Joey Crawford is one of the most – if not the most – animated referees in the game. On Tuesday, his antics in overtime may have helped cost the Oklahoma City Thunder Game 5 against the Memphis Grizzlies: With 27.5 seconds remaining in the game and about to take his second free throw to tie the game, Kevin Durant was abruptly interrupted by Crawford as seen above. The reason for Crawford’s sudden course of action to prevent Durant from shooting his
Here’s the bottom line on Carmelo Anthony’s recent play. Using the measuring stick of points per shot, it is his worst four-game stretch of the postseason since the first four playoff games of his career. Furthermore, when compared alongside other worst four-game stretches of contemporary solo superstars, it is near the bottom. Following Sunday’s loss to Indiana in the Eastern Conference semifinals opener, the Knicks are 1-3 in their last four games, including 0-2 at home. Their only win saw them nearly
Gregg Popovich and the Spurs got their money’s worth. Now, it’s a question of whether the refs should be fined. Helped by an egregious non-call late in overtime, the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night 99-95, rallying from a 15-point deficit in the second half behind some great play from their well-rested Big Three. [Read more…]
What do players and coaches do when things go in the wrong direction? Take a shot, for one. And I’m not talking about a shot of Jack Daniels. Be it a coaching decision or a player’s poor play, the natural reaction is to take a shot at someone – directly or subtly – when the results are negative. Some will even take a shot at themselves at times, if it’s called for. The blame game is the theme of the stories around
Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals is a pivotal one for the Spurs, who face elimination for the first time this season. A loss would prove to be an epic meltdown, given all their success up to this point. Check out what some of the players had to say heading into the game, along with news around the league on Wednesday. Gary Neal has been dealing with flu-like symptoms and missed the morning shootaround, but is expected to play in
Quick quiz: Who are the only two referees to work the last five NBA Finals? Dick Bavetta? Sorry, he hasn’t worked a Finals since 2008. Eddie F. Rush? Nope. Since 2007, he’s only gotten the call once. Mike Callahan? You’re getting warmer. He’s worked the last three, as have both Derrick Stafford and Monty McCutchen. Scott Foster? Joey Crawford? Warmer still. Both have worked the last four. If you answered Dan Crawford and Ken Mauer, take a bow. That duo has the longest current