WASHINGTON -- Even with the teams "X-factor" suspended, the Washington Wizards had a No. 42 sitting next to the bench. The 57-year-old with greying hair couldnt box out or grab a rebound, but owner Ted Leonsis waved his red towel and egged on a cheering crowd that chanted "Free Nene!" The Wizards did just fine without the suspended Brazilian forward. They scored the first 14 points and beat the Chicago Bulls 98-89 on Sunday to take a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference series. "I thought it was pretty hilarious that Ted had Nenes jersey on," Wizards guard Bradley Beal said. "It kind of threw me off for a minute, but then I looked and seen it was Ted." Nene or not, the Wizards did what theyve done all series: Take a quick lead and force the Bulls to use up energy trying to catch up. It was 15-8 in Game 3, 29-12 in Game 2, 19-13 in Game 1. Washington, seeking to win a playoff series for only the third time since the 1970s, can finish off the Bulls on the road in Game 5 on Tuesday night. "We keep seeing this same kind of start for the last couple of games, and its frustrating," said Taj Gibson, who came off the bench to lead the Bulls with a career-high 32 points. "It seems like at times we get overhyped with just thinking were going to be OK, were just that good. But in this league its not about how talented you are, its about how hard you work and how much effort you put when you start the game off, and I dont think we did that." Nene was suspended for the game after grabbing Jimmy Butlers head in the fourth quarter of the Wizards Game 3 loss. Wall called Nene the "X-factor" this week, and for good reason: Since the March 2012 trade that brought Nene to D.C., Washington is 65-63 when he plays and 21-41 when he doesnt. That said, the club did hold its own by winning 12 of 21 when Nene went down with a knee injury late in the regular season, an absence coach Randy Wittman said might have been a "blessing in disguise" that helped prepare them for Sunday. "I saw our guys bond together," Wittman said. "Like, Thats OK, all right. Big fellows not going to be here, but thats OK. And we were in tune right from the start." Trevor Ariza, getting some of the early looks that might have gone to Nene, scored a career playoff-high 30 points, making 6 of 10 3-pointers. Beal had 18 points, and John Wall added 15 points and 10 assists for the Wizards, who forced 16 turnovers and committed only six. "I think were a smart enough group to understand that when one of your pieces goes down, you have to find ways and will to win," Ariza said. "Tonight was my night to take on the scoring load." Gibson went 13 for 16 from the field for Chicago, but his teammates combined to go 22 for 62. He made more field goals in the first half (8) than the rest of the Bulls combined (7). Mike Dunleavy, who scored 35 points in Game 3, scored only six. Dunleavy jammed his left thumb attempting to take a charge in the fourth quarter. The thumb was swollen and was X-rayed after the game, but he said he didnt think it was broken. "It probably doesnt really matter," he said. "Its my left hand and its not going to make a difference for me." Chicagos Kirk Hinrich committed four turnovers, and NBA Defensive Player of the Year Joakim Noah had a quiet 10 points and 15 rebounds against the Nene-less frontcourt. Washington stormed to a 14-0 lead, with Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau calling a timeout after each Wizards "touchdown." "Very disappointing to get in a hole like that," Thibodeau said. "I put that on me, and Ive got to get it right. ... Its got to change or our season will be over." Trevor Booker started in Nenes spot and had nine rebounds and three blocks. Beal called Booker "a huge X-factor" -- apparently the Wizards are cornering the market on that particular commodity. "Just because they didnt have Nene," Gibson said, "they just came out and played even harder." Notes: Arizas six 3-pointers tied a Wizards playoff record. ... Wittman, who played during the Detroit Pistons "Bad Boys" era, was asked to compare todays game to those rough-and-tumble days. "Not even close," Wittman said. "Its like sixth-grade flag football compared to NFL tackle football." . Watch the game live on TSN and TSN GO at 9pm et/6pm pt. Serge Ibaka returned to the Thunder lineup from a calf injury that was supposed to sideline him for the remainder of the postseason and the results were sparkling. .Y. -- Cory Schneider has to make the most of his opportunities to guard the New Jersey Devils net to earn more playing time.
http://www.jerseysnflwholesalechina.us/.com) - Semyon Varlamov more than earned his third shutout of the season as he made a career-high 54 saves to lift the Colorado Avalanche to a 2-0 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday. .J. -- Rampage Jackson scowled, howled, then bellowed to the crowd: "Im back! Im back!" With rebuilt knees and a new promotion, Jackson might have one more act left in MMA. . The Toronto Argonauts running back hurt his left ankle during the teams practice Friday afternoon at Rogers Centre.Ozone Park, NY (SportsNetwork.com) - America, ridden by Junior Alvarado, came like a freight train down the stretch to capture the New Years Day $100,000 Affectionately Stakes for fillies and mares at Aqueduct. Trained by Bill Mott for Bobby Flay, America was the 4-1 second choice behind 3-5 favorite Belle Gallantey in the eight-horse field with six betting interests. The entry of Penwith and Divided Attention was the 4-1 co-second pick for the 1 1/16-mile stakes. America trailed through the early going as Penwith set the pace with Belle Gallantey, winner of the Delaware Handicap and Beldame Invitational, pressing the leader up the backstretch. Coming off the final turn, Penwith was on the inside with Belle Gallantey, Shayjolie and Simply Spectacular making up the first group of runners. America was putting in her rally down the middle of the track. Penwith had a clear lead at the top of the stretch as America began to draw closer with Belle Gallantey fadding along the rail.dddddddddddd Penwith did her best to hold off America but was unable to reach the wire first. America nosed out Penwith for the victory with Divided Attention third and Shayjolie fourth. Odds-on favorite Belle Gallantey was fifth followed by Simply Spectacular, Agawa and Mylitta. The time for the Affectionately was 1:44.68 on a fast track. America, sired by 1992 Horse of the Year A. P. Indy, posted her third straight win with the opening race of her 4-year-old season. The filly has won four of 13 career starts and the $60,000 boosts her lifetime earnings to $306,940. As a 3-year-old, America raced in nothing but stakes but with little success. She finished third in the Gulfstream Park Oaks and Mother Goose, and finally found the winners circle in her last two starts of the year in a pair of allowances. America returned $10.40, $3.90 and $3.30. Penwith paid $4.60 and $4.60, and Divided Attention paid $4.60 and $4.60. ' ' '
