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Dwight Howard and Brook Lopez are on the move. Dwyane Wade is opting in. Pau Gasol is opting out. The Los Angeles Lakers provided the clearest indication yet that Lonzo Ball is their guy. The NBA offseason is already in overdrive.

Dwight Howard and Brook Lopez are on the move. Dwyane Wade is opting in. Pau Gasol is opting out. The Los Angeles Lakers provided the clearest indication yet that Lonzo Ball is their guy. The NBA offseason is already in overdrive.

A dizzying series of moves came on Tuesday. Howard got traded by the Atlanta Hawks to the Charlotte Hornets, who acquired the eight-time All-Star center for a package that included Miles Plumlee and Marco Belinelli.

And Lopez _ another center _ is leaving Brooklyn and headed to the Lakers, part of a deal that has D’Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov going to the Nets.

That leaves the Lakers with a clear need at point guard, a problem they will likely rectify on Thursday when they presumably will take Ball with the No. 2 pick in the NBA Draft. It was a big move for the Lakers in another way; Mozgov is still owed $48 million over the next three seasons, while Lopez’s contract will expire after next season.

Howard will be playing for his third team in three seasons following a disappointing homecoming in Atlanta. He signed a three-year, $70.5 million deal with Atlanta and then sat out the fourth quarter in two of six playoff games in the Hawks’ first-round loss to Washington.

“Let the madness begin,” Portland guard CJ McCollum said. “Draft week is always the most interesting time of the year.”

Madness is right.

Barely a week after the Golden State Warriors won their second NBA championship in three years, the rest of the league is maneuvering like mad.

Along with the trades, confirmed by people with direct knowledge who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither deal was formally announced, Gasol opted out of his $16 million deal for next season with San Antonio _ but intends to sign a new multiyear deal with the Spurs that will reduce his annual salary but give him more security, and presumably give his team a chance to add a big-time free agent this summer. Wade told the Bulls he will take his $23.8 million deal for next season, a decision he had until next week to make.

And Minnesota parted ways with Nikola Pekovic, waiving him in what could be the last act of a career that was derailed by foot and ankle problems over the past three seasons. Pekovic missed all of last season and played only 12 games the previous season.

All this comes with Paul George’s status in Indiana most uncertain and with many trade rumors swirling there, the belief by many across the league that Jerry West joining the Clippers’ front office could help their pursuit of LeBron James in the summer of 2018, and the ongoing watch in New York of what the Knicks will do if anything with Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis.

It’s not like Monday was a slow day, either.

That was when Philadelphia and Boston completed the deal that sent the No. 1 overall pick to the 76ers _ giving them the chance to take Markelle Fultz, and allowing the Celtics to choose likely either Jayson Tatum or Josh Jackson at No. 3, which they got in the swap. The Celtics said they think the player they take at No. 3 would likely have been the player they used the No. 1 pick on anyway, so they called it a win-win move.

Then came Monday night’s news that the Cleveland Cavaliers were parting ways with general manager David Griffin after three straight trips to the NBA Finals, a move that James clearly was not happy about. Cleveland then talked with former All-Star guard Chauncey Billups on Tuesday about a job in the front office.

To think, summer doesn’t even start until Wednesday.

The draft is Thursday.

The league’s inaugural after-the-season awards show is Monday.

Free agency and the new collective bargaining agreement start on July 1.

“Wow,” Phoenix guard Devin Booker said on Twitter.

It wasn’t clear what Booker was exactly referring to, though he probably said it a few times Tuesday.

Wow, indeed.

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                                                                                                   Communication

Many disputes arise from lack of couple communication. It happens frequently that one of the partners accepts to do certain things for the other, though it disturbs him and does not say anything about it, believing that the other will understand. The other person will not be able to decode the message and therefore the partner needs to explain clearly what it is about. If frustrations and desires are not expressed, many resentments will accumulate.

                                                                                                      Adaptation

Because every person is unique, the couple's life requires a number of compromises. We do not need to have the same habits or the same rhythm of life. It is impossible for two people, with different education, to understand without compromise. A balance must be found between lifestyles.

