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After a tough defeat in the NBA All-Star celebrity basketball game in Houston over the weekend, Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt spoke with ABC News’ John Schriffen about the star-studded game, playing a team sport, and his busy schedule since becoming a reigning Olympic champion and global sensation.
Bolt joined the East team in the basketball game held at Houston’s Sprint Arena on Friday, where he played alongside TV personality Nick Cannon and singer Ne-Yo, among others. The East took on the West, which included Schriffen, rapper Common and comic Kevin Hart, but lost the game 58-38.
“You guys were playing hard. We had full court pressure. It was fun, though,” Bolt told Schriffen after the game. “I was ready but I came out here to have a little fun. I came out here and you guys were all business. I was like, wow this is serious.”
Bolt captured the world’s attention at the London 2012 Olympics, where he won the 100 meters gold medal with a time of 9.63 seconds, setting a new Olympic record. In London he also became the first man in history to defend both the 100 meter and 200 meter Olympic sprint titles. But sprinting isn’t exactly like a team sport like basketball.
“It’s much different,” he said. “You’ve got to trust your teammates. They’ve got to make passes and stuff like that, so it was a bit different, but it was fun.”
Though Bolt scored two points during Saturday’s game from a slam dunk, he acknowledged that his basketball skills are somewhat lacking. But who has time to hone skills on the court when spending so much time on the track?
“It’s been busy. We try to cut it down as much as possible. It’s been hectic but now that we’re getting back in training full time so it slowed down so it’s been good now,” Bolt told Schriffen.
Next Bolt has several meets, and the 2013 World Championships in Athletics in Russia in August. In the meantime, however, he may have to deal with the fallout from Saturday night’s loss.
“I know I’m going to get cussed out when I go home,” he said. “I got a lot of texts on my phone. I’m slightly worried.”
Usain Bolt Talks NBA All-Star Celebrity Game - ABC News
Bolt joined the East team in the basketball game held at Houston’s Sprint Arena on Friday, where he played alongside TV personality Nick Cannon and singer Ne-Yo, among others. The East took on the West, which included Schriffen, rapper Common and comic Kevin Hart, but lost the game 58-38.
“You guys were playing hard. We had full court pressure. It was fun, though,” Bolt told Schriffen after the game. “I was ready but I came out here to have a little fun. I came out here and you guys were all business. I was like, wow this is serious.”
Bolt captured the world’s attention at the London 2012 Olympics, where he won the 100 meters gold medal with a time of 9.63 seconds, setting a new Olympic record. In London he also became the first man in history to defend both the 100 meter and 200 meter Olympic sprint titles. But sprinting isn’t exactly like a team sport like basketball.
“It’s much different,” he said. “You’ve got to trust your teammates. They’ve got to make passes and stuff like that, so it was a bit different, but it was fun.”
Though Bolt scored two points during Saturday’s game from a slam dunk, he acknowledged that his basketball skills are somewhat lacking. But who has time to hone skills on the court when spending so much time on the track?
“It’s been busy. We try to cut it down as much as possible. It’s been hectic but now that we’re getting back in training full time so it slowed down so it’s been good now,” Bolt told Schriffen.
Next Bolt has several meets, and the 2013 World Championships in Athletics in Russia in August. In the meantime, however, he may have to deal with the fallout from Saturday night’s loss.
“I know I’m going to get cussed out when I go home,” he said. “I got a lot of texts on my phone. I’m slightly worried.”
Usain Bolt Talks NBA All-Star Celebrity Game - ABC News
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So far, this has been the most documented, celebrated and agonized-over NBA season ever in Los Angeles. For the first time, we multiply everything by two.
And then, as if we needed more focus, more reason to follow the bouncing ball more closely and give more of our attention to the game that has become so wildly popular in Tinseltown, Jerry Buss died. We had 24/7 NBA devotion. Now, we are looking for more hours in the day.
Purple and gold used to be all that mattered come late February. Now, red, white and blue is also in play, and not just as an American flag on display during the national anthem.
Can the Clippers actually go all the way?
Can the Lakers actually get in?
That's what made the first post-All-Star-break games of the Los Angeles teams interesting, maybe even revealing. It isn't yet playoff time, but you can see it from here.
The Lakers, playing for the second time since the break, won a gut-wrencher Friday night against another team battling for a playoff spot, the Portland Trail Blazers. None other than Kobe Bryant, recently the distributor, went back to being the scorer. It was a rugged, desperate-to-win game, and Bryant's 40 points and clinching free throws did it. Kobe knows what time of year it is.
The NBA is a strange animal. It plays so many games that it numbs the mind, and it gets offended when somebody jokes that the way to watch is to merely tune in for the fourth quarter.
But if there is any truth to that, it can be translated to the season as a whole. The Clippers and the Lakers each have played nearly 60 games of the 82-game season, but you better tune in now, because it really starts to matter.
The Lakers, bewitched, bothered and bewildered so far and keeping their fans' playoff hopes alive mainly through stressing the past and minimizing the present, came out of break and slapped down none other than the Celtics on Wednesday night.
In that one, Dwight Howard was the force in the middle that all of Los Angeles expected him to be. Sadly, the force had not been with us enough before that game.
Most significant was the way the ball moved, not to mention Lakers' players without it. It was almost as if Mike D'Antoni, whose perpetual-motion offense in Phoenix a few years ago left Suns fans joyous and opponents with headaches and shortness of breath, had finally gotten through.
Or, as some speculated, perhaps the aging Lakers were merely benefiting from the rest provided by the All-Star break and, in a week or so, the tendons would start creaking again. They creaked a bit Friday night, but Lakers toughness and desire seemed to overcome aches and pains.
So, it is game on.
Bryant was quoted recently in Sports Illustrated as assuring the basketball world the Lakers would make the playoffs. TV analyst Kenny Smith, having seen the beat-down of the Celtics — or perhaps something else — also got on the bandwagon, saying he had changed his mind and now thought the Lakers would make it.
His broadcast running mate, the irrepressible Charles Barkley, was not sold.
"They are old and slow," he said. "And if they do make it, they'll get beat like a drum in the first round."
Smith and Barkley, while colorful and paid well to pop off in public, are mostly guessing, as are all we sportswriters who write about the triangle and the pick and roll and have only a vague idea of the specifics of each.
Interestingly, the playoff-certain Clippers embraced the post All-Star return by throwing in a stinker Thursday night. The San Antonio Spurs are good, maybe great. But they are not the 1927 Yankees, nor are the Clippers the expansion Mets. Not only did Tony Parker scorch them, but Gregg Popovich did the same to his friend and former player, Clippers Coach Vinny Del Negro.
That presented a capsulized lesson in what perhaps is still to come. Del Negro is a good coach. He is both tough and poised. Popovich is a battled-tested legend. When the going gets tough, when you need the perfect play drawn for the last shot in the seventh game, you want Popovich's hand on the chalkboard.
Popovich is in his 17th season with the Spurs, has been in the playoffs 15 of the previous 16 years and has won four titles. There are others, including D'Antoni, with longevity, battle scars and the know-how to pull the right string at the right time.
From now on, every timeout huddle matters more. So does every missed screen and every blown assignment on defense. If Al Davis had been in the NBA, he'd have us all yelling it by now: Playoffs, baby.
Del Negro is in a tough spot: young coach with premier team. The way this works is not fair, but he knows that. All that goes well brings glory to the players. All that goes awry brings scorn to the coach.
The Lakers returned Wednesday night with a game of slick passing, then followed that Friday night with a game of refuse-to-lose toughness. The Clippers returned Thursday night with a sad-sack effort.
Maybe these games mattered little. Maybe all three were aberrations.
But there is less time to slough off bad stuff and rationalize about a future still distant. Mid-April approaches. The last 25 or so games for each team will come and go like a blur.
The NBA season in Los Angeles is no longer a marathon, it's a sprint.
NBA's countdown to April should be a blast in Los Angeles - latimes-com
And then, as if we needed more focus, more reason to follow the bouncing ball more closely and give more of our attention to the game that has become so wildly popular in Tinseltown, Jerry Buss died. We had 24/7 NBA devotion. Now, we are looking for more hours in the day.
Purple and gold used to be all that mattered come late February. Now, red, white and blue is also in play, and not just as an American flag on display during the national anthem.
Can the Clippers actually go all the way?
Can the Lakers actually get in?
That's what made the first post-All-Star-break games of the Los Angeles teams interesting, maybe even revealing. It isn't yet playoff time, but you can see it from here.
The Lakers, playing for the second time since the break, won a gut-wrencher Friday night against another team battling for a playoff spot, the Portland Trail Blazers. None other than Kobe Bryant, recently the distributor, went back to being the scorer. It was a rugged, desperate-to-win game, and Bryant's 40 points and clinching free throws did it. Kobe knows what time of year it is.
The NBA is a strange animal. It plays so many games that it numbs the mind, and it gets offended when somebody jokes that the way to watch is to merely tune in for the fourth quarter.
But if there is any truth to that, it can be translated to the season as a whole. The Clippers and the Lakers each have played nearly 60 games of the 82-game season, but you better tune in now, because it really starts to matter.
The Lakers, bewitched, bothered and bewildered so far and keeping their fans' playoff hopes alive mainly through stressing the past and minimizing the present, came out of break and slapped down none other than the Celtics on Wednesday night.
In that one, Dwight Howard was the force in the middle that all of Los Angeles expected him to be. Sadly, the force had not been with us enough before that game.
Most significant was the way the ball moved, not to mention Lakers' players without it. It was almost as if Mike D'Antoni, whose perpetual-motion offense in Phoenix a few years ago left Suns fans joyous and opponents with headaches and shortness of breath, had finally gotten through.
Or, as some speculated, perhaps the aging Lakers were merely benefiting from the rest provided by the All-Star break and, in a week or so, the tendons would start creaking again. They creaked a bit Friday night, but Lakers toughness and desire seemed to overcome aches and pains.
So, it is game on.
