![[SPORTS] NETS TOP RAPTORS IN OT TO END SKID](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_8833-1-1.jpg?resize=978%2C652&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Dec 8, 2018 | SPORTS
Russell Lifts Nets Out Of Prolonged Slump
After losing in agonizing fashion during a brutal stretch that’s changed the course of their season from a positive one to a negative one, D’Angelo Russell and the Nets finally closed out a game in their hands.
The Brooklyn Nets took a 106-105 overtime victory over the Toronto Raptors on Friday night at the Barclays Center to end their eight-game losing streak.
D’Angelo Russell guided the Brooklyn Nets with 29 points, five rebounds and five assists as the Nets can finally breathe a sigh of relief in the midst of their drought without a win ending.
After coming up short at the end of regulation with a chance to win the game, Russell scored six of his 29 points in the overtime period as the Nets held onto a one-point lead over the final minute of the game.
The Nets battled with the East-leading Raptors throughout, having surprising success in the defensive end against Toronto as they held them to 39.3 percent shooting for the game.
While the defense was spectacular at times, specifically in help defense situations at the rim, it was Brooklyn’s hustle on the offensive glass that got them to win here.
Brooklyn dominated the boards, out-rebounding Toronto 60-41. The Nets collected 16 offensive rebounds, a huge stat that was aided by Ed Davis’ season-high 15 rebounds in just 21 minutes off the bench.
In desperate need of a victory to try to get this sinking ship back to sea level, the Brooklyn Nets got just that by simply playing harder and out-grinding their counterparts on Friday night.
The Brooklyn Nets will look to make it two straight when they face the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.
Who was your star of the night for the Brooklyn Nets? Leave your pick below!
![[SPORTS] UFC 231 WEIGH-IN RESULTS: EVERY FIGHTER ON CARD CLEARED: REPLACEMENT MOICANO MISSES MARK](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_8832-1.jpg?resize=1080%2C675&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Dec 7, 2018 | SPORTS
Holloway-Ortega Official
One of the UFC’s most popular stopping points, The Great White North, will be the host of the UFC’s latest PPV extravaganza.
UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway puts his title on the line against undefeated No. 1 ranked featherweight contender Brian Ortega at the Scotiabank Arena on Saturday night in the main event of UFC 231.
Renato Moicano — who was not scheduled for the event but weighed in as a replacement in case of a pull out from either combatant in the main event — missed weight as he weighed in at 146 pounds.
Ahead of the event, all fighters stepped on the scales on Friday morning with each fighter being cleared to compete.
Max Holloway — looking to defend his UFC featherweight title successfully for a second time — weighed in at 144.5 pounds. His challenger, Brian Ortega, weighed in at 144.75 pounds.
Valentina Shevchenko –who will headline the co -main event for the vacant UFC women’s flyweight title — weighed in at 123.5 pounds. Former UFC strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk — looking to make history by capturing another world title in a different weight class — weighed in at 123.75 pounds.
Here are the full weigh-in results below
UFC 231 Weigh-In Results
Max Holloway (144.5) vs. Brian Ortega (144.75)
Valentina Shevchenko (123.5) vs. Joanna Jedrzejczyk (123.75)
Jimi Manuwa (204.75) vs. Thiago Santos (205.75)
Gunnar Nelson (170.25) vs. Alex Oliveira (171)
Hakeem Dawodu (145.75) vs. Kyle Bochniak (145)
Claudia Gadelha (115.5) vs. Nina Ansaroff (115.25)
Olivier Aubin-Mercier (155.75) vs. Gilbert Burns (155.75)
Katlyn Chookagian (125.75) vs. Jessica Eye (126)
Eryk Anders (186) vs. Elias Theodorou (184.5)
Brad Katona (135.5) vs. Matthew Lopez (135.5)
Chad Laprise (171) vs. Dhiego Lima (170.25)
Carlos Diego Ferreira (155.75) vs. Kyle Nelson (155.5)
Aleksandar Rakic (206) vs. Devin Clark (205)
Which figjt are you most looking forward to at UFC 231? Leave your comments below!
![[SPORTS] NFL WEEK 14 PICKS: COWBOYS SWEEP EAGLES](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_8831-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C675&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Dec 7, 2018 | SPORTS
Boys Will Clip Birds At Home, But Who’s Winning NFC Showdown In Chicago?
Week 13 Results: 8-8
Record this season: 122-70
Something tells me this week is going to be fun. Well, after we get past the fact that Cody Kessler and Marcus Mariota face off on Thursday night.
We haven’t been that unlucky this season when it comes terrible Thursday night matchups, and while most of America will likely have their channels turned elsewhere, the Sunday slate is sure to be exciting.
