Grizzlies vs. Spurs Game 1: Live Score, Highlights and Analysis
The last time the San Antonio Spurs and Memphis Grizzlies met in the NBA playoffs, it didn’t end well for Tim Duncan and Co. To avoid a second disappointing conclusion, the Spurs will have to make sure they get things started in a different fashion Sunday in the Western Conference finals.
When the Grizzlies ousted the Spurs from the 2011 postseason, they did it by stealing Game 1 on the road in the River City. So if San Antonio would like to advance to its first NBA Finals since 2007, it’ll have to take great care to retain its precious home-court advantage by winning Game 1.
These teams split four games during the regular season, but three of those contests came before Memphis shipped Rudy Gay to the Toronto Raptors, and Kawhi Leonard didn’t play the fourth. So although there’s plenty of recent history between the two squads, that familiarity won’t be especially helpful in forming either team’s game plan.
Memphis will look to ride its interior duo of Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol, both of whom present challenges for the Spurs’ frontcourt, particularly Duncan or Tiago Splitter. The Spurs don’t have the depth up front to handle any sort of foul trouble.
San Antonio will rely on Tony Parker to initiate the offense, working in the pick-and-roll and setting up Leonard and Danny Green for their beloved corner threes. Memphis will likely sic Tony Allen, an elite perimeter defender, on Parker in hopes of slowing him down.
Finally, pace will be key. The Grizzlies hope to slow the game down to a crawl, where their patented “grit ‘n grind” style is most effective. Conversely, the Spurs need to try to speed things up to create scattered scoring opportunities before Memphis’ defense can establish itself.
Tipoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET today on ABC.
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Knicks vs. Pacers Game 6: Live Score, Highlights and Analysis
The New York Knicks face their second straight win-or-go-home scenario when they take on the host Indiana Pacers in the Saturday night’s Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
New York avoided elimination with an 85-75 Game 5 home win on Thursday night, but the Knicks couldn’t answer all of the questions surrounding their staying power.
Carmelo Anthony, Raymond Felton and J.R. Smith all showed their unsightly ball-domination tendencies (the trio attempted 53 of the Knicks’ 78 shots, converting 41.5 percent from the field). Only 12 of New York’s 32 field goals were set up with assists.
But Indiana faces its own set of question marks, none greater than the status of starting point guard George Hill.
After scoring a playoff-high 26 points in Indiana’s 93-82 win in Game 4, Hill was held out of Game 5 with a concussion. The Pacers’ offense struggled in his absence, shooting 36.2 percent from the field and committing 19 turnovers. Defensively, Hill’s replacements had a hard time denying Felton driving lanes.
Under the league’s policy on concussions, Hill must pass a series of physical and mental tests before being cleared to return (via Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today).
The game begins at 8 p.m. ET tonight on ESPN.
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Spurs vs. Warriors Game 6: Live Score, Highlights and Analysis
Either the San Antonio Spurs have finally found the recipe for success in this series, or the Golden State Warriors have simply shown what happens when their jump shots stop falling.
With their sharp-shooting backcourt combo, dubbed the “Splash Brothers,” held to a 6-of-22 night from the field in Game 5, the Warriors were handed their worst defeat of this postseason (109-91).
Fatigue and health (Curry hasn’t looked the same since spraining his left ankle late in Game 3) have both been cited as reasons for the guard’s struggles, but the biggest factor may well be the suffocating perimeter defense of the Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green.
And when those defensive stoppers found their offensive rhythm in Game 5, scoring 33 combined points on 13-of-18 shooting, the Spurs looked as strong as they have at any point in the series.
For San Antonio to pull off the series-clinching win in tonight’s Game 6, though, it will have to do what neither team has done yet: win consecutive games. The Spurs have held a one-game advantage three times now, but Golden State found a way to even the series in its first two chances.
Game 6 tips off at 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
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Pacers vs. Knicks Game 5: Live Score, Highlights and Analysis
Despite some mid-series rotation tinkering by coach Mike Woodson, the New York Knicks can’t change their identity at this time of the year.
For New York to avoid elimination against the Indiana Pacers in Game 5, its volume scorers must greatly raise their decibel levels.
The Knicks have managed only 88.3 points per game on 41.2 percent shooting in the series, plagued both by a stingy Pacers defense and some unsightly stats from their biggest stars.
