The Oklahoma City Thunder say they have begun the process of negotiating with potential new naming rights partners for the Ford Center arena. Officials said in a statement Thursday the original naming rights contract allowed the team to terminate the existing agreement if an NBA franchise came to Oklahoma City. The Thunder said it had discussions with the current naming

rights partner, the Oklahoma Ford Dealers, but a new agreement couldn't be reached. As a result, the Thunder have officially terminated the existing

naming rights agreement and the team is negotiating with other potential partners. Officials declined additional comment.

Saying ``winning is a huge thing for me,'' NBA prized free agent LeBron James is taking his superstar talents to South Beach where he is joining Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh on a suddenly transformed Miami Heat team. Ending weeks of suspense, the two-time MVP said on his ESPN

special from Greenwich, Conn. that he decided to join the Heat and

leave the Cleveland Cavaliers because the Heat gives him ``the best

opportunity to win and to win now and to win in the future also.'' It's a huge victory for the Heat, who got commitments from Wade and Bosh on Wednesday. That duo, along with James, immediately moves the Heat into the upper echelon of the NBA, at least on paper. Besides Cleveland, the other losers in the James Sweepstakes were the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, New Jersey Nets and L.A. Clippers.

James says he is taking a financial shave by choosing the Miami Heat. Under NBA rules, the Cleveland Cavaliers were able to offer him more money, some $30 million more than any other team. James and his major new teammates Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh each said they were taking fewer dollars in order to be reunited in Miami. Bosh is joining the Heat from Toronto. All three were teammates on the gold-medal winning Olympic team in Beijing two years ago.

LeBron James' decision is going prime time. The star free agent will reportedly announce where he'll continue his NBA career during a hour-long special on ESPN Thursday

night. ESPN's Chris Broussard is reporting James' ``representatives'' contacted the network and asked for the unusual arrangement. Network officials says they have not been told what

James' decision will be. The James decision will likely break loose the logjam of the 150

or so free agents on the market. Among them are name stars like Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

The Boston Celtics were poised to claim their 18th NBA championship Tuesday night. Instead, they absorbed one of the most embarrassing playoff losses in team history. Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol each had

double-doubles as the Lakers silenced the Celts 89-67 in Los Angeles to force a Game 7 on Thursday night. Bryant scored 15 of his 26 points while the Lakers were outscoring the Celtics 51-31 in the first half. He also delivered 11 rebounds while Gasol chipped in 17 points and 13 boards. The Lakers pulled away after Celtics center Kendrick Perkins

suffered a knee injury midway through the first quarter. Without Perkins, Boston was outrebounded 52-39 and outscored by a 2-1 margin on second-chance points. Boston's point total tied for the second fewest in NBA Finals history. The Celtics shot 33 percent from the field, including a

5-for-23 mark from three-point range. Ray Allen was the lone Celtic to score more than 13 points, finishing with 19.

The Boston Celtics withstood a 38-point performance by Kobe Bryant to move within one victory of their 18th NBA title. Because of that, the defending NBA champion L.A. Lakers are trailing in a series for the first time in the postseason. Paul Pierce had his best game of the playoffs _ 27 points on 12-of-21 shooting to lead the Celtics to a 92-86 victory that gives them a 3-2 series lead over the Lakers. Rajon Rondo and Kevin Garnett each added 18 as the Celtics shot 56.3 percent for the game. The Celtics won despite another awesome performance by Bryant. He scored the Lakers' first 19 points in the third quarter while

single handedly keeping the Lakers in it on a cold-shooting night.

The Lakers shot 39.7 percent for the game. The Celtics are 6-and-4 on the road in these playoffs. Now they must win either Tuesday night's Game 6 or Thursday night's Game 7, if necessary, in Los Angeles to win their 18th NBA title. ``We've got to get one,'' Pierce said. ``We're too close to our goal. We've got to get one.''

Derek Fisher was able to finish what Kobe Bryant started Tuesday night, allowing the Los Angeles Lakers to take a two-games-to-one lead in the NBA Finals.   Bryant finished with 29 points and Fisher added 16 as the Lakers held off the Celtics 91-84 in Boston. Bryant already had 25 points before going scoreless during the first 10 minutes of the fourth quarter. Fisher took over from there, draining four huge baskets after the Celtics cut a 17-point deficit to 68-67 early in the final period. Celtics guard Ray Allen had a big hand in the outcome for the

second straight game, although there were no heroics this time. Allen shot 0-for-13 and finished with just two points, two days after setting an NBA Finals record with eight three-pointers while scoring a game-high 32 points. Rajon Rondo also had a quiet night following a triple-double in Sunday's game, finishing with 11 points, eight assists and three rebounds. Kevin Garnett had a team-high 25 points for the Celtics, who host Game 4 Thursday night.

The Oklahoma City Thunder didn;t just get the attention of the Los Angeles Lakers in round one of the NBA playoffs. The Thunder got notice from the ret of the nation as well and the TV ratings prove it. Game six of the Thuder/Lakers series was the highest rated first round game ever on EPSN.

OKC also had some good news on an individual basis as Thabo Sefolosha was named to the NBA all defensive second team.

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard, winner of the 2009-10 Defensive Player of the Year Award presented by Kia Motors, and guard Rajon Rondo of the Boston Celtics headline the NBA All-Defensive First Team, the NBA announced Wednesday. By totaling 57 points overall, including 28 First Team votes, Howard edged Rondo (50 points overall and 23 First Team votes) as the leading vote-getter.

Also selected to the All-Defensive First Team are forward LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers (45 points), Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (34 points) and Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (30 points).

