Basketball is a sport in which two teams of five players each try to score points on one other by throwing a ball through a hoop (the basket) under organized rules.

Since its invention in 1891, it has developed to become a truly international sport. Organized league play originated in the YMCA and early leagues were formed in colleges. Basketball eventually became a professional sport and is one of the few women's sports which developed in tandem with men's. Even though it was originally an American sport, it quickly spread internationally and outstanding players and teams are found today all over the world.

Points are scored for passing the ball through the basket from above; the team with more points at the end of the game wins. The ball can be advanced on the court by bouncing it (dribbling) or passing it between teammates. Disruptive physical contact (foul) is not permitted and there are restrictions on how the ball can be handled (violations).

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NYT > Pro Basketball

For Nets and Knicks, Shared Woe
By JOSHUA ROBINSON Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:41:32 -0000
The 0-12 Nets are plumbing just a little deeper than the 2-9 Knicks, but they may get a lift from the return of Devin Harris on Saturday.
Sticking to Game Plan, Knicks Pass on Iverson
By HOWARD BECK Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:36:17 -0000
Team officials spent three days weighing the pros and cons of signing Allen Iverson, a four-time N.B.A. scoring champion with problems in his past.
N.B.A. Roundup: Carter Soars, Lifting Magic Over the Celtics
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:34:45 -0000
LeBron James scored a season-high 40 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers rallied on the road to beat the Indiana Pacers, 105-95, on Friday night.
The Pick-and-Roll Is the N.B.A.’s Old Reliable
By JONATHAN ABRAMS Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:26:47 -0000
The pick-and-roll, which causes two defenders to contain one ball handler, creates mayhem, and N.B.A. teams are increasingly turning to it for success.
N.B.A. Roundup: The Jazz Finally Wins Again in San Antonio
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:25:44 -0000
Manu Ginobili is expected to miss about a week for the San Antonio Spurs because of a strained left groin.
Analysis: Can Iverson Restore Hope for Knicks?
By HOWARD BECK Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:28:53 -0000
Allen Iverson, whom the Knicks deemed an unnecessary risk four months ago, is now so intriguing that they have spent most of the week discussing him.

SI.com - NBA

Celts fall to Magic, suffer season's 3rd home loss
Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:32:39 -0500
BOSTON(AP) Kevin Garnett missed last season's playoff series against Orlando with a knee injury. Rasheed Wallace signed with Boston after it was over.
Hawks soar to league-best 11-2 on Smith's tip-in
Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:32:39 -0500
ATLANTA(AP) Josh Smith spent most of the fourth quarter cheering on his teammates from the bench.
LeBron nets 40 in Cavs' road win
Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:32:39 -0500
INDIANAPOLIS(AP) Cleveland's offense was stagnant, and the Indiana Pacers had turned a five-point halftime deficit into a five-point lead entering the fourth quarter.
Gay keys Grizzlies' Philly win
Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:32:39 -0500
PHILADELPHIA(AP) Rudy Gay received the pass and never hesitated.
Raptors hang 120 on Heat
Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:32:38 -0500
So much for the Raptors' three-game slide. Behind Chris Bosh, Andrea Bargnani and a blistering shooting percentage (58 percent), Toronto sprinted past Miami 120-113 Friday night.
Clippers' TV pair suspended for on-air comments
Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:01:24 -0500
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Clippers longtime play-by-play announcer Ralph Lawler and color analyst Michael Smith were suspended one game by the Fox Sports Prime Ticket cable network for their comments about Memphis center Hamed Haddadi.

ESPN.com - NBA

Carter's 26 lead Magic over struggling Celtics
Associated Press Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:11:56 -0800
Vince Carter scored 26 points, Rashard Lewis had 16 points and 10 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic beat the Boston Celtics 83-78 on Friday night.
LeBron posts 40 points to rally Cavs past Pacers
Associated Press Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:31:01 -0800
LeBron James scored a season-high 40 points, and the Cleveland Cavaliers rallied to beat the Indiana Pacers 105-95 on Friday night.
New York Knicks won't pursue free-agent guard Allen Iverson, president Donnie Walsh says
Chris Sheridan Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:34:24 -0800
The New York Knicks have decided not to pursue Allen Iverson, a decision that was reached late Thursday night.

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