NBA Playoffs: Heat Finish Knicks; Grizzlies Stay Alive

The Heat Throttle The Knicks, And It's All About Defense

LeBron James and the Heat ended the Knicks season in Game 5 Wednesday, and just like the rest of series, it all started on defense. But it won't always be that simple.

Despite Flame-Out, Knicks' Future Isn't Extinguished Just Yet

The Knicks didn't last long once the playoffs began, but this season built on the last. Improvement and a decent horizon are all that you can ask for as an NBA fan. New York is seeing that.

Blake Griffin Injury: MRI On Left Knee Scheduled For Thursday

Blake Griffin went down with an apparent knee injury Wednesday as the Clippers battled the Grizzlies in Game 5 of their NBA playoff matchup. After returning briefly to shoot his free throws, Griffin headed to the bench for further evaluation but did return to the game for the stretch run. One would think he'd be good to go for the rest of the series, but the Clippers are planning to reevaluate him on Thursday.

Following the game, the team told reporters Griffin would undergo an MRI on his left knee after returning to Los Angeles.

#Clippers Blake Griffin will have an MRI on his knee tomorrow in Los Angeles

— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) May 10, 2012

The MRI could be precautionary, just to make sure no damage was done in the spill, but with Chris Paul already hobbled it is cause for some concern. We'll be back with more on Griffin as it becomes available.

Chris Paul's Injury A Strained Right Hip Flexor, According To Report

Despite initial reports that Chris Paul aggravated his groin injury Wednesday night, it appears he actually injured his hip late in the fourth quarter of the Clippers' loss to the Grizzlies. Paul suffered the injury while battling for a rebound, grabbing his groin as he came down. He then struggled to shake off the injury's effects, eventually sitting out the last 90 seconds of the game.

Following the game, though, Paul's injury was changed to a right hip flexor strain. Coach Vinny Del Negro said he expects Paul and Blake Griffin, who suffered a knee injury but returned to the game, to be fine, though he was waiting for more information from the training staff. Whether it was a hip flexor or groin injury, Paul was ineffective after coming up lame, making his recovery something worth monitoring going forward.

Grizzlies Vs. Clippers, NBA Playoffs 2012 Game 5: Final Score, Memphis Wins 92-80 To Extend Series

The Memphis Grizzlies have fought off elimination at home, forcing a Game 6 in L.A.. The Los Angeles Clippers' offense was poor Wednesday night in a loss, but they might have lost more than the game. Chris Paul suffered a groin injury near the end of the Clippers' 92-80 loss, and his injury status could have a serious effect on his team going forward if he's not available, or even 100 percent, heading into Game 6.

Paul, by his high standards, did not have a great night, with 19 points and just four assists. Mo Williams had 20 points off the bench for the Clippers, but needed 21 shots to reach that mark.

Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph had good nights for the Grizzlies, but they did so much in the first half that they didn't need to put up huge numbers in the second. Gasol finished with 23 points while Randolph finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds.

The Clippers lead the series 3-2 as it heads back to Los Angeles. They'll be favorites in Game 6 if Chris Paul is ready to go, but his injury status is up in the air as of Wednesday night. Blake Griffin also got a little banged up and had to come out a couple of times, but was still able to play nearly 40 minutes.

For all news and information regarding the Memphis Grizzlies, please visit Straight Outta Vancouver. For updates and perspective on the Los Angeles Clippers, head on over to Clips Nation or check out SB Nation Los Angeles. For complete coverage of the 2012 NBA playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

Chris Paul Injury: Clippers Star Strains Groin, Sits Out Final 90 Seconds

The Los Angeles Clippers are on their way to losing Game 5 of their 2012 NBA Playoffs first-round series against the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday night, but they may have bigger problems. Star guard Chris Paul reaggravated the groin injury he suffered late in the regular season. After trying to play through the pain, he was taken out with a minute and a half remaining.

