Notes from NBA TV’s Coverage of the NBA Finals Game 2 – Sunday, June 8, 2014

NBA TV will televise NBA GameTime on Tuesday, June 10, at 7:30 p.m. ET, prior to Game 3 between the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs, along with comprehensive Finals coverage including live post-game press conferences.

 

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NBA Live at the Finals Pregame

Matt Winer, Grant Hill, Isiah Thomas and Chris Webber

Webber on the adjustments the Heat need to make to win Game 2: “The adjustments the Heat are going to have to make are ones they could have made in years past, but didn’t have to. This is one of the few teams that has won championships while being out-rebounded by the other team. I don’t think those things can happen in this series when [the Spurs] have an inside player like [power forward] Tim Duncan.”

Thomas on Spurs veteran Tim Duncan’s continued dominance throughout the years: “When you look at what Duncan has done in his body of work, it hasn’t been a five year run for him, he’s been good in every decade. It’s very difficult to do, and there are only three or four players who have done it in our league…he is one of them. Michael Jordan and LeBron James haven’t dominated for decades like Duncan has.”

Thomas on Heat guard Dwyane Wade’s play in Game 1 during the absence of injured star LeBron James: “When LeBron is out of the game, Dwyane Wade attracts a lot of attention. There are four defenders around him challenging every shot. Wade didn’t take over at the end of Game 1 when the game was close because San Antonio switched [Spurs forward] Kawhi Leonard on him. The adjustments San Antonio was able to make when LeBron was out of the game created a lot of defensive pressure for Wade and put him in a position where he was not able to score.”

Hill on the mindset of the Spurs heading into Game 2: “Miami certainly missed their leader and best defender in LeBron James [in the final minutes of Game 1], but San Antonio found their rhythm and started hitting their shots. All the talk the past few days has been about LeBron’s cramps, and whether the Heat would have won [with him in the game]. San Antonio won by 15 points and no one is talking about them. They might come out with an edge thinking they have to show they are the better team, even with LeBron James playing.”

Hill on where LeBron James stands among the greats in the post-Michael Jordan era: “He’s right up there. LeBron James is still in his prime, so it’s incomplete to judge and compare. He’s not even 30 years old. I would say Kobe [Bryant] and Tim Duncan are probably in the same category, particularly if Duncan can win this series and get to five championship rings.”

Webber on what he expects to see from LeBron James in Game 2: “I just expect him to be LeBron…which is the best player in the world. I expect him to come out and play well. However, I do think it is about the full team game, and let’s remember San Antonio doesn’t mind giving LeBron 40 points if they can find another way to win.” 

 

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NBA Live at the Finals Postgame

Winer, Hill, Thomas and Webber

Thomas on the simplicity of Heat forward LeBron James’ game during Game 2: “He played a classic, traditional game tonight.”

Hill on the strong play of LeBron James: “With all of the talk about LeBron not being healthy after Game 1, you knew he was going to come out in attack mode. Sometimes just seeing the ball go through the basket starts to give you that confidence. Once he gets it going, the Heat are pretty hard to beat.”

Thomas on the high level of play from Heat stars in the NBA finals: “I think Miami goes back home and they win. I look at [Heat stars] Wade, Bosh, Allen and James…all four of those players are playing at a very high level. None of them are struggling in this series to score or get the type of shot that they want. Until they figure out a way to stop one of those four guys, I don’t see San Antonio having a chance to win.”

Hill on the defensive effort of the Miami Heat: “I thought the defense was better tonight. Miami made all of the right plays at the right time. LeBron carried the load, willed this team and kept them in the game in the second half, but you have to tip your hat to the entire team defensively.”

 

Heat guard Dwyane Wade joined the GameTime crew following Miami’s Game 2 win

Wade on the importance of rebounds in the NBA finals: “It’s winning time. You have to go get it. When the ball is up it is 50/50. LeBron is just so athletic…he goes on top and grabs it.”

Wade on his role in Game 2: “Every game is different. Tonight LeBron had it going. It was my turn to manage the game. I have to do a good job of getting my guys shots and mixing mine in. Tonight wasn’t an overly aggressive offensive night for me, but at this time of year you do whatever it takes to win, especially in the second half.”

Wade on the clutch three-point shot made by Heat center Chris Bosh to win Game 2: “That’s what Chris Bosh does…he makes big shots for us. Whether he is having a big night or a quiet night, you can always count on him. He’s going to take it. He has the guts to take it and has knocked big shots down for us.”

