(from the video description) Kevin Durant embodies an unstoppable passion for the game. So with a soundtrack provided by the legendary vocalist Sam Cooke, Kevin Durant takes to the Oklahoma City streets to show that Basketball Never Stops for any of us.

To support his campaign’s Victory Fund, President Barack Obama will play host to the first Obama Classic Basketball Game at a venue to be named in Washington, DC on December 12th.

Confirmed to play:

Ray Allen – Carmelo Anthony – Chris Bosh – Vince Carter – Tyson Chandler – Jamal Crawford – Kevin Durant – Baron Davis – Patrick Ewing – Derek Fisher – Rudy Gay – Blake Griffin – Tyler Hansbrough – Juwan Howard – Antawn Jamison – Earvin “Magic” Johnson – Dahntay Jones – Brandon Knight – Kevin Love – Jamal Mashburn – Cheryl Miller – Alonzo Mourning – Dikembe Mutombo – Hamady Ndiaye – Chris Paul – Paul Pierce – Quentin Richardson – Doc Rivers – Steve Smith – Jerry Stackhouse – Amare Stoudemire – Tina Thompson – John Wall – Russell Westbrook – Reggie Miller

Cheryl Miller is gonna make this event weird, and the secret service has to be on high alert for Dikembes’ elbows.

Ticket prices are $200 for general admission, $500 Premium Lower Deck, and $5,000 Courtside.

The first $5,000 of a contribution to OVF 2012 will be allocated to Obama for America (with the first $2,500 designated for the primary election, and the next $2,500 for the general). The next $30,800 of a contribution will be allocated to the Democratic National Committee. A contributor may designate a contribution for a particular participant. This allocation formula may change if following it would result in an excessive contribution.

Contributions or gifts to Obama Victory Fund 2012 are not tax deductible.  An Obama campaign spokesperson told the Huffington Post that it is not yet determined whether the president will attend the event let alone suit up for it. As for the players, they are participating as volunteers for the campaign, which seems to blur the line of federal election law but apparently doesn’t cross it.

What: The Obama Classic Basketball Game
Where: Venue To Be Announced, Washington, DC
When: Monday, December 12, 2011 4:00 PM

all videos via the one and only: Oakley & Allen 

Nothing soothes the absence of the NBA like the pending release of NBA2K. Last year we all were blessed to play as “His Airness”. This year 2K may have out done themselves, adding Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Kareem, Wilt, Hakeem Olajuwon, Patrick Ewing, Oscar Robertson, Dr. J., David Robinson, and more. No sign of Reggie Miller, or the estranged Allen Iverson.

Here is a list of the teams:

The Teams

1992-93 Bulls: B.J. Armstrong, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Horace Grant, Bill Cartwright, Scott Williams, John Paxson, Rodney McCray, Stacey King, Will Perdue, Ed Nealy

1992-93 Hornets: Muggsy Bogues, Kendall Gill, David Wingate, Larry Johnson, Alonzo Mourning, Dell Curry, Johnny Newman, Kenny Gattison, Tony Bennett, Sidney Green, Kevin Lynch

The Teams

1990-91 Lakers: Magic Johnson, Byron Scott, James Worthy, Sam Perkins, Vlade Divac, A.C. Green, Larry Drew, Mychal Thompson, Elden Campbell

1990-91 Trail Blazers: Terry Porter, Clyde Drexler, Jerome Kersey, Buck Williams, Kevin Duckworth, Cliff Robinson, Danny Ainge, Mark Bryant, Drazen Petrovic

The Teams

1985-86 Celtics: Dennis Johnson, Danny Ainge, Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Bill Walton, Jerry Sichting, Scott Wedman, Sam Vincent

1985-86 Hawks: Doc Rivers, Randy Wittman, Dominique Wilkins, Kevin Willis, Tree Rollins, Cliff Levingston, Eddie Johnson, Jon Koncak, Spud Webb, Antoine Carr, Scott Hasting

1986-87 Lakers: Magic Johnson, Byron Scott, James Worthy, A.C. Green, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Cooper, Kurt Rambis, Billy Thompson, Mychal Thompson, Frank Brickowski

1985-86 Celtics: Dennis Johnson, Danny Ainge, Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Bill Walton, Jerry Sichting, Scott Wedman, Sam Vincent

1984-85 76ers: Maurice Cheeks, Clint Richardson, Julius Erving, Bobby Jones, Moses Malone, Clemon Johnson, George Johnson

1984-85 Bucks: Craig Hodges, Sidney Moncrief, Paul Pressey, Terry Cummings, Alton Lister, Mike Dunleavy, Ricky Pierce, Paul Mokeski, Randy Breuer, Charles Davis

