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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

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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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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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Back In A New York Groove

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Posted 12 Jan 2012 — by @knicks247
Category NBA, New York Knicks, NU SEF JONES

(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

*Sorry my tardiness on this extremely late  post*

Knicks fans have been waiting for this team to get into a groove this season after a tough start. Having won four in row and only one game behind Atlantic Division leading Sixers, the Knicks have discovered that playing good defense pays dividends. Carmelo Anthony continues to be clutch for the Knicks hitting two crucial foul shots to seal the win over the Sixers 85-79.

The Sixers came into Madison Square Garden as the hottest team in the NBA winning six in a row and claiming the top spot in the division. Coach Doug Collins has a young Philadelphia team playing with energy and a deep bench that can score with the best of them. The Sixers came into Wednesday night’s matchup with the Knicks having played back to back games and with the NBA’s third leading offense. The Knicks behind Iman Shumpert attacking defense held the Sixers to 40 percent shooting for the night. Tyson Chandler leadership on the boards and Iman energy on defense has the Knicks beginning to develop team chemistry.

Undoubtedly the Knicks offense goes as Melo’ and Amar’e go, but the lack of bench production has been cause for concern. The Knicks bench could only muster 3 points in the win against the Charlotte Bobcats but Coach Mike D’Antoni post game interview spurred some fire with the beleaguered bench. Led by former Kentucky center Josh Harrellson 13 points, included 3-for-5 behind the arc, the Knicks bench added 21 points to the tally. Carmelo’s 27 points lead the team in scoring and his 3 steals and 9 rebounds were impressive. STAT continued to struggle with his mid-range jumper but finished the game scoring 20 points, shooting 8-for-14, and grabbed 10 rebounds. The Knicks out-rebounded the Sixers 46/37 which continues to be an important factor in the recent win streak. But the Knicks had 20 turnovers that nearly cost them the game in the fourth quarter. In addition, Landry Fields continues to struggle shooting 2-for-4 for four points with three rebounds, three steals, two assists and three turnovers in 35-plus minutes. Coach D’Antoni should consider moving Billy Walker into the starting rotation until Landry gets it together. Next up for the Knicks hit the road to face the Memphis Grizzles on Thursday and Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday, before coming home Monday to play Dwight Howard and the Magic.

Nu Sef Jones

Follow me @knicks247

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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.

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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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BROADWAY 3 NEEDS MORE REHEARSING

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Posted 31 Dec 2011 — by @knicks247
Category NBA, New York Knicks, NU SEF JONES

The (1-1) New York Knicks came into Thursday game against the Los Angeles Lakers looking to rebound from a brutal 4th qt unraveling against the Golden State Warriors. Head coach Mike D’Antoni admitted the Knicks looked “awful” and blamed the entire team for a lack of concentration and energy. Unfortunately for Knicksnation, Thursday’s late night 99-82 loss to the hands of Kobe Bryant left many with questions about the team’s leadership and coaching. Although it is too early to think about hitting the panic button there are several issues that the Knicks have to address.

Coach D’Antoni started his usual lineup of PG Douglas, SG Fields, SF Anthony, PF Stoudemire, C Chandler, while new Lakers coach Mike Brown without center Andrew Bynum went with PG Fisher, SG Bryant, SF Ebanks, PF McRoberts, and at C Gasol. The game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles marked the Knicks first back-to-back game of the new season and the second in a three game West Coast road trip. Pau Gasol got the Lakers off to good start while Knicks superstar Carmelo shook off the rust on his jump-shot early and didn’t look back. Knicks did get to the free-throw line early going 8-for-8 at the charity stripe which gave them a 19-14 lead with 5:52 remaining in the 1st quarter. Melo quick start with 7 points had the offensive clicking early, but dumb fouls continue to plague the Mike Woodson defense. At the end of the 1st quarter, the Lakers led 31-24, with the Knicks going to the charity strip 12 times, connecting on 11. Melo, Chandler and Amar’e Stoudamire combined for 21 points.

One of the most puzzling stories on offense in the young season is the propensity for Amar’e to settle for outside jumpers and lack of back to the rim scoring. So far it seems the twenty pounds of additional muscle put on in the offseason by “STAT” will be used to shoot 18 foot jumpers instead of attacking the rim. On the few occasions that STAT did force the action around the paint he was successful in forcing fouls and getting easy dunks. The return of veteran point guard Baron Davis will hopefully right Amar’e horrible shot selection in which he shot 4-for-17 finishing with 15 points for the night. The 2nd quarter exposed a second team for the Knicks that lacks in the ability to score and defend the paint. Josh Harrelson looks slightly more confident and newly acquired Steve Novak provided some perimeter scoring but Coach D’Antoni will be happy to get Iman Shumpert and Jared Jefferies back into the rotation sooner than later. The Knicks struggled to contain Kobe Bryant and were overpowered by a resurgent Metta World Peace and at the half trailed the Lakers 63-51. The Knicks offense was pure isolation plays and could not get good shots which were reflected in their dismal 33% shooting for the half. The Lakers offense clicked on all cylinders ending the half shooting 72%.

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