The 2012 NBA All-Star Reserves to be Announced Exclusively

on TNT NBA Thursday at 7 p.m. (ET)

Exclusive doubleheader to follow featuring Los Angeles Lakers @ Boston Celtics (8 p.m. ET) followed by Oklahoma City Thunder @ Sacramento Kings (10:30 p.m. ET)

TNT will have the exclusive announcement of the 2012 NBA All-Star reserves on February 9 during a special one hour edition of NBA Tip-Off presented by AutoTrader.com beginning at 7 p.m. (ET). Ernie Johnson (host), Charles Barkley (analyst), Kenny Smith (analyst) and Shaquille O’Neal (analyst) will make the announcement. TNT’s exclusive coverage of the 2012 All-Star Game from Orlando will air on Sun., February 26 at 7:30 p.m. (ET).  

Following the pre-game show, TNT will present a doubleheader featuring Kobe Bryant and the Los Angles Lakers visiting Paul Pierce and the Boston Celtics at 8 p.m. (ET). Marv Albert (play-by-play) will call the game alongside Steve Kerr (analyst) and Mike Fratello (analyst) with Craig Sager (reporter). In the second game of the night, Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder will host Tyreke Evans and the Sacramento Kings at 10:30 p.m. (ET). Former Kings’ All-Star Chris Webber (analyst) will return to Sacramento and will be courtside along with Kevin Harlan (play-by-play) and Reggie Miller (analyst) with Cheryl Miller (reporter). TNT’s Emmy® Award-winning studio show, Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai will recap the night’s action following the conclusion of the second game with Johnson (host), Barkley, O’Neal and Smith (analysts).

Through 17 games of TNT’s 2011-12 NBA regular-season schedule, the network continues to deliver double-digit gains vs. last year’s corresponding coverage. The NBA on TNT is averaging a 1.8 U.S. rating (+29%), 2,839,000 total viewers (+36%) and 2,116,000 households (+34%) over last year’s corresponding coverage.  

Exclusive content, analysis from TNT announcers and replays of Inside the NBA are available on NBA.com (http://www.nba.com/insidethenba/).  The broadband channel gives fans the inside scoop on players, coaches and storylines taking place around the league seven days a week.   Check out the NBA on TNT pages on Twitter (http://twitter.com/NBAonTNT) and Facebook  (www.facebook.com/nbaontnt) to see the latest NBA on TNT schedule, news updates and special features from TNT announcers.

NBA ON TNT NBA SCHEDULE:

NBA ON TNT UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

Source: Nielsen Media Research. Based on Live+SD. NBA Regular Season on TNT STD; 17 games vs. 14 games. (12/25/2011-2/2/2012) vs. (12/30/2010-2/3/2011)

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Notes from TNT’s Coverage of the NBA – Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012

TNT’s NBA coverage continues Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012 at 8 p.m. ET with the TNT NBA Tip-off presented by AutoTrader.com with Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith

Following the pre-game show, TNT’s doubleheader will feature the L.A. Lakers @ Boston Celtics (8 p.m. ET) followed by the Oklahoma City Thunder @ Sacramento Kings (10:30 p.m. ET)

***CLIP OF THE NIGHT***
(Please click the link below to view)

Charles Barkley sends a personal message to LeBron James about his hairline

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Game 1: Chicago Bulls (105) @ New York Knicks (102)

Announcers: Kevin Harlan (play-by-play), Reggie Miller (analyst) and Craig Sager (reporter)

Miller comments on New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony playing the point-guard position with Baron Davis out: “He can score any time he wants on the floor and I like it. He is going to command double-teams and he’s a willing passer. He gets other guys involved which will make scoring for him easier.”

Miller comments on Knicks guard Baron Davis returning to play: “It will be interesting to see what Baron Davis does once he comes back.”

Miller comments on Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony’s scoring ability: “He’s one of the top scorers in the league. He can get points in bunches.”
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Halftime
Johnson, O’Neal, Smith and Barkley

Webber comments on the Chicago Bulls Derrick Rose: “The best player on the team [Rose] is either scoring or trying to get others involved. When you have a guy that’s going to score or get you involved, the team plays better.”

Webber comments on the Knicks offense and what they need to do in the second half: “They need to attack the basket and help [Amar’e] Stoudemire with the pick and rolls because that’s the best way he scores.”

Barkley on what the Knicks offense needs: “They [Knicks] need a point guard because if they don’t play faster, they’ve got no chance.”

O’Neal on what the Knicks need to do to create a better offense: “Carmelo [Anthony] needs to look for Amar’e [Stoudemire] first. If he does that, he can get into the offense better. If he’s [Anthony] just taking crazy shots and everyone is out of rhythm, it’s not going to work.”

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Miller describing Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose’s penetrating “floater” shot: “It’s more like a running push shot.”

Miller comments on Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau and his use of the Bulls’ bench: “Coach Tom Thibodeau has a lot of confidence in his rookie out of Marquette Jimmy Butler…guarding Carmelo Anthony in crunch time. Chicago is going to be there at the finish line is because Thibodeau is developing his bench.”

TNT’s Craig Sager interviews Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose following the Bulls win

Rose comments on the win: “We lost to a great team [Philadelphia 76ers] yesterday and we just tried to redeem ourselves tonight.”

