http://www.sportsnipe.com Sports news headlines from all sources http://www.sportsnipe.com/images/logo.gif http://www.sportsnipe.com Sports news headlines from all sources http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292536/gamethread-26-san-antonio-spurs-philadelphia-76ers-part-i-pounding-rock.html San Antonio ExpressGameThread #26 - San Antonio Spurs @ Philadelphia 76ers - Part IPounding The Rock"Sometimes I think I lost something really important to me, and it turns out I already ate it." by DrumsInTheDeep on Feb 8, 2012 5:03 PM CST reply actions "He was just a young skinny guy who looked like a winner. We didn't know he was going to be as ...Manu's return "likely" for SaturdayProject SpursManu Ginobli Expected To Play Saturday Against NetsSB Nationall 9 news articles » Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292535/tony-parker-continues-to-destroy-defenses-spurs-get-10090-win-at-philadelphia.html The Spurs managed to go 2 for 2 to start the Rodeo Road Trip with a win over a very good 76ers team. After a close first half, the Spurs pulled away by double digits in the third and resisted the home team's late surge to close the game. Tony Parker continued to remind everyone that he is one of the best guards in the league with 37 points and 8 assists. Tim Duncan and Gary Neal assisted TP in the winning effort by scoring 16 and 18 points respectively. Lou Williams led the Sixers with 22 off the bench. The Spurs improved their record to 18-9, climbing to the second spot in the Western Conference. Before going any further, let's get this out of the way: Tony Parker is a fantastic, amazing basketball player. One of the best in the league. If you've ever spoken ill of him, repent now before it's too late. The Spurs have won their last 6 games and there is no way they could have gotten to this point without Parker going Nova against the Thunder and the Sixers. Now that that's out of the way, let's get to the quarter by quarter analysis. First quarter The Spurs rode on to Philadelphia for the second game of the RRT after a close win over the Memphis Grizzlies knowing that this game was going to be a battle. The Sixers are one of the best defensive teams of the league and have the kind of long, athletic players that always give the Spurs trouble. The first quarter gave us exactly what we though we were going to get, with both teams struggling to score in their half-court sets. The Spurs were daring the Sixers to beat them from mid and long range by sagging off shooters but without the quickness to recover and contest those shots. Andre Iguodala and Jrue Holiday took advantage of the Spurs lax D and scored 7 and 8 points respectively. The Spurs’ starting lineup minus Parker was having trouble getting in any kind of offensive rhythm. Duncan was being aggressive against the rookie Nikola Vucevic but could not finish on a couple of plays, going 2 of 7 from the floor. Thankfully, Gary Neal came to the rescue. The Nail went 3-3 from outside and finished the quarter with 12 points that allowed the good guys to hang on and finish the period up 2. Second quarter The Spurs managed to get their first big lead in the 2nd, as Neal played point guard with a frontcourt of Tiago Splitter and Matt Bonner. It seems like someone finally told our guards that Tiago can finish off the pick and roll, because they were looking for him when he rolled hard to the basket. Sparkles scored 6 points in little over 6 minutes of play in the quarter showing off his post moves in the process. With the Spurs up 8 and Splitter and Neal playing great ball, Pop decided to bring back Tony and Tim, which resulted on a 10-0 run by the Sixers. The Spurs defense managed to recover and after some ugly basketball, the half ended 48-45 Spurs. Both teams shot badly from the floor (Spurs .391 and Sixers .360), but the Sixers had the edge on three point shooting percentage, going 3-6 to the Spurs 3-9. Third quarter The Spurs extended their lead early in the 3rd and would never trail again. The Sixers' initially air-tight defense started to show some cracks early in the quarter especially in the heart of the paint, with only Vucevic and the undersized Brand to contest shots. Neal and Blair got some early baskets and the D managed to shut down the paint after a couple Iguodala layups. The Tiago Splitter-Matt Bonner frontcourt continued doing well, with each player scoring 3 points in the final minutes. But the difference-maker, as has been the case often in this season, was Tony Parker. La Croissant penetrated and drew fouls that enraged the Philadelphia crowd and frustrated the Sixers players. Parker finished with 11 third quarter points and helped open the gap that would end up getting the Spurs the victory. Fourth quarter In the 4th, the Spurs used the pick and roll effectively to get their max lead of 11. Parker was able to find Splitter rolling to the basket on two