Saturday Slam: Adding Kyle Korver makes the Cleveland Cavaliers very dangerous

                                     (Credit: Atlanta Hawks YouTube Channel. Click here for video) 

By far the biggest news of the week in the NBA is the Cleveland Cavaliers acquiring Kyle Korver from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Mo Williams, Mike Dunleavy, Jr., a protected first round pick, and cash. For the Atlanta Hawks, this is clearly a sign that they are looking to rebuild and free up as much cap space as possible. Mo Williams hasn't played all season due to a knee injury while Mike Dunleavy, Jr. is averaging 4.6 points and 2.0 rebounds per game. This move is all about the future for the Atlanta Hawks, who are starting to waive the white flag for the season amid rumors that they may also trade Paul Millsap.

For the Cleveland Cavaliers, this is all about fortifying their bench as much as possible in hopes of making another deep run to the NBA Finals. With J.R. Smith going out for 3+ months due to thumb surgery, the Cavaliers felt the need to make a move for another sharpshooter, making Kyle Korver an ideal target.

Even though he is in his 14th season in the NBA, Kyle Korver is still very good at what he does best, which is shooting. He is averaging 9.5 points per game on 44.1% shooting from the field, 40.9% shooting from beyond the arc, and 88.9% shooting from the foul line. In a league that gives much more attention to the three-point shooting of Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry, Kyle Korver is quietly continuing to be one of the top shooters the NBA has ever seen.

As far as what this move means for the Cavaliers, it has both short-term and long-term effects. From a short-term standpoint, Kyle Korver helps fill the void left by J.R. Smith, who while erratic and kind of crazy, is still one who can put up points in bunches. With Kyle Korver on board, the Cavaliers should worry a lot less about how they will survive without their three-point barraging wild man.

As far as long-term effects go, this just gives the Cavaliers one more three-point shooter to combat a Golden State Warriors team that is filled with great shooters. Even though the playoffs haven't started and won't start until April, the Cavaliers are already thinking about June as they should. Hell, the Warriors have been thinking about June since July when they went out and got Kevin Durant, so perhaps the Cavaliers are a little bit late to the party in terms of making big moves for June!

The Cavaliers know that against the Golden State Warriors, should they meet in the NBA Finals, they'll need all the weapons they can get from an offensive standpoint. By adding Kyle Korver, the Cavaliers get another guy who can cause problems from beyond the arc and help them keep up with the Warriors' lights out shooting. Plus, maybe the Cavaliers were hearing that Kyle Korver was on the market and feared that the Warriors may make a move for him. This move could be as much about playing keep away from the Warriors as it is about improving their roster.

When looking at this trade from both a short-term and long-term perspective, it is clear that this is a fabulous move by the Cleveland Cavaliers. They are getting a player who can help them put up points while J.R. Smith is out and also give them more depth and shooting for the playoffs. LeBron James has to be delighted to have a guy like Kyle Korver around. If I am giving this trade a grade, I'm giving it an A+ for the Cavaliers and a C+ for the Hawks. This move absolutely makes the Cavaliers a much more dangerous team while as for the Hawks, I'm still not convinced blowing up their team is the right move.

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Daily Dunks: 7/13-7-19

                                                  (Credit Andy Melton: Click here for source)

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

Monday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. Nick Calathes is leaving the Grizzlies and has signed with Panathinaikos B.C. (Click here for details).

#2. The Nets traded point guard Steve Blake to the Pistons for forward Quincy Miller (Click here for details).

#3. The Kings have officially signed Rajon Rondo, Marco Belinelli, and Kosta Koufos (Click here for details).

#4. Marc Gasol officially re-signed with the Grizzlies (Click here for details).

#5. The Nets waived forward Cory Jefferson (Click here for details).

#6. The Celtics and Nuggets discussed a trade centered around Danilo Gallinari (Click here for details).

#7. Luigi Datome is leaving the Celtics to sign with Fenerbahce Ulker (Click here for details).

#8. George Karl is optimistic he and DeMarcus Cousins can work things out (Click here for details).

#9. Jameer Nelson re-signed with the Nuggets and Nikola Jokic signed with the Nuggets (Click here for details).
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#10. The Pacers signed point guard Joseph Young to a two-year, $4M rookie deal (Click here for details).

Monday's NBA Summer League scores: 

Cavaliers 94 Bucks 87 (OT). Pelicans 89 Nets 83. D-League Select 84 Hawks 74. Kings 90 Warriors 71. Nuggets 86 Heat 83. Knicks 76 Lakers 66. Raptors 95 Rockets 87. Jazz 91 Timberwolves 82.

Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns had 14 points and 10 rebounds. Former Stanford guard Chasson Randle had 10 points for the Warriors. Former Stanford forward Stefan Nastic had 14 points and 4 rebounds for the Warriors.

Tuesday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. The Bulls signed both Mike Dunleavy and Aaron Brooks (Click here for details).

