Knicks' Jalen Brunson Defends Tom Thibodeau After Blowout Loss to Luka Doncic, Mavs
Dec 4, 2022
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 03: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks in action against the Dallas Mavericks at Madison Square Garden on December 03, 2022 in New York City NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Dallas Mavericks defeated the New York Knicks 121-100. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
The New York Knicks fell to the Dallas Mavericks 121-100 on Saturday at Madison Square Garden to drop to 10-13 on the season, and while head coach Tom Thibodeau has been receiving plenty of criticism, Jalen Brunson was quick to defend him.
"I know he's going to get a lot of the blame. It's on us. We're the players out there battling. His job is to put us in positions, which he's done," Brunson said while meeting with the media after the loss, per SNY.
After trailing by 15 points in the second quarter, the Mavericks bounced back with a brilliant second-half performance to hand the Knicks their fourth straight loss at home, which has seemingly become a house of horrors for Thibodeau's squad.
The Knicks were outscored by the Mavs 41-15 in the third quarter. At one point, Dallas went on a 29-5 run, so Thibodeau called multiple timeouts to try and slow their progress, but it didn't work as New York entered the fourth quarter down by 19 points.
With the game seemingly over early in the fourth quarter, Thibodeau opted to empty his bench to give his starters some rest before Sunday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Brunson finished with just 13 points, two rebounds and three assists, while R.J. Barrett finished with 13 points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal. Additionally, Julius Randle finished the game with 24 points—with only three points coming after halftime—five rebounds and three assists.
It was a disappointing offensive performance from the Knicks, conceding 19 turnovers and grabbing just seven offensive rebounds. For comparison, the Mavericks had double the amount of offensive rebounds as the Knicks failed to control the glass.
The Knicks are now 4-6 in their last 10 games and are a disappointing 4-7 at home this season. If they're going to turn things around, it's going to have to start with getting better at home.
Knicks Destroyed by Twitter for 'Embarrassing' Collapse in Loss vs. Luka Doncic, Mavs
Dec 3, 2022
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic, left, drives the lane around New York Knicks guard Quentin Grimes, center, during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)
The Dallas Mavericks embarrassed the New York Knicks 121-100 on Saturday in Madison Square Garden.
New York led 32-20 after the first quarter and once held a 15-point advantage, but the Mavs destroyed the Knicks from that moment forward. They outscored New York 41-15 in the third quarter and led by as many as 32 points.
Luka Doncic guided the Mavs with 30 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Tim Hardaway Jr. hit eight of the Mavs' 24 three-pointers en route to 28 points. Both players outscored the Knicks by themselves in the third quarter.
Tim Hardaway Jr. (17 points) also outscored the Knicks in the third quarter. https://t.co/VB5L3i5dAN
Spencer Dinwiddie fell just short of a triple-double with 17 points, nine assists and nine rebounds. Their production was more than enough on an afternoon where the Mavs played without Christian Wood (illness).
Julius Randle led the Knicks with 24 points, while Immanuel Quickley scored 23 off the bench. Jalen Brunson, who played against his old team for the first time since leaving the Mavs in free agency last offseason, had 13 points and three assists.
The Knicks played an eerily similar game earlier this season in a 112-99 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Nov. 2.
New York led 32-21 after the first quarter but fell apart in the third, where the Hawks outscored the Knicks 32-10. Atlanta led by as many as 19 before the 13-point win.
This game was even worse, though, and now the Knicks have fallen to 10-13, including 4-7 at home. They entered last offseason with the intent to compete this year, but New York, which began the day in 11th place within the Eastern Conference, doesn't look like it'll even make the playoffs at this juncture thanks largely to a porous defense.
NBA and Knicks Twitter called out the team's bewildering effort, with some pointing the finger at head coach Tom Thibodeau and the team's offensive game plan alongside the sheer disappointment of the loss and the team's season thus far.
I'm just gonna say it. This game encapsulates all the reasons the Knicks need a new coach. And if you tell me this just because Tim Hardaway Jr. and the Mavs got hot from 3, you don't understand what you're watching
This should be the last game Thibodeau coaches for the Knicks. We’ve seen enough.
