PHILOSOPHICAL QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“Beauty is how you feel inside, and it reflects in your eyes. It is not something physical.”
-Sophia Loren
================================
NBA:
Highs and lows of the season’s first week
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14040344/5-5-experts-break-first-week-nba-season
The opening week leaders
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/nba-am-the-opening-week-leaders/
Early season overreactions
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2015/11/03/stephen-curry-james-harden-anthony-davis-kobe-bryant-warriors-rockets-lakers-pelicans-nba-a-to-z/75095010/
Matchups and sub patterns
http://nyloncalculus.com/2015/11/02/deep-dives-matchups-and-sub-patterns-continued/
Does playing on a good team hinder NBA Rookie of the Year chances?
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2585189-does-playing-on-a-good-team-hinder-nba-rookie-of-the-year-chances
Are Hawks the team to challenge LeBron James, Cavs in East? http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2585859-tuesdays-nightly-nba-roundup-hook-tbd
What if DeMarcus Cousins, not Anthony Davis, is the NBA’s next great big man?
http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2015/11/3/9663020/demarcus-cousins-anthony-davis-elite-big-men
Twenty years ago, KG made his debut … before these players were born
http://espn.go.com/blog/marc-stein/post/_/id/4030/twenty-years-ago-kg-made-his-nba-debut-before-these-players-were-born
HBO documentary successfully examines enigmatic life of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/04/sports/basketball/hbo-documentary-successfully-examines-enigmatic-life-of-kareem-abdul-jabbar.html?ref=basketball
Tom Thibodeau just can’t stop coaching even if he wanted to
http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/7/71/1070302/tom-thibodeau-just-cant-stop-coaching-even-wanted
NBA teams up with Verizon on $400M marketing deal
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2015/11/04/lebron-james-nba-teams-up-verizon-400-million-marketing-deal/75102728/
Luther Burden, former Knick who served time for bank robbery, dies at 62
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/04/sports/basketball/luther-burden-former-knick-who-served-time-for-bank-robbery-dies-at-62.html?ref=basketball
76ERS:
Okafor pledges to improve on defensive boards
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20151104_Okafor_pledges_to_improve_on_defensive_boards.html – iqTjCTuJ4zjwBkEF.99
T.J. McConnell playing his way into Sixers’ starting point-guard spot
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20151104_T_J__McConnell_playing_his_way_into_Sixers__starting_point-guard_spot.html – WkSoO6wXIeRmyh2d.99
Sixers vs. Bucks at a glance
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/sports/sixers/Sixers-vs-Bucks-at-a-glance-November-3-2015.html
BUCKS:
Jabari Parker back in Bucks lineup against Sixers
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/bucks/jabari-parker-back-in-bucks-lineup-against-sixers-b99609142z1-340032561.html
Preview: Bucks vs. 76ers
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/bucks/preview-bucks-vs-76ers-b99609144z1-340032621.html
BULLS:
Lifeless Bulls taken apart vs. Hornets, allow 130 points
http://chicago.suntimes.com/basketball/7/71/1070716/bulls-blown-charlotte
Bobby Portis makes his NBA debut as the Bulls get blown out
http://chicago.suntimes.com/basketball/7/71/1070659/bobby-portis-makes-nba-debut-bulls-get-blown
Breaking down just how awful the Bulls loss to Charlotte was
http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/7/71/1070869/breaking-just-awful-bulls-loss-charlotte
A first: Derrick Rose scores in single digits for third straight game
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/ct-derrick-rose-scoring-bits-bulls-spt-1104-20151103-story.html
Bobby Portis has ticked off his entire team, and the rookie is loving it
http://chicago.suntimes.com/basketball/7/71/1070234/bobby-portis-ticked-entire-team-rookie-loving
Bulls connections to LeBron James becoming youngest to 25k points
http://www.csnchicago.com/bulls/bulls-connections-lebron-james-becoming-youngest-25k-points
CAVALIERS:
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ roster is set. What does it mean for the future?
