Notes from TNT’s NBA Playoff Coverage – Thursday, May 16, 2013

TNT’s coverage of the 2013 NBA Playoffs continues with Game 7 of the Knicks/Pacers series (if necessary) on Monday, May 20, at 8 p.m. ET or the

Eastern Conference Finals on Wednesday, May 22, with Pacers/Knicks vs. Miami Heat (Game 1) at 8 p.m. 

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

Barkley on the Knicks: “I want to see who’s going to show up. I’m not worried about Carmelo Anthony; I’m worried about the ‘others.’ If the others don’t show up, the Knicks are going home.”

Barkley on Warriors guards Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry being worn out: “They haven’t been the same since [the double overtime] Game 1.”
O’Neal on the San Antonio Spurs: “They will never panic. They have a lot of experience. They will close it [the series] out tonight.”

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Game 5: Indiana Pacers (75) @ New York Knicks (85) – Pacers lead series 3-2

Announcers: Kevin Harlan (play-by-play) and Reggie Miller (analyst) with Rachel Nichols (reporter)

Miller on the Pacers: “This is really a no-name bunch of guys for the Indiana Pacers…and to me, it’s all what the Indiana Pacers have done in this series. Defensively, [head coach] Frank Vogel and these guys [Pacers] have stuck to the game plan. Paul George and Roy Hibbert, defensively, have done an unbelievable job on J.R. Smith and Carmelo Anthony.”

Miller on the Pacers in the close-out situation of Game 5: “When you’re in a close-out situation – up 3-1 like the Pacers are – and on the road, you’ve got to do all the small, little things. You’ve got to make your free throws.”

Miller on Knicks guard J.R. Smith: “If they [Knicks] want to extend this series, [Smith] and Melo have to carry this team.”

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Sprint Halftime Report

Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith

Barkley on the Knicks first half of play in Game 5: “[The Knicks] are not playing with passion.”

Smith on the lack of excitement at Madison Square Garden: “The place should be going crazy.”

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Miller on Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony imposing his will on a game: “Your best player in an elimination game has got to come out and put their will on games. When your back is against the wall, you have to come out and have a monster game.”

TNT reporter Rachel Nichols interviewed Knicks head coach Mike Woodson before the fourth quarter

Woodson: “This team has been committed all season, so we’re not going to quit.”

Miller on Knicks center Tyson Chandler’s rebounding prowess in Game 5: “Chandler has done a great job on the boards.”

TNT reporter Rachel Nichols interviewed Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony following New York’s win

Anthony: “We [weren’t] ready to go home yet. We’re just taking it one day at a time. We proved that we can win on the road and we’ve got to do it [Saturday].”

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Visit the Turner Sports online pressroom for additional press materials; follow Turner Sports on Twitter at @TurnerSportsPR.

 

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Notes from TNT’s NBA Playoff Coverage – Wednesday, May 15, 2013

TNT’s coverage of the 2013 NBA Playoffs continues Thursday, May 16, with a special one-hour edition of TNT NBA Tip-off presented by AutoTrader.com at 7 p.m. ET

followed by the Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks (Game 5) at 8 p.m.

***CLIP OF THE NIGHT***

(Please click the text below to view)

 

Inside Team Reviews Grizzlies vs. Thunder Series

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Game 1: Chicago Bulls (91) @ Miami Heat (94) – Heat win series 4-1 and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals

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

Kerr on the Heat’s performance in Game 5: “This is the best Miami has looked offensively in this series. The ball [and] the players [are] moving with a lot of pace and rhythm.”

Kerr on the Miami Heat: “Miami has gotten so much better since the ‘Big Three’ came together [with] the recognition of where their teammates are going to be, their ball movement [and] their spacing. It was painful to watch when they first came together. Now you look at this team [and] they are totally in sync with one another.”

Kerr on Heat guard Dwyane Wade dealing with injuries: “I don’t think it’s about rest and trying to heal the knee. It’s about trying to recapture his rhythm, confidence and timing. It’s more important that he plays than rests.”

Kerr on Chicago’s ability to play Miami so well: “There is a reason Chicago has played Miami so well. The Bulls defend so well. [Miami] has a difficult time getting to the rim, getting easy points and getting to the foul line. Chicago has been able to really battle Miami and keep them away from a lot of the things they like.”

Kerr on Miami’s need to get guard Dwyane Wade going as they move forward: “They’ve got to get Wade going. Miami is going to need a turnaround from Wade as they go forward if they are going to win the NBA title.”

Kerr on Bulls guard Nate Robinson: “He’s always got that fighting spirit [and] underdog mentality. [Robinson] has converted [that] into energy tonight.”

NBA on TNT interviewed Bulls center Joakim Noah prior to Game 5:

Noah on his distaste for the Miami Heat: “I love playing in hostile environments. I love Miami. I love the city. I just don’t like the Heat. I really don’t like the Heat, but I love the city of Miami.”

