jeudi 31 mars 2016
VIDEO: Thunder's Adams tips in game-winner to sink Clippers
Report: Clippers to rest Paul, Redick, Jordan vs. Thunder on Thursday
Report: Clippers to rest Paul, Redick, Jordan vs. Thunder on Thursday
nba
VIDEO: Thunder's Adams tips in game-winner to sink Clippers
1d ago
VIDEO: Iguodala, Warriors make Ezeli think he's been cut
Beware all, Friday is April Fools' Day.
Getting ahead of the curve, Andre Iguodala and some Golden State Warriors teammates - along with a driver and some radio broadcasters - pranked backup center Festus Ezeli in a Lyft video released Thursday.
Ezeli, who hasn't played since Jan. 25 due to a knee injury, didn't seem to initially process the fake radio announcement, but he also didn't seem sold on Klay Thompson's formal letter-style farewell text message.
VIDEO: Iguodala, Warriors make Ezeli think he's been cutmercredi 30 mars 2016
Lakers fans mercilessly boo D'Angelo Russell
Report: Lakers teammates 'isolating' Russell following leaked video
Report: Lakers teammates 'isolating' Russell following leaked video
nba
Lakers fans mercilessly boo D'Angelo Russell
1d ago
Spurs beat Pelicans for NBA record 38th straight home win to start season
Spurs' Kawhi Leonard returns vs. Pelicans
Spurs' Kawhi Leonard returns vs. Pelicans
nba
Spurs beat Pelicans for NBA record 38th straight home win to start season
4h ago
Warriors' owner: Golden State is 'light-years ahead of' other NBA teams
Sitting 67-7 with eight games remaining, the Golden State Warriors have a very realistic chance of breaking the Chicago Bulls' 72-10 record. And while some may credit a portion of the Warriors' success to luck, team owner Joe Lacob sees things differently.
"The great, great venture capitalists who built company after company, that’s not an accident," Lacob told Bruce Schoenfeld of the New York Times. "And none of this is an accident, either."
Although many may consider Lacob's comments brash, he has an apparent knack for predicting the future. The 60-year-old promised fans in 2010 that Golden State would win a championship within five years - a bold claim that came true last June.
While credit for the Warriors' greatness should seem to go towards their on-court play, Lacob said the team has dominated because of their superior management.
"We’re light-years ahead of probably every other team in structure, in planning, in how we’re going to go about things," he said. "We’re going to be a handful for the rest of the NBA to deal with for a long time."
The championship favorites, according to ESPN's BPI, Golden State will likely be a strong contender for years to come, a spell of prominence that would come as no surprise to Lacob.
"We’ve crushed them on the basketball court, and we’re going to for years because of the way we’ve built this team," he said.
Warriors' owner: Golden State is 'light-years ahead of' other NBA teamsKawhi Leonard back in lineup vs. Pelicans
Rockets, Pelicans to play 2 preseason games in China
Rockets, Pelicans to play 2 preseason games in China
nba
Kawhi Leonard back in lineup vs. Pelicans
21h ago
Inducting Yao Ming into the Hall of Fame is a no-brainer
Yao Ming, the 7-foot-6 behemoth that sprouted from the humble corners of Shanghai, was always more than just a basketball player.
First, Yao was a prodigy. Having entered the professional ranks at the tender age of 13, superstardom was always his destiny. Then he became legend, a scrawny teenage force who pulverized grown men to the tune of 39 points and 20 rebounds to snatch the Chinese Basketball Association title.
Then came the hard part: when Yao eventually opted for the NBA, he became more than just a player, more than just the No. 1 pick, and more than just a franchise center. He became an ambassador for the largest populace on earth.
In a nation of 1.7 billion, Yao remains the most recognizable Chinese figure worldwide.
Yao was the looking glass through which an entire generation of Chinese people saw their own place within a whirlwind of globalization, and one of many bridges that opened the world to a waking giant in China.
By the time David Stern called his name as a 21-year-old, the expectations on Yao had already surpassed the confines of the hardwood. He carried the weight of a nation upon his shoulders. He dared not fail.
Like millions of other Chinese immigrants that crossed the Pacific to find a better life in America, Yao's transition to the West was anything but easy.
First and foremost there was the cultural barrier. Yao didn't speak English, and so was accompanied at all times by a translator. But communication wasn't the only problem - what would he eat? Who would he hang out with? The two loudest voices in the locker room belonged to Steve Francis, a motormouth from Maryland, and a tough cat from Philly in Cuttino Mobley. Yao was a fish out of water.
It also didn't help that he started on the wrong foot. He missed most of training camp in his rookie year after spending the summer with the Chinese national team. Adjusting to the speed, strength, and athleticism of the NBA game is difficult for any rookie - even for the tallest player in the league.
In his much-anticipated debut, one watched by hundreds of millions worldwide, Yao scored zero points and had two turnovers in 11 minutes. He totaled just 10 points in the four games thereafter.
That promptly led Charles Barkley to making his infamous "ass-kissing" bet that Yao wouldn't get 19 points in a game. It wasn't the first time Sir Charles was wrong, and it wasn't the last.
