Latest from Arab News
Arab News
an hour ago
- Sport
- Arab News
Pacers thrash Thunder to stay alive in NBA Finals
LOS ANGELES, United States: The Indiana Pacers, rallying around injured star Tyrese Haliburton, crushed the Oklahoma City Thunder 108-91 on Thursday to force a decisive game seven in the NBA Finals. Haliburton, cleared to play with a right calf injury only a couple of hours before tipoff, scored 14 points with five assists and two steals in a solid contribution to a comprehensive team effort. 'We just wanted to protect home court,' Haliburton said. 'We didn't want to see these guys celebrate a championship on our home floor. 'Backs against the wall, we just responded,' he added. 'So many different guys chipped in, total team effort. I'm really proud of this group.' Obi Toppin led the Pacers scoring with 20 points off the bench as Indiana's reserves out-scored Oklahoma City's bench 48-37. Andrew Nembhard added 17 points and Pascal Siakam had 16 points and 13 rebounds as the Pacers, who had lost the last two games to stand on the brink of elimination, leveled the best-of-seven championship series at three games apiece. Haliburton, who said he'd do everything he could to play after limping through most of game five, showed virtually no sign of his injury as the Pacers grabbed the game by the throat in the second quarter and never let go. Indiana led by 22 points at halftime and by as many as 31 early in the fourth quarter. NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 21 points but had eight of the Thunder's 21 turnovers. Gilgeous-Alexander missed his lone three-point attempt while Jalen Williams – coming off a 40-point performance in game five – missed all four of his three-point attempts on the way to 16 points. The Thunder, winners of a league-best 68 regular-season games – pulled their starters after falling behind by 30 going into the fourth quarter. They'll be searching for answers as the series heads back to Oklahoma City for game seven on Sunday – the first game seven in the championship series since 2016. The Thunder are seeking their first title since the franchise relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008, having won it all in 1979 as the Seattle SuperSonics. The Pacers are in search of a first NBA title. They won American Basketball Association titles in 1970, 1972 and 1973 before joining the NBA as part of the ABA-NBA merger in 1976. 'You know, we've got one game,' Haliburton said. 'All cards on the table. It's going to be a lot of fun.' For a few minutes, it looked like the Thunder might roll to the title. The Pacers missed their first eight shots and fell into a quick eight-point hole. But they settled in to connect on six straight attempts and took the lead on a three-pointer from Nembhard midway through the first quarter. Indiana piled on the pressure with a pair of three-pointers and a trey from Haliburton — his first basket of the night – pushing their lead to as many as nine points. Up by three at the end of the first, the Pacers exploded in the second quarter, stepping up the aggression on both ends of the floor on the way to a 64-42 halftime lead. With less than a minute to go in the first half Haliburton came up with a steal then found Siakam with a no-look pass for an emphatic dunk. Siakam followed up with a turnaround jump shot at the halftime buzzer. 'It's the Finals,' Haliburton said. 'All of us got to give everything we have.'
Arab News
an hour ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Taif governor receives Two Holy Mosques chief
TAIF: Prince Saud bin Nahar bin Saud, the governor of Taif, on Thursday received Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque. Prince Saud welcomed the attendees and praised the efforts exerted to serve visitors to the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque according to the directives of the Kingdom's leadership.
Arab News
an hour ago
- Health
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia's KSrelief performs over 4,484 successful eye surgeries in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia's King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) performed over 4,484 successful eye surgeries across Pakistan under a voluntary program to provide free medical services to the underprivileged, state-run media reported this week. The state-run Pakistan Television (PTV) reported on Thursday that KSrelief successfully concluded 11 comprehensive eye treatment camps in Pakistan under the 'Noor Saudi Volunteer Program 2025.' These camps, PTV said, were organized in collaboration with the Al-Basar International Foundation and Ibrahim Eye Hospital Karachi. The camps were held to provide free medical services to underprivileged individuals suffering from blindness or other eye-related ailments, it added. These camps were organized in both the urban and rural areas of Pakistan's Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir regions where access to quality eye care services remains limited, PTV said. 'During the campaign, medical teams examined a total of 43,294 patients and performed over 4,484 successful surgeries,' the state television said. 'Additionally, 11,050 eyeglasses were distributed free of charge, along with the provision of prescribed medications to deserving patients.' It said these camps were conducted in various Pakistani cities such as Karachi, Matli, Kandhkot, Shikarpur, Hyderabad, Naseerabad, Kharan, Khuzdar, Jhelum and Rawalakot. The camps enabled thousands of patients to benefit from specialized eye treatments due to which many were able to regain their vision. 'This initiative reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's strong humanitarian commitment and its dedication to enhancing the lives of people affected by visual impairments,' PTV said. KSrelief has implemented hundreds of projects in Pakistan worth millions of dollars to improve the lives of vulnerable communities. Efforts include emergency relief for natural disasters, and long-term projects addressing food security, health care, education, and shelter. The Saudi charity organization has one of the largest humanitarian budgets available to any aid agency across the world, which has allowed its officials to undertake a wide variety of projects in more than 80 countries. Pakistan is the fifth largest beneficiary of its aid and humanitarian activities and has greatly benefited from its assistance since the 2022 monsoon floods.
