James Jones wins 3-Point Shootout | 2011 NBA All-Star Weekend

The Miami Heat forward, James Jones invaded the Footlocker 3-Point Shootout Contest in the NBA All-Star 2011 held on Saturday, February 19th in Los Angeles, California. Jones emerged victorious despite the presence of two of the best 3-point shooters of the league, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce of the Boston Celtics.

Jones outscored 'sharpshooters' Allen and Pierce and the rest of the contestants. He made a total score of 20 points - Allen got 15. He shared to the media that he felt no pressure in shooting the balls beyond the three-point arc and that he was comfortable in that zone and happy to compete with great players in the NBA.

Shortly after the game, Mike Trudell, a Lakers reporter, posted on Twitter that it was like "Miami beats Boston for the first time this season."

Quoting sportswriter Ryan Rudnansky, "Is this an ominous sign that the Heat will surpass the Celtics as the Beast from the East this year?"

Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Tina Fey or Sarah Palin?

Although TNT have issued their apology to politician Sarah Palin regarding the comments of Tracy Morgan made about Sarah Palin on an appearance on “Inside the NBA”. Former NBA star and now host Charles Barkley, asked the comedian whether Tina Fey or Sarah Palin host. Unexpectedly  Tracy Morgan replied “let me tell you something about Sarah Palin, she’s good masturbation material.”

Following the incident, TNT released this statement to The Hollywood Reporter: “It’s unfortunate Mr. Morgan showed a lack of judgment on our air with his inappropriate comments.”

Blazers' Maurice Lucas passed away

Portland Blazer legene Maurice Lucas passes away today. We would like to extend our condolence to his family and friends.

Portland Trail Blazers Sunday night issued the following text of a press release.

TRAIL BLAZERS LEGEND MAURICE LUCAS PASSES AWAY

PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland Trail Blazers legendary forward Maurice Lucas passed away today at the age of 58 after a long battle with cancer.

Lucas was a central figure on the Trail Blazers 1976-77 NBA Championship team and averaged 15.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 0.72 blocked shots over five seasons (1976-80, 87-88) in Portland.

During Portland's 1976-77 NBA Championship season, Lucas led the team in scoring (20.2), field goals made (8.0), free throws made (4.2), offensive rebounds (2.4) and minutes (36.2). In the 1977 Playoffs, Lucas led the team in scoring in eight of the 19 games and in rebounding twice.

"Portland and the NBA lost one of their greats today," said owner Paul Allen. "Maurice Lucas was an amazing man and I count myself lucky to have known him. We all - players, coaches, the owner and the fans - were made better by having Maurice a part of our team, whether playing on the championship team or, most recently as an assistant coach.

"He was one of the greatest Blazers ever. I'll miss him. I and the entire Blazer family send our condolences to his wife, Pamela, and their children," added Allen.

A standout at Marquette University, Lucas led the school to the NCAA National Championship game in 1974. Portland acquired Lucas as the second pick in the 1976 ABA dispersal draft. He played 12 seasons in the NBA and four in the American Basketball Association.

"Words cannot express the magnitude of loss we feel tonight with the passing of Maurice Lucas," said Trail Blazers President Larry Miller. "The Trail Blazers family has lost our Enforcer, but for me personally, I have lost a brother.

"Maurice has left unforgettable fingerprints on every decade of Trail Blazers basketball, yet it is his booming personality, his warrior-like loyalty, and most of all, his undying love for his family, for the Trail Blazers, for his teammates, and for the city of Portland that we will all hold dearly in our hearts. On behalf of myself and the entire Trail Blazers organization, our deepest sympathy goes out to his wife Pam, sons Maurice Jr. and David, daughter Kristin and grandson Luke," added Miller.

Selected to the All-Star Game in three straight seasons from 1977-79, Lucas is one of four three-time All-Stars in Trail Blazers history (Clyde Drexler, Brandon Roy, Sidney Wicks).

"We have lost a champion of a man," said Trail Blazers Head Coach Nate McMillan. "Maurice was a great man and a great friend. He battled his illness like the warrior he was on the basketball court.

"We were so fortunate to have his influence on the young men on this team. He was my mentor, my big brother, and I always knew he had my back. He has left us far too soon," added McMillan.

The Pittsburgh, Pa., native was named to the All-NBA Second Team and All-Defensive First Team in 1977-78. He was named to the All-Defensive Second Team in 1978-79.

Lucas most recently served as an assistant coach with the Trail Blazers for five seasons from 2005-10, and previously in 1988-89.

The Trail Blazers honored Lucas by retiring his uniform number (No. 20) on Nov. 4, 1988.

