Dark clouds gather in Atlanta, as the Hawks’ hopes dim considerably

To win in baseball, a team needs pitchers who can get outs with several pitches, a splitter being one of them. Without Tiago Splitter, the Atlanta Hawks have less depth and rim protection. The first two games after the All-Star break have painted the worst possible picture for a team whose postseason prospects are getting […]

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – FEBRUARY 19: The Indiana Pacers celebrate after the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 19, 2016 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)’

Pacers show mettle in a close game. Can it last?

The fist pump from Myles Turner as the clock ran to triple-zeros said it all. Finally, in a close game, the Indiana Pacers decided it was in their best interest to close it out, against the team with the third-best record in the league, no less: 101-98 over the Oklahoma City Thunder. It’s important not […]

DALLAS, TX – NOVEMBER 03: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors at American Airlines Center on November 3, 2015 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The Raptors reveal an aspirational identity through inertia

It was one of the most strikingly counterintuitive moments of the 2016 NBA trade deadline: The Toronto Raptors revealed a large aspirational appetite not by making a big move, but by doing nothing. It goes against the instincts of fans, commentators, everyone who follows sports either for a living or for fun: When a trade […]

Catch and match the Warriors? The Cavs want to try with Frye

No, the Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t unload Kevin Love. They didn’t seek an overhaul before the 2016 NBA trade deadline. They didn’t need to. Any substantial moves would have sent the message that the current roster wasn’t really trusted. What might have made a layered Love deal even worse for the Cavs: It could have created […]

Photo by Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Win or lose, Memphis just got a lot more interesting with Lance Stephenson

There’s that point when you’re going on Spring Break to Florida or Texas or somewhere warm where you finally, after that long drive, hit within a few blocks of the hotel you’re staying at. You can smell that ocean air. Every girl walking around is a in a bikini and looks like a 10. And […]

Photo by Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

NBA trade DEAD-line passes predictably quiet

If the 2016 NBA trade deadline was a motion picture, it’d be “Waterworld.” This site predicted a few things … that if moving parts happened on a contender, they’d be minor and likely be with Cleveland. Check. There would be a few fringe playoff teams burning up the phones trying to get in so they […]

CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 02: Stephen Curry (30) of the Golden State Warriors makes a no look pass as he is defended by Jeremy Lamb (3), kemba Walker (15) and Cody Zeller (40) of the Charlotte Hornets at Time Warner Cable Arena on December 2, 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Warriors defeated the Hornets 116-99. (Photo by Brian A. Westerholt/Getty Images)

CC Power Rankings: February 18

With All-Star Weekend gone (and football season completely behind us), it is now a good time to release our updated power rankings. This edition of our rankings series takes a look at the top 15 teams in the league as we hit the second half of the season. * 1. Golden State Warriors (48-4) Last 10: 10-0 If […]

<> at TD Garden on March 4, 2015 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Jazz 85-84. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Utah Jazz appear ‘committed’ to trading PG Trey Burke

The Utah Jazz have been busy working the phone lines with the 2016 NBA trade deadline coming up this afternoon. They have been very busy and one of their main trade chips throughout the entire process has been talented point guard Trey Burke. He has never seemed to fit in Utah, which has them appearing […]

First-half high wire: every NBA team’s record in 2-point games and OT

Forget about games decided by five points or fewer — let’s offer an even more specific examination of NBA teams and their results in the first half of the season. Below, you’ll find records in overtime games and games decided by no more than two points. Why two, you might (reasonably) ask, instead of three? […]

Second-half suspense: the worst possible outcome for each NBA team

Expectations — they are cruel beasts. Politicians in the midst of presidential campaigns have to manage them. Professional sports organizations must meet them or face the wrath of fans, accompanied in many cases by internal grumbling from players and even other employees. Any assessment of an NBA team’s season must be conducted in relationship to […]

The most important games of the first half: Pacific Division

Which games defined the first half of the NBA season for the five teams in the Pacific Division? The answer for one team is resoundingly clear, but find out what the other four answers are below: * GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS: Monday, January 18 at Cleveland — W, 132-98 No game sent more shockwaves through the […]

Jan 18, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) shoots over Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeat the Celtics 118-113 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The most important games of the first half: Southwest Division

Which games offered noticeable indications of where each Southwest Division team stood at the All-Star break? Let’s find out in these days before the beginning of the season’s second half. * DALLAS MAVERICKS: Monday, January 18 vs. Boston — W, 118-113 (OT) The Mavericks probably won’t get out of the first round of the playoffs… […]

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