Sixers, Celtics Advance; Nuggets Force Game 7

• about 1 year ago
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Kobe Bryant Sounds Off On Lakers Teammates Before Game 7

Kobe Bryant played through a nasty illness against the Nuggets in Game 6 Thursday night, and it was both hilarious and a little uncomfortable to watch. You could see his intestines moving just with his facial expressions. But obviously, Kobe is Kobe, and he played through it, and actually had one of his most efficient games of the playoffs. He was 13-23 from the field for 31 points, with 4 assists.

The Lakers' problem was not Kobe. Andrew Bynum went 4-11 from the field with just 11 points, and Pau Gasol was even worse, going 1-10 for 3 points. So if you're wondering how the Lakers could possibly get blown out with Kobe playing that well, look no further than his two sidekicks, and how badly they played.

Kobe noticed, too. He took a not-so-subtle post-game shot at his teammates when he said of Metta World Peace's impending return, "He's the one guy that I can rely on night-in and night-out to compete and play with that intensity."

Other times he was even more direct. When reporters asked if his teammates matched his heart in Game 6, he said, "No. Of course they didn't." And, uhh ... he's not wrong.

It was ugly all the way around, and coming into Game 7, the Lakers have now been badly outplayed at home and on the road, wasting a gutsy effort from Kobe, looking completely apathetic the whole way. As Kobe said afterward, it's time for a wake-up call.

From NBA.com:

“I talked with Pau a little bit after the game and I’ll speak with Andrew as well. It’s one of those things where psychologically you have to put yourself in a predicament, in a position, where you have no other option but to perform. You have to emotionally put your back to the wall and kind of trick yourself, so to speak, to feel that there’s no other option but to perform and to battle, when you have that, when you have that mindset, your performance shines through, your talent shines through. It doesn’t matter what the defense does. It doesn’t matter because you’re emotionally at a level that is above that. That is the mindset that they have to put themselves in.”

Game 6 reminded us that Kobe's still capable of pulling off miracles in the NBA Playoffs, but as his teammates sleepwalked through a 30-point loss, it felt like 2006 all over again. And we were reminded of another truism: If he doesn't get help from his teammates, it won't matter how amazing Kobe is. In Saturday's Game 7 and beyond. Nobody knows that better than Kobe.

• about 1 year ago
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Carlos Boozer On What Matters Most

• about 1 year ago
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The Lakers Big Men In A Photo

This sums it all up:

That's pretty much all we need. Or, if you prefer moving images:

• about 1 year ago
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A Very Important Reminder

Now that it appears the Nuggets will win Game 6 against the Lakers easily, we can say it.

Metta World Peace is coming back for Game 7.

• about 1 year ago
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Kobe Bryant's Master Plan

Take it away, Dan Devine:

Definitely trying to get Brown sick.

— Dan Devine (@YourManDevine) May 11, 2012

And here's what he's talking about. Watch Brown's hands at the beginning:

Can't argue that.

• about 1 year ago
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Christian Eyenga Speaks For All Lakers Fans

Yeah, this, pretty much.

• about 1 year ago
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Don't Give Andrew Bynum This Much Credit

Steve Kerr, mid-sentence, on a Ty Lawson layup.

"… Andrew Bynum, rotating a little late."

To say he was rotating at all is giving him too much credit.

• about 1 year ago
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JaVale McGee, Still The Best

Here’s JaVale McGee doing the thing college fans do and pointing at whoever on the Lakers just got called for a foul. Never change, JaVale.

• about 1 year ago
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Kenneth Faried And The Sequence Of The Game

Kenneth Faried just tried a layup. It was blocked by Andrew Bynum. Faried got it back, but was stripped. Before the Lakers could get the ball back, though, Faried recovered and hit a layup. Both Bynum and Pau Gasol were there.

Sums up this game.

• about 1 year ago
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Kobe Bryant Commits Flagrant Foul On Kenneth Faried, Nuggets' Rookie Looks Dazed Afterwards

This was a scary moment for Denver Nuggets fans. Talented rookie Kenneth Faried surged in on a fast break on the left side of the court, and Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant went up to try to contest his shot, or at least commit a playoff foul and make Faried hit two free throws. Because Faried is Faried, he elevated much higher in the air than Bryant. That caused this to happen.

