Tim Duncan stracił ponad 20 mln dolarów

Jedna z gwiazd koszykarskiej ligi NBA Tim Duncan z San Antonio Spurs przyznał, że stracił ponad 20 mln dolarów z powodu błędnych decyzji doradcy finansowego, z którym współpracował przez 10 lat. Duncan w karierze zarobił jednak dużo więcej - ponad 220 mln. 

- Na szczęście miałem długą karierę i dobre zarobki. To spora strata, ale na szczęście nie wpłynie ona na zmianę mojego życia - powiedział 39-letni Duncan, który zakończył współpracę z tym doradcą finansowym w 2007 r. 

W ostatnim sezonie pięciokrotny mistrz NBA (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014) zarobił 10,3 mln dol. 

Do klubu z Teksasu urodzony na amerykańskich Wyspach Dziewiczych Duncan trafił w 1997 roku. Do tej pory rozegrał w nim 1331 meczów w sezonie regularnym (jedynie w dwóch nie wyszedł w pierwszej piątce), zdobywając 25 974 pkt oraz 241 spotkania w play off (5113 pkt). 

Dwukrotnie był najlepszym graczem sezonu zasadniczego (2002 i 2003), trzykrotnie MVP finałów (1999, 2003, 2005). 13 razy wystąpił w Meczu Gwiazd Wschód - Zachód i raz był jego najlepszym koszykarzem (2000). 

Cavaliers faworytem do mistrzostwa NBA, Wizards bardzo nisko

Minęło dopiero kilka dni od zdobycia przez Golden State Warriors mistrzostwa NBA, a już amerykański portal bookmacherski "Bovada" ma typy na przyszły sezon 2015/16. Faworytem nr 1 nie są obrońcy tytułu. 

"Bovada", bookmacher z Las Vegas, opublikował te typy bardzo wcześnie, bo jeszcze przed Draftem 2015 (25 czerwca) i oczywiście przed letnim okienkiem na podpisywanie kontraktów z tzw wolnymi agentami. 

Największe szanse "Bovada" daje Cleveland Cavaliers (11/4). Prawdopodobnie dlatego, że grając nawet bez Kyrie'ego Irvinga i Kevina Love'a Cavaliers udało się dotrzeć do Finałów NBA i wygrać w nich dwa mecze. Wiele wskazuje też na to, że Love podpisze nowy kontrakt z Cavaliers. W ostatnich miesiącach już kilkukrotnie przyznał, że chce zostać w Cleveland. Cavaliers nie będą się liczyć w wyścigu o innych najlepszych wolnych agentów, ale mają wart 10,5 dolarów niegwarantowany kontrakt rezerwowego centra Brendana Haywooda. Mogą w ten sposób spróbować przejąć niewygodny, duży kontrakt od jakiejś drużyny, która będzie chciała się pozbyć gracza - zejść z jego umowy. Kontrakt Haywooda staje się gwarantowany 1 sierpnia, więc jest to praktycznie deadline dla Cavaliers na dokonanie wymiany z jego udziałem. 

Na drugim miejscu znajdują się obrońcy tytułu Golden State Warriors (4/1). Najważniejszą decyzją latem dla Warriors będzie podpisanie nowego kontraktu z Draymondem Greenem. Ten kluczowy i unikatowy silny skrzydłowy będzie miał jednak status zastrzeżonego wolnego agenta, więc Warriors mogą wyrównać każdą ofertę kontraktu jaką otrzyma od innego klubu i w ten sposób pozostawić go w składzie. Reszta kluczowych graczy ma ważne kontrakty na przyszły sezon. Warriors próbowali będą wymienić wysoki kontrakt Davida Lee, aby zaoszczędzić kilka milionów dolarów. Oddając Lee raczej trudno będzie im pozyskać w zamian coś wartościowego, ale z wymianą Lee mogą teoretycznie zaczekać aż do okienka transferowego w lutym. Może wówczas uda im się przy okazji wzmocnić, a nie tylko "schodzić" z kontraktu zmiennika Greena. 

Na 3. pozycji wg "Bovady" są Oklahoma City Thunder (7/1). To jeden z lepiej opłacalnych typów, jeżeli jesteś pozytywnie nastawiony do tego, że kontuzja stopy nie będzie dłużej przeszkadzać Kevinowi Durantowi (zagrał tylko w 27 meczach sezonu 2014/15). Thunder mają pod kontraktami na przyszły sezon praktycznie cały trzon drużyny - Duranta, Russella Westbrooka, Serge'a Ibakę i Stevena Adamsa. Zastrzeżonym wolnym agentem będzie pozyskany w lutym z Utah Jazz Turek Enes Kanter. Lato w Oklahomie powinno więc upłynąć spokojnie, choć jest tylko kwestią czasu, zanim pojawią się doniesienia o tym, że inne kluby składają Oklahomie propozycje transferowe za Duranta. Czterokrotny król strzelców za rok w lipcu 2016 uzyska status niezastrzeżonego wolnego agenta. 