Someone will pop in and explain why this isn’t all his fault or how flawed the roster is, which misses the point. This team isn’t supposed to compete for a title. But they need a new voice, period.
The Knicks go away from attacking the paint after the first quarter and try to outshoot a good shooting team and you can probably guess what’s gonna happen.
Not a surprise that the Knicks roster is not built to win now but this sort of performance...outscored 41-15 in the third, outrebounded by undersized Mavs.
Honestly, this is the best thing to happen, long-term. I was scared when @IanBegley reported that there would be no tanking (whatever Dolan or the Knicks FO thinks "tanking" means). Whoever's in charge has to understand that they aren't close to any kind of contention.
— Joseph Flynn (@chinajoeflynn.bsky.social) (@ChinaJoeFlynn) December 3, 2022
New York will stay home to host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday at 6 p.m. ET.
Al Horford Discusses New Celtics Contract, Says Boston's Stability Is 'Hard to Find'
Dec 2, 2022
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 18: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics reacts after scoring a three point basket during the first quarter of an NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on November 18, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Al Horford agreed to a two-year, $20 million extension with the Boston Celtics on Thursday, and before Friday's matchup against the Miami Heat, the veteran big man told reporters he had no interest in departing the franchise for a second time.
"For me, I really did want to be a part of what we have going here. I felt like me coming back here last year, I felt the strides the group started to make and we've continued to make strides in the right direction.
"I feel like there's a real purpose of trying to win and the group that we have is just a really good group. So, I'm happy and we know we have a lot of work ahead. But this type of stability, it's hard to find."
Horford added:
"One of the things is, more than anything, you want to be in a place where you have a chance to contend, to win. A place that's, for me, more than basketball. Boston, I feel a real connection here with the people and with what the Celtics are all about, and it's something that just really excited me. And the fact that I get that opportunity and Brad believing in me and bringing me here, it's something that's special, and I'm really grateful for the opportunity."
Horford played for the Celtics from 2016-2019 before agreeing to a four-year, $109 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency ahead of the 2019-20 campaign.
Following a disappointing season with the Sixers, he was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he spent the 2020-21 campaign and missed out on the playoffs for the first time in his career.
In his first stint with the Celtics, Horford averaged 13.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.2 blocks in 208 games across three seasons. He shot 49.8 percent from the floor and 38.2 percent from deep.
The Celtics made the Eastern Conference Finals in two of Horford's first three seasons. In his lone season with the 76ers, Philly was swept in the first round of the playoffs by Boston, which went on to the conference finals for the third time in four seasons.
The Celtics brought Horford back before the 2021-22 campaign in a deal that sent veteran point guard Kemba Walker to the Thunder. The move was Brad Stevens' first as Boston's president of basketball operations, a role he was promoted to following Danny Ainge's departure.
The trade proved to be exceptional as Horford thrived in his first season back in Boston, averaging 10.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.3 blocks in 69 games while shooting 46.7 percent from the floor and 33.6 percent from deep.
The 36-year-old was even better in the playoffs, averaging 12 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.3 blocks in 23 games while shooting 52.3 percent from the floor and 48 percent from deep. The Celtics went on to reach the NBA Finals, where they fell to the Golden State Warriors in six games.
Horford is in the midst of another impressive season with the C's, averaging 10.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 18 games while shooting 55.5 percent from the floor and 48.8 percent from deep.
The five-time All-Star has been an anchor for Boston at the five with Robert Williams III recovering from left knee surgery, and he'll undoubtedly be a significant factor for the Celtics in the postseason, provided they get there.
The Celtics are first in the Eastern Conference with an 18-4 record entering Friday's game against the Heat. They haven't lost a game since Nov. 21 against the Chicago Bulls.