Bryant was quoted recently in Sports Illustrated as assuring the basketball world the Lakers would make the playoffs. TV analyst Kenny Smith, having seen the beat-down of the Celtics — or perhaps something else — also got on the bandwagon, saying he had changed his mind and now thought the Lakers would make it.
His broadcast running mate, the irrepressible Charles Barkley, was not sold.
"They are old and slow," he said. "And if they do make it, they'll get beat like a drum in the first round."
Smith and Barkley, while colorful and paid well to pop off in public, are mostly guessing, as are all we sportswriters who write about the triangle and the pick and roll and have only a vague idea of the specifics of each.
Interestingly, the playoff-certain Clippers embraced the post All-Star return by throwing in a stinker Thursday night. The San Antonio Spurs are good, maybe great. But they are not the 1927 Yankees, nor are the Clippers the expansion Mets. Not only did Tony Parker scorch them, but Gregg Popovich did the same to his friend and former player, Clippers Coach Vinny Del Negro.
That presented a capsulized lesson in what perhaps is still to come. Del Negro is a good coach. He is both tough and poised. Popovich is a battled-tested legend. When the going gets tough, when you need the perfect play drawn for the last shot in the seventh game, you want Popovich's hand on the chalkboard.
Popovich is in his 17th season with the Spurs, has been in the playoffs 15 of the previous 16 years and has won four titles. There are others, including D'Antoni, with longevity, battle scars and the know-how to pull the right string at the right time.
From now on, every timeout huddle matters more. So does every missed screen and every blown assignment on defense. If Al Davis had been in the NBA, he'd have us all yelling it by now: Playoffs, baby.
Del Negro is in a tough spot: young coach with premier team. The way this works is not fair, but he knows that. All that goes well brings glory to the players. All that goes awry brings scorn to the coach.
The Lakers returned Wednesday night with a game of slick passing, then followed that Friday night with a game of refuse-to-lose toughness. The Clippers returned Thursday night with a sad-sack effort.
Maybe these games mattered little. Maybe all three were aberrations.
But there is less time to slough off bad stuff and rationalize about a future still distant. Mid-April approaches. The last 25 or so games for each team will come and go like a blur.
The NBA season in Los Angeles is no longer a marathon, it's a sprint.
NBA's countdown to April should be a blast in Los Angeles - latimes-com
Join:
2006/12/07
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29893
Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut didn't travel with the team for the beginning of a five-game road trip at Minnesota on Sunday because of a nagging back injury.
An MRI revealed that a protruding disk in Bogut's back is causing spasms, the Warriors said Saturday night. They are hoping Bogut can join the team later in the trip, which also includes stops at Indiana, New York, Boston and Philadelphia.
The bad back kept Bogut out of Golden State's 107-101 overtime win at home Friday night against San Antonio. He has missed 43 of 55 games this season, all but the last one while recovering from microfracture surgery on his left ankle.
Bogut also missed more than half of the 2008-09 season with a stress fracture in his lower back, one game with a mild back strain the following season and five games with a sore back during the 2010-11 season with the Milwaukee Bucks. After fracturing his ankle last year, he came to Golden State in a deal that sent guard Monta Ellis to Milwaukee at the trading deadline.
The 7-foot Australian center is averaging 7.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 22.5 minutes in his 12 games with the Warriors. He has yet to play in four consecutive games this season, though his ankle recovery had showed progress in a home win against Phoenix on Wednesday night - the first time he had played in games on back-to-back nights since his latest return.
Veteran backup Andris Biedrins again is likely to start in Bogut's place. Rookie center Festus Ezeli will be behind Biedrins.
Bogut not on Warriors' trip due to back injury | NBA-com
An MRI revealed that a protruding disk in Bogut's back is causing spasms, the Warriors said Saturday night. They are hoping Bogut can join the team later in the trip, which also includes stops at Indiana, New York, Boston and Philadelphia.
The bad back kept Bogut out of Golden State's 107-101 overtime win at home Friday night against San Antonio. He has missed 43 of 55 games this season, all but the last one while recovering from microfracture surgery on his left ankle.
Bogut also missed more than half of the 2008-09 season with a stress fracture in his lower back, one game with a mild back strain the following season and five games with a sore back during the 2010-11 season with the Milwaukee Bucks. After fracturing his ankle last year, he came to Golden State in a deal that sent guard Monta Ellis to Milwaukee at the trading deadline.
The 7-foot Australian center is averaging 7.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 22.5 minutes in his 12 games with the Warriors. He has yet to play in four consecutive games this season, though his ankle recovery had showed progress in a home win against Phoenix on Wednesday night - the first time he had played in games on back-to-back nights since his latest return.
Veteran backup Andris Biedrins again is likely to start in Bogut's place. Rookie center Festus Ezeli will be behind Biedrins.
Bogut not on Warriors' trip due to back injury | NBA-com
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The Oklahoma City Thunder went from being disappointed in their defense to making the Chicago Bulls embarrassed about their offense.
Russell Westbrook scored 23 points, Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka both contributed double-doubles and the Thunder held Chicago to the worst shooting performance in the NBA this season, beating the Bulls 102-72 on Sunday night.
The Thunder, who had allowed an average of 113 points over their previous four games, broke out of a rough defensive patch by limiting Chicago to 29.1 percent shooting. "We made them miss tonight. We got a hand up, we clogged the paint. We just made the second and third efforts, and once we do that, we're a pretty good defensive team," Durant said.
The Bulls also had their worst shooting performance of last season in Oklahoma City, when they connected on just 33 percent, but this one was far worse. Midway through the third quarter, Chicago had missed 44 of its 55 shots and was on pace for the worst shooting night in franchise history.
"The way we competed was just embarrassing," said Joakim Noah, who had eight points and nine rebounds. "The way we competed was bad.
"It's not time to feel sorry for ourselves."
Durant had 19 points, 16 rebounds and six assists, and Ibaka had 17 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks as Oklahoma City won its second straight after losing three in a row for the first time this season. The Thunder also had the previous best defensive performance of the season by holding Charlotte to 29.11 percent shooting in a 114-69 blowout in November.
Chicago's final percentage of 29.06, on 25 for 86 shooting, was a smidgen worse. "We did a lot of good things, but at the same time, it's the NBA. Maybe they had a night off or something like this," Oklahoma City defensive stopper Thabo Sefolosha said. "Credit to the way we prepared this game mentally, the way we came out, but at the same time, we can't see ourselves as too good.
"We did a lot of good things but we've got to keep it up."
Nate Robinson, who was 2 for 14 from the field, and Luol Deng had 13 points apiece to lead Chicago. Carlos Boozer had just two points, making one of his five shots. Curiously, the Bulls also are responsible for the best shooting percentage by a team this season — making 63.8 percent against Cleveland in November.
"You have to do what's best for the team, not necessarily what's best for yourself to get yourself going," said Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said, blaming his team for taking the wrong shots and having a quick trigger. "You can't get stuck in whatever problems you're having individually. You have to do your job for the team first."
The Bulls played without point guards Derrick Rose (knee) and Kirk Hinrich (elbow) and went with the 5-foot-9 Robinson at the point against Westbrook, an All-Star. Their offense never got going.
"We've got enough. We have to do our jobs. We've shown when we do that, we're capable of beating anyone," Thibodeau said. "We have to be mentally tougher, we have to be stronger. When you face a little bit of adversity with whatever, when you're short-handed, you have to dig down and get the job done." Noah said no matter who's on the court, the execution has to be better.
Chicago spent most of the first half shooting less than 20 percent from the field but stayed in the game by forcing the Thunder into turnovers. Oklahoma City created some cushion with an 8-0 run featuring transition layups by Westbrook and Sefolosha to go up 46-27 with 2 minutes left before halftime.
The Bulls answered back with their highest-scoring stretch of the half, piecing together nine straight points — seven on free throws — to get back within 10 before Sefolosha's three-point play made it 49-36 at halftime.
Oklahoma City then used a 16-4 run highlighted by Westbrook's soaring right-handed slam to go up 68-34 midway through the third quarter.
"I thought the defense was OK in the first half. Our offense hurt us. I thought we had a shot to get back in it at the end of the second quarter. We started off the third quarter with low energy, tough shots, no defense and game over," Thibodeau said.
Each of the Thunder's previous four opponents had made at least 46 percent from the field against a team that prides itself on being among the NBA's best defenses — in addition to being the highest-scoring team. Oklahoma City was able to avoid giving up at least 100 points in a fifth straight game for the first time since January 2011.
"It's a long season and anything can happen," Ibaka said. "The most important (thing) for us is every time when we've lost our defensive mindset, we know that it's not our basketball, so we try to get it back every time."
Thunder's defense holds Bulls to NBA season record low
Russell Westbrook scored 23 points, Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka both contributed double-doubles and the Thunder held Chicago to the worst shooting performance in the NBA this season, beating the Bulls 102-72 on Sunday night.
The Thunder, who had allowed an average of 113 points over their previous four games, broke out of a rough defensive patch by limiting Chicago to 29.1 percent shooting. "We made them miss tonight. We got a hand up, we clogged the paint. We just made the second and third efforts, and once we do that, we're a pretty good defensive team," Durant said.
The Bulls also had their worst shooting performance of last season in Oklahoma City, when they connected on just 33 percent, but this one was far worse. Midway through the third quarter, Chicago had missed 44 of its 55 shots and was on pace for the worst shooting night in franchise history.
"The way we competed was just embarrassing," said Joakim Noah, who had eight points and nine rebounds. "The way we competed was bad.
"It's not time to feel sorry for ourselves."
Durant had 19 points, 16 rebounds and six assists, and Ibaka had 17 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks as Oklahoma City won its second straight after losing three in a row for the first time this season. The Thunder also had the previous best defensive performance of the season by holding Charlotte to 29.11 percent shooting in a 114-69 blowout in November.
