Notes from NBA TV’s Fan Night presented by Sprint
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
New Orleans Hornets (95) @ Chicago Bulls (99)
Voting is open on NBA.com, NBA Facebook Page and Yahoo.com for next week’s Fan Night match-up that will air on March 6
Fans can select between the following games:
Orlando Magic @ Charlotte Bobcats
Atlanta Hawks @ Indiana Pacers
Houston Rockets @ Boston Celtics
New Jersey Nets @ Miami Heat
New York Knicks @ Dallas Mavericks
CLIP OF THE NIGHT
(click on the text below to view the video)
Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose joins the Fan Night crew via Arena Link
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AutoTrader.com Pregame Show
Ernie Johnson, Greg Anthony and Steve Smith
Smith on Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau and what he has done to contribute to the Bulls’ success: “He has brought a defensive presence and an attention to detail. What I am really impressed with this team is that 58 games so far have been missed by players this year because of injuries and they still have a fabulous record. For him [Thibodeau] to be able to still coach without his star players…I am impressed with that.”
Smith on the Bulls coaching system as a testament to the team’s success: “The system is about playing hard and sharing the basketball. You need Derrick Rose to get over the hump and win the championship but he [Coach Tom Thibodeau] gives everyone enough time. When your number is called, you better be ready to play.”
Anthony on the expectations when Chicago Bulls guard Richard ‘Rip’ Hamilton returns: “When I look at Chicago, I only compare Chicago to one team – the Miami Heat. The issue I have with this team is we haven’t seen Rip healthy yet, and we don’t know how much he has left. I still believe he is the perfect fit if he is the Rip we are accustomed to seeing. That’s going to be critical. If he is on the floor, he makes Carlos Boozer better.”
Anthony on the New Orleans Hornets and their defense: “We aren’t looking at them as a postseason team. They are a really good defensive team. I was impressed how good they are defensively. They have some talent and this is going to be an interesting match-up for them.”
Smith on New Orleans Hornets forward Chris Kaman: “Chris Kaman can play. He’s a low post player and we don’t have many that can play with their back to the basket and play through double teams. He is an unbelievable talent.”
TNT’s David Aldridge joins the Fan Night crew via phone
Aldridge on the potential of the New Orleans Hornets with the new ownership and if they will stay in New Orleans: “I think they will get the deal done. At the end of the day, the most important thing is to get the team sold and get the league out of ownership. With the Chris Paul situation, it has not been good for the NBA to own that team and they would like to end that as soon as possible.”
Aldridge on the potential trade of Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard: “There will be some teams active. Everyone is waiting to see what Orlando does with Dwight; that’s clearly the domino that is going to lead everything else.”
Anthony on the status of teams going into the second half of the season: “It’s all about the approach; it’s all mental at this point. Because everyone is banged up, everyone is tired. It’s easier for the real good teams because they do have something to play for.”
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Sprint Halftime Report
Johnson, Anthony and Smith
Anthony on the Chicago Bulls guard Richard ‘Rip’ Hamilton’s contributions to the team when he returns: “As a great a team as they have, their ‘bigs’ are not necessarily scorers. They have to have more playmakers on the perimeter, and that’s where Rip Hamilton will benefit this team, take the pressure off of Derrick Rose and be another guy that can make plays out on the floor.”
Smith on L.A. Lakers guard Kobe Bryant playing through injuries, including the latest broken nose and concussion from All-Star: “If he does play [with an injury] you can mark down 30 points. He comes out and plays so well that he makes us forget about the injury. Kobe Bryant is Kobe Bryant and he plays through injuries; it’s unreal.”
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NBA GameTime presented by Hyundai
Johnson, Anthony and Smith
Smith on the Chicago Bulls making it to the Finals: “Once they get Richard Hamilton up to speed, they have a team that can make it all the way to the Finals.”
Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose joins the Fan Night crew via Arena Link
Rose on Richard ‘Rip’ Hamilton’s contributions for the second half of the season: “Rip is finally back. We couldn’t wait. He is looking healthy. When he is out there, he opens up the court with his shooting ability. We just have to learn how to open up the court because he is a great passer. I’m fortunate to have him as a teammate.”
Rose on what he can do differently – individually – to get to the Finals this year: “Playing smarter….I think my IQ of the game got a little bit higher …knowing when to take good shots and knowing when to pass.”
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