1964-65 Celtics: K.C. Jones, Sam Jones, John Havlicek, Tom Sanders, Bill Russell, Tom Heinsohn, Larry Siegfried, John Thompson, Mel Counts

1964-65 Lakers: Jerry West, Dick Barnett, Elgin Baylor, Rudy Larusso, Leroy Ellis, Jim King, Darrall Imhoff, Walt Hazzard, Don Nelson

1970-71 Lakers: Jerry West, Gail Goodrich, Keith Erickson, Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain, Jim McMillian, Willie McCarter, Rick Roberson

1970-71 Hawks: Walt Hazzard, Pete Maravich, Lou Hudson, Bill Bridges, Walt Bellamy, Jim Davis, Jerry Chambers, Len Chappell

1988-89 Pistons: Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Mark Aguirre, Rick Mahorn, Bill Laimbeer, Dennis Rodman, Vinnie Johnson, James Edwards, John Salley, Darryl Dawkins

1988-89 Bulls: John Paxson, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Horace Grant, Bill Cartwright, Sam Vincent, Brad Sellers, Craig Hodges, Dave Corzine, Charles Davis, Will Perdue

1993-94 Rockets: Kenny Smith, Vernon Maxwell, Robert Horry, Otis Thorpe, Hakeem Olajuwon, Mario Elie, Sam Cassell, Scott Brooks, Matt Bullard

1993-94 Nuggets:  Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, Bryant Stith, Reggie Williams, Rodney Rogers, Dikembe Mutombo, Robert Pack, Tom Hammonds

1970-71 Bucks: Oscar Robertson, Jon McGlocklin, Bob Dandridge, Greg Smith, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Lew Alcindor), Bob Boozer, Lucius Allen, Dick Cunningham

1970-71 Lakers:  Jerry West, Gail Goodrich, Keith Erickson, Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain, Jim McMillian, Willie McCarter, Rick Roberson

1997-98 Jazz: John Stockton, Jeff Hornacek, Adam Keefe, Karl Malone, Greg Foster, Byron Russell, Greg Ostertag, Howard Eisley, Shandon Anderson, Antoine Carr

1997-98 Spurs:  Avery Johnson, Vinny Del Negro, Sean Elliott, Tim Duncan, David Robinson, Jaren Jackson, Chuck Person, Will Perdue, Monty Williams

1995-96 Bulls: Ron Harper, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Luc Longley, Toni Kukoc, Steve Kerr, Bill Wennington, Dickey Simpkins, Jud Buechler, John Salley, James Edwards

1995-96 Sonics:  Gary Payton, Hersey Hawkins, Detlef Schrempf, Shawn Kemp, Ervin Johnson, Sam Perkins, Vincent Askew, Nate McMillan, Frank Brickowski, David Wingate

1994-95 Knicks: Derek Harper, John Starks, Charles Oakley, Patrick Ewing, Anthony Mason, Hubert Davis, Anthony Bonner, Greg Anthony, Monty Williams, Herb Williams, Doug Christie

1994-95 Magic:  Penny Hardaway, Nick Anderson, Donald Royal, Horace Grant, Shaquille O’Neal, Dennis Scott, Brian Shaw, Anthony Bowie, Jeff Turner, Tree Rollins

1971-72 Lakers: Jerry West, Gail Goodrich, Jim McMillian, Leroy Ellis, Wilt Chamberlain, Flynn Robinson, Keith Erickson, Elgin Baylor

1971-72 Knicks:  Walt Frazier, Dick Barnett, Bill Bradley, Dave DeBusschere, Jerry Lucas, Phil Jackson, Earl Monroe, Willis Reed, Luther Rackley

1997-98 Jazz: John Stockton, Jeff Hornacek, Adam Keefe, Karl Malone, Greg Foster, Byron Russell, Greg Ostertag, Howard Eisley, Shandon Anderson, Antoine Carr

1997-98 Lakers:  Derek Fisher, Kobe Bryant, Eddie Jones, Robert Horry, Shaquille O’Neal, Elden Campbell, Corie Blount, Jon Barry

2K12 will also feature a number of bonus unlockable teams that can be unlocked while playing through NBA’s Greatest:

*1990-91 Warriors: Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond, Chris Mullin, Tom Tolbert, Alton Lister, Rod Higgins, Sarunas Marciulionis, Mario Elie, Paul Mokeski, Vincent Askew

