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Bleacher Report - Nba
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Link: http://bleacherreport.com/
Description: Bleacher Report - The open source sports network
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The Oklahoma City Thunder Have The Title Mix
Published: Thursday May 17th 2PM
Link: http://bleacherreport.com/articles...ahoma-city-thunder-have-the-title-mix
Description: NBA champions are often glorified as elite two-way outfits that create buckets with ease and lock down opponents as second nature. Such is the benefit of a spotlit retrospective; the playoff's result often colors the way we reflect on previous victors, as we approach their flaws armed with the knowledge that they won't prove fatal, and can evaluate their successes without caveat.For once, achievement is able to be just that—one particular team is able to revel in their fact that they stand... read more »
Why Kobe Bryant Gets More Of A Free Pass Than Lebron James For Failure In Clutch
Published: Thursday May 17th 2PM
Link: http://bleacherreport.com/articles...an-lebron-james-for-failure-in-clutch
Description: Nowadays, Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant is probably better at escaping criticism than he is escaping defenders.While LeBron James suffers through a list of endless grievances issued by fans and talking heads alike, Bryant's decision-making has been virtually irreproachable. If the Lakers have any problems, conventional wisdom blames them squarely on Andrew Bynum's immaturity, Mike Brown's incompetence or a roster without depth.Sure, five rings and a long history of brilliant performances... read more »
Nba Playofs 2012: Rajon Rondo Statistically Outperforming Chris Paul
Published: Thursday May 17th 2PM
Link: http://bleacherreport.com/articles...rming-chris-paul-in-2012-nba-playoffs
Description: Even the most ardent Boston homer would have a tough time arguing that Rajon Rondo is a better basketball player than Chris Paul. Sure, Rondo may be the most adept passer since ” Pete Maravich, but Paul’s jump-shooting and finishing ability are enough to keep him on top.Right Results from the 2012 playoffs through Thursday afternoon would suggest otherwise.Through eight games apiece for the All-Star point guards, Paul has averaged 18.6 points, 5.4 boards and 7.5 assists. Compare that... read more »
Heat Vs. Pacers Game 3: Picks And Predictions For Crucial Matchup
Published: Thursday May 17th 2PM
Link: http://bleacherreport.com/articles...s-and-predictions-for-crucial-matchup
Description: The Miami Heat are traveling to Indiana to take on the Pacers tonight for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. You can see it live at 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN. Here’s a quick breakdown of the contest and then a prediction on who will come out on top. What is at Stake With the series tied at 1-1, this is a critically important game. Indiana was able to steal home-court advantage on the road in Game 2, and Miami has to earn it back by pulling out a win at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.Chr... read more »
Kobe, Lebron, Durant: Who Should Take Last Shot In Playoffs
Published: Thursday May 17th 2PM
Link: http://bleacherreport.com/articles...who-should-take-last-shot-in-playoffs
Description: The NBA has come to be defined by crunch time. Barstool debates gravitate around players with clutch reputations, for better or worse, and a player's body of work becomes unmistakably altered by how he performs—or seems to perform—in winning time. We've completely fetishized the notion of a basketball closer, and put on a pedestal those who are said to elevate their performance with the game on the line.All of which disguises the fact that, statistically speaking, pretty much ev... read more »
2012 Nba Mock Draft: Big-time Players Who Will Turn Around Floundering Teams
Published: Thursday May 17th 2PM
Link: http://bleacherreport.com/articles...ho-will-turn-around-floundering-teams
