ANN has confirmed the North American distribution company New Video Group will release "The Official Digimon Adventure Set: The Complete First Season" on DVD on October 9, 2012. The set will contain all 54 episodes from the first season of Digimon Adventure on eight DVDs. This release will be the very first anime release from the New York-based company.

The set can even include a 36-page guide booklet featuring the first seven characters plus picture galleries and behind-the-scenes sketches. The set would include only the English language audio track, and can retail for US$79.95 Digimon Masters Online Tera.

The DVD set is currently accessible for pre-order on Amazon and Right Stuf.

New Video Group's release will mark the primary time the whole first season has become released on DVD in North America. Twentieth Century Fox and Buena Vista Home Entertainment both previously DMO Gold released part from the series on DVD in 2000 and 2002, respectively.

The original Digimon Adventure television anime series premiered on TV in Japan and from the United States in 1999.

EDITORS:

Pro Football Hall of Fame preview stories will move on the following schedule:

SUNDAY Jaire Alexander Jersey , JULY 29 – Ray Lewis, by Dave Ginsburg.

MONDAY, JULY 30 (AMS) – Randy Moss, by Dave Campbell.

TUESDAY, JULY 31 (PMS, to move 3 a.m. EDT) – Bobby Beathard, by Bernie Wilson.

TUESDAY, JULY 31 (AMS) – Brian Dawkins, by Rob Maaddi.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 1 (PMS Saquon Barkley Jersey Youth , to move 3 a.m. EDT) – Jerry Kramer, by Arnie Stapleton.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 1 (AMS) – Brian Urlacher, by Josh Dubow.

THURSDAY, AUG. 2 (PMS, to move 3 a.m. EDT) – Robert Brazile, by Kristie Rieken.

THURSDAY, AUG. 2 (AMS) – Terrell Owens, by Rob Maaddi.

FRIDAY, AUG. 3 – Hall of Fame Overview. By Barry Wilner.

AP SPORTS

Justin Reid used to frequent his older brother’s house to watch NFL game film and study game preparations.

The Texans rookie safety was at Stanford then Jordan Howard Jersey , and the visits gave him a behind-the-scenes look at the NFL life of his older brother, Eric Reid, who was thriving with the San Francisco 49ers. On Friday afternoon, Justin Reid was looking forward to calling his brother back in the Bay Area to talk about Day 1 of his own NFL journey with Houston.

Earlier this week, the NFL players union filed a non-injury grievance on behalf of Eric Reid, now a free agent after five seasons in San Francisco, including a Pro Bowl rookie season in 2013. Eric Reid has been a strong supporter of former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who in 2016 became the first player to kneel during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial inequality.

Last week, Eric Reid filed a collusion claim similar to one filed by Kaepernick in 2017 where several league owners and executives were deposed, including Texans owner Bob McNair.

Justin Reid said he he hasn’t had a lot of time to digest his feelings on his brother’s decisions – but he supports all of them.

”I’m proud of my brother and supportive of everything he does Josh Jackson Jersey Youth , the same way I support all of my family members,” Justin Reid said. ”If they believe what they’re doing is right, then they should do it.”

Asked to describe for NFL owners what kind of person his older brother is, Justin Reid vouched for him, emphatically.

”You should just hold a conversation with him,” Justin Reid said. ”I won’t speak for Eric, I’ll let him deliver his own message. But if you held a conversation with him, then you’d really understand what he’s standing for.”

The Texans used their first draft pick on Justin Reid, selecting him 68th overall in the third round. He is expected to compete with Andre Hal at free safety next to strong safety Tyrann Mathieu, who played alongside Eric Reid at LSU.

Coach Bill O’Brien praised Justin Reid for his size Anthony Miller Jersey , speed and smarts. Reid raised eyebrows at the NFL combine with a 40-yard dash time of 4.40 seconds, second-fastest among safeties.

”He’s a guy that’s a versatile guy who can do some different things for us, help us on special teams and obviously, help us on defense,” O’Brien said. ”He just got here, so we’ll see how he does in our system.”

Reid is hoping that his experience of living vicariously through his brother over the past few years will help him adjust to the NFL. He said he feels like he’s coming into the league with the mentality of a third-year veteran. He said he watched the Texans’ most recent five games from last season and has been studying the playbook to enter camp as prepared as possible.

”I kind of have a feel for how this process goes before having even gone through it,” Reid said. ”It’s still different going through it myself for the first time, but it is nice for having that rough road map and having a feel for how these things go.”

—

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Julius Peppers isn’t done playing football just yet.

The 38-year-old free agent re-signed with the Panthers on Wednesday Joe Thomas Jersey Elite , agreeing to a one-year contract.

The deal is for $5 million, with $2.5 million guaranteed, a person familiar with the situation said. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team does not release financial terms of contracts.

”I am fired up to have him back,” Panthers coach Ron Rivera told The Associated Press. ”It was amazing to have him as part of what we are trying to build and I think he can help us get to the next level.”

The Panthers also officially announced acquisition of Eagles wide receiver Torrey Smith in exchange for cornerback Daryl Worley, which was reported last week .

Peppers had contemplated retirement after the Panthers went 11-5 last season and made the playoffs as a wild card team.

Earlier this year Panthers outside linebacker Thomas Davis and center Ryan Kalil both said this will be their last season. Peppers could also be another player making a farewell tour in 2018.

Peppers is entering his 17th NFL season, including his 10th with the Panthers.

A nine-time Pro bowl selection, he returned to Carolina last season and had a productive season with 11 sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

Peppers helps provide some depth at defensive end after starter Charles Johnson was released earlier this offseason.

Peppers’ 154 sacks are the fourth-most in NFL history. He needs six sacks to pass Kevin Greene and move into third place on the NFL’s all-time list.

The North Carolina native was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2002 draft by the Panthers following a successful college career with the North Carolina Tar Heels.

He played his first eight seasons in Carolina before joining the Chicago Bears in 2010. He played four years there and three more for the Green Bay Packers before returning to Carolina last year.

Peppers has played in 250 career games, tied for seventh-most of any defensive player in NFL history and has played in 160 straight games, the second-longest of any defensive player.

He was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 2000s.

Peppers leads all active players with 20 career fumble recoveries and ranks second in forced fumbles (49) in the NFL since 2002. His 11 career interceptions rank second all-time for defensive ends.

Smith brings needed speed to the team’s wide receiver position.

He said in a conference call Wednesday that he’s thrilled to join the Panthers and have a chance to play with quarterback Cam Newton Saquon Barkley Jersey Youth , whom he has worked out with in the past.

”The Eagles were very open about the trade, so I wasn’t blindsided,” said Smith, who had 36 catches for 430 yards and two touchdowns while starting 14 games last year for the Super Bowl champions. ”But this is one of the places I wanted to be and I’m happy that it played out that way.”

Smith played one season with former Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith in Baltimore and said he’s like a ”legit big brother I can talk to about anything.”

The Panthers lost unrestricted free agent defensive tackle Star Lotulelei to Buffalo on Wednesday after he signed a five-year deal with the Bills.

—

— Just as the demonstrations of players during the national anthem have become a means of expression for NFL players, the stage at the Hall of Fame inductions often turns into a political platform. It certainly did Saturday night.

Ray Lewis did so with his words, and Randy Moss with his tie.

There even were political tones with a different target 600 miles away during Terrell Owens’ speech at his personal celebration of entering the pro football shrine.

Lewis was a man on the prowl as he concluded proceedings in Canton, just as he was on the field as the greatest linebacker of his generation. He eschewed the lectern, wearing a cordless microphone for his 33-minute oratory focusing on “hope, faith and love,” on “family Byron Jones Jersey Elite , honor, legacy.”

And then on the division in this country.

“Our country needs real leaders,” Lewis said. “We need people that are willing to step up and take action. We need people willing to fight for what is good and what is right.

“How do we react to challenges in our country right now? Think about this,” he added, looking around at his fellow Hall of Famers. “We can go from being legends to building a legacy bigger than football, bigger than sports. I want us to work together to really take on these challenges, to look at our goals and what unites us. Surely, there is something.”

While he never specifically mentioned anyone or any political party, Lewis delivered a message about unity that stretched far beyond the football field. It echoed the powerful speeches in recent years by LaDainian Tomlinson, Tony Dungy and Cris Carter.

“How about stopping our kids from dying in schools?” Lewis asked. “Can we please put prayer back in schools? Please. How about protecting our children from a terrifying life of being sex trafficked? How about helping our neighbors that can’t afford their medicine?

“How can we do this? How can we come together? The answer is simple. The answer is love. … The love that sacrifices and is defined by action taken for others. The actions of stepping up and being a leader. It’s no different than we all did to get here. We rose to the challenge Zack Martin Jersey Womens , week after week for the love of the game and for the love of our team. That love just doesn’t go away when we retire. It’s still in us burning to be used.”

Yes, the loudest cheers during Lewis’ time onstage came when he mentioned Baltimore or paid tribute to former teammates and coaches. But Lewis admitted to being hopeful that the words at the end of his speech would have a lasting impact.

Instead of politicizing his speech, Moss wore a tie he said bore the names of 13 black men and women who have been killed by police in recent years. Late Saturday night, he explained his reasoning for wearing it to NFL Network.

“You see the names on my tie. Being able to use a big platform like this here at the Hall of Fame … what I wanted to be able to express with my tie is to let these families know that they’re not alone. I’m not here voicing; but by these names on my tie, at a big platform — it’s the Pro Football Hall of Fame — there’s a lot of stuff going on in our country. I just wanted to let these family members know that they’re not alone.”

Owens was alone, not among Hall of Famers, after making the unprecedented decision to skip the Canton inductions. He gave a bunch of reasons in Chattanooga, ranging from the process by which people get voted in to his being badmouthed unfairly — one Hall of Famer has called Owens “a cancer” — to being a groundbreaker for future hall candidates.

“It’s not because of how many times it took for me to be voted to the hall,” said Owens, who got in on his third try — the same as Joe Namath Mitchell Trubisky Bears Jersey , Willie Lanier and Fran Tarkenton, for example. “It’s about the mere fact that the sports writers are not in alignment with the mission and core values of the Hall of Fame.

