FIBA 2010: USA vs Slovenia Video Highlights.

Durant delivers despite limited minutes

ISTANBUL -- The question needed to be asked, so it was asked: Why, Coach K, did you pull Kevin Durant from the game just past the midpoint of the first quarter?

Durant had gotten Team USA off to a torrid start against Slovenia with 7 points, 3 steals, 2 rebounds and 2 assists in the first 5½ minutes as the U.S. jumped out to an 18-6 lead.

But after he was subbed out, the Americans struggled noticeably, falling into an offensive drought in which they failed to make a field goal during the first 6½ minutes of the second quarter as their lead dwindled to five.

"Well, it's a long tournament, and we need to develop our entire team," U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski said. "My position is based on running a marathon and not a sprint. That's something I've learned over the last five years. We need 12 guys to win. As we keep going along, it's not one guy. Not one guy."

Fair enough, but the team's difficulties when Durant was not on the floor were something of a worrisome afterthought following Team USA's 99-77 victory over Slovenia on Sunday, the second day of FIBA World Championship competition.

The Americans were never in danger in this one, but the early substitution was a curious one. They were playing so well from the get-go that they could have rode Durant's hot hand to a 20-point lead after the first quarter, then given him 30 minutes of rest to have him in top form for the final game of a back-to-back-to-back Monday against Brazil.

As it was, Krzyzewski gave Durant a longer run to open the second half, leaving him in for the first 7 minutes, 37 seconds of the third quarter while subbing out the four other starters. He then pulled him for good after Durant fed Kevin Love for a dunk, completing one of the niftiest passing possessions of the game to extend the lead to 26 points.

"Coach does a great job of letting me know when I'm coming out and when I'm getting extended minutes, too. I'm totally fine with that," said Durant, who finished with a game-high 22 points in just 22 minutes. "I just try to give them a great spark when I come back into the game."

That he did, as did Love, who produced 10 points and 11 rebounds in yet another hyperactive performance in limited time (13 minutes).

Love and Durant stood out the most, and Rudy Gay played well, too, by chipping in 16 points. But for the second straight day the Americans showed a disturbing proclivity to turn the ball over -- at one point in the second quarter, they were averaging almost one per minute.

"Each game has gotten tougher and tougher, and tomorrow is going to be a huge challenge for us," Love said. "We can't have a lapse like we've had the last two games, where we've had turnover after turnover. We have to clean that up because it can hurt us down the stretch."

Read more at espn.com

FIBA 2010: USA vs Greece Exhibition Higlights

Watch FIBA 2010 Live Stream.

USA vs Greece Exhibition Game Highlights.

Eric Gordon was the Best Player of the game as he lead USA Team in routing the Greece Team.



Watch FIBA 2010 Live at O.nline Streaming-TV

FIBA 2010: Watch USA as they face Greece Today plus USA Final Line-up

USA team last exhibition match before the FIBA 2010 on August 29, 2010 in Turkey. They will face Greece Basketball National Team which recently involved in a brawl with Serbia Team.

Watch the exhibition game Today at O.nline TV.

USA Basketball National Team Final Line-up:
Chauncey Billups
Tyson Chandler
Kevin Durant
Rudy Gay
Eric Gordon
Danny Granger
Andre Iguodala
Kevin Love
Lamar Odom
Derrick Rose
Russell Westbrook

Head Coach: Mike Krzyzewski, Duke University
Assistant Coach: Jim Boeheim, Syracuse University
Assistant Coach: Nate McMillan, Portland Trail Blazers
Assistant Coach: Jay Triano, Toronto Raptors
Team Physician: Steve Traina, Denver Nuggets
Athletic Trainer: Joe Sharpe, Oklahoma City Thunder
Athletic Trainer: Casey Smith, Dallas Mavericks

FIBA 2010: USA vs Spain Exhibition - Video Highlights

Watch the video highlights of the exhibition game between USA and Spain. The USA won but the game went to an exciting ending.

