Reigning MVP Nikola Jokic led the Denver Nuggets with a double-double as they withstood the Golden State Warriors' second-half charge to win 89-86 on Tuesday.
MVP contender Stephen Curry only managed two first-half points as the Warriors produced arguably their worst half of the season before storming back in the second half to tie the game in the fourth quarter.
Jokic, who had 22 points, 18 rebounds and five assists, made a key defensive stop on rookie Jonathan Kuminga after his own turnover at 88-86 before Andre Igoudala missed a three-point attempt on the buzzer to force over-time.
Curry's output increased dramatically in the second half to finish with 23 points including five triples, as the Warriors reeled in the Nuggets after trailing by 24 points. The Warriors' two-time MVP had six turnovers for the game.
However, Curry also reached another milestone with his 3,000 career three-point attempt made, marking 157 straight games with a triple.
Andrew Wiggins scored 21 points with eight rebounds with the Warriors without Draymond Green who entered COVID-19 protocols this week. The result means the ladder-leading Warriors fall to 27-7 while the Nuggets improve above .500 to 17-16.
LeBron and Russ end Lakers' skid
LeBron James and Russell Westbrook both recorded triple-doubles as the Los Angeles Lakers ended their five-game skid with a 132-123 victory over the Houston Rockets. James had 32 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists while Westbrook added 24 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists.
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 28 points with six rebounds and six assists in his second game since returning from COVID-19 protocols while Bobby Portis nailed five three-pointers in his 19-point haul as the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Orlando Magic 127-110.
Joel Embiid had 36 points with 11 rebounds while Tobias Harris (19 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists) recorded a rare triple-double as the Philadelphia 76ers knocked off the Toronto Raptors 114-109.
Randle loses handle in offense
Last season's Most Improved Player Julius Randle continues to struggle to re-discover his offensive games, shooting five of 20 from the field and having only two assists in the New York Knicks' 96-88 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Veteran Australian opener David Warner has set his sights on one last crack at the Ashes on English soil in 2023 as he looks to bury his demons from 2019.
The 35-year-old left-handed batsman has defied his age with the third most runs in this Ashes series after being Player of the Series as Australia lifted last month's T20 World Cup.
Warner was part of losing Australian touring Ashes parties in 2013 and 2015 and was tormented by Stuart Broad in 2019 when he was dismissed by the seamer seven times in 10 knocks, managing only 95 runs across the series which finished 2-2 with the visitors retaining the urn.
"James Anderson sets the benchmark for older guys these days, we look up to him getting on in our days," Warner told reporters.
"Winning the Ashes here was obviously a big one. We still haven't beaten India in India, that would be nice to do.
"And England away, we had a drawn series but hopefully if I manage to get that opportunity, I might think about going back."
The 89-Test veteran has scored 7,551 runs with 24 centuries but battled during the 2019 Ashes in England.
"In terms of 2019, it was obviously in England so he [Broad] was able to get the ball to come back into us and away from us," Warner said.
"For me it was one of those tours where I didn’t back my game plan and I went too defensive, and I didn’t attack. That was my fault, and he bowled really well.
"Out here, they have obviously picked Ollie Robinson for a reason ... he’s averaging 21 with the ball, he’s had some success in England, he bowls a good line and length. I wouldn’t say I was surprised, they’ve done it before in Australia.
"They haven’t played both of them [Broad and James Anderson] too often here – you might see him [Broad] play next game, and maybe Jimmy misses it. I can’t worry what they’re doing, but from our perspective I think it’s great he [Broad] is not playing."
Warner also backed under-pressure opening partner Marcus Harris who scored a game-high 76 in the third Test at the MCG after managing only 38 runs in his previous four innings.
“His courage to keep fighting and working ways out to score runs when bowlers are bowling good lines and lengths, he fought it out really well and I’m really pleased for him," Warner said.
Matthias Ginter has confirmed he will not be renewing his contract with Borussia Monchengladbach and will therefore leave the German club at the end of the season.
The 46-cap Germany international has spent the last four and a half seasons with Gladbach, having arrived from rivals Borussia Dortmund in 2017.
However, Ginter has been touted as a target for Serie A giants Inter and a number of other heavyweight clubs across Europe ahead of the January transfer window.
And following months of speculation over his contract situation, the 27-year-old announced on social media on Tuesday that he will not be putting pen to paper on fresh terms.
"After long deliberations, I have decided not to renew my expiring contract," he posted on Instagram.
"After five fantastic years at Borussia Monchengladbach, it is difficult for me to take this step, but I've decided upon a different path for my personal and professional development.
