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NBA-SCHEDULE
Nets beat Heat to end skid
UNDATED (AP) — The Brooklyn Nets picked an unlikely opponent to end their lengthy losing streak.
The Nets had dropped seven straight before knocking off the NBA’s Southeast Division leaders, 117-113 over the visiting Miami Heat. Spencer Dinwiddie scored 26 points and had a career-high 14 assists for the Nets, who had fallen four games under .500 before dropping the Heat to 27-11. Tauren Prince finished with 17 points, including a floater in the lane that put Brooklyn ahead, 114-111 with 25.9 seconds left.
Jimmy Butler scored 33 points and Bam Adebayo added 22 for the Heat, who are 17-1 at home but just 10-10 on the road.
Checking out Friday’s other NBA action:
— The Pelicans won for the seventh time in nine games as Brandon Ingram delivered 28 points while three other New Orleans players had double-doubles in a 123-111 decision over the Knicks. Jaxson Hayes had 18 points and 10 rebounds, Lonzo Ball finished with 15 points and 11 assists, while Josh Hart chipped in 13 points and 10 boards.
— Jordan McRae scored 29 points and the Wizards went on a 17-4 spurt late in the fourth quarter to pull out a 111-101 win against the Hawks. Troy Brown Jr. added 18 and 10 rebounds to help Washington overcome 37.5% shooting to send Atlanta to its 14th loss in 16 games.
NBA-NEWS
Heat's Butler, Pacers' Warren fined for altercation
UNDATED (AP) — Miami's Jimmy Butler was fined $35,000 and Indiana's T.J. Warren $25,000 by the NBA on Friday, two days after their altercation in the Heat's victory in Indianapolis.
The NBA noted that Butler escalated the situation on social media after the game. Warren made an obscene gesture after his ejection. Warren grabbed Butler by the left arm and spun him around as Butler went for a potential layup with 6:29 remaining in the third quarter. They chest-bumped and were separated by referees. Both players received technical fouls.
Seven seconds later, Butler was called for an offensive foul for putting his shoulder into Warren's chest. It was upgraded to a Flagrant Foul 1 upon league review. Warren was ejected after getting his second technical foul for taunting after applauding the call. As Warren left the court, Butler blew kisses in his direction.
In other NBA news:
— The Lakers gave Anthony Davis the night off as they take on the Mavericks in the opener of a two-game road trip. Davis bruised his buttocks in the Lakers’ 117-87 rout of the Knicks on Tuesday. An MRI exam showed no major concerns, although Davis was extremely sore.
— Clippers forward Paul George is sitting out the team's game against the Warriors after he strained his left hamstring during practice Wednesday. Los Angeles coach Doc Rivers said the early prognosis is that the injury shouldn't keep the 6-foot-8 All-Star forward out of many games.
— Pacers forward Domantas Sabonis missed tonight's game against the Bulls because of a sore left knee. The injury has been bothering Indiana’s top scorer the last few days.
— The Raptors are about to activate three major players who were injured during a Dec. 18 victory at Detroit. Swingman Norm Powell was cleared to play Sunday against San Antonio after rehabilitating a left shoulder injury. Forward Pascal Siakam (see-A’-kam) and center Marc Gasol (gah-SAHL’) practiced Friday and are close to returning. Siakam injured a groin and Gasol strained his left hamstring.
T25 MEN’S BASKETBALL
Hawkeyes stifle Terps.
IOWA CITY (AP) — No. 12 Maryland continued its recent shooting woes while struggling to stop Joe Wieskamp and Big Ten scoring leader Luke Garza.
The Terrapins ended a three-game winning streak by shooting just 32.7% in a 67-49 loss at Iowa. Wieskamp contributed 26 points for the Hawkeyes, who held the Terps to their second-lowest scoring output of the season. Garza added 21 points and 13 rebounds for his 10th double-double of the season.
Maryland led 15-10 until Iowa scored the next 14 points to take control.
NHL-SCHEDULE
Canes blank Coyotes
UNDATED (AP) — The Carolina Hurricanes are 4-2 on their seven-game homestand after dealing the Arizona Coyotes their second shutout loss in as many nights.
