Celtics, Powe out for rest of playoffs with torn ACL
It looks like Kevin Garnett will have some company on the sideline as backup forward Leon Powe will be out for the remainder of the postseason.
Powe tore his ACL in his left knee in the second quarter in last nights win against the Chicago Bulls. Powe who was out for almost all of March due to a right knee problem will now have sit out to rehab his other knee now.
The Celtics were able to still beat the Bulls 118-115 last night to even the series at 1-1. They were led behind Ray Allen who scored 27 points in the second half. The Celtics were depending on Powe and Glen Davis to fill the void with Garnett being out. Now they will have to rely even more on Davis and rarely used Mikki Moore.
The Bulls who have surprised a lot of people by keeping games close with the defending champions have a lot of people thinking that the baby Bulls can actually win this series. With Powe going down the Bulls should be able to win the rebounding battle which can give them a realistic shot at winning the series.
Additional Headlines:
He Got Game: Allen hits game winner against Bulls
Parker and Spurs even series 1-1, beat Mavs
Dampier to Parker, "I'm putting him on his back"
Showing posts with label Basketball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Basketball. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Celtics lose KG
Garnett possibly for the playoffs
The big three in Boston is now the big two as the defending champion Celtics are losing the big ticket for the first round of the playoffs and possibly the entire postseason.
Kevin Garnett knee is still giving him problems and his own coach is saying that he is not ready for playoff basketball. Garnett is the backbone for the defending champion Celtics, he is their inspirational leader and the center piece of that tough defensive front.
"It's not official that he's out for the entire playoffs, but it's official as far as I'm concerned," said Doc Rivers, head coach of the Celtics before practice at the team's workout facility. "I just don't see how. I hope I'm wrong, but I just don't see it."
If KG is out for the playoffs more than the big two in Ray Allen and Paul Pierce will have to step up. Role players such as Rajon Rondo, Glen "Big Baby" Davis and Leon Poe will have to contribute and fill the void of the big ticket. The Celtics will get past there first round match-up against the Bulls, however, after that, it does not look good for the champs.
Additional Headlines:
Mavs beat Rockets Clinch 6th Seed
Philly beat Cavs, secure 6th seed in East and ruin Cavs record setting night
Spurs beat Hornets in OT, Clinch 3rd seed in West
The big three in Boston is now the big two as the defending champion Celtics are losing the big ticket for the first round of the playoffs and possibly the entire postseason.
Kevin Garnett knee is still giving him problems and his own coach is saying that he is not ready for playoff basketball. Garnett is the backbone for the defending champion Celtics, he is their inspirational leader and the center piece of that tough defensive front.
"It's not official that he's out for the entire playoffs, but it's official as far as I'm concerned," said Doc Rivers, head coach of the Celtics before practice at the team's workout facility. "I just don't see how. I hope I'm wrong, but I just don't see it."
If KG is out for the playoffs more than the big two in Ray Allen and Paul Pierce will have to step up. Role players such as Rajon Rondo, Glen "Big Baby" Davis and Leon Poe will have to contribute and fill the void of the big ticket. The Celtics will get past there first round match-up against the Bulls, however, after that, it does not look good for the champs.
Additional Headlines:
Mavs beat Rockets Clinch 6th Seed
Philly beat Cavs, secure 6th seed in East and ruin Cavs record setting night
Spurs beat Hornets in OT, Clinch 3rd seed in West
Monday, April 13, 2009
Hornets get redemption on Mavs
The Dallas Mavericks were looking to gain sole control of the sixth seed in the Western Conference this afternoon when they tried to win their second straight game over the New Orleans Hornets, however Chris Paul decided otherwise.
The Hornets were able to get the win over the Mavericks in the big easy this afternoon by beating the Mavericks by a score of 102-92. The Hornets were led by Paul who was a rebound shy of a triple-double. Paul had 31 points 17 assist and nine rebounds. The win gives the Hornets control over the sixth seed in the West with two games left to play
"Obviously, you want to be seeded as high as possible, but it's all about us playing well," Paul said. "Whatever seed we get, I think we'll be fine."