Description: The greatest way to turn around an NBA franchise is by building through the NBA draft. Free agency is certainly another nice way to improve a team, but you aren't going to get 20-year-old prospects with oozing potential in free agency. You know what you're getting with those players.In the draft, however, there's always that chance you strike gold with a franchise-changer. Sure, there's also the chance you draft the franchise-killer hello, Kwame Brown, Michael Olowokandi, and others , too, ... read more »
Nba Draft 2012: Top 5 Pgs Who Will Ignite A Team's Offense Instantly
Published: Thursday May 17th 2PM
Link: http://bleacherreport.com/articles...will-ignite-a-teams-offense-instantly
Description: Point guard is the richest position in the NBA.Physically gifted floor generals with immeasurable skill sets flood the draft every single summer and this year is no different. As legends like Jason Kidd and Steve Nash inch closer to retirement, new talents will step up in their place. Here are the five top point guards in the 2012 draft class.5. Tony WrotenWroten is one of the increasing-number of combo guards entering the league. But unlike most tweeners that are natural scorers and will be for... read more »
Lebron James: Heat Star Absolutely Right About Lakers' Final Play
Published: Thursday May 17th 1PM
Link: http://bleacherreport.com/articles...olutely-right-about-lakers-final-play
Description: LeBron Jamesdefended Metta World Peace's decision-making in the Lakers and Thunder's Game 2 matchup. He was right too, and no one should be surprised. The play was originally drawn up for Kobe Bryant— of course — and rightfully so.But Steve Blake, a 41 percent three-point shooter, was left wide open in the corner.MWP abandoned the play and passed it to Blake, who missed the wide-open shot, and the Lakers lost the game.James has been routinely criticized for making the right basketbal... read more »
Lebron James: Heat Star's Comments About Lakers Prove He Lacks Killer Instinct
Published: Thursday May 17th 1PM
Link: http://bleacherreport.com/articles...lakers-prove-he-lacks-killer-instinct
Description: LeBron James has been where the Los Angeles Lakers are, and very recently.In the Heat's Game 2 loss to the Pacers on Tuesday night, James deferred to his teammate on the most crucial shot of the game. He chose not to take what could've been the game-winner and passed to Wade, who missed a layup that could've completely changed the complexion of the conference semifinals entire series.The next night, with three seconds left in the Thunder's eventual 77-75 win in Game 2 over the Lakers, LA was dow... read more »
What The Rest Of The Nba Must Learn From The San Antonio Spurs
Published: Thursday May 17th 1PM
Link: http://bleacherreport.com/articles...nba-must-learn-from-san-antonio-spurs
Description: The San Antonio Spurs are 42-7 over the last 49 games. This team has not lost a game since April 11. It should not be a surprise that Tim Duncan's club is now considered the favorite to win the 2012 NBA championship.These guys can teach a thing or two to the rest of the league about how to get it done.Despite the lockout-shortened schedule, this season marked the 13th straight year where the Spurs have won at least 50 regular season games. Think about that—San Antonio's sustained success i... read more »
Jeremy Lin: Signing With Portland Trail Blazers Is Star Pg's Best Option
Published: Thursday May 17th 1PM
Link: http://bleacherreport.com/articles...trail-blazers-is-star-pgs-best-option
Description: Jeremy Lin isn’t an insect. The bright lights of New York City are attractive, but he must resist and head west. There—on the Portland Trail Blazers—is where Lin will be in position to shine the brightest.’s Alex Kennedy reported that, according to sources, Portland will be one of the teams attempting to persuade the point guard to abandon the Big Apple this summer.On paper, the New York Knicks, not the Trail Blazers, look like Lin’s ideal landing spot. Amar&r... read more »
Nba Playoffs 2012: 5 Reasons Why The Spurs Will Beat The Clippers
Published: Thursday May 17th 1PM
Link: http://bleacherreport.com/articles...-why-the-spurs-will-beat-the-clippers
Description: Too old. Their time has passed.It is everything the San Antonio Spurs have heard this postseason from the people that doubt them.Even if Tim Duncan should be in a retirement home and Manu Ginobili is losing his hair, the Spurs are still one of the best teams in the NBA playoffs.After winning the first game of their playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers, the Spurs will easily move onto the Western Conference Finals because of the five following reasons.Begin Slideshow read more »
