Middle Kingdom Monday: Dwight Howard has had an interesting time in Taiwan

 

                                             (Gene Wang/Getty Images) 

Former NBA All-Star Dwight Howard has had an interesting time in Taiwan, playing for the Taoyuan Leopards of the T1 League. Last season was his first season with the Leopards and at the moment, he is slated to return to the team, though his future technically remains up-in-the-air. The Leopards proposed to give him a 65% pay cut because he missed 10 of the team's 30 games due to injury and they want to be as economical as possible. Howard isn't sure he's willing to play for the Leopards as a result of this pay cut, but for now he's still listed as a member of their organization. 

In the 20 games that he did play, Howard put up big-time numbers, averaging 23.2 points, 16.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. He was an All-Star and one of the best players in the league. The Leopards however struggled, finishing in sixth place out of six teams with an abysmal 6-24 record. When you consider how terrible they were, it makes sense for them to maybe not want to throw too much money at Howard, considering he made over $1M last year and they made a special exception for him to get paid that much. 

On top of putting up numbers on a bad team and facing a pay cut, Howard also got in trouble for calling Taiwan a country in a promotional video with their vice president. The People's Republic of China (Mainland China) sees the Republic of China (Taiwan) as a part of them and refuses to recognize them as a country. Howard calling Taiwan a country is totally cool to do if you are in Taiwan, but in Mainland China, that's like one of the worst things you can say. So, he's also gotten in the cross hairs of Chinese politics during his time over there. 

Whether or not Dwight Howard returns next season to the Leopards remains to be seen. Unless he can find a way back to the NBA, I think him playing in Taiwan again next season would be cool. Taiwan loves basketball and having a former NBA star like Howard playing for one of their teams has to make the fans and people of Taiwan excited. It'll be interesting to see what happens and if he does return, whether or not the Leopards will be able to have a better season. 

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Saturday Slam: How will the 2020 Los Angeles Lakers be remembered?

 

                                             (Credit: LakersDaily.com) 

One year after starting their journey for a title in October of 2019, the Los Angeles Lakers finished the job in October of 2020, defeating the Miami Heat in six games. This is the Lakers' 17th title in franchise history. LeBron James won his 4th NBA championship and 4th NBA Finals MVP while Anthony Davis won his first NBA championship. It was a strange season given the time off due to COVID-19 and the return to the bubble in Orlando, but as they always say, a win is a win and the Lakers found a way to get it done despite all the adversity. 

There will be some who will put a bit of an asterisk next to this championship, but I find that to be unfair. Especially since the Lakers came in as the top seed in the conference. The way this season was set up being in a bubble and played on a neutral court favored lower seeded teams and put higher seeded teams who earned home court advantage at a bit of a disadvantage. To win this title despite losing out on home court advantage is just another feather this Lakers team can put in their cap. 

More broadly speaking, this Lakers team will be remembered as the team that brought a title back to Los Angeles after a decade. The Lakers went through some dark times after their 16th championship in 2010. Giving Kobe Bryant an excessive contract, a lack of real identity or future, and tragically, the death of Bryant and his daughter earlier this year. To the credit of James, he came to Los Angeles firmly believing he could win a title and believed that Anthony Davis, a guy who has had injury issues over the years, could be his sidekick. 

In addition to James and Davis, this Lakers team truly embodied what it means to be a team. Head coach Frank Vogel did a really nice job of bringing everyone together and getting everyone to buy in. Rajon Rondo, Kyle Kuzma, Danny Green, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Dwight Howard, and others played their roles and made sound contributions. Unlike other teams that won due to superior star play, the Lakers won by their depth and unselfishness. This was the most likable Lakers team I've seen win a title for this very reason. 

Ultimately, there's a lot to like about this year's Lakers team. LeBron James showed why he's an all-time great, Anthony Davis proved he could deliver in the NBA Finals, and everyone came together to get the job done. It'll be interesting to see if this team can defend their title and bring an 18th banner to the Staples Center. 

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Wednesday Windmill: Will the Charlotte Hornets strike it rich with Dwight Howard?

                                         (Credit: Scott Fowler. Charlotte Observer) 

Perhaps the most under the radar move of the summer is the Charlotte Hornets acquiring Dwight Howard from the Atlanta Hawks in advance of the NBA Draft. The Hornets shipped Miles Plumlee, Marco Belinelli, and the 41st pick (Tyler Dorsey) to the Hawks for Dwight Howard and the 31st pick (Frank Jackson). Jackson was subsequently traded to the New Orleans Pelicans for the 40th pick (Dwayne Bacon) and cash.

The Hornets are hoping that Howard will provide them with a sound low post presence on both ends of the floor and also a legitimate go-to option to accompany Kemba Walker, who averaged 23.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game last season. While Howard didn't exactly live up to his "Superman" nickname in Atlanta, he did average 13.5 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game during his lone season there. Those numbers are actually pretty solid for a guy who isn't living up to expectations.

It's no secret that Howard has had a hard time finding a new home since his departure from Orlando, playing for the Lakers, Rockets, Hawks, and now Hornets within a span of six seasons. His inability to find a permanent landing spot has many people labeling him a bust and a failure, which is actually fair when you consider all the expectations that he's placed on himself. At this point, there's good reason to question whether or not things in Charlotte will be any different.

If there's anything that I can say to give the Hornets some hope it's the fact that they really have nothing to lose. They're a middle of the pack team that isn't projected to land a top three pick in the 2018 NBA Draft and also not projected to win a championship. They are stuck in basketball purgatory. When you find yourself in this position, it doesn't hurt to roll the dice a little bit and take a chance, which is exactly what the Hornets are doing by landing Howard. He probably won't turn their fortunes around, but then again, maybe he'll find new life in Buzz City and make them one of the more competitive teams in the Eastern Conference.

What helps Howard out more than anything is that he isn't expected to be the number one option. Walker will be expected to carry the load and be the go-to guy in the clutch. By being the number two option, Howard won't be faced with the same level of pressure and hype that he has had to deal with in other cities. Many have already written him off and don't expect much from him going forward.

With the pressure now off his shoulders, it's certainly possible that Howard plays better and actually makes this Hornets team relevant. I don't necessarily think Howard will have a renaissance in Charlotte, but I do think that he could surprise people and make a bigger impact than people expect. He's got nothing to lose and ironically, that lack of pressure may be what he needs to thrive.

As far as the Hornets are concerned, this is a fantastic move given the fact that they really have nothing to lose. If Dwight Howard plays like he has during the past few seasons, the Hornets won't find themselves to be all that much better, but they definitely won't be worse. If on the flip side Howard does come up big and produces, they'll have significantly improved their team without giving up very much. They really couldn't ask for a better deal.

Wednesday Windmill is a weekly piece that focuses on the Eastern Conference. 