Petr Mrazek (muh-RA’-zehk) posted his third shutout of the season and 21st of his career by stopping 32 shots in the Hurricanes’ 3-0 win over the Coyotes. Warren Foegele (FOH’-gul) opened the scoring 14:20 into the game before Lucas Wallmark and Martin Necas (NAY’-chas) tallied 63 seconds apart late in the second period to put Carolina in command.
Arizona averaged 4.5 goals per game during a four-game winning streak that preceded their consecutive shutout losses.
Elsewhere on NHL ice:
— Dylan Larkin scored in regulation and furnished the lone shootout goal as the Red Wings won for the third time in five games, 3-2 against the Senators. Tyler Bertuzzi also scored and Jonathan Bernier (BURN’-yay) made 29 saves through overtime before stopping Ottawa’s three shootout attempts.
MLB-NEWS
Betts agrees to record $27 million deal with Red Sox
UNDATED (AP) — Mookie Betts has snared the largest one-year salary for an arbitration-eligible player.
The Boston Red Sox outfielder has avoided arbitration by accepting a $27 million package for this season, topping the $26 million Colorado gave third baseman Nolan Arenado last winter. Betts batted .295 with 29 home runs and 80 RBIs for the Bosox last season, one year after taking American League MVP honors.
Other major leaguers to avoid arbitration on Friday include Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant, Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge, Rangers slugger Joey Gallo, Diamondbacks outfielder David Peralta (peh-RAHL’-tah) and Reds hurler Trevor Bauer, along with Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard (SIHN’-dur-gahrd), Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson, Atlanta pitcher Mike Foltynewicz (fohl-tih-NEH’-vihch) and Boston outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. All received one-year packages, with Peralta getting $22 million for this season, Bryant taking an $18.6 million offer and Judge settling for $18.5 million. Bauer topped all pitchers who settled on Friday, getting $17.5 million. Syndergaard came away with a $9.5 million pact.
Twenty players exchanged arbitration figures with their teams, including Astros outfielder George Springer, Red Sox outfielder Andre Benintendi, Minnesota pitcher José Berríos (beh-REE’-ohs) and Twins infielder Miguel Sanó (sah-NOH’). National Leaguers preparing for arbitration include Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto (ree-al-MOO’-toh), Rockies shortstop Trevor Story, Milwaukee pitcher Brent Suter and Brewers reliever Josh Hader.
In other one-year deals of note:
— NL MVP Cody Bellinger has agreed to an $11.5 million contract with the Dodgers, the largest salary for a player eligible for arbitration for the first time. Los Angeles also gave shortstop Corey Seager a $7.6 million package.
— The Yankees reached a $12.5 million deal with left-hander James Paxton.
— Athletics shortstop Marcus Semien came away with a $13 million contract.
— Nationals shortstop Trea Turner has taken a $7.45 million offer.
— Closer Alex Colomé (KAH’-loh-may) and the White Sox worked out a deal worth just over $10.5 million.
— Blue Jays closer Ken Giles will get $9.6 million this year.
NFL-NEWS
49ers activate Alexander
UNDATED (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers have activated linebacker Kwon Alexander from injured reserve to make him eligible for the team's playoff opener against the Minnesota Vikings. Alexander initially got injured in October when he tore his pectoral muscle. Alexander managed to heal more quickly than anticipated and returned to practice last week.
Also in the NFL:
— The Seattle Seahawks listed offensive linemen Duane Brown and George Fant as questionable Friday, leaving questions about who will start at left tackle for Sunday’s NFC divisional playoff game against the Packers in Green Bay. Brown is less than three weeks removed from minor knee surgery, while Fant suffered a groin injury in last week's opening round playoff win over Philadelphia. Brown and Fant were limited participants in practice Friday.
— The Chiefs could be missing defensive tackle Chris Jones and tight end Travis Kelce when the AFC West champs face the Texans in the divisional round of the AFC playoffs on Sunday. ccoach Andy Reid says Jones “tweaked his calf” at practice. Reid declined to say whether there was a chance Jones will play. Kelce has been limited all week with a knee injury that Reid characterized as “a bruise.”
—Microsoft will present the first “Anything But Ordinary” Player of the Year award at the upcoming NFL Honors awards show. The award will be voted on by fans through Jan. 20. It will honor a player’s accomplishments on and off the field. The NFL Honors will be held in Miami on Feb. 1, the night before the Super Bowl.
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