USA Men Wins Third Straight Olympic Gold Medal

(photo credit: cbssports.com)

After cutting it close against Serbia a few days ago in the preliminary rounds, the United States Men's Basketball Team dominated them in the Olympic final game.

The last time the two teams met, the USA narrowly came out with a 94-91 win. This time, Team USA finished the job with a final of 96-66, earning them their third-straight gold medal in the summer Olympics.

Team USA were led in scoring by Kevin Durant, who put up 30 points. That was the most points scored by a single player for Team USA during the Rio Olympics. He was followed by DeMarcus Cousins with 13 points and Klay Thompson with 12 points. Cousins also led the team in rebounds with 15.

Every member of Team USA played in the final game and each member recorded at least a single point.

Kyle Lowry, Kyrie Irving, and Durant all led the team in assists with four while DeAndre Jordan led the team in blocks with three. Paul George and Durant led the team in steals with three each.

Claiming the bronze medal, since Serbia took the silver, was the team from Spain, as they narrowly defeated Australia 89-88 to bring a medal back home.

Both Team USA basketball teams have won gold medals in Rio, with the women's team taking down Spain with a 101-72 final on Saturday to claim their fourth-straight gold medal.

The Olympics end today with the closing ceremonies scheduled for this evening, starting at 8 p.m. ET.

USA Women Capture Sixth Straight Gold Medal, Defeat Spain 101-72

(photo credit: Associated Press)

The United States Women’s Basketball Team came into the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio with one goal: capture their sixth straight gold medal. After a dominating run in this year’s Olympics, the Americans can officially say mission accomplished. The United States wound up earning their sixth straight gold medal after they defeated Spain 101-72 in the gold medal game on Saturday afternoon at Carioca Arena 1 in Rio. The U.S. defeated Spain by 40 points in pool play, but the Spaniards weren’t going to let that happen again, at least it seemed that way in the first quarter. 

The U.S. got off to a slow start, as they only led 21-17 at the end of the first quarter. The Americans had a 27-24 lead in the second quarter, when Head Coach Geno Auriemma decided to go with something very familiar to him to spark the United States. Auriemma, the Head Coach of women’s basketball at Connecticut, put five of his former Huskies on the floor at the same time for the first time in these Olympics, and it seems that he made the right decision. Those five players went on a 16-3 run which blew the game wide open, as the Americans were leading 49-32 at the halftime break. Spain only scored two baskets in the final 6:55 of the first half. 

The Spaniards never came close to making a comeback in the second half. Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, and Tamika Catchings are all playing in their fourth Olympics, and the dynamic trio exited the court together for what might be one final time with just under six minutes left in the fourth quarter. Catchings is playing in her final Olympics, and there’s no better way for her to end her career then winning a gold medal. Taurasi and Bird have both hinted at retiring, so the U.S. Women’s Basketball Team will definitely have a new look by the time they take the floor for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

Catchings, Bird, and Taurasi joined Lisa Leslie and Teresa Edwards as the only Olympians to win four gold medals in women’s basketball. Taurasi and Lindsey Whalen both scored 17 points to lead the United States. The Americans have now won 49 straight games in the Olympics with only one of those games being decided by single digits. Despite the loss, these Olympic Games were definitely a bright spot for Spain. The Spaniards earned their first ever medal in women’s basketball. 

USA Men Defeat Spain, Reach Third Straight Gold Medal Game

(photo credit: USA Basketball)

The United States Men’s Basketball Team has been faced with many challenges during the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, as they’ve had tightly-contested games with Australia, Serbia, and France during pool play. Things didn’t get any easier for the Americans this time around when they faced their rival Spain for the right to go the gold medal game.

As always, the Spaniards gave the U.S. a very tough time, but the Americans pulled it out in another classic, as they outlasted Spain 82-76. This means the Americans will be heading to their third straight gold medal game. The United States never trailed in the game, but they were never able to pull away from the pesky Spaniards. 