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Game 2: Denver Nuggets (112) @ L.A. Clippers (91)

Announcers: Marv Albert (play-by-play), Steve Kerr (analyst) and David Aldridge (reporter)

Kerr comments on the Denver Nuggets offense without Carmelo Anthony who was traded last season to the N.Y. Knicks from the Nuggets: “They share the ball [now]…they’ve got shooters all over the floor.”

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Halftime
Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal, Smith and Webber

O’Neal comments on Clippers Blake Griffin’s development: “For a third year player he’s doing fine. He probably needs three definite post moves. Him stepping out shooting the jumper, I don’t agree with that. You can dominate by just dunking and shooting high percentage shots in the post. The closer you are to the basket, the better your percentage is.”

Webber comments on Clippers Blake Griffin: “Griffin has a great game, but if you’re really honest, in the post he cannot get his own shot. In the post he cannot get his own shot without a spin move.”

Smith comments on the Denver Nuggets transition game: “They [Denver] are the best, the best from defense to offense.”

Barkley comments on Denver: “They [the Nuggets] are two deep in every position.”

Barkley comments on the best teams in the West this season: “OKC [Oklahoma City], Portland and Denver are the three best teams I’ve seen in the West.”

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Kerr comments on the Denver Nuggets play in the 2011-12 season: “Denver is a fun team to watch. This is a club that shares the ball, they push it in transition. It’s going to be really interesting to see if they’re a real force in the West.”

TNT’s David Aldridge interviewed Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari following his 21 pt. effort in the Nuggets’ victory.

Gallinari: “I have to be aggressive. We have a lot of energy especially on defense. It’s tough to catch us.”

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Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai

Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith

Webber on the Denver Nuggets pace of play on the court: “In the playoffs when you slow the ball down you have an advantage, but Denver is never going to slow down whether it’s the playoffs or regular season. When the bench comes in with their speed, it’s hard to control them.”

Barkley on the Denver Nuggets style of play: “The Denver Nuggets might be the deepest team in the NBA. They have a style. They are two deep at every position and they are going to try and run you out of the building.”

Smith’s assessment of the Clippers at this point in the season: “We understand what they can do with the fast break. We understand what they can do with the lobs. When they are smacked in the mouth back, they haven’t responded all the time. That’s the question as to what you can do when teams like Denver smack you back in the mouth. They [Clippers] can’t go to the bench to get scoring in the low post and they can’t go to the bench to get anything other than guard play.”

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Notes from TNT’s NBA Tip-off presented by AutoTrader.com – Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012

The 2012 NBA All-Star starters were announced exclusively on TNT

TNT NBA Tip-off presented by AutoTrader.com

Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith and Chris Webber

Eastern Conference All-Star starters:           

Derrick Rose                Chicago Bulls              Guard

Dwyane Wade             Miami Heat                  Guard

LeBron James              Miami Heat                  Forward

Carmelo Anthony        New York Knicks        Forward

Dwight Howard                       Orlando Magic             Center

Craig Sager interviewing Chicago Bulls guard and All-Star Derrick Rose on his selection as a starter on the East All-Star team

Rose: “It means a lot knowing that hard work pays off.”

Barkley comments on the selection of N.Y. Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony: “Carmelo Anthony doesn’t deserve to be starting for the East. Chris Bosh has played very, very well all season.”

Smith comments on Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh deserving to be a starter instead of N.Y. Knicks Carmelo Anthony: “Chris Bosh has solidified himself as a staple in the All-Star Game this year.”

Webber comments on Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh: “Bosh should definitely be in there too [as a starter].”

Barkley comments on the Philadelphia 76ers on the All-Star East team: “Philadelphia deserves two guys. I just couldn’t decide between Jrue Holiday and Lou Williams.”

Webber comments on the Philadelphia 76ers on the All-Star East team: “You can’t go wrong with either of them [Jrue Holiday and Lou Williams].

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Western Conference All-Star starters:

Kobe Bryant                Los Angeles Lakers                 Guard

Chris Paul                    Los Angeles Clippers               Guard

Kevin Durant               Oklahoma City Thunder          Forward

Blake Griffin               Los Angeles Clippers               Forward

Andrew Bynum           Los Angeles Lakers                 Center

David Aldridge interviewing L.A. Clippers forward and All-Star Blake Griffin on his selection as a starter on the West All-Star team

Griffin: “It’s an honor to be on the list.”

O’Neal comments on L.A. Clippers Blake Griffin dunk on Monday night over OKC’s Kendrick Perkins: “He [Griffin] is the new Superman. Blake Griffin can have my cape. That dunk is Top 5 in the history of dunks.”

Barkley comments on the Denver Nuggets: “Denver deserves two All-Stars.”

Smith comments on the Denver Nuggets: “Denver deserves two All-Stars…I go with Nene and Ty Lawson.”

Smith comments on L.A. Lakers forward Pau Gasol’s statistics as a possible All-Star: “The problem is that he’s competing with what he’s done in the past. He hasn’t had the same impact on the game that he’s had in the past.”