#2. The Magic re-signed Tobias Harris (Click here for details).

#3. The Thunder traded power forward Perry Jones III  to the Celtics (Click here for details).

#4. With Perry Jones III gone, the Thunder are expected to sign Josh Huestis to their roster (Click here for details).

#5. Nets power forward Thomas Robinson will undergo surgery to repair a meniscus tear in his knee. He is out indefinitely (Click here for details).

#6. The Timberwolves have officially signed Nemanja Bjelica (Click here for details).

#7. The Magic have officially signed center Jason Smith (Click here for details).

#8. The 76ers signed guard Pierre Jackson to a four-year, partially guaranteed deal (Click here for details).

#9. Ty Lawson has been arrested for a DUI. The Nuggets are thinking about waiving him (Click here for details).

#10. The Clippers waived guard Lester Hudson (Click here for details).

Tuesday's NBA Summer League scores: 

Spurs 79 Trail Blazers 75. Wizards 85 Mavericks 79. Nets 87 Bulls 86. Knicks 84 76ers 81 (OT). Celtics 101 Heat 69. Suns 91 Jazz 82.

Former Florida guard Scottie Wilbekin exploded for 26 points for the 76ers. Former UConn point guard Ryan Boatright had 21 points for the Nets. Suns shooting guard Devin Booker had 18 points.

Tuesday's WNBA Final scores: 

Lynx 85 Sun 79. Mercury 80 Dream 71. Lynx forward Maya Moore had 26 points.

Wednesday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. After undergoing surgery, Nets power forward Thomas Robinson is expected to be ready for training camp (Click here for details).

#2. The Raptors officially signed Luis Scola and second round pick Norman Powell. They also signed guard Axel Toupane to a partially guaranteed deal (Click here for details on Powell. Click here for details on Scola. Click here for details on Toupane).

#3. The Clippers signed second round pick Branden Dawson (Click here for details).

#4. The Celtics waived guard Phil Pressey (Click here for details).

#5. George Karl wants his son Coby Karl to join his staff in Sacramento. Vlade Divac won't allow it (Click here for details).

#6. Mikhail Prokhorov may buy 100% of the Nets (Click here for details).

#7. Matthew Dellavedova and the Cavaliers are reportedly far apart from a deal (Click here for details).

#8. The Wisconsin senate approved the Bucks' financial plan for their new arena (Click here for details).

#9. Vlade Divac feels as though Rajon Rondo was a "steal" in free agency (Click here for details).

#10. Alexey Shved is leaving the Knicks. He signed a three-year deal with Khimki Moscow (Click here for details).

Wednesday's NBA Summer League scores: 

Bucks 97 Rockets 93. Nets 75 76ers 68. Hawks 75 Heat 64. Warriors 83 Kings 67. Wizards 86 Jazz 78. Mavericks 88 Lakers 86. Bulls 91 Cavaliers 73. Trail Blazers 82 Timberwolves 77.

Wednesday's WNBA Final scores: 

Liberty 84 Stars 68. Sky 85 Mystics 57. Storm 68 Sparks 61. Fever 83 Shock 80.

Thursday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. The Spurs re-signed Matt Bonner (Click here for details).

#2. Joe Johnson may come off the bench for the Nets next season (Click here for details).

#3. The Nuggets are interested in signing Danilo Gallinari to an extension (Click here for details).

#4. The Clippers signed Josh Smith (Click here for details).

#5. The Kings signed guard James Anderson after Luc Richard Mbah a Moute failed his physical and was unable to sign with the team (Click here for details on Anderson and here for details on Mbah a Moute).

#6. Mavericks president and CEO Terdema Ussery is stepping down in August to take a job with Under Armour (Click here for details).

#7. Due to DeAndre Jordan staying with the Clippers, J.J. Barea is getting more money from the Mavericks (Click here for details).

#8. The Pistons signed second round pick Darrun Hillard to a three-year contract (Click here for details).

#9. The Nuggets have interest in re-signing Darrell Arthur (Click here for details).

#10. The Kings have signed Willie Cauley-Stein (Click here for details).

Thursday's NBA Summer League results: 

Suns 106 Bucks 90. Warriors 76 Knicks 54. Mavericks 104 D-League Select 88. Spurs 74 Nets 71. Pelicans 97 Wizards 81. Hawks 82 Nuggets 73. Bulls 84 Raptors 80. Celtics 91 Trail Blazers 85.

Hawks power forward Brandon Ashley had 18 points and 8 rebounds.

Thursday's WNBA final scores: 

Dream 76 Sparks 72. Liberty 64 Sun 57.

Friday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. Trail Blazers shooting guard Allen Crabbe is out 4-6 weeks with a left ankle sprain (Click here for details).

#2. After officially signing Mirza Teletovic, Sonny Weems, and Ronny Price, the Suns waived guard Jerel McNeal (Click here for details).