Kevin Durant made some United States history today, as he surpassed LeBron James for second all-time in points scored. Durant scored seven points in the first quarter, which helped the United States take a 26-17 lead at the end of the first quarter. The U.S. extended that lead to ten, but it didn’t last much longer. Spain went on a 7-0 run which cut the Americans’ lead to 33-30. The second quarter was filled with technical fouls, as both teams combined to have six technical fouls in the quarter, including one on Durant, which gave him three personal fouls. 

The United States wound up leading 45-39 heading into the halftime break. Every time the United States was starting to create some separation, Spain simply wouldn’t go away. The Americans built a ten point lead to start the third quarter, but Spain would cut the lead to five with about five minutes left in the quarter. Spain would lose some ground by the end of the quarter, as the U.S. held the 66-57 lead after three quarters. The United States took their largest lead of the game (72-57) with seven minutes left, and Spain was unable to come back from there. 

They did outscore the U.S. 11-4 to end the game, but it was a little too late, and the Americans went on to win 82-76. Klay Thompson scored 22 points to lead the Americans, while DeAndre Jordan provided a strong game all-around for the United States. Jordan scored nine points, and he grabbed 16 rebounds, which tied an Olympic record. 

Pau Gasol wasn’t expected to play for Spain because of injury, but he played through it, and ended up scoring a game-high 23 points. The U.S. Men have now won 24 straight games in the Olympics, as they’ll take on Serbia in the gold medal game on Sunday. The United States defeated Serbia by three points in pool play. Spain will take on Australia in the bronze medal game on Sunday morning. 

NBA To Move 2017 All-Star Game To New Orleans

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After pulling The 2017 NBA All-Star game from Charlotte, North Carolina, The league has decided that it will take place in New Orleans this February. The change of location was due to the state government's decision on a controversial law that has been categorized as anti-LGBT.

The Law is known as HB2, and was created in March as a way to minimize a previous law protecting those who faced discrimination for their sexual orientation and gender identity.
The latest law, that is considered offensive to many, does not allow transgender people to use a restroom in schools and public buildings that does not correspond with the gender labeled on their birth certificate.

HB2 takes away protective rights from the LGBT community and the NBA wanted no part in conducting themselves in a friendly manner with the North Carolina government until this matter is resolved. There are open talks about an All-Star game returning to Charlotte in 2019 if the law is changed.

The transition to New Orleans in the wake of the historically dangerous flooding that has killed 13 is a move NBA commissioner Adam Silver believes will help unite the people of Louisiana. 2017 will be the league's third time hosting the NBA-All Star Game at Smoothie King Arena.

USA Women Beat France, Reach Gold Medal Game

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Team USA will be fighting for the gold medal once again. After their 86-67 victory over France, who they defeated for the gold medal back in the 2012 London Olympics, Team USA punched their ticket to another gold medal game.

This time, their opponent will be Spain, as they defeated Serbia 68-54 earlier today. Team USA and Spain have already met once this season, with the United States taking the 103-63 win.

Against Spain, a key player for the United States was Diana Taurasi. Against France, Taurasi continued her stellar Olympic campaign by putting up 18 points, leading the team in points. She was followed by double digit scorers Maya Moore (15), Sylvia Fowles (12), Seimone Augustus (10), and Brittney Griner (10).

Taurasi also led the team in assists with four while Fowles led the team in rebounds with nine. Angel McCoughtry led the team in steals with two and no player for the United States made a single block. Only two players didn't score for Team USA, which were Breanna Stewart and Tamika Catchings.

Not participating in the game at all was guard Sue Bird. Bird came off the court in the last game against Japan with a knee injury. Her status against Spain in the final game is unknown at the moment.

Team USA will face Spain in the gold medal game on Saturday, Aug. 20 at 2:30 p.m. ET.

