w, the Sterling matter looks to be essentially over. The Clipp

SAN ANTONIO -- In the first NBA Finals game of his reign as the leagues commissioner, Adam Silver had to deal with a sweltering arena. Compared to what hes gone through in recent weeks, that seemed like a breeze. Speaking to The Associated Press on Friday at an NBA Cares event, Silver said hes thrilled that the leagues attention can be on the championship series between the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs -- and not, as it was for so much of the post-season, on the off-the-court matters involving the banishment of Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling and now the looming sale of that franchise. "No question," Silver said. "In fairness to all the players and the teams, they worked so hard to get to this moment and a hot building is part of the competition in essence. And all those other things that weve been talking about the last several weeks are not." Posing for photos with Spurs players, coach Gregg Popovich, general manger R.C. Buford and others, Silver was all smiles when the ceremonial red ribbon was cut at the leagues latest "Learn & Play Center" at a San Antonio elementary school. Its the 897th time that the league has been involved with opening a facility like that, and another similar event will be held in Miami when the series shifts there next week. Silver made no prediction, other than saying he thinks the Heat-Spurs matchup could be a long series. He also said he was satisfied that the air conditioning issues that overshadowed Game 1 have been cleared up and will not affect play when the series resumes in San Antonio on Sunday night. "We learn something new all the time," Silver said. "The league checklist continues to get longer, the things that we need to ensure are functioning properly before games." The Sterling matter was Silvers first true test since taking over for David Stern as commissioner, and many players raved about his response, both in terms of message and swiftness. Silver barred Sterling for life after the longtime owner acknowledged making racist comments on tape, plus fined him $2.5 million. Now, the Sterling matter looks to be essentially over. The Clippers are poised to be sold to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer for $2 billion, and Sterlings attorney said earlier this week that issues between Sterling and the NBA will be resolved without need for a lawsuit -- a decision that basically clears the biggest hurdle that would have precluded a sale. "Im pleased and proud that the attention is on the greatest basketball in the world," Silver said. Jordan Bell Jersey . The defending champions sent their preliminary list to FIFA on Tuesday, with coach Vicente del Bosque to announce the final 23-man squad on May 25. Costa is set to lead the attack in his native Brazil, with Atletico Madrid teammate David Villa and Chelseas Fernando Torres also included, while David de Gea replaces injured goalkeeper Victor Valdes. Tim Hardaway Jersey .What they got was a bevy of players chipping in to pick up the slack.Josh Smith scored 18 points and James Harden added 17 as the Rockets used a balanced scoring effort to outlast the Mavericks for a 99-94 victory. http://www.cheapwarriorsjerseysstore.com...richmond-jersey. It was my fifth straight year attending and, as always, there are many interesting matters discussed as it pertains to the use of statistics in sports. Kevon Looney Jersey .Y. -- Dwane Casey admitted hed been concerned about his young Raptors team who had zero experience playing in close-out games -- what awaited them with the vastly-experienced Brooklyn Nets, and how theyd react. Cheap Swingman Warriors Jerseys .The rookie goalie made 36 saves to help the Calgary Flames blank their Pacific Division rivals 1-0 on Saturday following a 48-hour ordeal that included lost baggage, a cancelled flight and a new pair of contact lenses.SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. - Despite plenty of team restructuring on the Canadian mens curling scene in recent weeks, Team Jennifer Jones is vowing to remain intact for another four years. "We are excited to officially announce that our team is fully committed to staying together and working hard to get another chance to represent Canada at the Olympics," said Jones, who skipped the rink to gold at the Sochi Games with third Kaitlyn Lawes, second Jill Officer and lead Dawn McEwen. "We truly enjoy playing together and we share the same goals and commmitment.dddddddddddd And now that weve been to a Winter Olympics, the desire to get to another one will make us work even harder for the next four years." The team will close out its season this week at the Grand Slam Players Championships in Summerside, P.E.I. The Jones rink did announce one change in a statement released Tuesday by the Canadian Curling Association. Coach Janet Arnott wont be returning and has decided to devote her time to friends and family. A number of Canadian mens teams have made lineup changes in recent weeks. ' ' '