                                                                                                       Generosity

To love is to give and receive. It's not about gifts but about time, understanding, availability, the ability to love the other. And this generosity must be free. It is important to renew our tendencies every day.

                                                                                                        Respect

When we have reached a certain degree of intimacy, it seems normal for us to be more direct. It happens that the partners get to talk brutally, without tact and without delicacy. From here until humiliation is a very small step. Bizarrely, we do not respect the person we love.

                                                                                                       Availability

Engage each other, share moments of couples. This seems obvious, since you live together, spend a lot of time together. But it's not so simple: it's the quality of the time together and not the quantity. We need outings, joint activities.

                                                                                                          Trust

Everyone repeats this: there is no relationship without trust. Do not surrender to jealousy crises and do not turn the moments spent together in long interrogations. It is important to have trust in our partner and in our relationship. Life in the couple is not at all a quiet river, and if so, then there is definitely a problem.

                                                                                                          Project

A joint project brings a new breath to the couple's life. "Live the moment" is just a way not to involve us. In order to survive daily routines and routines that install themselves in a couple, the two have to make projects to strengthen a relationship: a trip, an apartment, children.

                                                                                                           Privacy

Everyone needs privacy. It's not just about physical intimacy but also emotional sentiment. The solitary moments, the cultivation of the "Secret Garden", keep the mystery and freedom. So it is important that everyone has a space for him to retire.

                                                                                                          Autonomy

Life in the couple does not mean to assimilate your partner and not to assimilate it. Not to confuse love with addiction is not very relevant. It is extremely important for everyone to have a certain amount of autonomy and to preserve their identity. But we all know that it is very difficult to live "separate" lives but to live together at the same time. "

                                                                                                Source: www.supereva.ro

India vs Pakistan Final Live Streaming: India's quest to defend their ICC Champions Trophy title will be tested when they will take the field against arch-rivals Pakistan at The Oval on Sunday.

India’s quest for defending Champions Trophy title will be tested when they take on arch-rivals Pakistan in the final on Sunday at The Oval. Both the teams come in with massive wins in the semi-final. India sealed the final berth for the second edition on the trot after defeating Bangladesh by nine-wickets. Pakistan, on the other hand, edged out England by eight-wickets.

The defending champions will feel more relaxed when they take the field on Sunday as they have a physiological advantage over their neighbours. With the top order being among the runs, Blue Brigade will have an edge over the Sarfraz Ahmed-led side. Whereas, bowling continues to be Pakistan’s strength and they will once again rely on it to guide them to their maiden Champions Trophy title. They also have a chance to avenge their earlier defeat to Men in Blue.

When is the ICC Champions Trophy final between India and Pakistan?

The ICC Champions Trophy final between India and Pakistan will be played on Sunday, June 18, 2017.

What time is the ICC Champions Trophy final between India and Pakistan?

The ICC Champions Trophy final between India and Pakistan begins at 3:00 PM IST (Sunday afternoon). The toss is scheduled to go for a spin 30 minutes before the players walk out to the middle. Before that, you may tune in on Starsports, Hotstar for expert reviews and analysis. For everything, and anything, indianexpress.com will have a live blog to give all the updates on the fly.

Where is the ICC Champions Trophy final between India and Pakistan being played?

The ICC Champions Trophy final between India and Pakistan will be played at The Oval. According to the weather forecast department, a stray afternoon t-storm is expected on Sunday.

How do I follow the ICC Champions Trophy final between India and Pakistan live?

The ICC Champions Trophy final can be streamed live on Hotstar. For live commentary and updates, one can follow the live blog on IndianExpress.com. The blog will give you ball-by-ball commentary, live updates, social reactions and much more.

For all the latest Sports News, download Indian Express App

Argentina and Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi marries his childhood sweetheart Antonella Roccuzzo, 29, on June 30, a week after the player's 30th birthday, in Latin America's celebrity wedding of the decade.