J.R. Smith, the 2013 Sixth Man of the Year, is averaging 13.3 points on 28 percent shooting for the series. Carmelo Anthony, the reigning scoring champ, has poured in 26 a night but has shot below 40 percent in three of the four games. Jason Kidd, a sure-fire Hall of Famer, is 0-for-the-series and hasn’t scored since April 23.
With Pacers All-Star Paul George hounding Anthony and Roy Hibbert protecting the paint, the offensive chances don’t figure to come any easier tonight.
Game 5 tips off at 8 p.m. ET on TNT.
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Grizzlies vs Thunder Game 5: Live Score, Highlights and Analysis
After Oklahoma City center Serge Ibaka put together his best game of the series in Game 4, there’s a bit of hope that the Thunder will be able to force their own pace at home. If they can, Ibaka might be able to get into a flow and help out Durant.
If that is not the case, Oklahoma City better hope that Kevin Martin or Derek Fisher can knock down a handful of three-pointers to support Durant.
Throughout the series, Memphis has been able to turn games into slow-paced slop fests, and it’s worked so far. The Grizzlies have shown why the NBA‘s all-defensive teams are populated by their players, and there have even been a few surprises along the way.
Point guard Mike Conley has looked like a borderline star, Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph are assaulting any player that dares come into their paint, and the contribution from role players has been perfect.
Each game in this series has been within a single possession in the final two minutes, so there’s no reason to expect a blowout tonight. If Game 5 does go down to the wire, we get to continue the debate over which style of basketball is preferable to win close games: grit-and-grind or hero-ball.
Game 5 tips off at 9:30 p.m. ET tonight on TNT.
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Pacers vs. Knicks Game 4: Live Score, Highlights and Analysis
Which version of the New York Knicks will show up for a must-win Game 4 against the Indiana Pacers?
That’s the question everyone is asking, as the Knicks look to take one in the Pacers’ house and go back to New York with the series tied at two games per team.
Paul George, Roy Hibbert and the Pacers will be looking to prove that they’re very much for real, and this is a team that nobody should still be calling a dark-horse contender.
The Knicks come in with several question marks, but the focus for many will be on J.R. Smith. Smith’s dealt with an illness for a few days, but his performance on the court has been subpar since his his suspension in the first round.
TNT will begin its broadcast of the game at 7 p.m. ET.
Which team will come out on top? With a season-defining game like this one, be sure to keep it on Bleacher Report to stay up to date with the latest.
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NBA Combine 2013: Dates, TV Info, Live Stream and Drills Preview
The 2013 NBA combine is a perfect opportunity for both the casual observers and hardcore fans of the Association to get a closer look at the top prospects in the upcoming draft.
Anyone remotely interested in the June 27 event should be watching approximately 60 stars from the college ranks, D-League and international game compete against one another and themselves over the course of two days.
While the NBA’s combine may not have the luster of the NFL’s, it’s still an extremely important affair that showcases everyone from consensus top five picks to fringe second-rounders.
This is the best way to get one last up close and personal look—and a first peek at, for some of these more under-the-radar talents—at the players your favorite organization will be intensely scrutinizing and deliberate endlessly about drafting.
Let’s take a look at what kind of drills and measurements these young men will be subjected to over the course of the two-day occasion, highlight some of the most impressive performances of all time and more in our comprehensive 2013 NBA combine preview.
General Combine Information
When: Thursday, May 16 and Friday, May 17
Where: Attack Athletics, Chicago, Ill.
Complete Television Info
Thursday, May 16: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. ET on ESPNU and 2-3 p.m. ET on ESPN2
Friday, May 17: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. ET on ESPNU and 2-3 p.m. ET on ESPN2
Saturday, May 18: 12-3 p.m. ET on NBATV (Day 1 Re-air), 3-5 p.m. ET (One hour recaps for both days)
Sunday, May 19: 12-3 p.m. ET on NBATV (Day 2 Re-air), 3-5 p.m. ET (One hour recaps for both days)
Live Streaming Guide
Thursday, May 16: 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. ET on ESPN3
Friday, May 17: 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. ET on ESPN3
Participant List (via ESPN’s Chad Ford)
*Note: Not all invited players will appear at combine.
Don’t expect all of these players to work out in Chicago, as some prospects—such as Maryland’s Alex Len—have already and may continue to withdraw over the next few days due to injury concerns.