Chicago's final percentage of 29.06, on 25 for 86 shooting, was a smidgen worse. "We did a lot of good things, but at the same time, it's the NBA. Maybe they had a night off or something like this," Oklahoma City defensive stopper Thabo Sefolosha said. "Credit to the way we prepared this game mentally, the way we came out, but at the same time, we can't see ourselves as too good.
"We did a lot of good things but we've got to keep it up."
Nate Robinson, who was 2 for 14 from the field, and Luol Deng had 13 points apiece to lead Chicago. Carlos Boozer had just two points, making one of his five shots. Curiously, the Bulls also are responsible for the best shooting percentage by a team this season — making 63.8 percent against Cleveland in November.
"You have to do what's best for the team, not necessarily what's best for yourself to get yourself going," said Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said, blaming his team for taking the wrong shots and having a quick trigger. "You can't get stuck in whatever problems you're having individually. You have to do your job for the team first."
The Bulls played without point guards Derrick Rose (knee) and Kirk Hinrich (elbow) and went with the 5-foot-9 Robinson at the point against Westbrook, an All-Star. Their offense never got going.
"We've got enough. We have to do our jobs. We've shown when we do that, we're capable of beating anyone," Thibodeau said. "We have to be mentally tougher, we have to be stronger. When you face a little bit of adversity with whatever, when you're short-handed, you have to dig down and get the job done." Noah said no matter who's on the court, the execution has to be better.
Chicago spent most of the first half shooting less than 20 percent from the field but stayed in the game by forcing the Thunder into turnovers. Oklahoma City created some cushion with an 8-0 run featuring transition layups by Westbrook and Sefolosha to go up 46-27 with 2 minutes left before halftime.
The Bulls answered back with their highest-scoring stretch of the half, piecing together nine straight points — seven on free throws — to get back within 10 before Sefolosha's three-point play made it 49-36 at halftime.
Oklahoma City then used a 16-4 run highlighted by Westbrook's soaring right-handed slam to go up 68-34 midway through the third quarter.
"I thought the defense was OK in the first half. Our offense hurt us. I thought we had a shot to get back in it at the end of the second quarter. We started off the third quarter with low energy, tough shots, no defense and game over," Thibodeau said.
Each of the Thunder's previous four opponents had made at least 46 percent from the field against a team that prides itself on being among the NBA's best defenses — in addition to being the highest-scoring team. Oklahoma City was able to avoid giving up at least 100 points in a fifth straight game for the first time since January 2011.
"It's a long season and anything can happen," Ibaka said. "The most important (thing) for us is every time when we've lost our defensive mindset, we know that it's not our basketball, so we try to get it back every time."
Thunder's defense holds Bulls to NBA season record low
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The Los Angeles Times reports that Kobe Bryant might not be the only person upset with Mavericks owner Mark Cuban's comments about the Lakers possibly amnestying the future Hall-of-Famer.
The NBA is debating whether to fine Cuban for saying Friday that the Lakers should consider waiving Bryant next season via the one-time amnesty provision. The Lakers would still have to pay Bryant his $30.5-million salary next season but would save the corresponding amount, if not slightly more, in luxury taxes.
via NBA debating whether to fine Mavericks' Mark Cuban for comment on Kobe Bryant --latimes-com.
On Sunday, after dropping a monster 38 points in a big win over the Mavs, Bryant tweeted "Amnesty THAT" in reference to Cuban.
The NBA could be concerned with Cuban violating tampering rules. Basically, you're not supposed to talk about another team's business, or contract, or free agents before free agency. They're really touchy about this, because all the owners are suspicious of everyone else trying to steal from them, as long as it's not a lockout when they band together to steal from the players.
Just kidding!
Cuban could get tagged for this, but what else is new? He's already the most fined owner in NBA history. What's more going to do to him, really?
NBA investigating Cuban's Kobe amnesty comments - CBSSports-com
The NBA is debating whether to fine Cuban for saying Friday that the Lakers should consider waiving Bryant next season via the one-time amnesty provision. The Lakers would still have to pay Bryant his $30.5-million salary next season but would save the corresponding amount, if not slightly more, in luxury taxes.
via NBA debating whether to fine Mavericks' Mark Cuban for comment on Kobe Bryant --latimes-com.
On Sunday, after dropping a monster 38 points in a big win over the Mavs, Bryant tweeted "Amnesty THAT" in reference to Cuban.
The NBA could be concerned with Cuban violating tampering rules. Basically, you're not supposed to talk about another team's business, or contract, or free agents before free agency. They're really touchy about this, because all the owners are suspicious of everyone else trying to steal from them, as long as it's not a lockout when they band together to steal from the players.
Just kidding!
Cuban could get tagged for this, but what else is new? He's already the most fined owner in NBA history. What's more going to do to him, really?
NBA investigating Cuban's Kobe amnesty comments - CBSSports-com
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LeBron James had 40 points and a career-high 16 assists, Dwyane Wade scored 39, and the host Miami Heat pushed its winning streak to 12 games by outlasting the Sacramento Kings 141-129 in double overtime on Tuesday.
"Our ballclub, we don't get rattled, no matter what's going on during the course of the game," James said. "If it's overtime, double overtime, we find a way to win."
James became the first NBA player to finish with at least 40 points and 16 assists since Kevin Johnson -- now the mayor of Sacramento -- had 42 and 17 for Phoenix against Denver on April 3, 1994.
"Even with a double-overtime game, those are video game numbers," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.
Marcus Thornton scored 36 points for Sacramento, the most by any reserve in the NBA this season.
Bucks 95, Mavericks 90: Monta Ellis scored 22 points and visiting Milwaukee spoiled Dirk Nowitzki's first game in nearly 10 years with at least 20 points and 20 rebounds.
Ellis twice put the Bucks ahead in the final two minutes, the last time on a jumper for a 92-90 lead with 1:03 remaining.
Nowitzki had 21 points and 20 rebounds for the Mavericks.
The Bucks suspended center Samuel Dalembert for the game because of an unspecified violation of team policy.
Suns 84, Timberwolves 83: Marcin Gortat hit a tying runner with 13 seconds left in regulation and scored on a hard drive with 45 seconds left in overtime as host Phoenix defeated Minnesota.
Gortat, Wesley Johnson and Markieff Morris had 14 points apiece for the Suns.
Cavaliers 101, Bulls 98: Dion Waiters scored 25 points to help make up for the absence of Kyrie Irving, and host Cleveland defeated Chicago for the first time in their past 12 meetings.
Irving sat out to rest his sore right knee.
Taj Gibson, a key Bulls reserve, is expected to miss at least two weeks because of a sprained left knee.
Clippers 106, Bobcats 84: Blake Griffin scored 24 points, keying a decisive second-quarter burst that put the Clippers in command, and host Los Angeles cruised past Charlotte.
Nets 101, Hornets 97: Deron Williams scored 33 points and Brook Lopez added 20 while playing against his twin brother, Robin, and Brooklyn won in New Orleans.
Robin Lopez had 14 for New Orleans, which has lost four of five.
Nets forward Joe Johnson sat out because of a sore left heel.
Magic 98, 76ers 84: Arron Afflalo and Tobias Harris scored 16 points apiece, and Orlando won in Philadelphia.
NBA: LeBron James leads Miami Heat past Sacramento Kings - San Jose Mercury News
"Our ballclub, we don't get rattled, no matter what's going on during the course of the game," James said. "If it's overtime, double overtime, we find a way to win."
James became the first NBA player to finish with at least 40 points and 16 assists since Kevin Johnson -- now the mayor of Sacramento -- had 42 and 17 for Phoenix against Denver on April 3, 1994.
"Even with a double-overtime game, those are video game numbers," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.
Marcus Thornton scored 36 points for Sacramento, the most by any reserve in the NBA this season.
Bucks 95, Mavericks 90: Monta Ellis scored 22 points and visiting Milwaukee spoiled Dirk Nowitzki's first game in nearly 10 years with at least 20 points and 20 rebounds.
Ellis twice put the Bucks ahead in the final two minutes, the last time on a jumper for a 92-90 lead with 1:03 remaining.
Nowitzki had 21 points and 20 rebounds for the Mavericks.
The Bucks suspended center Samuel Dalembert for the game because of an unspecified violation of team policy.
Suns 84, Timberwolves 83: Marcin Gortat hit a tying runner with 13 seconds left in regulation and scored on a hard drive with 45 seconds left in overtime as host Phoenix defeated Minnesota.
Gortat, Wesley Johnson and Markieff Morris had 14 points apiece for the Suns.
Cavaliers 101, Bulls 98: Dion Waiters scored 25 points to help make up for the absence of Kyrie Irving, and host Cleveland defeated Chicago for the first time in their past 12 meetings.
Irving sat out to rest his sore right knee.
Taj Gibson, a key Bulls reserve, is expected to miss at least two weeks because of a sprained left knee.
Clippers 106, Bobcats 84: Blake Griffin scored 24 points, keying a decisive second-quarter burst that put the Clippers in command, and host Los Angeles cruised past Charlotte.
Nets 101, Hornets 97: Deron Williams scored 33 points and Brook Lopez added 20 while playing against his twin brother, Robin, and Brooklyn won in New Orleans.
Robin Lopez had 14 for New Orleans, which has lost four of five.
Nets forward Joe Johnson sat out because of a sore left heel.
Magic 98, 76ers 84: Arron Afflalo and Tobias Harris scored 16 points apiece, and Orlando won in Philadelphia.
NBA: LeBron James leads Miami Heat past Sacramento Kings - San Jose Mercury News
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Wednesday night's 10-game lineup of NBA action was loaded with ridiculous individual performances.
Stephen Curry came a penny short of matching Michael Jordan's famed "double nickel" game at Madison Square Garden, Monta Ellis tossed in an improbable buzzer beater, and Al Horford left the Utah Jazz singing the blues.
Team play still counted, as the Sacramento Kings bounced back from their double-overtime loss to the Miami Heat to make the Orlando Magic disappear and the Oklahoma City Thunder exterminated the New Orleans Hornets by 45 points.