San Antonio Spurs (10/1) są na 4. miejscu. Tim Duncan i Manu Ginobili najprawdopodobniej nie zakończą jeszcze swoich karier, a Spurs podpiszą nowy kontrakt z Kawhi'em Leonardem i być może uda im się poważnie wzmocnić, sprowadzając jednego z niezastrzeżonych wolnych agentów LaMarcusa Aldridge'a (Portland) lub Marca Gasola (Memphis). Aby mogli to zrobić, będą musieli jednak najprawdopodobniej pożegnać się z Dannym Greenem, który ma status niezastrzeżonego wolnego agenta. Albo przehandlować kontrakt Borisa Diawa lub Tiago Splittera. 

Tuż tuż za Spurs są ich pogromcy z tegorocznych playoffów, czyli Los Angeles Clippers (11/1). Typy "Bovady" zostały uaktualnione już po tym jak Clippers sprowadzili Lance'a Stephensona z Charlotte Hornets. Clippers najprawdopodobniej podpiszą w lipcu nowy kontrakt z DeAndre Jordanem i próbowali będą skusić Paula Pierce'a, by ten zrezygnował z ostatniego roku kontraktu w Waszyngtonie i podpisał umowę w Los Angeles. Niewykluczona jest też wymiana Jamala Crawforda, w obliczu tego, że Stephenson pełni na boisku podobną rolę i również ma być w Clippers rezerwowym. 

Na 6. pozycji są Chicago Bulls (14/1). Najważniejszą decyzją Bulls będzie to czy zgodzić się na finansowy plan Jimmy'ego Butlera, który chce maksymalnych zarobków, ale ma też status zastrzeżonego wolnego agenta. To sprawia, że Bulls mogą wyrównać każdą ofertę innego klubu i pozostawić go w składzie. Co może jeszcze stać się latem w Chicago? Jest już nowy trener Fred Hoiberg, ale możliwe, że wymieniony zostanie jeden z trójki Taj Gibson, Pau Gasol, Joakim Noah - w tej kolejności. Jest to związane ze zwiększeniem czasu gry dla Nikoli Mirotica, który miał bardzo udany debiutancki sezon w Bulls. 

Dalej są Houston Rockets (16/1), Atlanta Hawks (25/1), Memphis Grizzlies (28/1) oraz Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers (już z wracającym do zdrowia Paulem Georgem), Miami Heat i New Orleans Pelicans (po 33/1). 

Zaskakująca jest pozycja Washington Wizards (40/1), którzy stawiani są ex-eaquo z Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Lakers i Toronto Raptors. Przy czym pamiętać trzeba, że bookmacherzy nie określają tylko szans na mistrzostwo, ale próbują też określoną stawką wywołać dany efekt na rynku zakładów. Są drużyny, na które stawia się dużo częściej i które mają dużo większą liczbę kibiców, np Lakers. Z drugiej strony Lakers mają wybór z nr 2 Draftu 2015 i możliwość sprowadzenia co najmniej jednego zawodnika na maksymalnym kontrakcie. Przy dobrych wiatrach stać ich na włączenie się do walki o playoffy już w przyszłym sezonie. 
Pozycja Wizards nie mniej zaskakuje. Wydaje się, że Wizards przystąpią do przyszłego sezonu jako druga najsilniejsza drużyna w Konferencji Wschodniej. Choć do końca czerwca i w lipcu jeszcze sporo może się zmienić. 

NBA Finals: Sensation in Oakland, a triple-double LeBron James

To a huge sensation occurred in match No. 2 NBA Finals. Playing without Kevin Love's Kyrie'ego Irving and the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated after extra time away Golden State Warriors 95:93. LeBron James scored a triple-double 39 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists. There is a tie 1-1 and now the series moves to Cleveland. The third match on Tuesday.

That even in NBA history was not that two inaugural match of the championship rings rivalry ended in stoppage time. The Sunday meeting was even more dramatic than the first, won by the Warriors 108: 100.

As on Thursday, the Cavaliers can win it in the statutory 48 minutes, but their best player LeBron James was sent to the basket in the last action of the match 87:87 at state and Tristan Thompson's rebound was also inaccurate. The Cavaliers have lost in the last three minutes until 11 point lead.

In a dramatic and nerve extra guests they led 92:87 after the first runs, but then made errors. Warriors scored six points in a row and after Stephen Curry personal shootout to 29.5 seconds before the siren went out to the first lead after the break.

