Oden practices with Blazers

Good news for Blazers' fans. Greg Oden practiced with the Portland Trail Blazers for the first time since right knee surgery ended the No. 1 draft pick's debut season before it started six months ago.

Oden, the 7-foot center from Ohio State taken with the top selection in last year's draft, surprised his teammates Wednesday when he participated in offensive drills and even dunked during 45 minutes of half-speed work. The Blazers were in Sacramento for Thursday night's game against the Kings.

Only coach Nate McMillan and athletic trainer Jay Jensen knew Oden would be in practice Wednesday for the first time since undergoing microfracture surgery in September.

The Blazers have stayed in contention for a playoff berth without their future franchise center. Led by All-Star Brandon Roy, Portland is in 10th place in the Western Conference.

Oden said he felt no discomfort in his knee after the workout. The Blazers still have no intention of allowing him to play this season, however.

Roy said Oden's surprise participation in practice gave the Blazers a lift and a look ahead to next season.

After going through plays and drills with his teammates, Oden worked out one-on-one with Blazers assistant Maurice Lucas.

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Rockets Get Back to Winning

Tracy McGrady had 26 points while running the offense, Jackson hit two key 3-pointers in the fourth quarter and the Rockets got back to playing like they did during their 22-game winning streak in a 109-106 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Friday night.

The Rockets had been blown out in back-to-back games to bring an end to the second-longest winning streak in NBA history, failing to reach 75 points in either loss. So coach Rick Adelman matched Golden State's small lineup and ran much of the offense through McGrady in the post. McGrady responded with eight assists to go along with his big scoring night.

The power-packed Western Conference gave the Rockets little cushion and a third straight loss would have dropped them into a tie for sixth place with San Antonio in the conference. Instead, they moved within percentage points of New Orleans for the lead in the Southwest Division.

Carl Landry returned from a seven-game absence from a knee injury to score 17 points for the Rockets, who started their 22-game winning streak with a victory over Golden State on Jan. 29. Jackson scored 16 off the bench.

Dikembe Mutombo, who had started all 12 games since Yao Ming went down with a season-ending foot injury late last month, did not play at all against the smaller Warriors.

[source:nba dot com]

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Air Jordan Flight 23

Jordan Brand has released another very stylish shoe with the Air Jordan Flight 23. Taking many design cues from the legendary Air Jordan IV, this basketball shoe is a bit sleeker and flashier. While the lacing system and midsole are very similar to the AJIV, the back of the shoe (along with the back of the sole) have many of the same characteristics if the less-known Air Jordan Big Fund.

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Nike Shox Spotlight

Description:
The Nike Shox Spotlight basketball shoes for men are a fresh take on the classic basketball shoe profile. Nike Shox is enclosed in a transparent cupsole for maximum protection and traction with clear TPU toe wrap for durability, a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot, and seamless suede upper with full-grain leather wrap.

Price about USD$90

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Nike Air Zoom LeBron V

LeBron James was perhaps the youngest first round draft pick in the NBA and it seems likely that he will be the next Michael Jordan. Even before making his official NBA debut, LeBron landed a contract with Nike that has generated four previous signature LeBron shoes and numerous other styles worn by the man himself. The Nike Zoom LeBron V (5) is, according to Nike, "engineered specifically for LeBron James" and it is the "pinnacle product" in the sports journey of the boy king known as "The Chosen One." The LeBron V combines a dynamic fit innersleeve for comfort , a full length zoom air unit with double stacked Zoom Air in the heel and carbon fiber spring plate.

Price about USD $140

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Nike Dunk High Premium

Nike is back with flashing and light style! This time approaching with a sophisticated, high class presence. Of course, what else would you expect on a Satin series dunk. The epitome of luxury is finally accessible. Whether you rock them at the mall or your sisters wedding all depend on you; but however you display them they are sure to impress. Picture a classic feeling of “superstar” state. When you need to get on your vintage days with a pair of large frame shades and a track jacket, don’t forget these elegant high top dunks. The entire front on the shoe, as well as the lace-stay is covered in black. That is needed to contrast with a dazzling gold satin which has hijacked the rear of the sneaker. The white Swoosh and midsole add the last bit of touch for depth; making sure to set off the gold satin in every way possible. Unpack your rope chains because Sneakerheads are sure to appreciate Nike’s latest offering. Stay fresh!

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Phoenix Suns beat the Memphis Grizzlies for the eighth time in a row

Amare Stoudemire scored 29 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in 30 minutes, and the Suns beat the Memphis Grizzlies for the eighth time in a row, 132-111 on Tuesday night.

The Suns, who shot 60 percent, led by as many as 32 in the first half and 39 in the second to win consecutive games for the first time since Shaquille O'Neal joined the lineup 11 games ago.

The Suns improved to 5-6 since O'Neal came to the team, with two of those victories against Memphis. O'Neal had two points and eight rebounds and six assists in 17 minutes. His only shot was a rebound basket with 7:45 to go in the third quarter.

Memphis, opening a three-game road trip, lost its 15th straight away from home and 17th in its last 19 overall.

Rudy Gay, who scored a career-best 36 when the teams met in Memphis on Feb. 26, led the Grizzlies with 20.

Memphis, opening a three-game road trip, lost its 15th straight away from home and 17th in its last 19 overall.

Memphis hasn't beaten Phoenix since Dec. 17, 2005. The Suns last lost at home to the Grizzlies a month earlier, on Nov. 16, 2005. ... Phoenix has two other active eight-game winning streaks against opponents - against Toronto and Charlotte. ... O'Neal had assists on four of the Suns' first six baskets. ... The Suns are 2-1 with Golden State and Sacramento remaining on a five-game home stand.

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