But make no mistake, Wednesday night was all about truly gripping individual efforts.
Oh, and daggers. It was also about daggers. If that's at all confusing, just keep clicking; you'll see what I mean.
10 Takeaways from Wednesday's Gripping NBA Action | Bleacher Report
Stephen Curry came a penny short of matching Michael Jordan's famed "double nickel" game at Madison Square Garden, Monta Ellis tossed in an improbable buzzer beater, and Al Horford left the Utah Jazz singing the blues.
Team play still counted, as the Sacramento Kings bounced back from their double-overtime loss to the Miami Heat to make the Orlando Magic disappear and the Oklahoma City Thunder exterminated the New Orleans Hornets by 45 points.
But make no mistake, Wednesday night was all about truly gripping individual efforts.
Oh, and daggers. It was also about daggers. If that's at all confusing, just keep clicking; you'll see what I mean.
10 Takeaways from Wednesday's Gripping NBA Action | Bleacher Report
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What Thursday night's NBA action lacked in quantity, it made up for in quality. Despite featuring just three games on the slate, there were plenty of front-page storylines in play.
The L.A. Clippers did the (nearly) impossible by knocking off the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, marking just the sixth time that has happened all season. Chris Paul took control of the game late, stifling a potential Pacers comeback and assuring the Clippers of a second straight winning season.
In Chicago, Joakim Noah went bonkers, joining the 20-20 club and notching one of the rarest triple-doubles in a win over the reeling Philadelphia 76ers that all but slammed the door shut on a disappointing Sixers season.
Finally, the L.A. Lakers inched closer to .500 by defeating the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves. Kobe Bryant, having apparently abandoned "facilitator mode" for an evening, relentlessly attacked the Wolves' totally overmatched guards on the way to 33 points. Thanks to the win, L.A. now sits just two games behind the Houston Rockets for the eighth playoff spot in the West.
There were phenomenal individual performances, statement wins and revealing losses on a Thursday night that helped set the stage for the season's final few weeks. Pay attention to what happened in these games—it'll go a long way toward predicting what we'll see down the stretch.
Pictures: 5 Takeaways from Thursday Night's Revealing NBA Action | Bleacher Report
The L.A. Clippers did the (nearly) impossible by knocking off the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, marking just the sixth time that has happened all season. Chris Paul took control of the game late, stifling a potential Pacers comeback and assuring the Clippers of a second straight winning season.
In Chicago, Joakim Noah went bonkers, joining the 20-20 club and notching one of the rarest triple-doubles in a win over the reeling Philadelphia 76ers that all but slammed the door shut on a disappointing Sixers season.
Finally, the L.A. Lakers inched closer to .500 by defeating the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves. Kobe Bryant, having apparently abandoned "facilitator mode" for an evening, relentlessly attacked the Wolves' totally overmatched guards on the way to 33 points. Thanks to the win, L.A. now sits just two games behind the Houston Rockets for the eighth playoff spot in the West.
There were phenomenal individual performances, statement wins and revealing losses on a Thursday night that helped set the stage for the season's final few weeks. Pay attention to what happened in these games—it'll go a long way toward predicting what we'll see down the stretch.
Pictures: 5 Takeaways from Thursday Night's Revealing NBA Action | Bleacher Report
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The Association has officially been put on notice: The road to the NBA championship runs through the Miami Heat.
Not because LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Co. are the defending champions (even though they are), but because Miami is simply playing at a level right now that most teams in the league can only aspire to reach.
Even while looking somewhat...mortal during their 98-91 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on March 1, the Heat showed that they're capable of taking out the best teams in the league even when their shots aren't falling. To Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra's credit, he and his team have now found a way to win 13 times in a row. But prior to the game, there were more than a few who believed that the Grizzlies would put an end to the Heat's impressive streak. Not only had Memphis won eight games in a row coming into the night, but they had also beat Miami 104-86 when the teams met back on Nov. 11.
Nearly four months after that initial meeting, it's unclear as to whether or not Miami had revenge on their mind. What is clear is that as well as the Grizzlies played, the Heat still managed to shoot nearly 47 percent from the field and better than 52 percent (10 for 19) from beyond the arc. And on a night when a suffocating Memphis defense harassed LeBron James into a 4-for-14 shooting performance, the best basketball player in the world finished the game with 18 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds.
The fortunes of the Miami Heat don't rest entirely on the shoulders of a single man, however. James is lucky enough to be surrounded by two fellow All-Stars as well as a gaggle of players who are comfortable enough in their role to not upset the proverbial apple cart. Right now, it's hard to envision anyone beating Miami four times in a seven-game series. Despite being Public Enemy No. 1 every time they stepped out onto the court this year, the Heat have still found a way to win 75 percent of their games this season.
A month ago, Miami was fresh off of a 102-89 loss to the Indiana Pacers, and with a 29-14 mark, it was fair to wonder if the Heat were dealing with some sort of a post-championship hangover. Thirteen wins and zero defeats later, the narrative is quite a bit different these days.
"We needed one of those stretches, and we had one of those stretches," James told Sean Deveney of Sporting News when asked about Miami's 12-1 February. "But we don't want it to end just because the month ended."
So far, so good on that front. And from the looks of it, the Heat might just be able to ride this wave all the way to another Larry O'Brien Trophy.
2013 NBA Title Is Officially Miami Heat's to Lose | Bleacher Report
Not because LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Co. are the defending champions (even though they are), but because Miami is simply playing at a level right now that most teams in the league can only aspire to reach.
Even while looking somewhat...mortal during their 98-91 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on March 1, the Heat showed that they're capable of taking out the best teams in the league even when their shots aren't falling. To Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra's credit, he and his team have now found a way to win 13 times in a row. But prior to the game, there were more than a few who believed that the Grizzlies would put an end to the Heat's impressive streak. Not only had Memphis won eight games in a row coming into the night, but they had also beat Miami 104-86 when the teams met back on Nov. 11.
Nearly four months after that initial meeting, it's unclear as to whether or not Miami had revenge on their mind. What is clear is that as well as the Grizzlies played, the Heat still managed to shoot nearly 47 percent from the field and better than 52 percent (10 for 19) from beyond the arc. And on a night when a suffocating Memphis defense harassed LeBron James into a 4-for-14 shooting performance, the best basketball player in the world finished the game with 18 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds.
The fortunes of the Miami Heat don't rest entirely on the shoulders of a single man, however. James is lucky enough to be surrounded by two fellow All-Stars as well as a gaggle of players who are comfortable enough in their role to not upset the proverbial apple cart. Right now, it's hard to envision anyone beating Miami four times in a seven-game series. Despite being Public Enemy No. 1 every time they stepped out onto the court this year, the Heat have still found a way to win 75 percent of their games this season.
A month ago, Miami was fresh off of a 102-89 loss to the Indiana Pacers, and with a 29-14 mark, it was fair to wonder if the Heat were dealing with some sort of a post-championship hangover. Thirteen wins and zero defeats later, the narrative is quite a bit different these days.
"We needed one of those stretches, and we had one of those stretches," James told Sean Deveney of Sporting News when asked about Miami's 12-1 February. "But we don't want it to end just because the month ended."
So far, so good on that front. And from the looks of it, the Heat might just be able to ride this wave all the way to another Larry O'Brien Trophy.
2013 NBA Title Is Officially Miami Heat's to Lose | Bleacher Report
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Miami Heat superstar LeBron James is playing this season at a level few in NBA history have ever ascended to.
As each game goes by, and James puts together fantastic performance after fantastic performance, he seems destined to win his fourth MVP in just five seasons.
LeBron has been so dominant lately that it's fair to wonder just how long it will be until he's not the MVP favorite.
That's really where we're at right now. Who can possibly play better than LeBron is playing these days?
I mean, LeBron has such a stranglehold on this year's MVP race, even though there are a few others guy other who are putting together excellent campaigns.
Take Kevin Durant, for example.
Durant is the NBA's second-leading scorer with 28.5 points on 51.2 percent shooting from the field, 42.4 percent shooting from beyond the arc and 91.0 percent shooting from the charity stripe. Durant's on pace to become the sixth member of the NBA's 50-40-90 club. He's also playing the best defense of his career and is averaging 7.8 rebounds along with 4.6 assists.
And while the majority of NBA fans and voters want to see Durant win—as he's one of the universally loved players in the league—James should win the award in a landslide.
LeBron has become elite in every facet of the game. His jump shot used to be one of his few weaknesses. Now, LeBron is one of the NBA's top shooters.
Take a look at his mind-blowingly efficient shot chart from this season. He's scoring 27.1 points on an absurd 56.4 percent shooting from the field and 41.3 percent from the three-point line. LeBron is obviously the Heat's top scorer, like Durant is with the Thunder, but James is also his team's top passer (7.3 assists) and rebounder (8.1 rebounds). Talk about valuable.
What's even scarier is that LeBron is capable of playing to even higher numbers. He finished the month of February scoring 29.7 points on an utterly ridiculous 64.7 percent shooting from the field. Some like to say that Durant is the best offensive player in the league, but even he's never done that. To be fair to KD, though, no one has shot as well as LeBron did in February since 1983.
To put how well LeBron has played this season in perspective, he currently has a 31.76 PER, which would be the second-greatest single-season mark in NBA history. Better than Michael Jordan, only Wilt Chamberlain from 1962-63 would top LeBron on the PER leaderboard if he keeps this up.
James is also one of the league's best defenders, something Durant is still not. There are really no holes on LBJ's 2012-13 MVP candidacy, which is what makes the future MVP awards so interesting. He's playing flawless basketball right now.
What's really frightening, though, is at age 28 years old, LeBron is just now entering his prime. While he might not get much better than this, he's at an age where he likely won't suffer a decline in play for quite some time.
So, with the belief that James will continue to play at this level for the foreseeable future, it's difficult to envision a season anytime soon where he isn't the heavy favorite.