“These writers disregarded the system, the criteria and bylaws in which guys are inducted, and ultimately the true meaning of the Hall of Fame and what it represents. I wanted to take a stand so the next guy coming after me will not have to go through what I and others have gone through. Whether it’s three years or 45 years, you should get what you rightfully earned.”

One thing Owens apparently earned is the enmity of many men who own gold jackets. While they preferred not to speak on the record about his absence, a significant number in Canton said Owens might never be welcomed into their fraternity.

.

James Reimer has been coming up big for the surging Panthers the last six weeks. His latest effort was his second shutout this month and it helped Florida move closer to a playoff spot.

Reimer stopped 32 shots for his fifth straight win as the Panthers beat the reeling New York Islanders 3-0 Monday night.

”I just tried to be big in there and try to read the puck as best as I could and be on it Joe Thomas Browns Jersey ,” Reimer said. ”And then rely on your D-men to clear any garbage, and they did a great job.”

It was the backup goalie’s fourth shutout this season and 21st of his career, improving his record to 7-1-0 since returning from an injury Feb. 12.

”Reims has answered the bell every time,” Panthers coach Bob Boughner said. ”This is the part of the season you need guys stepping up and he’s been one of our guys that’s stepped up for us. … His preparation is real good and you can see he was focused right from the drop of the puck tonight, made some big saves.”

Evgenii Dadonov and Keith Yandle each had a goal and an assist, and Nick Bjugstad also scored to help Florida win for the 13th time in 17 games (13-3-1).

The Panthers moved within one point of idle New Jersey for the second wild card in the Eastern Conference. They have eight games remaining, one more than the Devils Jordan Howard Bears Jersey , over the final 13 days of the season.

”I really haven’t been paying much attention to what’s going on with the Devils and those other teams, but obviously we know it’s tight and you can’t afford to lose at this point,” Bjugstad said. ”There’s not much breathing room here at the end of the year. … We’ve got a tough schedule coming up here, a lot of games, but it’s going to be a fun challenge.”

Christopher Gibson finished with 38 saves for the Islanders, who were eliminated from postseason contention for the second straight year with their 14th loss in 16 games (2-10-4).

”It’s tough,” coach Doug Weight said. ”It’s tough for us Deion Sanders 49ers Jersey , and it’s not good enough. It’s tough for the fans, it’s tough for everybody involved. All we can say is we’re going to be better. … I think we have the ingredients and we have the drive and we’re going to work at it.”

Leading 1-0 after one period, Florida pulled away with two goals in the second while outshooting New York 19-11.

After Islanders rookie Mathew Barzal was given a double-minor for high-sticking Vincent Trochek 1:24 into the middle period, Florida took advantage just 23 seconds later. Bjugstad got a pass from Jamie McGinn, skated into the right circle and fired the puck past Gibson for his 18th goal.

Dadonov made it 3-0 at 6:09 as he sent a pass from the left side boards toward the net for a streaking Bjugstad, but the puck deflected off the skate of Islanders defenseman Brandon Davidson and past Gibson. It was Dadonov’s 24th goal of the season, and ninth goal and 21st point in his last 17 games.

The Panthers outshot the Islanders 16-10 in the first period Tremaine Edmunds Jersey Youth , with both teams getting solid chances.

Gibson denied Derek MacKenzie in front 3 1/2 minutes in, and then stopped MacKenzie Weeger’s shot from the left circle and Maxim Mamim’s follow attempt on the rebound in front a little more than two minutes later.

The Islanders’ Cal Clutterbuck hit a post 2 1/2 minutes in. Reimer also turned away Andrew Ladd’s tip attempt in front 4 1/2 minutes in, Anders Lee’s backhand two minutes later, and two tries in close by John Tavares shortly after that.

Reimer acknowledged that being in the thick of the playoff race has helped elevate his game.

”When it’s going like this you just come to the rink ready to go,” he said. ”You’re excited to play, every game means something, and those are the fun games to play.”

Yandle got the Panthers on the scoreboard with 8:22 left in the opening period as he sent a long wrist shot from between the circles in front of the blue line past Gibson’s glove side for his eighth.

NOTES: Aleksander Barkov had an assist on Yandle’s goal http://www.buffalobillsteamonline.com/lesean-mccoy-jersey , giving him 15 assists and 21 points in his last 17 games. He is one away from becoming the first Panthers player with 50 assists since Olli Jokinen had 52 in 2006-07. … The Panthers improved to 10-3-1 this month, tying the franchise record for wins and points (21) in March set in 2006. Florida has three more games remaining this month. … Florida is 20-6-1 in its last 27 games. …. The Panthers improved to 26-1-0 when leading after two periods. … Tavares snapped a five-game point streak in which he had two goals and seven assists.

UP NEXT

Panthers: At the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night in the second of a four-game trip.

Islanders: At the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday night.

—

Follow Vin Cherwoo at > Like WTOP on Facebook and follow WTOP on to engage in conversation about this article and others.漏 2018 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area..

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Rodney McGruder went home for Memorial Day weekend Denzel Ward Jersey Elite , for reasons that didn’t include barbecues and beach time.

He paid tribute to people he never met.

The Miami Heat guard was part of an NBA contingent that volunteered to spend time in the Washington area with about 500 children who are part of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors – TAPS, for short – over the solemn holiday weekend, trying to help continue the support for families who lost loved ones serving in the military.

The itinerary included tours of the Pentagon, a Jr. NBA clinic, roundtable discussions, mentoring sessions, grief counseling and a trip to Arlington National Cemetery to meet some of the service members who guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier around the clock. Those guards walk 21 steps in one direction, turn and face the tomb for 21 seconds, and then walk 21 steps in the other direction and repeat the process.

”We learned so much about the 21 steps, protecting the Unknown Soldier tomb, so just being there and seeing the detail that they have at their job, much respect to them Custom Chicago Bears Jersey ,” said McGruder, whose Maryland home is only about 20 minutes from Arlington. ”It was breathtaking just seeing all the different stones. It was tough. It was tough.”

New York Knicks guard Jarrett Jack – a military kid growing up – also helped represent the NBA during the weekend events, along with Dallas assistant coach Jamahl Mosley, Sacramento assistant Bryan Gates, Portland assistant David Vanterpool and retired WNBA player Iciss Tillis. Leading the group was Gen. Martin Dempsey, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who now works as an adviser to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

”I’m very proud of the way the NBA has reached out to military servicemen and women and how that has expanded to what we’re doing here this weekend, which is outreach to the survivors of the fallen,” Dempsey said. ”It’s fantastic. What happens is we can’t take away the grief and the memory of the loss, but what we can do is layer positive memories on top of it. And so these athletes and coaches being involved, it’s amazing.”

The kids who were part of the weekend played in a basketball clinic, but most of the questions to the NBA players and coaches had nothing to do with the game.

McGruder said many wanted to know how he’s dealt with loss – not on the basketball court – and how he copes.

”You realize right away that these kids are going through some pretty tough things,” McGruder said. ”One of the toughest questions came from a tough female who wanted to know if I’ve gone through something like that. I explained to her that my mother lost her mother very young Sean Lee Jersey Elite , so it’s not really the same but you share how you’ve been through similar disadvantages.”

McGruder said he came away with a deeper appreciation of what Memorial Day means, and Dempsey – a lifelong fan of the game and someone who Mike Krzyzewski used during his tenure as coach of the U.S. national team to teach the game’s biggest stars about what it means to represent the country – thinks the NBA players have an important message for kids on weekends like this.

”I think with the country kind of more connected technologically than ever before, but maybe pulling itself apart more than ever before, I think sports have a huge role to play to bring a bit of leadership and maybe conscience,” Dempsey said. ”I’m proud to be part of that.”

The Houston Rockets were the best team in the NBA in the regular season.

They played like it Wednesday night, using a balanced scoring attack to rout the Golden State Warriors 127-105 and even the Western Conference finals at one game apiece.

James Harden and Eric Gordon each scored 27 points on a night Houston had five players score 16 points or more.

”We can beat anybody, anywhere at any time playing the way we play,” coach Mike D’Antoni said.

The Rockets didn’t trail after the first quarter and led by double digits for most of the night. They head to Oakland, California for Game 3 on Sunday night feeling much better after rebounding from a deflating 119-106 loss in the series opener.

P.J. Tucker added a playoff career-high 22 and Trevor Ariza had 19 as both bounced back after struggling in Game 1. Tucker had just one point in that game and Ariza scored eight, but was limited on defense after collecting his fifth foul early in the third quarter.

”I never worry about my offense … it’s all on defense,” Tucker said. ”If we get stops we’ll be able to run. It changes the game and it changes the way we play and we know that.”

Kevin Durant had 38 points after scoring 37 in the opener, but Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson combined for just 24 points after the pair went for 46 in Game 1.

Houston wasn’t able to slow down Durant Ty Montgomery Jersey Youth , but did a much better job of limiting open 3-pointers by Thompson and Curry, and the two made just 3 of 12 attempts.

”They were desperate tonight and played like it, and we weren’t and it showed,” Golden State coach Steve Kerr said.

The Warriors made three free throws to get within 11 early in the fourth quarter before the Rockets scored the next 11 points, with 3s from Gordon, Tucker and Harden to make it 111-89 with about 6 1/2 minutes to play.

Durant made a basket after that, but Houston scored the next eight points to extend the lead to 119-91 with about five minutes left.

The Warriors got frustrated in that stretch, with Durant getting a technical for shoving Harden in the back and Draymond Green pushing Ariza out of bounds seconds later. It was then that Kerr sent all of his starters to the bench for good.

Gordon came off the bench to make six 3-pointers, Tucker tied a playoff best with five and Harden added three.

”They were more settled tonight and they hit timely shots,” Durant said. ”The first quarter was still the most important part of the game. Eric Gordon hit two big 3s and that kind of settled them in. Those shots did it for them.”