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Projected Eastern Conference Reserves

Barkley

Chris Bosh                   Miami Heat                  Forward

Deron Williams            New Jersey Nets          Guard

Joe Johnson                 Atlanta Hawks             Guard

Josh Smith                   Atlanta Hawks             Forward

Andre Iguodala            Philadelphia 76ers       Forward

Danny Granger            Indiana Pacers             Forward

Darren Collison           Indiana Pacers             Guard

O’Neal

Joe Johnson                 Atlanta Hawks             Guard

Josh Smith                   Atlanta Hawks             Forward

Roy Hibbert                 Indiana Pacers             Center

Andre Iguodala            Philadelphia 76ers       Forward

Chris Bosh                   Miami Heat                  Forward

Amar’e Stoudemire      New York Knicks        Forward

Rajon Rondo               Boston Celtics              Guard

Smith

Joe Johnson                 Atlanta Hawks             Guard

Josh Smith                   Atlanta Hawks             Forward

Roy Hibbert                 Indiana Pacers             Center

Chris Bosh                   Miami Heat                  Forward

Danny Granger            Indiana Pacers             Forward

Carlos Boozer              Chicago Bulls              Forward

Louis Williams             Philadelphia 76ers       Guard

Webber

Joe Johnson                 Atlanta Hawks             Guard

Josh Smith                   Atlanta Hawks             Forward

Roy Hibbert                 Indiana Pacers             Center

Chris Bosh                   Miami Heat                  Forward

Andre Iguodala            Philadelphia 76ers       Forward

Jrue Holiday                Philadelphia 76ers       Guard

Ray Allen                    Boston Celtics              Guard

EJ

Rajon Rondo               Boston Celtics              Guard

Joe Johnson                 Atlanta Hawks             Guard

Chris Bosh                   Miami Heat                  Forward

Luol Deng                    Chicago Bulls              Forward

Roy Hibbert                 Indiana Pacers             Center

Josh Smith                   Atlanta Hawks             Forward

Andre Iguodala            Philadelphia 76ers       Forward

Projected Western Conference Reserves

Barkley

Kevin Love                  Minnesota Timberwolves         Forward

LaMarcus Aldridge      Portland Trail Blazers              Forward

Rudy Gay                    Memphis Grizzlies                   Forward

Russell Westbrook       Oklahoma City Thunder          Guard

Marc Gasol                  Memphis Grizzlies                   Center

Nené                            Denver Nuggets                       Center

Al Harrington               Denver Nuggets                       Forward

O’Neal

Kevin Love                  Minnesota Timberwolves         Forward

LaMarcus Aldridge      Portland Trail Blazers              Forward

Rudy Gay                    Memphis Grizzlies                   Forward

Mo Williams                Los Angeles Clippers               Guard

DeAndre Jordan          Los Angeles Clippers               Center

Tyreke Evans               Sacramento Kings                    Guard

Pau Gasol                    Los Angeles Lakers                 Forward

Smith

Dirk Nowitzki              Dallas Mavericks                     Forward

Kevin Love                  Minnesota Timberwolves         Forward

LaMarcus Aldridge      Portland Trail Blazers              Forward

Rudy Gay                    Memphis Grizzlies                   Forward

Russell Westbrook       Oklahoma City Thunder          Guard

Nené                            Denver Nuggets                       Center

Ty Lawson                   Denver Nuggets                       Guard

Webber

Kevin Love                  Minnesota Timberwolves         Forward

LaMarcus Aldridge      Portland Trail Blazers              Forward

Steve Nash                   Phoenix Suns                           Guard

Russell Westbrook       Oklahoma City Thunder          Guard

Marc Gasol                  Memphis Grizzlies                   Center

Nené                            Denver Nuggets                       Center

Danilo Gallinari           Denver Nuggets                       Forward

EJ

Russell Westbrook       Oklahoma City Thunder          Guard

Ty Lawson                   Denver Nuggets                       Guard

LaMarcus Aldridge      Portland Trail Blazers              Forward

Kevin Love                  Minnesota Timberwolves         Forward

Al Jefferson                 Utah Jazz                                 Center

Marc Gasol                  Memphis Grizzlies                   Center

Kyle Lowry                 Houston Rockets                     Guard

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Notes from NBA TV’s Fan Night presented by Sprint

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Denver Nuggets (97) @ Memphis Grizzlies (100)

Voting is open on NBA.com, NBA Facebook Page and Yahoo.com for next week’s Fan Night match-up that will air on Feb. 7

Fans can select between the following games:

Utah Jazz @ Indiana Pacers
Charlotte Bobcats @ Boston Celtics
Sacramento Kings @ Minnesota Timberwolves
Phoenix Suns @ Milwaukee Bucks
Oklahoma City Thunder @ Golden State Warriors

CLIP OF THE NIGHT

Fan Night crews discuss Marc Gasol and Pau Gasol and All-Star selection

CLIP OF THE NIGHT (Option #2)

Head Coach George Karl joins the Fan Night crew

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Fan Night presented by Sprint

Ernie Johnson, Chris Webber and Greg Anthony

Denver Nuggets head coach George Karl joins the Fan Night crew before the game

Coach Karl on the toughness of the Denver Nuggets after the Carmelo Anthony trade: “They stayed strong up until the point of the trade. There are a lot of guys that celebrated by playing good basketball and by coming together. Everyone bought into the team attitude and team idea. We are an explosive offensive team but our defense is the key to our success.”

