CHARLOTTE, N. Throwback Chiefs Jerseys .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. Elite Chiefs Jerseys . "Hes over there," the first baseman said. "You dont need to talk to anybody else." Indeed, Peralta did it all as the majors top team won again. Travis Kelce Jersey . The game was the first of two international friendlies that Canada is playing during the international break, with the second game against Slovenia set for Tuesday in Celje. Canada looked uncomfortable defensively throughout the game, and every free kick that came into Canadas penalty box looked like ending up in the back of the net. http://www.officialchiefsnflauthenticshop.com/tremon-smith-stitched-jersey/ . The 18-year-old centre was the Senators first-round pick (17th overall) in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. The six-foot 196-pound native of Salmon Arm, B.MANCHESTER, England -- Chelsea delivered a potent mix of defensive resilience and effective counter-attacking in a 1-0 victory over Manchester City on Monday, neutralizing the Premier Leagues most rampant attack to provide a new twist in the title race. Branislav Ivanovic lashed home a fierce 25-yard shot in the 31st minute to end Citys 100 per cent winning record at home in the league and earn Chelsea the double over most pundits favourites for the title. The visitors could have won by more, hitting the goal frame three times and threatening almost every occasion they broke forward. It meant Arsenal returned to the top of the standings, with a two-point lead over City and Chelsea, in what is proving to be a thrilling title race. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho continues to rule his evolving team out of contention, but few will take him seriously after this performance. "Two horses and a little horse," was Mourinhos description of the title race, which has 14 more matches to run. "A little horse that still needs milk and to learn how to jump. A horse that next season can race." City has been the leagues thoroughbreds this season, winning all 15 of its domestic home games and scoring 115 goals in all competitions. Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham -- among others -- have all been crushed at Etihad Stadium this season. A win here would have put six points between City and Chelsea -- to many, the second favourites for the title, despite Mourinhos protestations to the contrary -- but its all to play for now. "I think that for Chelsea it was a decisive game, but not for us," City manager Manuel Pellegrini said. Mourinho is renowned around the football world as the master defensive strategist. Few will forget how his Inter Milan side nullified Barcelona in the 2010 Champions League semifinal at the Camp Nou, while Chelsea has already ground out 0-0 draws at Manchester United and Arsenal this season. It was different here, though. Chelsea counter-attacked with such pace and purpose, and hounded Citys much-lauded ball-players into sloppy mistakes, that the visitors could easily have won by three goals. Samuel Etoo hit the bar and the excellent Nemanja Matic and Gary Cahill struck the post. Bayern Munich is the only team to have beaten City at EEtihad Stadium this season and Chelseas supreme display had echoes of that dismantling in the Champions League back in September. Eric Berry Jersey. It was the first time City failed to score at home in the league since November 2010 -- a streak of 61 matches. The home side badly missed injured top scorer Sergio Aguero but also holding midfielder Fernandinho, who was ruled out at the last minute with a muscle injury. Martin Demichelis -- a centre back -- filled in in central midfield and couldnt stop Chelseas midfielders running amok. "We love it -- we love the big games," said Mourinho, who revealed that he left the clubs masseur, Billy McCulloch, to do the pre-match team talk. "Obviously when you love it, maybe you feel extra motivated for that." Before Ivanovic put Chelsea in front, Ramires had a curling shot saved after running onto a pass from Willian, who had led a 4-on-1 attack on Citys beleaguered defence. The goal arrived soon after, with City captain Vincent Kompany diving to block Ramires shot but seeing the ball squirt out to Ivanovic, who drove a powerful first-time shot with his left foot into the bottom corner. And moments before halftime, Eden Hazard skirted round Pablo Zabaleta and crossed for Etoo to smash a shot against the top of the bar. Citys defensive frailties were being exposed but the hosts were also quiet -- by their standards -- going forward. Alvaro Negredo was virtually anonymous, although Pellegrini later said the striker wasnt 100 per cent, and the only attacking thrusts were provided by Yaya Toure, who curled one shot over, set up David Silva for a great chance that was glanced just wide and just missed a fizzing cross from Aleksandr Kolarov. Mourinho had City just where he wanted them -- and it almost got worse for Pellegrinis side when Matic strode forward and crashed a 30-yard effort against the post. Cahill then leapt to meet Willians corner with a header that cannoned off the post, further incensing the home crowd. City was reeling but finished strongly, with Silva denied by Petr Cech from a free kick then sidefooting wide from Kolarovs cross. And in the final seconds, substitute Stevan Jovetics long-range shot was tipped over by Cech. But Mourinho and Chelsea finally showed just how City can be stopped. Cheap Steelers JerseysCheap Patriots JerseysCheap Bills JerseysCheap Jets JerseysCheap Giants JerseysCheap Redskins JerseysCheap Bears JerseysCheap Eagles JerseysCheap Cardinals JerseysCheap Jaguars JerseysCheap Raiders JerseysCheap Dolphins JerseysCheap Panthers JerseysCheap Lions JerseysCheap Browns Jerseys ' ' '