Wade on the criticism the Heat face and how they stay focused game to game: “That’s the world that we live in. Some people are going to believe in you and some people may not, but you can’t go hide and crumble. You have to come out and continue to keep striving and pushing. No matter what they say we’re going to keep coming back. We are a confident team and feel we can win four games. Keep it coming…hate is motivation.”

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Notes from NBA TV’s Playoff Coverage – Thursday, May 1, 2014

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AutoTrader.com Pregame Show

Vince Cellini, Dennis Scott and Isiah Thomas

Thomas on Indiana’s inability to defend the perimeter: “When you look at [George] Hill, you look at [Lance] Stephenson, and you look at their perimeter players, Paul George, they’re good enough out on the perimeter to defend and shut down the three-point line and contain penetration. Why are they not defending? Why are those three guys getting beat off the dribble? I know [Jeff] Teague is good, but they’re getting beat off the dribble by a lot of players, not just Teague.”

Thomas on Atlanta point guard Jeff Teague playing as well as other top point guards: “When you’re talking about Jeff Teague, he has just as much control of this offense as Tony Parker does right now and as Chris Paul.”

Scott on the criticism of Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant: “You look at Kevin Durant’s body of work, there’s no way you can say this man is unreliable. There’s no way you can say that. Each year, as Russell Westbrook said, he’s gotten better. When Russell Westbrook went down, his assists, rebounds, everything went up. And right now he’s had a bad couple games because there’s a guy [Tony Allen] who doesn’t care about anything else on the floor but defense and disrupting his flow to the game.”

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Indiana Pacers (95) at Atlanta Hawks (88) – Series tied 3-3
Brian Anderson (play-by-play), Greg Anthony (analyst) with Molly Sullivan (reporter)

Anthony on Pero Antic: “He just knows how to play the game of basketball. [He] doesn’t make a lot of negative plays on the floor; he just helps you win.”

Anthony on Indiana center Roy Hibbert not being a major factor against Atlanta: “The issue with [Roy] Hibbert is, what he does best, there isn’t an opportunity for him to do it in this series. That’s the issue. It’s not about his ability as a player, it’s just not a good matchup. He’s a very good player; he’s not a transcendent player. He’s got to have an opportunity to do what he does, and this series doesn’t present it.”

Anthony on Atlanta forward Paul Millsap: “How about the job Danny Ferry did there [signing Paul Millsap]. You talk about a serious bargain…of getting Paul Millsap, who has been nothing short of brilliant all season, really, for this Hawks team. And he’s been a terrific compliment to Jeff Teague and his style of play, and for Coach Bud’s [Budenholzer] system.”

 

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Sprint Halftime Report
Cellini, Scott and Thomas

Thomas on Indiana’s defense forcing Atlanta point guard Jeff Teague to be a scorer more than a passer: “Indiana’s defensive adjustment, in terms of playing small, has made them quicker. Now they can cover the perimeter. With [Roy] Hibbert being out of the game, and again this is no knock on Hibbert, I just don’t think this is a series for him. This is a team – Atlanta – that spreads the floor. They play with speed, they play with quickness…and Indiana now is matching their speed and the quickness. Consequently, they’re able to keep [Jeff] Teague in front of them, forcing him to make shots, and he’s not getting everyone else involved.”

Scott on Indiana forward Paul George’s impact in the first half: “Superstars have to put their imprint on the game, and so far he’s doing it.”

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Anthony on the Hawks’ mindset for a potential Game 7 on the road, knowing they’ve won in Indianapolis: “The Hawks also know that we’ve gone to Indianapolis already this series and won twice. So, all is not lost if you’re the Hawks because of that confidence in knowing that you’ve been able to do it.”

Anthony on the Hawks’ 19-7 third quarter run while Indiana’s Paul George was on the bench in foul trouble: “You see the importance. It’s not only his presence offensively, the impact defensively as well that he provides.”

Anthony on the lively atmosphere in Atlanta: “I’ve got to tip my cap to the city of Atlanta, the way they’ve supported this team. This is as electric an environment as I’ve ever seen here. They are into this game like I’ve never seen for a Hawks basketball game. It’s impressive to watch.”

