Queen of Sports

Watch: Blake Griffin Posterizes Kendrick Perkins

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The Internet and basketball fans were abuzz last night over Blake Griffins‘ dunk on Oklahoma City Thunder center Kendrick Perkins. The dunk was reminiscent of his other best in-game dunk which he slammed down last year on then-Knicks center Timofey Mizgov.

Even LeBron James tipped his hat to Griffin. He tweeted, “Dunk of the Year!! @blakegriffin just dunked on Kendrick Perkins so hard!! Wow!! I guess I’m #2 now. Move over #6″

Athlete Sighting: LeBron James Biking It To Work

Miami Heat star LeBron James did his part to go green, at least for one day.

James rode his bike to American Airlines arena ahead of the Heat vs Bulls game last night. Traffic in the area was worsened by the Miami marathon, so James had two of his associates accompany him to the arena on two wheels instead of four.

The Heat beat their Eastern conference rivals 97-93, and James scored a game-high 35 points. Could it have been the power of the pedal?

Photo: Peter Lee/Doris Lee/Splash News

Stars Came Out For Dwyane Wade’s 30th Birthday Bash

Not everyone gets to sing along on stage with rapper Rick Ross at their 30th birthday party, but it was just another night in Miami Beach for Heat star Dwyane Wade.

Wade celebrated his 30th birthday at the Setai hotel along with a who’s-who of rappers and celebrities. LeBron James, Udonis Haslem, Wade and Rick Ross had some fun on stage before Wade cut into his huge birthday cake. Kelly Rowland and Wade’s girlfriend Gabrielle Union looked on with Udonis Haslem and LeBron James.

Some of the other celebrities in attendance included: rapper Fat Joe, DJ Irie, Flo Rida, T.I. and wife Tameka ‘Tiny’ Cottle, Common, and Tracy Mourning. Teammates Chris Bosh and Mario Chalmers were also there to celebrate.

Photos: Jlnphotography/WENN.com

Preliminary Team USA Basketball Team Announced

A dozen players will be sent to London this summer to represent the USA in basketball. The preliminary roster of 19 players has just been announced. Here is the list:

Guards: Chauncey Billups, Kobe Bryant, Eric Gordon, Chris Paul, Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade, Russell Westbrook, and Deron Williams.

Forwards: LaMarcus Aldridge, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, Andre Iguodala, LeBron James, Kevin Love, and Lamar Odom.

Centers: Tyson Chandler, Dwight Howard.

Seven players will eventually get trimmed from the list. Team USA camp begins July 5 in Las Vegas.

LeBron James Popped The Question On New Years Eve

Miami Heat star LeBron James proposed to longtime girlfriend Savannah Brinson on New Years Eve in front of several friends and family including Dwyane Wade, Gabrielle Union, Chris Bosh, Adrienne Williams, and his two sons and mother. The group of around 60 people were there not only to celebrate the new year but James’ 27th birthday which was on Friday.

James, Wade and Bosh were chosen to do the countdown at the Shelbourne South Beach hotel in Miami. Afterwards, the group returned to the restaurant where they were dining in the hotel and James popped the question by dropping to one knee. Brinson of course said yes.

James wasn’t the only one who got some bling that night. His birthday cake was reportedly decked out with Swarovski crystals and edible 18 carat gold. Later in the evening, the group was treated to a performance by Lauryn Hill who pulled Nas up on the stage to perform “If I Ruled the World.”

No word yet on how many carats are in Brinson’s ring.

Photo: Judy Eddy / WENN

Miami Heat Get The Rap Star Treatment In New 2011-2012 Intro Video

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The Miami Heat unveiled their new intro video last night before they beat the Boston Celtics at American Airlines Arena. The video looks more like a rap video than a basketball intro video, with Kanye West and Rihanna’s “All of the Lights” song playing as the players are introduced in neon lights. LeBron James really has his video star moves down.

The shoot was outfitted by Original Penguin. To see a clip of the making of it, check out the video below:

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Team LeBron Beats Team Durant In Flag Football

A flag football game organized by LeBron James and Kevin Durant when it looked like playing basketball wouldn’t be in the cards for the two NBA players was held last night in Akron, Ohio.

Team LeBron beat out Team Durant 70-63. The game was streamed live on Ustream. Both teams’ rosters were filled up with friends and family including Durant’s brother Tony who played the quarterback position. A rematch has been scheduled to take place in Oklahoma City.

James celebrated a touchdown in the style of Stevie Johnson mocking Plaxico Burress at one point. He must not have heard about the backlash or didn’t care.

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Athlete Sighting: NBA Stars At The USC Vs Oregon Game

Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, and LeBron James all wore matching jackets to yesterday’s USC vs Oregon game in Eugene, Oregon. Chris Paul was the odd-man out in his grey sweatshirt. The NBA stars were in Oregon visiting Nike headquarters.

The Trojans beat the Ducks 38-35, and USC’s Robert Woods showed some recognition that James was in the house by doing the signature LeBron James powder toss after a touchdown:

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Nike’s ‘Basketball Never Stops’ Ad Campaign

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Nike Basketball’s newest ad campaign targets ball players’ dedication and love for the game. Their main commercial features players of all calibers, from high school to pick-up games in an alley.

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The latest in the series of ads features LeBron James practicing relentlessly at all hours of the night.

Three Big Names Dropping Out Of NBA World All-Star Classic

We told you yesterday the details of the NBA World All-Star Classic tour that will have the NBA’s top players travelling to four different countries to play in six games.

ESPN is reporting today that sources have informed their Chris Broussard that LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Chris Paul have decided not to participate in the tour. Headliner Kevin Durant also may not play the entire tour. James, Anthony, and Paul wanted to spend more time with their families, and are hopeful an NBA season will begin shortly, according to the sources.

Chris Paul is a member of the player’s union and wanted to be available for meetings.

Another change to the roster: Steve Nash was not a candidate for the roster despite reports he was.