The NBA lockout has caused the cancellation of the first two weeks of regular season basketball. In its place, however, will be charity games featuring the likes of Kevin Durant, LeBron James and Blake Griffin.
Kevin Durant, Chris Paul And Friends Lift Lockout Blues In Oklahoma City Game
OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma City had its first and perhaps only opportunity of hosting an NBA All-Star Game come to fruition when some of the best and the brightest basketball bodies descended on the capital to put on a show Sunday. They razzled and dazzled. They broke ankles and nearly broke rims from the force of the slams at the Cox Convention Center court. They entertained a crowd of 12,874 basketball-thirsty, Thunder-crazed fans with a show like no other.
Like with any good All-Star game, defense was optional and scoring was completely fantastic. The dunk show was out in full force, with tricks from every man who took the court. The first quarter saw four sweet dunks from Westbrook counteracted by the sickly sweet and smooth shooting of Beasley, who was 8-of-10 for 16 points after 12 minutes.
Read Article >Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant Lead Group Of NBA Stars On 10-Day Global Tour, According To Report
The tour will see the players visiting four continents to play six games in 10 days from October 30-November 9. It will begin in San Juan, extend in London and China and finally end in Melbourne. The players will play two games each in London and Melbourne and one game in San Juan and China. ESPN’s Chris Broussard has a full list of stars who may be participating in the tour.
The tour is currently scheduled for what would have been the beginning of the NBA season. If the owners and NBA Players Association come to an agreement soon, it will likely be called off.
Read Article >‘Hoops For Troops’ Tour Features Derrick Rose, Others
K.C. Johnson has a statement from Rose and more details at the Chicago Tribune:
“I am honored to take part in a USO tour and greatly appreciate the USO’s efforts in organizing this trip,” Rose said in a statement. “I am so thankful for the great sacrifices the service members and their families make for our country and it is a truly special opportunity to give back by sharing our love of basketball with them.”
The USO said the players would visit multiple military bases, lead youth clinics, play one-on-one with service members and pose for pictures and sign autographs.The participating players are all represented by Arn Tellem and the Wasserman Media Group, which is helping to fund the tour.
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