He's established himself as the NBA's best player. But more than that, he's made it so there's a significant gap between him and the No. 2 player. That's not changing anytime soon.
Still, even as invincible and not-human as LeBron seems at times, his age will eventually catch up to him—as it does all players. One day, LeBron's physical tools won't be the supreme advantage over the rest of the NBA that they are today, and he won't be able to produce at this level. But that really is the only thing that will make LeBron not be the MVP favorite. Even with all the young, talented superstars in the NBA right now like a Durant and Derrick Rose, they aren't capable of dethroning The King. LeBron won't be a favorite when he's incapable of producing at his standard level, not because someone can exceed what James is doing right now.
For the next couple of seasons, the MVP race might be a bit boring. That's not what voters want, but LeBron is forcing that upon them. He's put it all together at this stage of his career and has reached a place where he might just simply be too good.
To those NBA players wanting to hoist the Maurice Podoloff Trophy: be patient. That award is No. 6's to lose until Father Time catches up to him.
Will LeBron James Ever Not Be the NBA MVP Favorite? | Bleacher Report
As each game goes by, and James puts together fantastic performance after fantastic performance, he seems destined to win his fourth MVP in just five seasons.
LeBron has been so dominant lately that it's fair to wonder just how long it will be until he's not the MVP favorite.
That's really where we're at right now. Who can possibly play better than LeBron is playing these days?
I mean, LeBron has such a stranglehold on this year's MVP race, even though there are a few others guy other who are putting together excellent campaigns.
Take Kevin Durant, for example.
Durant is the NBA's second-leading scorer with 28.5 points on 51.2 percent shooting from the field, 42.4 percent shooting from beyond the arc and 91.0 percent shooting from the charity stripe. Durant's on pace to become the sixth member of the NBA's 50-40-90 club. He's also playing the best defense of his career and is averaging 7.8 rebounds along with 4.6 assists.
And while the majority of NBA fans and voters want to see Durant win—as he's one of the universally loved players in the league—James should win the award in a landslide.
LeBron has become elite in every facet of the game. His jump shot used to be one of his few weaknesses. Now, LeBron is one of the NBA's top shooters.
Take a look at his mind-blowingly efficient shot chart from this season. He's scoring 27.1 points on an absurd 56.4 percent shooting from the field and 41.3 percent from the three-point line. LeBron is obviously the Heat's top scorer, like Durant is with the Thunder, but James is also his team's top passer (7.3 assists) and rebounder (8.1 rebounds). Talk about valuable.
What's even scarier is that LeBron is capable of playing to even higher numbers. He finished the month of February scoring 29.7 points on an utterly ridiculous 64.7 percent shooting from the field. Some like to say that Durant is the best offensive player in the league, but even he's never done that. To be fair to KD, though, no one has shot as well as LeBron did in February since 1983.
To put how well LeBron has played this season in perspective, he currently has a 31.76 PER, which would be the second-greatest single-season mark in NBA history. Better than Michael Jordan, only Wilt Chamberlain from 1962-63 would top LeBron on the PER leaderboard if he keeps this up.
James is also one of the league's best defenders, something Durant is still not. There are really no holes on LBJ's 2012-13 MVP candidacy, which is what makes the future MVP awards so interesting. He's playing flawless basketball right now.
What's really frightening, though, is at age 28 years old, LeBron is just now entering his prime. While he might not get much better than this, he's at an age where he likely won't suffer a decline in play for quite some time.
So, with the belief that James will continue to play at this level for the foreseeable future, it's difficult to envision a season anytime soon where he isn't the heavy favorite.
He's established himself as the NBA's best player. But more than that, he's made it so there's a significant gap between him and the No. 2 player. That's not changing anytime soon.
Still, even as invincible and not-human as LeBron seems at times, his age will eventually catch up to him—as it does all players. One day, LeBron's physical tools won't be the supreme advantage over the rest of the NBA that they are today, and he won't be able to produce at this level. But that really is the only thing that will make LeBron not be the MVP favorite. Even with all the young, talented superstars in the NBA right now like a Durant and Derrick Rose, they aren't capable of dethroning The King. LeBron won't be a favorite when he's incapable of producing at his standard level, not because someone can exceed what James is doing right now.
For the next couple of seasons, the MVP race might be a bit boring. That's not what voters want, but LeBron is forcing that upon them. He's put it all together at this stage of his career and has reached a place where he might just simply be too good.
To those NBA players wanting to hoist the Maurice Podoloff Trophy: be patient. That award is No. 6's to lose until Father Time catches up to him.
Will LeBron James Ever Not Be the NBA MVP Favorite? | Bleacher Report
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Kobe Bryant scored 10 of his side's last 13 points, and Steve Blake came up with a game-clinching steal, as the Los Angeles Lakers improved to .500 in the standings, after a 99-98 win over the Atlanta Hawks, Sunday (Monday, PHL time) at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
LA improved to 30-30 after winning their last two outings, while the Hawks fell to 33-25, having also lost their previous assignment.
A buzzer-beating triple by Kobe Bryant had the Lakers up 79-73 at the end of the third quarter, but Kyle Korver and Devin Harris equalized things at 80-all, early in the fourth.
Korver once again created a deadlock at 86-all, 6:40 still to play, and then Al Horford put his team ahead, 88-86 after a turnover by Steve Nash.
Metta World Peace gave the Lakers back a slim one-point lead with 3:26 left, 93-92, but Jeff Teague countered with charities. A monster dunk by Kobe Bryant was the answer from the Lakers, but both teams swapped misses, and then turnovers, with 1:01 remaining.
Jeff Teague drove in for a lay-up via a Josh Smith assist, for a one-point Hawks advantage, 45.2 seconds left, 96-95. Smith however gave it right back, fouling Bryant in the act of shooting, and the Black Mamba dutifully made both charities. Another Smith find led to a dunk by Al Horford, but Bryant had the answer once more, putting LA up 99-98 with nine ticks on the clock.
Ironically, Smith yet again followed up a good play with a bad one. This time, his pass was picked off by Steve Blake, allowing LA to seal the win.
Atlanta reversed a 30-26 first quarter lead by the Lakers, by forcing their foes into five straight misses to begin the second, allowing them to build a 37-30 lead. It didn't last long though, as the home team went on a 14-2 run, to lead by five, 4:44 left in the second, 44-39. Another big run by the home team, this time a 13-4 blitz, kicked off the second half, and that handed LA their largest lead of the game, 16-points, 65-49, on an Earl Clark dunk. Three straight Devin Harris treys however nearly wiped out that big buffer, 76-73, 4.3 ticks left in the third, before Bryant nailed his buzzer-beater.
Bryant finished with 34 points on 13-of-27 shooting, along with six rebounds and four assists. Four other Lakers finished with double-digit scoring. Steve Nash had a double-double with 15 points and 10 assists, while Dwight Howard's double-double consisted of 11 points and 15 rebounds.
Bryant, Nash and Howard however combined for 15 of their team's 21 turnovers.
Al Horford finished with 24 points to lead the Hawks. Josh Smith stuffed the stats sheet with 19 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and three blocks, but he also had a game-worst six miscues. Kyle Korver and Devin Harris had 16 apiece off the bench.
THe Hawks lost despite a 34-21 edge in assists, and a 50 percent shooting clip from the field, as the Lakers countered by hitting 47.6 percent from downtown (10-of-21).
NBA: Lakers forge .500 record with win over Atlanta | Sports | GMA News Online
LA improved to 30-30 after winning their last two outings, while the Hawks fell to 33-25, having also lost their previous assignment.
A buzzer-beating triple by Kobe Bryant had the Lakers up 79-73 at the end of the third quarter, but Kyle Korver and Devin Harris equalized things at 80-all, early in the fourth.
Korver once again created a deadlock at 86-all, 6:40 still to play, and then Al Horford put his team ahead, 88-86 after a turnover by Steve Nash.
Metta World Peace gave the Lakers back a slim one-point lead with 3:26 left, 93-92, but Jeff Teague countered with charities. A monster dunk by Kobe Bryant was the answer from the Lakers, but both teams swapped misses, and then turnovers, with 1:01 remaining.
Jeff Teague drove in for a lay-up via a Josh Smith assist, for a one-point Hawks advantage, 45.2 seconds left, 96-95. Smith however gave it right back, fouling Bryant in the act of shooting, and the Black Mamba dutifully made both charities. Another Smith find led to a dunk by Al Horford, but Bryant had the answer once more, putting LA up 99-98 with nine ticks on the clock.
Ironically, Smith yet again followed up a good play with a bad one. This time, his pass was picked off by Steve Blake, allowing LA to seal the win.
Atlanta reversed a 30-26 first quarter lead by the Lakers, by forcing their foes into five straight misses to begin the second, allowing them to build a 37-30 lead. It didn't last long though, as the home team went on a 14-2 run, to lead by five, 4:44 left in the second, 44-39. Another big run by the home team, this time a 13-4 blitz, kicked off the second half, and that handed LA their largest lead of the game, 16-points, 65-49, on an Earl Clark dunk. Three straight Devin Harris treys however nearly wiped out that big buffer, 76-73, 4.3 ticks left in the third, before Bryant nailed his buzzer-beater.
Bryant finished with 34 points on 13-of-27 shooting, along with six rebounds and four assists. Four other Lakers finished with double-digit scoring. Steve Nash had a double-double with 15 points and 10 assists, while Dwight Howard's double-double consisted of 11 points and 15 rebounds.
Bryant, Nash and Howard however combined for 15 of their team's 21 turnovers.
Al Horford finished with 24 points to lead the Hawks. Josh Smith stuffed the stats sheet with 19 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and three blocks, but he also had a game-worst six miscues. Kyle Korver and Devin Harris had 16 apiece off the bench.
THe Hawks lost despite a 34-21 edge in assists, and a 50 percent shooting clip from the field, as the Lakers countered by hitting 47.6 percent from downtown (10-of-21).