This game is in preparation for the FIBA 2010 World Championship which will kickoff on August 29, 2010 in Turkey.
 

Sports Channel

Watch FIBA Live Stream 2010

CATCH FIBA 2010 LIVE AT PINOY LAKAY SPORTS FREE.TV

FIBA 2010: Greece vs Serbia Exhibition Basketball Game - Ugly Brawl Video

Watch the ugly brawl that happens between Greece and Serbia exhibition game. This is in preparation for this month's 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey.

Two players started the ugly brawl, they are shoving each other at 2:40 to play and the Greek leading 74-73.

Punches and a chair were thrown during the meelee. This should not be tolerated in court. These guys are profesionals and yet they are fighting like a bunch of kids.

FIBA should ban these two countries. They are not profesional enough to join the FIBA 2010 World Championship.

USA - Krzyzewski wants culture of success

MADRID (FIBA World Championship) - Mike Krzyzewski is not just targeting gold at the FIBA World Championship this summer.

The United States coach has his eyes on future tournaments as he tries to build a program that attracts the best players in the NBA every summer.

US Olympic Men's 1992 Dream Team Hall of Fame Ceremony Video

The US Olympic Men's National Basketball Team is inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.



1992 NBA Dream Team
Olympic: Gold Medal

1. Michael Jordan
2. Magic Johnson
3. Larry Bird
4. Charles Barkley
5. David Robinson
6. Clyde Drexler
7. Scottie Pippen
8. Patrick Ewing
9. Karl Malone
10. John Stockton
11. Chris Mullin
12. Christian Laettner

Coach: Late Chuck Dally

Turkey to host FIBA World Championship for first time

Turkey will be the host of the world's most important basketball event for the first time in its history.

Turkey will be the host of the world's most important basketball event for the first time in its history.

The 2010 FIBA World Championship will begin officially in Istanbul on August 27.

A ceremony will take place at Istanbul's Sinan Erdem Sports Hall at 9:15 p.m.

The 2010 FIBA World Championship group games will be played in the cities of Ankara, Kayseri, Izmir and Istanbul from August 28 to and September 2. The finals will take place in
Istanbul from September 2 to 12.

24 teams are qualified for the event, while the draw on December 15, 2009 divided them into four groups of six.

Group A matches will be played in the central province of Kayseri. The six teams competing in the Group A are Angola, Argentina, Australia, Germany, Jordan and Serbia.

Group B matches will take place in Istanbul among Brazil, Croatia, Iran, Tunisia, Slovenia and the United States.

Group C matches will be played in Ankara. The six teams competing in the Group C are China, Ivory Coast, Greece, Russia, Puerto Rico and Turkey.

Canada, France, Lebanon, Lithuania, New Zealand and Spain will compete in Group D in the western province of Izmir.

source: worldbulletin.net

NBA LIVE STREAM: Los Angeles Lakers 2010 NBA Championship DVD Videos

Los Angeles Lakers 2010 NBA Championship Videos

Watch how the Lakers reach the NBA Championship and How they battle it out with the Boston Celtics. A classic NBA Finals 2010 Game 7 between the most influential team in the NBA League. Relive it once again. Watch the Los Angeles Lakers 2010 NBA Championship highlights Now.

Women Buys Lebron James Pendant For 5 Dollars - Real value is Thousands.

Akron Woman Finds Out LeBron James Pendant Worth Thousands

When Vaneisha Robinson bought a diamond studded pendant in the shape of LeBron James' number 23 jersey at a yard sale four years ago, she thought it was costume jewelry.

"I used to go to high school with it around my neck, not knowing the value of it," Robinson said.

Robinson got curious about the pendant's value a few months ago when she noticed the diamonds were set in the same way real ones are. She took it to a local jewelry store for a once-over.

"They tested the diamonds and they told me that it was real and that I should invest in getting it certified," Robinson said.

