Knicks season in review + playoff talk with Marlana

I've know Marlana from twitter. She loves The New York Knicks, New York Giants and UFC.  If you have twitter, don't tweet a lot of follow Friday mentions.. She won't be a happy camper. 

Do you follow the league in general or just Knicks?

I follow the whole league. I'm a huge sports fan in general. NBA and NFL are top 2.

How dedicated are you to the Knicks? Do you collect knick stuff? Done any crazy things for the Knicks?  

I don't really collect stuff. But I have "Amare", Anthony and Shumpert jerseys. And I'm not the "doing crazy things" type lol

How did you start liking basketball and especially knicks?

When I was younger growing up in NJ, I was actually raised a Nets fan. But as soon as I got old enough to decide what team to like on my own it was the Knicks, and has been ever since.

Pick a player from another  team you’d love having them in new york uniform

All last season I was a huge Deandre Jordan fan. I recruited him to the Knicks and it went well. But we signed Chandler so that dream ended. Currently if I had to pick a player, give me Kevin Love or Dwill.

Who’s your favorite Knick of all time? And why?

John Starks. He was a huge part of those 90s teams, a great scoring option behind Ewing. He left everything out on the court. He could go 1 for 16 or 10 for 12 and it never effected his play or confidence. 

What is one of your favorite Knicks memories of all time?

John Starks huge dunk over basically the entire Bulls team lol

What do you think about the reports that said Melo wanted Mike fired?

I wouldn't be surprised if that was true. At the same time there was also reports that Dantoni wanted to trade Melo for Dwill. But one thing you learn about NY media, they will always make up stories or do anything to cause drama. They also reported Melo didn't want JR here, meanwhile we all know that's not true either.

Does the media puts too much blame on Melo?

Yes. The media has used Carmelo Anthony as a scapegoat all season. Granted he had a shooting slump to start the year and injuries, but most of his struggles were due to being in the Mike D'Antoni system and having to change his game and play off the ball. You look back at those games we lost and a lot of times Melo wasn't even getting 20 shots per game which is something that a rhythm scorer needs. When a team is losing, especially in NY you gotta blame someone. The media chose Melo.

Biggest difference between Woodson and Mike?  How would you grade them?  

The biggest difference is the team's effort. Mike's offense didn't work with this team. We had no real pg and he never adapted, which I think was his biggest downfall. So Woodson has the team's attention and support and they are playing great. Offense is clicking, playing great defense, and winning at home. All these things are accomplished under Woodson and failed under Dantoni. Grades I dont know but Dantoni had to go, and Woodson is doing a good job now. 

Have this been one of the crazy Knick seasons of all time? It seems like the team has divided at least 4 times.  First when Douglas was the starter, then with Lin being in charge, again when Lin was out and they had Amare and Melo & later on with amare out it was just Melo’s team.  Thoughts?

This team did go through many transformations this season. I feel the Douglas era wasn't fair to him. He proved hes not a true PG last season, and he was coming off major shoulder surgery. Throwing him out there expecting greatness at starting PG was doomed. I feel Linsanity was out of context because those were subpar teams we beat.  All that matters is Melo is playing great right now. Him and Stat are learning to play together so we can make a playoff push. And let's not forget Tyson he better win defensive player of the year because he has been the one constant bright spot all yr.

Linsanity! Thoughts? 
See above answer. The teams he beat were not that great. We needed a leader with Amare and Melo out so he stepped up. But he was still a PG that shot the ball too much for my liking, and hopefully he can learn to co-exist with Melo and get him the ball more next season.

Aside from Lin, which was the biggest moment from the season?

Prob the "resignation" of Mike Dantoni. Dantoni just wasn't getting the job done, his "system" didn't fit this team.  Meanwhile, Woodson has the ability to motivate the players in a way Mike Dantoni couldn't. This led to the real Melo coming back, and taking over this team. He's playing the best basketball we've seen out of him in a long time.

Which was the lowest?

There were a lot of low points this season, but I'd have to say the days before Lin and Baron Davis when we had no real point guard. The team seemed lost, that was tough to watch.

Can the Knicks beat Heat  in the first round?  Predict the outcome

I think the way Melo is playing, Amare is back, Shumpert's defense, Mobb Deep, and a list of other factors we have a puncher's chance to beat anyone. So bring on the Heat or Chicago. I say we win.

If Knicks don’t win, who do you think will win it all?

I've said all year I think the team to beat is OKC. Durant, Westbrook, (pending Harden's injury) if he returns they are tough to beat. Great guards, Durant and 2 big men are tough for any team to matchup with.

Overtime:

I’m a huge fan of Tv shows and music, do you like any of those things?

Sure I like TV and music. The only show I truly follow and watch religiously every week is Once Upon a Time. I know you were a LOST fan, so shame on you if you don't want this show too!

