NBA TV’s Fan Night presented by Sprint will feature the New York Knicks taking on the Dallas Mavericks on Tues., March 6, at 8:30 p.m. (ET).  This match-up was selected by fans who voted via nba.com, NBA’s Facebook page, and Yahoo.com. The night will tip off with host Rick Kamla and analyst Steve Smith on NBA GameTime at 7 p.m. (ET) to check in on games throughout the league. After NBA GameTime, Smith will pass analyst duties to Chris Webber and guest analyst Penny Hardaway for the Autotrader.com Pregame Show at 8 p.m. (ET). 

Fan Night voting for next week’s match-up on Tues., March 13, will continue on nba.com/nbatv/fannight, the NBA Facebook page and Yahoo.com from Tues., March 6 (8 a.m. ET) – Thurs., March 8 (Midnight ET).  Fans will have the opportunity to select among the following games:

• Miami Heat @ Orlando Magic
• Portland Trail Blazers @ Indiana Pacers
• Toronto Raptors @ Cleveland Cavaliers
• Washington Wizards @ Dallas Mavericks
• Atlanta Hawks @ Denver Nuggets

 

Fans can stay connected to the latest NBA action every Tuesday with The Jump presented by Sprint. Host Jared Greenberg and analysts Brent Barry, Dennis Scott and ‘chat-master’ Sekou Smith will jumpstart Tuesday’s basketball coverage with the live, interactive show.  Fans can submit questions and comments via NBA.com, Facebook or Twitter.  The Jump presented by Sprint will stream live on March 6, at 3 p.m. (ET) on NBA.com and will air at 6:00 p.m. (ET) on NBA TV. 

NBA TV GAMES OF THE WEEK:

MARCH 2 – MARCH 6

NBA TV  SCHEDULE (all times ET): March 2 – March 6
SATURDAY, MARCH 3
7 p.m.	NBA Regular Season:  Milwaukee Bucks @ Orlando Magic
10:00 p.m.	NBA Regular Season:  Minnesota Timberwolves @ Portland Trail Blazers
MONDAY, MARCH 5
8 p.m.	NBA Regular Season:  Dallas Mavericks @ Oklahoma City Thunder
TUESDAY, MARCH 6  Fan Night presented by Sprint
8:30 p.m.	NBA Regular Season Fan Night Winner:  New York Knicks @ Dallas Mavericks			Rick Kamla, Chris Webber, Penny Hardaway

 

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

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Notes from NBA TV’s Fan Night presented by Sprint

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

New Orleans Hornets (95) @ Chicago Bulls (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 March 6

Fans can select between the following games:

Orlando Magic @ Charlotte Bobcats

Atlanta Hawks @ Indiana Pacers

Houston Rockets @ Boston Celtics

New Jersey Nets @ Miami Heat

New York Knicks @ Dallas Mavericks

 

 

CLIP OF THE NIGHT

(click on the text below to view the video)

Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose joins the Fan Night crew via Arena Link

 

 

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AutoTrader.com Pregame Show

Ernie Johnson, Greg Anthony and Steve Smith

Smith on Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau and what he has done to contribute to the Bulls’ success: “He has brought a defensive presence and an attention to detail. What I am really impressed with this team is that 58 games so far have been missed by players this year because of injuries and they still have a fabulous record. For him [Thibodeau] to be able to still coach without his star players…I am impressed with that.”

Smith on the Bulls coaching system as a testament to the team’s success: “The system is about playing hard and sharing the basketball.  You need Derrick Rose to get over the hump and win the championship but he [Coach Tom Thibodeau] gives everyone enough time. When your number is called, you better be ready to play.”

Anthony on the expectations when Chicago Bulls guard Richard ‘Rip’ Hamilton returns:  “When I look at Chicago, I only compare Chicago to one team – the Miami Heat. The issue I have with this team is we haven’t seen Rip healthy yet, and we don’t know how much he has left.  I still believe he is the perfect fit if he is the Rip we are accustomed to seeing. That’s going to be critical. If he is on the floor, he makes Carlos Boozer better.”

Anthony on the New Orleans Hornets and their defense:  “We aren’t looking at them as a postseason team. They are a really good defensive team. I was impressed how good they are defensively. They have some talent and this is going to be an interesting match-up for them.”

Smith on New Orleans Hornets forward Chris Kaman: “Chris Kaman can play. He’s a low post player and we don’t have many that can play with their back to the basket and play through double teams. He is an unbelievable talent.”