Anthony on Atlanta’s forward Paul Millsap contributing in other ways besides scoring: “Paul Millsap, he hasn’t shot it well, but boy he’s done everything else.”

Anthony on Indiana’s turnovers and poor passing: “No matter what happens tonight, whether the Pacers win or not, one thing that’s telling is they’re really not a good passing team.”

Anthony on Atlanta point guard Jeff Teague: “He’s got supreme confidence in his abilities right now.”

Anthony on Indiana forward David West: “He has been just money in these big games here on the road for the Pacers.”

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NBA GameTime presented by Kia

Cellini, Scott and Thomas

Scott on the Pacers’ defense playing closer to its old form: “That Indiana Pacer defense finally showed up that we’ve seen the past couple years, holding the Hawks under 90 points. When they do that, it means they’re focused, [with] deflections, hands in the passing lanes.”

Scott on Indiana players stepping up in Game 6: “Lance Stephenson brought his A-gane tonight.”

Scott on Pacers’ coach Frank Vogel trusting forward David West at the end of the game: “You love his [David West] intensity down the stretch in understanding that, I need to make a good play, I need to make sure the ball goes to the right person. So, I like the fact that Coach [Frank] Vogel trusts him to put him at the top of the key.”

Thomas on the Hawks facing a road game 7: “You can definitely pull it together. However, you missed a golden opportunity. And I thought Atlanta tonight fell in love with the three-point shot a little bit too much. Early they had success, but to shoot the three-point ball 35 times in a close out game like tonight, at home, that’s way too many.”

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Notes from NBA TV’s Playoff Coverage – Tuesday, April 29, 2014

NBA TV’s coverage of the NBA Playoffs continues Wednesday, April 30, with the Brooklyn Nets at Toronto Raptors (Game 5) at 7:30 p.m. ET

 

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AutoTrader.com Pregame Show

Matt Winer, Dennis Scott and Rick Fox

Fox on Thunder veteran Derek Fisher’s record-breaking 245^th playoff game: “Seeing him on the court after so many years, I recall sitting in Chicago at Moody Bible [Institute] watching him, and Derek stood out to me then…the way he conducted himself and carried himself. He’s a lefty too, and I thought that was interesting…a strong guard with a left-handed approach to things. Then I got to know him and his leadership, professionalism and consistency. It didn’t matter what team he was on. I can’t think of [Lakers guard] Kobe Bryant without thinking of him. They came [into the league] together and won five championships as Lakers together. He’s got the same amount of championships as Kobe and has held up in a healthier fashion than all of us put together.”

Scott on Fisher: “Being an opponent and playing against him, he has always been a top-notch professional.”

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Memphis Grizzlies (100) at Oklahoma City Thunder (99) in OT – Grizzlies lead series 3-2
Kevin Calabro (play-by-play), Mike Fratello (analyst) with Lewis Johnson (reporter)

Fratello on the Memphis Grizzlies success thus far in the postseason: “Because Memphis got off to a slow start [in the regular season] many people forgot this is a playoff tested team. They had to find their way. Down the stretch, they were one of the most dangerous teams in the regular season. Now they’re back.”

Fratello on Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook: “That’s what Westbrook does to most small guards…he just overpowers them and goes through them to get a clear look at the basket.”

Fratello on Grizzlies center Marc Gasol: “You have to make a decision when you’re playing defense against Gasol. You either back off and dare him to shoot a face-up jump shot, or you pressure him. If you’re going to pressure, make it for real…no make believe defense. Get all over him and make him pass.”

Fratello on Thunder point guard Derek Fisher’s longevity in the league: “He’s amazing. He played at a small college and not many people recognized just how good he was. He just came in and earned all his minutes, earned his starting position early in his career and he’s still the same type of player — hard-nosed and so professional. As a coach, this is the kind of guy you love to have in practice because he leads the way by example.”

Fratello on Grizzlies forward Mike Miller: “He can obviously stretch the defense because he has no range…it’s unlimited. When he steps over the half-court line, you better be ready for him. He’s really the ultimate teammate. I haven’t known a team or somebody who has played with Mike Miller that doesn’t have all great things to say about him.”

 

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Sprint Halftime Report
Winer, Scott, Fox

Fox on the quicker pace of the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 5: “Pace and tempo is not something they’re really known for, but they decided to flip the script and look for uncontested shots in transition. The team that is under control most during the game wins, and Memphis is used to rolling at a slower pace. As they pick it up they have to be very careful not to play out of character. You want to run at a pace that is best suited for all your players on the floor. Not everyone can play at 80 miles per hour.”

