PHILOSOPHICAL QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“A ruler should be slow to punish and swift to reward.”
-Ovid
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NBA:
NBA players we’d like to see get a change of scenery this year
http://www.si.com/nba/2016/01/04/nba-trades-derrick-rose-brook-lopez-dangelo-russell
Why your favorite NBA team won’t win the title: January edition
Every NBA team’s biggest draft need entering 2016
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2604881-every-nba-teams-biggest-draft-need-entering-2016
10-day contract candidates
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/nba-am-10-day-contract-candidates/
NBA Power Rankings: Bulls, Clippers rise up ranks, but will they fall again?
http://www.si.com/nba/2016/01/04/nba-power-rankings-clippers-bulls-warriors-spurs-cavaliers
Short on patience, NBA owners have coaches on a short leash
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14502618/nba-impatient-owners-seek-instant-results-firings-hirings
The NBA All-Star voting is broken. Here are 4 ways to fix it
http://www.sbnation.com/2016/1/4/10682890/nba-all-star-voting-problem-john-wall-kyrie-irving
Skiles, Popovich named December’s Coaches of Month
http://www.nba.com/2016/news/01/04/skiles-popovich-december-coaches-of-the-month/
Porzingis, Towns named December’s Rookies of Month
http://www.nba.com/2016/news/01/04/porzingis-towns-rookies-of-the-month-december/
Nets’ Lopez, Warriors’ Green named Players of the Week
http://www.nba.com/2016/news/01/04/lopez-green-players-of-month-december/
NCAA:
Don’t write off Skal Labissiere as a top NBA draft prospect just yet
Lottery odds, draft trades and who’s in line for Ben Simmons
76ERS:
Ish Smith and Sixers shoot down Timberwolves
Best and worst awards: Sixers vs. Timberwolves
Brand signing will help Sixers off court
Colangelo engineered Brand’s signing with Sixers
Fathers of Kendall Marshall, Jahlil Okafor slam coach, guard Nik Stauskas
BUCKS:
Spurs manhandle Bucks for easy victory
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/bucks/bucks-vs-spurs-b99645430z1-364188711.html
O.J. Mayo fined $25,000 for Minnesota outburst
http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/364139291.html
BULLS:
Bulls getting contributions from throughout roster during 4-game win streak
Bulls’ Derrick Rose day to day after MRI reveals no structural damage
Bulls taking cautious approach with Rose, Noah
http://www.csnchicago.com/bulls/honda-road-ahead-bulls-taking-cautious-approach-rose-noah
Bulls skyrocket up power rankings despite key injuries
From NBA MVP to average point guard: a look at the decline of Derrick Rose
CAVALIERS:
James, Irving and Smith combine for 69 points to help Cavaliers to 122-100 rout of Raptors
Kyrie Irving morphs into ‘Uncle Drew’ and Cleveland Cavaliers use November loss as fuel
LeBron James relaxing in the fourth quarter a sign of blowouts to come?
James on lack of minutes for some: ‘If you’re all about the team then it shouldn’t matter’
Kyrie Irving and Cavs ready to separate themselves out east
LeBron James uses Twitter to help friends with All-Star game voting
http://national.suntimes.com/national-sports/7/72/2382519/lebron-james-all-star-game-voting-twitter/
No justice, no LeBron, Black Lives Matter says
http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/no-justice-no-lebron-black-lives-matter-says/npt8p/
CELTICS:
Celtics get back on track with win over Nets
Points in the paint key to Celtics win vs. Nets
http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/points-paint-key-celtics-win-vs-nets
Benchmark work by Sully
http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/celtics/2016/01/celtics_notebook_benchmark_work_by_sully
Jae Crowder rises to the occasion
http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/blakely-jae-crowder-rises-occasion
Isaiah Thomas generating All-Star buzz with Celtics
Celtics have interest in playing game at Fenway Park
CLIPPERS:
Doc Rivers is managing Clippers players’ minutes in hopes of a playoff payoff
http://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/la-sp-clippers-report-20160105-story.html
Why are the Clippers playing so well without Blake Griffin?
http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20160104/why-are-the-clippers-playing-so-well-without-blake-griffin
DeAndre Jordan can’t miss, and has Chamberlain in his sights
GRIZZLIES:
Griz grind out 91-78 win over Blazers
Conley is questionable, Portland is freezing and Barnes is back
HAWKS:
Schroder still in limbo with Hawks
http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/basketball/schroder-still-in-limbo-with-hawks/npxQP/
HEAT:
Heat storm back, outlast Pacers 103-100 in OT
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-miami-heat-indiana-pacers-s010416-story.html
Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh rally Heat in overtime win over Pacers
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article53052805.html
Heat’s Chris ‘Birdman’ Andersen struggles in start against Pacers
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article53062160.html
Did Winslow, Johnson show a next level vs. Pacers?