TNT’s David Aldridge joins the Fan Night crew via phone

Aldridge on the potential of the New Orleans Hornets with the new ownership and if they will stay in New Orleans:  “I think they will get the deal done. At the end of the day, the most important thing is to get the team sold and get the league out of ownership. With the Chris Paul situation, it has not been good for the NBA to own that team and they would like to end that as soon as possible.”

Aldridge on the potential trade of Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard: “There will be some teams active. Everyone is waiting to see what Orlando does with Dwight; that’s clearly the domino that is going to lead everything else.”

Anthony on the status of teams going into the second half of the season: “It’s all about the approach; it’s all mental at this point.  Because everyone is banged up, everyone is tired. It’s easier for the real good teams because they do have something to play for.”

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Sprint Halftime Report

Johnson, Anthony and Smith

Anthony on the Chicago Bulls guard Richard ‘Rip’ Hamilton’s contributions to the team when he returns:  “As a great a team as they have, their ‘bigs’ are not necessarily scorers. They have to have more playmakers on the perimeter, and that’s where Rip Hamilton will benefit this team, take the pressure off of Derrick Rose and be another guy that can make plays out on the floor.”

Smith on L.A. Lakers guard Kobe Bryant playing through injuries, including the latest broken nose and concussion from All-Star: “If he does play [with an injury] you can mark down 30 points. He comes out and plays so well that he makes us forget about the injury. Kobe Bryant is Kobe Bryant and he plays through injuries; it’s unreal.”

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NBA GameTime presented by Hyundai

Johnson, Anthony and Smith

Smith on the Chicago Bulls making it to the Finals: “Once they get Richard Hamilton up to speed, they have a team that can make it all the way to the Finals.”

Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose joins the Fan Night crew via Arena Link

 

Rose on Richard ‘Rip’ Hamilton’s contributions for the second half of the season:  “Rip is finally back. We couldn’t wait. He is looking healthy. When he is out there, he opens up the court with his shooting ability. We just have to learn how to open up the court because he is a great passer. I’m fortunate to have him as a teammate.”

Rose on what he can do differently – individually – to get to the Finals this year: “Playing smarter….I think my IQ of the game got a little bit higher …knowing when to take good shots and knowing when to pass.”

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Fans Select New Orleans Hornets @ Chicago Bulls for NBA TV’s Fan Night presented by Sprint on Tuesday, Feb. 28

NBA TV to Provide 95 Hours of All-Star Programming this weekend for

NBA All-Star 2012 in Orlando

 

NBA TV’s Fan Night presented by Sprint will feature the New Orleans Hornets taking on the Chicago Bulls on Tues., Feb. 28, at 8:00 p.m. (ET).  This match-up was selected by fans who voted via nba.com, NBA’s Facebook page and Yahoo.com. The Fan Night crew with host Ernie Johnson and analysts Greg Anthony and Steve Smith will tip off coverage beginning at 7:30 p.m. (ET) with the Autotrader.com Pregame Show.  Host Rick Kamla and analyst Steve Smith will conclude the evening with a postgame recap featuring highlights from the evening’s match-up.       

Fan Night voting for next week’s match-up on Tues., March 6, will continue on nba.com/nbatv/fannight, the NBA Facebook page and Yahoo.com from Tues., Feb. 28 (8 a.m. ET) – Thurs., March 1 (Midnight ET).  Fans will have the opportunity to select among the following games:

• Orlando Magic @ Charlotte Bobcats
• Atlanta Hawks @ Indiana Pacers
• Houston Rockets  @ Boston Celtics
• New Jersey Nets @ Miami Heat
• New York Knicks @ Dallas Mavericks
  

Fans can stay connected to the latest NBA action every Tuesday with The Jump presented by Sprint. Host Jared Greenberg and analysts Brent Barry, Dennis Scott and ‘chat-master’ Sekou Smith will jumpstart Tuesday’s basketball coverage with the live, interactive show.  Fans can submit questions and comments via NBA.com, Facebook or Twitter.  The Jump presented by Sprint will stream live on Feb. 28, at 3 p.m. (ET) on NBA.com and will air at 6:00 p.m. (ET) on NBA TV. 

During NBA All-Star, NBA TV will deliver fans more than 95 hours of dedicated All-Star programming including interviews with LeBron James, Dwight Howard, Blake Griffin and many other NBA All-Star participants.