Favorable result 94:93, also with the line, restored the Australian team from Cleveland quarterback Matthew Dellavedova for 10 seconds before the end. Dellavedova collected the ball in the attack on inaccurate kick for three James Jones, and was immediately fouled. In the game, the Warriors Curry's throw from półdystansu did not touch the rim. The result has established James, hitting one free. The hosts had 4.4 seconds to answer, but they did not have a break on demand and lost the ball.

Cavaliers first victory in the final in the club's history (in 2007 they lost the competition for the title with the San Antonio Spurs 0-4).

The American anthem instrumental version before Sunday's meeting at Oracle Arena in Oakland performed the famous guitarist Carlos Santana and accompanying him on drums wife, Cindy Blackman.

Then came time for the basketball virtuoso performances. The hero of the evening was James, who scored his fifth triple-double in the NBA finals - won for guests 39 points, had 16 rebounds and 11 assists. Supported him Timofei middle cerebral, the first Russian fighting for the championship ring - 17 and 11 rebounds, and JR Smith - 13. At the arrays successfully fought Tristan Thompson - 14 rebounds.

Most points for the hosts gained Klay Thompson - 34. The team's top scorer and MVP of the regular season Curry had a weaker day - scored 19 points, hitting just five of 23 shots from the game, including two of 15 three-pointers. When he was covered by Dellavedovę - he not scored points and missed all eight shots. Harrison Barnes added 11 points, and Draymond Green - 10 points.

Cavaliers, weakened by the lack of basic playmaker Kyrie Irving, who in extra time of the first match suffered a fractured patella in his left knee and underwent an operation already fought bravely from the first to the last minute. After a draw the first quarter (20:20), the second took the lead (maximum difference of seven points, 40:33) and maintain a favorable outcome to extra time.

Curry on a weaker performance was also outstanding impact Dellavedovy game in defense, replacing the top five Irving. The Australian is not only limited freedom of action leader of the "Warriors", but also gained important points (9 in total) in the decisive phase of the match.

After his three-point plan for five minutes before the end of the fourth quarter achieved the highest team, 11-point lead (79:68). A similar difference (83:72) table showing after customs attempt from distance James at 3.13 min. before the end of regular playing time.

The hosts, the best team in the league regular season, they have yet to lead to a tie 87:87 and overtime, which however lost, losing court advantage.

- When we play defense like today, we give ourselves a chance to overcome each team in the world - said the leader of winners James.

Cavaliers "begged" match, in which they came only 32% of the shots of the game, committed 17 losses and 12 times mistook the free-throw line. It was another fantastic them in the playoffs defensive disposition. Warriors stopped on the effectiveness of 40% of the game, 8/35 for three (Curry 2/15) and 19 losses. The next two final meetings with the Cavaliers Warriors will be held on Tuesday and Thursday in Cleveland.

Golden State Warriors - Cleveland Cavaliers 93:95 (state series: 1-1) (20:20, 25:27, 14:15, 28:25, 6: 8)

Warriors: Thompson 34 (4x3), Curry 19 (6 ZB, 5 ace, 6 p), Barnes 11, Green 10 (10 zb, 5 prz, 4 blk), Bogut 2 (10 with b) - Iguodala 7 (6 zb, 5 peace), Barbosa 5, Livingston 3, f the 2, Speights 0

Cavaliers: James 39 (16 zb, 11 as), the brains of 17 (11 with b), Dellavedova 9 (3 yarn), Shumpert 7, Thompson 2 (14 with b) - Smith 13, Jones 8, Miller 0

Iverson biography reveals his problems with alcohol

Allen Iverson was the turn of the millennia not only one of the best basketball the NBA, but by the way pop culture icon. His pozaboiskowa arrogance and style of wearing out, coupled with fantastic skills playing one on one and short stature made him a role model for many young basketball players in the US and Poland. Today we know more and more about alcohol problems that led to his downfall.

Three classic moments Iverson, best remembered years later, that his "crossover", which in 1997 froze Michael Jordan, the famous crossing over Tyronne Lue in a win over No. 1 of the Finals in 2001, but it was also his press conference of May 2002 With as much as 22 times used the word "practice" (training).

In the newly published biography Iverson journalist Kent Babb writes that the leader of the Philadelphia 76ers could be that day under the influence of alcohol. In the book, alcohol appears several times and he was supposed to be one of the causes of marital breakdown Iverson and the reason for that after the end of a 34 year old played in the NBA yet only 28 matches.

The press conference took place on 7 May 2002. A year earlier, Iverson and the 76ers reached the NBA Finals, where they lost 1-4 to the Los Angeles Lakers. In 2001/02, however, they won only 43 of 82 matches and lost 2-3 in the first round of the Boston Celtics 24-year-old Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker senior year.

