Cairns Taipans won

Carried by a roaring full house the Taipans had the better of the second over-time period and were never headed forcing the battle for the Dr John Raschke Championship Trophy to go to a third game in Auckland on Friday night. 

Cairns Taipans won a thrilling Game 2 of the iiNet Championship Grand Final Series after beating New Zealand Breakers 85-81 in double over-time at the Cairns Convention Centre on Sunday afternoon.

In a game befitting a championship decider a CJ Bruton three pointer with three seconds left of regulation time forced overtime before a huge Ron Dorsey three as the siren sounded on overtime sent us into double over-time.

Dorsey was the star for Cairns drilling six triples on his way to a game high 22 points.  Kevin Braswell lead the New Zealanders with four triples including two in over-time in his 18 points.

The Taipans exploded out of the blocks with Ayinde Ubaka driving to the hole, Ron Dorsey drilling a big three and then Ian Crosswhite jamming it home as the hosts scored the first seven points of the match.

Thomas Abercrombie got the Breakers rolling with a couple from the stripe two and a half minutes in and from their visitors wormed their way back into the contest. 

Defensive pressure dictated the tempo of the opening term as both teams struggled to score shooting at 26%.  A second Dorsey triple in the final minute gave the hosts a 14-12 lead at the first break.

The wrestle continued in the second until the Taipans went on a 9-0 blitz in three minutes midway through the term to open up a 27-18 lead.  But the visitors hit back going on a 12-6 run to finish the quarter to trail 33-30 at the half time break.

Abercrombie was the leading scorer at the half with nine points while Dorsey had five rebounds to go with his six points.

It was a frustrating start to the third as neither team could score until CJ Bruton scored coming of a screen at the 7:19 mark.  Mika Vukona scored moments later and the Breakers were back in the lead at 34-33.

That sparked the home crowd and the home team with Dorsey grabbing the lead back and then back to back Crosswhite buckets saw Cairns open up a five point lead 39-34.

Alex Pledger stepped in and scored the next five to level it up and it remained tight right till the end of the term when Abercrombie hit a triple with 15 seconds on the clock to leave it locked up at the last break 45-45.

New Zealand opened the final term the better with CJ Bruton and Vukona both getting open looks to open the lead out to four – 49-45.

Dorsey scored his third three-pointer of the night to keep the Snakes in touch, but when Abercrombie hit a three of his own the Breakers almost had a hand on the trophy leading 54-48 with 6:15 on the clock.

But the Taipans did not buckle.  On the strength of over 5000 screaming fans they lifted.  Ubaka controlled the tempo, they got the ball inside to Crosswhite and he once again scored back to back baskets.  When Ubaka dropped a couple of free-throws it was locked up 54-54 with 3:40 on the clock.

85 seconds later Ubaka drove the hole through traffic to put the Snakes in the lead.  40 seconds later he did it again, this time a fade away jumper inside the paint and the Taipans lead by four.

CJ closed the gap to two, before Aaron Grabau hit one of his two free throws to keep the margin at three.  Penney drove to the hole to close the gap to one with 51 seconds on the clock.

Then two no scores, the first Ubaka driving, the second the Breakers throwing it out of bounds left us with a Taipans inbound ball leading 59-58 with 20 seconds on the clock.

The Taipans played keepings off for seven seconds until Ubaka was fouled and converted both his free throws to extend the lead to three. 

That left 14 seconds.  The Breakers didn’t need that long.  CJ Bruton produced a beautiful fake to create the open three.  He steadied, then cooly knocked it down to lock it up with 3 seconds on the clock.

The Taipans couldn’t get a shot away and we went to over-time locked at 61-61. 

In a topsy-turvey first period of over-time the Taipans lead by two points before Braswell rattled off back to back triples to give Breakers a four point lead, 71-67 with 12.6 left on the clock.

But the next three plays featured a Dorsey three-pointer, a couple of Penney free throws and then the amazing Dorsey triple as the buzzer went off. 

A Daniel Dillon triple early in double over-time proved the catalyst as the Breakers couldn’t get closer to two points down and the Taipans held on to win an absolute thriller 85-81.

Cairns Taipans won

Carried by a roaring full house the Taipans had the better of the second over-time period and were never headed forcing the battle for the Dr John Raschke Championship Trophy to go to a third game in Auckland on Friday night. 

Cairns Taipans won a thrilling Game 2 of the iiNet Championship Grand Final Series after beating New Zealand Breakers 85-81 in double over-time at the Cairns Convention Centre on Sunday afternoon.

In a game befitting a championship decider a CJ Bruton three pointer with three seconds left of regulation time forced overtime before a huge Ron Dorsey three as the siren sounded on overtime sent us into double over-time.

Dorsey was the star for Cairns drilling six triples on his way to a game high 22 points.  Kevin Braswell lead the New Zealanders with four triples including two in over-time in his 18 points.

The Taipans exploded out of the blocks with Ayinde Ubaka driving to the hole, Ron Dorsey drilling a big three and then Ian Crosswhite jamming it home as the hosts scored the first seven points of the match.

Thomas Abercrombie got the Breakers rolling with a couple from the stripe two and a half minutes in and from their visitors wormed their way back into the contest. 

Defensive pressure dictated the tempo of the opening term as both teams struggled to score shooting at 26%.  A second Dorsey triple in the final minute gave the hosts a 14-12 lead at the first break.

The wrestle continued in the second until the Taipans went on a 9-0 blitz in three minutes midway through the term to open up a 27-18 lead.  But the visitors hit back going on a 12-6 run to finish the quarter to trail 33-30 at the half time break.

Abercrombie was the leading scorer at the half with nine points while Dorsey had five rebounds to go with his six points.

It was a frustrating start to the third as neither team could score until CJ Bruton scored coming of a screen at the 7:19 mark.  Mika Vukona scored moments later and the Breakers were back in the lead at 34-33.

That sparked the home crowd and the home team with Dorsey grabbing the lead back and then back to back Crosswhite buckets saw Cairns open up a five point lead 39-34.

Alex Pledger stepped in and scored the next five to level it up and it remained tight right till the end of the term when Abercrombie hit a triple with 15 seconds on the clock to leave it locked up at the last break 45-45.

New Zealand opened the final term the better with CJ Bruton and Vukona both getting open looks to open the lead out to four – 49-45.

Dorsey scored his third three-pointer of the night to keep the Snakes in touch, but when Abercrombie hit a three of his own the Breakers almost had a hand on the trophy leading 54-48 with 6:15 on the clock.

But the Taipans did not buckle.  On the strength of over 5000 screaming fans they lifted.  Ubaka controlled the tempo, they got the ball inside to Crosswhite and he once again scored back to back baskets.  When Ubaka dropped a couple of free-throws it was locked up 54-54 with 3:40 on the clock.