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-askira-story.html
Whiteside out against Pacers, so Birdman starts
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-miami-heat-hassan-whiteside-s010416-story.html
Can Heat go from a good to a great team?
HORNETS:
Draymond Green Secures Third Straight Trip-Dub as the Warriors Defeat the Charlotte Hornets
Batum’s sprained toe sidelines him again
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nba/charlotte-hornets/article53049640.html
JAZZ:
Jazz’s offense fades in fourth quarter of loss to Rockets
http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3378718-155/kragthorpe-jazzs-offense-fades-in-fourth
Trey Lyles hits double-figures for first time in Jazz loss
http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3379190-155/utah-jazz-trey-lyles-hits-double-figures
Harden’s laser focus helps ignite Rockets to win over Jazz
Rodney Hood elated to become a father
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865644837/Jazz-notes-Rodney-Hood-elated-to-become-a-Sr.html
Fan ejected, banned for one-year for shining flashlight at James Harden
http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/3379882-155/fan-ejected-banned-for-one-year-for
KINGS:
DeMarcus Cousins helps Kings win at Oklahoma City for first time
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/kings-blog/article53059750.html
Kings get past Durant-less Thunder
http://www.csnbayarea.com/kings/instant-replay-kings-get-past-durant-less-thunder
George Karl passes Phil Jackson on NBA’s all-time coaching wins list
Cauley-Stein’s conditioning concerns Karl
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/kings-blog/article53049815.html
Three questions with Kings’ Nancy Lieberman, former Thunder TV analyst
KNICKS:
Carmelo Anthony focusing on assisting Knicks teammates, not hung up on scoring
Carmelo Anthony happy to let Knicks teammates step up
Knicks putting into perspective how god-awful last year was
http://nypost.com/2016/01/05/knicks-putting-into-perspective-how-god-awful-last-year-was/
Carmelo echoes Fisher’s latest Knicks challenge: Do it again
http://nypost.com/2016/01/04/carmelo-echoes-fishers-latest-knicks-challenge-do-it-again/
Cleanthony Early makes uplifting visit to Knicks practice
http://nypost.com/2016/01/04/cleanthony-early-makes-uplifting-visit-to-knicks-practice/
Knicks drop Brandon Jennings deal; Tony Wroten enters the trade radar
LAKERS:
As if Lakers didn’t have enough issues, now Byron Scott and Julius Randle are at odds
http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-randle-warriors-20160105-story.html
Byron Scott cites ‘immaturity’ as Julius Randle upset at being taken out
Lakers’ Byron Scott argued Larry Nance Jr. should have been a lottery pick
Lakers’ Week 10 in review: Three-game winning streak
Comments by Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson on monster dunk bring up stereotypes
Metta World Peace playing unlikely wingman role for Kobe Bryant yet again
Lakers torn on which of Bryant’s numbers to retire
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba-lakers-torn-bryants-numbers-retire-032028475–nba.html
MAGIC:
Magic’s defensive woes continue in 115-89 drubbing by Pistons
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-magic-pistons-game-0105-20160104-story.html
Victor Oladipo starts at point guard as Elfrid Payton sits due to injury
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-orlando-magic-news-0105-20160104-story.html
Postgame report: Magic vs. Pistons
http://www.nba.com/magic/news/postgame-report-magic-vs.-pistons-1/4/16
Magic’s Scott Skiles named Eastern Conference Coach of the Month
Skiles making presence felt in Orlando
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/nba-pm-skiles-making-presence-felt-in-orlando/
MAVERICKS:
The urgency is clear, Mavs’ season possibly reaching critical point upon Rajon Rondo’s return to Dallas
Why Chandler Parsons is the Mavs’ biggest underachiever so far this season
Williams, Harris could play against Kings
http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/full-court-press-blog/article53051405.html
Former Maverick Rondo likely to be greeted with boos in return to Dallas
http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/article53042995.html
How is 37-year-old Dirk Nowitzki still playing like a legitimate NBA All-Star?