#3. The Suns officially re-signed Brandon Knight (Click here for details).

#4. The Spurs officially signed Boban Marjanovic (Click here for details).

#5. Seth Curry may be nearing a training camp deal with the Pelicans (Click here for details).

#6. The Bucks have signed Rashad Vaughn to his rookie contract (Click here for details).

#7.The Nets officially signed Andrea Bargnani (Click here for details).

#8. The Pelicans officially signed Alonzo Gee (Click here for details).

#9.Gianni Antetokounmpo says he wants to stay with the Bucks forever (Click here for details).

#10. Magic forward Aaron Gordon underwent surgery for a fractured jaw (Click here for details and also click here  for commentary from Magic assistant coach Mario Elie about Gordon's development).

#11. Nuggets point guard Ty Lawson has entered an alcohol rehab facility (Click here for details).

#12. Michael Jordan will be inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame (Click here for details).

#13. Forward Adonis Thomas has signed a non-guarnteed deal with the Pistons (Click here for details).

#14. LeBron James hit a cool shot from his seat at Summer League (Click here to watch).

#15. Celtics point guard Marcus Smart jammed his fingers good, but he's likely ok (Click here for details).

Friday's NBA Summer League scores: 

76ers 100 Rockets 96. Kings 73 Heat 68 (OT). Cavaliers 78 Timberwolves 73. Jazz 84 Lakers 78. D-League Select 85 Nets 64. Knicks 83 Bucks 76. Wizards 97 Nuggets 89. Trail Blazers 72 Raptors 64.

Friday's WNBA final scores: 

Mystics 68 Fever 50. Lynx 84 Sky 66. Stars 65 Shock 58.

Saturday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. The Lakers, Rockets, and Pistons reportedly have interest in trading for Nuggets point guard Ty Lawson (Click here for details).

#2. Jason Collins says he is trying to help a former male tennis player come out of the closet (Click here for details).

#3. The Raptors officially signed Bismack Biyombo (Click here for details).

#4. Pacers small forward Paul George hopes to win MVP in the 2015-16 season (Click here for details).

#5. Jerry West told KNBR that the Warriors front office is "The most healthy environment I've been involved with since I've been in the NBA" (Click here for details).

#6. Sasha Kaun, currently a center for CSKA Moscow, may or may not come over to play for the Cavaliers. The Cavaliers are undecided about whether or not to give him a roster spot (Click here for details).

#7. The Pacers hit a snag in regards to signing Monta Ellis, but they still will sign him anyways (Click here for details).

#8. The Celtics have also hit a snag with signing a player of their own: Second-round pick Jordan Mickey (Click here for details).

#9. David West's contract with the Spurs includes a player option for the following season (Click here for details).

#10. The 76ers signed guard Scottie Wilbekin to a four-year deal (Click here for details).

Saturday's NBA Summer League scores: 

Spurs 96 Celtics 93. Hawks 91 Mavericks 83. Suns 91 Bulls 84. Pelicans 100 Warriors 91. Pelicans shooting guard Seth Curry had 24 points.

Saturday's WNBA Final Scores: 

Storm 86 Dream 73. Liberty 75 Mercury 73. Liberty guard Brittany Boyd had 13 points off the bench.

Note: The Fever-Sun game was canceled and has been rescheduled to be played on July 28 (Click here for details).

Sunday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. Kyle Anderson of the Spurs has been named the MVP of the Las Vegas NBA Summer League (Click here for details).

#2. Nuggets point guard Emmanuel Mudiay is reportedly happy he didn't go to the Knicks to play in their triangle system (Click here for details).

#3. The Nuggets traded Ty Lawson to the Rockets (Click here for full details of the trade as well as my own analysis).

#4. The Nuggets will reportedly waive or trade Pablo Prigioni, whom they acquired in the Ty Lawson deal (Click here for details).

#5. Charles Barkley is getting tired of Warriors fans (Click here for details).

#6. J.R. Smith is probably going to regret opting out of his contract with the Cavaliers (Click here for details).

#7. K.J. McDaniels re-signed with the Rockets for 3 years, $10M (Click here for details).

#8. Tony Allen wants to play five more years and he wants all five of those years to be with the Grizzlies (Click here for details).

#9. Danny Granger may stay with the Pistons (Click here for details).

#10. The Spurs and Suns will face off in the Las Vegas NBA Summer League championship on Monday at 9:00 PM EST on NBATV.

Sunday's NBA Summer League scores: 

Spurs 75 Hawks 68. Suns 93 Pelicans 87.

Sunday's WNBA final scores: 

Lynx 79 Shock 72. Dream 93 Stars 82. Mystics 89 Sun 82. Lynx forward Maya Moore had 32 points.

