Report: Charlotte looking to reclaim Hornets nickname to replace Bobcats (Ball Don't Lie)
The News The Hornets might not be gone from the NBA after all.
According to a CBSSports.com report , the Charlotte Bobcats are in the process of claiming the name that resided in the city with the Charlotte Hornets from 1988-2002.
The name traveled to New Orleans when the franchise relocated, but recently became available when the Crescent City's NBA team ditched the Hornets moniker for the more apropos Pelicans .
It's a move that, if it comes to fruition, will be a hit in the Queen City. Between a terrible on-court product, a bitter taste from the loss of the Hornets and a general malaise toward the Bobcats franchise narcissistically named after founder and previous majority owner Bob Johnson, Charlotteans have had a tepid-at-best relationship with their current NBA team.
Since arriving in Charlotte, the Bobcats have made one playoff appearance and have a short but profound record of making poor personnel decisions.
But the Hornets – man, the Hornets. Now that's a different story. The basketball-crazed city fell in love with the franchise that arrived in 1988. Even when the team stunk, fans showed up and made noise. And after a few years, the Hornets actually got good.
Fans sold out the 24,000-plus seat Charlotte Coliseum for 364 consecutive games as the team with the iconic teal-and-purple color scheme won games with Alonzo Mourning, Larry Johnson and Muggsy Bogues.
But then it fell apart. Larry Johnson hurt his back, Alonzo Mourning took his talents to South Beach and the city grew frustrated with owner George Shinn, who became involved in a sexual assault trial involving a Hornets cheerleader and later made demands on the city to build a new arena.
The Hornets left town in 2002 and were replaced with the Bobcats two years later. The magic has not returned.
Basketball fans in Charlotte have clamored for the return of the Hornets since New Orleans started to discuss a name change. Majority owner Michael Jordan has been studying the business side of bringing the Hornets name back to the city; if the wheels truly are in motion to do so, there will certainly be a, ahem, buzz around the return of a beloved friend.
But a color scheme and Hugo the Hornet won't be enough to get Charlotte fully behind its NBA franchise. After a decade of miserable basketball, Michael Jordan's top priority is finding the next Johnson-Mourning tandem.
If the Bobcats keep losing like they do, bringing back an old nickname won't mean squat.
Jason Owens is an editor at Yahoo! Sports and still has a promotional jersey signed by Kelly Tripucka from his childhood in Charlotte.
Curry on Jack & Landry: 'I want them back' (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)
The News Stephen Curry wants Jarrett Jack and Carl Landry back next season, but Andrew Bogut thinks the reality is that only one of the two will return.
Gibson's season filled with highs and lows (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)
The News After signing a long-term contract extension in the offseason, Taj Gibson struggled with inconsistency and injuries throughout the 2012-13 campaign.
Captivating season gives Warriors hope for future (The Associated Press)
The News OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- Rookie forward Draymond Green walked out of Golden State's practice facility Friday holding a yellow ''We Are Warriors'' shirt, taking home the small souvenir to savor the team's captivating playoff run.
Despite playoff heroics, Robinson likely to move on (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)
The News Though Nate Robinson provided plenty of memorable moments in an unexpectedly expanded role, an ample supply of guards seems to point to the Bulls not bringing back the small scorer.
Parker, Spurs set to face Grizzlies (The Associated Press)
The News SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- Danny Green failed to step up quickly enough on a pick, allowing Golden State's Stephen Curry to hit an open 3-pointer. The roar of the Oracle Arena crowd Thursday night was nothing compared to Tony Parker's tirade at Green over the defensive lapse.
The News A look around the league and the web that covers it. It's also important to note that the rotation order and starting nods aren't always listed in order of importance. That's for you, dear reader, to figure out.
C : YouTube.com/NBA . Dirk Nowitzki hasn’t played a game of basketball in a month, but that doesn’t mean he can’t get all of our hearts a-flutterin’ as we look forward to this year’s NBA Finals.
PF : Pro Hoops History . Curtis Harris delves into the career of George McGinnis, who put up some ridiculous statistics in both the ABA and NBA.
SF : Daily Thunder . Thunder super-scribe Royce White discusses the various options Oklahoma City has with disappointing big man Kendrick Perkins.
SG : SB Nation . It wasn’t because of a terrible mismatch, and it wasn’t because he was playing poorly, but Tim Duncan sat out the crucial stages of his team’s series-deciding win on Thursday night. Mike Prada tries to discovery why that was, exactly.
PG : Sports Illustrated . Rob Mahoney also breaks down parts of the same stretch with a focus on Kawhi Leonard, who has been playing brilliant (and somewhat frighteningly-good) ball with Duncan off of the floor.
Unlikely Big 3 has Memphis in 1st Western finals (The Associated Press)
The News MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- The Miami Heat have LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. The Spurs have dominated for years with the trio of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili.
Knicks seek productive sidekick for high-scoring Anthony (Reuters)
The News By Larry Fine NEW YORK (Reuters) - Carmelo Anthony's scoring prowess has powered the New York Knicks all season but he may need someone to fill the role of sidekick in order to stave off playoff elimination against the Indiana Pacers. With defensive-minded Indiana focused on stopping Anthony, a potent second option could swing the balance as the Knicks seek a win on Saturday that would extend the Eastern Conference semi-finals to a decisive seventh game on Monday in New York. J.R. ...
Unlikely Big 3 has Memphis in 1st Western finals (The Associated Press)
The News MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- The Miami Heat have LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. The Spurs have dominated for years with the trio of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili.
NBA-Knicks seek productive sidekick for high-scoring Anthony (Reuters)
The News By Larry Fine NEW YORK, May 17 (Reuters) - Carmelo Anthony's scoring prowess has powered the New York Knicks all season but he may need someone to fill the role of sidekick in order to stave off playoff elimination against the Indiana Pacers. With defensive-minded Indiana focused on stopping Anthony, a potent second option could swing the balance as the Knicks seek a win on Saturday that would extend the Eastern Conference semi-finals to a decisive seventh game on Monday in New York. J.R. ...
The Chicago Bulls? Gone till November (Ball Don't Lie)
The News With every season that ends, for the playoff teams at least, we felt it right to take a look ahead. TNT already has the rights to "Gone Fishin'," and because we're sure that someone, somewhere, still likes that Wyclef song, we're going with "Gone Till November." And, yes, we know the season starts in October. Today? The Chicago Bulls.
I’ve already fawned over these Chicago Bulls plenty. The team’s unrelenting approach was an inspiration this season, and though Derrick Rose disappointed by not returning to the squad after an ACL tear, and coach Tom Thibodeau disappointed by running his players into the ground early on in the season, the team still gets to go into 2013-14 with Derrick Rose and Tom Thibodeau as its cornerstones. Not a bad start.
Big moves won’t ramp up the team’s roster prior to that start, though, unless the team’s ownership becomes ridiculously averse to paying the luxury tax, and either trades Luol Deng or Carlos Boozer to another team to shed salary, or waives Boozer outright using the amnesty provision. While that might seem like needless cost-cutting, understand that the Bulls have been practicing this sort of thing for years. If that sounds cynical and self-defeating, understand that I’m a Chicago Bulls fan that just watched 94 games of the 2012-13 Chicago Bulls. Inspiration swings both ways.
The News General manager Danny Ferry and the Atlanta Hawks are projected to make waves this offseason after shedding salary and likely allowing All-Star Josh Smith to seek greener pastures in free agency.
Conley, Parker critical to hopefuls' Finals fate (The SportsXchange)
The News Mike Conley might be a Johnny Come Lately figure to casual NBA fans who paid little mind to the Memphis Grizzlies before their ouster of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals.
Can Rajon Rondo and Avery Bradley Coexist for the Boston Celtics? (Yahoo! Contributor Network)
The News COMMENTARY | Due to a Ray Allen injury late in the 2012 season, Avery Bradley was forced into the starting lineup for the Boston Celtics in the midst of a championship run. Bradley was a huge change of pace from the sharp-shooting Ray Allen, and the way the team played changed noticeably as Bradley took over as the starting shooting guard. However, the team had some success with Bradley in the lineup, coming one win short of reaching the NBA Finals.
Dirk Nowitzki says he may take a ‘significant pay cut’ to woo big time free agents (Ball Don't Lie)
The News For the second consecutive summer, the Dallas Mavericks could have significant salary cap space on hand if they choose to pass on re-signing some of their free agents. And, for the second straight year, this is in spite of Dirk Nowitzki’s much-deserved but massive individual contract, something that paid him nearly $21 million this season and nearly $23 million in 2013-14 .
After being passed over by Deron Williams and left wanting in Dwight Howard trade negotiations, he Mavericks did well last year to put together what felt like a good enough roster to make the playoffs. The team acquisitions (O.J. Mayo, Darren Collison, Chris Kamen) all came through with up and down seasons, though, while Elton Brand sadly was a bit of a non-factor. The biggest problem above all was the loss of Nowitzki to a knee injury to start the season. Dallas competed for a playoff berth towards the end of the campaign, but with Nowitzki taking to nearly the season’s midpoint to start playing like the superstar he is, the Mavs just didn’t have a chance.
Now Dirk is talking up the future. He wants Dwight Howard. He wants Chris Paul. He wants to part of the draft decision-making process. And he wants some pizza, dammit.