The Hornets will travel on the road to take on the San Antonio Spurs and the Houston Rockets while the Mavericks will return home to face the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Rockets. This next week will be a fun one to watch in the Western Conference
Additional headlines:
Cavs destroy defending champs
Questionable three gives Spurs win in Sacramento
D-Wade goes for 55 in the Garden
The Dallas Mavericks were looking to gain sole control of the sixth seed in the Western Conference this afternoon when they tried to win their second straight game over the New Orleans Hornets, however Chris Paul decided otherwise.
The Hornets were able to get the win over the Mavericks in the big easy this afternoon by beating the Mavericks by a score of 102-92. The Hornets were led by Paul who was a rebound shy of a triple-double. Paul had 31 points 17 assist and nine rebounds. The win gives the Hornets control over the sixth seed in the West with two games left to play
"Obviously, you want to be seeded as high as possible, but it's all about us playing well," Paul said. "Whatever seed we get, I think we'll be fine."
The Hornets will travel on the road to take on the San Antonio Spurs and the Houston Rockets while the Mavericks will return home to face the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Rockets. This next week will be a fun one to watch in the Western Conference
Additional headlines:
Cavs destroy defending champs
Questionable three gives Spurs win in Sacramento
D-Wade goes for 55 in the Garden
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Mavs in the hunt for 6th seed in West
Mavs get another big win
The Dallas Mavericks are on a roll as they won another huge game last night against the New Orleans Hornets. The Mavs beat the Hornets 100-92.
With the win the Mavericks now move into the seventh seed in the Western Conference after being the eighth place team for most of the season. The Mavericks were led by Josh Howard who had 25 points and 11 rebounds in the win.
"Everybody that got in the game tonight was crashing the boards and just doing the right things at the right time," Howard said.
With the win the Mavs record is identical to the Hornets who have the six seed in the West, however the Hornets own the tiebreaker with more head to head wins. That can change tomorrow afternoon win the Mavs and Hornets will play again, this time in New Orleans. If the Mavs can get a win they will move into the sixth seed in the Western Conference with only three games left to play in the regular season.
Additional Headlines:
Blazers shock Lakers win 106-98
Jazz lose again, drop to 8th seed in West
LeBron and Cavs win again, officially clinch top seed in East
The Dallas Mavericks are on a roll as they won another huge game last night against the New Orleans Hornets. The Mavs beat the Hornets 100-92.
With the win the Mavericks now move into the seventh seed in the Western Conference after being the eighth place team for most of the season. The Mavericks were led by Josh Howard who had 25 points and 11 rebounds in the win.
"Everybody that got in the game tonight was crashing the boards and just doing the right things at the right time," Howard said.
With the win the Mavs record is identical to the Hornets who have the six seed in the West, however the Hornets own the tiebreaker with more head to head wins. That can change tomorrow afternoon win the Mavs and Hornets will play again, this time in New Orleans. If the Mavs can get a win they will move into the sixth seed in the Western Conference with only three games left to play in the regular season.
Additional Headlines:
Blazers shock Lakers win 106-98
Jazz lose again, drop to 8th seed in West
LeBron and Cavs win again, officially clinch top seed in East
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Suns are done
Mavs crush Jazz, tied for 7th seed
The Dallas Mavericks played their biggest two games of year on Sunday and last night, both nights they were able to step up to the challenge.
The Mavericks crushed the seventh seed Utah Jazz last night in Dallas by a score of 130-101. The Mavs were able to kill two birds with one stone last night, they are now tied for the seventh seed in the Western Conference with Utah and they officially eliminated any chance for the Phoenix Suns to make the playoffs.
"Knowing the importance of each game and the sense of urgency, we treat every game like it's a Game 7 playoff game," said Mavericks guard Jason Terry, who scored 21 points last night.
The Mavericks have a chance to move up to the sixth seed in the West as they will play the sixth seed New Orleans Hornets on Friday and then again on Sunday. The Mavs are currently only one game back of the Hornets with four games left to play in the regular season.
Additional Headlines:
Porland beat Spurs, 3-way tie for three seed
Ginobili done for year, Spurs championship hopes in trouble
Cavs one win away from winning east
The Dallas Mavericks played their biggest two games of year on Sunday and last night, both nights they were able to step up to the challenge.