NBA: Lakers forge .500 record with win over Atlanta | Sports | GMA News Online
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Over the past decade, the NBA has opened up its schedule to include several games overseas. Aside from the occasional regular season game in London, most of these games are preseason contests with no real effect on the schedule. They're largely marketing opportunities, an effort to expand the league's global reach in countries with burgeoning basketball cultures. For the most part, the goal is growth.
The Philippines has not yet played host to one of these games, which is a shame. Unlike some of these countries, basketball is their most popular sport by a wide margin. As discussed by Rafe Bartholomew in his book "Pacific Rims," basketball pervades every aspect of Filipino culture, from politics to income inequality to community life.
Yet the islands have never played host to any sort of official NBA contest even though the vast majority of the populace is absolutely nuts about the league. According to one report, though, that's about to change. From interaksyon-com (via PBT):
The SM Mall of Asia Arena will host the first-ever preseason exhibition game between two NBA teams in Philippine shores.
InterAKTV has learned that the Houston Rockets and the Indiana Pacers are set to do battle at the venue on October 10.
A new conference has been scheduled on Tuesday to announce the details of the game. [...]
“Hans Sy was invited by Commissioner Stern during the All-Star Game, and Hans told the Commissioner that he has an arena that is suitable for hosting one of the NBA games,” said Junel Baculi, the athletic director of National University which is part of the SM Group. NU hosted this UAAP season, whose games were played at the MOA Arena.
The country has long been crazy about NBA basketball, but has not drawn consideration as a venue for the league’s games because of a lack of a suitable venue. With the state-of-the-art MOA Arena, that has changed.
While there has been no official confirmation of the plan, Pacers general manager Kevin Pritchard retweeted PBT's post, so it seems likely that this is for real. We reached out to the NBA for comment but have not yet received a response. We'll update you if we hear more details.
This is huge news for the Philippines, which previously had its biggest NBA-related game in 2011 when several big-name players participated in an all-star exhibition during the lockout. However, it's much different for the NBA to acknowledge the nation's fandom with a league-sanctioned game. It's a deserving honor for a huge group of people who obsess over basketball in all its forms.
There's some difference in comparison to other overseas games, then, because it's hard to imagine how the Philippines could possibly become more into basketball. In some ways, this game seems more like a reward for decades of support than an attempt to increase market share.
So good on the NBA, and congratulations to all the basketball fans in the Philippines. They absolutely earned this event.
Y! SPORTS
The Philippines has not yet played host to one of these games, which is a shame. Unlike some of these countries, basketball is their most popular sport by a wide margin. As discussed by Rafe Bartholomew in his book "Pacific Rims," basketball pervades every aspect of Filipino culture, from politics to income inequality to community life.
Yet the islands have never played host to any sort of official NBA contest even though the vast majority of the populace is absolutely nuts about the league. According to one report, though, that's about to change. From interaksyon-com (via PBT):
The SM Mall of Asia Arena will host the first-ever preseason exhibition game between two NBA teams in Philippine shores.
InterAKTV has learned that the Houston Rockets and the Indiana Pacers are set to do battle at the venue on October 10.
A new conference has been scheduled on Tuesday to announce the details of the game. [...]
“Hans Sy was invited by Commissioner Stern during the All-Star Game, and Hans told the Commissioner that he has an arena that is suitable for hosting one of the NBA games,” said Junel Baculi, the athletic director of National University which is part of the SM Group. NU hosted this UAAP season, whose games were played at the MOA Arena.
The country has long been crazy about NBA basketball, but has not drawn consideration as a venue for the league’s games because of a lack of a suitable venue. With the state-of-the-art MOA Arena, that has changed.
While there has been no official confirmation of the plan, Pacers general manager Kevin Pritchard retweeted PBT's post, so it seems likely that this is for real. We reached out to the NBA for comment but have not yet received a response. We'll update you if we hear more details.
This is huge news for the Philippines, which previously had its biggest NBA-related game in 2011 when several big-name players participated in an all-star exhibition during the lockout. However, it's much different for the NBA to acknowledge the nation's fandom with a league-sanctioned game. It's a deserving honor for a huge group of people who obsess over basketball in all its forms.
There's some difference in comparison to other overseas games, then, because it's hard to imagine how the Philippines could possibly become more into basketball. In some ways, this game seems more like a reward for decades of support than an attempt to increase market share.
So good on the NBA, and congratulations to all the basketball fans in the Philippines. They absolutely earned this event.
Y! SPORTS
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Oklahoma City forward Serge Ibaka has been fined $25,000 by the NBA for striking Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers in the groin area during Sunday's NBA game.
NBA executive vice president for basketball operations Stu Jackson announced the fine on Tuesday. The league also upgraded the Flagrant Foul 1 the Spaniard was given for hitting Griffin as the two battled for position in the paint to a Flagrant Foul 2, meaning Ibaka should have been ejected from the game.
The incident occurred with 1:52 remaining in the fourth quarter of the Thunder's 108-104 win over the Clippers at Staples Center.
NBA executive vice president for basketball operations Stu Jackson announced the fine on Tuesday. The league also upgraded the Flagrant Foul 1 the Spaniard was given for hitting Griffin as the two battled for position in the paint to a Flagrant Foul 2, meaning Ibaka should have been ejected from the game.
The incident occurred with 1:52 remaining in the fourth quarter of the Thunder's 108-104 win over the Clippers at Staples Center.
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It still may be the regular season, but Steve Kerr said it's still OK to judge the Clippers on how they have played recently against the NBA's top three teams.
The team has lost recently to San Antonio, Miami and Oklahoma City, the three teams with the best records in the league.
And that's a troubling sign for the Clippers' hopes of going far in the playoffs.
"The Clippers are a young team and it does make sense to sort of gauge them when they run into top competition just to see where they are," said Kerr, an NBA analyst with TNT. "To me, they are a notch below those teams.
"They are a notch below San Antonio, even though they beat them a couple of times early. And Miami is the defending champs and Oklahoma City is the defending West champs. So, there's nothing at all wrong being just below those teams. But the step is to try to get to them."
In Kerr's eyes, the Clippers are one of the second-tier teams in the NBA, along with Memphis, Denver, New York, Indiana and maybe Boston.
He said he understands that the Clippers have seven new players and are trying to reach new levels as an organization.
"When you talk about the three best — Oklahoma City, San Antonio and Miami — they are great teams," Kerr said. "And it's not easy to be great in the NBA."
He said Miami — with LeBron James — and Oklahoma City — with Kevin Durant —have the top two players in the NBA. .
And Kerr said the Spurs' core of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili and 15 years of continuity with Gregg Popovich as the coach have helped the team win four NBA championships since 1999.
"So it's not easy to beat those teams," Kerr said. "That's what puts those three teams ahead of the rest of those other teams we just mentioned."
Turnovers an issue
The Clippers had 16 first-half turnovers against Oklahoma City on Sunday. They had five in the second half.
Coach Vinny Del Negro is not happy with the way the Clippers are taking care of the basketball. The team averages 15.1 turnovers per game, the 13th-most in the league.
His players are "trying to play a little faster than we need to," Del Negro said. "Not play our pace. Trying to make passes in crowds. I think our spacing has to continually get better. We can say it's because different guys are in and out of the lineup or whatever. But the bottom line is we have to protect the ball better than we have."
Clippers rank in NBA's second tier, says Steve Kerr - latimes-com
The team has lost recently to San Antonio, Miami and Oklahoma City, the three teams with the best records in the league.
And that's a troubling sign for the Clippers' hopes of going far in the playoffs.
"The Clippers are a young team and it does make sense to sort of gauge them when they run into top competition just to see where they are," said Kerr, an NBA analyst with TNT. "To me, they are a notch below those teams.
"They are a notch below San Antonio, even though they beat them a couple of times early. And Miami is the defending champs and Oklahoma City is the defending West champs. So, there's nothing at all wrong being just below those teams. But the step is to try to get to them."
In Kerr's eyes, the Clippers are one of the second-tier teams in the NBA, along with Memphis, Denver, New York, Indiana and maybe Boston.
He said he understands that the Clippers have seven new players and are trying to reach new levels as an organization.
"When you talk about the three best — Oklahoma City, San Antonio and Miami — they are great teams," Kerr said. "And it's not easy to be great in the NBA."
He said Miami — with LeBron James — and Oklahoma City — with Kevin Durant —have the top two players in the NBA. .
And Kerr said the Spurs' core of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili and 15 years of continuity with Gregg Popovich as the coach have helped the team win four NBA championships since 1999.
"So it's not easy to beat those teams," Kerr said. "That's what puts those three teams ahead of the rest of those other teams we just mentioned."
Turnovers an issue
The Clippers had 16 first-half turnovers against Oklahoma City on Sunday. They had five in the second half.
Coach Vinny Del Negro is not happy with the way the Clippers are taking care of the basketball. The team averages 15.1 turnovers per game, the 13th-most in the league.
His players are "trying to play a little faster than we need to," Del Negro said. "Not play our pace. Trying to make passes in crowds. I think our spacing has to continually get better. We can say it's because different guys are in and out of the lineup or whatever. But the bottom line is we have to protect the ball better than we have."
Clippers rank in NBA's second tier, says Steve Kerr - latimes-com
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The Heat continued to climb the ladder on the list of the NBA’s all-time best winning streaks with Wednesday’s victory.
Miami tied seven other teams that have strung 16 victories together, including three that went on to win the championship (1964-65 Celtics, 1970-71 Bucks and 1999-2000 Lakers).
But the Heat still has a long way to go to get even near the NBA record of 33 in a row set by the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers.
“It’s not really in the back of my head or anything like what number we’d like to hit,” LeBron James said. “If it hit a league record, I mean that’s crazy if we did at some point. We don’t want to lose, but we’re going to play each and every game and not worry about it.”
Among some of the notable teams the Heat could catch soon on the all-time list include the record-setting 1995-96 Bulls who won 18 in a row during a 72-10 regular season, and 1999-2000 Lakers who had a 19-game winning streak that season.
