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 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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TNT’s NBA coverage continues Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 8 p.m. ET with an exclusive doubleheader featuring the New York Knicks @ Memphis Grizzlies followed by the Orlando Magic @ Golden State Warriors

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

TNT’s Inside crew discusses the firing of Sacramento Kings head coach Paul Westphal
Part I
Part II

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TNT NBA Tip-off presented by AutoTrader.com
Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith and Chris Webber

Webber on the Atlanta Hawks: “Atlanta is one of the smallest teams with the biggest heart. I love Atlanta.”

O’Neal on Miami Heat center Chris Bosh: “When I say he’s not part of the ‘Big Three,’ people get me wrong. He’s a great player, (he’s) very unselfish, he can shoot the ball and is a great passer. When you say ‘big’ to me, I think of certain players…he doesn’t fit in with those certain players. Don’t get me wrong, I respect his game and he’s a great player but part of the ‘Big Three’? No way. Dominant big man? No way.”

O’Neal on Miami Heat rookie guard Norris Cole: “Norris Cole reminds me of a disciplined (retired NBA veteran) Damon Jones, who was a pretty good shooter but a wild player. Cole is a streaky, great shooter and he’s disciplined.”

Smith on the Miami Heat: “This season they have more continuity on offense. They decided to run. It took them 82 games last year to figure out that if they get in transition, they are the best team in basketball.”

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Game 1: Miami Heat (116) @ Atlanta Hawks (109) – 3OT
Announcers: Kevin Harlan (play-by-play), Charles Barkley (analyst) and Reggie Miller (analyst) with Craig Sager (reporter).

Barkley on the Hawks: “I don’t think are tough enough mentally to have that killer instinct.”

Barkley on the Hawks offense: “Their half-court offense is so lackadaisical…that’s why they always struggle in the playoffs.”

Barkley on the Princeton offense: “I want my attorney to come from Princeton…not any of my players.”

Barkley on Minnesota Timberwolves center Kevin Love: “The best power forward in the world who better be starting for the Western Conference (All-Stars) is Mr. Kevin Love in Minnesota.”

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Halftime
Johnson, O’Neal, Smith and Webber

O’Neal on why the Hawks are struggling against the Heat who are without LeBron James and Dwyane Wade: “When guys get ready to play against big (star) players, they get hyped…they get amped. Because LeBron James and Dwyane Wade aren’t playing, the Hawks aren’t amped and there is a letdown.”

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Miller on the Hawks: “(Hawks head coach) Larry Drew said his team has to grow up? They have the second oldest team in the league. This is not a young team.”

Miller on the Hawks core group of Joe Johnson, Al Horford, Josh Smith and Marvin Williams: “The farthest they’ve ever gone is the second round. These guys have to play a lot tougher than what they’ve shown.”

Barkley on Heat stars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade: “As great as LeBron and Dwyane are, they aren’t great shooters. So, anytime they slow down, it hurts them.”

Barkley on Hawks rookie Ivan Johnson: “Ivan Johnson brings that toughness that the Hawks sorely, sorely need.”

Miller on the Heat’s triple-overtime win over the Hawks: “That’s a huge win for Miami and a black eye for the Atlanta Hawks.”
Barkley: “I wish I could punch them in the other eye.”

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Game 2: Los Angeles Lakers (96) @ Portland Trail Blazers (107)
Announcers: Marv Albert (play-by-play) and Steve Kerr (analyst) with David Aldridge (reporter)

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Halftime
Johnson, O’Neal, Smith and Webber

O’Neal on Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum: “He’s the best big man in the league right now.”

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Kerr on the Portland Trail Blazers hot start to the season: “The Blazers have been the most impressive team in the West (Conference) so far this season.”

Kerr on the contributions of Trail Blazers guard Wesley Matthews and forward Gerald Wallace: “Matthews and Wallace have given (the Blazers) a new dimension with their constant cutting from the weak-side. They are putting pressure on the defense.”

Kerr on the Trail Blazers: “This team is really fun to watch. This is an explosive team.”

Kerr on Trail Blazers guard Jamal Crawford: “Crawford is best suited coming off the bench as a ‘Microwave’ (Vinnie Johnson) type player. He comes in and gets some quick points. If he doesn’t have it going, they can go back to the starter (he replaced).”

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Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai
Johnson, O’Neal, Smith and Webber

Webber on the Portland Trail Blazers: “They are a scary bunch. They are tough, resilient and they’ve been hurt a lot and you know they are going to come back and play.”

Smith on the L.A. Lakers finding a resolution to their missing perimeter defense: “The Lakers still have not addressed the perimeter defenders. Guards are just having their way getting into the lane, getting shots off. If they don’t address that they will be a fifth seed in a first round elimination.”

Smith on the Dallas Mavericks: “The Dallas Mavericks are on a victory lap right now. They still haven’t had an opportunity to be together because of the Championship mystique. All of a sudden they are not realizing that the season has started yet.”

Smith on the Spurs missing guard Manu Ginobili due to injury: “You need someone that can break the defense down and he’s that guy. He makes great decisions. When he is in the lane, 90 percent of the time he makes great decisions and they will miss that over the long haul.”

Webber on the Sacramento Kings showing effort with new head coach Keith Smart: “It seems like sometimes when a coach gets fired, you can tell by the team’s reactions whether the guys rally around or play hard. It seems like from their reaction, they were interested in playing because they gave an effort (against the Bucks) that they didn’t give before.”

Webber on the timing of the firing of Sacramento Kings head coach Paul Westphal: “It is so early into the season. If you say the development of our players isn’t there, you can’t tell the development of the players in seven or eight games in a strike-shortened season. It just can’t happen. To me it seems like there may have been more than that because that is not fair for Westphal.”

O’Neal on what he wishes Kings center DeMarcus Cousins would bring to the game: “DeMarcus Cousins is a great player and has to get a little more aggressive. I would like to see him play above the rim. When you are that big, that talented, you cannot play below the rim.”

Smith on Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins being the cause of Westphal’s firing: “There is no way that DeMarcus Cousins name should be in the same sentence about Westphal’s firing. He’s not a good enough player. He’s a good young talent. There are four or five guys in the league, if a coach can’t coach them, they may not be there. If you can’t coach Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, you might not be there. If you can’t coach DeMarcus Cousins, you still keep your job.”

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