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TEAM-SPECIFIC STORIES
- BKN: Curry, Drummond Invaluable In Early Days With Nets (from Brian Lewis, NY Post ): https://nypost.com/2022/02/27/seth-curry-andre-drummond-invaluable-in-early-days-with-nets/
- DEN: Nuggets' Bench Has Identity In DMC & JaMychal (from Mike Singer, Denver Post): https://www.denverpost.com/2022/02/28/nuggets-bench-identity-demarcus-cousins-jamychal-green/
- DEN: Rivers Is Earning Regular Rotation Spot (from Joel Rush, Forbes): https://www.forbes.com/sites/joelrush/2022/02/27/denver-nuggets-guard-austin-rivers-is-earning-his-spot-in-michael-malones-regular-rotation/?sh=2363c0ec6d84
- DET: Film Study: Isaiah Stewart Mastering The 'Highway' Screen (from James Edwards III, The Athletic): https://theathletic.com/3151787/2022/02/26/pistons-film-session-isaiah-stewart-mastering-the-art-of-the-highway-screen/
- DET: The Pistons' February Growth (from Omari Sankofa II, Free Press: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2022/02/28/detroit-pistons-growth-charlotte-hornets/6970497001/
- GSW: How Looney Turned Into Dubs' Most Versatile Player (from Evan Webeck, Mercury News): https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/02/27/how-kevon-looney-turned-into-the-warriors-most-durable-player/
- IND: Isaiah Jackson's Versatility & Potential (from Zach Pearson, 8 Points, 9 Seconds): https://8points9seconds.com/2022/02/28/indiana-pacers-isaiah-jackson-game-return
- LAC: Coffey Always Ate Healthy - Despite His Best Efforts (from Mirjam Swanson, OC Register): https://www.dailynews.com/2022/02/27/clippers-amir-coffey-always-ate-healthy-despite-his-best-efforts/
- LAL: Q & A: Stu Lantz (from Taylor Geas, Lakers.com): https://www.nba.com/lakers/news/12-lessons-from-a-living-legend-022422
- MIA: It Is Really That Simple For Bam (from Kenneth Wilson, All U Can Heat): https://allucanheat.com/2022/02/27/miami-heat-spurs-simple-bam-adebayo
- MIN: Q & A: Chris Finch (from Chris Hine, Star Tribune): https://www.startribune.com/timberwolves-coach-chris-finch-karl-anthony-towns-dangelo-russell-anthony-edwards/600150921/
- NOP: The Ingram-McCollum Partnership (from Christian Clark, The Advocate): https://www.nola.com/sports/pelicans/article_87d663a4-98b3-11ec-ba95-3741c634f5d0.html
- NYK: Is Barrett Making The Leap Into Stardom? (from Tom Rende, Forbes): https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomrende/2022/02/27/is-rj-barrett-making-the-leap-into-nba-stardom/?sh=497dc3996770
- PHI: Doc Rivers Steals A Set For James Harden (from Gibson Pyper, Half Court Hoops):
- PHI: Embiid & Harden Show Early Signs Of Unstoppable Two-Man Game (from Rich Hofmann, The Athletic): https://theathletic.com/3153746/2022/02/27/for-sixers-joel-embiid-and-james-harden-show-early-signs-of-unstoppable-2-man-game/
- PHI: Maxey Becoming Biggest Beneficiary Of Harden Trade (from Evan Sidery, Basketball News): https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/tyrese-maxey-becoming-biggest-beneficiary-of-james-harden-trade
- PHO: Observations From Suns' 1st Bumpy Stretch Without CP3 (from Gerald Bourguet, GO PHNX): https://www.gophnx.com/2022/02/28/observations-phoenix-suns-bumpy-stretch-without-chris-paul/
- POR: The Blazers' Future Thru Joe Cronin's Eyes (from Jason Quick): https://theathletic.com/3153936/2022/02/28/the-trail-blazers-future-through-the-eyes-of-joe-cronin-create-space-then-find-talent/
- TOR: Achiuwa's Development Is Trending Positively (from Eric Koreen, The Athletic): https://theathletic.com/3153303/2022/02/28/precious-achiuwas-development-is-trending-positively-and-that-could-put-him-back-in-raptors-starting-five/
