TNT’s NBA coverage continues Thursday, March 7, at 8 p.m. ET with doubleheader action featuring the
Oklahoma City Thunder @ New York Knicks followed by the L.A. Clippers @ Denver Nuggets at 10:30 p.m.
***CLIP OF THE NIGHT***
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Kenny, Chuck and Shaq discuss the Sixers’ and Celtics’ playoff chances.
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TNT NBA Tip-off presented by AutoTrader.com
Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith
Barkley on whether he has changed his opinion about the Lakers making the playoffs: “They aren’t going to make the playoffs. They are 1-9 against the top four teams in the Western Conference. Those are the teams they’re going to have to beat going down the stretch and they’re not going to beat those teams.”
O’Neal on the Lakers playoff hopes: “They are playing better and I think they probably will make the playoffs. If they can slide up to No. 6 [in the Western Conference] and face the Clippers in first round, maybe they can beat them and gain some momentum. If they get the No. 8 or No. 7 [seed] they’re definitely going home [after the first round].”
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Game 1: Boston Celtics (109) @ Philadelphia 76ers (101)
Announcers: Kevin Calabro (play-by-play), Mike Fratello (analyst) and David Aldridge (reporter)
Fratello on the keys to the game: “There are some similarities between these two teams. The differences tonight – Philly has to run the ball and push it in transition. Boston would like to take their time and get in their half-court offense.”
Fratello on Celtics guard Avery Bradley: “[He’s] perhaps the best on-ball defender in the NBA.”
Fratello on the Celtics having time to rest and prepare for tonight’s game: “When they have preparation time they’re more dangerous than ever.”
Fratello on injured San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker: “I feel badly for Tony Parker because he had to be in the conversation this year for Most Valuable Player.”
Fratello on the 76ers team without Andrew Bynum: “Doug Collins has had no problem with the effort of his basketball team. They went from a fast, quick team to one they thought was going to be a big, strong, inside-out, three-point shooting team.”
Fratello on Celtics guard Jordan Crawford: “He’s one of the best tough shot makers that you’ll find in the league.”
Fratello on Celtics forward Jared Sullinger: “Sullinger is the best offensive rebounder on this team.”
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Sprint Halftime Report
Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith
Smith on the Celtics’ 11-4 record since Rajon Rondo’s injury: “It [Celtics’ record] does surprise me somewhat. They continue to play with the effort and energy.”
Barkley, O’Neal and Smith on whether they would gamble on re-signing Andrew Bynum:
Barkley: “I’m giving up on him.”
O’Neal: “Somebody will give him a max deal.”
Smith: “I can’t give up on him.”
Barkley: “I would take more of a chance giving Greg Odom a deal than I would with Andrew Bynum.”
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Fratello on the Sixers: “Overall, [Sixers head coach] Doug Collins is very pleased with [his team’s] effort tonight.”
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Game 2: L.A. Lakers (105) @ Oklahoma City Thunder (122)
Announcers: Kevin Harlan (play-by-play), Greg Anthony (analyst) and Craig Sager (reporter)
Anthony on Lakers guard Steve Nash: “It’s going to be important for him to up his scoring.”
Anthony on Thunder guard Russell Westbrook: “He continues to get better. He’s relentless in his ability to attack you and get to the rim. He puts pressure on your defense and OKC is putting pressure on the Lakers.”
Anthony on Lakers guard Kobe Bryant: “He’s been playing like he’s 24.”
Anthony on Lakers guard Jodie Meeks: “He’s really starting to get his confidence and his legs in this system Mike D’Antoni employs.”
Anthony on Thunder veteran Derek Fisher and his importance: “They expect him to play an integral role moving forward.”
Anthony on the atmosphere at Oklahoma City’s Chesapeake Energy Arena: “One of the reasons it’s so much more electric here is because it’s much like a college atmosphere.”
Anthony on Lakers center Dwight Howard and his impact: “When he’s on the floor, they [Lakers] are a better basketball team but he has to make an impact offensively.”
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Sprint Halftime Report
Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith
Smith on the Lakers style of play: “There’s no continuity. There’s nothing that would indicate you to say that this team – even if they made the playoffs – could make any kind of dent.”
Barkley on what Western Conference teams have a chance to make The Finals: “There [are] three legitimate teams in the West – San Antonio, Memphis and Oklahoma City. Not the Clippers; [they’re] softer than tissue paper.”
Barkley on what teams have the best chance to beat the Miami Heat: “In the West, San Antonio and Memphis – they’ve got the best chance to beat the Heat. The Knicks and Clippers are fool’s gold.”
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Anthony on Lakers guard Steve Nash and his importance to his team: “He’s really unmatched on this team except for Kobe Bryant. His skill level is every bit as high as it’s ever been.”
Anthony on the Thunder’s young stars: “It’s refreshing to see young guys as professional as Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook at this stage in their careers. It’s still all about the game for them.”
TNT’s Craig Sager interviewed Thunder guard Russell Westbrook after the game:
Westbrook: “Tonight, we came out with a defensive mindset. This game means a lot to us. We’re trying to get ourselves in condition for the playoffs. I try to stay in attack mode.”
Anthony on the Thunder’s performance: “The OKC Thunder are the class of the Western Conference. They’re the team to beat and tonight you saw why.”
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Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai
Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith
Smith on Thunder guard Russell Westbrook and the Lakers inability to contain him: “They could not keep him out of the paint or off the free-throw line.”
Barkley on the Thunder’s chances to win the NBA championship: “This team has got no chance [to beat the Miami Heat]. You’re not going to beat the Miami Heat shooting jumpers. [Serge] Ibaka has not improved down low and [Kendrick] Perkins [doesn’t] score down low. You’re not going to beat the Miami Heat shooting jumpers.”
Barkley on who might be able to challenge OKC for the Western Conference title: “I don’t know if Memphis or San Antonio can beat OKC because these guys [OKC] are so dynamic; they’re probably going to get the home court [and] they probably have the best home court in the NBA.”
Barkley on a potential Memphis/Miami NBA Finals: “It would be interesting to see Memphis play them. [Miami wins] in a seven-game series.”
O’Neal on the Lakers and their team approach: “If I was in the locker room I would try to change the culture. You don’t want to just get into the playoffs at the No. 8 or No. 7 [seed] and get embarrassed like they did tonight.”
Barkley on Sixers point guard Jrue Holiday: “They are set at the point guard for the next 10 years. He’s a terrific young player.”
Smith on the lack of offense that plagues the Sixers: “Philadelphia just doesn’t have enough offensive execution to beat a team like Boston.”
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