LeBron James has etched his name into the annals of basketball history once again, becoming the first player to participate in 23 consecutive NBA seasons. The 40-year-old Los Angeles Lakers star achieved this milestone during a commanding 140-126 home victory over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday. Despite missing the first 14 games of the season due to sciatica, James delivered a solid performance with 11 points, 12 assists, and three rebounds in 30 minutes of play. This achievement surpasses Vince Carter’s previous record of 22 consecutive seasons. Additionally, James’ two three-pointers propelled him past Reggie Miller, securing sixth place on the NBA’s all-time list for most three-pointers made. Lakers teammate Luka Doncic praised James’ return, stating, ‘It’s been a long time since he played basketball, so I think for the first game back, he looked amazing. He’s going to keep getting his rhythm and help us a lot.’ Doncic himself shone brightly with a game-high 37 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds. Austin Reaves contributed 26 points for the Lakers, while Keyonte George and Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 34 and 31 points, respectively. The victory positions the Lakers fourth in the Western Conference, with the Jazz trailing in 10th place.
分类： sports
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Haiti reach World Cup despite coach having never been to the country
Haiti has achieved a remarkable milestone by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for only the second time in their history, defeating Nicaragua 2-0 in a crucial match. This triumph comes despite the immense challenges faced by the team, including their French coach, Sebastien Migne, who has never set foot on Haitian soil since his appointment 18 months ago. Due to ongoing conflict and instability in Haiti, the team has been forced to play their home matches 500 miles away in Curacao, a small island nation off the coast of Venezuela. Haiti has been in turmoil since the devastating 2010 earthquake, with armed gangs controlling much of the capital, Port-au-Prince, displacing 1.3 million people and exacerbating severe food shortages. Travel advisories warn against visiting the country due to risks of kidnappings, crime, and civil unrest. Migne, who previously served as Cameroon’s assistant coach at the last World Cup, has managed the team remotely, relying on information from Haitian football federation officials. The squad, now entirely foreign-based, includes players like Wolves’ Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and hopes to recruit Sunderland’s Wilson Isidor. Haiti’s qualification marks their first World Cup appearance since 1974, joining Panama and debutant Curacao from the Concacaf region. Their previous World Cup campaign in 1974 ended in a first-round exit after losses to Italy, Poland, and Argentina.
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Meet Australia’s deadly-accurate ‘hired assassin’
Scott Boland, affectionately known as ‘Barrel’ since his teenage years, has emerged as one of Australia’s most reliable fast bowlers, defying expectations and carving out a remarkable career in cricket. Boland’s journey to the pinnacle of the sport is a testament to his resilience, discipline, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
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Curacao become smallest nation to qualify for World Cup
The Caribbean island of Curacao has etched its name in football history by becoming the smallest nation ever to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. With a population of just over 150,000 and a land area of 171 square miles, Curacao surpassed Iceland’s previous record as the smallest nation to reach the tournament. Their qualification was sealed with a goalless draw against Jamaica in Kingston, a result that dashed Jamaica’s hopes of returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1998. The match saw a dramatic moment in injury time when a penalty awarded to Jamaica was overturned by VAR, sparking celebrations among Curacao’s players and fans. Curacao’s head coach, Dick Advocaat, who was absent for personal reasons, will become the oldest coach in World Cup history at 78. The team’s remarkable journey to the 2026 World Cup, which will feature 48 nations, marks a significant milestone for the nation, which only became a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 2010. Curacao’s rise from 150th in FIFA’s rankings a decade ago to their current 82nd position is a testament to their progress. Midfielder Juninho Bacuna, who played a pivotal role in the campaign, described the achievement as “crazy” and “incredible,” highlighting the team’s unbeaten run in 10 qualifying matches. Curacao will join Cape Verde, Uzbekistan, and Jordan as debutants in the expanded 2026 tournament. The team’s success has also inspired Dutch-born players with family ties to Curacao to represent the nation, further strengthening the squad. Bacuna emphasized the importance of Advocaat’s leadership and the team’s unity in achieving this historic feat. As Curacao prepares for their World Cup debut, their fairytale journey continues to captivate football fans worldwide.
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World Cup dreams shattered as Iraq beat UAE 2-1, advance to intercontinental playoff
In a dramatic turn of events, Iraq shattered the United Arab Emirates’ World Cup aspirations with a thrilling 2-1 victory in Basra on Tuesday. The match, which saw both teams locked in a tense battle, culminated in a last-gasp penalty by Amir Al-Ammari in the 15th minute of injury time. The decisive moment came after a VAR review, sending Iraq to the intercontinental playoff for a chance to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The UAE, who had drawn the first leg of the fifth-round playoff in Abu Dhabi on November 13, needed a win to keep their dreams alive. Despite a valiant effort, including a stunning goal by Caio Lucas in the 52nd minute, the UAE succumbed to Iraq’s resilience. Mohanad Ali’s equalizer in the 66th minute set the stage for the dramatic finale, leaving the UAE players devastated as their World Cup journey ended in heartbreak. Iraq, with only one previous World Cup appearance in 1986, now has a golden opportunity to join other Gulf nations in the global tournament.