- TOR: The Many Failed Attempts At Stopping Trae Young (from Samson Folk, Raptors Republic): https://www.raptorsrepublic.com/2022/02/27/the-many-failed-attempts-at-stopping-trae-young/
- UTA: Fully Healthy, The Jazz Are Rounding Into Form (from Tony Jones, The Athletic): https://theathletic.com/3154037/2022/02/28/fully-healthy-jazz-score-a-big-win-over-the-suns-it-looks-different-doesnt-it/
- WAS: Wizards Seeing Big Upswing In 3-Point Shooting (from Chase Hughes, NBC Sports): https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/wizards/wizards-seeing-big-and-unexpected-upswing-3-point-shooting
LEAGUE-WIDE STORIES
- 7 Observations (from Kevin O'Connor, The Ringer): https://www.theringer.com/nba/2022/2/28/22954184/zion-williamson-rumors-james-harden-joel-embiid
- Zach Lowe's 10 Things (from ESPN): https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/33363246/zach-lowe-10-nba-things-nikola-jokic-volleyball-star-single-play-maybe-save-lebron-james-lakers
- New NBPA Exec Dir Tremaglio Is A Brilliant, Unflappable Change Agent (from Mike Vorkunov, The Athletic): https://theathletic.com/3150665/2022/02/28/new-nbpa-executive-director-tamika-tremaglio-is-unflappable-and-brilliant-but-shes-a-change-agent-first/
- Power Rankings (from Duane Rankin, Arizona Republic): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2022/02/27/nba-power-rankings-feb-27-suns-warriors-76-ers/6968192001/
From Zach Harper, The Athletic: https://theathletic.com/3140060/2022/02/28/nba-power-rankings-heat-and-sixers-climb-contenders-tier-plus-third-quarter-grades-and-a-prediction-for-all-30-teams/
- Everything To Know About The 12 EC Contenders (from ESPN): https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33355159/nba-playoff-chase-everything-know-12-eastern-conference-contenders
- How NBA Teams Change Their Game In Clutch Time (from Louis Zatzman, FiveThirtyEight): https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/how-nba-teams-change-their-game-in-clutch-time/
- Mock Draft 5.0 (from Chase Hughes/Tyler Byrum, NBC Sports): https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/wizards/2022-nba-mock-draft-50-jabari-smith-rises-no-1-after-nba-trade-deadline
- 2022 Draft Prospect: Jeremy Sochan (from Dave Skretta, AP): https://apnews.com/article/nba-sports-basketball-mens-college-basketball-college-basketball-60d17b944cfe8735ef69f3df53c50367
- Overtime Elite Is Misunderstood (from Matt Babcock, Basketball News): https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/matt-babcock-overtime-elite-is-misunderstood
- A Great MVP Race Is Being Wrecked By Narratives (from Phil Watson, Sportscasting): https://www.sportscasting.com/a-potentially-historically-great-nba-mvp-race-is-being-wrecked-by-media-narratives/
- NBA Execs Poll: The Top Clutch Players (from Michael Scotto, Hoops Hype): https://hoopshype.com/lists/nba-rumors-executives-poll-top-clutch-players-today/
TAKEAWAYS FROM YESTERDAY'S GAMES
- DAL 107, GSW 101:
From Kendra Andrews, ESPN: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33389727/golden-state-warriors-did-not-maintain-grit-19-point-collapse-vs-dallas-mavericks
From Anthony Slater, The Athletic: https://theathletic.com/3153612/2022/02/28/examining-what-went-wrong-for-the-warriors-in-their-home-collapse-against-the-mavericks/
From Marcus Thompson II, The Athletic: https://theathletic.com/3153977/2022/02/28/thompson-warriors-collapse-to-mavericks-is-another-corner-battle-lost/