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Eastern Conference Playoffs Preview: Washington Wizards vs. Atlanta Hawks

In the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, the #4 seeded Washington Wizards (49-33) will take on the #5 seeded Atlanta Hawks (43-39). The Wizards won the regular season series 3-1. Game 1 tips off on Sunday at 1:00 PM EST on TNT.

The Washington Wizards no doubt wish that they had a higher seed than what they got. The Eastern Conference has an upper tier consisting of the Celtics, Cavaliers, Raptors, and Wizards with the Wizards bringing up the rear as the #4 seed. The Wizards finished the regular season 4 games back of the top seeded Celtics and 2 games back of both the Cavaliers and Raptors. Had they not gone 5-5 in their last 10 games, they may be looking at having the #2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs instead of the #4 seed.

As disappointed as the Wizards should feel for not getting a better seed, they should also feel encouraged by the fact that they are hanging with the best teams in the Eastern Conference. The emergence of Otto Porter, Jr. and the addition of Bojan Bogdanovic has given John Wall and Bradley Beal a lot more help than they've had in years past. As a result, the Wizards are closing the gap with the top teams in the conference.

The biggest key for the Wizards in this series is to rely on all the weapons and balance that they have. John Wall (23.1 points and 10.7 assists per game) is perhaps the best point guard in the NBA right now and right by his side in the backcourt is Bradley Beal, who is also averaging 23.1 points per game. The Wizards' backcourt is scary good and then when you combine that with the other guys I just mentioned, you have a team that has the capability of doing a lot of damage in the playoffs. The Wizards can beat you on the perimeter, they can beat you down low, they do a good job on the boards, etc. Their balance is really impressive.

As for the Hawks, to a large extent it's a miracle they've done as well as they have. When they traded Kyle Korver before the trade deadline, there was also chatter that they might trade Paul Millsap or even Dwight Howard. The Hawks appeared to be a franchise that was tanking and entering in rebuilding mode. Instead, they finished as the #5 seed in the Eastern Conference and have positioned themselves to win a first round playoff series.

If the Hawks want to pull off the upset, they need to have a big series from Paul Millsap and rely on the balance that they also have. Millsap is averaging 18.1 points and 7.7 rebounds per game while Dennis Schröder is averaging 17.9 points and 6.3 assists per game. In addition to those two guys, the Hawks also have Tim Hardaway, Jr., Kent Bazemore, and Dwight Howard scoring in double figures. The Hawks have a lot of guys that they can go to as well and they'll need every one of them to step up.

Probably the guy who the Hawks could use the biggest boost from is Dwight Howard, who is averaging 13.5 points and 12.7 rebounds per game. Howard is a guy who has a lot of playoff experience and has even played in the NBA Finals. He knows what it takes to go deep in the playoffs and came to Atlanta with the hopes of helping them make a playoff run of their own. If he is able to have a big series and produce above his season averages, the Hawks will really give themselves a great shot at winning this series. Especially if Paul Millsap and Dennis Schröder play up to the levels that they have been playing at.

This is a series that could go either way, but I have the Wizards coming out on top in six games. John Wall is the best player in the series and should be able to slow down Dennis Schröder in the backcourt. Wall is not only a maestro on offense, he is also a fantastic defender, averaging 2.1 steals per game. I see Wall making life hard on Schröder and really owning that matchup.

Bradley Beal might even be the second best player in the series ahead of Paul Millsap, which is just another reason to pick the Wizards. The bottom line is the Wizards are the better team and as a result they should come out on top. The Hawks definitely have the pieces to win this series, especially if Dwight Howard comes up big, but I really don't see the Hawks having an answer for John Wall. Dennis Schröder is a very nice point guard, but he will not win his matchup with Wall. Wall's ability to dominate that matchup will have a huge impact on this series and make things very tough for the Hawks.

My official prediction is Wizards in six games. The Hawks will stretch them a bit, but will not be able to pull off the upset. Unlike the Hawks, the Wizards have a real shot at coming out of the Eastern Conference and making it to the NBA Finals. The Wizards are at a different level and it will show in this series.





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Wednesday Windmill: Will Dwight Howard have a renaissance in Atlanta?

                                               (Credit: Keith Allison. Click here for source)

     During the 14th-16th centuries, Europe underwent a transformation in which there was a renewal of intellectualism and artistic achievement. The movement was started by some of the most brilliant men to ever walk the face of the earth. When you set foot inside the Sistine Chapel and see the ceiling that Michelangelo painted, it's impossible to not be overwhelmed by feelings of awe and wonder. After so many years of darkness, confusion, and lack of progress, Europe found its groove again and bounced back stronger than ever.

     While Dwight Howard isn't trying to revive an entire continent that has seen better times, he is trying to revive his career and have a renaissance of his own. During his introductory press conference with the Atlanta Hawks, Dwight Howard talked about how good it was for him to be back home and how he needed to go back to his roots. He talked about all the hours he spent playing basketball in the Hawks' arena as he pursued his dream of playing in the NBA and how important his family has been in his development as a basketball player and as a person.

     Dwight Howard is optimistic that coming home to Atlanta and representing his hometown Hawks will help him get back on his feet and return to the player that he was during his prime in Orlando. As a matter of fact, I would say he expects to be an even better player than he was back then. While it is certainly touching and heartwarming that Dwight Howard has this loyalty for Atlanta, the question that I want to address is whether or not Dwight Howard will actually have a renaissance in Atlanta like Europe did in the 14th-16th centuries.  I personally believe that he will and I will explain three reasons why I believe this.

     The first reason I believe Dwight Howard will have a renaissance in Atlanta is that for the first time since his days in Orlando, this Hawks team will be his team. Even though Paul Millsap is still on board, it's pretty obvious that Dwight Howard is the new franchise player of the Atlanta Hawks with Al Horford now in Boston. Dwight Howard will get the chance to be the man of this team without having a guy like Kobe Bryant breathing down his neck.

      Secondly, Dwight Howard is still pretty young. He's turning 31 during the 2016-17 season and plenty of NBA big men have had their best years in their mid-late 30s. Hakeem Olajuwon and Karl Malone come to mind as two guys who played their best basketball during this stretch of their careers. Dwight Howard should feel confident in his ability to have at least four, maybe five really productive seasons in Atlanta.

      Lastly, the pressure is off. When Dwight Howard went to the Lakers, there were expectations of him bringing a title back to Los Angeles like Shaquille O'Neal. When he went to the Rockets, there were expectations of him delivering the city its first championship since Hakeem Olajuwon in the mid 1990s. In Atlanta, Dwight Howard isn't in anybody's shadow and nobody expects him to win a championship or turn the Hawks into serious contenders. This lack of pressure should help him out since I believe he really was hurt by all the expectations that were on his shoulders during his time in Los Angeles and Houston.

