Basketball Intelligence For 4/12/24
Today's Best NBA Reporting And Analysis
TEAM-SPECIFIC
BKN: Noah Clowney impressive in second NBA start
Bridget Reilly, NY Post
BOS: There’s no need to overreact, but loss to Knicks highlighted some of the Celtics’ weaknesses
Gary Washburn, Boston Globe
BOS: Behind the succession plan for legendary broadcaster Mike Gorman’s retirement
Christopher Scarglato, NY Post
BOS: The Celtics’ last two losses were a result of desperation. Just not theirs
Jack Simone, Celtics Blog
(The Celtics) ran into two squads fighting for their playoff spots while simultaneously not needing to care about the games’ results. The outcome was a brutal viewing experience.
“We just got out-toughed the last two games,” said Jaylen Brown. “We haven’t played to our standard in terms of physicality. The game has shifted a little bit, and it’s going to shift even more in the playoffs, and we ain’t meet the whistle for whatever reason.
“It could be just because of anticipation for the playoffs or whatever. But that’s what I’ll say. We’re gonna nip that in the bud, though.”
Boston spent Thursday night slogging their way through defensive coverages and playing half-hearted offense. Intense close-outs were traded in for hand waves, and well-thought-out sets were exchanged for a one-dimensional five-out playstyle.
BOS: 5 Takeaways from Celtics/Knicks
Adam Taylor, Celtics Blog
CHI: Bulls clinch ninth seed, will host Hawks in first round of Play-In Tournament
Darnell Mayberry, The Athletic
CHI: Bulls rebound from dismal start to clinch homecourt in lower play-in
KC Johnson, NBC Sports
CLE: The Cavs free fall isn’t just due to injuries
Jackson Flickinger, Fear The Sword
The endless string of injuries….have a role in the Cavaliers’ free fall. But those injuries aren’t why they’re 11-16 since the break and 6-11 in the last month. Even their wins, like the one Wednesday against a Memphis Grizzlies, have been anything but inspiring. Their inattention to detail and unwillingness to exert the necessary effort to execute on both ends have caused them to fail.
The Cavs’ foundation has completely eroded to the point the defense has become unrecognizable. Defensive rebounding, opponent field goal percentage at the rim, and opponent three-point percentage are the areas where this is seen most clearly.
CLE: J.B. Bickerstaff is still preaching the need for more pace
Jackson Flickinger, Fear The Sword
DAL Q&A with Mavs GM Nico Harrison: What has led Dallas’ turnaround after dismal end to 2023?
Brad Townsend, Morning News
DAL: Luka Dončić has reached MVP status, and that matters more than him actually winning it
Tim Cato, The Athletic
DEN: Film Findings: Nine Nuggets Possessions Against the No. 1 Defense
Jared Dubin, Last Night In Basketball
DEN: With his shot-blocking prowess, Peyton Watson becomes big catalyst off the bench for the Nuggets
Pat Graham, AP
Links to team-specific stories re GSW thru UTA as well as leaguewide stories follow for paid subscribers