Iverson won in that series averaging 30.0 points but hit only 38% of the shots of the game and ranked among barely 4.2 assists in the match. After the exits from the playoffs the 76ers coach Larry Brown openly talked about the fact that he does not know if he would be able to do something more with the team, whose leader leaves the workouts, and when to them is, it is not applied properly to work. Brown talked about it already during the 2001/02 season, and the press of Philadelphia watched and wrote about this topic, above all, Phil Jasner already died of "Philadelphia Daily News".

It is up to Jasnera Iverson came just his now famous "You talking about practice?". Iverson was not joking. I really felt that training does not mean much and that only count matches. In the book Babba is more about what happened that day.

Four days after losing to the Celtics Iverson is late for an appointment with Brown, then in the parking lot both quarreled about Iverson's future at the club. Brown shortly after the completion of the series said that every player the 76ers can be traded and did not exclude from this group Iverson. He wished to make it clear that there are no people in the 76ers irreplaceable. Iverson asked Brown if the parking lot does it mean that the 76ers are ready to replace it. Brown said he did not.

After this conversation Iverson and his friend went on unspecified place and then returned for a press conference to talk to the media.

Brown says in his book "My guess is that they went somewhere to fool around," then Babb adds that saying this former coach of the 76ers made a gesture of opening a bottle of beer. Then also speaks 76ers General Manager Billy King.

- I felt that something is wrong with it, but if we were sure that it is drunk, it never would let him to this conference.

Babb adds that few people present at this conference even before it started wondering if Iverson is drunk. King attempted to prevent its commencement, and team owner Pat Croce, who watched it on television, reportedly suspected that Iverson is under the influence of alcohol and in the middle of the conference asked his wife has switched off the TV.

- He was under the influence. If he was not, it umiałby come out of this as he began to speak. There would flow so much. They knew about those journalists who talked with him for years and were around him several times - says John Smallwood of the "Daily News", who was also then at this conference.

When Iverson ended his career in 2013, he said that he should not take part in that conference.

- In the course of this conference was not about the workouts, but that can be transferred with the Philadelphia 76ers. Nobody on that later did not speak. Nobody talked about what it really was the conference - Iverson said at the time.

Biography written by Babba "Not a Game: The Incredible Rise and Fall of the Unthinkable Allen Iverson," recalls yet another critical moments in Iverson's personal life, in which its share could have alcohol. Blogger Drew Maggary of the portal "Deadspin" Babba wrote shortly after the release of the book and asked him whether he thought Iverson was a bad man. Author wrote:

- Yes, I think a little bit, yes, but wish it was not so. Like many people, I grew up watching Iverson and really loved it. He was short. It was great. It had everything somewhere. I wanted to be like him. Even when I was doing "research" for the book, I could not decide whether to love him or hate. In the process of writing several times I wondered whether I was unfair to him. He seemed too much money, ill-treated his ex-wife, left the children alone in the hotel to go get drunk at the bar. There was a lot of such examples, but does that make him a bad person? I really loved his family, but perhaps his biggest mistake was that he was very loyal.

- A year ago, in July I found a few people who wrote to Iverson on Twitter, sharply criticizing him. One of them was a father from the state of Georgia. His son begged to go about it in order to participate in the training camp for young basketball players, organized by Iverson. I found this father and I contacted him. Apparently, every day of the camp promised him leading basketball players and their parents that Iverson finally appears. And every next day Iverson again was not. It turned out, even the camp leader had no contact with him for several weeks. I just hoped that in the end will be at the camp, signed his name. That weekend he had also appear on the evening organized by the Foundation LeSean McCoy. Apparently, he is sitting alone at the bar and drank.

My only contact with Iverson took place during the semifinals of EuroBasket 2009, which was played in Katowice. "AI then flew to Polish for promotional purposes. A few days before his arrival editors of" Virtual Polish "has set me a few minutes of an interview with Iverson. Do you believe in the fact that it happens? I had my doubts, already knowing how Iverson in a nonchalant approach to the media. It turned out that, like running that camp in Georgia, managers in Poland Iverson also had great influence on him and Iverson had washed out of the hall at half-time Spain with Greece. Only a few journalists managed to get partyzancko VIP Grandstand s and replace with the two sentences before he fled to the airport.

In 2016, Allen Iverson will be able to be included in the "Hall of Fame", ie to the basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield. As a former regular season MVP and 11-time participant Matches Stars should be in it without a problem. We will see, however, whether the revelations about his bankruptcy, problems with alcohol and personal life will have no negative impact on his potential nomination. They should not, because Iverson is not the only potential "Hall-of-Famer," which had personal problems, but that's how he survived his fourth decade now 40-year-old life cast a shadow over his career.