Randen Lubart's Top Five Games of 2016-17

(photo credit: miamiherald.com)

5. Bulls at Heat: Thursday Nov. 10

With Dwyane Wade's shocking free agency decision, Miami Heat fans have Nov. 10 circled on their calendars. The 13 year veteran who has played his entire career as a member of the Heat will now be returning as a member of the Chicago Bulls. Many believed Wade would remain on the Heat until retirement, but the 12 year all star was sick of being expected to take less money year after year. This matchup will allow Wade to prove once again that he is still one of the premier players in the league. Chicago's big three of Wade, Rajan Rondo and Jimmy Butler is a bit of a wildcard, but it will be fun to watch them against Miami's Goran tragic, Hassan Whiteside and their assortment of young talent.

(photo credit: thesixersense.com)

4. Lakers at 76ers: Friday Dec. 16

The 76ers have a bright future with all the lottery picks they have collected over the past few seasons. Headlining this group is the first overall pick in the 2016 draft, Ben Simmons. The Lakers second overall pick from the same draft, Brandon Ingram, will be the Lakers bright spot after Kobe Bryant's recent retirement. Both teams will struggle to win 20 games this season, but there is something exciting about watching a young group figure out how to play together. Hopefully both teams will show promise as they go further into the season.

(photo credit: the3pointconversion.com)

3. Warriors at Cavaliers: Christmas Day

Christmas day is truly a special treat for NBA fans. The finals rematch everyone is waiting for will feel more like an all star game this time around. With Kevin Durant joining a Warriors team that is already stacked with talent, Lebron James and company will have their hands full. Lets see if Kevin Love can keep up his stellar defense on Steph Curry like he did in the waking moments of Game 7. Will Andre Iguadala ever recover from arguably the greatest full court block in Finals history. I'm hoping to see a few more clutch three-pointers and jaw dropping ankle breakers from Kyrie Irving as well.

(photo credit: nba.com)

2. Knicks at Cavaliers: Oct. 25

The Knicks have made several key offseason moves that should add some wins this upcoming season. The additions of Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Courtney Lee and Brandon Jennings would make them title contenders if it was 2011. Their roster is much more impressive on paper and injuries are more than likely to take place. Carmelo Anthony has seemed to catch fire while playing for the Men's Olympic Team. Lets see if he can bring that fire to the court against an old rival in Lebron James. Lookout for Kristaps Porzingis to continue his barrage of nasty putback dunks, a sound postgame and the occasional three-pointer.

(photo credit: nba.com)

1. Warriors at Thunder: Saturday Feb. 11

There is not going to a more important game on the schedule for Russell Westbrook this season. The Thunder point guard fully believes he is the best player on the court at all times and sometimes he is. Kevin Durant's decision to bolt for the Warriors has clearly left its mark on Westbrook and he's ready to go after the Slim Reaper as well as Steph Curry. This game will be a true test for the Thunder as they recover from losing their first superstar. Westbrook will put up a countless number of shots, but it sure will be a good time to watch him defend his homecourt. I expect another triple double for Westbrook and a great performance by is supporting cast who all have something to prove against a goliath Warriors team.

USA Men Beat Argentina to Advance to Semifinals

(photo credit: USA Basketball/Twitter)

The United States Men's Basketball Team hit the century mark once again in points with their 105-78 win over Argentina.

Team USA were led in scoring by Kevin Durant, who put up a staggering 27 points. He was the only player, for both teams, to score more than 20 points. Behind Durant was Paul George with 17 points, DeMarcus Cousins with 15 points, and Kyrie Irving with 11 points.

Team USA were dominant in their rebounds, getting 53 total rebounds compared to Argentina's 42 rebounds. Leading Team USA in rebounds was George with nine rebounds.

Team USA faced a familiar opponent from Argentina in San Antonio Spurs forward Manu Ginóbili. Ginóbili gave Team USA a run for their money by scoring 14 points and having six assists. However, his efforts weren't enough to top the number one ranked team in the world.