http://www.si.com/thecauldron/2015/11/03/cleveland-cavaliers-future-roster-salary-cap-luxury-tax-trade-exceptions
Focusing on LeBron James’ scoring is missing the point
http://espn.go.com/blog/cleveland-cavaliers/post/_/id/1319/focusing-on-lebrons-scoring-is-missing-the-point
Philly gives LeBron his due after milestone
http://www.foxsports.com/ohio/story/cleveland-cavaliers-philadelphia-76ers-lebron-james-25k-points-110315
J.R. Smith to miss at least 2 games
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14044918/jr-smith-cleveland-cavaliers-miss-least-2-games-knee-contusion-quad-tendinitis
CELTICS:
Stevens, Vogel friendship started on the playground
http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/stevens-vogel-friendship-started-playground
Zeller on struggles: ‘I have to work my way out of it’
http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/zeller-struggles-i-have-work-my-way-out-it
Jared Sullinger is pulling his weight with Celtics
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/11/04/cnotes/5c8QC7tan7F27SFaghOBIP/story.html
Celtics’ David Lee not making excuses for poor start to season
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/11/03/far-david-lee-isn-giving-celtics-boost-offense/71mx10krwldX3wChm9vykJ/story.html
Celtics assign Young, Mickey to D-League
http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/celtics-assign-young-mickey-d-league
Bradley (sprained hand) hopes to play vs. Pacers
http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/bradley-sprained-hand-hopes-play-vs-pacers
On The Parquet No. 2: Reviewing week 1 of Celtics’ season
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/11/03/the-parquet-reviewing-week-celtics-season/R4Cd7UQNHSwLSeAAEFwKvI/story.html
CLIPPERS:
Blake Griffin and Clippers are 4-0, but as usual it’s all about the Warriors
http://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/la-sp-clippers-warriors-20151104-story.html
Blake Griffin trains with MMA fighter to learn to deal with physicality
http://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/clippersnow/la-sp-cn-clippers-blake-griffin-trains-with-mma-fighter-20151103-htmlstory.html
Doc Rivers praises former Laker Wesley Johnson
http://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/clippersnow/la-sp-cn-doc-rivers-praises-former-laker-wesley-johnson-20151103-story.html
DeAndre Jordan on Warriors playing well: ‘So are we’
http://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/clippersnow/la-sp-cn-deandre-jordan-on-warriors-playing-well-so-are-we-20151102-story.html
Clippers must ‘stay composed’ vs. Golden State
http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151103/la-clippers-must-stay-composed-vs-golden-state
GRIZZLIES:
Griz bounce back with 103-89 win over Kings
http://www.commercialappeal.com/topstories/griz-bounce-back-with-103-89-win-over-kings-23ab4a56-ea1f-346d-e053-0100007fe152-340033361.html
3 things to know for your Griz day
http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/grizzlies/3-Things-To-Know-For-Your-Griz-Day-340004532.html
Chalmers-to-Grizzlies trade being discussed?
http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/Chalmers-to-Grizzlies-trade-being-discussed-339938262.html
Marc Gasol injury: Updates on Grizzlies star’s neck and return
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2430010-marc-gasol-injury-updates-on-grizzlies-stars-neck-and-return
HAWKS:
Hawks report card following 98-92 win over Heat
http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/basketball/hawks-report-card-following-98-92-win-over-heat/npFxH/
Five observations from Hawks’ 98-92 win over Heat
http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/basketball/five-observations-from-hawks-98-92-win-over-heat/npFtp/
Horford on pace to set career best in 3-pointers in only 10 games
http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/basketball/horford-on-pace-to-set-career-best-in-3-pointers-i/npFhq/
HEAT:
Hassan Whiteside solid but Heat falls to Hawks again 98-92
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article42832983.html
Spoelstra pushes for drills that more closely resemble games
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-miami-heat-erik-spoelstra-s110315-story.html
Heat guard Mario Chalmers discussed in possible trade with Grizzlies
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article42783732.html
Chalmers caught unaware of report linking him to trade to Grizzlies
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-miami-heat-mario-chalmers-s110315-story.html
Would it be prudent to deal Chalmers?
