You’re competing and going hard on the court and then it hits you. A sprain, strain, break or tear. You’re going to be sidelined for a decent period of time and your precious time playing the game is taken away from you. How can you ensure that you’ll be back out there as soon as possible? First of all if the injury is severe, seek immediate medical attention. Ice, elevation and compression help, as does waiting until you’re truly back to 100%.

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Some of the greatest and most fit athletes on the planet get injured on the court so there’s no 100 percent foolproof way to totally avoid injuries, but there are preventative measures you could take that will help keep you off injured reserve. From staying hydrated and stretching, to having the right gear and knowing your own limitations, Dick’s Sporting Goods blog got five easy ways to avoid injury from Dustin Willis, a physical therapist at Rancho Therapy in Southern California.

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With the addition of LeBron James to the Cleveland Cavaliers this year, Kyrie Irving is on a contender for the first time in his NBA career. And his new Nike Kyrie 1 shoe has become a contender on and off the court as well thanks to impressive design and some new colorways. A lightweight, yet responsive shoe matches Irving’s quickness, athleticism and agility and an outsole that wraps amount the midsole helps prevent rolled ankles. You can find out more about

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What makes apparel elite? Is it just in the name, or is it in the quality of the product that allows you to perform at a higher level? Nike’s Elite Basketball Collection allows you to maintain comfort and performance while not being weighed down or distracted by excess sweat. Moisture-wicking technology is built right in, allowing you to reach your goals. This page at the Dick’s Sporting Goods blog features the national champion Duke Blue Devils, who this season know a little

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Stephen Curry’s is Under Armour’s signature shoe endorser, and the league’s best shooter and possible 2014-2015 Most Valuable Player gets the company’s best resources to try to ensure Curry’s optimal on-court performance. Curry’s first signature shoe, the Curry One, introduced this year, is wrapped in something called anaFoam, a lightweight, compression-molded shell for proper support and fit. And whatever it’s doing for Curry’s game, it’s clearly working and could work for your next sneaker purchase. For more on how charged foam

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What makes the Kobe X unique and more impressive in design and performance than its predecessors? Think less is more. The understated shoe is back to its low-top model after one year with the high-top model. The Flywire technology is out, replaced by a seamless design that’s compatible with ankle braces. The Kobe X is perfect for the player who not only can do damage at the perimeter but can slash and drive to the hoop as well. For more on the newest

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How important are socks for basketball performance? If you think they don’t matter, think again. Legendary UCLA head coach John Wooden always had his players put on two pairs of socks so they wouldn’t develop blisters or other irritations, and socks have been an important part of basketball culture ever since. But now style is being taken into account along with functionality and Nike is, of course, leading the charge. With unique colors and styles and a new custom fit, the performance

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