Coach Karl on not having an All-Star player leading the team: “With a 32-13 record… if we continue at this pace, someone needs to get voted to the All-Star team. If we continue to win… I think someone will become an All-Star.”

Anthony on the Nuggets team dynamic: “I don’t know if they will get an All-Star but they have guys that have All-Star abilities. They are in the perfect system for their skill set. The way they share the basketball…You don’t have to have the five best players; you just have to have the five that play best together. Ultimately, the most important attribute you have in sports is confidence and they have it.”

Webber on the possibility of Grizzlies center Marc Gasol making the All-Star team over his brother Lakers forward Pau Gasol: “It is about opportunity. I don’t like comparing the two brothers but baby brother Gasol is taking advantage of the opportunity. He’s playing hard. He’s doing it right now.”

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NBA GameTime presented by Hyundai

Johnson, Webber and Anthony

Anthony on Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen and how the team plays together: “You play for your teammates, but when things aren’t going well as a player you try to self-will it. Try to help your team win by doing too much. O.J. Mayo trusted a guy -Tony Allen – who isn’t an offensive player per se, to make the play down the stretch. This game could be a season saver.”

EJ on Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen: “Tony Allen was voted by the GM’s (general managers) in the league in the annual survey as the ‘best perimeter defender in the league.’”

NBA TV To Celebrate Black History Month By Honoring Sports Legends and Pioneers

Segments showcasing Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Chuck Cooper, Wayne Embry, Earl Lloyd, Lynette Woodard and others to air during

NBA TV’s GameTime throughout February

In observance of Black History Month this February, NBA TV has produced “Barrier Breakers”, a series of video segments that will run daily throughout the month on the network’s signature program, GameTime. The first segment will highlight Bill Russell, the 12-time All-Star, Hall of Famer, first African American NBA coach, Civil Rights Activist and the 2011 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, the nation’s highest honor to a civilian, on February 1, during the 7 p.m. (ET) GameTime show.

The 24 different segments will pay tribute to the game’s most influential pioneers and sports legends who have paved the way for today’s basketball superstars. The segment will consist of live interviews, pre-produced vignettes and reflections on these pioneers who inspired others and continued to break barriers from NBA TV’s announcers and studio teams.

Some of the barrier breakers that will be highlighted throughout the month include:

· Wilt Chamberlain – 13-time All-Star and Hall of Famer who was the only player in the NBA to average 40 and 50 points per season and score 100 points in a single game.

· Chuck Cooper – The first African American player to be drafted to the NBA in 1950. He was one of three African American athletes to play in the NBA.

· Wayne Embry – Five-time All-Star and NBA Champion with the Boston Celtics. After his retirement, he became the first African American NBA general manager for the Milwaukee Bucks.

· Earl Lloyd – One of the first African American basketball players in the league and the first to play in an NBA game during the 1950-51 season.

· Lynette Woodard – Olympic gold medalist and the first female member of the Harlem Globetrotters.

NBA Digital is the NBA’s extensive cross-platform portfolio of digital assets jointly managed by the NBA and Turner Sports. This robust offering includes NBA TV, NBA.com, NBA LEAGUE PASS, NBA LEAGUE PASS Broadband, NBA Mobile, NBADleague.com and WNBA.com.

Turner Sports, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., presents some of the best and most popular sporting events worldwide and is a leader in televised and online sports programming. With events airing on TBS and TNT, Turner Sports’ line-up includes NASCAR and NASCAR.COM, the NBA, Major League Baseball, professional golf, PGATOUR.COM and PGA.com. Turner Sports and the NBA also jointly manage NBA Digital, which includes NBA TV, NBA.com, NBA League Pass, NBADLeague.com and WNBA.com

Notes from TNT’s Coverage of the NBA – Thursday, January 26, 2012

TNT’s NBA coverage continues Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012 at 7 p.m. ET with a special one-hour edition of TNT NBA Tip-off presented by AutoTrader.com. Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith will have the exclusive announcement of the 2012 NBA All-Star starters.

Following the pre-game show, TNT’s doubleheader will feature the Chicago Bulls @ New York Knicks (8 p.m. ET) followed by the Denver Nuggets @ Los Angeles Clippers (10:30 p.m. ET)

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TNT NBA Tip-off presented by AutoTrader.com

Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard on Charles Barkley: “[Charles] has always had my back since day one and I appreciate it.”

Barkley on Magic center Dwight Howard and his impact: “Bill Russell is the greatest defensive center ever. Dwight Howard, I’m not going to put him in Bill Russell’s category. [But Howard] is a great defender and great rebounder.”

O’Neal on Dwight Howard and the nickname ‘Superman’: “The good thing about Dwight Howard is he listened and responded. The one thing you have to know about me is that I know what I’m doing.”

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Game 1: Boston Celtics (91) @ Orlando Magic (83)

Announcers: Marv Albert (play-by-play) and Mike Fratello (analyst) with Craig Sager (reporter)

Fratello on Orlando forward Glen “Big Baby” Davis: “When it comes to team defense, ‘Big Baby’ Davis is an important part.”

