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CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Lance Stephenson doesnt want to be known as the guy who blew in LeBron James ear. Stephenson said during his introductory news conference Friday in Charlotte hes "a little upset" that the ear-blowing incident in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals against Miami is how some people have defined him as a player. "I feel like it overshadowed my play on the court," Stephenson said. "I bring more to the table than just blowing in someones ear. Im a great player." Hornets general manager Rich Cho agrees, which is why the club signed Stephenson to a three-year, $27 million contract Friday. The deal includes a team option for the third season. Cho says the 23-year-old Stephenson brings competitiveness, scoring ability, a defensive presence and a wealth of playoff experience — all things the Hornets need to take the next step and become a perennial playoff contender. "I think hell be a great fit," Cho said. The Hornets, who ranked near the bottom of the NBA in 3-point field goal percentage last season, expect Stephenson will help them in that area. Stephenson shot 35 per cent from beyond the arc last season. He also proved versatile in other ways. He led the NBA with five triple-doubles and posted career highs in points (13.6), rebounds (6.9) and assists (4.2). But Stephensons intense competitiveness also has a dark side. He was called for 17 technical fouls last season — third-most in the NBA — and was also involved in a practice scuffle with teammate Evan Turner. Hes been known to talk trash, occasionally taking himself out of the game and hurting his team. Hornets coach Steve Clifford is well aware of that, but after doing some background checks — even going back to talk to his high school coaches — he felt good about bringing Stephenson into a locker room that boasted great chemistry last season. "Whats the old saying? Your greatest strength is also your greatest weakness," Clifford said. "I think those things are a byproduct of the fact that he badly wants to win. To be honest, that is one of the things we all liked about him so much." Clifford said Hornets owner Michael Jordan addressed those issues with Stephenson in a meeting Tuesday night in Las Vegas. "He talked to him about what we can work on — and (Stephenson) knows that," Clifford said. "Lance knows that sometimes he has crossed the line a little bit. But I think he does it out of competitiveness." Stephenson acknowledged he has to mature as a player. But he said after talking to Jordan he knew he wanted to join the Hornets. "He loves my game and what I bring to the table," said Stephenson, who turned down a five-year, $45 million deal to stay in Indiana. "He loves that Im a great passer and I play with my teammates, and he loves the competitive edge that I have." As for the ear-blowing incident, Stephenson stopped short of saying he regretted his actions but explained his intentions. "During the series I was trying to play hard against LeBron and help my team win," Stephenson said. "Im very competitive and I know some of the antics were over the border — but I was just trying to do whatever it takes to win." Stephenson said that off the court, hes funny and likes to fool around with teammates and friends. On the court, hes as intense as they come and says "I have no friends" on the opposing team. For the Hornets, landing Stephenson is a sign the organization is headed in the right direction. This marks the second straight year theyve landed a big-name free agent after agreeing to a three-year, $41 million deal with centre Al Jefferson last summer. "It shows this is a great free agent destination," Cho said. Cheap Basketball College Jerseys . Kelli Stack and Alex Carpenter also scored for the Americans, who avoided a repeat of Finlands upset at the Four Nations Cup in Lake Placid, N.Y., in November. Finnish goalie Noora Raty made 58 saves in that one, but the three-time Olympian could stop just 40 of 43 U. Cheap Football NCAA Jerseys . James Jones got his turn Sunday. And the lift he brought, combined with the expected playoff showings from LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, have the Heat off and running in these playoffs. https://www.chinajerseysncaa.us/. Setting United on its way to a 2-0 victory, Rooney sent the ball high from inside the halfway line over goalkeeper Adrian after just seven minutes. "Its just instinct, Ive turned and had a quick look and seen the goalkeeper off his line," Rooney said. Fake NCAA Jerseys .com) - Nicklas Backstrom scored a pair of goals and Alex Ovechkin notched a highlight-reel tally, leading the Washington Capitals to a 4-0 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Saturday at the Prudential Center. NCAA Jerseys China . Chris Heisey connected for his first grand slam and Devin Mesoraco homered and drove in a career high-tying four runs as Cincinnati took advantage of Tampa Bays depleted pitching staff for a 12-4 victory on Sunday. LONG POND, Pa. -- Juan Pablo Montoya felt at home among a throng of his Colombian countrymen and fans in a very unique celebration spot. He detoured from the traditional Victory Lane party straight to the one thrown in his honour in the Pocono Raceway grandstands. The fans