Fresh from their comeback win over the Los Angeles Lakers over the weekend, Damian Lillard and a masterful Anfernee Simons display helped Portland (4-0) maintain their unbeaten start to the new campaign. As for Denver, the manner of this latest defeat against a Western Conference rival reinforces the belief this term is all about patience as things settle into rhythm. Continue reading
Tag: Jerami Grant
Adjustments, maintaining belief and new additions: Lillard-Simons duo headline newlook Portland
Armed with a new starting backcourt duo, offseason trade acquisition Jerami Grant, a promising first-round draft selection in Shaedon Sharpe among others from an eventful summer, the Portland Trail Blazers will be quietly hopeful they can settle quickly and vastly improve upon a dismal 27-55 record last season – their worst finish since 2005-06. Will they?
Continue reading
Masterful or misguided? Beal and Lillard’s latest contract extensions predictably raise questions
Bradley Beal became the 10th player in league history to receive a no-trade clause as part of his five-year, $251m max contract extension with the Wizards. Ten days later, another All-Star – Portland’s franchise star Damian Lillard – inked a two-year, $121m max vet deal to remain with the Trail Blazers, now under contract until the 2026-27 season. Will these decisions age well?
Continue reading
Pistons open up cap space and hint at big summer, after trading Jerami Grant to Portland
It appears on the surface as though Detroit have settled with less than they could’ve got for a 28-year-old power forward who has been performing at an All-Star level these last two seasons. However, this move also frees up cap space ahead of an offseason packed with speculation insistent that upgrades are inbound: Suns’ wantaway big man Deandre Ayton among them. Continue reading
Atlanta, Detroit and Portland all early suitors in Deandre Ayton sweepstakes
After a promising season ended with a forgettable postseason collapse on May 16, the cloud hanging over Deandre Ayton’s long-term future in Phoenix appears to be clearing this summer: multiple teams are readying themselves with lucrative max contract offers for 2018’s no. 1 pick. Continue reading
After opening day defeat, Detroit need Cade Cunningham at his best – quickly
Lonzo Ball’s second made three-pointer of the evening, at 6:22 in the fourth quarter, erased Detroit’s slender lead – one they jostled for throughout – as Chicago executed plays better down the stretch and earned a 94-88 road win in their season-opener. It reinforced the belief the Pistons desperately need top draft pick Cade Cunningham (ankle sprain) to return and quickly. Continue reading
NBA Previews: Celtics look for swift revenge vs. Pistons, Grizzlies host Lakers
Read on for two NBA previews as the action continues after an unpredictable start to 2020-21. The defending champion Los Angeles Lakers (4-2) next face a weakened Memphis Grizzlies (2-3) side, while the Detroit Pistons (1-4) look to prove their first win of the campaign Friday night helped turn a corner – not a fluke – when hosting the Boston Celtics (3-3) once again tonight.
Continue reading
Playoff Preview: Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets – Comeback kings in familiar spot
The Lakers were given a run for their money in the fourth quarter, but ultimately restored their two-game series advantage vs. the Denver Nuggets. Now, the season’s comeback kings must respond as they have done regularly in Orlando – it’s win or go home time again for Michael Malone’s men. Will Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and co step up in another elimination game here? Or will the Lakers secure their first NBA Finals trip since 2010? Continue reading
Playoff Preview: Los Angeles Clippers vs Denver Nuggets – Who takes Game 1?
After a stunning Game 7 finale win against the Jazz on Tuesday night, rest is in short supply for Denver as they prepare to face a well-rested Los Angeles Clippers side tonight in Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals. Are Michael Malone’s side capable of snatching an early lead in a matchup where the odds are stacked against them? Or will the Clippers prove too strong? Continue reading
NBA Previews: Heat-Raptors, Thunder-Nuggets as playoff hopefuls clash today
The NBA’s resumption continues on Monday as Miami and Oklahoma look to build after opening weekend victories in difficult encounters to kick off the new week. Read on for match previews ahead of Heat-Raptors and Thunder-Nuggets across the two conferences as teams get up to speed from the Orlando bubble. Continue reading
Mo and Sports 