Mark+C.+Basketball

Basketball was created by Doctor James Naismith. The first real game of basketball was played on January 20th, 1892 in Springfield, Massachusetts. The first person to score in a game of basketball was William R. Chase. Basketball was played on a court and the hoop was a peach basket. Since Naismith couldn't afford to design a ball for the sport they used a soccer ball. Naismith wrote simple rules for the game and most of them are still in play today.

The first professional basketball game was played on November 7, 1896 in Trenton, New Jersey between Trenton YMCA and Brooklynn YMCA. Trenton defeted Brooklynn 15-1. Each player was paid $15 except Fred Cooper who got $16 and became the first highest paid player. Today the highest paid player is Kobe Bryant (24,806,250 dollars) of the Los Angeles Lakers.

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[] The current teams in the 2011 NBA Finals are:

Mavericks vs. Heat NBA Finals, 2-2 Tied

Lebron's big dunk in Game 3


= Basketball Records = >> ** Bill Russell holds the record for most championships won as a player with 11 in the 13 years he played.[all with the Boston Celtics] ** =** NBA Basketball Teams **=
 * ====== **Most points scored in a game 100 by Wilt Chamberlain on March 2, 1962 agianst New York.** ======
 * ** Most points in one quarter in a game George Gervin, San Antonio, April 9, 1978. 33**
 * ** Most points in a half. Wilt Chamberlain,March 2, 1962 **
 * ** Longest win streak. Uconn womens 2010-2011 basketball team 91. **
 * ** The Boston Celtics hold the record for most NBA Championships with 17. The Celtics also have the record for most consecutive NBA Championships in a row with 8. **
 * Currently there is 30 NBA teams: Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets, New Jersey Nets, Washington Wizards, Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks, Philidalphia 76rs, Toronto Raptors, Pheinox Suns, Sacramento Kings, New Orleans Hornets, Memphis Grizzles, Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz, Cleveland Cavaliers, Charlotte Bobcats, Portland Trail Blazers, Minnesota Timberwolves. **

2010-2011 Leauge Leaders
> || 2. Dirk Nowitzki, DAL || 28.4 || > || 3. Derrick Rose, CHI || 27.3 || > || 4. Dwight Howard, ORL || 27.0 || > || 5. Carmelo Anthony, NY || 26.0 || Leading Rebounder: > || 2. Marc Gasol, MEM || 11.2 || > || 3. Kevin Garnett, BOS || 10.9 || > || 4. Zach Randolph, MEM || 10.8 || > || 5. Tim Duncan, SA || 10.5 || Leading Assists: > || 2. Rajon Rondo, BOS || 9.6 || > || 3. Derrick Rose, CHI || 7.7 || > || 4. Jason Kidd, DAL || 7.7 || > || 5. Andre Iguodala, PHI || 6.8 || > || 2. Tim Duncan, SA || 2.50 || > || 3. Marc Gasol, MEM || 2.15 || > || 4. Josh Smith, ATL || 2.08 || > || 5. Joel Anthony, MIA || 2.07 || > || 2. Elton Brand, PHI || .548 || > || 3. Chris Paul, NO || .545 || > || 4. Andrew Bynum, LAL || .543 || > || 5. Ray Allen, BOS || .523 || > || 2. Jason Kidd, DAL || 2.20 || > || 3. Jameer Nelson, ORL || 2.00 || > || 4. Jrue Holiday, PHI || 2.00 || > || 5. Tony Allen, MEM || 1.92 ||
 * Leading scorer:
 * 1. Kevin Durant, OKC || 28.6 ||
 * 1. Dwight Howard, ORL || 15.5 ||
 * 1. Chris Paul, NO || 11.5 ||
 * 1. Chris Paul, NO || 11.5 ||
 * Leading Blocks:
 * 1. Serge Ibaka, OKC || 3.06 ||
 * Leading Field Goal Percentage:
 * 1. Dwight Howard, ORL || .630 ||
 * Leading Steals:
 * 1. Manu Ginobili, SA || 2.60 ||

The 2011 NBA Draft is on June 23rd. The Clevland Cavilers have the first pick and are projected to get Kyrie Irving from Duke.
Basketball hoops in the 1800's Basketball hoops today