by Paul Newberry(AP)
ATLANTA — Joe Johnson scored 25 points, Jamal Crawford got plenty of help off the Atlanta bench and the Hawks handed Los Angeles its second straight loss, breezing past the Lakers 109-92 Wednesday night.
Kobe Bryant scored 28 points but only eight in the second half as Los Angeles lost back-to-back games for just the fourth time this season. The Lakers won twice on a five-game road trip and missed a chance to possibly clinch the Pacific Division title before heading back home.
The Hawks, who came into the night tied with Boston for the third seed in the Eastern Conference, won their ninth straight at home — their longest such run since a 20-game streak at the old Omni during the 1996-97 season.
Johnson hit five 3-pointers but the bench did the best work. The always-reliable Crawford scored 14 points, Maurice Evans had 18 and the Hawks' reserves outscored the Lakers bench 48-22, also getting a double-double from Zaza Pachulia.
Atlanta went ahead for good on Crawford's 3-pointer with 1:35 left in the first quarter, stretched it out to 55-45 by halftime and was never seriously threatened over the final two quarters, pushing the margin as high as 18 points.
Evans went 7 of 9 from the field, his only two misses coming from outside the arc. Pachulia scored 10 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, his first double-double since March 29, 2009, also against the Lakers.
Bryant called it a night with 2 1/2 minutes to go, heading to the bench after a turnover and watching the rest of the game with a towel draped over his shoulders.
The attendance-challenged Hawks drew a full-house-and-then-some crowd of 20,190, a team record since their move to Philips Arena in 1999. Among those sitting courtside were Hall of Famer Julius Erving and Atlanta rapper T.I., who was recently released from a halfway house after serving prison time on a weapons charge.
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Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Raptors Unable To Extinguish Wade's Heat
Turkoglu Did Not Play; Miami 97 Toronto 94
The irony was awfully thick, and not lost on anybody.
As the Toronto Raptors' game wound down last night against the Miami Heat, their offence sputtered. They could have used somebody to deflect the attention from Chris Bosh. They could have used Hedo Turkoglu.
But Turkoglu, the under-achieving forward, did not play in the Raptors' 97-94 loss. He was in uniform, but he was on the bench.
"He was active, it was a coach's decision to not play him," Raptors coach Jay Triano said, adding he made that decision because Turkoglu was not healthy--and to send a message.
The message dates back to earlier last week. Turkoglu left midway through Wednesday night's game against Utah with a stomach virus. He did not play against Denver on Friday--another loss--but was seen out on the town following the game.
Earlier yesterday, Turkoglu insisted he was just grabbing a bite to eat after the game. Apparently, that is not how the club saw it. When pressed, Raptors president and general manager Bryan Colangelo said the matter was handled internally.
Turkoglu, for his part, declined comment after the game. "I'm good, I'm good," he said.
"I don't make them decisions, man," swingman Antoine Wright said. "I think we need everything in this locker room to play basketball, in my personal opinion."
That was obvious. With Dwyane Wade routinely shredding the defence as the Heat came back from a deficit that was as large as 17 points, the Raptors could get nothing going offensively.
Read more: http://www.nationalpost.com/sports/story.html?id=2738149#ixzz0jZx9EobD
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The irony was awfully thick, and not lost on anybody.
As the Toronto Raptors' game wound down last night against the Miami Heat, their offence sputtered. They could have used somebody to deflect the attention from Chris Bosh. They could have used Hedo Turkoglu.
But Turkoglu, the under-achieving forward, did not play in the Raptors' 97-94 loss. He was in uniform, but he was on the bench.
"He was active, it was a coach's decision to not play him," Raptors coach Jay Triano said, adding he made that decision because Turkoglu was not healthy--and to send a message.
The message dates back to earlier last week. Turkoglu left midway through Wednesday night's game against Utah with a stomach virus. He did not play against Denver on Friday--another loss--but was seen out on the town following the game.
Earlier yesterday, Turkoglu insisted he was just grabbing a bite to eat after the game. Apparently, that is not how the club saw it. When pressed, Raptors president and general manager Bryan Colangelo said the matter was handled internally.
Turkoglu, for his part, declined comment after the game. "I'm good, I'm good," he said.
"I don't make them decisions, man," swingman Antoine Wright said. "I think we need everything in this locker room to play basketball, in my personal opinion."
That was obvious. With Dwyane Wade routinely shredding the defence as the Heat came back from a deficit that was as large as 17 points, the Raptors could get nothing going offensively.
Read more: http://www.nationalpost.com/sports/story.html?id=2738149#ixzz0jZx9EobD
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Thursday, March 25, 2010
NBA Round Up: Josh Smith buzzer beater
Josh Smith buzzer beater dunk carries Atlanta Hawks past Orlando Magic 86-84
Atlanta Hawks clinched their third straight trip to the playoffs. Thanks to the buzzer beater dunk of Josh Smith. Officialls review it and the dunk went in with 0.01 seconds remaining.
“I knew it was close,” Smith said. “I just crashed it. I looked and the ball was there. Joe’s a good shooter, and I knew it wouldn’t be much off.”
Atlanta snapped a six-game losing streak against the Magic dating back to the opener of the 2008-09 season.
Charlotte Bobcats rout Minesota Timberwolves 108-95
Jackson hit 4 of 6 from the three point line and scored 37 points to help the Bobcats. Jackson revealed that he was being bothered by a bruised ligament in his left index fingers.
Al Jefferson led the Timberwolves, 26 points and they end their road trip this season with a disappointing 5-32 record.
Wizards loss 13th straight
Danny Granger scored 31 points to help the Indiana Pacers hand Washington Wizards its 13th straight game loss. The last time the Wizards won was against New Jersey Nets last Feb 28, 2010.
Coach Flip Saunders response about their consecutive losses.