Now, Bryant was technically making a play for the ball, but by swinging his arm out, he nailed Faried in the head, which explained the flagrant foul call. Faried then fell pretty hard on the ground, and when he looked up, he looked like this.

That's scary. It should be noted that Faried is still in the game, so maybe he's OK. But at first glance, that does not look good.

For more on the Lakers, check out Silver Screen and Roll and SB Nation Los Angeles. For more on the Nuggets, head over to Denver Stiffs and SB Nation Denver.

• about 1 year ago
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Josh Smith Did Not Pay Much Attention In The Hawks' Last Huddle

Thanks to the wonders of TNT's cameras, we got a chance to see the Atlanta Hawks' huddle before a pivotal inbounds pass with 3.1 seconds remaining of Game 6 against the Boston Celtics. Normally, with a team's season on the line, the players are fully attentive.

Josh Smith, however, is not a normal player in this respect. Here's video, which shows him basically drifting onto the court before Larry Drew finished talking.

For those not interested in watching the whole thing, here are some screenshots.

To be fair to Smith, there were periods where he was peering in attentively, and he could just be a better listener than we think. The entire team also looked kind of confused throughout, not just Smith.

Still, this video and these screenshots seem to illustrate why Smith has a reputation for being tough to coach.

(Via @SebastianPruiti).

For more on the Celtics, head over to CelticsBlog and SB Nation Boston. For more on the Hawks, check out Peachtree Hoops and SB Nation Atlanta.

• about 1 year ago
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Nuggets Vs. Lakers, NBA Playoffs 2012 Game 6 Score: Nuggets Lead 54-45

Attempting to stave off elimination and force Game 7, the Nuggets got off to a quick start and have a nine point lead at halftime.

Denver jumped out to an 13-0 lead to start the game and led by 10 points after the first quarter. Ty Lawson helped fuel the quick start with 17 first half points including four 3-pointers. Danilo Gallinari is also in double figures for the Nuggets with 10 points at halftime.

Kobe Bryant, who is battling the stomach flu, leads the Lakers with 19 points. He is the only Laker in double figures with Ramon Sessions the second leading scorer with nine points. Bryant played 21 minutes in the first half and made 7-of-13 shots. Andrew Bynum scored just three points, but pulled down a game-high 10 rebounds.

For more on the Lakers, check out Silver Screen and Roll and SB Nation Los Angeles. For more on the Nuggets, head over to Denver Stiffs and SB Nation Denver.

• about 1 year ago
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Mike Brown Gives An Update On Kobe Bryant

This has been an update on Kobe Bryant's gastrointestinal illness.

• about 1 year ago
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On Kobe Bryant's Game Thus Far

Kobe Bryant is dealing with a stomach virus, meaning things are coming out both ends, essentially. He's playing, of course, but that doesn't mean he's feeling chipper this evening. So we might as well get this all out of the way now.

The Lakers are playing pretty crappy so far.

Kobe has been unable to stop Denver's runs, and Los Angeles is frustrated.

Maybe Kobe will be able to squeeze out a strong second half performance.

Kobe really needs to step on the gas.

It's gut-check time for Kobe and the Lakers.

Andrew Bynum needs to get on the glass to wipe up Kobe's misses.

What the Lakers really need is a streak from Kobe.

Hopefully Kobe doesn't hit the skids.

If Kobe picks it up, he'll be able to wipe the Nuggets away.

Now isn't the time to cramp up.

Maybe Kobe needs to play a little more loose.

Yes, we're 12.

• about 1 year ago
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Kobe Bryant Does Not Look Good Here

Yeah, Kobe Bryant is sick. We're not going to speculate exactly what happened to him here, but I think you all have good enough imaginations.

• about 1 year ago
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The Value Of JaVale McGee Running The Floor

People get on JaVale McGee for not doing the little things to help a team win, so for the sake of balance, I want to point out that Corey Brewer’s corner three in transition early in the second quarter was only possible because McGee ran straight down the middle of the floor. With Pau Gasol and Jordan Hill lagging, a wing player had to pick up McGee to prevent the dunk. That left Brewer open for three.

• about 1 year ago
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Kobe Bryant Looks Kind Of Sick

Here’s a shot of Kobe Bryant captured by TNT’s cameras going into a timeout. Remember: Bryant is playing sick.

