FINALS: Could this be Ginobili’s last ride?

When Manu Ginobili ever decides to retire from the NBA, he’ll go down in basketball history as one of the greatest to play the game. He’s a first-ballot Hall-of-Famer who belongs on the Mt. Rushmore of international players who changed the NBA landscape, a short list that includes Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol, and Tony Parker. … [Read more…]

THE DOCTOR: Legend of Julius Erving fueled by incredible stories

Every basketball fan who grew up in the 1970s and 1980s has an unbelievable Doctor J story. I have mine, too. Julius Erving was my first basketball hero. Before Jordan, LeBron, and Kobe, there was Dr. J. He was Michael Jordan before Michael Jordan. Most of the spectacular dunks and aerial artistry we see in … [Read more…]

FINALS: Super Mario sparks Heat explosion

The Heat game plan for Game 2 was simple: wear down Tony Parker. Mario Chalmers heard the message loud and clear, as the fifth-year pro kept Parker busy on defense by being more aggressive because the best way to slow down a great scorer is to make him play defense. Chalmers drove to the basket … [Read more…]

Parker’s shot recalls Allan Houston play

Heading into the 2013 NBA Finals the topic of discussion centered around the ages of the veteran-laden San Antonio Spurs. After Game 1, all the talk was about Tony Parker’s unbelievable shot for the ages. With the Spurs ahead 90-88 with under 30 seconds left, Parker drove to his right and nearly lost the ball … [Read more…]

How Bosh, Wade can end their slumps

Dwyane Wade is sick and tired of talking about his balky right knee, so bringing it up won’t ease his pain. “I’ve been talking about it for two months. I ain’t got nothing else to say,” the nine-time All-Star guard said about the bone bruise that has grounded him for much of the season. The … [Read more…]

Spo: ‘LeBron showing his greatness’

TNT analyst and two-time NBA champion Kenny Smith believes LeBron James needed to be Superman four times for the Miami Heat to beat the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals. LeBron has been more than Superman for the Heat. He has been Batman, Iron Man, and the Hulk rolled into one. According to Yahoo! … [Read more…]

Questionable calls ruin LeBron’s night

Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals between the Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers was headed for another classic finish but for whatever reason another Big 3 took over: Joey Crawford, Rodney Mott, and Derrick Stafford. They were the referees who officiated Tuesday’s playoff game, a game that was brought to its knees by … [Read more…]