85 seconds later Ubaka drove the hole through traffic to put the Snakes in the lead.  40 seconds later he did it again, this time a fade away jumper inside the paint and the Taipans lead by four.

CJ closed the gap to two, before Aaron Grabau hit one of his two free throws to keep the margin at three.  Penney drove to the hole to close the gap to one with 51 seconds on the clock.

Then two no scores, the first Ubaka driving, the second the Breakers throwing it out of bounds left us with a Taipans inbound ball leading 59-58 with 20 seconds on the clock.

The Taipans played keepings off for seven seconds until Ubaka was fouled and converted both his free throws to extend the lead to three. 

That left 14 seconds.  The Breakers didn’t need that long.  CJ Bruton produced a beautiful fake to create the open three.  He steadied, then cooly knocked it down to lock it up with 3 seconds on the clock.

The Taipans couldn’t get a shot away and we went to over-time locked at 61-61. 

In a topsy-turvey first period of over-time the Taipans lead by two points before Braswell rattled off back to back triples to give Breakers a four point lead, 71-67 with 12.6 left on the clock.

But the next three plays featured a Dorsey three-pointer, a couple of Penney free throws and then the amazing Dorsey triple as the buzzer went off. 

A Daniel Dillon triple early in double over-time proved the catalyst as the Breakers couldn’t get closer to two points down and the Taipans held on to win an absolute thriller 85-81.

Cairns Taipans won

Carried by a roaring full house the Taipans had the better of the second over-time period and were never headed forcing the battle for the Dr John Raschke Championship Trophy to go to a third game in Auckland on Friday night. 

Cairns Taipans won a thrilling Game 2 of the iiNet Championship Grand Final Series after beating New Zealand Breakers 85-81 in double over-time at the Cairns Convention Centre on Sunday afternoon.

In a game befitting a championship decider a CJ Bruton three pointer with three seconds left of regulation time forced overtime before a huge Ron Dorsey three as the siren sounded on overtime sent us into double over-time.

Dorsey was the star for Cairns drilling six triples on his way to a game high 22 points.  Kevin Braswell lead the New Zealanders with four triples including two in over-time in his 18 points.

The Taipans exploded out of the blocks with Ayinde Ubaka driving to the hole, Ron Dorsey drilling a big three and then Ian Crosswhite jamming it home as the hosts scored the first seven points of the match.

Thomas Abercrombie got the Breakers rolling with a couple from the stripe two and a half minutes in and from their visitors wormed their way back into the contest. 

Defensive pressure dictated the tempo of the opening term as both teams struggled to score shooting at 26%.  A second Dorsey triple in the final minute gave the hosts a 14-12 lead at the first break.

The wrestle continued in the second until the Taipans went on a 9-0 blitz in three minutes midway through the term to open up a 27-18 lead.  But the visitors hit back going on a 12-6 run to finish the quarter to trail 33-30 at the half time break.

Abercrombie was the leading scorer at the half with nine points while Dorsey had five rebounds to go with his six points.

It was a frustrating start to the third as neither team could score until CJ Bruton scored coming of a screen at the 7:19 mark.  Mika Vukona scored moments later and the Breakers were back in the lead at 34-33.

That sparked the home crowd and the home team with Dorsey grabbing the lead back and then back to back Crosswhite buckets saw Cairns open up a five point lead 39-34.

Alex Pledger stepped in and scored the next five to level it up and it remained tight right till the end of the term when Abercrombie hit a triple with 15 seconds on the clock to leave it locked up at the last break 45-45.

New Zealand opened the final term the better with CJ Bruton and Vukona both getting open looks to open the lead out to four – 49-45.

Dorsey scored his third three-pointer of the night to keep the Snakes in touch, but when Abercrombie hit a three of his own the Breakers almost had a hand on the trophy leading 54-48 with 6:15 on the clock.

But the Taipans did not buckle.  On the strength of over 5000 screaming fans they lifted.  Ubaka controlled the tempo, they got the ball inside to Crosswhite and he once again scored back to back baskets.  When Ubaka dropped a couple of free-throws it was locked up 54-54 with 3:40 on the clock.

85 seconds later Ubaka drove the hole through traffic to put the Snakes in the lead.  40 seconds later he did it again, this time a fade away jumper inside the paint and the Taipans lead by four.

CJ closed the gap to two, before Aaron Grabau hit one of his two free throws to keep the margin at three.  Penney drove to the hole to close the gap to one with 51 seconds on the clock.

Then two no scores, the first Ubaka driving, the second the Breakers throwing it out of bounds left us with a Taipans inbound ball leading 59-58 with 20 seconds on the clock.

The Taipans played keepings off for seven seconds until Ubaka was fouled and converted both his free throws to extend the lead to three. 

That left 14 seconds.  The Breakers didn’t need that long.  CJ Bruton produced a beautiful fake to create the open three.  He steadied, then cooly knocked it down to lock it up with 3 seconds on the clock.

The Taipans couldn’t get a shot away and we went to over-time locked at 61-61. 

In a topsy-turvey first period of over-time the Taipans lead by two points before Braswell rattled off back to back triples to give Breakers a four point lead, 71-67 with 12.6 left on the clock.

But the next three plays featured a Dorsey three-pointer, a couple of Penney free throws and then the amazing Dorsey triple as the buzzer went off. 

A Daniel Dillon triple early in double over-time proved the catalyst as the Breakers couldn’t get closer to two points down and the Taipans held on to win an absolute thriller 85-81.

Tall Blacks Train Hard for Upcoming Tournaments and the Olympic Qualifier

he national team has a heavy Breakers influence to it, as half of the 12-man squad feature our very own players. Tom Abercrombie, Mika Vukona, Leon Henry, Alex Pledger, Corey Webster, and the Breakers' latest addition, Isaac Fotu, were all selected from a competitive field to represent their country in the Olympic Qualifying matches. In addition to the team camp being held at the Breakers training facility, forward Dillon Boucher was chosen for a position on the coaching staff. 

The long practices, scrimmages, and film sessions are all in preparation for the Stankovic Cup in China. Come 5-10 August, New Zealand will be competing against national teams representing China, Angola, and Russia.

Afterward, a week-long training camp in Italy will await the team as they prepare to take on various European national teams in several tournaments. This rigorous training is all in hopes of helping the team come together as a single unit prepared for the Oceania Qualifying Series, and ultimately, a spot in the 2012 Olympics in London. 

Wish the boys luck as they work hard to make New Zealand basketball a force in international competition!

Check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nzbreakers to see pictures of their practice session!

