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DREADFUL EARLY; DELIGHTFUL LATE (NBA PLAYOFFS DAY 1)

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Posted 29 Apr 2012 — by Phillip Pyle
Category 2012 Playoffs, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers, NBA, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder

REUTERS/Jim Young

The first day of the 2011-12′ NBA Playoffs started dreadful early on, but ended in an exceptional way. In the first game of the day the Chicago Bulls made easy work of the Philadelphia 76ers winning 103-91. Then the 1:10 mark of the 4th quarter, and if you don’t know what happens next then you have no business on this website. Injuries happen all the time, but to a player like Derrick Rose, in Game 1, at home, in a blowout…Why Basketball God’s? Why?

The injury virus immediately flew to Miami where the Heat put on one of the greatest defensive performances in NBA history holding the Knicks to 36% shooting, and forcing 24 turnovers. Similar to the Bulls-Sixers game, the outcome had been decided but as fate would have it left knees were ready to give out, and down went Knicks rookie Iman Shumpert with a torn ACL. The injury bug ruined what was a utterly ridiculous game from LeBron James. LeBron joined Allen Iverson as the only player to single-handedly outscore the opposing starters combined, in a playoff game, since the NBA began tracking starters in the 1970-71 season. Iverson scored 52 points on May 16, 2001 against the Raptors.

The two night games Pacers-Magic and Thunder-Mavs were without injuries and far from blowouts.

Indiana unable to buy a bucket down the stretch lose the game and h0me-court advantage in a 81-77 Magic win. Pacers center Roy Hibbert had a block party with 9 denials, but the Magic went small and stole Game 1, much to the delight of Dwight Howard.

Now we knew Thunder Mavs would be astounding, and it lived up to its billing. The Mavs advanced to the Finals after beating the Thunder last year, but a last second prayer by the scoring champ Kevin Durant in Game 1, helped the Thunder squeak by 99-98. The Thunder trailed by seven with 2 1/2 minutes left before rallying to victory. Dirk had 25 and Jason Terry had 20 for Dallas.

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(THE LAST) 2012 NBA PLAYOFF PREVIEW

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Posted 27 Apr 2012 — by Phillip Pyle
Category 2012 Playoffs, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, NBA, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, San Antonio Spurs, Utah Jazz

The season that began on Christmas day and crammed 66 games down our throats (pause) in the process has finally came to an end. Even in a shortened season there were many exceptional moments, and in this years NBA playoffs there isn’t one series that you want to miss. Okay maybe you can skip the Pacers sweeping the Howard-less Magic. Here is what to watch for in each of the first round match-ups.

(1) Chicago Bulls vs. (8) Philadelphia 76ers

Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau consistent nagging of defense, defense, defense, and the unusual amount of BIGS the Bulls have, has made the loss of Derrick Rose throughout the season barely noticeable. Of course this is the year where Derrick Rose figures it all out, and carries his team to the Finals and Scottie Pippen gets to photobomb everyone in the locker room when they celebrate. At least thats how Bulls fans would love for it to go, but the Basketball Gods never make it easy. Unfortunately for the 76ers, Muppet-Evan Turner decided to throw a quick jab Chicago’s way stating that the Sizers lost to the Knicks (which helped the Sixers avoid the Heat in the 1st Round) earlier this week was “Dodging the better team.” Not like the Bulls needed any more motivation but if anything can give Rip Hamilton reason to sharpen his fingernails then watch out.

Philadelphia has been one of my favorite teams to watch this season, and I will enjoy watching them put up a fun-filled effort, but the upset is going to take a miracle, or an absentee Derrick Rose. BULLS in 5

(2) Miami Heat vs. (7) New York Knicks

REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi (UNITED STATES)

Gonna leave  @knicks247 to this one. Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James meeting in the NBA Playoffs for the first time and 10 years since their high school battles…swoon.