It's unclear when Paul specifically suffered the injury, but it looks like the pain began when he tried to make a crossover against Quincy Pondexter. Here's video of that.

On the next possession, Paul tried fighting for a defensive rebound and came down awkwardly on his groin. The Clippers are diagnosing the injury as a strained groin. His status for Game 6 will become more clear after the game.

For all news and information regarding the Memphis Grizzlies, please visit Straight Outta Vancouver. For updates and perspective on the Los Angeles Clippers, head on over to Clips Nation or check out SB Nation Los Angeles. For complete coverage of the 2012 NBA playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

The Grizzlies Will Probably Win

But this stat is concerning.

Made field goals for Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph in the first half: 14

Made field goals for Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph in the second half (per TNT broadcast): 0

Admittedly, it’s harder to get the ball in the post in the fourth quarter than in the first, but this still needs to change.

Mo Williams Vs. Rudy Gay, A Hero Ball Battle For The Ages

That’s the alternate title for this fourth quarter.

Rudy Gay Taking Shots, Marc Gasol And Zach Randolph Decoys

Should be the other way around, right?

The Grizzlies' Offense: Falling Apart In The Fourth Quarter Again

The only reason the Clippers are back in this game is because the Grizzlies’ offense has reverted in the fourth quarter again. This begs the question: how can a team that scores so well in the first three quarters, especially in the post, falter so badly in the fourth quarter?

I’d love to know the answer.

Meanwhile, The Clippers Are Down Just 12

The Grizzlies’ offense goes through lulls, which allow teams to get back into the game. This shouldn’t surprise anyone.

Blake Griffin Injury: Clippers Star Goes Down Holding Knee, Stays In Game, Gets Booed By Grizzlies Fans

Injuries have dominated this year's NBA Playoffs, and they had a chance to claim another superstar. Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin just fell to the floor clutching his left knee after driving to the basket late in the third quarter of the team's Game 5 contest against the Memphis Grizzlies. He stayed down for a while as the Clippers surrounded him, but eventually walked off on his own power and stayed in the game.

Griffin made a move on Marc Gasol and drew a foul trying to elevate on him. Griffin fell down awkwardly on his left foot and immediately clutched it.

However, after staying on the ground for several minutes, Griffin hobbled back into the game and has tried to fight through the pain. Because of that, ostensibly, the Grizzlies fans booed, thinking he was faking the injury.

I know the Clippers have been flopping a lot, but Griffin isn't faking that injury. Those Grizzlies fans deserve the scorn they got from TNT's Chris Webber, who called their actions "classless."

For all news and information regarding the Memphis Grizzlies, please visit Straight Outta Vancouver. For updates and perspective on the Los Angeles Clippers, head on over to Clips Nation or check out SB Nation Los Angeles. For complete coverage of the 2012 NBA playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

'Chris Paul Sucks' Chants Rain Down At FedEx Forum

Around NBA circles, there's always been a tacit admission that Los Angeles Clippers star Chris Paul toes the line between tough and dirty on the court. He exaggerates calls, bumps bodies, whines at officials and generally does anything, no matter how immoral, to help his team win. But because Paul is such a great spokesman off the court, everyone seems to like Paul enough to not boo him.

That has changed in this 2012 NBA playoffs first-round series against the Memphis Grizzlies. During the first four games, three of which were Clippers wins, Paul and his teammates flopped a few too many times for some Grizzlies fans to handle. It has only gotten worse in their eyes in Game 5.

With the Grizzlies pulling away, Paul was called for a technical foul for arguing with an official. The Grizzlies' crowd felt this was the perfect time to let out all that frustration.

There's clearly a unique dynamic that comes from playing in a hotly contested playoff series. Consider: Hornets fans, who arguably have a right to heckle Paul for requesting a trade from their franchise, have not even come close to doing what Grizzlies fans just did there. And yet, 4 1/2 games is enough for those Grizzlies fans to let out their anger.