Service arrangements are to be determined.

Blazers' Maurice Lucas passed away

Portland Blazer legene Maurice Lucas passes away today. We would like to extend our condolence to his family and friends.

Portland Trail Blazers Sunday night issued the following text of a press release.

TRAIL BLAZERS LEGEND MAURICE LUCAS PASSES AWAY

PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland Trail Blazers legendary forward Maurice Lucas passed away today at the age of 58 after a long battle with cancer.

Lucas was a central figure on the Trail Blazers 1976-77 NBA Championship team and averaged 15.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 0.72 blocked shots over five seasons (1976-80, 87-88) in Portland.

During Portland's 1976-77 NBA Championship season, Lucas led the team in scoring (20.2), field goals made (8.0), free throws made (4.2), offensive rebounds (2.4) and minutes (36.2). In the 1977 Playoffs, Lucas led the team in scoring in eight of the 19 games and in rebounding twice.

"Portland and the NBA lost one of their greats today," said owner Paul Allen. "Maurice Lucas was an amazing man and I count myself lucky to have known him. We all - players, coaches, the owner and the fans - were made better by having Maurice a part of our team, whether playing on the championship team or, most recently as an assistant coach.

"He was one of the greatest Blazers ever. I'll miss him. I and the entire Blazer family send our condolences to his wife, Pamela, and their children," added Allen.

A standout at Marquette University, Lucas led the school to the NCAA National Championship game in 1974. Portland acquired Lucas as the second pick in the 1976 ABA dispersal draft. He played 12 seasons in the NBA and four in the American Basketball Association.

"Words cannot express the magnitude of loss we feel tonight with the passing of Maurice Lucas," said Trail Blazers President Larry Miller. "The Trail Blazers family has lost our Enforcer, but for me personally, I have lost a brother.

"Maurice has left unforgettable fingerprints on every decade of Trail Blazers basketball, yet it is his booming personality, his warrior-like loyalty, and most of all, his undying love for his family, for the Trail Blazers, for his teammates, and for the city of Portland that we will all hold dearly in our hearts. On behalf of myself and the entire Trail Blazers organization, our deepest sympathy goes out to his wife Pam, sons Maurice Jr. and David, daughter Kristin and grandson Luke," added Miller.

Selected to the All-Star Game in three straight seasons from 1977-79, Lucas is one of four three-time All-Stars in Trail Blazers history (Clyde Drexler, Brandon Roy, Sidney Wicks).

"We have lost a champion of a man," said Trail Blazers Head Coach Nate McMillan. "Maurice was a great man and a great friend. He battled his illness like the warrior he was on the basketball court.

"We were so fortunate to have his influence on the young men on this team. He was my mentor, my big brother, and I always knew he had my back. He has left us far too soon," added McMillan.

The Pittsburgh, Pa., native was named to the All-NBA Second Team and All-Defensive First Team in 1977-78. He was named to the All-Defensive Second Team in 1978-79.

Lucas most recently served as an assistant coach with the Trail Blazers for five seasons from 2005-10, and previously in 1988-89.

The Trail Blazers honored Lucas by retiring his uniform number (No. 20) on Nov. 4, 1988.

Service arrangements are to be determined.

The Shaq Celtics deal, to close.

Shaq Celtics?Based from reports, some personality with knowledge about the deal told to Associated Press.

According to the source, the Shaq Celtics deal is yet to be finalized. It was also reported that Shaq would rather retire than play internationally.

If Shaq Celtics will came to reality, Boston will have a perfect replacement for Kendrick Perkins. Perkins who was injured last season and will be recovering from knee surgery which will take (at least) until December.

Celtics already have Jermaine O'neal signed a contract with 5.6 million and still looking for another veteran to strengthen more the team.The Big Three of Miami Heat is still to match by other teams and if Shaq Celtics deal will be closed, then chances are Celtics vs Heat will be exciting to watch.

Here's a report from WEEI in Boston

    According to a report on ESPN.com, which cited league sources, the Celtics have expressed interest in center Shaquille O’Neal. With the C’s already over the salary cap, they could offer no more than the $5.8 million per year mid-level exception. According to the report, O’Neal would be intrigued by the idea of playing for Celtics coach Doc Rivers and with forward Kevin Garnett.

    With Kendrick Perkins sidelined following surgery to repair his torn ACL, the Celtics are looking for help at center. O’Neal averaged 12.0 points and 6.7 rebounds a game while playing 23 minutes a night for the Cavaliers in 2009-10.

    The report said that O’Neal has also encountered mutual interest with the Hawks and Mavericks, and that if LeBron James returned to Cleveland, he would consider a return to the Cavs.