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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TNT’s NBA coverage continues Thursday, January 5, 2012 at 8 p.m. ET with an exclusive doubleheader featuring the

Miami Heat @ Atlanta Hawks followed by the LA Lakers @ Portland Trailblazers

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TNT NBA Tip-off presented by AutoTrader.com

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

Smith on the discipline of being a point guard in the NBA: “The point guard position is the toughest in the NBA because it’s the only position where you have to learn to say no even when guys are open.”

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Game 1: Dallas Mavericks (102) @ Oklahoma City Thunder (104)

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

Kerr on the fate of the Dallas Mavericks: “I think (owner Mark) Cuban knows with (Jason) Kidd and (Dirk) Nowitzki aging, this is not a team you can go with as they currently stand. By not signing (Tyson) Chandler, you open that cap room to go after your next star that will carry your franchise. It wasn’t going to be Chandler; he wasn’t that kind of player.”

Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki on the Mavericks trades: “As a player, we would have loved to have kept the team together. We understand we have been around a long time and the business is part of it. With the new CBA, (Dallas Mavericks owner Mark) Cuban felt that it was better for him to be in a position to have some cap room, really, for the first time in his owner career.”

Kerr on Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook: “The reason you play zone against Oklahoma City is to keep him out of the paint.”

Kerr on Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle and job security: “When coaches win a championship, they can just be themselves. This business is so insecure in terms of how long you can keep your job. Once you establish yourself, you can coach the way you want to coach because you know you have that job security. I see Carlisle very comfortable in his own skin.”

Kerr on the Thunder’s run for a championship this year: “If Oklahoma City is going to win a title, and that’s their goal, their half court offense has to improve.”

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Sprint Halftime Report

Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith

O’Neal on Mavericks guard Delonte West: “He’s a beast. He’s the key. He’s crazy. He’s not scared of anything and he will fight. I love the kid to death.”

Barkley on the Oklahoma City Thunder’s championship potential this season: “They aren’t tough enough.yet.”

Smith on the Oklahoma City Thunder’s abilities: “This is a championship team. They have versatility in certain areas and scoring is not a problem.”

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Game 2: New York Knicks (82) @ L.A. Lakers (99)
Announcers: Kevin Harlan (play-by-play), Reggie Miller (analyst) and Craig Sager (reporter)

Miller on Lakers forward Josh McRoberts: “I like Josh McRoberts, he has great hands for a 6’10 guy. Throw an alley-oop or whatever, he can catch them.”

TNT reporter Craig Sager interviews New York Knicks guard Baron Davis during the second quarter

Davis on his reasons for joining the Knicks: “I have always wanted to play in New York because of the basketball energy and the opportunity to play at the Garden (Madison Square Garden) day-in and day-out. That was really the deciding factor, as well as the ability to play with Melo (Carmelo Anthony) and Amar’e (Stoudemire).”

Miller on playing with Lakers forward (Ron Artest) Metta World Peace when they were both with the Indiana Pacers: “I had him at his best and a lot of people will say at his worst. It was a challenge at times, he was younger and a bit more bull-headed, but there was one thing you could never take away from Metta World Peace and that was his heart and desire to play.”

Miller on Lakers guard Kobe Bryant and the maturity of his game over the years: “At 33, because of his time in the gym and working on his shot and offensive repertoire – a couple of dribbles, making your opponent dance and a fade away. That’s the difference between Kobe Bryant at 33 and 23.”

Miller on how coaches and teams are adapting to a shortened season: “Every coach is going to have to play 10 and 12 deep and everyone is going to get minutes.”

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Sprint Halftime Report

Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith

Barkley on teams thinking they are better than their records show: “I hate when teams say they are better than their record. No you are not better than your record. Your record is your record.”

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Miller on what he is seeing with older teams and how they are adjusting to shortened season: I’m seeing more injuries especially with some of the older teams like Boston (Celtics). When you have players that are 30 plus it is a little difficult for them to get their motors running. Especially early, when you are playing so many games a week and a month.”

TNT’s Craig Sager interviews Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant following the game

Bryant on the Lakers improved defense: “We drill it (defense) every single day. It’s non-stop. Coach Brown holds everyone accountable for our defensive execution and it’s paying off.”

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Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai

Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith

Barkley on what the return of center Andrew Bynum will mean for the Lakers: “He is a good player. But they are still going to struggle with some of the same problems – they are slow on the perimeter. The Lakers have always been bigger than everyone else; that was their strength. They are not good enough to make up for their lack of bench and athletic ability on the perimeter. They are going to struggle with the elite teams.”