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Sprint Halftime Report

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

Barkley on the Miami Heat: “They came out with great energy but they’re not into the game. You have to kill [the Bulls]. They’re not going to die. [The Heat] tried to jump on the Bulls quick, and then they let their guard down. That’s the difference in the game.”

Barkley on Heat forward LeBron James’ need to consistently play at a high level: “As great as Miami is, LeBron James has to play at such a high level. He has to score most of their baskets, he has to get all of their rebounds and he is their best assist guy. If he doesn’t play spectacular they’re going to struggle, plain and simple.”

O’Neal on the Bulls play in the face of elimination: “When facing elimination there are two things you can do – quit or come out and play loose. Right now, [Bulls forward] Carlos Boozer is playing loose and putting it all on the line. The Miami Heat are playing lackadaisical. Chicago is not going to quit. No one on the team is going to quit…ever.”

Smith on the Chicago Bulls: “I’m going to live my life like the Chicago Bulls now. I’m going to stay in character, always stay the course and I’m not going to panic. If you live your life like the Chicago Bulls, you’ve got a great life. Win, lose or draw.”

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Kerr on flagrant fouls in the playoffs: “Committing a hard foul while trying to avoid an easy basket has now become an art form. It’s so difficult to avoid the flagrant. You have to foul hard and you have to try to stop the play that’s unfolding but if you make the slightest misstep, you’re going to get called for a flagrant.”

TNT reporter Craig Sager interviewed Heat guard Dwyane Wade following the game

Wade on playing through pain: “Everybody has to play through something. Some moments it feels great and some moments it doesn’t. It’s all about doing whatever you can for your team. I’m a team guy and that’s what I did tonight.”

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Game 2: Memphis Grizzlies (88) @ Oklahoma City Thunder (84) – Grizzlies win series 4-1 and advance to the Western Conference Finals

Announcers: Matt Devlin (play-by-play) and Mike Fratello (analyst) with Marty Snider (reporter)

Fratello on Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley: “He is sneaky-fast. He can change direction and turn the corner, he can stay with the ball with either hand or turn it straight on. He’s got the great ability to finish with both hands…his game has gone up each year that he’s been in the NBA. He’s developed into a much more confident offensive player.”

Fratello on Thunder forward Kevin Durant’s ability to make difficult shots: “Who makes more difficult shots than [Durant]? He comes down and elevates over the top of defenders that are right there and still has the ability to knock them down.”

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Sprint Halftime Report

Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith

Barkley on Thunder head coach Scott Brooks plans for Game 5: “Scott Brooks has the worst game plan by going to Kevin Durant every single time with three guys hanging on him. It’s a horrible game plan.”

Barkley on the Grizzlies: “Not only are they going to win their series tonight, they’re going to The Finals.”

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Fratello on what the addition of veteran forward Tayshaun Prince has meant to the Grizzlies: “Prince coming in doesn’t command as many shot attempts. He’s a defensive guy who understands his role. He’s been on a championship team before so coming in, he understood that [Memphis] is built around the two big guys [Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol]…if he does what he’s comfortable doing and fills his role, this team can go far.”

Fratello on Grizzlies guard Tony Allen’s defense: “You always have to fight against Tony Allen. No easy shots.”

TNT’s Marty Snider interviewed Grizzlies guard Mike Conley following the game

Conley on the Grizzlies: “All heart…we just kept it going through all the adversity. We’ve gone through the ups and downs. It was just hard work.”

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Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai

Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith

Barkley on Thunder head coach Scott Brooks’ game plan with Kevin Durant: “Scott Brooks did [Durant] a disservice making him go one-on-five all night.”

Barkley on Kevin Durant: “He was struggling and trying too hard. He’s been under so much stress without [an injured] Russell Westbrook, but they weren’t going to win this series anyway. He’s going to get some blame but he doesn’t deserve it. It’s hard to be a one-man wrecking crew every single night.”

Barkley on the Grizzlies: “They are going to The Finals…they’ve got it all. They’ve got two big guys [Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol]. Mike Conley is the most underrated point guard in the NBA. Tony Allen is a terrific defender. The key is Tayshaun Prince and he has played fantastic. Their front line is going to be tough for anyone to deal with.”

Smith on Houston Rockets guard James Harden: “I don’t know if anyone knew that James Harden is as good as he is because I don’t think he’s ever had that responsibility [to be a team leader] in his life. When he was given that responsibility, he became a great player.”

Barkley on what changes the Bulls need to make in the off-season: “They need another big guy. I like their perimeter game. They’ll obviously get Derrick Rose back. But they need one more big man in order to contend.”

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Notes from TNT’s NBA Playoff Coverage – Tuesday, May 14, 2013

TNT’s coverage of the 2013 NBA Playoffs continues Wednesday, May 15, with an exclusive doubleheader featuring the Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat (Game 5) at 7 p.m. ET,

followed by the Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Game 5) at 9:30p.m.

