Pistons stop skid, beat Magic in possible playoff match-up
The Detroit Pistons have been locks in the playoff since 2002, now the boys from Motown are wondering what has happened to their team.
The Pistons were able to get back on track last night as they beat Eastern Conference elite, the Orlando Magic. The Pistons changed their starting line-up once again last night as they started guard Richard Hamilton and benched former MVP Allen Iverson.
"We want to get back into being aggressive, getting in passing lanes and pressing," Hamilton said. "We did a great job of that tonight."
The Pistons have been less than stellar since trading Chauncey Billups to the Denver Nuggets for Iverson a few months back. The Pistons have lost seven in row coming into last nights game and are currently in the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference.
Will the Pistons be able to get back on the winning track and be serious playoff contenders like they have been in previous years? Or could this be the end of an era in Detroit?
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Dirk scores 41 as Mavs beat OKC to hold on to final playoff spot in the west
No Amare, no Nash, no problem, Suns stay alive in playoff hunt
Marbury shines in debut with Celtics
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Marbury signs with Celtics, strengthen bench play
The Boston Celtics might have just added the final piece to their roster to help solidify them as the favored team when the playoffs start in a couple of months.
The defending champs have just signed ex-knick Stephon Marbury to their team after he passed a physical earlier this afternoon. Marbury finally agreed to let the New York Knicks buyout the remainder of his 20.8 million dollar contract and is expected to receive a veteran minimum while playing with Boston for the remainder of the year.
"We are very excited to have a player of Stephon's caliber joining our team," Celtics general manager Danny Ainge said in a statement. "Our entire organization is confident in the belief that Stephon can play an important role in helping us to win another championship."
The Celtics where desperately looking for help off the bench after losing Forwards James Posey and PJ Brown during the off season. Marbury should help fill that void, he has averaged 19.7 points and 7.8 assist per game over his 12 year career, even though he has been on the decline while playing in New York since 2004.
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Pistons continue to struggle, struggle to find new identity after years of domination
Kobe ruins Shaq's return to LA, as Lakers rout Suns
Rockets improve to 6-0 without Superstar McGrady, move to 3rd seed in Western Conference
The Boston Celtics might have just added the final piece to their roster to help solidify them as the favored team when the playoffs start in a couple of months.
The defending champs have just signed ex-knick Stephon Marbury to their team after he passed a physical earlier this afternoon. Marbury finally agreed to let the New York Knicks buyout the remainder of his 20.8 million dollar contract and is expected to receive a veteran minimum while playing with Boston for the remainder of the year.
"We are very excited to have a player of Stephon's caliber joining our team," Celtics general manager Danny Ainge said in a statement. "Our entire organization is confident in the belief that Stephon can play an important role in helping us to win another championship."
The Celtics where desperately looking for help off the bench after losing Forwards James Posey and PJ Brown during the off season. Marbury should help fill that void, he has averaged 19.7 points and 7.8 assist per game over his 12 year career, even though he has been on the decline while playing in New York since 2004.
Additional Stories:
Pistons continue to struggle, struggle to find new identity after years of domination
Kobe ruins Shaq's return to LA, as Lakers rout Suns
Rockets improve to 6-0 without Superstar McGrady, move to 3rd seed in Western Conference
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Amare-less Suns come up short against Celtics in much needed win
Amare-less Suns come up short against Celtics in much needed win
Earlier in the week it seemed that the Phoenix Suns were back and could make a run for a championship after a coaching change and a change of style. Then after an injury to Superstar Amare Stoudemire it seems that those championship dreams have faded.
The Suns lost to the Boston Celtics this afternoon in what was a "measuring stick game." The Suns came up short losing 128-108. This was the first time in three games that the Suns failed to score at least 140 points, and was the first game without Amare Stoudemire who had surgery on his eye on Friday.
"We've got a lot of work to do," Suns point guard Steve Nash said.
Nash had a double-double of 19 points and 11 assists but it was not enough to overcome the defending champs. Rajon Rondo of the Boston Celtics scored a career high 32 points and added 10 assists and 6 rebounds as well.
The lost now puts the Suns a game and a half back of Utah for the eight and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Phoenix will have to step up next week if they want to remain in playoff contention, they will play the defending Western Conference Champs the Los Angeles Lakers next Thursday at the Staples Center.
Additional Headlines:
Wade scores career high but lose to Magic in potential playoff match-up
LeBron and Cavs reign supreme over Pistons take control of Eastern Conference lead
Ginobili out 2-3 weeks with ankle injury as Spurs try to maintain home court advantage in West
Earlier in the week it seemed that the Phoenix Suns were back and could make a run for a championship after a coaching change and a change of style. Then after an injury to Superstar Amare Stoudemire it seems that those championship dreams have faded.