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Fratello on the aggressiveness of Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook: “He’s so aggressive and [Thunder head coach] Scott Brooks doesn’t want to take that away [from him], but Westbrook has to understand there is a time to take it and finish it and a time to draw defenders and create shots for his teammates.”

Fratello on the Thunder’s lack of confidence: “It almost looks like Oklahoma City is feeling the pressure of this game. They’re back home and they got away with the last one because of the performance of [Thunder point guard] Reggie Jackson. It’s almost like they don’t believe they’re as good as Memphis.”

Fratello on Grizzlies power forward Zach Randolph: “You cannot give him room to get a good look at the basket…he’s too good of a scorer.”

Fratello on Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley: “He’s not [Thunder point guard] Russell Westbrook, but he does it his own way and makes it look easy. You don’t think he’s as fast as he is.” 

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NBA GameTime presented by Kia

Winer, Scott, Fox

Fox on the hot hand of Grizzlies shooter Mike Miller: “These aren’t your normal stretch jump shots from a player. This is someone who understands how to knock down shots. We know that Mike can do this, but how you can leave him open in transition is beyond me. That cost the Thunder tonight.”

Scott on Mike Miller in the playoffs: “This is his time of year. When the game is tight, he’s the perfect person to kick it to.”

Fox on the pros and cons of Russell Westbrook’s aggressive play: “If you’re only looking at the stat sheet, Russell Westbrook had a triple-double tonight and was statistically impressive. We know he’s going to stuff a stat sheet because he’s going to come at you full force. He had moments of brilliance. We’ve grown accustomed to him in attack mode, but the plus/minuses with him [and his aggressive play] are always going to swing quarter to quarter.”

Scott on the execution of Memphis in Game 5: “Memphis played with more purpose. They were getting into their offense faster and executing early.”

Fox on the Thunder heading into Game 6 in Memphis: “They’re confident they can win in Memphis because they just did in Game 4. A fifth overtime game would not surprise me one bit.”

Notes from NBA TV’s Playoff Coverage – Monday, April 28, 2014

NBA TV’s coverage of the NBA Playoffs continues Tuesday, April 29, with the Memphis Grizzlies at Oklahoma City Thunder (Game 5) at 9 p.m. ET

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AutoTrader.com Pregame Show

Jared Greenberg, Brent Barry and Stu Jackson

Barry on the changing personnel of the Pacers: “The beginning of the series, being able to stretch [Roy] Hibbert out, was problematic going into the series – that’s sort of been nullified. The fact that Atlanta is not playing a typical center, playing [Paul] Millsap and Mike Scott, another shooting big [man], that’s been another adjustment so that Hibbert is now out of the game in crunch time situations, which adjusts the way the guys in the perimeter are used to having some security blanket behind them defensively.”

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Indiana Pacers (97) at Atlanta Hawks (107) – Hawks lead series 3-2
Ian Eagle (play-by-play), Steve Smith (analyst) with Molly Sullivan (reporter)

Ian Eagle on the Hawks gaining confidence: “This group is gaining confidence for a team that finished 38-44 [and] battled for that final playoff spot down the stretch of the season.”

Smith on the Indiana Pacers struggling in Game 5 after having success during the regular season: “We were talking about this team at the beginning of this season, [winning] a championship, talking about the Indiana Pacers, 46-13, at one point, now in Game 5 down 23 points. The  boo birds are out before halftime in a series that’s 2-2.

Smith on Indiana’s Luis Scola: “He’s done an excellent job coming in, giving them some offensive presence. He moves without the basketball, [is] a great passer, just has a knack for being in the right place.”

Smith on the Hawks’ impressive first half: “They knocked down some threes [and] Mike Scott led in the second quarter, but I thought?defensively?they did a good job…give the Hawks a lot of credit on both ends.”

 

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Sprint Halftime Report
Greenberg, Barry, Jackson

Jackson on the turning point for the Hawks: “It really started when Roy Hibbert went out with two fouls, that’s when Atlanta went on a 9-2 run, and from there on out, going into the second quarter there was no turning back. [Mike] Scott comes in and creates a huge match-up problem, given the way he’s shooting the basketball.”