***CLIP OF THE NIGHT***

(Please click the text below to view)

TNT Inside team discuss Warriors vs. Spurs

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Game 1: New York Knicks (82) @ Indiana Pacers (93) – Pacers leads series 3-1

Announcers: Kevin Harlan (play-by-play) and Reggie Miller (analyst) with Rachel Nichols (reporter)

Miller on Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony: “When you’re the star player and you’re the face of a franchise…you’re going to take the blunt of whatever criticism, whether good or bad, comes [your team’s] way. When you’re on the road and you’re down, you have to be able to produce.”

Miller on Knicks center Tyson Chandler’s negative comments regarding the Knicks’ play after Game 3: “When did bickering and motivation get mixed up? I like what he said. This is a way to challenge your team. When you’re down 2-1 and you’ve lost home court advantage, what better way to light a fire under them?”

Miller on Knicks guard J.R. Smith’s offensive struggles: “[J.R. Smith is a distraction] on the floor, because he is struggling offensively. He has to find his offensive rhythm on this team. When Carmelo Anthony [is not on the floor] and J.R. Smith and Jason Kidd [are] struggling, where is the offense going to come from?”

Miller on the New York Knicks’ physical play: “The oldest team in the league [is] trying to punk this young Indiana team that doesn’t have a lot of experience. I think [the Knicks] are trying to make the game more physical to get underneath the skin of the Indiana Pacers.”

Miller on Anthony’s playing time: “Carmelo has to be on the floor. He’s their first, second and third offense.”

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Sprint Halftime Report

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

Barkley on Knicks guard J.R. Smith’s lack of confidence: “The difference between good players and great players is supreme confidence. You should never lose your confidence. When you lose your confidence, everything becomes a struggle. J.R. Smith has lost his confidence and I don’t think he will be able to get it back [in the series].”

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Miller on what has gotten the Pacers to this point: “Team basketball. They really play well together, they move the ball together. The further along – if this team does advance and get to the Conference Finals – someone is going to have to emerge from the pack. The last five minutes of the game you have to have a go-to player.”

Miller on the defensive approach of Pacers Roy Hibbert and Ian Mahinmi: “I would love to know what Frank Vogel and his coaching staff do during practice with [Roy] Hibbert and [Ian] Mahinmi in the defensive drills of going up and blocking shots…textbook.”

Miller on the Pacers’ rebounding abilities:  “Everyone rebounds their position. You don’t have to be a great offensive team – which the Pacers aren’t.  But if you play good defense and you rebound, you are going to be in every game.”

Miller on the Pacers’ bench: “If you would have told me coming into this series that the Pacers bench would outplay the New York Knicks [bench], I probably would have looked at you like you were crazy. But that is exactly what has happened through four games.”

Miller on Pacers forward Paul George: “He’s only scratched the surface of his potential.”

Miller on what the Knicks need to do in Game 5: “The Knicks are going back home to Broadway…the Garden…so the intensity and the role players obviously play much better at home. They are going to have to find a way to solve Indiana on the offensive glass.”

TNT reporter Rachel Nichols interviewed Pacers guard George Hill following the game

Hill on the Pacers’ defense: “We are just making it tough for them. We said, ‘Play with physicality and make them do what we want them to do.’ We are just having fun out there. When we play with passion and fun we are a heck of a team.”

Hill on the Pacers’ mentality playing Game 5 in New York: “It is an elimination game for us. We have to play with the same intensity, energy and passion and treat it like we are down 3-1. If we treat it like that and yield the same defensive effort we did tonight (in Game 4), we should be alright.”

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Game Break presented by the US Marines

Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith

Barkley on the Knicks’ flaws: “The two flaws show when they start playing against good teams – they live by threes and they don’t rebound the ball. That’s why they’re going to lose the series.”

O’Neal on the Golden State Warriors: “Belief is a powerful thing. The way [Warriors head coach] Mark Jackson is coaching the guys has [them] believing [they’re] not a young team, [they’re] the best shooting back court in the world. They actually believe they can beat the San Antonio Spurs. When you believe that and you go out, execute and do everything the right way, it can and will happen.”

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Game 2: Golden State Warriors (91) @ San Antonio Spurs (109) – Spurs lead 3-2

Announcers: Dick Stockton (play-by-play) and Chris Webber (analyst) with David Aldridge (reporter)

Webber on Warriors head coach Mark Jackson: “He’s been inspiring his guys, preaching to his choir and making them believe. After the collapse in Game 1, there is no way a young team should be smart enough to have the confidence to come back. This is not your average team.”

Webber on the stars of the 2013 NBA Playoffs: “When I think about the stars that were made in these playoffs, I go to Indiana and think about [Paul] George, I go to Chicago and think about Nate Robinson and here I think about Warriors’ [Harrison] Barnes and [Jarrett] Jack. [They are] having breakout games [and] leading their teams in unexpected ways.”

Webber on the Spurs’ strong performance at home: “When the shots don’t fall, there is no better place to go than home. There are no more excuses. You know the baskets and the rim. You have the feel. [It’s always] great to be at home.”

Webber on Golden State: “[The Warriors have] heart, athletic ability and energy. That is why they have been in all of these games. They are attacking.”