        I expect Dwight Howard to have his own renaissance and get back to playing the type of basketball he was playing in Orlando (20 points, 13 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game). He averaged only 13.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game last season and I have to believe he's got more gas left in the tank than that. With a fresh start in his home city, I expect Dwight Howard to be rejuvenated and in the end have the best years of his career.

Wednesday Windmill: The Rockets are more dysfunctional than we thought

     Earlier today, the Houston Rockets (5-7) fired their head coach Kevin McHale and handed the interim-head coaching duties to J.B. Bickerstaff. The decision by the Rockets to fire McHale took me completely off guard as it did a lot of people who religiously follow the NBA. The main takeaway from this firing is that the Houston Rockets are way more dysfunctional than we realized.
   
     What initially appeared to be a rough start to the season turned out to be something so serious that firing Kevin McHale, one of the smartest minds in basketball, was deemed as the only way to save the season. Trust me on this one: When getting rid of Kevin McHale is viewed as a necessary move to save your season, that's much more of a reflection on you than it is on Kevin McHale.
   
     To say "Houston, we have a problem" would be incredibly cliché, but in truth, it's probably the most appropriate thing to say at this point. The Rockets have a problem and it's unclear what its source is or how it will go away.
   
     What's weird is that this was a team that was in the Western Conference Finals last year and appeared capable of competing with the eventual NBA champion Golden State Warriors. James Harden was a legitimate MVP candidate and Dwight Howard played his best basketball since 2009, which was when he led the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals. They added Ty Lawson in the offseason and appeared poised to make another deep playoff run. So, what exactly could have gone wrong?
   
     One possibility is that Rockets GM Daryl Morey overreacted to a slow start. GMs can get quick triggered at times, but usually, it's only the bad GMs that overreact and do something stupid. Perhaps Morey is one of those bad GMs. Or, perhaps there was something really defective in the locker room that Kevin McHale didn't have the ability to fix. But if that's the case, then the solution should be to get rid of what's defective and keep McHale on board.
   
     The weird part about this is that Morey makes it sounds like things between McHale and the Rockets were broken beyond repair just one season after the team was in the Western Conference Finals. I'm really not sure how things could be this badly broken. It truly puzzles me.
   
     Anyways, I could go on and on with speculation about what went wrong or what Morey thinks went wrong, but in truth, none of us know but Daryl Morey and it sounds like not even he knows what's wrong with his team. What I can say for certain is that the Rockets are really dysfunctional and not in a good place. Teams on course to compete for a championship don't fire their head coach midseason. Given that most of us thought the Rockets were a team that was potentially on such a course, we can't help but scratch our heads in befuddlement and admit that we were wrong.

Western Conference Finals Preview: Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets

Western Conference Finals Preview: #1. Golden State Warriors (67-15) vs. #2 Houston Rockets (56-26)

     The Western Conference Finals tips off tonight at 9:00 PM EST on ESPN. The Golden State Warriors come into this series having taken out the Memphis Grizzlies in six games. As for the Houston Rockets, they come into this series having taken out the Los Angeles Clippers in seven games after trailing 3-1. Neither team had an easy time winning their previous series, but after being tested, they proved themselves worthy to be in the NBA's final four. 

     The most obvious thing to look for in this series is the battle between Stephen Curry and James Harden. While they won't be guarding each other much, the battle will consist of which one of them can step up more in crunch time. Both players will find ways to get their 25-30 points, but what remains to be seen is which of them will be better when the game is on the line. 

     If James Harden wants to prove he should have won MVP instead of Stephen Curry, he'll need to make sure he steps up in crunch time and leads his team to victory. As for Stephen Curry, I don't think he needs to prove anything in the MVP discussion. He rightfully won the award and was well deserving. All the same, if he wants to silence any doubters, he too will need to make big plays in the final minutes and lead his team to victory. 

     In addition to the performance of Stephen Curry and James Harden on the perimeter, the battle in the paint between Dwight Howard and Andrew Bogut will be crucial to the outcome of this series. The Grizzlies were able to give the Warriors trouble when they slowed the tempo down and fed the ball to Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph down on the block. If Dwight Howard is able to have his way with Andrew Bogut and dominate inside, the Rockets may be able to do something the Grizzlies couldn't, which is beat the Warriors in the paint as well as on the perimeter. If Andrew Bogut is able to keep Dwight Howard quiet and provide some scoring inside, the Warriors will really have a choke hold on the Rockets. 

     Lastly, the tempo of this series will be something to watch. The Warriors love to get out in transition and find open shooters. Stephen Curry is at his best when he's in transition and is able to find either Klay Thompson or Draymond Green for an open three. The Rockets also seem to enjoy playing in transition with James Harden either popping a three or creating a shot for others. If this series is played at a fast tempo, the Warriors will win this series really easily. If the Rockets are able to slow it down and play more in the half court, they will give themselves a better chance to win. 

     At the end of the day, I don't think the Rockets will be able to change their style of play, which is why I have the Warriors winning this series in five games. The Warriors won the regular season series 4-0 and I don't see any reason to think the Rockets extend this series to six or seven games. 

     The issue is that the way the Rockets play doesn't really give the Warriors a lot of problems. They like to run up and down in transition and take threes even more than the Warriors, but with less efficiency. During the regular season, the Warriors shot an average of 27.0 threes per game with a three-point percentage of 39.8% while the Rockets shot an average of 32.7 threes per game with a three-point percentage of 34.8%. In addition, the Warriors averaged 27.4 assists and 14.1 turnovers per game while the Rockets averaged 22.2 assists and 15.9 turnovers per game. 

     In short, the Warriors play the Rockets' game, but they play it better. Assuming the Rockets don't morph into the Memphis Grizzlies with better perimeter shooting, the Warriors will run away with this series. There honestly isn't any reason to expect this series to be close. I want to give the Rockets props for the way that they played against the Clippers, but they simply don't have a lineup or a style that should worry the Warriors.

---Ben Parker: follow me on twitter @nba_lord for NBA news 

     

Daily Dunks: 5/18-5/24

                                                    (Credit: Andy Melton. Click here for source) 

               

This is my Daily Dunks page for May 18, 2015 through May 24, 2015. Throughout the week this page will be updated with news and scores from across the NBA until a new Daily Dunks page is created for the following week. So make sure to keep checking this page every 24 hours or so for the latest news until next week. 

Monday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving (knee) says he will play in Game 1 against the Hawks (Click here for details). 

#2. Doc Rivers says the Clippers need to "add pieces" (Click here for details).

#3. The Raptors fired two of Dwane Casey's assistants (Click here for details). 

#4. The Magic are willing to pay Tom Thibodeau $7-$9M per year (Click here for details). 

#5. Wizards point guard John Wall doesn't think he'll need surgery on his hand/wrist (Click here for details). 