Celtics Vs. Sixers: Doug Collins' Post-game Comments On The Celtics Are Spot On
Published: Thursday May 17th 1PM
Link: http://bleacherreport.com/articles...e-comments-on-the-celtics-are-spot-on
Description: Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doug Collins had some really interesting thoughts on the Boston Celtics team that thoroughly dominated his young squad in Game 3 of their second-round playoff series on Wednesday night.Per Ira Winderman of the Sun-Sentinel:"I think they are looking at that other series a little bit," Collins said of the Celtics during his Wednesday postgame interview. "I think they see Chris Bosh being out. They see a tremendous opportunity for themselves.""... read more »
Why Winning A Fifth Championship Would Make Tim Duncan Greater Than Kobe Bryant
Published: Thursday May 17th 12PM
Link: http://bleacherreport.com/articles...e-tim-duncan-greater-than-kobe-bryant
Description: We often hear arguments about what happens if Kobe Bryant wins his sixth ring, and where that would place him in relation to Michael Jordan. However there is another question which is rarely discussed, and which this year could be far more possible. If Tim Duncan wins his fifth ring, does that move him past Bryant as the greatest player of this generation Do not be so quick to guffaw at this notion. Yes, it goes against the prevailing view, but that view is distorted. Duncan should already... read more »
Jeremy Lin: Matching Any Backloaded Free-agent Deal Would Not Be Wise For Knicks
Published: Thursday May 17th 12PM
Link: http://bleacherreport.com/articles...ent-deal-would-not-be-wise-for-knicks
Description: Jeremy Lin looks like a great player to have on an NBA roster. In 2011-12, he put up solid numbers and contributed to a number of nice wins.For the season, Lin’s stats are quite impressive—35 GP, 14.6 PPG, 6.2 APG, 3.0 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 44.6 FG, 32.0 3PT.However, are those numbers and the phenomenon which might just be a fad known as Linsanity worth risking the future of a franchise for Absolutely not.That is why the New York Knicks cannot match any back-loaded deals that come Lin’... read more »
How The Indiana Pacers Could Become The Nba's Next Dynasty
Published: Thursday May 17th 12PM
Link: http://bleacherreport.com/articles...rs-could-become-the-nbas-next-dynasty
Description: When you look at up-and-coming NBA teams with very bright futures, it's hard not to like what is going on in Indiana right now.No team in the NBA can have as bright a future as the Pacers to the point that if the Pacers do everything right in the next couple of years, we could be talking potential dynasty in Indiana. Here's a look at how they can become that good.Now I know using the word dynasty is a stretch considering this current Pacers team has one playoff series win and one victory over th... read more »
Nba Playoffs 2012: The Rejuvenation Of Kevin Garnett
Published: Thursday May 17th 12PM
Link: http://bleacherreport.com/articles...ffs-the-rejuvenation-of-kevin-garnett
Description: Not since his days in Minnesota has Kevin Garnett played with the offensive aggressiveness that he has this postseason. Ever since Paul Pierce suffered a knee injured that has clearly limited the Celtics' best scorer, Garnett took it upon himself to carry the offensive load on his shoulders.For the last few years I’ve been yelling at my TV screen for Garnett to post up more and look for his own shot instead of always trying to facilitate others. The guy's supremely athletic with a ridiculo... read more »
Nba Rumors: Jeremy Lin Is Luxury Signing New York Knicks Cannot Afford
Published: Thursday May 17th 12PM
Link: http://bleacherreport.com/articles...signing-new-york-knicks-cannot-afford
Description: The New York Knicks need a starting point guard, but that point guard is not Jeremy Lin.Let's look at the simple facts here.Linsanity thrived without Carmelo Anthony on the court, but floundered with him on it. The Knicks' defense was atrocious outside of Tyson Chandler with Lin, but was significantly better without him. Coach Mike Woodson got the most out of Carmelo Anthony while eeking what he could out of Lin.The overnight sensation saw his minutes cut by nearly four a game under Woodson, and... read more »