2011 Tall Blacks Programme: 

Camp – 30 July – 4 August, Auckland, Breakers facility

Stankovic Cup – 5-10 August, China (Angola, China, Russia)

Training Camp – 11-18 August, Italy

Macedonia Trophy – 19-21 August, Macedonia (Macedonia, Montenegro, tbc)

Four Nations Tournament – 22-25 August, Turkey (Turkey, Montenegro, Ukraine)

Oceania Build Up Camp – 1-4 September, Auckland

Oceania Qualifying Series v Australia:

Game 1 – Wednesday 7 September, Melbourne,

Game 2 – Friday 9 September, Brisbane,

Game 3 – Sunday 11 September, Sydney.

Tall Blacks Train Hard for Upcoming Tournaments and the Olympic Qualifier

he national team has a heavy Breakers influence to it, as half of the 12-man squad feature our very own players. Tom Abercrombie, Mika Vukona, Leon Henry, Alex Pledger, Corey Webster, and the Breakers' latest addition, Isaac Fotu, were all selected from a competitive field to represent their country in the Olympic Qualifying matches. In addition to the team camp being held at the Breakers training facility, forward Dillon Boucher was chosen for a position on the coaching staff. 

The long practices, scrimmages, and film sessions are all in preparation for the Stankovic Cup in China. Come 5-10 August, New Zealand will be competing against national teams representing China, Angola, and Russia.

Afterward, a week-long training camp in Italy will await the team as they prepare to take on various European national teams in several tournaments. This rigorous training is all in hopes of helping the team come together as a single unit prepared for the Oceania Qualifying Series, and ultimately, a spot in the 2012 Olympics in London. 

Wish the boys luck as they work hard to make New Zealand basketball a force in international competition!

Check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nzbreakers to see pictures of their practice session!

2011 Tall Blacks Programme: 

Camp – 30 July – 4 August, Auckland, Breakers facility

Stankovic Cup – 5-10 August, China (Angola, China, Russia)

Training Camp – 11-18 August, Italy

Macedonia Trophy – 19-21 August, Macedonia (Macedonia, Montenegro, tbc)

Four Nations Tournament – 22-25 August, Turkey (Turkey, Montenegro, Ukraine)

Oceania Build Up Camp – 1-4 September, Auckland

Oceania Qualifying Series v Australia:

Game 1 – Wednesday 7 September, Melbourne,

Game 2 – Friday 9 September, Brisbane,

Game 3 – Sunday 11 September, Sydney.

Tall Blacks Train Hard for Upcoming Tournaments and the Olympic Qualifier

he national team has a heavy Breakers influence to it, as half of the 12-man squad feature our very own players. Tom Abercrombie, Mika Vukona, Leon Henry, Alex Pledger, Corey Webster, and the Breakers' latest addition, Isaac Fotu, were all selected from a competitive field to represent their country in the Olympic Qualifying matches. In addition to the team camp being held at the Breakers training facility, forward Dillon Boucher was chosen for a position on the coaching staff. 

The long practices, scrimmages, and film sessions are all in preparation for the Stankovic Cup in China. Come 5-10 August, New Zealand will be competing against national teams representing China, Angola, and Russia.

Afterward, a week-long training camp in Italy will await the team as they prepare to take on various European national teams in several tournaments. This rigorous training is all in hopes of helping the team come together as a single unit prepared for the Oceania Qualifying Series, and ultimately, a spot in the 2012 Olympics in London. 

Wish the boys luck as they work hard to make New Zealand basketball a force in international competition!

Check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nzbreakers to see pictures of their practice session!

2011 Tall Blacks Programme: 

Camp – 30 July – 4 August, Auckland, Breakers facility

Stankovic Cup – 5-10 August, China (Angola, China, Russia)

Training Camp – 11-18 August, Italy

Macedonia Trophy – 19-21 August, Macedonia (Macedonia, Montenegro, tbc)

Four Nations Tournament – 22-25 August, Turkey (Turkey, Montenegro, Ukraine)

Oceania Build Up Camp – 1-4 September, Auckland

Oceania Qualifying Series v Australia:

Game 1 – Wednesday 7 September, Melbourne,

Game 2 – Friday 9 September, Brisbane,

Game 3 – Sunday 11 September, Sydney.

Goodall and Gibson

The men’s and women’s singles finalis were won by Josh Goodall and Aimee Gibson at the West Worthing T&SC on Saturday.

Goodall, the AEGON Player of the Month for July, was the top seed in West Worthing and defeated Miles Bugby 6-4, 7-6(2) in the final.

In the women’s final second seed Aimee Gibson overcame Hollie Bees, the fourth seed, winning 6-0, 7-5.

Goodall and Gibson

The men’s and women’s singles finalis were won by Josh Goodall and Aimee Gibson at the West Worthing T&SC on Saturday.

Goodall, the AEGON Player of the Month for July, was the top seed in West Worthing and defeated Miles Bugby 6-4, 7-6(2) in the final.

In the women’s final second seed Aimee Gibson overcame Hollie Bees, the fourth seed, winning 6-0, 7-5.

Goodall and Gibson

The men’s and women’s singles finalis were won by Josh Goodall and Aimee Gibson at the West Worthing T&SC on Saturday.

Goodall, the AEGON Player of the Month for July, was the top seed in West Worthing and defeated Miles Bugby 6-4, 7-6(2) in the final.

In the women’s final second seed Aimee Gibson overcame Hollie Bees, the fourth seed, winning 6-0, 7-5.

Tara Moore & Joe Salisbury take AEGON British Tour Tunbridge Wells titles

Tara Moore and Joe Salisbury have won the two singles titles at the AEGON British Tour event in Tunbridge Wells over the weekend.

Moore won the battle of the top two seeds in the women's final as she won a tight match against second seed Victoria Brook 7-5, 7-6(7).

The top seed and wild card had previously won her semi-final against sixth seed Tiffany William whilst Brook had beaten seventh seed Hollie Bees.

Both Bees and William are competing in the 18U AEGON Junior Nationals at the National Tennis Centre, Roehampton this week.

Read more on the AEGON Junior Nationals

In the men's event Joe Salisbury took the title after a 7-5, 6-1 win over Chris Simpson in the final.

Salisbury, at just 19 years old, was the seventh seed and won his semi-final on a match tie-break against Ben Mullis, 4-6, 6-2, 10-5 to earn his place in the final. Simpson was fifth seed and also won a tight semi-final, beating John Richards, the sixth seed, 7-5, 7-6(8).

This week the AEGON British Tour moves to West Worthing for a second Tier 2 event in as many weeks.

Tara Moore & Joe Salisbury take AEGON British Tour Tunbridge Wells titles

Tara Moore and Joe Salisbury have won the two singles titles at the AEGON British Tour event in Tunbridge Wells over the weekend.

Moore won the battle of the top two seeds in the women's final as she won a tight match against second seed Victoria Brook 7-5, 7-6(7).

The top seed and wild card had previously won her semi-final against sixth seed Tiffany William whilst Brook had beaten seventh seed Hollie Bees.