"I owe a lot to the fans of Borussia and shall always carry this club in my heart. Now I will go with a full head of steam into the second half of the season.
"Those who know me know that I will give everything to accomplish the goals still possible in this season together with everyone else."
Ginter has made 165 appearances for Gladbach since joining in July 2017, 141 of those coming in the Bundesliga – the 12th most of any player in the division over that period.
He has featured 15 times in the German top flight in 2021-22 and ranks joint-sixth for aerial duels won (43) among defenders, seventh for successful passes (863) and ninth for touches (1,219).
Franck Kessie should not think about leaving Milan for clubs that "aren’t of a higher level", according to former Rossoneri midfielder Massimo Ambrosini.
The Ivory Coast international is reportedly keen to leave Milan as a free agent when his contract at San Siro expires at the end of June.
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are rumoured to be eyeing the midfielder, who is now into his fifth season at San Siro.
The 25-year-old has yet to agree a new deal with Milan, amid reports he is seeking a salary of around €8million.
Stefano Pioli's side are second in Serie A, four points behind reigning champions and rivals Inter after the opening 19 matches.
Ambrosini won four Scudetti and two Champions Leagues during his 18-year playing career with the club.
The former midfielder has urged Kessie to consider the prospect of joining a club that might not be able to compete at the same level as Milan.
"I have every respect for the professional decisions of fellow players," Ambrosini told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"All I can say is that these clubs who can offer a higher salary aren't of a higher level than Milan.
"The chance to bring home €8m rather than €6m should not be the priority if you are otherwise happy where you already are.
"He shouldn't think of Milan as a club of a secondary level."
Kessie has played 159 times for the club in Serie A since initially joining on loan from Atalanta in June 2017, with Napoli's Piotr Zielinski the only midfielder in the Italian top flight to register more appearances since then (163).
The Brooklyn Nets can count on Kevin Durant and LaMarcus Aldridge again after they were cleared to return from NBA health and safety protocols.
Durant, who was in a rich vein of form, has sat out the Nets' previous three games, while Aldridge has not featured in the past five.
They could be back on court for Thursday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Barclays Center, the first of a run of three at home for the Nets.
Kyrie Irving has also been released from the shackles of the same COVID-19 protocols, the NBA said on its official website.
Because Irving is unvaccinated and cannot play home games due to local restrictions in New York City, his return to action must wait.
Irving has not played all season but could be in the frame to be involved in the trip to the Indiana Pacers on January 5 or at the Chicago Bulls a week later.
The Nets lead the way in the Eastern Conference with a 23-9 record, after following up a Christmas Day win over the Los Angeles Lakers by beating the Clippers on Monday.
James Harden, freshly out of protocols, played lead roles in both those wins with hauls of 36 and 39 points, and now he is set to have elite support.
Durant leads the Nets in scoring this season with an average of 29.7 points per game, alongside 7.9 rebounds and 5.9 assists.
The Nets have had three recent games postponed due to their roster being hard hit by absentees.
Napoli face being without Hirving Lozano for their upcoming Serie A clash with Juventus after the forward tested positive for coronavirus.
The 26-year-old has featured in all 25 of Napoli's matches in all competitions this season, starting 17 of those, and has three goals and three assists to his name.
However, Napoli announced on their official website on Tuesday that Lozano will now serve a period of self-isolation after contracting COVID-19 while back in Mexico.
Lozano, who is asymptomatic and has been vaccinated, must return a negative test before he is cleared to fly back to Italy.
It is a further blow for Luciano Spalletti's side as Lorenzo Insigne and Fabian Ruiz have also tested positive for coronavirus over the past seven days.
Napoli are scheduled to face Juventus at the Allianz Stadium on January 6 in a battle between the sides third and fifth in Serie A.
The Partenopei have slipped from top spot after winning just two of their previous eight league matches, while Juventus have taken 13 points from the last 15 available.
Rafinha is excited to be given the chance to get his career back on track at Real Sociedad after completing a loan move from Paris Saint-Germain for the remainder of the season.
The 28-year-old has featured just five times for PSG in all competitions this season and was not included in the club's Champions League squad for the group phase.
Rafinha will spend the next six months with Sociedad, who are sixth in the Spanish top flight and already have the likes of David Silva and Alexander Isak in their squad.
The twice-capped Brazil international has played 39 times for PSG since arriving from Barca in October 2020 on a three-year deal, with 21 of those being starts.
