PHILOSOPHICAL QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“Our patience will achieve more than our force.”
-Edmund Burke
================================
NBA:
The 13 players who have surprised us most
http://espn.go.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/14425723/andre-drummond-detroit-pistons-paul-george-indiana-pacers-highlight-list-early-season-surprises-nba
5 NBA players who cheat advanced stats
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2602082-5-nba-players-who-cheat-advanced-stats
Best and worst contracts in the NBA right now
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2601948-best-and-worst-contracts-in-the-nba-right-now
Eastern Conference no longer ‘Leastern Conference’
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2015/12/21/eastern-conference-western-conference-jeff-van-gundy-adam-silver-andre-drummond-paul-george-stan-van-gundy/77718174/
One thing on every NBA team’s holiday wish list
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2601663-one-thing-on-every-nba-teams-holiday-wish-list
The NBA’s most unlikely rivalry: LeBron and Curry
http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-nbas-most-unlikely-rivalry-lebron-and-curry-1450890709
Former Timberwolves star Stephon Marbury gets his own museum in China
http://www.twincities.com/timberwolves/ci_29301896/former-timberwolves-star-stephon-marbury-gets-his-own
ANTI-GUN VIOLENCE:
N.B.A. lends its name and its stars to campaign against gun violence
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/24/sports/basketball/nba-gun-violence-campaign-michael-bloomberg.html?ref=basketball&mtrref=www.nytimes.com&mtrref=www.nytimes.com&mtrref=www.nytimes.com&gwh=924FA2EC040C1D5E9275B7908606CEF1&gwt=pay
Spike Lee, NBA stars come together in new PSA to denounce gun violence
http://www.si.com/nba/2015/12/23/spike-lee-stephen-curry-gun-violence-christmas-chicago
Here’s why the NBA is airing anti-gun violence PSAs
http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2015/12/23/10659974/nba-anti-gun-violence-psa-video-everytown
76ERS:
Former Sixer MCW helps Bucks defeat his old team
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20151224_Former_Sixer_MCW_helps_Bucks_defeat_his_old_team.html – zgjPzF3bm4q244W8.99
Sixers’ Carl Landry makes season debut
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20151224_Sixers__Carl_Landry_makes_season_debut.html
BUCKS:
Starters shoot 72% as Bucks coast past 76ers
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/bucks/bucks-vs-philadelphia-76ers-b99639396z1-363423051.html
BULLS:
Leadership must come to fore for Bulls to handle this rough patch
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/ct-bulls-leadership-issues-spt-1224-20151223-story.html
For now, maybe it’s best Jimmy Butler leads troubling Bulls by example
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/columnists/ct-jimmy-butler-bulls-leadership-haugh-spt-1224-20151223-column.html
Joakim Noah frustrated he can’t help Bulls during trying times
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/ct-bits-bulls-spt-1224-20151223-story.html
Not everyone is enjoying the Jimmy Butler takeover, starting with the Rose camp
http://chicago.suntimes.com/basketball/7/71/1203056/everyone-enjoying-jimmy-butler-takeover-starting-rose-camp
Bulls willing to deal Joakim Noah, Taj Gibson for wing player
http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/7/71/1203483/report-bulls-willing-deal-joakim-noah-taj-gibson-wing-player
CAVALIERS:
Cavaliers fight off pesky New York Knicks, 91-84
http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2015/12/cleveland_cavaliers_new_york_k_9.html – incart_social_feature
LeBron James’ huge dunk makes Cavaliers winners ahead of biggest game this season
http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2015/12/lebron_james_new_york_knicks_j_2.html – incart_river_index
Irving goes through postgame shooting session and Shumpert feeling ‘salty’ http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2015/12/kyrie_irving_goes_through_post.html – incart_river_index
CELTICS:
Kelly Olynyk helps Celtics overpower Hornets
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/12/24/celtics-overpower-hornets/q6OMdhUrXs4PGDxXDddqlK/story.html
Strong defense carries Celtics to 102-89 win over Hornets
http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/strong-defense-carries-celtics-102-89-win-over-hornets
Crowder becoming a two-way threat
http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/stars-studs-and-duds-crowder-becoming-two-way-threat
When Tyler Zeller got the call, he delivered for Celtics
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/12/23/tyler-zeller-impressive-his-use-time/qC8tzrzxx5PpszIMrDQZCL/story.html
