PHILOSOPHICAL QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
-Thomas A. Edison
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NBA:
Goals for every East team in 2016, from titles to trades to free agency
Where all 30 teams stand going into 2016
http://www.businessinsider.com/nba-power-rankings-into-2016-2015-12
2015 NBA all-improvement team
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2603712-2015-nba-all-improvement-team
NBA’s top values as we close 2015: point guard
http://www.forbes.com/sites/ericwnewman/2015/12/30/nbas-top-values-as-we-close-2015-point-guard/
Best value plays 12/30
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/draftkings-preview-best-value-plays-1230/
NBA’s top 10 most disappointing teams
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2015/12/30/nbas-top-10-most-disappointing-teams/78100666/
The highest-paid international players in NBA history
http://hoopshype.com/2015/12/30/the-highest-paid-international-players-in-nba-history/
Michael Jordan remains top-ranked athlete in history by Harris Poll
CLEANTHONY EARLY:
Knicks’ Cleanthony Early robbed, then shot after leaving strip club
http://nypost.com/2015/12/30/knicks-cleanthony-early-shot-outside-strip-club/
Cleanthony Early of Knicks Is robbed and shot in the Knee after leaving a Queens strip club
Police report hints Knicks’ Cleanthony Early targeted in shooting, robbery
http://www.si.com/nba/2015/12/30/cleanthony-early-new-york-knicks-shooting-legal-questions
Nets: ‘Pray’ for Cleanthony Early and remember, he was the victim
http://nypost.com/2015/12/31/nets-pray-for-cleanthony-early-and-remember-he-was-the-victim/
Knicks in reflective funk after Cleanthony Early shooting
http://nypost.com/2015/12/30/knicks-in-reflective-funk-after-cleanthony-early-shooting/
J.R. Smith defends Cleanthony Early, NBA players’ right to go out at night
Carmelo Anthony makes plea for gun control in wake of Cleanthony Early shooting
Cleanthony Early shooting yet another troubling incident in Knick player’s obstacle-filled life
76ERS:
Sixers coach switches roles of Noel, Okafor
Sixers need to make a deal, and Noel could be a key piece
Sixers’ Kendall Marshall coping with demotion
Okafor to come off bench
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/sports/sixers/Okafor-to-come-off-bench.html
Saric named honorable-mention all-Europe
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/sports/sixers/Saric-named-honorable-mention-all-Europe.html
BUCKS:
Jabari Parker’s learning curve hits a dip
BULLS:
Jimmy Butler carries Bulls down stretch of 102-100 victory in overtime
Derrick Rose-less Bulls beat Pacers in OT, thanks to Jimmy Butler
Derrick Rose: There’s no link between better play, ditching mask
Jimmy Butler wanted to be coached ‘harder?’ He’s getting his wish
Jimmy Butler says he, Fred Hoiberg ‘learning a lot about each other’
Scottie Pippen says Bobby Portis has ‘an edge the Bulls need’
CAVALIERS:
What being called the ‘focal point’ truly means for Cavaliers forward Kevin Love
LeBron James turning 31: ‘I’m more aware of the position I’m in and I don’t take it for granted’
LeBron James speaks on Tamir Rice after activists call for his help
http://www.si.com/nba/2015/12/30/lebron-james-cleveland-cavaliers-tamir-rice
Movement on social media asks LeBron James to get involved
CELTICS:
Lakers defeat Celtics in Kobe Bryant’s Boston farewell
Celtics fall to Lakers in Kobe Bryant’s final Garden appearance
Cheers turn to boos for Bryant as Celtics fans pay respect
http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/cheers-turn-boos-bryant-celtics-fans-pay-respect
CLIPPERS:
J.J. Redick, Austin Rivers pick up the slack for Clippers in win over Hornets
http://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/la-sp-clippers-hornets-20151231-story.html
Clippers stay hot on the road with win in Charlotte
http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151230/clippers-stay-hot-on-the-road-with-win-in-charlotte
Clippers win fourth straight game with victory at Charlotte
http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-cn-clippers-hornets-20151230-story.html
Cole Aldrich makes the most of his chance off the bench
http://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/la-sp-clippers-report-20151231-story.html
GRIZZLIES:
Versatility will set the Grizzlies’ course
HAWKS:
Hawks assign Tavares to another D-League stint
http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/basketball/hawks-assign-tavares-to-another-d-league-stint/nptPJ/
Hardaway Jr. scores 30 points in D-League game
http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/basketball/hardaway-jr-scores-30-points-in-d-league-game/nptNd/
HEAT:
Bosh’s story is one of perspective
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/ethan-j-skolnick/article52400520.html
New Year’s resolution: Can Heat turn page as they turn calendar?
