Jarrod Rudolph - Basketball Analysis

Cavs Nearing An Insurmountable Challenge Without Quick Game 3 Turnaround

by Jarrod Rudolph

Jun 7, 2016 12:37 PM

The Cavaliers are returning home where they haven't yet lost during the postseason and role players typically perform better in home games. And they have LeBron James feeling a sense of urgency in this series. Read more »

Tags: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA

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Warriors Competing Against Healthy Cavs, The Spectre Of Historical Teams Of The Past

by Jarrod Rudolph

Jun 2, 2016 8:33 PM

Teams without the correct personnel are attempting to emulate the Warriors, which is shaping their legacy and reputation as they face a healthy Cavs this time and the spectre of NBA history. Read more »

Tags: Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, NBA

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Being An All-Star Means Something Different For Paul George

by Jarrod Rudolph

Feb 14, 2016 7:24 PM

Paul George enters his third career All-Star Game with a newfound respect and perspective of his career, understanding better than most that things can change at any moment. Read more »

Tags: Paul George, Indiana Pacers, NBA

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Justise Winslow Slides To Perfect Situation

by Jarrod Rudolph

Justise Winslow wasn't the top-five pick that many projected him to be, but he won the night and could win a lot more as a member of the Heat. Read more »
The Cavs Without Kyrie Irving

by Jarrod Rudolph

If LeBron James plays team basketball on offense, the Cavaliers still have a chance to win the title without Kyrie Irving. Read more »
The Vindication Of J.R. Smith

by Jarrod Rudolph

J.R. Smith is rejuvenated because his talents and production mean something again. It seems new, it feels fresh, but this version of Smith has been around for a while, the losing with the Knicks just made it harder to see. Read more »
Jimmy Butler's Wow Moment

by Jarrod Rudolph

From Tyler Junior College to Marquette to becoming a late first rounder for the Bulls, Jimmy Butler has shown the ability and willingness to grow, develop and contribute every place he’s played. Read more »
Kyle Korver An All-Star For Intangibles, Team

by Jarrod Rudolph

In a league where reputations are born due in large part to gaudy averages, Kyle Korver reminds us that a player’s impact is so much more than numbers. Read more »
Damian Lillard A True All-Star Regardless Of How He Arrives

by Jarrod Rudolph

There’s a maturity that goes with a top-tier game for Damian Lillard. He understands that his success is attached to the team and anything spectacular that he does needs to be in the framework of the team’s plans. Read more »
LeBron's Burden

by Jarrod Rudolph

Teams, not individuals, win championships. The team that has played harder and smarter – minus a little Heat luck in Game 6 – has been the winner through the first six games. That won’t change in Game 7. Read more »
Searching For Ginobili

by Jarrod Rudolph

Through the first four games of the Finals, Manu Ginobili is averaging 7.5 points on 34 percent shooting. If the Spurs are to win their fifth NBA championship, Ginobili must find a way to break out of his funk and give his team something they can use towards a win. Read more »
Dwyane Wade's Game 4 Arrival, Masterpiece

by Jarrod Rudolph

Finishing the game with 32 points, six rebounds, four assist and a playoff career-high six steals, Dwyane Wade controlled the game and set the tone for the champs. It was his best game of the playoffs and a performance that could serve as a springboard for the remainder of the Finals. Read more »
Heat Seek Bounce Back In Game 4

by Jarrod Rudolph

Win or lose, LeBron James is ready to make a statement in Game 4. He won’t forget about his teammates, understanding he wouldn’t be in the Finals without them, but he understands it’s time to place his signature on the series for something more than a spectacular block or bad shooting night. Read more »
Spurs Looking To Shoot Better, Take Care Of Ball In Game 3

by Jarrod Rudolph

The Spurs have shown they can win playing while below their standards and now they have to find a way to make shots and play the type of basketball that led to a 12-2 record to reach the Finals. The first step in that process is playing better in Game 3. Read more »
Ray Allen's Choice

by Jarrod Rudolph

Only Ray Allen can tell you what he really felt about the way he was treated after deciding to leave the Celtics, but none of that really matters. He’s four wins away from his second NBA title and his decision to join the Heat has been validated. That, however, wasn’t what this was all about. Read more »
Spurs Start Fast With Game 1 Win

by Jarrod Rudolph

The Spurs have drawn first blood by winning Game 1. The bigger problem for the Heat is it appears the Spurs can play better. They’ve waited six years to get back to the Finals and it’s clear they plan on making the most of the opportunity. Read more »
Stephenson Has Become Pacers' X-Factor

by Jarrod Rudolph

The difference for the Pacers has been Lance Stephenson; they win when he plays well and lose when he doesn’t. It’s been this way the throughout the playoffs where Stephenson has shown the world he has potential to be a really good player if he can become more consistent. Read more »
Cavaliers Moving Past Being Defined By LeBron's Departure

by Jarrod Rudolph

The luck of the lottery, combined with the Cavaliers' young talent has made the ending with James easier to move on from. These days, the disappointment of that situation is a memory more than a motivating factor for Cleveland. Read more »
Thunder Head Into Offseason Early, Weakened From Season Ago

by Jarrod Rudolph

Had the Thunder been patient and truly believed in the strength of their program, they would have discovered that James Harden is better than good. Meanwhile, the Thunder are left with the burden of finding the right guys to get the team back to contender status. Read more »
Carmelo's Next Step

by Jarrod Rudolph

Carmelo Anthony cannot truly become a great player until he consistently makes great plays that go beyond simply scoring. The championship chances of the Knicks depend on Anthony’s willingness to do more than shoot the ball. Read more »