I’m going to post two NBA-related press releases and then go to bed. Sleep is calling me and it’s calling me rather loudly.
Starting with TNT, we have quotage from the network’s NBA doubleheader from Thursday.
Notes from TNT’s Coverage of the NBA – Thursday, November 19, 2009TNT’s NBA Thursday coverage continues with a Thanksgiving doubleheader on Thursday, November 26 at 8 p.m. ET featuring the Orlando Magic @ Atlanta Hawks followed by the Chicago Bulls @ Utah Jazz.
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TNT NBA Tip-off
Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith
Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford joined the studio show.
Horford on what is different with the Hawks this season: “We’re playing with a lot of confidence. We are more experienced now and we’ve been playing together for a while. We added Jamal Crawford and Joe Smith and that gives us a lot of confidence. Those guys know how to play and therefore we just know how to play better.”
Horford on playing in front of small home crowds: “We have to come out and create our own energy and work with what we have. Obviously we want people to come out and support us more, but I think that we are an exciting team to watch. We have to keep working and make people believe out here.”
Horford on how the Boston Celtics have influenced the Hawks’ style of play: “I think our style of play, we like to run up and down the floor and defend and rebound. We watched (the Celtics) two years ago and watched how they do it. They defended and rebounded well. We try to mirror that a little bit and play that way. We feel very confident about our team, we know that we like to play up-tempo and we feel that we match up very well against some teams.”
Horford on his dad, Tito Horford, who played in the NBA: “(My dad playing in the NBA) got me motivated. He played in the league for three years and I always felt, a lot of people felt, that he had the potential to play for more (seasons). He would say that the one thing he could’ve done better is work a little harder. I made sure that when I got to this level that I would work hard and put myself in a position to work hard.”
Horford on Hawks teammate Josh Smith: “(Smith) is more focused. Josh is playing within himself, he knows what he does best. He’s rebounding and blocking shots for us, getting out on the (fast) break. He gets in the low post and just goes to work. I think Joe Johnson got in his ear a little bit and told him to stay within himself and it’s working for him. We need him to keep playing like that.”
Barkley on the Hawks: “I think the Hawks have a very good team. I’m proud of Josh (Smith) because he used to take all of those three’s and he can’t shoot a lick and he’s only taken one (three point) shot this year and that was because he had to (beat the shot clock). That’s part of growing from being young and talented to being a really good player. I also take my hat off to (coach) Mike Woodson. He does not get enough credit.”
Horford on keeping up with his former teammates at the University of Florida who are in the NBA: “(Joakim Noah) is playing well right now, I knew he would come around and he’s doing a great job with (the Bulls) this year. I also talk to (Timberwolves guard) Corey Brewer and (forward) Marreese Speights with the Sixers.”
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Game 1: Phoenix Suns (103) @ New Orleans Hornets (110)
Announcers: Kevin Harlan and Reggie Miller with David Aldridge reporting
Miller on Hornets guard Chris Paul being upset that he wasn’t consulted by ownership about the recent change at head coach: “In my 18 years with the Indiana Pacers, (general manager) Donnie Walsh never consulted me about a trade or if there was going to be a change in the coaching ranks. You just don’t do that.”
Miller on Amar’e Stoudemire’s injury helping his career: “When you’re injured you get a chance to step away from the game. You have the chance to watch Steve Nash and the rest of y
our teammates like Grant Hill who are true professionals in how they approach the game. You get a sense of missing the game and understand what it takes to get to the top. He understands that he’s healthy and one of the leaders on the team.”Miller on backup Suns point guard Goran Dragic being more at ease in his second year in the league: “A lot of his ease comes from playing well this summer with the Slovenian National Team. He got some more minutes underneath (his belt). There were a lot of expectations because everyone is wondering who is heir apparent to the Steve Nash throne. He struggled in his rookie year and rightfully so, this is a tough league. He understood, went back to the lab, worked out this summer and played well for his national team.”
Miller on free agent guard Allen Iverson potentially signing with the New York Knicks: “I’m glad to see Allen Iverson get picked up by someone, but I’m not sure if (the right team) is the New York Knicks because he is going to take minutes away from someone. You’ve got Chris Duhon, Nate Robinson and you’ve got your first round draft pick Toney Douglas who has played well. Out of those three guys, he’s going to take time away from the development of Toney Douglas. Allen Iverson is still an explosive scorer, but I’m not sure that the New York Knicks is his best destination.”
TNT’s David Aldridge interviewed Hornets center Emeka Okafor after the first half.
Okafor on the Hornets playing without injured Chris Paul: “Chris is a big part of our offense and with him out of the way, everyone has to pick up the slack and the way we’re trying to do that is to run.”
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Halftime
Johnson, Barkley and Smith
Smith on the resurgence of the Suns: “There must be something that Charles hasn’t found yet in Phoenix and that’s the fountain of youth. Steve Nash and Grant Hill look younger.”