You've got to love the playoffs.

For all news and information regarding the Memphis Grizzlies, please visit Straight Outta Vancouver. For updates and perspective on the Los Angeles Clippers, head on over to Clips Nation or check out SB Nation Los Angeles. For complete coverage of the 2012 NBA playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

Zach Randolph Really Wanted Chris Paul Out Of The Game

As a fan, you want your team to beat the other team at full strength. Players, however, just want to win at all costs. Well, at least Zach Randolph does. Here he is lobbying for the referees to eject Chris Paul after Paul picked up a technical foul.

Clippers Vs. Grizzlies Must Improve Fast Breaks

Sequence 1: Chris Paul screws up a 4-on-2 break; Randy Foye commits a turnover.

Sequence 2: Rudy Gay dribbles right into Paul on a 4-on-1 fast break, gets it back and scores.

Memphis Grizzlies Fan Does Not Like Clippers' Flopping, Speaks For All Of Us

Many people on Twitter are tired of the Los Angeles Clippers flopping. This one Memphis Grizzlies fan speaks for all those people here.

UPDATE: Upon closer inspection, this gentleman is wearing a great, great mask and an awesome Star Wars shirt. Well done, sir.

J.R. Smith Is Retweeting Angry Comments About Him

Be warned.

Damn didn't know this man people didn't want me in #NY might just get what you asking for! #sorrykidz

— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) May 10, 2012

Clippers Vs. Grizzlies, 2012 NBA Playoffs: Halftime, L.A.'s Interior Defense Hilaribad

Know how young teams with limited playoff experience don't bring their best on the road when they have a chance to close out a series? That's exactly what's happening to the Los Angeles Clippers Wednesday night. Knowing that they'll have another chance to close out the series at home in Game 6, the Clippers haven't offered much in the way of interior defense against the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 5. Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph are dominating, and the Grizz lead 57-42 at halftime.

Gasol has 18 points, while Randolph has 15. DeAndre Jordan, who was supposedly signed to a large contract because of his defense, hasn't played any. He has one point and he's a minus-11 in net points. Chris Paul has been poor so far for the Clippers but, on account of him being Chris Paul, he could very easily score 30 points in the second half and guide his team to an improbable comeback win.

For all news and information regarding the Memphis Grizzlies, please visit Straight Outta Vancouver. For updates and perspective on the Los Angeles Clippers, head on over to Clips Nation or check out SB Nation Los Angeles. For complete coverage of the 2012 NBA playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

Clippers Still Hanging Around

As much as I mock the zone defense, it has served its purpose. The Clippers are still kind of, sort of in this game, having confused the Grizzlies enough to throw off their offensive rhythm.

They better be careful not to overdo that zone but, considering the Grizzlies’ play throughout this first half, things could be worse.

Eric Bledsoe Is Inspired By JaVale McGee

On Tuesday night, JaVale McGee threw the ball into the Staples Center stands after the Denver Nuggets beat the Los Angeles Lakers. Apparently, Eric Bledsoe noticed and wanted to copy his move on Wednesday night.

ALERT: Clippers In Zone

Otherwise known as the “I give up, we can’t play defense and I’m desperate” defense.

Reggie Evans, Flopping Master

This is why nobody likes Reggie Evans.

Clippers Vs. Grizzlies: Story Of The Game So Far

Grizzlies average points in the paint, Games 1 through 4: 38.5.

Grizzlies points in the paint in the first quarter of Game 5: 24.

Blake Griffin Injury: Clippers' Star Leaves Game With Foot Injury

UPDATE: Griffin is back in the game.

The Los Angeles Clippers are already down double digits to the Memphis Grizzlies early in Game 6, and they may have to play the rest of the game without star Blake Griffin. Marc Gasol came down awkwardly on Griffin's foot, forcing him out of the game with an injury. Here's how it happened.

