NBA Daily Links: 12.28.15

December 28, 2015 by Pete Newmann

PHILOSOPHICAL QUOTE OF THE DAY:

“We have a strategic plan. It’s called doing things.”

-Herb Kelleher

================================

NBA:

Week in review 12/27

http://www.basketballinsiders.com/basketball-insiders-week-in-review-1227/

The Season of Giving in the NBA: Taking a look at four generous point guards

http://hoopshabit.com/2015/12/27/tis-four-point-play-season-giving-nba/

Comparing three-point shooting now to Mark Jackson’s era

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2015/12/27/mark-jackson-stephen-curry-comparing-three-point-shooting-over-the-years/77948716/

Mark Jackson’s comments about Steph Curry and NBA evolution had a point

http://hoopshabit.com/2015/12/27/mark-jacksons-comments-steph-curry-nba-evolution-point/

76ERS:

Sixers GM Hinkie admits mistakes, says Jerry Colangelo hire has helped him, team

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20151228_Sixers_GM_Hinkie_admits_mistakes__says_Jerry_Colango_hire_has_helped_him__team.html – lz0iveep1Eu7mVVB.99

Okafor likely out against the Jazz

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20151228_Okafor_likely_out_against_the_Jazz.html

BUCKS:

Bucks’ Jerryd Bayless expected to return

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/bucks/bucks-jerryd-bayless-expected-to-return-b99641120z1-363602811.html

BULLS:

The Jekyll-and-Hyde Bulls offer more highs, lows during Christmas trip

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/ct-bulls-jekyll-hyde-road-trip-spt-1228-20151227-story.html

The Jimmy Butler-Derrick Rose backcourt has to continue coming together

http://chicago.suntimes.com/basketball/7/71/1209180/jimmy-butler-derrick-rose-backcourt-continue-coming-together

CAVALIERS:

Kevin Love’s signature pass is inspired by the past

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/28/sports/basketball/cavaliers-kevin-loves-signature-pass-is-inspired-by-the-past.html?ref=basketball&mtrref=www.nytimes.com&mtrref=www.nytimes.com&gwh=87C2A72CB8EB4EE380D70CDD6A32693E&gwt=pay

CELTICS:

Celtics top Knicks, win fourth in a row

https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/12/28/celtics/NA62ydT9hOtcB9hMecjEyK/story.html

Celtics’ balance defeats Knicks star power, 100-91

http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/celtics-balance-defeats-knicks-star-power-100-91

Marcus Smart returns to live action

https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/12/28/marcus-smart-returns-action/rzQSVcabn70VVmC7a9QRWO/story.html

Stevens: Crowder ‘playing at a high level’

http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/stevens-crowder-playing-high-level

Celtics feast on seconds

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/celtics/2015/12/celtics_feast_on_seconds

Team-first concerns for Marcus Smart

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/celtics/2015/12/celtics_notebook_team_first_concerns_for_marcus_smart

CLIPPERS:

Clippers on the road Monday to take on Washington Wizards

http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151227/la-clippers-on-the-road-monday-to-take-on-washington-wizards

GRIZZLIES:

FedEx Forum enjoys Kobe visit, Griz victory vs. Lakers

http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/grizzlies/fedexforum-enjoys-kobe-visit-griz-victory-vs-lakers-27d5d3ac-8bf4-1eba-e053-0100007f7f63-363602211.html

Team lacks offensive identity without playing through big men

http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/grizzlies/Joerger-Griz-lack-offensive-identity-without-playing-through-big-men–363584641.html

HAWKS:

Hawks’ Splitter out for at least next two games

http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/basketball/hawks-splitter-out-for-at-least-next-two-games/npr4N/

Hawks ascend standings with Bazemore in starting lineup

http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/basketball/hawks-ascend-standings-with-bazemore-in-starting-l/nprzt/

Hawks starting to put it together

http://www.csnchicago.com/bulls/nba-power-rankings-hawks-starting-put-it-together

Hawks assign Hardaway Jr. to D-League

http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/basketball/hawks-assign-hardaway-jr-to-d-league/npr3G/

Tim Hardaway Jr. adjusting to life without playing time

http://nypost.com/2015/12/27/tim-hardaway-jr-adjusting-to-life-without-playing-time/

HEAT:

Heat teammates starting to trust in Hassan Whiteside

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article51804800.html

Heat’s Whiteside finding ways to make impact outside of stat sheet

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/fl-miami-heat-main-1228-20151227-story.html

HORNETS:

Hornets gameday: vs. Lakers

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nba/charlotte-hornets/article51789740.html

JAZZ:

Can lowly Sixers be the cure to Utah’s injury woes?