Yao got Barkley's 19 a week later in a win against the Los Angeles Lakers. Having gotten his feet wet in the NBA, Yao popped off for 20 points on a perfect 9-of-9 from the field and grabbed six rebounds in 23 minutes.
"You know what? I'm a man of my word," Barkley said with a chagrined sigh, before planting his lips on the behind of a donkey that Kenny Smith bought.
In many ways Barkley's infamous bet marked Yao's first milestone. He dropped 30 a week later, and was soon named to the first of eight All-Star teams. And had he and Tracy McGrady stayed healthy, Yao might have earned a few championship rings.
After his rookie year, Yao quickly found his stride as one of the most unstoppable forces the game had ever seen. Yao was a 7-foot-6 giant who was as equally comfortable anchoring the paint as he was stretching out for feathery jump shots. Whether it was at the elbow or in the low post, there was no stopping Yao.
Save for Shaq, who belongs in a pantheon of his own, Yao was the most dominant five in the league, and when the two retired, they took the age of centers with them. No player - not Dwight Howard, not the Gasol Brothers - has been able to carry on that legacy.
His career ended prematurely due to a pesky foot that refused to be fixed, but Yao's career line of 19 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks alone makes for a convincing Hall of Fame case.
Had Yao passed up the 2008 Olympics, his career might not have ended so soon. He rushed his recovery from a broken foot to suit up for China.
The Beijing Olympics, in many ways, was the an extension of the enduring legacy of deceased Chairman Deng Xiaoping, who changed the world forever when he opened China's borders. Yao was part of Deng's vision, as were the first Olympic Games held in China.
That's why Yao carried the torch in the opening ceremonies.
China owned the podium with 51 golds that year (15 more than the US), but there might not have been a bigger roar than when Yao, hobbling along on one leg, popped out for a 3-pointer against the Americans to briefly give China a 3-0 lead on the Redeem Team.
It didn't matter that Team USA easily took care of the Chinese with a 101-70 victory. It was a seminal moment in China's continued climb onto the world stage.
More than anything else, Yao will be an ambassador. It's hard to duck the spotlight when you're a mountainous foreigner, and to Yao's credit, he always embraced it.
Commercially speaking, Yao opened the NBA game to the East. Forbes estimates that the NBA has over 300 million (nearly the entire population of the US) viewers in China. Preseason games have been played overseas, and the league's most visible players - Kobe Bryant and LeBron James - frequently visit China for commercial appearances.
Just being close to Yao made money for his teammates. Chuck Hayes, a wholly unspectacular post defender with almost no offensive skills to speak of, inked a $5 million endorsement deal with Li Ning. He was just one of many Rockets during Yao's tenure who signed enormous deals to endorse Chinese apparel.
Beyond basketball, Yao is a dedicated ambassador. He's raised money for the SARS crisis and the Sichuan earthquake, he's on the Board of Directors for the Special Olympics, and he's led the charge against the poaching of endangered species. He is determined to use his clout to affect positive change across the world.
In that sense it was always ironic that Yao's nickname was the Great Wall of China, because the 5,500-mile monument signified thousands of years of isolationism. Yao was the opposite - he was the bridge that united billions. That's the true legacy of Yao's career as a basketball player.
Inducting Yao Ming into the Hall of Fame is a no-brainerThe most memorable moments of Yao Ming's Hall of Fame career
With only 514 NBA games under his belt between the regular season and playoffs, it's too easy to overlook the Hall of Fame career Yao Ming enjoyed in Houston.
Related: Yao reportedly selected to Hall of Fame
Yao was an international phenomenon the likes of which the Association had never seen before, and though he may lack a plethora of iconic moments, there are still a handful that stick out.
On that note, here are the most memorable moments of a career that will reportedly soon be enshrined in Springfield.
Yao arrives
To no one's surprise, the Rockets selected 7-foot-6 Yao Ming No. 1 overall in the 2002 draft. As the Miami crowd booed, Yao's family exchanged the most awkward high-fives the basketball world has ever seen, leaving hoops heads with an indelible "where were you when?" moment.
The rookie big man would average 13.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks to go with a 20.6 PER, finishing second to Amar'e Stoudemire in Rookie of the Year voting, though it's still unclear why.
Career night vs. Hawks
Any conversation about Yao's greatest individual performance has to start with a February 2004 game against Atlanta. In a triple-overtime marathon that the Rockets won 123-121, Yao poured in 41 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, and two blocks in 50 minutes of action, knocking down the game-winner with 23.4 seconds left.
27 and 22 to beat Suns
The most memorable of Yao's three career 20-20 games saw him drop 27 points, collect 22 rebounds, and block five shots to help the Rockets demolish the league-leading Suns.
33 on 13-of-14
Postseason success was always fleeting for Yao's Rockets - he was a part of only one playoff series victory - but that doesn't mean he didn't leave his mark on spring basketball.