Webber on Warriors head coach Mark Jackson: “He knows how to press their buttons and it works. If you’re with the youngest team in the league, you better press their buttons to make them believe they can win every second.”

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Sprint Halftime Report

Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith

Smith on the Warriors having such a deep roster: [Stephen] Curry and [Klay] Thompson don’t have to play well for them to win. Before, they had to play exceptional for them to be in a game like this against San Antonio. That means they are a team. Now that they have [Andrew] Bogut, [David] Lee, [Jarrett] Jack and so many guys to get it done…they don’t have to play great for them to be in contention.”

Barkley on the Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green: “Tim Duncan is not going to get you 30-20 anymore. It’s got to be the perimeter guys. Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green, those guys are going to have to step up. Those guys are going to have to play well if San Antonio is going to hang on.”

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Webber on Warriors power forward David Lee: “For this guy…courage…that’s all I can say. Everyone wants to be out here, everybody says they can be.  This guy is trying to get anything he can. You have to admire his courage right now.”

Webber on Spurs guard Manu Ginobili: “[There are] so many guys in this league that you can say, ‘Why aren’t they playing? Well, they aren’t scoring.’ If you are not of any value to your team because you are not scoring, then you are not a hooper. This guy [Ginobili] is 1 for 6 [from the floor] but is still valuable and getting his players easy buckets. He’s a hooper.”

Webber on Spurs guard Tony Parker: “It amazes me that year after year…you don’t hear about him being one of the top five point guards. It is a wonderful argument but he has to be in that argument.”

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Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai

Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith

O’Neal on the San Antonio Spurs: “The San Antonio Spurs don’t panic. They have been around since 2000 winning championships. So even though the last game was bad for them they don’t panic.”

Barkley on the fatigue of Warriors guards Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson: “I think these kids have to start getting tired at some point. This is the first time they’ve made the playoffs.  Everybody gets tired. These kids have never played this many games and the Spurs are just wearing them down.”

Smith on what the Warriors need for the remainder of the series: “Games 5, 6 and 7 are about experience. That’s when it starts to show. In Game 6, the Golden State Warriors will have to become experienced if they want to make a Game 7. The energy and effort level is not going to get them to Game 7.”

O’Neal on age not having an impact on Curry and Thompson’s game:  [Stephen] Curry is 25, [Klay] Thompson is 23…I don’t think they are getting tired. Their shots were just off tonight. Great players never have two bad games in a row. I look for them when they get home to get it back on track. I don’t see them at 25 and 23 being tired.”

Barkley on how J.R. Smith’s performance is affecting the Knicks in the playoffs: “To be a good player or a great player, you have to have a short memory. You can’t let things affect you. Mentality [he] is out of it right now. If you go back and look at his entire career, this kid has All-Star type talent but his entire career has been a rollercoaster. That tells me mentally things bother him.  I don’t know if he can get it back right now. Sometimes you have one or two bad games, but it should have been back by now. The only saving grace for J.R. is that he is going home. That’s the only thing that can save him.”

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TNT’s coverage of the 2013 NBA Playoffs continues Tuesday, May 14, with an exclusive doubleheader featuring the New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers (Game 4) at 7 p.m. ET,

followed by the Golden State Warriors vs. San Antonio Spurs (Game 5) at 9:30 p.m.

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Game 1: Miami Heat (88) @ Chicago Bulls (65) – Heat lead Series 3-1

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

Kerr on the Bulls frontcourt of Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah: “The one bright spot for Chicago is the play of Carlos Boozer and [Joakim] Noah on the glass.”

Kerr on Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh: “When Bosh plays like he did in Game 3, Miami is almost unbeatable.”

Kerr on Miami Heat superstar LeBron James: “He’s as strong as anybody I’ve ever seen in just playing through contact.”

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Sprint Halftime Report

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

O’Neal on Miami’s Chris Bosh picking up some offensive slack for the Heat: “They need him [Bosh] because Dwyane Wade is struggling right now.”

Barkley on the Heat/Bulls series moving forward: “They [Bulls] are not going to win another game. The Bulls are out of gas.”

Barkley on Miami’s LeBron James: “He does it all. He covers up all [his teammates’] flaws.”

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Kerr on the Bulls’ woeful first half shooting: “When you don’t get anything easy…you’re in big trouble when those jumpers aren’t going [down].”

Kerr on Bulls guard Nate Robinson: “Nate has been spectacular throughout the playoffs. Nate Robinson, for everything he’s done for this team, will be looking for another address next season.”

Kerr on Miami’s defense in Game 4: “The Miami defense has been strong all night…nothing [has been] easy for Chicago tonight.”

Kerr on the Bulls’ lack of energy in Game 4: “Eventually, in a series like this, everything catches up to you. You just don’t have enough weapons – especially against a team like the Heat.”

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Game 2: Oklahoma City Thunder (97) @ Memphis Grizzlies (103) OT– Grizzlies lead Series 3-1

Announcers: Matt Devlin (play-by-play) and Mike Fratello (analyst) with Marty Snider (reporter)

Fratello on the Grizzlies: “Memphis’ defense can create offense.”