Both Bees and William are competing in the 18U AEGON Junior Nationals at the National Tennis Centre, Roehampton this week.

Read more on the AEGON Junior Nationals

In the men's event Joe Salisbury took the title after a 7-5, 6-1 win over Chris Simpson in the final.

Salisbury, at just 19 years old, was the seventh seed and won his semi-final on a match tie-break against Ben Mullis, 4-6, 6-2, 10-5 to earn his place in the final. Simpson was fifth seed and also won a tight semi-final, beating John Richards, the sixth seed, 7-5, 7-6(8).

This week the AEGON British Tour moves to West Worthing for a second Tier 2 event in as many weeks.

Tara Moore & Joe Salisbury take AEGON British Tour Tunbridge Wells titles

Tara Moore and Joe Salisbury have won the two singles titles at the AEGON British Tour event in Tunbridge Wells over the weekend.

Moore won the battle of the top two seeds in the women's final as she won a tight match against second seed Victoria Brook 7-5, 7-6(7).

The top seed and wild card had previously won her semi-final against sixth seed Tiffany William whilst Brook had beaten seventh seed Hollie Bees.

Both Bees and William are competing in the 18U AEGON Junior Nationals at the National Tennis Centre, Roehampton this week.

Read more on the AEGON Junior Nationals

In the men's event Joe Salisbury took the title after a 7-5, 6-1 win over Chris Simpson in the final.

Salisbury, at just 19 years old, was the seventh seed and won his semi-final on a match tie-break against Ben Mullis, 4-6, 6-2, 10-5 to earn his place in the final. Simpson was fifth seed and also won a tight semi-final, beating John Richards, the sixth seed, 7-5, 7-6(8).

This week the AEGON British Tour moves to West Worthing for a second Tier 2 event in as many weeks.

Goodall and Murray claim victory in Sutton

Josh Goodall and Samantha Murray won the men's and women's singles titles respectively as the AEGON British Tour Suttton concluded on Saturday at the Sutton Tennis & Squash Club.

In the women’s event top seed Samantha Murray beat Lucy Brown 6-3, 6-1 to secure the title and complete the week without dropping a set.

Fitzpatrick had earlier beaten the fourth seed Michaela Ince in the semi-finals whilst the second semi-final saw Brown beat eighth seed Georgina Bastick 6-1, 6-2.

In the men’s event top seed July's AEGON Player of the Month Josh Goodall was handed a walkover against third seed Andrew Fitzpatrick in the final.

Victory in Sutton represented his second AEGON British Tour title in as many weeks following success in West Worthing.

Goodall reached the final after defeating fourth seed Matthew Short 7-6(9), 1-6, 6-3 whilst in the second semi-finals Fitzpatrick overcame the second seed Marcus Willis in straight sets, 6-3, 2-0.

Goodall and Murray claim victory in Sutton

Josh Goodall and Samantha Murray won the men's and women's singles titles respectively as the AEGON British Tour Suttton concluded on Saturday at the Sutton Tennis & Squash Club.

In the women’s event top seed Samantha Murray beat Lucy Brown 6-3, 6-1 to secure the title and complete the week without dropping a set.

Fitzpatrick had earlier beaten the fourth seed Michaela Ince in the semi-finals whilst the second semi-final saw Brown beat eighth seed Georgina Bastick 6-1, 6-2.

In the men’s event top seed July's AEGON Player of the Month Josh Goodall was handed a walkover against third seed Andrew Fitzpatrick in the final.

Victory in Sutton represented his second AEGON British Tour title in as many weeks following success in West Worthing.

Goodall reached the final after defeating fourth seed Matthew Short 7-6(9), 1-6, 6-3 whilst in the second semi-finals Fitzpatrick overcame the second seed Marcus Willis in straight sets, 6-3, 2-0.

Goodall and Murray claim victory in Sutton

Josh Goodall and Samantha Murray won the men's and women's singles titles respectively as the AEGON British Tour Suttton concluded on Saturday at the Sutton Tennis & Squash Club.

In the women’s event top seed Samantha Murray beat Lucy Brown 6-3, 6-1 to secure the title and complete the week without dropping a set.

Fitzpatrick had earlier beaten the fourth seed Michaela Ince in the semi-finals whilst the second semi-final saw Brown beat eighth seed Georgina Bastick 6-1, 6-2.

In the men’s event top seed July's AEGON Player of the Month Josh Goodall was handed a walkover against third seed Andrew Fitzpatrick in the final.

Victory in Sutton represented his second AEGON British Tour title in as many weeks following success in West Worthing.

Goodall reached the final after defeating fourth seed Matthew Short 7-6(9), 1-6, 6-3 whilst in the second semi-finals Fitzpatrick overcame the second seed Marcus Willis in straight sets, 6-3, 2-0.

Cincinnati Masters

Andy Murray has reached the final of the Cincinnati Masters following a 6-3, 7-6 (8) defeat of Mardy Fish on Saturday.

The American had beaten world number two Rafael Nadal on Friday but was unable to overcome the British No.1, who will now take on Novak Djokovic for the title at 17.30 BST on Sunday, the 10th time the pair have faced each other.

"I think it would be perfect preparation to play him before the US Open, to see what I need to work on," Murray said afterwards.

Murray produced an impressive first set performance as he became the first player this week to break the Fish serve when converting his fifth break point of the game to lead 3-1.
The Briton then survived break points of his own to close out the set and then broke at the start of the second to consolidate his lead.

Despite a succession of service breaks in the second set Murray eventually prevailed and after surviving set points in game 12, finally won the contest in two hours and 18 minutes.

"I was struggling physically in the second set - it was hot but that's not an excuse," said Murray.
"My legs were feeling tired. It was the conditions. I need to get stronger. This is the first tough match I've played for five or six weeks. I need to get some more endurance in me before the US Open."

Cincinnati Masters

Andy Murray has reached the final of the Cincinnati Masters following a 6-3, 7-6 (8) defeat of Mardy Fish on Saturday.

The American had beaten world number two Rafael Nadal on Friday but was unable to overcome the British No.1, who will now take on Novak Djokovic for the title at 17.30 BST on Sunday, the 10th time the pair have faced each other.

"I think it would be perfect preparation to play him before the US Open, to see what I need to work on," Murray said afterwards.

Murray produced an impressive first set performance as he became the first player this week to break the Fish serve when converting his fifth break point of the game to lead 3-1.
The Briton then survived break points of his own to close out the set and then broke at the start of the second to consolidate his lead.

Despite a succession of service breaks in the second set Murray eventually prevailed and after surviving set points in game 12, finally won the contest in two hours and 18 minutes.

"I was struggling physically in the second set - it was hot but that's not an excuse," said Murray.
"My legs were feeling tired. It was the conditions. I need to get stronger. This is the first tough match I've played for five or six weeks. I need to get some more endurance in me before the US Open."