Team USA will now go on to face Spain, who defeated France to get to the semifinals, for the first time in the Rio Olympics. The two teams will face off on Friday, Aug. 19 at 6 p.m. ET.

USA Women Beats Japan to Advance to Semis

(photo credit: USA Basketball/Twitter)

The United States Women's Basketball Team is heading to another Olympic semifinal. This time, they will either face France or Canada in the semis of the Rio Olympics.

The women reached the semifinals with a 110-64 dominant win over Japan on Tuesday evening. Diana Taurasi continued her stellar Olympic campaign, as she and Maya Moore led Team USA in points with 19 each. Angel McCoughtry also had double digits with 13 points and with 10 points were Seimone Augustus, Sylvia Fowles, and Lindsay Whalen.

Sue Bird was the only player to not score a point for Team USA. However, Bird wasn't on the court, as she told head coach Geno Auriemma before the game that she felt something pull in her leg, and decided to sit out.

Tina Charles led Team USA with assists, nabbing five, while Brittney Griner led the team in rebounds with seven. Griner and Breanna Stewart both led the team in blocks, having three apiece.

Team USA had their trouble in shooting on the free throw line, as they only made five out of nine free throws. Taurasi missed her only free throw while Angel McCoughtry only made three out of six free throws.

Team USA will now wait to see who they face on Thursday, August 18 at 2 p.m. ET. Team USA will face the winner of tonight's France-Canada game.

Breaking Down the Christmas Day Games

The Christmas Day games have long had a tradition of showcasing the NBA’s rising talent and biggest names. This Christmas will be no different, as the NBA has scheduled a rematch of the last two NBA Finals, a matchup of two cities with a bitter rivalry, and an in city rivalry to cap off the night.

(photo credit: bleacherreport.com)

Boston Celtics @ New York Knicks

The Christmas Day schedule starts with a rivalry that spans sports, decades and any sense of sanity. No two cities hate each other more than Boston and New York. A Christmas Day matchup between a rising Boston squad and a revamped Knicks will do nothing to ease tensions.

The Knicks have added former Chicago stars Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah to play beside nine-time all-star Carmelo Anthony and sophomore Kristaps Porzingis. While Boston added former Atlanta All-Star Al Horford, they will still rely heavily on Isaiah Thomas to lead them throughout their season.

(photo credit: rantsports.com)

Golden State Warriors @ Cleveland Cavaliers

The first time the Warriors and Cavs will meet since Game 7 of the 2016 Finals will be the second game on Christmas Day. This game is the highlight of the schedule and will lead off ABC’s coverage.

Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson and newcomer Kevin Durant will come into Cleveland looking to make a statement that they plan to reclaim the Championship. Cleveland, led by LeBron James, will be anxious to see how much of a difference Durant will be in the matchup.

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Chicago Bulls @ San Antonio Spurs

Both the Bulls and Spurs come into this matchup without the longtime faces of their franchise. Future Hall-of-Famer Tim Duncan will not take the court for the Spurs for the first time in almost two decades, and 2011 MVP Derrick Rose has left Chicago for New York.

However, while the Spurs are relying on pieces already in place, namely Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge, to lead the team, Chicago has brought in outside help to replace Rose, as well as Joakim Noah. Picking up Robin Lopez through a trade with New York will help with the loss of Noah, the addition of former Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade is a huge pick up.

A test against San Antonio will be a good preview if the new pieces in Chicago can help restore balance to a team that has seem to lost its way in the past few years.

(photo credit: welcometoloudcity.com)

Minnesota Timberwolves @ Oklahoma City Thunder

The rising stars in Minnesota will make their Christmas Day debut at Oklahoma City, who will be looking to show the league they are still contenders without Kevin Durant.

The Timberwolves young cast of Andrew Wiggins, Karl-Anthony Towns and Zach LaVine are looking to cement their status as the up and comers of the NBA. Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook will be on a crusade to lead the Thunder back to the playoffs, for the first time without Durant.