• about 1 year ago
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Andre Miller Is Kind Of Happy About The Nuggets' Fast Start

The Nuggets are off to a really fast start in Game 6 against the Lakers, and Andre Miller is a fan of that.

(As originally spotted by @blazersedge).

• about 1 year ago
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Marquis Daniels May Have Gotten Away With An Away-From-The-Ball Foul

The Boston Celtics held on to defeat the Atlanta Hawks and advance to the second round of the 2012 NBA Playoffs, but they may have gotten away with a poor call by the officials in the closing seconds of the game. The Hawks had the ball down by two points with 3.1 seconds remaining and were inbounding the ball on the baseline, and he officials whistled Celtics Marquis Daniels for a foul holding Al Horford.

Now, here's where it gets interesting.

At first glance, the foul may have occurred before the ball was thrown in. Here's what the NBA rulebook says about the situation.

a. During the last two minutes of the fourth period or overtime period(s) with the offensive team in possession of the ball, all personal fouls which are assessed against the defensive team prior to the ball being released on a throw-in and/or away-from-the-play, shall be administered as follows:
(1) A personal foul and team foul shall be assessed and one free throw attempt shall be awarded. The free throw may be attempted by any play-er in the game at the time the personal foul was committed.
(2) If the foul occurs when the ball is inbounds, the offended team shall be awarded the ball at the nearest point where play was interrupted but no nearer to the baseline than the free throw line extended.
(3) If the foul occurs prior to the release on a throw-in, the offended team shall be awarded the ball at the original throw-in spot, with all privileges, if any, remaining.

Basically: if the foul was deemed to be before the ball was inbounded, the Hawks should have received one free throw and the ball. If it was deemed to be as the ball was being thrown in, the Hawks would simply have to throw in again.

So, which is it? Here's video.

Now, let's freeze it at the five-second mark.

As you can see, Marvin Williams clearly has not made a motion to throw the ball in, and Daniels is holding Horford. That would seem to indicate that the Hawks should have gotten one free throw and the ball. On the other hand, let's fast-forward one second to the six-minute mark.

Horford is still being fouled to your right, but Williams is currently inbounding the ball. If the foul was assessed here, and not at the five-second mark, then the referee's call was correct.

If, however, the foul was called at the five-second mark, as it should have been, the Hawks should have gotten a free throw and the ball. That means that, while it's close, the Hawks probably got a raw deal here.

Edit: The NBA admitted the foul should've been off-the-ball, as explained above.

For more on the Celtics, head over to CelticsBlog and SB Nation Boston. For more on the Hawks, check out Peachtree Hoops and SB Nation Atlanta.

• about 1 year ago
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Josh Smith Took A Terrible Shot, But That's Too Simplistic

Everyone watching Game 6 of the 2012 NBA Playoffs between the Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks laughed when Josh Smith took a contested 20-footer with his team down one with under 10 seconds left. There's Josh Smith being Josh Smith! Etc.

To a certain extent, this is true. That was a pretty terrible shot by Smith. But those criticizing Smith for his shot are looking too much at the results and not enough at the process. Let's break down this play. Here's video:

Focus on the part before Smith takes the shot. The Hawks swing the ball to Marvin Williams, and Al Horford pops to the left elbow. Meanwhile, Smith is supposed to duck inside of Brandon Bass and post him up, preferably inside the paint.

Everything seems to work pretty well. The only problem: the Celtics are grabbing Horford and Smith like crazy. First, Horford has to shed Kevin Garnett's bear hug to catch the ball by the three-point line. Then, Smith is grabbed with two hands by Bass, preventing him from diving down the lane to catch the pass. Here's a screenshot of the latter.

Now, you could -- and potentially should -- argue that this is PLAYOFF BASKETBALL and no fouls can be called off the ball in these situations. But if you're wondering why the Hawks' set didn't look like a set, it's because of this. Eventually, because Atlanta's first option was cut off, Horford had to swing the ball to Joe Johnson, who tried a pick and pop with Smith that eventually put Smith in the position he was in.

So yes, feel free to blame the Hawks. Just know that the issue is not that they didn't run a play, it's that they ran a play that failed because the Celtics were grabbing them knowing the referees would swallow their whistles.

For more on the Celtics, head over to CelticsBlog and SB Nation Boston. For more on the Hawks, check out Peachtree Hoops and SB Nation Atlanta.

