ERST LESEN! » cus Morris nailed a 33-foot 3-pointer over Harden

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Although Antonio Vargas still thinks about the cut that nearly ended his Olympic dream, his unprotected head will be clear when he steps into the ring in Rio de Janeiro.Vargas grew up sparring and competing in protective headgear, so he had never been cut in a fight before his face split open in that bloody loss at the U.S. Olympic team trials seven months ago. The gifted flyweight from Florida had to fight his way back through the challengers bracket, surviving to earn a spot on the team.Cuts havent been a major concern in Olympic boxing since 1980, but they will be a constant danger in Rio, where the 250 male fighters will box without headgear for the first time since Moscow.Fighters have had three years to adjust to the change, and theyve adapted with the same tenacity that made them boxers in the first place.Im always going to do what I have to do, Vargas said. I dont think its really changed my style. Ill still have the same style going into the Olympics. I just have to be careful.The International Boxing Association (AIBA) made a highly visible alteration to its sport when it removed the headgear ahead of the 2013 world championships. Many fighters are excited for fans to see a sport that looks more like the pros, but the move is still criticized by other fighters and coaches who believe safety has been made secondary to appearance, particularly because of the high potential for cuts in a short, multi-fight tournament.I dont think it was a good idea, taking off the headgear, because were still amateur, U.S. light flyweight Nico Hernandez said. I got cut on both eyes before. I got stitches and stuff from head-butts. I just dont think its as safe for the amateur boxers. But I also like it, because you can have more peripheral vision and you dont get as hot. Ive had a lot of fights without now, so Im used to it.The bulky protective pads were placed on Olympic fighters heads in 1984 because organizers wanted to improve safety, and theyve been pulled off the fighters heading to Rio for ostensibly the same reason.In its lengthy quest to become a professional boxing promoter with control over the Olympics , AIBA went to great lengths to establish a scientific backing for its decision to drop headgear. The IOC also cited research to support the notion that the bulky head guards reduced the number of knockouts and stoppages, thereby reducing concussions.Their conclusions have been disputed by other scientists and fighters alike, but the benefits of removing headgear go beyond any concussion data in an inherently dangerous sport: Quite simply, the removal of headgear allows television audiences to see the fighters faces.Billy Walsh competed in headgear for his native Ireland at the 1988 Seoul Olympics before becoming one of the amateur sports foremost teachers. The new U.S. coach has adjusted his instructions under the new rules.Without the headgear, weve now got to be a bit more mobile, a bit more flexible, a bit more careful of heads, Walsh said. Weve got to be a bit more elusive. With headgear, we just locked up. Weve had to adapt some skills and techniques, but weve adapted similar stuff we would have been teaching when they had headgear. We all have to adapt.AIBAs changes are expected to continue after Rio, too. Womens boxing kept the headgear for its second Olympic tournament because AIBA says it doesnt have enough concussion data on women, but most female fighters expect AIBA to remove their headgear next year. The male boxers are still wearing tank tops in the ring in another holdover from the sports amateur days, but those are likely to be removed soon as well.Hernandez is among dozens of top Olympians who got experience without headgear by participating in World Series of Boxing, one of two professional leagues launched by AIBA. The WSB fighters have five-round fights that largely resemble pro bouts.Even fighters who dont agree with the science of the decision credit AIBA for attempting to improve their sports marketability, and the governing body has conducted a lengthy campaign to persuade boxers to fight without the in-close, head-butting style that could ruin the tournament.Most of the American fighters also plan to turn pro shortly after the Olympics, so the absence of headgear gives them a head start on the process.But all fighters in Rio will have to be careful with the knowledge that one cut could end their Olympics.With no headgear, at first I was nervous, and I didnt really want to do it, 18-year-old U.S. middleweight Charles Conwell said. But when I got in there, it was the same, basically. You just have to worry about cuts and head-butts. Im less worried now, because Ive got more experience with it. I know the dos and donts of not having headgear on. So Im going to adjust, because I know theres going to be some dirty things that are going to happen out there. Under Armour Clearance Sale . The 20-year-old Pelicans big man glanced up and smiled widely at the well-wishers -- a fitting end to a day he wont soon forget. Davis responded to his