Here is what you need to know heading into the final night of the regular season: If he had decided to play, Kobe Bryant would have needed to score at least 38 points at Sacramento to win the scoring title over Kevin Durant. It would be Bryant’s third title, as he won it in 2004-05 averaging 35.4 points per game (the highest average since Michael Jordan averaged 37.1 in 1986-87), and in 2005-06 averaging 31.6. But Bryant is sitting out long with
NEW YORK — My MVP ballot is sitting on my desk, not yet filled in. I have until 3 p.m. EDT Friday to send it off to Ernst and Young, the accounting firm that has been hired to tabulate the election results (anti-leak strategy?). As of Thursday afternoon, I am still trying to make up my mind as to who I will vote first, second, third, fourth and fifth. Somehow I get the feeling that LeBron James is going to be the winner
Yesterday, this forum was devoted to discussion of the Defensive Player of the Year, and there was a ton of support for Tyson Chandler and LeBron James, with some love for Tony Allen and Paul George sprinkled in. Today we turn to the Most Improved Player award, which is somewhat of a wide-open field this season. I have an official NBA ballot to vote for the award, and I had been leaning toward Ryan Anderson throughout the season. I remember covering the
NEW YORK — The penalty came in rather harsh. Metta World Peace of the Los Angeles Lakers was suspended for seven games by the NBA Tuesday for elbowing James Harden in the head, a punishment that could end the former Ron Artest’s season if the Lakers get knocked out of the first round of the playoffs in six games or less. “The concussion suffered by James Harden demonstrates the danger posed by violent acts of this kind, particularly when they are directed at
Glen Grunwald has shed his interim label. The New York Knicks announced today that Grunwald has been named executive vice president and general manager. Grunwald had been serving in this role on an interim basis since July. “Glen has done a terrific job this season,” Knicks owner James Dolan said. “He is an intelligent, seasoned executive and we look forward to him continuing in the role of general manager for many years to come.” Grunwald joined the Knicks on Sep. 6, 2006 as the team’s
"Always buy the extra half-point"
Tony Allen of the Memphis Grizzlies had eight steals last night. Eight! He is one of the league’s toughest on-the-ball defenders — the type of guy every contending team needs on its roster to sic on the opposing team’s best scorer. Lindsay Hunter made a living out of it for years. So did Bruce Bowen. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute of the Milwaukee Bucks has joined that select group, and Andre Iguodala has made his mark in the NBA and internationally (on the
"Always buy the extra half-point"