• about 1 year ago
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Al Horford Makes A Huge Difference

You knew that, but watching this fourth quarter against the Celtics … WOW.

This all begs the question: if Horford played all year, how many more wins would the Hawks have had this year?

• about 1 year ago
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Andre Iguodala's Heart-Warming Quote On His Clutch Free Throws

It's rare that you hear an athlete say something profound or meaningful in a postgame interview with the TV sideline reporter. Andre Iguodala, though, said something that should make everyone smile after hitting the two big free throws to give the Philadelpha 76ers a 4-2 series victory over the Chicago Bulls.

You see, Iguodala has had a problem with clutch free throws this year. According to NBA.com's John Schuhmann, Iguodala had hit just seven of 18 free throws in what were deemed as "clutch" situations. However, this time, he stepped up and hit the two biggest free throws of his career.

How'd he do it? Here's what he told NBATV's Cheryl Miller.

"On the free throws, [teammate] Tony Battie gave me some advice," Iguodala said. "He said, 'Think of something you love when you're shooting free throws,' because I've been struggling all year. I thought of my son, and it was easy after that."

All together now: AWWWWWWWWWW.

For all news and information regarding the Chicago Bulls, please visit Blog a Bull or check out SB Nation Chicago. For updates and perspective on the Philadelphia 76ers, head on over to Liberty Ballers or stop by SB Nation Philadelphia.

• about 1 year ago
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Mike Fratello Perfectly Describes The Celtics' Defense

Here’s TNT’s Mike Fratello on the Celtics’ superb defense during the fourth quarter of Game 6 against the Hawks.

“They don’t let you take the shots you want to take, and they make you take the shots they want you to take.”

So simple, yet so hard to do. Well said, Mike.

• about 1 year ago
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Philadelphia 76ers Celebrate Like They Won The Title, But It's Appropriate

I'm sure there's going to be some curmudgeon somewhere tsk-tsking the Philadelphia 76ers for celebrating like crazy after defeating the Chicago Bulls to advance to the second round of the playoffs. "They haven't won anything! All this for winning one series? Act like you've been there before!"

To those people: shush. The 76ers haven't won a playoff series since 2003, and since then, they've been riding the treadmill of mediocrity for so long that fan apathy has set in. Even if this current 76ers team is also mediocre and merely benefited from a rash of Bulls injuries, this is still a cool moment for the fans and the players.

That's why I fully support everything that happens in this video. You have Doug Collins, who has a grand total of three playoff wins without Michael Jordan in his long coaching career, raising his arms in the sky in a moment of bliss. You have three 76ers players -- including the much-maligned, but now-hero Andre Iguodala -- jumping on the scorer's table to give praise to those 76ers fans that are still here. You have 76ers fans running to the TNT cameras and going crazy. This is a great moment, and it should be treated as such.

Congrats to the 76ers and their fans. To everyone else: let them have their moment.

• about 1 year ago
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Rajon Rondo's Buzzer Beater Helps Slow Atlanta's Run

For most of the third quarter, the Boston Celtics have not been playing well. The Atlanta Hawks got some stops, got early offense and sliced away the Celtics' lead. That's why this shot by Rajon Rondo to end the third quarter was huge.

Rondo tried dribbling into the paint here, but had to settle for a stepback 20-footer that he nailed with a man in his face. The shot maintained a Celtics four-point lead, and in this game, with these offenses, every point is significant.

• about 1 year ago
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No, Tom Thibodeau Can't Believe The Bulls' Finish Either

To be honest, I expected Tom Thibodeau to be angrier than this after he witnessed how his Bulls team’s season ended. Still, he’s pretty disgusted.

• about 1 year ago
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Carlos Boozer's Struggle Face Sums It Up For Bulls Fans

The Chicago Bulls' season ended because:

• Derrick Rose tore his ACL in Game 1 against the 76ers.
• Joakim Noah injured his ankle in Game 3 and didn't play again.
• CJ Watson tried to get a layup for Omer Asik with his team up one and the shot clock off, for some reason.
  
• Asik was fouled and missed both free throws.
• The 76ers grabbed the rebound and Andre Iguodala was fouled with 2.2 seconds left.
• Iguodala, who was 7-18 in clutch free-throws this season, hit two to put the 76ers ahead.
• Watson's 60-footer hit off the back rim.

Given all that, this face by Carlos Boozer seems appropriate.