Houston avoided losing consecutive games for the first time this postseason and the Warriors lost in the second game of a playoff series for the first time since the 2015 NBA Finals, snapping a 10-game winning streak in such games.

”We got outplayed the whole game … we got it handed to us,” Kerr said. ”You can look at it any way you want … and parcel it out Authentic Jordan Howard Jersey , but it didn’t matter who we had out there tonight we got beat.”

Houston led by as many as 19 in the first half and was up 64-50 at halftime. The Warriors cut it to 74-64 with five quick points from Durant, but the Rockets opened it back up to 89-72 when Gordon made an off-balance layup before crashing to the court while being fouled and made the free throw.

The Rockets were up by 16 to start the fourth quarter but Golden State got within 98-86 with about 10 minutes left. Curry had five points in that span, including his first 3 after missing his first six attempts of the night.

Curry finished with 16 points and Thompson was 3 for 11 for his eight points.

TIP-INS

Warriors: It was Durant’s 19th straight playoff game with at least 20 points. … Curry made one 3-pointer to extend his NBA playoff record of 81 straight playoff games with at least one 3-pointer. … Durant and Curry were Golden State’s only players with more than 10 points.

Rockets: Houston improved to 8-0 this postseason when leading after three quarters. … Houston made 16 of 42 3-point attempts. … Paul finished with 16 points.

A LITTLE SHORT

Grammy Award-winning rapper Lil’ Wayne took the Rockets’ first shot for charity before the game. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, the 5-foot-5 Wayne’s shot was a little short. The New Orleans native, who has attended several playoff games in Houston this postseason, still received a loud ovation from the crowd.

THEY SAID IT

Curry on Durant: ”He’s been amazing. He’s making plays. He’s just aggressive and I think we all need to feed off that, the focus and determination.”

UP NEXT

After Game 3, the teams will play Game 4 on Tuesday night in Oakland before returning to Houston for Game 5 on Thursday.

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Milwaukee’s mayor is expressing concern about police conduct in the stun-gun arrest of Bucks guard Sterling Brown in January.

Mayor Tom Barrett says he’s viewed police video of Brown’s arrest over an alleged parking violation. He did not offer details but has said he has questions about how police acted. The video might be released this week.

Police have shown the body-camera footage to some local officials Dak Prescott Jersey Elite , including a closed session of a Common Council committee.

Brown was arrested in a Walgreens parking lot about 2 a.m. Jan. 26. Officers had been checking on a vehicle parked across two handicap spaces. Brown was not charged.

The Bucks signed the 6-foot-6 guard from SMU last summer in a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Philadelphia’s six leading average scorers so far in the playoffs, in order are: Ben Simmons, Dario Saric, Joel Embiid, JJ Redick, Marco Belinelli and Ersan Ilyasova.

Their homelands: Australia, Croatia, Cameroon, the United States, Italy and Turkey.

Philadelphia – a melting pot of humanity for more than 300 years – has a basketball team probably as diverse as the city itself. The 76ers Authentic Jordan Howard Jersey , 19-1 in their last 20 games and suddenly looking very much like an NBA Finals contender, will try to close out the Miami Heat and clinch their Eastern Conference opening series when they play host to Game 5 on Tuesday night.

About a dozen languages and dialects can be spoken in the 76ers locker room at any time, but clearly, winning is a universal language.

”It’s all basketball, but the true side of how people coach, speak, say, play the game is different,” 76ers coach Brett Brown said. ”And that collection now that I have with everybody is like is a melting pot of all peoples experiences. That equals a team. I mean, I love it. I love the geo-political conversations. I love that diversity on the court http://www.buffalobillsteamonline.com/jim-kelly-jersey , off the court. I enjoy it.”

There might be no coach better-suited for this particular gig that Brown, too.

He spent nearly two decades living overseas, spending most of that time coaching in Australia before getting hired by the San Antonio Spurs – another franchise that has found championship ingredients from all over the world – back in 2002. Brown went to Philadelphia in 2013, took loss after loss after loss for his first four seasons when The Process was playing itself out, and now is reaping the rewards.

The 76ers are young. They’re brash. They’re fearless. And they’re legit.

”A lot of the guys growing up overseas, we have that European style of play,” Simmons said. ”It’s a lot different than the U.S. style.”

Simmons is still a kid, in the NBA sense. He’s 21. But he’s already seen the world with a basketball in hand: He’s played all over Australia, represented his country in Lithuania at the FIBA World U17 Championships as a 15-year-old, ended up going to high school in Florida and spent his lone year of college at LSU.

”I’ve seen a lot Zack Martin Jersey Elite ,” Simmons said. ”I’ve played everywhere.”

The poise shows, with the rookie shining in his first playoffs.

Embiid, also in his first playoffs and with a mask protecting his surgically repaired face, has handled playing injured with ease. Belinelli has been a steadying force since he got to Philadelphia two months ago. Saric has been doing things in these playoffs that can draw comparisons to what that countrymen Drazen Petrovic and Peja Stojakovic did before him. Ilyasova has been a key player for Philadelphia since getting rescued from Atlanta in February.

They all think differently, many learned the game differently, and the backgrounds are wildly different.

But it works.

A record 62 players from 33 countries were on playoff rosters across the NBA this season, and no one had more of them than Philadelphia – the 76ers have seven international guys with them for the postseason, matching Utah for the league lead.

”My English isn’t that good, Dario’s isn’t that good, but we try to be a great group Connor Williams Youth Jersey ,” Belinelli said. ”And we are. We go to dinner all together, we spend a lot of time together in the locker room after practice. It’s just part of the work, I think. Having all these guys from different parts of the world, it’s a good thing.”

Brown, a coach in three Olympics, couldn’t agree more.

”This global instinct and sort of global feeling that we have in Philadelphia interests me very much,” Brown said. ”I embrace it. For me, it’s another layer of why I enjoy coaching this team.”

—

.

The Charlotte Hornets have agreed to trade eight-time All-Star center Dwight Howard to the Brooklyn Nets for center Timofey Mozgov and two second-round draft picks Clay Matthews Packers Jersey , a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

The Hornets will get the Nets’ second-round pick Thursday night (45th overall) and a second-round pick in 2021, the person said. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the teams have not announced the trade and the league cannot approve the deal until the trade moratorium ends on July 6.

The 32-year-old Howard played only one season for Charlotte, averaging 16.6 points and 12.5 rebounds per game. He is due to make $23.8 million this season, the final year of his contract.

Brooklyn will be Howard’s fourth team in as many seasons. He had pushed for a trade from Orlando to the Nets during the 2011-12 season in hopes of joining Deron Williams, then changed his mind and recommitted the Magic, who instead dealt him to the Lakers that summer.

After later spending three seasons with the Houston Rockets, Howard was acquired by his hometown Atlanta Hawks in 2016 as a free agent and signed a three-year contract. But he wore out his welcome after one season and was dealt to Charlotte. The Hornets, in the midst of a major organizational shake-up, having already replaced their general manager and coach, could be on the verge of shaking up their roster, too.

Howard struggled to mesh with guard Nicolas Batum, and the Hornets failed to make the playoffs despite what former coach Steve Clifford considered the team’s most talented roster in half a decade.

This is a reunion of sorts for Mozgov. Recently hired Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak signed Mozgov to a four-year, $64 million deal in 2016 when both were with the Los Angeles Lakers.

While the move allows the Hornets to unload Howard’s contract and save about $7 million under this year’s salary cap Aaron Rodgers Jersey , it is a bit of a gamble because Mozgov has two years remaining on his current deal at $16 million per year.

Mozgov’s numbers pale in comparison to Howard’s.

He played in only 31 games last season for the Nets, averaging 4.2 points and 3.2 rebounds. Acquired along with D’Angelo Russell, Mozgov began the season in the starting lineup but quickly fell out of the rotation entirely on a team that preferred to play small and shoot 3-pointers.

The 7-foot-1 Mozgov has not played a full 82-game season since 2013 and has averaged in double figures only once during his eight-year NBA career. By contrast, Howard has averaged 17.4 points, 12.7 rebounds and two blocks per game since joining the league in 2004.

His rim protection should help what has been a poor defensive team and he could help in the pick-and-roll with Russell and Jeremy Lin, but the biggest incentive to the Nets is likely for salary reasons with Howard’s contract expiring after next season.

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AP Basketball Writers Tim Reynolds and Brian Mahoney contributed to this report.

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The Portland Trail Blazers fought their way through a pressure-packed playoff race to earn home-court advantage in a series, then lost it in one game.

The Toronto Raptors know that problem all too well, so they want to take advantage of playing from ahead for a change.

They try for their first 2-0 playoff series lead ever Tuesday night against Washington, while the Trail Blazers try to even things up in against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Boston and Milwaukee play the other Game 2 on Tuesday after the Celtics pulled out a 113-107 overtime victory on Sunday.

The No. 3 Trail Blazers were the highest-seeded team to lose so far, falling 97-95 on Saturday. Anthony Davis was dominant, Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum were slow-starting, and the Pelicans got a couple big defensive plays down the stretch from Jrue Holiday to hold on after the Blazers nearly came back from a 19-point deficit.

”I think it puts some pressure on us,” Lillard said. ”You know Lawrence Taylor Jersey , you come in with home court, the first two games on your floor and you lose the first one, and now they’re saying in their locker room we got one, why not go get another one. And our job is to defend the home court.

”We’ve got to tighten up, come back sharper, and take care of home floor.”

Toronto had lost Game 1 at home all six times it had home-court advantage in a series, part of an overall 10-game losing streak in series openers, before beating Washington 114-106 dropped on Saturday. Finally, the Raptors could enjoy the start of postseason play.

”And for me, this year is finally a year I can be happy watching other games and not be like `Damn, I lost Game 1,”’ point guard Kyle Lowry said.

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Some things to know about Tuesday’s matchups:

WIZARDS AT RAPTORS

Toronto leads 1-0. Game 2, 7 P.M. Tre'Davious White Bills Jersey , NBA TV.