The 2007-08 Rockets have the second-longest streak — 22 in a row.
James isn’t putting an emphasis on it, and is quick to put long regular-season streaks in perspective.
“I asked Shane [ Battier] about when he was with Houston when they won 22 in a row,” James said. “He said it got them up one spot in the Western Conference standings that year from sixth place to fifth. That’s crazy.”
Battier’s hot streak
Battier has delivered several clutch shooting performances during the Heat’s franchise-record run.
Battier has made at least one three-pointer in his past 17 games. Battier entered the game against the Magic having made multiple three-pointers in 11 of 14 games during the streak — only missing the Feb.26 game against Sacramento.
Battier has shot 39 of 67 from three-point range (58.2 percent) over his past 14 games before Wednesday. He credited his play to his improved health.
“I finally feel healthy after fighting a knee and a hamstring [injury] all year,” Battier said. “I never get caught up in my shooting though. It is what it is. We have some good streaks and poor streaks. My game has always been predicated on making basketball plays like getting loose balls and making intangible plays more than making shots.”
Snowball fight
Before boarding the plane back to Miami from Minnesota, a couple of Heat players, allegedly including Dwyane Wade and James, tried having some fun in the snowy conditions. A tweet posted late Monday night on the Heat’s Twitter page read: “After a team snowball fight failed (snow not heavy enough), we’re boarding the plane back to Miami.”
Wade said he wasn’t very good at making snowballs, but implied that James had some success getting a snowball battle going.
“I was an innocent bystander,” Wade said. “I’m from Chicago, but I just wasn’t good at making them. But some people are very good at it. I won’t say names, but his initials are ‘L.J.’ ”
James said later: “I’m pretty good at [making snowballs]. I’m from the Midwest. I didn’t start it, but had a little bit to do with it.”
• The Heat launched its 2013-14 one-year renewal campaign for season-ticket holders. The deal includes discounts on playoff tickets for this season if season tickets are renewed by March 25.
Read more here: Miami Heat’s streak still far off NBA record - Miami Heat - MiamiHerald-com
Miami tied seven other teams that have strung 16 victories together, including three that went on to win the championship (1964-65 Celtics, 1970-71 Bucks and 1999-2000 Lakers).
But the Heat still has a long way to go to get even near the NBA record of 33 in a row set by the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers.
“It’s not really in the back of my head or anything like what number we’d like to hit,” LeBron James said. “If it hit a league record, I mean that’s crazy if we did at some point. We don’t want to lose, but we’re going to play each and every game and not worry about it.”
Among some of the notable teams the Heat could catch soon on the all-time list include the record-setting 1995-96 Bulls who won 18 in a row during a 72-10 regular season, and 1999-2000 Lakers who had a 19-game winning streak that season.
The 2007-08 Rockets have the second-longest streak — 22 in a row.
James isn’t putting an emphasis on it, and is quick to put long regular-season streaks in perspective.
“I asked Shane [ Battier] about when he was with Houston when they won 22 in a row,” James said. “He said it got them up one spot in the Western Conference standings that year from sixth place to fifth. That’s crazy.”
Battier’s hot streak
Battier has delivered several clutch shooting performances during the Heat’s franchise-record run.
Battier has made at least one three-pointer in his past 17 games. Battier entered the game against the Magic having made multiple three-pointers in 11 of 14 games during the streak — only missing the Feb.26 game against Sacramento.
Battier has shot 39 of 67 from three-point range (58.2 percent) over his past 14 games before Wednesday. He credited his play to his improved health.
“I finally feel healthy after fighting a knee and a hamstring [injury] all year,” Battier said. “I never get caught up in my shooting though. It is what it is. We have some good streaks and poor streaks. My game has always been predicated on making basketball plays like getting loose balls and making intangible plays more than making shots.”
Snowball fight
Before boarding the plane back to Miami from Minnesota, a couple of Heat players, allegedly including Dwyane Wade and James, tried having some fun in the snowy conditions. A tweet posted late Monday night on the Heat’s Twitter page read: “After a team snowball fight failed (snow not heavy enough), we’re boarding the plane back to Miami.”
Wade said he wasn’t very good at making snowballs, but implied that James had some success getting a snowball battle going.
“I was an innocent bystander,” Wade said. “I’m from Chicago, but I just wasn’t good at making them. But some people are very good at it. I won’t say names, but his initials are ‘L.J.’ ”
James said later: “I’m pretty good at [making snowballs]. I’m from the Midwest. I didn’t start it, but had a little bit to do with it.”
• The Heat launched its 2013-14 one-year renewal campaign for season-ticket holders. The deal includes discounts on playoff tickets for this season if season tickets are renewed by March 25.
Read more here: Miami Heat’s streak still far off NBA record - Miami Heat - MiamiHerald-com
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Even on the glittery stage of the NBA, there’s a dulling that occurs.
The swollen glare of superstardom can diminish the deeds of less-recognized players.
For every LeBron James and Dwight Howard, there’s an overshadowed Greivis Vasquez or Larry Sanders.
So what other non-superstars of the NBA are sneaking beneath the radar?
Tune in to the video above to find out what NBA analyst Will Leivenberg and NBA lead writer Jimmy Spencer have to say, and make sure to hit us up in the comments section below with your own opinion!
NBA Players Having Sneaky Great Seasons | Bleacher Report
The swollen glare of superstardom can diminish the deeds of less-recognized players.
For every LeBron James and Dwight Howard, there’s an overshadowed Greivis Vasquez or Larry Sanders.
So what other non-superstars of the NBA are sneaking beneath the radar?
Tune in to the video above to find out what NBA analyst Will Leivenberg and NBA lead writer Jimmy Spencer have to say, and make sure to hit us up in the comments section below with your own opinion!
NBA Players Having Sneaky Great Seasons | Bleacher Report
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There's hot, there's a sidewalk in Texas in the summer, there's the of surface of the sun and then there's Deron Williams' hand Friday in the first half.
In the first half, Williams set an NBA record with nine 3-pointers, seven of them coming in the first quarter. Seven!
(Is there anything better than when a player is feeling it and he's got the ball crossing halfcourt and you just know he's about to crank one from deep? I love that.)
He finished the game 11-16 from 3 for 42 points, one off the NBA record for most in a games held by Donyell Marshall and Kobe Bryant.
Williams was going for it too. With his team up 16 with 1:52 left, he splashed his 11th 3. And with his team up 17 with 1:07 left, he launched his 16th 3 of the game. Mark Jackson would've hired a hitman to take a bat to his knees before his got that one off.
And as you might expect, his Nets cruised over the Wizards 95-78.
Video: VIDEO: Deron Williams sets an NBA record with nine first half 3s - CBSSports-com
In the first half, Williams set an NBA record with nine 3-pointers, seven of them coming in the first quarter. Seven!
(Is there anything better than when a player is feeling it and he's got the ball crossing halfcourt and you just know he's about to crank one from deep? I love that.)
He finished the game 11-16 from 3 for 42 points, one off the NBA record for most in a games held by Donyell Marshall and Kobe Bryant.
Williams was going for it too. With his team up 16 with 1:52 left, he splashed his 11th 3. And with his team up 17 with 1:07 left, he launched his 16th 3 of the game. Mark Jackson would've hired a hitman to take a bat to his knees before his got that one off.
And as you might expect, his Nets cruised over the Wizards 95-78.
Video: VIDEO: Deron Williams sets an NBA record with nine first half 3s - CBSSports-com
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Saturday night's NBA action went a long way toward setting up the season's impending playoff drive. The Utah Jazz headed in the wrong direction, the Denver Nuggets put the pedal down as only they can, and the Phoenix Suns served as a speed bump for the Houston Rockets.
Teams aside, there were some big individual performances that helped a few players stand out on the NBA map, too. Anthony Davis flirted with a 20-20 night, John Wall did something he had done only once all season, and the Milwaukee Bucks backcourt duo of Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings blitzed the Golden State Warriors.
And guess what, the idle L.A. Lakers benefited from almost everything that took place.
Buckle up as we cruise through a slate of games that'll help determine which clubs are on the road to playoff success and which ones are headed in for repairs.
8 Takeaways from Saturday Night's Laker-Friendly NBA Action | Bleacher Report
Teams aside, there were some big individual performances that helped a few players stand out on the NBA map, too. Anthony Davis flirted with a 20-20 night, John Wall did something he had done only once all season, and the Milwaukee Bucks backcourt duo of Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings blitzed the Golden State Warriors.
And guess what, the idle L.A. Lakers benefited from almost everything that took place.
Buckle up as we cruise through a slate of games that'll help determine which clubs are on the road to playoff success and which ones are headed in for repairs.
8 Takeaways from Saturday Night's Laker-Friendly NBA Action | Bleacher Report
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The San Antonio Spurs rebounded from their worst loss of the season with a balanced performance against one of the NBA's best teams.
This was one satisfying victory. Tiago Splitter had 21 points and 10 rebounds, and San Antonio snapped Oklahoma City's five-game winning streak with a 105-93 victory on Monday night.
"I think everybody played well," Splitter said. "I was one of them. You play well and you feel better. You want to play well against these kinds of teams, these playoff teams. Of course, we've got to stay humble. It's one more game."
Kawhi Leonard scored 17 points, Danny Green had 16 and Tim Duncan finished with 13 as San Antonio (49-15) maintained the Western Conference's top record. Manu Ginobili had 12 points and Boris Diaw added 11 as the Spurs' reserves outscored their counterparts 34-16.
"We had a lot of great play from the bench," Duncan said. "That second squad came in there and kind of changed the tempo and took control of the game."
Kevin Durant had 26 points and Russell Westbrook added 25 for the Thunder (47-17), who have lost six straight in San Antonio. Serge Ibaka was the only other player in double figures, adding 13 points and 16 rebounds.
San Antonio's defense was the difference, turning an evenly matched battle into its third victory in four games without Tony Parker. The All-Star point guard is going to miss another three weeks with a sprained left ankle.