His most recent appearance for PSG came in the 2-1 win over Angers on October 15, the Barca academy product having been an unused substitute on five occasions since then.
He has previous experience of playing in LaLiga, a division in which he has previously made 172 appearances during his time with Barcelona and on loan with Celta Vigo.
And after a frustrating 14-month spell at the Parc des Princes, the versatile midfielder is hoping to kickstart his career back in Spain.
"I am very happy to have arrived at a great club like this," he said at a news conference on Tuesday.
"A few months ago my representatives told me about Real's interest, which I found exciting because of the great things going on here and the club's ambition.
"That's what attracted me to the club and now I'm very excited to link up with my team-mates.
"I feel good and have been preparing for this opportunity, knowing that it could come, whether at Paris or another club. Now it is a matter of adapting."
The loan deal does not include the option of a permanent transfer at the end of the season, at which point Rafinha will have 12 months remaining on his PSG contract.
"Maybe in six months Real will not want me!" Rafinha joked. "It's not known what will happen in the future, so I will just take it game by game."
Barcelona on Tuesday confirmed they have reached an agreement to sign Ferran Torres from Manchester City for a reported fee of €65million.
The Spain international returns to LaLiga following an 18-month spell in the Premier League and has signed a deal until June 2027.
Barca are said to be paying an initial €55m (£46.7m) and as much as €10m (£8.5m) in add-ons.
City initially spent roughly €23m (£20m) to sign Torres from Valencia in 2020, meaning they have more than doubled their money on a player who has never truly been considered a first-choice starter.
Barca had been linked with Torres in pre-season but their crippling financial state meant transfer outlays were implausible.
The club's debts have topped €1.4billion this year and as a result of their financial performance, they saw their LaLiga salary cap slashed by €280m to just €97m, hence their inability to retain Lionel Messi.
That saw Barca slip from having the second-highest wage limit last season to seventh in 2021-22.
Speculation ahead of Torres' signing led to many pondering how Barca can suddenly afford such a significant transfer fee so soon, but reports indicate they recently took out a significant loan to ensure they can.
Torres' arrival means new coach Xavi has the type of young, dynamic attacker he had been after, with the 21-year-old capable of playing through the middle and out on the right, where he was most-frequently used at Valencia.
Since Xavi's return to Barca as head coach, he has spoken regularly about a desire to play with classic wingers, while his reluctance to use Luuk de Jong as the focal point of their attack has suggested a preference for a quick and energetic central striker – Torres fits the bill on both counts.
Yet he leaves City as something of an enigma, having only made 15 Premier League starts in 2020-21, and this season Torres has managed just four appearances in the top flight due to a foot injury he sustained on international duty in October.
As much as it feels he has left City before the Premier League truly got to know him, in his limited time Torres has made an impact on the pitch for City.
Among City players to feature for at least 1,000 minutes across all competitions since the start of last season, Torres' 0.55 goals per 90 minutes is the highest and none of his strikes have been from the penalty spot.
His average of 2.8 shots (per 90) is third only to Kevin De Bruyne (3.3) and Riyad Mahrez (3.2), and his expected goals on a per-90-minute basis of 0.44 is bettered by just Raheem Sterling (0.47), showing that Torres' high goals frequency comes from being a consistent threat.
Torres' 1.1 chances created on average is well down the list at City, however. While this may partly reflect the fact he has featured as a central striker often, perhaps greater productivity in this area would have seen City put up more of a fight to keep him.
Nevertheless, the signing represents something of a coup for a Barcelona that just a few months ago was incapable of paying for players of such a calibre.
Barcelona on Tuesday confirmed they have reached an agreement to sign Ferran Torres from Manchester City for a reported fee of €65million.
The Spain international returns to LaLiga following an 18-month spell in the Premier League and has signed a deal until June 2027.
Barca are said to be paying an initial €55m (£46.7m) and as much as €10m (£8.5m) in add-ons.
The Catalan giants revealed a €1billion release clause has been inserted in Torres' contract and he will be officially unveiled at Camp Nou on January 3.
City initially spent roughly €23m (£20m) to sign Torres from Valencia in 2020, meaning they have more than doubled their money on a player who has never truly been considered a first-choice starter.
Barca had been linked with Torres in pre-season but their crippling financial state meant transfer outlays were implausible.
The club's debts have topped €1.4billion this year and as a result of their financial performance, they saw their LaLiga salary cap slashed by €280m to just €97m, hence their inability to retain Lionel Messi.
That saw Barca slip from having the second-highest wage limit last season to seventh in 2021-22.