Barkley on Steve Nash being a constant presence on the Suns: “Steve Nash, that’s all it is. If you look at this team (now) and go back to when they had the best record in the West (Conference) when Mike D’Antoni was there, the only constant has been Steve Nash. This is the perfect situation for him. It’s an honor and pleasure for me, living in Phoenix, to watch this team every team. This guy has the heart of a lion, he is unbelievable.”
Barkley on Allen Iverson potentially signing with the New York Knicks: “I wish Allen (Iverson) would go to a good team, come off the bench and be instant offense. The Knicks stink, they are just going through the motions, they are trying to get ready for the LeBron (James) sweepstakes. All of the players are going through the motions because they know they won’t be there next season.”
Smith on Allen Iverson needing to accept a lesser role in order to succeed on a new team: “The one thing that Allen Iverson has to accept is the guys that he used to be able to dominate, he can only play well against (now). I don’t know if he can accept that. It’s like he’s the boxer in his last hay-day but still thinking that he’s the champ. He isn’t the champ but he’s a very vital piece to a team if he allows that to happen. He would still get the same accolades in a different role.”
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TNT’s David Aldridge interviewed injured Hornets point guard Chris Paul during the third quarter
Paul on the Hornets recent coaching change: “The good thing about that situation is that it’s over and done with. We’ve got to press on and we’re playing hard. We look really good against a Phoenix team that has been playing really well.”
TNT’s David Aldridge interviewed Hornets head coach Jeff Bower after the third quarter.
Bower on what he is advising rookie point guards Marcus Thornton and Darren Collison who are filling in for the injured Chris Paul: “Just understanding that we don’t have to get everything done in one possession. We’ve got to take our time, get the right people involved and whatever happens, you’ve got to be ready for the next play.”
Miller on the Suns’ ability to come from behind in the fourth quarter to win games: “That’s because you’ve got a player like Steve Nash. A true leader and you’ve got guys like Grant Hill and Amar’e Stoudemire that know how to finish games.”
Miller on Hornets forward David West needing to step up his game in Chris Paul’s absence: “It’s great to play with a superstar point guard in Chris Paul but now that he’s out for two or three weeks, (David West) is one of the guys that’s going to have to carry this team offensively. They are going to have to be creative and find ways to get the ball to him down low.”
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Game 2: Chicago Bulls (93) @ L.A. Lakers (108)
Announcers: Marv Albert and Doug Collins with Craig Sager reporting
Collins on the size of the Lakers: “(They have) the strength of Ron Artest, Kobe Bryant on the perimeter, Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol. This is such a big team and when they get all of these pieces together offensively, they are going to be a really terrific team.”
Collins on Bulls center Brad Miller: “Brad Miller has a nice shot and is an excellent passer. He has been a really positive force in the life of Joakim Noah. He’s really taught him a lot about this game. On road trips, they spend a lot of time together.”
Albert on Craig Sager sharing some information regarding the Phoenix Suns losing their 15th consecutive game on TNT: “Craig Sager, who is auditioning for Comedy Central, just dropped a note off that said the only team that lost more consecutive games on TV was the Washington Generals.”
TNT’s Craig Sager interviewed Lakers forward Pau Gasol after the first half.
Gasol on being comfortable in his first game of the season: “I was comfortable because my teammates make it so easy for me. That’s the quality of our team and the advantage that we have. Anybody can score, you feel really comfortable and you get a lot of space.”
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Halftime
Johnson, Barkley and Smith
Smith on the Lakers: “It’s tough to judge the Lakers when they don’t have all the elements, but what makes them so good when (Pau Gasol) is (in the lineup) is their athleticism and length.”
Smith’s analogy about what Paul Gasol brings to the Lakers: “Watching the Lakers without Pau Gasol is not a true testament of what they can be. He puts everyone in their right place. It’s like going into a house and you only see two love seats and there’s no sofa. You have to have the sofa in there. You have to have the full package of furniture to make it a living room.”
Barkley: “I want you to make a different analogy…that’s stupid.”
Barkley on Bulls point guard Derrick Rose needing to work on his jump shot: “Derrick Rose has got to learn how to shoot the ball. He’s got to get better at it. Teams are starting to back up (on defense). His jump shot is the only weak part of his game. They are going to make him shoot jumpers. He’s got to keep working on it, don’t get down and discouraged.”
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Collins on the Bulls’ struggles on offense: “(The Bulls’) defense is much better, but their shooting from the three (point line) is woeful. They miss the explosive scoring of Ben Gordon. They might be better defensively, but they have to find some ways to score the basketball.”
Albert on Pau Gasol’s recent cameo appearance on CSI: Miami: “I enjoy CSI: Miami but it looked like he was part of a Spaghetti Western.”
TNT’s Craig Sager interviewed Lakers head coach Phil Jackson after the third quarter.
Jackson on the impressive return of Pau Gasol: “(Gasol) is a really terrific player so tonight is a good night for him.”