There are also plenty of prospects that will show up at Attack Athletics but make themselves scarce—participating in a select few drills and only agreeing to measurements that their representation feels they have little chance to embarrass themselves in.
However, many of the less heralded players will be giving it their all in every event, which is why the draft combine is consistently worth tuning in to.
Athletic Testing
The lack of fanfare around the combine may be attributed to the lack of a measureable drill that most players participate in and analysts and observers love to talk about—such as the 40-yard-dash in the NFL.
However, there is still the bench press—which drew attention when Kevin Durant failed to put up one rep of 185 pounds—and a three-quarter-court sprint, which is a good indication of how fast players will be on the break.
Here’s a look at the complete list of drills that each prospect will have the option of proving their worth in:
*Note: Past performances courtesy of DraftExpress.com
|
Test |
Top Past Performance |
|
Bench Press (185 pounds) |
27 Reps, Jason Keep, 2003 |
|
No Step Vertical Jump |
39.5”, Kenny Gregory, 2001 and Nick Young, 2007 |
|
No Step Vertical Reach |
12’, Greg Oden, 2007 |
|
Max Vertical Jump |
45’5”, Kenny Gregory, 2001 |
|
Max Vertical Reach |
12’5”, Shaquille O’Neal, 1992 |
|
Sprint (3/4 Court) |
2.91 sec, Cookie Belcher, 2001 |
|
Lane Agility Drill |
8.18 sec, Mustapha Farrakhan, 2011 |
Physical Testing
This is where the scouts find out if the prospects they are evaluating can do more than just pass the eye test.
Mild fortunes will be made and lost with the tape measure, as players that perform better than expected and possess more size and athleticism than the field will see their stock get anywhere from a slight to enormous boost heading into draft day.
Don’t be surprised to hear about at least one prospect vaulting up the big boards due to the tale of the tape.
*Note: Measurements courtesy of DraftExpress.com
|
Measurement |
Top Past Showings |
|
Height w/o Shoes |
7’ 5.5”, Shawn Bradley, 1993 |
|
Height w/ Shoes |
7’5”, Pavel Podkolzine, 2003 |
|
Weight |
340 lbs., Giogos Bogris, 2009 |
|
Wingspan |
8’1”, Mamadou Ndiaye, 2012 |
|
Reach |
9’8”, Pavel Podkolzine, 2003 |
|
Body Fat |
2.6 percent, Dahntay Jones, 2003 |
|
Hand Length |
11.25”, Greg Smith, 2011 |
|
Hand Width |
12”, Greg Smith, 2011 |
Shooting Drills
While shooting uncontested jumpers isn’t the best indication of how a prospect will perform in an NBA game, it certainly can be telling.
Should a player knock down a significant chunk of their long-range shots, attempts off the dribble and against the clock from the mid-range, GMs can feel comfortable that these kids will be able to comfortably perform when the pressure is on and it counts for real.
There are plenty of teams that should be in the market for guys that can simply knock down corner treys and play defense this summer, and at least one half of that equation can be solved during the combine.
Point Guard, Shooting Guard and Small Forward Shooting Drills
*Note: DraftExpress.com
|
Event |
Attempts |
|
Spot-Up College Three-Pointers |
25 |
|
Spot-Up NBA Three-Pointers |
25 |
|
Shooting off Dribble |
18 |
|
Timed 15’-18’ Moving Jump Shots |
As many as possible |
Power Forward and Center Shooting Drills
*Note: Past Performances courtesy of DraftExpress.com
|
Event |
Attempts |
|
Spot-Up High School Three-Pointers |
25 |
|
Spot-Up College Three-Pointers |
25 |
|
Shooting off Dribble |
18 |
|
Timed 15’-18’ Moving Jump Shots |
As many as possible |
There will be plenty more going on at the combine, so we’ll update you right here with more information and drills as the event draws nearer and more information becomes available.
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NBA Combine 2013: Dates, TV Info, Live Stream and Drills Preview
The 2013 NBA combine is a perfect opportunity for both the casual observers and hardcore fans of the Association to get a closer look at the top prospects in the upcoming draft.
Anyone remotely interested in the June 27 event should be watching approximately 60 stars from the college ranks, D-League and international game compete against one another and themselves over the course of two days.