The Mavericks crushed the seventh seed Utah Jazz last night in Dallas by a score of 130-101. The Mavs were able to kill two birds with one stone last night, they are now tied for the seventh seed in the Western Conference with Utah and they officially eliminated any chance for the Phoenix Suns to make the playoffs.
"Knowing the importance of each game and the sense of urgency, we treat every game like it's a Game 7 playoff game," said Mavericks guard Jason Terry, who scored 21 points last night.
The Mavericks have a chance to move up to the sixth seed in the West as they will play the sixth seed New Orleans Hornets on Friday and then again on Sunday. The Mavs are currently only one game back of the Hornets with four games left to play in the regular season.
Additional Headlines:
Porland beat Spurs, 3-way tie for three seed
Ginobili done for year, Spurs championship hopes in trouble
Cavs one win away from winning east
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Cavs and Magic battle for best in the East, Magic dominate 116-87
If I were to tell you the Cleveland Cavilers and the Orlando Magic were playing and the final score was 116-87 you would probably guess the Cavs won, right? That was not the case last night.
The third seed Magic crushed the top seeded Cavilers 116-87 last night in Orlando. It was the first time in LeBron James's career where he has ever been down by 40 points. The Magic were on fire shooting 53 percent from the field. The Magic were led by Dwight Howard who had 20 points and 11 rebounds in the victory.
""We did not have a guy who didn't play well tonight, not a guy," said Stan Van Gundy, head coach of the Orlando Magic.
The goal for any team in the eastern conference in the playoffs is to try and stay away from Cleveland for as long as possible. However, for the Magic this win might have given them the confidence to really believe they could beat Cleveland in seven game series.
Additional Headlines:
Suns win seventh straight at home, makes Sunday match-up against Mavs HUGE
Celtics beat Hawks, maintain number two spot in the East
Wade and Heat clinch playoff spot with 97-92 over the Bobcats
If I were to tell you the Cleveland Cavilers and the Orlando Magic were playing and the final score was 116-87 you would probably guess the Cavs won, right? That was not the case last night.
The third seed Magic crushed the top seeded Cavilers 116-87 last night in Orlando. It was the first time in LeBron James's career where he has ever been down by 40 points. The Magic were on fire shooting 53 percent from the field. The Magic were led by Dwight Howard who had 20 points and 11 rebounds in the victory.
""We did not have a guy who didn't play well tonight, not a guy," said Stan Van Gundy, head coach of the Orlando Magic.
The goal for any team in the eastern conference in the playoffs is to try and stay away from Cleveland for as long as possible. However, for the Magic this win might have given them the confidence to really believe they could beat Cleveland in seven game series.
Additional Headlines:
Suns win seventh straight at home, makes Sunday match-up against Mavs HUGE
Celtics beat Hawks, maintain number two spot in the East
Wade and Heat clinch playoff spot with 97-92 over the Bobcats
Friday, March 27, 2009
Six game streak snapped
Blazers snap Suns six game winning streak
The Phoenix Suns came into last nights game against the Portland Trailblazers on six game winning streak and had some momentum to make a push for the final playoff spot in the western conference. It is amazing how one game can change things.
The Suns lost to the Blazers 129-109 last night in Portland. The Suns, who are currently three games out of the eighth and final playoff spot in the west really needed to keep their winning streak going last night but were not able to get it done.
"We cut ourselves into a deep hole with too many mistakes, and they capitalized on out mistakes," said Shaquille O'Neal, who had 20 points for the Suns. "We left their shooters open way too much and they knocked down the shots. They had a lot of energy."
The Suns do not have time to dwell on the lost as they have another tough game as they face the Utah Jazz on Saturday in Salt Lake City.
Additional Headlines:
Kobe and Lakers beat reeling Pistons, Detroit fighting to stay alive in Eastern Conference
Celtics and Hawks battle for elite position in the East
Mavericks look to get big win against Nuggets to be tied for seventh seed in the West
The Phoenix Suns came into last nights game against the Portland Trailblazers on six game winning streak and had some momentum to make a push for the final playoff spot in the western conference. It is amazing how one game can change things.
