We linked to this in Smack this morning, but it absolutely deserves its own post on the site so that you can really revel in the wonder that is DeShawn Stevenson. He posted this photo on his Instagram feed with the caption, “Swag out before my dinner @jjmarie92.” Read More »

Tim Duncan didn’t look like he’d end this play in Tuesday’s Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals by dunking all over the mud of Serge Ibaka. He was just milling around, setting screens, moving into open space when — WHOA — out came Psycho T(immy). But isn’t that the way the Spurs have been during this 20-game win streak? Their power to lull an opponent to sleep is only second to their ability to capitalize on the lost focus. Read More »

Even the best teams normally give you a chance to steal one of the first two games on the road. OKC had their chance, up double-digits in the fourth quarter of Game 1, and blew it. Did it surprise anyone at all that the Spurs jumped out almost immediately to a 13-4 lead last night? Not really, at least not us. What did surprise us though was how out-classed the Thunder looked in San Antonio’s often-dominant 120-111 Game 2 win. It felt like someone tossed the jayvee out there to get eaten alive in a scrimmage against the varsity at times. Despite a nice run by OKC, there isn’t much to say for the Spurs because they’re almost laughably good. Read More »

You don’t have to have coached as long as Doc Rivers to know the simple rule for NBA officiating. If you criticize it, you’ll be fined by the league office. Everyone knows it, and every violator does it for effect. Can I get the refs’ attention before the next game? If I get popped for $25,000 or $35,000 for a comment, will that buy me some time in the refs’ ear next time out? Read More »

After an outstanding sophomore season at Syracuse that had many analysts talking about him as one of the best guards in the country, Dion Waiters decided the time was right to test his talents and make the jump to the NBA. The Philly native was a beast as a Sixth Man, averaging 12.6 points on nearly 48 percent shooting to help lead the Orange to the Elite 8 this season. Syracuse came up short in their bid for a National Championship, but Waiters’ stock continues to rise. Now as he gets prepared to be drafted into the NBA, Waiters will be giving us the inside scoop on his journey to the draft, how his life is changing and everything in-between… Read More »

The way Kevin Love keeps playing, he could to be a future Hall of Famer. Even two years ago that statement would have engendered a lot of sideways glances and talk of my being crazy. Now, after back to back seasons of 20.4 and 15.3 boards in 2011 and 24 points and 12.3 boards this season, he’s become the biggest rebounding sensation since Moses Malone.

But he’s not just deft at basketball. Recently he was recruited to become a Ghost. A member of Team Ghost, that is, for “Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Future Soldier” video game, where Love has claimed his role will be the sniper. After shooting 42 and 37 percent the last two seasons from three-point range, we think that role fits him just fine. Read More »

The All-Star Weekend’s Slam Dunk Contest didn’t exactly live up to expectations, but we can’t say we didn’t get our fill during the regular season. Between Gerald Green, LeBron James and Blake Griffin, the NBA provided more than enough highlights. Here are the top 10 dunks from the shortened season… Read More »

For a brief moment last Wednesday night, Allen Iverson was back. Sure he was just presenting the game ball but seeing Iverson on an actual NBA court brought back a flood of memories for fans in attendance and those watching at home. Instantly, Iverson & Bubba Chuck (Iverson’s nickname) were trending on Twitter, which as The Starting Five phenomenally summarizes, is because… Read More »

The Black Swamba is finished. One way or another, it’s been pretty obvious the Black Mamba has run out of patience for his Black Swan, and the partnership that produced three consecutive Finals trips, two championships and five straight runs to the Western Conference Semifinals will probably end this summer. The Lakers flirted with a roster without Pau Gasol last offseason, and would’ve gone through with it had it not been for David Stern‘s dictatorial power. Now after another disappointing season, all signs point to one of the most skilled big man in the league ending up someplace, anyplace, outside of Hollywood. Read More »

Just a few weeks ago, we put together our favorite 20 flops in the NBA, featuring all timers like Manu Ginobili, Robert Horry and Tony Allen. And while it was good, Ginobili and James Harden took the art of flopping (err, the double flop) to a new level during Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals this weekend… Read More »