In one of the most efficient offensive performances you'll ever see, Yao scored 33 points on 13-of-14 shooting, while knocking down all seven of his free-throw attempts, to help Houston take an unlikely 2-0 series lead on the Dallas Mavericks. In 31 years worth of Basketball Reference game logs, David Robinson is the only other player to score 30-plus points on at least 90 percent shooting in a playoff game.
A 4th quarter to remember
Yao scored 23 points in the fourth quarter alone - on 6-of-6 shooting from the field and 11-of-12 from the free-throw line - to put the Wizards away.
Yao and Brandon Roy put on a show in Portland
This is technically a Brandon Roy moment, but sandwiched between two incredibly clutch shots from the former Trail Blazer was a flawless fadeaway from Yao that was far too graceful for a 7-foot-6 human to pull off, and should have counted as the game-winner.
You'll notice the game clock stopped at 0.8 seconds when Yao released the ball, meaning that had the clock been operated properly, this almost surely would have been a buzzer-beater, leaving no time for Roy's eventual heroics.
The Yao Ming Song
The lyrics were simple and placed over the infamous tune of soccer's "Ole, Ole, Ole" chant, and an instant classic was born.
All-Star shoe-in
With the world's biggest market behind him, Yao often dominated All-Star voting, being named a Western Conference starter in all eight seasons he appeared in. He was also the league's leading vote-getter twice, and for a brief period (2005-2009) held the record for most votes accumulated in one season.
But the most memorable of those All-Star selections came in 2011, when Yao, who had suited up for only five games over the last two seasons, was once again named a starter. He didn't play in that All-Star game, and in fact wouldn't grace an NBA court again, retiring five months later.
The most memorable moments of Yao Ming's Hall of Fame careerReport: Kings, Divac close to multi-year contract extension
VIDEO: Blazers' Harkless heartlessly spins, dunks on Kings rookie
VIDEO: Blazers' Harkless heartlessly spins, dunks on Kings rookie
nba
Report: Kings, Divac close to multi-year contract extension
1d ago
Melo wants to play in Olympics 'to feel what success feels like'
Pity Carmelo Anthony.
Sufferer of a 152-226 regular-season record since joining the New York Knicks in 2011, the superstar said Tuesday that playing for the United States at this summer's Olympics is the best opportunity he has to win.
"From a morale standpoint as a player, if you've been through the things I've been through the past couple of years, you want to feel what that success feels like," Anthony told reporters in Dallas ahead of Wednesday's game against the Mavericks.
"You want that success. So the Olympics for me is great timing, especially coming off this season and injuries, and mentally it's good for me to get out there and feel what that feels like again.''
The Olympics question came on the heels of close friend Chris Paul's decision to excuse himself from USA Basketball this summer, citing age and the need for recovery. The other member of their tight triumvirate, LeBron James, has yet to commit.
Paul's absence doesn't seem to be dampening Anthony's enthusiasm, however.
"That doesn't affect my decision either way," he said.
Unlike Anthony, Paul and James will be playing at least one round of postseason basketball this spring. It can be expected that James' Olympic decision will hinge partly on how deep the Cleveland Cavaliers go into the playoffs.
The United States have a 130-5 record all time in men's play at the Summer Games. If Anthony is named to this year's squad in Rio de Janeiro, it would be his fourth Olympic team. He won gold in 2008 and 2012 after being part of the disappointing 2004 bronze-medalist entry that effectively changed the structure of USA Basketball.
Melo wants to play in Olympics 'to feel what success feels like'mardi 29 mars 2016
Atlanta Hawks clinch playoff berth for 9th straight season
Colangelo encourages fans, 'don't give up' on 76ers
Colangelo encourages fans, 'don't give up' on 76ers
nba
Atlanta Hawks clinch playoff berth for 9th straight season
5h ago
Wittman, Ezeli offer Sager heartfelt well wishes during Wizards-Warriors
TNT NBA sideline reporter Craig Sager was back at work Tuesday night for the Washington Wizards-Golden State Warriors game for the first time since revealing his leukemia was no longer in remission.
Related: Craig Sager in high spirits as he works Wizards-Warriors
Players, coaches, and fans alike were happy to see Sager at Oracle Arena, including Wizards head coach Randy Wittman, who steered away from Sager's question at the quarter break to offer some words of encouragement to a man he's known for 32 years.
Craig Sager with the sideline interview on Coach Randy Wittman. #SagerStrong https://t.co/VSh4Hp4uUE
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) March 30, 2016
Warriors big man Festus Ezeli, who hasn't played since Jan. 25 due to a left knee injury, let Sager know that he's praying for him.
Sager strong.
Wittman, Ezeli offer Sager heartfelt well wishes during Wizards-WarriorsVIDEO: Steph Curry goes coast-to-coast for breakaway dunk
After having his first breakaway attempt Tuesday night thwarted by a John Wall chase-down block, Stephen Curry wasn't leaving anything to chance.
This time, after his perfect poke-ahead steal set up a clear runway to the hoop, Curry rose up - with Garrett Temple's hard-charging footsteps thundering in his ear - and dunked.
The reigning MVP doesn't throw down often, but when he does, he makes it count.