NEED TO KNOW: Toronto’s only other 1-0 series lead was in the 2001 Eastern Conference semifinals against Philadelphia, which won Game 2 and ultimately the series in seven games.

KEEP AN EYE ON: The 3-point line. The Raptors made a franchise-record 16 in the opener, twice as many as Washington for a 24-point advantage behind the arc.

INJURY UPDATE: Raptors reserve Fred VanVleet (right shoulder) went through most of practice Monday after missing the opener but remains day to day. Lowry was fighting a cold but joked he was ”out tanning” Sunday during an ice storm.

PRESSURE IS ON: Washington’s bench. The Wizards‘ reserves probably aren’t going to win the battle against Toronto’s highly productive second unit, but need to produce something more after getting next to nothing beyond Mike Scott’s 14 points in the opener.

BUCKS AT CELTICS

Boston leads 1-0. Game 2, 8 P.M., TNT.

NEED TO KNOW: Giannis Antetokounmpo has scored 20 or more points in eight straight games against the Celtics after scoring 35 before fouling out in overtime of the opener.

KEEP AN EYE ON: Boston’s balance. With Al Horford (24 points), Terry Rozier (23), Marcus Morris (21) and Jaylen Brown (20), the Celtics had four 20-point scorers in a playoff game for the first time since Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Reggie Lewis and Brian Shaw did it in a 1991 game. Throw in Jayson Tatum’s 19 points, and the Bucks let too many players get hot in Game 1.

INJURY UPDATE: Celtics coach Brad Stevens said Marcus Smart is getting some shots up and working on lower body and conditioning as much as he can, but has been told by the training staff that April 27 is the earliest the guard could begin basketball activity.

”We’re still a ways away from that and a lot of games away from that Clay Matthews Jersey Youth ,” Stevens said.

PRESSURE IS ON: Eric Bledsoe. Milwaukee needs more from its starting guard who had more combined fouls (6) and turnovers (5) than points (9) in a bit of a Game 1 dud.

PELICANS AT TRAIL BLAZERS

New Orleans leads 1-0. Game 2, 10:30 P.M., TNT.

NEED TO KNOW: Anthony Davis had 35 points in the opener and has scored 25 or more in his first five postseason games. He can tie LeBron James for the second-longest streak to begin a career, behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s 14 straight, according to Elias.

KEEP AN EYE ON: Rajon Rondo. A 17-assist, eight-rebound opener was another reminder of how much the Pelicans’ point guard can elevate his game in the postseason.

INJURY UPDATE: Portland’s Maurice Harkless is nearing a return from late-season left knee surgery, but may not be available until later in the series.

PRESSURE IS ON: The Blazers’ backcourt. Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum combined to shoot just 13 for 41, and their three combined points on 1-for-15 shooting in the first half doomed Portland to a big hole from which it could not recover.

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AP Sports Writer Kyle Hightower in Boston and freelance writer Ian Harrison in Toronto contributed to this report.

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It couldn’t have been scripted any better.

Daniel and Henrik Sedin said goodbye to the hometown crowd with a memorable farewell.

Daniel scored the winning goal in overtime http://www.buffalobillsteamonline.com/jim-kelly-jersey , off an assist from twin brother Henrik as the Vancouver Canucks defeated the Arizona Coyotes 4-3 Thursday night.

It was the Sedins’ final NHL game at Rogers Arena and a step back in time for the crowd of 18,865 who had one more taste of the elegance and skill the brothers brought to the sport.

A blurry-eyed Daniel tried to describe his feelings when he saw the puck go into the net.

”Relief,” he said. ”I was happy. You couldn’t dream of a better ending in this building, the last time we stepped on this ice.

”It was emotional.”

For Henrik, the Canucks’ captain and franchise leader in points, it was a perfect ending to an emotional week.

”When I woke up this morning I knew it was going to be a big day,” said the older brother by six minutes. ”We tried to enjoy every minute of it.”

Daniel finished with two goals. Henrik also assisted on his first goal in the second period which tied the game 1-1.

The 37-year-old twins from Ornskoldsvik, Sweden Mike McGlinchey Jersey Limited , announced Monday they are retiring after playing 17 seasons with the Canucks. Drafted second and third overall in 1997, their final game will be Saturday in Edmonton against the Oilers.

The boisterous crowd at Rogers Arena was on its feet for most of the third period and the overtime. Between ovations there were chants of ”Go Sedins Go” and ”Hall of Fame.”

The anticipation ratcheted up even higher when the Sedins went over the boards after Arizona’s Richard Panik was called for hooking at 1:16 of overtime.

The goal came when Henrik passed back to Daniel, who blasted a shot from the blue line.

The Canucks came off the bench to mob the brothers. Hats littered the ice. Coyote players banged their sticks in recognition.

After the celebration Daniel and Henrik slowly skated around the arena, waving and clapping to the fans.

Defenseman Alex Edler said it was the kind of finish the Canucks wanted for their teammates.

”It was special for sure,” said Edler, who also assisted on both of Daniel’s goals. ”We talked before the game it was going to be loud. We just fed off that.

”The twins had a great game. They were on fire. It was a perfect ending.”

The first goal was a throwback to the Sedins’ early years.

The play began with Henrik making a move along the boards, then dishing the puck to Edler, who was streaking toward the goal. He passed to Daniel Reuben Foster Jersey Limited , who shot into an open net.

Both Sedins had season highs of ice time. Henrik logged 21 minutes 36 seconds. Daniel was on for 21:12 and had 10 shots on goal.

Winning the game was just the icing on the cake. Sending the fans home buzzing about a last special performance was the main victory for the Sedins.

”It means something,” Henrik said. ”The way the crowd showed up, right from the warmup.

”To finish off like we did, they can walk away and remember this. If you lose the game 5-1, it’s not fun. It’s a better feeling for us.”

Christian Fischer, Derek Stepan and Dylan Strome scored for Arizona.

Jake Virtanen and Brendan Leipsic got the other goals for the Canucks. Both teams will miss the playoffs.

With Vancouver struggling in the standings, Rogers Arena has often been a quiet building with plenty of empty seats this season. The Sedins’ finale produced the energy and enthusiasm of a playoff game.

Even in the warmups, fans lined the boards waving signs and snapping pictures on cell phones. One woman held up a sign which lit up with the words ”Congrats Henrik and Daniel.”

The first standing ovation came when the Sedins skated out for the national anthems. During the game there were loud cheers each time the Sedins stepped on the ice Mitchell Trubisky Jersey Youth , anticipation whenever they touched the puck.

The fans almost got their wish 18 seconds into the game when Henrik hit the post.

The standing ovations continued after most whistles during the third period. Daniel and Henrik acknowledged with waves.

Prior to the game there was a video tribute. Past Canucks players and coaches talked about the Sedins’ history, their contributions on the ice and their work in the community. A tribute mural wall was installed outside the arena for fans to write messages. The lights outside Rogers Arena and in many city buildings glowed Swedish blue and yellow in tribute.

During the game some fans chanted ”one more year.” Daniel was asked if there was any chance the brothers would reconsider their retirement.

”No, not at all,” he said. ”I saw our kids up on the Jumbotron (during the game). That made me happy. We will spend more time with them.”

NOTES: Attending the game were the Sedins’ parents and two brothers. . The Canucks gave out their team awards with rookie Brock Boeser the most outstanding player, Alex Edler the top defenseman and Derek Dorsett the unsung hero.

UP NEXT:

Coyotes: Host Anaheim on Saturday in the regular-season finale.

Canucks: Travel to Edmonton on Saturday in the regular-season finale.

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Alex Ovechkin knocked his own rebound out of midair and by Matt Murray with 1:07 remaining to lift the Washington Capitals to a 4-3 victory on Tuesday night in Game 3 of their increasingly testy Eastern Conference semifinal series with Pittsburgh.

Ovechkin gave the Capitals a 2-1 series lead when he collected a pass from Nicklas Backstrom and fired a shot that ripped by Murray before hitting the right post.

Ovechkin stayed with it and his baseball-like swat gave him eight goals in the playoffs and the Capitals their fourth consecutive road win in the postseason.

Ovechkin has also scored in four consecutive playoff games this postseason.

Matt Niskanen, John Carlson and Chandler Stephenson also scored for Washington. Braden Holtby finished with 19 saves. Backstrom had three assists.

Jake Guentzel had a goal and an assist for Pittsburgh. Sidney Crosby and Patric Hornqvist also scored, but the Penguins lost consecutive playoff games for only the fourth time since the start of their runs to consecutive Stanley Cups began in 2016.

Matt Murray made 18 stops but couldn’t get his glove – a problem area all postseason – on Ovechkin’s initial shot, allowing the Russian star to have a shot at the rebound.

JETS 7 Tarik Cohen Jersey , PREDATORS 4

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) – Blake Wheeler scored on the power play with 4:59 to play and Winnipeg roared back from an early 3-0 deficit to defeat Nashville and grab a 2-1 lead in the second-round playoff series.

After missing on a number of earlier chances, the Jets captain connected on a rebound off Mark Scheifele’s shot from a tight angle for his second of the postseason.

Dustin Byfuglien had two goals and an assist for Winnipeg, while Paul Stastny added a goal and two assists.

Wheeler also had an assist and added the empty-netter with under a minute to play. Brandon Tanev also scored with Rinne on the bench in the game’s final minute.

Jacob Trouba scored a goal and set up another for a two-point night. Connor Hellebuyck made 26 stops.

Filip Forsberg and P.K. Subban each had a goal and an assist for Nashville, while Mike Fisher and Austin Watson also scored.

Mattias Ekholm and Ryan Johansen both added two assists for the Predators, who got 38 stops from Pekka Rinne.

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Rookie Colin Moran isn’t big on showing emotion Authentic Kyle Long Jersey , so he took it in stride after hitting his second grand slam of the season.

Manager Clint Hurdle, though, put the feat in perspective.

”Two grand slams in a year is pretty cool. Some guys don’t hit one their whole career,” Hurdle said after Moran’s slam helped carry the Pirates to a 7-5 victory against the San Diego Padres on Sunday. ”In his rookie season, too. He hunts pitches. He’s got a lot of confidence when he goes to the plate. He prepares.”