Cincinnati Masters

Andy Murray has reached the final of the Cincinnati Masters following a 6-3, 7-6 (8) defeat of Mardy Fish on Saturday.

The American had beaten world number two Rafael Nadal on Friday but was unable to overcome the British No.1, who will now take on Novak Djokovic for the title at 17.30 BST on Sunday, the 10th time the pair have faced each other.

"I think it would be perfect preparation to play him before the US Open, to see what I need to work on," Murray said afterwards.

Murray produced an impressive first set performance as he became the first player this week to break the Fish serve when converting his fifth break point of the game to lead 3-1.
The Briton then survived break points of his own to close out the set and then broke at the start of the second to consolidate his lead.

Despite a succession of service breaks in the second set Murray eventually prevailed and after surviving set points in game 12, finally won the contest in two hours and 18 minutes.

"I was struggling physically in the second set - it was hot but that's not an excuse," said Murray.
"My legs were feeling tired. It was the conditions. I need to get stronger. This is the first tough match I've played for five or six weeks. I need to get some more endurance in me before the US Open."

Western & Southern Financial Group Masters

Andy Murray has won the Western and Southern Financial Group Cincinnati Masters after overcoming the in form world number one Novak Djokovic.

The British No.1 was leading 6-4, 3-0 when Djokovic, who went into the match with an impressive 57-1 win/loss ratio, was forced to retire with a shoulder injury.

Murray began the match with an early break of the Serbian's serve and following a break of serve apiece in games six and seven, the Briton went on to serve out the opening set.

Djokovic received treatment at the start of the second set but was unable to sufficiently overcome the injury as Murray won six of the next seven games before the match was halted.

It is the second title for Murray so far this year following victory at the AEGON Championships at The Queen's Club in June and his seventh career ATP World Tour Masters 1000 crown.

Djokovic, who claimed victory last week at the Rogers Cup in Toronto, will be hoping to recover in time for the final Grand Slam of the 2011 season, the US Open at Flushing Meadow, New York.

Western & Southern Financial Group Masters

Andy Murray has won the Western and Southern Financial Group Cincinnati Masters after overcoming the in form world number one Novak Djokovic.

The British No.1 was leading 6-4, 3-0 when Djokovic, who went into the match with an impressive 57-1 win/loss ratio, was forced to retire with a shoulder injury.

Murray began the match with an early break of the Serbian's serve and following a break of serve apiece in games six and seven, the Briton went on to serve out the opening set.

Djokovic received treatment at the start of the second set but was unable to sufficiently overcome the injury as Murray won six of the next seven games before the match was halted.

It is the second title for Murray so far this year following victory at the AEGON Championships at The Queen's Club in June and his seventh career ATP World Tour Masters 1000 crown.

Djokovic, who claimed victory last week at the Rogers Cup in Toronto, will be hoping to recover in time for the final Grand Slam of the 2011 season, the US Open at Flushing Meadow, New York.

Western & Southern Financial Group Masters

Andy Murray has won the Western and Southern Financial Group Cincinnati Masters after overcoming the in form world number one Novak Djokovic.

The British No.1 was leading 6-4, 3-0 when Djokovic, who went into the match with an impressive 57-1 win/loss ratio, was forced to retire with a shoulder injury.

Murray began the match with an early break of the Serbian's serve and following a break of serve apiece in games six and seven, the Briton went on to serve out the opening set.

Djokovic received treatment at the start of the second set but was unable to sufficiently overcome the injury as Murray won six of the next seven games before the match was halted.

It is the second title for Murray so far this year following victory at the AEGON Championships at The Queen's Club in June and his seventh career ATP World Tour Masters 1000 crown.

Djokovic, who claimed victory last week at the Rogers Cup in Toronto, will be hoping to recover in time for the final Grand Slam of the 2011 season, the US Open at Flushing Meadow, New York.

League Outfielder Uses Head to make strange triple play

I'm guessing that Nashville Sounds manager Don Money didn't have his team work on this during the spring.

But if the skipper does have a page in his notebook devoted to the ol' off-the-glove, off-the-head, make-the-catch, then-complete-the-triple-play, his team executed it flawlessly in Omaha on Saturday night.

In the bottom of the third inning with runners on first and second, Nashville outfielder Logan Schafer broke forward instead of back on a drive to center field hit by Omaha's Clint Robinson. The ball appeared to be headed over Schafer's head, but he changed course quickly and started to run back, at least giving himself a chance to track it down.

Schafer got just enough of his glove on the ball to keep it in the air. The ball bounced off the his head, and he snared it with his glove. With the play still live and Omaha's baserunners more or less bewildered, Schafer made a quick throw to second baseman Eric Farris(notes), and he relayed first baseman Mat Gamel(notes) to complete the triple play.

There was probably a good amount of relief to go with that disbelief. If Schafer doesn't make the catch, at least two runs score and perhaps Omaha produces an even bigger inning.

Instead, the Sounds got their triple play and eventually went on to a 4-1 win. Goofy plays are much more fun when they also save the game.

League Outfielder Uses Head to make strange triple play

I'm guessing that Nashville Sounds manager Don Money didn't have his team work on this during the spring.

But if the skipper does have a page in his notebook devoted to the ol' off-the-glove, off-the-head, make-the-catch, then-complete-the-triple-play, his team executed it flawlessly in Omaha on Saturday night.

In the bottom of the third inning with runners on first and second, Nashville outfielder Logan Schafer broke forward instead of back on a drive to center field hit by Omaha's Clint Robinson. The ball appeared to be headed over Schafer's head, but he changed course quickly and started to run back, at least giving himself a chance to track it down.

Schafer got just enough of his glove on the ball to keep it in the air. The ball bounced off the his head, and he snared it with his glove. With the play still live and Omaha's baserunners more or less bewildered, Schafer made a quick throw to second baseman Eric Farris(notes), and he relayed first baseman Mat Gamel(notes) to complete the triple play.

There was probably a good amount of relief to go with that disbelief. If Schafer doesn't make the catch, at least two runs score and perhaps Omaha produces an even bigger inning.

Instead, the Sounds got their triple play and eventually went on to a 4-1 win. Goofy plays are much more fun when they also save the game.

League Outfielder Uses Head to make strange triple play

I'm guessing that Nashville Sounds manager Don Money didn't have his team work on this during the spring.

But if the skipper does have a page in his notebook devoted to the ol' off-the-glove, off-the-head, make-the-catch, then-complete-the-triple-play, his team executed it flawlessly in Omaha on Saturday night.

In the bottom of the third inning with runners on first and second, Nashville outfielder Logan Schafer broke forward instead of back on a drive to center field hit by Omaha's Clint Robinson. The ball appeared to be headed over Schafer's head, but he changed course quickly and started to run back, at least giving himself a chance to track it down.