NBA TV highlights throughout this weekend’s NBA All-Star 2012 include:

• ·         East and West All-Star Practices and Programming:  NBA TV will provide fans exclusive access to All-Star programming all day on Saturday, Feb. 25, starting with All-Star East and West Practices at 11 a.m. (ET), followed by the Sprite Slam Dunk Showdown at 1:30 p.m. (ET), 2012 NBA D-League All-Star Game presented by 26 Seconds at 2 p.m. (ET) and the NBA TV All-Star Weekend Presented by Kia Motors at 11 p.m. (ET).  Fans also will have the opportunity to catch special All-Star episodes of The Jump Presented by Sprint, The Beat, and NBA GameTime during the weekend.
  

• ·         David Stern All-Star Press Conference: NBA TV will present an exclusive presentation of Stern’s All-Star press conference live on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. (ET), which will lead up to TNT’s exclusive presentation of NBA All-Star Saturday Night presented by State Farm.
  

• ·         Slam Dunk Marathon: Celebrating Slam Dunk champions over the past 25 years, NBA TV will air the Dunk-A-Thon Presented by Sprite beginning at Noon on Thursday, Feb. 23 as a buildup to this year’s festivities.  The marathon will feature every slam dunk competition since 1984, along with a special presentation of the first slam dunk contest during the 1976 ABA All-Star Game, which featured Julius Erving’s mesmerizing dunk from the foul line.
  

• ·         Additional NBA TV Programming: NBA TV will capture the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge practice on Friday, Feb. 24 at 10:00 a.m. (ET) and will feature the Sprint Pre-Game Concert at NBA All-Star on Sunday, Feb. 26 at 5:00 pm. (ET).  
  

NBA TV’s marquee roster of on-air talent for NBA All-Star includes former NBA Players, NBA Champions, Hall of Famers, NBA All-Stars, and Olympic Gold Medalists:

• ·      Anchors: Matt Winer, Vince Cellini, Rick Kamla and Jared Greenberg
• ·      Analysts: Former NBA players Shaquille O’Neal, Chris Webber, Steve Smith, Dennis Scott and Brent Barry, as well as NBA Insider David Aldridge. 
• ·      TNT Talent: Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Steve Kerr, Reggie Miller, Mike Fratello, Craig Sager, and will join NBA TV throughout the weekend.
  

NBA 2011-2012 regular season games will resume on NBA TV on Tuesday, February 28 at 8:00 p.m. (ET) with the Fan Night game.

 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 

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Notes from NBA TV’s Fan Night presented by Sprint

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Sacramento Kings (108) @ Miami Heat (120)

 

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. 28

Fans can select between the following games:

Boston Celtics @ Cleveland Cavaliers

Washington Wizards @ Milwaukee Bucks

New Orleans Hornets @ Chicago Bulls

Toronto Raptors @ Houston Rockets

New Jersey Nets @ Dallas Mavericks

 

CLIPS OF THE NIGHT

NBA TV’s David Aldridge interviews NBA Commissioner David Stern

 

 **** **** **** ****

AutoTrader.com Pregame Show

Matt Winer, Chris Webber and Greg Anthony

Webber comments on Miami Heat forward LeBron James’ defensive prowess: “He is playing like a MVP to me. Defensively, him and [Serge] Ibaka are the best defensive players in the game. No slight to Dwight Howard, who can really play great defense, but you have to watch LeBron on defense. I don’t know if there is a better on-the-ball, shot blocker, and chase- you-down, defender in the game than LeBron.”

Anthony comments on Sacramento Kings guard Tyreke Evans: “Tyreke Evans is one of those special talents that doesn’t always get the attention; simply because Sacramento isn’t getting the wins. If this team starts to play with a little more activity, a little more zest and energy, then I think people will take notice that this guy is getting it done.”

Webber comments on the San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich: “Popovich is still putting guys in position to be successful. He is just the same all the time. If he loses he is going to give you the best interview. If he wins he is going to give you a good interview. He is the one constant on this team and I think the guys trust that. He is the only one that his age doesn’t affect his coaching.”

Webber comments on Oklahoma City Thunder power forward Serge Ibaka recording a triple-double against the Denver Nuggets: “He’s a glue guy. Some can score, some can do it all. He is someone on the defensive end that just makes it amazing.”

 

 Miami Heat forward Juwan Howard joins the Fan Night crew via Arena Link

Howard comments on the special attributes of the Miami Heat:  “You have to take advantage of what we have. We have athletes that are quick and fast like D.Wade, LeBron [James] and Norris Cole and many others. When you have special talents like that, you have to get out and run. You have to try and get more points than your opponent; fast break points are what we truly thrive on.”