“I don’t think our guys are looking at that,” he said. “We’re looking at trying to be competitive and look ahead. The reason we’re getting beat right now is because other teams are better than us. We’re not very good right now.”
Utah Jazz beats Toronto Raptors 113-87
The Raptors experienced their second straight game blowout loss at home. Deron Williams helps the Jazz with his 18 points and 16 assists. Raptors missed the service of Hedo Turkoglo in the second half due to stomach virus.
Celtics back in the playoffs
The Boston Celtics beat the Denver Nuggets 113-99 and clinched their playoffs spot. Paul Pierce lead the Boston Celtics with 27 points. Pierce rebounded from the 5 points performance against the Denver last Feb. 21.
“The Paul Pierce you saw out in Denver wasn’t the Paul Pierce that usually shows up to play,” he said. “Right now I’m as healthy as I’ve been all year and this is our time to start playing well.”
New Jersey Nets Win
Lopez helps Nets in their quest to avoid the stigma as the NBA's worst team. Lopez scored 26 points and carried the team, beating the Sacramento Kings 93-79.
Philadelphia 76ers beats Milwaukee Bucks 101-86
Rokie Jrue Holiday scored 15 points and had seven assists as the Sixers stun the Bucks.
Thunder beats Rockets 122-104
James Harden returned in the lineup for the Thunder after two weeks of absence. He help the Thunder with his 23 points, together with Durant who scored 25 points carried the Thunder over the Rockets.
“I just wanted to come out and get my swag back like it was before I left,” said Harden, who had his fourth 20-point game of the season and his first since Dec. 7
Cavs slip past over Hornets 105-92
Behind the good performance of Lebron James, the Cavs beat the Hornest and stays at the top of NBA standing. James scored 38 points on 15 of 22 shooting. He even turned his left ankle in the final seconds of the first half. At the second half, he started and did not show any sign of ill effect.
“LeBron’s 6-8, and if you double team him, he’s going to throw over the defense. He can definitely see over the defense,” Cavaliers coach Mike Brown said. “He can burn you either way. LeBron had an outstanding game but the guys around him played extremely well feeding off of the double teams … and the attention that he drew.”
Lakers won over Spurs 92-83
Behind Kobe Bryant 24 points, as the Lakers win seven straight. Artest also played a good defense in the second half that triggers the Lakers offense.
Manu Ginobili scored 24 points in a losing cause for the Spurs.
Warriors won over Grizzlies 128-110
Stephen Curry scored 30 points and the Warriors spoils Grizzlies bid of a playoff spot. He also had 11 assists. Grizzlies Zach Randolph scored 16 points but left the ball game in the third quarter with a sore ankle.
source
Atlanta Hawks clinched their third straight trip to the playoffs. Thanks to the buzzer beater dunk of Josh Smith. Officialls review it and the dunk went in with 0.01 seconds remaining.
“I knew it was close,” Smith said. “I just crashed it. I looked and the ball was there. Joe’s a good shooter, and I knew it wouldn’t be much off.”
Atlanta snapped a six-game losing streak against the Magic dating back to the opener of the 2008-09 season.
Charlotte Bobcats rout Minesota Timberwolves 108-95
Jackson hit 4 of 6 from the three point line and scored 37 points to help the Bobcats. Jackson revealed that he was being bothered by a bruised ligament in his left index fingers.
Al Jefferson led the Timberwolves, 26 points and they end their road trip this season with a disappointing 5-32 record.
Wizards loss 13th straight
Danny Granger scored 31 points to help the Indiana Pacers hand Washington Wizards its 13th straight game loss. The last time the Wizards won was against New Jersey Nets last Feb 28, 2010.
Coach Flip Saunders response about their consecutive losses.
“I don’t think our guys are looking at that,” he said. “We’re looking at trying to be competitive and look ahead. The reason we’re getting beat right now is because other teams are better than us. We’re not very good right now.”
Utah Jazz beats Toronto Raptors 113-87
The Raptors experienced their second straight game blowout loss at home. Deron Williams helps the Jazz with his 18 points and 16 assists. Raptors missed the service of Hedo Turkoglo in the second half due to stomach virus.
Celtics back in the playoffs
The Boston Celtics beat the Denver Nuggets 113-99 and clinched their playoffs spot. Paul Pierce lead the Boston Celtics with 27 points. Pierce rebounded from the 5 points performance against the Denver last Feb. 21.
“The Paul Pierce you saw out in Denver wasn’t the Paul Pierce that usually shows up to play,” he said. “Right now I’m as healthy as I’ve been all year and this is our time to start playing well.”
New Jersey Nets Win
Lopez helps Nets in their quest to avoid the stigma as the NBA's worst team. Lopez scored 26 points and carried the team, beating the Sacramento Kings 93-79.
Philadelphia 76ers beats Milwaukee Bucks 101-86
Rokie Jrue Holiday scored 15 points and had seven assists as the Sixers stun the Bucks.
Thunder beats Rockets 122-104
James Harden returned in the lineup for the Thunder after two weeks of absence. He help the Thunder with his 23 points, together with Durant who scored 25 points carried the Thunder over the Rockets.
“I just wanted to come out and get my swag back like it was before I left,” said Harden, who had his fourth 20-point game of the season and his first since Dec. 7
Cavs slip past over Hornets 105-92
Behind the good performance of Lebron James, the Cavs beat the Hornest and stays at the top of NBA standing. James scored 38 points on 15 of 22 shooting. He even turned his left ankle in the final seconds of the first half. At the second half, he started and did not show any sign of ill effect.
“LeBron’s 6-8, and if you double team him, he’s going to throw over the defense. He can definitely see over the defense,” Cavaliers coach Mike Brown said. “He can burn you either way. LeBron had an outstanding game but the guys around him played extremely well feeding off of the double teams … and the attention that he drew.”