This primetime test should serve as a good indicator as to where both teams stand moving forward. Can the Thunder survive without Durant? Are the Wolves’ ready to make the next step?

(photo credit: nba.com)

Los Angeles Clippers @ Los Angeles Lakers

In what has become a tradition, the Clippers will face the Lakers in the nightcap. The first of four matchups between the in-city rivals, new Laker head coach Luke Walton will be looking to showcase his teams’ young talent.

Walton is hoping that in their first season without Kobe Bryant, rookie Brandon Ingram, sophomore De’Angello Russell and third-year player Julius Randle will thrive in increased offensive roles.

Meanwhile, Doc Rivers and the Clippers are hoping to finally breakthrough to an NBA Finals berth. A midseason matchup against a young squad is a good tune up for tougher competition to come.

USA Women Crush China 105-62

(photo credit: USA Basketball/Twitter)

It was the Tina Charles and Brittney Griner show when the United States Women's Basketball Team faced China on Sunday morning.

Team USA, who remain undefeated in group play of the Rio Olympics, crushed China in a 105-62 win. Both Charles and Griner led the team in points with 18. All players earned at least a point toward the 105 points.

Griner also led the team in rebounds with 13, making her the only player in the entire tournament, for Team USA, to reach double digit rebounds. After the game, Griner praised her team for their assertiveness against China.

"We started off the game really well on the defensive end, getting stops and running out in transition," Griner said post-game. "That was a big part of our game today – getting boards, getting deflections and kicking it up the floor for easy baskets."

Also making double digits in scoring was Sylvia Fowles with 13 points and Seimone Augustus with 10 points. Leading the team in assists was Maya Moore, with eight assists. Moore also led the team in steals with four.

Leading Team China in scoring was Sun Mengran with 16 points. The only other Chinese player to have double digit scoring was Lu Wen with 14 points.

As for team notes during the match, Elena Delle Donne did not participate in the game, as team reports had that she was hit around her right eye during the warm ups.

The United States will now face Japan in the quarterfinals. Head coach Geno Auriemma said he was impressed with Japan thus far in the tournament.

"I actually saw Japan play Australia earlier this week, and I thought they looked amazing," Auriemma said post-game. "They’re big, they’re talented, they’re tough. Every game they’ve played has been a tough game."

The quarterfinal match against Japan will take place on Tuesday, August 16 at 1:30 p.m. EDT.

USA Men Beat Serbia 94-91

(photo credit: USA Basketball/Twitter)

The United States Men’s Basketball team received the wake-up call they desperately needed when they narrowly defeated Australia, 98-88, after two games of utter dominance. It turns out, the U.S. would play in an even closer contest when they battled Serbia on Friday evening. It wasn’t much of a battle at the start of the game, but after letting the lead slip away thanks to uninspiring and lethargic play, the U.S. truly had to work to avoid a major upset against the Serbians. 

The Americans fended off upset-minded Serbia after Serbia’s Bogdan Bogdanovic missed the game-tying three, which Kevin Durant would rebound to secure the Americans’ 94-91 win over Serbia. How the game finished was certainly not how the game started. The United States jumped out to a 23-5 lead, and that indicated that the U.S. might run away with the game. However, Serbia fought back, as they trailed by just nine points at halftime. 

The Serbians cut the lead to three points during the third quarter, before the U.S. started to pull away after extending their lead to double digits. Serbia continued to put up a fight, as they cut the lead to four points with 7:28 left in the fourth quarter. The U.S. caught a big break when Serbia center, Miroslav Raduljica, fouled out after sitting out for a good portion of the second half. Raduljica scored 18 points before being forced to sit out for the rest of the game. 