Diego Vallejos is wondering what to wear for his friend’s wedding. He must look the part among the celebrities coming to town — for the groom is football superstar Lionel Messi.

“I am letting my hair grow so that I can get a haircut like a star,” the chuckling Vallejos, a waiter by profession, told AFP in Rosario, the northern Argentine city where he and Messi grew up.

Messi marries his childhood sweetheart Antonella Roccuzzo, 29, on June 30, a week after the player’s 30th birthday, in Latin America’s celebrity wedding of the decade.

Vallejos is one of 250 people on the guest list — others include Barcelona stars such as Gerard Pique and his popstar wife Shakira, according to Argentina media.

“Most of all I just want to be with Lionel. But I am going to mingle a bit with the other guests” at the bash in the City Center hotel and casino, Vallejos said.

Football city 

Vallejos spoke to AFP near the primary school which he and the future soccer star attended. They would play football together in the humble southern district of Las Heras where they grew up.

Messi is widely considered the world’s best footballer. But he is far from being the first soccer star to come from this city of 1.2 million people.

“Rosario lives and breathes football. That is another reason Lionel feels so comfortable here,” the city’s mayor, Monica Fein, told AFP.

“All his life he has been linked to Rosario. I think he is excited that through his wedding his friends (from abroad) will be able to get to know the city he loves so much.”

As well as Ernesto “Che” Guevara, one of the leaders of the Cuban revolution, Rosario has spawned some of the biggest names in Argentine soccer.

They include the coach of the 1978 World Cup-winning Argentina side, Cesar Luis Menotti, and current players such as Angel Di Maria and Javier Mascherano.

Wedding rumors 

Rumors have swirled about the details of the wedding, and there have been numerous reported changes to the arrangements.

Local wedding planners Farina-Pavia confirmed they had been hired to organize the event, but said they had signed a confidentiality agreement not to talk about it.

Messi has reportedly requested that the wedding feast be made up of local specialities such as “empanada” pasties, “locro” stew and typical Argentina roast meat.

Authorities insist that security will not be a problem, even though Rosario is considered one of the most dangerous cities in Argentina.

The City Center complex is next to one of the city’s roughest districts.

A local government source told AFP the Messi family had asked that “the wedding not affect the daily life of the city or the traffic.”

Argentina media reported that Messi’s own security team will take care of his security.

Rosario newspaper La Capital said the bride would wear a dress by Spanish designer Rosa Clara.

As wedding gifts, the couple have asked that guests make donations to Messi’s charity foundation for children.

“That is for the VIPs,” says Vallejos. “I’m going to give something more symbolic. Maybe a pair off those cufflinks you wear on your sleeves.”

Love and happiness 

Messi and the brunette Roccuzzo live in Barcelona where he plays, but still return regularly to Rosario on holiday.

“It’s no surprise that he is coming back here to get married,” Vallejos says.

“He has always been the same. He is an ordinary person who just wants to be near his family and friends. He is a humble person. Money has not changed his personality.”

The couple had their two children baptized there last year: Thiago, 4 and one-year-old Mateo, both born in Barcelona.

Messi and Roccuzzo met as children. He moved to Spain when he was 13 to join FC Barcelona. But they kept in touch.

“They are the love of each other’s lives,” says Vallejos.

“I am eager to share this moment with him. He was humble enough to invite me, one of his oldest friends from an ordinary family.”

For all the latest Sports News, download Indian Express App

Security will be a concern over the two weeks in stadiums which have been dogged by construction delays and structural problems. Next year's World Cup will take place in 12 stadiums spread across 11 cities, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, and Sochi.

Russia faces a stress test of its readiness to host the 2018 World Cup as the Confederations Cup kicks off today amid concerns over hooliganism and security.

World Cup holders Germany and the FIFA Confederations champions compete in the eight-team tournament which will put Russia’s ability to handle thousands of visiting and home fans under the spotlight.

Security will be a concern over the two weeks in stadiums which have been dogged by construction delays and structural problems. Next year’s World Cup will take place in 12 stadiums spread across 11 cities, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan and Sochi, the host cities for the Confederations Cup.