You have clearly shown your hate over my follow Friday mentions on twitter? Care to explain what’s so annoying about them?

If I explain will you stop doing them? They are annoying because it's TOO MUCH. It's like going to a website and getting hit with 50 popups and you can never get to your original site. You are those annoying popups, it's like spam I have to weed through your zillion FFs to see my normal TL.

Follow Marlana on Twitter @Marlana814 and her Sports betting site   www.hottiehandicappers.com

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WCF Game 6 San Antonio Spurs @ OKC Thunder 6-6-12

1st Quarter


Spurs controlled the tip, Manu immediately nailed a three, followed by a Duncan jump shot.  Spurs started 2-2 FG in less than a minute.

9:49 - Westbrook coast to coast, around Parker and Duncan for the Huge slam!

7:35 - Tony Parker have scored 4 straight baskets (4-4 FG), Parker, Duncan & Ginobili have scored the first 15 Spurs points and they lead by 7.

After the Thunder timeout, Westbrook had a steal and made a layup, Durant hit a jumper and cut the Spurs lead to 3. A runner by Kawhi Leonard and another Tim Duncan jumper quickly pushed the lead back to 7 again.   Spurs lead 19-12

4:30 - Tony Parker made a three a few seconds ago, he has 11 pts and 5 assists. Spurs lead is 8 

4:13 -  Parker again! hits a tear drop over around Harden.

TONY. PARKER had another basket and got fouled by Collison, he is taking over this game, he has 17 points (7-9 FG) and OKC has 16 total points.   Parker averaged 16 Points per game during the last three OKC wins, he has 17 points in the first 10 minutes.

Back two back three's for San Antonio and they now lead 34-16( three's were made by Kawhi Leonard and Stephen Jackson.)  Parker's penetration's have allowed the Spurs shooters to be wide open, since OKC is clearly focusing on him.   Fisher's runner gave OKC 20 points for the quarter, but they are still down by double digits.

End of 1st:  Spurs 34, OKC 20. 


Spurs only had 1 turnover in the first 12 minutes.

2nd Quarter

Oklahoma City started the quarter with a James Harden turnover, a foul and a missed shot by Kevin Durant and after 3 minutes the quarter has been a three point shootout, Gary Neal, James Harden and Stephen Jackson made consecutive three pointers.

Gary Neal has bounced back with 6 points already and he finally made a long distance shot, he had been struggling really bad during the last couple of games. San Antonio also is playing a lineup that doesn't include either Tiago Splitter, Dejuan Blair or Matt Bonner.  Diaw is the only big Pop is using right now.

9:00 - San Antonio called a timeout after Kevin Durant made a three and cut the lead to 15.

Parker and Duncan came back to the game at the 8:00 minute mark, Pop isn't  taking any risks tonight, Tony Parker scored a basket, dished the ball to Manu for a three and Spurs are up 16. Parker didn't waste any time since he came in.

5:28 -  Durant had an easy basket and Ginobili stripped the ball cleanly out of his hands but wasn't able to save it.  Great hustle play by Manu.

Stephen Jackson is unconscious right now, he's  4-4 from three point range.  He has been the best Spur player off the bench by far.   12 Points for Captain Jack and he's guarding Durant as well.

Kevin Durant nailed an impossible three with Stephen Jackson all over him with less than 2 seconds to go in the quarter to cut the Spurs lead down to fifteen.

End of 2nd:  Spurs 63, Thunder 48


3rd Quarter 


8:22 -  Two Durant free throws cut the Spurs lead to 8, they started the quarter 9-2.

7:47  -  Greg Popovich calls a timeout, lead is just 6.


Just before the timeout, there was a sequence in which Tiago Splitter  failed to double Durant and Greg Popovich immediately substitutes him for Dejuan Blair. Maybe Splitter played 10 seconds there? that seems like too much.

7:26 -  Duncan throws it down over Ibaka!

Thunder came out firing, but Spurs have responded and after the first six minutes, the Spurs have a nine point lead. Pop took Blair for Stephen Jackson.

4:52 - Westbrook finds Durant off the pick & roll  for the dunk and OKC is down only 5.

4:20 - Stephen Jackson made his fifth three pointer of the night and also got called for a T for taunting the Thunder bench.

OKC scoring has been incredible in this third period, they have scored 26 points in exactly 9 minutes. Westbrook has been hitting jumpers and getting to the rim at will,  Thabo Sefolosha made a three and Durant made some jumpers as well.  OKC now trails 77-74

1:40 -  Durant! hits a three from way downtown and gives OKC their first lead since early in the first.  KD has 13 points in the quarter.

End of 3rd:  Spurs 81, Thunder 80.

Spurs lost that 18 point lead in a hurry, the Thunder got really hot from the outside, they hit shots from all over the place and their defense was also outstanding. It helped that Spurs went with just one big (Duncan) that allowed OKC to get to the rim at will.  Tony Parker scored just one field goal after scoring 21 points in the first half.