Lakers won over Spurs 92-83
Behind Kobe Bryant 24 points, as the Lakers win seven straight. Artest also played a good defense in the second half that triggers the Lakers offense.
Manu Ginobili scored 24 points in a losing cause for the Spurs.
Warriors won over Grizzlies 128-110
Stephen Curry scored 30 points and the Warriors spoils Grizzlies bid of a playoff spot. He also had 11 assists. Grizzlies Zach Randolph scored 16 points but left the ball game in the third quarter with a sore ankle.
source
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
NBA Round Up: Charlotte Bobcats set win record
NBA Round Up
Bobcats beat Wizards 95-87 to set a win record
Al thornton hit a game tying three with 8 seconds remaining to send the game to overtime. Stephen Jackson tried to win it but he could not make the game winning shot.
But the Bobcats outscored the Wizards 13-4 in overtime to set a franchise record for victories. The win was No. 36 for Charlotte. The Wizard drops its 12 straight loss.
Pacers sweep Pistons, 98-83
Danny Granger helps Pacers to sweep Detroit, he scored 32 points. With this win, the Pacers end their nine-game losing streak.
Detroit loss marks an ending of their eight-year post season run appearances.
Denver lost to Knicks, 109-104
Danilo Gallinari gave Carmelo Anthony a spirited duel, he scored 17 of his 28 points in the third quarter. And the Knicks beats the Denver Nuggets for the first time in 5 meetings.
Mavs win behind Kidd
Jason Kidd scored a season-high 26 points on his 37th birthday and carry the Mavericks over the Clippers to a 106-96 win. He scored 13 points during a 22-3 run that put the Mavericks ahead for good and tied the Denver Nuggets for the second-best record in the Western Conference.
Los Angeles Clippers lost for the 10th time in 11 games, and their 11 straight time on the road.
Bobcats beat Wizards 95-87 to set a win record
Al thornton hit a game tying three with 8 seconds remaining to send the game to overtime. Stephen Jackson tried to win it but he could not make the game winning shot.
But the Bobcats outscored the Wizards 13-4 in overtime to set a franchise record for victories. The win was No. 36 for Charlotte. The Wizard drops its 12 straight loss.
Pacers sweep Pistons, 98-83
Danny Granger helps Pacers to sweep Detroit, he scored 32 points. With this win, the Pacers end their nine-game losing streak.
Detroit loss marks an ending of their eight-year post season run appearances.
Denver lost to Knicks, 109-104
Danilo Gallinari gave Carmelo Anthony a spirited duel, he scored 17 of his 28 points in the third quarter. And the Knicks beats the Denver Nuggets for the first time in 5 meetings.
Mavs win behind Kidd
Jason Kidd scored a season-high 26 points on his 37th birthday and carry the Mavericks over the Clippers to a 106-96 win. He scored 13 points during a 22-3 run that put the Mavericks ahead for good and tied the Denver Nuggets for the second-best record in the Western Conference.
Los Angeles Clippers lost for the 10th time in 11 games, and their 11 straight time on the road.
Monday, March 22, 2010
NBA AM: Salmons Key To The Bucks Run
By: Steve Kyler
Change Is Good: Last year Bucks' guard John Salmons was traded from Sacramento to the Chicago Bulls and helped power their run into the playoffs.
The Bulls were hoping for big things from Salmons this year that never materialized and ultimately they decided to trade him and his $5.8 million player options for next season to the Milwaukee Bucks, who really couldn't be happier with the deal.
"When we were talking about making a move, we looked at him, and still do, as just a good, all-around pro guard," Bucks coach Scott Skiles said to Charles F. Gardner of the Journal Sentinel . "He can post up a little bit. He shoots the ball well enough. He can put it on the floor and get to the rim. He can dish it if necessary. He's a solid defender.
"He's a professional and has a real calm demeanor out there, and that has helped our guys."
Salmons has started 14 of the 16 possible games since arriving in Milwaukee and is averaging 19.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists. The Bucks are 13-2 since acquiring Salmons who has been the Bucks top scorer in 8 of his 16 games in Milwaukee.
Salmons' play has been so good, that there has been talk that he may opt-out of his $5.8 million contract year and test free agency in hopes of getting longer-term security and possibly a small pay raise, something the Bucks seem more than open to.
And from the gift that keeps on giving department; The Bucks received two future second-round picks from Chicago as part of the deal and the right to switch first-round picks with the Bulls this year if Chicago's pick is not in the top 10.
If the playoff started today, the Bucks would be the 5th seed in the East and would face the Atlanta Hawks in the first round. The Bucks have only seen Atlanta once in the regular season, but face them twice in the next 21 days.
The Bucks have 14 games remaining on the schedule, including 9 home games.
Read more NBA news and Insight: http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?STORY_ID=15699#ixzz0iuyZSvQ9
Change Is Good: Last year Bucks' guard John Salmons was traded from Sacramento to the Chicago Bulls and helped power their run into the playoffs.
The Bulls were hoping for big things from Salmons this year that never materialized and ultimately they decided to trade him and his $5.8 million player options for next season to the Milwaukee Bucks, who really couldn't be happier with the deal.
"When we were talking about making a move, we looked at him, and still do, as just a good, all-around pro guard," Bucks coach Scott Skiles said to Charles F. Gardner of the Journal Sentinel . "He can post up a little bit. He shoots the ball well enough. He can put it on the floor and get to the rim. He can dish it if necessary. He's a solid defender.
"He's a professional and has a real calm demeanor out there, and that has helped our guys."
Salmons has started 14 of the 16 possible games since arriving in Milwaukee and is averaging 19.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists. The Bucks are 13-2 since acquiring Salmons who has been the Bucks top scorer in 8 of his 16 games in Milwaukee.