consecutive occasions for 4 of Tiago’s 6 points in the quarter. After a mini run by the Sixers while Parker rested, Gary Neal hit a three to stop the bleeding, and Pop sent Duncan and Parker back in with 5:40 to go and the lead back to 8. From then on the Spurs used the Tim and Tony two man game to milk the clock while still getting quality looks. The Sixers got as close as 5 but the Spurs managed to control the action and got away with their 5th road win. It was a close game throughout, with both benches playing a big role, but in the end the team with the best player on the floor won. Tony is in a class of his own right now and he could not have picked a better game to emphasize it. "Just one of those games everything was working for me. My shot was feeling good and everything was going," Tony said. That’s as accurate a description as I'm able to find for it. Random thoughts: Really, Richard Jefferson? I write 1,300 words basically asking people to go easy on you and this is how you repay me. Really? I say that your shooting makes you a valuable player for this team and you go 0-3 from 3. Not cool, RJ. Not cool at all. (But it's ok. I forgive you because you got that rebound in traffic.) I know I mention this in almost every recap I get, but there are few things that infuriate me more that watching DeJuan Blair fail to box out. He just watches the ball while his opponent gets position and then jumps expecting to get the rebound. The Sixers got 3 straight offensive boards in the 3rd because DeJuan never bothered to put a body on his man. He is officially the worst big in the Spurs’ rotation now that Bonner is hitting his shots. Speaking of Bonner, he only hit one 3 but he got 9 boards to go with some not-that-awful defense. Thaddeus Young burned him a couple of times, but I think this was a good game for Matty overall. Splitter scored 15 points in 17 minutes. He played less than Blair who went 3-7 for 6 points. I don’t understand Pop sometimes. Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard had abysmal shooting nights. Green went 0-5 and Leonard 1-4. They were still better than RJ. The ball movement seems to be much better when the subs are in, even with no real PG. With no star that needs constant feeding and with the space that the threat of Bonner behind the 3-point line creates, the offense flows seamlessly through every player on the floor. The Sixers are a great team. They are going to be a really tough out in the East but they are still a player (or a year) away from serious contention. Their young players are great but they still lack that top 10 player every contender needs. I could see them beating either the Bulls or the Heat but not both. Three Stars Tim Duncan: 16 points on 6-16 shooting, 11 rebounds and 2 blocks. I could have gone with Tiago here, but Timmy played a pretty complete game and has been giving the team some vintage performances on the last few games. Tony is simply killing it right now, but the old man is being a great sidekick. He didn’t look quite as spry as he looked in the previous couple of games, but still managed to be the best big on the floor. Gary Neal: 16 points on 6-9 shooting (3-4 from deep), 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Gary is getting better at this point guard thing. He found Splitter on a couple of pick and rolls and was able to read the stingy Sixer defense on his drives to the basket. His great 3-point shooting, while expected, was a welcome sight considering pretty much everyone else was awful from outside. Tony Parker. 37 points on 12-24 shooting, 11-11 from the free throw line and 8 assists. Against the two toughest teams the Spurs have faced in their 6-game winning streak, Parker has scored 42 and 37 points with a combined 17 assists. Not much else to say. Up next, the Nets on Saturday. Will it be the end of LWM? Tune in to find out! Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292534/new-orleans-hornets-lose-to-chicago-bulls-by-23-points-alcom.html al.comNew Orleans Hornets lose to Chicago Bulls by 23 pointsal.com(Associated Press/Bill Haber) NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana -- Derrick Rose gutted it out and started against the struggling New Orleans Hornets only two days after leaving Chicago's previous game with back spasms. In retrospect, the Bulls would have been ...New Orleans Hornets are hurting, need impact player like the Chicago Bulls ...NOLA.comBulls Sting Hornets, Win Fourth Straight GameNBC ChicagoBulls' Derrick Rose to play WednesdayESPNBleacher Report -Blog a Bull (blog) -MLive.comall 286 news articles » Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292533/memphis-grizzlies-end-3game-skid-beat-timberwolves-8580-commercial-appeal.html Bleacher ReportMemphis Grizzlies end 3-game skid, beat Timberwolves, 85-80Memphis Commercial AppealBy Ronald Tillery When the Grizzlies look around the NBA it's not the injuries or amount of games that catches their eye. The unsung hero that emerges on any given night is what grabs their attention. ?All across the league, people are getting chances ...Memphis Grizzlies: Five Moves Grizz Must Make to Get Back to PlayoffsBleacher ReportGrizzlies end 3-game skid, beat Timberwolves 85-80Fox NewsMinnesota Timberwolves (13-12) at Memphis Grizzlies (12-13), 8 pm (ET)MiamiHerald.comall 274 news articles » Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292532/new-knicks-star-linning-around-in-conversation.html NJ Nets suffer defeat to lowly Detroit Pistons, 99-96A at The Rock to former coach Lawrence FrankA In rematch,A Nets sputterA vs. