s so hard to guard and hard to stop, so for him to be doing that 10 or 11 games in is impressive.”
The Blazers, who have lost three straight, were without Damian Lillard, who is expected to miss three or more games because of a groin injury that occurred in Memphis last week. It kept Lillard out of the All-Star Game and the 3-point contest last weekend.
Lillard is averaging a career-high 29.5 points and 7.8 assists. His absence hurts the Blazers, who went into the game 3.5 games back of Memphis for eighth in the Western Conference standings.
And it’s not just Lillard: Portland had only nine players available for the game.
CJ McCollum took over as point guard and finished with 27 points and 10 assists. Hassan Whiteside added 19 points and 12 rebounds.
“Overall I thought we competed, we just didn’t play well enough defensively to win,” McCollum said.
The Pelicans were among four teams, along with the Blazers, fighting for those last playoff berths with just a third of the season left. Coach Alvin Gentry said he’s treating the last 27 games like a college season.
“We want to play to get into a tournament. We want a high seed. Those are the things that we’ve talked about. Obviously, we have to play good basketball,” Gentry said.
The Pelicans also won the previous three meetings this season with Portland. Earlier this month in New Orleans, Williamson had 31 points and nine rebounds in a 138-117 victory over the Blazers.
Williamson, who played just one season at Duke before going pro, went into the game against the Blazers averaging 22.1 points and 7.5 rebounds.
His streak of games with 20-plus points is the longest among NBA rookies this season. And he was the first player since Michael Jordan to have 20 or more in eight of his first 10 NBA games.
At just 19, he’s the youngest player in league history with 20-plus points in seven straight games.
“He just fits in,” Gentry said about his emerging star. “It’s not like we call a bunch of plays for him. Our guys do a good job in the flow of our offense trying to find him.”
Lonzo Ball’s 3-pointer put the Pelicans up 29-17 in the opening quarter. But the Blazers closed within 40-38 early in the second on Whiteside’s dunk. It was as close as Portland could get, and Williamson’s dunk gave New Orleans a 54-46 lead.
Williamson’s layup pushed the Pelicans’ advantage to 65-50 and New Orleans led 73-63 going into halftime. He led all players with 19 points.
Consecutive jumpers from Carmelo Anthony and Whiteside’s dunk pulled Portland within 80-75 in the third quarter. The Pelicans pulled away with a 12-0 run to head to the fourth with 102-83 lead.
Portland closed the gap a bit in the fourth when back-to-back 3-pointers from Trevor Ariza and McCollum got the Blazers within 114-105. Holiday’s 3 and Ball’s layup extended New Orleans’ lead again and fans at the Moda Center headed for the exits.
Holiday finished with 20 points and nine assists.


newyorkpost--2020-02-22--Roger Stone wants judge presiding over his bid for a new trial to recuse herself

Roger Stone ’ s attorneys filed a motion on Friday night requesting the federal judge presiding over his bid for a new trial to recuse herself , arguing she could not be impartial because of a statement she made to the jury that convicted him .
The papers filed in a federal court in Washington , DC , highlight the statement by US District Judge Amy Berman Jackson at Stone ’ s sentencing on Thursday afternoon .
“ The jurors who served with integrity under difficult circumstances cared , ” Jackson said , according to the motion , after Stone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prison for witness intimidation and lying to congress .
President Trump has raised concerns over the forewoman in Stone ’ s trail , Tomeka Hart , claiming she should not have been allowed to sit on the jury over social media posts he said displayed a bias .
“ It ’ s my strong opinion that the forewoman of the jury , the woman who was in charge of the jury is totally tainted .
When you take a look , how can you have a person like this ?
She was an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
” he said , referring to Hart .
No jurors , including Hart , were named in Stone ’ s Friday motion .
Stone , 67 , claims in the motion that the judge “ blessing the ‘ integrity of the jury ’ undermines the appearance of impartiality and presents a strong bias for recusal.
” The filing Stone ’ s bid for a new trial is “ related to the integrity of a juror [ who ] misled the court regarding her ability to be unbiased and fair .
”