While the NBA’s combine may not have the luster of the NFL’s, it’s still an extremely important affair that showcases everyone from consensus top five picks to fringe second-rounders.
This is the best way to get one last up close and personal look—and a first peek at, for some of these more under-the-radar talents—at the players your favorite organization will be intensely scrutinizing and deliberate endlessly about drafting.
Let’s take a look at what kind of drills and measurements these young men will be subjected to over the course of the two-day occasion, highlight some of the most impressive performances of all time and more in our comprehensive 2013 NBA combine preview.
General Combine Information
When: Thursday, May 16 and Friday, May 17
Where: Attack Athletics, Chicago, Ill.
Complete Television Info
Thursday, May 16: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. ET on ESPNU and 2-3 p.m. ET on ESPN2
Friday, May 17: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. ET on ESPNU and 2-3 p.m. ET on ESPN2
Saturday, May 18: 12-3 p.m. ET on NBATV (Day 1 Re-air), 3-5 p.m. ET (One hour recaps for both days)
Sunday, May 19: 12-3 p.m. ET on NBATV (Day 2 Re-air), 3-5 p.m. ET (One hour recaps for both days)
Live Streaming Guide
Thursday, May 16: 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. ET on ESPN3
Friday, May 17: 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. ET on ESPN3
Participant List (via ESPN’s Chad Ford)
*Note: Not all invited players will appear at combine.
Don’t expect all of these players to work out in Chicago, as some prospects—such as Maryland’s Alex Len—have already and may continue to withdraw over the next few days due to injury concerns.
There are also plenty of prospects that will show up at Attack Athletics but make themselves scarce—participating in a select few drills and only agreeing to measurements that their representation feels they have little chance to embarrass themselves in.
However, many of the less heralded players will be giving it their all in every event, which is why the draft combine is consistently worth tuning in to.
Athletic Testing
The lack of fanfare around the combine may be attributed to the lack of a measureable drill that most players participate in and analysts and observers love to talk about—such as the 40-yard-dash in the NFL.
However, there is still the bench press—which drew attention when Kevin Durant failed to put up one rep of 185 pounds—and a three-quarter-court sprint, which is a good indication of how fast players will be on the break.
Here’s a look at the complete list of drills that each prospect will have the option of proving their worth in:
*Note: Past performances courtesy of DraftExpress.com
|
Test |
Top Past Performance |
|
Bench Press (185 pounds) |
27 Reps, Jason Keep, 2003 |
|
No Step Vertical Jump |
39.5”, Kenny Gregory, 2001 and Nick Young, 2007 |
|
No Step Vertical Reach |
12’, Greg Oden, 2007 |
|
Max Vertical Jump |
45’5”, Kenny Gregory, 2001 |
|
Max Vertical Reach |
12’5”, Shaquille O’Neal, 1992 |
|
Sprint (3/4 Court) |
2.91 sec, Cookie Belcher, 2001 |
|
Lane Agility Drill |
8.18 sec, Mustapha Farrakhan, 2011 |
Physical Testing
This is where the scouts find out if the prospects they are evaluating can do more than just pass the eye test.
Mild fortunes will be made and lost with the tape measure, as players that perform better than expected and possess more size and athleticism than the field will see their stock get anywhere from a slight to enormous boost heading into draft day.
Don’t be surprised to hear about at least one prospect vaulting up the big boards due to the tale of the tape.
*Note: Measurements courtesy of DraftExpress.com
|
Measurement |
Top Past Showings |
|
Height w/o Shoes |
7’ 5.5”, Shawn Bradley, 1993 |
|
Height w/ Shoes |
7’5”, Pavel Podkolzine, 2003 |
|
Weight |
340 lbs., Giogos Bogris, 2009 |
|
Wingspan |
8’1”, Mamadou Ndiaye, 2012 |
|
Reach |
9’8”, Pavel Podkolzine, 2003 |
|
Body Fat |
2.6 percent, Dahntay Jones, 2003 |
|
Hand Length |
11.25”, Greg Smith, 2011 |
|
Hand Width |
12”, Greg Smith, 2011 |
Shooting Drills
While shooting uncontested jumpers isn’t the best indication of how a prospect will perform in an NBA game, it certainly can be telling.