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292531/love-suspended-2-games-for-stepping-on-scola-bostoncom.html Boston.comLove suspended 2 games for stepping on ScolaBoston.comMinnesota Timberwolves' Kevin Love (42) drives around Houston Rockets' Luis Scola, of Argentina, in the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012, in Minneapolis. The Timberwolves won 100-91. Love led the Timberwolves with 25 points ...Rockets Vs. Timberwolves: Houston Can Not Overcome Poor First Half, Lose 100-91SB NationTimberwolves' Kevin Love Banned Two Games for Stomping on Rockets' ScolaBloombergGame 24 Preview: Houston Rockets vs. Minnesota TimberwolvesThe Dream Shakeall 453 news articles » Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292530/rockets-tweak-dallas-amp-mark-cuban-by-landing-nba-allstar-game-threepeat-culturemap-houston.html CultureMap HoustonRockets tweak Dallas & Mark Cuban by landing NBA All-Star Game three-peat with ...CultureMap HoustonBy Chris Baldwin There were Rocket Power Dancers, a row of Houston Rockets legends, prideful speeches galore, even a section of fanatical fans let into the stands. The only thing missing was the owner of the team. Leslie Alexander didn't show for NBA ...Houston to host NBA All-Star 2013NBA.comHouston Will Host 2013 NBA All-Star WeekendSB NationAll-Star Game Coming to Houston in 2013MVP Texas (blog)AFP -The Big Leadall 324 news articles » Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292529/houston-103-portland-96-blazers-crumble-late-in-loss-to-rockets-oregonlivecom.html OregonLive.comHouston 103, Portland 96: Blazers crumble late in loss to RocketsOregonLive.comBy Joe Freeman, The Oregonian Enlarge Bruce Ely, The Oregonian PORTLAND, OREGON -February 8, 2012 - Portland Trail Blazers guard Jamal Crawford (11) is fouled by Houston Rockets forward Chandler Parsons (25) as the Portland Trail Blazers face the ...Houston Rockets Relying on Parsons, Patterson and Budinger More Than EverBleacher ReportHouston Rockets (14-11) at Portland Trail Blazers (14-11), 10 pm (ET)MiamiHerald.comRockets-Trail Blazers Game ReviewUSA TODAYBoston.com -Rip City Projectall 318 news articles » Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292528/rockets-g-kyle-lowry-leaves-game-against-blazers.html Houston Rockets guard Kyle Lowry has left the game against the Portland Trail Blazers with a right arm injury. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292527/nets-coach-avery-johnson-upset-after-keith-bogans-injury.html Avery Johnson was agitated about the way his team started the game, but the Nets coach wasn't happy with the way the Nets finished the game, either. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292526/jason-kidd-plans-to-practice-thursday-espn-blog.html Jason Kidd plans to practice ThursdayESPN (blog)By Tim MacMahon DENVER -- Dallas Mavericks point guard Jason Kidd plans to practice Thursday for the first time since straining his right calf Jan. 27. There is a possibility that Kidd, who has missed the last six games, could return Friday night ...J-Kidd Sets Practice PlansAthlete Newswireall 11 news articles » Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292525/dirk-worthy-allstar-status-this-season-fs-southwest.html Fort Worth Star TelegramIs Dirk worthy of All-Star status this season?FS Southwest(David Richard-US PRESSWIRE) Mike Fisher is an award-winning newspaper journalist, the author of two regional best-selling books (with forewords written by Jerry Jones and Troy Aikman), with 20 years of covering the Dallas Mavericks and the Dallas ...No Dirk Nowitzki in ASG would make NBA historyESPN (blog)NBA MVP 2012 Power Rankings: Will Dirk Nowitzki Ever Return To His MVP Form?SB Nation DallasMavs' Dirk Nowitzki wouldn't mind sitting out All-Star GameGant DailyFort Worth Star Telegram -CBSSports.com (blog) -SI.comall 40 news articles » Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292524/wizards-lose-game-crowd-to-jeremy-lin.html When the Wizards get trounced at home, the fans at Verizon Center usually to hit the exits early or send them to the locker room to a chorus of boos. But after the Wizards? disconcerting 107-93 loss on Wednesday against the undermanned New York Knicks, most of the 17,376 fans in attendance stuck around, stood up and applauded ? Jeremy Lin and the Knicks. Read full article >> Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292523/dirk-nowitzki-scores-25-to-lead-dallas-mavericks-past-denver-nuggets-10595.html Dirk Nowitzki scored 25 points and the Dallas Mavericks snapped a three-game losing streak by beating the undermanned Denver Nuggets 105-95 on Wednesday night. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292522/video-watch-highlights-from-orlandos-10289-win-over-miami-orlando-sentinel.html Video: Watch highlights from Orlando's 102-89 win over MiamiOrlando SentinelReaders may report inappropriate comments by clicking the Report Abuse link. (Here are the full legal terms you agree to by posting a comment.) The Magic center talks about Orlando's 102-89 win over Miami.... The Magic center talks about Orlando's ...and more » Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292521/for-starters-miami-heat-at-orlando-magic-sunsentinel-blog.html For starters: Miami Heat at Orlando MagicSun-Sentinel (blog)By Ira Winderman South Florida Sun Sentinel Pregame note of note: Mario Chalmers' five consecutive games with at least three 3-pointers is the longest streak for a Heat player since Daequan Cook made at least three 3-pointers in seven consecutive games ...Heat G Chalmers inactive vs. MagicChicago TribuneChalmers out for Heat vs MagicLocal 10all 20 news articles » Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292520/new-york-knicks-rout-washington-wizards-orlando-magic-cool-off-miami-heat-bettorcom-blog.html ABC NewsNew York Knicks rout Washington Wizards; Orlando Magic cool off Miami Heat ...bettor.com (blog)On a night when Orlando Magic pummeled Miami Heat 17 three pointers, Dwight Howard posted 25 points and 24 rebounds to ensure a win in the battle of South Florida. Ryan Anderson scored 27 points, 24 of them in the first half and added 11 rebounds.Knicks' Carmelo Anthony Out with Groin InjuryFox NewsNBA roundup: Lin shines again for KnicksToronto SunNBA Wrap: Lin, Chandler lead Kicks to winComcast SportsNet Philadelphia (blog)Milwaukee Journal Sentinel -NBCSports.comall 831 news articles » Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292519/ask-ira-does-chalmers-injury-show-need-for-another-point.html Q: With Mario Chalmers out, it means Dwyane Wade and LeBron James together less than usual. That might not be a bad thing with the overlap in their games. -- Marty, Plantation. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292518/larry-bird-win-kobe-have-fun-lebron.html Larry Bird recently sat down with Bill Simmons for a podcast session and had some interesting things to say about LeBron James. First off, Bird said LeBron is without question the best player in the game today. "LeBron James is by far our best player in this league," Bird said. "I don?t think there?s anyone next to him." But then Bird was asked who in the game he would like to play an entire season with. Bird went with Kobe Bryant because of "his desire to win, his dedication in the offseason to get better and he?s tough. He?s just a tough cat." Bird added: "But if you want to have fun like I did with Bill Walton you play with LeBron. It would probably have been more fun to play with LeBron but if you want to win and win and win it?s Kobe. Not that LeBron isn?t a winner." LeBron was asked about Bird's remarks after Wednesday night's loss to the Magic: "It's simple, [Kobe] has five rings and I have none so it's easy to say that," James said. "If I had five rings and Kobe had none, it'd probably be the other way around." -joe Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292517/sixgame-road-trip-gets-off-to-sluggish-start-chalmers-injured.html ORLANDO -- The Heat's need for more production from the center position couldn't have been more obvious on Wednesday night at Amway Center. Dwight Howard dominated the Heat inside, going for 25 points and 24 rebounds, and opened up the perimeter for the Magic's long-range shooters. Orlando attempted a franchise record 42 three-point attempts, making 17 for 40.5 percent. The result was a 102-89 loss for the Heat to begin a difficult six-game road trip. The Heat trailed by as many as 17 points in the first half but cut the lead to three points by halftime and then briefly only trailed by one point to begin the second half. The Heat would get no closer. Miami managed just 11 points in the third quarter with both LeBron and Wade going scoreless in the period. Seriously, when has that ever happened? Never thought I'd say this, but the absence of Mario Chalmers seemed to completely throw off the Heat's game. Chalmers missed the game with a sore left hand after getting his finger caught in a jersey during the third quarter of the Heat's Tuesday night victory against the Cavaliers. Chalmers was inactive on Wednesday and his left ring finger was tapped together with his left