Howard became the first player to lead the league in rebounding and blocks (1973-74 was the first season blocks were kept as an official statistic) in consecutive seasons, averaging 13.2 rebounds and 2.78 blocks. He also became only the fifth player in NBA history to lead the league in rebounding for at least three consecutive seasons. With Howard anchoring the defense, the Magic allowed 95.3 points a game, which ranked fourth in the NBA, and held the opposition to a league-low .438 shooting, including 24 games in which opponents shot under .400. Orlando held the opposition to fewer than 100 points 57 times and to fewer than 90 points 24 times.

The NBA All-Defensive Second Team consists of center Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs, guards Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat and Thabo Sefolosha of the Oklahoma City Thunder, and forwards Josh Smith of the Atlanta Hawks and Anderson Varejao of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Duncan has been selected to the NBA All-Defensive team 13 consecutive seasons.

The voting panel consisted of the NBA's 30 head coaches, who were asked to select NBA All-Defensive First and Second Teams by position. Coaches were not permitted to vote for players from their own team. Two points were awarded for a First Team vote and one point was awarded for a Second Team vote.

LeBron James has done it again. The best player in the NBA was recognized as such over the weekend, winning his second straight MVP award. 

Scanning an audience which came to celebrate his second straight runaway NBA MVP award, James pointed out his former high school coaches and best friends. He praised his mom, Gloria, who somehow raised him after giving birth when she was just 16. He had a special message for his girlfriend, Savannah, and their two young sons, LeBron Jr. and Bryce.

James thanked them all, and then singled out one special group.

"I'm sorry," he said Sunday, halting the ceremony at the University of Akron's James A. Rhodes Arena. "But all my teammates, you have to come up here with me, man."

He was soon surrounded on the podium by Shaquille O'Neal(notes), Mo Williams(notes), Zydrunas Ilgauskas(notes) and the rest of the Cleveland Cavaliers, the team he led to 61 wins during the regular season and is determined to take all the way to an NBA championship.

Each of the Cavs hugged James before forming a half-circle around him. A few players used video cameras to record the all-for-one moment.

"My name may be put on the front of that trophy," James said, pointing at the Maurice Podoloff Trophy. "But these guys have a lot to do with it."

Dominating the voting just as he dominated on the floor all season, James became the 10th player in league history to win consecutive MVP awards, and he made sure to share it with the people closest to him, the ones who can never imagine him playing anywhere but Cleveland.

"Since I was a kid, I always said I'd find a way to put Akron on the map," James said. "It will always be my home and it will always be my life."

James' comments seemed slightly ominous for a player on the eve of a big decision. He has given few clues about his intentions for when free agency opens on July 1, but James almost sounded as if he was preparing to say goodbye.

"Akron, Ohio is my home," he said. "Akron, Ohio will always be remembered. Akron, Ohio is my life and I love this city."

Later, he was asked how he could leave "all this."

"This is home for me," he said. "I love this place to death. Every day I wake up I understand that I'm not just carrying myself but I'm also carrying this city to bigger and better heights. No matter where life may head me, I'm never gone from here."

James received 116 of a possible 123 first-place votes to win in a landslide over Oklahoma City forward Kevin Durant(notes), who was picked first on four ballots. Orlando center Dwight Howard(notes) received the other three first-place votes and finished fourth.

Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant(notes) had no first-place votes and finished third.

Voting was done by a nationwide panel of sports writers and broadcasters, and this year one ballot was cast by fans in an online vote, which went to James. Players were awarded 10 points for first, seven points for second, five for third, three for fourth and one for fifth.

James finished second on five ballots and two writers placed him third. A year ago, James received 109 of 122 first-place votes.

James finished with 1,205 points, nearly doubling Durant (609). His margin of victory is the second largest in history, topped by only O'Neal, who won by 799 points in 2000. His first-place total was also the most since Kevin Garnett(notes) got 120 of 123 in 2004.

James joined Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Moses Malone, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan(notes) and Steve Nash(notes) on a who's-who list of back-to-back winners.

"Those are guys I looked up to growing up," he said. "To be in that same category is an unbelievable feat."

For the second straight year, James chose to have the award ceremony his hometown of Akron.

Last May, he returned to St. Vincent-St. Mary High School and received the award in the quaint gymnasium in front of family, friends and the student body. He moved it to a larger but still familiar stage, opting for Rhodes--or the JAR, as it is known--on Akron's campus, where he also played in high school.

The ceremony was open to the public, and hundreds of fans, a few of whom slept out overnight and many wearing an assortment of No. 23 James jerseys, stood in line for hours for their chance to witness yet another coronation of Ohio's basketball king.

James considered holding the ceremony in the school's new football stadium but was afraid the weather might not cooperate.

"We didn't want it to rain on my parade," he said.

James arrived fashionably late, riding in the back of a Maybach Zeppelin. He was greeted with screams from fans lining the sidewalk as he got out of the expensive ride, looking resplendent in a gray suit, blue shirt and sunglasses that weren't needed on an overcast day.

When he finally took the stage along with Cavs coach Mike Brown, general manager Danny Ferry and owner Dan Gilbert, James was serenaded with chants of "M-V-P" by a crowd estimated at 3,000. Winning a second MVP wasn't necessarily a goal. He does have another in mind.

"The only reason I do what I do on the court is to compete for an NBA championship," he said. "I understand that until I won that I won't go down as one of the greatest players ever. That's my only goal right now. This is the closest I've been to it."