Barry on the Hawks and Indiana’s lack of adjustments: “It’s great to watch the Hawks doing what they’re doing, and we’ve got to start talking about their successes here; but no adjustments from the Pacers on the other side of things to take them away from that [hot shooting], that’s just bad basketball.”

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Smith on Atlanta Hawks point guard Jeff Teague in the playoffs: “He just seems more relaxed, and that’s [come] with experience. Jeff Teague, this offense is made for him. A lot of pick and rolls, a lot of space for him to use that ability to get into the paint.”

Smith on the Hawks holding on to win in Indiana despite a comeback attempt by the Pacers: “A tremendous effort by the entire Atlanta Hawk team. [They] took the best shot from the Indiana Pacers in that fourth quarter.”

Smith on Shelvin Mack: “A huge game by Shelvin Mack. Not only the 19 points, but then to dish out five assists, three rebounds and calmly knock down some big free throws for the Atlanta Hawks.”

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NBA GameTime presented by Kia

Greenberg, Barry, Jackson

Barry on the Pacers not being able to play well at home: “It’s a tough one to swallow if you’re a Pacer fan, after seeing what they did on the road and beating the Hawks down here [in Atlanta] before heading home. And you’re thinking, ‘Ok, here we go, let’s take a collective breath and let’s go back and dominate the way we had done all year long.’”

Jackson on the Pacers’ performance in Game 5: “There’s no cohesiveness at all. And if to have your back against the wall to perform or do your job, that’s not a good characteristic to have. You give them some credit for fighting back and trying to get back in the game; but coming out, not being prepared mentally, not executing defensively, providing too much air space to the Hawks on penetration and jump shots, it’s unacceptable for a team as talented as the Pacers.”

Barry on the Indiana Pacers not being able to make adjustments defensively this series: “Defensively, you’ve got to be able to still make those kind of adjustments, where you could play small, ask guys to do other things, and be capable of those things. And they have looked like anything but capable on both ends of the floor.”

Jackson on the Hawks closing out the Pacers in Game 6: “Listen, they’re going for the jugular. I expect them, if they’re that cohesive and mentally prepared come their next game here in Atlanta, it’s lights out for the Pacers and they’ll arguably be one of the biggest sports stories of the year.”

Jackson on how the Hawks are a match-up problem for the Pacers: “This is about Indiana’s inability to guard perimeter players, specifically their guards. Big men are forced into helping, a split second too long, they can’t get back out to recover that amount of air space to the big men that are shooters from the perimeter, and you have a big problem.”

Notes from NBA TV’s Playoff Coverage – Wednesday, April 23, 2014

NBA TV’s coverage of the NBA Playoffs continues Thursday, April 24, with Indiana Pacers @ Atlanta Hawks (Game 3) at 7 p.m. ET

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AutoTrader.com Pregame Show

Matt Winer, Baron Davis and Dennis Scott

Davis on what the Mavericks should do to get Dirk Nowitzki into rhythm:  “You have to put him in a couple of iso situations and let him hold the ball. Let him take his time on the block and that way, he can settle down. He had some good shots [in Game 1] but they were rushed and that’s from him not having patience down in an iso situation.”

Davis on how to slow down San Antonio’s Tim Duncan: “You have to have someone jabbing at the ball. You have to mix it up, show him a bunch of different looks and crowd him at the end of the game…and be as physical as you can.”

Davis on Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard: “[The Rockets] don’t have anyone that can guard him. He is the ‘x-factor’ in this series because he’s unguardable. He gets to the hole at will, he shoots the pull-up and he shoots the three. He just has a knack for scoring the basketball and being an offensive pest to [Patrick] Beverley and Jeremy Lin.”

 

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Dallas Mavericks (113) at San Antonio Spurs (92) – Series tied 1-1
Ian Eagle (play-by-play), Mike Fratello (analyst) with Jaime Maggio (reporter)

Fratello on Dallas’ Brandan Wright matching up against Tim Duncan: “He’s not long enough and he’s not strong enough to guard [Tim] Duncan one-on-one. [Mavericks Head Coach Rick] Carlisle must decide if he wants to start double-teaming [Duncan] even though that will open up the three-point line.”

Fratello on San Antonio’s Marco Belinelli: “Along the lines of [Manu] Ginobili, he’s not afraid to try to make something happen in a game. Every once in a while, that makes a coach crazy but they realize how important he is to the team.”

