PHILOSOPHICAL QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“The mind is everything. What you think you become.”
-Buddha
================================
NBA:
The biggest issue every title contender faces going into 2016 NBA trade deadline
Rookie Rankings: No Justise
Top players that haven’t won a playoff series
Good luck getting a point guard in the free agent frenzy
Chris Duhon vows to make ‘lifestyle changes’ after return from suspension
76ERS:
Sixers blown away by Hawks
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20160204_Sixers_are_blown_away_by_the_Hawks.html
No need to rush ‘The Process’ now
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20160204_Sixers__Hinkie__Why_rush_The_Process_now_.html
Colangelo vague on Ish Smith
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20160204_Colangelo_noncommital_on_Smith.html
BUCKS:
Three-point shooting woes a problem
BULLS:
Shorthanded Bulls top Kings behind E’Twaun Moore’s career night
http://www.csnchicago.com/bulls/shorthanded-bulls-top-kings-behind-etwaun-moores-career-night
Gasol opens up about how to address team communication
http://www.csnchicago.com/bulls/bulls-pau-gasol-opens-about-how-address-team-communication
Mike Dunleavy recalled from D-League
http://www.csnchicago.com/bulls/bulls-recall-mike-dunleavy-d-league
Mirotic in limbo after having second surgery
How Derrick Rose is learning to be Derrick Rose again
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14702727/how-derrick-rose-chicago-bulls-learning-old-self-again
Work-in-progress Portis earning big minutes
Joakim Noah deserves a louder goodbye than this
https://sports.vice.com/en_us/article/joakim-noah-deserves-a-louder-goodbye-than-this/
Inside the Bulls’ damaging inconsistency
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/by-the-horns-inside-chicagos-damaging-inconsistency/
CAVALIERS:
Third-quarter woes continue as Cavs fall to Hornets, 106-97
Sore hamstring sidelines Cavs’ Dellavedova vs. Charlotte
LeBron brought elderly man to tears with Cavs tickets, care package
LeBron corrects Newton: ‘It’s cooler’ to be a SF
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14705589/lebron-james-says-fan-panthers-qb-cam-newton
Mo Williams says he won’t ask Cavs for a trade
http://nba.nbcsports.com/2016/02/03/mo-williams-says-he-wont-ask-cavaliers-for-a-trade/
LeBron puzzled by the video-game lawsuit involving his tattoos
Lack of turnovers fueling offensive outburst more than faster pace
CELTICS:
Celtics nearly squander lead, hold on to beat Pistons
http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/celtics-nearly-squander-lead-hold-beat-pistons
Stevens: We don’t put a lot of stock into rumors
http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/stevens-we-dont-put-lot-stock-trade-rumors
Celtics’ Danny Ainge is striving to build another winner
Dwight Howard trade would accelerate, add credibility to Celtics’ reconstruction
Q&A with Brad Stevens
Celtics intend to move Lee by deadline
CLIPPERS:
Clippers lose to Minnesota, 108-102, snapping four-game winning streak
http://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/la-sp-cn-clippers-minnesota-20160203-story.html
Still no decision on Blake Griffin punishment
http://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/la-sp-clippers-report-20160204-story.html
Silver: NBA investigation of Griffin incident almost over
Best possible trade scenarios for Blake Griffin
Will Clippers’ Griffin join team on road trip?
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/will-clippers-blake-griffin-join-team-on-road-trip/
Born Ready to the rescue
http://nba.nbcsports.com/2016/02/03/how-far-can-clippers-ride-lance-stephensons-ups-and-downs/
GRIZZLIES:
Vince Carter helping Griz, hopes to get 20 years in NBA
Zach doesn’t attack: Randolph stands tall
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/zach-randolph–grizzlies-put-life-back-in-tall-ball-180831688.html
Jeff Green providing scoring and more for Griz
HAWKS:
Five observations from Hawks’ 124-86 win over 76ers
Splitter frustrated by nagging hip injury
http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/basketball/splitter-frustrated-by-nagging-hip-injury/nqJKF/
Horford discusses trade speculation
http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/basketball/horford-discusses-trade-speculation/nqJH6/
Should Hawks make a move at trade deadline?