Fratello on potential Eastern Conference playoff matchups: “In the East there are two teams who are clearly a step above the rest – Chicago and Miami. After that, who can’t beat anybody else in the Eastern Conference? If one of those teams [Orlando or Boston] end up with the wrong matchup in the first round [of the playoffs], watch out.”

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Halftime

Johnson, O’Neal, Smith and Barkley

Smith on the Boston Celtics’ sloppy first-half play resulting in the Magic holding a 21-point lead: “It’s mental effort that makes the difference, not always shots and rebounds.”

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Magic center Dwight Howard on trade rumors: “I’m not going to get traded any time [soon], so just play.”

Fratello on the Celtics’ surge in the second half and the Magic’s demise due to poor shot selection at the end of the 24-second clock: “Those are the shots the Magic have wound up with in the fourth quarter.”

Fratello on the Celtics defensive pressure that helped them close a 27-point deficit and win tonight’s game against the Magic: “You normally don’t see, in a NBA game, pressure take a toll [on a team] the way the Celtics did in the first game of this week [Monday vs. the Clippers] and the second half of tonight’s game.”

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Game 2: Memphis Grizzlies (91) @ L.A. Clippers (98)

Announcers: Dick Stockton (play-by-play), Steve Kerr (analyst), Reggie Miller (analyst) with Cheryl Miller (reporter)

Reggie Miller on Memphis Grizzlies Marc Gasol as the second best center in the league: “(Gasol is) much more well-rounded than [Los Angeles Lakers’] Andrew Bynum or [Utah Jazz’s] Al Jefferson. He can rebound, blocks shots, he’s got great hands and he can score.”

Kerr on the throwback uniforms and the night’s retro theme: “I wish some of the guys would’ve busted out the mutton chops and afros for tonight’s game.”

Reggie Miller on the Los Angeles Clippers offensive identity this season: “Eventually, they will be a good half-court team because of CP3 [Chris Paul] and Chauncey Billups. They’ll be an excellent half-court team.”

Kerr on the popularity of the Clippers in Los Angeles: “It’s fun. Let’s face it, the Clippers…they’ve been, probably, the worst franchise in the history of this league. You can’t sugarcoat it – 33 seasons here in L.A. and three winning seasons. Finally, we’re seeing some hope; actually, more than hope. We’re seeing tremendous talent from a team that is on the rise.”

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Halftime

Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith

O’Neal on Grizzlies forward Rudy Gay: “He’s leading his team and playing very well. When big Zach [Randolph] comes back they’re going to be a dangerous team.”

Barkley on Grizzlies forwards Rudy Gay and Zach Randolph: “That’s a really nice combination those two guys. If they can get on the same page, Memphis is a legit contender in the West.”

Smith on the Celtics head coach Doc Rivers: “I would love to play for Doc Rivers because he’s the kind of coach who’s with you in the trenches.”

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Kerr on Clippers point guard Chris Paul’s ability to score at the end of a game: “Chris Paul is a world-class game closer.”

TNT’s Cheryl Miller interviewed Clippers point guard Chris Paul following the game.

Chris Paul on what it will take to get to the next level despite blowing a big first-half lead: “We gotta get better defensively.”

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Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai

Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith

Barkley on the Clippers weaknesses: “They aren’t the best team in their own building. Their half-court offense is not very good and I don’t like their bench as far as the ‘bigs’ go. There is such a drop-off [in size] after Blake [Griffin] and DeAndre [Jordan] come out of the game. They get really small.”

O’Neal on the Clippers: “They are a work in progress but they play with a lot of effort and energy. They can win a lot of games with that. Down the stretch, they will become a better half court team as they play more games. I think they are going to be fine.”

Barkley on the Dwight Howard trade rumors: “The Dwight Howard [trade rumors] are not going to go away because the trade deadline is looming [March 15]. [The Magic] are going to have to address that and answer that question every day.”

The TNT studio crew picked their biggest surprise of the season

O’Neal on Magic guard Ryan Anderson: “He’s a great role player and a very consistent shooter. He doesn’t try to do too much, he does what he does and gets the open shot. If I was a general manager, I would sign him up today.”

Smith on the Chicago Bulls: “They’ve had injuries to key players and through that time, they’ve had John Lucas, Jr. and Mike James holding the fort down. When you expect Rose, Noah and Boozer to lead the team, [head coach Tom] Thibodeau has done a great job to get them to say, ‘no excuses, we should still be the best team in the East’ and they are.”

Barkley on the Denver Nuggets and Grizzlies: “The Nuggets are one of the best teams in the West and the Grizzlies have played very well since losing Zach Randolph [to injury]. [Nuggets] head coach George Karl has proven that he is one of the best coaches in the league.”

The TNT studio crew picked their biggest disappointments of the season

Barkley on the level of play in the NBA: “I love basketball but we’ve got some bad basketball teams in the NBA.”

O’Neal on the Washington Wizards: “With all the ability and talent that [guard] John Wall has, he needs to do a better job leading the team. They make a lot of juvenile mistakes. [Forward] Andray Blatche is a good player but he needs to step up his game a little bit. I’m surprised and disappointed that they are the worst team in the league right now.”

Smith on the New York Knicks: “They made a big acquisition with [center] Tyson Chandler and now they have ‘stickum’ on the basketball. They have a lot of guys that hold the basketball. This is not a team I want to watch with [head coach Mike] D’Antoni and the way it’s constructed.”