Thunder benefit from some missed calls, Russell Westbrook smacked Kawhi Leonard in the head and wasn't called and Stephen Jackson was called for a technical foul for taunting.

4th Quarter 

Manu Ginobili starts the 4th quarter by making a shot, but Ibaka responded quickly for OKC. Spurs are playing without Duncan or Parker.

9:31 - Harden  gives OKC a one point lead.

The Thunder have gotten EVERY.SINGLE.CALL. in the 4th quarter and it's making it tough for San Antonio to play, OKC are currently on a 8-0 run and lead by three.  6:50 mins left

Thunder are drawing so many offensive fouls, a lot has been due to all the flopping they've done. You know it's something serious when my twitter feed is blowing up and everyone is saying the refs are being one sided.

Derek Fisher and James Harden hit big three's as the Spurs were trying to climb back after two straight baskets by Duncan and one from Tony Parker.

Parker scored two layups but if wasn't enough to cut OKC's lead, Kendrick Perkins blocked Tim Duncan's shot and dunked the ball  (Assisted by KD) at the other end.  OKC is up 107- 99 with 14 seconds to go.  Durant has 34 points and 13 rebounds.

End of 4th:  Thunder 107, Spurs 99.   Oklahoma City defeated the Spurs and are going to the NBA finals!

                                               
Credit: Getty Images

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ECF Game 5 Boston Celtics @ Miami Heat 6-5-12 Recap

The Miami Heat started the game with a lot of energy and clearly weren't lacking focus, Dwyane Wade bounced back with a 3-3 FG start (including a three) and it seemed like an easy night.  Chris Bosh came back and scored 5 points and 5 rebounds after the first quarter.  Boston was struggling from the field, no one could make a shot.  Miami led 24-16 after the first quarter.

The Heat had a 12 point lead in the second quarter, but with some scoring from Brandon Bass, Mickael Pietrus and a late surge by Kevin Garnett cut the Heat lead down to 2 after the first half.   Ray Allen, Paul Pierce & Rajon Rondo were a combined 4-22 from the field.  Lebron James had 11 points in the 2nd quarter.   Miami 52, Boston 50. 

The Heat went on a 9-0 run in the third sparked by Chalmers, Lebron, Battier & Haslem.  However, the Heat didn't get much production after that, the Celtics ended the quarter on a 15-1 run and a 5 point lead (after a three from Keyon Dooling)   After  38 minutes The Celtics led  65-60 

  

Rajon Rondo had huge plays in the 4th quarter, after Dwyane Wade blocked Brandon Bass dunk, he tapped the ball to Mickael Pietrus for a huge three just after Miami had their biggest lead of the 4th quarter.  Rondo also made two driving layups when Miami had three point leads to get Boston down just one. 

With the game on the line in the 4th quarter of a pivotal game 5, Erik Spoelstra never went back to Chris Bosh (he had a good first half considering his injury) that was an odd decision. 

With 52 seconds remaining in the game and Boston hanging on with a one point lead, Paul Pierce made the biggest shot of the game, he hit a three and gave Boston a 4 point lead.  That shot was the deciding factor, both teams exchange free throws and Boston won the game 94-90. 

The Heat were stunned and now face a difficult challenge ahead, they need to get a win at the TD Garden in Boston. The Celtics know they have a big opportunity and will try their hardest not to let it slip, they want to get to their third finals in five years.  They know their is not going to last long.  

Credit: Getty Images

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Neil Olshey leaves Clippers for Blazers.

4 days ago, Neil Olshey, reached an agreement in principle to stay as the general manager of the Los Angeles Clippers. Olshey, the man responsible for bringing Chris Paul to Los Angeles, is now leaving the team will be the next Portland Trailblazer general manager.

  

Clearly, a bad move by the Clippers organization. They didn't treat him right, they had him working on a month to month basis and that isn't how you treat someone you want to keep. Olshey not only brought Chris Paul, he added depth to the team as well.

This isn't surprising though, the Clippers have a bad history in keeping good assets and making horrible decisions.  They also announced Vinny Del Negro is going to be back as the coach, though it was reported the decision was consulted with Blake Griffin and Chris Paul in advanced.

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WCF Game 5 OKC Thunder @ San Antonio Spurs 6-04-12 Recap

Remember when San Antonio was unstoppable and won 20 straight games? Well, that seems like ages ago. Oklahoma City Thunder defeated them for the third straight game 108-103 and took a 3-2 series lead. Now the Spurs have a tough task ahead of them, they need to go to Oklahoma City and get a win.

The Spurs made a lineup adjustment, they inserted Manu Ginobili into the starting lineup for the struggling Danny Green.   Ginobili proved that was the best choice for the team, he lead the Spurs in scoring with 34 points, 11-21 FG (5-10 3pt) , 7 assists and 2 steals.  However, his three with 4.9 seconds to tie the game didn't go down.