The Suns lost to the Boston Celtics this afternoon in what was a "measuring stick game." The Suns came up short losing 128-108. This was the first time in three games that the Suns failed to score at least 140 points, and was the first game without Amare Stoudemire who had surgery on his eye on Friday.
"We've got a lot of work to do," Suns point guard Steve Nash said.
Nash had a double-double of 19 points and 11 assists but it was not enough to overcome the defending champs. Rajon Rondo of the Boston Celtics scored a career high 32 points and added 10 assists and 6 rebounds as well.
The lost now puts the Suns a game and a half back of Utah for the eight and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Phoenix will have to step up next week if they want to remain in playoff contention, they will play the defending Western Conference Champs the Los Angeles Lakers next Thursday at the Staples Center.
Additional Headlines:
Wade scores career high but lose to Magic in potential playoff match-up
LeBron and Cavs reign supreme over Pistons take control of Eastern Conference lead
Ginobili out 2-3 weeks with ankle injury as Spurs try to maintain home court advantage in West
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Stoudemire to miss remainder of regular season with eye injury
Stoudemire to miss remainder of regular season with eye injury
A couple of weeks ago Amare Stoudemire was the biggest name on the trade market and ended up going nowhere. Now the Suns have essentially traded him for nothing in return.
Doctors have said that Stoudemire is expected to miss the rest of the regular season after suffering a detached retina in a game earlier in the week against the Los Angeles Clippers.
"I was having problems with blurriness from sweat and getting a good fit," Stoudemire said at the time. "Enough was enough."
Yesterday, Stoudemire had surgery to repair the retina, and he is expected to have a 100 percent recovery, but at what cost? The Suns are currently in the 9th seed in the Western Conference and they are now losing their best player who scores on average 25 points per game.
The Western Conference has nine playoff caliber teams and only eight chairs at the table. Who will be on the outside looking in? If the Suns are not able to rally and have certain players step up to fill the void the Suns will be having a long off-season, something that is not acceptable in Phoenix.
Additional Headlines:
KG out for 2-3 weeks with injury, home-court advantage in question
LeBron scores season high 55, takes advantage of openings in Eastern Conference
Alston solidifies point guard spot for Magic for championship run
A couple of weeks ago Amare Stoudemire was the biggest name on the trade market and ended up going nowhere. Now the Suns have essentially traded him for nothing in return.
Doctors have said that Stoudemire is expected to miss the rest of the regular season after suffering a detached retina in a game earlier in the week against the Los Angeles Clippers.
"I was having problems with blurriness from sweat and getting a good fit," Stoudemire said at the time. "Enough was enough."
Yesterday, Stoudemire had surgery to repair the retina, and he is expected to have a 100 percent recovery, but at what cost? The Suns are currently in the 9th seed in the Western Conference and they are now losing their best player who scores on average 25 points per game.
The Western Conference has nine playoff caliber teams and only eight chairs at the table. Who will be on the outside looking in? If the Suns are not able to rally and have certain players step up to fill the void the Suns will be having a long off-season, something that is not acceptable in Phoenix.
Additional Headlines:
KG out for 2-3 weeks with injury, home-court advantage in question
LeBron scores season high 55, takes advantage of openings in Eastern Conference
Alston solidifies point guard spot for Magic for championship run
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Suns heating up, back to up-tempo style
Suns heating up, back to up-tempo style
A couple of weeks ago the Phoenix Suns season looked over for sure, if anyone has watched their last two games they would think they are watching the Suns of old.
The Suns are back to there run and gun style that has won them 50 plus games over the past couple of years. It has brought playoff hopes back to city, and this all began after the firing of former coach Terry Porter and appointing players favorite Alvin Gentry.
"We just ran and played free" said Amare Stoudemire. "It felt totally different."
Stoudemire, who was involved in trade talks with multiple teams looks like he will be staying in Pheonix after all. Many people believe the reason Stoudemire ended up staying in Phoenix was because of the firing of Porter. Porter milk-the-clock offense was not the Suns style and was apparent as they struggled to remain in playoff contention throughout the first half of the season.
"Alvin wanted us to play loose and up-tempo, and I think that was contagious," said Steve Nash
The question remains: Is it too late for the Suns to come together for a playoff run? If the Suns are able to continue this type of play they can be a force in the Western Conference come playoff time.
Chandler fails physical, returns to New Orleans
T-Mac out for season, Houston title hopes in jeopardy
Alston skips to Orlando as Nelson gets surgery
A couple of weeks ago the Phoenix Suns season looked over for sure, if anyone has watched their last two games they would think they are watching the Suns of old.