It remains unclear how serious the injury ends up being. Griffin was slated to get his rest at around the two- or one-minute mark of the first quarter, and that's when he got hurt. However, he has yet to return to the game, and we have reached the end of the first quarter.

If Griffin cannot play for an extended period of time, backups Reggie Evans and Kenyon Martin would assume most of the power forward minutes.

For all news and information regarding the Memphis Grizzlies, please visit Straight Outta Vancouver. For updates and perspective on the Los Angeles Clippers, head on over to Clips Nation or check out SB Nation Los Angeles. For complete coverage of the 2012 NBA playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

Grizzlies Play New Lineup Early In First Quarter

The Grizzlies just took Rudy Gay out and are now playing Mike Conley, Tony Allen and O.J. Mayo together. It’s a new look, and it’s working like a charm. Memphis is on a 12-0 run, the post guys are getting their touches and everything seems to be working.

It’s as if they went back to being the 2011 Grizzlies.

Marc Gasol Has 6 Shots In The First 6 Minutes

The lesson is: I’m an idiot.

Caron Butler Dunks, Dick Stockton Invents Term

After Caron Butler went between two defenders for a right-handed dunk, Dick Stockton said he converted on a "slam field goal." I kind of like that term.

Two Early Grizzlies Adjustments

1. Marc Gasol is flashing to the free-throw line when someone else is posting up.

2. Gasol is guarding Blake Griffin.

The idea is to keep Gasol more engaged after he didn’t take enough shots in Game 4. We’ll see if it works.

Knicks Vs. Heat, NBA Playoffs 2012: Miami Cruises Into Second Round With 106-94 Win

For a Miami Heat team whose aspirations are NBA championship or bust, this first-round series was all about taking care of business, and they did just that tonight, advancing past the New York Knicks in the first round of the 2012 NBA playoffs with a 106-94 victory.

It wasn't very exciting, more of a by-the-numbers win, but that's probably how it should be given their team competition. If the Heat's playoff run is like climbing Everest, this first-round victory would amount to little more than setting up at base camp.

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade combined to score 48 points and led the charge in the second half, as the Heat extended their 11-point halftime lead to as high as 19 points with 5:26 left in the fourth quarter.

For the Knicks, there's been plenty of talk about the synergy, or lack thereof, between Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire. A more pressing hot-button issue, however, is whether Anthony can legitimately play the role of superstar on a championship-contending team.

Down 14 points with 12 minutes to go, Carmelo Anthony hit one of his patented contested mid-range jumpers.

It was an inconsequential field goal, but Anthony's reaction to the shot -- which entailed jawing with a nearby Heat fan and mean-mugging the entire AmericanAirlines Arena -- told you all you needed to know about how far this core group of Knicks players have to go before taking the leap into the elite of the East. 'Melo, it should be noted, did lead all scorers tonight with 35 points.

Miami will advance to play the upstart Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

For all news and information regarding the Miami Heat, please visit Peninsula Is Mightier. For updates and perspective on the New York Knicks, head on over to Posting and Toasting or check out SB Nation New York.

Clippers Vs. Grizzlies: How Many Shots Will Marc Gasol Get?

I’m going to say five. Anyone think he’ll get less?

Miami Heat Public Address Announcer Says Amar'e Stoudemire 'Extinguished' From Game

You knew it would only be a matter of time before someone in the building for Game 5 of this first-round matchup in the 2012 NBA playoffs between the Miami Heat and New York Knicks made light of Amar'e Stoudemire's unfortunate fire extinguisher incident after Game 2. I was honestly disappointed that no Heat fans stepped up to the plate with clever signs. Luckily, someone in a more official capacity got the job done.

Stoudemire fouled out of the game midway through the fourth quarter on an offensive foul on Shane Battier. In response, the Heat's public address announcer did this.

Wow. Heat PA announcer says Amare was "extinguished" from the game. That can't go over well.

