I first caught a glimpse of Patty Mills in Shanghai four years ago, and it was a good thing I didn’t blink. The speedster was playing in an exhibition game for Australia against team USA, and twice he outraced Chris Paul downcourt for fast-break layups. That was back when Mills was still playing college ball at St. Mary’s in California, and Mills eventually made it to the NBA with the Portland Trail Blazers before signing in China with the Xinjiang Flying
Joe Johnson is averaging 25.7 PPG in his last 6 games. Zaza Pachulia had 12 rebounds. Chris Paul had 15 assists and 19 points. Greg Monroe had 23 points and 15 assists. The Clippers do not get consecutive games off until April 20-21. Rubio’s knee will be operated on this Wednesday in Denver. Marcus Thornton had 24 points. Memphis plays 9 of its next 11 games on the road. Dwayne Wade had 31 points, and made 12-13 field-goals from within 10 feet of the hoop. The Heat are 15-2
The Denver Nuggets on Sunday waived center Ronny Turiaf, who should attract some interest from playoff contenders. Turiaf began the season with the New York Knicks, who dealt him to the Washington Wizards as part of the Tyson Chandler deal. He played just four games before breaking his hand and was included in Thursday’s three-team deal that landed Nene in Washington. The 6-10 Turiaf has played backup center minutes for the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State, New York and Washington in a
In-state rivals clash Sunday when the Orlando Magic take their big one to Miami to play the Heat’s big three. Miami has been a monster at home, going 18-2 and winning its last 12 at American Airlines Arena, allowing just 89.3 points during the streak. The Magic are 13-9 on the road and have won four of their last five behind a hot-shooting Jameer Nelson (27-of-44 from the floor in his last four games). Dwight Howard, the NBA’s leading rebounder (15.0), has tortured
Congratulations to everyone who took Marquette in their NCAA pool. The Warriors are going to win it all. Your big movers this week are the Mavericks and Bucks. I am still being somewhat hard on the Cavs, which I’m sure I’ll hear about from Cleveland tweeps. I am not sold on Woodsonity, but the Knicks have certainly looked re-energized these past three games. The season is two-thirds over. I like Denver and Houston as sleeper threats. I have fallen out of love with
Derrick Favors, tipped here yesterday because Al Jefferson is away this weekend, scored 23 points and grabbed 17 boards in a spot start. Get Favors in your lineups again today, and file away the knowledge of how good he will be in the future. I never expected Richard Jefferson to get 38 minutes in his Warriors debut. RJ was ice-cold (2-14) but this doesn’t bode well for Brandon Rush, who can safely be cut. HOU @ LAC: We expected Goran Dragic would
Earlier this week, LeBron James said his situation in Cleveland and Dwight Howard’s dilemma in Orlando were not comparable. So true. Where they differed most was that James ultimately made a decision – however foolishly elaborate and narcissistic it may have played out – while Howard was virtually paralyzed by indecision. When Howard finally made up his mind just hours before Thursday’s trading deadline and opted into the final year of his contract with the Magic, a cool breeze of relief wafted through