Fratello on the city of Memphis: “There is a great passion for basketball in this city. These fans love their team.”

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Sprint Halftime Report

Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith

O’Neal on OKC’s Serge Ibaka vs. Memphis’ Zach Randolph: “Serge Ibaka is going to wear out before Z-Bo [Zach Randolph].”

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Fratello on the Grizzlies’ Mike Conley: “Conley always seems to come up with huge plays in the last three-to-four minutes [of a game].”

TNT reporter Marty Snider interviewed Memphis’ Zach Randolph following the Grizzlies’ victory in Game 4

Randolph on how important Game 4 was to the Grizzlies: “This was the most critical game of the series.”

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Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai

Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith

Barkley on the 1-2 punch of the Grizzlies’ big men Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph: “There’s no better combination of big men than Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph.”

Barkley on OKC’s Kevin Durant: “The guy is carrying the whole team. [Memphis] is just wearing the kid down.”

O’Neal on what OKC needs to do to get back in the series: “Kevin Durant can do more but the ‘others’ have to do more.”

Smith on the Miami Heat and their Game 4 victory: “This game was never in doubt [for the Heat].”

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TNT’s coverage of the 2013 NBA Playoffs continues Tuesday, May 7, with an exclusive doubleheader featuring the Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks (Game 2) at 7 p.m. ET, followed by the Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City Thunder  (Game 2) at 9:30 p.m.

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TNT NBA Tip-off presented by AutoTrader.com

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

Kerr on Heat forward LeBron James earning MVP honors this season: “Defensively, he’s the most versatile player in the league. He guards anyone from a point guard to a center. He’s put it all together and has had an amazing run.”

Smith on LeBron James living up to the hype: “A lot of times people don’t meet their hype. When he first got into the NBA, people said he would be ‘The King.’ He has actually met that…from day one…from his first game in Sacramento when he came out and made five of his first six jump shots. For me, he is a guy that has met the hype. When it is said and done, we will marvel that we were able to watch this guy play throughout his NBA career.”

Barkley on James: “He’s not at his peak yet. We would always say you peak between 25 and 32. He’s only 28. This guy came in from the first game in Sacramento and now he has taken his game to another level. It is an honor and a privilege to see him play every night.”

O’Neal on his former teammate LeBron James: “When you look at the great LeBron James, I just love the fact that he’s a team player. He’s a class act. I had the privilege to play with him for two years and I must say he’s a very hard worker.”

O’Neal on the Bulls/Heat series: “[The Bulls] are not intimidated by who is on the floor. I want to see if Miami will be tired or not. Having a week or 10 days off…they could come off rusty.”

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Game 1: Chicago Bulls (93) @ Miami Heat (86) – Chicago leads series 1-0

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

Kerr on the Bulls playing without any rest: “I think teams in general would like to play every other day or so. With all these injuries, the Bulls would have benefited with more days off.”

Kerr comparing Miami’s defense to that of a football team’s defense:  “When you play against Miami’s defense…it’s almost like playing against an incredibly fast defense of a football team or a running back when you think you have a hole and bam, it’s gone. That’s what it is like playing against the Heat.”

Kerr on the Bulls’ changing their offensive strategy: “I think Chicago is going to realize quickly they cannot beat Miami with the pick and roll. They have to beat Miami on the pass.”

Kerr on the Bulls’ defensive skills: “One of the reasons the Bulls are good defensively is they don’t have to downsize when Miami does. They have versatility with both [Taj] Gibson and [Joakim] Noah; those two defenders can guard anybody all over the floor.”

Kerr on the Bulls’ tenacity: “It is so impressive what they do with all the people missing. It doesn’t matter…their defense stays together, they play off each other, they play for each other and they compete on every possession.”

Kerr on the Bulls and Heat having a clean slate going into this series: “This is going to be a frustrating series for both teams and all the players out there offensively. Everything is going to be tough to come by. You have to change your mentality, take it play by play…make a good pass, make a good shot but don’t start thinking that I have to get my numbers because that is not happening.”

Kerr on the Bulls starting lineup being sick or injured: “They are not just short-handed, they are entirely depleted. These guys are amazing in the way they compete.”

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Sprint Halftime Report

Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith

Barkley on the Bulls: “I think this is going to be a long series for Chicago. They are not going to be able to outwork Miami.”

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Kerr on defending LeBron James: “All the great defenders will tell you if you go against someone like LeBron…you have to shrug it off when he gets hot. You can’t get frustrated because, ultimately, he’s going to make shots.”

Kerr on Bulls center Joakim Noah: “We know what a great defender he is…great rebounder, but he’s also so good at handling the ball and making decisions.”

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Game 2: Golden State Warriors (127) @ San Antonio Spurs (129) – Spurs lead the series 1-0

Announcers: Dick Stockton (play-by-play) and Chris Webber (analyst) with David Aldridge (reporter)

Webber on the Warriors’ energy: “Golden State has come out tonight and they look like the younger team…the more energetic team.”