The Suns lost to the Blazers 129-109 last night in Portland. The Suns, who are currently three games out of the eighth and final playoff spot in the west really needed to keep their winning streak going last night but were not able to get it done.
"We cut ourselves into a deep hole with too many mistakes, and they capitalized on out mistakes," said Shaquille O'Neal, who had 20 points for the Suns. "We left their shooters open way too much and they knocked down the shots. They had a lot of energy."
The Suns do not have time to dwell on the lost as they have another tough game as they face the Utah Jazz on Saturday in Salt Lake City.
Additional Headlines:
Kobe and Lakers beat reeling Pistons, Detroit fighting to stay alive in Eastern Conference
Celtics and Hawks battle for elite position in the East
Mavericks look to get big win against Nuggets to be tied for seventh seed in the West
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Suns still burning
Phoenix gets BIG win against Utah to remain in playoff hunt
The Phoenix Suns needed a big win last night against the six seed Utah Jazz to remain in the playoff picture, they got it.
The Suns were able to beat the Jazz by a score of 118-114. The Suns were led by 36-year-old veteran Grant Hill with 26 points and 5 rebounds.
"He's playing as good as when he was 25. The big thing is he's healthy. He's made a lot of big plays for us," said Alvin Gentry, head coach of the Suns.
The win puts the Suns three games back of the Dallas Mavericks for the eighth and final playoff spot in the western conference. Both teams have 11 games left in the regular season and will meet April. 5 in Dallas. It is coming down to the wire and every game counts, especially in the western conference.
Additional Headlines:
Magic clinch Southeast Division title after beating Celtics 84-82
Denver moves past New Orleans for final home playoff spot after beating Hornets 101-88
Mavericks maintain three game lead over Suns for final playoff spot
The Phoenix Suns needed a big win last night against the six seed Utah Jazz to remain in the playoff picture, they got it.
The Suns were able to beat the Jazz by a score of 118-114. The Suns were led by 36-year-old veteran Grant Hill with 26 points and 5 rebounds.
"He's playing as good as when he was 25. The big thing is he's healthy. He's made a lot of big plays for us," said Alvin Gentry, head coach of the Suns.
The win puts the Suns three games back of the Dallas Mavericks for the eighth and final playoff spot in the western conference. Both teams have 11 games left in the regular season and will meet April. 5 in Dallas. It is coming down to the wire and every game counts, especially in the western conference.
Additional Headlines:
Magic clinch Southeast Division title after beating Celtics 84-82
Denver moves past New Orleans for final home playoff spot after beating Hornets 101-88
Mavericks maintain three game lead over Suns for final playoff spot
Sunday, March 15, 2009
First place Lakers beat eighth place Mavericks 107-100
If the playoffs started today this would have been a first round match-up between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks, and this probably would have been the result.
Kobe Bryant and the Lakers beat Dirk Nowitizki and the Mavs 107-100 earlier this afternoon. The Mavs had the lead deep in the fourth quarter but the Lakers, lead by Kobe Bryant went on a 12-0 run to end the game giving them the win.
"It's why he's Kobe Bryant," said Jason Terry, who led the Mavs with 29 points. "He does things in the fourth quarter that only a few players can do."
The Mavericks have a four-and-a-half game lead over the Phoenix Suns for the final playoff spot in the western conference with 16 games to play. However, if the Mavericks stay in the eighth seed in the west and are forced to play the Lakers they may not want to be in the playoffs at all.
Additional Headlines:
Suns get much needed win in bay area
Williams leaves game with injured knee, Jazz try to remain seventh seed in west
LeBron and Cavs close to securing home-court advantage, improve to 29-1 at home
If the playoffs started today this would have been a first round match-up between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks, and this probably would have been the result.
Kobe Bryant and the Lakers beat Dirk Nowitizki and the Mavs 107-100 earlier this afternoon. The Mavs had the lead deep in the fourth quarter but the Lakers, lead by Kobe Bryant went on a 12-0 run to end the game giving them the win.
"It's why he's Kobe Bryant," said Jason Terry, who led the Mavs with 29 points. "He does things in the fourth quarter that only a few players can do."