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Freeman scores twice as US routs Uruguay 5-1, heads into World Cup year with 5-game unbeaten streak
In a commanding display of skill and strategy, the United States soccer team delivered a resounding 5-1 victory over Uruguay on Tuesday night in Tampa, Florida. The match, which saw the U.S. score four goals in the first half, marked a significant milestone as the team prepares for the upcoming World Cup. Alex Freeman led the charge with two goals, while Sebastian Berhalter and Diego Luna each contributed one. Tanner Tessmann added a fifth goal in the 68th minute, sealing the win. This victory is particularly noteworthy as it represents the first time the U.S. has scored five goals against a South American opponent and a top 30-ranked team. The 16th-ranked Americans have now extended their unbeaten streak to five games, showcasing a remarkable turnaround after earlier struggles in the CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup. With just two more friendlies scheduled before the World Cup roster is finalized, coach Mauricio Pochettino has much to consider. The match also saw Uruguay’s Rodrigo Bentancur sent off in the 64th minute for a high sliding tackle on Berhalter. Despite Uruguay’s six-game unbeaten streak entering the friendly, they were unable to contain the U.S. offense. The U.S. team, fielding a lineup of mostly backups, achieved a historic four-goal first half against a South American team. Uruguay’s Giorgian de Arrascaeta managed a consolation goal in stoppage time, but it was not enough to shift the momentum. The U.S. victory was a collective effort, with key plays from Berhalter, Freeman, and Luna, and a solid performance from the defense. As the World Cup approaches, this match serves as a strong statement of the U.S. team’s capabilities and readiness.
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Emphatic win for Quetta Qavalry in Abu Dhabi T10 opener
The Abu Dhabi T10 tournament kicked off with a spectacular display of cricketing prowess as the Quetta Qavalry secured a resounding 51-run victory over the Northern Warriors at the Zayed Cricket Stadium. The match, held on November 18, 2025, saw the Qavalry set a commanding total of 133/5, thanks to a blistering innings by Khawaja Nafay, who smashed 45 runs off just 12 balls, including five sixes and two fours. Supporting contributions from Liam Livingstone (24 off 10) and Jason Holder (24* off 10) further bolstered the score. Muhammad Waseem also showed promise with a quick 15 off 10 before being dismissed. The Warriors’ bowling attack, led by Trent Boult, managed to take key wickets but struggled to contain the Qavalry’s aggressive batting. In response, the Warriors faltered early, losing opener Johnson Charles in the first over. Despite a valiant 77-run partnership between Hazratullah Zazai (31* off 28) and Colin Munro (44 off 28), the Warriors could only muster 82/2, falling well short of the target. The Qavalry’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, with all maintaining economy rates under 10. Captain Liam Livingstone praised his team’s adaptability and execution, emphasizing the importance of a strong start in the fast-paced T10 format. The Qavalry’s emphatic win sets a high benchmark for the tournament, with Livingstone expressing optimism for a strong campaign ahead.
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Arsenal and Sobha Realty mark two years of partnership
Arsenal Football Club and Sobha Realty have marked the second anniversary of their groundbreaking partnership, showcasing a shared dedication to excellence in sports and beyond. Since their collaboration began in 2023, Sobha Realty has secured naming rights for the Sobha Realty Training Centre at London Colney and branding on Arsenal’s training kits. Over the past two years, the partnership has driven significant upgrades to the facility, including enhanced restaurant and dressing room spaces, a dedicated building for the women’s first team, a refurbished media centre, and new sauna and steam amenities. These improvements aim to foster an optimal environment for player preparation and recovery. The collaboration also birthed ‘The Art of Detail,’ a four-part series that delves into the meticulous work behind the scenes at the training centre, reflecting the partners’ shared values of precision, innovation, and continuous improvement. Ashish Parakh, Group Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at Sobha Realty, hailed the partnership as a ‘powerful synergy’ that transcends sports and real estate, emphasizing their commitment to creating spaces where talent flourishes. Juliet Slot, Arsenal’s Chief Commercial Officer, praised Sobha Realty’s role in supporting the club’s ambitions, expressing excitement for future achievements. As the partnership enters its third year, both parties aim to maintain the Sobha Realty Training Centre as a global benchmark for high-performance facilities while strengthening ties between football and luxury real estate.
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Surfing in Guangdong’s Shantou
Qing’ao Bay in Shantou, Guangdong province, is rapidly gaining recognition as a premier surfing destination. The bay, which recently hosted the 15th National Games surfing competition, has attracted surfing enthusiasts from around the globe. The event showcased the area’s exceptional wave conditions, leading to widespread acclaim. ‘China has great waves!’ has become a rallying cry among the international surfing community, highlighting the potential of Qing’ao Bay as a world-class surfing hotspot. The competition not only brought attention to the sport but also boosted local tourism and economic activity. With its pristine beaches and consistent waves, Qing’ao Bay is poised to become a key player in the global surfing scene, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and sporting excellence.
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Max McGreevy gives up title defense in Japan to make sure he gets PGA Tour card
Max McGreevy, a rising star in professional golf, has had an impressive fall season, culminating in securing his PGA Tour card for 2026. McGreevy, who left Oklahoma with five wins under his belt, has been a consistent performer despite the challenges of defending his titles. Last year, he secured his PGA Tour card with two victories on the Korn Ferry Tour and followed it up with a win at the Dunlop Phoenix in Japan, where he triumphed over a field that included Hideki Matsuyama. However, with his FedEx Cup ranking at No. 100 and only two tournaments left to secure his card, McGreevy faced a nail-biting finish to the season. His performance at the Bermuda Championship, where he tied for third, propelled him to No. 89 in the FedEx Cup standings, ensuring his place on the PGA Tour for the next season. McGreevy’s strategy of continuous play has paid off, as he believes he performs better when he keeps competing. This fall, he played six tournaments in seven weeks, traveling from Japan to Utah, Mexico, Bermuda, and Georgia, showcasing his resilience and determination. McGreevy’s journey is a testament to his grit and passion for the game, as he continues to make waves in the world of professional golf.