Anticipation for the NBA’s reboot might reach playoff levels of excitement immediately upon the regular season’s return on July 31. That’s because there is still a chance for several teams to reach post-season play. The play-in period will highlight how some franchises have plenty to gain beyond just reaching the playoffs. But for some that…
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen and Bryan Toporek discuss Nikola Jokic’s dramatic weight loss, LaMarcus Aldridge’s injury, concerns about the NBA’s supposed “COVID-19-proof bubble” and the latest New York Knicks coaching rumors. Will Jokic’s weight loss hurt him more than it helps? Is the San Antonio Spurs’ 22-year playoff streak finally…
We’re rounding the corner from the NBA All-Star Break and have less than two months from the playoffs. There’s a multi-team race in the Western Conference for the final postseason spot that figures to go down to the wire. After twenty-two straight playoff berths, six 60-win seasons and five NBA Championships, the San Antonio Spurs…
The last time Team USA played in an international tournament was an embarrassment. The inaugural FIBA World Cup took place in China this past summer and, after taking home the gold in the previous five events, the Americans finished seventh. They lost back-to-back games against France and Serbia to close out the tournament. It was…
It has become the stuff of local legend: a glorious annual stretch in the San Antonio Spurs’ season, during which the team will learn a lot about itself, catch its rhythm and build momentum for yet another successful playoff run. Ever since the Spurs went 8-1 during their first Rodeo Road Trip in 2003 (and…
Having lost 18 of their past 20 games, the Atlanta Hawks appear to be nearing rock bottom. “Frustration in the locker room has been building for some time as teammates have complained to each other about selfishness, not putting in the necessary work to turn things around and players not being held accountable,” Chris Haynes…
All good things eventually must come to an end. Yes, even the San Antonio Spurs’ 22-year playoff streak. Prior to Tuesday’s double-overtime win against the Houston Rockets—the results of which are now under protest after referees incorrectly failed to count a James Harden made dunk in the fourth quarter—the Spurs were 7-14 and had lost…
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba), Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) and Bobby Karalla (@bobbykaralla) of Mavs.com preview the Southwest Division ahead of the 2019-20 NBA season. What should we expect from Kristaps Porzingis this year? How will Russell Westbrook and James Harden fit together? How will the Memphis Grizzlies move on from…
For a team with as low-key a reputation as any in the league, the San Antonio Spurs have had a pair of eventful offseasons in 2018 and 2019. 2018 was dominated by the Kawhi Leonard trade request and eventual deal with the Toronto Raptors, while 2019 brought with it the Marcus Morris commitment and reversal,…
Coaching is a lot like chess. You have to think several moves ahead, see the entire board and understand the value of each piece at your disposal. Anticipating your opponent’s moves and trapping them in their own style is considered masterful. Postseason basketball is beautiful for that reason. The players are the ones executing and…