In fact, none of Hurdle’s 32 home runs over a 10-year career came with the bases loaded.

Corey Dickerson and Elias Diaz also homered for the Pirates, who took two of three games.

Moran connected off Tyson Ross with two outs in the fifth to put the Pirates ahead 6-3. He also hit a grand slam in the home opener on April 2, a 5-4 victory against Minnesota.

Ross, who singled and then had his first career stolen base a half inning earlier, faltered with two outs in the fifth. Austin Meadows doubled, Josh Bell walked and Josh Harrison beat out an infield single to load the bases. Moran then drove a 1-0 pitch to right for his eighth homer.

”It’s cool,” Moran said of hitting two slams in one season. ”But I guess it was just kind of nice to get some runs in there and get us the lead, so that was the biggest thing.”

The only other rookie in Pirates history to hit two grand slams in a season was Wally Westlake in 1947. Moran was the first Pirates player with two grand slams in a season since Jose Bautista in 2006.

”Those are cool things,” Hurdle said. ”They don’t happen for everybody. They don’t happen to many guys whatsoever. It goes back to preparation, opportunity and then production, and he’s been able to pull that off. … He’s ready to hit. He knows what he’s hunting to hit.”

Moran made his big league debut with Houston in 2016, appearing in nine games. He appeared in seven games with Houston last season before being sent to Pittsburgh along with Joe Musgrove and two other players in the deal for Gerrit Cole. Moran had 34 big league at-bats coming into this season.

”He’s one of the calmest people I’ve ever played with Jarvis Landry Jersey ,” Dickerson said. ”He just has no emotion. He has a good plan. He does the same thing every day. You don’t ever change stuff up. He’s very simple. Simple sometimes is the best in great moments like that. He came through.”

Dickerson homered in the second, his sixth, and Diaz homered leading off the sixth, his sixth.

The Padres closed to 7-5 on Wil Myers’ infield RBI single with one out in the sixth and then loaded the bases on Eric Hosmer’s walk. But Steven Brault got Hunter Renfroe to hit a flyball to right that wasn’t deep enough to bring in Jose Pirela, and Kyle Crick struck out pinch-hitter Christian Villanueva.

Crick (1-1) pitched 1 1-3 innings for the win. Felipe Vazquez pitched the ninth for his 17th save.

Ross (5-6), who has been mentioned in trade rumors, was chased by Diaz’s homer. Ross had his worst start of the season, allowing seven runs and seven hits, with three walks and no strikeouts.

”I didn’t throw the ball particularly well,” Ross said. ”I could’ve been a lot better with two outs and two strikes. That’s kind of where I really got myself into trouble.

”That big fifth inning, had two strikes on Meadows and two outs, and double to left and then everything kind of unfolded from there. Days like this happen. I still had a chance to win that game, just wasn’t able to put hitters away when I had two-strike counts.”

Said manager Andy Green: ”You’ve got two outs and nobody on and Tyson on the mound, you kind of like that situation right there. Next thing you know, bases are loaded and one pitch is hit out of the ball park, and that kind of changes the trajectory of the game. It’s a frustrating one.”

Pirates starter Jameson Taillon went 4 2-3 innings, allowing four runs Dan Bailey Cowboys Jersey , three earned, and seven hits while striking out four and walking three. He got the first two outs of the fifth before allowing Renfroe’s homer to left, his fifth, that pulled the Padres to 6-4. Taillon allowed singles to Cory Spangenberg and Carlos Asuaje before making way for Edgar Santana, who struck out Freddy Galvis.

Ross hit a sacrifice fly that gave the Padres a 2-1 lead in the second. He singled with two outs in the fourth and then got the first stolen base of his career. He was stranded when Manuel Margot grounded out.

Renfroe also hit an RBI double in the third.

WEATHERS SIGNS

The Padres agreed to terms with LHP Ryan Weathers, their first-round selection, seventh overall, in June’s amateur draft. He is the son of former big league pitcher David Weathers.

UP NEXT

Pirates: RHP Nick Kingham (2-3, 3.82) is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis to start Monday night’s opener of a three-game series at the Los Angeles Dodgers, who will counter with LHP Alex Wood (4-5, 4.00).

Padres: LHP Clayton Richard (7-7, 4.29) is scheduled to start Tuesday night’s opener of a two-game series at Oakland, which counters with RHP Chris Bassitt (1-3, 2.82).

Michael Rubin poses for pictures and shares bro hugs from his courtside seat before Philadelphia 76ers playoff games with a hodgepodge of celebrities that could be straight out of a ”Dancing With The Stars” casting call.

Hey, there’s Kevin Hart ! Look, it’s Questlove! Wait, is that really Dr. Oz ?

But there’s one VIP that the 45-year old billionaire co-owner of the Sixers really wants to introduce.

”Hey Brian Urlacher Jersey , have you met Meek?” Rubin asks.

Meek Mill is all smiles as he says life is all good in the days since he was released from prison while the Philly-born rapper appeals decade-old gun and drug convictions.

Mill had a string of high-profile names – including Hart , rapper Jay-Z and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft – support him during a five-month campaign to be freed on bail from prison for probation violations. But Mill’s biggest advocate, one of his closest friends and the e-commerce entrepreneur who arranged for a helicopter to take Mill from prison to a Sixers’ playoff game is Rubin, majority owner and CEO of Kynetic, the holding company for sportswear giant Fanatics.

His biggest behind-the-scenes role of late was his drive to free Mill from potentially years behind bars.

”He’s been showing up for me and standing up for me like a real friend would do,” Mill told The Associated Press. ”It’s meant a lot for our friendship and brought us closer together. I just think he’s a good-hearted person being that he’s somebody worth billions of dollars and still uses his resources to stand up for people who don’t have the money to be able to fight the errors of the criminal justice system.”

Forbes lists Rubin’s net worth at $3 billion . TMZ counts his value in page views – yes, that’s Rubin in the photo partying at a birthday bash for 76ers All-Star center Joel Embiid .

But Rubin says he’ll find personal worth in the months ahead teaming with Mill to tackle thorny criminal justice issues. It could help that Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf is a frequent front-row companion of Rubin and Mill’s during Philly’s run through the postseason. The trio recently appeared together to ask state lawmakers for criminal justice changes .

”This was one of my closest friends and I watched something terrible happen to him,” Rubin said at his Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, office. ”It started with, how do we fix the situation with him? I said, `My God, this is horrific.’ What it actually showed me was, there are much bigger problems with the criminal justice system which I had no understanding of. We’re not going to let what happened to Meek Mill happen to everyday Meek Mills.”

Rubin wasn’t expecting a personal awakening when he met Mill at the 2015 NBA All-Star Game in New York.

Rubin, raised in an upper middle-class Philly suburb, was simply a businessman who had been making deals since he was a kid. He owned a ski shop as a teen, dropped out of Villanova after just six weeks and sold his first sports equipment business to eBay in 2011 for $2.4 billion. He runs Fanatics Deion Sanders Jersey Limited , fashion site Rue La La and shipping site Shop Runner through Kynetic. And in 2011, he joined an ownership group led by Joshua Harris and David Blitzer that would buy the 76ers and later the NHL’s New Jersey Devils.

Harris and Blitzer – who have since formed Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment as they expand their sports portfolio – had served as the primary faces of the sports teams since their purchases. But over the last two years as his wealth seemed to match his ambition, Rubin has been at the forefront of the Sixers’ rise from the 10-win early Process days into one of the best young teams in the NBA. The seats that flank Rubin – Mill and fellow rapper Lil Uzi Vert had the distinction at Game 4 against the Celtics on Monday – have become must-see for fans to catch celeb sightings.

”It’s surreal to have this many people support me at one time,” Mill said. ”The feeling is unexplainable.”

The man who pushed Mill’s cause – and helped keep the ”Dreams and Nightmares” performer’s spirits high in prison with visits from a few 76ers – is also getting his time in the spotlight.

”He freed Meek! He freed Meek!” one man yelled, trying to get Rubin’s attention.

It’s not just rappers and actors – or even Game 4 guest, CNBC news anchor Joe Kernen – that flock to Rubin. Rubin and Embiid have become tight and it was the owner who arranged Embiid’s birthday party in Miami and snagged a suite for the organization to attend a World Series game in Houston at the same time the Sixers were in town.

”I’m not involved in the basketball decisions,” Rubin said. ”I think it’s obvious from the outside in that I’ve got great relations with them. I’m a very player-oriented owner. I think I’m highly relatable to these guys. I’m in the business. There are things I can have a big influence in with them.”

Rubin, divorced with a 12-year-old daughter, has an off-the-cuff Mark Cuban vibe and wears the same blue button-down, jeans and black sneaks to Game 4 that he did hours earlier inside an office filled with photos of other celebs and his appearance on ”Undercover Boss .” He even hit up baseball’s All-Star Game last year with Kraft and Embiid .

”By the way, Joel and Robert love each other. Meek and Robert love each other,” Rubin said. ”I love to be able to foster those relationships. People always say to me how lucky Meek is to have m.

These are highly uncertain times for the San Antonio Spurs.

That’s why Lonnie Walker IV might be so valuable.

This is a summer when Spurs mainstay Tony Parker has already left for Charlotte Devin Hester Bears Jersey , when four-time NBA champion Manu Ginobili is going through what now seems like his annual contemplation of retirement and when 2014 NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard’s future is most uncertain – both in terms of where he may play next and if his quadriceps injury is healed to the point where he can return to the court.

But Walker IV is here, and he’s eager to be a part of whatever will be in San Antonio.

”I’ve worked so hard to get to this moment that I can’t not be confident to play against grown men who are older than me,” said Walker, who turned pro after one season with the Miami Hurricanes. ”I know day-in and day-out the blood, sweat and tears I put into this game and how great a player I can become.”

He had 14 points in the Spurs’ 95-90 win over the Washington Wizards on Sunday – Day 3 of the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, where there was another 10-game slate as the teams progress toward the start of playoffs later this week.