Webber on Spurs forward Tim Duncan improving his free throw shooting: “This is his best free throw shooting year [statistically] in the league… That shows me that you can always get better and not settle for the excuse of ‘I’m a big guy and I can’t shoot free throws.’ You can be 37 and get better.”

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Sprint Halftime Report

Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith

Barkley on Warriors guard Klay Thompson: “That guy right there…his jump shot is perfect looking. I love watching great shooters, even when they miss it looks like it is going in.”

O’Neal on the Warriors’ agility: “It is a young team; they are not intimidated…they are playing great defense and getting it out to the shooters.”

Smith on the Warriors: “[In the first round] we couldn’t tell how athletic they were…because they were playing against another athletic team. But here playing against the San Antonio Spurs, they look 10 steps quicker. They are going to give you everything you want in these 10 days. It is going to be tough for San Antonio.”

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Webber on the changing of the guard between the Spurs and Warriors:  “We know the Spurs, through their history, work hard…they keep the same demeanor and play hard. They can be back in this game at any time. But these are not our parents’ Golden State Warriors. These guys play defense and are not trying to let these guys [San Antonio] back in and be the Spurs of old.”

Webber on the Golden State Warriors: “It is so refreshing to see Golden State play tough defense – that they don’t get enough credit for – and then be so smart on the offensive end…all because of their coach Mark Jackson.”

Webber on Warriors head coach Mark Jackson: “Some people don’t understand the impact that Mark Jackson has on this team. He doesn’t just talk, he says what he needs to…he protects his team, that’s why he has all of their trust, which is something that is very hard for a coach to get.”

Webber on the Warriors looking tired heading into a second overtime against the Spurs: “Guys don’t get tired in the NBA…especially in the Playoffs…especially if you are under 35…you can play forever.”

TNT’s David Aldridge interviews Spurs guard Manu Ginobili following San Antonio’s Game 1 win

Ginobili on making that game-winning three pointer in the last 15 seconds of the second overtime: “I was wide open and didn’t have any other options. If I could have thought about it and done something else, I would have. It was only the second shot I made all day. Good timing.”

Ginobili on the Spurs winning Game 1: “I have to watch it to see. They ran out of options and we just kept going…Tony [Parker] was good and we made the last shot.”

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Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai

Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith

Barkley on the Warriors letting this game slip away:  “The Spurs won this game but this was a Golden State giveaway. They are going to have a tough time sleeping tonight.”

O’Neal on the Warriors being able to bounce back: “When you blow a game and you have a great performance, now you have to go out and try to have another great performance. Hopefully Stephen Curry can go out and do that [in Game 2]. It will be tough.”

Barkley on Warriors guard Stephen Curry being able to re-energize for Game 2: “The Spurs are going to wear him down at some point. I agree he’s arguably the best shooter in the world, but this is the most basketball he’s played in his life. Everyone gets tired; there is the pressure and adrenaline of the playoffs. It will be interesting to see how quick he can bounce back.”

Smith on Warriors guard Stephen Curry’s range of shots: “The key to his versatility is his diversity. He doesn’t live on the catch and shoot three. He lives in a lot of different areas.”

Barkley on the Bulls’ determination: “A lot of teams – elite teams – get their coach’s personality. They played like [Coach Thibodeau] coaches; a 100 percent effort all the time.”

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TNT’s coverage of the 2013 NBA Playoffs continues Thursday, May 2, with a doubleheader featuring the Brooklyn Nets vs. Chicago Bulls (Game 6) at 8 p.m. ET and

Denver Nuggets vs. Golden State Warriors (Game 6) at 10:30 p.m. 

***CLIP OF THE NIGHT***

(Please click the text below to view)

The NBA on TNT studio crew break down the Celtics’ Game 5 victory over the Knicks

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TNT NBA Tip-off presented by AutoTrader.com

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

Smith on Kevin Garnett’s performance without injured Boston teammate Rajon Rondo: “What he misses is [Rajon] Rondo. Rondo gives him easy buckets. Those 13-point nights turn into 20-point nights. That is what he misses.”

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Game 1: Boston Celtics (92) @ New York Knicks (86) – Knicks lead series 3-2

Announcers: Marv Albert (play-by-play) and Steve Kerr (analyst) with Rachel Nichols (reporter)

Kerr on the Knicks’ strengths: “When the Knicks are at their best, they are spreading the floor, with penetration from [Raymond] Felton…the ball starts moving and then that three-point line becomes their friend and they can get lethal from long range.”

Kerr on Celtics guard Terrence Williams: “Incredible talent…he’s got the size and strength of a small forward but with point guard skills. You just don’t know what guy is going to show up from one night to the next.”

Kerr on the underlying theme in the Knicks/Celtics series: “I think the general theme in this series is that every time New York has felt threatened, they are able to turn the screws defensively and lock up Boston for five or six possessions in a row.”

Kerr on the impact of Raymond Felton this season: “In a lot of ways, Raymond Felton was one of the best free agent signings in the off-season. Felton had a horrible season in Portland last year…the Knicks sign him for a lot less money than Jeremy Lin and they got a better player. Felton has had a terrific season.”