Schafer got just enough of his glove on the ball to keep it in the air. The ball bounced off the his head, and he snared it with his glove. With the play still live and Omaha's baserunners more or less bewildered, Schafer made a quick throw to second baseman Eric Farris(notes), and he relayed first baseman Mat Gamel(notes) to complete the triple play.

There was probably a good amount of relief to go with that disbelief. If Schafer doesn't make the catch, at least two runs score and perhaps Omaha produces an even bigger inning.

Instead, the Sounds got their triple play and eventually went on to a 4-1 win. Goofy plays are much more fun when they also save the game.

Larry Fitzgerald cashes in with Cardinal

The Arizona Cardinals ensured the future dynamism of their passing offense by retaining the one element of that offense they couldn't do without. On Saturday, the Cardinals announced that they signed Fitzgerald to a new 8-year, $120 million deal with almost $50 million guaranteed.  The extension puts Fitzgerald in Arizona through the 2018 season (at least hypothetically, given the funny nature of NFL contracts), and makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Per John Clayton of ESPN.com, only Peyton and Eli Manning(notes), Tom Brady(notes) and Philip Rivers(notes) now have a higher average salary than Fitzgerald.

Selected third overall by Arizona in the 2004 draft out of Pitt, Fitzgerald has amassed 613 catches for 8204 yards, a 13.4 per-catch average, and 65 touchdowns.

When I talked with Fitzgerald in March, he discussed his uncertain future, but in a way that typified his calm and classy demeanor.

"Coach Whisenhunt and his staff have a really good grasp of what's right in terms of winning, and I really like playing for them and in that city. Hopefully, we'll reach an agreement, and I'll be able to end my career there. That's what I would like to do."

Fitzgerald was set to be a free agent after the 2011 season, and there was a provision in his current contract preventing the Cards from franchising him in 2012. One thing that Fitzgerald wanted to see from his only NFL franchise was the re-establishment of stability and excellence at the quarterback position.

To that end, in the offseason, the Cardinals traded a second-round pick and cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie(notes) to the Philadelphia Eagles for the services of quarterback Kevin Kolb(notes), who is now supposed to bring the Cards back to the glory days brought about by Kurt Warner(notes) a few years back. Kolb may never match Warner's talent, but at least he's got Warner's primary weapon at his disposal.

If any proof was needed as to the excellence Fitzgerald brings to the game, that came in 2010, when he caught 90 passes for 1137 yards and six touchdowns with a quarterback rotation of John Skelton(notes), Derek Anderson(notes), and Max Hall(notes). And even with his totals, Fitzgerald went way down last season in Football Outsiders' efficiency metrics, proving that there's only so much any receiver can bring to the table.

The Fitzgerald signing leaves the Cards with several remaining offensive questions. Rookie running back Ryan Williams(notes) suffered a torn patellar tendon in Arizona's 28-20 Week 2 preseason loss to the Green Bay Packers, the team lacks true complementary receivers to take the pressure off Fitzgerald (though Andre Roberts(notes) is an intriguing player), and the offensive line remains a work in progress — especially at left tackle.

Larry Fitzgerald cashes in with Cardinal

The Arizona Cardinals ensured the future dynamism of their passing offense by retaining the one element of that offense they couldn't do without. On Saturday, the Cardinals announced that they signed Fitzgerald to a new 8-year, $120 million deal with almost $50 million guaranteed.  The extension puts Fitzgerald in Arizona through the 2018 season (at least hypothetically, given the funny nature of NFL contracts), and makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Per John Clayton of ESPN.com, only Peyton and Eli Manning(notes), Tom Brady(notes) and Philip Rivers(notes) now have a higher average salary than Fitzgerald.

Selected third overall by Arizona in the 2004 draft out of Pitt, Fitzgerald has amassed 613 catches for 8204 yards, a 13.4 per-catch average, and 65 touchdowns.

When I talked with Fitzgerald in March, he discussed his uncertain future, but in a way that typified his calm and classy demeanor.

"Coach Whisenhunt and his staff have a really good grasp of what's right in terms of winning, and I really like playing for them and in that city. Hopefully, we'll reach an agreement, and I'll be able to end my career there. That's what I would like to do."

Fitzgerald was set to be a free agent after the 2011 season, and there was a provision in his current contract preventing the Cards from franchising him in 2012. One thing that Fitzgerald wanted to see from his only NFL franchise was the re-establishment of stability and excellence at the quarterback position.

To that end, in the offseason, the Cardinals traded a second-round pick and cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie(notes) to the Philadelphia Eagles for the services of quarterback Kevin Kolb(notes), who is now supposed to bring the Cards back to the glory days brought about by Kurt Warner(notes) a few years back. Kolb may never match Warner's talent, but at least he's got Warner's primary weapon at his disposal.

If any proof was needed as to the excellence Fitzgerald brings to the game, that came in 2010, when he caught 90 passes for 1137 yards and six touchdowns with a quarterback rotation of John Skelton(notes), Derek Anderson(notes), and Max Hall(notes). And even with his totals, Fitzgerald went way down last season in Football Outsiders' efficiency metrics, proving that there's only so much any receiver can bring to the table.

The Fitzgerald signing leaves the Cards with several remaining offensive questions. Rookie running back Ryan Williams(notes) suffered a torn patellar tendon in Arizona's 28-20 Week 2 preseason loss to the Green Bay Packers, the team lacks true complementary receivers to take the pressure off Fitzgerald (though Andre Roberts(notes) is an intriguing player), and the offensive line remains a work in progress — especially at left tackle.

Larry Fitzgerald cashes in with Cardinal

The Arizona Cardinals ensured the future dynamism of their passing offense by retaining the one element of that offense they couldn't do without. On Saturday, the Cardinals announced that they signed Fitzgerald to a new 8-year, $120 million deal with almost $50 million guaranteed.  The extension puts Fitzgerald in Arizona through the 2018 season (at least hypothetically, given the funny nature of NFL contracts), and makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Per John Clayton of ESPN.com, only Peyton and Eli Manning(notes), Tom Brady(notes) and Philip Rivers(notes) now have a higher average salary than Fitzgerald.

Selected third overall by Arizona in the 2004 draft out of Pitt, Fitzgerald has amassed 613 catches for 8204 yards, a 13.4 per-catch average, and 65 touchdowns.

When I talked with Fitzgerald in March, he discussed his uncertain future, but in a way that typified his calm and classy demeanor.

"Coach Whisenhunt and his staff have a really good grasp of what's right in terms of winning, and I really like playing for them and in that city. Hopefully, we'll reach an agreement, and I'll be able to end my career there. That's what I would like to do."