#6. The Pelicans have been granted permission to interview Warriors assistant Alvin Gentry for their head coaching job (Click here for details). 

#7. Report: Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan had a falling out (Click here for details). 

#8. The Clippers are interested in Lakers forward Wesley Johnson (Click here for details). 

#9. Rockets point guard Patrick Beverley has abounded hope of playing against the Warriors (Click here for details). 

#10. The Grizzlies are engaging in talks with Mike Conley about an extension (Click here for details). 

Monday's NBA Playoff Results: None. Western Conference Finals begin Tuesday. Eastern Conference Finals begin Wednesday (Click here for a full schedule for both series').

Tuesday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. The NBA Draft lottery happened. The Timberwolves won the #1 overall pick (Click here for full results).

#2. Bucks point guard Tyler Ennis underwent successful surgery on his right shoulder. His status for next season is unknown (Click here for details).

#3. Wizards center Marcin Gortat says personal issues distracted him this past season (Click here for details).

#4. Report: Timberwolves president of basketball operations Flip Saunders really likes Jahlil Okafor for the #1 pick (Click here for details).

#5. The Pelicans are also interested in Scott Brooks and Jeff Van Gundy for their head coaching job (Click here for details).

#6. Kentucky head coach John Calipari denies interest in the Pelicans' head coaching vacancy after a report said he was interested (Click here for details).

#7. Chris Paul is frustrated with DeAndre Jordan's laziness in his approach to foul shooting (Click here for details).

#8. Thunder small forward Kevin Durant's recovery from foot surgery is going well, but he still cannot put weight on his foot (Click here fokr details).

#9. Kings VP Vlade Divac says DeMarcus Cousins is untradeable (Click here for details).

#10. Report: Ricky Rubio's posse is pushing for a trade (Click here for details).

Tuesday's NBA Playoffs results: 

Warriors 110 Rockets 106 (Warriors lead Western Conference Finals 1-0). Warriors point guard Stephen Curry had 34 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists.

Wednesday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. The Lakers plan to pursue Tom Thibodeau for their head coaching job (Click here for details).

#2. Stephen Curry got fined $5K for flopping in Game 1 against the Rockets. Steve Kerr is "morally outraged" (Click here for details).

#3. The NBA First Team All-Defense was released (Click here to view it). The NBA Second Team All-Defense was also released (Click here to view it).

#4. Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor says trading the #1 pick will be "part of the conversation" (Click here for details).

#5. Former Thunder head coach Scott Brooks is expected to sit out this upcoming season. He is declining interviews (Click here for details).

#6. The Lakers are reportedly expected to take either Jahlil Okafor or Karl-Anthony Towns with the #2 pick. (Click here for details).

#7. For making the Second Team All-Defense, Warriors center Andrew Bogut got a $1.945M bonus (Click here for details).

#8. Nuggets center Jusuf Nurkic underwent knee surgery. He is expected to be out 3-4 months (Click here for details).

#9. Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll had a knee injury that look scary. Thankfully he is listed as day-to-day with just a bone bruise after having an MRI (Click here for details).

#10. Rockets center Dwight Howard (knee) is a game-time decision for Thursday (Click here for details).

Wednesday's NBA Playoff Results: 

Cavaliers 97 Hawks 89 (Cavaliers lead Eastern Conference Finals 1-0). Cavaliers small forward LeBron James had 31 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists.

Thursday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. Pelicans shooting guard Tyreke Evans underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his right knee (Click here for details).

#2. Hawks small forward DeMarre Carroll (knee) is questionable for Game 2 on Friday (Click here for details).

#3. Warriors point guard Stephen Curry doesn't agree with the fine the league gave him for flopping (Click here for details).

#4. Warriors assistant coach Alvin Gentry is looking like the front runner to land the Pelicans head coaching job. He has landed a second interview with the club (Click here for details).

#5. Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak denies any special interest in Tom Thibodeau (Click here for details).

#6. Mavericks president Donnie Nelson says Rick Carlisle can be in Dallas as long as he wants (Click here for details).

#7. Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley won't sign an extension, but this doesn't mean he is leaving Memphis (Click here for details).

#8. The All-NBA First, Second, and Third teams were announced (Click here for details).

#9. Mavericks small forward Chandler Parsons remains silent on whether or not he got microfracture surgery on his knee (Click here for details). 

#10. Lester Hudson, last with the Clippers, has received a $2M offer to play in China next season (Click here for details).

Thursday's NBA Playoff Results: 

Warriors 99 Rockets 98: Final (Warriors lead Western Conference Finals 2-0). Warriors point guard Stephen Curry had 33 points and 6 assists on 5-11 shooting from 3-point range.

Friday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. Tom Thibodeau and Alvin Gentry are the leading candidates for the Pelicans' head coaching job (Click here for details).

#2. The Cavaliers say symptoms related to tendinitis in Kyrie Irving's left knee have not diminished. Irving as a result did not play on Friday. (Click here for details). Note: DeMarre Carroll played for the Hawks on Friday.

#3. Hawks power forward Pero Antic committed a flagrant foul on LeBron James (Click here for details).

#4. Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak says the team will likely keep the #2 overall pick (Click here for details).

#5. The Clippers and other teams have offered Royce White a spot on their summer league team (Click here for details).

#6. The Lakers have "big time" interest in signing DeMarre Carroll in free agency (Click here for details).

#7. Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak says Kobe Bryant has told him next season will be his last season with the Lakers (Click here for details).

#8. The Lakers may choose a guard (D'Angelo Russell or Emmanuel Mudiay) with the #2 pick instead of Karl-Anthony Towns or Jahlil Okafor (Click here for details).

#9. Jeff Van Gundy is interested in the Pelicans' head coaching job (Click here for details).

#10. The Nuggets are reportedly building around Jusuf Nurkic and Danilo Gallinari. Ty Lawson and Kenneth Faried could get traded (Click here for details).

Friday's NBA Playoff Results: 

Cavaliers 94 Hawks 82 (Cavaliers lead the Eastern Conference Finals 2-0). Cavaliers small forward LeBron James had 30 points, 9 rebounds, and 11 assists.

Saturday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. Hawks small forward Kyle Korver may need surgery on his right ankle. He is done for the playoffs (Click here for details).

#2. Raptors small forward Terrence Ross underwent surgery on his left ankle. There is no timetable for his recovery at the moment (Click here for details).

#3. Famous Harlem Globetrotter Marques Haynes passed away at the age of 89 (Click here for details).

#4. Scott Skiles is reportedly the front runner for the Magic head coaching job (Click here for details).

#5. The Bulls want to wait until all the other head coaching vacancies are filled before they fire Tom Thibodeau (Click here for details).

#6. Consensus among those in management positions is that Kevin Love will leave the Cavaliers in free agency this summer (Click here for details).

