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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”
After a career night against New Orleans, Deni Avdija feels he’s still getting better and there’s room for further growth – music to the ears of Washington Wizards staff and fans alike. The fourth-year small forward has shown glimpses of potential but not taken a significant leap like other draft class agemates have, as the ball club have needed to exercise patience with the 23-year-old. Continue reading “Forgotten fourth-year forward Deni Avdija must keep accelerating in Washington”
If the phrase unlimited possibilities sounds familar, don’t be surprised. James Harden has forced his way out of another unsavoury situation and is now in the midst of another uncertain future with the LA Clippers – who haven’t managed to keep their two star players in Kawhi Leonard and Paul George fit, while a second Russell Westbrook reunion is set too. That’s part of the fun now, right?
Continue reading “Unlimited possibilites? James Harden forced his way to another risky bet in LA”
Russell Westbrook masked a rough 3-of-19 shooting night with an expert defensive display throughout, culminating in a clutch block-and-deflection to thwart Devin Booker down the stretch as the Los Angeles Clippers earned a frantic Game 1 victory away against Phoenix overnight. Kawhi Leonard led all players with 38 points, including 13 in the fourth – they needed every basket. Continue reading “Clippers 115-110 Suns: Westbrook’s clutch defence proves key as LA snatch Game 1”
February 9 is now in the rearview mirror, with All-Star weekend almost upon us. After the Kyrie Irving move to Dallas opened up a series of trades – both small and significant – I take a look at them in this piece, assessing where that leaves some ball clubs as well as specific players who’ll find themselves in differing situations over the coming months – like the pair above in Brooklyn. Continue reading “NBA trade deadline day – a week on: A look at moves, winners and losers plus new season projections”
Lakers star forward LeBron James made history in the early hours on Wednesday, breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s 38-year record as the league’s highest points scorer of all-time. A recurring foot issue saw him sidelined late on but didn’t dampen the mood on a celebratory night, despite what proved a narrow 133-130 home defeat against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Continue reading “Lakers 130-133 Thunder: OKC hold firm away as LeBron breaks Kareem’s 38-year scoring record”
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown both scored 35 points as the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics got off to a winning start at home to the Philadelphia 76ers, before reigning Finals MVP Stephen Curry crowned ring night for the Golden State Warriors with a 33-point outing – alongside seven assists, six rebounds and four steals – to beat the troubling LA Lakers.
Continue reading “Curry, Tatum-Brown tandem reinforce belief all is well during season-opening victories”
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 “Masterful or misguided? Beal and Lillard’s latest contract extensions predictably raise questions”
Mere moments after the Lakers’ season-ending overtime win vs. the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night, news leaked surrounding Frank Vogel’s impending sacking – just 18 months after leading LA to a title following another injury-hit campaign. Alvin Gentry won’t remain Sacramento’s head coach, while there are updates on Luka Doncic (calf) and Gregg Popovich among others. Continue reading “NBA news digest: Head coach movement, injury updates and more as playoffs inbound”
LeBron James scored 14 of his 30 points during a whirlwind third quarter, while also recording 11 rebounds and 10 assists to complete a productive triple-double, as the Los Angeles Lakers ultimately eased into a comfortable victory over the youthful yet struggling Orlando Magic. Continue reading “Lakers 106-94 Magic: LeBron levitates as Orlando blasted into submission”
This coming offseason, Washington Wizards’ star shooting guard Bradley Beal is set to become an unrestricted free agent – which inevitably will see multiple franchises circling as they try convincing him to leave a market he’s remained in since he was drafted ten years ago. As far as he’s concerned, every option remains available to him as far as his next career step goes… Continue reading “Wizards’ Bradley Beal keeping all of his options open ahead of free agency”
Per detailed reports with informed sources via Bleacher Report today, the Houston Rockets hierarchy are thinking about possibly sacking their head coach Stephen Silas amid a miserable run of results for the ball club – 15 straight defeats – in what has rapidly become a tough rebuilding job, a stark contrast to the squad at his disposal once initially appointed last year. Continue reading “Victim of circumstance: Stephen Silas’ future under increasing pressure in Houston”
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