 

The game was a roller coaster, both teams took a  lead in several occasions, only to see it quickly disappear.  The Thunder took a 14 point lead in the 2nd quarter, the Spurs came storming back behind Ginobili, took a 6 point lead, but  the Thunder counter the run by taking a 13 point lead with 5 minutes to go in the 4th.  After OKC had that 13 point lead, the Spurs gave one last shot at it and were as close as two, but couldn't tied the game.

   

Kevin Durant was the star of the game, he had 5 points in the first half and erupted for 22 in the second half (9 of those in the 4th) & James Harden's  20 points along with a perfect fourth quarter (4-4 FG. 1-1 FT)  and a deciding three when they Spurs cut  the lead to two were too much for San Antonio to overcome. Russell Westbrook had 23 points and 12 assists.

For San Antonio, Tony Parker scored 20, Tim Duncan had 18, Stephen Jackson 13, but it's going to take even more production from them and the rest of the Spurs if they want to take this series to a game 7.

Credit:  Getty Images


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ECF Game 4 Miami Heat @ Boston Celtics 6-3-12 Instant Recap

1st Quarter


12:00  Boston controlled the tip & Paul Pierce made the first basket of the game. 


Boston started the game with a 6-0 run, Rajon Rondo had four of those points, but Mario Chalmer ended that with a floater.

7:05 - The Celtics scored two straight three pointers (Pierce & Allen)  and now lead 14-4.  Mario Chalmers has all of Miami's point, Lebron James and Dwyane Wade are a combined 0-4 from the field.

5:53 -  Boston has scored 10 straight points, KG has scored the last 4.  Rondo found Garnett by penetrating & allowing all the Heat defense to collapse on him and then pass it to KG at the last second. Really great play, Rondo's vision is outstanding.  Paul Pierce has two triples (both came from offensive rebounds)

4:46 -  Celtics 21, Heat 9.  4 point for Chalmers, 2 for Lebron (he missed but boston players tipped it in), 3 for Battier. That's all the Heat have scored at this point. Nothing from Dwyane Wade (He's been attacking, but C's defense has been amazing)

4:29 - James stole the ball from Pierce and had a strong slam.

Lebron James and the Heat started scoring since KG went out, they scored on 9 straight possessions. But the Celtics didn't stopped scoring, Brandon Bass scored 7 points to keep Boston up. .

End of 1st:  Celtics 34, Heat 23. 


 Rajon Rondo  8 points & 4 assists & Paul Pierce 12 pts 
Lebron James 12 pts 

2nd Quarter


Heat started the quarter by hitting a three, but Celtics responded by scoring 8 straight points and Spoelstra immediately called a timeout.  The Celtics lead is 16.   (Rondo found both Allen and Dooling for triples during the run)

5:52  - Lebron James (8-12 FG)  has half of the Heat points, 16 out of 32. For a team that is known as a defensive one, the Heat haven't show it during this game, Boston has 50 points with more than 5 minutes to play in the 2nd.  The Celtics have gotten unexpected scoring by Keyon Dooling, he has 2 triples & Ray Allen has found his shot, he has 8 points.

Rajon Rondo has been incredible, he's been delivering passes at the exact moment his teammates need it, his passing has been precise, he has 9 assists, 8 points and Boston has a 17 point lead.

2:38 -  Paul Pierce got Dwyane Wade into the air, he draw the foul and made a two pointer.

Celtics had a 18 point lead after Ray Allen made his third triple of the night. but a Dwyane Wade free throw &  Lebron James drive cut the lead to 14.

End of 2nd:  Celtics 61, Heat 47. 

Rondo, when asked how they are attacking Heat defense: "They're complaining and crying to referees in transition."

Halftime Stats

Heat
James  19 points 
Wade 8 points
Chalmers  6 points

Celtics
Kevin Garnett  9 pts & 8 boards
Paul Pierce 18 pts 
Rajon Rondo 8 pts  & 10 assists 
Ray Allen  11 pts 


3rd Quarter


11:15 -  2nd foul on Lebron. 


Similar to the first half, Mario Chalmers, was the first Heat player to score. However, the Celtics have outscored 4 points and have increased the halftime lead to 16.  Dwyane Wade simply can't score, it might be due to the Celtics defense, but he can't get anything to fall.  He's 2-12 from the field for 8 points.

After a hot shooting first half, the Celtics have only scored 4 points in the first 6 and a half minutes of the third. The Heat are getting into the paint and drawing fouls. They are currently on a 7-0 run.