Smith on the Lakers’ biggest advantage: “The advantage they have always had that made them great from the Shaq days until now was size. So now you have (Andrew) Bynum back and it makes them too big to guard and that is the most difficult thing.”

Smith on point guards controlling the tempo of the game: “It doesn’t make you a great point guard if you score or get assists. What makes you great is you can control the tempo of the game. There is no one on the Knicks who can control the tempo of the game.”

Barkley on the New York Knicks this season: “The Knicks don’t have a good team. They have Carmelo Anthony, who is the best scorer in the NBA. I like his game a little bit better than (Kevin) Durant because he posts up more than Durant.”

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TNT’s NBA coverage continues on Thursday, December 29 with an exclusive doubleheader featuring the Dallas Mavericks @ Oklahoma City Thunder (8 p.m. ET) followed by the

New York Knicks @ Los Angeles Lakers (10:30 p.m. ET)

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TNT NBA Tip-off presented by AutoTrader.com

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

O’Neal on Miami Heat’s Chris Bosh as a premier power center: “I don’t compare him to a Charles Barkley or Karl Malone yet.”

Barkley on the Miami Heat’s style of play starting the 2011-12 season: “They should’ve been playing that fast last year. They should just run-and-gun the entire game.”

Smith on the Miami Heat’s style of play: “If you give both of these guys [LeBron James and Dwyane Wade] 25 shots apiece, they’re going to beat most teams. I never understood why they walked the ball up. You want to get the two best players the most shots. They have the two best players every single night. Why would you want to slow it down and not give them opportunities?”

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Game 1: Boston Celtics (107) @ Miami Heat (115)

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

Kerr on Miami Heat forward LeBron James after his first quarter fastbreak dunk: “The speed and power of this guy is unbelievable.”

Kerr on the Miami Heat this year vs. last year: “Because of the motivation of losing last year in the Finals, it seems like they’re going to run away with this thing [this year].”

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Sprint Halftime Report

Johnson, Barkley, Smith and O’Neal

O’Neal on the Boston Celtics: “Boston is a different team without Paul Pierce. They are a dangerous team when they have all their pieces.”

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Game 2: Utah Jazz (71) @ L.A. Lakers (96)

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

Miller on Kobe Bryant who is playing in his 16th season, including 208 playoff games during his career: “He’s 33 but really he’s like 34 or 35 with all the wear-and-tear.”

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Sprint Halftime Report

Johnson, Barkley, Smith and O’Neal

Barkley on the Utah Jazz youthful make-up: “They’re young and trying to build for the future. The Utah Jazz are not going to win a championship anytime soon. They’ve got a very young team and should go out and try to entertain their fans and play at a faster pace.”

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Miller on the Lakers head coach Mike Brown: “He’s bringing East Coast basketball – the grind-out type of style. I know they are used to show-time, flash and glitz but people are going to appreciate what this team will be able to do in the defensive end.”

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TNT’s Cheryl Miller interviewed L.A. Lakers guard Kobe Bryant following the game:

Bryant on treatment for his injured wrist: “Suck it up. Don’t be a baby.”

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Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai

Johnson, Barkley, Smith and O’Neal

O’Neal on L.A. Lakers’ win and their prospect for the season: “I was anxious to see this team play without the triangle [offense]. When the ‘big fella’ [Andrew Bynum] comes back they’re going to be a dangerous team. They have a legitimate big three.”

Barkley on the Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love: “Kevin Love is one of the most underrated players in the game.”

Smith on Sacramento Kings guard Jimmer Fredette and why he’ll make it in the NBA: “What separates him, he is a not a standstill shooter. He can actually make moves and shoot the ball.”

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Notes from TNT’s Coverage of the NBA – Sunday, December 25, 2011

TNT’s NBA Thursday coverage continues Tuesday, December 27 at 8 p.m. ET with an exclusive doubleheader featuring the Boston Celtics @ Miami Heat followed by the Utah Jazz @ LA Lakers

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Pregame

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

Barkley on the opening game being a “must win” for the NY Knicks against the Celtics: “If they lose this game, it will be tough on them mentally.”

O’Neal predicting the Dallas Mavericks will be the top seed in the Western Conference: “(I choose) the Mavericks because they won it last year. Dirk Nowitzki finally knows how it feels to be at the next level and he wants to feel like that again.”