Nia Long Says 'No One' from Celtics Contacted Her After Ime Udoka Suspension
Dec 1, 2022
Boston - June 16: Celtics head coach Ime Udoka (left) did not agree with a referee (right) in the second quarter. The Boston Celtics hosted the Golden State Warriors for Game Six of the NBA Finals at the TD Garden in Boston on June 17, 2022. (Photo by Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Ime Udoka's fiancée, actress Nia Long, is speaking out about his suspension from the Boston Celtics in September and how it has impacted their family since the news was made public just a few months ago.
In a recent interview with Brande Victorian of The Hollywood Reporter, Long slammed the Celtics organization for not reaching out to her following the news that Udoka had been suspended for "multiple violations of team policies."
Long told Victorian:
“I think the most heartbreaking thing about all of this was seeing my son’s face when the Boston Celtics organization decided to make a very private situation public. It was devastating, and it still is. He still has moments where it’s not easy for him. If you’re in the business of protecting women — I’m sorry, no one from the Celtics organization has even called to see if I’m OK, to see if my children are OK. It’s very disappointing.”
The Celtics announced on Sept. 22 that Udoka had been suspended for the entire 2022-23 season, citing violations of team policies. The organization added that a determination regarding his future with the franchise would be made "at a later date."
While the Celtics did not state what the violations were, The Athletic and Stadium's Shams Charania reported the 45-year-old allegedly had an "improper and consensual relationship" with a female staffer.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski added on Sept. 30 that the independent investigation into Udoka's relationship with the staff member revealed he "used crude language in his dialogue with a female subordinate prior to the start of an improper workplace relationship with the woman."
Long and Udoka began dating in 2009, got engaged in 2015 and have an 11-year-old son who they are currently "co-parenting," per Victorian. Long did not discuss the status of their relationship or Udoka's actions that led to the suspension.
Udoka is unlikely to return as head coach of the Celtics in 2023-24. Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe reported in November that the Celtics are "fully invested" in interim head coach Joe Mazzulla.
The Celtics hired Udoka ahead of the 2021-22 campaign after former president of basketball operations Danny Ainge parted ways with the organization and Brad Stevens was elevated from head coach to the team's lead front office position.
Boston went on to have a magical season, finishing first in the Eastern Conference with a 51-31 record and making a run to the NBA Finals, where it fell to the Golden State Warriors in six games.
However, Mazzulla's Celtics have been just as good, if not better in 2022-23.
The C's are first in the East with an 18-4 record, and they have the NBA's best offensive rating at 121.5. Led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Boston looks like it could make another run to the finals this season.
It only seems like a matter of time before interim is removed from Mazzulla's job title.
Kevin Durant: Nets 'Have High Expectations,' but Process More Important Than Results
Dec 1, 2022
BROOKLYN, NY - NOVEMBER 30: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the game against the Washington Wizards on November 30, 2022 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Brooklyn Nets might not be where they expected to be at 12-11, but Kevin Durant looks beyond the team's record for signs of progress.
Durant told reporters following Wednesday's 113-107 win over the Washington Wizards that "we have high expectations for our team, but the process is more important than the end result." He added that has been a philosophy emphasized by head coach Jacque Vaughn.
Kevin Durant: We have high expectations for our team, but the process is more important than the results. pic.twitter.com/7gl86l4XpH
The 2021-22 Nets saw firsthand how important it is to lay some sort of cohesive foundation on the court.
They were without Kyrie Irving for most of the season because he declined to get vaccinated against COVID-19, and the James Harden trade was a massive midseason disruption.
Late into the year, Andre Drummond summed up how Brooklyn had to hope its talent alone would carry the day.
"Got to treat this s--t like pickup," he told reporters in March. "Just take the best five and try to make it work. And try to build chemistry while we're out there."
The Nets went 7-4 to close out the regular season only to get swept by the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs.
Brooklyn has already experienced its fair share of drama. Head coach Steve Nash was fired. Irving served a suspension for promoting an antisemitic film and refusing to disavow its problematic content. Ben Simmons has battled injuries and reportedly some scrutiny from his own teammates.
Still, the team is only one game out of the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Nets' penchant for turmoil and Simmons' struggles don't bode well for their championship hopes. But Vaughn and his staff have time to forge some sort of identity on the court that allows the whole to be greater than the sum of its parts.
