Tag: Philadelphia

By Jeff McDonald
jmcdonald@express-news.net

PHOENIX — The Spurs could stomach losing their season finale Wednesday night.

Losing Manu Ginobili? Now that could be a problem.

In an untimely accident, Ginobili suffered a hyperextended right elbow during the first quarter of the Spurs’ 106-103 season-ending loss at Phoenix, casting in doubt his availability for the start of the Western Conference playoffs against Memphis this weekend.

Forget ceding control of the NBA’s top overall record to Chicago. There was only one way the Spurs’ season finale could have ended in catastrophe, and it happened just 2:14 into the game.

Ginobili was coming across a Tim Duncan pick, with Suns forward Grant Hill trailing, when he appeared to get his arm pinned between his teammate and his opponent, bending the elbow backward before tumbling to the court in evident discomfort.

X-rays taken at US Airways Center were negative. Ginobili is scheduled for an MRI today, at which point the Spurs will have a better feel for a timetable.

Coming into the Spurs’ season-ending road trip to face the Lakers and Suns, coach Gregg Popovich wrestled with whether to play his regulars or rest them for the playoffs.

He ultimately decided on a plan that would call for four starters, including Ginobili, to sit Tuesday’s eventual loss at L.A., then return for the finale in Phoenix, in order to ward off rust before the playoffs began.

For the Spurs, the injury to the 33-year-old Ginobili — their leading scorer coming into the night — cast a pall over the rest of Wednesday’s game.

Marcin Gortat had 21 points and 13 rebounds, and Channing Frye added 17 points as the Suns polished off their first losing season since 2003-04 by beating the West-leading Spurs, who at least began the night playing at full strength.

Phoenix raced to a 20-point lead in the first half before the Spurs made it interesting.

The Spurs (61-21) were within one, at 102-101, after George Hill’s free throws with 7.6 seconds remaining. Aaron Brooks followed with a pair of foul shots that gave Phoenix a three-point lead again.

On the ensuing possession, the Suns opted to foul Matt Bonner — the league’s top 3-point shooter — instead of giving him an open look. Bonner’s free throws brought the Spurs back within a point, but Brooks answered with two more foul shots with 3.6 seconds left.

The game was not over until Gary Neal’s corner 3-pointer missed at the horn.

While all that was playing out in Phoenix, the Spurs’ first-round playoff opponent was being decided 375 miles to the west. With three starters resting, Memphis lost 110-103 in its finale against the L.A. Clippers, ensuring an eighth-place finish and a series with the Spurs to begin either Saturday or Sunday.

Wednesday’s loss, combined with Chicago’s victory over New Jersey, also finished another piece of outstanding business. The Bulls (62-20) claimed the NBA’s top overall mark.

By the end of the night, all that seemed to matter was Ginobili’s prognosis.

Elbow hyperextensions can sideline players anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the severity. Atlanta guard Kirk Hinrich, then with Washington, suffered a similar injury in January and missed four games over the span of a week. Potentially aiding Ginobili’s recovery: He’s left-handed, and the injury was to his non-shooting arm.

Before the game, Popovich declared himself and his team ready for the postseason.

“We’re ready to get to the games that matter,” Popovich said.

Now, he’d just as soon postpone the postseason and give Ginobili time to heal.

And so, the Spurs returned home from Phoenix early today to await the results of an MRI. There was only one way their season-ending road trip might have been a disaster, and this was it.

NBA PLAYOFF SCHEDULE

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Spurs vs. Memphis
(all times Central)
Sunday, April 17: Memphis at Spurs, noon
Wednesday, April 20: Memphis at Spurs, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 23: Spurs at Memphis, 6:30 p.m.
Monday, April 25: Spurs at Memphis, TBD
x-Wednesday, April 27: Memphis at Spurs, TBD
x-Friday, April 29: Spurs at Memphis, TBD
x-Sunday, May 1: Memphis at Spurs, TBD
* Spurs first-round games televised on FOX Sports Southwest

(all remaining schedules Eastern Time)

L.A. Lakers vs. New Orleans
Sunday, April 17: New Orleans at L.A. Lakers, 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 20: New Orleans at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.
Friday, April 22: L.A. Lakers at New Orleans, 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 24: L.A. Lakers at New Orleans, 9:30 p.m.
x-Tuesday, April 26: New Orleans at L.A. Lakers, TBD
x-Thursday, April 28: L.A. Lakers at New Orleans, TBD
x-Saturday, April 30: New Orleans at L.A. Lakers, TBD