NFL Week 14 will be highlighted by a NFC East matchup in Dallas as the Philadelphia Eagles look to pick up a critical victory over the NFC East-leading Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.
The fun doesn’t end there. Top seeds in the AFC and NFC face difficult challenges as Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs welcome a surging Baltimore Ravens team into Arrowhead.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams visit Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears in a battle of NFC division leaders.
There’s no better time in the regular-season than now, December football where the margin for error is small.
Here are my picks for Week 14 of the NFL season.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans
The Titans have had the Jaguars number of late, and needed a Week 17 victory over them last season to sneak into the postseason. They’re in need of one here, and with Cody Kessler facing a tough defense in the Titans, Tennessee should do enough to prevail.
Prediction: Tennessee Titans 17 Jacksonville Jaguars 7
New York Jets at Buffalo Bills
The first meeting between Josh Allen and Sam Darnold may be the beginning of a long AFC East rivalry being renewed. Buffalo’s sound defense should make life tough for Sam Darnold, who even with three games missed leads the NFL in turnovers.
Prediction: Buffalo Bills 24 New York Jets 13
Carolina Panthers at Cleveland Browns
Its been quite a downhill turn for the Carolina Panthers over the past four weeks. In that span they’ve allowed 10 touchdown passes and have recorded zero interceptions. Newton is ailing with a bad shoulder and the offensive line has a Browns defense has 35 sacks this season.
Prediction: Cleveland Browns 17 Carolina Panthers 13
Atlanta Falcons at Green Bay Packers
After losing to the Arizona Cardinals last week, Green Bay is simply playing for pride here. Rodgers has lost his past three starts vs the Atlanta Falcons, incl. playoffs, but this is a far different team than the one he’s faced in those meetings. The Packers defense will be tested by Julio Jones, but their pass rush should cause a key play of two in this one.
Prediction: Green Bay Packers 27 Atlanta Falcons 23
Baltimore Ravens at Kansas City Chiefs
While Baltimore being able to run the football the way they have over the past three weeks with Lamar Jackson should worry Andy Reid and company, the Ravens have also been one of the worst passing teams in the NFL over that span. If a team can’t fully take advantage of Kansas City’s defense, it’s unlikely — even with a elite defense — that they’ll be able to score enough points to win the game.
Prediction: Kansas City Chiefs 26 Baltimore Ravens 18
New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have won each of the past two meetings against the New Orleans Saints, and it should be a tough encounter once again for Drew Brees and the Saints. Tampa Bay has the requisite weapons to make this a game, but look for New Orleans to put the game away in the fourth quarter late.
Prediction: New Orleans Saints 31 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 21
New York Giants at Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a team decimated by injuries. They’ve lost Alex Smith and Colt McCoy this season to leg injuries, and now they will have to face a divisional rival with Mark Sanchez at quarterback. Not a good omen.
Prediction: New York Giants 17 Washington Redskins 16
New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins
Tom Brady is 7-9 all-time in Miami, but the Dolphins winter this game as a team incapable of putting pressure on the quarterback as well as stopping the run. Sony Michel and Rex Burkhead should get a number of opportunities to exploit the latter.
Prediction: New England Patriots 28 Miami Dolphins 17
Indianapolis Colts At Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are not turning the ball over, not surprising considering who and where their head coach is from. Indianapolis will certainly need to steal some possessions to win this game, and while Indianapolis has 21 takeaways this season, Houston’s ability to run the ball should trouble Indianapolis.
Prediction: Houston Texans 23 Indianapolis Colts 14
Cincinnati Bengals at Los Angeles Chargers
Coming off a huge 33-30 comeback win last week in Pittsburgh, the Los Angeles Chargers have what amounts to a bye week in front of them in the Cincinnati Bengals. No Green, No Dalton, and a awful secondary. Chalk up a easy one for Anthony Lynn’s team.
Prediction: Los Angeles Chargers 37 Cincinnati Bengals 9
Denver Broncos at San Francisco 49ers
The Denver Broncos have been hit hard with injuries, losing Chris Harris Jr. on Sunday and then Emmanuel Sanders this week in practice for the rest of the season. The good news for Vance Joseph is that the 49ers have dealt with their own injuries, and with a steady pass rush and focus on the run game, Denver will come out on top.
Prediction: Denver Broncos 21 San Francisco 49ers 13
Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys defense looked ferocious last week, but the difference this week may be a quarterback who can escape the pocket and make throws on the run. That’s something that Carson Wentz does exceptionally well, but he’s also susceptible to taking chances with holding the football too long, something that will cost Philly in a close game.