Howard comments on his role on the Miami Heat team: “I’m a veteran. Leadership is one of the qualities that I bring to this team in the lockerroom and, more importantly, on that floor and professionalism.  What is special about this group is that we have a lot of veterans that knows what it takes, have been through the wars and knows how to manage theirselves. This is a good group to be apart of.”

Anthony comments on Heat forward LeBron James: “He’s the most complete player in all of the game of basketball.”

 

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Sprint Halftime Report

Winer, Webber and Anthony

Webber comments on why LeBron James decided to go to the Heat to play with Dwyane Wade: “He wanted to play fast and quick with someone else that he could switch and exchange with. I really like how these guys are playing.”

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NBA GameTime presented by Hyundai

Rick Kamla and Steve Smith

Smith comments on Miami Heat forward LeBron James: “He is the most complete basketball player, in all seriousness, in the game of basketball.”

Smith comments on San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich’s 0-6 record without his ‘Big Three’ of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker: “It’s hard to do without those guys. They do so much. You can talk about the points, but it’s the rebounding and leadership. These [young] guys need some coaching and by the end of the year it will all come together getting those young guys some really good [court] time.”

 

NBA TV’s David Aldridge interviews NBA Commissioner David Stern:

Aldridge:  “Where are we in New Orleans in terms of finalizing the finalists for the ownership group?”

Stern:  “We are very close moving on dual tracks with a buyer and with the state’s contribution under a new lease. That will likely be complete by March 1.”

Smith on the potential sale of the New Orleans Hornets:  “It’s great news for the city of New Orleans. I got a chance to play for that organization being down there. For Dell Demps [general manager] and Monty Williams [head coach] and the other New Orleans Hornets, this gives them the chance to be in a normal situation. It’s very good for the league and very good for the city.”

 

###

 

Notes from the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge Draft on NBA TV – Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012

TNT will have exclusive live coverage of the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge on Friday, Feb. 24, at 9 p.m. (ET). Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal will serve as team general managers. Kenny Smith will serve as the honorary commissioner of the game, while Steve Kerr and Mike Fratello serve as team coaches.

TNT will once again air exclusive live coverage of the 2012 NBA All-Star Weekend from Orlando, Feb. 23-26.

 

****    ****    ****    ****

NBA GameTime presented by Hyundai

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

Team Shaq:

Blake Griffin – Los Angeles Clippers (Sophomore)

Jeremy Lin – New York Knicks (Sophomore)

Ricky Rubio – Minnesota Timberwolves (Rookie)

Greg Monroe – Detroit Pistons (Sophomore)

Markieff Morris – Phoenix Suns (Rookie)

Kemba Walker – Charlotte Bobcats (Rookie)

Landry Fields – New York Knicks (Sophomore)

Norris Cole – Miami Heat (Sophomore)

Brandon Knight – Detroit Pistons (Rookie)

Tristan Thompson – Cleveland Cavaliers (Rookie)

 

Team Chuck:

Kyrie Irving – Cleveland Cavaliers (Rookie)

DeMarcus Cousins – Sacramento Kings (Sophomore)

Paul George – Indiana Pacers (Sophomore)

Derrick Williams – Minnesota Timberwolves (Rookie)

MarShon Brooks – New Jersey Nets (Rookie)

John Wall – Washington Wizards (Sophomore)

Gordon Hayward – Utah Jazz (Sophomore)

Tiago Splitter – San Antonio Spurs (Sophomore)

Kawhi Leonard – San Antonio Spurs (Rookie)

Evan Turner – Philadelphia 76ers (Sophomore)

 

Barkley on two of his draft picks, New Jersey Nets rookie MarShon Brooks and Indiana Pacers sophomore Paul George: “MarShon Brooks and Paul George are fantastic players. Get used to them America.”

Barkley on passing up on drafting New York Knicks sophomore Jeremy Lin to select Cleveland Cavaliers rookie Kyrie Irving: “It wasn’t very difficult [to pass on Jeremy Lin] to be honest because [Lin’s] only been playing for a week and it’s been a fantastic week. But Kyrie Irving is terrific and he’s going to hand it to [Lin] and if Ricky Rubio wants some…he can come get some too.”