Arab News
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Where We Are Going Today: Day Day Game
If you are looking for a vibrant social hub in Riyadh, look no further than Day Day Game. This unique venue offers a diverse range of activities that cater to all types of fun-seekers. Whether you are a skater, a board game enthusiast, or someone who enjoys classic billiards, this place has something for everyone. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ One of the highlights is the skating area, where you can wear your skates and glide around with friends. It is a great way to enjoy some physical activity while having a blast. If skating is not your thing, you can play board games or read a book in a cozy corner. The atmosphere is relaxed, making it perfect for unwinding with friends over a card game or two. For those who enjoy classic games, Day Day Game features billiards tables where you can challenge your friends to a friendly match. And if you are feeling adventurous, why not try your hand at crossbow shooting? It is a unique offering that sets this venue apart. Additionally, there is a fun air hockey table that is sure to ignite some competitive spirit. A particularly appealing aspect of Day Day Game is their Ladies Day every Wednesday and Sunday, providing a welcoming environment for women to enjoy all the activities without any pressure. Accessibility is another key feature; you can conveniently reach the venue via the Riyadh metro by taking the orange line. When it comes to food, Day Day Game does not disappoint. Their delicious menu offers a variety of options to refuel after a day of fun. Whether you are in the mood for snacks or something more substantial, you will find it here. The venue also serves as a social hub where you can meet new people and make lasting connections. With an open mic night, talented individuals have the opportunity to showcase their skills, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. For nostalgia lovers, there are arcade games from the 1980s that will take you back in time. And if you are in the mood for something more classic, there is bowling available too. Day Day Game is an exciting destination with endless options for entertainment. Personally, I love going there to skate, but with so many activities available, you will likely find yourself trying something new each visit. Whether you are with friends or looking to meet new people, this venue promises a memorable experience in Riyadh.
Arab News
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Arab News
Pacers avoid 2nd straight home-court playoff exit, routing Thunder to force Game 7
INDIANAPOLIS: The Indiana Pacers did not let another home-court opportunity slip away Thursday night. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Thunder fans expecting to celebrate NBA title see hopes dashed In Oklahoma City, fans who confidently flocked to the Paycom Center expecting to celebrate the Thunder's first NBA championship on Thursday night went home facing the possibility that their team might not win the title. Thousands of fans with high hopes filed into Oklahoma City's home arena to watch on the big screen. Instead, Indiana rolled to a 108-91 win, and now Thunder's passionate fans will wait anxiously for Game 7 on Sunday in Oklahoma City. The lower two levels at the Paycom Center were nearly filled before the tip, and the big screen was lowered for a better view. The crowd roared early when Jalen Williams dunked to give Oklahoma City an 8-2 lead. Indiana dominated from there and led 64-42 at halftime. Fans remained hopeful, but the energy dissipated when the Thunder failed to score for the first five minutes of the third quarter. The crowd gained some hope when Tony Bradley was called for a technical foul against Isaiah Hartenstein. Indiana maintained control, and fans finally started to file out after Ben Sheppard hit a 3-pointer in the closing seconds of the third to put the Pacers up 90-60. Those who stayed stood and cheered as time ran out. It's been a long wait for Thunder fans. The city first hosted an NBA team during the 2005-06 season, when the New Orleans Hornets relocated after Hurricane Katrina. Oklahoma City's fans fell in love with the team and young point guard Chris Paul, who would be named rookie of the year. The Seattle SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008, and Oklahoma City's fans feverishly supported their new team despite its early struggles. The Thunder had contending teams with young stars Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden. Even with all that talent, they couldn't break through. They lost to LeBron James' Miami Heat in the NBA Finals in 2012. Durant left for the rival Golden State Warriors in 2016. A team with Westbrook, Paul George and Carmelo Anthony couldn't get out of the first round. The end of Oklahoma City's misfortune seemed to have arrived this season, when the Thunder had the league's best record. Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander helped the Thunder put the Pacers on the brink of elimination with wins in Games 4 and 5. Now, the misery will continue if Oklahoma City doesn't win Game 7.