The Oklahoma City Thunder needed kevin Durant to be Superman Friday night at the Ford Center. Instead, the young superstar was more like Clark Kent. Durant struggled with his shot the entire game scoring 26 points but on 5 of 23 shooting as the Lakers edge OKC 94-93 on a putback by  Pau Gasol with .5 sec to go.

It was a gutsy and eye opening series from the young Thunder in their first playoff experience. OKC pushed the Lakers to the edge and seem set now for 2011. Durant didn't hang his head after the game, instead he reminded his team there was more to do.

"I just told them that next season starts now," Durant said.

The Thunder's 3-2 first-round playoff series loss to the defending league champions on Friday night at the Ford Center was just another part of the process for an organization that saw a 27-game turnaround and a playoff berth in a season that likely few outside these parts would have predicted. And the Thunder didn't even blink an eye before the process would continue. Saturday brings exit interviews and an agenda for every player heading into the offseason.

But head coach Scott Brooks said his team will leave town knowing that it left everything on the floor.

"That's all you can ask for, for your team to give everything they've got and they did that," he said. "They came up short and it's nothing to be ashamed of. Coming into this series we knew we would have a chance if we left everything on the floor and we did that."

It's something the Thunder did time and again this season, so much so that Brooks could count on his hand how many games that maximum effort was not given.

The Thunder came close to pushing the Lakers to the brink, thanks to a second-half comeback that erased what was once a nine-point deficit to take a three-point lead.

But with the Thunder ahead by a point and both teams going scoreless for the final 2:10, the Lakers had the ball and the game in their hands. Kobe Bryant took Durant to his sweet spot on the right wing, rose and took a shot that rimmed out, only to have seven-footer Pau Gasol there for the offensive board and put-back layup for the lead with five-tenths of a second remaining.

"It's good that we got out of that alive tonight and not have to go to a Game 7," Lakers center Andrew Bynum said.

After Russell Westbrook's three-pointer rimmed out at the buzzer, the sold out crowd gave a collective moan before putting their Thunderstix and voices to use one final time this season, showering the Thunder with an ovation that grew and lasted until the final player left the floor.

Lakers head coach Phil Jackson called it "heartwarming."

Brooks said it was emotional.

"All year long they've been with us and last year they were with us when we were, you could probably say that we weren't deserving of the support of being 3-29," he said. "But we fought, we got better. We didn't know how well we were going to do this year but we challenged each other we would get better in a few areas and we did that."

Added Durant: "The fans were phenomenal all season. It's something we really appreciate. We're so blessed and privileged to be a part of this league to be picked as some of the top players in the world but also to be a part of a great city like Oklahoma City. We're so privileged and they come to cheer for us every game, not just the playoffs. It feels good to come back home and see these fans."

• The Thunder got back in this one with a 10-0 run just past the midway point of the fourth quarter, which was ignited with a fast break dunk by Jeff Green and capped with a Durant driving layup. It helped give Oklahoma City a 94-91 lead with 2:30 remaining, but was the final points it would score all night.
• After shooting just 5-for-23 from the field, but 14-for-15 from the free-throw line for 26 points, Durant said he will not let this game linger in his mind as he heads into the offseason.
  "I leave it out there every game for my team no matter how bad I shot," he said. "I always came out there and played hard and tried to do other things to help my team win so I can live with myself knowing I came out there and gave it my all every game. That's all I can ask for, that's all my teammates can ask for."
  Brooks lauded Durant for his efforts on the defensive end, which included a career-high 19 rebounds in a Game 3 win.
  "I'm proud of how he played all year," Brooks said. "Going into this season in order for us to be a team that's going to compete every night and not be a sometimes basketball team Kevin needed to step up on the defensive end and he did that all series long and all season long."
• Center Nenad Krstic had his best offensive game of the series on Friday, finishing with 11 point and 11 rebounds in 29 minutes, a majority of his points coming in the paint.
• The Thunder had its best ball control of the series in Game 6 with a series-low seven turnovers. Starting point guard Russell Westbrook led the way with 21 points, nine assists, five rebounds and zero turnovers.

Oklahoma City's Scott Brooks is the recipient of the Red Auerbach Trophy as the 2009-10 NBA Coach of the Year, the NBA announced today.

Brooks totaled 480 points, including 71 first-place votes, from a panel of 123 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada. Coaches were awarded five points for each first-place vote, three points for each second-place vote and one point for each third-place vote.

In his first full season at the helm in Oklahoma City, Brooks guided the Thunder to a 50-32 (.610) season and the organization's first playoff berth since 2005. Brooks coached the Thunder - the NBA's youngest team - to an NBA-best 27-game turnaround following a 23-59 (.280) record in 2008-09.

Brooks was named NBA Coach of the Month for February after leading the Thunder to the NBA's best  winning percentage (.818) with a 9-2 mark, including a 5-1 record on the road. Oklahoma City opened the month with seven consecutive wins, extending a winning streak that began in January to nine games, the Thunder's longest winning streak since the 2004-05 season.

Brooks, who had been named interim head coach on Nov. 22, 2008, was named head coach of the Thunder on April 15, 2009, prior to the team's final game of the season. Before his appointment as interim head coach, Brooks was an assistant coach with the team since the 2007-08 season.

Before joining the Thunder organization, Brooks served as an assistant coach for the Sacramento Kings (2006-07), after beginning his NBA coaching career under George Karl as an assistant coach for the Denver Nuggets (2003-06).

