Behind an impressive, balanced offensive attack and full-court defensive pressure, Indiana won its series opener in Cleveland against the top-seeded Cavaliers. As Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com writes (subscriber link), the big question now for the Cavs isn’t necessarily how they’ll respond in Game 2 — it’s who will be available. Point guard Darius Garland appeared in a … [Read more...] about Cavs’ Garland, Mobley, Hunter Questionable For Game 2
Cavaliers’ Kenny Atkinson Named Coach Of Year
Kenny Atkinson has been named the NBA’s Coach of the Year, the league announced on Monday (Twitter link). In his first year with the Cavaliers, Atkinson led the franchise to a 64-18 record and the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Atkinson was hired by Cleveland after a three-year stint as one of Steve Kerr‘s top assistants with Golden State. Atkinson, who was also an … [Read more...] about Cavaliers’ Kenny Atkinson Named Coach Of Year
And-Ones: Awards Announcements, Draft Assets, Fournier, NBC Theme Song
The NBA will announce the Coach of the Year award winner on Monday, the league’s PR department tweets. Kenny Atkinson (Cavaliers), J.B. Bickerstaff (Pistons) and Ime Udoka (Rockets) are the three finalists. Atkinson, who led Cleveland to the best record in the East, is considered a heavy favorite to win the award. The Executive of the Year award will be announced on Tuesday and … [Read more...] about And-Ones: Awards Announcements, Draft Assets, Fournier, NBC Theme Song
Central Notes: Giannis, Bucks, Cavs, Bulls Centers
Speaking to Adam Mares on the All NBA podcast (YouTube link), veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein said the Bucks are unlikely to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason unless he specifically asks for a trade. Stein acknowledged that neither side is eager to go down that path, but pointed out that the Bucks don’t have a realistic way to build a legitimate contender around the … [Read more...] about Central Notes: Giannis, Bucks, Cavs, Bulls Centers
Central Notes: Sheppard, Pacers, Bulls, Strus
After starting Pacers swingman Andrew Nembhard got into foul trouble during Indiana’s Game 3 playoff series loss to Milwaukee, reserve guard Ben Sheppard found himself playing more minutes than he had in the contests prior. Sheppard knocked down a three-point shot during his six first-half minutes and the Pacers outscored Milwaukee by six points during those minutes. He went … [Read more...] about Central Notes: Sheppard, Pacers, Bulls, Strus