The United States have suffered another injury blow ahead of the Olympics with the loss of Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin, who is now expected to have knee surgery ahead of the new NBA season.

IF YOU were shaken from your slumber early last Friday morning by the walls rattling and the sound of a distant crash, it was probably just a giant falling to earth in a land far, far away.

Kobe Bryant admitted “a big old monkey” was off his back after winning his fourth NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, his first without the help of former team-mate Shaquille O’Neal.

THE Orlando Magic will look to continue their fightback against the LA Lakers as they bid to level the NBA Finals series 2-2 tonight (live on Setanta Ireland, Setanta Sports 2).

THE United States beat China 101-70 in one of the most eagerly awaited events of the Olympic Games last night.