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☆ The inside story of how FanDuel upended US sports betting with the same-game parlay and used it to dominate the market
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-07 | by ( Ashley Rodriguez | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

The daily-fantasy-sports company, which European gambling giant Flutter Entertainment had acquired, was racing to introduce its "same-game parlay" to the US. The same-game parlay, a phrase FanDuel coined, has since caught fire, meshing well with the high-scoring, stat-driven, athlete-personality focus of US sports — and propelled FanDuel to the forefront of the betting market. "The same-game parlay was the right product in the right market at exactly the right time." Every sports-betting operator, from DraftKings to newcomer Fanatics, now has or is building its version of the same-game parlay. After the NBA resumed play in July 2020, the same-game parlay grew from 5% to 10% of FanDuel's bets, Farren said.

Persons: FanDuel, Scott Longley, parlay, Conor Farren, FanDuel's, DraftKings, Entain, parlays, Longley, would've, John Maguire, Maguire, isn't, LeBron James, Jalen Rose, Sportsbet, Paddy Power Betfair, Farren, It's, Ben Hider, Penn Organizations: NFL, Krejcik, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Australian Football League, Australian rugby, NBA, ESPN Bet, FanDuel, Industry Locations: DraftKings, Melbourne, Australia, England, FanDuel

☆ NBA In-Season Tournament: What is it, how will it work and how to watch
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-03 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —The 2023-24 NBA season may only have gotten underway last week, but this year, teams won’t need to wait until the NBA Finals in June to have the chance of lifting some silverware. How to watchIn the US, 14 group games and all seven knockout-round games will be nationally televised on ESPN or TNT, while international viewers will be able to watch on NBA League Pass. FormatThe inaugural In-Season Tournament begins on November 3 and ends with the championship game on December 7 – and every game except the title game will count towards regular season standings. Will LeBron James add an In-Season Tournament trophy to his four NBA titles? The NBA will, of course, be hoping for similar success for the In-Season tournament.

Persons: LeBron James, Mark J, Terrill Organizations: CNN, NBA, ESPN, TNT, Western, Memphis Grizzlies, Phoenix Suns, LA Lakers, Utah Jazz, Portland Trail Blazers, Denver Nuggets, LA Clippers, New Orleans Pelicans, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs Eastern Conference, Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks, Indiana Pacers, Detroit Pistons Group, Milwaukee, Milwaukee Bucks , New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Toronto Raptors, Chicago Bulls, Orlando Magic Every, Mobile, Disney Locations: Las Vegas, Sacramento, Milwaukee Bucks ,, Florida

☆ LeBron James’ big night carries Lakers past Clippers in overtime as James Harden trade is made official
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-02 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

For the shorthanded Lakers – missing five key contributors through injury – James filled out the box score as his squad ended its 11-game losing streak against the Clippers. The exclamation point of the impressive performance came in overtime when James emphatically converted an alley-oop from Austin Reeves to effectively seal the victory. In an encounter in which the Clippers had led for the majority of play, James took over late in the day. But in the additional five minutes, Reaves scored seven of his 15 on the night as the Lakers were able to grab an important victory. New Clipper James Harden looks on from the bench during the first quarter against the Lakers.

Persons: LeBron James ’, James, Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell, – James, Austin Reeves, James ’, Bronny, he’s, Reeves, ” James, Johnson, Kareem, Abdul, Jabbar, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Leonard, George, James wowed, Reaves, New Clipper James Harden, Katelyn Mulcahy, James Harden, Russell Westbrook – Organizations: CNN, NBA, Lakers, Clippers, Lakers –, Showtime, New Clipper, Philadelphia 76ers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets Locations: Angeles

☆ Victor Wembanyama enjoys first NBA win as he leads San Antonio Spurs to victory over Houston Rockets
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-28 | by ( Aimee Lewis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Standing at 7-foot-4-inches with an 8-foot wingspan, Wembanyama possesses a skillset which has been rarely seen before in the NBA. “I really, really love winning,” said Wembanyama, per ESPN. “It’s what I love most in life, so of course it feels great.”Victor Wembanyama celebrates after beating the Houston Rockets. “I said this after the first preseason game or scrimmage, but he’s going to make some amazing plays at least once a game, and tonight he probably had three or four,” he said, per ESPN. The Golden State Warriors secured a 122-114 victory against the Sacramento Kings, with Steph Curry contributing a game-high 41 points.

