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De’Andre Hunter’s three-point dagger with 9.2 seconds remaining sunk the Eastern Conference’s best team by record in a shellshocked Boston, who led by as many as 30 points during a tale of two halves as Atlanta rallied together after half-time without a cluster of their injured key players to log a morale-boosting comeback win at home, weeks before their postseason fate is settled. Continue reading “De’Andre Hunter’s dagger sinks Boston, capping a remarkable Atlanta turnaround”
They could’ve leaned into the fact injuries have hurt their sense of continuity, or a rough recent schedule hurting form but instead star forward Paul George declared they lack an identity after their home defeat by an Atlanta side without Trae Young on Sunday. Collectively, their efforts don’t exude the same confidence it once did earlier this term as the playoffs are fast approaching. Continue reading “Lacking identity? Clippers’ teething problems persist at worst possible time”
Trae Young hit some clutch free-throws, Dejounte Murray added 25 and the Atlanta Hawks held their poise to outlast a short-handed Philadelphia 76ers team at home. Yet Wednesday night’s overtime win belonged to small forward Jalen Johnson (25 pts, 16 rebounds, seven assists, two blocks), who shone when called upon in ways many hadn’t come to expect from the third-year man. Continue reading “Jalen Johnson hails team chemistry, Hawks outlast Embiid-less 76ers in OT”
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s insistence he won’t agree terms on another multiyear extension in Milwaukee next summer, unless he feels everyone’s on the same page and still in championship contention, is another timely reminder that star players’ title window can quickly be rendered finite. The franchises and fans they play for, are more than aware of that – but navigating this is a tricky task. Continue reading “Giannis’ honesty sheds light on an insatiable goal NBA stars continue battling”
In Thursday’s lone playoff game, the Boston Celtics went on a 18-7 run in the final five minutes to eliminate a plucky but patchy Atlanta Hawks display on their home floor. How did they do it, Jayson Tatum was asked postgame. Consistently making winning plays in the fourth quarter, doing whatever it takes – with a well-rested Philadelphia 76ers side awaiting them this weekend.
Continue reading “Jayson Tatum hails winning plays, as Celtics eliminate Hawks in cagey Game 6”
Trae Young led the way with 25 points, eight rebounds and seven assists as the Atlanta Hawks started fast and finished assertively en route to a double-digit road win in Miami during the league’s maiden play-in tournament matchup of the season overnight. The result secures their standing as the Eastern Conference’s seventh seed, and Boston [2] await them in Game 1 this weekend. Continue reading “Hawks 116-105 Heat: Young silences trade noise as Snyder’s men stun Miami to secure playoff berth”
As is often the case come playoff time, there are many storylines and prospective scenarios that can play out a variety of ways over the postseason – with subsequent front office decisions often riding on the success or failure of a franchise or specific players in certain areas. This year is no different. Continue reading “As playoffs near, multiple dominos waiting to fall in NBA’s head coaching carousel”
After a 52-game absence through injury, Minnesota Timberwolves star big man Karl-Anthony Towns marked his return with a storybook ending: scoring 22 points, including the go-ahead free throws in the final seconds, helping them overwhelm the Atlanta Hawks with a 125-124 victory last night. Continue reading “Karl-Anthony Towns relishes big impact on his return as Timberwolves beat Hawks”
Fans and critics alike were surprised upon hearing the news of Atlanta’s latest move overnight, tying up sharpshooting guard Bogdan Bogdanovic to a long-term $68m extension – ignoring injury concerns and much more, including their Kevin Huerter trade decision that hasn’t exactly aged well, eight months on. Continue reading “Stupid or smart? Confusing extension? Atlanta agree four-year, $68m Bogdanovic deal”
More than a third of the way through the NBA regular season, title contenders and tanking teams have largely been identified. As for the cluster of teams flickering in the middle, the race to February’s All-Star break will decide where their future lies. I spoke to NBA expert Jack Brown for another Q&A, featuring Chicago’s issues, best Victor Wembanyama landing spots and more.
Continue reading “NBA Q&A – Christmas special: A look at struggling teams, trade targets and stories to watch”
Overnight, Cam Reddish watched from the bench as his current ball club and the one who drafted him four years prior went head-to-head at the Garden. The 23-year-old addressed speculation he’s asked for a trade, as reports suggest New York are shopping him for interested suitors – less than a year after acquiring him. So, what’s happening to the former 10th pick?
Continue reading “Cam Reddish’s sour situation in New York just reinforces how quickly things can change”
Two Eastern Conference playoff contenders are among the teams targeting a noticeable upgrade at center this coming offseason and so Utah Jazz big man Rudy Gobert returns to the rumour mill once again as uncertainty shrouds the franchise after Quin Snyder’s resignation. Continue reading “Atlanta, Chicago among reported suitors for Jazz’s Rudy Gobert as speculation returns”
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