Game 7 is THURSDAY!
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Have you recovered yet from Tuesday night's Game Six?
The back and forth comebacks, the shots at the big moments and the resurrections. It was everything a close Finals game could and should be. It was about the execution in the end and the players on the floor. The referees did not decide anything. It was the coaches and players making the strategic decisions and plays that decided the game.
And they delivered a classic finish with Ray Allen and Tony Parker hitting clutch shots. There was Tim Duncan turning the clock back. And LeBron James very likely saving Miami's season by taking over the fourth quarter. There was even some redemption for Chris Bosh.
Everyone was watching and enjoying the moment — except for those unfortunate Heat fans who left American Airlines Arena early and missed the theatrics and LeBron James' headband which was never recovered. Mike Miller hit a 3-pointer without his shoe in the fourth quarter, for crying out loud.
These two teams have literally gone back and forth this series.Now only 48 minutes separate one of these teams from the NBA championship. The yellow rope and the golden trophy actually will be used this time. There will be no more false starts.
We will have a champion late Thursday and early Friday. The whole basketball world simply cannot wait much longer.
Noel's high school knee injury not a concern
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A lot of the concern surrounding top draft prospect Nerlens Noel has been about his left knee and the torn ACL. Even more concern is raised when you go back a little further into his medical history. Noel also injured the growth plate in that left knee while he was in high school and some teams are growing concerned about the effect of that injury. A doctor at the Cleveland Clinic tells Mary Schmitt Boyer of The Cleveland Plain-Dealer that this injury should not be a concern for Noel. That has not stopped reports from saying the Cavaliers are wavering on their decision.
Jazz bringing back Jerry Sloan
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Jerry Sloan will return to the Utah Jazz organization as a senior basketball adviser, the Jazz announced Wednesday. Sloan was a coach for the Jazz for more than 20 years, including trips to the 1997 and 1998 NBA Finals. He was a model of consistency as his Jazz teams constantly competed hard and played for the Playoffs almost every year. His departure was a bit messy as he abruptly resigned in the middle of the 2011 season with many pointing the finger at Deron Williams. Williams was traded to the Nets later that season.
It's back on thanks to Chris Paul
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A day ago, it seemed discussions between the Clippers and Celtics were dead. By all accounts, they were dead and buried. Then reports trickled out slowly that Chris Paul had encouraged the Clippers to re-open neogitations with the Celtics and get back to the table. And so Wednesday, Boston and Los Angeles are talking again about swapping DeAndre Jordan and two draft picks for Kevin Garnett and a release of Doc Rivers from the rest of his contract so he could become the Clippers new coach. This is truly a player's league.
Jason Kidd has interviewed two to join him
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Jason Kidd will make his coaching debut at the NBA Summer League in Orlando. His assistant coaching staff is still a work in progress. To this point, Kidd has only interviewed former Nets and Pistons head coach Lawrence Frank and former Nets assistant Roy Rodgers. Neither is completely firmed up however, according to Fred Kerber of the New York Daily News. Rodgers has been hotly pursuited by several teams. To this point though, Kidd seems to have his eyes set on some solid candidates.
Grizzlies give Pinckney second interview
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The Memphis Grizzlies appear close to naming their new head coach with an announcement expected Ronald Tillery of the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports. George Karl is amont the candidates being considered. The dark horse might be Chicago Bulls assistant coach Ed Pinckney. Pinckney was back in Memphis for a second interview, suggesting that he is a serious candidate for his first head coaching job.
Sixers players supporting Michael Curry
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Philadelphia is not expected to name a head coach until after the Draft. The delay is causing Philadelphia to lose out on a lot of the hot free agent coaches. That suggests the Sixers may look to promote more from within for their next hire. And the players seem to be putting their support behind one guy in particular. Michael Kaskey-Blomain of Philly.com reports several players including Jrue Holiday are supporting former Pistons head coach and Philadelphia assistant Michael Curry to take the lead spot on the bench. It is still unclear where Philadelphia will go with Miami assistant David Fizdale and Denver assistant Melvin Hunt also in the mix.
Dwane Casey to return for Raptors
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Masai Ujiri announced Raptors head coach Dwane Casey will return for next season. With all the upheaval going on in Toronto — a new general manager and a new managing partner for Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment — Casey's future felt very uncertain. Toronto suffered a disappointing season that saw them fall off the Playoff pace early. The acquisition of Rudy Gay should help the organization take steps toward that goal. Casey has helped install a defensive mentality after he coordinated the defense for the 2011 Mavs. But this team is not contending for any titles soon.