The Suns are back to there run and gun style that has won them 50 plus games over the past couple of years. It has brought playoff hopes back to city, and this all began after the firing of former coach Terry Porter and appointing players favorite Alvin Gentry.
"We just ran and played free" said Amare Stoudemire. "It felt totally different."
Stoudemire, who was involved in trade talks with multiple teams looks like he will be staying in Pheonix after all. Many people believe the reason Stoudemire ended up staying in Phoenix was because of the firing of Porter. Porter milk-the-clock offense was not the Suns style and was apparent as they struggled to remain in playoff contention throughout the first half of the season.
"Alvin wanted us to play loose and up-tempo, and I think that was contagious," said Steve Nash
The question remains: Is it too late for the Suns to come together for a playoff run? If the Suns are able to continue this type of play they can be a force in the Western Conference come playoff time.
Chandler fails physical, returns to New Orleans
T-Mac out for season, Houston title hopes in jeopardy
Alston skips to Orlando as Nelson gets surgery
Sunday, February 15, 2009
West beats East 146-119, Shaq and Kobe share MVP honors
Five years ago the dynamic duo of Shaq and Kobe was so rough that the city of Los Angeles was not big enough for the two of them, tonight made fans forget that drama.
O'Neal and Bryant helped lead the Western Conference to a dominant performance beating the Eastern Conference 146-119 in the 58th annual NBA All-Star Game. The former duo shared MVP honors becoming the first to do so since 2000 when O'Neal split the award with Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs.
This was the first time that O'Neal and Bryant have been teammates since 2004 when they lost in the NBA Finals to the Detroit Pistons. In addition, O'Neal and Bryant were joined by their coach Phil Jackson who help lead Bryant and O'Neal to three championships. Jackson was the West All-Stars coach.
"It felt like flashbacks. It felt like '99 to '02."O'Neal said during an interview on TNT.
Bryant lead all scorers with 27 points while O'Neal added 17. LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavilers lead the Eastern All-Stars with 20 points. O'Neal and Bryant join Michael Jordan and Oscar Robinson for winning All-Star MVP honors three times. Bob Pettit leads all-time in winning the award by receiving the honor four times.
Full story at http://www.espn.com/
Additional Headlines:
Update: Gentry to replace Porter as Suns head coach on Monday
Stoudemire wants a say in Suns trade discussions
Mavs and Spurs intrested in Carter to help playoff chances
Five years ago the dynamic duo of Shaq and Kobe was so rough that the city of Los Angeles was not big enough for the two of them, tonight made fans forget that drama.
O'Neal and Bryant helped lead the Western Conference to a dominant performance beating the Eastern Conference 146-119 in the 58th annual NBA All-Star Game. The former duo shared MVP honors becoming the first to do so since 2000 when O'Neal split the award with Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs.
This was the first time that O'Neal and Bryant have been teammates since 2004 when they lost in the NBA Finals to the Detroit Pistons. In addition, O'Neal and Bryant were joined by their coach Phil Jackson who help lead Bryant and O'Neal to three championships. Jackson was the West All-Stars coach.
"It felt like flashbacks. It felt like '99 to '02."O'Neal said during an interview on TNT.
Bryant lead all scorers with 27 points while O'Neal added 17. LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavilers lead the Eastern All-Stars with 20 points. O'Neal and Bryant join Michael Jordan and Oscar Robinson for winning All-Star MVP honors three times. Bob Pettit leads all-time in winning the award by receiving the honor four times.
Full story at http://www.espn.com/
Additional Headlines:
Update: Gentry to replace Porter as Suns head coach on Monday
Stoudemire wants a say in Suns trade discussions
Mavs and Spurs intrested in Carter to help playoff chances
All-Star Saturday night has superhero feel
All-Star Saturday night has superhero feel
In the comic books Superman is always able to foil the plans of Lex Luther and come out victorious in the end, Saturday night in Phoenix Lex Luther came away with the victory.
Nate "Lex Luthor" Robinson was able to dethrone the defending slam dunk champion Dwight "Superman" Howard in tonight's NBA Dunk Contest. Howard came out strong putting up two perfect scores in the first round of competition including dunking on a 12 foot goal just after he put on his superman cape which he did the year before.
"It is all about having fun," Howard said. "Hey, he won fair and square. The fans loved it. We tried to put on a good show. That's what it is all about at All-Star weekend. It doesn't matter who wins or loses."
Going into the final round Nate Robinson sported a kryptonite green uniform and shoes which was able to help him jump over the seven foot Superman to seal the win for the contest.