President Vladimir Putin will attend Saturday’s Group A opener in Saint Petersburg’s Krestovsky Stadium between Russia and Oceania champions New Zealand.

The Krestovsky Stadium has been mired in scandal, taking over a decade to build at an estimated cost of $800 million, amid allegations of corruption.

A new pitch had to be laid hastily after the old one broke up during test games this year, but organisers insist the 68,000-seater arena is ship shape for the June 17 opener and July 2 final.

“We’re completely ready for the tournament,” Russia’s deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Mutko told Friday’s press conference. “The infrastructure, hotels, transportation systems — everything’s ready. And we’ve took the full-scale measures to assure the event’s security. Welcome to Russia

“The Confederations Cup is the champions’ tournament. And it’s a great football occasion,” added Mutko, who is also president of the Russian Football Union.

Milestone

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura said Russia’s readiness had “surpassed expectations”. “We have visited Moscow and the St Petersburg stadium and I can say that every technical detail there has been fine-tuned and we can expect one of the best competitions ever here

in Russia,” said the Senegalese FIFA official.

“The Confederations Cup is the main operational milestone on the way to the next year’s World Cup. “It is the experience and knowledge that will be of enormous value for 2018.”

The other two Group A teams include European champions Portugal spearheaded by the global superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and the most decorated CONCACAF team Mexico.

Heavyweights Germany will clash with Asian Cup champions Australia, Africa Cup of Nations winners Cameroon and Copa America holders Chile in Group B. And Samoura said that 480,000 tickets had already been

sold — 60 percent of the overall total.

“As much as 44,000 tickets have been sold for the opening match in St Petersburg with 24 hours remaining before the kick-off,” Samoura added. “And the match between Russia and Portugal has been sold out several weeks ago.”

The issue of racism against fans and hooliganism is also a concern after ugly clashes between Russian and English fans at Euro 2016 in Marseille last summer.

Russian authorities insist there is almost no chance of a repeat as police have cracked down on suspected troublemakers with a barrage of searches, detentions and criminal probes.

Some 191 fans have been put on a blacklist barring them from games and legislation introduced to toughen up punishments and deport foreign hooligans.

“The clashes between the fans in Marseille last year were ugly,” Alexei Sorokin, the CEO of Russia’s organising committee, told AFP in a recent interview.

“But Russia’s authorities have worked out a comprehensive security concept that will act during the major football tournaments here to avoid any chance of the repetition of such kind of events.

“We’re confident that the Confederations and World Cup in Russia will be completely safe.”

For all the latest Sports News, download Indian Express App

Another regulatory change proposed by Chinese Football Association (CFA) this week looks set to encourage a cautious approach from clubs in the new window and a repeat of the big splurge on foreign talent is highly unlikely.

Chinese champions Guangzhou Evergrande have no plans to make any additions to their squad in the mid-season transfer window, which looks set to open on Monday in an air of uncertainty because of proposed new regulations.

Estimates of spending by Chinese Super League clubs in the last transfer window, which closed at the end of February, range up to $500 million with the likes of Carlos Tevez, Axel Witsel and Oscar lured to East Asia.

A regulation change that restricted the use of foreign players in domestic matches followed immediately, as the Chinese authorities looked to stem the flood of money leaving the country in transfer fees and wages.

Another regulatory change proposed by Chinese Football Association (CFA) this week looks set to encourage a cautious approach from clubs in the new window and a repeat of the big splurge on foreign talent is highly unlikely.

Guangzhou’s reason for not adding to a squad coached by Luiz Felipe Scolari which already includes Brazilian Paulinho and Colombian Jackson Martinez is rather simpler – they are doing well enough as it is.

“We have reached all of the goals we set at the start of the season, so we are happy,” said vice president Liu Yongzhuo. “I think the Chinese domestic league and the Asian Champions League are becoming more competitive and the league is improving but so far we have no plans to add to our squad.”