#7. Goran Dragic wants the Heat to play at a faster tempo (Click here for details).

#8. Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving (knee) won't play on Sunday (Click here for details).

#9.Tim Salier of the Austin Spurs has won the D-League executive of the year award (Click here for details).

#10.  Warriors point guard Stephen Curry had 40 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists.

Saturday's NBA Final Scores: 

Warriors 115 Rockets 80 (Warriors lead the Western Conference Finals 3-0).

Sunday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. According to DeMarre Carroll, Kyle Korver needs ankle surgery and may be out 4-6 months (Click here for details).

#2. Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak doesn't think the Lakers have the time to build via the draft (Click here for details).

#3. The Heat are still the front runners to sign Goran Dragic this summer (Click here for details).

#4. The 76ers are expected to draft the best available player in the draft when they pick third (Click here for details).

#5. The NBA is considering moving up the NBA Finals to June 2 in the event that both series' are sweeps (Click here for details).

#6.  Hawks center Al Horford got ejected from Sunday's game after an altercation with Matthew Dellavedova. Horford has some words for Dellavedova (Click here for details).

#7. Phil Jackson backtracks a bit on the "I don't like three point shooting" talk (Click here for details).

#8. Adam Silver says the Cavaliers' arena needs upgrades in order to host an all-star game (Click here for details).

#9. Rockets center Dwight Howard says the whole team quit in Game 3 (Click here for details).

#10. Cavaliers small forward LeBron James had 37 points, 18 rebounds, and 13 assists.

Sunday's NBA Playoff Results: 

Cavaliers 114 Hawks 111 (OT) (Cavaliers lead the Eastern Conference Finals 3-0).

---Ben Parker: Follow me on twitter @nba_lord for NBA news 

Wednesday Windmill: The Houston Rockets are soft

     The Houston Rockets are soft. There, I said it. I'm not going to beat around the bush and hint that the Rockets need to toughen up. I'm just going to call it as I see it and say that they are softer than Charmin.

     What proof do I have for this bold claim? The Los Angeles Clippers, who were playing without Chris Paul and coming off an emotional Game 7 victory on Saturday, blew them out by 16 points on Monday in Game 1 of their second round series. In addition, their head coach Kevin McHale called them soft after the loss, criticizing their lack of effort.

     Not one person thought the Los Angeles Clippers had a chance to win Game 1 of this series given their quick turnaround from Game 7 against the Spurs as well as the absence of Chris Paul, who is battling a hamstring injury. Everybody including myself, who picked the Clippers to win the series in six games, expected the Rockets to win Game 1 with relative ease. To see the exact opposite happen was nothing short of alarming, shocking, and in many ways appalling.

     This isn't to take anything away from the Clippers. They played a very good game and deserved to win. But all the same, the Rockets gave this win away and just didn't bring it. The only guy who really showed up for the Rockets was Dwight Howard, who had 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 blocks. Everybody else, including James Harden, was nowhere to be seen.

      In the NBA playoffs, you can't let any win slip away, especially a game that is essentially handed to you on a silver platter. The Rockets essentially had a free win for the taking and they didn't get it done because of their laziness and sloppy play. They should be embarrassed for how they played and their fans should be asking for refunds.

     Going forward, the only things the Rockets can do are play with a lot more energy in Game 2 and tie this series up at 1-1. The Rockets can't shake their image of being soft in one night, but they can prevent themselves from becoming the laughing stock of the playoffs. If the Rockets win tonight, they'll still have their work cut out for them. If they lose, they will be on the cusp of being the most disappointing playoff team of the last 20 years.

---Ben Parker: follow me on twitter @nba_lord for NBA news 

Western Conference Playoffs Preview: Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Clippers

#2. Houston Rockets (56-26) vs. #3. Los Angeles Clippers (56-26): 

     The Houston Rockets come into this series having taken out the Dallas Mavericks in five games. As for the Los Angeles Clippers, they come into this series having taken out the San Antonio Spurs in seven games. The Rockets definitely have the advantage of being well rested in addition to playing at home, so it will be especially huge for the Rockets to win Game 1 tonight and get a jump on the Clippers who are still recovering from one of the most epic series' we've ever seen.

     Both of these teams are similar in that they heavily rely on two superstars to give them the bulk of their production. The Rockets have shooting guard James Harden and center Dwight Howard as their two superstars and the Clippers have point guard Chris Paul and power forward Blake Griffin. If you notice, both teams have one superstar on the wing and the other playing in the post, which means that we should see a lot of fun battles both on the perimeter and in the paint.

     In addition to these four players, there are other players to take note of in this series. For the Clippers, there is their monstrous center DeAndre Jordan and sharp shooters J.J. Redick, Matt Barnes, and Jamal Crawford on the wing. As for the Rockets, they have swingman Josh Smith, swingman Corey Brewer, and shooting guard Jason Terry.

     While I would say that the Rockets have the better superstar combo, the Clippers have the better supporting cast. DeAndre Jordan is one of the best rebounders and shot blockers we have ever seen and he is very capable of scoring the ball in transition via the alley-oop. As for Redick, Barnes, and Crawford, all three of those guys are fantastic three-point shooters who can help stretch the floor and take the pressure off Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. This was certainly seen in Game 7 against the Spurs.

     If the Clippers are going to win this series, they will need Blake Griffin and Chris Paul to play big and their role players to do their job. If Redick, Crawford, and Barnes are hitting threes like they are supposed to and if Jordan is getting a ton of rebounds and blocks, the Clippers are going to be really tough to stop.

     As for the Rockets, it's essentially the same thing in that they need James Harden and Dwight Howard to lead the way and the role players to do their jobs as well. The difference is that James Harden and Dwight Howard have to do more than Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. Especially James Harden, who has been averaging 28.4 points per game in this post season. Harden has to play big every night and get his 30 points in order for the Rockets to win. If he doesn't, the Rockets are in serious trouble.

     At the end of the day, I'm picking the Clippers to win this series in 6 games. Chris Paul and Blake Griffin were fantastic against the Spurs, their role players were incredible, and Doc Rivers is one of the best coaches in the game. Everyone on this team knows what their job is and has proven capable of delivering the goods. This isn't to say that the Rockets can't step up as well, but at the moment, we know for certain that the Clippers can step up in the clutch and that is enough of a reason to pick them over a team that is yet to prove capable of doing so.

---Ben Parker: follow me on twitter @nba_lord for NBA news 

Daily Dunks: 4/13-4/19

                                                    (Credit: Andy Melton. Click here for source) 

This is my Daily Dunks page for April 13, 2015 through April 19, 2015. Throughout the week, this page will be updated with all the latest news, scores, and rumors from across the NBA until a new Daily Dunks page is created for the following week.