Dallas vs. Portland
Saturday, April 16: Portland at Dallas, 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 19: Portland at Dallas, 9:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 21: Dallas at Portland, 10:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 23: Dallas at Portland, 5 p.m.
x-Monday, April 25: Portland at Dallas, TBD
x-Thursday, April 28: Dallas at Portland, TBD
x-Saturday, April 30: Portland at Dallas, TBD

Oklahoma City vs. Denver
Sunday, April 17: Denver at Oklahoma City, 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 20: Denver at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.
Saturday, April 23: Oklahoma City at Denver, 10 p.m.
Monday, April 25: Oklahoma City at Denver, 10:30 p.m.
x-Wednesday, April 27: Denver at Oklahoma City, TBD
x-Friday, April 29: Oklahoma City at Denver, TBD
x-Sunday, May 1: Denver at Oklahoma City, TBD

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Chicago vs. Indiana
Saturday, April 16: Indiana at Chicago, 1 p.m.
Monday, April 18: Indiana at Chicago, 9:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 21: Chicago at Indiana, TBD
Saturday, April 23: Chicago at Indiana, TBD
x-Tuesday, April 26: Indiana at Chicago, TBD
x-Thursday, April 28: Chicago at Indiana, TBD
x-Saturday, April 30: Indiana at Chicago, TBD

Miami vs. Philadelphia
Saturday, April 16: Philadelphia at Miami, 3:30 p.m.
Monday, April 18: Philadelphia at Miami, 7 p.m.
Thursday, April 21: Miami at Philadelphia, TBD
Sunday, April 24: Miami at Philadelphia, 1 p.m.
x-Wednesday, April 27: Philadelphia at Miami, TBD
x-Friday, April 29: Miami at Philadelphia, TBD
x-Sunday, May 1: Philadelphia at Miami, TBD

Boston vs. New York
Sunday, April 17: New York at Boston, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, April 19: New York at Boston, 7 p.m.
Friday, April 22: Boston at New York, TBD
Sunday, April 24: Boston at New York, 3:30 p.m.
x-Tuesday, April 26: New York at Boston, TBD
x-Friday, April 29: Boston at New York, TBD
x-Sunday, May 1: New York at Boston, TBD

Orlando vs. Atlanta
Saturday, April 16: Atlanta at Orlando, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, April 19: Atlanta at Orlando, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, April 22: Orlando at Atlanta, TBD
Sunday, April 24: Orlando at Atlanta, 7 p.m.
x-Tuesday, April 26: Atlanta at Orlando, TBD
x-Thursday, April 28: Orlando at Atlanta, TBD
x-Saturday, April 30: Atlanta at Orlando, TBD

For all of the publicity of “The Heatles,” Miami guard Dwyane Wade has a way of standing above his teammates — and everybody else in the NBA — when he really gets going.

That was the case Friday night as Wade erupted for 39 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, five blocked shots and three steals and was plus-24 in the Heat’s 111-99 triumph over Philadelphia.

“I really had no clue what I had going,” Wade told the Associated Press.

Wade’s big night enabled the Heat to claim their their fourth straight victory as they climbed within a half-game of Boston for the No. 2 playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. And it was particularly noteworthy considering he failed to score in the first quarter. He personally outscored the 76ers in the fourth quarter, 18-17.

According to STATS LLC, Wade big night was one of the most memorable in the last 25 season. The last stat line like the one he finished with Friday came nearly a decade earlier to the day. Shaquille O’Neal finished with 40 points, 17 rebounds, eight assists, five blocks and three steals for the Lakers on March 23, 2001 against Washington.

“Dwyane was simply sensational,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.

For that kind of effort, Wade was an easy choice to lead Friday’s Studs and Duds across the association.

STUDS

Miami G Dwyane Wade: Had a strong all-around game with 39 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, five blocked shots and three steals and was plus-24 in the Heat’s 111-99 triumph over Philadelphia — their fourth straight victory.

Milwaukee G Brandon Jennings: Scored a season-high 37 points, and added six rebounds and three assists and was plus-14 in Milwaukee’s 102-96 victory at New York — their third win in four games that pulled them within two games of the Eastern Conference’s final playoff spot.   

Los Angeles Lakers G Kobe Bryant: Notched 37 points and had six assists and was plus-20 in the Lakers’  112-114 victory over the Clippers. It was the Lakers’ sixth straight win and 14th in 15 games. 

Miami F LeBron James: Tallied 32 points, 10 rebounds and three steals in the Heat’s victory over Philadelphia.

Golden State G Monta Ellis: Had a strong all-around game with 27 points, 10 assists, four rebounds, four steals and was plus-42 in the Warriors’ 138-100 blowout over Toronto to snap a six-game losing streak.

