At long last, the NBA playoff matchups are set in stone, and as always, the Western Conference figures to hit the ground running with the better entertainment. All four West first-round matches should provide excellent entertainment, and it would be especially surprising if the 4-5 matchup between the Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies proved an exception. With that series kicking off Saturday night at Staples Center in LA, here are five issues to be mindful of once the ball is jumped.
On a day that the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Lakers 109-95, clinching the Pacific Division title and the first season sweep of the Lakers since Donald Sterling purchased the team, Matt Barnes found something more important to recognize. [Read more…]
Don’t look now, but the Lakers suddenly have what appears to be legitimate momentum on their side. That’s not to say they’ve morphed into the juggernaut many predicted back in October. Such talk would certainly be premature. But it’s safe to assume their surge has grabbed the attention of the entire league, much less the Pacific Division. The Golden State Warriors are now just two games ahead of the Lakers, a gap that doesn’t feel impossible to close. Were that the case,
Over the All-Star break, news broke that longtime Los Angeles Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss had been hospitalized and was battling cancer. Monday, Dr. Buss passed away. [Heisler on Buss: As owners go, he stands alone] Many NBA players (former and current), owners and personnel sent their regards via Twitter. [Read more…]
The news on Wednesday that is of primary import is all about Seattle. Let Chicago Bulls guard Nate Robinson—who hails from Seattle, Washington—tell it to you.
There is an unlikely NBA rivalry developing in California. And it doesn’t include the Lakers. The Lakers are too busy battling the unrealistic expectations of their spoiled fans to immerse themselves in a full-fledged rivalry such as one with their neighbors down the hall at Staples Center. No, the developing rivalry is between the Clippers and the Warriors, which went to a new level Saturday night. [Read more…]
If you’re not watching the Clippers whenever you can right now, why? For my money, they’re the most entertaining team in the NBA, and they’ve got a very legitimate claim to being the absolute best as well. Last night’s game against the Jazz was as fun as the NBA gets. Get on it. Use caffeine if necessary, East Coasters. [Read more…]
Before we take our daily Spin around the Association, be sure to join tonight’s Freeroll. It’s a one-day fantasy contest for Sheridan Hoops readers, with no entry fee and $300 in cash prizes. [Read more…]
