Those wins snapped a three-game series losing streak for the Thunder, who have lo

MADRID, Spain -- Rafael Nadal finally won another clay-court title, although not in a manner that alleviated any concerns about his recent form on his favourite surface. Shoes Black Friday Deals 2020 . The top-ranked Spaniard won his fourth Madrid Open on Sunday after Kei Nishikori was forced to withdraw with a hip injury when trailing 2-6, 6-4, 3-0 in the final. And Nadal, who is coming off to uncharacteristic quarterfinal losses on clay, said his mental strength is still lacking just two weeks ahead of the French Open. "I was blocked. There were some moments where, I dont know, I couldnt find myself," said Nadal, whose victory guarantees he will stay No. 1 in the rankings heading into Roland Garros. "It wasnt that I didnt want to play or I was missing intensity, I was just mentally blocked." Earlier, Maria Sharapova bounced back from a poor start to defeat Simona Halep 1-6, 6-2, 6-3 to win the womens title. Nadal became the first repeat winner in Madrid but it was only his second clay-court title of the year, and third overall in 2014. Nishikoris aggressive start allowed him to jump out to a 5-1 lead as his powerful groundstrokes overwhelmed Nadal, who struggled to find an answer against his Japanese opponent. "We dont deserve the victory, (Nishikori) deserves it, he played better than us the whole time," Nadals uncle and coach Toni Nadal told Antenna 3 TV. "We had a lot of luck today. We didnt really come back, he was hurt." Nishikori broke Nadal again to start the second set to leave the Magic Box centre crowd, which included Queen Sofia, dumbfounded to find Nadal struggling so badly. Nishikori first experienced discomfort while leading 4-2 and Nadal took advantage to break back. Nishikori soon needed a medical timeout for treatment on his back and hip, and his energy then looked sapped as he hit a shot long to concede the set. Nishikori, who withdrew from next weeks tournament in Rome to recover in time for the French Open, visibly struggled in the third before eventually retiring. "It was very sad, especially (since) I was winning, playing almost best tennis in my life," said Nishikori, who will become the first Japanese player in the top-10 when the new rankings are released. "It was very tough mentally for me. But I get a lot of confidence from this tournament. "You never know what happens today if Im not hurt. I may have chance to win." Sharapova, who lost to Serena Williams in last years final, crumbled in the opening set when she held her serve just once. But Haleps serve dipped in the second set, and Sharapova started hitting pinpoint ground strokes that kept the fifth-ranked Romanian running. The ninth-ranked Russian converted both her break points in the set to even the match. Sharapova then pulled away in the deciding set with an early break to follow up her triumph in Stuttgart with a maiden title in Madrid. Since the 2011 French Open, Sharapova has a 47-3 record on clay -- with all three defeats coming to Williams. The top-ranked American was the two-time defending champion in Madrid but withdrew with a leg injury on Friday. "I dont know how I pulled it off," Sharapova said after winning her 32nd career title. "I came close last year, and I didnt have a great first set today, but I knew it wasnt over until the last point was played." Sharapova planned to continue her centre court celebration on the plane ride to the Rome Masters. "They better have some champagne for me," Sharapova said. "I need a drink." Fake Shoes Black Friday . Paul George and Darren Collison each scored 17 points and Roy Hibbert added 11 points and nine rebounds for the Pacers (9-3), who won their third straight. Cheap Shoes Black Friday . - Anthony Beauvillier had the winning goal in the third period as the Shawinigan Cataractes edged the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies 2-1 on Wednesday in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League play. https://www.cheapshoesblackfriday.com/ . -- Jacksonville Jaguars rookie receiver Marqise Lee has agreed to terms on a four-year contract worth more than $5 million.NEW YORK - While the records may not indicate it, Thursday nights battle between the Miami Heat and New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden should be a marquee matchup. The Heat are back near their usual perch atop the basketball world, but the Knicks struggles this season have been well documented. You can watch all the action as part of an NBA on TSN doubleheader beginning at 8pm et/5pm pt. The latest problem for the Knicks involves J.R. Smith and it might have been one of his worst transgressions. The NBA fined Smith $50,000 on Wednesday for "instances of unsportsmanlike conduct," stemming from two incidents where Smith tried untying an opponents shoelaces. After the first, Smith was warned by the league, but he did it again, and is $50,000 poorer. His coach is no longer amused. "Im not happy about this because he was warned, he comes back, and he makes the same mistake, and its not right," head coach Mike Woodson told ESPN New York 98.7 FM. "Its just got