Fitzgerald was set to be a free agent after the 2011 season, and there was a provision in his current contract preventing the Cards from franchising him in 2012. One thing that Fitzgerald wanted to see from his only NFL franchise was the re-establishment of stability and excellence at the quarterback position.

To that end, in the offseason, the Cardinals traded a second-round pick and cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie(notes) to the Philadelphia Eagles for the services of quarterback Kevin Kolb(notes), who is now supposed to bring the Cards back to the glory days brought about by Kurt Warner(notes) a few years back. Kolb may never match Warner's talent, but at least he's got Warner's primary weapon at his disposal.

If any proof was needed as to the excellence Fitzgerald brings to the game, that came in 2010, when he caught 90 passes for 1137 yards and six touchdowns with a quarterback rotation of John Skelton(notes), Derek Anderson(notes), and Max Hall(notes). And even with his totals, Fitzgerald went way down last season in Football Outsiders' efficiency metrics, proving that there's only so much any receiver can bring to the table.

The Fitzgerald signing leaves the Cards with several remaining offensive questions. Rookie running back Ryan Williams(notes) suffered a torn patellar tendon in Arizona's 28-20 Week 2 preseason loss to the Green Bay Packers, the team lacks true complementary receivers to take the pressure off Fitzgerald (though Andre Roberts(notes) is an intriguing player), and the offensive line remains a work in progress — especially at left tackle.

Kyle Busch Clinched a Wild-card Spot,2011

That rowdy kid who was his own worst enemy, the one with all that talent but an attitude problem that negated his skills at times.

Remember that guy? Well, he's long gone for the most part. That Kyle Busch is not this Kyle Busch.

This Kyle Busch, 26, happily married and a NASCAR team owner with a payroll to meet, is different. He's better in almost every respect. 

Busch earned a season-best fourth victory Sunday with his first career win on the 2-mile oval at Michigan. He clinched his Chase spot, not that it ever was in doubt.

He also is the favorite to win the 2011 Sprint Cup title. Mark it down. A level of maturity has slowly crept up on his enormous ability. And that's bad news for everyone racing against him.

He's the points leader and the man to beat. If his No. 18 Toyota is good enough (and it is) and his mind is right (and it appears to be), Busch has that lethal combination required to become a champion.

One man who knows what that takes better than anyone is Jimmie Johnson, who finished second on Sunday and couldn't challenge Busch at the end.

Johnson, who is 10 points and three wins behind Busch in the standings, is trying to win his sixth consecutive Cup title. He is the Chase master. He also has known Busch since Kyle started as a Cup rookie at Hendrick Motorsports in 2005 at age 19.

"I was 26 my rookie year in Cup," Johnson said. "I got to make all my crazy mistakes at the lower levels. I'm thankful for that.

"Kyle just now is reaching his mid-20s. He went through all that at the Cup level. But I've always understood his passion for racing. He can stand on the gas and drive a car to its utmost potential."

Kyle Busch Clinched a Wild-card Spot,2011

That rowdy kid who was his own worst enemy, the one with all that talent but an attitude problem that negated his skills at times.

Remember that guy? Well, he's long gone for the most part. That Kyle Busch is not this Kyle Busch.

This Kyle Busch, 26, happily married and a NASCAR team owner with a payroll to meet, is different. He's better in almost every respect. 

Busch earned a season-best fourth victory Sunday with his first career win on the 2-mile oval at Michigan. He clinched his Chase spot, not that it ever was in doubt.

He also is the favorite to win the 2011 Sprint Cup title. Mark it down. A level of maturity has slowly crept up on his enormous ability. And that's bad news for everyone racing against him.

He's the points leader and the man to beat. If his No. 18 Toyota is good enough (and it is) and his mind is right (and it appears to be), Busch has that lethal combination required to become a champion.

One man who knows what that takes better than anyone is Jimmie Johnson, who finished second on Sunday and couldn't challenge Busch at the end.

Johnson, who is 10 points and three wins behind Busch in the standings, is trying to win his sixth consecutive Cup title. He is the Chase master. He also has known Busch since Kyle started as a Cup rookie at Hendrick Motorsports in 2005 at age 19.

"I was 26 my rookie year in Cup," Johnson said. "I got to make all my crazy mistakes at the lower levels. I'm thankful for that.

"Kyle just now is reaching his mid-20s. He went through all that at the Cup level. But I've always understood his passion for racing. He can stand on the gas and drive a car to its utmost potential."

Kyle Busch Clinched a Wild-card Spot,2011

That rowdy kid who was his own worst enemy, the one with all that talent but an attitude problem that negated his skills at times.

Remember that guy? Well, he's long gone for the most part. That Kyle Busch is not this Kyle Busch.

This Kyle Busch, 26, happily married and a NASCAR team owner with a payroll to meet, is different. He's better in almost every respect. 

Busch earned a season-best fourth victory Sunday with his first career win on the 2-mile oval at Michigan. He clinched his Chase spot, not that it ever was in doubt.

He also is the favorite to win the 2011 Sprint Cup title. Mark it down. A level of maturity has slowly crept up on his enormous ability. And that's bad news for everyone racing against him.

He's the points leader and the man to beat. If his No. 18 Toyota is good enough (and it is) and his mind is right (and it appears to be), Busch has that lethal combination required to become a champion.

One man who knows what that takes better than anyone is Jimmie Johnson, who finished second on Sunday and couldn't challenge Busch at the end.

Johnson, who is 10 points and three wins behind Busch in the standings, is trying to win his sixth consecutive Cup title. He is the Chase master. He also has known Busch since Kyle started as a Cup rookie at Hendrick Motorsports in 2005 at age 19.

"I was 26 my rookie year in Cup," Johnson said. "I got to make all my crazy mistakes at the lower levels. I'm thankful for that.

"Kyle just now is reaching his mid-20s. He went through all that at the Cup level. But I've always understood his passion for racing. He can stand on the gas and drive a car to its utmost potential."

The Heat are Dwyane Wade's team

Brian Windhorst, Heat Index: Fact. It was a fact before James got there, during the regular season, and during the postseason. James is the more talented and perhaps the more vital player to the Heat. But Wade is the captain and the emotional leader. He also remains No. 1 in fans' hearts.

Ethan Sherwood Strauss, HoopSpeak: Fiction. While I'm cool with players getting a healthy chunk of BRI, I'll stop at individual players owning teams. Calling the Heat "Wade's team" is a fun way to tweak LeBron, but I'm not sure what such a statement even means. Also, the media consensus on this dramatically shifts in response to events. 

Tom Haberstroh, Heat Index: Fiction. Honestly, if we must play the fill-in-the-blank game with "The Heat are ____ ____'s team," then I don't see how any name makes sense other than Micky Arison.