Collins on Lakers forward Ron Artest defense against Bulls forward Luol Deng: “(Ron) Artest really got (Luol Deng) out of his rhythm. He never gave him any cuts that he likes to make. Artest was very focused tonight defensively. When you play someone off the ball you have to be very disciplined, you can’t be looking around and peeking because that’s when the guy will make his cuts. Artest did a terrific job tonight (against Luol Deng).”
Collins on Bulls guard Lindsey Hunter mentoring teammate Derrick Rose: “Lindsey (Hunter) has been a great mentor for Derrick Rose. That was one of the reasons why they brought Lindsey back. He constantly talks to Derrick Rose when he’s on the bench, keeping his mind in the game and teaching him every single day.”
TNT’s Craig Sager interviewed Lakers guard Kobe Bryant following the game.
Bryant on teammate Pau Gasol’s first game back from injury: “He gets an A-plus. He played extremely well and it looked like he was in good rhythm. He’s in pretty good shape too so it’s good to have him back.”
Bryant on passing Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the second leading scorer in Lakers history: “It’s a great honor. I feel very fortunate to have a career fre
e from injury. I’ve been very fortunate in that regard and I’ve played on some great teams. (I’ve been) fortunate enough to win four championships and I’ve been very blessed.”
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Inside the NBA
Johnson, Barkley and Smith
Smith on how to approach playing the Lakers: “You can’t really box the Lakers, you have to fight them. You’ve got to get in a fight, you have disable them.”
Barkley on the talent of the L.A. Lakers: “I said that this (Lakers) team could actually win the next three or four championships, I thought that three years ago. They are going to be tough to be beat because they aren’t missing anything. You usually say this team needs this or this team needs that. They’ve got it all, they can take (Pau) Gasol and (Andrew) Bynum off the team and they would still be the favorite to win the NBA Championship. Now with those guys together with Ron Artest they are going to take a lot of wear and tear off Kobe (Bryant). They are going to be tough to beat four out of seven times.”
TNT debuted the ‘TNT All-Decade NBA’ showcase to help determine the top performances, games and moments from throughout the 2000’s. TNT unveiled the nominees for ‘Individual Performance: NBA Playoffs’. A category’s nominees will be announced each week on Inside the NBA. Fans can vote for their top performance on NBA.com at: http://www.nba.com/alldecade
Ø Allen Iverson, 2001 NBA Finals, Game #1
o AI’s 48 points in the Game #1 overtime win is Lakers’ only playoff loss.
Ø Shaquille O’Neal, 2001 NBA Finals, Game #2
o Shaq puts on a show with a near quadruple-double: 28 points, 20 rebounds, nine assists and eight blocks
Ø Tim Duncan, 2003 NBA Finals, Game #6
o Duncan’s near quadruple-double title-clincher: 21 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists and eight blocks
Ø Kevin Garnett, 2004 Western Semifinals, Game #7
o KG’s celebrates 28th birthday with 32 points, 21 rebounds and a defining fourth quarter
Ø Dwyane Wade, 2006 NBA Finals, Game #3
o D-Wade changes course of the Finals with 42 points to lead the Heat comeback.
Ø LeBron James, 2007 Eastern Conference Finals, Game #5
o LeBron scores 48 points, including the Cavs’ final 25, in double-overtime win.
Moving to NBA TV which has the Fan Night Game selection plus programming for the upcoming week.
NBA TV’s Tuesday Fan Night Game will Feature Oklahoma City Thunder @ Utah Jazz
NBA TV’s Tuesday Fan Night will feature the Oklahoma City Thunder @ Utah Jazz match-up, winning with 45% of the fan vote on NBA.com, beating the next highest vote for the New York Knicks @ L.A. Lakers. The game will air on Tues., Nov. 24 at 9 p.m. (ET) with host Ernie Johnson and analysts Chris Webber and Kevin McHale on-hand for studio coverage beginning at 8:30 p.m. (ET). Fan Night voting will continue on NBA.com from Tues., Nov. 23 (8 a.m. ET) – Thurs., Nov. 26 (Midnight ET) as fans select the match-up for Tues., Dec. 1 between six games:
- Boston Celtics @ Charlotte Bobcats
- Washington Wizards @ Toronto Raptors
- Phoenix Suns @ New York Knicks
- Golden State Warriors @ Denver Nuggets
- Miami Heat @ Portland Trail Blazers
- New Orleans Hornets @ L.A. Lakers
Tipping off Tuesday night is The Jump on NBA.com, a live, interactive show that allows fans to submit questions and comments to NBA.com’s Kyle Montgomery, Dennis Scott and Brent Barry via NBA.com, Facebook or Twitter. The show will stream live each week at 1 p.m. (ET).
Every Wednesday NBA TV features original programming; this Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. (ET) the network will air REAL NBA: International Pioneers which takes a look at three players who are the first from their countries to make it to the NBA: Omri Casspi of the Kings (Israel), Jonas Jerebko of the Pistons (Sweden) and Hasheem Thabeet of the Grizzlies (Tanzania).
At 8 p.m. (ET), NBA ROUNDTABLE: 1970’s will feature that decade