Persons: Victor Wembanyama, Frenchman, ”, Wembanyama, ” Victor Wembanyama, Chandan Khanna, Devin Vassell, “, Luka Dončić, Steph Curry, Nikola Jokić Organizations: CNN, NBA, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, Frost Bank, Spurs, ESPN, “, Getty, Dallas Mavericks, Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, Denver Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies Locations: ”

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Victor Wembanyama made the tying basket with 20 seconds left in regulation, the opening basket in overtime and finished with 21 points and 12 rebounds in his first NBA victory, helping the San Antonio Spurs beat the Houston Rockets 126-122 on Friday night. Wembanyama's layup while defended by Jabari Smith Jr. made it 111-111 all and his jumper sent San Antonio to a 6-0 run to begin OT. Wembanyama met Smith at the rim to block an attempted dunk and then rushed back on the court to block Smith’s floater. San Antonio committed seven turnovers in the third quarter. Wembanyama had five points in the opening three minutes after a slow start in his NBA debut.

Persons: — Victor Wembanyama, Wembanyama, Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, Wembanyama's, Jabari Smith, Alperen Sengun, Fred VanVleet, Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, Smith, San Antonio, Dillon Brooks, Johnson Organizations: ANTONIO, NBA, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, Spurs, Dallas, Houston, Rockets, Western Conference, The Spurs, Golden State, Sunday, Clippers Locations: Antonio, Detroit, Golden, L.A

☆ Cole Anthony, Gary Harris' strong bench play push Magic over Rockets
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Field Level Media | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/59] Oct 25, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) warms up before the game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports Acquire Licensing RightsOctober 26 - Cole Anthony and Gary Harris combined for 31 points off the bench as the Orlando Magic christened the start of their 35th anniversary season with a 116-86 victory over the visiting Houston Rockets on Wednesday. Anthony paired 20 points with eight rebounds, while Harris chipped in 11 points and five rebounds. His three-point play with 2:01 left in the period pushed the Magic lead to 78-69 and was the spark for an 18-3 run that closed the third and extended the lead to 87-69. Alperen Sengun posted 14 points, eight rebounds and six assists for the Rockets, who were undone by 19 turnovers.

Persons: Amen Thompson, Mike Watters, Cole Anthony, Gary Harris, Anthony, Harris, Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, Jonathan Isaac, Brooks, Isaac, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, Banchero, VanVleet, Alperen Sengun, Wagner, Orlando, Jalen Suggs Organizations: Houston Rockets, Orlando Magic, Amway Center, Houston, Orlando, Rockets, Thomson Locations: Orlando , Florida, USA

☆ Victor Wembanyama struggles with foul trouble in NBA debut as San Antonio Spurs lose to Dallas Mavericks
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —After months of anticipation, Victor Wembanyama finally made his official NBA debut on Wednesday night in the San Antonio Spurs’ loss to the Dallas Mavericks. The top pick in this year’s draft, Wembanyama only played 23 minutes after struggling with foul trouble throughout. “One of the toughest things for a player is to get into foul trouble,” Popovich said, per ESPN. I thought he had a wonderful outing considering that.”ReturningAs Wembanyama made his full NBA debut, another generational talent also made headlines on Wednesday. “No matter how much I train, workout, play pickup, it’s nothing like a real NBA game.”