Robinson, 20, who is an amateur boxer, saved $200 to pay for a certified appraisal by the International Gemological Institute. The pendant she paid $5 for four years ago is worth nearly $10,000. She's put the jewelry up for sale on eBay.

Despite the backlash caused by James' decision to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers and play for the Miami heat, Robinson believes the pendant will sell for top dollar.

"LeBron James (sic) brand will never die out," she said.

"If he got a ring it might go up in value. You never know."

source

Manila Lebron James: Udonis Haslem re-signs with the Miami Heat .

Joins Wade, Lebron James and Chrish Bosh as the Miami Heat starts to chase the NBA RING.

Haslem turned down a lucrative contract offers and will sign a five-year contract with the Miami Heat. Udonis Haslem will received $20 million.

He was quoted in miamiherald.com saying:

"It was an opportunity to win, an opportunity to be close to my mother, with her illness, and an opportunity to be a part of something special," he said. "I've never been in this for the money. I would be changing my DNA if I changed just for money."

With the result of his signing with the Miami Heat, Dyane Wade, Lebron James and Chrish Bosh will have a formidable and dependable role player.

Watch some of the NBA Highlight Videos of Haslem:

Agent: Zydrunas Ilgauskas agrees to sign with Heat, follow LeBron James to Miami

Zydrunas Ilgauskas

Agent: Zydrunas Ilgauskas agrees to sign with Heat, follow LeBron James to Miami
By Tim Reynolds (CP)

MIAMI — Zydrunas Ilgauskas has dealt Cleveland another blow by planning to follow LeBron James to the Miami Heat.

The veteran centre, who started playing for Cleveland in 1997 and has never suited up for another NBA team, expects to sign a two-year contract with the Heat later this week, agent Herb Rudoy said Tuesday. The two-year deal would come with a player option for the second season, Rudoy said.

"We've agreed to agree," Rudoy said.

Ilgauskas' decision became known less than a week after James — who played a role in recruiting the 7-foot-3 Lithuanian to South Florida — sparked outrage and outcry in Cleveland by going on a made-for-television special and saying he was joining the Heat.

This departure won't generate the same reaction from Clevelanders, but it'll hurt nonetheless.

Ilgauskas was a fan favourite for more than a decade, and when he returned to the Cavs after getting traded to the Washington Wizards this past season, a sellout crowd welcomed him with huge signs bearing the letter "Z'' — his moniker. Ilgauskas never played for the Wizards, quickly getting bought out and then returning to Cleveland after a 30-day waiting period.

Playing with James again was a major factor in Ilgauskas' decision.

"LeBron was very encouraging and explained the whole situation," Ilgauskas told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "And, obviously, he's my friend, and him being there made it a lot easier to choose."

On his Twitter feed, James quickly welcomed Ilgauskas to Miami.

"Glad u are joining me in South Beach my friend. Also thanks for the encouraging words big fella," James wrote.

The Heat had no immediate comment. They had talks about acquiring Ilgauskas when he was available this past season after the trade to Washington and buyout that followed.

Ilgauskas is the Cavs' career leader in games played, blocked shots and rebounds. He was drafted by the club in 1996 and overcame serious foot injuries that nearly ended his career.

He's just the latest name to join what shapes up as a serious title contender in Miami, joining not only James but Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Udonis Haslem and presumably Mike Miller, who agreed to a deal late last week that remains unsigned. Agent Arn Tellem wrote on his blog Monday that Miller will play in Miami.

It's still possible Ilgauskas accepts a one-year deal, though his preference is the multi-year arrangement. Continue reading here...

Hitler Reacts to LeBron James Leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers

Watch how Hitler reacts to LBJ Decision. I can't stop laughing and keep on watching it. Enjoy the video.



Related Article(s) NBA.News:
Lebron James to play in Miami.

LeBron James: Loved, hated, misunderstood

LeBron James' decision to join the Heat has been ripped from coast to coast (except in Miami). Here's why it was both rational and gutsy.