From Shayna Rubin, Mercury News: https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/02/27/in-epic-collapse-against-dallas-the-warriors-did-something-they-hadnt-since-2007
From Evan Webeck, Mercury News: https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/02/27/warriors-let-another-big-lead-slip-away-fall-to-mavericks
From Joe Viray, Golden State Of Mind: https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/2022/2/28/22954336/warriors-mavericks-steph-curry-luka-doncic-andrew-wiggins-jordan-poole-film-breakdown
From Ben Zajdel, Mavs Moneyball: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2022/2/27/22954070/3-things-we-learned-mavericks-warriors-recap-final-score-107-101
From Jasmyn Wimbish, CBS Sports: https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/luka-doncic-spencer-dinwiddie-fuel-33-8-run-in-fourth-quarter-as-mavericks-stun-warriors-in-wild-comeback/
From Matthew Phillips, Mavs Moneyball: https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2022/2/28/22954272/this-play-in-the-mavericks-comeback-win-against-the-warriors-highlighted-their-newfound-flexibility
- DEN 124, POR 92:
From Ashley Nevel, Mile High Sports): https://milehighsports.com/nuggets-blow-out-trail-blazers-to-win-sixth-straight-game/
From Dave Deckard, Blazer's Edge: https://www.blazersedge.com/2022/2/27/22954160/portland-trail-blazers-denver-nuggets-final-score-anfernee-simons-jokic-cousins-jamychal-green
From Mike Singer, Denver Post: https://www.denverpost.com/2022/02/27/nuggets-beat-blazers-win-sixth-straight/
From Aaron Fentress, Oregon Live: https://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2022/02/portland-trail-blazers-small-lineup-cant-match-up-against-denver-in-124-92-loss.html
- DET 127, CHA 126 (OT):
From James Edwards III, The Athletic: https://theathletic.com/3153777/2022/02/28/the-pistons-put-an-end-to-one-of-the-weirdest-streaks-in-the-nba-with-win-over-hornets/
From Keith Langlois, Pistons.com: https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/things-just-start-to-click-pistons-surge-continues-with-ot-win and https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/kelly-o-buzzer-beater-wins-it-in-ot-for-pistons
From Lauren Williams, MLive: https://www.mlive.com/pistons/2022/02/pistons-lock-in-to-deliver-all-around-team-effort-in-ot-win-over-hornets.html
From Rod Beard, Detroit News: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nba/2022/02/27/olynyk-gives-pistons-win-ot-thriller/6964883001/
From Omari Sankofa II, Free Press: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2022/02/27/detroit-pistons-score-charlotte-hornets/6969607001/
From Rod Boone, Charlotte Observer: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/charlotte-hornets/article258750443.html
- IND 128, BOS 107:
From Jay King, The Athletic: https://theathletic.com/3153795/2022/02/27/celtics-uncharacteristic-slippage-on-defense-gets-exposed-in-loss-to-pacers/
From Keith Smith, Celtics Blog: https://www.celticsblog.com/2022/2/28/22954758/indiana-three-party-10-takeaways-from-boston-celtics-indiana-pacers
From James Boyd, Indy Star: https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2022/02/27/pacers-vs-celtics-5-takeaways-indianas-upset-red-hot-boston/6817914001/
From Gary Washburn, Boston Globe: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/02/27/sports/celtics-stumble-vs-pacers-snap-seven-game-road-winning-streak/
From Mark Murphy, Boston Herald: https://www.bostonherald.com/2022/02/27/celtics-collapse-in-indiana-128-107/
- LAC 99, HOU 98:
From Andrew Greif, LA Times: https://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/story/2022-02-27/ivica-zubac-six-blocked-shots-help-la-clippers-beat-houston-rockets
