TNT’s NBA coverage continues on Thursday, December 29 with an exclusive doubleheader featuring the Dallas Mavericks @ Oklahoma City Thunder (8 p.m. ET) followed by the
New York Knicks @ Los Angeles Lakers (10:30 p.m. ET)
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TNT NBA Tip-off presented by AutoTrader.com
Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal
O’Neal on Miami Heat’s Chris Bosh as a premier power center: “I don’t compare him to a Charles Barkley or Karl Malone yet.”
Barkley on the Miami Heat’s style of play starting the 2011-12 season: “They should’ve been playing that fast last year. They should just run-and-gun the entire game.”
Smith on the Miami Heat’s style of play: “If you give both of these guys [LeBron James and Dwyane Wade] 25 shots apiece, they’re going to beat most teams. I never understood why they walked the ball up. You want to get the two best players the most shots. They have the two best players every single night. Why would you want to slow it down and not give them opportunities?”
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Game 1: Boston Celtics (107) @ Miami Heat (115)
Announcers: Marv Albert (play-by-play), Steve Kerr (analyst), Mike Fratello (analyst) and Craig Sager (reporter)
Kerr on Miami Heat forward LeBron James after his first quarter fastbreak dunk: “The speed and power of this guy is unbelievable.”
Kerr on the Miami Heat this year vs. last year: “Because of the motivation of losing last year in the Finals, it seems like they’re going to run away with this thing [this year].”
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Sprint Halftime Report
Johnson, Barkley, Smith and O’Neal
O’Neal on the Boston Celtics: “Boston is a different team without Paul Pierce. They are a dangerous team when they have all their pieces.”
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Game 2: Utah Jazz (71) @ L.A. Lakers (96)
Announcers: Kevin Harlan (play-by-play), Reggie Miller (analyst) and Cheryl Miller (reporter)
Miller on Kobe Bryant who is playing in his 16th season, including 208 playoff games during his career: “He’s 33 but really he’s like 34 or 35 with all the wear-and-tear.”
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Sprint Halftime Report
Johnson, Barkley, Smith and O’Neal
Barkley on the Utah Jazz youthful make-up: “They’re young and trying to build for the future. The Utah Jazz are not going to win a championship anytime soon. They’ve got a very young team and should go out and try to entertain their fans and play at a faster pace.”
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Miller on the Lakers head coach Mike Brown: “He’s bringing East Coast basketball – the grind-out type of style. I know they are used to show-time, flash and glitz but people are going to appreciate what this team will be able to do in the defensive end.”
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TNT’s Cheryl Miller interviewed L.A. Lakers guard Kobe Bryant following the game:
Bryant on treatment for his injured wrist: “Suck it up. Don’t be a baby.”
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Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai
Johnson, Barkley, Smith and O’Neal
O’Neal on L.A. Lakers’ win and their prospect for the season: “I was anxious to see this team play without the triangle [offense]. When the ‘big fella’ [Andrew Bynum] comes back they’re going to be a dangerous team. They have a legitimate big three.”
Barkley on the Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love: “Kevin Love is one of the most underrated players in the game.”
Smith on Sacramento Kings guard Jimmer Fredette and why he’ll make it in the NBA: “What separates him, he is a not a standstill shooter. He can actually make moves and shoot the ball.”
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