Roy Hibbert thinks the Pacers played like, um, kittens in Game 5 loss to Knicks (Ball Don't Lie)
The News If you wanted to say that the Indiana Pacers lost Thursday's Game 5 more than the New York Knicks won it, I wouldn't fight you in a public square. While the Knicks did seem more willing to attack and press the action in taking a 10-point decision, the Pacers frequently seemed unable to get out of their own way, coughing the ball up time and again, failing to take advantage of their trips to the foul line and allowing a Knicks team that still couldn't shoot straight (just 41 percent from the floor in the win) to capitalize on their sloppy play.
Roy Hibbert knew he and his teammates had let a golden opportunity to finish things off and advance to the Eastern Conference finals slip through their fingers. After the game, the 7-foot-2 center — no doubt frustrated by his own pedestrian nine-point, seven-rebound performance in 31 foul-filled minutes — called the Pacers on the carpet and questioned their masculinity, according to Fred Kerber of the New York Post :
“Excuse all the women in here, but we played like p---ies tonight, to tell you the truth,” foul-plagued center Roy Hibbert said. “We didn’t deserve to win this one. I’ll probably get fined for that. I don’t care.”
If you're not sure which letters belong in place of those dashes, Kerber helpfully spelled the NSFW language out on Twitter . Be aware, though: It's the kind of blue talk that'll shock the monocle right out of your eye.
Kevin Durant says it was not a wasted year; has good perspective on hoops, life (NBC Sports)
The News Kobe Bryant said a couple years back that every year he does not win another NBA ring is a “wasted year of my life.” Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder came into this season thinking NBA title. They had made it to Game 5 of the NBA finals last season and they wanted to…
A rehabilitating Greg Oden ‘looks unbelievable,’ according to one draft prospect (Ball Don't Lie)
The News It’s the “news” that won’t go away, not that we’re complaining. Former top overall pick Greg Oden, who played just 82 NBA games between 2007 and Dec. of 2009, would like to make a comeback. He’s attempting to get his legs right after two microfracture surgeries and several other bad breaks, there was scuttle that he was going to sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers late in 2012-13 in a prospect-stashing move for Cleveland, and he’s now working out in his hometown of Indianapolis, prepping for one final shot at a pro career
Former Ohio State top scorer Deshaun Thomas, a potential second round pick despite his refusal to give up his cell phone number like some gallivantin’ hussy, has been working out in Indy with Greg Oden. And according to Bob Finnan at the News-Herald , Oden’s workouts have been something else; according to the young one. Here’s Thomas’ take :
"Man, he looks unbelievable," he said at the draft combine. "He's running. He's lifting weights. You might be seeing a comeback. He looks like he's ready to go. He's running, getting in shape. I'll tell you one thing. For a big 7-footer that's all he does, running and getting in shape. He's looking right."
After eliminating Warriors, Spurs look to Memphis (The Associated Press)
The News OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and the San Antonio Spurs are back in the Western Conference finals for the second straight season with the same style that has carried them to four NBA titles.
Spurs to tackle Grizzlies after overcoming Warriors (Reuters)
The News (Reuters) - The San Antonio Spurs advanced to the Western Conference finals after closing out the Golden State Warriors 94-82 in Game Six of their semi-final series on Thursday. Led by Tim Duncan's 19 points, the second-seeded Spurs claimed victory on the road in Oakland to seal a 4-2 triumph in the best-of-seven series and set up a showdown against the fifth-seeded Memphis Grizzlies. All five Spurs starters contributed to the victory by registering double figure scores to help overcome unusually subdued performances from Tony Parker and Manu Ginobli. ...
Spurs ramp up defense to beat Warriors, advance to Western Conference Finals (NBC Sports)
The News The Warriors had a great run, but their magic ran out. In a hard fought, defense driven effort the Spurs defeated the Warriors 94-82 to advance to their 2nd consecutive Western Conference Finals. Golden State battled all night, trying to stave off elimination but simply didn’t have enough. Stephen Curry scored 22 points, but never found…
NBA-Spurs to tackle Grizzlies after overcoming Warriors (Reuters)
The News May 16 (Reuters) - The San Antonio Spurs advanced to the Western Conference finals after closing out the Golden State Warriors 94-82 in Game Six of their semi-final series on Thursday. Led by Tim Duncan's 19 points, the second-seeded Spurs claimed victory on the road in Oakland to seal a 4-2 triumph in the best-of-seven series and set up a showdown against the fifth-seeded Memphis Grizzlies. All five Spurs starters contributed to the victory by registering double figure scores to help overcome unusually subdued performances from Tony Parker and Manu Ginobli. ...
The News Barnes left a playoff game against San Antonio in the second quarter Thursday night with an injury. Barnes fell awkwardly after leaping to contest a drive from Boris Diaw. He hit the court hard and his teammates immediately called for the training staff to come attend to him.
Our View Barnes is averaging 19 points through the first five games of the series, including 51 points in the past two contests. He had eight points at the time of the injury as the Warriors try to avoid elimination down 3-2 in the series.
The News OAKLAND, Calif. -- Tony Parker rebounded from a 1-for-13 start to hit two critical 3-pointers in the final 3:33 Thursday night, and Kawhi Leonard added a third as the San Antonio Spurs broke open a close game late to beat the Golden State Warriors 94-82 and win the Western Conference semifinal series 4-2.
Warriors' Harrison Barnes gets 6 stitches (The Associated Press)
The News OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- Golden State Warriors rookie forward Harrison Barnes left a playoff game against San Antonio on Thursday night because of headaches after a hard fall to the court.
NBA-Knicks avoid elimination with win over Pacers (Reuters)
The News (Adds details, quotes) By Larry Fine NEW YORK, May 16 (Reuters) - The New York Knicks came alive in front of their home crowd and avoided elimination by beating the Pacers 85-75 on Thursday, sending their NBA Eastern Conference semi-final series back to Indiana for Game Six. Led by 28 points from league scoring champion Carmelo Anthony, the Knicks played with desperation and fierce determination on defense to narrow the deficit to 3-2 in their best-of-seven series, which resumes on Saturday. ...
Barnes returns to Warriors game after receiving six stitches (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)
The News Harrison Barnes left the Warriors game just before halftime after a scary fall, but returns to start the second half of Game 6 after receiving six stitches.
Small ball, no George Hill, enough for Knicks to win, stave off elimination (NBC Sports)
The News The Knicks didn’t solve the Pacers defense Thursday night. New York made some good little runs — with George Hill out for Indiana Raymond Felton was getting into the lane and making things happen more often, plus Chris Copeland showed why he should get more run — but overall the Knicks scored a pedestrian 85…
NBA Playoffs: Carmelo keeps Knicks alive (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)
The News Carmelo Anthony scored 28 points to help the New York Knicks stay alive in the Eastern Conference semifinals with an 85-75 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 on Thursday night.
Anthony has 28, Knicks beat Pacers to stay alive (The Associated Press)
The News NEW YORK (AP) -- Carmelo Anthony scored 28 points to help the New York Knicks stay alive in the Eastern Conference semifinals with an 85-75 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 on Thursday night.
NBA-Knicks avoid elimination with win over Pacers (Reuters)
The News By Larry Fine NEW YORK, May 16 (Reuters) - The New York Knicks avoided elimination by beating the Pacers 85-75 on Thursday to send their NBA Eastern Conference semi-final series back to Indiana for Game Six. Led by 28 points from league scoring champion Carmelo Anthony, the desperate Knicks played with determination on defense to narrow the deficit to 3-2 in their best-of-seven series, which resumes on Saturday. The Knicks bench outscored the undermanned Pacers 35-10 with J.R. ...
Anthony has 28, Knicks beat Pacers to stay alive (The Associated Press)
The News NEW YORK (AP) -- Carmelo Anthony scored 28 points to help the New York Knicks stay alive in the Eastern Conference semifinals with an 85-75 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 on Thursday night.
The News Hill will have another concussion test before Saturday's home playoff game.
Our View Hill missed Thursday night's game after complaining of headaches. He was diagnosed with a concussion. NBA policy requires players to pass a concussion test before returning to action. Hill did not practice Friday, and coach Frank Vogel said he had not spoken with him. Vogel said Hill was expected to meet with doctors later Friday.
Where the Chicago Bulls Go from Here (Yahoo! Contributor Network)
The News COMMENTARY | Most competitors will tell you that there are no moral victories. Surely, members of the Chicago Bulls would say the same thing. They fight so vehemently, not to declare "we played hard," but to win. So after being eliminated from the NBA playoffs at the hands of LeBron James and the Miami Heat on May 15, there certainly was plenty of disappointment to go around. But if moral victories did indeed count for something, and in this case they just might, the Bulls would receive an "A" for effort.
Adams on Wizards: 'I'd like to go there, definitely' (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)
The News Steven Adams is probably coming out a year too soon. But at 7 feet tall, he's incredibly athletic and can run with point guard John Wall to give Washington a different look.
Pacers' Hill to miss playoff game versus New York with concussion (Reuters)
The News By Larry Fine NEW YORK (Reuters) - Indiana Pacers point guard George Hill will miss Thursday's Game Five of the NBA Eastern Conference semi-finals against the New York Knicks because of a concussion, the team said. The Pacers lead the best-of-seven series 3-1 and can advance to the conference finals against the defending NBA champion Miami Heat with another win against the Knicks. "He (Hill) had the test this afternoon," Pacers coach Frank Vogel told reporters before the game at New York's Madison Square Garden. ...