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-askira-story.html
HORNETS:
Hornets blow out Bulls for first win of season
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nba/charlotte-hornets/article42792774.html
Hornets deliver game to celebrate
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/tom-sorensen/article42873030.html
P.J. Hairston’s inconsistency, focus a factor in not picking up contract option
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nba/charlotte-hornets/article42663144.html
JAZZ:
At long last, Jazz have a home game
http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3133084-155/utah-jazz-notes-at-long-last
After strong start to season, Jazz excited to play first home game at The Viv
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865640606/After-strong-start-to-season-Jazz-excited-to-play-first-home-game-at-The-Viv.html
Now fully developed, Gordon Hayward appears on his way to stardom
http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3131663-155/utah-jazz-now-fully-developed-gordon
Hayward not too concerned about his slow statistical start
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865640610/Utah-Jazz-notebook-Hayward-not-too-concerned-about-his-slow-statistical-start.html
The worst losses in NBA and Jazz history
http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/3132422-155/the-worst-losses-in-nba-and
KINGS:
Without DeMarcus Cousins, Kings get bullied in loss to Grizzlies
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/kings-blog/article42889689.html
Karl ‘not overreacting’ to McLemore’s early struggles
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/kings-blog/article42879090.html
Kings’ Caron Butler shows he can make impact in limited minutes
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/kings-blog/article42859200.html
Kings’ Cousins sets goal for return from strained Achilles
http://www.csnbayarea.com/kings/kings-cousins-sets-goal-return-strained-achilles
KNICKS:
What Fisher needs to see before Afflalo can make Knicks debut
http://nypost.com/2015/11/04/what-fisher-needs-to-see-before-afflalo-can-make-knicks-debut/
Kristaps Porzingis’ next test? It come from this ex-Knick big man
http://nypost.com/2015/11/04/kristaps-porzingis-next-test-it-come-from-this-ex-knick-big-man/
Will Kristaps Porzingis play vs. Cavs? Knick talks injury, playing in NYC
http://nypost.com/2015/11/03/will-kristap-porzingis-play-vs-cavs-knick-talks-injury-playing-in-nyc/
LAKERS:
Jordan Clarkson notches career-high, but Lakers fall to Nuggets, 120-109
http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-nuggets-20151104-story.html
No playing time, no problem for Lakers’ Metta World Peace
http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-report-20151104-story.html
Nuggets’ Emmanuel Mudiay motivated from Lakers choosing D’Angelo Russell in NBA Draft
http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151103/nuggets-emmanuel-mudiay-motivated-from-lakers-choosing-dangelo-russell-in-nba-draft
Lakers: Predictions for Week 2
http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-predictions-for-week-2-20151103-story.html
D’Angelo Russell and Kendall Jenner are dating, says tabloid
http://thebiglead.com/2015/11/02/dangelo-russell-and-kendall-jenner-are-dating-says-tabloid/
MAGIC:
Magic beat the Pelicans 103-94 to notch 1st win
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-magic-pelicans-game-1104-20151103-story.html
Magic embracing small ball strategy
http://www.nba.com/magic/news/magic-embracing-small-ball-strategy
Payton returns home to play in front of hometown family and friends
http://www.nba.com/magic/news/payton-returns-home-play-front-hometown-family-and-friends
Fournier says his focus stays same now that extension deadline has passed
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-orlando-magic-news-1104-20151103-story.html
MAVERICKS:
Miserable execution in the fourth quarter doomed the Mavericks vs. Toronto
http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/dallas-mavericks/headlines/20151103-sefko-miserable-execution-in-the-fourth-quarter-doomed-the-mavericks-vs.-toronto.ece
‘Restrictive’ elbow brace not holding back Mavericks’ early season contributor Dwight Powell
http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/dallas-mavericks/headlines/20151103-restrictive-elbow-brace-not-holding-back-mavericks-early-season-contributor-dwight-powell.ece
Charlie Villanueva joining Dirk Nowitzki as movie-making Mavericks
http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/dallas-mavericks/headlines/20151103-charlie-villanueva-joining-dirk-nowitzki-as-movie-making-dallas-mavericks.ece
Parsons anxious for more playing time
http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/full-court-press-blog/article42889392.html