Shaq: LeBron? Kobe was better than him

While the NBA basketball players, who played in the days of Michael Jordan, answer questions of who is better, "Jordan or LeBron James," Shaquille O'Neal returned to the question a few years ago, "LeBron or Kobe?". Shaq, who played in teams of both, suggests Kobe'ego Bryant.

O'Neal - NBA commentator today in the channel TNT - Monday was a guest at Dan Patrick's radio show. He was asked by the teacher about who was the better player in his heyday, Kobe Bryant or LeBron James.

- I played with both. You know, Kobe has that killer instinct, and probably would choose Kobe'ego. It is no objection against LeBronowi, but you know, me and Kobe played more with each other. I've seen what he can do.

O'Neal and Bryant played together for 8 seasons, but really what they need to blame for the fact that it did not last longer. This relationship of the two of the 4-5 best players in the world have led to O'Neal's departure from Los Angeles Lakers in 2004. Rather than create a dynasty in the likeness of the Chicago Bulls of the 90s, the duo managed to win only three titles. They played together with him in the best of times O'Neal, but have not played together in the best of times Bryant. Today you can speculate how many titles together to have won - five, six, seven?

With James Shaq played only one season 2009/10, when he was Centrex top five of the Cleveland Cavaliers. It was the last season of James in Cleveland for four years before moving to Miami. That season ended for James and the Cavaliers unexpected defeat in the second round with a 2-4 lower seeded Boston Celtics. In the last three games of that series, James had more losses (19) than the casts (18). It was the worst moment of his career ... before a few months later aired on ESPN today announced that it is going to the Miami Heat and ... before the Heat in the NBA Final sensationally lost to the Dallas Mavericks, and James won the Finals fewer points than Jason Terry . Since then, the career of James climbed back up.

They climbed up a relationship with Kobe'em Shaq. The lowest point reached in July 2008, a few weeks after the Bryant and the Lakers lost the NBA Finals to the Boston Celtics. In the evening, in one of New York clubs, Shaq came on stage and started rapping:

"See, you know what I am.
In the last week Kobe could not do this without me. "

"There is a big difference between the first and second place.
Kobe, tell me how my tastes du ** "

O'Neal wanted only here in this offhand manner Bryantowi recall that by that time - until 2008 - has not won a single title without O'Neal (then won two in subsequent years - ed. Ed.).

"Kobe poured me.
That's why I take divorce.
He said that Shaq gave 'dz * WCE "million dollar"

Shaq was like here the situation from 2003, when Bryant was accused by a teenager from Colorado for sexual assault. During the talks with the police Kobe had reportedly testify that Shaq in the past paid one woman for it to withdraw it similar charges. Shaq denied, but rapping on stage, suggested that what he said Kobe, Shaq has led to a divorce from his first wife Shaunie Nelson.

But over the last few years with Bryant Shaq relations have improved a lot. Although it is mainly Shaq righteous Bryantowi compliments.

Bryant comparisons to James but disappeared, because the 36-year-old leader of the Lakers only played in 41 games over the last two seasons.

Bryant has won five championships, James only two. However, James was elected 4 times a regular season MVP, Bryant once. Bryant was for as many as 11 times in the top fives of the season, James until then 9 times.


So who was better? The answer is simple.

Internet lost, Kevin Love wants to stay in Cleveland

Cleveland Cavaliers lose 0-1 in the NBA Finals with the Golden State Warriors and after renewal is down Kyrie'emu Irving before them extremely difficult challenge. However, they can avoid pozaboiskowych controversy. Got injured Kevin Love after the game No. 1 confessed that he wants to stay in Cleveland. Internet silent.

- I never wanted to play more than a match which was watched - said Love after losing Cavaliers in overtime 100: 108.

- Yes. I want to win - said Love when he was Enquiries by Ramona Shelburne of ESPN about whether his words mean that next season he wants to stay in Cleveland.

The third scorer and best rebounder Cavs suffered a shoulder injury in the first round of the playoffs. He underwent surgery and since then can not play.

Love went to Cleveland before the season in an exchange with the Minnesota Timberwolves. From the very moment in which he appeared, with him also they appeared doubts as to whether it will in Cleveland for a long time. Love has an option in the contract for the season 2015/16 and may withdraw from it. He could then in July to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers or sign with a new, five-year contract. Officially still has not decided what to do. It has until the end of June to decide whether to use the option in the contract.

Therefore, to what to do for a few months, accompanied by all sorts of reports. US media outdo one another in suggesting that Love is not happy in Cleveland. There were reports that it is interested in playing the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics. These regarding Boston pulled after the Celtics as a player Kelly Olynyk led to Love's injury.