Pacers' Hill to miss game with concussion (The SportsXchange)
The News Indiana point guard George Hill was not available to play Thursday night against the Knicks because of a concussion, the Pacers announced before their playoff game in New York.
NBA-Pacers' Hill to miss playoff game versus New York with concussion (Reuters)
The News By Larry Fine NEW YORK, May 16 (Reuters) - Indiana Pacers point guard George Hill will miss Thursday's Game Five of the NBA Eastern Conference semi-finals against the New York Knicks because of a concussion, the team said. The Pacers lead the best-of-seven series 3-1 and can advance to the conference finals against the defending NBA champion Miami Heat with another win against the Knicks. "He (Hill) had the test this afternoon," Pacers coach Frank Vogel told reporters before the game at New York's Madison Square Garden. ...
NBA Roundup: Hunter files suit against union, Fisher (The SportsXchange)
The News Former National Basketball Players Association Executive Director Billy Hunter sued the union, President Derek Fisher and his publicist on Thursday, charging they sabotaged Hunter's efforts to reach a new labor agreement with the league, according to multiple reports.
Pacers guard George Hill (concussion) out for Game 5 vs. Knicks (Ball Don't Lie)
The News The Indiana Pacers will be without starting point guard George Hill in Thursday's Game 5 against the New York Knicks, Pacers director of media relations David Benner announced a little more than 90 minutes before tip-off at Madison Square Garden:
Pacers guard George Hill will miss tonight's game in NYwith a concussion. He sustained the injury in Tuesday's game
— David Benner (@PacersDMB) May 16, 2013
Pacers coach Frank Vogel told reporters that Hill is day-to-day after being diagnosed with a concussion, which Vogel said he sustained during a first-half collision with Knicks center Tyson Chandler. We don't know specifically when it happened, but midway through the first quarter, Hill went down hard after a Chandler screen:
George Hill out for Pacers Thursday with concussion (NBC Sports)
The News George Hill — Indiana’s starting point guard who has given them 14 points a game these playoffs and is another long defender in their scheme — is out for the Pacers Thursday night in Game 5 against the Knicks due to a concussion, the team announced (via Mike Wells of the Indy Star). Hill took…
PBT Extra Heat vulnerability, how Memphis is the “it” team (NBC Sports)
The News Time for another PBT Extra, where Kay Adams and I are talking about what the Bulls showed us about the Heat — is Miami vulnerable? How much more Dwyane Wade to they need when it comes time to face Indiana? And, Kay’s dad loves the Grizzlies these playoffs. He’s got a lot of company lately.
Without Rose, Bulls put up fight to end (The Associated Press)
The News DEERFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- The next time he suits up for a game, there's a good chance Derrick Rose will actually be in a uniform and not in a jacket and slacks.
Thunder season fades fast after Westbrook injury (The Associated Press)
The News OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The way Kevin Martin describes it, the Oklahoma City Thunder lost the ''vision'' of a potential championship run the morning they learned All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook would be out for the rest of the postseason.
The Oklahoma City Thunder? Gone till November (Ball Don't Lie)
The News With every season that ends, for the playoff teams at least, we felt it right to take a look ahead. TNT already has the rights to "Gone Fishin'," and because we're sure that someone, somewhere, still likes that Wyclef song, we're going with "Gone Till November." And, yes, we know the season starts in October. Today? The Oklahoma City Thunder.
Russell Westbrook’s knee injury may have cost his team an NBA title this season, but it could also go a long way towards saving coach and general manager Sam Presti a whole heck of a lot of criticism. To some Oklahoma City Thunder fans, that statement is just piling bad on top of bad.
Scorn for Brooks’ abilities date back two years at this point, and whether they come in the form of complaining about his limited mid-playoff adjustments or overreliance on certain vets, he’s taken quite a bit of heat following two straight five-game finishes to seasons in 2012 and now 2013. Presti, meanwhile, will receive tempered but certain criticism for his choices to ostensibly value contract extensions for Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka over one for Houston Rocket All-Star James Harden.
Both will be back next year, though. Brooks just finished the first year of a four year contract, and Presti has done so well in his first six years with the team that he’s earned several more years of goodwill. Both admirably and staunchly defended themselves (and by extension, the team’s owners) in the wake of the deal that sent James Harden to Houston, allowing for the team’s ownership to skate in the face of paying the luxury tax. On top of that, Westbrook’s season ending injury allows for most to consider the 2012-13 team a once-again championship contender that was just felled by bad luck at the worst possible time.
Wade shakes off pain when Heat need him most (The Associated Press)
The News MIAMI (AP) -- It was an hour or so after the Miami Heat punched their ticket back to the Eastern Conference finals, and a question was asked about the perceived demise of Dwyane Wade's abilities.
Former NBA union head files suit against Fisher (The Associated Press)
The News Ousted NBA players' association executive director Billy Hunter alleges in a lawsuit that president Derek Fisher had a secret deal with owners during the 2011 lockout that benefited himself, his publicist and certain players.
Dirk Nowitzki plans to take a ‘significant pay cut’ in next contract with the Mavericks (NBC Sports)
The News Dirk Nowitzki has played all 15 of his NBA seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, and has amassed quite a fortune while doing so. Not counting endorsements, the 11-time All-Star has pulled in $204 million in career earnings, which puts him fifth all-time in that category in league history. As a result, when it’s time for…
Thunder hope sting of early playoff exit leads to title (Reuters)
The News (Reuters) - The Oklahoma City Thunder hope the pain of a disappointing end to what was shaping up as a phenomenal season proves a necessary step toward reaching their ultimate goal. With their title hopes dashed for at least another year after falling to the Memphis Grizzlies in the Western Conference semi-finals on Wednesday, the young and talented Thunder are ready to learn from the heartache. "Everything is a process and you have to go through some tough times to get to where you want to get to," Thunder forward Kevin Durant told reporters on Thursday. ...
NBA-Thunder hope sting of early playoff exit leads to title (Reuters)
The News May 16 (Reuters) - The Oklahoma City Thunder hope the pain of a disappointing end to what was shaping up as a phenomenal season proves a necessary step toward reaching their ultimate goal. With their title hopes dashed for at least another year after falling to the Memphis Grizzlies in the Western Conference semi-finals on Wednesday, the young and talented Thunder are ready to learn from the heartache. "Everything is a process and you have to go through some tough times to get to where you want to get to," Thunder forward Kevin Durant told reporters on Thursday. ...
Thunder enter summer with one big goal Get healthy (NBC Sports)
The News It’s this simple If Russell Westbrook were playing the Oklahoma City Thunder would be on their way to the NBA Finals. Instead, there was disappintment as they fell in the second round to a very good Memphis Grizzlies team 4-1. This was not some blowout, Memphis was just +18 for the entire series. No game…
Knicks might revert to their better-rebounding lineup, their small lineup (NBC Sports)
The News The Knicks started Kenyon Martin in place of Pablo Prigioni in Game 4 against the Pacers, an apparent attempt to match Indiana’s size. But once again, New York was torched on the glass and lost by double digits. So, Mike Woodson is looking for solutions where he’d already found them. Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv Asked…
Phil Jackson compares Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant in new book (Ball Don't Lie)
The News Hey, did you know that people like to compare Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant? Fans do it , video editors do it, Kelly Dwyer does it (and Ernie Johnson told me Wednesday night that KD's a "good dude" ), Larry Bird does it, and even Jordan himself does it. Seriously, it's basically the absolute favorite thing of everyone who likes basketball. I'm surprised you didn't know that.
One basketball lover, however, has largely been reticent to compare the two legendary shooting guards — Phil Jackson, the man who coached Jordan and Bryant through their respective championship-winning, Hall-of-Fame-securing primes with the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers. In his forthcoming book "Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success," however, the Zen Master opens up and shares his thoughts on the tale of the tape between two of the greatest players the game has ever seen.
From Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times , who got an advance look at "Eleven Rings" and is sharing the wealth:
Bulls' Rose hits reset, returning to California (The SportsXchange)
The News Derrick Rose remains the centerpiece of the Chicago Bulls' franchise, even when he's in a three-piece suit seated at the end of the team's bench for all 94 games in the regular season and playoffs.
NBA Combine: Blue, Rice among those to watch (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)
The News Lottery picks will receive the bulk of the attention during the two-day NBA combine, but here are five other names to monitor for the Wizards including wing options Vander Blue and Glen Rice Jr.
Finger-giving Heat fan apologizes, says she’s distressed (NBC Sports)
The News Remember Filomena Tobias? The woman who flipped off Joakim Noah will soon have her 15 minutes of fame run out, but she’s making one more public stand by speaking through her attorney. Via Gossip Extra “Ms. Tobias has been a devoted Miami Heat fan for as long as she can remember, and like many other…
As Bulls season ends, all eyes turn to Derrick Rose (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)
The News Derrick Rose's teammates weren't bitter that the former MVP missed the entire 2012-2013 season, and instead are hopeful for playing the 2013-2014 season with their star point guard.