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Sprint Halftime Report

Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith

Barkley on the Knicks’ pre-game mindset vs. Boston: “It’s the first round of the playoffs…you don’t celebrate winning the first round…they are supposed to win this series.”

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Kerr on New York’s Iman Shumpert: “He has really turned up his game the last month to six weeks…he’s finally feeling comfortable again…he is going to be a heck of a player in this league.  He is so good defensively…he has that rare combination of strength and size and speed to be able to guard some of the best players in the league on the perimeter and his offense is getting better.”

Kerr on the Knicks and a lack of postseason success: “The most difficult game in a series is the close-out game, particularly for a team like the Knicks that has not been there before…guys like Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith; they have not had a lot of success in the postseason…as a group, they have to go through this and experience it. I think we are seeing that inexperience tonight.”

Kerr on Boston and its postseason experience: “They have been here so many times. They don’t want this season to end.  They don’t want this era to end.  They came to play tonight.”

Kerr on the Knicks’ mindset in the series: “This game has shown the immaturity of the Knicks team…the inexperience, maybe, in this situation. The playoffs are always a process and you have to learn as you go. They have learned something here. You have to approach things in the playoffs in a very professional manner…you had the elbow from J.R. Smith that lead to the suspension; a lot of trash talking the last couple of days; the shenanigans with wearing black…this is about executing and playing as a team and playing hard and this is part of the process.”

Kerr on New York’s offensive struggles in the last two games: “How about 22 assists – total – for New York in the last two games…just an indication of all the isolation, not trusting each other, and maybe not being able to get some of their three-point shooters on the floor as much as they would have liked.”

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Game 2:  Houston Rockets (107) @ Oklahoma City Thunder (100) – Thunder lead series 3-2

Announcers: Dick Stockton (play-by-play) and Chris Webber (analyst) with Tracy Wolfson (reporter)

Webber on injured Oklahoma City point guard Russell Westbrook: “If he needed to, he could come down right now and get seven points and two assists. Trust me.”

 

Webber on the Rockets’ mentality in Game 5 (following Garcia’s fourth three-pointer of the half): “Can you tell the team that has nothing to lose?  They [the Rockets] are playing like it and letting it go.”

Webber on Houston’s Aaron Brooks: “That’s why he is back on this team…his quickness, his aggressiveness and his leadership.”

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Sprint Halftime Report

Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith

Barkley on the absence of Russell Westbrook: “With or without Russell Westbrook, they should beat the Houston Rockets. They are just not playing with any energy [tonight].”

Smith on the Thunder without Westbrook: “He put everyone in their natural positions.  Now, you have Kevin Durant at the point forward.  He’s at the top, [and] you can see him a little bit better at the defensive end. Everything is, ‘We’re trying it out.’ [It’s a] difficult position for the Oklahoma City Thunder.”

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Webber on one of James Harden’s aggressive moves to the basket: “That [James] Harden crossover just made Tim Hardaway say ‘Wow.’”

Webber comparing the backcourts of the Rockets and Thunder: “The Houston Rockets guards are so much quicker than the guards of OKC.”

Webber on Rockets head coach Kevin McHale: “He was a player, but [now] he is pumping up his guys…letting them know to stay confident…keep it going and, for a young team, you have to constantly encourage them and remind them how to play smart.”

Webber on the strategy to foul Omer Asik: “I’m very surprised and it feels like a gimmick. When the better team starts to do that you think you are in their hands…now you are going to be in the bonus pretty early with Harden and those guys coming at you.”

Reporter Tracy Wolfson interviewed Houston’s James Harden following the Rockets’ Game 5 win

Harden on the Rockets’ win and his performance against his former team: “It meant a lot.  This is a win or go home situation for us…it was a gutsy win for us.”

Harden on Houston’s confidence looking ahead to Game 6:  “We got another opportunity at home.  We are going to take advantage of it…come out here, watch some film, practice tomorrow and get better for Game 6.”

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Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai

Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith

O’Neal on Kevin Durant late in the game: “I saw something I didn’t like, and no lead is safe when Kevin Durant is on the floor…[with the Thunder down 101-92 and 3:47 left in the game] Kevin Durant doesn’t get the ball; he does what is called ‘pout and stop.’  He pouts first; now he is stopping and lets the guys go through the offense.  He’s still not trying to get the ball.  They take the shot and he’s still upset. When he did that, I knew the game was over.”

Barkley on the Thunder: “My biggest criticism of Oklahoma City the last couple of years is they never get easy baskets. All their baskets are jump shots.  When you are not making shots, this is what you get especially without Russell Westbrook.”

Barkley on adjustments for the Thunder in the series: “[Thunder head coach] Scott Brooks has got to make a change…they cannot match up…they have to go small if they are going to win this series.”

Smith on the Rockets’ chances in the series: “Without question [they have a shot in the series]. I don’t think the Thunder’s small guys are as talented as the Rockets [if the Thunder try and go small].”