4:45 -  Lebron James had another huge throw down!   Bad Celtics defense (and KG was on the bench)

Even though Boston remains on top, this game has turned into the Heat's favor. Rajon Rondo and Paul Pierce got called for their 4th foul and they both had to sit.  Meanwhile, Dwyane Wade has scored two field goals in the quarter (same amount he had in the entire first half)  and it's starting to look much better. An eighteen point Celtics lead has been cut to eight.

2:33 - Huge sequence, Keyon Dooling made his third three and Lebron James got called for an offensive foul (His 3rd)

After two straight baskets by Dwyane Wade, Celtics lead 73-68 after three.  Boston only scored 12 points in the quarter and lost it by 9.

4th Quarter


9:48 - Dwyane Wade picks up his fourth foul.

8:54 - The Heat have comeback from a thirteen point Celtic lead and now it's all tied 74.

After Garnett's tip in, the Celtics lead 81-78 with 6:24 remaining.

5:47 - Pierce draws an offensive foul on Lebron (His 4th)

5:32 - A double foul its called on KG and Lebron. Total game changer, Lebron has now 5 fouls.

3:07 - Rajon Rondo scores a basket and gives the Celtics a two point lead. Paul Pierce and Lebron James are playing with 5 fouls.


1:01  - Mario Chalmers beats Ray Allen off the drible, no one comes to help and his layup puts the Heat down 1 (87-86) with 


After Boston was up by three, Lebron James nailed a three pointer that tie the game, then draw an offensive foul on KG and passed the ball  (he was double teamed)  when he had a chance to win it for the Heat.

End of 4th -  89-89


Overtime


4:22 -  Pierce runs over Battier and fouls out of the game.

2:34 - Rondo flips it up and again, gives Celtics a one point lead.   Celtics 92, Heat 91.

1:51 -  Pietrus drawns an offensve foul on Lebron and he fouls out from the game.  Crazy game.  (This is the first time James has ever fouled out of a game in a Miami Heat uniform. )

Mickael Pietrus grabbed two offensive rebounds in a row, giving Boston a very long possession but they weren't able to convert anything.  Celtics played outstanding defense on Dwyane Wade and he passed the ball to a wide open Shane Battier, but he failed to hit the three for Miami.

With 21.4 seconds remaining in overtime, Rajon Rondo got fouled and he missed 1 out 2 free throws, the Celtics now lead 93-91 and Miami has the last shot of overtime.

Dwyane Wade missed a three at the buzzer and the Celtics survive and hang on to tie the series at 2-2.  Game 5 is on Tuesday.  Boston scored 4 points in ot, Heat just 2.    Final Score:  Celtics 93, Heat 91. 

Final Stats:

Heat
James 29 pts 
Wade  20 points,  7-22 FG 
Haslem 12 points & 17 boards 

Celtics
Kevin Garnett   17 & 14 boards 
Paul Pierce  23 Pts
Rajon Rondo  15 pts 
Ray Allen  16 pts 


Credit:  Getty Images 

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WCF Game 3 Spurs @ Thunder 6-01-12 Instant recap

1st Quarter


12:00 - OKC controlled the tip. Thabo Sefolosha started the game missing a three.


Kendrick Perkins has taken 3 out of the first 4 shots for OKC, hitting two.  Highly unusual to see him taking jumpers.  For the Spurs, Kawhi Leonard & Boris Diaw have scored a basket each along with Duncan.

Kawhi Leonard made a three and already looks more confident than in game 3.

6:47  -  Thunder are 2-8, Spurs are 6-9.  Everyone's getting into the action for San Antonio, Thunder are depending on Kendrick Perkins to score, while Durant and Westborook are a combined 0-3.  Spurs lead  13-5.  Danny Green already looks very much prepared and focus than in the previous game.


Both teams are firing on all cylinders, Westbrook made a very tough three with the shot clock winding down, Boris Diaw passed the ball to Danny Green for a layup & Duncan banked a shot over Perkins.

3:32  Westbrook found Perkins on the break for a slam, Spurs lead is down to three.    Spurs have taken 1 free throw, while OKC has taken 6. 


2:00 - Thunder are currently on a 8-0 run, Kendrick Perkins still scoring more than he's ever been (In this series)  Spurs can't get anything to go down.

.55 - In a wild sequence,  Manu Ginobili made a three and got fouled by Russell Westbrook.    He completed the rare four point play.


Spurs and OKC finish the quarter all tied at 26 


 -  Kendrick Perkins has 9 points and 6 rebounds 
 - Nick Collison has scored 4 points, 2-2 FG.  He's been ready to catch the ball and dunking. 
 - OKC has stopped the Ginobili - Splitter pick & roll completely 


2nd Quarter


11:40 - Ginobili started the quarter with a runner.

Tiago Splitter in just 2 minutes has played awful, he missed two free throws, didn't guard Ibaka when he attempted a jump shot & failed to catch the ball on the next possession.