Speculation ahead of Torres' signing led to many pondering how Barca can suddenly afford such a significant transfer fee so soon, but reports indicate they recently took out a significant loan to ensure they can.
Torres' arrival means new coach Xavi has the type of young, dynamic attacker he had been after, with the 21-year-old capable of playing through the middle and out on the right, where he was most-frequently used at Valencia.
Since Xavi's return to Barca as head coach, he has spoken regularly about a desire to play with classic wingers, while his reluctance to use Luuk de Jong as the focal point of their attack has suggested a preference for a quick and energetic central striker – Torres fits the bill on both counts.
Yet he leaves City as something of an enigma, having only made 15 Premier League starts in 2020-21, and this season Torres has managed just four appearances in the top flight due to a foot injury he sustained on international duty in October.
As much as it feels he has left City before the Premier League truly got to know him, in his limited time Torres has made an impact on the pitch for City.
Among City players to feature for at least 1,000 minutes across all competitions since the start of last season, Torres' 0.55 goals per 90 minutes is the highest and none of his strikes have been from the penalty spot.
His average of 2.8 shots (per 90) is third only to Kevin De Bruyne (3.3) and Riyad Mahrez (3.2), and his expected goals on a per-90-minute basis of 0.44 is bettered by just Raheem Sterling (0.47), showing that Torres' high goals frequency comes from being a consistent threat.
Torres' 1.1 chances created on average is well down the list at City, however. While this may partly reflect the fact he has featured as a central striker often, perhaps greater productivity in this area would have seen City put up more of a fight to keep him.
Nevertheless, the signing represents something of a coup for a Barcelona that just a few months ago was incapable of paying for players of such a calibre.
Chris Silverwood believes England can take "positives" out of a humiliating MCG thrashing that ensured Australia retained the Ashes less than halfway through the series.
Scott Boland claimed astonishing figures of 6-7 as the tourists capitulated to 68 all out in the morning session on day three, suffering a chastening innings-and-14 run defeat.
England needed a victory to have any chance of regaining the urn, but suffered a third hammering of what has been a painful series for Joe Root's side.
James Anderson had given them hope by taking 4-33 as were Australia bowled out for 267 on day two, but their batting frailties were exposed yet again on Tuesday.
Yet head coach Silverwood says it is not all doom and gloom for England and believes he still has the players' backing.
Asked if the players are stilt responding to him as head coach, Silverwood told BT Sport: "I think they are.
"We had a good honest chat after the last game [the defeat at the Adelaide Oval]. We just have to put performances together and start pushing back.
"It is disappointing for us all and the lads will be feeling that in the dressing room.
"But I have to give credit to Australia, particularly Scott Boland on debut and Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc for their opening spell last night.
"We had a good honest chat after the last Test, we just have to couple those performances together and find a way of pushing back against this bowling attack and scoring runs.
"Yesterday we had a little bit of disruption in the morning [a positive COVID-19 test in the team's family group] and I think the way the guys applied themselves on the field and the way the bowling attack rallied and got us back into this game was a credit to them.
"The way we caught in the last innings was good as well and I think there are positives coming out of this."
Silverwood believes England can salvage some pride in the remainder of a series that was over so soon after it started.
"We want to take something away from this series and we want to come back and compete in the last two Test matches," he added.
"We do have some world-class players and some youngsters as well who are learning on the job constantly. What we have to do is try and give them some confidence, we know they have ability and we do back them.
"We have to give them the opportunity to come out and show what they can do in the last two Tests."
Boland's figures were the best innings figures by any Australian on Test debut in Australia since Albert Trott took 8-43 against England at the Adelaide Oval in January 1895.
Dominic Thiem has withdrawn from next month's Australian Open.
Thiem has not played on the ATP Tour since suffering a wrist injury at the Mallorca Championships in June.
The 2020 US Open champion was due to feature in the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi this month, but withdrew after suffering a setback.
Thiem on Tuesday revealed his wrist is in "optimal condition", but the Austrian will miss the first grand slam of the year at Melbourne Park and will instead make his comeback at the Cordoba Open next month.
The Austrian tweeted: "As you all know, I came back home to Austria to recover after hard practice sessions I had in Dubai and the slight setback in my preparation. I am now feeling well again, my wrist is in optimal condition and I am practicing normally with a very good intensity.
"After my short holidays, my team and I have assessed all matters and we have decided to make some changes to my initial tournament schedule.
"I will start the season in South America at the Cordoba Open in Argentina, end of January, and therefore I will not play this year at the Australian Open in Melbourne, a city that I love and where I have great memories of unforgettable matches in front of amazing crowds. I will miss the Australian fans but I will be back in 2023.
