The NBA lockout(停工)did not finish on Thursday night, but it was nearly an end, amid light-hearted jokes and aggressive word choices by the men who are negotiating a new labor deal.
After a seven-and-a-half-hour bargaining session that followed a 15-hour【D1】 1, officials for the league and the players union showed a cautious optimism. And for the【D2】 2time, an agreement appears close on a major component: the structure of the luxury tax and related payroll constraints. "I【D3】 3we're within reach and within striking distance of getting a deal," said Billy Hunter, the executive director of the players union,【D4】 4to these so-called "system" issues. "It's just a question of how receptive the NBA is and【D5】 5or not they want to do a deal."
【D6】 6the system issues are settled, the parties still must reach agreement on the【D7】 7of league revenue. Either topic could still derail(破坏)an agreement, but the tone from both【D8】 8on Thursday was positive, and at times almost confusing.
The【D9】 9are scheduled to begin on Friday at 10:30 a. m., with a goal of completing a deal sometime this weekend. If the parties can【D10】 10that deadline, there is a chance at restoring a full 82-game schedule, despite starting the season a month late.
A)first F)think K)postpone
B)Although G)make L)talks
C)last H)meeting M)divisions
D)Once I)whether N)members
E)referring J)sides O)consulting 【D1】