ISTANBUL -- All around them, the Americans find compelling matchups for the round of 16: a rematch of the 2006 title game; a coach facing a home country he led to an Olympic gold medal; two bitter rivals to get it all started. All the while, a fairly navigable road right to the semifinals has emerged for the United States. (Today)

ISTANBUL -- An arena that was nearly covered in Slovenian green grew louder with every United States miss. Playing a rare early game, the United States had stalled after a quick start, and a double-digit lead was down to five as halftime approached. Then, every time the Americans needed them, Kevin Durant seemed to get on the scoreboard and Kevin Love was pounding the backboard for rebounds. (08/30/2010)

ISTANBUL -- For weeks, U.S. players have been hearing about what they aren't. Not big enough. Not old enough. And maybe even not good enough. Saturday, they finally got to show what they believe they can be: the team that ends a 16-year world championship drought. (08/29/2010)

MIAMI -- Adding a new layer to the rift between LeBron James and Dan Gilbert, the NBA's two-time reigning MVP and new Miami Heat forward has told GQ magazine that he isn't sure the Cleveland Cavaliers owner "ever cared" about him during their time together. (08/18/2010)

Carmelo Anthony can opt out of his contract with the Denver Nuggets after the upcoming season and become the headliner of the 2011 free agent class. Or he could play out the final two years of his contract and put off the wine-and-dine tour for a year. He could sign a three-year, $65 million extension that has been on the table all summer and would keep him in Denver through 2015. (08/18/2010)