— Israel Gutierrez (@IzzyESPN) May 10, 2012

Here's video of the sequence. Be sure to turn your speakers up at the eight-second mark, because it's hard to hear.

Well done, sir.

For all news and information regarding the Miami Heat, please visit Peninsula Is Mightier. For updates and perspective on the New York Knicks, head on over to Posting and Toasting or check out SB Nation New York.

Amar'e Stoudemire Doesn't Believe In Helping Hands

Amar'e Stoudemire reached out, looking to help his fellow man. Then, in an instant, he realized that this was his good hand. Thinking twice, he pulled his helping hand back, not wanting to risk it.

OK, fine. He was just trollin'.

The Knicks' Season In A Nutshell

I enjoyed this tweet because it's very accurate.

We had 8 seasons this year. Douglasanity, Shumpsanity, Linsanity, Fire-D'Antonisanity, Woodsanity, Melosanity, STATbacksanity & Heatsanity.

— Jared Dubin (@JADubin5) May 10, 2012

The Knicks, In A Nutshell

Landry Fields just picked up the ball after a Miami Heat turnover. Here’s the way things played out.

1. He started dribbling.

2. A New York Knicks player can be heard yelling, "PUSH IT!"

3. Fields trotted the ball up the court.

4. No fast break happened.

5. Carmelo Anthony set up on the right wing.

6. Fields looked to throw it into him.

7. LeBron James fronted Anthony and cut off the pass.

8. Fields dribbled for a while and did nothing.

9. Tyson Chandler came to set a ball screen for Fields.

10. Fields stepped back and tried to loft a pass to Chandler, who was slipping the screen.

11. Miami deflected the pass and got a fast break.

The Knicks Go With Isolations, Just Like The Heat Want

The third quarter of Game 5 between the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat offered a really good window into what has gone wrong for the Knicks this series. The big problem with the Knicks is that their offense is so isolation-heavy.

This works fine against a lot of defenses, but it’s a huge problem against a Heat team that is so aggressive defending the ball. It’s their trademark, and it’s designed to take away teams with one top scoring option. The Knicks really only have Carmelo Anthony as a top offensive option, and they aren’t moving the ball, so they’re having issues scoring.

That relates defensively, too. Because the Knicks aren’t moving the ball, a lot of the other players besides Anthony aren’t engaged. Therefore, they haven’t given the kind of defensive effort we’re used to seeing. This is especially true of Tyson Chandler, who has not had a good series even after getting over his sickness.

The Knicks might get hot and steal this game, but unless they move the ball -- which they won’t -- this is an awful matchup for them.

Landry Fields Throws A Pass Off LeBron James' Head

Here’s the conversation that just took place in SB Nation’s online newsroom after seeing Landry Fields throw a pass right at LeBron James’ head. This is an actual conversation without names.

PERSON 1: Haha face!

PERSON 2: Worst pass ever.

PERSON 3 (Knicks fan, completely tongue in cheek): Greatest pass ever.

Erik Spoelstra Flips Out After Missed Box-Out

The Knicks are still hanging around, aided by a nice performance on the offensive glass. After reserve forward Josh Harrellson slipped between two disinterested Heat players to tip an offensive board and eventually set up Tyson Chandler for a putback, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra flipped out at his team while calling timeout.

Click here to view the GIF.

Spoelstra should be upset. That this game isn’t a blowout right now is an indictment of his team.

Dwyane Wade Dunks As Tyson Chandler Gives Up

On the one hand, this is a nice move by Dwyane Wade. On the other hand, I don’t think I’ve seen Tyson Chandler -- the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year, mind you -- give up on a play like this.

Reggie Miller Corrects Kenny Smith About 'North-South' Basketball, Leaves Us Confused

So this was weird.

In his halftime analysis, TNT's Kenny Smith noted that the New York Knicks needed to do a better job of going "north-south" and not "east-west" if they wanted to beat the Miami Heat. This is jargon for saying they need to attack the basket instead of dribbling aimlessly. Well, as it turns out, Smith may not be technically correct in his jargon.

