NBA Takes Flight At All-Star Game In Phoenix

The NBA long ago made its All-Star weekend a series of can’t-miss events, and the proceedings the past few days in Phoenix are no exception. David Stern holds his annual press conference, where he notes the league and the union are contemplating reopening the CBA due to the economic situation facing the country. He adds the league will start NBA Finals games on Sundays at 8:00pm ET, an hour earlier than other start times. Meanwhile, the league is ready to borrow $200M before the end of the month to help provide supplements to 15 teams. As for the All-Star festivities, Nate Robinson wins a close slam dunk contest over emerging star Dwight Howard as TNT sees its highest ratings ever for the event. However, the debut edition of H-O-R-S-E (sorry, G-E-I-C-O) sees small doses of creativity.

Rain On The Parade 
NASCAR, and its biggest star Dale Jr., get off to less-than-ideal start at rain-shortened Daytona; Big 3 still see value in being involved.

Wind Power
Chicago 2016 bid banking on almost $1B more revenues than any other competing city.

Leaving No Stone Unturned  
USTA hires Major League Gaming Properties President Harlan Stone as CMO of Pro Tennis.

Hook, Line & Sinker?
Marlins receive an unexpected, and potentially fatal, blow to their new ballpark plans.

Checks & Balances
NHL salary cap next season will move little -- if at all -- despite CBA staying in place.

Unforced Error 
UAE denies entrance for WTA Tour's Shahar Peer, an Israeli citizen, ahead of Dubai event.

Rockets In Flight    
N.Y. TIMES MAGAZINE examines how Daryl Morey's statistical approach is hot in the NBA.

Comes Out Swinging    
Nick Faldo spends Thursday poking fun at Tim Finchem during Golf Channel Pro-Am coverage.