Lindsey Hunter interviews with Suns’ new GM for team’s head coaching job (NBC Sports)
The News When the Phoenix Suns formally introduced Ryan McDonough as their new GM last week, he made it known that hiring a head coach was at the very top of his list of priorities. It didn’t seem as though interim head coach Lindsey Hunter, who guided the team to just a 12-29 record, would be strongly…
Grizzlies go from uncertain future to West finals (The Associated Press)
The News OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Midway through the season, the Memphis Grizzlies came through Oklahoma City and left with questions swirling about the franchise's future after leading scorer Rudy Gay was traded away in the club's second big deal in just over a week.
Heat rally past Bulls to advance, 94-91 (The Associated Press)
The News MIAMI (AP) -- The tape around Dwyane Wade's right knee was soaked with sweat and beginning to loosen, so he headed to the locker room to get the joint re-wrapped during the fourth quarter.
Grizzlies hang on in Game 5 for 4-1 series win over Thunder, advance to West finals (Ball Don't Lie)
The News When Russell Westbrook went down in Game 2 against the Houston Rockets, the Oklahoma City Thunder knew that their ability to fulfill their championship aspirations would be seriously compromised. It seems as if the severity of Westbrook's loss couldn't communicate just how difficult that path would be.
Despite a late push by the Thunder and several missed free throws by the Grizzlies to give Kevin Durant a chance to tie the game in the final seconds, Memphis escaped Oklahoma City with an 88-84 victory in Game 5 to finish off a 4-1 series win over the West's top seed. They will now move on to the Western Conference Finals to face either the San Antonio Spurs or Golden State Warriors for a chance to move on to the NBA Finals.
Jarron Collins jokes he missed Jason 'red flags' (The Associated Press)
The News Jason Collins would always make excuses for why he wasn't interested in the women his twin brother and sister-in-law would set him up with on dates.
Game 6 preview: Time for backcourt to step up (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)
The News If the Warriors hope to have any chance of extending this series, they’re going to have to get bounce-back games from Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, especially from behind the arc.
Tayshaun Prince dunks all over 3 Thunder players on the fast break (Video) (Ball Don't Lie)
The News When the Memphis Grizzlies traded small forward Rudy Gay to the Toronto Raptors in late January, one of the criticisms of the deal was that they had sacrificed much needed scoring and wing athleticism for the more virtual gain of long-term financial health. Veteran Tayshaun Prince, his replacement, was considered a good player on the wrong side of his career.
The Grizzlies' post-trade performance has silenced most critics, but it's still the case that Prince isn't thought of as an athletic dynamo. On Wednesday night, in Game 5 of the Grizzlies' Western Conference Semifinals series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Prince proved that his athleticism deserves some notice.
With just over 7:10 left in the third quarter, Memphis point guard turned a long rebound into a 4-on-3 fast break. Although the numbers were roughly even, Prince found a seam down the middle of the floor, took the pass a step outside the free-throw line, and exploded over three Thunder players for one of the flashiest plays of the playoffs so far. Serge Ibaka, Thabo Sefolosha, and Reggie Jackson have all seen better days.
Heat rally past Bulls to advance, 94-91 (The Associated Press)
The News MIAMI (AP) -- Knowing his team needed him at his best, Dwyane Wade retreated to the Miami Heat locker room after the third quarter for some quick treatment on his aching right knee.
NBA roundup: Heat send Bulls packing (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)
The News Knowing his team needed him at his best, Dwyane Wade retreated to the Miami Heat locker room after the third quarter for some quick treatment on his aching right knee.
Knicks curiously move away from using two point guards (NBC Sports)
The News With Raymond Felton, Jason Kidd and Pablo Prigioni at their disposal, the Knicks successfully implemented sets during the regular season that took advantage of having two point guards on the floor. Still, New York used one or fewer point guard more often than not. With at least two point guards +264 in 43 percent minutes…
The 10-man rotation, starring the Indiana Pacers, taking the respect they deserve (Ball Don't Lie)
The News A look around the league and the Web that covers it. It's also important to note that the rotation order and starting nods aren't always listed in order of importance. That's for you, dear reader, to figure out.
C : SB Nation . While we try to figure out what's wrong with the New York Knicks and who's to blame for the 3-1 hole they're in, Paul Flannery takes the radical step of suggesting we take a look at the team that's beating them — the Indiana Pacers, a marvelous collection of defensive monsters and rising talents that's very much for real.
PF : Memphis Flyer . Chris Herrington's got 10 dynamite notes and nuggets to digest before Wednesday's Game 5 between the Memphis Grizzlies and Oklahoma City Thunder, including a doozy about the Grizzlies' "clutch" defense that had me racing to NBA.com's stat tool to double-check it.
SF : The Classical . Whether he's authoring legendary victories , flaming out during horrendous defeats or just vomiting uncontrollably on the bench , it's almost impossible to know precisely what Nate Robinson will do next, which is what makes him one of the most compulsively watchable players in the NBA, as Jim Cavan writes.
NBA 2013 Playoffs: Looking Ahead to Miami Heat's Biggest Threat (Yahoo! Contributor Network)
The News COMMENTARY | The latest NBA news in the 2013 playoffs shows that the New York Knicks are on the brink of elimination by the surging Indiana Pacers. With a combination of explosive offense from Roy Hibbert and an anemic performance from Carmelo Anthony, it's shaping up to be a LeBron James-Paul George duel. That aside, what team is the bigger threat to the Miami Heat?
Quincy Pondexter brought Buckets, his adorable Husky puppy, to Grizzlies practice (Ball Don't Lie)
The News Cute dog alert:
That's Buckets, a very cute puppy who belongs to Memphis Grizzlies swingman Quincy Pondexter, and who recently tagged to a Grizzlies practice that was documented by Sports Illustrated as part of NBA-feature-writing beast Lee Jenkins' not-yet-online regional cover story on the Grizz. Buckets is a Husky, which makes sense, what with Pondexter having played his college ball at the University of Washington .
As if we didn't have enough to love about the Grizzlies, between their brilliantly bruising play , Zach Randolph being a jackin' dude who loves dogs and is scared of cats , Marc Gasol being a super crafty defensive monster and the whole team's love for cramming into elevators , now we've got Buckets. No fair, Memphis. Leave some lovability for the other teams.
Hey, want some more Buckets? Sure you do. We all do.
Heat back home, chance to finish Bulls off (The Associated Press)
The News MIAMI (AP) -- Dwyane Wade is limping around in obvious pain. LeBron James' shooting percentage is down. Shane Battier and Ray Allen have struggled to get anything going from 3-point range.
Dwyane Wade’s actively moving kneecap probably won’t keep him out of Game 5 (Ball Don't Lie)
The News It sounds like a condition severe enough to shut down most players for the remainder of their season, and one too painful for most players to even considering working through. Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade, though, is not most players. The man has been working through a series of injuries throughout his pro career, a group of mostly knee-related maladies that had many wondering if he would have to limp off into the sunset far earlier (like in 2008, or during last year’s playoffs) than his talent and drive would deserve.
Now we have news about how Wade handles his latest setback. Wade physically pushes his right kneecap into a less stressful and painful place before games so as to give his team productive minutes. Because the kneecap won’t stick, though, Wade has to move it back over with one of the myriad accessories he has to wear to minimize the stress and swelling that his body deals with over the course of a pro basketball game.
With the Heat up decidedly in their Eastern Conference semifinals over the Chicago Bulls, wouldn’t it seem right for Wade to sit out a game? He’s done it before, suiting up but not playing in the deciding Game 4 of his team’s first-round sweep of the Milwaukee Bucks because of the bone bruise in his knee, an injury that was made even worse in Game 4 after Dwyane bumped knees with Bulls swingman Jimmy Butler.
Wade appears to be having none of it, though. He’s officially listed as a game-time decision heading into Wednesday night’s Game 5 . Which, in Wadesian terms, means the guy is playing. Is Wadesian thinking the correct approach, here?
Dwyane Wade a game-time decision for Game 5 vs. Bulls (NBC Sports)
The News Dwyane Wade participated in shootaround for the Heat Wednesday morning, but is listed as a game-time decision for Game 5 against the Bulls. Wade is suffering through a knee injury, which was reaggravated during Miami’s Game 4 win in Chicago on Monday. “He had a very good day [Tuesday] and a good shootaround,” Heat head…
Deng not with Bulls in Miami, don’t expect Hinrich to play either (NBC Sports)
The News At this point it is the status quo, but we are passing along the news anyway. Luol Deng is back in Chicago, not with the Bulls in Miami and he will not play in the win-or-go-home Game 5 for Chicago on Wednesday, coach Tom Thibodeau said, tweets Aggrey Sam of CNSChicago.com. Kirk Hinrich is “most…
Bulls' Deng, Hinrich, Rose out of Game 5 (The SportsXchange)
The News Luol Deng did not travel to Miami for the Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals series, and the Chicago Bulls will also be without guards Kirk Hinrich and Derrick Rose.
Eric Gordon played through bone spurs second half of season (NBC Sports)
The News Eric Gordon missed the first 29 games of the season, skipping out of New Orleans to rehab his knee (following surgery) back in Los Angeles. That didn’t sit well with then Hornets/now Pelicans fans. When he did return, he was on a minutes/games restriction (for example, no back-to-backs until the very end of the season)…
Parker leads Spurs past Warriors for 3-2 lead (The Associated Press)
The News SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- The San Antonio Spurs got the added energy Gregg Popovich wanted against the Golden State Warriors and a stellar performance from Tony Parker that they desperately needed.