Monday's Daily Dunks: 

#1. The Celtics clinched a playoff spot. Also, the Pacers now are in the driver's seat for the #8 seed in the East. The Nets need some help.

#2. Lakers guard Dwight Buycks has a fractured right hand which will end his season. Lakers guard Jeremy Lin (knee) is also done for the season (Click here and here for details).

#3. In wake of injuries to their back court, the Lakers have signed guard Vander Blue from their D-League team just for the remainder of the season, which ends on Wednesday (Click here for details).

#4. Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio's ankle surgery was a success. He should be fully healed before the end of the summer (Click here for details).

#5. The Rocky Mountain Review, now the Utah Jazz Summer League will return this summer (Click here for details).

#6. Child abuse charges against Dwight Howard have been dropped (Click here for details).

#7. Isaiah Thomas and Tim Duncan have won player of the week honors (Click here for details).

#8. Trail Blazers power forward LaMarcus Aldridge (foot) didn't play on Monday (Click here for details).

#9. Trail Blazers forward Nicolas Batum (knee) and Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum (ankle) are questionable for Wednesday after getting hurt on Monday (Click here for details).

#10. Pistons center Greg Monroe says he hasn't agreed to anything with the Knicks (Click here for details).

Monday's NBA Final Scores: 

Pelicans 100 Timberwolves 88. Jazz 109 Mavericks 92. Warriors 111 Grizzlies 107. Cavaliers 109 Pistons 97. Bucks 107 76ers 97. Rockets 100 Hornets 90. Knicks 112 Hawks 108. Heat 100 Magic 93. Bulls 113 Nets 86. Thunder 101 Trail Blazers 90. Kings 102 Lakers 92. Clippers 110 Nuggets 103.

Monday's D-League Playoff Scores: 

Skyforce 100 Charge 89: Final. Skyforce forward Shawn Jones had 26 points and 14 rebounds.

Tuesday's Daily Dunks: 

#1. Duke freshman small forward Justise Winslow is declaring for the NBA Draft (Click here for details).

#2. Hawks shooting guard Thabo Sefolosha says the NYPD caused his leg injury (Click here for details).

#3. Paul Pierce has spoken about his time with the Nets (Click here for details).

#4. Report: The Lakers plan to shop Nick Young this summer (Click here for details).

#5. Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll reportedly has interested in joining the Knicks in free agency (Click here for details).

#6. Luol Deng is unsure about his future with the Heat (Click here for details).

#7. Rod Thorn, a long-time NBA executive, is retiring (Click here for details).

#8. Bobby Portis is leaving Arkansas for the NBA Draft (Click here for details).

#9. Perry Ellis will return to Kansas for his senior season (Click here for details).

#10. Olivier Hanlan is leaving Boston College for the NBA Draft (Click here for details).

Tuesday's NBA Final Scores: 

Celtics 95 Raptors 93. Pacers 99 Wizards 95 (2OT). Clippers 112 Suns 101.

Tuesday's D-League Playoff Scores: 

Charge 105 Skyforce 95: Final. The Charge advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Wednesday's Daily Dunks: 

#1. The NBA Playoffs start Saturday. East: #1. Hawks vs. #8. Nets. #4. Raptors vs. #5. Wizards. #3. Bulls vs. #6. Bucks. #2. Cavaliers vs. #7. Celtics. West: #1. Warriors vs. #8. Pelicans. #4. Trail Blazers vs. #5. Grizzlies*. #3. Clippers vs. #6. Spurs. #2. Rockets vs. #7. Mavericks. *Grizzlies have home court advantage. (Click here for a full schedule of all the first round playoff games).

#2. N.C. State guard Trevor Lacey is declaring for the NBA Draft (Click here for details).

#3. Hawks power forward Paul Millsap (shoulder) returned on Wednesday and will be available for the playoffs (Click here for details).

#4. Hawks power forward Paul Millsap also has won the Bob Petit Award (Click here for details).

#5. Duke freshman guard Tyus Jones is declaring for the NBA Draft (Click here for details).

#6. Thunder poing guard Russell Westbrook has won the NBA's scoring title (Click here for details).

#7. Pacers small forward Paul George injured his left calf, but it's nothing serious (Click here for details).

#8. Grizzlies shooting guard Tony Allen and point guard Mike Conley are both questionable for Game 1 on Sunday (Click here for details).

#9. The Wizards have unveiled a new logo (Click here for details).

#10. Andrew Wiggins plans to play for the Canadian National Team this summer (Click here for details).

Wednesday's NBA Final Scores: 

Rockets 117 Jazz 91. Thunder 138 Timberwolves 113. Grizzlies 95 Pacers 83. Warriors 133 Nuggets 126. Raptors 92 Hornets 87. Pelicans 108 Spurs 103. Bulls 91 Hawks 85. Cavaliers 113 Wizards 108 (OT). Mavericks 114 Trail Blazers 98. Celtics 105 Bucks 100. Nets 101 Magic 88. Pistons 112 Knicks 90. Heat 105 76ers 101. Kings 122 Lakers 101.

Thursday's Daily Dunks: 

#1. The NBA and NBAPA will start testing for HGH next season (Click here for details).

#2. Nike is close to securing a long-term deal with the NBA as the brand of its uniforms (Click here for details).

#3. Mike Malone and Mike D'Antoni are linked to the Nuggets' head coaching vacancy (Click here for details).

#4. The Magic are targeting Tom Thibodeau, Scott Skiles, and Billy Donovan in their head coaching search (Click here for details).

#5. Hornets center Al Jefferson says he is unlikely to opt out of his contract this summer (Click here for details).

#6. Rockets small forward K.J. McDaniels is likely done for the post-season due to a fractured wrist (Click here for details).

#7. The Thunder may let Scott Brooks go (Click here for details).

#8. Kobe Bryant is making progress with his rehab (Click here for details).

#9. Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak says the Lakers can get one max player this summer (Click here for details).

#10. Brandan Wright hopes to re-sign with the Suns (Click here for details).

Thursday's D-League Playoff Scores: 

Mad Ants 105 Charge 91: Final. Mad Ants lead the Eastern Conference Finals 1-0. Mad Ants shooting guard Jordan Crawford had 27 points.

Friday's Daily Dunks: 

#1. Hawks shooting guard Thabo Sefolosha has undergone surgery and should be ready for the season opener (Click here for details).

#2. The NBA Draft had some tiebreakers settled on Friday (Click here for details).

#3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had quadruple coronary bipass surgery (Click here for details).

#4. Taj Gibson, Joakim Noah, and Derrick Rose will play Game 1 against the Bucks (Click here for details).

#5. Adam Silver says he doesn't expect any changes to the NBA Draft Lottery or playoff system in the near future. He is focused on decreasing the number of back-to-backs and making the schedule easier on players (Click here for details).

