TNT’s NBA coverage of the playoffs continues Saturday, April 25, with doubleheader action featuring the Atlanta Hawks @ Brooklyn Nets at 3 p.m. ET and the Chicago Bulls @ Milwaukee Bucks at 5:30 p.m.
**** **** **** ****
TNT NBA Tip-off presented by Autotrader
Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith
Barkley on the idea of Cleveland intimidating the Celtics: “The words ‘intimidation’ and ‘bulletin board material,’ I think that’s always overused.”
O’Neal on the effect of intimidation: “For me, intimidation was my whole thing. The guys I couldn’t intimidate, I had trouble with; Hakeem [Olajuwon] and Tim Duncan on certain days. The guys I could intimidate, it made it easier for me.”
O’Neal on LeBron James’ ability to intimidate opponents: “LeBron, to me, is more on the Magic [Johnson] side of things; great player, Hall of Famer, first ballot..but he’s not really intimidating. Guys are not really going to fear him.”
Smith on how intimidation factors into the game: “At the beginning of the game, you’re not intimidated, but as the game goes on and you realize you can’t stop them, that’s intimidating.”
**** **** **** ****
Cleveland Cavaliers (103) @ Boston Celtics (95); Cavaliers lead 3-0
Marv Albert (play-by-play) Chris Webber (analyst) with Rachel Nichols (reporter)
Webber on Cavaliers’ center Timofey Mozgov: “I love Mozgov. He just does his job…He cut down the lane and finished like a big guy’s supposed to.”
Webber on a big man’s job on offense: “As a big man, you have to be two things – aware and ready to catch the ball.”
Webber on Kevin Love’s all-around offensive game: “Everyone in Cleveland should be excited when Kevin Love gets it in the post. He’s a great passer and more than capable in the post.”
Webber on Tristan Thompson and teams intentionally fouling below-average foul shooters in the playoffs: “If you want people to quit hacking you, make your free throws.”
Webber on LeBron setting the pace for the Cavaliers’ offense: “He wanted to make sure he led by example, and the example was getting to the basket.”
Webber on Kevin Love’s impact: “It’s how he did it, not just shooting threes, but being in the post and also getting back on defense.”
Webber on LeBron’s minutes this season: “I know a lot of Cleveland fans are worried that LeBron played almost 42 minutes a game, but this season he’s played the least amount of minutes of his career. Coach [David] Blatt said they’ve prepared for this all season.”
Webber on the Celtics’ team depth: “In the playoffs, 90% of teams… shrink their rotation. [Coach Brad] Stevens said he knows that’s the way it usually goes, but he thinks they have strength in numbers and depth. They want to play more [players], as opposed less.”
Webber on the match of the Celtics’ style and the Boston crowd: “Young teams needs energy. They need to get it from the crowd and from hustle plays… When you show the crowd, you’re in it on those hustle plays; they give you all the support that you need.”
Webber on Boston’s philosophy: “This team is known for sharing the ball and getting guys open shots.”
Webber on silver linings for Boston: “There are no moral victories if you lose, but there are building blocks.”
**** **** **** ****
Golden State Warriors (123) @ New Orleans Pelicans (119) in OT; Warriors lead 3-0
Brian Anderson (play-by-play) Steve Smith (analyst) with Tracy Wolfson (reporter)
Smith on Stephen Curry’s development: “Because of his ability to handle the basketball, show shot and drive, and take the contact, he’s a little bit stronger and more confident than in his first year.”
Smith on Curry aggressively driving to the basket: “He uses his speed and ability to get the rim and he’s a tough puppy.”
Smith on Klay Thompson: “That’s the next evolution for Klay Thompson…putting some pressure on little guards and get to the free throw line and also be effective with his size at the two-guard position.”
Smith on the Warriors needing to cool off the Pelicans offense: “They have no problem scoring, but right now, they have to defend.”
Smith on how Ryan Anderson affects the Pelicans: “This is a different team with Ryan Anderson…[when he’s effective], it allows them to rest Anthony Davis.”
Smith on the Pelicans’ transition offense: “That’s what a missed [Golden State] three point shot does for you; it starts the fast break because it’s a long rebound and guys can’t get back.”
Smith on Anthony Davis: “That’s what makes him special. Being able to play both ends, and with his length, he can guard you [either] out to the three point line [or] at the rim.”
**** **** **** ****
Inside the NBA presented by Kia
Johnson, O’Neal, Barkley, Smith
Barkley on match-up problems caused by Anthony Davis: “I would go to Anthony Davis every time and make [the Warriors] double [team] him, or get Draymond Green in foul trouble.”
O’Neal on Davis: “[Charles and I] love when big men come ready to play, and this kid is ready to play…he can do it all…he’s the best power forward in the game today.”
Barkley on momentum: “Once this game went to overtime, it was a rap.”
Barkley on New Orleans blowing the big lead: “If I was the coach, I would say I had a lot to do with us losing that game.”
Barkley on Golden State’s comeback: “Take your hat off to the guys from Golden State, but they had a lot of help from New Orleans.”
Smith on the Celtics effort: “I loved the way the Celtics compete, they just don’t have the talent level… They fought, they just don’t have enough.”
Barkley on Derrick Rose’s health: “I like the way he’s attacking the basket…When he doesn’t have confidence in his body, he shoots a lot of jumpers. When he’s going forward towards the basket, he has confidence in his legs.”
Smith on Rose’s offensive versatility: “When he’s playing a mixed game, he’s one of the best guards in the NBA.”
Barkley on the Bulls this year: “This is a different Bulls teams than a few years ago, they’ve got a lot of weapons.”
-30-
Recent Comments