*2001-02 Kings: Mike Bibby, Doug Christie, Peja Stojakovic, Chris Webber, Vlade Divac, Bobby Jackson, Hedo Turkoglu, Scot Pollard, Gerald Wallace, Lawrence Funderburke

1976-77 76ers: Henry Bibby, Doug Collins, Julius Erving, George McGinnis, Darryl Dawkins, World B. Free, Steve Mix, Harvey Catchings, Mike Dunleavy, Joe Bryant

1989-90 Cavs: Mark Price, Craig Ehlo, Larry Nance, John Williams, Brad Daugherty, Steve Kerr, Reggie Williams, Tree Rollins, Paul Mokeski

1985-86 Bulls: Kyle Macy, Michael Jordan, Orlando Woolridge, Sidney Green, Charles Oakley, George Gervin, Dave Corzine, John Paxson, Rod Higgins

1990-91 Bulls: John Paxson, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Horace Grant, Bill Cartwright, B.J. Armstrong, Stacey King, Will Perdue, Cliff Levingston, Craig Hodges, Scott Williams

1997-98 Bulls: Ron Harper, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Luc Longley, Toni Kukoc, Steve Kerr, Bill Wennington, Jud Buechler, Dickey Simpkins

* Bonus Gift with Purchase – The 1990-91 Warriors and 2001-02 Kings are only available to those who purchase their copy of NBA 2K12 early. This bonus content will be available in launch orders only, while supplies last.

Full list of 50 point games or higher:
#1) April 20, 1986 Michael Jordan 63 points vs Boston Celtics
#1 rated NBA defense, 23 years old
#2) November 1, 1986 Michael Jordan 50 points vs New York Knicks
#20 rated NBA defense, 23 years old
#3) January 8, 1987 Michael Jordan 53 points vs Portland Trailblazers
#13 rated NBA defense, 23 years old
#4) February 6, 1987 Michael Jordan 58 points vs New Jersey Nets
#18 rated NBA defense, 23 years old
#5) March 4, 1987 Michael Jordan 61 points vs Detroit Pistons
#5 rated NBA defense, 24 years old
#6) March 24, 1987 Michael Jordan 56 points vs Philadelphia 76ers
#12 rated NBA defense, 24 years old
#7) April 12, 1987 Michael Jordan 53 points vs Indiana Pacers
#8 rated NBA defense, 24 years old
#8) April 13, 1987 Michael Jordan 50 points vs Milwaukee Bucks
#4 rated NBA defense, 24 years old
#9) April 16, 1987 Michael Jordan 61 points vs Atlanta Hawks
#2 rated NBA defense, 24 years old
#10) December 17, 1987 Michael Jordan 52 points vs Cleveland Cavs
#11 rated NBA defense, 24 years old
#11) February 26, 1988 Michael Jordan 52 points vs Portland Trailblazers
#10 rated NBA defense 25 years old
#12) March 3, 1988 Michael Jordan 59 points vs Detroit Pistons
#2 rated NBA defense 25 years old
#13) March 18, 1988 Michael Jordan 50 points vs Boston Celtics
#17 rated NBA defense 25 years old
#14) April 28, 1988 Michael Jordan 50 points vs Cleveland Cavs
#5 rated NBA defense 25 years old
#15) May 1, 1988 Michael Jordan 55 points vs Cleveland Cavs
#5 rated NBA defense 25 years old
#16) November 9, 1988 Michael Jordan 52 points vs Boston Celtics
#20 rated NBA defense 25 years old
#17) November 16, 1988 Michael Jordan 52 points vs Philadelphia 76ers
#24 rated NBA defense 25 years old
#18) November 26, 1988 Michael Jordan 52 points vs Denver Nuggets
#8 rated NBA defense 25 years old
#19) January 21, 1989 Michael Jordan 53 points vs Phoenix Suns
#5 rated NBA defense, 25 years old
#20) February 16, 1989 Michael Jordan 50 points vs Milwaukee Bucks
#6 rated NBA defense, 25 years old
#21) May 5, 1989 Michael Jordan 50 points vs Cleveland Cavs
#2 rated NBA defense, 26 years old
#22) November 3, 1989 Michael Jordan 54 points vs Cleveland Cavs
#10 rated NBA defense, 26 years old
#23) December 20, 1989 Michael Jordan 52 points vs Orlando Magic
#27 rated NBA defense, 26 years old
#24) March 28, 1990 Michael Jordan 69 points vs Cleveland Cavs
#10 rated NBA defense, 27 years old
#25) March 19, 1992 Michael Jordan 51 points vs Washington Bullets
#12 rated NBA defense, 29 years old
#26) March 24, 1992 Michael Jordan 50 points vs Denver Nuggets
#13 rated NBA defense, 29 years old
#27) April 29, 1992 Michael Jordan 56 points vs Miami Heat
#25 rated NBA defense, 29 years old
#28) November 20, 1992 Michael Jordan 54 points vs LA Lakers
#17 rated NBA defense, 29 years old
#29) December 23, 1992 Michael Jordan 57 points vs Washington Bullets
#25 rated NBA defense, 29 years old
#30) January 16, 1993 Michael Jordan 64 points vs Orlando Magic
#11 rated NBA defense, 29 years old
#31) March 12, 1993 Michael Jordan 52 points vs Charlotte Hornets
#19 rated NBA defense, 30 years old
#32) May 31, 1993 Michael Jordan 54 points vs New York Knicks
#1 rated NBA defense, 30 years old
#33) June 16, 1993 Michael Jordan 55 points vs Phoenix Suns
#9 rated NBA defense, 30 years old
#34) March 28, 1995 Michael Jordan 55 points vs New York Knicks
#1 rated NBA defense, 32 years old
#35) March 7, 1996 Michael Jordan 53 points vs Detroit Pistons
#7 rated NBA defense, 33 years old
#36) November 6, 1996 Michael Jordan 50 points vs Miami Heat
#1 rated NBA defense, 33 years old
#37) January 21, 1997 Michael Jordan 51 points vs New York Knicks
#2 rated NBA defense, 33 years old
#38) April 30, 1997 Michael Jordan 55 points vs Washington Bullets
#13 rated NBA defense, 34 years old
#39) December 29, 2001 Michael Jordan 51 points vs Charlotte Hornets
#10 rated NBA defense, 38 years old