Guangzhou have already qualified for the quarter-finals of the Asian Champions League and are two points clear of Shanghai SIPG after 12 games of the 30-game CSL season with Hebei CFFC in third, four points further adrift.

None of the top three are expected to be active in the upcoming transfer window, which will remain open until July 14, especially after Shanghai and Hebei spent heavily over the New Year.

LEVY IMPACT

The transfer levy proposed by the CFA to the 32 clubs in China’s top two divisions, which is expected to be ratified on the eve of the transfer window opening, will also have an impact.

Under the proposal, foreign signings costing more than 45 million yuan ($6.60 million) and fees for Chinese players of more than 20 million yuan would attract a levy for clubs whose 2016 accounts show them to be in debt.

Beijing-based Shoto Zhu, chief executive of Oceans Sports and Entertainment, said he thought that while the levy might deflate the China spending bubble in the short term, it would not burst it.

“I don’t think these regulations will last long, but I think for this window clubs won’t spend much money,” he told Reuters. “In China what happens when you have new regulations is that people try to find ways around them and I’m looking forward to seeing how they do that.”

While the top clubs look likely to keep their powder dry, those pushing for a top three finish in the CSL – which brings with it a berth in the Asian Champions League – and those fighting against relegation may be more inclined to spend.

The threat to bring in spending curbs has already had an impact on newly-promoted Tianjin Quanjian, who had been casting covetous glances towards Diego Costa and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in their quest for a top class goal scorer.

Jiangsu Suning, who finished as runners-up in the league and the Chinese FA Cup last year, might be tempted to splash some cash having just brought Fabio Capello on board to get them out of relegation trouble after a disastrous start to the season.

Beijing Guoan are also under new management with the arrival of German coach Roger Schmidt to replace Jose Gonzalez and the capital club could also be keen to make a statement.

For all the latest Sports News, download Indian Express App

India vs Canada Live Score, Hockey World Super League Semi-Final: After a 4-1 win over Scotland in their opener, team India look to continue their winning run against table-toppers Canada.

In-form India take on roaring Canada in their second match of the World Hockey League Semi-Final group game on Saturday. After a 4-1 win over Scotland in their tournament opener, India face an interesting challenge in Canada who thumped Pakistan 6-0 on Friday evening. Akash Chikte, in goal, would need to be on his toes against a prolific attack. A win for India will put them ahead of Canada and Netherlands while for Canada, it will help them strengthen their place at the top of the table. Catch live scores and updates of the match between India and Canada here.

India vs Canada, World Hockey League Semi-Final Live Scores and Updates: India opened their campaign with a 4-1 win over Scotland after going down early. Now is the turn for their second game and a crucial one against Canada who delivered a hammering to Pakistan on Friday. All of this makes for a cracker of a contest!

1858 hrs IST: CHANCE! Huge chance for Canada to get one back but the player at the far post misses the push into the goal. Probably blindsided by the Indian player ahead of him and the chance goes begging

1857 hrs IST: Second penalty corner for India with 05:28 to go in the second quarter. But the shot, angled on the right side of the goal, doesn’t have enough moment with the Canada player defending it away. Jasjit’s attempt goes to waste

1848 hrs IST: MAKE THAT 3-0! GOAL!! Turnover near the middle of the pitch as Ramandeep Singh runs forward and passes the ball sidewards to an unmarked Sardar Singh who pushes the ball home. Nearly walking the ball home there

1844 hrs IST: At the end of the first quarter, India lead Canada 2-0 with goals from SV Sunil and Akashdeep Singh.

1843 hrs IST: India with sustained pressure on the Canada goal. Keeping the ball well, moving it quickly and have the Canadian players pegged back and unable to get much of the ball

1838 hrs IST: GOAL! Akashdeep Singh doubles India’s advantage with a gorgeous bit of stickwork. Angles the stick fantastically with pressure from the defender and keeper but clips it over the on-rushing goalie to drive the ball home. Sweet conversion! India 2-0!