The Coach of the Year Award is named after legendary coach and Hall of Famer Red Auerbach who guided the Celtics to nine NBA Championships. In 1996, Auerbach was honored as one of the Top 10 Coaches in NBA History as the NBA celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Following are the balloting results for the 2009-10 NBA Coach of the Year award and the all-time list of winners:

2009-10 NBA COACH OF THE YEAR RESULTS

       
Coach, Team        1^st        2^nd         3^rd        Pts
Scott Brooks, Oklahoma City        71        39        8        480
Scott Skiles, Milwaukee        26        54        21        313
Nate McMillan, Portland        9        9        35        107
Jerry Sloan, Utah        10        9        21        98
Alvin Gentry, Phoenix        4        5        11        46
Larry Brown, Charlotte        1        2        12        23
George Karl, Denver        1        1        3        11
Rick Adelman, Houston        -        2        1        7
Mike Woodson, Atlanta        -        2        1        7
Lionel Hollins, Memphis        -        -        6        6
Stan Van Gundy, Orlando        1        -        -        5
Mike Brown, Cleveland        -        -        2        2
Rick Carlisle, Dallas        -        -        1        1
Erik Spoelstra, Miami        -        -        1        1                

ALL-TIME NBA COACH OF THE YEAR WINNERS

1962-63 - Harry Gallatin, St. Louis
1963-64 - Alex Hannum, San Francisco
1964-65 - Red Auerbach, Boston
1965-66 - Dolph Schayes, Philadelphia
1966-67 - Johnny Kerr, Chicago
1967-68 - Richie Guerin, St. Louis
1968-69 - Gene Shue, Baltimore
1969-70 - Red Holzman, New York
1970-71 - Dick Motta, Chicago
1971-72 - Bill Sharman, Los Angeles
1972-73 - Tom Heinsohn, Boston
1973-74 - Ray Scott, Detroit
1974-75 - Phil Johnson, Kansas City-Omaha
1975-76 - Bill Fitch, Cleveland
1976-77 - Tom Nissalke, Houston
1977-78 - Hubie Brown, Atlanta
1978-79 - Cotton Fitzsimmons, Kansas City
1979-80 - Bill Fitch, Boston
1980-81 - Jack McKinney, Indiana
1981-82 - Gene Shue, Washington
1982-83 - Don Nelson, Milwaukee
1983-84 - Frank Layden, Utah
1984-85 - Don Nelson, Milwaukee
1985-86 - Mike Fratello, Atlanta
1986-87 - Mike Schuler, Portland
1987-88 - Doug Moe, Denver
1988-89 - Cotton Fitzsimmons, Phoenix
1989-90 - Pat Riley, LA Lakers
1990-91 - Don Chaney, Houston
1991-92 - Don Nelson, Golden State
1992-93 - Pat Riley, New York
1993-94 - Lenny Wilkens, Atlanta
1994-95 - Del Harris, Los Angeles Lakers
1995-96 - Phil Jackson, Chicago
1996-97 - Pat Riley, Miami
1997-98 - Larry Bird, Indiana
1998-99 - Mike Dunleavy, Portland
1999-00 - Doc Rivers, Orlando
2000-01 - Larry Brown, Philadelphia
2001-02 - Rick Carlisle, Detroit
2002-03 - Gregg Popovich, San Antonio
2003-04 - Hubie Brown, Memphis
2004-05 - Mike D'Antoni, Phoenix
2005-06 - Avery Johnson, Dallas
2006-07 - Sam Mitchell, Toronto
2007-08 - Byron Scott, New Orleans
2008-09 - Mike Brown, Cleveland
2009-10 - Scott Brooks, Oklahoma City

Pau Gasol scored 19 points, Andrew Bynum added 13 and the Los Angeles Lakers used their twin 7-footers to dominate inside against the Oklahoma City Thunder, winning 87-79 Sunday in the opener of their playoff series. Kobe Bryant added 21 points on 6 of 19 shooting after missing four of the final five regular season games to rest his swollen

right knee and broken right index finger. Kevin Durant led the Thunder with 24 points, under the 30.1 average of the NBA's youngest-ever scoring champion. Former UCLA star Russell Westbrook added 23.      Bynum returned from a 13-game absence because of a strained right Achilles' tendon, teaming with Gasol to pull down 25 rebounds.      Game 2 in the best-of-7 series is Tuesday at Staples Center.

The Dallas Mavericks ended the regular NBA season on a roll, and they've carried that momentum into the playoffs. Dirk Nowitzki opened the playoffs in a high gear, making 12 of 14 shots and scoring 36 points to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a 100-94 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. Ex-Wizards Caron Butler scored 22 points and Brendan Haywood added 10 in their playoff debut for Dallas. The Mavs came into the playoffs on a five-game winning streak, having won eight of their final 10 games in the regular season.

The Orlando Magic topped the Charlotte Bobcats 98-89. Jameer Nelson scored 24 of his 32 points in the first half. Magic superstar Dwight Howard was in foul trouble, and was held to five points and seven rebounds in 28 minutes. But Howard contributed nine blocks.

Portland took the opener of its series in Phoenix, 105-100. Point guard Andre Miller led the way with 31 points and eight assists. LaMarcus Aldridge added 22 points. Marcus Camby had a big night on the boards with 17 rebounds and helped hold Suns star Amare Stoudemire to 18 points.

The NBA suspended Boston star Kevin Garnett for Tuesday night's Game 2 against Miami after Garnett hit the Heat's Quentin Richardson in the head with an elbow with 40 seconds left in Boston's 85-76 win in Game 1 on Saturday night. The altercation occurred near Miami's bench while Boston's Paul Pierce lay on the floor with an apparent right shoulder injury. Garnett said he wanted to make room for Pierce as Heat players stood nearby. During the confrontation, Garnett and Richardson exchanged words. The league also fined Richardson $25,000.