middle finger. Chalmers is day-to-day and might not be available for Friday's game at Washington. Norris Cole received the first start of his career against the Magic but wasn't his normal fearless self. Cole only attempted eight shots (making eight) and finished with nine points. The Heat was outrebounded 48-38, including 17-9 on the offensive glass. Interesting that on the same day Oscar Robertson said the Heat needs a center to average 12 points and 10 rebounds to be a complete team, the Heat's centers only combined for two points and nine rebounds. -joe Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292516/norris-cole-earns-first-start-on-same-day-hes-left-off-rising-stars-challenge.html ORLANDO -- Heat point guard Norris Cole experienced a wave of emotions on Wednesday.  He learned he would be starting against the Magic when the Heat meet inside Amway Center's visiting locker room before game. A few hours earlier, Cole found out he was left off the NBA's Rising Star Challenge, the rookie-sophomore exhibition game that coincides with All-Star weekend. I couldn't help but notice during the pregame open-locker-room session that Cole was lost in thought and trying to ignore the media. He was seated with his face towards his locker the entire time. His large, noise-cancelling headphones muffled the sound of the noisy locker room. In hindsight, this was clearly a player preparing mentally for the first start of his NBA career. Maybe he over thought it a bit. Cole had nine points, shooting 4 of 8 from the field, in 31 minutes against the Magic. He was a completely different player than the fearless rookie we've come to know. I mean, there were games earlier in the season when Cole would have taken eight shots in eight minutes! He said afterwards that he's not sure if he'll be starting against the Wizards on Friday but added, "I'll be ready if my number's called." As for not making the cut for the Rising Stars Challenge, Cole indicated he was disappointed but added, "It's not the end of the world. My job is focus on getting better and help this team win a championship. That's the ultimate goal. It would have been nice to go but I didn't, so, hey, it will give me something to strive for next year." Cole was up against some tough competition for an invitation to the Rising Stars Challenge. Five rookie guards were selected: Ricky Rubio, Kyrie Irving, MarShon Brooks, Kemba Walker and Brandon Knight. Heck, even the great Jimmer Fredette was passed over! -joe Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292515/perkins-rips-lebron-espn.html New York Daily NewsPerkins Rips LeBronESPNI don't think I was the only one to react to the unbelievable play by Blake and that's what it was all about," James said after the Miami Heat's 102-89 loss to the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night. "Now, if Kendrick Perkins dunked on somebody like that ...Kendrick Perkins Takes Issue With LeBron's TweetCBS LocalKendrick Perkins Blasts LeBron For TweetingWPBF West Palm BeachIs LeBron James Considering Joining The All-Star Dunk Contest?Sunshine SlateFOXSports.com -NESN.com -Bleacher Reportall 83 news articles » Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292514/miami-heat-diamond-nba-jewelry-sizzles-online-at-jewelrybrandsnet-pr-web-press-release.html PR Web (press release)Miami Heat Diamond NBA Jewelry Sizzles Online at JewelryBrands.netPR Web (press release)Jewelrybrands.net is pleased to feature official Miami Heat Jewelry by Gameplan. This limited flagship designer series is the finest premium collection of its kind in the world. The Miami Heat W Series exceeds expectations and is a jewelry engineering ... Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292513/lebron-no-regrets-over-dunk-tweet.html Miami Heat star LeBron James said Wednesday he will not apologize to Kendrick Perkins over a tweet praising Clipper Blake Griffin's monster dunk over the Oklahoma City big man. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292512/rockets-g-lowry-leaves-game.html Houston Rockets guard Kyle Lowry left Wednesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers with a right arm injury. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292511/miami-heatampx92s-norris-cole-snubbed-for-rising-stars-challenge.html <span class="bold">Norris Cole </span>was not selected to play in the Rising Stars Challenge during Orlando’s NBA All-Star weekend. As a minor consolation, he did earn the first start of his career Wednesday at Amway Center. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292510/golden-state-warriors-at-denver-nuggets.html Nuggets update: Denver has lost four straight and six of its past seven games. Injuries have played a big part, as the Nuggets have been down as many as three starters. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292509/lakers-dominate-bobcats-in-10673-win-daily-caller.html Daily CallerLakers dominate Bobcats in 106-73 winDaily CallerBy BETH HARRIS - AP Published: 2:06 AM 02/01/2012 | Updated: 10:40 AM 02/01/2012 Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant goes to the basket past Charlotte Bobcats guard Gerald Henderson, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Los ...Lakers' six-game trip will reveal identityLos Angeles Times (blog)Bobcats Get Trounced By LakersRoberto GatoLakers Hit the Road after Beating Up on Charlotte & Congrats to AndrewLakers NationYahoo! Contributors Network -CBSSports.comall 583 news articles » Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292508/nba-commish-expresses-confidence-in-atlanta-spirit.html NBA Commissioner David Stern expressed confidence in the owners of the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, saying they are "way down my list of current worries." The group known as Atlanta Spirit already sold its NHL team, the Thrashers, who moved to Winnipeg and are now known as the Jets. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292507/wizards-lose-game-crowd-to-jeremy-lin-show.html When the Wizards get trounced at home , the fans at Verizon Center usually to hit the exits early or send them to the locker room to a chorus of boos. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292506/nba-mvp-2012-power-rankings-joe-johnson-return-to-his-top-end-form-sb-nation.html Deseret NewsNBA MVP 2012 Power Rankings: Can Joe Johnson Return To His Top End Form?SB NationThe Atlanta Hawks are dealing with adversity at a variety of levels this season. Their star center is out for the season, Josh Smith has been Josh Smith, their depth has been hit by injuries and the condensed schedule has made it tough for an altered ...Atlanta Hawks Roster: Deadline Passes For Players With Non-Guaranteed DealsPeachtree HoopsHawks' Ivan Johnson making good as rookie at 27Houston ChronicleHawks C Collins To Miss 2 Weeks With Elbow InjuryVAdvert Press Center (press release)Deseret Newsall 29 news articles » Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292505/nba-trade-rumors-milwaukee-bucks-would-be-wise-to-shop-unhappy-stephen-jackson-bleacher-report.html Bleacher ReportNBA Trade Rumors: Milwaukee Bucks Would Be Wise to Shop Unhappy Stephen JacksonBleacher ReportCompound that with the fact that Jackson expressed displeasure about playing in Milwaukee from the beginning and it seems the expiration date on this pairing is imminent. The Bucks have played decently in recent games. They have lost two in a row, ... Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292504/phoenix-suns-squeak-pass-milwaukee-bucks-107105-nba-recap-bettorcom-blog.html SB NationPhoenix Suns squeak pass the Milwaukee Bucks 107-105: NBA Recapbettor.com (blog)The answer was given by veteran Steve Nash on his 38 th birthday day as he netted 18 points and dished out 11 assists to lead the Suns to a close win over the Milwaukee Bucks. The Suns have been unstoppable off late. They had defeated Atlanta Hawks a ...Suns Vs. Bucks: Steve Nash Wraps His Own Birthday Present, Seals Win With Late ...SB NationSuns' Nash hits winner in final secondsCBSSports.comPhoenix Suns Beat the Milwaukee Bucks For Their Third Straight Win After Steve ...Phoenix New Times (blog)AZ Central.com -Valley of the Sunsall 641 news articles » Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292503/raptors-roll-call-feb-8-vs-bucks.html Eric Koreen reports that Amir's struggles lately have been partly due to "personal problems".A I'm guessing those problems are caused by the realization that he's being outplayed by a 7-foot Justin Bieber in Aaron Gray. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292502/bucks-105-raptors-99-brandon-jennings-still-off-his-game-but-milwaukee-rights-ship.html Brandon Jennings still didn't look himself, and managed just 11 points on 3-12 shooting to go with 4 assists and 3 turnovers, but the Milwaukee Bucks still ended a painful three-game losing streak by knocking off the Toronto Raptors, 105-99. The offense leaned on 48 percent three point shooting (12-25) to overcome a poor performance in the paint -- they were just 30 points on 15-31 shooting in the lane, with just 10 of those coming in the second half -- while the defense played well enough to win when it mattered most. A win over the Bargnani-less Raptors isn't exactly a feat fit to override a recent string of disappointing losses to the Detroit Pistons, Chicago Bulls and Phoenix Suns, but any road win is worthy of praise in the NBA. That theory goes double for a Bucks team that improved to 4-10 away from the Bradley Center so far this season. The method for success in this win is hard to pin down, and for most of the game it felt like they didn't even deserve the victory. That's not to say the Raptors necessarily earned anything special on their end, but rather to point out that the game didn't really feel like it produced