It’s hard to imagine there’s a player in Las Vegas happier with his current lot in life than Walker IV.

He just got his first apartment, a major accomplishment for a kid whose upbringing in Reading, Pennsylvania was often challenging to say the least. In an Instagram post after getting his new place in San Antonio, Walker IV opened up about how hard times were.

”Survival by the fittest was the strategy growing up Jimmy Garoppolo Jersey ,” he wrote. ”Splitting a cheeseburger for dinner. Chips for breakfast. Not knowing where I will sleep the next day. Living with 10 plus people. Waking up in the middle of the night because your house got shot up. Who would’ve thought at the age of 19. I’m alive and healthy and just got my first apt. Who would’ve thought that this kid from Reading would make it out. No one understands my struggle and my pain.”

Such worries are long gone.

He’s guaranteed to make $5 million in salary over the next two years, has signed a shoe deal with Adidas and more than likely will grab a few more endorsements along the way.

In other words, no more splitting cheeseburgers for him. And he hopes his story motivates anyone it reaches.

”To any kid who is trying to become an NBA player or trying to become something in life, I’ve been through it all,” Walker IV said. ”You can’t let adversity continue to knock you down. I just want to continue to motivate everyone and believe that they can be happy and be something special.”

Sunday’s summaries:

SPURS 95, WIZARDS 90

Jaron Blossomgame’s follow-up dunk with 9.7 seconds left helped San Antonio, which led by 20 points early, hold off Washington. The Wizards had two shots to tie or take the lead in the final seconds, missing both. Blossomgame led the Spurs (1-1) with 22 points. Devin Robinson scored 24 points Joe Thomas Jersey Elite , Troy Brown Jr. added 21 and Thomas Bryant scored 20 on 9-for-11 shooting for Washington (0-2).

TIMBERWOLVES 103, RAPTORS 92

Keita Bates-Diop scored 24 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for Minnesota (1-1). Jonathan Stark and Josh Okogie each added 16 points for the Timberwolves. Jordan Loyd scored 17 for the Raptors (0-2).

HORNETS 94, HEAT 90

Willy Hernangomez and Dwayne Bacon had 22 points apiece and second-round pick Devonte Graham made all four free throws in the final 5.2 seconds to help the Hornets hold off the Heat. Graham finished with 12 points and the No. 12 selection Miles Bridges added 14 points for Charlotte (2-0). Daryl Macon had 17 points and Landry Nnoko added 12 points and 13 rebounds for the Heat (0-2). Derrick Jones Jr. left the game in the first quarter with an ankle injury.

TRAIL BLAZERS 85, HAWKS 68

Jake Layman scored 23, going 4 of 5 from 3-point range, and John Jenkins and Anfernee Simons added 12 points apiece for the Trail Blazers (2-0). John Collins had 18 points and nine rebounds for the Hawks (0-2), who were 4 of 28 from 3-point range. No. 5 pick Trae Young was scoreless in nine minutes before leaving the game with a quad contusion. The injury is not considered to be serious.

MAVERICKS 81, BUCKS 78

Johnathan Motley had 20 points and seven rebounds, Dorian Finney-Smith added 14 points and Dennis Smith Jr. scored 10 for the Mavericks (1-1). The Bucks rallied late Joe Montana Jersey Youth , but second-round pick Jalen Brunson made a steal in the final seconds that secured the win for Dallas. Travis Trice II had 16 points, Sterling Brown scored 14 and Christian Wood had 10 points and 10 boards for the Bucks (1-1).

ROCKETS 87, WARRIORS 81

RJ Hunter scored 24 and made 5 of 11 from 3-point range, and De’Anthony Melton added 17 points for Houston (2-0). The Rockets outscored the Warriors 35-14 in the fourth quarter and closed the game on a 7-1 run. Marcus Derrickson had 23 points to lead the Warriors (1-1).

JAZZ 90, KNICKS 85

Georges Niang had 20 points and eight rebounds and Tony Bradley scored 16 points for Utah (1-1). Niang made a pair of free throws with 22 seconds left to make it a two-possession game. Diamond Stone added 14 points and Jairus Lyles scored 11. No. 9 pick Kevin Knox scored 19 to lead the Knicks (1-1). Frank Ntilikina added 17 points, Allonzo Trier scored 15 and second-round pick Mitchell Robinson – who signed a multiyear contract Sunday – had 12 points and 11 rebounds.

MAGIC 86, GRIZZLIES 56

Jonathan Isaac, the No. 6 overall selection last year, had 12 points Tarik Cohen Bears Jersey , seven rebounds and five blocks, and Mo Bamba – this year’s sixth overall pick R The Washington Redskins say they’re concerned by allegations made by cheerleaders in a New York Times article about a trip to Costa Rica for a photo shoot in 2013.

Team president Bruce Allen said in a statement Thursday the organization is immediately looking into the situation. Allen says if the investigation shows any employees acted inappropriately, ”those employees will face significant repercussions.”

The New York Times reported the cheerleaders had their passports collected, were forced to be topless for a calendar photo shoot that included male spectators and were asked to be escorts for sponsors at a nightclub. The story, published Wednesday, quoted cheerleaders on condition of anonymity because they signed confidentiality agreements.

Allen says team officials have had dialogue with a number of current and former cheerleaders and have ”heard very different firsthand accounts that directly contradict many of the details” of the article. Allen says the Redskins ”will continue to take all necessary measures to create a safe and respectful work environment for their cheerleaders.”

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ARIZONA CARDINALS (8-8)

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: S Tyvon Branch; CB Justin Bethel and Tramon Williams; QBs Drew Stanton Reuben Foster Jersey Limited , Blaine Gabbert and Matt Barkley; DT Frostee Rucker; WRs John Brown, Brittan Golden and Jaron Brown; OLBs Karlos Dansby and Kareem Martin; RB Kerwyn Williams; G Alex Boone; ILB Josh Bynes, OT Khalif Barnes; OL Earl Watford; TE Troy Niklas; LS Aaron Brewer,.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: DT Xavier Williams.

NEEDS: With no QB on roster, team’s No. 1 need is obvious. General manager Steve Keim seems to want to sign veteran, with Cardinals in Kirk Cousins sweepstakes despite salary cap challenges, especially considering large number of departing free agents, some of whom could be re-signed. Expect Cardinals also to address QB in draft. Other needs are at WR, where ranks are thin to nonexistent behind Larry Fitzgerald. With big contracts of aging, oft-injured G Mike Iupati and T Jared Veldeer, Cardinals will be looking at OL help as well as in secondary. With entire new coaching regime and system, team might look for someone to play FB.

AVAILABLE SALARY CAP SPACE (approximately): $21 million.

ATLANTA FALCONS (11-7)

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: DE Adrian Clayborn; FB Derrick Coleman; WRs Taylor Gabriel, Andre Roberts and Nick Williams; G Ben Garland; LBs Jordan Tripp Josh Gordon Browns Jersey , Sean Weatherspoon and Kemal Ishmael; DB Leon McFadden; OT Austin Pasztor; DTs Dontari Poe, Courtney Upshaw and Ahtyba Rubin; CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: FS Ricardo Allen; RBs Terron Ward and Terrence Magee.

NEEDS: Tight end is priority following release of Levine Toilolo. Veteran could be signed to challenge Austin Hooper. Team cut Derrick Shelby and could lose Clayborn, so more pass rush help at defensive end may be needed. If team loses Poe and Upshaw in free agency, another veteran defensive tackle may be signed. Guard is another priority that may be addressed high in draft or in free agency. General manager Thomas Dimitroff said at NFL scouting combine that Gabriel would not be re-signed. Kicker Matt Bryant avoided free agency by agreeing to three-year deal.

AVAILABLE SALARY CAP SPACE (approximately): $14.8 million.

CAROLINA PANTHERS (11-6)

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: Gs Andrew Norwell and Amini Silatolu; DEs Julius Peppers and Charles Johnson; DT Star Lotulelei; QB Derek Anderson; TE Ed Dickson, Ss Jairus Byrd and Kurt Coleman; CB Teddy Williams; LB Andrew Gachkar; WR Brenton Bersin; RB Jonathan Stewart.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: TE Scott Simonson; G David Yankey; WR Kaelin Clay; CB LaDarius Gunter.

NEEDS: Panthers need thumper at safety after releasing Coleman, as well as pass rushing defensive ends after release of Johnson and with 37-year-old Peppers’ future uncertain. Team allowed All-Pro guard Norwell to walk, but believes last year’s draft pick Taylor Moton can step into that spot. Center Ryan Kalil and outside linebacker Thomas Davis said they will retire after season, so it’s time to address those areas. Carolina cut Stewart, its all-time leading rusher; team needs complement to Christian McCaffrey in backfield. Finding speedy wide receiver remains priority. Don’t be surprised if Carolina drafts quarterback at some point and parts with Anderson.

AVAILABLE SALARY CAP SPACE (approximately): $24 million.

CHICAGO BEARS (5-11)

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: CB Kyle Fuller (transition tag), Prince Amukamara, Bryce Callahan and Sherrick McManis; WRs Josh Bellamy, Dontrelle Inman and Kendall Wright; QB Mark Sanchez; RB Benny Cunningham; TE Zach Miller; G Josh Sitton; DE Mitch Unrein; LBs Sam Acho, Lamarr Houston and Christian Jones.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: WR Cameron Meredith.

NEEDS: Bears have glaring need for playmaking receivers and could make run at Jacksonville’s Allen Robinson and Rams’ Sammy Watkins in free agency. Chicago needs help on offensive line after declining option on Sitton and with Kyle Long recovering from multiple surgeries. On defense Myles Garrett Jersey , Bears could use more pass rushers to go with LB Leonard Floyd. Chicago placed transition tag on Fuller, giving them right to match any offer he receives in free agency.

AVAILABLE SALARY CAP SPACE (approximately): $64 million.

DALLAS COWBOYS (9-7)

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: DE DeMarcus Lawrence; RB Alfred Morris; WR Brice Butler; T Byron Bell; G Jonathan Cooper; LBs Anthony Hitchens and Kyle Wilber; LS L.P. LaDouceur; C Joe Looney; CB Bene Benwikere.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: DE David Irving; FB Keith Smith.

