PHILOSOPHICAL QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“You wouldn’t worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do.”
-Eleanor Roosevelt
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NBA:
John ‘Hot Rod’ Williams dead at 53 after six-month cancer fight
An inside look at how NBA’s hardwood courts are made
NBA says refs missed foul call on Knicks’ last possession vs Kings
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/article49358280.html
Trades to consider at quarter-mark of season
Players who are quietly doing big things
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2597678-off-the-grid-nba-players-who-are-quietly-doing-big-things
Does veteran leadership actually help a rebuild?
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2597702-does-veteran-leadership-actually-help-an-nba-rebuild
These 5 teams are much improved – can it last?
http://www.sbnation.com/2015/12/11/9884864/nba-improved-timberwolves-hornets-heat-magic
Which superstar had the better career: Kobe Bryant or Tim Duncan?
Twilight of their careers different for Kobe, Duncan
Steve Nash to produce film about Pistol Pete Maravich
NBA’s Jeff Adrien – I’m no valet thief – let me explain
http://www.tmz.com/2015/12/11/jeff-adrien-valet-car-thief-let-me-explain/
FANTASY:
DraftKings, FanDuel granted emergency stay to continue in NY
Judge grants injunction, deals blow to DraftKings, FanDuel
Biggest issues for daily fantasy after New York ruling
76ERS:
76ers coach Brett Brown agrees to 2-year extension
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/sports/sixers/Report-Brown-agrees-to-two-year-extension.html
The Hinkie Chronicles’ latest chapter
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14344789/sam-hinkie-stands-as-philly-looks-jump-start-future
76ers blow another late lead
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20151211_Sixers_blow_another_fourth-quarter_lead.html
Sixers knock down sale rumor
BUCKS:
Bucks late surge falls short
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/bucks/bucks12-b99632486z1-361628471.html
Tyler Ennis a solid young Buck
http://www.torontosun.com/2015/12/11/bramptons-tyler-ennis-a-solid-young-buck
BULLS:
Bulls offense still starts and stops with Derrick Rose
Hoiberg stays upbeat during recent losing streak
Aaron Brooks gives Bulls a boost after shift in rotation
Despite rough patches to the season, Bulls players are still all in on Fred Hoiberg
CAVALIERS:
LeBron is a business, man
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14339246/nba-lebron-james-transitioning-businessman-business-man
LeBron’s colossal 2nd quarter fuels demolition of Magic
Iman Shumpert scores 14 in season debut as Cavs roll
http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400828221
CELTICS:
Warriors stay unbeaten, top Celtics in 2OT thriller
http://www.bostonherald.com/photos/warriors_stay_unbeaten_top_celtics_124_119_in_double_ot_thriller
Celtics push champs to the limit but can’t quite finish
http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/celtics-push-champs-limit-cant-quite-finish
How Boston’s D suffocates without a shot blocker
http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2015/12/11/9886020/boston-celtics-defense-elite-breakdown-analysis
CLIPPERS:
Playing freely could be a winning formula for the Clippers
http://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/la-sp-clippers-report-20151212-story.html
Following loss to Bulls, Clippers take on Nets Saturday
http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151211/following-loss-to-bulls-clippers-take-on-nets-saturday
The Clippers have a terrible bench and it’s Doc’s fault
http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2015/12/11/9891948/la-clippers-bench-doc-rivers-bad-gm
Clippers bench coming up short
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/nba-pm-clippers-revamped-bench-coming-up-short/
GRIZZLIES:
Grizzlies flat in home loss to Hornets
Blowout-prone Grizzlies need to punch back
HAWKS:
When Kyle Korver offers shooting tips, players listen
Hawks list Scott as questionable, Splitter as probable
HEAT:
Heat fizzle in second half, lose 9th in a row on Pacers home court
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article49372180.html
Justise Winslow more productive than several players drafted ahead of him
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article49326125.html
Preparation for spread offense is on-the-job training
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-miami-heat-chris-bosh-s121115-story.html
HORNETS:
Jeremy Lin led the bench as Hornets saving grace
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nba/charlotte-hornets/article49395460.html
Hornets knock off the Grizzlies in Memphis
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nba/charlotte-hornets/article49385760.html