Spurs whip Warriors, on brink of West final (Reuters)
The News (Reuters) - The San Antonio Spurs routed visiting Golden State 109-91 on Tuesday to grab a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference second round series. The Spurs had squandered an eight-point advantage in the fourth quarter of Game Four to let the Warriors even the series, but they much more clinical back at home in the AT&T Center where they only briefly trailed in the first quarter. Tony Parker recorded 25 points and 10 assists while Tim Duncan had 14 points and 11 rebounds for the Spurs, who will try to close out the series in Game Six on Thursday at Golden State. ...
NBA-Spurs whip Warriors, on brink of West final (Reuters)
The News May 14 (Reuters) - The San Antonio Spurs routed visiting Golden State 109-91 on Tuesday to grab a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference second round series. The Spurs had squandered an eight-point advantage in the fourth quarter of Game Four to let the Warriors even the series, but they much more clinical back at home in the AT&T Center where they only briefly trailed in the first quarter. Tony Parker recorded 25 points and 10 assists while Tim Duncan had 14 points and 11 rebounds for the Spurs, who will try to close out the series in Game Six on Thursday at Golden State. ...
The News SAN ANTONIO -- Tony Parker had 25 points and 10 assists, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a 109-91 win over the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night in Game 5 of their Western Conference semifinal series.
Nuggets executive Masai Ujiri not happy with Andre Iguodala’s All-Defensive team snub (NBC Sports)
The News Andre Iguodala said politics were to blame for his being left off both the first and second All-Defensive teams this year. The reigning Executive of the Year, Nuggets VP of basketball operations Masai Ujiri, took it a step further. From Ben Hochman of the Denver Post “It’s mind-boggling to me,” Ujiri said in a statement…
Pacers rout Knicks, Spurs top Warriors (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)
The News George Hill scored 26 points and Paul George added 18 points and 14 rebounds Tuesday night, leading the Indiana Pacers to a 93-82 victory over the New York Knicks.
Pacers rout Knicks, go up 3-1 (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)
The News George Hill scored 26 points and Paul George added 18 points and 14 rebounds Tuesday night, leading the Indiana Pacers to a 93-82 victory over the New York Knicks.
Pacers rout Knicks, Spurs top Warriors (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)
The News George Hill scored 26 points and Paul George added 18 points and 14 rebounds Tuesday night, leading the Indiana Pacers to a 93-82 victory over the New York Knicks.
Meet Knicks fans’ least favorite great new Twitter account: @DidJRSmithMiss (Ball Don't Lie)
The News New York Knicks shooting guard J.R. Smith checked into Game 4 against the Indiana Pacers with 7:11 remaining in the first quarter. Sixty seconds later, the struggling Sixth Man of the Year took his first shot of the night, a 27-foot 3-pointer. As has been the case with most of his other shots in this series — and, really, since he elbowed Jason Terry in the chin — he missed.
Moments later, this appeared on Twitter:
Yes.
— Did JR Smith Miss? (@DidJRSmithMiss) May 14, 2013
And a new meme was born.
Correction: Kobe Bryant-Lawsuit stories (The Associated Press)
The News In stories on May 3 with a Trenton, N.J., dateline and on May 10 without a dateline about a legal fight over the planned auction of Kobe Bryant memorabilia, The Associated Press erroneously reported the number and value of items that Bryant's mother wants to sell at auction. She received a $450,000 advance and intends to sell 100 items in June. The stories incorrectly referred to 900 items valued at $1.5 million, but those are not Bryant-related items. Rather, they are other pieces slated for sale at the same auction.
Rumor: Paul Pierce Doesn't Expect to Be with Boston Celtics Next Season (Yahoo! Contributor Network)
The News COMMENTARY | Following a disappointing end to a long season, the big question for the Boston Celtics is whether Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett will return for another season. For a team seemingly at the end of the road, many believe that Pierce and his $15 million deal will not be in Boston, ending the veteran's long run with the franchise.
Where do Bulls go from here? (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)
The News Once the Bulls no longer have to worry about Derrick Rose's health, new questions will arise as to how the build a championship roster. Mark Schanowski gives his insight.
The News Waiters has been named to the NBA All-Rookie first team and forward/center Tyler Zeller to the second team.
Our View Waiters, the No. 4 overall selection in last year's draft, averaged 14.7 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists this season. Among all rookies, he ranked second in points, fourth in assists and fourth in steals per game. Waiters was joined on the first team by Portland's Damian Lillard, the league's Rookie of the Year, Washington's Bradley Beal, New Orleans' Anthony Davis and Golden State's Harrison Barnes.
What If Dwight Howard Leaves the Lakers? (Yahoo! Contributor Network)
The News COMMENTARY | Most insiders and outsiders expect Dwight Howard to re-sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, but ultimately, he may escape from Los Angeles with Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta likely offering refuge. If Howard decides that he does not want to be the next great center in the line of George Mikan, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O'Neal, how would the Lakers conceivably react?
Why a Miami Heat-Oklahoma City Thunder 2013 NBA Finals Won't Happen (Yahoo! Contributor Network)
The News COMMENTARY | Both the Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder appeared poised for a collision course this season, one the NBA hasn't seen since the Chicago Bulls and Utah Jazz did battle in back-to-back NBA Finals in the '90s. While the Heat have a favor to return with the Mavericks, arguably, the battle with the most ego perks is one with Kevin Durant and company. Minus Russell Westbrook, forget about it.
Kobe Bryant auction dispute headed for June trial (The Associated Press)
The News CAMDEN, N.J. (AP) -- Kobe Bryant and an auction house that wants to sell memorabilia from his high school days and early pro career are heading for a trial next month, unless they can work out a deal before then.
Cavs Waiters, Zeller named to all-rookie teams (The Associated Press)
The News CLEVELAND (AP) -- Cavaliers guard Dion Waiters has been named to the NBA All-Rookie first team and forward/center Tyler Zeller to the second team.
Bradley Beal shows off new rims (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)
The News Bradley Beal is doing well recently. He was just named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team and took to Instagram to show off some new rims on his car.
Trail Blazers' Lillard leads NBA All-Rookie Team (The SportsXchange)
The News Portland Trail Blazers Damian Lillard, the unanimous selection for the 2012-13 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year, headlines the 2012-13 NBA All-Rookie First Team.
Bradley Beal named to NBA All-Rookie team (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)
The News Despite a slow start and injuries, Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal recovered to be a key contributor and a selection to the All-Rookie first team on Tuesday.
Knicks' Shumpert misses shootaround with bad knee (The Associated Press)
The News INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- The left knee of Knicks guard Iman Shumpert doesn't appear to be getting any better and it could keep him out of Tuesday night's game at Indiana.
The News MIAMI (AP) -- Dwyane Wade is limping around in obvious pain. LeBron James' shooting percentage is down. Shane Battier and Ray Allen have struggled to get anything going from 3-point range.
Curry's ankle 'a whole lot better' heading into Game 5 (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)
The News How mobile will Stephen Curry be on his sprained left ankle in Game 5? The latest prognosis came from the Warriors star himself following Tuesday morning's shootaround in San Antonio.
Kobe Bryant auction dispute headed for June trial (The Associated Press)
The News CAMDEN, N.J. (AP) -- Kobe Bryant and an auction house that wants to sell memorabilia from his high school days and early pro career are heading for a trial next month, unless they can work out a deal before then.
2013 Summer Outlook for the Dallas Mavericks (Yahoo! Contributor Network)
The News COMMENTARY | For the first time in 13 seasons, the Dallas Mavericks didn't reach the NBA's postseason. Without Dirk Nowitzki the Mavs got off to a tepid start in 2013, going .500 in their first 20 games. And while winning streaks have become massively overhyped in the age of 24-hour media, Dallas wasn't able to put together a winning streak of more than four games throughout the entire season.
Bulls’ Marquis Teague scores two for Heat. It was that kind of night. (VIDEO) (NBC Sports)
The News That pretty much sums up the Bulls night — the only bucket Marquis Teague made all game was one for the Heat. Chicago shot 25.7 percent Monday night and fell to Miami in a Game 4 that was just an unfortunate mess. The Bulls stars went cold (it was more than just the Heat defense)…
Want to design the new Mavericks’ uniform? Mark Cuban would like you to try (NBC Sports)
The News After his fashion choices during the playoffs, it is clear Dwyane Wade should be the one to design the new Dallas Mavericks uniforms. But you can get the job, instead. Dallas is considering a uniform change in a couple years and owner Mark Cuban deiced to crowd source the new look. He went to his…
Dwyane Wade’s slim-fitting, ankle-bearing suit: NBA fashion faux-pas or good look? (Ball Don't Lie)
The News Dwyane Wade hasn't made many headlines with his play this postseason, averaging just 12.3 points per game and shooting under 44 percent from the floor for the Miami Heat as he works through a right-knee bone bruise. (Not that his relative absence seems to be hurting the Heat much .)
With his play not generating much attention, noted fashion plate Wade has taken to raising eyebrows with his pre- and postgame attire. First, he hit us with a floral patterned jacket and matching shirt from Versace's Spring 2013 runway collection . Then, before Monday's Game 4 against the Chicago Bulls, he brought out this adventurous, ankle-bearing, double-breasted number:
Hit the jump for more on Wade's high-water look, from our friends at the Yahoo! Sports Minute and TNT's "Inside the NBA."