Persons: Victor Wembanyama, Frenchman, Wembanyama, ” Wembanyama, ”, Luka Dončić, Dončić, Jeremy Sochan, Andrew D, Bernstein, Kyrie Irving, Tim Hardaway Jr, Grant Williams, Dereck Lively, Devin Vassell, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Yao Ming, Yao, he’s, “, Irving, Gregg Popovich, ” Popovich, didn’t, Zion Williamson, Williamson, ” Williamson Organizations: CNN, NBA, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, Spurs, ESPN, Mavericks, Texas, Houston Rockets, Reuters, “, New Orleans Pelicans, Memphis Grizzlies, Grizzlies Locations: Slovenian, Antonio, Wembanyama

☆ Rockets visit Spurs as both teams hit reset
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Field Level Media | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

October 26 - The San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets will look to put opening-night disappointments in the rear-view mirror when the Lone Star State rivals meet on Friday in the Alamo City. San Antonio and Houston tied for the worst record (22-60) in the Western Conference last season. A back-and-forth final period featured five ties before a pair of free throws by San Antonio's Devin Vassell with 2:09 to play gave San Antonio a short-lived advantage. Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks hit for 14 points apiece in their Houston debuts while Alperen Sengun posted 14 points, eight rebounds and six assists for the Rockets. "This was the worst game we've played collectively and individually."

Persons: Antonio's Devin Vassell, San Antonio, Kyrie Irving, Victor Wembanyama, Wembanyama, We're, Tim Duncan, Duncan, Vassell, Keldon Johnson, Tre Jones, Zach Collins, Jeremy Sochan, Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, Alperen Sengun, Houston, Jabari Smith, Ime Udoka, Udoka, we've Organizations: San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, Lone Star State, Spurs, Dallas, Houston, Western Conference, San, Mavericks, NBA, Rockets, Orlando, Thomson Locations: Alamo, Orlando, Antonio, France

☆ NBA 'first class' in China despite past turbulence, says Yao
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

President of Chinese Basketball Association and Ice and Snow Sports Promotion Ambassador Yao Ming attends a media event ahead of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China January 17, 2022. REUTERS/Yew Lun Tian/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsNEW YORK, Oct 25 (Reuters) - The National Basketball Association (NBA) and China may have encountered turbulence in their relations over the years but retired great Yao Ming told Reuters the league is still "first class" in his home country. Yao propelled the league's popularity in his home country but relations between China and the NBA have not always been smooth. "I have to say, the NBA is in the first class... (because) you know the players being exposed in China for so long," Yao said, when asked about the past issues between China and the NBA. "The players, the teams (are) all still very well welcome in China and (we had) a couple of players with (in) China just this past summer."

Persons: Yao Ming, Yao, Daryl Morey, Dwight Howard, Kyle Anderson, Jimmy Butler, Adam Silver, Silver, Peng Shuai, Peng, Amy Tennery, Echo Wang, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Chinese Basketball Association and, Snow Sports, REUTERS, National Basketball Association, Reuters, Chinese Basketball Association, Houston Rockets, NBA, Minnesota Timberwolves, FIBA, Miami, Women's Tennis Association, Thomson Locations: Beijing, China, United States, Hong Kong, Taiwan, New York

☆ Wembanyama is a talent beyond compare, says Yao
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

NEW YORK, Oct 25 (Reuters) - France's Victor Wembanyama possesses a talent that defies comparison, retired great Yao Ming told Reuters, as the seven-foot four-inch (2.24-metre) rookie makes his highly anticipated National Basketball Association (NBA) regular-season debut on Wednesday. "I never see a big guy like, you know, (who) can do such a thing like he does," said Yao, an eight-times NBA All-Star who stands two inches (five cms) taller than Wembanyama. Yao spent his entire NBA career with the Houston Rockets and remains an iconic figure of Chinese sport after fuelling the popularity of the NBA in his home country. The Hall of Famer was reluctant to offer advice to Frenchman Wembanyama, who enters the NBA at a time of unprecedented international participation in the league. "He has his own expedition to go (on)," said Yao, who was travelling to New York as part of a some 30-person Chinese delegation this week.

Persons: Victor Wembanyama, Yao Ming, LeBron James, Yao, Frenchman Wembanyama, I'm, Amy Tennery, Echo Wang, Clare Fallon Organizations: Reuters, Basketball Association, San Antonio Spurs, Texan, Dallas Mavericks, NBA, Houston Rockets, Famer, Thomson Locations: New York

☆ NBA 2023-24 season: How to watch and everything you need to know
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-24 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

So before tip-off, here is everything you need to know ahead of the new NBA season. How to watchThe 78th NBA regular season will begin on Tuesday, October 24, running until Sunday, April 14, 2024. Games will be broadcast across TNT, ESPN, ABC, NBA TV and ESPN Radio in the US over the season, while NBA TV and NBA League Pass will broadcast games internationally. The dominant talking point of the NBA offseason was what color jersey Damian Lillard would be putting on this season. Holiday dribbles during the second half of the Celtics' preseason game against the New York Knicks.