Barkley on the Game 5 performances by the Knicks and Thunder:  “You saw the weakness of the two teams – the Knicks and Oklahoma City…you don’t live by jumpers, you die by jumpers.”

Smith on the Celtics in Game 5: “Overall, the Celtics mind frame was, ‘Let’s not get good shots, let’s get great shots.’”

Follow Turner Sports on Twitter at @TurnerSportsPR.

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Notes from TNT’s NBA Playoffs Coverage – Wednesday, April 24, 2013

TNT’s NBA coverage of the 2013 NBA Playoffs continues Thursday, April 25, with a doubleheader featuring the Miami Heat vs. Milwaukee Bucks (Game 3) at 7 p.m. ET and Los Angeles Clippers vs. Memphis Grizzlies (Game 3) at 9:30 p.m.

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

 

O’Neal on the Houston Rockets’ lineup change in Game 2: “When you change your lineup after a disappointing loss, that’s just telling me you’re in slight panic mode. OKC has to continue to be passionate…and continue to bully the Houston guards because [James] Harden and [Jeremy] Lin don’t like pressure.”

Smith on the Rockets’ lineup change in Game 2: “I don’t like the lineup change. The Rockets problem is that they turn the basketball over. They don’t take care of the basketball when the game is on the line. If they take care of the basketball, they don’t have to change their lineup.”

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Game 1:  Houston Rockets (102) @ Oklahoma City Thunder (105) – Thunder lead series 2-0

Announcers: Matt Devlin (play-by-play) and Mike Fratello (analyst) with Tracy Wolfson (reporter)

Fratello on the Rockets first quarter of play: “The Rockets are doing exactly what they wanted to do. They’ve attacked the rim, made threes and limited opportunities for the Thunder.”

Fratello on Thunder guard Russell Westbrook: “He’s got that toughness that keeps coming out every night.”

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Sprint Halftime Report
Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith

Smith on Houston’s lineup change and what that meant in the first half: “The offense is running through [Patrick] Beverley. It was more an offensive move than defensive.”

Barkley on Rockets head coach Kevin McHale’s Game 2 strategy:  “Kevin [McHale] took one of [Warriors head coach] Mark Jackson’s cues and said: ‘Let’s go offensive. We’re not stopping them with our regular team and [Patrick] Beverly is tough and competitive.’”

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Fratello on the Rockets’ Omer Asik: “He has woken up in the second half [seven points and 11 rebounds]. He was not nearly as aggressive in the first half.”

Fratello on Houston head coach Kevin McHale shaking up his game plan by playing a zone defense in the fourth quarter: “He went to the zone and stayed with it. You see the effect of the zone; it really slowed down and bothered the Thunder.”

Fratello on Thunder forward Serge Ibaka’s 15-foot jump shot: “He’s gotten better and better. All season long he’s gotten better at it.”

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Game 2: L.A. Lakers (91) @ San Antonio Spurs (102) – Spurs lead series 2-0

Announcers: Kevin Harlan (play-by-play) and Reggie Miller (analyst) with David Aldridge (reporter)

 

Miller on Spurs forward Matt Bonner: “As soon as [Matt] Bonner checks in, there is no way he can guard Dwight Howard or Pau Gasol down low. They [Lakers] are going to have to take advantage of Bonner on the floor defensively.”

Miller on Lakers forward Dwight Howard and his renewed aggressive play: “This is a different Dwight Howard since Kobe [Bryant] went down. He’s so much more active.”

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Sprint Halftime Report
Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith

O’Neal on Lakers forward Dwight Howard’s play in Game 2: “He’s playing with a different type of energy. I like this Dwight Howard. Dwight Howard needs to bottle this game up, the way he’s playing [tonight in the first half].”

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Miller on Spurs guard Tony Parker: “He is just not right offensively.”

Miller on Parker and Lakers guard Steve Nash: “Both of these guys are shells of themselves.”

Miller on the importance of the three-point shot in Game 2: “The great equalizer has been the three-point shot. The L.A. Lakers have found that rhythm tonight in Game 2.”

Miller on the Lakers chances in the rest of the series: “I’m not ready to throw the towel in yet on the Lakers. I like what they did here in Game 2…the energy in Staples will be different.”

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Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai

Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith

Barkley on Dwight Howard’s performance: “If Dwight Howard doesn’t dominate, dominate, dominate – the Lakers have no chance. If Tim Duncan outscores [Howard], that’s not good.”

O’Neal on Howard: “He should ask for the ball a little more…get mean.”

Barkley on Thunder guard Russell Westbrook: “This guy [Russell Westbrook] might be the fastest guy that’s ever played in the NBA.”

O’Neal on the Houston Rockets: “If they can come into Game 3 with a little chip on their shoulder…they may have a chance [to win].”

Barkley on a potential series between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks in the second round: “The Pacers and Knicks [would] be a monster series.”

Smith on Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph and the Grizzlies’ chances in the rest of the series: “When he [Zach Randolph] becomes the best player on the court, the series becomes much tougher for the Clippers.”

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