Fratello on the Mavericks: “Dallas is much more aggressive in this game than San Antonio. They understand that they are fighting for their lives and don’t want to go down two games [in the series]. They are doing everything they can.”

Fratello on the physical inside play: “If you’re faint of heart, you don’t want to get in the lane tonight.”

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Sprint Halftime Report
Winer, Davis, Scott

Davis on San Antonio’s Manu Ginobili: “He’s a special guy. He’s dynamic, he’s creative and he plays with a great confidence and sense of freedom. He can get hot at any moment.”

Scott on Ginobili: “Ginobili is one of the few guys in this league that when he’s on the floor he can make a jump shot, you can put the ball in his hands and let him facilitate, and he gets to the free throw line. You know he’s going to get in there and cause havoc.”

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Fratello on Mavericks guard Jose Calderon: “He’s one of those ‘feel good’ guys. When he hits his shot and he gets it going, he shoots it in bunches.”

Fratello on the Mavericks mentality in Game 2: “Dallas couldn’t put [the Spurs] away in Game 1. With a veteran team, San Antonio got the win in Game 1. Dallas came into Game 2 determined not to let that happen again.”

Fratello on the Mavericks’ Game 2 performance: “Dallas has been a more aggressive team the entire night. At the beginning of the game, they played with a confidence and aggressiveness that had San Antonio back on their heels.”

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NBA GameTime presented by Kia

Winer, Davis, Scott

Scott on Portland’s LaMarcus Aldridge: “LaMarcus Aldridge is playing like an MVP right now.”

Davis on Aldridge: “He’s a mismatch problem for the Rockets. I don’t know if they have anyone who can guard him.”

Davis on Game 2 of Mavericks/Spurs: “The game got away from the Spurs and what they were establishing. The Spurs run their offense and throw it into [Tim] Duncan; [Tony] Parker comes off the pick-and-roll and beats you. As the game started to progress and Dallas gained more confidence, Dallas started to play uncharacteristically. They started to look to make individual plays and that neutralized Tim Duncan. When you’ve got your role players trying to make plays, that takes everyone out of their offense.”

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Fans Select Houston Rockets at Oklahoma City Thunder as NBA TV’s

NBA Fan Night presented by Sprint Telecast Tuesday, March 11, at 8 p.m. ET

NBA TV’s upcoming NBA Fan Night presented by Sprint will feature Dwight Howard and the Houston Rockets visiting Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday, March 11, at 8 p.m. ET.

The NBA Fan Night presented by Sprint game selection was based on fan voting via NBA.com, the NBA Facebook page, NBA TV’s Facebook page, Yahoo.com , NBA.com mobile web, mobile NBA Game Time App, the NBA Game Time from Sprint App and Twitter.

Host Matt Winer will be joined by Chris Webber to offer analysis during the AutoTrader.com Pregame Show starting at 7:30 p.m. Winer and Webber will also provide updates at times during the game telecast, along with halftime and NBA GameTime presented by Kia post-game coverage.

Fan voting for the final NBA Fan Night presented by Sprint telecast – Tuesday, March 18 – will be conducted from Tuesday, March 11, at 8 a.m. through Thursday, March 13, at midnight. Potential game telecasts:

• Toronto Raptors at Atlanta Hawks
• Milwaukee Bucks at Portland Trail Blazers
• Washington Wizards at Sacramento Kings

Upcoming NBA TV Game Schedule

Date	Time (ET)	Matchup
Saturday, March 8	7:30 p.m.	New York Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers
Sunday, March 9	6 p.m.	Detroit Pistons at Boston Celtics
	9 p.m.	Phoenix Suns at Golden State Warriors
Monday, March 10	10:30 p.m.	Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Clippers
Tuesday, March 11	8 p.m.	Houston Rockets at Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA Fan Night)

Notes from NBA TV’s NBA Fan Night presented by Sprint – Tuesday, January 28, 2014

San Antonio Spurs (90) at Houston Rockets (97)

Voting is open for next week’s game via NBA.com, the NBA Facebook page, NBA TV’s Facebook page, Yahoo.com, NBA.com mobile web, mobile NBA Game Time App, the NBA Game Time from Sprint App, and Twitter.