to stop. I keep saying this every time something pops up, but its got to stop." On the court, Smith hasnt been anywhere near as good as last season when he won the Sixth Man of the Year award. He is averaging 11.3 ppg and shooting 34.8 percent from the field. Despite Smiths antics, the Knicks have been playing well of late. Theyve won two in a row and three of four, but are just 1-4 in their last five at MSG. For the season, the Knicks are a disappointing 5-12 at home. On Tuesday, New York took care of its business at home with an 89-85 victory over the Detroit Pistons. Carmelo Anthony poured in a game-high 34 points and Andrea Bargnani registered a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Raymond Felton scored 12 points for New York. Tyson Chandler missed the game with an upper respiratory infection and is listed as questionable. The Knicks are 14 1/2 games behind the Heat in the Eastern Conference. Last season, these teams finished Nos. 1 and 2, and the Knicks beat the Heat three times in the regular season, including both trips to Miami. The Heat have been very strong of late, winning three straight, five of six and 11 of 13. Theyve won three consecutive road games and that will help as they embark on a six-game odyssey with visits to New York, Brooklyn, Washington, Philadelphia, Charlotte and Atlanta. "It felt like we just got home," said LeBron James, referring to the teams recent four-game trip out west. "We have to refocus on what the road is all about. "The Knicks are playing much better than they were. Its the Mecca of basketball. Its always great to be there." On Tuesday, the Heat overcame a double-digit deficit in the second half, thanks to James, and bested the New Orleans Pelicans, 107-88, in South Beach. James scored 19 in the third quarter alone and finished with 32 points. "I was able to get into a good rhythm and just try to keep it going and regain some momentum," James said of his third-quarter performance. Dwyane Wade added 22 points, eight rebounds and eight assists for Miami, which outscored the Pelicans 64-39 in the final 24 minutes after trailing by six at halftime. Discount Shoes Black Friday. Chris Andersen added 15 points off the bench on 7-of-7 shooting. The Heat were without starters Mario Chalmers (Achilles) and Shane Battier (quad). Both players are considered day-to-day. While the Knicks won three of four last season, the Heat are 11-5 in the last 16 meetings between the teams. Miami has won five of its last seven in Madison Square Garden. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER AT DENVER NUGGETS DENVER - After an eight-game losing streak, the Denver Nuggets have won three straight, but will face a stiff challenge Thursday night when the Oklahoma City Thunder head to the Pepsi Center. Catch the action as the second part of an NBA on TSN doubleheader at 10:30pm et/7:30pm pt. The Nuggets havent looked back after the disastrous run over the holidays. They snapped the slide at home against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, throttled the Los Angeles Lakers in Hollywood on Sunday, then squashed the Boston Celtics by 31 at home on Tuesday. Randy Foye had 23 points, Ty Lawson scored 19 with 13 assists and the Nuggets led wire-to-wire in a 129-98 rout of the Celtics. Kenneth Faried added 21 points and 13 rebounds and J.J. Hickson scored 17 for the Nuggets. Denver coach Brian Shaw received two technical fouls and was ejected with 2:43 left in the third for arguing with officials during a timeout while his team was up by 28. "We punish criers. We dont cry," he said. "Fortunately for us, it wasnt a situation where it cost us." Denvers starting backcourt has been on a tear of late. Foye is 11-for-20 from 3-point range during the winning streak and Lawson has recorded four consecutive double-doubles. Wilson Chandler (strained left groin) and Nate Robinson (sprained right ankle) sat out practice on Wednesday and are listed as game-time decisions. The Thunder had a two-game winning streak and eight-game road winning streak snapped on Tuesday with a 112-101 setback in Salt Lake City to the Utah Jazz. OKC has now dropped three of its last five. Kevin Durant tied an NBA season-high with 48 points to add to his seven boards, five assists and four steals, and Reggie Jackson added another 20 points, six assists, five rebounds and four steals for the Thunder in their fifth road loss of the season. They were the only two Thunder players in double figures. "We fought but we cant play for just one quarter," Durant said. "We didnt have toughness tonight. Too many mental mistakes from everybody and they capitalized on it. You give a team confidence, theyre going to have it the whole game." The Thunders eight straight road victories entering the game was the longest for the franchise since Jan. 24-Feb. 27, 2002. Serge Ibaka didnt play against the Jazz due to flu-like symptoms and hes listed as day-to-day. The Thunder won the first two of this seasons matchups -- one in Denver and one in Oklahoma City. Those wins snapped a three-game series losing streak for the Thunder, who have lost nine of their last 12 in the Mile High City. ' ' '