Persons: There’s, Damian Lillard, Lillard, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Antetokounmpo, Adam Pantozzi, “ I’ve, I’ve, ’, Giannis, “, Sarah Phipps, ”, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Porziņģis, Joe Mazzulla, Maddie Meyer, –, Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, Bruce Brown, Jeff Green, Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Durant’s, didn’t, Beal, Frank Vogel, who’s, Larry O’Brien, Ja Morant, – Kawhi Leonard, Paul George –, Zion Williamson, Victor Wembanyama, Frenchman, Wembanyama, Gregg Popovich, LeBron James, Garrett Ellwood, Oklahoma City Thunder’s Chet Holmgren, Holmgren, Scoot Henderson –, Thompson, Ausar Organizations: CNN, National Basketball Association, NBA, TNT, ESPN, ABC, NBA TV, ESPN Radio, Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Milwaukee, Trail Blazers, Boston Celtics, Lakers, Bucks, Milwaukee’s, Los Angeles Lakers, “, Oklahoma City Thunder, Eastern Conference, Celtics, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, Denver, Jokić, Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, Dallas Mavericks, Suns, Grizzlies, Clippers, Pelicans, Warriors, Timberwolves, Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, Spurs ’, Heat, Oklahoma City, Thunder, Summer League, Spurs, Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons Locations: Las Vegas, Oregon, Boston, East, Sacramento Kings, Alamo City

Kevin Porter Jr.’s time with the Houston Rockets is over, after the team agreed Tuesday to trade him and a pair of second-round draft picks to the Oklahoma City Thunder, a person with knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press. The Rockets also will receive Victor Oladipo and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl as part of the trade, the person said. Porter is owed nearly $15.9 million for this season and an additional $1 million that was guaranteed for next season. The Rockets already had told Porter that he was essentially barred from the team after it learned of his arrest on domestic violence charges last month. Porter was arrested after an alleged attack on his girlfriend, former WNBA player Kysre Gondrezick, in a New York City hotel room Sept. 11.

Persons: Kevin Porter Jr, Porter Jr, —, Victor Oladipo, Jeremiah Robinson, Earl, Porter, Kysre Gondrezick, Rafael Stone, “, ___ Organizations: Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Associated Press, Thunder, ESPN, The Houston Chronicle, Rockets, New York Post, ” Rockets, Miami Locations: New York City

☆ Arizona Coyotes local games move to broadcast networks – the latest big shift in sports TV
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-05 | by ( Lillian Rizzo | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

The Arizona Coyotes are skating to a new TV home for local games – showcasing the pressure on cable TV bundles due to cord cutting while broadcast stations look to nab more sports media rights. Scripps Co. on Thursday that will see its local games air on over-the-air networks. The Coyotes' local games aired on Bally Sports Arizona. MLB began running the distribution of the Diamondbacks, as well as the San Diego Padres, another contract rejected by Diamond, earlier this year. The landscape for local games has dramatically shifted as consumers flee the traditional cable TV bundle and opt for streaming services.

Persons: Barrett Hayton, Diamond, Phoenix Mercury –, Gray, Scripps, Knights – Organizations: Arizona Coyotes, Dallas Stars, American Airlines Center, The Arizona Coyotes, nab, NHL, Scripps Co, Diamond Sports Group, Coyotes, Scripps, Bally Sports Arizona, Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, Diamond, Suns, Mercury, Gray Television, MLB, Diamondbacks, San Diego Padres, CNBC, Vegas, Knights, Stanley, Warner Bros, Warner Media, MLB's Houston Astros, NBA's Houston Rockets, T SportsNet, City Home Network Locations: Dallas , Texas