The Americans went on a scoring drought to end the game, as they didn’t score for the final two minutes of the game. Serbia was only able to score one more basket, as the U.S. held on to win 94-91 in pool play. Kyrie Irving led all U.S. scorers with 15 points, while DeAndre Jordan added 13 points. Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic fueled the Serbians, as he scored 25 points and grabbed six rebounds. Guard Milos Teodosic added 18 points and six assists. The U.S. (4-0) are assured a spot in the quarterfinals, and they will play their final game of group play on Sunday, when they face off against France. Serbia (1-3), will close pool play on Sunday, when they take on China. 

USA Women Crush Canada 81-51

(photo credit: USA Basketball/Twitter)

The USA Women’s Basketball team has been dominant in the three games that they’ve played in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio. In those three games, the USA women have been dominant offensively, as they’ve shattered records by scoring over 100 points in each of those games. Today when the USA took on Canada at the Youth Center in Rio, the USA didn’t rely on offense to continue its dominance, but rather, they used stifling defense to defeat Canada 81-51. The U.S. clinched Group B with the win, and they extended their winning streak at the Olympics to 45. 

For the first 20 minutes against Canada, the U.S. seemed out of sync on offense, as they committed silly turnovers while missing wide open shots. The United States’ northern neighbor didn’t seem to be intimidated by a team that’s on their way to winning a sixth straight gold medal, as they limited the Americans to just 18 points in the first quarter, which is the lowest point total that the U.S. have put up in any quarter during their time in Rio. In the second quarter, the Americans started to play stout defense, as they held Canada without a point for nearly the entire period. 

The United States only allowed four points in the second quarter, as they held the 36-22 advantage heading into halftime. Diana Taurasi, who was relatively quiet in the first half, helped the U.S. break the game open, after she hit two three pointers to start an 8-0 run which gave the Americans their first 20-point lead of the game. Taurasi has hit 18 three pointers in Rio, which breaks a record set by the team, who had 15 in the 2012 London Games. The Canadians could never get closer than 15, as the USA (4-0), defeated Canada (3-1) 81-51. 

Canada had already clinched a spot in the quarterfinals, but they were looking for revenge against the Americans after they lost by 40 to the U.S. in a game that was played before the Olympics. Maya Moore scored 12 points to lead the United States. Miranda Ayim scored eight points to lead Canada. The U.S. is coached by Geno Auriemma, who currently coaches at the University of Connecticut.

Some of the best players in UCONN history play for the U.S., but there is one player on Canada who currently goes to UCONN. Kia Nurse is entering her junior year at UCONN, and she struggled today, as she only had three points while missing eight of her nine shots. Canada will finish pool play against Spain on Sunday, while the United States will finish up group play against China on Sunday.

Rachael McKriger's Top Five Games of 2016-17 Season

The NBA has a way of making everyone's jaw drop when they release their schedule for the upcoming season. People pick out games that will bring the most drama and games that could be possible upsets.

This NBA season, it's going to be quite different from years past. Yes, players have moved to different teams, which will cause drama. However, the NBA is going to be without some of their greats for the first time in two decades. With the retirements of Kobe Bryant from the Los Angeles Lakers and Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs, questions will arise of how teams will do without them.

Here's my look for the most notable match-ups this upcoming NBA season.

(photo credit: heatnation.com)

5. Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat: Nov. 10 in Miami.

The return of Dwyane Wade to Miami will certainly cause a stir. This offseason, Wade decided to sign with his hometown team the Chicago Bulls. While many Bulls fans were happy to bring Wade home, Heat fans, who were already without star player LeBron James, were sad to see another star player go.

The battle between Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade will be a good one. There's no doubt that both players have an immense amount of respect for each other, but when the two get on the court, there's one thing they both want: to win.

(photo credit: hardwoodparoxysm.com)

4. San Antonio Spurs vs. Golden State Warriors: Oct. 25 in Oakland, CA.

The first game of the season for both teams will be more of a test for the San Antonio Spurs than it will be the Golden State Warriors, While the Spurs still have Tony Parker and Manu Ginóbili on the court it will be the team's first regular season action without Duncan. While the team got Pau Gasol this offseason to help with the absence of Duncan, one cannot truly replace Duncan's game or leadership.