a winner. In many ways, the Bucks simply played well enough to not lose on Wednesday night. They committed more turnovers than the Raptors (19-14), dished out less assists (20-27), scored fewer points in the paint (30-40) and generated a deficit in fast break points (10-19). A three-point explosion by Carlos Delfino and a strong first half from Mike Dunleavy saved the day. Dunleavy came out firing in the early action, scoring 16 of his 18 points before the intermission, while Delfino saved 17 of his team-high 25 points and four of his six made threes for a second half surge that put the game away. Drew Gooden continued his parade of really cool raw stats, really bad interior defense and really interesting decision-making by adding 20 points, 14 rebounds and six turnovers. Gooden has been feasting on that 18-foot pick-and-pop jumper that teams seem content to let him shoot since Bogut went down, but on this night he did most of his damage from the interior and on the line. That said, he still shot a healthy 3-5 from mid-range and beyond. Brandon Jennings didn't look quite as disaffected as he did against the Suns on Tuesday night, but he certainly managed to lose the point guard battle against his counterpart again. He scored zero points in the first quarter on 0-3 shooting while Jose Calderon dished out 6 assists and added 5 early points, and only managed two points before the half. In fact, Jennings was 1-8 for three points entering the fourth quarter, but managed to salvage the night a bit near the end by hitting three of the six free throw attempts he saw during the late-game chase and foul routine by the Raptors. It looked a bit better from the effort and mental engagement standpoint, but not much. Neither Jennings nor the Bucks are out of the woods on this one yet. If the situation has anything to do with Stephen Jackson, at least it isn't affecting his play. After to returning to the lineup against the Suns and providing 12 points and 4 assists (we won't talk about the failure to get off the last shot), S-Jax followed it up with 17 points on 6-11 shooting to go with 4 rebounds and 3 assists. To see the veteran respond to Coach's Decision - DNPs with more focused efforts is refreshing either because it pumps up his value on the trade market or because it makes him a serviceable option for the team moving forward. In any case, the development is welcome. DeMar DeRozan did most of the damage for the Raptors with 25 points on 9-18 shooting, while Jose Calderon kept the offense humming along by distributing 15 assists on the night (more than all the Bucks starters combined). The only other impressive moment from a Raptors player came when James Johnson sliced down the lane on a third quarter dribble drive and buggy whipped a right-handed dunk around the outstretched hand of Drew Gooden. Any time the home crowd in Toronto wakes up is noteworthy, right? The Raptors couldn't really capitalize on another meh third quarter by the Bucks, and then Carlos Delfino poured in 11 points in the fourth quarter to put the game away for good. It's anybody's guess what the Bucks do next, and that could easily be a reference to the trade market or the on-court action, but I will leave that last bit up to the reader. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292501/recap-toronto-vs-milwaukee.html Six Bucks scored in double figures, including Carlos Delfino's season-high 25 points, as Milwaukee knocked off the Toronto Raptors, 105-99, at Air Canada Centre on Wednesday. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292500/ant-sees-his-life-in-new-manner.html Groundhog Day was Thursday. But in keeping with the theme of the popular Bill Murray film, when each day in Punxsutawney, Pa., was the same, Friday's NBA D-League game at Memorial Coliseum was nearly identical as the night before. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292499/roundup-mavs-top-nuggets-hawks-beat-pacers-usa-today.html USA TODAYRoundup: Mavs top Nuggets; Hawks beat PacersUSA TODAYATLANTA (AP) ? Josh Smith scored 28 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, leading the Hawks to a 97-87 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night that snapped Atlanta's three-game home losing streak. The Hawks, who had fallen behind by big margins ...Dallas Mavericks Look to End Third Quarter WoesRant SportsMavs capitalize on Nuggets' lack of depthSan Antonio ExpressNBA Picks: Dallas Mavericks vs. Denver Nuggets, Betting PreviewBleacher Reportall 291 news articles » Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292498/grangers-36-leads-pacers-past-wolves-10999-stltodaycom.html TSNGranger's 36 leads Pacers past Wolves, 109-99STLtoday.comIndiana Pacers' Danny Granger, right, lays up as Minnesota Timberwolves' Wesley Johnson defends in the first half of an NBA basketball game on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012, in Minneapolis. The