#6. Warriors power forward David Lee has some back spasms and won't play in Game 1 against the Pelicans (Click here for details).

#7. Nets forward Mirza Teletovic has been cleared to resume all basketball related activities (Click here for details).

#8. The Pacers want to go small, which likely means less Roy Hibbert (Click here for details).

#9. 76ers head coach Brett Brown says Joel Embiid wasn't the most coachable dude this season (Click here for details).

#10. The Pacers are unlikely to re-sign C.J. Watson (Click here for details).

Friday's D-League playoff scores: 

Warriors 106 Spurs 95: Final. Warriors lead the Western Conference Finals 1-0. Warriors guard Darington Hobson had 20 points and 5 steals.

Saturday's Daily Dunks: 

#1. There is some chatter that LaMarcus Aldridge may leave the Trail Blazers in free agency (Click here for details).

#2. DeMar DeRozan and Russell Westbrook won player of the month honors for April (Click here for details).

#3. The NBA salary cap is projected to skyrocket to $108M in the  2017-18 season with a $127M luxury tax threshold (Click here for details).

#4. Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade plans to opt in to his contract next season (Click here for details).

#5. Suns guard Brandon Knight had surgery on his left ankle (Click here for details).

#6. The Clippers may get a new logo (Click here for details).

#7. The 76ers fined Joel Embiid for missing and arriving late to rehab sessions (Click here for details).

#8. Warriors point guard Stephen Curry had 34 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists.

#9. Wizards small forward Paul Pierce had 20 points and 4 rebounds.

#10. Bulls point guard Derrick Rose had 23 points and 7 assists.

Saturday's NBA Playoff Scores: 

Warriors 106 Pelicans 99 (Warriors lead series 1-0). Wizards 93 Raptors 86 (OT) (Wizards lead series 1-0). Bulls 103 Bucks 91 (Bulls lead series 1-0). Rockets 118 Mavericks 108 (Rockets lead series 1-0).

Sunday's Daily Dunks: 

#1. Pelicans small forward Tyreke Evans has a bone bruise in his knee. He is questionable for Game 2 on Monday (Click here for details).

#2. Raptors GM Masai Ujiri was fined $35K for his comments about Paul Pierce. The team got fined an additional $25K (Click here for details).

#3. LeBron James is worried about his team's lack of playoff experience (Click here for details).

#4. Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving had 30 points.

#5. Mike Conley, Tony Allen, and Jeff Green all played for the Grizzlies in Game 1.

#6. Grizzlies reserve point guard Beno Udrih had 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists.

#7. Hawks guard Kyle Korver had 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists.

#8. Clippers point guard Chris Paul had 32 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists.

#9. Clippers power forward Blake Griffin had 26 points and 12 rebounds.

#10. Pelicans power forward Anthony Davis was huge on Saturday: 35 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 blocks.

 Sunday's NBA Playoff Scores: 

Cavaliers 113 Celtics 100 (Cavaliers lead series 1-0). Hawks 99 Nets 92 (Hawks lead series 1-0). Grizzlies 100 Trail Blazers 86 (Grizzlies lead series 1-0). Clippers 107 Spurs 92 (Clippers lead series 1-0).

Sunday's D-League Playoff Scores: 

Mad Ants 103 Charge 85 (Mad Ants win the series 2-0, advancing to the D-League Finals). Spurs 100 Warriors 91 (Series is tied 1-1.)

---Ben Parker: follow me on twitter @nba_lord 

Daily Dunks: 3/16-3/22

                                                  (Credit: Andy Melton. Click here for source)

     Here is my Daily Dunks page for March 16 through March 22, 2015. Keep checking this page for all the latest news and updates from around the NBA until a new Daily Dunks page is created next week!

Monday's Daily Dunks: 

#1. Hawks small forward Kyle Korver (broken nose) will miss at least three games including Monday's game (Click here for details).

#2. The Clippers are planning to sign guard Jordan Hamilton for the rest of the season (Click here for details).

#3. The Clippers are signing guard Nate Robinson to a second 10-day contract (Click here for details).

#4. Rockets center Dwight Howard is expected to be 10-14 more days (Click here for details).

#5. Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas is at least three games away from returning (Click here for details).

#6. The Mavericks are no longer interested in JaVale McGee (Click here for details).

#7. Thunder power forward Serge Ibaka underwent a knee procedure. He is out indefinitely (Click here for details).

#8. The Jazz signed point guard Bryce Cotton to a multi-year deal (Click here for details).

#9. The Jazz signed forward Jack Cooley to a second 10-day contract (Click here for details).

#10. Greg Miller is stepping down as CEO of the Jazz. Changes are coming to ownership (Click here for details).

Monday's NBA Final Scores: 

Nets 122 Timberwolves 106. Grizzlies 92 Nuggets 81. Jazz 94 Hornets 66. Warriors 108 Lakers 105. Raptors 117 Pacers 98. Wizards 105 Trail Blazers 97. Celtics 108 76ers 89. Heat 106 Cavaliers 92. Mavericks 119 Thunder 115. Hawks 110 Kings 103.

Tuesday's Daily Dunks: 

#1. Update on Thunder power forward Serge Ibaka: He underwent a knee procedure and is out 4-6 weeks (Click here for details).

#2. Warriors guard Klay Thompson is out 7-10 days with an ankle injury (Click here for details).

#3. Timberwolves head coach Flip Saunders won't coach on Wednesday for personal reasons (Click here for details).

#4. Nuggets GM Tim Connelly says their current head coach Melvin Hunt is being considered to be their long-term head coach (Click here for details).

#5. The Warriors plan to match any offer sheet for Draymond Green (Click here for details).

#6. The Heat signed Michael Beasley for the rest of the season (Click here for details).

#7. The Knicks and Andrea Bargnani have mutual interest in a agreeing on a new deal (Click here for details).

#8. Kevin Love will play on Wednesday for the Cavaliers (Click here for details).

#9. Bulls shooting guard Jimmy Butler and Bulls power forward Taj Gibson could be back by the weekend after going through a full practice (Click here for details).

#10. Bulls point guard Derrick Rose participated in non-contact portions of practice on Tuesday. He may return ahead of schedule (Click here for details).

Tuesday's NBA Final Scores: 

Pistons 105 Grizzlies 95. Knicks 104 Spurs 100 (OT). Pelicans 85 Bucks 84. Rockets 107 Magic 94. Clippers 99 Hornets 92.

Note: Tony Parker, Danny Green, Kawhi Leonard, and Tim Duncan all played 34+ minutes against the Knicks, so the Knicks actually beat them. Lou Amundson led the Knicks with 12 points and 17 rebounds.

Wednesday's Daily Dunks: 

#1. Former NBA player Jack Haley passed away due to heart disease (Click here for details).

#2. Clippers center DeAndre Jordan says he will look around and keep his options open (Click here for details).