As for Golden State, it will be their first time trying out Kevin Durant in a Warriors uniform. The trio of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Durant will be one tough force in the NBA.

(photo credit: cantguard.me)

3. San Antonio Spurs vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Jan. 21 in Cleveland.

Whether it was two years ago or not, everyone loves a good re-match of the NBA Finals. A popular final was between the San Antonio Spurs and Cleveland Cavaliers. Again, this match will be much different, as James is used to the big body of Duncan blocking his shots. Seeing James go against Gasol will be a match-up to watch.

Another match-up to watch for will be Gasol and Kevin Love. Both are extremely tall basketball players, with Love being 6'10 and Gasol standing tall at 7'0. The rebounds should be interesting to watch.

(photo credit: cleveland.cbslocal.com)

2. New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Oct. 25 in Cleveland.

The NBA season opener is a big rivalry. These two teams have been rivals for decades. Also throw in the fact that Carmelo Anthony of the Knicks just passed James as the all-time leading scorer for Team USA's Men's Basketball Team, just to stir a bit of tension. Maybe if James had gone to Rio...

All eyes will be on Cleveland, especially after giving James a three year, $100 million contract. James has to live up to the hype of his contract, and of his fans in Cleveland, or else it won't be a happy season for him.

(photo credit: bleacherreport.com)

1. Golden State Warriors vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: Feb. 11 in Oklahoma City.

Whether everyone else picks this as their number one game or not, it's going to be on everyone's list. The "reunion" of Durant to Oklahoma City will be interesting, depending all on the fan reaction. Frankly, many don't think that burning Durant's jersey in the streets after word of him going to Golden State is going to make for happy fans in the arena.

Just as long as they don't try to grab Durant and burn his actual jersey off, everything should be (remotely) fine.

Breaking Down the 2016-17 Opening Night Games

(photo credit: logodesignlove.com)

The 2016- 2017 NBA regular season kicks off Oct. 25 on TNT and will showcase some of the league's top talent. Lebron James and The Cleveland Cavaliers will play at home against a revamped New York Knicks team. Fortunately for Cavs fans, they will get to experience the raising of their first championship banner in franchise history that was rightfully earned. The Knicks hope to spoil this evening for the newly crowned champs with the help of former MVP Derrick Rose as the new starting point guard. Other new players on the roster include two presumed starters in Joakim Noah at center and Courtney Lee at the shooting guard position. With three formidable starters along with an elite scorer in Carmelo Anthony and last years rookie sensation, Kristaps Porzingis, expectations are high this year in The Big Apple. Tip off is at 8pm Eastern Time.

Game two on TNT will display The Golden State Warriors and their newest member, Kevin Durant, against a savvy San Antonio Spurs team that will open the season without Tim Duncan for the first time since 1996. Once the NBA's cinderella team, the Warriors are now considered to be the league's villains and Durant has faced much scrutiny for joining the team that defeated The Thunder in a seven game series last postseason. With Durant joining arguably the greatest offense in NBA history, many believe this team should steamroll through the competition like they did in the last regular season. Tip off will be at 10:30 p.m. ET.

The third game on opening night will be between two teams on the rise in the Western conference. The Portland Trailblazers and their dynamic backcourt of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum will test themselves against The Utah Jazz. The Jazz have been slowly rebuilding through the draft the past few seasons since the departure of head coach Jerry Sloan and star guard Deron Williams. They have a solid core of Gordon Hayword, Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert and have several new veterans that have signed in the offseason as well. George Hill and Joe Johnson will provide leadership as the new starters in the backcourt, which will allow their young talent to develop more naturally. Tip off is at 10 p.m. ET.