The Toronto Raptors' Chris Bosh and the Oklahoma City Thunder's Kevin Durant today were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played March 29 through April 4.

Bosh tied for the league lead in scoring (31.5 ppg) - 7.2 points higher than his season average - and added 11.5 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.5 steals, leading Toronto to a 3-1 record. Bosh had four consecutive point-rebound double-doubles and recorded his ninth career 40-point game (second this season) April 4 against Golden State. On March 31, Bosh tallied 34 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks in a win over the Clippers. This marks Bosh's second NBA Player of the Week award this season.

Durant led Oklahoma City to a 4-0 record, including a win at Dallas, the team's first win there since 2004. Durant tied Bosh for the league lead in scoring (31.5 ppg), and added averages of 8.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.5 steals (third in the West) and 1.5 blocks, leading the Thunder to its first playoff berth since the 2004-05 season. On April 4, Durant scored 40 points in a win over Minnesota and broke the franchise record for points in a season (2,258), passing Dale Ellis' mark of 2,253 (1989-90). This is Durant's third NBA Player of the Week award this season.

Here is a recap of the week for Bosh and Durant:

Chris Bosh, Toronto Raptors
March 29 @ Charlotte: Recorded 22 points, 11 rebounds, two blocks and one steal in a 103-101 win over the Bobcats.
March 31 vs. L.A. Clippers: Posted 34 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks in a 114-92 win over the Clippers.
April 3 @ Philadelphia: Scored 28 points, and added 12 rebounds and seven assists in a 128-123 win over the Sixers.
April 4 vs. Golden State: Poured in 42 points, to go along with 12 rebounds, five steals and one block in a 113-112 loss to the Warriors.

Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City
March 30 @ Philadelphia: Posted 26 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, two blocks and three steals in a 111-93 win over the Sixers.
March 31 @ Boston: Recorded 37 points, eight rebounds, two assists and one steal in a 109-104 win over the Celtics.
April 3 @ Dallas: Scored 23 points, and added five rebounds, five assists, five steals and one block in a 121-116 win over the Mavericks.
April 4 vs. Minnesota: Netted 40 points, to go along with nine rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal in a 116-108 win over the Timberwolves.

Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week were Atlanta's Jamal Crawford, Boston's Rajon Rondo, Charlotte's Gerald Wallace, Cleveland's LeBron James, Miami's Dwyane Wade and San Antonio's Manu Ginobili.

Kevin Durant scored 25 points, James Harden added a spark with 23 points off the bench while returning from an injury and the Oklahoma City Thunder ended a string of futility against the Houston Rockets with a 122-104 victory on Wednesday night. The Thunder got out to a sizzling start and opened a 23-point lead within the first 14 minutes. Their lead was never in jeopardy against a Houston team desperately needing a late charge to make the playoffs. Instead, Oklahoma City used its second-best shooting performance of the season to take a big step toward solidifying its spot in the postseason. Luis Scola scored 25 and Trevor Ariza added 20 points for Houston, which fell seven games behind Oklahoma City and 51/2 behind eighth-place Portland in the Western Conference.

 

Kevin Durant had 27 points and eight rebounds and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Sacramento Kings 108-102 on Sunday night. The road victory was the seventh in nine games for the Thunder, who defeated the Kings in three of four meetings this season. Tyreke Evans had 24 points and seven assists for the Kings and Carl Landry had 20 points and eight rebounds. Francisco Garcia scored 14 points and Jason Thompson added 11. The Kings have lost two straight and three of four in falling to

15-15 this season at home. Russell Westbrook scored 13 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter for the Thunder, who have won two straight and five of six. James Harden scored all 14 of his points in the first half, while Jeff Green added 12 points.

Jason Richardson connected on a floater from the foul line with 0.7 seconds left to complete the Suns' rally from a 10-point deficit and Phoenix snapped the Oklahoma City Thunder's nine-game winning streak with a 104-102 victory on Tuesday night. Amare Stoudemire scored 30 points and Richardson had his second double-double of the season with 20 points and 13 rebounds for the Suns, who were down 10 with 31/2 minutes to play. Kevin Durant scored 36 points and Russell Westbrook had 21 points and 10 rebounds for the Thunder. Phoenix has won nine of its last 11 games to move past the surging Thunder into fifth place in the Western Conference. And they did it this time without two-time MVP Steve Nash, who didn't make the trip to rest injuries to his back and abdomen.

Kevin Durant had 33 points and 11 rebounds to help Oklahoma City extend its season-high winning streak to six games with an 89-77 victory over Portland on Tuesday night. It's the 25th straight game that Durant has scored 25 or more points _ the longest streak since Allen Iverson did it in 27 consecutive games during the 2000-01 season.      Jeff Green scored 17 points and James Harden 13 as Oklahoma City

(30-21) ended a four-game losing streak to Portland. The Thunder defense did a job on the Trail Blazers, who committed 24 turnovers and shot only .403, hitting 31 of 77 attempts from the floor.

     Andre Miller scored 22 points to lead Portland. LaMarcus

Aldridge had 15 points and 12 rebounds for the Blazers (29-22).

Are you kidding me? He hit this shot from behind the backboard? See the video as Monta' Ellis knocks it down. From Golden State/Dallas game.

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant was named a reserve on the Western Conference All-Star Team the NBA announced today.  

"I am both excited and honored to be able to represent the Thunder and our organization as an NBA All-Star," said Durant. "There are a lot of people who have contributed to this achievement, it is important to me that I recognize the support I have received from my teammates, our organization and my family as well as our fans. I'm looking forward to this experience and am excited to take the floor for the Western Conference."