Fans can select between the following games:

·         Chicago Bulls at Phoenix Suns

·         Los Angeles Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves

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AutoTrader.com Pregame Show

Ernie Johnson, Greg Anthony and Rick Fox

Houston Rockets Head Coach Kevin McHale’s Pre-Game Interview

McHale on whether he expected more out of Dwight Howard: “No, I think that we’ve got to do a better job of getting him the ball more, and we’re doing a better job. I think he started off in November, he was averaging about 17 [ppg].  Now in January, I think he’s averaging well over 19, almost 20. We’re doing a better job. He came to a team that had a lot of guys that never played with a post guy. Our post feeding was really poor. We had a lot of turnovers getting it into him. We didn’t hit him when he was open. We’re getting a little bit better at that. I think people are getting a little more used to playing with a post player…post feeding for me is a lost art. We work on it every day…as we get better [at feeding the post], Dwight will get the ball in better position.  He’s been great. He’s been fun to work with.  He was frustrated for a while because he was open and guys weren’t hitting him, but we’re hitting him more now.”

McHale on Chandler Parsons’ development: “His development has been fantastic. He came in and his three-point shot was really shaky his first year…but [he’s] just a good, solid all-around NBA player; he worked really hard the last couple summers. His three-point shot now is very good. You can really count on him. He can play-make, he can drive, he can finish at the hoop; he’s a good, solid defender. He’s really turned into a tremendous player for us, and a guy that we really need on a nightly basis, and he’s been delivering.”

McHale on whether the Rockets need to be more physical: “No question. I think that’s one of our biggest lacks, one of the biggest areas that we lack is our physicality.  I can’t tell you how many times at halftime I walk and say, ‘Guys, we cannot continue to get pushed around. It’s going to be a physical game.’ There’s no question we have got to build that up. We don’t come out with enough physical presence in our team.”

Fox on Howard and expectations: “I just think he’s been held to a higher standard, maybe unfairly…but I’d rather be expected to be great than to just be good.”

 

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Sprint Halftime Report

Johnson, Anthony and Fox

Fox on Tim Duncan following the first half: “You realize age is just a number for him because he still plays the game as if he was 28.”

Anthony on the match-up being important for Duncan and Howard: “This is also a statement game for both these guys. Neither were selected to be in the All-Star Game [as starters]…and [this is] one of the last opportunities you have to show the world, if you will, that you’re worthy and deserving.”

Webber [via video conference] on Howard and the influence of Hakeem Olajuwon: “I think too much is made of Hakeem Olajuwon [mentoring Howard]. Hakeem Olajuwon is one of the best players to ever play, that’s touched the ball, but that’s not the only way to score…a lot of guys who had less talent have been really effective by just using their body, just using spacing.”

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NBA GameTime presented by Kia

Johnson, Anthony and Fox

Fox on the Houston’s ceiling in the West: “The teams ahead of them know who they are, already. And this is a team that’s still trying to discover how they all play together. They’re getting better.”

Anthony on what the Rockets’ success against the Spurs this season represents: “Not a lot… and that’s why San Antonio’s not going to be overly concerned. In the regular season, timing has a lot to do with things. People get caught up in what you do against a team a lot of times but very rarely do you both come into a situation on level footing.”

Dwight Howard’s Post-Game Interview

Howard on the Rockets improvement: “We’re getting better every day. Each game is different and we’re learning how to play with each other. Last year the way they played was a little bit different than how we’re trying to play this year. We want to be able to play inside-out, but also get up in transition. So, it’s a learning process for all of us, including myself.”

Howard on whether he expects to hear his name called as an All-Star participant: “I do expect to hear my name. But if not, that’s just going to give me motivation to go win that championship and come back next year to make sure everybody votes for my guys on the team and also myself.”

Notes from NBA TV’s NBA Fan Night presented by Sprint – Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Boston Celtics (86) at Miami Heat (93)

Voting is open for next week’s game, via NBA.com, the NBA Facebook page, NBA TV’s Facebook page, Yahoo.com, NBA.com mobile web, mobile NBA Game Time App, the NBA Game Time from Sprint App, and Twitter.

Fans can select between the following games:

New Orleans Pelicans at Cleveland Cavaliers

Orlando Magic at Detroit Pistons

Boston Celtics at New York Knicks

San Antonio Spurs at Houston Rockets

 

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AutoTrader.com Pregame Show

Matt Winer, Greg Anthony and Chris Webber

Anthony on Miami’s struggle to win games without Dwyane Wade in the lineup this year: “That speaks to the supporting cast a year ago [compared to today]. When you don’t have Wade out there you’re asking those other guys to do more and at this stage of [Heat guard] Ray Allen’s career, that’s asking a lot.”