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/guide-to-the-trade-deadline–hawks-021918284.html
HEAT:
Whiteside catalyst in tight Heat win in Dallas
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/ethan-j-skolnick/article58347603.html
Whiteside returns from hip injury as reserve
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-miami-heat-hassan-whiteside-s020316-story.html
Cuban lauds Dwyane Wade despite past complaints about officiating in 2006 finals
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article58334963.html
A year after life scare, Bosh is bailing out Heat
Johnson undergoes shoulder surgery; no timetable for return
http://www.nba.com/heat/news/tyler-johnson-undergoes-shoulder-surgery
HORNETS:
Hornets top East-leading Cavs; Jeremy Lin nets 24
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nba/charlotte-hornets/article58335698.html
Walker out vs. Cavs, knee soreness
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14708666/kemba-walker-sits-game-charlotte-hornets
Kaminsky is the NBA’s most unique rookie
http://www.sportingnews.com/nba-news/4693602-frank-kaminsky-charlotte-hornets-rookie-unique
Batum (toe) available and starting vs. Cavs
JAZZ:
Jazz grind out ugly win over Nuggets
http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3491674-155/utah-jazz-grind-out-ugly-win
Gobert alters shots, perceptions
http://www.si.com/nba/2016/02/03/rudy-gobert-utah-jazz-france-stifle-tower
Rookie Lyles to replace Bulls’ Mirotic in Rising Stars game
KINGS:
Cousins, Kings edged by Butler-less Bulls
http://www.csnbayarea.com/kings/instant-replay-cousins-kings-edged-butler-less-bulls
Karl remains optimistic Kings can play meaningful games in March and April
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/kings-blog/article58352613.html
Belinelli’s poor shooting having snowball effect on Kings
http://www.csnbayarea.com/kings/belinellis-poor-shooting-having-snowball-effect-kings
KNICKS:
Sellers? Buyers? Phil Jackson’s options as trade deadline nears
http://nypost.com/2016/02/03/sellers-buyers-phil-jacksons-options-as-trade-deadline-nears/
Fisher: No disappointment if Knicks miss playoffs
Sad lesson learned from Knicks’ latest sorry performance
http://nypost.com/2016/02/03/knicks-playoff-squelching-talk-proves-painfully-prophetic/
Porzingis, East’s rookie of month, continues recent struggles
Are Knicks looking past Grant as next PG?
Carmelo should consider asking Knicks for a trade
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/isola-carmelo-knicks-trade-article-1.2519555
LAKERS:
Scott can appreciate a vintage Kobe performance the day after
http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-report-20160204-story.html
Want to be like Kobe? Watch, work and … wait
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14706124/comes-learning-kobe-bryant-watch-wait
ESPN Stats & Info: Kobe’s season-high 38 points
http://espn.go.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/114311/kobe-bryant-pours-in-season-high-38-points
Kobe will never stop tormenting poor Sam Mitchell
http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2016/2/3/10904310/kobe-bryant-sam-mitchell-timberwolves-i-hate-him
MAGIC:
Magic lose heartbreaker to Thunder 117-114 after Durant hits key 3
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-magic-thunder-game-0204-20160203-story.html
Magic’s Dedmon sits out Thunder game with foot sprain
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-orlando-magic-news-0204-20160203-story.html
Gordon plays with ton of heart and hustle
http://www.nba.com/magic/news/gordon-plays-ton-heart-and-hustle
MAVERICKS:
In a difficult season, Mavs don’t make things any easier on themselves in loss to Heat
Carlisle takes blame for not calling timeout
http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/full-court-press-blog/article58359893.html
Cuban announces investment in Donnie Nelson’s pro futsal league
Cuban on Abdul-Jabbar’s criticism: ‘Ask him how many games he’s watched’
January’s shooting star: Chandler Parsons
http://espn.go.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/114294/januarys-shooting-star-chandler-parsons
NETS:
Nets’ skid reaches five after loss to Pacers
If Nets want a GM and a coach, Stan Van Gundy advises to hire GM first
NUGGETS:
Nuggets singing the blues with loss to Jazz
http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_29473375/nuggets-come-up-short-utah-lose-by-four
Rash of injuries may be bad luck for Nuggets
http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_29472832/rash-injuries-may-be-bad-luck-nuggets
PELICANS:
Pelicans unable to end Spurs’ home winning streak, lose 110-97
http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2016/02/new_orleans_pelicans_50.html#incart_river_index
Pelicans want Tyreke Evans to take his time to get healthy before returning
How is Anthony Davis doing compared to last season?