Durant becomes the first ever Thunder All-Star and the first franchise All-Star since Ray Allen was named a Western Conference reserve in 2007.  This season, Durant is averaging 29.3 points (3rd in the NBA), 7.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.4 steals and 39.9 minutes in 45 games.

"Kevin, through his commitment, consistency and discipline, has earned this recognition," said Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti. "He has worked diligently to improve himself as an all-around player and possesses a deep respect for team and community. We are proud to have Kevin represent the Thunder at NBA All-Star Weekend."

Since Christmas the third year forward has paced the NBA in scoring with 31.9 points per contest while shooting 51.2% from the field (174-340 FG) including 49.1% from beyond the arc (28-57 3FG).  He has scored 30 or more points an NBA-best 25 times this season including 25 or more points in each of the last 19 contests, which in the most in NBA history for a player under the age of 22. Durant is on pace to become just the second player in NBA history, 21 years or younger, to finish the season with a scoring average above 29 points per contest (LeBron James, 31.4 ppg, 2005-06).

The 2010 NBA All-Star Game, which will air live on TNT and ESPN Radio in the U.S., and reach fans in more than 200 countries and territories in more than 40 languages, will be played at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, before an expected crowd of more than 80,000 - the largest group ever to witness a live basketball game.

For more information on the Oklahoma City Thunder, log on to thunder.nba.com.

Jefferson ended up with the ball after the Spurs' play went awry, with Manu Ginobili diving out of bounds to save an errant pass that bounced off of Antonio McDyess. George Hill then passed it to Jefferson, who beat the shot clock with a 13-foot jumper in the lane with 9.1 seconds left. Russell Westbrook missed a potential game-winning 19-footer for Oklahoma City at the final buzzer. Kevin Durant scored 35 points and Westbrook had 25 points and 13 assists for the Thunder.

The players in the NBA are the very best at what they do. But even those guys can make mistakes. Watch as J.R. Smith of the Nuggets THINKS a shot from the Kings Tyreke Evens was good even though it barely touched the net. Smith then took the ball out of bounds, thus giving it right back to Sacramento. Watch below.

Kevin Durant scored 28 points, rookie James Harden added a career-high 26 and the Oklahoma City Thunder capitalized on a brief blowup by Golden State's Corey Maggette to pull away from the Warriors for a 104-88 victory on Monday night. Oklahoma City led by one when Maggette drew two technical fouls for arguing with official Derek Richardson late in the third quarter. Durant hit both free throws, and Russell Westbrook added two more from the initial foul against Maggette. Between Maggette's ejection and the end of the third quarter,

the Thunder outscored Golden State 16-5. Monta Ellis led the Warriors with 31 points but committed nine turnovers. Golden State opened a five-game trip with assistant Keith Smart in charge while coach Don Nelson fights pneumonia.

The NBA can be pretty dull in the middle of the season. Well, this might spice it up a bit. Watch as Joakim Noah calls LeBron James a bit**. They almost come to blows and LeBron ends with a happy dance. Hey, you can't make this stuff up!

Watch as this NBA player stops WITH THE BALL and ties his shoe during a game. And the other team just waits for him!

Williams had 10 points, nine assists and seven rebounds for the Jazz, who committed 24 turnovers.

3-pointer with a second left.

Kevin Durant, Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook will represent the Oklahoma City Thunder on this season's NBA All-Star ballot. The league unveiled the ballot on Tuesday in Dallas. The All-Star game will be played on Feb. 14 at Cowboys Stadium in nearby Arlington, Texas. Fans can vote at games from Sunday through Jan. 9, or online using the Thunder's Web site. Fans can also vote via text message. Durant and Green are in their third seasons. Westbrook is a second-year player.

Kevin Durant scored 28 points, Russell Westbrook added 17 points and 10 assists and the Oklahoma City Thunder ran away from the Orlando Magic in the second half Sunday night for a 102-74 victory. The Magic played for the fourth time this season without Vince Carter and Rashard Lewis, and also added Ryan Anderson to their injured list. They seemed to run out of gas after a strong start. Oklahoma City raced out of halftime to score the first eight points, and then added a 9-0 spurt shortly thereafter to push its lead to 72-49 on Nick Collison's basket in the lane midway through the third period. The Thunder removed any doubt with a run of 10 straight points in the fourth quarter. Dwight Howard led the Magic with 20 points.

lane repeatedly to earn trips to the foul line and help Portland inch away. His three-point play off a driving layup gave the Trail Blazers a 70-62 lead with 3:59 to play.

Watch the video below as Manu Ginobili deals with the bat.

Blake Griffin's NBA debut has been pushed back indefinitely after the Clippers revealed late Monday night that their No. 1 overall draft pick has a broken left kneecap.

The stress fracture could sideline the Oklahoma star for six weeks, the team announced, promising further information Tuesday.

Griffin, who averaged 13.7 points and 8.1 rebounds per game during the preseason, won't be in the Clippers' lineup when they face the Lakers in their opener tonight at Staples Center, and he could be out much longer. The Clippers play 20 games in their first six weeks of the regular season.

Griffin apparently broke his kneecap during the Clippers' final exhibition game against New Orleans last Friday, perhaps after a dunk that left the power forward wincing in pain. The team initially said Griffin only had a sore left knee, making him questionable for the opener, before revealing the break.

Griffin was the consensus college Player of the Year with 22.7 points and an NCAA-best 14.4 rebounds per game last season for the Sooners.