8:40 - Sefolosha hammers it down and OKC has a 5 point lead.  OKC's role players are playing phenomenal, they have the lead despite Durant being 0-2 (4-4 FT's)  and Russell only has a three pointer.  Thunder have gotten 27 points between Perkins, Sefolosha, Ibaka and Collison.

With 5:39 remaining, the Thunder have taken a seven point lead by playing outstanding defense, not letting the Spurs get anything easy, everything it's been a struggle for them  The Thunder offense has been simple basketball, their best players are just getting into the paint with no problem, drawing Spurs defenders and then letting their big guys get easy layups and dunks.

3:23 -  Serge Ibaka hits another jump shot, he's 6-6 from the field.  Between him and Perkins, OKC has gotten 23 points.   Harden, Durant and Westbrook only have 12 points between them.

Halftime:  Thunder 55, Spurs 43.  OKC outscored San Antonio 29-17 in the period.




3rd Quarter




Spurs hace but the lead to 8, Boris Diaw has come out strong from the locker room, driving past a thunder defender to the hoop and also draining a three.

6:13 - Scott Brooks called a timeout, the Thunder have a 10 point lead mostly because San Antonio cant' get to the lane and everything has been so hard for them just to have a basket.  Ibaka's been leading the way for OKC with 18 points.

2:05 - Stephen Jackson's triple brings the OKC lead to 7.. The game has been controlled by OKC from beginning to end,  the Spurs are lucky to being down single digits.

The Spurs have played different since Dejuan Blair entered the game, he's been the spark the Spurs needed.  He only scored a field goal, drew a charge and grabbed a rebound, but it's been more than that.

Spurs on a 18-5 run the last 4:25 minutes.

Spurs have comeback from a 15 point deficit and trail OKC, 75-71 at the end of three.


4th Quarter


OKC started the quarter with who else, Serge Ibaka, making a shot. he's 10-10 FG, 24 points.


6:53 - Timmy Duncan made a decisive move to the basket and hit a shot over Perkins, Spurs is only down by 4.

The Spurs have cut the lead to 4 multiple times, but every time they do Kevin Durant answered back, he's now hit three field goals in the quarter.

2:48 -  Durant has scored the last 13 Thunder points, giving them a 99-90 lead.

Final Score:  Thunder 110 - Spurs 103    Series is tied 2-2. game 5 is on Monday.

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WCF Game 3 reaction and other questions with Michael De Leon.

     After the Thunder 102-82 win against the Spurs, Michael De Leon,  founder of  ProjectSpurs, talked with me about dealing with a loss and some adjustments made by the Thunder.   

Q: What was the biggest adjustment OKC made in game 3? 


 The biggest adjustment was the one I expected Scott Brooks to make since Game 1. I thought he would start the series with Sefolosha on Parker since Parker's had some really good games with Westbrook defending him. Brooks just made great adjustments, especially defensively. The Thunder forced the Spurs out of their comfort zones, stopped Parker's penetration, closed out on three point shooters and left Tim Duncan looking very uncomfortable. They took the big three out of the game, which won't happen again in this series.

Q: How'd you think Pop will counter it? 

 Obviously Pop will make some adjustments to try to get things back in their favor, but this is also a veteran team that knows they have to play much better. They really need to match the energy and intensity by the Thunder first and foremost. On the Spurscast recently, I said Tim Duncan had to be big in Game 3 if they played small ball and he wasn't. He struggles and when he was given the ball around the key, he looked hesitant and uncomfortable. I would also really prefer that they play Durant one on one and stay home on some of the three-point shooters. I was sick of watching Spurs defenders run at wide open three-point shooters. Rebounding also has to improve. If the Spurs let the big two of Durant and Westbrook get theirs and try to limit all of the big three from going off, that'll help quite a bit.

Q: First loss since April 11, how did it felt?  

 It was terrible. I've covered just about every Spurs home game this season and really enjoyed the run they've been on, but I didn't really recognize the team on the floor in Game 3. They didn't show the same veteran poise they had through 20 games and their touted offense and depth was nowhere to be found. This is a very resilient team, though. They've come back from big losses and from being behind in the playoffs several times to win games.

Q: OKC was expected to win on Thursday since being down 0-3 it's basically the kiss of death in the NBA playoffs, when exactly do you start worrying?

 If OKC wins tonight, I definitely start worrying. That basically makes it a series of three games with the momentum on OKC's side

Q: If the Spurs win game 4, i have no doubt they will also take game 5 and wait for the finals, do you feel the same way? 

 That's definitely possible. I've predicted Spurs in six all along and I'm sticking with that. The Thunder are such a great team that it's hard for me not to give them another win, especially since they executed to perfection in Game 3.

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ECF Game 3 Heat @ Celtics 6-1-12 Instant Recap

1st Quarter


Guess  Rajon Rondo isn't tired from his 44 points in game 2, he went to the line and scored Boston first 2 points and Lebron James got his first foul  less than 2 minutes of play.  The Heat are pushing the ball at every chance they get, answering every Celtic basket.