Webber on the severity of Wade’s lingering injury: “It worries me as a Heat fan and a basketball fan that Dwyane Wade’s knees might be a problem.”

Anthony on Thunder forward Kevin Durant vs. Heat forward LeBron James: “They play different games. The greatest thing about LeBron James is he is the only player in the history of the NBA that has averaged 30 points in a season when scoring is not what he does best. He’s never going to be a guy that looks to score first because his whole mindset is about making his teammates better.”

Anthony on whether Wade’s health will impact James’ potential free agency this offseason: “It’s all going to be dependent on what they do in the postseason. If they win a championship, it’s a moot point. If they don’t win a championship, that’s where the concern starts. [The Big Three] have been through these bumps in the regular season before, but when you get to the postseason and you don’t get it done, that’s another animal.”

Anthony on the current state of the Boston Celtics: “Of all the teams that are in bad shape right now, the Celtics have the best chance to turn it around. They’re not that far from competing right now in the East.”

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Sprint Halftime Report

Winer, Anthony and Webber

Webber on what the Miami Heat need to do to break their current losing streak: “[To break] a losing streak like they’re on [the Heat] need to come back with passion, get the crowd involved in the game, use ball movement and play defense. They need to do this every night against the teams that are much better [than the Boston Celtics].”

Webber on the improvement of Heat guard Mario Chalmers: “Anyone who has watched Mario knows he’s reliable. When you play around the best players, you pick up the best. He’s getting better watching his teammates play.”

Webber on the Celtics building confidence through losses to top teams: “If they come out, play hard with effort and stay close [against the defending champion Heat] they will find out more about themselves than they could have ever imagined. This is when you build confidence.”

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NBA GameTime presented by Kia

Winer, Anthony and Webber

Anthony on whether or not the Heat found a solution to their problems in their win against the Celtics: “This is the first step because of how they had to win the game. They had to outwork the Celtics down the stretch and figure out a way to conjure up energy. It’s a process. They don’t know how to play hard anymore. Even tonight, they didn’t compete the way you have to compete to have a chance to win [a championship] again.”

Webber on the Miami Heat bench:“You’re going to have to see more energy guys like [Heat center] Chris Andersen come in and keep infusing energy, holding this team afloat until they can get everybody back and play well.”

Webber on Kevin Durant’s recent shooting prowess: “I love it because it is by necessity. [Durant] was a little bit frustrated in the playoffs last year because he had to find people and play a different way. The great thing about great players is you give them a second to adapt…and since last year he has adapted. He’s not doing this just to be pretty. He’s doing it because he can and it’s a necessity [without Russell Westbrook]. He wins games.”

Special Program Goes Behind the Scenes with the Team Including a Look at the Growing Pacers-Heat Rivalry

The Indiana Pacers fell just one win short of reaching The Finals last year; now, currently with the best record in the league, many believe they are destined for a return to the Eastern Conference Finals and perhaps more this season. NBA TV goes behind the scenes with the Pacers to see what is fueling them this season with a special program — On a Mission: Indiana Pacers — airing Friday, Jan. 17, at 5:30 p.m. ET.

In this 30-minute NBA TV Originals special, Hall of Famer and TNT NBA analyst Reggie Miller narrates the story of his former team, providing a unique perspective on what is driving them. Sometimes overlooked, the Pacers have proven to be a special blend of President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird, a Hoosier-state icon, and Head Coach Frank Vogel, a New Jersey native and former video coordinator who fuels the team’s underdog approach.

“I really haven’t won anything for Indiana,” says Bird. “I couldn’t win in high school. I couldn’t win in college. I’d like to see this franchise make the step necessary to get back and do whatever they can to win a championship and my life would then be fulfilled. If they can win it, my life would be fulfilled, because I did something for Indiana.”

NBA TV focuses on each of the key team members including Paul George, a 2013 All-Star who has elevated into the upper echelon of the NBA’s elite players. Joining him are fellow All-Stars Roy Hibbert and David West, as well as Lance Stephenson, a former second-round pick who has turned into a steady, key piece of the team.

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

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