Jayson Tatum Championed as MVP Front-Runner by NBA Twitter in Win vs. Heat
Dec 1, 2022
BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 30: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball during the game against the Miami Heat on November 30, 2022 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum solidified himself in the early conversation for NBA MVP with a dominant performance on Wednesday against the Miami Heat.
Tatum poured in 49 points with 11 rebounds, three assists and two steals to lead the Celtics to a 134-121 win at TD Garden. The 24-year-old shot 15-of-25 from the field and 8-of-12 from beyond the arc as Boston improved to 18-4.
Wednesday's performance was Tatum's fourth straight outing with at least 30 points. With the Duke product leading the way, the Celtics are the hottest team in the league with wins in 14 out of their last 15 games.
NBA Twitter was blown away by Tatum's dominance against Miami, with many declaring him the front runner for MVP:
Jayson Tatum is the MVP this year, don’t worry about all others
There's been a few game management nuances that has catapulted Tatum to the front of the MVP race this year as he starts to hit prime form. One of the biggest is his feel for the moments in the game when he should go iso and put up heat checks, plus how to do it less predictably.
Tatum had help on Wednesday, as Jaylen Brown added 26 points and Malcolm Brogdon scored 21 points off the bench. Boston was incredibly efficient, shooting 55.4 percent from the field and 48.9 percent from three-point range.
The Celtics look extra motivated to avenge last season's loss in the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors. If Tatum continues playing like this, it won't be a surprise to see Boston make another deep playoff run this year.
Tatum and the Celtics will look to stay hot with another matchup against the Heat on Friday.
Report: 76ers' James Harden Targeting Return from Injury vs. Rockets on Monday
Nov 30, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 2: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Washington Wizards on November 2, 2022 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden is "targeting" a return from his foot injury during the team's upcoming three-game road trip, which begins Wednesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic.
Monday's game against the Houston Rockets could be his "likely" return date.
Harden has averaged 22.0 points, 10.0 assists and 7.0 rebounds through nine games for the 76ers. The 10-time All-Star, three-time scoring champion and 2017-18 NBA MVP is in his 14th NBA season and second with Philadelphia.
Harden suffered a right foot tendon strain Nov. 2 and was expected to miss up to a month, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Noah Levick of NBC Sports Philadelphia provided more context on the injury one day after Harden briefly sat during his team's 121-111 loss to the Washington Wizards.
James Harden has a right foot tendon strain and is expected to miss a month, source confirms @wojespn.
After heading back to the locker room for a while, Harden returned in the fourth quarter last night vs. the Wizards and played the final 7:15. He was limping postgame.
After nearly a month away, Harden is preparing his return to the 12-9 76ers.
With Tyrese Maxey also out with a foot injury, Harden should bring Philadelphia some much-needed scoring depth behind Joel Embiid as the squad tries to climb back up the Eastern Conference standings.
Knicks Fans Love Julius Randle's Dominance as NY Cruises Past Pistons
Nov 30, 2022
DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 29: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket during the game against the Detroit Pistons on November 29, 2022 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
The New York Knicks needed a win in a major way, and Julius Randle delivered.
Randle led New York to a commanding 140-110 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday at Little Caesars Arena. The Knicks improved to 10-11 on the season and snapped a two-game losing streak and stretch that saw them lose four of their previous five.
New York pulled away with a dominant third quarter that saw it outscore the Pistons 38-21, removing any doubt about the outcome before the stretch run.
The University of Kentucky product led the way with 36 points, seven rebounds and five assists behind 14-of-24 shooting from the field and 6-of-13 shooting from three-point range. His dominant performance drew plenty of praise from social media:
Julius Randle's offensive dominance is the biggest storyline of the first half, but Quentin Grimes re-discovering his stroke is huge. Desperately need another reliable shooter.
Randle put up a solid stat line of 14 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists in the Knicks' loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday, but he wasn't particularly aggressive when seeking out his shot and attempted just nine field goals in that game.