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NBA Sunday Showcase

ESPN’s NBA Ratings Up 31 Percent

ABC’s NBA Sunday Showcase returns with a blockbuster matchup this weekend when the Miami Heat and LeBron James host the Chicago Bulls and Derrick Rose – in an Eastern Conference Finals rematch – at 3:30 p.m. ET.  ESPN’s lead commentator team – Mike Breen and analyst Jeff Van Gundy – will call the game with reporter Lisa Salters.  Kia NBA Countdown with Hall of Famer Magic Johnson and analysts Jon Barry, Michael Wilbon and Chris Broussard will preview the action at 3 p.m.  Additionally, ESPN Radio will broadcast the game with coverage beginning at 2:30 p.m. Hall of Famers Jim Durham and Dr. Jack Ramsay will describe the action.

Also, ESPN will televise a Sunday night contest when the defending champion Dallas Mavericks and Dirk Nowitzki host the San Antonio Spurs and Tim Duncan at 8 p.m.  Dan Shulman will call the game – also available via ESPN3, ESPN Mobile TV and the WatchESPN app – with analyst Doris Burke.

ESPN’s Van Gundy and Breen on Heat/Bulls game:

On whether this matchup is a preview of the 2012 Eastern Conference Final:

Van Gundy – “Without question.  I don’t see anybody beating the Heat in the early rounds.  Atlanta and Indiana, with their length and depth, could give Chicago a good run.  Right now, they have what it takes to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.  Even though last year’s matchup was decided in five games, I thought it was a close series.  Chicago is going to have to be a very driven team to overcome Miami’s talent.”

On the Heat as his championship pick:

Van Gundy – “They are the best team because of their talent and tenacity.  They can be a dominant team.  Mike Miller and Udonis Haslem are healthy, Shane Battier was a great pickup and Norris Cole has been a great backup at the point guard position.  They have good chemistry and a phenomenal talent base.  I think they are better than last year when Dallas beat them in The Finals.”

On the top storyline heading into Sunday:

Breen – “So far, they are clearly the top two teams in the East and both teams have a real shot at winning the championship.  It will be interesting to see how Chicago comes out after being eliminated by the Heat last season.  The Bulls know this is the team they will have to go through again this postseason.  It’s tough to get a barometer on the teams right now with so many players missing time and there is a long way to go between now and the playoffs.”

On Derrick Rose as the best point guard in the NBA:

Van Gundy – “He’s certainly one of the elite players in the league and he was deserving of the MVP award last year.  The point guard position is excellent.  Chris Paul and Deron Williams are excellent.  There are a lot of really good players.  Rose had a special season and he’s a special player.  Most importantly, it sounds like he’s a special teammate who cares most about team success.”

ESPN’s NBA Ratings Up 31 Percent

ESPN’s 14 NBA telecasts this season are averaging a 1.7 rating, an increase of 31 percent when compared with a 1.3 rating for 13 NBA games during the same time span (since Christmas) last year, according to Nielsen. The corresponding household impressions are up 26 percent (1,664,000 vs. 1,319,000) and average viewers are up 21 percent (2,149,000 vs. 1,780,000).

ESPN.com’s Heat/Bulls Coverage

This weekend’s content on ESPN.com, ESPNChicago.com and the Heat Index will include:

• a “Hot Button” feature on which team improved the most since last season;
• previews (including Sunday’s ESPN.com Daily Dime), photo galleries and columns leading up to the game;
• in-game updates;
• immediate reaction and postgame reports.
  

ESPN Classic: “The Heat is On”

Prior to the Heat’s matchups against the Knicks and Bulls this weekend, ESPN Classic will re-live some of the best games between the teams Friday, Jan. 27, including:

• 1992 NBA Playoffs, First Round, Game 3: Bulls vs. Heat (2-4 a.m.) – Michael Jordan nets 56 points in a 119-114 Bulls victory;
• 2000 NBA Playoffs, Semifinals, Game 3: Heat vs. Knicks (4-6 a.m.) – Anthony Carter hits a baseline runner with 2.2 seconds left as the Heat escape 77-76 in overtime;
• 1999 NBA Playoffs, First Round, Game 5: Knicks vs. Heat (8-10 a.m.) – Allan Houston scores the game-winning basket in a 78-77 Knicks win;
• 2000 NBA Playoffs, Semifinals, Game 7: Knicks vs. Heat (10 a.m.-12 p.m.) – the Knicks survive with a 83-82 win in a classic Game 7;
• 1997 NBA Playoffs, Semifinals, Game 5: Knicks vs. Heat (12-2 p.m.) – the Heat win 96-81 as a brawl occurs with 1:53 remaining in the game;
• 1998 NBA Playoffs, First Round, Game 4: Heat vs. Knicks (2-4 p.m.) – the Knicks edge the Heat 90-85;
• 2011 regular season: Knicks vs. Heat (4-6 p.m.) – Amare Stoudemire blocks LeBron James’ layup with seven seconds left to secure a 91-86 Knicks win;
• 2011 regular season: Bulls vs. Heat (6-8 p.m.) – the Bulls win the third straight regular season game against the Heat 87-86.