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3353365-155/utah-jazz-can-lowly-sixers-be

With Burks joining injured list, Jazz game with Sixers won’t be easy

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865644450/With-Burks-joining-injured-list-Jazz-game-with-Sixers-wont-be-easy.html

Alec Burks could miss six weeks with fractured ankle

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3352769-155/utah-jazz-alec-burks-could-miss

KINGS:

Kings stumble late in 98-94 loss to Trail Blazers

http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/kings-blog/article51841135.html

McCollum leads Blazers past Kings

http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/article51842560.html

Kings endure reoccurring theme in sloppy loss

http://www.csnbayarea.com/kings/rewind-kings-endure-reoccurring-theme-sloppy-loss

Kings’ DeMarcus Cousins works to find balance between being coachable and comfortable

http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/kings-blog/article51840750.html

Death, divorce and cancer inspire Karl to revere career

http://www.nba.com/2015/news/features/scott_howard_cooper/12/27/george-karl-sacramento-kings-legacy-coaching-wins/

KNICKS:

Celtics’ attack leaves overmatched Knicks flailing

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/28/sports/basketball/celtics-attack-leaves-knicks-flailing.html?ref=basketball&_r=0&mtrref=www.nytimes.com&gwh=917D0819E36B715F455F01A4DD6AF91F&gwt=pay

Knicks fall to Celtics in Boston despite 29 points from Carmelo Anthony

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/knicks-celtics-win-carmelo-29-article-1.2478301

Woozy Porzingis relieved groin kicks didn’t full-on land

http://nypost.com/2015/12/27/woozy-porzingis-relieved-groin-kicks-didnt-full-on-land/

Fisher jabs at triangle after Celtics show Knicks their glaring void

http://nypost.com/2015/12/27/celtics-show-knicks-what-they-sorely-need-in-dispiriting-loss/

Brad Stevens believes Kristaps Porzingis has chance to be ‘special’

http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/knicks/brad-stevens-believes-kristaps-porzingis-has-chance-to-be-special-1.11268830

LAKERS:

Kobe Bryant plays after being ‘lobbied’ by fans but Lakers lose, 112-96 to Memphis

http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-grizzlies-20151228-story.html

Lakers’ Kobe Bryant plays through sore knee in 112-96 loss to Memphis Grizzlies

http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151227/la-lakers-kobe-bryant-plays-through-sore-knee-in-112-96-loss-to-memphis-grizzlies

Lakers’ Kobe Bryant fondly recalls inbounds scuffle with Grizzlies forward Matt Barnes

http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151227/la-lakers-kobe-bryant-fondly-recalls-inbounds-scuffle-with-grizzlies-forward-matt-barnes

Lakers start three-game road trip in Memphis against Grizzlies

http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-road-trip-memphis-grizzlies-20151226-story.html

Can Bryant expect a warm Boston hello at his Beantown goodbye this week?

http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-report-20151228-story.html

58-point game in 2006 highlights Kobe Bryant’s career against Charlotte

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nba/charlotte-hornets/article51788105.html

Kobe talks evolution of empathy, understanding for teammates

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14448863/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-says-advise-rookie-self-understand-compassion-empathy

MAGIC:

Magic’s season could hinge on stopping their defensive slide

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-orlando-magic-day-after-1228-20151227-story.html

Magic must get back to focusing on playing elite defense http://www.nba.com/magic/news/magic-must-get-back-focusing-playing-elite-defense

Evan Fournier has Become Clutch for the Magic

http://www.basketballinsiders.com/evan-fournier-has-become-clutch-for-the-magic/

MAVERICKS:

He’s still finding his rhythm, but Chandler Parsons is closing in on his old form

http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-mavericks/mavericks/2015/12/27/sefko-still-finding-rhythm-chandler-parsons-closing-old-form?f=r

Minutes restriction or not, Mavericks’ Chandler Parsons a huge factor

http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/article51824785.html

Deron Williams (hamstring) still listed as day-to-day, may not play vs. Milwaukee

http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-mavericks/mavericks/2015/12/27/deron-williams-hamstring-still-listed-day-day-may-play-vs-milwaukee?f=r

Dallas attempts to continue recent success at AAC

http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-mavericks/mavericks/2015/12/27/scouting-mavs-bucks-dallas-attempts-continue-recent-success-aac?f=r

NUGGETS:

Nuggets lose lead in fourth quarter, fall to Thunder in Oklahoma City

http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_29316001/nuggets-lose-lead-fourth-quarter-fall-thunder-oklahoma-city

Michael Malone beams about visit with former Nuggets coach Doug Moe

http://blogs.denverpost.com/nuggets/2015/12/27/michael-malone-doug-moe-nuggets/13602/

PACERS:

Pacers assign Robinson to D-League for one game, but future remains bright

http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2015/12/27/pacers-assign-robinson-d-league-one-game-but-future-remains-bright/77951934/

Pacers send 2 to Mad Ants, recall Whittington

http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2015/12/27/pacers-send-2-mad-ants-recall-whittington/77943932/

PELICANS:

Pelicans could have been good this year and 3 other things we learned

http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2015/12/27/10668264/2015-nba-scores-pelicans-rockets-cavaliers-trail-blazers

Pelicans at Magic game preview, breakdown

http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/12/new_orleans_pelicans_at_orland_3.html – incart_river_index

Benson scoffs at suggestion he sell Pelicans

http://www.nba.com/2015/news/12/28/benson-pelicans-saints.ap/

PISTONS:

Pistons’ Van Gundy tries to stir low-energy starters

http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/12/27/detroit-pistons-starting-lineup-concerns/77954740/

Pistons’ Johnson’s energy, defense sparked rally effort

http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/12/27/detroit-pistons-stanley-johnson-ignites-rally/77944816/

RAPTORS:

Terrence Ross on tear with Raptors but will it last?

http://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2015/12/27/terrence-ross-on-tear-with-raptors-but-will-it-last.html

Raptors back in rhythm with return of Jonas Valanciunas against Bulls

http://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2015/12/27/raptors-back-in-rhythm-with-return-of-jonas-valanciunas-against-bulls.html

Raptors looking for more size

http://www.digitaljournal.com/business/small+business/2016-nba-mock-draft-toronto-raptors-looking-for-more-size/article/453225

ROCKETS:

Bickerstaff questions Rockets’ priorities

http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/rockets/article/Bickerstaff-questions-Rockets-priorities-6723161.php

Rockets coach J.B. Bickerstaff: Team has ‘disrespected the game’

http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2015/12/rockets-coach-j-b-bickerstaff-team-has-disrespected-the-game/

SPURS:

Spurs archives: The end of a season, not of the Spurs

http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Spurs-archives-The-end-of-a-season-not-of-the-6721057.php

Spurs archives: Memphis muscles out Spurs in first round

http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Spurs-archives-Memphis-muscles-out-Spurs-in-6721056.php

SUNS:

Suns guard Eric Bledsoe out with torn meniscus

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2015/12/27/phoenix-suns-guard-eric-bledsoe-out-torn-meniscus/77944940/

Suns guard Bledsoe set to have left knee surgery

http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/suns-guard-bledsoe-set-have-left-knee-surgery

Eric Bledsoe likely out until after All-Star break

http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2015/12/27/10670728/eric-bledsoe-likely-out-until-after-all-star-break?_ga=1.71021011.215959941.1444636922

Suns firing Mike Longabardi, Jerry Sichting but Jeff Hornacek staying

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14449023/phoenix-suns-keep-jeff-hornacek-shake-staff

Jeff Hornacek’s job is “under immediate threat”

http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2015/12/27/10670700/jeff-hornaceks-job-is-in-peril-nba-phoenix-suns?_ga=1.71021011.215959941.1444636922

THUNDER:

Thunder energy returns in runaway fourth quarter against Nuggets

http://newsok.com/okc-thunder-thunder-energy-returns-in-runaway-fourth-quarter-against-denver-nuggets/article/5469157

Kevin Durant refusing to overreact despite strong play and records of Warriors and Spurs

http://newsok.com/kevin-durant-refusing-to-overreact-despite-strong-play-and-records-of-warriors-and-spurs/article/5469129

Kevin Durant, welcome to the MVP race

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2015/12/27/stephen-curry-lebron-james-kevin-durant-kawhi-leonard-paul-george-russell-westbrook-nba-mvp-race/77947424/

TIMBERWOLVES:

Flip Saunders was just like us, and that’s what we miss most

http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_29307185/tom-powers-flip-saunders-was-just-like-us

TRAIL BLAZERS:

CJ McCollum powers Trail Blazers past Sacramento Kings, 98-94

http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2015/12/trail_blazers_sacramento_kings_game_rewind_3.html – incart_river_index

C.J. McCollum has near-triple-double in Blazers’ win

http://www.sfchronicle.com/warriors/article/C-J-McCollum-has-near-triple-double-in-6723211.php

WARRIORS:

Warriors-Kings clash to show contrasting styles at point guard

http://www.sfchronicle.com/warriors/article/Warriors-Kings-clash-to-show-contrasting-styles-6722911.php

Mired in ‘Steph slump,’ Curry not letting frustration show

http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/mired-steph-slump-curry-not-letting-frustration-show

Warriors not happy with their play, despite record

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2015/12/27/draymond-green-stephen-curry-klay-thompson-andre-iguodala-andrew-bogut-luke-walton-warriors-spurs-thunder/77941192/

Stephen Curry leads picks for 2016’s most fascinating sports person

http://www.si.com/more-sports/2015/12/27/most-fascinating-sports-person-2016-stephen-curry

WIZARDS:

Bradley Beal expected to resume non-basketball activities this week

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wizards-insider/wp/2015/12/27/bradley-beal-expected-to-resume-non-basketball-activities-this-week/

Coach credits ball movement and intensity for Wizards’ recent surge

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/coach-credits-ball-movement-and-intensity-for-wizards-recent-surge/2015/12/27/13af4676-ace7-11e5-b820-eea4d64be2a1_story.html

John Wall: ‘It’s a joke’ he’s fifth in all-star voting among East guards

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dc-sports-bog/wp/2015/12/27/john-wall-its-a-joke-hes-fifth-in-all-star-voting-among-east-guards/

Wizards turning it around

http://www.basketballinsiders.com/nba-sunday-wizards-turning-it-around/

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.allball365.com.