But these reports of dissatisfaction Love'a have their own causes. First of all, Love is a white player in the locker room Cavaliers dominated by black athletes who judging by the clips published by them on Instagramie, firmly they stick together. Even on the other side of the Atlantic - from the place where I'm sitting - you can see that the main group formed in Cleveland LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Tristan Thompson, Iman Shumpert and JR Smith. Love is on the way.

After the second - or first - when you hit the Cleveland Love passed a similar path traveled by Chris Bosh, when in 2010 created the James and Dwyane Wade "Big Three" in the Miami Heat. Bosh of the Toronto Raptors leadership, has become something of player type of task. With James and Wade next gave less throws and his role in the attack was much smaller.

Identical was the LoveMe. In the 2013/14 regular season averaged 26.1 points for the Minnesota Timberwolves. In the season 2014/15 only 16.4 points for Cleveland. Love gave as much as 5.8 throws less on average per game playing only two minutes shorter. However, the threat they pose throw for three of the power forward position opened up in shares of pick-and-roll your way to the trash James and Irving. In a very similar role functioning Bosh common in the last two seasons with James in Miami.

In the second half of the season the trio Irving-James-Love complement very well. Love was even the leader of Cleveland in plus / minus, counting from 1 February until the end of the regular season. His skills have not been used fully, but it usually is when NBA stars playing together, they have to sacrifice something for the good of the team. It always will be around this controversy and speculation.

For what would be the internet without the rumors that encourage fans to speculate? It is no coincidence that the most interesting period is the NBA season, when ... the NBA is not playing. So the end of June and July - the re-opening of the transfer window and the time of signing contracts with free agents. It is no coincidence that the contracts in the NBA are getting shorter. NBA authorities know very well what the "winds" fans - transfers, speculation.

Meanwhile, Love said he still January 24, when the Cavaliers started to play better (they started the season 19-20 and then won 34 of the last 43 matches), he was not going to move out.

- It seems to me that we will play better, so do not plan to deviate from the contract. I plan to be here. Of course, my options are open, of course. At the end of the day it is always good to have some options, but I plan to be here in Cleveland.

And not everybody believed him. Even joked that Love should start his speech from "According to my sources, I plan to stay in Cleveland."

Because after this statement the rumors are back and, of course, they were quoted source. Here are a few examples.

- All the managers I talk to everyone closely associated with the league, every girl cousin sister's boyfriend, they expect that Kevin Love is gone from Cleveland - said in April Brian Windhorst of ESPN.

- Kevin Love and Rajon Rondo will be played in the Lakers - said Jalen Rose, former basketball player, currently leading a very popular podcast on the website Grantland.

- Sources tell me that they love very seriously considering withdrawing from the contract and play in the Lakers - wrote Sam Smith of Bulls.com.

- Throughout the season, league sources say that one club has more and better chances in the fight for Love's. It's Boston Celtics - this in turn wrote in April by Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.

- Kevin Love is considering options in the free-agent market that will appear in July.

The latter did not write just one particular, because he could write every one of us. This is probably true. As he said in January Love - good to have options. Love certainly thinks about her future, because it's his future and you can not be one hundred percent sure that he would be in Cleveland. Even when he says things like last week, he talked with Dave McMenamin of ESPN.

- Honestly, it's still about that I never really imagined, but as I said, I'm going to be next season in a tracksuit score sheet for the match No. 1.

- In tracksuit Cavaliers?

- Yes.

A friend journalist asked me a few days ago "And what he had to say? But he could not say I did not want to play in the Cavaliers'. He might, he could not, but the NBA basketball players or athletes in general, for the most part already mastered the art of speaking so as not to say anything. So just answer evasively - "At this moment I am focused on playing for our team and this season. We'll see afterwards." Love is not the first basketball player in history, which can in July to become the NBA free agent. It is, moreover Love spent the previous season in Minnesota, avoiding like the plague response to whether he wants to leave the Timberwolves, before it became clear after the season and before the semi-official began to demand a transfer.

I wonder how Love's latest quote could be interpreted in such a way that you can still think about it, that maybe want to leave.

Or maybe you just lying?

If so, then lie and go away. Rumors will instead appear as popping up so far and will them to live as we lived. Although we may be a little wiser after this situation. I have bad associations, when observe how the players appear around different kinds of reports, and then they try to speak as it actually is. Only that their voice did not came through to public opinion - "basketball players are playing, not from speaking." More important are the "sources" than what he says basketball player. I understand that athletes can say one thing and think another, but it may be better not to assume in advance that it does not tell the truth?

The mysterious "sources" but they know better what they do. They know before they think about it. It's no wonder that such a website was created as "The Players Tribune", where players are free to write about what they think, bypassing the media. It's no wonder that athletes fell in love with Twitter. It's no wonder that many athletes do not like shuns the media and journalists. Especially at a time when flashy title counts and better selling negative information than positive ones.