Report People close to Paul Pierce think Celtics don’t bring him back (NBC Sports)
The News The video above from Sunday on Comcast Sportsnet New England, it is CSNNE’s Boston Celtics sideline reporter Greg Dickerson debating what a lot of Celtics fans are debating right now Tear it down now or bring Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and the rest of the band back for one more year. The Celtics have until…
Durant’s scoop layup to send game to OT (VIDEO) (NBC Sports)
The News Kevin Durant is doing all he can. The best pure scorer in the game today is keeping Oklahoma City close to the Memphis Grizzlies. He did it by scoring 27 points, and adding 7 rebounds and 7 assists in Game 4. And by isolating with 10 seconds and driving to hit a scooping layup that…
Lawyers in Bryant auction case head to court (The Associated Press)
The News CAMDEN, N.J. (AP) -- Lawyers for Kobe Bryant and an auction house are scheduled to make arguments before a federal judge in New Jersey about whether mementos from Bryant can be sold.
NBA-Highlights of Monday's NBA playoff games (Reuters)
The News May 13 (SportsDirect) - Highlights of Monday's NBA playoff games. - - - - Heat 88 Bulls 65 Miami held hosts Chicago to 25 percent shooting to take a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference semi-final series. LeBron James had 27 points and eight assists, while Chris Bosh added 14 points, as the Heat held the Bulls to their lowest scoring output in franchise playoff history. Tope seed and defending NBA champions Miami can clinch the best-of-seven series at home in Wednesday's Game Five. ...
Wade struggles, but teammates pick him up (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)
The News Dwyane Wade has been a shell of his former self in the playoffs this year, and that has meant others have needed to step up around him. They have.
NBA free agent watch: Will Bynum (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)
The News The Wizards are seeking more scoring, additional veterans and a backup for John Wall. In this case, Pistons guard Will Bynum is a potential one-stop shop.
Robinson goes scoreless as Bulls offense falters (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)
The News Nate Robinson has been the Bulls' offensive savior in this year's playoffs, but Monday night he missed all 12 shots in the Game 4 blowout loss.
James, Heat beat Bulls 88-65 for 3-1 series lead (The Associated Press)
The News CHICAGO (AP) -- LeBron James and the Miami Heat didn't even give the Chicago Bulls room to breathe, practically squeezing the playoff life out of them to take a commanding lead in their Eastern Conference semifinal.
LeBron James’ monster dunk off turnover sums up Heat’s night (VIDEO) (NBC Sports)
The News This pretty much sums up Monday night for the Bulls. Nate Robinson can’t handle the aggressive trap the Heat have put on him (for a couple of games now), the Heat steal the ball and on the fast break is on. Then there is LeBron James to finish. Miami went on to win this game…
Bad shooting night for Bulls dooms them in game Game 4. And series (NBC Sports)
The News To steal an old Chick Hearn phrase, the Bulls couldn’t throw a pea in the ocean. With their season hanging in the balance, Chicago hit just 25.7 percent of their shots Monday night. Just a hair better than one in four shots went in. It wasn’t great Miami defense (although it was good), it was…
NBA-Highlights of Monday's NBA playoff games (Reuters)
The News May 13 (SportsDirect) - Highlights of Monday's NBA playoff games. - - - - Heat 88 Bulls 65 Miami held hosts Chicago to 25 percent shooting to take a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference semi-final series. LeBron James had 27 points and eight assists, while Chris Bosh added 14 points, as the Heat held the Bulls to their lowest scoring output in franchise playoff history. Miami can clinch the best-of-seven series at home in Wednesday's Game 5. ...
James, Heat beat Bulls 88-65 for 3-1 series lead (The Associated Press)
The News CHICAGO (AP) -- LeBron James scored 27 points and the Miami Heat nearly matched a franchise record for points allowed in a playoff game, pounding the listless and short-handed Chicago Bulls 88-65 on Monday night to take a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The News CHICAGO -- LeBron James scored 27 points and the Miami Heat moved within one victory of advancing to the Eastern Conference finals with an 88-65 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Monday at the United Center.
Barnes adding new dimensions to game during playoffs (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)
The News Harrison Barnes is averaging 6.7 more points per game during the playoffs than in the regular season, a sign that the rookie is expanding his repertoire when it matters most.
Bulls guard Marquis Teague tips pass into own basket during Game 4 vs. Heat (Video) (Ball Don't Lie)
The News In Monday's Game 4, this was the only shot that a Chicago Bulls point guard made. It counted as two points for the Miami Heat.
This is about as sound a summation of the Bulls' crippling offensive struggles throughout their 88-65 Game 4 loss as I can offer. Sorry, Marquis Teague (0 for 2 for the floor). Sorry, Nate Robinson (0 for 12). Sorry, Bulls fans.
The Heat will look to finish the Bulls off when Game 5 tips at 7 p.m. EDT at AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami.
Video via sky2847 .
Chris Bosh has a real feel for Game 4 (Video) (Ball Don't Lie)
The News Criticize Chris Bosh's pregame warmup if you will, but he did hit five of his first six shots, score 10 points, block two shots and snag a steal in the first quarter of the Miami Heat's visit to United Center for Game 4 against the Chicago Bulls on Monday. So maybe you're the weirdo.
Vine via the Heat. Hat-tip to Next Impulse Sports .
Bulls' Deng active, Hinrich out for Game 4 vs Heat (The Associated Press)
The News CHICAGO (AP) -- Bulls forward Luol Deng was activated before Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Miami Heat on Monday night but was not in the starting lineup after initially being ruled out because of an illness.
Andre Drummond plans to work with Hakeem Olajuwon this summer (Ball Don't Lie)
The News Detroit Pistons big man Andre Drummond was one of the most impressive rookies in the NBA this season, a dynamic force who managed many impressive stat lines despite playing only 20.7 minutes per game. His per-36-minute averages of 13.8 ppg, 13.2 rpg, and 2.8 bpg suggest a player who could eventually turn into one of the most impactful interior players in the league. There are good reasons to be bullish about his future.
On the other hand, Drummond can look exceedingly raw, like a player who gets by on his athleticism and intuition rather than his refined sense of the game. Drummond must recognize this issue, because he has hired a pretty famous coach to instruct him on the finer points of his position. From Perry A. Farrell for the Detroit Free Press :
NBA-National Basketball Association roundup (Reuters)
The News May 13 (The Sports Xchange) - Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen and Miami Heat forward LeBron James highlight the NBA All-Defensive First Team. The NBA announced Monday that Allen received 53 points in the voting while James tallied 52. Each player earned 25 First Team votes. Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (37 points, 15 First Team votes), Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka (46, 17), New York Knicks center Tyson Chandler (24, nine) and Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (24, right) rounded out the first team. ...
The 10-man rotation, starring the Heat’s O evolving to counter the Bulls’ D (Ball Don't Lie)
The News A look around the league and the Web that covers it. It's also important to note that the rotation order and starting nods aren't always listed in order of importance. That's for you, dear reader, to figure out.
C : Heat.com . With plenty of input from Miami Heat assistant coach David Fizdale, Couper Moorhead offers a really fascinating in-depth look at how the Chicago Bulls use Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson as something like quarterback-spying linebackers in their defense, how the Heat changed up their offensive attack to thwart the Bulls' big men in their Game 3 win , and how Miami's offense continues to adapt and evolve as its players' skill-sets develop. Really interesting stuff.
PF : Grantland . This one dropped before Game 3, but I still like Brett Koremenos' breakdown of how the Oklahoma City Thunder can de-emphasize their frontcourt offensive struggles by going small, and how they can do so without getting pounded by the Memphis Grizzlies' bruising big men. It'll be interesting to see if Scott Brooks goes smaller for longer stretches in search of a series-evening win in Monday's Game 4 .
SF : Welcome to Loud City . Even with Kevin Durant playing less-than-celestial basketball, virtually everyone else not named Reggie Jackson struggling and the Grindhouse faithful in full throat, the Thunder still found themselves tied at 81 with about 90 seconds to go and a real shot at swiping back home-court advantage from the Grizzlies. And then, thanks to a couple of critical late mistakes, it all went to pieces. Noted masochist J.A. Sherman revisits the scene of the crimes.
Five Point Guard Prospects the Utah Jazz Should Get to Know (Yahoo! Contributor Network)
The News COMMENTARY | Since they traded Deron Williams a little more than two years ago, the Utah Jazz have struggled to properly man the point guard position.
NBA All-Defensive Team released, featuring one knockout Memphis Grizzlies defender (Ball Don't Lie)
The News The All-NBA Defensive Team is the perfect honor for a player like Tony Allen. In the grand history of Bobby Jones, T.R. Dunn, and Scottie Pippen, Allen is the type of all-world defender that will never probably win a Defensive Player of the Year award. Because he does his work on the wing, Allen’s in-between game will never be realized along the same lines as someone like, say, teammate and 2012-13 Defensive Player of the Year Marc Gasol. It’s just not in the cards for the in-between guys.