CLIPPERS:
Clippers’ Doc Rivers pushes for NFL-style coach’s challenge in the NBA
http://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/la-sp-clippers-report-20151224-story.html
Doc Rivers wants coaches’ challenge in last 2 minutes
http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151223/doc-rivers-wants-coaches-challenge-in-last-2-minutes
Doc Rivers: Others’ perception doesn’t matter as long as Clippers win
http://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/clippersnow/la-sp-cn-doc-rivers-clippers-perception-20151223-story.html
GRIZZLIES:
Sleepwalking Griz fall to Wizards 100-91
http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/grizzlies/sleep-walking-griz-fall-to-wizards-100-91-2798c15f-35a1-41d4-e053-0100007f3409-363431931.html
As Z-Bo approaches another milestone, Joerger expresses appreciation
http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/grizzlies/As-Z-Bo-approaches-another-milestone-Joerger-expresses-appreciation-363396061.html
Tickets scarce for Kobe Bryant’s final games in Memphis, but available in holiday packs
http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/grizzlies/Tickets-scarce-for-Kobe-Bryants-final-games-in-Memphis-but-available-in-holiday-packs-363390601.html
HAWKS:
Five observations from Hawks’ 107-100 victory over the Pistons
http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/basketball/five-observations-from-hawks-107-100-victory-over-/npq3c/
Pistons-Hawks report card
http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/basketball/pistons-hawks-report-card/npq5F/
HEAT:
Heat’s depth might be a mirage
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/ethan-j-skolnick/article51407465.html
Has Udrih provided Heat more than they expected?
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-askira-story.html
Whiteside opens Heat door for ex-teammate after heart attack
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-miami-heat-nigel-spikes-s122315-story.html
HORNETS:
Hornets fall to Celtics for fifth loss in last six
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nba/charlotte-hornets/article51427045.html
Hornets’ Frank Kaminsky shows a glimpse of what he’s going to be
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nba/charlotte-hornets/article51437645.html
JAZZ:
Offense fails in 103-85 loss to Golden State
http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3340510-155/utah-jazz-offense-fails-in-103-85
Jazz can’t handle deep Warrior runs in 103-85 road loss
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865644371/Jazz-cant-handle-deep-Warrior-runs-in-103-85-road-loss.html
A defensive deterrent, Millsap looks to round out game for Jazz
http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3344901-155/utah-jazz-a-defensive-deterrent-millsap
KINGS:
Indiana can’t keep pace with Kings
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/article51435170.html
Darren Collison’s big night pushes Kings past Pacers
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/kings-blog/article51440630.html
Rajon Rondo, Darren Collison pairing shows improvement for Kings
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/kings-blog/article51432385.html
KNICKS:
Porzingis’ heroics not enough as Melo-less Knicks fall to LeBron, Cavs
http://nypost.com/2015/12/23/porzingis-heroics-not-enough-as-melo-less-knicks-fall-to-lebron-cavs/
Without Carmelo Anthony, Knicks put up fight but fall to Cavaliers
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/24/sports/basketball/cleveland-cavaliers-beat-new-york-knicks-carmelo-anthony.html?ref=basketball&_r=0&mtrref=www.nytimes.com&mtrref=www.nytimes.com&mtrref=www.nytimes.com&mtrref=www.nytimes.com&mtrref=www.nytimes.com&gwh=Bh
Carmelo Anthony reveals his reasoning for deciding to sit
http://nypost.com/2015/12/24/carmelo-anthony-reveals-his-reasoning-for-deciding-to-sit/
Carmelo Anthony tries to drown out the din of gunshots
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/24/sports/basketball/carmelo-anthony-displays-his-toughness-in-a-public-arena.html?ref=basketball&mtrref=www.nytimes.com&gwh=97550F86DEB1156F4CC203BF2E21A1FE&gwt=pay
Cops identify two ‘persons of interest’ in Knicks star’s missing jewelry
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/cops-eying-persons-interest-derrick-williams-theft-article-1.2475519
LAKERS:
Lakers are again pounded by Thunder, and this time they have Kobe
http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-thunder-20151224-story.html
Thunder uses a 36-2 run to blow out the Lakers, 120-85
http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-lose-to-thunder-20151223-story.html
The road has been long and tough for Lakers, but January brings relief