• about 1 year ago
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C.J. Watson Forgets Game Situation, Makes Costly Mistake

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Hawks Hit Transition Threes, Start Rallying

Three-pointers from Marvin Williams and Jeff Teague have the Hawks right back within two midway through this third quarter. This sequence is a firm reminder: as long as the Celtics and Hawks both stink offensively, the other team will make runs during those offensive droughts. There’s still a long way to go.

• about 1 year ago
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Kevin Garnett Is Everywhere Defensively

Blocking Josh Smith, blocking Jeff Teague in transition, taking a charge on Al Horford … as crazy as it sounds, Garnett deserved more love in Defensive Player of the Year voting.

• about 1 year ago
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TNT Shows Mike Fratello Coaching Ukranian National Team In Black And White

I don't know what's the best thing about this video TNT played of Mike Fratello coaching the Ukranian National Team last year. For one, there's the shorter Fratello showing the tall Ukranian players what to do. For another, the video was in black and white, even though Fratello coached the team just a few months ago. I'm also a fan of Fratello being described as the "czar" of Ukranian basketball, considering Ukraine's status as a former USSR territory.

However, what really seals the deal is the Ukranian folk music that plays in the background.

Nobody roasts their employees better than TNT.

• about 1 year ago
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Referee Messes With Elton Brand, Taj Gibson On Jump Ball

Admit it, referees who are reading this: you've always wanted to do this to NBA players on a jump ball. Now, you have a hero to emulate.

• about 1 year ago
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Kobe Bryant Injury Update: Will Play Game 6 Despite Gastroenteritis

Those of you who thought Kobe Bryant was going to take a seat for Game 6 because of his nasty gastroenteritis were a) naive and b) wrong. Scott Howard Cooper broke the news on twitter:

Mike Brown says Kobe Bryant will play.

— Scott Howard-Cooper (@SHowardCooper) May 11, 2012

Yeah. Kobe Bryant probably relishes the opportunity to have a flu game of his own, and although "gastroenteritis game" is a little bit more unwieldy, the storyline is the same. Bryant threw up on the bus according to TNT, and he isn't in prime physical form. If Kobe manages to play effectively - or, as Bryant probably has dreamed about many times while watching Michael Jordan highlight reels, be the hero - we'll be hearing about it in Gatorade commercials for some time.

That said, he'll probably be tired and look somewhat uncomfortable while dealing with a really gross illness.

• about 1 year ago
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Here Is Josh Smith's Shot Chart

I think the Celtics will take this.

• about 1 year ago
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Rajon Rondo Makes Hakeem Olajuwon Proud With This Fake

The Boston Celtics went on a 16-0 run during the second quarter to take control of Game 6 of their 2012 NBA Playoffs first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks. The run was punctuated by this layup from point guard Rajon Rondo, which came after he faked Josh Smith out of his shoes. Here's video.

Rondo came surging down on the fast break, and as Smith met him, he threw in a fake that would make Hakeem Olajuwon proud. Smith went flying by, and Rondo converted the layup.

On the one hand, I wonder why anyone would go for a Rondo pump fake, since he does them so often. On the other hand, that was one hell of a fake, and it was perfectly timed. I guess I can't blame Smith too much.

For more on the Celtics, head over to CelticsBlog and SB Nation Boston. For more on the Hawks, check out Peachtree Hoops and SB Nation Atlanta.

• about 1 year ago
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Larry Drew Doesn't Know The Celtics As Well As He Should

On the heels of a 16-0 Celtics run, TNT’s Mike Fratello relayed something about how Hawks coach Larry Drew telling him he didn’t expect the Celtics to run back at the Hawks as much as they have in this series. My question to Drew: aren’t you kind of ignoring what Rajon Rondo likes to do?

• about 1 year ago
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Rajon Rondo Is How The Celtics Will Win

That’s not exactly a brilliant point, but with Paul Pierce struggling a bit with injury (though he’s playing through it) and the Celtics’ offense so bad in half-court situations, their best way to win is for Rajon Rondo to push the pace. He did it on that last play and made a perfect lob pass to Kevin Garnett for the layup.

The team that gets more transition points will win this game. That’ll favor the Celtics, but only if Rondo steps up like he has in the last couple minutes.

• about 1 year ago
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Fan Wears Tracy McGrady Orlando Magic Jersey Behind Hawks Bench

Now this is dedication to one’s favorite player. Well done, sir.