Prediction: Dallas Cowboys 19 Philadelphia Eagles 16
Pittsburgh Steelers at Oakland Raiders
Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers will be without lead back James Connor, but if there’s an opponent to evaluate what you have behind Connor, it’ll be against a team that’s ranked second worst against the run this season.
Prediction: Pittsburgh Steelers 33 Oakland Raiders 20
Detroit Lions at Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals have not won back-to-back games this season, but the effort has been there for Steve Wilkes’ team. Their defense can be inconsistent at times, but last week they played a great defensive game against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. The Lions offensive line is porous, and Chandler Jones should have a field day here.
Prediction: Arizona Cardinals 21 Detroit Lions 14
Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears
The Los Angeles Rams are built for this kind of game. They’re strong in the trenches on both sides of the ball and have the NFL’s leading rusher in Todd Gurley. While Chicago’s defense will be tough, a steady dose of Gurley and some play-action work from Goff will be the difference.
Prediction: Los Angeles Rams 17 Chicago Bears 10
Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks
The Vikings are 2-3-1 on the road after going 6-2 on the road in 2017. They’re playing a Seattle team that’s answered a 0-2 start to the season by going 7-3 since. Kirk Cousins will find life tough getting the ball to his playmakers on the outside vs. a team that’s become increasingly difficult to throw against this season.
Prediction: Seattle Seahawks 30 Minnesota Vikings 20
What are your thoughts on the Week 14 slate of games? Leave your comments below!
![[SPORTS] DERRICK HENRY COMES ALIVE IN CAREER NIGHT VS JAGUARS](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_8830-1.jpg?resize=1080%2C675&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Dec 7, 2018 | SPORTS
Move Over Beastmode!
When Derrick Henry got past another wave of defenders trying to impede him from yet another touchdown, his eyes nearly jumped out of his head as he galloped to the end zone with Titans fans in the stadium cheering him on.
An electric night that he’ll never forget, the Tennessee Titans saw Henry’s potential turn into actual results.
Derrick Henry rushed for 238 yards with four touchdowns as he guided the playoff hopeful Tennessee Titans pound their divisional rival Jacksonville Jaguars 30-9 at Nissan Stadium on Thursday night.
It was a record breaking night for Henry, who set franchise records with his 238 rushing yards and four touchdown runs as the Tennessee Titans improved to 7-6.
Henry tied Tony Dorsett’s NFL-record long 99-yard touchdown on the first play of Tennessee’s third offensive drive to give Tennessee a 13-2 second quarter lead.
The running back stiff-armed several defenders on his way home for a touchdown run that will make the highlight reels from now until the end of the season
The six-foot-three, 247-pound running back plowed through and ran past Jacksonville defenders all night long, displaying the physical gifts and talent that helped him win the Heisman Trophy Award in his college days at Alabama.
In his third season in the NFL, Henry has not made the leap to being a full-time, every down back like the Tennessee Titans franchise would’ve hoped.
Entering tonight, the 24-year-old running back had only 474 rushing yards on the season, averaging 3.7 yards per carry a season after compiling 744 rushing yards and averaging 4.2 yards per carry.
Thursday night represented a breakout performance out of nowhere for Henry, as he only had two 100-yard games in the regular-season prior.
He had a huge performance in the Tennessee Titans AFC Wildcard 22-21 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs last season when he totaled 191 yards at Arrowhead. That out of nowhere showing represented Derrick Henry at his absolute best in the NFL up until tonight’s amazing performance.
He’s dealt with sharing carries with DeMarco Murray over his first two seasons and the Titans added Dion Lewis — who led the New England Patriots with 896 rushing yards last season — this past offseason, a move by default that cut into Henry’s workload.
Lewis entered the game with seven more carries this season than Henry despite averaging less rushing yards than him. Mike Vrabel and the Tennessee Titans have put an emphasis on trying to run the ball with more success over these final four games of the season.
After tonight, the only question is does Henry begin to outpace Dion Lewis in the backfield and finally finds consistency as a feature back in the NFL?
The Tennessee Titans are hopeful that becomes a reality.
What are your thoughts on Derrick Henry’s huge night? Leave your comments below!
![[SPORTS] IRVING, CELTICS ROUT KNICKS IN BOSTON](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_8828.jpg?resize=978%2C652&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Dec 7, 2018 | SPORTS
Knicks Can’t Make It Two Straight In Beantown
The New York Knicks stunned the NBA world when they handed the Boston Celtics a unexpected loss to end a six-game losing streak last month in Boston.