http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2016/02/post_164.html#0
PISTONS:
Boston 102, Detroit 95: Sluggish Pistons can’t come back
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2016/02/03/detroit-pistons-boston-celtcis/79741798/
RAPTORS:
Raptors showing interest in Markieff Morris
Raptors interested in trading for Suns’ Tucker
Raptors’ Powell knows his place in rotation, locker room
Vince Carter-led 2001 team was the best the Raptors have fielded
Suns’ Watson recalls being mentored by Raptors’ Casey
http://www.torontosun.com/2016/02/03/suns-watson-recalls-being-mentored-by-raptors-casey
ROCKETS:
Howard dismisses trade rumor
Howard: I’m passionate about winning
http://www.chron.com/sports/rockets/article/Dwight-Howard-I-m-passionate-about-winning-6804798.php
Sources: Rockets don’t plan to trade Howard
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14708153/houston-rockets-do-not-plan-trade-dwight-howard
Will Howard pursue a max deal this summer?
Terrence Jones to miss Suns game after auto accident
Marcus Thornton likes court time with James Harden
SPURS:
Aldridge wins battle vs. Davis
http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Aldridge-wins-battle-vs-Davis-6805807.php
Aldridge’s big game pushes Spurs past old nemesis New Orleans
Gentry a fan of ‘The Borista’
Parker’s play overshadowed, but critical to Spurs’ success
SUNS:
Suns’ Morris defends Hornacek relationship
Showcasing Morris
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/nba-pm-suns-continue-to-showcase-markieff-morris/
Watson to ‘nurture and embrace’ Markieff Morris
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/suns-watson-to-nurture-and-embrace-markieff-morris/
Watson: Hornacek gave his blessing to pursue job
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/watson-hornacek-gave-me-his-blessing-to-pursue-interim-job/
THUNDER:
Durant, Westbrook, Ibaka thrill in final seconds to top Magic on OKC’s off defensive night
Westbrook, Durant terrorize the Magic for the second time this season
Durant: Rumors about future aren’t distracting
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14705951/thunder-sf-kevin-durant-says-rumors-future-distraction
Lifetime plans movie about Kevin Durant’s ‘Real MVP’ mother
Thunder eyeing market for available wing players?
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/thunder-eyeing-market-for-available-wing-players/
TIMBERWOLVES:
Wolves beat Clippers 108-102, snapping 14-game skid
http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400828632
Report: Spurs, Clippers, Thunder eye Adreian Payne
http://www.hoopsrumors.com/2016/02/spurs-clippers-thunder-eye-adreian-payne.html
Wiggins has no interest in joining dunk contest
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/andrew-wiggins-has-no-interest-in-joining-dunk-contest/
TRAIL BLAZERS:
Blazers deadline deals coming?
http://www.csnnw.com/blazers/how-active-do-you-think-blazers-will-be-trade-deadline
Vonleh ‘doubtful’ to play Thursday against Toronto because of sprained ankle
WARRIORS:
Curry drops 51 in Warriors’ win over Wizards
http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/instant-replay-curry-drops-51-warriors-win-over-wizards
ESPN Stats & Info: Curry, no longer slumping
http://espn.go.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/114340/stephen-curry-no-longer-slumping
Ezeli’s knee injury getting more mysterious by the day
http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/ezelis-knee-injury-getting-more-mysterious-day
Lowe: Steph Curry on the evolution of the Warriors
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14697703/the-reigning-mvp-talks-how-warriors-got-where-are
How Steph stormed into top-25 status
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14702698/stephen-curry-place-all-greats
Draymond Green’s most important role for the Warriors
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14702239/draymond-green-most-important-role-golden-state-warriors
Harrison Barnes Q&A
http://www.si.com/nba/2016/02/03/harrison-barnes-warriors-stephen-curry-draymond-green-death-lineup
Curry shares best advice Bryant has given him
http://www.si.com/nba/2016/02/03/stephen-curry-kobe-bryant-best-advice-warriors-lakers
Curry on KD rumors: I’m comfortable with our team
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14697703/the-reigning-mvp-talks-how-warriors-got-where-are
Bogut ‘wouldn’t be shocked’ if Durant joins Warriors
http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/bogut-wouldnt-be-shocked-if-durant-joins-warriors
Scalabrine opens up on tiff with Mark Jackson that led to firing
http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/scalabrine-opens-tiff-jackson-led-firing
Warriors draw media circus, but no helicopters – just yet
WIZARDS:
Warriors win shootout with Wizards 134-121
Wall lives up to his end of the bargain in point guard battle
Report: Marcin Gortat changing agents
http://www.hoopsrumors.com/2016/02/marcin-gortat-changing-agents.html
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 daily NBA content service at www.allball365.com.