Klay Thompson leads U.S. hoops to 100-97 win over France

By Brian Mahoney AP Basketball Writer RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Three wins from gold, and still no reason to think it will be easy for the U.S. men’s basketball team. Klay Thompson ended an Olympic-long slump with seven 3-pointers and 30 points, and the Americans needed almost all of them to hold off France 100-97 on Sunday. The U.S. won its 50th straight tournament game, but the last three have been nothing like most of the previous 47. Winning by three for the second consecutive game, the U.S. improved to 5-0 and clinched first place in Group A. The Americans open quarterfinal play Wednesday, still the favorite but looking as beatable as ever under Mike Krzyzewski. Their opponents couldn’t be determined until the completion of

Kobe Bryant Attempts Penalty Kick During Halftime of Manchester United, FC Barcelona Exhibition Match (Video)

While many NBA players are lining up to jet across the Atlantic to play in leagues across Europe and China, Kobe Bryant seems content to just sit back and show off his athleticism. The perennial All-Star was reportedly going to have representatives talk to the Turkish club Besiktas on Saturday, but according to ESPN, during a news conference on Sunday, Bryant said, "I haven't spoken to Beskitas in weeks." And according to a source in an NBA.com report, there is a "zero percent" chance that Bryant will play alongside New Jersey Nets guard and Besiktas signee Deron Williams with the Turkish club. Bryant instead seems to be turning his attention to soccer. OK, so not really. But during halftime of an exhibition match in