bounced, danced, cheered and unfurled flags for the Colombian driver who wouldnt make them wait long this season to celebrate a victory. Montoya zipped toward the checkered flag to the sight of hundreds of Colombian fans waving the flag and cheering him on. His win in the IndyCar race Sunday at Pocono Raceway was the highlight of a triumphant return to open-wheel racing after seven years in NASCAR. Up ahead, a serious run at the IndyCar championship. "I think people know Im coming," Montoya said. Montoya saved his deepest gratitude for car owner Roger Penske. Penskes faith in bringing the talented and tempestuous Montoya aboard was rewarded. "I knew it was going to take a little bit of time," Montoya said, "but having the opportunity to run for Roger, its unbelievable. Ive worked really hard physically and mentally to get here, and I feel in a really good place right now. Im really happy. Montoya won for the first time in the CART/IndyCar Series since 2000 and had his first major victory since he won a road-course race at Watkins Glen in NASCAR in 2010. Helio Castroneves was second to make it a 1-2 finish Sunday for Team Penske. With double points awarded in the 500-mile races, Castroneves moved into a tie for the points lead with Penske teammate Will Power. Carlos Munoz, Ryan Briscoe and Scott Dixon completed the top five. Montoya, who won from the pole, took the lead for good when Tony Kanaan was forced to pit for fuel with four laps left. Montoya took it from there and continued to stamp himself a player in the championship hunt. He moved to fourth in the standings. "As soon as we signed him, I knew he would be an asset for us, and a headache," Castroneves said. Montoya damaged his front wing when he connected with Power on a pass for the lead on the 167th lap. Powers penalty troubles continued at Pocono when he blocked Castroneves on the 171st lap and had to serve a drive through penalty, effectively ending his shot at victory. "You tell them, Lets keep each other on the track," Penske said. "But that was a little tight right there." After only two top 10s in his first seven starts, Montoya reeled off a third, second and seventh in his past three. Now, he has the win needed to erase any lingering doubts that has move back to open wheel was the right one. Here are 5 things to know from the IndyCar race at Pocono: POWER PENALTY: Powers latest penalty cost him a shot at racing for the win -- and his spot alone atop the points standings. Even worse, his ill-timed block almost derailed a podium finish for Penske teammate Castroneves.dddddddddddd Power was hit with a blocking penalty on Castroneves late in the race and his drive through penalty cost him a shot at racing for the win. He finished 10th. Power said he tried to let Castroneves go and had no intention of blocking him. He unleashed a profanity over the radio toward IndyCar and was told to cool down by Penske president Tim Cindric. "Thats not doing us any good now, is it? Get your head on straight and go," he said. Power has been smacked with a rash of penalties this season that have cost him strong runs at the checkered flag. He was annoyed when he had to watch the replay after the race for NBC Sports. "It was another penalty and other drive through and another really good opportunity lost," Power said. "Time after time it happens to me and no penalty." NEWGARDEN RUN: Josef Newgarden said this weekend hed have to grade his season an F. On Sunday, that stood for fantastic. Newgarden started last after an accident in practice, then stormed his way to the front and led seven laps at the end of the race. He finished a solid eighth for Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing. He surrendered the lead when he no choice but to make one final pit stop for fuel on Lap 194. "It was a big strategy race," Newgarden said. "Considering nobody did much passing today and because it was more of a track position, fuel mileage and strategy race, I thought we did a really good job of keeping up and making the moves when we needed to. That helped get us into the top 10." HAWKSWORTH OUT: Jack Hawksworth missed the IndyCar race Sunday at Pocono because of a heart contusion. Hawksworth was injured Saturday in an accident during the second practice session. He was evaluated and released from the infield care centre. Hawksworth stayed overnight for observation at a hospital and was released Sunday. Hawksworth will be re-evaluated by the IndyCar medical team Tuesday before being cleared to drive next week at Iowa Speedway. KANAAN CANT: Tony Kanaan dominated most of the race and led 78 laps. Montoya, who won from the pole, took the lead for good when Kanaan was forced to pit for fuel with four laps left. "Its obviously frustrating to dominate a race like that and not win," Kanaan said. "We just missed going the full 500-mile distance by a few laps and its heartbreaking when those things happen. But that is racing, as they say, and we will focus on Iowa now and put it behind us." SPEED RACER: The average speed of 202.402 mph was the fastest 500-mile race in IndyCar history. The 200-lap race was caution-free for the first 158 laps until Graham Rahal spun to bring out the yellow. The 158 consecutive laps of green flag racing to open a race was the longest stretch for a 500-mile race in IndyCar history. ' ' '