Smith on the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors making it to the Playoffs: “There are going to be two surprises in the West. This might be the year that (guard) Tyreke Evans becomes that big leader of that young team and they get in the Playoffs.”

Barkley predicting the top three teams in the Western Conference: “The(Memphis) Grizzlies, Oklahoma City Thunder and the (Dallas) Mavericks are the three best teams in the West. These are three teams that I want to see.”

Barkley on the Memphis Grizzlies: “I want to see what Memphis can do. The key to that team is (forward) Rudy Gay. I want to see how he comes back and blends with those guys.”

Smith on Lamar Odom being an asset to the Dallas Mavericks: ” There is no other power forward that does the things he can do. He can actually play multiple positions. He’s going to help them tremendously.”

Smith on the Los Angeles Clippers being a contender in the West: “There is no excuse for the Los Angeles Clippers anymore. They have every piece they need to be a contender. You gain three players (Chris Paul, Chauncey Billups and Caron Butler) and all of a sudden you have your coach set and your team set. If you lose now, it is the Clipper curse.”

O’Neal on the Los Angeles Clippers: “The new name for the Clippers is “Lob City”. On the break they are very interesting to watch. DeAndre Jordan is not your average center. Their team is much grittier. If they don’t get it done this year, it is the Clipper curse.”

Barkley on predicting the top two teams in the Eastern Conference: “The (Miami) Heat and the (Chicago) Bulls are head and shoulders above everyone else. They are far-and-away the best two teams in the East.”

Smith on New York Knicks point guard Toney Douglas: “What makes a great point guard is not just scoring and assists. It is the ability to force the tempo of the game you want. I don’t know if Toney Douglas can do that. He’s really a two-guard converting to a point guard.”

O’Neal on the Boston Celtics dominating the Eastern Conference: “I see the Celtics coming out of the East. It is a shortened season and I played for (head coach) Doc Rivers. Doc Rivers does a good job of managing people’s bodies. (Rajon) Rondo is going to be playing with a chip on his shoulder so I like the Celtics for the East.”

Smith on the Chicago Bulls being a defensive powerhouse: “Chicago (Bulls) is probably the favorite because they have everyone back and they added (guard) Rip Hamilton. Defensively they can stop you. You take that into account and the best defensive team in basketball might be the Chicago Bulls. This is a team -that in 66 games- can really separate themselves in the Eastern Conference better than anyone else.”

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Game 1: Boston Celtics (104) @ New York Knicks (106)

Announcers: Marv Albert (play-by-play), Steve Kerr (analyst) with Craig Sager, reporting.

Kerr on Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo: “He has had a great run with Boston. He’s going to have to play extremely well for them to win it all this year.”

Kerr on the Boston Celtics: “They are probably the best in the NBA in terms of shutting down the opponent.”

Kerr on NBA teams adjusting to a 66-game schedule: “It will be interesting to see if there is a lot of sloppy play early in the season. All these teams only had two weeks of camp with only seven or eight players on the roster. I would expect teams will need a few weeks to get in the groove.”

Kerr on Knicks guard Iman Shumpert: “He brings athleticism, gets to the rim and creates plays. He has a bright future ahead of him.”

Kerr on the new-look Knicks being a contender in the 2011-12 NBA season: “You can see the Knicks are going to be pretty good. They have too much talent for this not to work. The question is how good. They can become a contender to win the title. I think the guy that will have a say in that is (guard) Baron Davis. He’s got so much to prove, he’s got so much potential. If Baron can come in and give the Knicks what he gave Golden State (Warriors) a few years ago, it could work and be something to watch.”

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Halftime

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

Barkley on Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo: “Rondo is terrific. He is flat out terrific. He is a beautiful player to watch. He makes players around him better.”

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Kerr on the power of Celtics guard Rajon Rondo: “There is really nobody like him. He’s so quick; he’s got such great arms and anticipation. We see the type of pressure he puts on the defense, clearly a one-man fast break. When he’s engaged and in tune with his teammates, he’s a wrecking force out there.”

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TNT’s Craig Sager interviewed New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony after the game

Anthony on the New York Knicks winning 106-104 against the Boston Celtics: “It wasn’t easy; we knew it was going to be a battle. We stuck with it and we won the game tonight.”