By Dan LeBatard
dlebatard@MiamiHerald.com

Maybe you didn't hear it above the poison and passion. Maybe you couldn't see it amid the fame and flashbulbs. Maybe the ego excess and general overindulgence made clarity impossible no matter how many hundreds of TV hours of droning dissection were devoted to the cause. But both LeBron James and Dwyane Wade said something interesting and identical when trying to explain the decision they made in joining forces with the Miami Heat. They both volunteered, out of nowhere, that the choice they made was not at all emotional.

Head over heart, in other words. That's not often where sports reside. James and Wade were being clinical, practical, reasoned. But every hostility that engulfed James after his choice was the opposite of that -- not only soaked in emotion but overwhelmed by it. Hatred. Fury. Envy. And name-calling from coast to coast. One NBA coach referred to James as a ``fraud.'' Cleveland's crazed owner called him a coward traitor in a raging public letter. These are visceral reflexes, and reflexes are rarely logical. One is not thinking clearly when setting fire to an expensive jersey, but the first word in ``fanatical'' is always ``fan,'' and fanatical is not a logical state of mind. So James went from one of the country's most beloved athletes to one of its most reviled in a single hour of flatulent television, a fall from grace faster than that of Tiger Woods, and for a crime I'm having some difficulty identifying.

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/07/11/1725091/lebron-james-loved-hated-misunderstood.html?asset_id=Miami%20Heat%20Welcome%20Party&asset_type=html_module#ixzz0tNrVW45e

Lebron James Decision Video:

Lebron James - to play in Miami Heat and twitter trend.

Lebron James an NBA Free agent announce Thursday that he will play with the Miami Heat. With this move, the Miami Heat will parade a Big Three on Oct 2010 when NBA season opens. The Heat also hoping that this move will give them a NBA Championship. Lebron James will also switch number from 23 to 6.

In side note: Lebron James is topping the trend in twitter.com. Here are some of the remarks of the twitter users about Lebron James Decision:

bigE01 BREAKING NEWS: Lebron James joins "Jersey Shore" and his new name is "The Decision" !

CNNNewsource Cleveland fans light LeBron James jersey on fire after James' decision to go to Miami. Live pics on CH 2. 20 minutes ago via web

BreakingNews LeBron James decision: Miami Heat, NBA reigning 2-time MVP tells world on hourlong ESPN show http://bit.ly/d239JU
 
ChicagoNewz LeBron James will join the Miami Heat: LeBron James has at last announced his decision. He's headed to Miami to j... http://bit.ly/cVX0jZ
 
ParkerH602 With The Lebron James Decision, Miami just made the Fab 3 look like The 3 Ninjas
 
bgamble RT@KillaCam10 "This was a hard decision because of how LOYAL I am."LeBron James demonstrating that he doesn't know what the word loyal means

Manila NBA News: Amare Stoudamire headed to the New York Knicks.

Manila NBA News:

Amare Stoudamire aggrees to a five years $100million contract deal according to Stoudamire's agent.

"I feel great about being a pioneer and showing my leadership," Stoudemire said at Madison Square Garden.

Stoudamire will reunite with his former coach Mike D'Antoni, now the coach of New York Knicks.

Top 10 Moments of Game 7 NBA Finals 2010 - Video

NBA News and Live Stream - Top 10 Moments of Game 7 NBA Finals 2010.


Let's take a break first from the crazy NBA free agent market. Watch this video and enjoy the top moments of Game 7 NBA finals between the Laker and Celtics.

Celtics-Lakers set to open another chapter in illustrious history of NBA Finals Game 7s

By Dave D'Alessandro/The Star-Ledger


This is supposed to be about glory, celebrity, immortality and all that rot.

But there’s a flip side, and it isn’t always glorious.

“The culture of Game 7s,” Pat Riley said more than a decade ago, “is one of pure intensity and desperation. But mostly, it’s about the fear of failure.”