Roger Stone’s attorneys filed a motion on Friday night requesting the federal judge presiding over his bid for a new trial to recuse herself, arguing she could not be impartial because of a statement she made to the jury that convicted him.
The papers filed in a federal court in Washington, DC, highlight the statement by US District Judge Amy Berman Jackson at Stone’s sentencing on Thursday afternoon.
“The jurors who served with integrity under difficult circumstances cared,” Jackson said, according to the motion, after Stone was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison for witness intimidation and lying to congress.
President Trump has raised concerns over the forewoman in Stone’s trail, Tomeka Hart, claiming she should not have been allowed to sit on the jury over social media posts he said displayed a bias.
“It’s my strong opinion that the forewoman of the jury, the woman who was in charge of the jury is totally tainted. When you take a look, how can you have a person like this? She was an anti-Trump activist. Can you imagine this?” he said, referring to Hart.
No jurors, including Hart, were named in Stone’s Friday motion.
Stone, 67, claims in the motion that the judge “blessing the ‘integrity of the jury’ undermines the appearance of impartiality and presents a strong bias for recusal.”
The filing Stone’s bid for a new trial is “related to the integrity of a juror [who] misled the court regarding her ability to be unbiased and fair.”


newyorkpost--2020-02-22--How ABC gofer turned summer job into ‘Miracle on Ice’ nirvana

The greatest call in the history of sportscasting doesn ’ t just ...