NEW YORK (AP) — Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr.'s alleged attack on his girlfriend at a New York City hotel left the woman with a fractured neck vertebrae and a cut above her right eye, prosecutors revealed at his arraignment Tuesday. Porter, 23, is charged with felony assault and strangulation in connection with the incident Monday at the Millennium Hilton near the United Nations in Manhattan. Hospital testing showed that the woman, 26, sustained a fractured vertebrae in her neck, the criminal complaint said. In April 2021, the NBA fined Porter $50,000 for violating the league’s COVID-19 health and safety rules by visiting a Miami strip club. In January 2022, the Rockets suspended Porter for a game after then-coach Stephen Silas said the player had a “spirited debate” and “lost his temper” at halftime.

Persons: Kevin Porter Jr, Porter, Kysre Gondrezick, Gondrezick, ” Porter, he'd, Stephen Silas, “, Kristie Rieken Organizations: — Houston Rockets, Millennium Hilton, United Nations, Rockets, NBA, Cavaliers, USC, Associated Press Locations: New York City, Manhattan, San Antonio, Houston, Cleveland, Miami

☆ Kevin Porter Jr. arrested on domestic violence charges
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Dec 15, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. (3) reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat at Toyota Center. Porter, 23, is facing charges of felony assault and strangulation following the incident, alleged to have taken place Monday at the Millennium Hilton. Porter stands accused of hitting the woman in the face and choking her, according to a criminal complaint obtained by the New York Post. "We are in the process of gathering information surrounding the matter involving Kevin Porter Jr.," the Rockets said in a statement Monday. "The league office is in contact with the Houston Rockets and in the process of gathering more information," NBA spokesman Mike Bass said Monday.

Persons: Kevin Porter Jr, Troy, Porter, Bail, Prosecutors, Mike Bass Organizations: Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, Toyota Center, Manhattan Criminal, Millennium Hilton, Level Media, New York, ESPN, Rockets, NBA, Cleveland Cavaliers, Thomson Locations: Houston , Texas, USA, Troy Taormina, New York, Manhattan

☆ Basketball Canada outlasts U.S. in OT, capture first-ever basketball World Cup medal
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-10 | by ( Neil Jerome Morales | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/5] Basketball - FIBA World Cup 2023 - Third-Place Playoff - United States v Canada - Mall of Asia Arena, Manila, Philippines - September 10, 2023 Canada players celebrate with their bronze medals after the match REUTERS/Lisa Marie David Acquire Licensing RightsMANILA, Sept 10 (Reuters) - Canada bagged their first-ever FIBA Basketball World Cup podium finish at the expense of undermanned United States 127-118 in overtime in a riveting, record-setting bronze medal game on Sunday in Manila. It was the most points scored for a player in a medal-winning game in tournament history. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Canada's leading scorer, rebounder and passer, finished with 31 points, six rebounds and 12 assists. Team USA, previously unbeaten in their four bronze medal matches, recorded the most points they have conceded in a World Cup game. Despite the defeat, the United States finished better than their seventh spot in 2019, their worst-ever major international tournament result.

Persons: Lisa Marie David Acquire, Dillon Brooks, Brooks, Shai Gilgeous, Alexander, Canada's, rebounder, Paolo Banchero, Jaren Jackson Jr, Brandon Ingram, USA's, Anthony Edwards, Fan, Austin Reaves, Mikal Bridges, Canada's Kelly Olynyk, Neil Jerome Morales, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Basketball, FIBA, Asia Arena, Rights, FIBA Basketball, United, Houston Rockets, Team, NBA, Minnesota Timberwolves, Team USA, Brooklyn Nets, Mikal, Canada, Summer, United States, U.S, Thomson Locations: States, Canada, Asia, Manila, Philippines, Rights MANILA, United States, U.S

☆ Inside Otter University: How Travis Kalanick's sales boot camp for young techies went off the rails
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-17 | by ( Meghan Morris | Darius Rafieyan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +21 min

"It seemed like a cool, innovative new company," Lam said. Starting in early 2022, the company poured millions of dollars into an experimental sales boot camp called Otter University. She joined the company in 2020 as Otter's head of sales enablement and helped dream up the idea of a sales boot camp a year later. Two former OtterU employees said that Law and another Otter executive urged managers to join their teams for late-night drinks following team dinners. But the late nights and free-flowing alcohol struck some OtterU employees as inappropriate for the workplace, especially when managers had to deal with hungover teams the next day.