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-miami-heat-chris-bosh-s123015-story.html
Is ‘process’ code for Heat’s apparent limitations?
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-askira-story.html
Heat send Josh Richardson to D-League for seasoning
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-miami-heat-josh-richardson-s123015-story.html
HORNETS:
Clippers lead all the way against Hornets
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nba/charlotte-hornets/article52388660.html
Hornets’ Kemba Walker takes buzzsaw path to All-Star efficiency
Al Jefferson will undergo arthroscopic knee surgery, out six weeks
JAZZ:
Clang! Jazz shoot 35 percent in loss to Wolves
http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3359413-155/nba-clang-jazz-shoot-35-percent
Short-handed Jazz’s shooting way off target in road loss to Timberwolves
Chris Johnson knows his opportunity is now
http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3363016-155/utah-jazz-chris-johnson-knows-his
Favors remains questionable, Utah faces big week
http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/3362271-155/jazz-shootaround-favors-remains-questionable-utah
KINGS:
Kings outworked, booed at home in loss to 76ers
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/kings-blog/article52418200.html
Philadelphia earns third win of season, beats Kings 110-105
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/kings-blog/article52412620.html
Jason Jones provides updates, insights from Kings-76ers game
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/kings-blog/article52282850.html
No suspension or fine for Kings’ Cousins
http://www.csnbayarea.com/kings/report-no-suspension-or-fine-kings-cousins
George Karl deserves to be recognized as one of NBA’s greatest coaches
KNICKS:
Are Knicks in future for free-agent-to-be Brandon Jennings?
http://nypost.com/2015/12/30/could-knicks-be-in-future-for-free-agent-to-be-brandon-jennings/
Cleanthony Early shooting makes Knicks a tougher sell for NBA free agents
LAKERS:
Kobe Bryant and Boston say goodbye to each other in 112-104 Lakers victory
http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-celtics-20151231-story.html
Kobe Bryant helps seal Lakers’ win in final game at Boston
http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-boston-celtics-20151230-story.html
Kobe Bryant savors ‘unbelievable experience’ in Garden finale
Lakers’ Kobe Bryant credits playoff losses to Celtics, Spurs molding his NBA identity
Boston allows Kobe Bryant to look back at Lakers 2008 loss and its motivation
http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-report-20151231-story.html
Everybody asks about the past before Kobe Bryant’s last game in Boston
A farewell to Kobe
http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/A-farewell-to-Kobe-Bryant
Kobe Bryant finally taking time to reflect on brilliant career
D’Angelo Russell deserves move back to Lakers’ starting lineup
Metta World Peace working for a world of better dads
MAGIC:
Tobias Harris delivers a boost in Magic’s 100-93 comeback win over the Nets
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-magic-nets-game-1231-20151230-story.html
Victor Oladipo vows he won’t be deterred by criticism
Postgame report: Magic vs. Nets
http://www.nba.com/magic/news/postgame-report-magic-vs.-nets-12/30/15
Vucevic deserves all-star recognition
http://www.nba.com/magic/news/vucevic-deserves-all-star-recognition
Magic players are split on whether Scott Skiles’ assists record can be broken
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-orlando-magic-news-1231-20151230-story.html
Magic players inspired by Skiles’ historic performance 25 years ago
http://www.nba.com/magic/news/magic-players-inspired-skiles-historic-performance-25-years-ago
MAVERICKS:
3-point barrage from Mavs secures win over Warriors
Dallas capitalizes on Curry absence, knocks off Warriors
http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/article52399460.html
Mavericks commit just four turnovers in victory over Bucks
http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/article52006465.html
Regardless who played for the Warriors, this was an impressive win for the Mavs
Dirk Nowitzki, Chandler Parsons remake ‘Zoolander,’ battle it out on runway
NETS:
Nets can’t hold lead down stretch, fall to Magic
Shane Larkin: I needed to escape Knicks to grow as player
http://nypost.com/2015/12/30/shane-larkin-i-needed-to-escape-knicks-to-grow-as-player/
NUGGETS:
Will Barton’s 31 points can’t produce win against Portland
http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_29328923/bartons-31-points-cant-produce-win