Salmons' play has been so good, that there has been talk that he may opt-out of his $5.8 million contract year and test free agency in hopes of getting longer-term security and possibly a small pay raise, something the Bucks seem more than open to.
And from the gift that keeps on giving department; The Bucks received two future second-round picks from Chicago as part of the deal and the right to switch first-round picks with the Bulls this year if Chicago's pick is not in the top 10.
If the playoff started today, the Bucks would be the 5th seed in the East and would face the Atlanta Hawks in the first round. The Bucks have only seen Atlanta once in the regular season, but face them twice in the next 21 days.
The Bucks have 14 games remaining on the schedule, including 9 home games.
Read more NBA news and Insight: http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?STORY_ID=15699#ixzz0iuyZSvQ9
Friday, March 19, 2010
Lebron James is now the youngest player to reach 15,000 points
Lebron James becomes the youngest player to reach 15,000 points. He did it in a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls. He surpass Kobe Bryant in this record. Lebron James reached the milestone at 25 years, 79 days in 506th games while Kobe Bryant was 27 years, 136 days and playing his 657th game, according to STATS LLC.
"There's not a milestone that I think he's going to attain that would shock me at all," coach Mike Brown said.
Lebron James missing milestone is getting the Championship ring. It's his ultimate goal. And come playoff time, we will see what will happen.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Board of Governors approves Michael Jordan's bid for Charlotte Bobcats
Jordan's $275-million offer for the franchise is unanimously approved.
The NBA's Board of Governors on Wednesday unanimously approved Michael Jordan's $275-million bid to buy the Charlotte Bobcats from Bob Johnson. Jordan will immediately take over after serving as a minority investor with the final say on basketball decisions since 2006.
"Purchasing the Bobcats is the culmination of my post-playing-career goal of becoming the majority owner of an NBA franchise," Jordan said in a statement. "I am especially pleased to have the opportunity to build a winning team in my home state."
The six-time NBA champion and five-time league MVP will be trying to turn around the fortunes of the 6-year-old Bobcats, who are on pace to lose about $30 million this season because of sluggish ticket and sponsorship sales.
Jordan, 47, who will assume about $150 million in debt in the deal, becomes the second African American majority owner of a major pro sports team. Johnson, who paid $300 million for the expansion franchise, was the first.
A spokeswoman for Johnson said he will be a minority investor in Jordan's ownership group.
Read More at latimes.com
The NBA's Board of Governors on Wednesday unanimously approved Michael Jordan's $275-million bid to buy the Charlotte Bobcats from Bob Johnson. Jordan will immediately take over after serving as a minority investor with the final say on basketball decisions since 2006.
"Purchasing the Bobcats is the culmination of my post-playing-career goal of becoming the majority owner of an NBA franchise," Jordan said in a statement. "I am especially pleased to have the opportunity to build a winning team in my home state."
The six-time NBA champion and five-time league MVP will be trying to turn around the fortunes of the 6-year-old Bobcats, who are on pace to lose about $30 million this season because of sluggish ticket and sponsorship sales.
Jordan, 47, who will assume about $150 million in debt in the deal, becomes the second African American majority owner of a major pro sports team. Johnson, who paid $300 million for the expansion franchise, was the first.
A spokeswoman for Johnson said he will be a minority investor in Jordan's ownership group.
Read More at latimes.com
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Kobe Bryant's hard to embrace, but he's clearly the best clutch player in the game
The Lakers guard can work miracles, but he doesn't make it easy.
By Mark Heisler
Kobe or not Kobe, the mystery, wrapped in an enigma, wearing No. 24, continues....
There was never an icon, or whatever Kobe Bryant is, like Kobe Bryant, who's held at arm's length even by a segment of Lakerdom.
When he broke Jerry West's scoring record a wave of protest arose — among Lakers fans — offended by the suggestion that it made him the greatest Laker.
Kobe takes your breath away, but so did West and Magic Johnson, who also tugged at your heartstrings.
If Kobe realizes you have heartstrings, he doesn't know how to tug at them, although he's gone through enough PR people trying.
What setting a Lakers scoring record lacked in drama, Bryant is making up for with six game-winning shots — thus far — in his Miracles R Us season.
Of course, Kobe being Kobe, even this is arguable.
ESPN's Henry Abbott, who had Bryant as a guy who made big shots "at a pretty good, but not elite, rate," now says he's "open to the idea he could still be the best clutch player in the NBA."
That's good because Bryant is far and away the best clutch player in the NBA.
LeBron James's shooting has improved enough to put him in Bryant's class, but he doesn't have the same body of work.
If anyone seems close to them, it's because you can't measure "clutch."
The Elias Sports Bureau now has a stat called "game-winners," counting shots that put your team ahead to stay in the last 10 seconds.
Not that breaking a tie with 10 seconds left is like bringing your team from two points behind in the last :04 — as Bryant has done three times, against Miami, Sacramento and Memphis.
Two more Kobe jumpers in the last :07 brought them from one point behind in Boston and Milwaukee.
Then, there was last week's relative anti-climax, an 18-footer with 1.9 seconds left, breaking a 107-107 tie with Toronto.
Bryant's six game-winners, the most in a season since 2000, and his 20 for the decade to No. 2 Vince Carter's 13, are officially incomparable — because the NBA didn't archive play-by-plays until 1998.
We don't know how many West, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or Michael Jordan made, but with or without stats, they were a different species from Carter.
Read More at latimes.com
By Mark Heisler
Kobe or not Kobe, the mystery, wrapped in an enigma, wearing No. 24, continues....
There was never an icon, or whatever Kobe Bryant is, like Kobe Bryant, who's held at arm's length even by a segment of Lakerdom.
When he broke Jerry West's scoring record a wave of protest arose — among Lakers fans — offended by the suggestion that it made him the greatest Laker.
Kobe takes your breath away, but so did West and Magic Johnson, who also tugged at your heartstrings.