From Mirjam Swanson, OC Register: https://www.dailynews.com/2022/02/27/ivica-zubac-leads-clippers-past-rockets
From Jonathan Feigen, Houston Chronicle: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/rockets/article/Much-better-but-denied-Takeaways-from-16952040.php and https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/rockets/article/Rockets-stopped-by-Ivica-Zubac-Clippers-in-9th-16951898.php
- NOP 123, LAL 95:
From Dave McMenamin, ESPN: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33389727/golden-state-warriors-did-not-maintain-grit-19-point-collapse-vs-dallas-mavericks
From Jovan Buha, The Athletic: https://theathletic.com/3153964/2022/02/28/the-lakers-season-hits-new-low-in-embarrassing-blowout-home-loss-to-the-pelicans/
From Broderick Turner, LA Times: https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2022-02-27/lakers-lose-new-orleans-pelicans-lebron-james-westbrook-nba
From Kyle Goon, OC Register: https://www.dailynews.com/2022/02/27/lakers-flop-against-new-orleans-as-home-crowd-boos-lackluster-effort/
From Christian Clark, The Advocate: https://www.nola.com/sports/pelicans/article_1d32b0ba-983c-11ec-b0ec-6fd2de50a979.html
- PHI 125, NYK 109:
From Tim Bontemps, ESPN: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33387519/unstoppable-duo-joel-embiid-james-harden-use-bevy-free-throws-roll-new-york-knicks
From Shamus Clancy, Liberty Ballers: https://www.libertyballers.com/2022/2/27/22953627/sixers-vs-knicks-score-james-harden-trade-joel-embiid-nba-rumors-eastern-conference-standings
From Keith Pompey, The Inquirer: https://www.inquirer.com/sixers/philadelphia-sixers-james-harden-joel-embiid-outlast-new-york-knicks-nba-20220227.html and https://www.inquirer.com/sixers/philadelphia-sixers-new-york-knicks-harden-embiid-best-worst-20220228.html
From Sean Barnard, Philly Sports Network: https://phillysportsnetwork.com/2022/02/27/takeaways-sixers-knicks/
From Robert Sanchez, SNY: https://sny.tv/articles/knicks-takeaways-from-sundays-loss-76ers-fourth-quarter-meltdown
From Noah Levick, NBC Sports: https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/sixers/sixers-knicks-james-harden-joel-embiid-tyrese-maxey-sixers-observations-nba
- UTA 118, PHO 114:
From Sarah Todd, Deseret News: https://www.deseret.com/2022/2/27/22951145/instant-analysis-donovan-mitchell-jordan-clarkson-combine-for-48-utah-jazz-take-down-phoenix-suns and https://www.deseret.com/2022/2/27/22951150/danuel-house-steps-up-to-defend-devin-booker-down-the-stretch-of-utah-jazz-win-over-phoenix-suns
From Eric Walden, Salt Lake Tribune: https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2022/02/27/utah-jazz-preach/
From Andy Larsen, Salt Lake Tribune: https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2022/02/27/triple-team-danuel-house/
From Kellan Olson, Arizona Sports: https://arizonasports.com/story/3046901/phoenix-suns-show-improvement-but-not-enough-to-beat-utah-jazz/
From Duane Rankin, Arizona Republic: https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2022/02/28/5-takeaways-suns-drop-second-straight-game-minus-injured-chris-paul/6970500001/ and https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2022/02/27/suns-drop-second-straight-without-chris-paul-fall-jazz/6967161001/
FOUR YEARS AGO TODAY: from the BI archives:
http://basketballintelligence.net/2018/02/28/todays-best-nba-reporting-analysis-22818/
PRO HOOPS HISTORY
- Bob Cousy (from Al Hirshberg, 3/53 SPORT): https://from-way-downtown.com/2022/02/27/%EF%BF%BCbob-cousy-a-frenchman-from-long-island-1953/