Persons: Brian Lam, messaged, Travis, Lam, Uber, It's, Kalanick, voraciously, they're, Otter, wasn't, salespeople, Cory Epstein, Phoebe Law, Law, people's, –, Kalanick's Uber, Otter's, Kate, Samul Beal, I'd, Beal, didn't, terminations, he'd, OtterU, I'm, grads, Salespeople, Guido Gabrielli, Keith Dunphy, Dunphy, Bram van Staalduinen, Phoebe Law's, Debra Glaser, Jen Zablotny, there's, Ordermark, Burger, Meghan, Darius Organizations: Texas, Otter, Storage Systems, Microsoft, Otter University, Law, Adobe, SAP, Houston, OtterU, hungover, NCR, Google, Brands, Houston Rockets Locations: Korean, Houston, Toronto, LA, Las Vegas, Miami, Seoul, South Korea, Houston ., OtterU, Otter, Canada

☆ NBA star James Harden sells out 10,000 bottles of wine in seconds on Chinese livestream
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-17 | by ( Jessie Yeung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Hong Kong CNN —NBA star James Harden expressed disbelief after Chinese fans snapped up 10,000 bottles of his own-branded wine in seconds, demonstrating the massive reach of livestreaming in the country, where basketball is loved by millions. “How many bottles do you usually sell in a day … from one store?” Yang asked Harden, who replied: “A few cases.”Yang then told the star to watch how quickly they could sell them. Go!” Yang told viewers. Basketball is enormously popular in China, in no small part thanks to Chinese legend Yao Ming’s Hall of Fame NBA career. That popularity among hundreds of millions of Chinese fans translates to lucrative sponsorship deals for the league and its star players.

Persons: James Harden, Brother Yang, Harden, ” Yang, ” Harden, Harden’s livestream, Yao Ming’s, there’s, Daryl Morey, Hong Kong’s, ” Morey, ”, Morey –, “ Daryl Morey Organizations: Hong Kong CNN — NBA, Philadelphia 76ers, Tuesday, Global Times, NBA, of Fame NBA, Houston Rockets, Hong, CCTV, Rockets, Morey, 76ers, NBA.com Locations: Hong Kong, livestreaming, China, United States, Beijing

☆ James Harden: Philadelphia 76ers star calls team’s president a ‘liar’ amid trade rumors
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-14 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden called his own team’s president Daryl Morey “a liar” in a surprising attack amid ongoing trade speculation surrounding the 2018 NBA Most Valuable Player. Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images/FILEWojnarowski reported on Saturday that the team broke off trade talks and expected Harden to return to training camp. “Harden has been emphatic in wanting a trade, so the Sixers are setting up an uncomfortable situation to start camp. Ultimately, Philadelphia wouldn’t make a trade that they believed would compromise their title hopes,” Wojnarowski posted on social media on Saturday. Just over a year later, he was traded to the 76ers from the Nets after rumors of his desire to leave Brooklyn had surfaced.

Persons: James Harden, Daryl Morey “, “ Daryl Morey, ” Harden, Daryl Morey, Morey, Harden, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, old’s, Tim Nwachukwu, “ Harden, ” Wojnarowski Organizations: CNN — Philadelphia 76ers, NBA.com, CNN, Sixers, 76ers, Saturday, Houston Rockets, Star, Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, Nets Locations: China, Camden , New Jersey, Philadelphia, Brooklyn

☆ Saudi golf shot plays through CFIUS hazards
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-14 | by ( Jennifer Saba | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +8 min

U.S. congressional lawmakers scrutinized PGA Tour officials on Tuesday this week about the group’s tie-up with a rival golf tournament owned by Saudi Arabia. Enter the Saudis, who launched an upstart golf tournament last year, LIV Golf, that competed with the U.S.-based PGA Tour and its European counterpart DTP. There are worries that Saudi Arabia, a regime viewed as hostile to women and LGBTQ groups, would have significant sway over golf’s culture. LIV Golf is owned by Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund. Former AT&T Chief Executive Randall Stephenson resigned from the PGA Tour policy board, the Washington Post reported on July 9.