If Kobe realizes you have heartstrings, he doesn't know how to tug at them, although he's gone through enough PR people trying.
What setting a Lakers scoring record lacked in drama, Bryant is making up for with six game-winning shots — thus far — in his Miracles R Us season.
Of course, Kobe being Kobe, even this is arguable.
ESPN's Henry Abbott, who had Bryant as a guy who made big shots "at a pretty good, but not elite, rate," now says he's "open to the idea he could still be the best clutch player in the NBA."
That's good because Bryant is far and away the best clutch player in the NBA.
LeBron James's shooting has improved enough to put him in Bryant's class, but he doesn't have the same body of work.
If anyone seems close to them, it's because you can't measure "clutch."
The Elias Sports Bureau now has a stat called "game-winners," counting shots that put your team ahead to stay in the last 10 seconds.
Not that breaking a tie with 10 seconds left is like bringing your team from two points behind in the last :04 — as Bryant has done three times, against Miami, Sacramento and Memphis.
Two more Kobe jumpers in the last :07 brought them from one point behind in Boston and Milwaukee.
Then, there was last week's relative anti-climax, an 18-footer with 1.9 seconds left, breaking a 107-107 tie with Toronto.
Bryant's six game-winners, the most in a season since 2000, and his 20 for the decade to No. 2 Vince Carter's 13, are officially incomparable — because the NBA didn't archive play-by-plays until 1998.
We don't know how many West, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or Michael Jordan made, but with or without stats, they were a different species from Carter.
Read More at latimes.com
Friday, March 12, 2010
NBA LIVE STREAM TODAY
Thursday, March 11, 2010
LeBron ready to return against 76ers Friday
(AP)
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — Cavaliers star LeBron James is tired of watching basketball and ready to start playing again.
James missed two games after twisting his right ankle last Friday against Detroit, but is likely to play at Philadelphia on Friday night.
"I'm always a guy who wants to play every game, but I think now looking back it was definitely the right decision to give the injuries I had some rest," James said Thursday after practicing for the first time. "It's not often you can look in the schedule and get a week off and only miss two games, so we took advantage of it."
He says he would have played through the injury had it been the playoffs, but instead the team chose to be cautious. While sidelined, James watched his alma mater, St. Vincent-St. Mary, win an Ohio high school playoff game on Wednesday.
He also watched NBA games on a wall of televisions in the basement of his 35,000-square foot house.
"I'm very excited," James said about playing the 76ers. "It's going to be a good, fun night."
The news isn't as good for teammate Antawn Jamison. Cavs coach Mike Brown says there is a good chance that Jamison will miss Friday's game because of a cyst behind his left knee. He sat out the fourth quarter of Cleveland's win Monday against San Antonio.
source
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — Cavaliers star LeBron James is tired of watching basketball and ready to start playing again.
James missed two games after twisting his right ankle last Friday against Detroit, but is likely to play at Philadelphia on Friday night.
"I'm always a guy who wants to play every game, but I think now looking back it was definitely the right decision to give the injuries I had some rest," James said Thursday after practicing for the first time. "It's not often you can look in the schedule and get a week off and only miss two games, so we took advantage of it."
He says he would have played through the injury had it been the playoffs, but instead the team chose to be cautious. While sidelined, James watched his alma mater, St. Vincent-St. Mary, win an Ohio high school playoff game on Wednesday.
He also watched NBA games on a wall of televisions in the basement of his 35,000-square foot house.
"I'm very excited," James said about playing the 76ers. "It's going to be a good, fun night."
The news isn't as good for teammate Antawn Jamison. Cavs coach Mike Brown says there is a good chance that Jamison will miss Friday's game because of a cyst behind his left knee. He sat out the fourth quarter of Cleveland's win Monday against San Antonio.
source
Monday, March 8, 2010
After third straight loss, Lakers trying to stop the tailspin
After third straight loss, Lakers trying to stop the tailspin
They’ve lost four straight road games, and their Western Conference lead over Dallas is now just three games. ‘We have no choice but to keep going,’ says Derek Fisher.
By Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times
Reporting from Orlando - The Lakers are reeling.
And they know that.
They lost their third consecutive game, this time a physical, trash-talking, technical-filled defeat to the Orlando Magic on Sunday at Amway Arena.
The Lakers had not lost three consecutive games since they acquired Pau Gasol on Feb. 1, 2008.
They are finding that the road to winning back-to-back championships is filled with potholes.
They are 4-5 in their last nine games.
They have lost four straight road games, and their lead over the Dallas Mavericks for the best record in the Western Conference has been whittled down to three games.
"We have to keep believing in the ultimate goal," Derek Fisher said. "That's what helps you stay focused through adversity is realizing that you're still on the path to where you want to go.
"When you're popping that Champagne, these are the times that you remember. This is what brings the tears."
The Lakers just didn't look sharp against the Magic.
The Lakers had three players score in double figures, the Magic had five.
The Lakers didn't get a lot of help from their bench, with a combined 16 points. Read Full Story
source
They’ve lost four straight road games, and their Western Conference lead over Dallas is now just three games. ‘We have no choice but to keep going,’ says Derek Fisher.
By Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times
Reporting from Orlando - The Lakers are reeling.
And they know that.
They lost their third consecutive game, this time a physical, trash-talking, technical-filled defeat to the Orlando Magic on Sunday at Amway Arena.
The Lakers had not lost three consecutive games since they acquired Pau Gasol on Feb. 1, 2008.
They are finding that the road to winning back-to-back championships is filled with potholes.
They are 4-5 in their last nine games.
They have lost four straight road games, and their lead over the Dallas Mavericks for the best record in the Western Conference has been whittled down to three games.
"We have to keep believing in the ultimate goal," Derek Fisher said. "That's what helps you stay focused through adversity is realizing that you're still on the path to where you want to go.