"I asked him yesterday in the elevator," Robinson said. "He was like, 'Hey, I'll do it.' I thought he was joking."
Robinson is a two time winner of the competition winning this year and in 2006.
Additional Headlines:
More dispair in Phoenix, coaching changes possible
Rookie Rose shows he has skill
Cook heats up, wins three-point contest
In the comic books Superman is always able to foil the plans of Lex Luther and come out victorious in the end, Saturday night in Phoenix Lex Luther came away with the victory.
Nate "Lex Luthor" Robinson was able to dethrone the defending slam dunk champion Dwight "Superman" Howard in tonight's NBA Dunk Contest. Howard came out strong putting up two perfect scores in the first round of competition including dunking on a 12 foot goal just after he put on his superman cape which he did the year before.
"It is all about having fun," Howard said. "Hey, he won fair and square. The fans loved it. We tried to put on a good show. That's what it is all about at All-Star weekend. It doesn't matter who wins or loses."
Going into the final round Nate Robinson sported a kryptonite green uniform and shoes which was able to help him jump over the seven foot Superman to seal the win for the contest.
"I asked him yesterday in the elevator," Robinson said. "He was like, 'Hey, I'll do it.' I thought he was joking."
Robinson is a two time winner of the competition winning this year and in 2006.
Additional Headlines:
More dispair in Phoenix, coaching changes possible
Rookie Rose shows he has skill
Cook heats up, wins three-point contest
Friday, February 13, 2009
Durant sets record as Sophomores beat Rookies in first game of All-Star weekend
Durant sets record as Sophomores beat Rookies in first game of All-Star weekend
Every February in the NBA comes a time when the best talent in the league is put on display. It starts with the up-and-coming stars and finishes with the best players in the world. Tonight was the night when and up-and-comer became a legit star.
Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder help lead his Sophomore team to a victory over the Rookies in the T-Mobile Rookie-Sophomore challenge in Phoenix tonight. Durant scored a record 46 points in the win shattering the previous mark, 34, set by then sophomore Amare Stoudemire.
"I approached it like a regular game," Durant said. "I wanted to go out and have fun. Fortunately my shots were going down."
The sophomores have one the last seven match-ups against the rookies. Micheal Beasly lead the rookies with 29 points, but the night obviously belonged to Durant. Although Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder do not have a chance to make the playoffs this year it is still a positive to see their "franchise player" dominate the competition. Hopefully in the future Durant and the Thunder can become a championship quality team.
The weekend festivities have just begun. Saturday night will bring the 3-point competition and the beloved dunk contest which will features last years winner Dwight Howard. The weekend will finish up on Sunday as the East meets the West in the 58th annual All-Star game.
Additional Headlines:
O'Neal, Marion deal start off All-Star weekend with a bang
Celtics show championship poise, come back to beat Mavs
Utah look to make playoff push after All-Star break
Every February in the NBA comes a time when the best talent in the league is put on display. It starts with the up-and-coming stars and finishes with the best players in the world. Tonight was the night when and up-and-comer became a legit star.
Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder help lead his Sophomore team to a victory over the Rookies in the T-Mobile Rookie-Sophomore challenge in Phoenix tonight. Durant scored a record 46 points in the win shattering the previous mark, 34, set by then sophomore Amare Stoudemire.
"I approached it like a regular game," Durant said. "I wanted to go out and have fun. Fortunately my shots were going down."
The sophomores have one the last seven match-ups against the rookies. Micheal Beasly lead the rookies with 29 points, but the night obviously belonged to Durant. Although Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder do not have a chance to make the playoffs this year it is still a positive to see their "franchise player" dominate the competition. Hopefully in the future Durant and the Thunder can become a championship quality team.
The weekend festivities have just begun. Saturday night will bring the 3-point competition and the beloved dunk contest which will features last years winner Dwight Howard. The weekend will finish up on Sunday as the East meets the West in the 58th annual All-Star game.
Additional Headlines:
O'Neal, Marion deal start off All-Star weekend with a bang
Celtics show championship poise, come back to beat Mavs
Utah look to make playoff push after All-Star break
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Bryant and Lakers end Cavs 23 game home unbeaten streak
Bryant and Lakers end Cavs 23 game home unbeaten streak
It is only fitting for the two players who set records at Madison Square Garden finish the week off by playing one another.
Today, Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers beat LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavilers 101-91. The Lakers win ended the Cavilers 23 home game unbeaten streak.
Neither Bryant of James played extremely well, Lamar Odom had a season high 28 points for the Lakers while Zydrunas Ilgauskas led the Cavs in scoring with 22 points. Bryant finished with 19 points on 8 of 17 shooting while James had 16 points, 12 assists and 8 rebounds.