---Ben Parker: follow me on twitter @nba_lord and like my Facebook page NBA Lord Nation for NBA news 

2015 NBA Finals Preview: Golden State Warriors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

     The Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers are the last two teams standing in the NBA playoffs after dominating their respective conferences. The Warriors only lost three games during the first three rounds of the NBA playoffs and the Cavaliers only lost twice. The combined playoff record of these two teams (24-5) is the best of any two teams meeting in the NBA Finals since 1991.
   
     But while both teams have been really dominant up to this point, the Warriors are still heavily favored by many to win the title due to the competition they faced in the Western Conference, their depth, and the fact that they have Stephen Curry, the NBA's MVP. The Warriors' 67-15 regular season record alone is impressive, but when you consider that they finished with that record against a really competitive Western Conference, it seems insane and almost unbelievable.

     The Warriors have achieved this level of success due to more than just hitting three-point shots. They've defended well all season and gotten good production from their role players as well as their starters. Beating the Warriors isn't as simple as preventing Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson from going off, which in and of itself is no easy task. Beating the Warriors involves scoring the basketball to prevent them from getting out in transition, playing good defense on the perimeter, and withstanding inevitable runs that the Warriors are sure to go on.

     The Warriors have it all. They have great perimeter shooting courtesy of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson; they have great defense on the perimeter courtesy of Andre Iguodala, Harrison Barnes, and Draymond Green; they have great post defense and rebounding courtesy of Andrew Bogut and Festus Ezeli; and they move the ball really well. There is nothing that they can't do and what's scary is that they are really confident and fearless.

     As for the Cavaliers, they have achieved their success due to having LeBron James, who is the best basketball player in the world. With the body frame of Karl Malone and the skills of John Stockton, LeBron James is the ultimate basketball player. All the things the Warriors do as a team can be done by LeBron James. He can score the ball from anywhere on the floor, pass the ball, rebound the ball, and defend both in the post and on the perimeter. He is so versatile that he can play all five positions on the floors with ease. It's simply amazing to witness.

     In addition to having King James, the Cavaliers also have Kyrie Irving, who is one the league's best point guards. Irving has been dealing with some knee tendinitis and a foot problem that is expected to require surgery at the end of the season. He isn't too healthy at the moment, but thankfully for the Cavaliers, he has gotten more than a week off to rest up. Assuming he is able to be decently productive, he'll be a key weapon to help LeBron James win Cleveland its first NBA championship.

     In addition to Kyrie Irving, LeBron James has some great role players around him in J.R. Smith, Iman Shumpert, Matthew Dellavedova, Timofey Mozgov, and Tristan Thompson. Smith and Dellavedova are both fantastic perimeter shooters and Shumpert is a fantastic perimeter defender. As for Mozgov and Thompson, both of those guys can really do damage in the paint, especially Thompson, who routinely grabs more than 10 rebounds in a game to go along with a block or two. Thompson is a player who can control the paint and prevent teams from having an easy time scoring inside.

     With the strengths of these two teams outlined, here are some of their weaknesses. The biggest weakness for the Warriors is probably the fact that the game comes too easy for them and they sometimes get careless with the basketball. Getting careless with the basketball includes taking bad shots as well as making errant passes. The Warriors sometimes just give away possessions because they are accustomed to having all their shots go in and having everything go their way.

     In addition, the Warriors still live by the three and die by the three. I don't care how many times people tell you that the Warriors are a defensive team; they are a team that relies on making three-point shots. They averaged 27.0 three-point shot attempts per game in the regular season, which was fourth among all teams in the NBA and in the playoffs, they averaged 30.3 three-point shot attempts per game, more than any other playoff team. So yeah, when somebody tries to sound more smart and intelligent than you by saying that the Warriors aren't a three-point shooting team, run these numbers by them and see what they say.

     If the Warriors are making threes, there isn't much anybody can do. But if they aren't, they suddenly become very vulnerable. The Warriors in truth are a three-point shooting team that plays really good defense and gets out in transition. But when they are forced to play a half court set, they have a much harder time making perimeter shots and that is when they can go cold.

     If there is anything the Cavaliers should try to focus on, it's forcing the Warriors to play in the half court a lot. If the Cavaliers can make shots and thus prevent the Warriors from getting out in transition, they should like their chances of winning because they have some great perimeter defenders in LeBron James and Iman Shumpert.

     As for the Cavaliers, their biggest weakness is that they rely heavily on LeBron James. While it is true that Iman Shumpert, J.R. Smith, and others have been very good for them, those players all feed off of LeBron James in ways that other Warriors players don't necessarily feed off of Stephen Curry. Don't get me wrong, the Warriors' offense totally runs through Stephen Curry and he is crucial to getting others on his team going. But thankfully for Curry, he has better players around him who aren't as reliant on him creating for them.

     As for LeBron James, whether or not the players around him play well largely depends on how he plays and how he leads. The reason why J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert have had a renaissance in Cleveland is because they have a new sense of confidence playing alongside LeBron James. When LeBron James is building you up, you have to feel confident that you can do anything on a basketball court that is asked of you.