Timberwolves wore throwback uniforms of the old Minnesota ...Granger stoked to score big in Pacers' win over TimberwolvesIndianapolis StarWolves "paced" by tough Indiana defenseExaminer.comIC Cold Links: Pacers Stay Strong On The RoadIndy Cornrowsall 62 news articles » Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292497/pacers-notebook-hibbert-hopes-to-be-named-allstar-backup-thursday-indianapolis-star.html Pacers notebook: Hibbert hopes to be named All-Star backup ThursdayIndianapolis StarATLANTA -- Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert is the first to admit he wasn't sure he'd be in this position four years ago. Hibbert will find out later today if he'll make the first of what he hopes to be many All-Star appearances when the reserves for ...and more » Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292496/pacers-start-slowly-are-unable-to-catch-hawks-indianapolis-star.html Boston.comPacers start slowly, are unable to catch HawksIndianapolis StarATLANTA -- Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert is the first to admit he wasn't sure he'd be in this... On the Move Name: Gary Fammartino New post: Administrator at St. Vincent Fishers Hospital. There won't be any "Zorba" music behind the choreography at ...Josh Smith scores 28, Hawks beat Pacers 97-87Boston.comIndiana can't overcome early deficit in AtlantaFort Wayne Journal Gazetteall 514 news articles » Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292495/utah-jazzindiana-pacers-instant-analysis.html After a frustrating effort against the New York Knicks, the Utah Jazz were hoping for a bounce-back game Tuesday as they took on the Indiana Pacers in the second of a back-to-back. While the end result was not a victory, Utah turned what could have been a blowout loss into a game they had a chance to steal at the end. Ultimately, Indiana won the nail-biter 104-99, giving the Jazz their second straight road loss. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292494/hawks-97-pacers-87smith-lights-up-philips.html You can call it the Highlight Factory again. The Hawks snapped a three-game losing streak --- all at Philips Arena --- with a 97-87 victory over the Pacers on Wednesday night. Josh Smith had 28 points and 12 rebounds to lead the much-needed effort for the Hawks (17-9). His one-handed dunk off a Marvin Williams missed 3-pointer punctuated his performance. "He played just super," coach Larry Drew said of Smith. "I don't think Josh gets the credit he deserves for what he brings to the table. He is a guy who can impact it on both ends. He was certainly a difference-maker tonight." Joe Johnson added 20 points as the team improved to 12-1 when he scores 20 or more points. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292493/celtics-stiemsma-earns-guaranteed-contract.html Last night was memorable for Celtics rookie Greg Stiemsma and not because Paul Pierce overtook Larry Bird for second place on the Celtics' all-time scoring list. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292492/magic-johnson-calls-upcoming-broadway-play-magicbird-real-showtime.html The story of the Michigan State legend's rivalry and friendship with Larry Bird is coming to Broadway in "Magic/Bird," set to open in April. The two consulted in its production, and Johnson can't wait to watch their story told. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292491/pistons-99-nets-92-notes-from-wednesdays-win.html The Pistons (7-20) extended their winning streak to three games by rolling to an 18-point lead early in the second half and withstanding a Nets rally before pulling away down the stretch. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292490/detroit-99-nj-92-pistons-show-confidence-in-3rd-win-row.html Greg Monroe and rookie power forward Vernon Macklin were joking around Wednesday night at the Prudential Center. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292489/nba-roundup-cavaliers-hold-off-clippers.html Ramon Sessions scored a season-high 24 points as a last-minute replacement for injured rookie Kyrie Irving, and Antawn Jamison scored 27, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 97-92 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292488/wednesdays-nba-notebook-magicbird-rivalry-heads-to-broadway.html The story of the NBA Hall of Famer's rivalry and friendship with Larry Bird is coming to Broadway in "Magic/Bird," set to open in April. The two consulted in its production, and Johnson can't wait to watch their story told. Sport Snipe - Sports News http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/6292487/pistons-notebook-walker-d-russell-jr-tickled-new-deal.html It was a text message that made Walker D. Russell Jr.'s day — and year. A few words from Pistons president Joe Dumars, saying his contract was guaranteed the rest of the season nearly brought water to Russell's eyes. Sport Snipe - Sports News