The Mavericks have a four-and-a-half game lead over the Phoenix Suns for the final playoff spot in the western conference with 16 games to play. However, if the Mavericks stay in the eighth seed in the west and are forced to play the Lakers they may not want to be in the playoffs at all.
Additional Headlines:
Suns get much needed win in bay area
Williams leaves game with injured knee, Jazz try to remain seventh seed in west
LeBron and Cavs close to securing home-court advantage, improve to 29-1 at home
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Suns Struggle
Suns continue to slip away from playoff contention, lose to Spurs 103-98
The Phoenix Suns are in a position where they cannot afford to lose a lot of games coming down the home stretch of the regular season if they want to make the playoffs. They did not help their cause tonight.
The Suns lost their fourth straight game today losing to the San Antonio Spurs 103-98. The Suns, who are still without Amare Stoudemire, had everyone else available but they still were not able to pull out a win against their arch rivals the Spurs.
"We're in desperate position," said Steve Nash "Let's do our best, not panic."
The Suns are now four games out of the eighth seed in the western conference with only 19 games left to play. The Suns have a huge match-up against the Dallas Mavericks next week who currently control the eighth seed.
Additional Headlines:
Howard and Magic beat Celtics as the beast of the Easts collide
Utah increases win streak to 11, climb up the western conference standings
Rockets extend home game winning streak to 12, move to third in the west
The Phoenix Suns are in a position where they cannot afford to lose a lot of games coming down the home stretch of the regular season if they want to make the playoffs. They did not help their cause tonight.
The Suns lost their fourth straight game today losing to the San Antonio Spurs 103-98. The Suns, who are still without Amare Stoudemire, had everyone else available but they still were not able to pull out a win against their arch rivals the Spurs.
"We're in desperate position," said Steve Nash "Let's do our best, not panic."
The Suns are now four games out of the eighth seed in the western conference with only 19 games left to play. The Suns have a huge match-up against the Dallas Mavericks next week who currently control the eighth seed.
Additional Headlines:
Howard and Magic beat Celtics as the beast of the Easts collide
Utah increases win streak to 11, climb up the western conference standings
Rockets extend home game winning streak to 12, move to third in the west
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Saturday Night Ball
LeBron gets triple-double as top seed Cavs beat Wade and Heat
In a match-up between arguably the two best players in league lived they up to their reputation in what could be a potential playoff match-up in a month.
LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavilers beat Dwayne Wade and the Miami Heat tonight 99-88. James recorded a triple double with 14 points 12 assists and 10 rebounds. Wade almost did the same as he had 25 points 12 assists and 8 rebounds. The win puts the Cavs as the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
"It's something we've been able to do this year," James said. "It's something we really haven't been good at in the past, but we've been able to bounce back from certain losses and games where we thought we could play a lot better."
This match-up could be a possible first or second round playoff series when they start in a month from now. James and Wade facing off against each other in a seven game series would be one of the greatest playoff battles in recent memory.
Additional Headlines:
Suns pick up Swift as Spurs pick up Gooden to make run down stretch
Breaking down playoff contenders
Hawks end Pistons four-game winning streak in what could be potential playoff match-up
In a match-up between arguably the two best players in league lived they up to their reputation in what could be a potential playoff match-up in a month.
LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavilers beat Dwayne Wade and the Miami Heat tonight 99-88. James recorded a triple double with 14 points 12 assists and 10 rebounds. Wade almost did the same as he had 25 points 12 assists and 8 rebounds. The win puts the Cavs as the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
"It's something we've been able to do this year," James said. "It's something we really haven't been good at in the past, but we've been able to bounce back from certain losses and games where we thought we could play a lot better."
This match-up could be a possible first or second round playoff series when they start in a month from now. James and Wade facing off against each other in a seven game series would be one of the greatest playoff battles in recent memory.
Additional Headlines:
Suns pick up Swift as Spurs pick up Gooden to make run down stretch
Breaking down playoff contenders
Hawks end Pistons four-game winning streak in what could be potential playoff match-up
Friday, March 6, 2009
Potential Playoff Match-Ups
Mavs beat Spurs in potential first round match-up
In what is arguably the best rivalry in the entire league the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs battled once again to show who was the superior in the Lone Star State.
