Daily Sports News, December, 04th.
Welcome to the Daily Sports News :
- James Harden dunk ruled out as Houston Rockets lose to San Antonio Spurs in Texas;
- England in New Zealand: What did we learn from tourists' series defeat?;
- Bob Willis: Former England cricket captain dies aged 70;
- Anthony Joshua v Andy Ruiz II: Saudi royal wants ring as souvenir;
- "We need incredible fighter Jesus" said Guardiola;
James Harden dunk ruled out as Houston Rockets lose to San Antonio Spurs in Texas
The Houston Rockets suffered a controversial 135-133 defeat by the San Antonio Spurs in Texas after a James Harden dunk was incorrectly ruled out.
Officials judged the ball had bounced out of the basket for Harden's breakaway two-pointer in the fourth quarter, with the Rockets ahead 102-89.
The home side then blew a 10-point lead with four minutes of normal time to play to lose after double overtime.
NBA referee James Capers later said Harden's dunk "did clear the net".
The crew chief added: "We have looked at the play and Harden dunked it so hard that the net carried back over the rim a second time and should have been a successful field goal."
At the time, the Rockets protested on the sidelines, but failed to call for a video review of the play within the 30-second window allowed.
England in New Zealand: What did we learn from tourists' series defeat?
It was supposed to be a new era. Instead, it was another overseas Test series defeat for England.
There were promising signs in the second Test in Hamilton but Joe Root's side were thwarted on the final day as New Zealand held out for a draw to take the two-match series 1-0.
Root returned to form with a double century and England's inexperienced batting line-up showed potential, but there remains plenty of questions.
What did we learn from defeat in New Zealand - and what problems still need solving?
Bob Willis: Former England cricket captain dies aged 70
Former England captain Bob Willis has died at the age of 70.
The fast bowler took 325 wickets in 90 Tests from 1971 to 1984, claiming a career-best 8-43 to help England to a famous win over Australia at Headingley in the 1981 Ashes.
He captained England in 18 Tests and 29 one-day internationals before his retirement from all forms of cricket in 1984.
In a statement, Willis' family said he had died "after a long illness".
"We are heartbroken to lose our beloved Bob, who was an incredible husband, father, brother and grandfather," the statement continued.
"He made a huge impact on everybody he knew and we will miss him terribly."
Anthony Joshua v Andy Ruiz II: Saudi royal wants ring as souvenir
Few items that look at home in a rugged London fight venue would suit the lavish surroundings of a royal palace.
But the boxing ring in which Britain's Anthony Joshua will bid to reclaim the heavyweight world titles in his rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr is apparently an exception.
The ring, taken from Bethnal Green's York Hall, will be dismantled after Saturday's Diriyah Arena bout and erected at the home of a member of the Saudi royal family.
"He wants it as a souvenir. He is a boxing fanatic," said Mike Goodall, whose company builds and ships rings around the world.
"It has to be in his palace, complete with blood and gore. Everything that's on it he wants."
Staging the event in Saudi Arabia has led to both fighters and their promoters being criticised because of the country's human rights record.
"We need incredible fighter Jesus" said Guardiola
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola described Gabriel Jesus as an "incredible fighter" and said his side "need" the forward after he scored twice as the champions got back to winning ways with a comfortable victory at Burnley.
City had won only once in their previous five games in all competitions and went into Tuesday's match 11 points behind leaders Liverpool.
But they were convincing at Turf Moor with Jesus curling home a fine opener for his first goal in 11 games.
Jesus, now the third top scoring Brazilian in Premier League history, then volleyed home Bernardo Silva's cross after the break.
Midfielder Rodri added a stunning third from 20 yards and substitute Riyad Mahrez netted a fourth to take them back into second place in the league.
Robbie Brady blasted in a late consolation for the Clarets, his first Premier League goal in more than two years.