Should a player knock down a significant chunk of their long-range shots, attempts off the dribble and against the clock from the mid-range, GMs can feel comfortable that these kids will be able to comfortably perform when the pressure is on and it counts for real.
There are plenty of teams that should be in the market for guys that can simply knock down corner treys and play defense this summer, and at least one half of that equation can be solved during the combine.
Point Guard, Shooting Guard and Small Forward Shooting Drills
*Note: DraftExpress.com
|
Event |
Attempts |
|
Spot-Up College Three-Pointers |
25 |
|
Spot-Up NBA Three-Pointers |
25 |
|
Shooting off Dribble |
18 |
|
Timed 15’-18’ Moving Jump Shots |
As many as possible |
Power Forward and Center Shooting Drills
*Note: Past Performances courtesy of DraftExpress.com
|
Event |
Attempts |
|
Spot-Up High School Three-Pointers |
25 |
|
Spot-Up College Three-Pointers |
25 |
|
Shooting off Dribble |
18 |
|
Timed 15’-18’ Moving Jump Shots |
As many as possible |
There will be plenty more going on at the combine, so we’ll update you right here with more information and drills as the event draws nearer and more information becomes available.
Read more NBA news on BleacherReport.com
View full post on Bleacher Report – NBA
Spurs vs Warriors Game 4: Live Score, Highlights and Analysis
Thanks to a barrage of mid-range jumpers from Tony Parker, and suffocating defense by Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard, the San Antonio Spurs are heading into Game 4 of their second-round series with the Golden State Warriors with a 2-1 lead.
It seems that just as suddenly as the momentum shifted to the Warriors after an impressive Game 2 win, the Spurs have snatched it right back after taking Game 3 by a final score of 102-92.
Game 3 marked a departure from the way the first two matchups played out in San Antonio; Spurs defenders made sure Curry couldn’t find an open look, and the veteran squad never fell behind by a big margin. Clearly, Gregg Popovich has won the first “adjustment battle” of this conference semifinal war.
Among his successful tweaks was the decision to encourage Parker to pull up when the Warriors big men sagged back into the paint on their pick-and-roll defense. Golden State had been forcing Parker to his left on such plays all series, and those shots had always been available.
In Game 3, he took them, hitting no fewer than 10 mid-range jumpers (nearly six more than his per-game average during the regular season).
Both Parker and Curry figure to be hobbled for Sunday’s contest and are currently listed as game-time decisions.
If Tim Duncan (23 points and 10 rebounds in Game 3) and Danny Green (who has held Curry to 1-of-15 shooting in the series) can keep up their excellent play, the Spurs could very well leave Oakland with an improbable two-game sweep.
To avoid heading back to San Antonio on the brink of elimination, the Warriors will have to find a way to slow down Parker and generate offense if Curry’s not capable of carrying the load.
Look for the Warriors to come out with a desperate intensity as they try to even the series. But as usual, expect the Spurs to counter with the kind of veteran composure that has been a major key to their dominant 15-year run.
Sunday’s Mother’s Day matinee tips at 3:30 ET and can be seen on ABC.
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Knicks vs. Pacers Game 3: Live Score, Highlights and Analysis
Two games in, the Big Apple yielded a win each for the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers, as both have their eyes locked on Game 3 with the intention of either retaking or retaining home court advantage.
Coming into Game 3, the story will likely be about Amar’e Stoudemire returning to the lineup, but the big focus should be on the huge difference in play from each team in the first two games.
Indiana was able to come away with a win in Game 1 after forcing the Knicks to play into their hands. They out-rebounded and out-assisted New York while constantly pounding the ball into the paint. New York was unable to keep pace, falling 102-95.
The Knicks turned the tables in Game 2, however, running a close game into an embarrassing blowout thanks to a 20-point advantage in the fourth quarter.
Tyson Chandler became more of a factor defensively, Carmelo Anthony had his most efficient scoring game of the playoffs and just three players on the Pacers ended the game with double-figure scoring. New York walked away with a 105-79 win.
While the Pacers achieved the goal of every road team to start out the playoffs, (a split of the first two games), they have to be concerned with the 12-minute stretch in Game 2 where they went without a single field goal.
Both teams had a cushy three-day layoff between games, so Indiana has had plenty of time to fix the bad, while New York has had plenty of time to emphasize the good.
You can catch Game 3 of this back-and-forth series at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
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