The most frantic, nerve-jangling and special moments in sports are when the championships are decided, and it happens tonight at Staples Center in Los Angeles, where the Lakers and Celtics will play the 105th Game 7 in NBA playoff history — but just the third such deciding game of an NBA Finals in 22 years.

One team will become a champion, the other will be relegated to a crowded avenue where failures are the principal tenants. But both are feeling pretty much the same thing before the clock strikes 9 in the East.

Dick Motta, who coached nearly 2,000 games over 25 seasons, compared the pressure to the execution scene from a 1930s melodrama: “It was just like James Cagney going to the electric chair,” the Washington coach said, recalling the atmosphere in Seattle prior to Game 7 in 1978.
“I told everyone, ‘It’s too bad we can’t have a lot of little bottles here, take the corks off and close them, and sell this atmosphere for a quarter a shot.’”

Now we find out who can withstand it.

Welcome Back, Seven. It’s good to see you again.


NBA FINALS GAME 7s;
Year -- Result -- Series MVP

2004-05 -- SPURS 81, Pistons 74 -- Tim Duncan
1993-94 -- ROCKETS 90, Knicks 84 -- Hakeem Olajuwon
1987-88 -- LAKERS 108, Pistons 105 -- James Worthy
1983-84 -- CELTICS 111, Lakers 102 -- Larry Bird
1977-78 -- Bullets 105, SONICS 99 -- Wes Unseld
1973-74 -- Celtics 102, BUCKS 87 -- John Havlicek
1969-70 -- KNICKS 113, Lakers 99 -- Willis Reed
1968-69 -- Celtics 108, LAKERS 106 -- Jerry West
1965-66 -- CELTICS 95, Lakers 93 -- None
1961-62 -- CELTICS 110, Lakers 107 (OT) -- None
1959-60 -- CELTICS 122, Hawks 103 -- None
1956-57 -- CELTICS 125, Hawks 123 (2OT) -- None
1954-55 -- NATIONALS 92, Pistons 91 -- None
1953-54 -- LAKERS 87, Nationals 80 -- None
1951-52 -- LAKERS 82, Knicks 65 -- None
1950-51 -- ROYALS 79, Knicks 75 -- None
(Home team in CAPS)

Read more at:http://www.nj.com/nets/index.ssf/2010/06/celtics-lakers_set_to_open_ano.html

Watch Game 7 Live at http://streamnbawadelebronkobe.blogspot.com/p/nba-today.html

Jackson points to Gasol-Garnett as key

LOS ANGELES -- Phil Jackson loves the game within the game. Heading into Thursday's Game 1 of the NBA Finals with the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics, one piques his curiosity more than the rest.

"I'm intrigued by the [Kevin] Garnett-Pau Gasol matchup. I think that's a really good one," he said Wednesday after the Lakers completed practice.

"Kevin is like the force of [Boston's] defense, he's really the glue that kind of holds their defense together with his activity level, his ability to help and recover on guys," Jackson continued. "Pau is the guy we have to have be a part of the scoring combo with Kobe. So he has to provide some of that for us in this series against probably one of the top defenders in the game."

Gasol's performance was generally seen as disappointing during the 2008 Finals, in which he averaged 14.7 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in six games, facing primarily Garnett and Kendrick Perkins. Like the rest of his teammates, Gasol had a subpar Game 6, making four field goals and turning the ball over five times in 32 minutes as the Lakers lost 131-92 and Boston clinched the title.

Garnett was the Defensive Player of the Year in 2008. Since, he's struggled with injuries, undergoing surgery to his right knee in May 2009.

Still, he's still a formidable opponent, says Gasol.

"I see a little bit of difference [since the surgery], but he's still very effective and he's still one of their team leaders," he said. "You've got to respect everything that he does and brings to the table. The leadership, the aggressiveness, and he's going to compete no matter what. He's proven that through the injury."

Continue reading here...