LeBron James Returns to Cavaliers, Signs 3-Year Deal Worth $100 Million

(photo credit: Huffington Post)

LeBron James fulfilled his promise of ending Cleveland’s 52-year professional sports championship drought in June, when he put the Cavaliers on his back and led Cleveland to the franchise’s first NBA title after defeating the Golden State Warriors in seven games. James opted out of his contract for the third straight year to become an unrestricted free agent, but after he committed to re-signing with the Cavs, there was no doubt that he’d be back in Cleveland to defend the title. 

Finally, after months of waiting for him to officially sign a new deal, he announced that he was re-signing with Cleveland via a video from the UNINTERRUPTED. According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, James will be signing a 3-year contract worth $100 million. James will be making $31 million per year, which makes him the highest paid player in the NBA for the first time in his career. James was called the “Chosen One” when he was selected by the Cavs with the first pick of the 2003 NBA Draft. James came right out of high school, as he attended St. Vincent St. Mary in Akron, OH. 

James left Cleveland in 2010 after he failed to win a championship in a Cavs uniform. He left for Miami, where he won two championships and made four finals appearances with the Heat. James left Miami to return to Cleveland in 2014. James was unable to win a championship in his first season back home, as the Cavs lost to Golden State in six games. 

James was able to make up for the defeat, as he led all Cavs players in points, assists, rebounds, blocks, and steals en route to his third NBA title and NBA Finals MVP award. James, 31, averaged 25.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game during the regular season. James shot the ball much more accurately then he did in his return season, as he shot 52% from the field. With James back in the mix for the 2016-2017 season, the Cavs seem to be the team to beat in the Eastern Conference. 

Diana Taurasi Breaks Own Record Against Serbia

(photo credit: nydailynews.com)

Diana Taurasi opened up her Rio Olympics campaign in a stellar fashion, tying her own Team USA record of most three-pointers scored in a single Olympic game.

However, it didn't take long for Taurasi to break the record, not just tie it again.

Taurasi broke the record on Wednesday against Serbia. Taurasi, who led the team in points (25) and assists (6) against Serbia, now owns the record again, but with six three-pointers in a single Olympic game.

Taurasi said after the game that breaking her own record wouldn't have been possible without her teammates finding her on the court.

“When you do get going and you got everyone kind of helping you, it makes things a little bit easier,” Taurasi said. “There are still things we have to get better at. When you play against a team like Serbia, the European champions, they make you work. They make you look ugly sometimes. But overall we did a pretty job of keeping our composure and doing the things we want to do.”

Adding more to the historic day, the whole USA Women's Basketball Team made history by becoming the first women's basketball team to break the century mark (scoring over 100 points) in three straight games. The USA routed Senegal in their first game 121-56, crushed Spain 103-63, and defeated Serbia 110-84.

Taurasi, who plays for the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA, and Team USA will face Team Canada on Friday, Aug. 12 at 2:30 p.m. ET. Team USA is currently the only undefeated team still in the Group B table.

USA Men Defeat Australia 98-88

(photo credit: News Corp Australia)

In the closest game of the Olympics for USA basketball, Men’s or Women’s, the United States defeat Australia 98-88, even after trailing by five points at halftime.

Carmelo Anthony led team USA with 31 points and eight rebounds. Anthony was the best he has been from downtown so far in the Olympics, sinking nine of the 15 three-pointers he took.

Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant also had big contributions for team USA, with 19 and 14 points respectively. Irving also led team USA with five assists.

Australia was led by Patty Mills, who scored 30 points, and Matthew Dellavedova, who led the team with 11 assists. Andrew Bogut also contributed 15 points, three assists and three blocks.

Team Australia is considered one of the best teams in the Olympics outside of the USA, and could very well have a rematch with team USA in the later rounds of the games.

The U.S. next game is Friday against Serbia. Serbia is 1-2, defeating Venezuela and losing to Australia and France.