NBA brings a bit of magic to China with exhibition games

By From Wire Reports

Last update: October 17, 2007 - 9:43 PM

SHANGHAI, CHINA -- LeBron James stood in the middle of the court at halftime, an advertisement as big as any for next year's Olympics.

He waved a replica of the red and silver torch for the Beijing Games while Chinese and U.S. flags hung from the rafters of newly built Qizhong Arena.

The public address announcer mingled English with Chinese. NBA commissioner David Stern was at the game. Jazz musician Kenny G sat in the front row.

"The atmosphere was amazing," James said "Everything I expected and more."

James and his Cleveland Cavaliers lost an exhibition game on the outskirts of Shanghai on Wednesday, beaten 90-86 by the Orlando Magic.

But the final score was the least of it.

This was the first of the NBA's three "China Games," and Stern was on hand to explain the league's massive expansion plans in a country with the world's fastest growing major economy. This is also where 300 million people -- the entire population of the United States -- are reported to play basketball.

"I thought it was a big deal tonight even though it was a preseason game," Cavaliers coach Mike Brown said. "It almost felt like the electricity you feel in some of the buildings in a game that kind of matters."

The teams play again Saturday in the former Portuguese territory of Macau. On Thursday in Macau, the Magic face a Chinese all-star team.

James finished with 17 points in 28 minutes and was on the bench in the final quarter when the Magic rallied after trailing nearly the entire way.

Woman accusses Kidd

A woman has accused NBA star Jason Kidd of harassing and groping her this month at a trendy Manhattan nightspot.

Kidd spokesman Scott Miranda said the accusation was "a complete fabrication and it is sad that someone would make something like this up."

Police were reviewing security videotape and interviewing possible witnesses from the club, but had not questioned Kidd.

Etc.

• Kobe Bryant returned to practice after sitting out the previous three days, and coach Phil Jackson said he expects the disgruntled Los Angeles Lakers' star to play in an exhibition game tonight.

• The Milwaukee Bucks waived Samaki Walker on Wednesday. The 31-year-old Walker signed a free-agent contract with Milwaukee three weeks ago, but did not appear in a game during the preseason. Walker is a 10-year veteran and former first-round pick by Dallas.

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