National briefs: Pacers trade Brandon Rush to Golden State

By Associated Press     Dec 19, 2011

? The Indiana Pacers will trade guard Brandon Rush to the Golden State Warriors for forward Louis Amundson.

The Bay Area News Group first reported the deal. Mark Bartelstein, the agent for both players, confirmed the move Sunday.

“This is a great fit for both guys,” Bartelstein said.

Rush, a Kansas University product, averaged 8.9 points and 3.6 rebounds in three seasons for the Pacers. The Pacers considered him a part of the core group of young players, but the team eventually added enough talent at his position to make him expendable. Bartelstein said Pacers president Larry Bird and general manager David Morway worked to find an ideal setting for Rush once Paul George emerged as a starter and the team added guard George Hill in a draft-night trade.

“The Pacers have been talking about this for quite a while,” Bartelstein said. “I really appreciate Larry and David for trying to find a good home for Brandon. They’re loaded at the position. Brandon is a really talented guy who needs to play.”

Rush showed great potential at times, but also found trouble. He was suspended for the first five games last season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

NBA

Baron Davis to Knicks?

New York — A person with knowledge of the plans says point guard Baron Davis will sign with the New York Knicks.

ESPN.com first reported Davis’ intentions.

Davis is expected to sign toay, the person told the Associated Press on condition of anonymity Sunday because there won’t be an announcement until the signing is official.

Davis was waived last week by the Cleveland Cavaliers and designated as their amnesty player. He was not claimed and chose the Knicks, who are seeking more backcourt depth after waiving Chauncey Billups with the amnesty clause. New York had already signed another veteran point guard, Mike Bibby.

Golf

Poulter wins Aussie Masters

Melbourne, Australia — England’s Ian Poulter won the Australian Masters on Sunday, spoiling Geoff Ogilvy’s bid for a victory on his boyhood course.

Poulter, two strokes behind Ogilvy entering the round, closed with a 4-under 67 in windy conditions to finish at 15-under 269 at Victoria Golf Club.

Westwood takes Thai title

Bangkok — Lee Westwood completed a wire-to-wire victory in the Thailand Golf Championship, shooting a 3-under 69 in windy conditions Sunday to beat Masters champion Charl Schwartzel by seven strokes.

The third-ranked English star finished at 22-under 266 at Amata Spring Country Club.

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