     While it is a strength of LeBron James that he is able to build up his teammates like this, it is a weakness in the team that they are so reliant on one player to run the show. In addition, the Cavaliers have had some injuries. I mentioned Kyrie Irving, but Kevin Love is also out for the series as is Anderson Varejao, two guys who the Cavaliers would love to have playing in the paint. The Cavaliers aren't as healthy as the Warriors are at the moment which is definitely a weakness that they also need to overcome.

     When it comes to picking a winner, I am picking the Cavaliers to win the NBA Finals in six games even though I come from the Bay Area and have grown up watching the Warriors. My job as an NBA blogger and analyst isn't to make predictions based on any sort of hometown bias. It is to make predictions based on what I have observed and what I think the data presented before me indicates.

     When I look at both of these teams and consider how things have transpired in the NBA playoffs up until this point, I have to pick the Cavaliers. The reason I'm picking the Cavaliers has a lot to do with the fact that I believe LeBron James has what it takes to take-over this series and dominate in ways that Stephen Curry cannot. As I stated earlier, LeBron James can do it all and I expect him to do it all when his team needs him to in this series.

      In addition, I also think LeBron's supporting cast is underrated. He has great three point shooters around him, guys who can defend on the perimeter, and guys in the post who can control the paint. Lastly, I think the Warriors are a lot more vulnerable than people realize. They were given a good scare by the Memphis Grizzlies and didn't exactly blow the Rockets off the floor despite winning the series in five games. The Grizzlies outlined the blueprint to beat the Warriors and I think the Cavaliers have what it takes to carry out that blueprint in the way that the Grizzlies intended to.

      If you want to beat the Warriors, you need to do three things: Make shots to stop them from getting in transition, control the paint, and play sound defense on the perimeter. I'm confident that the Cavaliers will do all three of those things well enough to win the series and it largely will be because of LeBron James, the best basketball player in the world.

(Note: The NBA Finals starts Thursday at 9:00 PM ET on ABC)

---Ben Parker: follow me on twitter @nba_lord and like my NBA Facebook page NBA Lord Nation
   

Daily Dunks: 5/25-5/31

(Credit: Andy Melton. Click here for source)

     Here is my Daily Dunks page for May 25, 2015 through May 31, 2015. Throughout the week this page will be updated with news from across the NBA as well as scores and highlights. So be sure to check this page every day until a new Daily Dunks page is created for the following week. 

Monday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. LeBron James wants the Cavaliers to keep Tristan Thompson long-term (Click here for details). 

#2. Dwight Howard could get his flagrant 1 foul on Andrew Bogut upgraded to a Flagrant 2 and get a suspension (Click here for details). 

#3. The NBA Finals will start June 4. The NBA won't move up the date (Click here for details). 

#4. There is a rumor that Paul Pierce will opt out of his contract with the Wizards and go join the Clippers (Click here for details). 

#5. Jason Terry plans to come back for another NBA season and the Rockets want him back (Click here for details). 

#6. The Pacers are working out center Stanko Barac in June, whose rights they acquired (Click here for details). 

#7. Hawks small forward Kyle Korver awaits a second opinion on his ankle. Surgery is a possibility (Click here for details). 

#8. The Celtics will ask Isaiah Thomas for help with getting free agents. (Click here for details). 

#9. Warriors point guard Stephen Curry injured his head in Game 4 against the Rockets. He was diagnosed with a head contusion and he did return to the game (Click here for details). 

#10. Rockets shooting guard James Harden had 45 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. 

Monday's NBA Playoff Results: 

Rockets 128 Warriors 115. Warriors lead the Western Conference Finals 3-1. 

Tuesday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. Grizzlies point guard Beno Udrih will undergo ankle surgery (Click here for details). 

#2. Orlando Sanchez will join the Raptors for Summer League (Click here for details). 

#3. Teams are inquiring about Nets forward Mason Plumleee with the belief that the Nets are willing to move him (Click here for details). 

#4. The Nets parted ways with assistant GM Bobby Marks, who had been with the franchise for 20 years (Click here for details). 

#5. Kevin Love has been medically cleared to travel with the Cavaliers (Click here for details). 

#6. Tom Thibodeau's contract with the Bulls contains offset language (Click here for details). 

#7. There is a report that Scott Skiles will be the new head coach of the Magic. But the team hasn't officially announced anything (Click here for details). 

#8. The Clippers are looking to acquire a draft pick (Click here for details). 

#9. Ty Lawson and Kennet Faried want out of Denver unless the Nuggets pull of an insane trade (Click here for details). 

#10. Nazr Mohammed plans to play for another season (Click here for details). 

Tuesday's NBA Playoff Results: 

Cavaliers 118 Hawks 88 (Cavaliers win the Eastern Conference Finals 4-0 and advance to their 2nd ever NBA Finals). Cavaliers small forward LeBron James had 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists. 