"When you're popping that Champagne, these are the times that you remember. This is what brings the tears."
The Lakers just didn't look sharp against the Magic.
The Lakers had three players score in double figures, the Magic had five.
The Lakers didn't get a lot of help from their bench, with a combined 16 points. Read Full Story
source
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Questions keep coming after another stagnant road loss for Lakers
by mike.bresnahan@latimes.com & broderick.turner@latimes.com
Kobe Bryant says they need to bring more. Andrew Bynum says they have to work together.
ANDREW BYNUM looked at the gathering before him Friday night and listened to the question about how the Lakers haven't played a worthy game since Denver last Sunday.
Bynum smiled and answered the question before it was completed, making a statement on what Lakers' fans and the media have been wondering after the Lakers struggled to win the next game against Indiana and then lost the next two on the road at Miami and Charlotte
"What the (heck)? I think that's what everybody is thinking right now," Bynum said following the Lakers' 98-83 loss to the Bobcats.
KOBE BRYANT stood before the media with a frown on his face, his answer curt, and his tone serious and definite.
Bryant identified the problems his team has been having — being flat, not having energy.
And how do the Lakers change what ails them?
"Well, you just got to elevate your game," Bryant said. "The effort and the energy that we're playing with is not enough. You got to bring more. This time last year, it probably would have been enough. When you're champions, you've got to bring more."
The Lakers didn't bring enough of anything against the Bobcats.
They fell behind by 20 points. They turned the ball over 20 times.
They sloshed through a victory over Indiana on Tuesday, lost in overtime at Miami on Thursday and were not the same team after halftime against the Bobcats on Friday.
"We're just disjointed," Bynum said. "We're not playing together. Everybody is kind of a little discombobulated out there. That's the best way to put it. It's just like playing five sets of one-on-ones versus playing together."
Bryant said he would talk to his teammates about what's at stake, about how difficult it is to repeat as NBA champions, something he did when he was a part of the Lakers' three-peat from 2000-2002.
When asked if now is the right time to have a discussion with his teammates, Bryant shrugged.
"I don't know if it's time or not," Bryant said. "I'll just communicate and talk to my guys, just make sure that we continue to move forward and we understand that if we want to repeat as champions, it's not going to be easy. We've got to bring it."
Thumbs down
Another Laker has an injury to his hand.
Ron Artest sustained a sprained left thumb in the third quarter of Thursday's game against Miami and had it taped for Friday's game. He said he did not remember the specific play that caused the injury.
Bryant has dealt with a broken right index finger since December and Lamar Odom often tapes together two fingers on his right hand, to help ease the pressure on a sore index finger.
More recently, Shannon Brown sustained a sprained right thumb and Jordan Farmar has a sprained ligament in his left hand.
"It seems to be a hand-injury year," Coach Phil Jackson said. "They just have to adjust how to play with it."
source: latimes.com
Kobe Bryant says they need to bring more. Andrew Bynum says they have to work together.
ANDREW BYNUM looked at the gathering before him Friday night and listened to the question about how the Lakers haven't played a worthy game since Denver last Sunday.
Bynum smiled and answered the question before it was completed, making a statement on what Lakers' fans and the media have been wondering after the Lakers struggled to win the next game against Indiana and then lost the next two on the road at Miami and Charlotte
"What the (heck)? I think that's what everybody is thinking right now," Bynum said following the Lakers' 98-83 loss to the Bobcats.
KOBE BRYANT stood before the media with a frown on his face, his answer curt, and his tone serious and definite.
Bryant identified the problems his team has been having — being flat, not having energy.
And how do the Lakers change what ails them?
"Well, you just got to elevate your game," Bryant said. "The effort and the energy that we're playing with is not enough. You got to bring more. This time last year, it probably would have been enough. When you're champions, you've got to bring more."
The Lakers didn't bring enough of anything against the Bobcats.
They fell behind by 20 points. They turned the ball over 20 times.
They sloshed through a victory over Indiana on Tuesday, lost in overtime at Miami on Thursday and were not the same team after halftime against the Bobcats on Friday.
"We're just disjointed," Bynum said. "We're not playing together. Everybody is kind of a little discombobulated out there. That's the best way to put it. It's just like playing five sets of one-on-ones versus playing together."
Bryant said he would talk to his teammates about what's at stake, about how difficult it is to repeat as NBA champions, something he did when he was a part of the Lakers' three-peat from 2000-2002.
When asked if now is the right time to have a discussion with his teammates, Bryant shrugged.
"I don't know if it's time or not," Bryant said. "I'll just communicate and talk to my guys, just make sure that we continue to move forward and we understand that if we want to repeat as champions, it's not going to be easy. We've got to bring it."
Thumbs down
Another Laker has an injury to his hand.
Ron Artest sustained a sprained left thumb in the third quarter of Thursday's game against Miami and had it taped for Friday's game. He said he did not remember the specific play that caused the injury.
Bryant has dealt with a broken right index finger since December and Lamar Odom often tapes together two fingers on his right hand, to help ease the pressure on a sore index finger.
More recently, Shannon Brown sustained a sprained right thumb and Jordan Farmar has a sprained ligament in his left hand.
"It seems to be a hand-injury year," Coach Phil Jackson said. "They just have to adjust how to play with it."
source: latimes.com
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Clash of the stars, Wade and Miami Heat won against Bryant and Lakers
Wade and Miami Heat weathered the gutsiness play of Kobe in OT to beat the Lakers in Miami.
Wade has 27 Pts on 9-21 shooting with 5rebs and an impressive 14 Assists. While Kobe Bryant has 39Pts on 15-28 shooting. The difference is the defense. Bryant called for a crucial offensive foul a minute left of overtime and that's the turning point of the game.
It's the Lakers first over time loss in 5 Games and Miami's second win in 3 OT games.