That made Tuesday's showing more notable, as he attacked the basket when given opportunities and didn't hesitate to unleash from deep in the early going. His willingness to shoulder more of the scoring responsibility also helped open looks for his teammates, as it wasn't a one-man show in the win over Detroit.
RJ Barrett, Jalen Brunson and Quentin Grimes each scored 16 points, Immanuel Quickley provided a spark off the bench with 15 points, and Mitchell Robinson helped control the boards with a game-high 13 rebounds.
Randle and the Knicks will look to keep the momentum rolling Wednesday when they host the Milwaukee Bucks.
Raptors' Fred VanVleet Says He Wouldn't Trade Scottie Barnes for Kevin Durant
Nov 29, 2022
Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant drives between Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes and Fred VanVleet (23) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021, in New York. The Nets won 131-129 in overtime. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Even though Kevin Durant could swing championship odds if the Brooklyn Nets traded him, at least one member of the Toronto Raptors wouldn't want his team to make a play for the 12-time All-Star if it meant giving up Scottie Barnes.
Appearing on the How Hungry Are You?show with Serge Ibaka (h/t Wenzell Ortiz of Yahoo Sports), Fred VanVleet explained why he wouldn't want to trade Barnes for Durant if the scenario presented itself.
"I wouldn’t do it," he said. "I told you, I’m a loyal guy; I’m not a trade guy."
VanVleet did smile when Ibaka asked him if there were any teammates he would trade to get Durant, so he isn't completely opposed to the idea of adding one of the best players in NBA history.
Despite his trade request over the summer, there has been no indication during the season that Durant is looking to leave Brooklyn. The Nets have played better of late, winning five of their past seven games to get to .500 (11-11) for the first time since the second game of the season.
The Raptors were among the teams reportedly interested in acquiring Durant, but Barnes seemed like a potential breaking point in trade negotiations.
Michael Grange of Sportsnet reported in July the Raptors were "fixed" on not putting Barnes into any trade package for a potential superstar player.
It's not hard to understand why Toronto's front office would want to keep Barnes, even if it meant not being able to get Durant. The reigning NBA Rookie of the Year is only 21 and has already established himself as one of the best young two-way players in the league.
Barnes' overall shooting efficiency has declined so far this season (49.2 percent as a rookie to 43.7 percent), but he's been more effective shooting the three (34.8 percent, up from 30.1) and is averaging 5.2 assists per game.
Durant is capable of transforming almost any franchise into a title contender, but he's also 34 and has missed significant time due to injuries over the previous three seasons.
The Raptors are still trying to put all of the pieces together to start this season. They are sixth in the Eastern Conference with an 11-9 record. Their defense ranks in the top 10 in points allowed (108.5) and defensive rating (111.1).
Toronto is building around the terrific quartet of VanVleet, Barnes, Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby. Head coach Nick Nurse has an excellent track record and should be able to figure things out with this group as the Raptors look to get back to the playoffs.
Nets' Kevin Durant Downplays NBA MVP Buzz: 'I've Been There, Done That'
Nov 29, 2022
BROOKLYN, NY - NOVEMBER 27: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 27, 2022 at Barclays Center Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant was showered with MVP chants throughout his 45-point performance in Monday's 109-102 win over the Orlando Magic at Barclays Center.
After the game, the 2014 NBA MVP was asked if he was hoping to win the award for a second time, but he said he's not focused on individual achievements this season.
"Not really. I've been there, done that, to be honest, and I know it's gonna take a lot for me to be in that conversation," he said. "I just want the respect from our fan base, and I want them to have a good time when they come to the game, so if that's what strikes chants up is how I play from the fans, as long as they're having a good time. But I'm not too worried about accolades at this point in my career."
Kevin Durant on MVP consideration: "I've been there, done that, to be honest." pic.twitter.com/CkC3mucTqQ
Durant was dominant and efficient, shooting 19-of-24 from the field on Monday. It was his third straight game scoring over 30 points.
The scoring outburst by Durant helped the Nets get back to .500 at 11-11. Brooklyn will look to continue its turnaround when it hosts the Washington Wizards (11-10) on Wednesday.