NEEDS: Lawrence will be back after signing for $17.1 million under franchise tag as sides work on long-term deal. Team plans to tender Irving and wants him back. Dallas also wants Hitchens back but likely won’t overpay in scenario that could be similar to last year, when S Barry Church left for Jacksonville. Morris and Butler probably not coming back, and Cowboys could target LG in draft if Cooper doesn’t return. Days of headline-grabbing free agents mostly over with owner Jerry Jones’ son, executive VP Stephen Jones, having strong influence and preferring to avoid big-money deals with players outside organization.

AVAILABLE SALARY CAP SPACE (approximately): $3.2 million.

DETROIT LIONS (9-7)

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: DTs Haloti Ngata and Jordan Hill; LBs Tahir Whitehead, Nick Bellore, Dwight Freeney and LB Paul Worrilow; CBs D.J. Hayden and Nevin Lawson; C Travis Swanson; Ss Don Carey and S Tavon Wilson; TE Darren Fells; OTs Greg Robinson and Don Barclay; RB Mike James.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: WR TJ Jones; LB Brandon Copeland; OL Zac Kerin; RB Zach Zenner.

NEEDS: Lions’ weakness is defensive line and improving it will be priority under first-year coach Matt Patricia. Former New England Patriots 鈥?As his ecstatic teammates rushed Robbie Gould to celebrate the kicker’s game-winning field goal, Jimmy Garoppolo slowly walked the other way despite his own spectacular first home start and pulling off a wild December win against a playoff contender.He shared a quick hug near the sideline with Marquise Goodwin, who had quite a day of his own after losing his father last week.Garoppolo led one final scoring drive in the closing seconds to cap a fantastic first full game at Levi’s Stadium, Gould kicked a 45-yard field goal as time expired, and the San Francisco 49ers topped the Tennessee Titans 25-23 on Sunday.“We’re a young team, we’re learning how to win Aaron Rodgers Jersey ,” Garoppolo said. “I think these close games will pay off in the long run, I think for next year and everything.”Garoppolo threw for a career-high 381 yards and a touchdown during a dominant day to give the 49ers (4-10) a three-game winning streak in a lost season 鈥?and three straight comeback victories. And Tom Brady’s former understudy showed he could do it at home as well as on the road 鈥?and against a playoff contender, no less 鈥?outdueling Marcus Mariota down the stretch as the teams traded field goals.Gould kicked three of his six field goals over the final nine minutes: 50, 48 and 45 yards and has now gone 20 consecutive without a miss.He put the Niners out front on a 48-yarder with 3:08 remaining. Mariota then drove the Titans (8-6) to a lead as Ryan Succop kicked a 50-yard field goal with 1:07 to play.Then, Garoppolo and the San Francisco offense got one last shot.It took three tries this season, and first-year coach Kyle Shanahan finally found his reliable, playmaking quarterback after acquiring Garoppolo from New England at the October trade deadline.“He’s been just as good as advertised, if not better,” Shanahan said.Garoppolo showed that in 67 seconds 鈥?the same amount of time he had left Sunday 鈥?when forced into late action in a loss to Seattle three weeks ago at Levi’s Stadium, then in back-to-back road games before shining again.“I think the 49ers got a quarterback,” Titans safety Kevin Byard said. Goodwin, who already dealt with the death of his premature son last month, made 10 catches for 114 yards and Garoppolo completed 31 of 43 passes to go over 300 yards passing for the second straight game after last week’s win at Houston.Mariota put Tennessee ahead on an 8-yard touchdown pass to Rishard Matthews early in the fourth as the Titans rallied back from an early 13-point deficit.The 49ers were in good position the ensuing possession before Garoppolo was sacked by Wesley Woodyard for a 10-yard loss. Then Dan Bailey Jersey Elite , Gould converted a 50-yarder.Tennessee came out of intermission a new team, totaling 22 offensive plays to San Francisco’s five in the third quarter.Garoppolo became the first 49ers quarterback since the merger in 1970 to win each of his first three starts and just the second QB to do so in franchise history. Y.A. Tittle did so spanning the 1951-52 seasons.He threw a 5-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter to tight end Garrett Celek 鈥?whose great play in recent weeks has earned the nickname of “Celek Time.” Celek later had a 41-yard catch.“Yeah, Celek Time. That guy, he always finds a way,” Garoppolo said.Garoppolo didn’t even have Trent Brown to block for him after the right tackle went on injured reserve with a right shoulder injury that will require surgery. Mariota threw a 4-yard TD pass to former 49er Delanie Walker late in the first half to keep the Titans close.Garoppolo was 5 of 6 passing on his opening possession as San Francisco mixed its play calls well to catch the stingy Titans defense off guard. Gould’s 38-yarder capped the 12-play, 64-yard initial drive. Gould hit a 48-yarder late in the first and then kicked one from 28 yards just before halftime.The Titans dropped back-to-back road games against the NFC West after losing last week to the Cardinals and staying in Arizona for the week of practice. It could affect their playoff chances.Their first visit to Levi’s Stadium 鈥?Tennessee last played the Niners on the road at Candlestick in November 2009 鈥?began slowly, the team’s second straight week playing a stadium for the initial time.Mariota, in the midst of one of the worst stretches of his three-year career, threw for 241 yards while completing 23 of 33 passes.DEFENSIVE FLOPTennessee’s typically tough defense was a far cry from that dominant unit in the first half.Garoppolo threw for 189 yards and the Niners outgained the Titans 219-136 in the first half. The 49ers didn’t punt until more than midway through the third quarter.Last week, the Titans allowed only four field goals, the second time this season they’d done so.INJURIESTitans: CB Logan Ryan sustained an ankle injury in the second quarter.49ers: WR Aldrick Robinson suffered a concussion in the first quarter. He went to the locker room with head and wrist injuries after he was hit hard by Titans cornerback Adoree’ Jackson along the Tennessee sideline. Robinson was stretching out trying to make a catch when he got slammed and went down for several minutes with 5:24 to go in the opening quarter.UP NEXTTitans: Host Rams next Sunday and home the final two weeks.49ers: Host Jaguars next Sunday..

OKLAHOMA CITY — After losing Gordon Hayward to the Boston Celtics in the offseason Josh Allen Jersey Youth , it looked like it would be a long shot for the Utah Jazz to make the playoffs.

But after a rough start, the Jazz won 29 of 34 games before losing their regular-season finale to drop to the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference.

They’ll open the playoffs Sunday at Chesapeake Energy Arena against the Oklahoma City Thunder, a team that looked like a lock to not only make the playoffs but compete atop the conference. But the Thunder didn’t solidify their place in the playoffs until a win in the next-to-last game of the season.

The series is one of the more intriguing first-round matchups, with Utah’s 7-foot-1 center Rudy Gobert providing a rim-protecting presence to combat Thunder superstar point guard Russell Westbrook.

Gobert has also taken over as a leader after the departure of Hayward.

That included a strong statement after the Jazz dropped a game in Atlanta in late January to fall nine games below .500. At the time, Gobert tweeted, “We will be fine.”

“It’s only brighter from that point,” Gobert told the Salt Lake Tribune. “I looked at our team, our organization, and I thought, ‘Why not turn things around?’ We were 19-28 Tre'Davious White Jersey , but we had everything in our hands. We knew we were going to turn.”

That turnaround hinged in large part on Utah’s defense, which figures to play a big part in the series as Oklahoma City’s pick-and-roll combo of Westbrook and center Steven Adams will be tested and Paul George plays in his first postseason with the Thunder.

“As the playoffs go, the game slows down some, teams are really conscientious of getting back in transition,” Thunder coach Billy Donovan said. “You’re always trying to find ways to carve out a way to get some easy baskets, whether it’s offensive rebounds, free throws, backdoor cuts.

“But sometimes up against the clock, you need guys that can generate offense for your team, or who can make a play Denzel Ward Browns Jersey , make a shot or make a play for somebody else.”

Oklahoma City won the regular-season series 3-1, but the Thunder had defensive stopper Andre Roberson available for all four of those games. Roberson suffered a season-ending injury in late January, eventually opening the door for Oklahoma City to sign Corey Brewer.

George figures to draw perhaps the most important defensive assignment, taking over for Roberson in guarding Jazz rookie guard Donovan Mitchell.

“I’m used to these matchups,” George said. “I’m used to playing against the best offensive guy in these moments. That’ll be my role. Not to say Corey won’t guard (Mitchell), but that’ll definitely be my role, especially late in games.”

George guarded Mitchell on only 27 possessions during the four regular-season meetings, going 4 of 7 from the floor. Roberson guarded Mitchell for 78 possessions.

“He’s a really good attacking guard in the open floor and in transition,” Donovan said of Mitchell. “Obviously with the way he can shoot it, I think his strength and physicality. He does a lot of different things for them in transition and in half court while also creating for himself.”

LeBron James is inspiring more than just kids with his school in Akron.

Cleveland Browns cornerback T.J. Carrie said Wednesday that the NBA star has motivated him and other athletes to be more active in their communities. ”Are we doing enough?” Carrie asked.

Earlier this week Jarvis Landry Jersey , James, who recently left the Cleveland Cavaliers and signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, opened the I Promise School, a year-round facility designed for at-risk kids and their families, in his hometown.

The school is funded by a partnership between Akron City Schools and the LeBron James Family foundation. Along with a curriculum that caters to a student’s needs, the school has a food pantry and provides transportation and other educational resources to some of the city’s most needy residents. It currently serves only third- and fourth-grade students, but the school plans expand to grades 1-8 by 2020.

Carrie, who signed with the Browns as a free agent in March after four seasons with Oakland, said James’ efforts lead him to want to do more. Two years ago, the 28-year-old launched his own youth foundation.

”I’m talking to my team now Ezekiel Elliott Jersey Elite ,” he said. ”OK, LeBron’s doing this, we’re not on his level, but the level that we’re on, what can we do to achieve and make a huge difference within the community out here?”