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Notes from NBA TV’s Fan Night presented by Sprint
Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Cleveland Cavaliers (85) @ Miami Heat (92)

Voting is open on NBA.com, NBA Facebook Page and Yahoo.com for next week’s Fan Night match-up that will air on Jan. 31

Fans can select between the following games:

Boston Celtics @ Cleveland Cavaliers
New Jersey Nets @ Indiana Pacers
Detroit Pistons @ New York Knicks
Denver Nuggets @ Memphis Grizzlies
Sacramento Kings @ Golden State Warriors

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Fan Night presented by Sprint
Ernie Johnson, Chris Webber and Greg Anthony

Webber on how the Miami Heat will play without Dwyane Wade: “However (the Heat) play, good or bad, it doesn’t matter because the result is everyone else is going to get better. (Chris) Bosh is playing much better and the other guys have to step up.”

Anthony on the Heat’s team chemistry: “When you have guys that can dominate the game like those three (Chris Bosh, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade) can it doesn’t allow other players to get into the flow of the game. It’s important that they figure out balance.”

Anthony on the Cleveland Cavalier’s rookie point guard Kyrie Irving and his offensive skills: “(Irving) is showing people why he was the No. 1 overall pick (in the 2011 NBA Draft). He has the complete package in terms of an offensive repertoire in the point guard position. He has great vision on the basketball court and he brings a lot to the table with his skill set, but, he is still learning how to become a basketball player.”

Anthony on Cavalier’s head coach Byron Scott’s analysis of Irving’s defensive play: “First and foremost it’s effort. When Byron looks at him, he understands he has a young man with the ability to be a decent defensive player.”

Webber on the Heat’s success: “They are so good and they will continue to be good. That’s why I picked them to win the championship. Because when they get below the box, they are just so hard to stop.”

Anthony on the importance of ‘glue guys’ on every team: “You need more than one glue guy. You have to have one in your starting line-up and a few on your team. They make your starters work. They will force them to get better. All great teams have glue guys.”

Anthony on who the glue guys are on the Cavaliers and the Heat: “For the Cavaliers, Anderson Varejao is an obvious glue guy. He makes winning plays. For the Heat, they have three starter glue guys. The one that sticks out the most is Shane Battier. He is a guy who combines the will with tremendous skill.”

Webber on the Washington Wizards firing head coach Flip Saunders: “The coach is responsible. The team is the problem. It’s the make-up. It’s a tough situation and you hope for the best in that situation.”

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Sprint Halftime Report
Johnson, Webber and Anthony

Anthony on the Heat’s mentality: “When you watch Miami, they play with arrogance. They feel like they can turn it on and off like a light switch and win a game whenever they want. That lack of intensity and sense of urgency to start the games is one of the reasons why, at times, they struggle.”

Anthony on the Indiana Pacers: “They are a good basketball team. I don’t look at them as a team that can win a championship right now, but they are the type of team that is going to give you a lot of problems in the postseason.”

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NBA GameTime presented by Hyundai

Rick Kamla and Steve Smith

Smith on the Cavaliers rookie point guard Kyrie Irving: “He only saw 11 games in college and the jury is still out, but guess what? I am stamping it. He’s the first pick, and he is well deserving of it.”

Smith on how Heat forward Chris Bosh is playing without injured teammate Dwyane Wade: “The Heat have two options right now (with Wade out) which are LeBron (James) and Bosh. When LeBron is not having a good night, you go to Bosh. Right now he (Bosh) feels comfortable. It was interesting to watch him against the (Atlanta) Hawks when there was no Dwyane Wade, no LeBron James; it was a (former team) Toronto (version of) Chris Bosh.”

Smith on Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love and his possible contract extension: “Looking towards the future, this team could inch up to be like Memphis or Oklahoma City. If I am Minnesota, the ownership, fans, everybody, you max out (the new deal for) Kevin Love.”

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Notes from NBA TV’s Fan Night presented by Sprint

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Phoenix Suns (83) @ Los Angeles Lakers (99)

Voting is open on NBA.com, NBA Facebook Page and Yahoo.com for next week’s Fan Night match-up that will air on Jan. 17

Fans can select between the following games:

Charlotte Bobcats @ Orlando Magic

Golden State Warriors @ Cleveland Cavaliers

San Antonio Spurs @ Miami Heat

Phoenix Suns @ Chicago Bulls

Denver Nuggets @ Milwaukee Bucks

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Fan Night presented by Sprint

Ernie Johnson, Chris Webber and Greg Anthony

Anthony on Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant’s ability to play through injuries: “You have to be a little concerned if you are a Lakers fan because at this stage in his career, we know about his almost superhuman ability to recover from injury, but can he sustain it as they are trying to implement a new system under (head coach) Mike Brown emphasizing the defensive side of basketball?”

Webber on Lakers center Andrew Bynum being the best big man in the league: “I am going to repeat what Shaq (O’Neal) said (on TNT), that the best big man in the game right now is Andrew Bynum. Better than Dwight Howard right now. Howard is a great player and to compare these guys is dumb, but (Bynum) can bring so much to the game on a consistent level and you see the potential if he stays healthy.”

Anthony compares Bynum to Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard: “Andrew Bynum is more effective on the offensive side (than Howard). I would give Dwight Howard the edge overall because he is averaging more points and he dominates defensively. But Bynum offensively, when healthy, is the most polished big man in the game.”