VIDEO: Steph Curry goes coast-to-coast for breakaway dunkVIDEOS: LeBron can't help stepping on Tyronn Lue's toes
LeBron James was in a blazer instead of a uniform Tuesday night, as the Cleveland Cavaliers gave him the night off to rest when they hosted the Houston Rockets.
James, though, was far too antsy to watch the game from the bench, and his formal wear apparently had him in a coaching state of mind. So, after seemingly batting away an official's accusation that he was standing on the court, James tried to sidle up beside Cavs head coach Tyronn Lue and get a word in J.R. Smith's ear.
Later, he was seen giving a very detailed physical demonstration in a Cavs huddle.
LeBron should really engage with his teammates more. http://pic.twitter.com/E9Xar8k43D
— Scott @ WFNY (@WFNYScott) March 30, 2016
Doubtless, this is bound to stoke anew the debate about who's really calling the shots in Cleveland.
VIDEOS: LeBron can't help stepping on Tyronn Lue's toesVIDEO: Rockets' Howard throws full-court outlet pass to Beasley for the layup
Colangelo encourages fans, 'don't give up' on 76ers
Colangelo encourages fans, 'don't give up' on 76ers
nba
VIDEO: Rockets' Howard throws full-court outlet pass to Beasley for the layup
1h ago
VIDEO: Aaron Gordon catches major air on rim-rattling jam
Colangelo encourages fans, 'don't give up' on 76ers
Colangelo encourages fans, 'don't give up' on 76ers
nba
VIDEO: Aaron Gordon catches major air on rim-rattling jam
14m ago
VIDEO: Mike Scott interrupts Millsap's interview to track down Jeff Teague
Raptors fan flew almost 7,000 miles from Japan to see them lose
Raptors fan flew almost 7,000 miles from Japan to see them lose
nba
VIDEO: Mike Scott interrupts Millsap's interview to track down Jeff Teague
3h ago
Raptors fan flew almost 7,000 miles from Japan to see them lose
PHOTOS: NBA logos given superhero treatment
PHOTOS: NBA logos given superhero treatment
nba
Raptors fan flew almost 7,000 miles from Japan to see them lose
22h ago
lundi 28 mars 2016
Clippers' Pierce exits game with leg injury; will not return
Los Angeles Clippers small forward Paul Pierce will not return in Monday night's contest against the Boston Celtics after suffering a right ankle sprain and right knee contusion, according to Ben Golliver of Sports Illustrated.
Pierce grabbed his right knee in pain after colliding with the Celtics' Jared Sullinger, however, he was able to walk to the locker room on his own, The Vertical's Chris Mannix reports.
The 38-year-old has already missed nine games this season and will likely add to the total over the coming days.
Pierce has struggled in his lone season with the Clippers, averaging 5.8 points and 2.8 rebounds on just 34.8 percent shooting.
Clippers' Pierce exits game with leg injury; will not returnVIDEO: Isaiah Thomas hunts down Chris Paul, blocks him from behind
In the first quarter Monday, with the ball in his hands and nobody in front of him, Chris Paul stole a quick glance over his shoulder, saw he had about five feet of separation on the 5-foot-9 Isaiah Thomas, and justifiably deduced that he had a free layup.
You can imagine Paul's surprise when he found Thomas had somehow closed the gap with about three strides, before taking flight to thwart his attempt at the rim.
VIDEO: Isaiah Thomas hunts down Chris Paul, blocks him from behindVIDEO: Hayward's nasty throwdown on Lakers' Hibbert
VIDEO: Jazz illustrate love-hate relationship with Kobe in touching tribute
VIDEO: Jazz illustrate love-hate relationship with Kobe in touching tribute
nba
VIDEO: Hayward's nasty throwdown on Lakers' Hibbert
1h ago
VIDEO: Westbrook puts exclamation mark on Thunder's booming start
VIDEO: Westbrook's disallowed circus shot was spectacular
VIDEO: Westbrook's disallowed circus shot was spectacular
nba
VIDEO: Westbrook puts exclamation mark on Thunder's booming start
1d ago
Raptors need to exorcise demons of playoffs past
From the outset of preseason, the conversation about the Toronto Raptors has focused around the postseason, and rightfully so.
After two flameouts in the first round, fans in the North are looking beyond setting franchise records for success in the regular season. If anything, the higher the bar gets set in the regular season, the higher expectations skyrocket for the playoffs.
Similarly, their past failures have made the Raptors a trendy upset pick, especially since the core remains the same: the tandem of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan, coached by the steel-suited figure of Dwane Casey.
The franchise has one playoff series win in 21 seasons. What's really changed in Toronto?
Even the addition of DeMarre Carroll, their prime free-agency acquisition - the franchise's biggest signing since the ill-fated Hedo Turkoglu signing - hasn't changed the bottom line since he's been hurt. It feels like the same Raptors team that's headed down the same course - especially if they draw the pesky Chicago Bulls as a first-round opponent.
It's fair of the fan base to expect postseason success, but it's not fair to overlook the regular season in favor of buying into age-old trends.
This isn't the same Raptors team that spectacularly self-combusted in a sweep against the Washington Wizards - far from it. They're a far better team on both ends of the floor.