Persons: State Condoleezza Rice, Darla Moore, Covid, LIV Golf, Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, Yasir Al, Ed Herlihy, Wachtell, Lipton, Katz, hasn’t, Randall Stephenson, Jamal Khashoggi, ”, Richard Blumenthal, –, Sherrod Brown, Maxine Waters, Janet Yellen, LIV Golf’s, Joe Biden hasn't, Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Khashoggi, Uncle Sam, Refinitiv, China’s ByteDance, LIV, Stephenson, Lauren Silva Laughlin, Sharon Lam Organizations: YORK, Reuters, Public Investment Fund, Augusta National Golf Club, State, U.S, PGA, LIV, Rosen, Breakingviews, Former AT, PGA Tour, Saudi, Department of Justice, Foreign Investment, U.S . Treasury, Saudi Arabian Crown, Walmart, Visa, Uber Technologies, Nation Entertainment, National Basketball League, Houston Rockets, People’s, NBA, backtrack, FIFA, Qatar, The Justice Department, Treasury, Committee, Homeland Security, Governmental Affairs, Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, T, Washington Post, Thomson Locations: Saudi Arabia, United States, American, U.S, South Carolina, Iran, China, Saudi, Hong Kong, People’s Republic, Beijing

☆ Victor Wembanyama scores nine points on shaky San Antonio Spurs debut
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-08 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

However, it’s fair to say the reality of ‘Wemby’s’ Spurs debut didn’t quite match the expectation as the 19-year-old finished with just nine points on 15.4% shooting in the Spurs’ 76-68 win over the Charlotte Hornets. Wembanyama acknowledged it was a difficult first night for him but called his debut a “special moment.”“It was really special to wear that jersey for the first time,” Wembanyama said. 3 pick in the draft, made his Portland Trail Blazers debut in an enthralling game against the Houston Rockets. Scoot Henderson impressed on his Portland Trail Blazers debut but was forced off with an injury. Injury permitting, next up for these teams is an intriguing clash between Henderson and Wembanyama as the Trail Blazers take on the Spurs on Sunday.

Persons: LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama, Wemby’s, Brandon Miller, Wembanyama, ” Wembanyama, “ It’s, I’m, Miller, Scoot Henderson, Jabari Smith Jr, Tari, Smith Jr, Ethan Miller, Henderson, Jonah Herscu Organizations: CNN, NBA, San Antonio Spurs, Spurs, Charlotte Hornets, ”, Hornets, Frenchman, Portland Trail Blazers, Houston Rockets, Rockets, Getty, Blazers, ESPN, Injury Locations: Portland

☆ ESPN lays off on-air talent including NBA analyst Van Gundy
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Houston Rockets Head Coach Jeff Van Gundy shouts about a call during the second half of NBA basketball action against the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City April 18, 2007. REUTERS/Steve Wilson (UNITED STATES)/File PhotoJune 30 (Reuters) - ESPN laid off about 20 of its sports personalities on Friday as the Walt Disney (DIS.N) unit seeks to more closely manage costs, a source said. Among those affected by the cuts were long-time NBA analyst Jeff Van Gundy, former head coach of the New York Knicks and Houston Rockets, and studio analyst Jalen Rose, a former NBA player at six teams including the Indiana Pacers. It also laid off ESPN Radio's morning show co-hosts, Max Kellerman and Keyshawn Johnson. ESPN has already undergone two rounds of layoffs that did not impact talent as part of parent company Disney's announced plans to eliminate 7,000 jobs.