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Follow Turner Sports on Twitter @TurnerSportsPR

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TNT Tips off the 2011-12 NBA Season with the Boston Celtics @ New York Knicks at Noon (ET) on Christmas Day

Coverage continues on Dec. 27 with Celtics @ Heat followed by Jazz @ Lakers and

on Dec. 29 with Mavericks @ Thunder followed by Knicks @ Lakers

Turner Broadcasting tips off its 28th year of NBA coverage with NBA on TNT Premiere Week presented by AutoTrader.com beginning on Sunday, Dec. 25. The day will begin with a special hour-long preview show, TNT NBA Tip-Off presented by AutoTrader.com at 11 a.m. (ET) with two-time Emmy® award-winning host Ernie Johnson, along with Hall of Famer Charles Barkley (analyst) and two-time NBA Champion Kenny Smith (analyst) and the TNT debut of four-time NBA Champion Shaquille O’Neal (analyst). Following the pre-game show, the regular season will once again tip off on TNT at Noon (ET) with exclusive coverage of Paul Pierce and the Boston Celtics visiting Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks. Marv Albert (play-by-play) will call the game alongside analyst Steve Kerr; with Craig Sager reporting.

NBA on TNT Premiere Week presented by AutoTrader.com continues on Tuesday, Dec. 27 at 8 p.m. (ET) with an exclusive doubleheader featuring LeBron James and the Miami Heat hosting the Celtics. Calling the action will be Albert (play-by-play), Mike Fratello and Kerr (analysts); with Sager (reporter). The second game will feature Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers hosting Al Jefferson and the Utah Jazz at 10:30 p.m. (ET). Kevin Harlan will handle the play-by-play duties with analyst Reggie Miller; while Cheryl Miller will report courtside. Following the second game, Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai with Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith will recap the night’s action.

TNT’s NBA action continues on Thursday, Dec. 29 at 8 p.m. (ET) with another exclusive doubleheader featuring Dirk Nowitzki and the defending NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks visiting Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Calling the action will be Albert (play-by-play), Fratello and Kerr (analysts) with David Aldridge (reporter). The second game will feature Amar’e Stoudemire and the Knicks taking on Pau Gasol and the Lakers at 10:30 p.m. (ET). Harlan (play-by-play) will be courtside along with analyst Reggie Miller and Sager reporting. Following the second game, Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai with Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith will recap the action.

NBA ON TNT NBA SCHEDULE:

 

DAY/DATE
TIME (ET)	EVENT
Sun., December 25
11 a.m.	TNT NBA Tip-Off presented by AutoTrader.com
	Ernie Johnson (host), Charles Barkley (analyst), Shaquille O’Neal (analyst) and Kenny Smith (analyst)
12 p.m.	Boston Celtics @ New York Knicks
	Marv Albert (play-by-play) and Steve Kerr (analyst) with Craig Sager (reporter)
Post-game	Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai
	Ernie Johnson (host), Charles Barkley (analyst), Shaquille O’Neal (analyst) and Kenny Smith (analyst)

 

NBA ON TNT UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

 

Tues., December 27
8 p.m.	TNT NBA Tip-Off presented by AutoTrader.com
	Ernie Johnson (host), Charles Barkley (analyst), Shaquille O’Neal (analyst) and Kenny Smith (analyst)
	Boston Celtics @ Miami Heat
	Marv Albert (play-by-play), Mike Fratello (analyst) and Steve Kerr (analyst) with Craig Sager (reporter)
10:30 p.m.	Utah Jazz @ Los Angeles Lakers
	Kevin Harlan (play-by-play) and Reggie Miller (analyst) with Cheryl Miller (reporter)
Post-game	Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai
	Ernie Johnson (host), Charles Barkley (analyst), Shaquille O’Neal (analyst) and Kenny Smith (analyst)
Thurs., December 29
8 p.m.	TNT NBA Tip-Off presented by AutoTrader.com
	Ernie Johnson (host), Charles Barkley (analyst), Shaquille O’Neal (analyst) and Kenny Smith (analyst)
	Dallas Mavericks @ Oklahoma City Thunder
	Marv Albert (play-by-play), Mike Fratello (analyst) and Steve Kerr (analyst) with David Aldridge (reporter)
10:30 p.m.	New York Knicks @ Los Angeles Lakers
	Kevin Harlan (play-by-play) and Reggie Miller (analyst) with Craig Sager (reporter)
Post-game	Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai
	Ernie Johnson (host), Charles Barkley (analyst), Shaquille O’Neal (analyst) and Kenny Smith (analyst)

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