Wednesday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. The Mavericks are interested in doing a sign and trade for DeAndre Jordan (Click here for details). 

#2. The Pelicans have interviewed Jeff Van Gundy for their head coaching position (Click here for details). 

#3. Hawks small forward DeMarre Carroll won't need knee surgery (Click here for details). 

#4. Hawks power forward Paul Millsap has a sprained right shoulder which may require surgery (Click here for details). 

#5. Hawks point guard Shelvin Mack needs surgery for a separated right shoulder (Click here for details). 

#6.  The Bulls, Pelicans, and Clippers are interested in Royce White for Summer League (Click here for details). 

#7. The Knicks are strongly considering drafting Willie Cauley-Stein with the #4 pick (Click here for details). 

#8. The Suns are exploring the possibility of trading their first round pick (Click here for details). 

#9. The Bulls reportedly are getting close to firing Tom Thibodeau (Click here for details). 

#10. Hawks shooting guard Kyle Korver had successful right ankle surgery. 3 months is his estimated recovery time (Click here for details). 

Wednesday's NBA Playoff Results: 

Warriors 104 Rockets 90 (Warriors win the Western Conference Finals 4-1 and advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1975). Warriors forward Harrison Barnes had 24 points and 7 rebounds.

Thursday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

 #1. Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson experienced concussion like symptoms after Game 5 against the Rockets. He couldn't drive home (Click here for details). 

#2. Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson has been cleared to play in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, which start June 4. He reportedly didn't have a concussion (Click here for details). 

#3. John Wall was kicked off of an airplane after one of his people threatened somebody (Click here for details). 

#4. The Bulls fired their head coach Tom Thibodeau (Click here for details). 

#5. Some Bulls players didn't want Tom Thibodeau back (Click here for details). 

#6. Grizzlies impending free agent center Kosta Koufos is receiving a lot of interest from other teams (Click here for details). 

#7. The Magic have interviewed Mike Woodson, but Scott Skiles is still the front runner for their head coaching job (Click here for details). 

#8. Kings GM Pete D'Alessandro may leave to take the AD job at St. John's University (Click here for details). 

#9. The Pelicans have interviewed Vinny Del Negro for their head coaching job (Click here for details). 

#10. Dwyane Wade and the Heat are far apart on contract negotiation talks. Wade could go elsewhere (Click here for details). 

NBA Finals: 

Game 1 between the Warriors and Cavaliers is next week: Thursday, June 4. 

Friday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. Fred Hoiberg is looking like he'll be the next coach of the Bulls (Click here for details). 

#2. The Magic hired Scott Skiles as head coach (Click here for details). 

#3. Rockets center Dwight Howard has been suspended 1 game starting next season for his elbow to Andre Iguodala (Click here for details). 

#4. Kyrie Irving plans to start out defending Stephen Curry in the NBA Finals (Click here for details). 

#5. Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson has been diagnosed with a concussion and is out indefinitely (Click here for details). 

#6. Cavaliers center Anderson Varejao could make a surprise return for the NBA Finals (Click here for details). 

#7. The Suns made some changes to Jeff Hornacek's coaching staff. (Click here for details) 

#8. According to a report, projected #1 pick Karl-Anthony Towns won't work out for any NBA teams (Click here for details). 

#9. Doc Rivers says Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan get along great (Click here for details). 

#10. Alvin Gentry has had a second interview with the Pelicans (Click here for details). 

Saturday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. Former NBA player Chris Gatling has been arrested on suspicion of committing credit card fraud (Click here for details). 

#2. There is now a biography for Lakers great Elgin Baylor (Click here for details). 

#3. Frank Isola reports that Fred Hoiberg has a 5 year, $25M deal in place with the Bulls to be their new head coach (Click here for details). 

#4. Tom Thibodeau is hurt by the Bulls' statement about his firing (Click here for details). 

#5. Andrew Bogut has some unkind words for Dwight Howard (Click here for details). 

#6. James Harden wants the Rockets to add another playmaker (Click here for details). 

#7. The Lakers are rumored to be a possible destination for Dwyane Wade (Click here for details). 

#8. The Pelicans hired Alvin Gentry as head coach (Click here for details). 

#9. Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle plays some mean piano (Click here for a video). 

#10. Fun fact: Stephen Curry and LeBron James were born in the same hospital in Akron, Ohio (Click here for details). 

Sunday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. Cavaliers shooting guard J.R. Smith expects to get open shots in the NBA Finals (Click here for details). 

#2. LeBron James says Kyrie Irving is a big reason he returned to Cleveland (Click here for details). 

#3. Lakers power forward Julius Randle believes he is 100% (Click here for details). 

#4. Cavaliers head coach David Blatt says Kyrie Irving isn't himself yet (Click here for details). 

#5. Brian Shaw is interested in replacing Alvin Gentry on the Warriors' staff (Click here for details). 