8:11  -  Brandon Bass picked up his 2nd personal foul.

After the first six furious minutes, The Celtics have a one point lead (17-16)  Kevin Garnett has scored 6 points, Pierce and Rondo have 4 apiece & 3 for Ray Allen. For Miami, Mario Chalmers is 2-4 FG for 5 points & 6 for James. 


5:35 - Funny moment, The Celtics were in a huddle (in a free throw situation) and Mario Chalmers went and listened to it. 


Lebron James has scored 16 out of the first 28 Heat points, shooting 7-9 FG.  All of that despite being 1-4 from the free throw line. Paul Pierce is trying his best to keep the Celtics afloat, he has 8 points, 4-8 FG.

The Celtics ended the quarter on a 8-0 run (last 2 minutes and 15 seconds) and took a 30-28 lead.  Marquis Daniels (2 pts) and Keyon Dooling (5 pts) were some unexpected help in scoring.  The Celtics shot 60% from the field & the Heat shot 61%.


2nd Quarter


Kevin Garnett started the quarter with a layup, after some missed shots by both teams. Celtics are doing a good job at throwing the ball high at the basket to Garnett to catch.  Heat haven't scored a point yet.

9:08  -  Garnett got fouled by Haslem under the basket and did a set of  push ups before standing up.

The Heat have missed 9 straight shots and haven't scored in 7 minutes, Marquis Daniels and Keyon Dooling have implemented a lot of ball pressure and their impact has been a huge factor.  Rondo found Garnett twice and gave Celtics  their biggest lead of the game  37-28,  Garnett has 12 points and Rondo 5 assists. 


The Celtics bench have outscored the Heat, 12-4.

Lebron James is 1-6 FG after starting 7-9, and the Celtics are taking advantage.  Rajon Rondo drove to the hoop and found Pierce for a three and Boston now leads 46-34, they are currently on a 24-6 run.

1:53  -  Paul Pierce draws Lebron James 2nd foul.

43.5 -  Paul Pierce again  did a shot fake nd James bumped him. James now has 3 fouls and goes to the bench


At halftime, Boston leads Miami  55-42 

Halftime Stats


Heat
James 20 points  (16 in 1st q)
Wade 6 points
Chalmers 7 points


Celtics
Kevin Garnett 12 pts 
Paul Pierce  15 pts 
Rajon Rondo 6 pts 
Ray Allen 6 pts 


Notes:


Wade has 6 points, 4 of them came in transition. 
Boston outscored the Heat 25-14 in the 2nd Q. 
Celtics were 16-25 n the paint and 4-10 from three. 


3rd Quarter


Kevin Garnett hit a layup for the first basket of the quarter, but Brandon Bass picked up two more fouls and now has 5 in only 13 minutes played.

8:14 - Pierce's and one gives Celtics an 18 point lead. biggest of the night.  No one from the Heat is playing well outside of Lebron James.

Lebron James is taking the whole Celtics team by itself, he's hitting every single jumper, but Celtics are doing the same. Rondo, Allen and Marquis Daniels are hitting everything.

2:42 - Celtics 76, Heat 57.

Marquis Daniels has been the best player off the bench from either team, he has scored 9 points (4-4 FG) and 4 rebounds.

Pierce's nails a three before the quarter ends giving Boston a 85-63 lead after 36 minutes.  The Celtics scored 30 points in the third.



4th Quarter


Ray Allen started the quarter with one handed dunk and Erik Spoelstra had a lineup that included Lebron James playing the center position.  Chalmers/Wade/James/Miller/Battier , clearly an act of desperation.


This small lineup has been very effective,  they are quicker and Celtics don't know how to respond, Miami is on an 11-0 run & the lead is down to 12. Mike Miller has made two triples and has been huge for the Heat.

5:28  - KG dunks and gives Celtics an 11 point lead.  Miami is winning the 4th, 19-8

Back two back baskets by Mario Chalmers has the Boston lead down to 8,  Mario and Miller have 16 points combined. This has been surprising since the  Celtics had a 24 point lead with 11 minutes left.

1:39  Dwyane Wade took a bad shot, didn't run back on offense, allowing Rajon Rondo to take the rebound and take the ball coast to coast for a layup.  Rajon gave the Celtics a 10 point lead.


Final Score:    Celtics 101, Heat 91.  Game 4 is on Sunday




Final Stats:

Heat
James 34 points, 16-26 FG & 8 Rebounds. 
Wade  18 points,  9-20 FG 
Chalmers 14 points,  5-11 FG


Celtics
Kevin Garnett  24 points, 10-16 FG & 11 Rebounds. 
Paul Pierce 23 points,  7-21 FG 
Rajon Rondo  21 Points, 9-16 FG 
Ray Allen 10 Points, 4-8 FG 


Credit:  Jose3030 &  Getty Images 

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Hi, I'm new here! My name is Katee and I am a Grizzaholic.