I have the impression that this is slowly changing and moving toward normalcy. Slowly. Not only in the NBA. Sources say that period.

NBA Finals : 44 points LeBron , but it was the Warriors lead 1-0

LeBron James scored 44 points, but the Cleveland Cavaliers lost in overtime to the Golden State Warriors first game of the NBA Finals 100: 108. James for three seconds before the end of the fourth quarter he missed the penalty that could give the Cavaliers the victory. In extra time the Cavaliers have won only two points. Leg 2 will be played on the night of Sunday to Monday.

The first game of the Finals long rumbled down the thoughts Cavaliers, who led for most of the meeting and even 89-85 with six minutes before the end of the fourth quarter. LeBron James had most of the shares of one on one, and very convincing performances Kyrie Irving. In the final minutes but James sank with strength, and overtime has completely belonged to Warriors. To make matters worse Cavaliers lost in the Irving, who re-injured his foot.

Indoor aggressively Stephen Curry threw Warriors scored 26 points and 8 assists. Very well he played too Klay Thompson, who scored 21 points. Great wrote off the bench for Andre Iguodala. Veteran Warriors scored 15 points and last minutes very well concealed tired James.

It Iguodala for three seconds before the end of the fourth quarter hid James, when he tried to hit hard throw three from the left wing. The ball bounced off the rim, took her Iman Shumpert, but his attempt dobitki of six meters was inaccurate.

In extra time both teams a long time could not get points from the game. Curry forced the two consecutive fouls and hit four free throws, and at 2.02 min. before the end of Harrison Barnes from the left corner hit three and the Warriors had been running a difference of seven points.

- It was five minutes from our side the classic game in extra time - Curry said after the match.

James scored 44 points and hit 18 of 38 shots from the game. However, he missed 10 of the last 13 attempts in the game. He also had 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Very well played having trouble with injuries Irving, who threw 23 points, had 7 rebounds, 6 assists, he scored 4 steals and had 2 blocks. 24 sec. before the end of the fourth quarter on the back of Irving blocked an attempt entry to the basket Curry.

However, the Cavaliers wasted a chance for a surprising victory and wrest away the first match. The extra active defense of the Warriors forced the loss and the Cavaliers were getting no kicks from poorly-prepared positions. Throughout the evening they came only 9 of 31 threes. He had failed JR Smith, who hit only 3 of 10 shots for three and not getting especially at the end of the match.

- We need to have more movement without the ball, when LeBron playing one on one - said after the match, David Blatt, the coach of the Cavaliers.

Key in match No. 1 was for the Warriors win the battle on the boards 48-45 and longer reserve bench. Substitutes bench Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 34-9. Matthew Dellavedova and James Jones - the seventh and eighth player in the rotation visitors - not just scored.

Leg 2 of the Finals will be played again in Oakland. Beginning in the night from Sunday to Monday in the chair. 2:00 Polish time.

Golden State Warriors - Cleveland Cavaliers 108: 100 (state series 1-0) (19:29, 29:22, 25:22, 25:25, 10: 2)

Warriors: Curry 26 (8 peace), Thompson 21 (3x3), Green 12, Barnes 11, Bogut 4 - Iguodala 15, Speights 8, f the 5, Livingston 4, Barbosa 2

Cavaliers: James 44 (8 zb, 6 ace), Irving 23 (7 zb, 6 ace, 4 prz), the brains of 16 (7 peace), Shumpert 6 (4 spinning), Thompson 2 (15 with b) - Smith 9 (3x3 ) Dellavedova 0, Jones 0

NBA Finals : 10 things you should know

On the night of Thursday to Friday 69. Finals start in NBA history . They play the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors , and the match will be shown live on Canal + Sport . Are the first two things you should know about this year's NBA Finals .

Smoking t-shirts LeBron James from Cleveland and surrounding areas twist of fate meant that in 2003, began his career as a player for the Cleveland Cavaliers. "The son of this land," but he left Cleveland in 2010 before he could get the championship ring there. When announcing its decision, hundreds of people took to the streets of the city. Some of them smoked shirts James. After four years of playing the Miami Heat, after four consecutive visits to the NBA Finals after winning two titles, James before the season 2014/15 he returned to Cleveland. Again, is loved, is loved and again on Thursday will be fought first title in the history of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Whistling in Warriors That's not a typo, actually comes to whistling. In March 2012, a few months after the investor Joe Lacob became the owner of Warriors fans whistled and booed him during a ceremony honoring one of its former players of the club. Fans booed in response to the fact that a few weeks earlier Lacob decided to give back to the Milwaukee Bucks team leading scorer Monta Ellis. In return, the centers acquired Andrew Boguta, whose career due to injury was then on the cusp. Today, the Australian is a key player the Warriors, and the departure of Ellis made the team leader could be Stephen Curry, the most valuable player of the season 2014/15 (MVP). LeBron James is chasing Jordan Michael Jordan has six, and James, only two championship rings. James, however, has a little more time, because Jordan won his fourth title half a year after the age of 33 years old. James in December, just over 31 years. - This is probably the best version of me throughout my career - so before the finals says James about his game, and everywhere there are voices of former basketball players and the current that if you do not look at the number of rings, the current version of James might be a better basketball player than the best version of Jordan. In these playoffs, James include an average of 27.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.3 block per game. In February, James dominated the Warriors, throwing in victory 111: 99 your best in the season 42 points.