#6. Kevin Love expects to be back with the Cavaliers next season (Click here for details). 

#7. In a letter to fans about the future, the Nets don't mention Deron Williams or Joe Johnson (Click here for details). 

#8. Shawn Marion reportedly nixed a trade that would have sent Kevin Garnett to the Suns in 2007. Marion's desire for max money is what nixed the deal (Click here for details). 

#9. Pau Gasol thanked Tom Thibodeau for being his coach (Click here for details). 

#10. Reminder: The NBA Finals starts on Thursday. 

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

Daily Dunks: 4/20-4/26

                                               (Credit: Andy Melton. Click here for source)

Here is my Daily Dunks page for Monday, April 20 through Sunday, April 26, 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.

Monday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (leg soreness) didn't play in Game 2 against the Warriors for precautionary reasons (Click here for details).

#2. Bulls point guard Kirk Hinrich (knee) did not play in Game 2 against the Bucks (Click here for details).

#3. The Clippers are getting a new logo (Click here for some leaked images).

#4. The Thunder are seriously considering firing Scott Brooks and hiring UConn head coach Kevin Ollie as his replacement (Click here for details).

#5. One player on the Trail Blazers thinks odds LaMarcus Aldridge leaves is 50-50 (Click here for details).

#6. Anthony Davis wants to go down as an all-time great (Click here for details).

#7. Jason Richardson would like to re-sign with the 76ers (Click here for details).

#8. Pelicans head coach Monty Williams thinks the Warriors' crowd noise is unfair (Click here for details).

#9. Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson had 26 points.

#10. Bulls shooting guard Jimmy Butler had 31 points and 9 rebounds.

Monday's NBA Playoff Scores: 

Warriors 97 Pelicans 87 (Warriors lead series 2-0). Bulls 91 Bucks 82 (Bulls lead series 2-0).

Monday's D-League Playoff Scores: 

Warriors 97 Spurs 83. Warriors win the series 2-1 and advance to the D-League Finals to take on the Mad Ants.

Tuesday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. Raptors point guard Lou Williams has won the 2014-15 NBA Sixth Man Award (Click here for details).

#2. Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer wins the 2014-15 NBA Coach of the Year Award (Click here for details).

#3. The Bucks are running into some snags with their arena financing (Click here for details).

#4. Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic (knee) is questionable for Game 3 against the Bucks (Click here for details).

#5. Suns forwards Marcus Morris and Markeiff Morris have been charged with felony aggravated assault (Click here for details).

#6. Hawks center Al Horford (dislocated finger) will play in Game 2 against the Nets (Click here for details).

#7. Nets forward Mirza Teletovic is "probable" for Game 2 against the Hawks (Click here for details).

#8. There is some discussion about LaMarcus Aldridge meeting with the Spurs in free agency (Click here for details).

#9. Ed Davis hopes to re-sign with the Lakers (Click here for details).

#10. Kings owner Vivek Ranadive denies repots that DeMarcus Cousins is on the trading block (Click here for details).

Tuesday's NBA Playoffs Scores: 

Cavaliers 99 Celtics 91 (Cavaliers lead series 2-0). Wizards 117 Raptors 106 (Wizards lead series 2-0).
Rockets 111 Mavericks 99 (Rockets lead series 2-0).

Wednesday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. The Hawks have been sold to a group led by Antony Ressler for $850M (Click here for details).

#2. The Thunder have fired Scott Brooks and now look for a new head coach (Click here for details).

#3. Mavericks point guard Rajon Rondo is out indefinitely with a back injury (Click here for details).

#4. Mavericks forward Chandler Parsons (knee) is out for the postseason (Click here for details).

#5. Rockets shooting guard Jason Terry has been fined $5K for flopping in Game 2 against the Mavericks (Click here for details).

#6. Hornets power forward Cody Zeller underwent shoulder surgery and will be recovering for 3 months (Click here for details).

#7. Thunder center Enes Kanter underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and will be recovering for 4-6 weeks (Click here for details).

#8. Gary Payton is facing assault charges (Click here for details).

#9. Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade is unsure whether or not he'll exercise his $16M option for next season (Click here for details).

#10. Bulls power forward Pau Gasol has won the Magic Johnson award (Click here for details).

Wednesday's NBA Playoff Scores: 

Grizzlies 97 Trail Blazers 82: Final (Grizzlies lead series 2-0). Hawks 96 Nets 91: Final (Hawks lead the series 2-0). Spurs 111 Clippers 107: Final/OT (Series tied 1-1).

Thursday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. 76ers center Joel Embiid expects to play in Summer League (Click here for details).

#2. UConn head coach Kevin Ollie doesn't want to take the Thunder head coaching job (Click here for details).

#3. Mavericks forward Chandler Parsons will need surgery on his knee (Click here for details).

#4. Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard has won the 2014-15 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award (Click here for details).