Persons: Jeff Van Gundy, Steve Wilson, Jalen Rose, Max Kellerman, Keyshawn Johnson, “, ”, Disney's, pare, Dawn Chmielewski, Ken Ferris Organizations: Houston Rockets, NBA, Utah Jazz, REUTERS, UNITED STATES, ESPN, Walt Disney, New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, ” ESPN, Reuters, Burbank, Thomson Locations: Salt Lake, Los Angeles

CNN —Victor Wembanyama, a 7-foot-4 Frenchman who some NBA commentators think could be a generational talent, was the No. 1 pick by the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Draft on Thursday night. “It’s a tough league,” Wembanyama told draft broadcaster ESPN through tears after he was selected. G-League player Scoot Henderson, a 6-foot-2 guard, was the third pick, going to the Portland Trail Blazers. The 6-foot-7 brothers are the first siblings to be picked in the top five (or top 10, even) of the NBA Draft in the same year.

Persons: CNN — Victor Wembanyama, Frenchman, – David Robinson, Tim Duncan, ” Wembanyama, “, Adam Silver, Wembanyama, LeBron James, we’ll, Victor, ”, Gregg Popovich, “ He’s, James, Duncan, Bryant, He’s Victor, that’s, I’ve, Wembanyama’s, Bilal Coulibaly, Washington, Jarace Walker, Brandon Miller, Miller, “ I’m, Scoot Henderson, “ They’re, Amen Thompson, Ausar, Jalen, we’ve, Ausar Thompson, FaceTime, Marcus, Markieff Morris, Robin Lopez, Kris Murray, Keegan Organizations: CNN, San Antonio Spurs, NBA, of Fame, ESPN, Levallois Metropolitans, Mets, ” Spurs, Wembanyama, Indiana, University of Houston, Pacers, Hornets, SEC, Charlotte Hornets, University of Alabama, Southeastern Conference, Portland Trail Blazers, “, NBA.com Twins, Houston Rockets, Rockets, Detroit Pistons, University of Iowa, Sacramento Kings Locations: Kobe, San Antonio, Washington, Alabama, Atlanta

☆ 2023 NBA draft: How to watch the next wave of basketball talent find their new teams
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-22 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —It marks the dawn of a new generation of basketball talent; the NBA draft is here and its more exciting than ever. How to watchThe 2023 NBA draft takes place on Thursday, June 22 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, and is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. To see who is selected by which team, fans can watch the draft on ABC, ESPN or via the NBA league pass. Two-time NBA MVP Jokić is what all general managers are stiving for, a late round pick who blossoms into a superstar player. First round draft orderHere is who will pick where in the first round of the 2023 NBA draft:1.

Persons: Victor Wembanyama, Wembanayama, he’s, “, ”, ” Wembanyama, Wembanyama, Gregg Popovich, Brandon Miller, Scoot Henderson, Henderson, Miller –, Miller, Damian Lillard, Lillard, Thompson, Ausar Thompson, Amen Thompson, Dale Zanine, Cam Whitmore, Jarace Walker, Taylor Hendricks, Nikola Jokić, Jokić Organizations: CNN, NBA, Barclays Center, ABC, ESPN, San Antonio Spurs, Spurs, Morning, of Fame, Charlotte Hornets, Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat, AP, City, G League, City Reapers, USA, Sports, Reuters, Villanova, UCF, Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, . Indiana Pacers, Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz, Dallas Mavericks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Toronto Raptors, New Orleans Pelicans, Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, Sacramento Kings, Memphis Grizzlies, Indiana Pacers, LA Clippers Locations: Brooklyn , New York, Europe, “ San Antonio, “, Morning America, San Antonio, Alabama, LaMelo, Portland, Houston, Serbian

☆ Victor Wembanyama: How ‘Wembymania’ gripped France due to the most exciting draft prospect since LeBron James
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-16 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

There have been few players whose journey to the pinnacle of basketball have been as highly followed; in figures released by the NBA, Wembanyama is No. And I keep having to explain to them that having a sold-out, 15,000-people crowd for a regular French professional basketball game is not normal at all,” she said. His father was a high jumper, his mother was a former basketball player who is now a coach and his two siblings – older sister Eve and younger brother Oscar – are basketball players. And the French basketball system where he has been nurtured has helped develop his unique talent, says Krasnoff. “And it certainly has driven US interest in French basketball, at least as far as Wembanyama is concerned.

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