(3) Indiana Pacers vs. (6) Orlando Magic

Regardless of Dwight Howard’s back condition, the Magic wanted no part of the NBA Playoffs after the trade deadline had passed and “chocolate shoulders” was still around. This is the coming out party for the Indiana Pacers, and ultimately a first-round bye. PACERS in 4

 

(4) Boston Celtics vs. (5) Atlanta Hawks

We have been overtly bias of the Celtics, mainly due to the old adage of “respecting your elders”, and this by all accounts could be the last hurrah of Garnett, Pierce, and Allen. Everyone thought last year’s Playoff defeat by the Heat was the last time we would seee the Big 3 but due to the purchase of a hot tub time machine the Celtics(Spurs) are poised for yet another Finals run.  The Big 3, are now of course the Big 4 with Rajon Rondo reaching Superstar-Status. There is also Avery Bradley who should make Joe Johnson’s bones uneasy. Rondo has a knack for exceptional play when games are televised, and with every Playoff game being televised, look for Rondo to win at least 2 games by just diving for the ball a bunch of times.

Once again the Atlanta Hawks are back in the Playoffs!! The Atlanta Hawks are the NBA version of Temazepam. CELTICS in 6

Continue reading “(THE LAST) 2012 NBA PLAYOFF PREVIEW” »

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2012 NBA PLAYOFFS SCHEDULE

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Posted 27 Apr 2012 — by Phillip Pyle
Category 2012 Playoffs, NBA

Here is the complete schedule and national television & radio arrangements for the 2012 NBA playoffs.

WESTERN CONFERENCE – FIRST ROUND

San Antonio vs. Utah

Game 1 - Sun. April 29, Utah at San Antonio, 1 p.m. ET, ESPN
Game 2 - Wed. May 2, Utah at San Antonio, 7 p.m., TNT
Game 3 - Sat. May 5, San Antonio at Utah, 10 p.m., TNT
Game 4 - Mon. May 7, San Antonio at Utah, TBD
Game 5 * Wed. May 9, Utah at San Antonio, TBD
Game 6 * Fri. May 11, San Antonio at Utah, TBD
Game 7 * Sun. May 13, Utah at San Antonio, TBD

Oklahoma City vs. Dallas

Game 1 - Sat. April 28, Dallas at Oklahoma City, 9:30 p.m., ESPN
Game 2 - Mon. April 30, Dallas at Oklahoma City, 9:30 p.m., TNT
Game 3 - Thu. May 3, Oklahoma City at Dallas, 9:30 p.m., TNT
Game 4 - Sat. May 5, Oklahoma City at Dallas, 7:30 p.m., TNT/R
Game 5 * Mon. May 7, Dallas at Oklahoma City, TBD
Game 6 * Thu. May 10, Oklahoma City at Dallas, TBD
Game 7 * Sat. May 12, Dallas at Oklahoma City ,TBD, TNT

L.A. Lakers vs. Denver

Game 1 - Sun. April 29, Denver at L.A. Lakers, 3:30 p.m., ABC/R
Game 2 - Tue. May 1, Denver at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m., TNT
Game 3 - Fri May 4, L.A. Lakers at Denver, 10:30 p.m., ESPN
Game 4 - Sun. May 6, L.A. Lakers at Denver, 9:30 p.m., TNT
Game 5 * Tue. May 8, Denver at L.A. Lakers, TBD
Game 6 * Thu. May 10, L.A. Lakers at Denver, TBD
Game 7 * Sat. May 12, Denver at L.A. Lakers, TBD, TNT

Memphis vs. L.A. Clippers

Game 1 - Sun. April 29, L.A. Clippers at Memphis, 9:30 p.m., TNT
Game 2 - Wed. May 2, L.A. Clippers at Memphis, 9:30 p.m., TNT
Game 3 - Sat. May 5, Memphis at L.A. Clippers, 4:30 p.m., ESPN
Game 4 - Mon. May 7, Memphis at L.A. Clippers, TBD
Game 5 * Wed. May 9, L.A. Clippers at Memphis, TBD
Game 6 * Fri. May 11, Memphis at L.A. Clippers, TBD
Game 7 * Sun. May 13, L.A. Clippers at Memphis, TBD

