Basketball Intelligence For 12/23/24
Today's best basketball news and reporting
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*FEATURE OF THE DAY*
Why worries about NBA TV ratings and too many 3-pointers ring hollow
John Hollinger, The Athletic
TEAM NEWS
ATL: Hawks’ Onyeka Okongwu wins NBA Cares Community Assist Award
Lauren Williams, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
BOS: Three adjustments that helped the Celtics down the Bulls
Phil Taylor, The Celtics Chronicle
CLE: Cavs want to play with pace after opponent makes: ‘We’ve been emphasizing that’
Jackson Flickinger, Fear The Sword
CLE: 'He's a Swiss Army Knife': Cavs forward Dean Wade carves out key role with Kenny Atkinson
Ryan Lewis, Akron Beacon Journal
All of that adds up to explain why, even when Wade isn't as big of a part to the Cavs' offensive success, those in the Cleveland locker room will often name him as one of the most important players in the rotation. Add in the nights when he tends to find the rhythm behind the 3-point line, and Wade has carved out his place in Atkinson's rotation regardless of how many minutes Strus takes.
DAL: Takeaway: Thompson showed off his defensive skills against Clippers
Dwain Price, Mavs.com
DEN: Nuggets vs. Pelicans: 3 takeaways from Denver's overtime win in New Orleans
Vinny Benedetto, The Denver Gazette
GSW: Steve Kerr sent a message to Warriors in highlighting one key play vs. Timberwolves
Danny Emerman, The Mercury News
HOU: Dillon the Villain? Give it a rest, more like Dillon the Hero
Holly Sturm, The Dream Shake
HOU: ‘Stay ready’ crew: Jae’Sean Tate, Cam Whitmore spark Rockets in Toronto
Ben DuBose, Rockets Wire
IND: 'Vibes and energy': With hurt players returning, rejuvenated Pacers have won four straight
Dustin Dopirak, Indianaoplis Star
IND: Pacers' Obi Toppin raises up his defense, rebounding to match his offense, Yes, Obi Toppin
Dustin Dopirak, Indianaoplis Star
LAL: Five Ways LeBron James Is (Finally) Showing His Age
Kirk Goldsberry, The Ringer
LAL: Lakers’ growing trust leading to defensive surge
Khobi Orice, Orange Couty Register
MEM: How the 'slow step' move has ignited Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies' offensive success
Damichael Cole, Memphis Commercial Appeal
LaRoche started by emphasizing the first step after the gather. Players would take their first step and show the ball while hanging on to their foot, giving them the ability to make multiple decisions. He would then move on to teaching players how to utilize their second step. Lastly, players learned how to utilize the zero step, which is the first step when a dribble is ended.
MIA: Unwelcome absences provide golden opportunity for Heat rookie Kel'el Ware
Wes Goldberg, All U Can Heat
MIN: One problem may be plaguing Timberwolves' offense above all others right now
Will Eudy, Dunking With Wolves
MIN: Timberwolves hit the road after losing two in a row
Chris Hine, The Minnesota Star Tribune
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