• about 1 year ago
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Celtics Fan Tries 'Saturday Night Fever'-Esque Dance, Fails

At least I think that’s what he’s trying to do. Instead, he ends up looking like the guy from the Klondike Bar commercial. At least he has a hilarious-looking hat.

• about 1 year ago
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Celtics Fans Should Chant 'Granddad' At Erick Dampier

Here’s why.

• about 1 year ago
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Actually, Paul Pierce Looks Fine

The Celtics’ star has seven points, including a layup, a three and a near-dunk, since I posted this. The lesson, as always: don’t listen to me.

• about 1 year ago
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Bulls-76ers Halftime Score: Philadelphia Leading, 48-40

The No. 1 seed in the East might only have 24 minutes left in their season.

Carlos Boozer is playing abysmally - he has ten first half rebounds, but he's killing the Bulls' offense - and jumpers are falling for Philly, who hit four of six threes to take an eight point lead at the half. The Sixers' young backcourt featuring Lou Williams and Jrue Holiday is playing well - the pair combined for 23 points on only 11 shots due to some nice aggressive play that got them to the line and some perimeter shooting.

The Bulls jumped out to an early lead. It was down to two points when Luol Deng took an elbow to the face, and he seemed off his game after returning, only tallying two points after the injury, robbing the Bulls of some offensive potency as the Sixers took the lead. That said, it's not over for the Bulls if Boozer and Deng get their games together.

For all news and information regarding the Chicago Bulls, please visit Blog a Bull or check out SB Nation Chicago. For updates and perspective on the Philadelphia 76ers, head on over to Liberty Ballers or stop by SB Nation Philadelphia.

• about 1 year ago
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76ers Fan Has Descriptive, Not Subtle Sign

This 76ers fan doesn’t feel the need to be subtle.

• about 1 year ago
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Paul Pierce Looks Really Gimpy

Lots of Celtics fans were wondering why Doc Rivers stuck so long with a clearly banged-up Paul Pierce in Game 5 against the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night. The reason: the Celtics could have really used that win and the ensuing rest.

Now that they’re playing in a Game 6, Pierce’s sprained MCL looms as a bigger issue. He’s playing in this game, but he’s moving very slowly and has been quite passive thus far. His only shot was a three, and it fell very short. The Celtics are trying hard to get his knee right, but it’s not working well so far.

The Celtics might win with Pierce playing hurt anyway, but getting to a Game 6 was playing with fire with his injury, and Rivers knew it.

• about 1 year ago
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Hawks Vs. Celtics: It's A Jump Shot Party

We’ve played three minutes in this Celtics-Hawks game, and the only players to attempt shots in the paint for either team are Marvin Williams and Kevin Garnett. It’s going to be that kind of game.

• about 1 year ago
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Luol Deng Leaves Game After Andre Iguodala Elbow to Face

With Derrick Rose out and Joakim Noah not starting (but reportedly available to play if needed), the last thing the Chicago Bulls need in a critical Game 6 is more players getting hurt. Luol Deng gave the team a scare after he had to go to the locker room after taking a hit to the face.

Deng was guarding Andre Iguodala, whose awkward drive ended with him swinging his elbow down and accidentally catching the Bulls forward in the face.

Deng didn't get back on defense and had to go to the locker room, apparently bleeding.

Deng was able to return after some stitches on his nose, which looked kind of gross:

Deng's presence is pretty essential. The All-Star forward had scored a team-leading eight of the Bulls' 22 points at the time he was injured, picking up right where he left off in Chicago's Game 5 win, in which he led the team with 24 points. After the injuries they've had, he's a crucial piece for their offense.

For all news and information regarding the Chicago Bulls, please visit Blog a Bull or check out SB Nation Chicago. For updates and perspective on the Philadelphia 76ers, head on over to Liberty Ballers or stop by SB Nation Philadelphia.

• about 1 year ago
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Joakim Noah Injury: Bulls Center Available To Play If Needed

The Chicago Bulls will attempt to even their series against the Philadelphia 76ers with a Game 6 win at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Thursday night. The Bulls have been hammered by injury since the start of the series, losing Derrick Rose in Game 1 and Joakim Noah in Game 3. Noah severely sprained his ankle, and while his return for the series was initially termed unlikely, the Bulls announced prior to Game 6 that he will be available to play if needed. Via Steve Aschburner of NBA.com:

Bulls announce that Noah won't start but is available to play, should need arise.