NBA TV’s Matt Winer and Dennis Scott analyzed Team Shaq and Team Chuck

Scott on Charlotte Bobcats rookie and Team Chuck guard Kemba Walker: “[Walker] has proven he can score, he can set people up and hit big shots at the end of quarters. This is a perfect game for him.”

Scott on who he favors in the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge, Team Shaq or Team Chuck: “As I go through the [rosters], at first I thought Shaq had the upper hand but he has too many point guards. Shaq has more playmakers but Charles has more finishers…I think Charles may have the upper hand.”

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Notes from NBA TV’s Fan Night presented by Sprint

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Miami Heat (105) @ Indiana Pacers (90)

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. 21

Fans can select between the following games:

Detroit Pistons @ Cleveland Cavaliers

New Orleans Hornets @ Indiana Pacers

Sacramento Kings @ Miami Heat

Philadelphia 76ers @ Memphis Grizzlies

San Antonio Spurs @ Portland Trail Blazers

 

CLIP OF THE NIGHT

Miami Heat forward LeBron James joins the Fan Night crew via Arena Link

 

 **** **** **** ****

Fan Night presented by Sprint

Ernie Johnson, Chris Webber and Greg Anthony

Anthony on the Miami Heat getting media attention:  “It’s interesting that the only time there is news about the Heat is when they lose. They are playing so well and LeBron James is having a phenomenal season.”

Anthony on the Miami bench: “The Miami bench is impressive. I felt all along the key to Miami was going to be their bench. If they got contributions from those other areas they would become almost unbeatable.”

Anthony on what’s been special about the Indiana Pacers and has them where they are right now: “Balance and growth are the two things I see. When you look at their roster, this is a really young basketball team that has yet to play their best basketball collectively and individually.”

 

Larry Bird, Indiana Pacers President of Basketball Operations, joins the Fan Night crew via Arena Link

 

Bird on the mantra of the team and how he thinks basketball should be played on the Indiana team:  “I told these guys if you rebound, defend and have good ball movement, it’s going to be hard to beat you. You have to keep the defense on their heels and you have to come ready to play every night. We talk about all these back-to-backs but if you come in shape and mentally strong, you should be able to overcome all of that. You have to have a deep bench to carry the starters on nights when they aren’t playing well. If you do that, you will have success in this league.”

Bird on potential surprises in the postseason because of the shortened season and injuries: “Injuries play a key role in anything. If one key player goes down it could change everything. When the playoffs come around, and if everyone is healthy, you are going to have 4-5 teams that could win this thing. And there might be some upsets in the early rounds, like Philadelphia and ourselves, that have gotten better and you might be able to sneak up on some teams and make it to the second or third round.”

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Sprint Halftime Report

Johnson, Anthony and Webber

Webber on New York Knicks guard Jeremy Lin’s recent success: “When you see what Lin has done — bringing new people to the game – I really love it because you are going to see others bring players to the game. He’s earned it. I like the fact that it happened. Are they going to win the Championship? Who knows? But right now he’s playing hard and you are seeing someone being rewarded for their work ethic.”

Anthony on the Lin phenomenon: “You could argue this could be the biggest story of the NBA season. I hear more about Jeremy Lin than anything else going on in the NBA. What’s been most impressive is that he never doubted himself. He’s always maintained a certain amount of confidence that he could do it when given the opportunity. It’s not about whether or not he leads them to a championship or is an All-Star, he’s proven he is an NBA player. He’s made the Knicks the talk of the town and not because they were 8 and 13 at one point.”

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NBA GameTime presented by Hyundai

Johnson, Webber and Anthony

Miami Heat’s LeBron James joins the NBA TV studio team via Arena Link

James on the Miami Heat’s defensive mentality: “I take just as much pride in my defensive end as I do on the offensive end.  When we get a stop or steal, it’s off to the races. There are not many teams that can get from end-to-end like we can.”

James on what he has seen from a distance watching New York Knicks guard Jeremy Lin play:  “He’s playing good basketball.  The best thing that ever happened to him was being in that system with Coach (Mike) D’Antoni.  He gives you confidence offensively and it’s a free offense.  He lets you play freely; you don’t worry about mistakes you just worry about playing basketball and showing your ability. He is thriving in that system and playing some good basketball.”

Webber on Knicks guard Jeremy Lin’s performance in the last six games: “You love people that bring your interest up to a different level and he even said he likes the pressure at the end of games. He is very humble and he loves his teammates.  What we have seen is toughness and he has earned this position.”

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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 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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