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

Shinn, Owner of New Orleans Hornets, Says He Has Prostate Cancer
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:47:35 -0000
George Shinn, the owner of the New Orleans Hornets, announced in a news release Friday that he has prostate cancer.
N.B.A. Roundup: At 0-6, Nets Off to Worst Start in Franchise History
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:33:02 -0000
Andre Iguodala scored 16 points, including a late 3-pointer to give the 76ers the lead and send the short-handed Nets to their worst start in franchise history.
Cavaliers 101, Knicks 91: Fans at Garden Were Thrilled, but Not by Knicks
By HOWARD BECK Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:33:01 -0000
LeBron James had 33 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists in his only visit to the Garden this season, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a convincing victory over the Knicks.
James Brings Buzz to Garden, but Keeps Plans to a Murmur
By JONATHAN ABRAMS Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:11:27 -0000
LeBron James made his only regular-season visit to New York, and at times there seemed to be more than one of him on the court.
Bulls Stop LeBron James to End Cavaliers’ Winning Streak at 3
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:17:46 -0000
Luol Deng helped stop LeBron James on a drive in the final seconds as the Chicago Bulls ended the Cleveland Cavaliers’ three-game winning streak with an 86-85 victory.
Does LeBron James Need New York and the Knicks?
By HOWARD BECK Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:28:40 -0000
It is the conventional wisdom that if LeBron James leaves Cleveland, it will be to chase fame and fortune. But that might be a misguided pursuit.

SI.com - NBA

James' game-high 33 points lead Cavs past Knicks
Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:14:29 -0500
King James made his only regular-season Madison Square Garden appearance a good one. James finished with 33 points in Cleveland's 100-91 triumph Friday night over New York.
Celts lose 1st game of season ...
Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:14:29 -0500
Suns-Celtics recap
Bobcats pound road-weary Hawks
Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:14:29 -0500
Bobcats-Hawks recap
Nets fall to 0-6, worst beginning in team history
Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:14:29 -0500
Sixers-Nets recap
Kobe gets 41, youngest to 24,000; Lakers cruise
Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:14:29 -0500
Lakers-Grizzlies recap
Raptors' 27-4 third-period spurt dooms Hornets
Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:14:29 -0500
Raptors-Hornets recap

ESPN.com - NBA

NBA Rookie Rankings: Who's at the head of the class?
David Thorpe Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:33:13 -0700
Who's at the head of the rookie class at the start of the season? Let's rank 'em.
LeBron, Cavs show off against Knicks in MSG
Associated Press Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:06:19 -0800
LeBron James scored 33 points in his only visit to Madison Square Garden this season, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 100-91 victory over the New York Knicks on Friday night.
Wade, O'Neal combine to hand Nuggets 1st loss
Associated Press Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:23:46 -0800
Dwyane Wade scored 22 points, Jermaine O'Neal added 18 and the Miami Heat dealt the Denver Nuggets their first loss of the season, 96-88 on Friday night.

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