Since then the Celtics have been rolling, and the New York Knicks couldn’t become an exception to that when they visited Beantown for the second time in two weeks.
The Boston Celtics cruised past the New York Knicks 128-100 on Thursday night at the TD Garden Arena to win their fourth straight.
Kyrie Irving (22 points), Al Horford (19 points, 12 rebounds), and Jayson Tatum (17 points) combined to score 58 points as they avenged their previous loss to New York.
Jaylen Brown was strong off the bench for Boston, scoring 21 points in his first game back from a back injury.
The New York Knicks were dominated on the fast break by Boston, who used their considerable advantage in that department to pull away from them in the second half.
Boston outscored New York 26-4 in fastbreak points through the first three quarters and trailed 99-84 heading into the fourth.
In a solid effort, David Fizdale’s team made baskets but couldn’t get stops as they were relegated to chasing the Celtics for much of the night.
Tim Hardaway Jr. scored a team-high 22 points, hitting six 3-pointers for the New York Knicks in minutes of action.
Enes Kanter recorded another double-double as he finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds vs. Boston.
The young guys had a tough night for the Knicks as Kevin Knox, Alonzo Trier and Damyean Dotson combined to shoot 7 for 28 from the field.
Of the games the Knicks could (and will certainly) lose throughout this 2018-19 season, a Thursday night loss in one of two visits to Boston is not the worst thing in the world.
Games such as these are to see talent development continue to take form, and unfortunately we didn’t see much of it on Thursday.
The Knicks could’ve used a boost from Trey Burke, who scored 29 points, 11 assists and six rebounds in New York’s 117-109 win over Boston in November.
The New York Knicks will host the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden looking to snap their two-game skid.
What are your takeaways from tonight’s game? Leave your comments below!
![[SPORTS] GEORGE, THUNDER RALLY IN FOURTH; NETS SKID AT 8](https://i0.wp.com/sloppyvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_8821-1.jpg?resize=800%2C533&ssl=1)
by sloppyvinyl | Dec 6, 2018 | SPORTS
Paul George’s Huge Night Ends Brooklyn’s In Devastation
D’Angelo Russell and the skidding Brooklyn Nets came into Wednesday night in a hole that no one but themselves can dig them out of.
Getting it going from downtown while taking advantage of a mostly sloppy offensive performance by the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Brooklyn Nets appeared well on their way to ending their skid.
And then Paul George told them otherwise.
The Oklahoma City Thunder shocked the Brooklyn Nets 114-112 on Wednesday night at the Barclays Center to move Brooklyn’s slide to eight games.
Paul George hit a game-winning 3-pointer with 3.1 seconds remaining in the game to help Oklahoma City erase what was once a 23-point second half deficit.
George dominated with a season-high 47 points while adding 15 rebounds. 25 of his 47 points came in the fourth quarter as Oklahoma City outscored Brooklyn 39-19 in the period.
The Thunder forward overshadowed a milestone night for Russell Westbrook, who passed former Net Jason Kidd on the all-time triple doubles list with his 108th triple double of his career on Wednesday night.
Westbrook finished the game with 21 points, 15 rebounds and 17 assists in 40 minutes vs. the Brooklyn Nets.
It was once again a finger nibbler for Brooklyn trying to hold a late lead in the fourth quarter that was once a 20-point lead in the opening minutes of the fourth period.
For some reason, the team’s offense goes into the tank when it matters most as players start trying to take matters into their own hands, playing hero ball and forcing unnecessary shots.
Defensively, it’s hard to knock Brooklyn allowing Paul George to do what he did. Kenny Atkinson knows better than most that superstar caliber players like George are capable of scoring nights and hot shooting like what we all saw on Wednesday night.
The problems for Brooklyn, however, are on the offensive end, which gets away from what worked through three quarters. It also doesn’t help allowing 17 offensive rebounds to a team trying to battle back into a game.
The Nets, who fell to 8-18, got off to a virtuoso start against Oklahoma City, taking a commanding 62-46 lead into the half thanks to a strong second quarter performance.
But as has been the case in a number of defeats during this season, Brooklyn couldn’t carry their energy, effort and execution for four quarters.
Allen Crabbe scored a team-high 22 points, hitting all seven of his field goals from downtown.
Six Brooklyn Nets reached double figures on the night, with four coming in the starting lineup.
With yet another loss, the Brooklyn Nets remain winless at home vs. Western Conference foes this season, falling to 0-8.
The Brooklyn Nets will look to snap their eight-game losing streak on Friday night as they welcome a tough challenge in the Toronto Raptors.
What has been ailing the Nets the most during this current losing streak? Leave your comments below!