Last season, the Raptors rushed out to a scorching-hot start, but fizzled out after Jan. 1. This season, they found their stride after turning the calendar and save for a brief dip in February, have gotten stronger month after month.
First and foremost, the Raptors are a dramatically revamped defensive outfit from years past. Since switching from a frenetic swarming scheme to a conservative build that prioritizes protecting the basket, the Raptors have become one of the league's best in terms of protecting the paint.
Adding defensive stalwarts in Cory Joseph and Bismack Biyombo has had the intended effect. Joseph is one of the league's best on-ball defenders, and Biyombo ranks second to only Hassan Whiteside in block percentage.
The Raptors rank eighth in free throws allowed, fifth in opponent points in the paint, and sixth in opponent transition points. They refuse to give up easy baskets.
Casey also reshaped his offense to be less reliant on isolation sets. The Raptors still rank in the bottom of the league in assists per game, but they've found a way to constantly batter opponents by splitting the floor with two driving threats. They swing to the weak side, penetrate the defense at the point of attack, and either get to the hoop, draw fouls, or they find open shooters on kickouts when the defense collapses.
The Raptors rank first in drives per game (when adjusted for pace), and that's a testament to their triumvirate of guards. Joseph, Lowry, and DeRozan combine for 28.8 drives per game. Those three alone account for more drives than 22 teams in the league.
The core pieces remain the same, but they're a totally different team. Look no further than their improvement since the turn of the calendar. This isn't last year's team.
| Season | OffRtg (rank) | DefRtg (rank) | Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-16 | 110.1 (5) | 104.6 (11) | 29-10 |
| 2014-15 | 105.7 (7) | 105.4 (23) | 25-25 |
"There's just a better experience," Kevin Durant said of this year's Raptors. " ... Especially after they had a disappointing playoffs last year. They wanted to come in and make a statement from day one and that's what they've done. They've played at a high level all season."
All that being said, the bottom line is still centered around the playoffs. The onus is still on the Raptors to prove their mettle on the biggest stage.
On paper, it could be argued that the Raptors are the toughest contender to the Cleveland Cavaliers' Eastern superiority. But Toronto entered each of its last two playoff series as the supposed favorites, only to duck out.
If they've truly matured into a playoff contender, it's time they showed it. Because if they haven't, and all their improvements this season proves to be a mirage, then some awkward questions lay ahead.
Namely, would locking in DeRozan to a likely max deal still make sense if this core can't get over the hump? Giving DeRozan a $15-million raise would tie up all of the Raptors' cap flexibility. Whatever's left would have to be forked over to Lowry, who's slated to become a free agent in 2017, and would similarly command top dollar. Would locking in this team make sense?
That's the doomsday scenario, but that's what's at stake should the Raptors fall once more. Either they defeat their old demons, and become a rising power in the East, or they stumble again, and validate every doubt cast upon them.
Raptors need to exorcise demons of playoffs pastRemembering Kobe Bryant's lowest moment in Utah
With only nine games remaining in his Hall of Fame career, Kobe Bryant will take the floor in Utah for the final time on Monday.
The 33,000 career points, five championships, and countless other accolades Bryant has accumulated in his 20 seasons as a pro make it easy to forget that 19 years ago, Salt Lake City played host to one of the lowest moments of Bryant's career.
Related: Kobe plans to play in all nine remaining Lakers games
With the Delta Center - one of the 1990s' most hostile hoops environments - rocking and jeering the rookie, an 18-year-old Bryant bombed away on four airballs during the final seconds of the fourth quarter and overtime in what would turn out to be the deciding game of the 1997 Western Conference semifinals.
Though the Lakers would be swept by the Jazz in the West Final the following year, given the career Bryant has gone onto and the perennial heartbreak the Jazz have endured, it's safe to say the Black Mamba got the last laugh.
Remembering Kobe Bryant's lowest moment in UtahKawhi Leonard to miss 3rd straight game with quad contusion
San Antonio Spurs leading scorer Kawhi Leonard will miss his third straight game Monday against the Memphis Grizzlies with a right quad contusion.
Leonard will sit with the Spurs' big three of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili, who were ruled out on Friday for rest purposes.
It's likely the Spurs are playing it safe with Leonard ahead of the playoffs. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year tweaked his quad in last Wednesday's game against the Miami Heat, but his teammates didn't seem to think the injury was serious.
The undermanned squad lost Saturday's game to the Oklahoma City Thunder, and are 2-5 since 2011 with Leonard, Duncan, Parker, and Ginobili all out of action. That said, the Spurs have second place in the Western Conference sown up with nine contests left in the regular season. They could still win 70 games by going undefeated the rest of the way.
Kawhi Leonard to miss 3rd straight game with quad contusiondimanche 27 mars 2016
Clippers clinch playoff berth with win over Nuggets
VIDEO: DeAndre Jordan's defense leads to 'Lob City' on other end
VIDEO: DeAndre Jordan's defense leads to 'Lob City' on other end
nba
Clippers clinch playoff berth with win over Nuggets
49m ago
PHOTO: Hawks leave Jeff Teague at Pistons' arena
It may be Jeff Teague's seventh season in the NBA, but in some ways, he's still treated as a rookie.