Anthony on Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash and how his game has/hasn’t changed over the years: “Steve Nash has a lot of basketball left in him. His basketball IQ is so high and the ability of Phoenix to space the floor allows him to operate.”

Webber: “He hasn’t lost anything. He’s a bad man with that basketball and he’s always going to be that on the floor. He has as many years as he wants left. He is one of our best in-shape athletes.”

Anthony comments on Lakers forward Pau Gasol’s role with the Lakers: “The Lakers are still a team that can legitimately win a championship. Pau Gasol is going to be key as to whether or not they get over the hump. He’s got to impact the paint.”

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Sprint Halftime Report

Johnson, Webber and Anthony

Anthony on Kobe Bryant’s offensive game: “Kobe Bryant can be effective from any position on the floor. That’s one of his great strengths as an offensive player, (he’s) unmatched by any player in the league. Kobe is effective in all areas of scoring on the basketball court.”

Webber on Steve Nash: “(Nash) is one of the best point guards, one of the best people we have ever seen touch the cow leather on that basketball. He will always have the chance to have an impact especially on the offensive end of the game.”

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NBA GameTime presented by Hyundai

Ernie Johnson, Chris Webber and Greg Anthony

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant joined the NBA TV studio team via ArenaLink following the game

Bryant on dealing with injuries while continuing to play at the same level of intensity: “After the injection, I really don’t feel anything. When I fall on (my wrist), the pain comes right back. All in all, you just have to go out there and do your job. People don’t want to hear excuses. If my play is suffering, they want to say I’m too old not that I have a bad wrist, so no excuses.”

Bryant on how the Lakers look this season without key players from last season: “I think we are better defensively. We still have a ways to go. We are willing to do the work. The jury is still out on how great we can be.”

Anthony on the Golden State Warriors winning in overtime against the Miami Heat: “It is impressive when you look at a team when they are outmanned physically (without Stephen Curry). It is important to have a coach believe in you so you can push a little further. They have a lot of fight in them.”

Anthony on the impact of Warriors guard Stephen Curry’s ankle injury affecting his future: “I’m tremendously concerned. I’m a huge fan of Stephen Curry and I hope and pray he can get over it. It’s not just the physical issue. It’s the psychological issue because every time you tweak it, it is going to be a concern that you have done something irreparable.”

Anthony on the Portland Trail Blazers: “Portland is really good. Obviously, Nate McMillan is a great coach but it starts with LaMarcus Aldridge. He has really emerged. Defensively, he impacts the game.”

Webber on Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge stepping into a leadership role: “He’s ready. He is not the most demonstrative guy, but it doesn’t matter because when he gets into that paint he lets you see he is going to be aggressive with his game.”

Anthony on Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio: “He keeps his teammates alert at all times on the floor. His feel and understanding of how to deliver the basketball in just the right moment, for a rookie, is impressive.”

Anthony on the improvement of the Chicago Bulls this season: “I think they are a better team this year than they were a year ago even though Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah’s numbers are down. I think they are getting more contributions from other guys.”

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Program is part of the extensive lineup of college basketball play-by-play and talk on SiriusXM College Sports Nation, channel 91

NEW YORK – January 11, 2012 - Sirius XM Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) announced today that it will offer listeners a new college basketball talk show on the all-college sports talk channel SiriusXM College Sports Nation, channel 91.

SiriusXM’s Inside College Basketball will debut Thursday, January 12 (12:00 – 3:00 pm ET), and be hosted throughout the season by a roster of college basketball experts that includes former University of Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl, former Villanova University and University of Massachusetts coach Steve Lappas, former University of Vermont coach Tom Brennan, former Ohio State star and 1992 UPI Player of the Year Jimmy Jackson, college basketball insiders Jeff Goodman and Jon Rothstein and broadcaster Jason Horowitz.  The program will air every weekday through the college basketball postseason.

The SiriusXM College Sports Nation channel showcases the best college games and a full daily lineup of college sports talk programming.  Listeners nationwide get live play-by-play, expert analysis, interviews with many of the biggest names in the college game, plus live broadcasts from some of the biggest events in college sports.

Basketball and Beyond with Coach K, the exclusive weekly show hosted by Duke University head coach Mike Krzyzewski, airs every Wednesday (11:00 pm ET) on SiriusXM College Sports Nation, featuring Coach K’s perspective on what’s happening across the college basketball landscape as well as varied topics off the court.

The channel’s weekday lineup also features 24/7 Sports Radio’s on Campus with Bill King (weekdays, 6:00 am ET); SiriusXM College Sports Today (weekdays, 9:00 am ET), hosted by Mark Packer; the acclaimed Paul Finebaum Show (weekdays, 3:00 pm ET); and College Sports Coast-to-Coast with Chris Childers (weekdays, 11:00 pm ET).

SiriusXM offers play by play from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Big East, Pac 12, SEC, Conference USA, Sun Belt, Missouri Valley, and Western Athletic conferences.  Throughout the 2011-12 season, SiriusXM will broadcast dozens of college basketball games each week, featuring the top teams from around the country.

For more info visit www.siriusxm.com/collegesports.

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