— Steve Aschburner (@AschNBA) May 10, 2012

While Noah is available, his frontcourt mate Taj Gibson, who sprained his ankle in Game 5, announced he would play earlier on Thursday.

For all news and information regarding the Chicago Bulls, please visit Blog a Bull or check out SB Nation Chicago. For updates and perspective on the Philadelphia 76ers, head on over to Liberty Ballers or stop by SB Nation Philadelphia.

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Kobe Bryant Status Update: Lakers' Star Reportedly Likely To Play In Game 6 Despite Illness

Kobe Bryant's status for Game 6 of the Los Angeles Lakers' first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets is technically still up in the air after he missed shootaround with an illness, but two sources close to Bryant told Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski that Bryant will end up playing in the game.

"He plays through everything, so I expect [him to play]," one source close to Bryant said.

Bryant missed shootaround with gastroenteritis, a stomach illness, and the Lakers have said they will update the media with Bryant's official status 90 minutes before tipoff. The two teams are scheduled to start playing at 10:30 p.m. EST on TNT.

Lakers coach Mike Brown, while clarifying that he's "not a betting man," told reporters that he thinks that Bryant will indeed be in the lineup.

For more on the Lakers, check out Silver Screen and Roll and SB Nation Los Angeles. For more on the Nuggets, head over to Denver Stiffs and SB Nation Denver.

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Kobe Bryant Status Update: Lakers' Star Has Somach Illness, Status For Game 6 Unknown

The Los Angeles Lakers may have to close out the Denver Nuggets in Game 6 of their 2012 NBA Playoffs first-round series on Thursday with a limited Kobe Bryant. He sat out shootaround with gastroenteritis, a stomach illness, and his status for the game remains up in the air, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles.

Given Bryant's tolerance for pain, it seems hard to believe that he won't play, but it remains to be seen how he responds to the illness.

The Lakers were forced into this Game 6 after falling at home to the Nuggets in Game 5 on Tuesday night. They still lead the series, 3-2. The game is scheduled to begin at 10:30 p.m. ET on TNT.

For more on the Lakers, check out Silver Screen and Roll and SB Nation Los Angeles. For more on the Nuggets, head over to Denver Stiffs and SB Nation Denver.

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NBA Playoff Schedule 2012: Trio Of Games On Tap Thursday

A few series in the 2012 NBA Playoffs have already concluded and a few more are looking like they could be closed out as early as Thursday night. All three series tipping off on Thursday night can be closed out, two if the home team wins and the other if a team can win on the road.

Here's the full schedule of games for Thursday night:

Chicago Bulls Vs. Philadelphia 76ers, 7 p.m. ET, NBA TV: Surprisingly, the Bulls are on the verge of elimination on Thursday night despite being the favorite heading into the series. Clearly injuries have devastated the Bulls without Derrick Rose and now Joakim Noah in the line up. Even with all the injuries the 76ers have just got by the Bulls and hold a 3-2 series lead they can close out at home.

Atlanta Hawks Vs. Boston Celtics, 8 p.m. ET, TNT: The Atlanta Hawks were able to stave off elimination in the last game, getting a big boost with Al Horford back in the lineup and playing over 40 minutes after just 20 minutes in the game before. Horford led the Hawks in scoring as they picked up the one-point win with Rajon Rando dribbling out the clock. Boston can close out the series at home, but they can't let the Hawks get momentum early in the game, especially if Horford has another game like he had on Tuesday.

Los Angeles Lakers Vs. Denver Nuggets, 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT: The Lakers faltered down the stretch of Game 5 as the Nuggets picked up a win to put the series at 3-2 Lakers. Los Angeles can close out the series with a win on the road on Thursday night, but Denver has played them close in nearly every match up. With a game back back at the Pepsi Center and with momentum, the Nuggets will look to tie up the series and push it to Game 7.

For more on the Bulls and 76ers, visit SB Nation's Blog A Bull and Liberty Ballers. For more on the Hawks and Celtics, visit SB Nation's Peachtree Hoops and Celtics Blog. For more on the Lakers and Nuggets, visit SB Nation's Silver Screen And Roll and Denver Stiffs. For complete coverage of the 2012 NBA playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.