Nba Draft 2012: 20 College Hoops Stars Who Could Possibly Go In The Lottery
Published: Thursday May 17th 12PM
Link: http://bleacherreport.com/articles...-who-could-possibly-go-in-the-lottery
Description: This past college basketball season has been a host to many great players. Many of these stars could very well find themselves going in the lottery in the 2012 NBA Draft.Although some players like Anthony Davis and Andre Drummond are an absolute given when it comes to being drafted in the lottery, there are some other players that may be a surprise. Read on to find 20 college hoops stars who could possibly go in the lottery. Begin Slideshow read more »
Nba Playoffs: Why The Indiana Pacers Will Upset The Miami Heat
Published: Thursday May 17th 12PM
Link: http://bleacherreport.com/articles...th-why-the-pacers-will-upset-the-heat
Description: Entering this series, nobody gave the Indiana Pacers even a glimmer of hope for knocking off "King" James and the Miami Heat. The basketball gods were all backing the Heat and its star trio, but I didn't fully understand why everyone thought the Heat would sweep the Pacers. I recognize the talent that the Heat have built in South Beach, but the Pacers had a true height advantage, not just with their bigs, but also with their position players.Defensively, the Pacers could match up in te... read more »
La Clippers And Teams Headed For A Downward Spiral Next Season
Published: Thursday May 17th 12PM
Link: http://bleacherreport.com/articles...ded-for-a-downward-spiral-next-season
Description: The arrival of Chris Paul to Los Angeles has given the Los Angeles Clippers another dynamic element alongside Blake Griffin, but is this team set up to be a one-year playoff wonder With the new collective bargaining agreement really changing the landscape of the league, there are a number of teams that are poised to take a step back moving forward as financial considerations come into play.It is getting increasingly tougher to build a roster based around two or three stars, and there are a numbe... read more »
Kevin Durant Must Shake Nice Guy Image To Win Nba Title
Published: Thursday May 17th 12PM
Link: http://bleacherreport.com/articles...shake-nice-guy-image-to-win-nba-title
Description: Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant is a bit of a refreshing NBA superstar. In the age of brash, cocky, loud-mouthed superstars, Durant is humble, polite and nice.But does he need to shake that image to win an NBA title Durant is exactly the type of ambassador that NBA commissioner David Stern had in mind when he thought about selling pro basketball on the worldwide stage. That's tremendous off the court, as he's the type of role model professional athletes should be like.But on the ... read more »
Heat Vs. Pacers Game 3: Keys To Indiana Continuing Successful Series
Published: Thursday May 17th 11AM
Link: http://bleacherreport.com/articles...-indiana-continuing-successful-series
Description: The Indiana Pacers snatched victory from the Miami Heat in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference semifinal matchup Tuesday night. Indiana's 78-75 triumph evened the series and brings doubt into Miami's equation.Indiana must repeat certain parts of their winning formula if they want to continue this trend in front of the Bankers Life Fieldhouse crowd. The Pacers are not intimidated by Miami's star-studded roster despite being at an obvious disadvantage in the talent department. Indiana relies o... read more »
L.a. Clippers Vs. San Antonio Spurs Game 2: Live Score, Analysis And Reaction
Published: Thursday May 17th 11AM
Link: http://bleacherreport.com/articles...me-2-live-score-analysis-and-reaction
Description: The San Antonio Spurs have been steamrolling their way through the postseason so far, and they look to continue doing the same tonight against the Los Angeles Clippers, who will be looking to find a way to stop them. Over the last two months, the Spurs have been obliterating seemingly everyone in their path. If you go back to the regular season, the Spurs have won 15 consecutive games by a total of 168 points. With both Blake Griffin and Chris Paul battling injuries for the Clippers co... read more »