Of course, becoming the Defensive Player of the Year is no quick invite to the All-Defensive Team. For the second straight year, the DPoY lost out on a place with the top team, as Gasol fell to the second (and nearly third) team in favor of Joakim Noah and Tyson Chandler. Noah and Chandler (who took in the same lack of All-Defensive recognition as Gasol did, during 2011-12’s vote), tied for the top spot on in the pivot position on the top team, alongside Allen, Oklahoma City shot blocker Serge Ibaka, LeBron James, and Clippers guard Chris Paul.
Yeah. We’re a little confused too.
NBA Draft: Wiggins, 2014 class is worth the wait (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)
The News Considered the best high school basketball prospect since LeBron James, Andrew Wiggins would be the No. 1 pick in this year's draft if eligible. In that sense, he's not alone.
Assessing the Legacy of Paul Pierce as a Boston Celtic (Yahoo! Contributor Network)
The News COMMENTARY | In his 15 years with the team, Paul Pierce has been through it all with the Boston Celtics. After being drafted with the 10th overall pick out of the University of Kansas, Pierce has spent his entire career with the same team, a feat rarely accomplished in the free agency era.
Bradley named to NBA's All-Defensive second team (Comcast SportsNet New England)
The News The return of Avery Bradley in January not only turned around the Celtics' season, but established him as one of the league's better defenders.
Bradley named to NBA's All-Defensive 2nd team (Comcast SportsNet New England)
The News The return of Avery Bradley in January not only turned around the Celtics' season, but established him as one of the league's better defenders.
The News Shumpert will start Tuesday night at Indiana despite having a sore, swollen left knee.
Our View Coach Mike Woodson told reporters before the game that Shumpert was told there was no structural damage to the knee - the same one that required surgery last May after he tore a ligament. The scare came Saturday night when Shumpert landed in awkward twisting motion in an 82-71 Game 3 loss to the Pacers. Afterward, the knee swelled up, causing enough concern Tuesday that the team flew an orthopedic doctor to Indy to examine Shumpert, who did not participate in the
The News Kenyon Martin and Smith, who missed practice Sunday and Monday because of illness, are expected to play in Game 4 of the Knicks' Eastern Conference semifinal against the Pacers on Tuesday night.
The News Martin and guard J.R. Smith, who missed practice Sunday and Monday because of illness, are expected to play in Game 4 of the Knicks' Eastern Conference semifinal against the Pacers on Tuesday night.
Outside the Score: Bulls-Heat (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)
The News As the Bulls and Heat gear up for Game 4, CSN's Luke Stuckmeyer breaks down the matchup with some areas of importance to keep an eye on, including Jimmy Butler's foul tally.
Knicks assistant Darrell Walker to interview with Pistons (NBC Sports)
The News The Pistons have interviewed Nate McMillan, Mike Budenholzer, Lindsey Hunter and J.B. Bickerstaff, and Detroit isn’t slowing what has become a pretty wide-reaching search. Marc Stein of ESPN Sources say that Knicks assistant coach Darrell Walker will soon get an interview for the position vacated by Lawrence Frank. Walker went 56-113 (.331) as a head…
Jeremy Lin 1-on-1: Tough playoff aftertaste motivates him (Comcast SportsNet Houston)
The News In this part of our "Beyond Linsanity" 1-on-1 series with Jeremy Lin, the Rockets point guard talks about how this year's postseason fuels him for getting even better.
Hinrich, Deng likely out for Game 4 (The SportsXchange)
The News Chicago Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich and forward Luol Deng will likely not play in Monday's Eastern Conference semifinal game against the Miami Heat.
Bulls notes: Deng, Hinrich 'likely out' for Game 4 (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)
The News Kirk Hinrich may be nearing a return, but that probably won't come in Game 4, as both he and Luol Deng will likely miss the matchup with the Heat at the United Center in Chicago.
The News Kirk Hinrich may be nearing a return, but that probably won't come in Game 4, as both he and Luol Deng will likely miss the matchup with the Heat at the United Center in Chicago.
Bulls notes: Deng, Hinrich 'likely out' for Game 4 (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)
The News Kirk Hinrich may be nearing a return, but that probably won't come in Game 4, as both he and Luol Deng will likely miss the matchup with the Heat at the United Center in Chicago.
The News Kirk Hinrich may be nearing a return, but that probably won't come in Game 4, as both he and Luol Deng will likely miss the matchup with the Heat at the United Center in Chicago.
LeBron James, Heat Won't Even Think About Running from the Bulls (Yahoo! Contributor Network)
The News COMMENTARY | LeBron James and the Miami Heat won't let off the gas pedal in Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs 2013 matchup with the Chicago Bulls. And just as analysts predicted, Friday night's meeting brought the thunder. Sure, the series has gone awry and is a bit discombobulated. But the last thing the Heat needs to do now is turn the other cheek.
The News The Chicago Bulls have much, much bigger issues right now than the referees. You couldn’t tell that from the talk around Chicago or even at times from coach Tom Thibodeau. It’s about the foul calls, it’s about LeBron James the flopper. For the coach and his $35,000 rant, that was simply him trying to influence…
Sonya Curry helps Stephen get through difficult time (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)
The News The frustration of spraining his ankle twice during the playoffs is taking its toll on Stephen Curry, but his mom, Sonya, has been his voice of reason.
Pacers’ Roy Hibbert nearly wore a monocle to his post-Game 3 press conference (Ball Don't Lie)
The News Followers of our blog and other blogs have long been aware that Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert is a very funny dude with very funny friends. One of those friends, comedian/writer/actress Chelsea Peretti, welcomed Hibbert to her podcast, "Call Chelsea Peretti," back in December to discuss topics ranging from youth-focused TV programs of the 1990s to next-level fashion options for NBA players of the 2010s.
In the interest of starting "something new here," Hibbert told Peretti he was ready to step his facial accessory game way the heck up.
"[...] you have to have some sort of eyewear, and I’m going with the monocle," Hibbert said on the podcast, as transcribed by Hardwood Paroxysm's Ananth Pandian . "I would be the first one to rock a monocle, like Mr. Peanut or the 'Monopoly' guy."
After Peretti noted the impracticality of in-game monocle-wearing ("I think that would inhibit your ball play. Wouldn’t you have to hold the monocle? You would get ejected from games"), she suggested he just adopt the affectation during press conferences.
"Yeah, I’m all for it," Hibbert said.
If you thought that was all just a killer bit, well, think again, smart guy. A full five months after the fact, Hibbert really is about that monocle life, going so far as to bring the lens with him to the podium for his chat after the Pacers' Game 3 win over the New York Knicks:
Bulls' Deng, Hinrich likely out for Game 4 (The Associated Press)
The News DEERFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- The Chicago Bulls will likely be without the ailing Luol Deng and injured Kirk Hinrich for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Monday.
Deng, Hinrich “most likely” out for Bulls Monday. Which means they’re out (NBC Sports)
The News It’s not a surprise to anyone, but let’s make it official, shall we Kirk Hinrich and Luol Deng are “most likely out” for the Bulls on Monday night in what is a virtual must-win game for Chicago, tweets K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune. That’s the word from coach Tom Thibodeau. If you have followed…
Was the Boston Celtics "Big Three" Era a Success or Failure? (Yahoo! Contributor Network)
The News COMMENTARY | A struggling Boston Celtics franchise turned around their fortunes prior to the 2007-2008 NBA season when Danny Ainge pulled the trigger on a couple of blockbuster trades. All of a sudden, long-time Celtic Paul Pierce was joined by fellow stars Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. Fans rejoiced, and they immediately became a force to be reckoned with.
Warriors F Lee likely to have surgery (The SportsXchange)
The News Golden State Warriors forward David Lee told NBA.com Sunday that he will likely have surgery after the playoffs to repair his injured hip flexor.
Chicago Bulls: Why Rip Hamilton Could Be a Helping Hand (Yahoo! Contributor Network)
The News COMMENTARY | With both Luol Deng and Kirk Hinrich out for the third consecutive game, the Chicago Bulls need to incorporate Rip Hamilton into the rotation a little more.
The News (Reuters) - Olympiakos Piraeus had playmaker Vassilis Spanoulis to thank after making a "miracle" comeback to beat a talent-packed Real Madrid side to win their third Euroleague basketball title. Spanoulis, nicknamed "Kill Bill", buried 22 second-half points to steer recession-hit Olympiakos to a memorable 100-88 win against the eight-time Euroleague winners at London's 02 Arena on Sunday. ...
Manu Ginobili after Warriors’ comeback OT Game 4 win over Spurs: ‘We blew it’ (Ball Don't Lie)
The News After the Golden State Warriors' come-from-behind Game 4 win over the San Antonio Spurs to even up their Western Conference semifinals series at 2-2, the primary narrative of the moment focused on the health, determination and near-future outlook of Stephen Curry. The 25-year-old marksman frequently looked far less than 100 percent on Sunday after suffering a left ankle sprain late in Friday's Game 3, gritting and bearing it after a pregame anti-inflammatory injection in his ankle — his third of this postseason run, by the way — to score 22 points on 7 for 15 shooting, including a 5 for 10 mark from 3-point range, to go with six rebounds, four assists and two turnovers in nearly 39 minutes.
Combine the "play through pain to lead the troops" element with the "I was motivated by Mom" angle, which was pitch-perfect for Mother's Day, and of course that was the story. But it was only part of the story, really. Spurs guard Manu Ginobili knows that, and he said so after Game 4.