http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-report-20151224-story.html
Lakers’ Lou Williams benefitting from starting role without ball-handling duties
http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151223/la-lakers-lou-williams-benefitting-from-starting-role-without-ball-handling-duties
MAGIC:
Fournier’s late basket propels Magic to 104-101 win over the Rockets
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-magic-rockets-1224-20151223-story.html
Magic beat Dwight, reach high point of recovery
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-magic-dwight-howard-brian-schmitz-1224-20151223-column.html
Postgame report: Magic vs. Rockets
http://www.nba.com/magic/news/postgame-report-magic-vs.-rockets-12/23/15
Howard on Vucevic: “He basically can do it all”
http://www.nba.com/magic/news/howard-vucevic-he-basically-can-do-it-all
Frye sees Magic teammates as extended family members
http://www.nba.com/magic/news/frye-sees-magic-teammates-extended-family-members
MAVERICKS:
J.J. Barea’s career night propels Mavs past Nets in OT thriller
http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-mavericks/mavericks/2015/12/23/jj-bareas-career-night-propels-mavs-past-nets-thriller?f=r
Dirk Nowitzki moves up scoring list and downs the Nets
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/24/sports/basketball/nba-roundup-dallas-mavericks-brooklyn-nets.html?ref=basketball&mtrref=www.nytimes.com&gwh=DFF0BE832B25934CF6DFC20365212659&gwt=pay
He’s No. 6: Dirk Nowitzki passes Shaq on the NBA scoring list
http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-mavericks/mavericks/2015/12/23/6-dirk-nowitzki-passes-shaq-nba-scoring-list?f=r
Chandler Parsons plays back-to-back for first time in return
http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/article51431910.html
Injured Deron Williams watched from the locker room, ‘Where is Deron?’ chants followed
http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-mavericks/mavericks/2015/12/23/brooklyn-return-injured-deron-williams-watched-locker-room-deron-chants-followed?f=r
NETS:
Nowitzki’s layup lifts Mavs over Nets in OT
http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nets/dirk-nowitzki-s-layup-lifts-mavericks-over-nets-in-ot-1.11260733
NUGGETS:
Randy Foye scores 31 points in Nuggets’ win at Phoenix
http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_29305932/nuggets-win-at-phoenix-randy-foye-scores-31
Randy Foye starts at point guard for injury-riddled Nuggets
http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_29305805/randy-foye-starts-pg-injury-nuggets
PACERS:
Pacers fall to Kings, suffer third straight loss
http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2015/12/23/pacers-fall-kings-suffer-third-straight-loss/77304666/
PELICANS:
Tyreke Evans, Anthony Davis lead Pelicans to 115-89 victory against Trail Blazers
http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/12/new_orleans_pelicans_38.html – incart_river_index
Pelicans get defensive in rout of Blazers
http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/12/new_orleans_pelicans_get_defen_1.html – incart_river_index
Alvin Gentry says Jrue Holiday will continue to come off bench once minutes restriction lifted
http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/12/alvin_gentry_says_jrue_holiday.html – incart_river_index
Anthony Davis says Pelicans had players-only meeting last week to hash out problems
http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/12/anthony_davis_says_pelicans_ha.html – incart_river_index
PISTONS:
Poor free-throw shooting headlines Pistons’ 107-100 loss
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/12/23/detroit-pistons-atlanta-hawks/77792068/
RAPTORS:
Tough week ahead for Raptors
http://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2015/12/23/tough-week-ahead-for-raptors.html
Until healthy, it’s hard to know how good Raptors can be
http://www.torontosun.com/2015/12/23/until-healthy-its-hard-to-know-how-good-raptors-can-be
Toronto-born Raptors revel in chance to spend Christmas at home
http://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2015/12/23/toronto-born-raptors-revel-in-chance-to-spend-christmas-at-home.html
ROCKETS:
Rockets fail to execute in final seconds of loss to Magic
http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/rockets/article/Rockets-fail-to-execute-in-final-seconds-of-loss-6719002.php
Rockets sputter down stretch as Magic pounce for win
http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2015/12/rockets-sputter-down-stretch-as-magic-pounce-for-win/
In return to Rockets game action, Ty Lawson tries to find the right play