After the Clippers won the draft lottery and selected him, Griffin strained his right shoulder during a summer league game in July. The team brought him back cautiously, and Griffin said he was totally healthy in the preseason.

His latest injury is a sadly unsurprising setback for the star-crossed Clippers, who won just 19 games last year in an injury-plagued season. Los Angeles has just two winning in the last 30 years and just one playoff series victory since moving to town in 1984.

Los Angeles was mostly healthy going into this fall, with point guard Baron Davis and center Chris Kaman both ready to play after missing chunks of last season. The Clippers actually have solid frontcourt talent with Marcus Camby, Al Thornton and Rasual Butler alongside Griffin.

The motocross stunt show, "Defying Danger FMX and Globe of Thunder", produced by BMX stunt rider and Oklahoma native Mat Hoffman, will headline the Thunder Ally festivities. Two shows are scheduled on Reno Ave. before doors open and one after the game. Entertainment also includes a concert by country musician Mark McKinney, courtesy of Budweiser, interactive games, food, a Budweiser beer garden and an autograph session with the Thunder Girls.

Wednesday's national anthem will be performed by Billboard Music Award winner, R&B artist, Mario. Mario is best known for his hit song, "Let Me Love You", which earned him a Best Male R&B Vocal Performance nomination at the 48^th Annual Grammy Awards. Fans will also enjoy halftime entertainment by "America's Got Talent" finalist, Nuttin' But Stringz. The nationally recognized music duo has also preformed on the "The Today Show" , "The Tonight Show", at the Apollo Theater and for former President George W. Bush.  

In addition, all fans coming to the game will receive a complimentary 2009-10 Thunder schedule magnet, courtesy of Sprite.

                "We are thrilled to open our second season at home in the newly renovated Ford Center," said Thunder Senior Vice President Brian Byrnes. "We have the NBA's loudest and most passionate fans and look forward to launching the season Wednesday night."

                Fans can Thunder Up with team gear, the new Thunder Girls 2009-10 calendar and the first edition of Thunder Magazine at the ThunderShop inside the Ford Center located outside Section 102. A new personalized jersey station will be open at Sec. 120 on the concourse.

                The Thunder's Season Opener will be broadcast in Oklahoma City on Thunder TV/KSBI (OKC Cox Ch. 15, HD Ch. 715) and on the Thunder Radio Network statewide, led by flagship stations WWLS (640AM and 98.1 FM), the Sports Animal.

                Fans are encouraged to arrive early due to construction surrounding the Ford Center. Tickets for the Season Opener are still available at thunder.nba.com, 405-208-HOOP (4667) or at the Ford Center box office.

 # # #

The Thunder will also be playing a preseason game this Wednesday, Oct. 14 at the BOK Center in Tulsa vs. the Miami Heat.  Fans are asked to visit bokcenter.com for ticket information.

THUNDER NEWS:

·          Miss America 2009 Katie Stam will be in attendance at tonight's game. Stam, who won the Miss Indiana title earlier this year, is a communications major at the University of Indianapolis.

·          Single game tickets for the first half of the season up to and including the Jan. 16 game against the Miami Heat are on sale now. A number of seats at all price levels remain for marquee matchups including the season opener against the Sacramento Kings on Oct. 28, the Los Angeles Lakers on Nov. 3, and the only visit by the Los Angeles Clippers on Nov. 15.  Single-game tickets start as low as $10. Similar to last year, the Thunder will hold back approximately 200 tickets for walkup sales on game day.

###

Starting this Friday, the Thunder is partnering with United Way of Central Oklahoma to assist in the Stuff the Bus campaign, a back-to-school clothing drive benefiting local kids in need, beginning August 7 through August 29. United Way is collecting new school clothing and uniforms for students grades Pre-K through 12. This weekend is the Oklahoma Sales Tax Holiday, and shoppers  at Penn Square Mall will not be charged sales tax on clothing and shoe items $100 or less . Donors can contribute clothing or gift cards by placing them in school bus collection boxes located throughout Penn Square Mall. United Way asks that all donated clothing be new and include original tags.

WHAT:                   The Thunder Girls and Rumble the Bison help collect clothes for the United of Central Oklahoma's Stuff the Bus campaign.

WHO:                     Thunder Girls  

                                Rumble the Bison

WHEN:                   Thunder Girls

Friday, August 7

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Rumble

Saturday, August 8

1:00 p.m.

WHERE:                 Penn Square Mall

                                1900 NW Expressway

                                Thunder Girls - Pepperoni Grill entrance

                                Rumble -Cantina Laredo entrance

ABOUT THE UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA:

United Way of Central Oklahoma creates opportunities for a better life by focusing on successful kids, strong families, independent living, healthy citizens, and community preparedness. Through a network of local partner agencies, United Way serves one in three central Oklahomans each year while maintaining the highest level of accountability. For more information, visit www.unitedwayokc.org or call 405-236-8441.

ABOUT THE THUNDER'S COMMUNITY OUTREACH:

The Thunder's Community Relations initiatives strive to make a positive impact on the Oklahoma City community through programs that focus on children's literacy and education, youth and family development, health, wellness and fitness. The Thunder also makes hundreds of donations throughout the year to local nonprofits in support of their fundraising efforts.

The Los Angeles Clippers today signed rookie forward Blake Griffin, the first overall selection in the 2009 NBA Draft. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not announced.

A dominant power forward and a commanding physical presence, Griffin was the consensus National Player of the Year following a sophomore season where he averaged 22.7 points and 14.4 rebounds for the Sooners.