Chicago Bulls Doctor Vindicates Blaming Tom Thibodeau For Derrick Rose's Injury
Published: Thursday May 17th 11AM
Link: http://bleacherreport.com/articles...om-thibodeau-for-derrick-roses-injury
Description: My suspicions were confirmed Tuesday when the Chicago Bulls held a press conference to discuss Derrick Rose's surgery. Team physician Brian Cole, who performed the surgery on Rose, called the ACL tear a "random event" in the Chicago Tribune Wednesday.In other words, it happened by chance, as the dictionary says. Chance being in the wrong place at the wrong time and Rose doing the wrong thing.You go to a doctor for a second opinion, and that's exactly what we got here. He said he d... read more »
Nba Playoffs 2012: Lebron James' Late-game Choking Will Cost Heat Title Shot
Published: Thursday May 17th 11AM
Link: http://bleacherreport.com/articles...ame-choking-will-cost-heat-title-shot
Description: LeBron James is afraid in crunch time and it is becoming a thorn in the side of the Miami Heat.The Heat hosted the Indiana Pacers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals and, in a tight finish, James failed to cash in at the most opportune times. James shot 4-8 from the free-throw line in the fourth quarter, including two horrendous misses, with the Heat trailing by one point with 54 seconds left in the game. The Pacers went on to win the game 78-75 to tie the series, with Game 3 sc... read more »
Nba Playoffs 2012: Boston Celtics' Kevin Garnett Is The Renaissance Man
Published: Thursday May 17th 11AM
Link: http://bleacherreport.com/articles...kevin-garnett-is-the-rennnaisance-man
Description: Somewhere, Mr. Peabody and Sherman are smiling, because Kevin Garnett decided to take a ride in the "wayback" machine. Prior to the All-Star break, KG looked like he was at the end of his NBA road. "Da Kid" had turned into "Da Man," and now he just looked like "Da Old Man. Pundits were writing the Celtics off, because let's face it—their main guys looked like the odometer had reached its limit.But a funny thing happened on the way to the ... read more »
Pau Gasol And Players Destined For New Homes Next Season
Published: Thursday May 17th 10AM
Link: http://bleacherreport.com/articles...rs-destined-for-new-homes-next-season
Description: Pau Gasol's inconsistent effort in the 2012 NBA playoffs reminds us of what we've seen from the seven-footer previously. This is not a new issue for Gasol, who disappeared at the wrong time last season as well.The Los Angeles Lakers have already tried to trade Gasol for Chris Paul, but as we all famously know about by this point, David Stern put the kibosh on that idea when he decided to nix the deal. Despite all of the trade rumors that swirled around him this season, the deadline came and went... read more »
Nba Playoffs 2012: Lakers' Defensive Adjustments Are Cause For Encouragement
Published: Thursday May 17th 10AM
Link: http://bleacherreport.com/articles...justments-are-cause-for-encouragement
Description: After suffering an embarrassing blowout in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Los Angeles Lakers were left with plenty of game film to analyze and make adjustments.L.A. was killed on the fast break by a younger, more athletic Thunder squad in Game 1, as well as looked lost when defending OKC's pick-and-roll half-court offense. The Lakers, who have struggled defending the pick and roll for decades, had to find a way to adjust for Game 2, or suffer a... read more »
2012 Nba Playoffs: Is Erik Spoelstra Proving He's Not Ready To Coach Lebron
Published: Thursday May 17th 10AM
Link: http://bleacherreport.com/articles...proving-hes-not-ready-to-coach-lebron
Description: LeBron James and Dwyane Wade power the Miami Heat, as we saw in Game 2 against the Indiana Pacers. Without them, there is no chance that the Heat will make it any further than the first quarter without being blown out. And then there is coach Erik Spoelstra...Coach Spoelstra may not be the perfect coach for the job, but he has sustained some level of leadership within the Miami organization. The players seem to be receptive of him and his ideas, even in situations where they may feel like the pl... read more »