Friday, Feb. 22, 1980. More than 8,000 manic fans pack into the Olympic Center Arena in Lake Placid, N.Y., including Vice President Walter Mondale and first child Amy Carter. I remember they were seated across the ice on the opposite side of the arena from our broadcast booth, and distinctly recall the two Secret Service agents standing right behind Al Michaels, Ken Dryden — and me. They were conspicuous in dark suits and shades, sporting earpieces as they monitored movements. I’ll never forget offering one of them a bottle of water and being met with a cold, hard shake of the head. They were all business.
It was 5 p.m. ET when the first puck dropped. ABC Sports was not live on the air — in fact, an attempt to move the game to 8 p.m. so it could be broadcast live in the U.S. was turned down by the International Hockey Federation. That would have been 4 a.m. in the Soviet Union, and the Soviets protested this injustice — and won. But no one inside the arena cared who else was watching live. They were in the house and it was game on.
Spring, 1979. I graduated from Brown University on a rather unseasonably cool Providence, R.I., spring day. After packing up a once-cluttered dorm room, I head up Route 95 to Boston to begin my summer job as a gofer/production assistant for ABC Sports’ “Monday Night Baseball.”
I had gotten an in with the jewel sports network during my senior year, when Brown’s sports information director, Rosa Gatti (who retired as a senior vice president at ESPN in 2013), asked me to take good care of Keith Jackson, the legendary announcer who, oddly enough, was calling the Brown-Harvard football game for ABC. I guess I did a good enough job to warrant an attaboy from not only Rumblin’, Fumblin’ Keith, but more importantly, from the assistant producer, who told me to keep in touch.
Keep in touch I did, as I was determined to avoid going to law school and instead began to seriously consider a career in sports television production. And so began a fantasy year that brought repeated close encounters with iconic figures and moments in sports.
For example, in the fall of 1979, at a “Monday Night Football” game in Washington, as a booth assistant I was assigned to find the legendary Howard Cosell with three minutes to air. I finally located him in a lounge entertaining two women over drinks and was greeted by his yelling, “Don’t rush the star of the show!” Ninety seconds later, he put on his headset and delivered a perfect opening segment without a script.
ABC kept me busy most weekends, as I traveled by car (gas and tolls on me) up and down the East Coast to work on pro and college football games, golf tournaments and boxing matches. I chauffeured the infamous Cosell many times, saw Jack Nicklaus win the 16th and 17th of his record 18 major championships, and had up-close moments with Reggie Jackson and George Steinbrenner. And they paid me — a per diem of $35.
But the highlight of it all began in December 1979, when I managed to get hired to work as a research/production assistant/gofer/food and beverage porter for the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid.
At the first production meeting for us bottom-feeders, everyone clamored for glamorous jobs working on speed skating, ski jumping, downhill skiing and figure skating. When ice hockey came up, no one volunteered because, obviously, the U.S. team was terrible, the Soviet Union was despised and heavily favored, and who in their right mind wanted to waste time inside the hockey rink watching the Russian gold-medal coronation?
Someone, however, noticed on my résumé that I had gone to Brown and asked if I knew anything about ice hockey. Stupidly, I mentioned I actually had been to a few college games and had even seen U.S. goalie Jim Craig play for Boston University in the Beanpot tournament the prior winter at Boston Garden. My groan was audible when they assigned me to work as the assistant to recently retired NHL All-Star goalie Ken Dryden (I had actually heard of him), and some baseball announcer on the West Coast (I had never heard of) named Al Michaels.
We start work in Lake Placid about a month before the games began. I accompanied Al and Ken for a few nights shuttling around in an arctic-cold ABC minivan watching the U.S. team play a few exhibition matches. I even spent a few afternoons playing pinball at the Olympic Village dorms with Craig and Mike Eruzione and got the feeling they were thrilled to be there (though not so much with their coach, Herb Brooks), and were just going to do the best they could and hopefully not be embarrassed.
When the first-round games began Feb. 12, the crowds were fairly sparse. As I sat next to Al (always on his right) for all the televised games, I tried to come up with meaningful stats or inside storylines, but frankly, initially there wasn’t much to say.
However, as the U.S. kept progressing deeper into the tournament, there was this weird, cautiously optimistic vibe in the air. These bad news pucksters just kept winning. And winning. An initial tie with Sweden was followed by consecutive wins over Czechoslovakia, Romania and West Germany.
By the time the baby-faced U.S. team made the final four in the medal round (along with the U.S.S.R., Finland and Sweden) and was about to face the chiseled, grizzled Soviets, there was a palpable buzz in the air of: Hey, this is somehow happening! Everyone working at the Olympics felt it. Fans in the arena felt it, and the hardest and hottest Olympic ticket to get was U.S. versus the U.S.S.R., scheduled for Feb. 22. Of course, my seat next to Al and Ken was reserved from Day 1, and little did I know it would become perhaps the most prized seat in sports history.
I have very little recollection of the match itself as it just whizzed by in one of life’s “in the zone” moments, when three hours seem like three minutes. The Russians scored first. The U.S. tied it up. Then the Russians went up 2-1, and as initial hope seemed lost, somehow Team USA’s Mark Johnson scored to tie the game with one second left in the first period. The atmosphere was giddy and most of us were clearly surprised that this U.S. team — drubbed 10-3 weeks earlier by this same Soviet team at Madison Square Garden in an exhibition — was still alive in the game. But then the Soviet Union scored early in the second period to make it 3-2, and a sense of deflation could be felt as the period ended.
Well, it had been a good ride and we braced ourselves for the knockout punch that was coming. Somehow, that punch never came. Eight minutes and 39 seconds into the third period, Johnson struck again to tie the game at 3, and 81 seconds later, Eruzione — the captain and my pinball buddy — launched a shot into the net that was heard ’round the world.
The atmosphere for the final 10 minutes of the game was almost indescribable. Craig made 36 saves in the game, and it seemed as if all 36 came in those final minutes. The Soviets, reeling yet attacking wildly, could not get another one past him. Ken and Al were going nuts — as was the crowd. As everyone counted down the last 10 seconds, it seemed as if in slow motion, in my left ear one foot away, that Al uttered those famous words: “Do you believe in miracles? YES!”
Pandemonium.
I got kicked out of the locker room (and thrown against the wall) by Secret Service agents after I tried to help Jim Lampley find players for postgame interviews. My press credential, which had served me so well, was now worthless. The vice president was in the locker room and I was back to being the low man on the totem pole — but wow, it had been a great ride.
Jim McKay went on the air that night and said he would not announce any hockey results as the network was tape-delaying the broadcast of the game. Like no one knew.
The gold-medal clinching game came two days later on Feb. 24. Yawn. A 4-2 victory over the Finns. I have an old Kodak picture of the team storming the ice at the last horn. Most people don’t even realize the U.S. did not clinch the gold medal versus the Soviets in that earlier, historic game. No one cares. The fight of the century had been fought and the final was relegated to the undercard.
A year later, on Feb. 22, 1981, I found myself in Durham, N.C., yawning over a Contracts textbook in the Duke University Law School library. I had followed Howard Cosell’s advice to get out of “this lousy business” (i.e. sports television) and go to law school. Bye-bye, sports producer career. After all, could anything ever top my year on the road that included that 1980 Olympic hockey experience?
After packing my books and while heading back to the dorm, I checked out Duke’s upcoming basketball schedule. There was this new coach, some guy named Mike with a long Polish name nobody could spell. “Coach K” was going through a losing streak and there were rumors he would be fired. Ha!
As I made my way across the main campus, there were a group of students on the lawn playing field hockey with a tennis ball. One took a wild shot and sent the ball soaring past a makeshift goal. He screamed at the top of his lungs, “Do you believe in miracles?” as the ball zoomed by, almost hitting me. I yelled right back, “Yes!” Then, as I was about to tell them where I’d been a year earlier, I stopped. Who would believe it? I smiled, moving silently into the night.