The Mavs were able to beat the Spurs by a score of 107-102. This match-up is a potential first round match-up between the two playoff experienced teams. The Spurs are currently in second place in the Western Conference and the Mavs are in the seventh seed.
"If we play hard every possession like we did tonight, we can beat a really good team," said Mark Cuban, owner of the Mavericks, "Now it's up to the guys to keep on doing it. ... I knew what we were capable of."
The Mavericks who have struggled all season needed to prove to themselves and their fans that they are still capable of beating good teams. Will they be able to continue there strong play in the last third of the season. Only time will tell.
Additional Headlines:
Top two teams battle in Eastern Conference as C's beat Cavs
Stoudemire done for season, playoffs included
Hornets on a roll after Chandler's return, fighting for home court advantage in playoffs
In what is arguably the best rivalry in the entire league the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs battled once again to show who was the superior in the Lone Star State.
The Mavs were able to beat the Spurs by a score of 107-102. This match-up is a potential first round match-up between the two playoff experienced teams. The Spurs are currently in second place in the Western Conference and the Mavs are in the seventh seed.
"If we play hard every possession like we did tonight, we can beat a really good team," said Mark Cuban, owner of the Mavericks, "Now it's up to the guys to keep on doing it. ... I knew what we were capable of."
The Mavericks who have struggled all season needed to prove to themselves and their fans that they are still capable of beating good teams. Will they be able to continue there strong play in the last third of the season. Only time will tell.
Additional Headlines:
Top two teams battle in Eastern Conference as C's beat Cavs
Stoudemire done for season, playoffs included
Hornets on a roll after Chandler's return, fighting for home court advantage in playoffs
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Crazy Sunday in NBA
Shaq gets revenge on Kobe, Suns beat Lakers 118-111
Last Thursday Shaquille O'Neal returned to Los Angeles where he and the Phoenix Suns were defeated by Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers, tonight the Diesel got his revenge.
The Suns beat the Lakers 118-111 in Phoenix this afternoon. O'Neal lead the Suns in scoring with 33 points and 7 rebounds. This was the second straight game that the Suns were able to get a win without two-time former MVP Steve Nash and All-Star Amare Stoudemire.
"It's what I do," O'Neal said. "I've been doing it since 1992. If you don't believe it, Google me."
Bryant was the leading scorer for the game with 49 points, he also was able to pull-down 11 rebounds.
"We're going through a period right now where everybody is just kind of tired a little bit," Bryant said.
This was an impressive win for the Suns. Currently Phoenix is in the 9th seed in the Western Conference, two games out of a playoff spot. This was a big win beating arguably the best team in the league. If the Suns are able to continue this great play behind O'Neal the Suns might be able to sneak into the playoffs and make some noise.
Additional Headlines:
Pistons upset defending champs without Iverson's help
Iverson and Pistons must adjust to keep playoff hopes alive
Jazz make noise in Western Conference, increase win steak to eight
Last Thursday Shaquille O'Neal returned to Los Angeles where he and the Phoenix Suns were defeated by Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers, tonight the Diesel got his revenge.
The Suns beat the Lakers 118-111 in Phoenix this afternoon. O'Neal lead the Suns in scoring with 33 points and 7 rebounds. This was the second straight game that the Suns were able to get a win without two-time former MVP Steve Nash and All-Star Amare Stoudemire.
"It's what I do," O'Neal said. "I've been doing it since 1992. If you don't believe it, Google me."
Bryant was the leading scorer for the game with 49 points, he also was able to pull-down 11 rebounds.
"We're going through a period right now where everybody is just kind of tired a little bit," Bryant said.
This was an impressive win for the Suns. Currently Phoenix is in the 9th seed in the Western Conference, two games out of a playoff spot. This was a big win beating arguably the best team in the league. If the Suns are able to continue this great play behind O'Neal the Suns might be able to sneak into the playoffs and make some noise.
Additional Headlines:
Pistons upset defending champs without Iverson's help
Iverson and Pistons must adjust to keep playoff hopes alive
Jazz make noise in Western Conference, increase win steak to eight
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Rip for Iverson
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?
Additional Headlines:
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
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?
Additional Headlines:
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
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.
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
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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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
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/
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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
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
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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