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Bernucca: Despite split, Spurs may be in trouble

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By Chris Bernucca
June 10, 2013 at 3:00 PM

The San Antonio Spurs might be in trouble.

On the surface, things appear to be OK. The Spurs have executed their defensive game plan, which is to turn LeBron James into a passer. They have prevented the Miami Heat from turning either game into an extended relay race. And most important, they secured a split of the first two games as the road team, which is practically mandatory in the 2-3-2 format of the NBA Finals.

Beneath the surface, however, the Spurs are one spectacular clutch shot from being in an 0-2 hole and facing the specter of a must-win Game 3. And unless they want to be facing a must-win Game 4, the Spurs have to find quick fixes for a number of issues.

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Filed Under: Baseball, Columns, NBA, NBA Finals Tagged With: Andre Iguodala, Cal Bowdler, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Danilo Gallinari, Denver Nuggets., Dwyane Wade, Erik Spoelstra, George Karl, Gregg Popovich, James Jones, Jeff Van Gundy, Joel Anthony, LeBron James, Manu Ginobili, Masai Ujiri, Miami Heat, Mike Miller, NBA, NBA Finals, Paul George, Ray Allen, San Antonio Spurs, Stan Van Gundy, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, trillion

Bernucca: Small Market Dilemma is the NBA’s Big Lie

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By Chris Bernucca
May 20, 2013 at 2:00 PM

This summer, when your favorite team’s owner or GM tells you a certain player is financially out of reach, here’s how you know he is lying.

His lips are moving.

NBA business is booming, folks. And not just for the so-called big markets. Take a quick look at the conference finals, which feature four teams from middle to small markets collecting millions for every home playoff game.

Take a look at the Sacramento Kings, who were just sold for a record $525 million even though they haven’t been in the playoffs in seven years and play in an outdated arena in a small market.

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Filed Under: Bernucca, Columns Tagged With: Amnesty provision, CBA, Clay Bennett, Eastern Conference, Gregg Popovich, Harrison Barnes, Indiana Pacers, Jason Kidd, Kendrick Perkins, Keyon Dooling, Klay Thompson, Luxury Tax, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Nate Robinson, NBA, Oklahoma City Thunder, playoffs, Richard Hamilton, Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje, Sacramento Kings, salary cap, Sam Presti, San Antonio Spurs, Stephen Curry, Tim Duncan, Tom Thibodeau, trillion, Tyler Hansbrough, Western Conference, Zach Randolph

Bernucca: The Envelope, Please

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By Chris Bernucca
April 15, 2013 at 12:57 PM

The 1,230-game NBA regular season ends Wednesday. The following morning, editor-in-chief Chris Sheridan will submit his ballot for the season-ending awards.

I don’t have a vote but I am hoping to influence his thought process with my choices, which are below.

If not, I am hoping I will make him laugh with my snotty remarks.

Let’s get to it.

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Filed Under: Bernucca, Columns Tagged With: awards, Coach of the Year, Damian Lillard, Daryl Morey, Defensive Player of the Year, Erik Spoelstra, Executive of the Year, J.R. Smith, LeBron James, Most Improved Player, Most Valuable Player, NBA, Paul George, Rookie of the Year, Sixth Man Award, Tony Allen, trillion

Bernucca: What’s “laughable” about Lakers is D’Antoni

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By Chris Bernucca
March 24, 2013 at 1:15 PM

After Friday’s dispiriting home loss to the Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni could not take it any longer.

D’Antoni went on a wide-ranging rant against his team, targeting its lack of commitment and effort on both sides of the ball. He said the Lakers were “messing with the basketball gods” and called their championship aspirations “laughable.”

Although D’Antoni mentioned no one by name, very few wearing the forum blue and gold appeared exempt.

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Filed Under: Bernucca, Columns Tagged With: Alan Anderson, Anthony Tolliver, Billy Cunningham, Brandon Jennings, Brook Lopez, Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets., Dwight Howard, Evan Turner, George Karl, Gregg Popovich, Jacque Vaughn, Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers, Metta World Peace, Miami Heat, Mike D'Antoni, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Pau Gasol, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Sam Young, San Antonio Spurs, Steve Nash, Tim Duncan, trillion, Wilson Chandler

Bernucca: A very early look at free agency

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By Chris Bernucca
February 25, 2013 at 12:58 PM

When former AAU teammates Dwight Howard and Josh Smith were not traded Thursday, they made the offseason all the more interesting.

Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak held onto Howard and Hawks GM Danny Ferry was unsuccessful in trying to trade Smith. And there is no guarantee that either player is sticking around this summer, possibly leaving $30 million on the table for a fresh start elsewhere.

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Filed Under: Bernucca, Columns Tagged With: Al Jefferson, Andrew Bynum, Brandon Jennings, Brooklyn Nets, Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, free agency, James Harden, Jarrett Jack, John Wall, Josh Smith, Monta Ellis, NBA, Nikola Pekovic, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, Paul Millsap, Phoenix Suns, Robert Swift, Sacramento Kings, Thomas Robinson, trading deadline, trillion, Tyreke Evans

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