It wasnt so long ago that Andy Murrays career seemed a textbook example of bad timing. But he has reversed that impression in a big way during this unpredictable spring and summer, leaving top-ranked Novak Djokovic with a lot to ponder as the US Open approaches.Murray and his backers could be forgiven for heaving a big sigh and saying, Its about time.The game of the 29-year-old Scot matured slowly, out of the sunlight in the long shadow cast by the Roger Federer-Rafael Nadal rivalry -- and the major talent of Djokovic. Unfortunately for Murray, his Serbian rival is best at similar things and most adept on the same surface. There would be no split kingdoms.Because of all that, Murrays share of the Big Four pie had been limited before this summer to two Grand Slam titles and the 2012 singles gold medal in the London Olympics. He had written his name in the history books as the first guy to lose five Grand Slam finals at the same tournament, the Australian Open.True, Murray did have 11 Masters 1000 titles going into 2016, but it almost seemed like his more-accomplished peers threw him a bone. Chewing on it seemed to increase his hunger. After losing the French Open final to Djokovic, Murray went on a 22-match winning streak (the longest of his career), which included titles at Wimbledon and the successful defense of his Olympic gold medal.Murray took the high road after Rio, keeping his commitment to the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Cincinnati. Jet-lagged and hampered by a sore shoulder, Murray managed to reach the final before falling to Marin Cilic in Sundays final. Along the way, the No. 2 Scott knocked out Milos Raonic, who thought he had outfoxed everyone by skipping the Olympics.The current tally for Murray: seven finals in a row , going back to the semifinals of the Monte Carlo Masters.I think Im playing my best tennis just now, Murray told the press after the Cincinnati final. Its not even close to anything else I had done before. Its been really good.When hes confident, he can be more dangerous than Djokovic when it comes to ripping off placements and returns. In the Wimbledon final against Raonic, the average rally was shorter during the points Murray served -- despite Raonics atomic serve and attacking skills. And although more than half of Raonics serves went unreturned up to the final, Murray sent back almost 75 percent in the championship match.Not only is Murray playing the best tennis of his career, his Big Four rivals might be at their worst in some time. Its called good timing. Murray must recognize that, unfamiliar as the concept may be.Murray cant snatch the No. 1 ranking from Djokovic no matter how things play out in New York City, but he can add credence to the theory that the Big Four has been whittled down to a Towering Two in 2016.After all, Federer is 34 and out for the year with a bum knee. Nadal showed his signature grit in Rio, but hes more likely to be running on fumes than breathing fire when the US Open begins. Plus, hes still coming back from a wrist injury -- one of the latest in a mounting string of breakdowns.Djokovic had everyone talking calendar-year Grand Slam at the end of June. Then he was upset during the first week at Wimbledon. He was fired up for Rio but flamed out in singles and doubles in the first round. He hasnt looked so vulnerable since the days when he was better known for his impersonation of fellow players than his emulation of Rod Laver.Cue Murray.Its obviously disappointing when you get to the final and not win, Murray said. But it was a very, very positive week considering everything. Mentally, Im in a good place just now. So Im looking forward to New York for sure. Brendan Smith Jersey . The judges scored it 48-47, 48-47, 49-46 for Jones (19-1). It was the champions closest call. Despite the loss, it was a remarkable show by the confident Swedish challenger, who had the best of the early rounds and then hung on in the fourth and fifth. Henrik Lundqvist Jersey . A statement from the worlds top-ranked player says all checks "were satisfactory and showed positive evolution" regarding the injury, which contributed to his loss to Stanislas Wawrinka in the final in Melbourne. http://www.rangershockeyonlineshop.com/ . Then the Pacers gave Oladipo and his Orlando teammates the cold shoulder. Paul Georges buzzer-beating 3-pointer at the end of the third quarter spurred a 21-4 run, finally sending Indiana past the Magic 97-87 in a tougher-than-expected opening night matchup. Marc Staal Rangers Jersey . Manuel was offered a position the day he was fired. He accepted earlier this week and the team made the announcement Friday. Rod Gilbert Jersey . Colin Wilson had two goals and an assist, and Mike Fisher scored a goal and helped set up two others in the Predators 6-4 victory over the Red Wings on Monday night. ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- Ahmad Thomas scored 20 points, MaCio Teague had 10 and the game-winning free throws, and UNC-Asheville held off Western Carolina 59-57 to win its fifth straight game on Saturday in the 50th edition of the Mountain Rivalry.Trailing 24-22 at halftime, Western Carolinas Elijah Pughsley hit a jumper and two free throws to put the Catamounts up 54-53 with 3:50 left. Thomas layup put the Bulldogs on top 56-54 and Teagues two free throws made it 58-56 with 51 seconds to go.Pughsley made one of two free throwws to pull the Catamounts to 58-57, and then Alec Wunks free throw sealed it for the Bulldogs.dddddddddddd Western Carolinas Deriece Parks missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer.Will Weeks scored 13 points and Wunk finished with 11 for the Bulldogs (8-3), who made 20 of 35 free throws to the Catamounts 11 of 12.Parks scored career highs with 19 points and four 3-pointers for Western Carolina (3-7). ' ' '