1832 hrs IST: GOAL!! India get the opening goal. Looks like an own goal. SV Sunil tries to play a fellow blue shirt in but it takes a deflection off the Canada player and squeezes into the goal

1827 hrs IST: SV Sunil goes darting down the right line and earns India the first PC in just the first minute. Harmanpreet Singh gets the shot on but he sends it over the bar

1825 hrs IST: Ramandeep Singh the danger man for India. He scored two goals for India in the opening game to overturn the deficit and give the lead. Canada get the ball rolling!

1822 hrs IST: Teams are out for the national anthems. Canada’s national anthem first. They’re donning the red-and-black kit while India are in their blue.

1815 hrs IST: The lineups:

The match among Tamina, Natalya, Charlotte Flair, Carmella, Becky Lynch did not begin as all five women fight each other with chaos in the ring. McMahon announced later that all these women will fight in the women's Money in the Bank ladder match.

The first-ever women’s Money in the Bank ladder match was announced on Tuesday by Shane McMahon, blue brand’s commissioner.

The night saw Kevin Owens talking about the upcoming pay-per-view. He said that he will he will be “the face and champion of the entire WWE” before welcoming Shinsuke Nakamura, who got a lot of heat from the US camp.

In the Sami Zayn and Shinsuke Nakamura fight against Baron Corbin and Kevin Owens, Owens got the better of Zayn, taking him down in the corner.

However, an inside fight between Corbin and Owens ended up giving the winning glory to Zayn and Nakamura.

The match among Tamina, Natalya, Charlotte Flair, Carmella, Becky Lynch did not begin as all five women fight each other with chaos in the ring. McMahon announced later that all these women will fight in the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match.

Breezango wins the match against the Colons while Dolph Ziggler wins vs AJ Styles via pinfall after he aimed at Styles’ eyes to escape the Calf Crusher.

The Fashion Police earned the victory when Breeze, dressed as Janitor Carl, hit Primo to get his team back into the winner’s circle.

Randy Orton also made an appearance for the first time on Smackdown Live, ensuring revenge against Jinder Mahal and regaining the WWE Championship in their rematch at WWE Money in the Bank.

England will begin the eighth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy group stages with a face off against the Mashrafe Mortaza-led Bangladesh side at the Oval on Thursday. Bangladesh lost their warm-up matches against India and Pakistan.

The eighth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy will see England take on Bangladesh in the tournament opener in the Group A match at the Oval on Thursday. Considered to be the dark horses of the tournament, the Mashrafe Mortaza-led Bangladesh side comes in with defeats against India and Pakistan in their warm-up matches while the hosts will begin the tournament with a 2-1 ODI series over South Africa.

The Tigers will feel the heat as the home support will be with the Eoin Morgan-led England side and the home conditions will give the hosts an edge over their opponents. In their previous match against the defending champions, Mortaza and his men failed to show resistance against Indian bowling attack as they were bundled out for just 84 and suffered a 240-run defeat. On the other hand, England, who are considered to win their first Champions Trophy title, lost the third and the final ODI match against the Proteas by seven wickets.

When is the first match of ICC Champions Trophy between England and Bangladesh?

The first match of ICC Champions Trophy between England and Bangladesh will be played on June 1, i.e Thursday.

What time is the warm-up match of ICC Champions Trophy between England and Bangladesh?

The first match of ICC Champions Trophy between England and Bangladesh begins at 1500 hrs IST (09.30 GMT).

Which TV channels will do the live broadcast of the ICC Champions Trophy match between England and Bangladesh?

The first match of the ICC Champions Trophy between England and Bangladesh will be broadcast on Star Sports network.

How do I watch online live streaming of the warm-up match of ICC Champions Trophy between India and Bangladesh?

You can watch the live streaming on of the first warm-up match between England and Bangladesh on Hotstar. You can also follow scores and commentary on Indianexpress.com.

French Open 2017 Live Score and Updates of Day 4 action: Rafael Nadal and defending champion Garbine Muguruza are in action on the fourth day of the tournament. Catch live tennis score and updates from Roland Garros Day 4 here.