NETS:
Without Jarrett Jack, Nets miss point in loss to Celtics
Loss of Jarrett Jack hangs over a Nets defeat
NUGGETS:
Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried goes from hospital to starting lineup
Kenneth Faried talks about playing after scary neck injury
http://blogs.denverpost.com/nuggets/2016/01/04/kenneth-faried-nuggets/13626/
PACERS:
Pacers fall in overtime after blowing 18-point lead
Paul George, Marcus Morris fined for Saturday’s altercation
Chase Budinger’s other sport
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/chase-budingers-other-sport/
PELICANS:
Jrue Holiday pushing to get through January injury free for first time in 3 seasons
PISTONS:
Det. 115, Orl. 89: Jennings busts loose; he hopes he stays
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2016/01/04/detroit-pistons-orlando-magic/78249168/
Pistons’ bench becoming a strength – not a liability
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2016/01/05/detroit-pistons-bench/78292092/
Pistons’ Jackson raves over Drummond’s All-Star candidacy
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2016/01/04/andre-drummond-nikola-vucevic/78268414/
Pistons fans love grit, and Morris has it
Pistons’ Morris fined for shoving Pacers star
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2016/01/04/marcus-morris-pistons-paul-george/78260668/
RAPTORS:
Cavaliers pull away from overmatched Raptors
http://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2016/01/04/cavaliers-pull-away-from-overmatched-raptors.html
Weary Raptors come up way short in Cleveland
http://www.torontosun.com/2016/01/04/weary-raptors-come-up-way-short-in-cleveland
Raptors lose Carroll for game in Cleveland — and likely for some time
ROCKETS:
Harden, Rockets squeak past Jazz
http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/rockets/article/Rockets-squeak-past-Jazz-6736856.php
Rockets end four-game skid by rallying back against Jazz
http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2016/01/39442/
James Harden sees dip in free throws attempted in recent games
Rockets F Donatas Motiejunas won’t return until he is pain free
Rockets G Ty Lawson sits with sprained ankle
http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2016/01/rockets-g-ty-lawson-sits-with-sprained-ankle/
SPURS:
Simmons gives Spurs juice to blow by Bucks
Simmons scores a season-high as Spurs defeat Bucks
Kawhi Leonard’s December one for the ages
Popovich named Coach of the Month
http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Popovich-named-Coach-of-the-Month-6736512.php
Spurs’ ‘Next Three’ ushering in next era in San Antonio
SUNS:
Losses, distractions piling up for Suns
Suns’ issue an example of ‘millennial culture’
Suns owner blasts entire generation for being unable to handle setbacks well
Phoenix Suns interested in reunion with Mike D’Antoni
‘We’re at ground zero right now’: Suns hit rock bottom of disastrous season
Suns have only themselves to blame for the inconsistent mess they have become http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2604857-suns-have-only-themsleves-to-blame-for-the-inconsistent-mess-they-have-become
THUNDER:
Thunder struggle on both sides as Kings roll to franchise’s first win in Oklahoma City
OKC has frustrating fourth quarter in loss to Kings
http://newsok.com/okc-has-frustrating-fourth-quarter-in-loss-to-kings/article/5470676
Durant, Westbrook share NBA’s Western Conf. Player of the Month award for December
Is LeBron James right: Can Kevin Durant break NBA’s all-time scoring record?
TIMBERWOLVES:
Timberwolves fall to NBA’s worst team, the 4-33 Sixers
http://www.twincities.com/timberwolves/ci_29343622/timberwolves-fall-nbas-worst-team-4-33-sixers
TRAIL BLAZERS:
Trail Blazers lose to Memphis Grizzlies, 91-78, in Damian Lillard’s return
http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2016/01/blazers_grizzlies.html – incart_river_index
Warriors’ Green edges Trail Blazers’ CJ McCollum for conference player of the week
Trail Blazers’ CJ McCollum: ‘I am the leading candidate for Most Improved’ Player
WARRIORS:
Full squad shows up in complete win over Charlotte
http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/rewind-full-squad-shows-complete-win-over-charlotte
Big Three explode as Warriors hold off Hornets
http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/instant-replay-big-three-explode-warriors-hold-hornets
What Curry and the Warriors are teaching Jordan and the Hornets
Reggie Jackson marvels at Stephen Curry’s skills
Warriors’ Green earns Player of the Week honor
Green has another triple-double in Warriors’ win over Hornets
Draymond Green’s new nickname is ‘DrayMagic’
WIZARDS:
Shorthanded Wizards hope to heal before time runs out on their plans
John Wall named Eastern Conference player of the month
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.