Carrie said some of his teammates have discussed ways in which they can help others.

Carrie also has Ohio connections. The California native played at Ohio University before being drafted by the Raiders in 2014.

Although James is leaving after his second stint with the Cavaliers, Carrie believes his work in Ohio remains.

”LeBron has done an amazing job here in the state of Ohio, period,” Carrie said. ”It sets precedents for what we should do as athletes on how we are a role model to a lot of kids that we may not know, that we may not see but that know us.”

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USA Basketball has picked its lineup of coaches to assist Gregg Popovich at the men’s national team minicamp in Las Vegas this month.

Of the nine picks Blake Martinez Jersey , seven are NBA assistant coaches: Golden State’s Mike Brown, Miami’s Dan Craig, Utah’s Alex Jensen, Boston’s Jay Larranaga, Dallas’ Jamahl Mosley, San Antonio’s Ime Udoka and Portland’s David Vanterpool.

The other two slots went to top college head coaches, Villanova’s Jay Wright and Gonzaga’s Mark Few.

The camp is July 25-27, with practices on the final two days. It’s the first time the national team candidates will be together for a camp in advance of next year’s world championships and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

There are 35 players on the 2018-20 national team roster, including 11 who won Olympic gold in 2016.

The Golden Knights’ gold-and-grey-on-black helmets are everywhere.

They’re on T-shirts and hats worn by mall patrons Tremaine Edmunds Jersey Youth , on jerseys of moviegoers, on stuffed animals, on mugs and on bumper stickers deep in suburbia. Bars far from the city’s tourist-driven areas show the games on TV, and watch parties have become a regular activity.

The arena rocks when the expansion team that has taken the league by storm appears on its home ice. A city that for years longed for a major sports franchise has truly embraced the Knights.

”It’s so much different live than it is on TV. It’s a whole different experience,” said David Santangelo, a Las Vegas resident who is a season ticket holder and longtime hockey fan. ”People fall in love with it. So many people I talk to at work are saying that they didn’t know it was so exciting. People are really starting to learn about it now.”

Santangelo, who was wearing a Knights jersey, was among hundreds who attended a party Monday in downtown Las Vegas to watch Game 3 of the Knights’ second-round playoff series against the San Jose Sharks. The Golden Knights have a 3-2 series lead after a 5-3 victory over San Jose on Friday night.

For years, questions were raised over whether the tourist-driven city with a long history of hosting big events could support a big league team night after night. Gambling and a relatively small market size steered major franchises elsewhere. Before the Knights dropped the puck Jason Witten Jersey Elite , there were naysayers even though initial ticket demand was high.

Average game attendance at T-Mobile Arena is now 18,042. Tourists and comped high-rollers have surely caught games. So have tennis greats Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, rapper Lil Jon, poker pro Daniel Negreanu and slugger Bryce Harper before baseball season started. But defying some of those early predictions, it’s been regular residents and their children who have filled the stands game after game.

The crowds bode well for the NFL’s Raiders, who are due to move to Sin City in 2020.

The Knights – who were 200-1 at many sports books to win the Stanley Cup before the season began – proudly declare themselves Vegas Born. Their success on the ice has certainly influenced attendance, but it may also have to do with the city’s desperate need for fellowship around the time the season opened.

The Knights’ home opener in October came only a few days after the city suffered the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. The team retired jersey No. 58 during its final home game of the regular season to honor the victims. A banner with 58 stars was hoisted into the rafters. The victims’ names were also projected on the ice.

”I think because all the players are from different places and Las Vegas is a melting pot of people from different places, it’s just really brought community together to have our own team,” said fan Angel Ashby. ”This is a Vegas-born team. It isn’t from somewhere else.”

Ashby had rooted for the Colorado Avalanche Odell Beckham Jr Jersey , but got rid of the jersey when the Knights arrived. She and her friends rotate hosting watch parties.

The energy has existed at the arena from the beginning, but has progressively gotten louder with the success that followed. For the playoffs, the team has expanded the pregame festivities to include a huge knight’s helmet that is lowered from the rafters in front of the Vegas bench. The Golden Knights enter the ice through the front of the helmet.

Some players toss pucks to their young fans before the game and some children in attendance will get sticks from select players after every game. And the popularity has spilled over from T-Mobile Arena to City National Arena, the team’s practice facility. There, the Vegas Golden Knights Skating Academy has grown from less than 100 kids to nearly 1,000 seven months after its inception.

Todd Pollock, vice president of ticketing and suites, said he did not expect the level of support the team has experienced in its debut season and wondered what took so long for Las Vegas to get a major franchise. The team had planned a three-day campaign for season-ticket packages for next season, but the organization canceled after the first day due to an overwhelming response.

”What we’re seeing collectively this year absolutely Jim Kelly Jersey , positively, I don’t think I could have scripted it any better than the way it’s currently playing out,” said Pollock, who worked in the same capacity with the Los Angeles Kings and the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers.

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Melky Cabrera has re-signed with the Cleveland Indians Baker Mayfield Jersey , who need outfield depth and protection while Lonnie Chisenhall and Bradley Zimmer are injured.

Cabrera signed a minor league deal Thursday and was assigned to Triple-A Columbus. He was with the club earlier this season before being designated for assignment last month.

Chisenhall was placed on the disabled list this week with a nagging calf injury, and there’s no timetable for his return. Zimmer has been sidelined at Columbus with a shoulder injury.

The 33-year-old Cabrera signed a minor league contract with the Indians in April. He batted .207 with five doubles and 11 RBIs in 17 games for Cleveland.

Cabrera has a .285 career batting average during 14 major league seasons.

The Indians, who lead the AL Central by 11 1/2 games over Detroit, open a 10-game homestand before the All-Star break on Friday against Oakland.

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The NFL wants Congress to enact a framework for legalized sports betting in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling that clears the way for more states to allow sports gambling.

Supreme Court justices voted 6-3 on Monday to strike down a 1992 law that barred most state-authorized sports gambling. Before the Supreme Court ruling, Nevada was the only state that allowed people to bet on the results of a single game.

”Congress has long recognized the potential harms posed by sports betting to the integrity of sporting contests and the public confidence in these events,” the NFL said in a statement. ”Given that history, we intend to call on Congress again, this time to enact a core regulatory framework for legalized sports betting.”

All the major leagues responded to a ruling that figures to have far-reaching implications throughout the sports world. The NHL noted that ”today paves the way to an entirely different landscape – one in which we have not previously operated.”

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver Lawrence Taylor Giants Jersey , a supporter of legalizing sports gambling, said his league would ”remain active in ongoing discussions with state legislatures” about expanding wagering options.

Silver also said the league would like to see a federal framework instead of a state-by-state system. The NBA once opposed expanded sports betting but has long said it supports robust regulation.

The NBA and Major League Baseball have argued in recent months for a 1 percent cut of proceeds if legalized sports betting expands across the country, saying part of that money would be needed for additional compliance and enforcement efforts within the game.

”As each state considers whether to allow sports betting, we will continue to seek the proper protections for our sport, in partnership with other professional sports,” Major League Baseball said in a statement.

Keith Whyte, the executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, believes any governmental body and sports league that receives a direct percentage or portion of sports betting revenue must also dedicate funds to prevent and treat gambling problems.

”Some of that 1 percent of betting fees is going to come from people with uncontrollable gambling problems http://www.newyorkgiantsteamonline.com/lawrence-taylor-jersey ,” Whyte said. ”We believe by taking a cut of this money, (the leagues would) put themselves in the position of having to do something to reduce those costs. Great profits come with great responsibility.”

MLB said it would ”continue to support legislation that creates air-tight coordination and partnerships between the state, the casino operators and the governing bodies in sports” toward protecting the integrity of the game. Major League Soccer issued a statement seeking similar cooperation.

”Although Major League Soccer is supportive of today’s Supreme Court decision, we also believe that it is critical that state legislatures and other regulatory bodies work closely with the professional sports leagues in the United States to develop a regulatory framework to protect the integrity of each of our respective sports,” the MLS said in its statement. ”We look forward to being a part of that process.”

Plenty of leagues already have taken steps to make sure its players are educated on the issue.

For example, last year the PGA Tour hired Genesis Sports to help with its new ”Integrity Program” that began at the start of the year. The program requires players on all six circuits the PGA Tour manages to take part in an online tutorial that, among other things, illustrates some of the far-reaching effects of gambling.

”We believe that regulation is the most effective way of ensuring integrity in competition Mitchell Trubisky Jersey Youth , protecting consumers, engaging fans and generating revenue for government, operators and leagues,” the PGA Tour said in a statement.

The Supreme Court ruling will impact college sports as well as the pro leagues. Donald Remy, the NCAA’s chief legal officer, said the organization is reviewing the Supreme Court’s decision and that ”we will adjust sports wagering and championship policies to align with the direction from the court.”

The NCAA currently doesn’t hold NCAA Tournament games or any other NCAA-run events in Nevada because of its legal gambling. Las Vegas is home to the annual Las Vegas Bowl as well as the Pac-12 men’s basketball tournament and other tournaments, which aren’t run by the NCAA itself.

The NCAA said 24 percent of NCAA male student-athletes and about 5 percent of female student-athletes in 2016 reported they had wagered on sports for money within the previous year , which would violate NCAA bylaws. Just below 2 percent of the men participating in the 2016 survey met what the NCAA termed as standard diagnostic criteria for problem gambling.

Reactions to the Supreme Court ruling across the sports world weren’t limited to the league offices. The athletes themselves also were wondering about the possible implications of increased legal sports gambling.

NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski tweeted he was ”torn” on the Supreme Court’s decision. Keselowski said it ”should be great for our sport Denzel Ward Jersey , but I’ve also seen gambling ruin lives.”

”If you choose to gamble on me or anyone else, please be responsible, and if you need help, get help,” Keselowski added.

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AP golf writer Doug Ferguson, AP basketball writer Tim Reynolds and AP college football writer Ralph D. Russo contributed to this report.

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