Mavericks, Raptors coaches share respect, recent milestones
http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/article42847542.html
NETS:
Brook Lopez talks everything but basketball
http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nets/brooklyn-nets-brook-lopez-talks-everything-except-basketball-1.11054980
Robinson Hopes to Silence Critics
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/nba-pm-thomas-robinson-gambles-on-himself-nets-playoffs-free-agency/
NUGGETS:
Kenneth Faried’s 28-point, 15-rebound night leads Nuggets past Lakers
http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_29068788/kenneth-farieds-28-point-15-rebound-night-leads
Nuggets coach Michael Malone praises J.J. Hickson’s work ethic via text
http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_29068491/nuggets-coach-michael-malone-praises-j-j-hicksons
J.J. Hickson readies himself as Nuggets’ frontcourt is ailing
http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_29065444/j-j-hickson-readies-himself-nuggets-front-court-is-ailing
PACERS:
Small ball works for Pacers, but not without some glitches
http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2015/11/03/pacers-pick-up-first-win-season-behind-stuckey/74726638/
Brad Stevens and Frank Vogel, separated at birth?
http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/columnists/gregg-doyel/2015/11/03/doyel-brad-stevens-and-frank-vogel-separated-birth/75057748/
PELICANS:
Magic hand Pelicans fourth straight loss to start season
http://sportsnola.com/magic-hand-pelicans-fourth-straight-loss-to-start-season/
Pelicans rally falls short fall to Magic 103-94
http://pelicandebrief.com/2015/11/03/new-orleans-pelicans-quickcap-pelicans-rally-falls-short-fall-to-magic-103-94/
PISTONS:
Indiana 94, Detroit 82: Pistons suffer first loss of year
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/11/03/detroit-pistons-indiana-pacers/75078906/
Pistons C Andre Drummond’s hot start continues in loss
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/11/04/detroit-pistons-andre-drummond/75137760/
Pistons’ Spencer Dinwiddie sneaks candy bar on bench?
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/11/04/detroit-pistons-spencer-dinwiddie-candy-bar/75140988/
RAPTORS:
Raptors beat Mavs for first 4-0 start in team history
http://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2015/11/03/raptors-beat-mavs-for-first-4-0-start-in-team-history.html
Lowry scores 27 as Raptors spoil Mavericks home opener with 102-91 win
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/basketball/lowry-scores-27-as-raptors-spoil-mavericks-home-opener-with-102-91-win/article27094427/
Raptors put $33 million bet on Terrence Ross
http://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2015/11/03/raptors-put-33-million-bet-on-terrence-ross.html
Ross’ extension with Raptors about future, not past, present
http://www.torontosun.com/2015/11/03/ross-extension-with-raptors-about-future-not-past-or-present
ROCKETS:
Vital to Rockets, Howard pushing himself carefully
http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/rockets/article/Vital-to-Rockets-Howard-pushing-himself-carefully-6609082.php
Dwight Howard’s return to come in measured steps
http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/rockets/article/Dwight-Howard-s-return-to-come-in-measured-steps-6608351.php
Ty Lawson plays like Ty Lawson, and Rockets get a win
http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2015/11/ty-lawson-plays-like-ty-lawson-and-rockets-get-a-win/
Marcus Thornton fitting in with Terrence Jones out
http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2015/11/marcus-thornton-fitting-in-with-terrence-jones-out/
SPURS:
As Leonard’s offensive game emerges, he hasn’t forgotten to bring ‘D’
http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/As-Leonard-s-offensive-game-emerges-he-6608181.php
Spurs defense ahead of the curve
http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Spurs-defense-ahead-of-the-curve-6608067.php
In free agency, Spurs’ David West sought meaning, not money
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/04/sports/basketball/in-free-agency-spurs-david-west-sought-meaning-not-money.html?ref=basketball&_r=0
From the archives: Popovich takes whipping in first game as Spurs head coach
http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Popovich-takes-whipping-in-first-game-as-head-6604126.php
SUNS:
Eric Bledsoe’s growth remains Suns’ work in progress
http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2015/11/03/eric-bledsoes-growth-remains-suns-work-progress/75125390/
Suns waiting on Weems, Teletovic to find shots
http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2015/11/03/phoenix-suns-waiting-sonny-weems-mirza-teletovic/75119550/
THUNDER:
What have we learned about Billy Donovan’s substitution patterns?