As the cameras went back to the game, Reggie Miller felt the need to correct Smith about his terminology.

So, which is it? On the one hand, Miller is technically correct in that the basketball court is horizontal to the fan view, not vertical. On the other hand, in football, when they say a runner is a "north-south runner," they're saying he doesn't dance around in the backfield. So ... I'm still confused.

How about this: let's not use dumb jargon to make a simple point. Instead of saying a team needs to go "north-south" more, just say they aren't attacking the basket.

Knicks Vs. Heat, NBA Playoffs 2012: Miami Holds Comfortable Double-Digit Lead

I mean, isn't this all a formality?

The New York Knicks are on the road, losing and playing probably the most unremarkable basketball ever right now.

I mean, except for this Amar'e Stoudemire dunk, there's not a whole heck of a lot happening, as the Miami Heat appear to be in near-complete control with a 55-44 halftime lead.

Despite being outshot by the Knicks percentage-wise -- New York's hit 51.4 percent of its tries from the field, while Miami is shooting 46.5 percent -- the Heat have been able to hold a comfortable lead for most of the game's first 24 minutes due primarily to offensive rebounding and adequate perimeter defense.

LeBron James leads the Heat with 13 points, while Dwayne Wade has chipped in with 12. Miami is also getting key contributions from members of its bench, as Mike Miller has nine points on 3-of-4 shooting from 3-point range.

Carmelo Anthony leads all scorers with 15 points.

It's not over, but right now it's the Heat's game to lose, and it's going to take a heroic effort from one of New York's stars in the second half to extend this series.

For all news and information regarding the Miami Heat, please visit Peninsula Is Mightier. For updates and perspective on the New York Knicks, head on over to Posting and Toasting or check out SB Nation New York.

J.R. Smith's New Haircut Isn't Helping Him

J.R. Smith has a new haircut, which you can find here. I'd offer an explanation, but I'd just be making something up because it's J.R. Smith.

Smith's new haircut hasn't helped him play better, though. He has six points, but has been killed on defense and also has a team-worst -14 plus/minus rating.

Dwyane Wade And LeBron James: Making Awesome Plays

I really, really, really wish I could come up with a more insightful reason for why the Heat lead by double digits at halftime, but I can’t. James is driving the lane, drawing defenders and making incredible diagonal passes to shooters, while Wade is hitting absurd shots. When that happens, there’s really nobody that can compete with the Heat.

Click here to view a GIF of Wade's last absurd shot.

Amar'e Stoudemire Turns Back The Clock

On the one hand, it's soooooooooo depressing that an Amar'e Stoudemire dunk is noteworthy just because it's an Amar'e Stoudemire dunk. On the other hand, given Stoudemire's lagging explosiveness and injured left hand, this slam over Joel Anthony did come out of nowhere. Stoudemire caught the ball in the corner, drove baseline and powered it through Anthony with his right hand.

Click here to view the GIF.

Reggie Miller, Fan Of Idioms Nobody Uses

The Miami Heat briefly took a double-digit lead on the New York Knicks in the second quarter of Game 5 of their first-round NBA playoff series. Here’s how Reggie Miller described the Heat’s run:

“Right now, the Heat are putting their will on the shoulders of the New York Knicks.”

Reggie Miller, inventing idioms.

Knicks Vs. Heat: A Trend To Watch

So far during this game, here’s how the Heat lineups break down.

With both LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in: -3

With James in, but not Wade: +7

With Wade in, but not James: +2

Of course, Carmelo Anthony has been out of both of the latter lineups, but it looks like the Heat have played better with one ball dominator and a bunch of floor spacers so far.

Add Another To The Ronny Turiaf Celebration Collection

As far as Ronny Turiaf celebration GIFs go, this one probably rates as a six out of 10. As far as normal GIFs go, this one's a 10 out of 10. Turiaf sets a high standard.