Chicago G Derrick Rose: Produced 24 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in the Bulls’ 99-96 triumph over Memphis. Rose scored the Bulls’ final six points, including an acrobatic layup that led to a critical play that sealed the victory — their 11th triumph in 12 games and 18th in 21 games.  

Cleveland C J.J. Hickson: Notched 24 points, 15 rebounds and was a team-high plus-11 in the Cavaliers’ 97-91 victory over Detroit — snapping a seven-game home losing streak and giving them only their second victory in the last 10 games.

Golden State G Stephen Curry: Scored 23 points, provided eight assists  and was a team-best plus-43 in the Warriors’ beatdown of Toronto.

Portland F Nicolas Batum: Scored a game-winning alley-oop dunk at the buzzer, part of 21-point effort in the Trail Blazers’ 98-96 victory over San Antonio — their second straight triumph.

Milwaukee C Andrew Bogut: Went for 21 points, 17 rebounds, four blocked shots and was plus-15 in the Bucks’ victory at New York.

Orlando F Hedo Turkoglu: Went for 20 points, 13 assists and was plus-10 in the Magic’s 95-85 victory over New Jersey — their fifth straight triumph.

Oklahoma City G Russell Westbrook: Tallied 19 points, eight assists, five steals and was plus-4 in the Thunder’s 111-103 victory over Minnesota  — their 11th win in 13 games.

New Orleans F Carl Landry: Started in place of  the injured David West and scored 19 points, grabbed six rebounds, notched three steals and was a team-best plus-8 in the Hornets’ 106-100 victory over Phoenix — their fifth in six games pulling them into a virtual tie with Portland for the sixth playoff spot in the West.  

Sacramento C DeMarcus Cousins: The rookie muscled for 18 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and three blocked shots in the Kings’ 110-97 victory at Indiana – their fourth win in their last seven games.  

Charlotte F D.J. White: Came off the bench to produce a career-high 17 points and six rebounds as the Bobcats came from 13 down in the final quarter to claim an 83-81 victory at Boston.

Denver F Chris Anderson: “The Birdman” went for a season-high 17 points, tallied 11 rebounds, five assists and was plus-20 in the Nuggets’ 114-94 victory over Washington — their third straight victory and seventh in nine games.

Los Angeles Clippers G Mo Williams: Went for 30 points and six assists in the Clippers’ loss  to the Lakers.

Minnesota F Anthony Randolph: While starting in place of the injured Kevin Love, he scored 24 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in the Timberwolves’ loss at Oklahoma City.

New Jersey G Jordan Farmar: Tallied 15 points and 16 assists  in the Nets’ loss at Orlando.

DUDS

Phoenix G Steve Nash: Clanked through a 1-for-9 night with only three points and had five turnovers in the Suns’ loss to New Orleans that doomed their playoff hopes.

Philadelphia G Andre Iguodala: Went 3-for-10 from the field with four turnovers and was a team-worst minus-17 in the 76ers’ loss at Miami.

Minnesota F Michael Beasley: Hit 8-for-18 from the field with seven turnovers in the Timberwolves’ loss  at Oklahoma City — their sixth straight defeat and 17th in their  last 21 games.

Washington G John Wall: Went 2-for-10 from the field with four turnovers and was minus-18 in the Wizards’ loss at Denver — their third straight defeat. They are now 1-34 on the road  this season.

San Antonio G Tony Parker: Went 7-for-17 from the field with a career-worst eight turnovers and was minus-3 in the Spurs’ loss at Portland — their second straight defeat.  

Indiana F Danny Granger: Clanked through a 4-for-13 shooting effort with four turnovers and was minus-14 in the Pacers’ loss to Sacramento. It sliced Indiana’s lead for the last playoff  spot in the East to two games.   

Toronto C Andres Bargnani:  Went 2-for-10 from the field and was minus-40 in the Raptors’ huge loss  to Golden State — their third straight defeat.   

New York G Chauncey Billups: Hit 3-for-11 from  the field and was minus-14  in the Knicks’ loss to Milwaukee — their fifth straight defeat.

Los Angeles Clippers G Eric Gordon: Went 3-for-14 from the field for seven points, had two turnovers and was minus-9 in the Clippers’ loss to the Lakers. 

Detroit G Tracy McGrady: Went 1-for-5 from the field with two turnovers  and was minus-8 in the Pistons’ loss at Cleveland — their third straight defeat.

Orlando G Gilbert Arenas: Was frigid in a 1-for-12 effort with two turnovers in the Magic’s victory over New Jersey.

Boston C Glen Davis: Went 3-for-10 from the field, had two turnovers and was minus-13 in the Celtics’ stunning home loss to Charlotte — their second straight loss and sixth in 10 games.