Portland’s Terry Stotts was an early fan of Denver’s Will Barton
http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_29328868/portlands-terry-stotts-was-an-early-fan-denvers
Mudiay doesn’t think he’ll need 10 more days to get healthy
http://blogs.denverpost.com/nuggets/2015/12/30/emmanuel-mudiay-nuggets/13616/
PACERS:
No call, but Pacers cry foul after overtime loss to Chicago
http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2015/12/30/bulls-edge-pacers-overtime/77305074/
PELICANS:
Anthony Davis may have to adjust playing alongside some new starters
PISTONS:
Morris watches Suns set, talks to suspended twin brother
Reggie Jackson opens up about his Thunder days
http://newsok.com/reggie-jackson-opens-up-about-his-thunder-days/article/5469638
RAPTORS:
Dramatic finish gives Raptors victory over Wizards
Healthy Raptors hold off late comeback by Wizards
http://www.torontosun.com/2015/12/30/raptors-hold-off-late-comeback-by-wizards
Raptors hope for better second half
http://www.torontosun.com/2015/12/30/raptors-hope-for-better-second-half
Raptors: The week ahead
http://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2015/12/30/toronto-raptors-the-week-ahead.html
ROCKETS:
Warriors offer Rockets a role model for sticking to game plan
Ty Lawson showing signs of turning his offense around
http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2015/12/ty-lawson-showing-signs-of-turning-his-offense-around/
Klay Thompson says he’s best shooting guard; James Harden says ‘just let them talk’
SPURS:
As Spurs keep winning, Popovich keeps coaching
http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/BKN-Spurs-Suns-Gamer-12-31-6729341.php
Duncan’s sore knee no concern, Pop says
http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Duncan-s-sore-knee-no-concern-Pop-says-6728901.php
SUNS:
Suns hit new low, demolished by Spurs for 6th straight loss
Suns guard Ronnie Price out with toe sprain
How do the Suns clean up this mess?
http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2015/12/30/10688144/phoenix-suns-jeff-hornacek-eric-bledsoe-injury
What’s next for the Suns?
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/nba-am-time-for-phoenix-suns-to-blow-it-up/
THUNDER:
Is there a proper time for Billy Donovan, or any NBA coach, to get a technical foul?
Mitch McGary: Checking in with the Thunder forward in the D-League
http://newsok.com/mitch-mcgary-checking-in-with-the-thunder-forward-in-the-d-league/article/5469654
Serge Ibaka on State of the Thunder
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2603720-serge-ibaka-on-state-of-the-oklahoma-city-thunder
TIMBERWOLVES:
Timberwolves: Karl-Anthony Towns has big game in win over Jazz
http://www.twincities.com/timberwolves/ci_29328182/timberwolves-karl-anthony-towns-has-big-game-win
Timberwolves moving on slowly without Flip
TRAIL BLAZERS:
Trail Blazers beat Nuggets 110-103
McCollum drops 29 points against Nuggets in latest example of ‘doing what CJ does’
Is Meyers Leonard’s slump over? Could the Trail Blazers make the playoffs?
WARRIORS:
Without Curry, Warriors blown out for loss No. 2
http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/instant-replay-without-curry-warriors-blown-out-loss-no-2
Curry’s value to Warriors shows in loss to Mavs
http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/rewind-currys-value-warriors-shows-loss-mavs
Now without Curry, Warriors’ depth being pushed to limit
http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/now-without-curry-warriors’-depth-being-pushed-limit
How Warriors will deal with Curry’s injury
http://www.sfchronicle.com/warriors/article/How-Warriors-will-deal-with-Curry-s-injury-6728852.php
Mavericks praise Warriors — with or without Curry
http://www.sfchronicle.com/warriors/article/Mavericks-praise-Warriors-with-or-without-6728009.php
Warriors’ Stephen Curry day-to-day with bruised lower left leg
http://www.si.com/nba/2015/12/30/golden-state-warriors-stephen-curry-mri-leg-injury
Steve Kerr could resume coaching Warriors this weekend
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14470040/steve-kerr-golden-state-warriors-resume-coaching-weekend
Stephen Curry’s brand growing at same exceptional rate as his game
http://www.si.com/nba/2015/12/30/warriors-stephen-curry-under-armour-brand-marketing-superstar
WIZARDS:
Shorthanded Wizards fall to Raptors
After struggling when Clippers went small, Wizards look to adjust the offense
Randy Wittman calls some of the officiating in loss to Raptors ‘ridiculous’
Paul Pierce thinks the Wizards will be dangerous once they get healthy
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.