"Normally teams don't push us out so we can't run our offense," Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks said. "They did a good job of being physical with us. We're usually in attack mode and we're able to get better catches and better execution. That's something we can get better from. We've always done a great job of watching film and throwing it on the practice floor to improve on."
The Spurs lost 136-106 to Portland on Friday night, with the Trail Blazers setting a record for most points by an opponent at the AT&T Center and handing the Spurs their second-worst home loss ever.
A couple days later, it was a much different story for San Antonio.
Oklahoma City had only two baskets in the opening 10 minutes of the fourth, but was 11 for 12 on free throws. The Thunder went 4 for 20 from the field in the final period.
"We just stuck with it," Duncan said. "It was great to see the tide turn and us turn up our aggressiveness on defense."
Durant was 7 for 13 from the field, compared to 11 for 27 by Westbrook. Durant said the shot differential was a product of the flow of the game.
"I can do whatever I want on offense," he said. "I can come down and take 30 shots, but that is not the right brand of basketball for me. I was trying to make the right basketball play. The Spurs do such a great job of making me pass the ball. I was picking and choosing my shots. I trust my teammates."
Asked about San Antonio's defense and the Spurs' run in the second half, Westbrook offered the same terse reply.
"They made some shots," he said.
San Antonio scored the first nine points of the fourth to take a 92-74 lead with 9 minutes left.
Oklahoma City played Sunday afternoon in a 91-79 home victory over the Boston Celtics, but still managed to outrebound the Spurs 15-4 in the opening quarter, including a 5-0 advantage on offensive rebounds.
"No team ends up being a really good team without playing good 'D,' " Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. "We played very poor defense in the first quarter. It looked like a continuation of the Portland game. But in the second quarter, we held them to 18 and we played a little more individual `D,' took a look more pride in it. And the team 'D' was better. It's always about defense. If you don't play good defense, you're nothing in this league."
San Antonio made its first five shots, with Duncan hitting a pair of jumpers over Kendrick Perkins to help the Spurs to a 10-4 lead with 9 minutes left in the first. The Spurs then proceeded to go 2 for 10, enabling the Thunder to rally.
Ibaka drove to the hole and threw in a floater off Oklahoma City's fifth offensive rebound for a 24-14 lead.
After missing their first four 3 pointers, Green hit back-to-back attempts and Leonard hit another to pull San Antonio to 42-40 and force an Oklahoma City timeout. The 3s were part of a 23-4 run that gave San Antonio a 57-46 lead with 41.4 seconds left in the first half.
The run included Leonard stripping Westbrook at the basket, driving the length of the court and throwing down a left-handed dunk as Ibaka began to close in on the right. The basket made it 53-46.
Leonard guarded Durant primarily, and the All-Star attempted only one 3-pointer.
"Just coming out, having confidence in myself to guard him," Leonard said. "You know he's going to score points, but just trying to contest him. Not make it easy for him out there; he knocked down a couple of tough shots in the first quarter, so I just kept trying to move on from there."
Notes
Splitter has eight double-doubles this season after collecting only three in his first two seasons.
Over the past four seasons, only the Spurs (210) have more victories than the Thunder (199).
The Thunder, Spurs, Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Clippers are the only Western Conference teams with a winning road record.
NBA Recap - Oklahoma City Thunder at San Antonio Spurs - Mar 11, 2013 - CBSSports-com
This was one satisfying victory. Tiago Splitter had 21 points and 10 rebounds, and San Antonio snapped Oklahoma City's five-game winning streak with a 105-93 victory on Monday night.
"I think everybody played well," Splitter said. "I was one of them. You play well and you feel better. You want to play well against these kinds of teams, these playoff teams. Of course, we've got to stay humble. It's one more game."
Kawhi Leonard scored 17 points, Danny Green had 16 and Tim Duncan finished with 13 as San Antonio (49-15) maintained the Western Conference's top record. Manu Ginobili had 12 points and Boris Diaw added 11 as the Spurs' reserves outscored their counterparts 34-16.
"We had a lot of great play from the bench," Duncan said. "That second squad came in there and kind of changed the tempo and took control of the game."
Kevin Durant had 26 points and Russell Westbrook added 25 for the Thunder (47-17), who have lost six straight in San Antonio. Serge Ibaka was the only other player in double figures, adding 13 points and 16 rebounds.
San Antonio's defense was the difference, turning an evenly matched battle into its third victory in four games without Tony Parker. The All-Star point guard is going to miss another three weeks with a sprained left ankle.
"Normally teams don't push us out so we can't run our offense," Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks said. "They did a good job of being physical with us. We're usually in attack mode and we're able to get better catches and better execution. That's something we can get better from. We've always done a great job of watching film and throwing it on the practice floor to improve on."
The Spurs lost 136-106 to Portland on Friday night, with the Trail Blazers setting a record for most points by an opponent at the AT&T Center and handing the Spurs their second-worst home loss ever.
A couple days later, it was a much different story for San Antonio.
Oklahoma City had only two baskets in the opening 10 minutes of the fourth, but was 11 for 12 on free throws. The Thunder went 4 for 20 from the field in the final period.
"We just stuck with it," Duncan said. "It was great to see the tide turn and us turn up our aggressiveness on defense."
Durant was 7 for 13 from the field, compared to 11 for 27 by Westbrook. Durant said the shot differential was a product of the flow of the game.
"I can do whatever I want on offense," he said. "I can come down and take 30 shots, but that is not the right brand of basketball for me. I was trying to make the right basketball play. The Spurs do such a great job of making me pass the ball. I was picking and choosing my shots. I trust my teammates."
Asked about San Antonio's defense and the Spurs' run in the second half, Westbrook offered the same terse reply.
"They made some shots," he said.
San Antonio scored the first nine points of the fourth to take a 92-74 lead with 9 minutes left.
Oklahoma City played Sunday afternoon in a 91-79 home victory over the Boston Celtics, but still managed to outrebound the Spurs 15-4 in the opening quarter, including a 5-0 advantage on offensive rebounds.
"No team ends up being a really good team without playing good 'D,' " Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. "We played very poor defense in the first quarter. It looked like a continuation of the Portland game. But in the second quarter, we held them to 18 and we played a little more individual `D,' took a look more pride in it. And the team 'D' was better. It's always about defense. If you don't play good defense, you're nothing in this league."
San Antonio made its first five shots, with Duncan hitting a pair of jumpers over Kendrick Perkins to help the Spurs to a 10-4 lead with 9 minutes left in the first. The Spurs then proceeded to go 2 for 10, enabling the Thunder to rally.
Ibaka drove to the hole and threw in a floater off Oklahoma City's fifth offensive rebound for a 24-14 lead.
After missing their first four 3 pointers, Green hit back-to-back attempts and Leonard hit another to pull San Antonio to 42-40 and force an Oklahoma City timeout. The 3s were part of a 23-4 run that gave San Antonio a 57-46 lead with 41.4 seconds left in the first half.
The run included Leonard stripping Westbrook at the basket, driving the length of the court and throwing down a left-handed dunk as Ibaka began to close in on the right. The basket made it 53-46.
Leonard guarded Durant primarily, and the All-Star attempted only one 3-pointer.
"Just coming out, having confidence in myself to guard him," Leonard said. "You know he's going to score points, but just trying to contest him. Not make it easy for him out there; he knocked down a couple of tough shots in the first quarter, so I just kept trying to move on from there."
Notes
Splitter has eight double-doubles this season after collecting only three in his first two seasons.
Over the past four seasons, only the Spurs (210) have more victories than the Thunder (199).
The Thunder, Spurs, Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Clippers are the only Western Conference teams with a winning road record.
NBA Recap - Oklahoma City Thunder at San Antonio Spurs - Mar 11, 2013 - CBSSports-com
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Atlanta is doing its part to facilitate a deal, and is initiating a lot of the talk. One such call went to the Los Angeles Clippers in an inquiry for point guard Eric Bledsoe. According to the report via ESPN's Chris Broussard, the conversation was short because Los Angeles wasn't interested in making a play for Smith.
Bledsoe is seen as a movable piece because of the health and effectiveness of incumbent Chris Paul. The Clippers superstar is playing at an MVP level and is giving his team leverage to move Bledsoe, who is too talented to be a backup for long.
Monta Ellis of the Milwaukee Bucks is another potential target for the Hawks as they look to find a backcourt upgrade. Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe reported that Ellis will likely decline his $11 million player option and become a free agent this summer, making a trade the best course of action for the Bucks.
Ellis would be an ideal fit to pair with Jeff Teague, who is having a career year in Atlanta while averaging 15.2 points and 6.9 assists per game.
Staying in Milwaukee, Brandon Jennings is another player being floated in the litany of rumors swirling before deadline day. Yahoo! Sports NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski reports that in an especially frugal NBA market this season, Jennings will not command a max deal that the Bucks will likely match this offseason. No trade rumor roundup would be complete without mentioning the latest on Los Angeles Lakers superstar big man Dwight Howard. Though he's been assured by Lakers management that he will not be moved prior to the deadline, all bets are off given his unhappiness in Los Angeles, the recent passing of owner Jerry Buss and the fact that he's looked out of sorts this season.
Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld-com said that L.A. is keeping its options open when it comes to the 27-year-old. Howard hasn't meshed well in Los Angeles, and he's yet another player who could virtually walk away from the Lakers for nothing. If they can get value for him, it stands to reason that they may pull the trigger on a deal that ships him out of Hollywood.
When it comes to Kevin Garnett, the C's center has said he will not waive his no-trade clause, but Danny Ainge has historically been active around the deadline and may be looking for something that could be mutually beneficial for both parties.
As teams try to shed payroll and avoid hefty luxury tax penalties, it stands to reason that this year's trade market could remain relatively quiet. Still, there will likely be some activity as several teams are looking to add a small piece to bolster their rosters heading into the playoffs.
NBA trade rumors: What will happen with Josh Smith? - SBNation-com