As the French Open enters its day four in Paris, all eyes will be on Rafael Nadal, who will be back on the court on Wednesday. Hoping to claim his 10th French Open final, Nadal will play Dutchman Robin Haase in the second round of the tournament. Novak Djokovic continues his title defence against Joao Sousa. Defending champion Garbine Muguruza will lock horns with Anett Kontaveit while last year semi-finalist, Sam Stosur from Australia will face Kirsten Flipkens. Local favourite Kristina Mladenovic makes her return to court after pulling her back. She will face Italian Sara Errani in the second round. Catch the live tennis score and updates of the fourth day of French Open 2017 here. (Men’s Singles Results | Women’s Singles Results)

French Open 2017 Live Tennis Score of Day 4

1915 hrs IST: What a debut for Cici Bellis! The American beats last year semi-finallist Kiki Bertens 6-3 7-6 on her fifth match point

https://twitter.com/rolandgarros/status/869909852843331584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Findianexpress.com%2Farticle%2Fsports%2Ftennis%2Ffrench-open-2017-live-tennis-score-day-4-live-online-video-streaming-nadal%2F

Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson, who are part of the ABC/ESPN broadcast team for the Finals that start on June 1, say Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant are so good that the Warriors will not unravel even if other players have an off night.

The Golden State Warriors are so flush with talent they can unseat the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals even if they are not firing on all cylinders, TV pundits said on Tuesday.

Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson, who are part of the ABC/ESPN broadcast team for the Finals that start on June 1, say twice reigning league MVP Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant are so good that the Warriors will not unravel even if other players have an off night.

“Golden State has more margin of error so they can have guys maybe not shooting the ball particularly well because Curry and Durant are on such a roll that it may not matter,” former NBA coach Van Gundy said on a conference call.

“Cleveland … are going to have to have all their guys shooting the ball well and playing efficiently.”

The Warriors have already cruised into the NBA Finals opening in Oakland with an unprecedented 12-0 playoff record even though Klay Thompson has been far from his best and 2015 Finals MVP Andre Iguodala has struggled to make open shots.

Thompson, arguably the best shooter in the NBA after Curry, has missed 42 of his 66 attempts behind the arc this postseason but has contributed in other areas.

“Klay Thompson … is still guarding the other team’s best perimeter guy and getting the job done on the defensive end,” said former coach and player Jackson. “So he’s finding ways to impact the game even when his shooting is not up to par.”

That is not a luxury the Cavs, who are powered by LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, can afford if they hope to upset the Warriors.

Fortunately for the Cavaliers they are getting solid play from Kevin Love, who could be a difference maker.

“If Kevin Love plays the same way he’s been playing in the playoffs … that’s another threat to add to LeBron and Kyrie,” said Jackson.

So good are the Warriors, who have finished with the NBA’s best record in each of the last three seasons and added four-times scoring champion Durant last offseason, that Van Gundy referred to the 2015 NBA champions as a “dynasty.”

“They have their youth, they have their health. I see nothing preventing them from going to eight to 10 straight Finals,” said Van Gundy. “It will be a massive upset, I think, if they are not there each and every year.”

JaVale McGee practices 3-pointers from all around the arch, just in case. He sits with assistant coach Jarron Collins and a laptop to study film, long after practice and his shooting workouts are complete. His rugged professional path has landed him at seemingly the perfect stop.

JaVale McGee practices 3-pointers from all around the arch, just in case. He sits with assistant coach Jarron Collins and a laptop to study film, long after practice and his shooting workouts are complete.

The 7-footer’s rugged professional path has landed him at seemingly the perfect stop: in the Bay Area with the NBA’s best.

Just don’t call him a journeyman.

“I’ve never considered myself a journeyman in the first place,” McGee said after a practice this weekend. “Whatever y’all want to call me y’all can call me. The number of teams I’ve been on was in like one year. I’ve been with three teams in two years.”