http://newsok.com/what-have-we-learned-about-billy-donovans-substitution-patterns/article/5458053
The Thunder turnover trend through four games
http://newsok.com/the-thunder-turnover-trend-through-four-games/article/5457947
What have we learned early this season?
http://newsok.com/thunder-buddies-podcast-what-have-we-learned-early-this-season/article/5458012
Oklahoma City Blue announces training camp roster
http://newsok.com/oklahoma-city-blue-announces-training-camp-roster/article/5457984
TIMBERWOLVES:
Timberwolves: New position not the issue, says Andrew Wiggins
http://www.twincities.com/timberwolves/ci_29066479/timberwolves-new-position-not-issue-says-andrew-wiggins
Timberwolves fans lead the league in grammar, study says
http://www.twincities.com/timberwolves/ci_29063385/timberwolves-fans-lead-league-grammar-study-says
TRAIL BLAZERS:
Can Trail Blazers guards Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum fit together?
http://www.blazersedge.com/2015/11/3/9665780/portland-trail-blazers-damian-lillard-cj-mccollum
Trail Blazers, Meyers Leonard fail to reach agreement on extension
http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2015/11/trail_blazers_meyers_leonard_fail_to_reach_agreeme.html
WARRIORS:
Warriors, Clippers love to hate each other
http://www.sfchronicle.com/warriors/article/Warriors-Clippers-love-to-hate-each-other-6608805.php
With 4-0 Clippers up next, Warriors ready for first real test
http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/4-0-clippers-next-warriors-ready-first-real-test
Stephen Curry earns Rick Barry’s seal of approval
http://www.sfchronicle.com/warriors/article/Stephen-Curry-earns-Rick-Barry-s-seal-of-6609047.php
Steph Curry sharpens his game — with help from Steve Nash
http://www.sfchronicle.com/warriors/article/Steph-Curry-sharpens-his-game-with-help-from-6608630.php
Curry with triple number of 20-point quarters than rest of NBA
http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/curry-triple-number-20-point-quarters-rest-nba
Luke Walton capably guides Golden State Warriors in Coach Steve Kerr’s absence
http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-luke-walton-warriors-20151104-story.html
Warriors take another step toward San Francisco arena
http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/warriors-take-another-step-toward-san-francisco-arena
WIZARDS:
Spurs offer a model to Wizards in Verizon visit
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/a-home-school-lesson-spurs-offer-a-model-to-wizards-in-verizon-visit/2015/11/03/e443af06-8286-11e5-8ba6-cec48b74b2a7_story.html
The up-tempo Wizards are good, but here’s how they could be better
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fancy-stats/wp/2015/11/03/the-up-tempo-wizards-are-good-but-heres-how-they-could-be-better/
Peter Newmann is an analyst and writer who spent 10 years at ESPN, 8 as the NBA senior researcher working 24/7 on the league. He wrote game notes for crews, articles for ESPN.com, analysis for studio shows, and regularly assisted reporters and writers. Follow him on Twitter, and check out his Web site, www.peternewmann.com.