http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2015/12/in-return-to-rockets-game-action-ty-lawson-tries-to-find-the-right-play/
Howard’s goal is to play 20 years in NBA
http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/rockets/article/Rockets-report-Howard-s-goal-is-to-play-20-years-6718949.php
Rockets need more than James Harden’s scoring to be elite
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2602098-wednesday-nba-roundup-rockets-need-more-than-james-hardens-scoring-to-be-elite
SPURS:
Spurs teach young Wolves a lesson
http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Spurs-teach-young-Wolves-a-lesson-6719054.php
Spurs takeaways: Feats of strength from tonight’s game
http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Special-edition-Spurs-takeaways-Feats-of-6718963.php
Garnett says he respects ‘fierce competitor’ Duncan
http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Garnett-says-he-respects-fierce-competitor-6718688.php
SUNS:
Suns, Markieff Morris throw in towel in loss to Nuggets
http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2015/12/23/suns-markieff-morris-unravel-loss-nuggets/77850822/
Suns look at big-man combos to pick lineup
http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2015/12/23/suns-look-big-man-combos-pick-lineup/77859858/
Markieff Morris reportedly threw a towel at Suns coach Hornacek during heated exchange
http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2015/12/24/10662890/markieff-morris-jeff-hornacek-towel-suns-incident-trade-rumors-nba-2015
THUNDER:
Thunder starters dominate in another blowout win over the Lakers
http://newsok.com/thunder-starters-dominate-in-another-blowout-win-over-the-lakers/article/5468669
Kevin Durant gives his best Kobe Bryant memory from over the years
http://newsok.com/kevin-durant-gives-his-best-kobe-bryant-memory-from-over-the-years/article/5468594
TIMBERWOLVES:
Thunder will ‘have something to say’ in Western Conference race
http://www.twincities.com/timberwolves/ci_29305713/timberwolves-spurs-veterans-school-minnesota-youngsters
TRAIL BLAZERS:
Pelicans steamroll Trail Blazers, who go winless on 5-game trip
http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2015/12/trail_blazers_new_orleans_pelicans_game_rewind_3.html – incart_river_index
Damian Lillard’s left heel ‘improving,’ Trail Blazers’ All-Star hopes to return vs. Cavaliers
http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2015/12/damian_lillards_injury_improving_trail_blazers_all.html – incart_river_index
Barton making case for sixth man honors
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/nba-am-barton-making-case-for-sixth-man-honors/
WARRIORS:
Warriors tune up for Cavs with 103-85 win over Jazz
http://www.sfchronicle.com/warriors/article/Warriors-tune-up-for-Cavs-with-103-85-win-over-6719075.php
Warriors’ Brandon Rush makes most of opportunity
http://www.sfchronicle.com/warriors/article/Warriors-Brandon-Rush-makes-most-of-opportunity-6718941.php
Warriors’ Kerr says Walton ‘destined to be a head coach’
http://www.sfchronicle.com/warriors/article/Warriors-Kerr-says-Walton-destined-to-be-a-6717581.php
The NBA’s toughest job? It just may be coaching the Warriors without Steve Kerr
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2601679-the-nbas-toughest-job-it-just-may-be-coaching-the-warriors-without-steve-kerr
Green, Bogut disagree on magnitude of Warriors-Cavs Christmas game
http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/green-bogut-disagree-magnitude-warriors-cavs-christmas-game
Stephen Curry says self-confidence as NBA’s top player drives success
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14431408/stephen-curry-golden-state-warriors-status-nba-best-my-mind-yes
WIZARDS:
Garrett Temple continues scoring binge with 20 points in win over Grizzlies
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wizards-insider/wp/2015/12/24/garrett-temple-continues-scoring-binge-with-20-points-in-win-over-grizzlies/
Balanced Wizards shake off Grizzlies for third straight win, 100-91
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/balanced-wizards-shake-off-grizzlies-for-third-straight-win-100-91/2015/12/23/71faa958-a924-11e5-bff5-905b92f5f94b_story.html
John Wall’s list of injuries keeps growing but he’s playing through it
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wizards-insider/wp/2015/12/23/john-walls-list-of-injuries-keeps-growing-but-hes-playing-through-it/
Wizards’ Alan Anderson not expected to make season debut for another 3-5 weeks
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wizards-insider/wp/2015/12/23/wizards-alan-anderson-not-expected-to-make-season-debut-for-another-3-5-weeks/
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.allball365.com.