The Atlanta Hawks' team bus apparently forgot to wait for their starting point guard, leaving him behind at The Palace of Auburn Hills after Saturday night's 112-95 victory over the Pistons.
Teague didn't seem too distressed about the incident, mentioning on Instagram that he was able to spend some quality time with his sister.
With h/t to SBNation
PHOTO: Hawks leave Jeff Teague at Pistons' arenaLeBron understands Cavaliers' success hinges on his performance
Despite recent distractions that have caused some to question his commitment to his current team, LeBron James appears focused on one goal: leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a championship this spring.
"At this point I understand the moment that I'm in, I understand how important I am to this team and what we're trying to do so I'm just stepping up my play a little bit," James said, according to Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com.
LeBron did not disappoint Saturday night, collecting his third triple-double of the season in a 107-93 victory over the New York Knicks.
While it hasn't been his most impressive statistical season to date, the 31-year-old has still put up monster numbers, averaging 25.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.4 steals on 51 percent shooting.
"I'm a world-class athlete," James said. "I know what it takes all year around to keep my body in shape and ready for the long haul."
Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue is very much aware of the impact a fully engaged and healthy LeBron can bring to his ballclub, especially after watching the four-time MVP carry Cleveland to The Finals last year.
"Before the game ... he just talked about he feels great," Lue said. "I was like, getting stronger as the season winds down - he's getting stronger. That's a big plus for us."
LeBron understands Cavaliers' success hinges on his performancesamedi 26 mars 2016
VIDEO: Andrew Wiggins skies for tomahawk jam
Timberwolves owner Taylor plans to keep Newton as GM for now
Timberwolves owner Taylor plans to keep Newton as GM for now
nba
VIDEO: Andrew Wiggins skies for tomahawk jam
1d ago
VIDEO: Westbrook's disallowed circus shot was spectacular
Ginobili will play for Argentina in Olympics, unsure about return to Spurs
Ginobili will play for Argentina in Olympics, unsure about return to Spurs
nba
VIDEO: Westbrook's disallowed circus shot was spectacular
23h ago
VIDEO: Drummond swats Teague's layup attempt to bench
Cousins v Drummond: Who's the NBA's best center?
Cousins v Drummond: Who's the NBA's best center?
nba
VIDEO: Drummond swats Teague's layup attempt to bench
1d ago
VIDEO: Magic's Dedmon throws it down over Gibson
Knicks' Williams, Bulls' Gibson beef on Instagram over 'trash teams' quip
Knicks' Williams, Bulls' Gibson beef on Instagram over 'trash teams' quip
nba
VIDEO: Magic's Dedmon throws it down over Gibson
1d ago
Cavs' Mo Williams returns vs. Knicks
It's been 16 games since veteran Mo Williams last suited up for the Cleveland Cavaliers, with his last taste of action coming on Feb. 24 when he played four minutes against the Charlotte Hornets.
After recovering from left knee soreness caused by inflammation in the cartilage under his kneecap, the 33-year-old point guard will return to the lineup Saturday night against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
His return comes at a good time, as head coach Tyronn Lue is giving starter Kyrie Irving the night off to rest. Even so, Williams will be kept under a strict minutes restriction of 10-12 minutes as Matthew Dellavedova runs the point.
Williams was the team's starter to begin the 2015-16 campaign while Irving recovered from a kneecap fracture suffered in the NBA Finals. Williams lost the starting job when Irving came back, and racked up several DNP-CDs.
In 35 appearances, Williams is averaging 8.9 points and 2.7 assists on 43.9 percent shooting.
Cavs' Mo Williams returns vs. KnicksBlazers' Leonard to miss 6-8 months recovering from shoulder surgery
2016 restricted free agent Meyers Leonard is expected to miss six-to-eight months as he undergoes surgery to repair a dislocated left shoulder, according to CSN's Jason Quick.
Portland announced earlier this week that Leonard would miss the remainder of the 2015-16 season. The Illinois product has failed to see the court after re-injuring his shoulder on March 14.
Leonard turned down a "considerable" extension last year, a move that the 24-year-old doesn't regret despite the injury.
"No. Not at all," Leonard said. "Because I know personally - and I think people who understand what I do and what I can continue to do - that the ability to give much more is still there."
With a number of contracts coming off the books, the Blazers will have plenty of money to spend this summer. While Leonard will likely get a lower offer than the one he rejected in November, he hopes to stay with the team that drafted him with the 11th pick in 2012.
"Hopefully, I will still be here," Leonard added. "That's my plan."
Blazers' Leonard to miss 6-8 months recovering from shoulder surgeryvendredi 25 mars 2016
Aldridge joins Spurs' Big 3 on bench for Saturday's game vs. Thunder
The San Antonio Spurs will be without five of their six top scorers on Saturday night when they visit Chesapeake Energy Arena to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Big 3 of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili have already been ruled out as head coach Gregg Popovich allows them to rest, while Kawhi Leonard will miss his second game due to a right quad contusion.