Blazers moves shocked Batum
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/nba-pm-batum-thought-blazers-had-more-time/
JAZZ:
Derrick Favors hoping to crack All-Star roster
http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3297567-155/utah-jazz-notes-derrick-favors-hoping
Durant shines in the clutch, Thunder drop the Jazz 94-90
http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3297827-155/utah-jazz-durant-shines-in-the
Snyder in top form sizing up his coaching efficiency, rivalry game
KINGS:
Rondo suspended for dispute with ref
Kings prove they can be an above average defensive team
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/kings-blog/article49354185.html
KNICKS:
Porzingis is legitimizing a Knicks starting 5 swap
http://nypost.com/2015/12/12/kristaps-porzingis-is-legitimizing-a-knicks-starting-5-swap/
Porzingis nails the charm but aims for the consistency
Vlade Divac impressed with Porzingis, says Knicks rookie has it easier than he did
LAKERS:
Lakers lose 5th in a row, falling to the Spurs 109-87
http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-spurs-20151211-story.html
Popovich on Kobe: It will be a great personality gone
Clarkson talks Bryant, recalls first NBA start
Adam Silver says Kobe deserves to be in All-Star game
Nick Young’s guide to staying positive
https://sports.vice.com/en_us/article/swaggy-dnp-nick-youngs-guide-to-staying-positive
MAGIC:
Cavaliers dominate listless Magic
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-magic-cavs-game-1212-20151211-story.html
Magic faced with a new challenge – expectations
A Magic pattern emerges – Tobias Harris tends to take Orlando’s first shot
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-orlando-magic-news-1212-20151211-story.html
MAVERICKS:
Deron Williams dishes on Dallas, BBQ and playing basketball in a football state
What the Mavs could do to go from ‘fluffy little bunny rabbits’ to being beasts at home
Marcin Gortat’s return provides challenge for Zaza Pachulia
Mavericks determined to improve on home court
http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/article49357735.html
NETS:
In the midst of career year, Thaddeus Young making greatest strides on glass
Hollins: Quiet leadership can speak volumes
NUGGETS:
Arthur sits for Nuggets with soreness in knee
http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_29238838/darrell-arthur-sits-soreness-knee
Nuggets rally to win thriller over Wolves in OT
http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_29240194/nuggets-rally-win-thriller-over-timberwolves-overtime
PACERS:
George, Pacers finding success with new identity: flexi-ball
Pacers recover from slow start, beat Heat
PELICANS:
Pelicans escape with 107-105 win over Wizards
http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/12/new_orleans_pelicans_33.html#incart_river_index
Pelicans meet objective, play with desired effort vs Wizards to notch win
PISTONS:
Pistons beat 76ers as Marcus Morris a model of efficiency
RAPTORS:
Raptors can’t buck inconsistent trend, but still win
Q&A with Patrick Patterson
ROCKETS:
Ariza listed as questionable for Saturday
Rockets improving, still looking to put together consistent streak
Rockets won’t treat Kobe Bryant visit differently than the rest
SPURS:
After snub, Aldridge helps Spurs whip Lakers
SUNS:
Suns bog down in fourth quarter, fall to Blazers
Jon Leuer handles big role for Suns
THUNDER:
KD’s fourth-quarter scoring tear lifts Thunder
http://newsok.com/kevin-durants-fourth-quarter-scoring-tear-lifts-okc-past-jazz/article/5466407
Defense on the upswing for OKC
http://newsok.com/defense-on-the-upswing-for-okc/article/5466350
TIMBERWOLVES:
Wolves blow 18-point lead, lose to Nuggets in OT
http://www.startribune.com/wolves-blow-18-point-lead-lose-to-denver-in-overtime/361651811/
TRAIL BLAZERS:
Blazers ride CJ McCollum, strong fourth-quarter defense to win over Suns
WARRIORS:
Warriors need 2OT to push win streak to 28
http://www.sfgate.com/warriors/article/Warriors-need-double-OT-to-push-win-streak-to-28-6693127.php
How to stop Steph
NBA: Premature to consider if Walton could coach All-Stars
http://nba.nbcsports.com/2015/12/11/nba-premature-to-consider-if-walton-could-coach-all-stars/
On a planet of his own, Curry is light years ahead of his peers
Top stats to know as Warriors go for 28 straight
http://espn.go.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/112393/top-stats-to-know-warriors-go-for-28-straight
Klay Thompson misses game vs Celtics
http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/12/12/cnotes/BY5eMt6DlQEJGSWCkYjj1K/story.html
Bench Warriors
Q&A with Andrew Bogut
WIZARDS:
Wizards fall to Pelicans as John Wall has 26 and Beal sits
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 Web site, www.peternewmann.com.