The win made the Lakers the first team in NBA history to win back-to-back games against teams with a winning percentage of .800 or better at least 40 games into the season.
This was the final regular season match-up between Bryant and James, the next time they could possibly meet is in a showdown at the NBA Finals.
For the full story head to espn.com
Additional Headlines:
Duncan and Sprus surge past Celtics in possible finals match-up
Mavs lose Terry with injury, teammates must step up to stay in playoff hunt
Suns wanting to deal Stoudemire or Shaq to help make playoff run
It is only fitting for the two players who set records at Madison Square Garden finish the week off by playing one another.
Today, Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers beat LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavilers 101-91. The Lakers win ended the Cavilers 23 home game unbeaten streak.
Neither Bryant of James played extremely well, Lamar Odom had a season high 28 points for the Lakers while Zydrunas Ilgauskas led the Cavs in scoring with 22 points. Bryant finished with 19 points on 8 of 17 shooting while James had 16 points, 12 assists and 8 rebounds.
The win made the Lakers the first team in NBA history to win back-to-back games against teams with a winning percentage of .800 or better at least 40 games into the season.
This was the final regular season match-up between Bryant and James, the next time they could possibly meet is in a showdown at the NBA Finals.
For the full story head to espn.com
Additional Headlines:
Duncan and Sprus surge past Celtics in possible finals match-up
Mavs lose Terry with injury, teammates must step up to stay in playoff hunt
Suns wanting to deal Stoudemire or Shaq to help make playoff run
Friday, February 6, 2009
LeBron's triple-double at MSG not to be
LeBron's triple-double at MSG not to be
It has been a dream week for basketball fans at Madison Square Garden, however one players memorable performance has been brought down a couple of notches.
Wednesday night, LeBron James became the first player since 1975 to score at least 50 points and record triple-double, or so we thought. Today the NBA has determined that one of James's 10 rebounds should have been credited to center Ben Wallace.
The NBA has released a statement reviewing the game: "All NBA games are reviewed to ensure the accuracy of the game statistics."
James's 52 points, 11 assists and 9 rebounds came two nights after the reigning MVP Kobe Bryant scored 61 points setting the record for most points by an opponent at The Garden. On Sunday, Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers play James and the Cleveland Cavilers at 2:30 p.m. on ABC.
Additional Headlines:
Magic trade for Lue to keep championship hopes alive
Boston back to winning ways, complete dream week at Madison Square Garden
Nash and Suns continue to struggle, more questions arise as trade deadline approaches
It has been a dream week for basketball fans at Madison Square Garden, however one players memorable performance has been brought down a couple of notches.
Wednesday night, LeBron James became the first player since 1975 to score at least 50 points and record triple-double, or so we thought. Today the NBA has determined that one of James's 10 rebounds should have been credited to center Ben Wallace.
The NBA has released a statement reviewing the game: "All NBA games are reviewed to ensure the accuracy of the game statistics."
James's 52 points, 11 assists and 9 rebounds came two nights after the reigning MVP Kobe Bryant scored 61 points setting the record for most points by an opponent at The Garden. On Sunday, Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers play James and the Cleveland Cavilers at 2:30 p.m. on ABC.
Additional Headlines:
Magic trade for Lue to keep championship hopes alive
Boston back to winning ways, complete dream week at Madison Square Garden
Nash and Suns continue to struggle, more questions arise as trade deadline approaches
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Kobe and LeBron Set Records At The Garden
Kobe and LeBron Set Records At The Garden
The two biggest names in the basketball world today proved there greatness on back to back games at the mecca of basketball.
On Monday night, Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers scored the most points by a visiting player in Madison Square Garden history, 61. 48-hours-later, LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavilers came in to The Garden and scored 52 points. James also had 10 rebounds and 11 assist making him the first player to score at least 50 points and have a triple-double since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1975.
Both Bryant and James showed just how good they are on the biggest stage in basketball. The question now is, whose performance was more impressive, Kobe's or LeBron's?
James's line was more well rounded than Bryant's. Kobe scored 61 points, but had zero rebounds and only three assist. However, Bryant scored the most points ever by a visiting opponent. That includes the names of Iverson, Bird and Jordan.
James has scored 50 plus points in his last two trips to New York, and if he would have made a a couple of his five missed three-pointers and would have hit the three free throws he missed, Bryant's 61 points would have been broken and this conversation would not be taking place. The question of whose performance was better can go both ways, and fans have already begun the great debate.
*Which performance do you feel is better? Comment below!
For original story click here.
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