Basketball Blog

LeBron's Burden

by Jarrod Rudolph

Jun 20, 2013 5:46 PM

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 »

Tags: LeBron James, Miami Heat, NBA

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Searching For Ginobili

by Jarrod Rudolph

Jun 16, 2013 1:38 PM

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 »

Tags: Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs, NBA

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Dwyane Wade's Game 4 Arrival, Masterpiece

by Jarrod Rudolph

Jun 14, 2013 10:56 AM

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 »

Tags: Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, NBA

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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 »
Dwight Howard's Choices

by Jarrod Rudolph

An unrestricted free agent for the first time in his nine-year career, Dwight Howard will have to choose the franchise that best positions him to grow as a player and compete for championships. The time has come for Howard to decide whether he wants to be an all-time great player, or just a player that was good for his time. Read more »
Bulls Playing On House Money Without Rose, Possibly Noah

by Jarrod Rudolph

The Bulls finished the season 5-5 over their final 10 games. While the record is disappointing, they know they're much better than they've played. Leaving the regular season behind, the Bulls are looking forward to getting the playoffs started and reminding everyone what they're capable of when healthy and focused. Read more »
Celtics Rested, Ready To Go

by Jarrod Rudolph

The Celtics, old as they may be, are still capable of playing good basketball, that we know, but will they have enough in the tank to compete for another title? Rested and healthy, the Celtics are confident that a deep playoff run is not only possible, it's probable. Read more »
Bucks Struggling Ahead Of Heat Series

by Jarrod Rudolph

The Bucks are are expected to put up a fight against the Heat, with enough talented pieces to be a dangerous team with nothing to lose. But they are finishing the regular season looking far more like a lottery team. Read more »
Realities Changing For Lakers

by Jarrod Rudolph

In the past, a player could easily be swayed to come to play for the Lakers. Who wouldn't want to play for a franchise with such a rich history and strong fanbase? Who wouldn't want to play for the Buss family and add to the tradition? But the NBA has changed and so has the perception. Read more »
Given Minutes In Orlando, Tobias Harris Is Thriving

by Jarrod Rudolph

Tobias Harris has gone from benchwarmer to trade throw-in and now he's widely seen as nice young piece with a lot of upside for the Magic. Needless to say he appreciates his new role. Read more »
Miami's Win Streak In Real Perspective

by Jarrod Rudolph

One of the most admirable things the Heat have shown us is that even the most talented team isn't opposed to the idea of growth and maturity, elements that have been at the forefront of their season. Winning the championship only made them hungrier for more championships. The same thinking can be applied to their historic streak. Read more »
Oklahoma City's New Third Star

by Jarrod Rudolph

Serge Ibaka has truly benefitted from not trying to replace James Harden. Accepting and knowing his role has allowed him to win the respect of his teammates and made his job a lot easier. Read more »
Kings Juggling Talent, Immaturity

by Jarrod Rudolph

Without a doubt the Kings have a locker room filled with talent and also immaturity. Many times the latter overwhelms the former and results in a team getting drubbed regularly and developing a losing culture where the individual becomes the focus. Read more »

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