LeBron James isn't the favorite Although James dominates basketball at scoring points, assists and rebounds, then this year's finals resemble the situation from last season. Lonely James fights against the best team in the NBA. Team with a capital "D," for having in its composition more valuable players and playing more collectively, more modern than the team of James. A year ago, James and the Miami Heat lost 1-4 to the San Antonio Spurs, and the two remaining Heat star Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh together won only one more point (29.2) than trafiający as much as 57% of their throws, James (28.2). This year, James also can not count on help from the other two best players of his team, because Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving both are injured. About 95% of experts picks the Warriors win this series. The most common type is emerging 4-2 for the Warriors. Cavaliers are weakened Kyrie Irving, Cavaliers second best scorer, left 2 of the last 3 games of the playoffs. 23-year-old dribbling magician more than a month struggling with the scourge of injury. Irving has trouble with the ankle, knee, hip and shoulder. Until this spring Irving has never played in the playoffs, and now his body can not withstand such a long season. Do not withstand a body - exactly right shoulder - Kevin Love's, who underwent surgery a month ago. Irving and Love were in the regular season authored 37% of the points scored by the Cavaliers. Stephen Curry is the king left corner 27-year-old Stephen Curry turned into a three dunks in the contest. Not only is it efficient but also effective in this as it goes from afar. He can hit pretty regularly throws for three, being even two meters behind the line. Curry needed only 13 games to break the record of customs triples in the history of the NBA playoffs. His 59 hit for three broke the previous record belonging to Reggie Miller. The leader of the Indiana Pacers in the playoffs in 2000 hit 58 threes, but he needed to ... 22 matches, which is as many as nine more than the "baby-faced assassin". Until then, Curry included in these playoffs, an average of 29.2 points, 6.4 assists, 4.9 and 1.9 steals collection. 43.7% also gets three throws. The most interesting statistic of the playoffs? Curry hit 12 of 13 shots for three from the left corner.

LeBron and Curry began in the same place

The two best players in Warriors Curry and Klay Thompson is the son of former NBA basketball players. Curry's father Dell was in the 90s one of the best shooters for three. Earlier in the season 1987-1988 was the player Dell Curry Cleveland Cavaliers. In March 1988, his wife bore him a son. Stephen was born in a hospital in Akron, a small town located 49 km south of Cleveland. It's just Akron, 39 months before Currym, was born James. Curry after the birth of Akron visited only once, James spent his childhood. Both were born in the same city, in the same hospital, but outside the parquet do not stick together, although they are also enemies.

Colleagues from one bench, almost

Interesting story also connects the coaches of both teams. For the first time in NBA history - not counting the first season of 1946/47 - in the Finals will face two trainers-debutants. Steve Kerr Golden State Warriors - former three-time champion with the Chicago Bulls and author of the famous line from the Finals in 1997 - is the only basketball coach his first season. Bostończyk David Blatt coached in Europe for nearly 20 years and has won everything there is to win, before the spring a year ago became the coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers. But before Blatt was offered a job in Cleveland, he was already speaks with Kerr to become his assistant at the Warriors.

Basketball space

It is no longer time-90s. In this year's NBA finals very often we see teams that play on the pitch without the classic middle. And when Andrew Bogut (Warriors) and Russian Timofey brains (Cavaliers) will sit on the bench - and when you sit on it a best rebounder ball in the attack in the NBA Tristan Thompson (Cavaliers) - on the dance floor we can see the so-called "small ball". It was then that LeBron James will be the "center", playing alongside the four players below him Cavaliers. And on the other side of the dance floor ball will be rerouted Draymond Green - "center" Warriors. Low settings Warriors have become absolutely crucial is that Curry and company are the best team in the NBA this season.

Riley Curry is the curse of journalists

Parts American journalists do not like the fact that Curry comes to press conferences with his almost 3-year-old daughter. This sweet creature has become in recent weeks, the heroine of the NBA playoffs. Some journalists complain that little Riley prevents them from asking questions.