PHILOSOPHICAL QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“You have no control over other people’s taste, so focus on staying true to your own.”
-Tim Gunn
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NBA:
Adam Silver: Longer Rondo suspension could’ve ‘outed’ referee
Gasols grant wish of cancer patient from Spain
Gilbert Arenas’ thoughts on the WNBA are pretty awful
http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/12/gilbert-arenas-said-some-terrible-things-about-the-wnba
Chris Childs: The time I nearly beat the hell out of Kobe Bryant
http://nypost.com/2015/12/16/the-time-i-nearly-beat-the-hell-out-of-kobe-bryant/
Rip Hamilton picks the Thunder to win the West
Lamar Odom tops Google’s most-searched terms of 2015
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14382787/lamar-odom-tops-google-list-most-searched-terms-2015
Lamar Odom health update: can’t walk on his own and struggling
Jay Williams recounts seeing Coach K after his motorcycle accident
http://national.suntimes.com/national-sports/7/72/2300232/jay-williams-coach-k-book
Art Long sentenced on drug, gun charges
Designer dissects the art of an NBA court
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/ct-nba-court-design-spt-1222-20151221-story.html
Former NBA player Scot Pollard to compete on next season of ‘Survivor’
http://www.ew.com/article/2015/12/16/survivor-kaoh-rong-scot-pollard-caleb-reynolds
76ERS:
Woeful Sixers are torched in Atlanta
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20151216_Woeful_Sixers_are_torched_in_Atlanta.html
Having two PGs not ideal for Sixers
76ers to go with Marshall at PG
Those close to Jahlil Okafor know he’s more than his mistakes
BUCKS:
MCW returns to starting lineup, Giannis off bench
http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/362731951.html
Monroe out three games with MCL sprain
A better effort but Bucks stumble again
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/bucks/bucks-vs-clippers-b99635763z1-362720341.html
BULLS:
Should the Bulls keep Derrick Rose or move him?
Bulls still searching for an identity under Fred Hoiberg
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14368939/chicago-bulls-searching-identity-fred-hoiberg
Derrick Rose sets the tone for 98-85 victory over the Grizzlies
Taj Gibson is embracing his starting role, with a twist
CAVALIERS:
Kyrie Irving denies he’s ready to return
How will Irving’s return affect Cavs?
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/nba-pm-how-will-irvings-return-affect-cavs/
The King and Champ
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14373719/lebron-james-james-jones-unique-bond
When LeBron guards Kevin Durant, Marv Albert is reminded of Michael Jordan
CELTICS:
Celtics fall to Pistons for second straight loss
http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/12/17/celtics/i6OpVY0P3YRn8Ua6pTa1ZP/story.html
Isaiah Thomas shines in starting lineup
CLIPPERS:
Jamal Crawford keeps rising on the NBA’s all-time scoring list
http://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/la-sp-clippers-report-20151217-story.html
DeAndre Jordan is ejected but Clippers beat Bucks
GRIZZLIES:
Q&A with Zach Randolph
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14364861/zach-randolph-talks-memphis-grizzlies
Brandan Wright to have arthroscopic surgery
Grizzlies careless second half leads to loss
Grizzlies struggling with style revamp
HAWKS:
76ers-Hawks report card
Observations on the Hawks win over the 76ers
http://www.ajc.com/news/sports/basketball/five-observations-on-the-hawks-127-106-win-over-th/npmG7/
No such thing as close, Hawks offense is either there or it isn’t
HEAT:
Heat assistant Keith Smart out 2-3 weeks after surgery
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14380519/miami-heat-assistant-keith-smart-surgery-skin-cancer
Ailing Wade finds remedy as Heat burns Nets
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/ethan-j-skolnick/article50204025.html
Tyler Johnson returns to Heat lineup after shoulder injury
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article50192025.html
Dragic still waiting to collect from tooth mouse
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-miami-heat-goran-dragic-s121615-story.html
Whiteside downplays trade rumors for Cousins, Dwight, Carmelo
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-miami-heat-hassan-whiteside-s121615-story.html
HORNETS:
A lousy shootaround leads to an even worse game for Hornets
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nba/charlotte-hornets/article50196560.html
Turnovers are the Hornets undoing on road against Magic
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nba/charlotte-hornets/article50186495.html
JAZZ:
Favors takes one shot in fourth, Jazz come up short in New Orleans
http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3317316-155/utah-jazz-favors-takes-one-shot
To view or not to view? The Force is only with some Jazz players
KINGS:
Kings tell Butler trade planned
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14384560/sacramento-kings-tell-caron-butler-trade-him
Rondo is not Celtics problem but he still needs to grow up
http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/12/17/gasper/6uoU54qfuSK7I5BG0LdZTL/story.html
Kings keep focus on reaching playoffs
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/kings-blog/article50175875.html
Moreland breaks bone in left foot, needs surgery
http://www.nba.com/2015/news/12/16/kings-moreland-broken-foot.ap/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpts
KNICKS:
Porzingis’ block parade beats Karl-Anthony Towns
http://nypost.com/2015/12/16/kristaps-porzingis-block-parade-beats-karl-anthony-towns/
Carmelo Anthony’s new MO can’t obscure superstar truth
http://nypost.com/2015/12/16/carmelo-anthonys-new-approach-cant-obscure-superstar-truth/
Carmelo Anthony nearly gets triple-double in win
LAKERS:
Kobe Bryant says it’s fine if he’s not voted into the 2016 All-Star Game
Russell showing strongest signs of growth yet
Kobe Bryant discusses why his play has dramatically improved
Kobe Bryant has picked up his play recently
http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-report-20151217-story.html
Kobe Bryant gets a long Lakers goodbye
Is the Kobe tour a distraction?