Read more at yahoo.com
Wade has 27 Pts on 9-21 shooting with 5rebs and an impressive 14 Assists. While Kobe Bryant has 39Pts on 15-28 shooting. The difference is the defense. Bryant called for a crucial offensive foul a minute left of overtime and that's the turning point of the game.
It's the Lakers first over time loss in 5 Games and Miami's second win in 3 OT games.
Read more at yahoo.com
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
James files papers to switch from No. 23 to No. 6
by (AP)
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — The number on LeBron James' back will be different next season. The Cleveland Cavaliers can only hope the logo on the front of his jersey remains the same.
James has filed paperwork with the NBA to change his uniform number next season to No. 6 from No. 23, the league confirmed Tuesday. James said earlier this season he would be willing to give up No. 23 in an effort to have the NBA retire it in honor of Michael Jordan.
Paperwork had to be filed this week to request a number change for next season.
"All it does is back up LeBron's beliefs," Cavs coach Mike Brown said. "He's a loyalty guy. When he believes in something, he sticks to his guns and he believes wholeheartedly in what he's doing."
James can become a free agent this summer. He would only need the league's approval to change numbers if he remains in Cleveland. Should he sign with another team, James would be allowed to choose any available number without needing approval.
He dismissed a question about his future shortly after the Cavaliers beat the Knicks 124-93 Monday night.
"I stopped answering free agent questions a long time ago," he said.
James, who declined interview requests on Tuesday, is going from one famous number to another. Julius Erving and Bill Russell both wore No. 6.
"The first thing I think of is Dr. J," Brown said.
James wore No. 6 with the U.S. Olympic team and wears it every day in practice. He isn't the first superstar to change numbers mid-career. Among others, Jordan briefly wore No. 45 after coming out of retirement with the Bulls, and Kobe Bryant more recently switched from No. 8 to No. 24.
"We remember the 8 on Kobe, but we also know the 24," Cavaliers point guard Mo Williams said. "After a year or two, people will look past the old number and let it rest with Jordan."
source: google.com/hostednews
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — The number on LeBron James' back will be different next season. The Cleveland Cavaliers can only hope the logo on the front of his jersey remains the same.
James has filed paperwork with the NBA to change his uniform number next season to No. 6 from No. 23, the league confirmed Tuesday. James said earlier this season he would be willing to give up No. 23 in an effort to have the NBA retire it in honor of Michael Jordan.
Paperwork had to be filed this week to request a number change for next season.
"All it does is back up LeBron's beliefs," Cavs coach Mike Brown said. "He's a loyalty guy. When he believes in something, he sticks to his guns and he believes wholeheartedly in what he's doing."
James can become a free agent this summer. He would only need the league's approval to change numbers if he remains in Cleveland. Should he sign with another team, James would be allowed to choose any available number without needing approval.
He dismissed a question about his future shortly after the Cavaliers beat the Knicks 124-93 Monday night.
"I stopped answering free agent questions a long time ago," he said.
James, who declined interview requests on Tuesday, is going from one famous number to another. Julius Erving and Bill Russell both wore No. 6.
"The first thing I think of is Dr. J," Brown said.
James wore No. 6 with the U.S. Olympic team and wears it every day in practice. He isn't the first superstar to change numbers mid-career. Among others, Jordan briefly wore No. 45 after coming out of retirement with the Bulls, and Kobe Bryant more recently switched from No. 8 to No. 24.
"We remember the 8 on Kobe, but we also know the 24," Cavaliers point guard Mo Williams said. "After a year or two, people will look past the old number and let it rest with Jordan."
source: google.com/hostednews
Lakers try not to dial it down; Bryant looks to dial it up
Coming off big win over Denver, Lakers face a decidedly lesser foe, the Indiana Pacers. Meanwhile, Bryant hopes to relocate his jumper after three sub-par shooting games.
by Broderick Turner
The Lakers are coming off a high, an intense win against Western Conference rival Denver.
Their elation stems partly from Ron Artest's tenacious defense Sunday against Nuggets All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony, plus Lamar Odom's stellar fourth quarter in which he scored nine of his game-high 20 points and collected eight of his 12 rebounds.
Now the Lakers have to zero in on a far lesser opponent.
They play the struggling Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night at Staples Center. The Pacers are 20-39 and have lost seven of their last 10 games.
"I know we're going to go out there and play hard. I know that for a fact," Artest said after practice Monday. "We've been playing hard lately. We haven't been able to get the wins that we want to. Sometimes we play and we lose. But the main thing is to come out tomorrow and we play hard and it'll work itself out."
Bryant searches for his jumper
So, Kobe Bryant, what's going on with your jump shot these days?
"Well, three for 17, I'd say it's a little [messed] up," Bryant said, laughing.
He was referring to his performance Sunday against the Nuggets.
One reason for the concern is that Bryant sat out 18 days — and five games — recovering from a sprained left ankle. Then he came back against the Memphis Grizzlies last week and looked as if he hadn't missed a game.
Bryant was 13 for 19 from the field, including the game-winning three-pointer with 4.3 seconds left. He also made a three-pointer with 54 seconds left to tie the score.
But since that game, Bryant has shot 19 for 56 (33.9%) from the field. He has missed all six of his three-point attempts.
"I had a lot of time off where I wasn't able to shoot the basketball, so that's why it's inconsistent," Bryant said. "Now I've got a chance to get in and kind of work on it a little bit. I did a little bit today and I'll do a little more tomorrow and get it back to that level of consistency that it needs to."
After practice Monday, Bryant played one-on-one against two kids.
On one play, he demonstrated why he is such a competitor, swatting the little kid's shot away and then smiling while talking trash.
"No mercy," Bryant said, laughing. "There's nothing wrong with posting up a little kid. He wants to play one-on-one, he knows full well what he was getting into. Naw, it was fun."
