Here are yesterday's top stories:
Stoudemire Calls it Quits
Amare Stoudemire is hanging it up after a 14 year career. Stoudemire left his mark on the NBA, winning the rookie of the year in 2003 and appearing in 6 All Star games. He was a beast around the rim, known for throwing down some of the most vicious dunks in the league:
Stoud wasn't afraid to posterize anybody. I feel like the constant media attention he received in New York has caused most to associate him with his injury plagued seasons as a Knick. But this dude was dominant with the Suns-- him and Steve Nash basically perfected the art of the pick-and-roll. Stoud's lack of an NBA title might hurt his chances for the Hall of Fame, but he put up some great numbers and had a career to be proud of.
Team USA Cruises Past China
In their third exhibition game leading up to Rio, Team USA Basketball destroyed China 107-57 at Oracle Arena in Oakland. Durant made his first appearance at Oracle since signing with the Warriors, and was met with a warm reception during pre-game introductions.
Durant played well, dropping 19 points and 5 assists. Carmelo Anthony also showed out, dropping 20 points and toying around with this Chinese defender:
It was the second time Team USA beat China in three days, as they crushed them by 49 last Sunday in Los Angeles. This isn't much of an accomplishment, as the Chinese team is atrocious and includes only one player with any NBA experience (there is no longer a Yao Ming to keep things competitive). Team USA will take on Venezuela (lol) before closing out the exhibition series against Nigeria (double lol) next Monday.
This team should have no problem bringing home the gold. Their only real competition is Spain, who has some respectable players in Ricky Rubio, Nicola Mirotic and Pau Gasol. Luckily, Pau's brother Marc has been ruled out with a foot injury.
Team USA begins their journey in Rio Saturday, August 6th when they tip off against China.
-Beats