selection earlier in the day as a Western Conference All-Star with 26 points and 10 rebounds, and the New Orleans Pelicans overcame a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 98-91 on Friday night. Under Armour Shoes Discount . Los Angeles star goalie survived those perilous gymnastics with no problem, and he eventually backstopped the Kings to a skid-snapping win. Quick stopped 27 shots in his return from a 24-game injury absence, Jeff Carter scored the tiebreaking goal with 7:55 to play, and the Kings snapped their five-game losing streak with a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday night. http://www.cheapunderarmouraustralia.com/ .J. -- Marshawn Lynch said Thursday it will be good to get back to football after the Seattle quiet talking running back wrapped up his final mandatory media session of Super Bowl week. Under Armour Shoes Clearance . Then the Pacers gave Oladipo and his Orlando teammates the cold shoulder. Paul Georges buzzer-beating 3-pointer at the end of the third quarter spurred a 21-4 run, finally sending Indiana past the Magic 97-87 in a tougher-than-expected opening night matchup. Under Armour Shoes Sale . -- Gus Malzahn finally had his day in Fayetteville. AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- James Harden has made a living at the free throw line in recent years. This time, his touch was off when it mattered most.Harden, who entered the game shooting 82 percent from the line, missed five free throws in the final 3 minutes against the Detroit Pistons. Fortunately for the Houston Rockets, they were able to hold on in a 99-96 victory Monday night.Harden finished with 28 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds. He went 14 of 19 at the foul line, but only 4 of 9 in the fourth quarter.I had to laugh it off. Its funny, Harden said. But we all have games like this. I cant let it happen. I have to take my time, go up there concentrating on the free throw.Clint Capela added 15 points and 12 rebounds for the Rockets, who won their third straight game.We did not play well all night. I didnt think we were sharp, but we found a way to win, coach Mike DAntoni said. Its just a good win for everyone.Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 26 points and Andre Drummond had 13 points and 16 rebounds for Detroit, which has lost four in a row.With the Rockets clinging to a one-point lead and less than 10 seconds left, Harden made a free throw and missed the second, leaving Houston up 98-96.Drummond rebounded the miss and was immediately fouled by Capela with 4.6 seconds to go. Drummond missed both free throws and the Pistons fouled Harden, who again made one of two, giving Detroit a chance.Ive got to make free throws -- thats all, Harden said. Make free throws, win the game. Its pretty simple.Caldwell-Pope missed a halfcourt heave at the buzzer, handing Detroit its second straight close loss at home.Were going to have to toughen up to be able to accomplish what we want to accomplish, coach Stan Van Gundy said.Detroit led by 12 in the first quarter and took a 29-18 lead early in the second on Jon Leuers dunk. The Rockets, however, chipped away and tied it 43-all on Capelas alley-oop dunk from Harden with 4:11 left in the period.The Pistons regained a two-point edge,, but Harden scored the final seven points of the first half to put Houston ahead 51-46.ddddddddddddHouston stretched its lead to 11 in the third quarter and settled for a 79-75 advantage heading into the final period.The Pistons used an 8-0 run early in the fourth quarter to open an 85-82 lead. The teams went back and forth the rest of the way, and neither led by more than four points.Detroit, trailing 96-95 with 55 seconds left, had a chance to take the lead, but Ish Smith missed a layup. Harden made one free throw to leave Houston ahead 97-95 with 15.4 seconds left, and Caldwell-Pope answered with a free throw to get Detroit within one.TIP-INSRockets: Nene was assessed a Flagrant 1 foul in the third quarter after tripping Detroits Aron Baynes. The play was originally called a common foul, but after review it was changed to the Flagrant 1.Detroit: Marcus Morris nailed a 33-foot 3-pointer over Hardens outstretched hand to beat the third-quarter buzzer and cut Houstons lead to 79-75. The play was reviewed and replays showed the ball left Morris hands just in time.NO HOME COOKINGAfter starting the season 5-0 at home, the Pistons lost their second straight at the Palace. They lost Saturday to Boston 94-92 on Al Horfords last-second shot. Detroit is just 1-7 on the road.Its tough, especially coming off (the Boston loss), said Morris, who finished with 13 points. Weve got to find a way to play harder or just get rebounds.OFF TARGETThe Rockets were held under 100 points after surpassing the century mark in their previous seven games. Houston shot 44.9 percent from the field, including 32.3 percent from beyond the 3-point arc.We just have to continue to get better and continue to do good things down the stretch and win, Harden said. Thats all that matters.UP NEXTRockets: At home Wednesday against Toronto.Pistons: At home Wednesday against Miami. ' ' '