___________________________________________________

EASTERN CONFERENCE – FIRST ROUND

Chicago vs. Philadelphia

Game 1 - Sat. April 28, Philadelphia at Chicago, 1 p.m., TNT
Game 2 - Tue. May 1, Philadelphia at Chicago, 8 p.m., TNT
Game 3 - Fri. May 4, Chicago at Philadelphia, 8 p.m., ESPN
Game 4 - Sun. May 6, Chicago at Philadelphia, 1 p.m., ABC
Game 5 * Tue. May 8, Philadelphia at Chicago, TBD
Game 6 * Thu. May 10, Chicago at Philadelphia, TBD
Game 7 * Sat. May 12, Philadelphia at Chicago, TBD, TNT

Miami vs. New York

Game 1 - Sat. April 28, New York at Miami, 3:30 p.m., ABC/R
Game 2 - Mon. April 30, New York at Miami, 7 p.m., TNT
Game 3 - Thu. May 3, Miami at New York, 7 p.m., TNT
Game 4 - Sun. May 6, Miami at New York, 3:30 p.m., ABC/R
Game 5 * Wed. May 9, New York at Miami, TBD
Game 6 * Fri. May 11, Miami at New York, TBD
Game 7 * Sun. May 13, New York at Miami, TBD

Indiana vs. Orlando

Game 1 - Sat. April 28, Orlando at Indiana, 7 p.m., ESPN
Game 2 - Mon. April 30, Orlando at Indiana, 7:30 p.m., NBA TV
Game 3 - Wed. May 2, Indiana at Orlando, 7:30 p.m., NBA TV
Game 4 - Sat. May 5, Indiana at Orlando, 2 p.m., ESPN
Game 5 * Tue. May 8, Orlando at Indiana, TBD
Game 6 * Fri. May 11, Indiana at Orlando, TBD
Game 7 * Sun. May 13, Orlando at Indiana, TBD

Boston vs. Atlanta

Game 1 - Sun. April 29, Boston at Atlanta, 7 p.m., TNT
Game 2 - Tue. May 1, Boston at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m., NBA TV
Game 3 - Fri. May 4, Atlanta at Boston, 7:30 p.m., ESPN2
Game 4 - Sun May 6, Atlanta at Boston, 7 p.m., TNT
Game 5 * Tue. May 8, Boston at Atlanta, TBD
Game 6 * Thu. May 10, Atlanta at Boston, TBD
Game 7 * Sat. May 12, Boston at Atlanta, TBD, TNT

* if necessary
All times are Eastern
TBD – To Be Determined
R – ESPN radio

 

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REGGIE MILLER: HALL OF FAMER

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Posted 04 Apr 2012 — by Phillip Pyle
Category Indiana Pacers, NBA

via Sports Illustrated

 

Earlier this week the 2012 Naismith Hall of Fame inductees were announced. Ralph Sampson, Lidia Alexeyeva, Don Barksdale, Mel Daniels, Chet Walker, Phil Knight, Don Nelson, Hank Nichols, Katrina McClain, The All American Redheads and Reggie Miller were all named. The induction of Reggie Miller into the Hall of Fame is the perfect closure to a career that was eventful, but never completely award-winning.

Miller, who is now second all-time in 3-pointers made behind Ray Allen, is obviously an extremely deserving inductee. Miller didn’t get in last season as a first ballot player (and wasn’t even a finalist somehow), but was elected in his second go around. Miller, who retired in 2005, is known as one of the most clutch players in NBA history, killing teams with big shots late in games.

Over his 18-year NBA career, all with the Pacers, Miller built quite the reputation for hitting big shots and using his talk to physce out opposing guards. There was never a moment with the game coming to a close, that Reggie Miller didn’t hesitate to give the Pacers the win.