Injury update
Sasha Vujacic, who has been out because of a sprained right shoulder, has been unable to practice, but said he hopes to be available next Monday after the Lakers return home from a three-game trip.
Luke Walton, who has been out because of a pinched nerve in his back, worked out on an exercise machine Monday and said his back felt good, but that "good is a relative term right now."
Etc.
Bryant was asked what his reaction was to Denver Coach George Karl's saying the Lakers turned the game into a wrestling match.
"That's encouraging for us," said Bryant, knowing that his team has been labeled soft. "We've always been the cupcake team. I'm happy to hear that."
source:latimes.com
by Broderick Turner
The Lakers are coming off a high, an intense win against Western Conference rival Denver.
Their elation stems partly from Ron Artest's tenacious defense Sunday against Nuggets All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony, plus Lamar Odom's stellar fourth quarter in which he scored nine of his game-high 20 points and collected eight of his 12 rebounds.
Now the Lakers have to zero in on a far lesser opponent.
They play the struggling Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night at Staples Center. The Pacers are 20-39 and have lost seven of their last 10 games.
"I know we're going to go out there and play hard. I know that for a fact," Artest said after practice Monday. "We've been playing hard lately. We haven't been able to get the wins that we want to. Sometimes we play and we lose. But the main thing is to come out tomorrow and we play hard and it'll work itself out."
Bryant searches for his jumper
So, Kobe Bryant, what's going on with your jump shot these days?
"Well, three for 17, I'd say it's a little [messed] up," Bryant said, laughing.
He was referring to his performance Sunday against the Nuggets.
One reason for the concern is that Bryant sat out 18 days — and five games — recovering from a sprained left ankle. Then he came back against the Memphis Grizzlies last week and looked as if he hadn't missed a game.
Bryant was 13 for 19 from the field, including the game-winning three-pointer with 4.3 seconds left. He also made a three-pointer with 54 seconds left to tie the score.
But since that game, Bryant has shot 19 for 56 (33.9%) from the field. He has missed all six of his three-point attempts.
"I had a lot of time off where I wasn't able to shoot the basketball, so that's why it's inconsistent," Bryant said. "Now I've got a chance to get in and kind of work on it a little bit. I did a little bit today and I'll do a little more tomorrow and get it back to that level of consistency that it needs to."
After practice Monday, Bryant played one-on-one against two kids.
On one play, he demonstrated why he is such a competitor, swatting the little kid's shot away and then smiling while talking trash.
"No mercy," Bryant said, laughing. "There's nothing wrong with posting up a little kid. He wants to play one-on-one, he knows full well what he was getting into. Naw, it was fun."
Injury update
Sasha Vujacic, who has been out because of a sprained right shoulder, has been unable to practice, but said he hopes to be available next Monday after the Lakers return home from a three-game trip.
Luke Walton, who has been out because of a pinched nerve in his back, worked out on an exercise machine Monday and said his back felt good, but that "good is a relative term right now."
Etc.
Bryant was asked what his reaction was to Denver Coach George Karl's saying the Lakers turned the game into a wrestling match.
"That's encouraging for us," said Bryant, knowing that his team has been labeled soft. "We've always been the cupcake team. I'm happy to hear that."
source:latimes.com
Monday, March 1, 2010
Thumb surgery likely to sideline Shaq for remainder of NBA season
CLEVELAND—Cleveland center Shaquille O'Neal had surgery on his injured right thumb on Monday and will likely miss the remainder of the NBA regular season, the Cavaliers said.
If he makes it back for the postseason, the NBA veteran is vowing to make up for lost time.
"He feels like he let us down, but we understand injuries happen in the game," said teammate Jamario Moon, who got a text from the star center along with the other Cavs. "I think he's really down about being out. ... He let us know it's time to continue playing basketball and he's going to be all right."
O'Neal was injured in the Cavaliers' NBA victory at Boston last Thursday, when a shot from him was blocked by Glen Davis in the first half.
He was examined on Sunday by hand specialist Thomas Graham, who performed the surgery on Monday.
The expected eight-week recovery time means O'Neal, who turns 38 on Saturday, might not be ready to play when the playoffs get underway on April 17.
He was acquired by the Cavaliers last summer after Dwight Howard and Orlando eliminated Cleveland in the Eastern Conference finals.
"Will be out for a min but when I return it is on," O'Neal posted on his Twitter account on Monday morning. "Win da ring for da king! Luv my team, Cavs baby!"
Cleveland general manager Danny Ferry said O'Neal will wear a splint for a fortnight, then begin rehabilitation.
"Our guys have done a very good job of stepping up this season. We are confident they will do the same in this situation," Ferry said
source: inquirer.net
If he makes it back for the postseason, the NBA veteran is vowing to make up for lost time.
"He feels like he let us down, but we understand injuries happen in the game," said teammate Jamario Moon, who got a text from the star center along with the other Cavs. "I think he's really down about being out. ... He let us know it's time to continue playing basketball and he's going to be all right."
O'Neal was injured in the Cavaliers' NBA victory at Boston last Thursday, when a shot from him was blocked by Glen Davis in the first half.
He was examined on Sunday by hand specialist Thomas Graham, who performed the surgery on Monday.
The expected eight-week recovery time means O'Neal, who turns 38 on Saturday, might not be ready to play when the playoffs get underway on April 17.
He was acquired by the Cavaliers last summer after Dwight Howard and Orlando eliminated Cleveland in the Eastern Conference finals.
"Will be out for a min but when I return it is on," O'Neal posted on his Twitter account on Monday morning. "Win da ring for da king! Luv my team, Cavs baby!"
Cleveland general manager Danny Ferry said O'Neal will wear a splint for a fortnight, then begin rehabilitation.
"Our guys have done a very good job of stepping up this season. We are confident they will do the same in this situation," Ferry said
source: inquirer.net
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