When the clock is ticking down and the stakes are high, some players seize the moment and make themselves legends. From buzzer-beating half-court shots to thunderous last-second dunks, some of basketball's greatest moments are chronicled in vivid fashion here. You've got a courtside seat to the action.

"Through narrative nonfiction text, readers learn about the excitement and drama of playing for, coaching, and cheering on teams in basketball's exhilarating championship series. Additional features to aid comprehension include a table of contents, a fast-fact section, fact-filled captions and callouts, a glossary, sources for further research, an introduction to the author, and a listing of source notes."-- Publisher's description.

Whether he's soaring through the air for a powerful slam dunk, threading the ball to a teammate for a key shot, or launching a new pair of Nikes, the Miami Heat's LeBron James is one of the most exciting athletes in the world. As USA TODAY, the Nation's No. 1 Newspaper, puts it, "He is hailed as the successor to Michael Jordan's marketing throne off the court. On the court, he is frequently compared to Magic Johnson because of his size, floor vision...

An introduction to basketball including history, rules, and a list of some of the sport's outstanding players.

A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist offers an up-close and unforgettable narrative that reveals the gritty reality hiding behind the romanticized hoop dreams of America's basketball prodigies.-- Publisher

From the introduction of the game of basketball to Black communities on a wide scale in 1904 to the racial integration of the NBA in 1950, dozens of African American teams were founded and flourished. This period, known as the Black Fives Era (teams at the time were often called "fives"), was a time of pioneering players and managers. They battled discrimination and marginalization and created culturally rich, socially meaningful events. But despite...

"At the height of the Great Depression, Sam Babb, the charismatic basketball coach of tiny Oklahoma Presbyterian College, began dreaming. Like so many others, he wanted a reason to have hope. Traveling from farm to farm, he recruited talented, hardworking young women and offered them a chance at a better life: a free college education if they would come play for his basketball team, the Cardinals. Despite their fears of leaving home and the sacrifices...

"It takes truly special athletes to be superstars, whether they're catching touchdowns, scoring goals, or slamming home acrobatic dunks. The Sport Superstars series takes a look at some of these legendary athletes, their origin stories, and how they have influenced their sport."- cover page 4.

"From LeBron James to Stephen Curry, Superstars of the NBA Finals introduces readers to some of the greatest sports players in the NBA Finals. Vivid photographs and easy-to-read text aid comprehension for early readers. Features include a table of contents, an infographic, fun facts, Making Connections questions, a glossary, and an index."-- Publisher's website.

"Learn and review math skills while also learning about the history of basketball"-- Provided by publisher.