#3. Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist says he wants to be the best defender of all-time (Click here for details).

#4. Cool story: The Rockets signed a 16-year old kid to a one-day contract via the Make-A-Wish foundation (Click here for details).

#5. Adam Silver isn't yet going to talk about potential work stoppage in 2017 (Click here for details).

#6. The Nuggets are resting players primarily to improve their draft stock (Click here for details).

#7. Ronnie Price wants to stay with the Lakers (Click here for details).

#8. Dwight Howard hopes to be back soon for the Rockets (Click here for details).

#9. Al Harrington has retired (Click here for details).

#10. The Kings signed guard Ricky Ledo to a 10-day contract (Click here for details).

Wednesday's NBA Final Scores: 

Raptors 105 Timberwolves 100. Warriors 114 Hawks 95. Wizards 88 Jazz 84. Cavaliers 117 Nets 92. 76ers 94 Pistons 83. Heat 108 Trail Blazers 104. Bulls 103 Pacers 86. Spurs 114 Bucks 103. Thunder 122 Celtics 118. Mavericks 107 Magic 102. Clippers 116 Kings 105.

Thursday's Daily Dunks: 

#1. The Timberwolves signed guard Sean Kilpatrick to a 10-day contract. He is their 16th player, which means they signed him via the hardship exception, which can be granted if you have four injured players (Click here for more details).

#2. Wizards center Marcin Gortat has been fined $5K for flopping (Click here for details).

#3. Knicks team physician Dr. Lisa Callahan has won the NBA's physician of the year award (Click here for details).

#4. The Spurs may go after Marc Gasol (Click here for details).

#5. Kevin Durant is still out indefinitely (Click here for details).

#6. Paul George plans to participate in Team USA minicamp (Click here for details).

#7. The Wizards are signing guard Toure' Murry to a second 10-day contract (Click here for details).

#8. Rockets forward Terrence Jones is out indefinitely with a rib injury (Click here for details).

#9. Hawks shooting guard Thabo Sefolosha (calf) should return from a two-month absence on Sunday (Click here for details).

#10. Al Harrington will work with the Nuggets as an assistant coach after retiring (Click here for details).

Thursday's NBA Final Scores: 

Timberwolves 95 Knicks 92 (OT). Jazz 80 Lakers 73. Rockets 118 Nuggets 108. Suns 74 Pelicans 72.

Note: Rockets shooting guard James Harden scored 50 points and had 10 rebounds.

Friday's Daily Dunks: 

#1. Thunder small forward Kevin Durant may be done for the season (Click here for details).

#2. The Lakers signed guard Jabari Brown to another 10-day contract (Click here for details).

#3. The Suns signed guard A.J. Price to a 10-day contract and released guard Seth Curry (Click here for details).

#4. Rockets forward Terrence Jones has a partially collapsed lung. He will miss at least one week (Click here for details).

#5. Pacers small forward Paul George is targeting a return within the next 7 days (Click here for details).

#6. Thunder center Enes Kanter (ankle) did not play on Friday (Click here for details).

#7. Bucks head coach Jason Kidd says there is no timetable for the return of O.J. Mayo (hamstring) and Jared Dudley (back) (Click here for details).

#8. The Clippers have officially signed forward Jordan Hamilton for the rest of the season (Click here for details).

#9. Tyrone Corbin is in the mix for the head coaching job at DePaul University (Click here for details).

#10. Magic guard Elfrid Payton has his second straight triple-double. Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook had his ninth triple-double of the season.

Friday's NBA Final Scores: 

Grizzlies 112 Mavericks 101. Warriors 112 Pelicans 96. Magic 111 Trail Blazers 104. 76ers 97 Knicks 81. Cavaliers 95 Pacers 92. Heat 108 Nuggets 91. Nets 129 Bucks 127 (3OT). Bulls 108 Raptors 92. Thunder 123 Hawks 115. Spurs 101 Celtics 89. Kings 101 Hornets 91. Clippers 113 Wizards 99.

Saturday's Daily Dunks: 

#1. Steve Nash announced his retirement from basketball (Click here for details).

#2. Hawks shooting guard Thabo Sefolosha (calf) won't play on Sunday (Click here for details).

#3. Hawks small forward Kyle Korver (nose) is questionable for Sunday (Click here for details).

#4. Celtics point guard Marcus Smart has been suspended 1 game for punching Spurs forward Matt Bonner in the groin (Click here for details).

#5. Thunder power forward Nick Collison is out 7-10 days with a sprained left ankle (Click here for details).

#6. The Cavaliers have clinched a playoff spot.

#7. Mavericks power forward Amar'e Stoudemire was fined $15K after his ejection against the Grizzlies for verbally berating an official and not leaving the court in a timely fashion (Click here for details).

#8. Thunder power forward Serge Ibaka hopes to be back in 3-4 weeks (Click here for details).

#9. Real Madrid guard Sergio Llull, whose rights are owned by the Rockets, may come over to join the Rockets next year (Click here for details).

#10. Fred Hoiberg is on the Bulls' radar should they make a coaching change away from Tom Thibodeau (Click here for details).

Saturday's NBA Final Scores: 

Grizzlies 97 Trail Blazers 86. Warriors 106 Jazz 91. Nets 123 Pacers 111. Pistons 107 Bulls 91. Suns 117 Rockets 102.

Sunday's Daily Dunks: 

#1. The Wizards signed guard Toure' Murry to a second 10-day contract (Click here for details).

#2. Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook had his 10th triple-double of the season (12 points, 10 rebounds, and 17 assists).

#3. Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari scored 40 points against the Magic.

#4. Josh McRoberts is now able to fly with the Miami Heat on road trips (Click here for details).

#5. Lakers head coach Byron Scott won't travel with the team for Tuesday's game or Wednesday's game due to the death of his mother (Click here for details).

#6. Hawks small forward Kyle Korver (nose) returned and started.

#7. Clippers shooting guard Jamal Crawford (calf) could be done for the season (Click here for details).

#8. The Cavaliers almost got Steve Nash (Click here for details).

#9. Trail Blazers power forward LaMarcus Aldridge sprained his left index finger and is doubtful for Tuesday's game against the Warriors (Click here for details).

#10. Billy Donovan may leave Florida to coach in the NBA (Click here for details).

Sunday's NBA Final Scores: 

Hornets 109 Timberwolves 98. Spurs 114 Hornets 95. Cavaliers 108 Bucks 90. Thunder 93 Heat 75. Clippers 107 Pelicans 100. Raptors 106 Knicks 98. Pistons 105 Celtics 97. Nuggets 119 Magic 100. Kings 109 Wizards 86. Suns 98 Mavericks 92. Lakers 101 76ers 87.

---Ben Parker: follow me on twitter @nba_lord