Joining the four will be All-Star power forward LaMarcus Aldridge, as he, too, will get the night off to rest.
San Antonio is coming off a 110-104 victory over the visiting Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, extending its undefeated streak at AT&T Center to 37 games, tying the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls for the best home start in NBA history.
Aldridge joins Spurs' Big 3 on bench for Saturday's game vs. ThunderDurant stands by 2014 remark about Leonard being product of Spurs' system
It was back in 2014, right after the San Antonio Spurs had finished beating the Miami Heat to capture their fifth NBA championship, when Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant got involved in a Twitter debate over which player was better: Finals Most Valuable Player Kawhi Leonard or Paul George of the Indiana Pacers.
Durant ruffled a few feathers with his remarks, implying that Leonard wouldn't be the player he was if he weren't a Spur.
With San Antonio and Oklahoma City set to square off Saturday night at Chesapeake Energy Arena, the four-time scoring champion appears ready to change his tune, if ever so slightly.
"He's definitely grown as a player," Durant said following his team's win over the Utah Jazz on Thursday, according to ESPN's Royce Young. "He's not a system player," he added, unprompted.
"I know you guys like to throw that term around, but he's just grown so much as a player. I have to be locked in every play. He can shoot the midrange, he can post up, he can hit the 3, he can dribble, and he's just grown so much. Defensively, probably one of the best guys in the league. It's fun when you get that matchup at the small forward. There are so many great guys, but he's one of the guys in that top tier."
When asked if he regrets making his original critique, though, Durant was blunt in response.
"No, I don't," Durant said. "At the time, I didn't even call him a system player. I just said Paul George was better. I like Paul George better as a player. I can be a fan of the game, too. One of my guys was debating with me saying he was better than Paul George at the time, and I didn't think so.
"I'm not taking it back. I said the system is the reason why he's out there, Pop (Gregg Popovich) put him in great positions to be player that he is. No, I don't regret it at all. That was three years ago. If he hasn't grown, that's on him. But he's grown as a player, but yeah, I don't take it back."
Winning the Finals MVP award put a great deal of expectations on Leonard early in his career, with many wondering if he could carry over his success and build on it in the years to come. It's safe to say, two years after the fact, that Leonard is more than just a product of working under head coach Popovich.
He's established himself as one of the most prolific shooters in basketball, currently falling just short of the historic 50 (50.9 percent from the field), 40 (46.2 percent from 3-point range), 90 (88 percent from the charity stripe) mark. Leonard is also averaging a career-high 23.1 points as he takes on a larger role on offense in his fifth season with the franchise.
Durant stands by 2014 remark about Leonard being product of Spurs' systemVIDEO: Hornets' Walker nails half-court buzzer-beater
Charlotte All-Star Game may be affected by controversial law, NBA says
Charlotte All-Star Game may be affected by controversial law, NBA says
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VIDEO: Hornets' Walker nails half-court buzzer-beater
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Hornets issue anti-discrimination statement in wake of controversial law
A day after the NBA said it was "deeply concerned" by the passage of a North Carolina law that critics say unfairly targets the LGBT community, the Charlotte Hornets issued a statement of their own in response on Friday.
The Charlotte Hornets have issued the following statement: http://pic.twitter.com/5IOzSjjncM
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) March 25, 2016
North Carolina's House Bill 2, the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act, was signed into law by Republican governor Pat McCrory on Wednesday after a rapid-fire special session. Its name specifically refers to a provision that bans individuals from using public bathrooms that don't match their biological sex.
The bill could also revoke nondiscrimination ordinances in 17 cities, including Charlotte, which passed an ordinance that allows transgender individuals to use the public bathrooms corresponding with the sex they identify as.
The Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act prohibits local governments from adopting or enforcing nondiscrimination policies on any basis not contained in the state's anti-discrimination laws. North Carolina bans discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, biological sex, or handicap, but not on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
The NBA's statement on Thursday included a note that the league is not yet sure if the passing of House Bill 2 will impact Charlotte's ability to host the 2017 All-Star Game.
Hornets issue anti-discrimination statement in wake of controversial lawMavs' Parsons undergoes season-ending knee surgery
The resurgent Eastern Conference is primed for frantic, thrilling finish
The resurgent Eastern Conference is primed for frantic, thrilling finish
nba
Mavs' Parsons undergoes season-ending knee surgery
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Taj Gibson 'embarrassed' by slumping Bulls' play vs. 'trash teams'
In his seven seasons in Chicago, Taj Gibson has yet to miss the postseason. So, with the slumping Bulls fading from the Eastern Conference playoff picture, the veteran forward is growing frustrated.
To put it mildly.
"Hell yeah, I'm embarrassed," Gibson said following Chicago's loss at Madison Square Garden Thursday, the Bulls' second loss to the Knicks in as many nights.
"It's frustrating when we come up short, and we look at ourselves, we're losing to ... I don't want to criticize any(body), (but) trash teams," Gibson added, as reported by ESPN's Nick Friedell. "Everybody's in the NBA for a reason, but we're playing against teams that are not playing for anything, and we're just laying down. It feels like now we're a target. It feels like teams are not taking us serious."