Kevin Durant began the summer destroying fellow Drew Leaguers in California. He next took his talents to the Philippines to entertain a 65 year old business man. On Monday night Kevin Durant decided to go to a playground.

Not just any playground, the legendary Rucker Park in Harlem. Kevin got on a streak in the 4th quarter on somewhat contested jumpers finishing with 66 points. The crowd makes the moment, celebrating in Rucker fashion as Kevin Durant gets to his spot on the court and shoots over guys half his size and skill. Durant shot 9 of 13 three-pointers, including five in a row.

The 22-year-old Durant was just 2 points shy of the EBC scoring record of 68, set four years ago by street ball legend Steve Burtt Jr.

Heres hoping Durant continues his barnstorming basketball tour. Next stop Venice Beach?

Then reality struck on Tuesday when many NBA fans were dealt another shot in the stomach.

The NBA filed two claims against the NBAPA on Tuesday — an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board and a lawsuit in federal district court in New York.

The NBA accused the players of being uncooperative in negotiations toward a new collective bargaining agreement by making “more than two dozen” threats to dissolve their union and sue the league under antitrust laws to secure more favorable terms in a new CBA.

NBAPA Executive Director Billy Hunter, in a statement released by the union,

“We urge the NBA to engage with us at the bargaining table and to use more productively the short time we have left before the 2011-12 season is seriously jeopardized.”

NOEL CELIS/AFP/Getty Images

What do you do when your birthday is coming, you are wealthy, you live in the Philippines and you love basketball? Well Filipino tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan. MVP, as he’s known in Manila, turned 65 in July and celebrated by hiring nine NBA players to fly to the Philippines for a series of exhibition games. He had a list of players he wanted, (Rose, Durant, Kobe, Chris Paul) and a disputed amount he was willing to pay per player…$400,000. To ensure a packed house, the organizers deliberately kept ticket prices low. Court side seats were sold at the box office for $129 and general admission tickets for about $8. Take that NBA!

Robb Harskamp and Milton Un collaborated on this awesome visualization of every piece of championship bling since 1947.

In honor of Shaquille O’Neal saying goodbye to his legendary 19 year career, we decided to share one of our favorite moments. January 12, 2002, Lakers v. Bulls in Chicago. Shaq attempts to remove Brad Millers head from his body with one horribly aimed haymaker. Ron Artest, Charles Oakley, Greg Anthony, Kobe, P-Jax, Robert Horry, and Derek Fisher with hair, all join in on the fun.

Back in 91′ Michael Jordan carved up the Rockets for 34 points. Amazingly Kenny Smith was the Rockets leading scorer(25), and the Rockets won….by 10. You also can’t take Vernon Maxwell anywhere, always fighting.

Marc Hochman does a Chris Bosh medley to an 80s classic. Make it to the end of this and you truly love basketball.

via www.709theticket.com