Beckley Mason, HoopSpeak: Neither. In my opinion, Dwyane Wade and LeBron's relationship is one of the most interesting in sports. I've heard and read that James sees Wade as a kind of big brother, and I get the sense that the Heat were and are Wade's team. Still, LeBron is the superior player and the redundancy of their skill sets complicates the traditional 1-2 "pecking order." 

Ryan DeGama, Celtics Hub: Fiction. But I'm not sure they're LeBron's team either. What, practically, does the designation even mean? That Wade should always take the last shot? I think Miami is largely where it was a year ago on this front. That doesn't strike me as any major reason for concern.

The Heat are Dwyane Wade's team

Brian Windhorst, Heat Index: Fact. It was a fact before James got there, during the regular season, and during the postseason. James is the more talented and perhaps the more vital player to the Heat. But Wade is the captain and the emotional leader. He also remains No. 1 in fans' hearts.

Ethan Sherwood Strauss, HoopSpeak: Fiction. While I'm cool with players getting a healthy chunk of BRI, I'll stop at individual players owning teams. Calling the Heat "Wade's team" is a fun way to tweak LeBron, but I'm not sure what such a statement even means. Also, the media consensus on this dramatically shifts in response to events. 

Tom Haberstroh, Heat Index: Fiction. Honestly, if we must play the fill-in-the-blank game with "The Heat are ____ ____'s team," then I don't see how any name makes sense other than Micky Arison.

Beckley Mason, HoopSpeak: Neither. In my opinion, Dwyane Wade and LeBron's relationship is one of the most interesting in sports. I've heard and read that James sees Wade as a kind of big brother, and I get the sense that the Heat were and are Wade's team. Still, LeBron is the superior player and the redundancy of their skill sets complicates the traditional 1-2 "pecking order." 

Ryan DeGama, Celtics Hub: Fiction. But I'm not sure they're LeBron's team either. What, practically, does the designation even mean? That Wade should always take the last shot? I think Miami is largely where it was a year ago on this front. That doesn't strike me as any major reason for concern.

The Heat are Dwyane Wade's team

Brian Windhorst, Heat Index: Fact. It was a fact before James got there, during the regular season, and during the postseason. James is the more talented and perhaps the more vital player to the Heat. But Wade is the captain and the emotional leader. He also remains No. 1 in fans' hearts.

Ethan Sherwood Strauss, HoopSpeak: Fiction. While I'm cool with players getting a healthy chunk of BRI, I'll stop at individual players owning teams. Calling the Heat "Wade's team" is a fun way to tweak LeBron, but I'm not sure what such a statement even means. Also, the media consensus on this dramatically shifts in response to events. 

Tom Haberstroh, Heat Index: Fiction. Honestly, if we must play the fill-in-the-blank game with "The Heat are ____ ____'s team," then I don't see how any name makes sense other than Micky Arison.

Beckley Mason, HoopSpeak: Neither. In my opinion, Dwyane Wade and LeBron's relationship is one of the most interesting in sports. I've heard and read that James sees Wade as a kind of big brother, and I get the sense that the Heat were and are Wade's team. Still, LeBron is the superior player and the redundancy of their skill sets complicates the traditional 1-2 "pecking order." 

Ryan DeGama, Celtics Hub: Fiction. But I'm not sure they're LeBron's team either. What, practically, does the designation even mean? That Wade should always take the last shot? I think Miami is largely where it was a year ago on this front. That doesn't strike me as any major reason for concern.

Heat are the most despised sports team ever

Brian Windhorst, Heat Index: Fiction. The 1980 Russian Olympic hockey team has to have the edge, right? Sure, if you take out the jingoistic aspect, the Heat would be right up there. Especially because the national dislike extended for a year, from the free-agent signings in July 2010 to this June's NBA Finals loss (and perhaps beyond). But the "Miracle on Ice" may be the single biggest nationally celebrated win for the country of the past 50-plus years. The country certainly seemed to despise the heavy favorites from Russia.

Ethan Sherwood Strauss, HoopSpeak: Fact. But I think it speaks more to the time than to the team. Social media bonding allows for us to instantly agree on the day's GREAT VILLAIN, and then the 24-hour news cycle compels us to build content on that framing. 

Tom Haberstroh, Heat Index: Fiction. With today's technology, it might seem like the breadth of hate is as vast as any time. However, in order for hatred to cut deep, a title seems like a necessary component. Until the Heat win The Big One, I say the shoe fits better on the Bad Boys, the 1988-89 Detroit Pistons.

Beckley Mason, HoopSpeak: Fiction. America doesn't like the Heat, but I bet a greater percentage of Yankees were fighting mad at the USSR Olympic team that stole the 1972 Olympic gold medal from Doug Collins & Co. I was born 14 years later, and I still hate that team fo -- ach! … Rage … taking over … (muffled cursing).

Ryan DeGama, Celtics Hub: Fact. Think about this: Was Shaquille O'Neal better than Bill Russell? He certainly appeared more dominant. But give Russ modern advantages in nutrition, training and genie-based starring roles and we might think differently. It's the same thing with Miami. Media and modern culture have created an environment conducive to irrational hate. So, don't give LeBron all the credit. Take some for yourself.

Heat are the most despised sports team ever

Brian Windhorst, Heat Index: Fiction. The 1980 Russian Olympic hockey team has to have the edge, right? Sure, if you take out the jingoistic aspect, the Heat would be right up there. Especially because the national dislike extended for a year, from the free-agent signings in July 2010 to this June's NBA Finals loss (and perhaps beyond). But the "Miracle on Ice" may be the single biggest nationally celebrated win for the country of the past 50-plus years. The country certainly seemed to despise the heavy favorites from Russia.

Ethan Sherwood Strauss, HoopSpeak: Fact. But I think it speaks more to the time than to the team. Social media bonding allows for us to instantly agree on the day's GREAT VILLAIN, and then the 24-hour news cycle compels us to build content on that framing. 

Tom Haberstroh, Heat Index: Fiction. With today's technology, it might seem like the breadth of hate is as vast as any time. However, in order for hatred to cut deep, a title seems like a necessary component. Until the Heat win The Big One, I say the shoe fits better on the Bad Boys, the 1988-89 Detroit Pistons.

Beckley Mason, HoopSpeak: Fiction. America doesn't like the Heat, but I bet a greater percentage of Yankees were fighting mad at the USSR Olympic team that stole the 1972 Olympic gold medal from Doug Collins & Co. I was born 14 years later, and I still hate that team fo -- ach! … Rage … taking over … (muffled cursing).

Ryan DeGama, Celtics Hub: Fact. Think about this: Was Shaquille O'Neal better than Bill Russell? He certainly appeared more dominant. But give Russ modern advantages in nutrition, training and genie-based starring roles and we might think differently. It's the same thing with Miami. Media and modern culture have created an environment conducive to irrational hate. So, don't give LeBron all the credit. Take some for yourself.