Miller was at home when he received the call a couple days ago that he had gained entrance to the exclusive club. He quickly called his sister, one of the pioneers of the women’s game.

“I can still hear her screaming in my ear,” Miller said with a smile.

Miller often recalls the story about how his sister would beat him in games of one-on-one growing up. It wasn’t until he’d grown to 6-foot-7 and could block Cheryl’s shot that they finally quit playing those driveway pick-up games.

“She was a role model. She is a role model. She set the bar high for the family,” Miller said, “and I’m just glad I’m on her coat-tails, dragging me along to the Hall of Fame.”

Miller certainly earned the trip in his own right.

After a standout career at UCLA, he became one of the best perimeter shooters in the history of the game. He was part of the 1996 gold medal-winning Olympic team and played more games with one franchise than any player except for the Utah Jazz duo of John Stockton and Karl Malone.

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THE JEREMY LIN POST FOR HITS!

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Posted 11 Feb 2012 — by Phillip Pyle
Category NBA, New York Knicks

Once a little-known D-Leaguer, Lin is now the main attraction in the country’s biggest market. The humble 23-year-old has taken the NBA by storm the past week, and in the process, he’s given the New York Knicks something to believe in.

“What he’s doing is amazing,” Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni said after his team’s fourth straight win. “He answered a lot of questions tonight.”

On Thursday night Kobe had no idea who Lin was, on Friday he changed his tune. “Players don’t usually come out of nowhere,” Bryant, who scored 34 points on 11-of-29 shooting, said after the game. “If you go back and take a look, his skill level was probably there from the beginning, but no one ever noticed. … It’s a great story. It’s a testament to perseverance and hard work. I am sure he has put in a great deal of work to always have that belief in himself, now he has the opportunity to show it.”

The Lin Story will one day be a movie played by an actor horrible at basketball, but for now here is how the story goes. After going undrafted out of Harvard, Lin signed on with his hometown Golden State Warriors, where he played sparingly in a reserve role last season.

The Warriors waived him Dec. 9, and the Houston Rockets quickly scooped him up, but the Rockets let him go before the season even started.

The Knicks grabbed him off waivers Dec. 27, but after struggling to find a place for Lin in the rotation, the Knicks sent him down to the D-League. In his only game with the Erie BayHawks, Lin posted a triple-double, scoring 28 points to go with 12 assists and 11 rebounds — certainly enough to warrant a recall to the NBA, but not yet enough to get him into the lineup.

Finally, last Saturday, he got his chance, and he made the most of it, scoring 25 points and dishing out seven assists in 36 minutes off the bench in a win over the Nets. His showing earned him his first NBA start Monday, and he responded with 28 points and eight assists in a win over Utah.

Tuesday night, Lin’s contract became guaranteed and on Wednesday, Lin outplayed John Wall, scoring 23 points to go with 10 assists in a win over the Wizards. Then Friday was the ultimate validation for a player who wondered whether he’d ever make it at the game’s highest level.

“The journey was very different,” Lin said. “Getting waived twice, going to the D-League four times, just fighting for a spot in any rotation, and being basically a 15th guy on a roster, that’s tough at times.”

Jeremy Lin has at least 20 points, 5 assists and has shot over 50 percent in each of his last 4 games. The only other player to have a streak that long this season is LeBron James, who has done it 3 times.

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NIKE ZOOM KD IV: ALL-STAR/NASA PACK

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Posted 11 Feb 2012 — by Phillip Pyle
Category NBA, Sneakers

Nike at long last brings the NBA and NASA together. Set for release on February 23rd the Nike Zoom KDIV will be worn by Kevin Durant during the All-Star Game in Florida on February 19th. The space age shoe dons a metallic silver on the upper, with a detailed milky way graphic spread across the sleek midsole and a NASA like KD patch on the tongue. I really like the patch.  Of course Nike didn’t leave LeBron and Kobe out of the fun as they will also don NASA inspired versions of their signature shoe on All-Star Sunday. 