I am coming clean. It's beyond a hobby at this point. It's an addiction. Don't worry, I am not the 'hide in OJ Mayo's bushes with binoculars' type. When I say I am addicted, I mean I am addicted to the "Greatest Show On Earth" as Tony Allen calls it. (Sorry Ringling Brothers, you've been replaced.) It really is a good way to describe it because we are a bit of a circus here in Memphis. I don't mean that in a negative way at all. I love Memphis. I L-O-V-E Memphis with all of my heart. *blurry flashback wave into the past* In 2001, I was 16 years old and the idea of Memphis having an NBA team was beyond exciting for me and my teenage obsession with Shane Battier. I remember being so excited when a friend said they saw Battier at Banana Republic in Memphis. I saw Pau Gasol at Wal-mart before I even knew he was. I was behind him in line and he was not speaking English with his lady friend. The fact that he was towering over everyone was my best guess that he would play for the Grizzlies. (Little did I know I would go on to hate that man, but that's another post.) I had no idea who the Vancouver Grizzlies were but the Memphis Grizzlies sounded very promising. Anyone who knows the slightest about the NBA knows that the Grizzlies have not been a powerhouse franchise by any stretch of the imagination. I was fortunate enough to grow up in the Michael Jordan era and I loved him and the Chicago Bulls. I have loved basketball since I was on my first Girls Club team at the age of 5. However, I have to admit that the Memphis Grizzlies actually turned me off to the NBA. I had already started following NCAA basketball on a much more dedicated level. I would attend Memphis Tiger games and glance at the small tv when the Grizzlies were playing and 9 times out of 10, they were losing. From 2002-2010 I was a definitely a fan but not in any sort of dedicated fashion. Call me a bandwagon fan if you want but I don't see myself that way. Some devastating things were happening in 2011 to my mother's health and the playoffs were a breath of fresh air. I was also at the place to be able to afford my own tickets and now I can proudly say I am a season ticket holder. I have since studied the Grizzlies and NBA history and I can't get enough. I can genuinely say that no matter the road ahead, I will be a Memphis Grizzlies season ticket holder, come rain or shine if I am able to afford it. Anyone that tells you watching those 20 win seasons was exciting is lying to you. It was not. It was extremely depressing and I can't count the number of times I've worried they would move the team. Despite all the losses and mediocrity through the years, the Grizzlies have done wonders for the city of Memphis. I am 27 years old now and can see the positive affects a team can have on a city. I see a bright future for this team. We are finally getting the records the dedicated fans deserve. The Memphis Grizzlies are not a media favorite by any means but they are loved by so many people in Memphis. The unfortunate closing of my local bakery resulted in my non-stop Grizz obsession and I don't see it ending. I firmly believe if you come to a Grizz game or know a dedicated fan, you will have no choice but to jump on the wagon. I don't judge what they call a "bandwagon Grizz fan" because I dream of a day when Fed-Ex Forum is packed for every game. Whether you have loved the team since the first game in 2001 or you will be attending your first game next season, I welcome you! There are not many things that bring people together in a city. Sports are something that can bring people across political, religious or racial lines TOGETHER. Sure, we can look at the fact that the NBA exists to make money, but for the fans, it's so much more. I meet people on Twitter every day who have a story of how the Grizzlies gave them hope. Whether it's someone with a devastating illness, or just a kid with big dreams, the Memphis Grizzlies have been a light in a dark world. The wonderful distraction in life I choose to indulge in is the Memphis Grizzlies and the NBA. I don't know about you but I need distractions from the "real" world. I have met friends, bonded with family and have incredible memories because of basketball and the Grizzlies. I know I am not that different from any of you and your favorite team. I may trash talk your team and I may joke about your players but I really do understand where the love comes from. Call me shallow for putting so much of my time into basketball but I will always see myself as an optimistic girl. From my teenage crush on Shane Battier to my current love of Tony Allen, it has all been a certain type of therapy for me. Is there more to life than basketball? Absolutely. Is there more to life than joy, wherever it may come from? Sure, but it's the joy that gets you through the hard times. My heart belongs to God, my husband, my family, my friends and my dog, Charlie. My wonderful distraction belongs to the Memphis Grizzlies. Until you feel the love of a sport, I honestly don't feel you can fully understand it. Your heart races, you jump up and down, you even tear up or cry after certain games. (Don't deny it, you do.) I think God may have created the "sports bug" on the 8th day to inspire and distract from the trials he knew were ahead. If God blessed you with that bug, give him a prayer of thanks. I know I do. 


Love never fails; Character never quits; and with patience and persistence; Dreams do come true. - "Pistol" Pete Maravich 

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