In fairness to the Bulls, prior to their home-and-home sweep at the hands of the lowly Knicks, Chicago had won seven of its last nine games vs. losing teams, so it's not the "trash teams" that are necessarily doing them in.
The Bulls have actually lost 10 of their last 12 games against teams with winning records, part of an overall run that has seen them go 14-23 since Jan. 9. That slump has the Bulls 1.5 games behind the Detroit Pistons for the eighth and final playoff spot with only 11 games remaining.
If there's one legitimate excuse the Bulls can point to, it's injuries. According to mangameslost.com, only seven teams have lost more man games due to injury than Chicago, and only the Clippers have lost more on-court value to injuries.
Gibson won't have any of it.
"Like Jimmy (Butler) said before, nobody cares if you're hurt, nobody's going to care about anything," Gibson said, referring to his hobbled teammate. "The only thing people are going to worry about is if you're on that court and you're doing your job. So we just got to do our job."
Taj Gibson 'embarrassed' by slumping Bulls' play vs. 'trash teams'J.R. Smith hopes LeBron-led super team will save him a spot
Having spent the last 10 years of his career with one of Carmelo Anthony or LeBron James at his side, J.R. Smith knows the excitement that a potential James and Anthony-led super team would create.
He just has one request.
"That would be dope. That'd be sick," Smith told the New York Daily News' Peter Botte about the the possibility of James and Anthony one day joining forces with friends Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade - something James alluded to in a recent interview.
"I'd like to see it," Smith added. "I just hope they save me a spot and I'm on the team."
Related: Melo shares LeBron's dream of superteam with Paul, Wade
Given Smith's connection to both Anthony and James, and his reported move to Rich Paul's Klutch Sports, the 30-year-old veteran would certainly have to be in the mix to round out the hypothetical star-studded roster.
Not to mention, the potential superteam could use Smith's shooting. He's knocking down more than 39 percent of his 6.5 3-point attempts per game this season, is a career 37.4 percent shooter from deep, and has connected on more threes than all but eight active players.
J.R. Smith hopes LeBron-led super team will save him a spotCousins v Drummond: Who's the NBA's best center?
Who's the NBA's best center - DeMarcus Cousins or Andre Drummond? Cast your vote on the banner below.
DeMarcus Cousins is the NBA's best center
Cousins is making the most of a lousy situation in Sacramento, putting up monster stat lines on a nightly basis. Earlier this season, Boogie scored 56 points and shot 70 percent from the field in a game against the Hornets - and the Kings lost! He needs to do a better job of keeping his emotions in check, but his uncommon skill set for a big man has him in position to dominate opposing centers for years to come. While centers have become an afterthought in the modern era, Cousins currently sits in the top five in the NBA in both scoring and rebounding.
Andre Drummond is the NBA's best center
While a handful of centers have extended their game out beyond the 3-point line, Drummond does his best work in the post, scoring the majority of his points around the rim. Through the first six games of the season, Drummond averaged 20.3 points and 20.3 boards, and racked up double-digit rebounds in 39 of the first 43 games. While free throws remain his Achilles heel, there's no better rebounder in the league. As a 22-year-old, he leads the league in boards by a comfortable margin and has the size and skills to be the franchise center the Pistons view him as.
Who do you think is the NBA's best center - DeMarcus Cousins or Andre Drummond? Cast your vote on the banner below.
Cousins v Drummond: Who's the NBA's best center?Report: Jimmy Butler could have knee surgery at end of season
The Chicago Bulls continue to fade in the Eastern Conference playoff race, and their All-Star swingman continues to face questions about his health.
Only two weeks after Jimmy Butler got a vote of confidence from Dr. James Andrews, Butler's troublesome left knee is back in the news, as a source told the Chicago Sun-Times' Joe Cowley that exploratory surgery is in play for Butler at the conclusion of the season.
"Maybe. I hope not," Butler told the Sun-Times on Thursday. "Is my knee the same as it was before the injury? No."
"I don't know if there's something really wrong in there, but it's not really right, either," Butler added of the knee.
Butler missed a month of action after spraining the knee on Feb. 5, returned for one game on Mar. 5, then proceeded to miss another three due to swelling in the knee before he was cleared by Dr. Andrews.
Still, he hasn't looked quite right since returning to the Bulls' lineup. He's averaged 14.6 points on 38 percent shooting over his last seven games, prompting him to tell reporters earlier this week that he feels he's actually hurting the team.
The Bulls, who have made the playoffs in each of the last seven seasons, trail the Detroit Pistons by 1 1/2 games for the Eastern Conference's eighth and final playoff spot.
Report: Jimmy Butler could have knee surgery at end of seasonjeudi 24 mars 2016
VIDEO: Clippers' Redick beats Blazers on buzzer-beating 3
Blazers' McCollum trolls Doc, Austin Rivers
Blazers' McCollum trolls Doc, Austin Rivers
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VIDEO: Clippers' Redick beats Blazers on buzzer-beating 3
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