"We believe this is the right decision in order to have a good return to competition. For the moment I will remain in Austria for a few more days and then head to practice outdoors and get ready for my first event of the season."
The 28-year-old was a runner-up in the 2020 Australian Open before going on to claim his first major title at Flushing Meadows.
Barcelona have announced that defender Jordi Alba has tested positive for COVID-19.
The left-back must now self-isolate, making him unlikely to be able to travel to face Mallorca on January 2 for Barca's next LaLiga game.
The 32-year-old becomes the third Barca defender to be sidelined with COVID-19, joining fellow full-back Dani Alves and centre-back Clement Lenglet.
Barca's official statement read: "First-team player Jordi Alba has tested positive for COVID-19, ruling him out of Tuesday afternoon's training session at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper from 6pm CET.
"The player is in good health and self-isolating at home. The club has reported the case to the relevant authorities.
"He joins Clement Lenglet and Dani Alves on the sidelines, who also tested positive for COVID-19."
Xavi must now consider how to replace Alba in the side as he looks to steer Barca out of seventh place in the table and into the Champions League spots, with Rayo Vallecano two points ahead of them in fourth.
Only Sergio Busquets, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Memphis Depay and Frenkie de Jong have played more minutes across all competitions than Alba's 1,526, highlighting his importance to the team.
Steve Nash praised a "historically great" James Harden after he joined an exclusive club with his instrumental performance for the Brooklyn Nets against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Harden, having racked up 36 points in his first game since exiting the NBA's health and safety protocols in the Nets' Christmas Day win over the Los Angeles Lakers, backed that effort up with a 39-point display versus the Clippers, which also saw him register 15 assists and eight rebounds.
His showing in the 124-108 triumph saw Harden become the 10th player in NBA history with 20,000 points, 6,000 assists and 5,000 rebounds.
Also in that club are Kobe Bryant, Clyde Drexler, John Havlicek, LeBron James, Chris Paul, Gary Payton, Oscar Robertson, Jerry West and Russell Westbrook.
And Nash said of the 2018 MVP: "He's historically great. The numbers he's put up are incredible.
"He's one of the best players of his generation and it's mind-boggling to think of all the numbers he's put up and all the success he's had.
"He's one of those very, very special players not only of his generation but historically. The numbers back it up."
On his spectacular return following his time in the protocol, Nash added: "You're expecting guys to feel their way back into it. But from the jump against the Lakers, again [v the Clippers], he's just been clinical.
"Just such a great head of the snake for us. When he plays like that we are very difficult to beat."
Asked if he felt he benefited from his two-week lay-off, Harden replied: "Probably. I was starting to feel good right before then…That break, Covid, or protocol, or rest, whatever you want to call it, it could've went two ways.
"I just locked in on my body, my eating, and when I was able to start working out, my workouts. I felt good. My body felt good.
"I'm trying to make sure my body feels great so I can continue to keep going up in the regular season and preparing for the playoffs.
"Individually I have to make sure I'm in the best shape and I'm the best James that I can be for my team-mates.
"If I'm in that form, good things will happen for my team."
Newcastle United are set to flex their financial muscles during the January transfer window.
The Magpies are struggling in the Premier League drop zone even after claiming a 1-1 draw with Manchester United.
But following a change of ownership they have funds available to bolster their squad.
TOP STORY - MAGPIES KEEN ON BARCELONA'S UMTITI
Cashed-up Newcastle are considering a move for Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti according to The Sun.
The 2018 World Cup winner has fallen out of favour at Barcelona, who are looking to offload players due to their financial issues.
Eddie Howe's side have conceded a league-high 42 goals and want to shore up their backline to aid their case to avoid relegation.
ROUND-UP
- Bayern Munich have ramped up their bid to sign Leeds United's Raphinha, claims The Sun. Leeds remain hopeful of keeping the Brazil international.
- Chelsea have also entered the race to sign Raphinha according to the Express, who also claim they will allow Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech to depart.
- Tottenham are leading the way to secure the signature of Milan midfielder Franck Kessie with the two parties in advanced talks, reports the Express.
- Ex-Liverpool forward Philippe Coutinho's preferred new home is Arsenal, with Barcelona keen to offload the Brazil international according to Sport.
- Milan, Napoli and Fiorentina are all on high alert with Torino's Italy international striker Andrea Belotti set to exit the club when his contract expires at season's end, reports Calciomercato.
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