MAGIC:
Unselfish, balanced Magic beat Hornets
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-magic-hornets-game-1217-20151216-story.html
Indiana University alumni Oladipo, Zeller remain close
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-orlando-magic-news-1217-20151216-story.html
The force is with starless Magic
Versatility off bench helping Magic
http://www.nba.com/magic/news/versatility-bench-helping-magic
MAVERICKS:
Inconsistency dooms Mavs in Indy
Cuban hopes Mavs will have new, state-of-the-art practice facility within two years
Wounded Mavericks? Multiple players get banged up in loss to Indiana
NETS:
Lost in Translation Part II: Starring Lionel Hollins and his players
For Nets, one has to wonder what’s next
Prokhorov finishes buying clueless, sloppy Nets
http://nypost.com/2015/12/16/nets-remember-their-pride-this-time-still-lose-to-heat/
Prokhorov now sole owner of Nets, Barclays Center
Shane Larkin has a concussion
http://www.nba.com/nets/news/shane-larkin-medical-update
NUGGETS:
Mike Miller considered ending his career in 2012
http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_29262134/mike-miller-considered-ending-his-career-2012
PACERS:
Carlisle has great respect for Monta Ellis
http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/full-court-press-blog/article50075670.html
Myles Turner hopes to return soon to Pacers
http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/article50182370.html
New lineup, no problem: Pacers beat Mavericks
PELICANS:
Pelicans shut down Jazz in fourth quarter to earn 104-94 road victory
http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/12/new_orleans_pelicans_35.html#incart_river_index
Holiday is two weeks away from having minutes restriction lifted
PISTONS:
KCP leads Pistons over Celtics
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/12/16/detroit-pistons-boston-celtics/77410772/
Jennings open to playing in D-League on Saturday
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/12/16/detroit-pistons-brandon-jennings/77423792/
RAPTORS:
Charlotte return is just another game for Bismack Biyombo
Raptors should catch a break in Charlotte
http://www.torontosun.com/2015/12/16/raptors-should-catch-a-break-in-charlotte
ROCKETS:
Dwight Howard not seeking trade, though free agency seen as likely
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14385046/dwight-howard-houston-rockets-not-seeking-trade
Dwight Howard on Houston: I want to make this thing work
Five potential trades if the Rockets move Dwight Howard
Jason Terry moves up in Rockets rotation
http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2015/12/jason-terry-moves-up-in-rockets-rotation/
Rockets bigs come up short vs Kings
http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2015/12/rockets-bigs-come-up-short-vs-kings/
SPURS:
Spurs rout Wizards for another big (bleeping) win
http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/More-of-the-same-6704095.php
Duncan gets third night off of season
Spurs stake claim for #1 in the NBA
http://www.si.com/nba/2015/12/16/san-antonio-spurs-kawhi-leonard-tim-duncan-lamarcus-aldridge
The Spurs haven’t changed where it counts
http://www.sbnation.com/2015/12/16/10299222/san-antonio-spurs-breakdown-better-than-ever
SUNS:
Morris stays sharp, calm during Suns benching
Suns can’t keep up with Warriors
http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2015/12/17/suns-cant-keep-up-warriors/77443396/
THUNDER:
Paint points lead Thunder in blowout of Blazers
http://newsok.com/paint-points-lead-thunder-in-106-90-blowout-of-blazers/article/5467263
Steven Adams is finding his offensive niche
http://newsok.com/steven-adams-is-finding-his-offensive-niche/article/5467310
TIMBERWOLVES:
Carmelo Anthony helps Knicks hold off Minnesota
http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_29265518/knicks-107-timberwolves-102-carmelo-anthony-helps-new
TRAIL BLAZERS:
Thunder roll past Blazers
WARRIORS:
Warriors’ new streak: 29 straight wins at home
http://www.sfgate.com/warriors/article/Warriors-new-streak-29-straight-wins-at-home-6704153.php
Inside Stephen Curry’s unorthodox training regime
Warriors eagerly await Steve Kerr’s return
http://www.sfgate.com/warriors/article/Warriors-eagerly-await-Steve-Kerr-s-return-6703991.php
NBA Player of the Year: Stephen Curry, Millennial Man
http://www.rollingstone.com/sports/features/nba-player-of-the-year-steph-curry-the-millennial-man-20151216
Warriors dominating NBA’s TV ratings
http://www.sfgate.com/warriors/article/Warriors-dominating-NBA-s-TV-ratings-6702082.php
Q&A with Harrison Barnes
http://www.si.com/nba/2015/12/16/harrison-barnes-warriors-dicks-sporting-goods-boys-and-girls-club
WIZARDS:
Porter exits against Spurs with thigh injury
Wizards stay lost in San Antonio, ending road trip by falling to Spurs
Peter Newmann is an analyst and writer who spent 10 years at ESPN, 8 as the NBA senior researcher working 24/7 on the league. He wrote game notes for crews, articles for ESPN.com, analysis for studio shows, and regularly assisted reporters and writers. Follow him on Twitter, and check out his Web site, www.peternewmann.com.