Toney Douglas Is About To Check In

The Knicks are really short-handed, which explains why Toney Douglas, who was buried in Mike Woodson’s doghouse, is coming in. Here is Douglas’s game log, to put this in perspective.

Nobody Falls Asleep On Defense Like J.R. Smith

Okay, so that’s not 100-percent true, but his ball-watching when Mike Miller -- Mike Miller! -- drove into the lane allowed his man, Shane Battier, to get an open three.

Mike Bibby, Getting The Last Laugh

Here’s Dwyane Wade, earlier Wednesday, discussing former teammate Mike Bibby, who is starting for the Knicks with the injury to Baron Davis:

“We know Mike has made more shots in this series than he made all last year [with the Heat],” Wade said. “Send that to Mike.”

After nine minutes of play, Bibby has eight points. Wade can take solace in the fact that he was right.

LeBron James Denies Tyson Chandler

You know who has come to play so far for the Heat? LeBron James. Here’s the likely MVP denying Defensive Player of the Year Tyson Chandler at the rim. You could say LeBron was giving Chandler a taste of his own medicine, but Chandler’s more of a great position defender than shot blocker, so … whatever, just roll with it.

Click here to view the GIF.

Way To Go, Carmelo Anthony

The Knicks’ star just picked up his second foul on a needless play, and was taken out of the game. Given coach Mike Woodson’s tendency to overreact to two fouls, we may never see Anthony play again.

Amar'e Stoudemire Says Knicks' Doctor Calls Him STAT

Here’s Amar’e Stoudemire speaking to TNT’s David Aldridge, discussing a conversation he had with the Knicks’ team doctor after punching a fire extinguisher after Game 2.

“She said, ‘STAT, there is no way you can play in Game 3?’

Now, what are the chances the Knicks’ team doctor actually calls him STAT? If so, can my doctor call me by a nickname too? If you’re reading, doc, I’d like to be known as “P-RAD.”

Miami Will Always Be Miami

It's an elimination game in the NBA Playoffs, and this is happening.

Really, Heat PA imploring fans to "Stand up and cheer!" with 7:07 left in the first period? Really?

— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) May 9, 2012

POLL: What Would You Put On Your Amar'e Stoudemire Sign?

Let us know what you'd do.

NBA Playoff Schedule 2012: Clippers, Heat Attempt To Finish Off Grizzlies, Knicks

The Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers will both attempt to advance to the second round of the 2012 NBA Playoffs when they take on the New York Knicks and Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night.

NBA Playoffs 2012, Knicks Vs. Heat Game 5: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

On Wednesday, the Miami Heat host the New York Knicks in Game 5 of their opening-round series in the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

With Amar'e Stoudemire back in the line-up after missing two games with a cut hand, the Knicks extended this series and staved off elimination on Sunday with a thrilling 89-87 victory, the first playoff win for the franchise since 2001.

Despite struggling to challenge the Heat for a full 48 minutes in the first three games of the series, the Knicks were able to overcome an 11-point third-quarter deficit, led by 41 points from Carmelo Anthony.

Many would question the validity of the victory given the circumstances. The Heat, perhaps mentally checked out of the series and not giving 100 percent effort, gave this one away to the Knicks, who had to play with a sense of urgency or face the end of their season.

Either way, the door remains open for New York, and it can place a sizable amount of pressure on the Heat with a victory.

Wednesday's game tips off at 7 p.m. ET and will be televised nationally on TNT.

For all news and information regarding the Miami Heat, please visit Peninsula Is Mightier. For updates and perspective on the New York Knicks, head on over to Posting and Toasting or check out SB Nation New York.

NBA Playoffs 2012, Grizzlies Vs. Clippers Game 5: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The Los Angeles Clippers are one win away from advancing to the Western Conference semifinals. The series returns to Memphis for Game 5 on Wednesday as the Grizzlies attempt to stave off elimination.