#5. UNLV power forward Christian Wood is leaving for the NBA (Click here for details).

#6. Ed Davis plans to opt out of his contract with the Lakers (Click here for details).

#7. Spurs point guard Tony Parker (Achilles) will play in Game 3 against the Clippers (Click here for details).

#8. Ohio State freshman point guard D'Angelo Russell has declared for the NBA Draft (Click here for details).

#9. Warriors point guard Stephen Curry had 40 points, 5 rebounds, and 9 assists.

#10. Bulls point guard Derrick Rose had 34 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists.

Thursday's NBA Playoff Final Scores: 
Warriors 123 Pelicans 119: Final/OT (Warriors lead series 3-0). Cavaliers 103 Celtics 95. Bulls 113 Bucks 106: Final/OT.

Thursday's D-League Finals Score: 
Warriors 119 Mad Ants 115 (Warriors lead series 1-0).

Friday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. People close to Tom Thibodeau think the Bulls will fire him after the season (Click here for details).

#2. The Thunder are reportedly considering hiring Spurs assistant Ettore Messina as their head coach (Click here for details).

#3. Doug McDermott denies that his father has called the Bulls complaining about his lack of playing time (Click here for details).

#4. The NBA is going to discuss the "Hack-A-Shaq" rule (Click here for details).

#5. The NBA says Stephen Curry was fouled on his shot to force OT against the Pelicans (Click here for details).

#6. Dirk Nowitzki says he really doesn't know what to say about the Rajon Rondo situation (Click here for details).

#7. Jabari Parker wants to be a teacher after his NBA career his over (Click here for details).

#8. Rockets shooting guard James Harden had 42 points, 5 rebounds, and 9 assists.

#9. Wizards center Marcin Gorat had 23 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 blocks.

#10. Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard had 32 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals.

Friday's NBA Playoff Scores: 

Rockets 130 Mavericks 128 (Rockets lead series 3-0). Wizards 106 Raptors 99 (Wizards lead series 3-0). Spurs 100 Clippers 73 (Spurs lead series 2-1).

Saturday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. The Bucks won at the buzzer courtesy of Jared Dudley finding Jerryd Bayless cutting to the basket on a back-door (Click here to watch the play).

#2. Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic (knee) was able to play in Game 4 after being listed as questionable going in (Click here for details).

#3. Trail Blazers shooting guard Arron Afflalo (shoulder) played in Game 3 against the Grizzlies (Click here for details).

#4. The Utah Jazz and forward Joe Ingles are interested in agreeing on a new deal (Click here for details).

#5. Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley suffered a blow to the face courtesy of C.J. McCollum's elbow. He won't play in Game 4 (Click here for details).

#6. Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle has been fined $25K for criticizing officials (Click here for details).

#7. LeBron James and Dwight Howard can make some cool full court shots (Click here to watch).

#8. Nets center Brook Lopez had 22 points and 13 rebounds.

#9. Bucks shooting guard O.J. Mayo had 18 points off the bench.

#10. Warriors point guard Stephen Curry had 39 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists.

Saturday's NBA Playoff Scores: 

Warriors 109 Pelicans 98 (Warriors win series 4-0). Grizzlies 115 Trail Blazers 109 (Grizzlies lead series 3-0). Nets 91 Hawks 83 (Hawks lead series 2-1). Bucks 92 Bulls 90 (Bulls lead series 3-1).

Sunday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley will undergo surgery on his face. He is out indefinitely and will miss Game 4 (Click here for details).

#2. Cavaliers power forward Kevin Love suffered a dislocated shoulder courtesy of Celtics center Kelly Olynyk. He is expected to be out for two weeks (Click here for details).

#3. Cavaliers shooting guard J.R. Smith got ejected for a dirty play on Celtics small forward Jae Crowder. Smith is likely to face a suspension (Click here for details).

#4. The Pelicans plan to offer Anthony Davis an extension this summer in the range of 5 years, $140M (Click here for details).

#5. Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic (left quad) is probable for Monday (Click here for details).

#6. The 76ers reportedly want to draft Ohio State point guard D'Angelo Russell (Click here for details).

#7. Cavaliers small forward LeBron James had 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists.

#8. Clippers point guard Chris Paul had 34 points and 7 assists.

#9. Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal had 23 points and 5 assists.

#10. Mavericks shooting guard Monta Ellis had 31 points and 6 rebounds.

Sunday's NBA Playoff Final Scores: 

Cavaliers 101 Celtics 93 (Cavaliers win series 4-0). Clippers 114 Spurs 105 (Series is tied 2-2). Wizards 125 Raptors 94 (Wizards win series 4-0). Mavericks 121 Rockets 109 (Rockets lead series 3-1).

Sunday's D-League Finals Scores: 

Warriors 109 Mad Ants 96 (Warriors win series 2-0 to win the D-League title). Warriors guard Elliot Williams wins MVP.


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