The 20-year old Oklahoma City native dominated college basketball last season, winning every major postseason player of the year award. Griffin led the nation in rebounding (504 rebounds) and double-doubles (30) and helped the Sooners advance to the Elite Eight in the 2009 NCAA Tournament.

The 6-foot-10, 251 pound Griffin was named to the All-Big 12 Team as a freshman in 2007-08, and continued to improve last season, finishing second in the nation in field goal percentage (.659) and 11th in scoring (22.7 ppg). Griffin's 504 rebounds last season was the highest season rebound total in college basketball since Larry Bird grabbed 505 boards in 1978-79.

Griffin is a member of the Los Angeles Clippers' entry in the 2009 NBA Summer League presented by EA Sports. The Clippers begin summer league play on Monday, July 13th vs. the Lakers in a game played at the Thomas and Mack Center on the campus of the University of Nevada Las Vegas, tipping off at 5:30 PM.

The Los Angeles Clippers signed Blake Griffin Thursday, the #1 overall selection in the 2009 NBA Draft. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not announced.

A dominant power forward and a commanding physical presence, Griffin was the consensus National Player of the Year following a sophomore season where he averaged 22.7 points and 14.4 rebounds for the Sooners.

The 20-year old Oklahoma City native dominated college basketball last season, winning every major postseason player of the year award. Griffin led the nation in rebounding (504 rebounds) and double-doubles (30) and helped the Sooners advance to the Elite Eight in the 2009 NCAA Tournament.

The 6-foot-10, 251 pound Griffin was named to the All-Big 12 Team as a freshman in 2007-08, and continued to improve last season, finishing second in the nation in field goal percentage (.659) and 11th in scoring (22.7 ppg). Griffin's 504 rebounds last season was the highest season rebound total in college basketball since Larry Bird grabbed 505 boards in 1978-79.

Griffin is a member of the Los Angeles Clippers' entry in the 2009 NBA Summer League presented by EA Sports. The Clippers begin summer league play on Monday, July 13th vs. the Lakers in a game played at the Thomas and Mack Center on the campus of the University of Nevada Las Vegas, tipping off at 5:30 PM.

After Friday, fans can purchase season tickets by calling 405.208.HOOP or visiting thunder.nba.com.

"This is a great opportunity to secure the best remaining seats for every home game, join the Thunder family and enjoy the significant improvements being made to the Ford Center," said Brian Byrnes, Senior Vice President of Ticket Sales and Service. "Fans next season will receive a more dynamic in-game experience and an exciting team getting better every day."

                On Friday only, Thunder staff members will be on hand to assist fans with questions, help select seats and be shown new 3-D charts detailing seats available for purchase. Those who attend will also have the opportunity to view a model of the new center scoreboard, preview the Ford Center renovations and see options for new seating environments like the Terrace Suite and Terrace Seating. Seat locations are based on availability, and a limited inventory exists in many sections throughout the arena.

Season ticket prices remain the same from last year, with a range of price levels and payment options to meet all budgets. The limited inventory includes Loud City tickets in the $10-30 range, Club seats and lower level seating. As always, seats will be set aside for single game tickets, partial season packages and group plans. Information on these seats will be released later this summer.

On Thursday, June 25 the Thunder will host an NBA Draft party at Riverwind Casino beginning at 6 p.m. The NBA Draft will be broadcast live on ESPN. This is a free event open to the public and fans of all ages.

Visit the new thunder.nba.com now to see the interactive, 3-D seating chart of the Ford Center. 

The top three finalists will be placed on thunder.nba.com and all site visitors will be able to vote on the most creative entry. The Grand Prize winner will win round-trip airfare from Oklahoma City to New York City, hotel accommodations, per diem for the trip and will head to the Draft Lottery at the NBA Entertainment studios.

Deadline for entries on thunder.nba.com is midnight on Monday, May 4. Fans should refrain from using draft eligible player names, numbers and schools. The winning entry will be announced on Thursday, May 7 at thunder.nba.com.

The 2009 NBA Draft is set for Thursday, June 25 with coverage beginning at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN.

It was an exciting night at the Ford center in Oklahoma City. The Thunder were coming off this first win and had the defending champion Celtics coming to town.

Great crowd, great atmosphere, great first quarter, and then it all fell apart. Boston beat OKC 96-83 with a strong final three quarters.

Read all about it and hang in there Thunder fans!

The NBA will be in Oklahoma City in a few weeks but can you afford to go? The franchise released season ticket packages and prices Thursday and it looks pretty affordable.

The average ticket will be in the $47.00 dollar range with the high end seats going for around $250.00. The better news is, most of the upper deck will go for $20.00 or less.

Check out the prices and keep in mind that the single game tickets will not go in sale for a few weeks.

The first time the new NBA franchise in OKC tips off in Oklahoma, it will be in Tulsa. The yet to be named team will face Houston in a pre-season game at the BOK center on October 13th. The entire pre-season schedule is below.

The NBA playoffs roll on and the team in OKC last year is on fire! The  New Orleans Hornets blasted Dallas 127-103. Chris Paul had 32 points and a franchise record 17 assists for the winners. Dwight Howard was a monster for Orlando as the Magic edged the Toronto Raptors 104-103. Howard had 29 points, 20 rebounds and five blocks as the Magic took a two games to none lead in the series. San Antonio fell behind big early but came back to beat Phoenix 102-96. Tony Parker scored 32 for the Spurs.

 More games tonight, the schedule includes;

Philadelphia at Detroit    (Sixers lead series 1-0)

Atlanta visits Boston      (Celtics lead series 1-0)

Lakers host Denver        (LA leads series 1-0)