"We had them where we wanted, and we blew it," he said . "It kind of hurts. We had a great opportunity.”
Sure, it's not quite as romantic as the Warriors' against-all-odds-we-find-a-way arc, but it's a pretty spot-on descriptor of a game the Spurs led by eight points with less than five minutes remaining and still lost.
Danny Green’s high-flying putback against Warriors (VIDEO) (NBC Sports)
The News The San Antonio Spurs might have had the best highlights out of Sunday. For one, Manu Ginobili just broke Harrison Barnes‘ ankles on a potential game winner with 20 seconds left in the fourth quarter, only to miss the shot. Then there was this impressive putback dunk by Danny Green. That guy’s an athlete. Not…
Warriors beat Spurs 97-87 in OT, even series 2-2 (The Associated Press)
The News OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- His spirits down, his left ankle limp and his team's season hanging in the balance, Stephen Curry wondered whether he could recover for the biggest game of his career until a text message popped up on his phone around 2 a.m. Saturday.
Fearless punching bag Jack delivers down the stretch (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)
The News Jarrett Jack has heard his fair share of boos at home for previous playoff performances, but gave the Warriors exactly what they needed in the nine and a half minutes that changed the series.
The News OAKLAND, Calif. - Jarrett Jack's driving jumper on the first possession of overtime gave Golden State a lead it never relinquished and the San Antonio Spurs missed nine of their 10 shots in the extra session as the Warriors evened the best-of-seven, Western Conference semifinal series with a 97-87 victory Sunday afternoon.
Warriors beat Spurs 97-87 in OT, even series 2-2 (The Associated Press)
The News OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- Harrison Barnes had 26 points and 10 rebounds, Stephen Curry scored 22 on an injured left ankle and the Golden State Warriors rallied past the San Antonio Spurs 97-87 in overtime Sunday to even the Western Conference semifinal at two games apiece.
The News May 12 (SportsDirect) - Highlights of Sunday's National Basketball Association game - - - Warriors 97, Spurs 87 (overtime) Harrison Barnes collected a career-high 26 points to go along with 10 rebounds and Stephen Curry overcame an ankle injury to score 22 as host Golden State came through late and evened the Western Conference semi-finals at 2-2. Jarrett Jack added 24 points and Andrew Bogut grabbed 18 rebounds for the Warriors, who outscored San Antonio 13-3 in overtime. ...
The News MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- Zach Randolph remembers blowing a 22-point lead in the second quarter. For Tony Allen, the play that stands out came when Russell Westbrook threw a left-handed pass jumping out of bounds to James Harden for a crucial 3-pointer in the first overtime.
Frustrated Deng still has a ways to go (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)
The News Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau said Sunday that Luol Deng and Kirk Hinrich are listed as day-to-day, but it looks like Deng still has a ways to go before making his return to the court.
Jimmy Butler: The Long, Winding Road (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)
The News Swingman Jimmy Butler has become the x-factor for the Bulls during this 2013 playoff run and despite his path to success being filled with many obstacles, there was always one person he could count on -- Mom.
NBA free agent watch: Jarrett Jack (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)
The News During his first regular season and postseason with the Warriors, D.C. area native Jarrett Jack is shining in the third guard role, one the Wizards need filling.
Tony Parker, dealing with bruised calf injury, says he’ll ‘definitely’ play in Game 4 (NBC Sports)
The News Stephen Curry wasn’t the only one who suffered an injury late in the Spurs’ Game 3 win over the Warriors. Tony Parker, who was spectacular for San Antonio on Friday with 25 first half points on the way to a game high 32, suffered a bruised calf at some point during the fourth quarter. He…
Bulls notes: Boozer breaks out in Game 3 (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)
The News Carlos Boozer's 21-point Game 3 was an encouraging aspect of the Bulls' loss, while Derrick Rose contemplated a second round return but won't play against Miami.
NBA-Highlights of Saturday's playoff games (Reuters)
The News (Adds late game) May 11 (Sports Direct) - Highlights of Saturday's National Basketball Association playoff games Pacers 82 Knicks 71: Roy Hibbert collected a post-season career-high 24 points and grabbed 12 rebounds as host Indiana Pacers won a defensive battle over the New York Knicks to take a 2-1 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinal. Paul George added 14 points, eight assists, eight rebounds and five steals and George Hill scored 17 for the Pacers, who host Game 4 of the best-of-seven series on Tuesday. Indiana has yet to lose at home in the post-season. ...
Pacers protect home court, beat Knicks 82-71 (The Associated Press)
The News INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Roy Hibbert had 24 points and 12 rebounds and Paul George had 14 points, eight rebounds and eight assist to lead the Pacers past New York 82-71 Saturday night in Game of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The News Curry scored 22 on an injured left ankle and the Golden State Warriors rallied past the San Antonio Spurs 97-87 in overtime Sunday to even the Western Conference semifinal at two games apiece.
Our View The tight turnaround from Friday night's game to the early afternoon start Sunday surely didn't help Curry's cause to recover. Curry clearly favored his left ankle and never showed any burst off the dribble, often getting face-guarded by Spurs defenders and taken out of the offense. Despite not going through his usual pregame shooting routine, he still hit a pair of 3-pointers at the start of the game to give Golden State fans hope.
Knicks JR Smith plays through illness vs. Pacers (The Associated Press)
The News INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Knicks guard J.R. Smith played against the Pacers in Game 3 on Saturday night after being iffy to go because of an illness.
NBA-Highlights of Saturday's playoff games (Reuters)
The News May 11 (Sports Direct) - Highlights of Saturday's early National Basketball Association playoff game - - - Grizzlies 87, Thunder 81: Marc Gasol had 20 points and nine rebounds and hit the tiebreaking free throws with 63 seconds to play as Memphis defeated visiting Oklahoma City to take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven Western Conference semi-final series. Tony Allen and Mike Conley scored 14 points apiece and Zach Randolph grabbed 10 rebounds as the fifth-seeded Grizzlies won their second straight game. Game Four is on Monday in Memphis. ...
Grizzlies take 2-1 lead beating Thunder 87-81 (The Associated Press)
The News MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- Marc Gasol scored 20 points and hit two free throws with 1:03 left to put Memphis ahead to stay, and the Grizzlies held off the Oklahoma City Thunder 87-81 Saturday to take a 2-1 lead in this Western Conference semifinal.
NBA Wrap: Grizzlies top Thunder in Game 3 (Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia)
The News Marc Gasol on Saturday scored a team-high 20 points and hit two free throws with 1:03 left to secure Memphis' 87-81 win over the Thunder in Game 3.
NBA-National Basketball Association roundup (Reuters)
The News May 11 (The Sports Xchange) - X-rays on guard Stephen Curry's injured left ankle were negative, the Golden State Warriors said on Saturday. However, Curry's availability for Sunday's Game Four of the second round playoff series with San Antonio is uncertain. Curry is officially listed as a game-time decision. Curry suffered the injury near the end of Friday's game. Despite being able to play through the injury, Curry was noticeably limping in the locker room after the 102-92 loss. He received treatment on his ankle throughout the day on Saturday. ...
NBA Roundup: Curry's status TBD, Phil Jackson waits on NBA team's sale/move (The SportsXchange)
The News The Golden State Warriors announced Saturday that X-rays on guard Stephen Curry's injured left ankle were negative. However, Curry's availability for Sunday's Game 4 of their second round playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs is uncertain.
Chicago Bulls Uncharacteristically Making Excuses (Yahoo! Contributor Network)
The News COMMENTARY | All NBA season long, the Chicago Bulls have defied the odds. Missing superstar Derrick Rose the entire time and a host of starters and key role players along the way, the team has managed to make it into the second round of the postseason. Not only did the Bulls make it this far, they did so in dramatic fashion-- defeating the Brooklyn Nets, in Brooklyn, to take a deciding Game 7 in the first round of the playoffs and shocking the Miami Heat at home in Game 1 of the second. The Bulls have become the epitome of heart and toughness. ...
Warriors' Curry listed as game-time decison (The SportsXchange)
The News The Golden State Warriors announced Saturday that X-rays on guard Stephen Curry's injured left ankle were negative, and that his availability for Sunday's Game 4 of their Western Conference second round playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs is uncertain.
The News Smith played against the Pacers in Game 3 on Saturday night after being iffy to go because of an illness.
Our View Smith, the NBA's top sixth man, entered the game late in the first quarter and missed his first two shots -- both came up short. Coach Mike Woodson said during his pregame availability that Smith would warm up before a decision would be made. Smith missed the Knicks morning shootaround after spiking a 102-degree fever, but Woodson said the temperature came down throughout the day.
J.R. Smith to play in Game 3 after missing shootaround, Amar’e Stoudemire set to return (NBC Sports)
The News UPDATE 7.44 p.m. ET J.R. Smith is now expected to play in Game 3, according to multiple reports, including this one from the New York Post. 1:02 p.m. ET: New York Knicks guard J.R. Smith missed shootaround on Saturday and is questionable for Game 3 against the Pacers, according to the team’s official public relations…
Spurs regain control with Game 3 win over Warriors (The Associated Press)
The News OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- The San Antonio Spurs suddenly returned to form. The Golden State Warriors went cold, and Stephen Curry's sprained left ankle is once again a serious concern.
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