Yet McGee doesn’t have to look far to find someone else who has learned to thrive as a well-traveled NBA role player. Just a quick glance a couple of lockers down to where Shaun Livingston dresses at Oracle Arena, defying the odds yet again this season as a regular reserve contributing to another Warriors championship chase, is all it takes.

McGee has never made it this far, an NBA Finals first-timer when Golden State hosts defending champion Cleveland in Game 1 on Thursday night. Livingston never should have made it this far, and here he is seeking his second title in three seasons _ and 10 years after a devastating injury that could have sidelined him for good. Doctors thought they might have to amputate his left leg.

Fourteen teams between them, over 21 combined seasons. Each has found a great groove in Golden State’s rotation, called on to take pressure off the big stars while maintaining the highest level.

“We just kind of follow suit, but it’s up to everybody to come in and lock in on the details. It’s the playoffs,” Livingston said. “Obviously the stars help, they get all the headlines deservedly so, but the small things, the details, that’s what we lock in at and that’s how we win ballgames.”

McGee has discovered the ideal place to shine as an alley-oop specialist in a pass-happy offense, and even Stephen Curry admits it’s so easy to target the sure-handed big man perhaps the Warriors do so too often at times.

“We almost get in trouble because we try to do it too much even if it’s not there, because he has the ability to catch it really anywhere around the rim, around the backboard,” Curry acknowledged. “You kind of see it developing when he gets a free lane to the rim, and as a passer in that situation literally feel the most confidence that if I just get it anywhere up there, he’ll go get it, and usually he does.”

With great efficiency, too.

In Game 3 against the Spurs, McGee scored a postseason-best 16 points, all in the first half to get Golden State going as Zaza Pachulia sat out with a bruised heel. He made all seven of his shots in Game 2 of a first-round win against Portland, shooting 18 for 23 in all in the four-game sweep of the Trail Blazers.

Livingston has unselfishly dealt with a diminished role, a rotation change late in the season that altered when he’s used, and then a hand injury in the first round of the playoffs.

In February 2007 with the Clippers, Livingston tore three major ligaments in his knee _ the anterior cruciate, posterior cruciate and medial collateral as well as his lateral meniscus, then required extensive surgery. Though the injury could have ended his career at age 21, he still believed he would play again. First he had to walk again.

“Shaun, that story isn’t really the same now. He’s become a staple of this franchise, he’s helped us win a title, he’s done some great things here,” Draymond Green said. “For JaVale, it’s still fresh, to where I think it’s a great situation for him. He’s finally been put in a position where he can do what he do. He’s finally come to an organization, a first-class organization, that has embraced him for him and not tried to make him something that he’s not.”

Women's draw of French Open 2017 saw another seeded player and top name bundle out when Johanna Konta failed to carry her momentum from first set into the second and third to lose out to Chinese Taipei's Hsieh Su-Wei.

Johanna Konta made her way out of the French Open on Tuesday after losing in three sets to Hsieh Su-Wei. She exited by suffering a 1-6, 7-6, 6-4 scoreline at the expense of the 31-year-old from Chinese Taipei at the clay court Grand Slam.

Konta looked to be on course for a comfortable passage into the second round when she swept past Su-Wei in the first set in just 26 minutes. The Brit woman dominated with her heavy serves, heavy groundstrokes and aggressive style of tennis.

Hsieh turned things around in the second set with her deep groundstrokes which were laden with sidespin. Slices, too, created problems for Konta who would then send the replies wide or long.

After winning the second set in the tiebreak, the Chinese Taipei player had the momentum to go on and dominate the contest. Konta didn’t help herself with an increasing count of errors all around the court. Rather fittingly, Konta’s fate was sealed with a lame forehand into the net.

After the match, a delighted Hsieh could barely contain her delight. “Yes it’s not really easy because she’s a very good player,” Hseih said. “Every point you have to really, really fight. Thank you to my team today. Merci beaucoup. It was really fun to play here today with all the crowd.” Hsieh will next play American Taylor Townsend, who beat Japanese qualifier Miyu Kato 6-4 6-0.

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