 

Release Date: February 23rd, 2012 (Thursday)

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NBA MIX: PHANTOM CAM

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Posted 13 Jan 2012 — by Phillip Pyle
Category NBA

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Hack-A-Howard Fun

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Posted 13 Jan 2012 — by Phillip Pyle
Category Golden St. Warriors, NBA, Orlando Magic

The Golden St. Warriors have a weird way of playing basketball. When the going gets tough, the Warriors foul, and foul, and foul again. They continue fouling until they eventually lose the game. In a strategy born from the days when Shaquille O’Neal missed free throw after free throw, the Golden St. Warriors for the second time this season decided to foul the poorest free throw shooter on the floor and hope he missed enough to ensure victory. The Warriors attempted the strategy against the Los Angeles Clippers and DeAndre Jordan was more then happy to miss tons of free throws.  Unfortunately for the Warriors being an undersized team and pretty awful defensively they are forced to go Gregg Popovich on teams. Good luck Mark Jackson.

Dwight Howard went 21-39 from the FT line, the most free-throw attempts in NBA history and tied for the 3rd-most MISSED free throws in an NBA game. Only Wilt Chamberlain (22, 19, 18) has ever missed as many free throws in an NBA game.

Howard finished with 45 points and 23 rebounds, to propel the Magic to their third straight victory. It also marked the first time a player had at least 40 points and 20 rebounds since Shaquille O’Neal – another poor free throw shooter — had 48 points and 20 rebounds against the Celtics on March 1, 2003, according to STATS LLC.

This was Howards 1st career game with 40+ points, 20+ rebounds. He’s the only active player to accomplish that feat. Take that Kobe.

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STILL AIN’T THERE YET

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Posted 05 Jan 2012 — by Phillip Pyle
Category Charlotte Bobcats, NBA, New York Knicks, NU SEF JONES

The (2-3) NY Knicks faced off with the (1-4) Charlotte Bobcats in another home game that saw the Garden crowd disappointed again with the star-studded Knicks losing 118-110. The bright spot for the Knicks was the aggressive effort on the glass and the return of rookie Iman Shumpert, who had the Garden crowd chanting his name after an 18 pt performance. The Knicks defense was nothing to brag about letting the Bobcats shoot 55% from the field. The Knicks allowed an out of shape Boris Diaw shoot 12-for-15 scoring a team high 27. The Bobcats out hustled the Knicks throughout the game maintaining the lead for the exception of a quick 2 minute period in the 1st quarter.

The Knicks began the night aggressive in the paint with Tyson Chandler getting good passes for easy dunks and layups. The rest of the Knicks played well on the offensive side of the ball, but Amar’e continues to struggle with his jumper.

Rookie Iman Shumpert made an immediate impact after missing the last four games with a strained knee, hitting a jumper, grabs 2 boards and providing another point guard option for Coach D’Antoni. Another surprise for the Knicks continues to be the play of Billy Walker off the bench. Walker teamed up with Douglas and Shumpert to provide the Knicks with a good second team but the lack of team chemistry was apparent. Diaw went 7-for7 in the quarter and the Bobcats won the first quarter 30-26.

The Knicks are going to have to learn how to play with each other on both sides of the court before things turn around for this team. At times the Knicks look perfectly in sync, but undoubtedly resort to settling for quick outside shots that get them in a hole. Tyson Chandler who is the vocal leader of this defense needs someone to tell him what to do when Melo gets the ball, 99% of the time expect a shot. Chandler finished the game with six rebounds matching Melo’s effort on the glass. The Garden voiced their disapproval of the Knicks defense after the Bobcats went on a 9-0 run and left the Knicks looking weak going into the half. Iman Shumpert led the Knicks in scoring going into the tunnel with 12 at the half.

Continue reading “STILL AIN’T THERE YET” »

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YOUTUBE SATURDAY(NBA WEEK 1)

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Posted 31 Dec 2011 — by Phillip Pyle
Category NBA, Random, YouTube


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