Day: April 30, 2012

Roy Hibbert improved shot-blocking by watching Dwight Howard

Roy Hibbert

Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert improved his ability to block shots without fouling by watching the NBA’s best center — ironically, the missing anchor in the middle for the Orlando Magic in this NBA playoff series.

Hibbert said watching film of Magic All-Star Dwight Howard helped him understand how to jump straight up with his arms extended to contest shots.

Hibbert set a franchise playoff record by blocking nine shots in Game 1 Saturday.

Howard is out for the rest of the season with a back problem.

“I watched tape of Dwight do that when I was a rookie when he was in the playoffs,” Hibbert said. “I tried to learn some things and it’s been working for me.”

— Reported by Mike Wells of the Indianapolis Star

New Brooklyn Nets logo

The New Jersey Nets are no more. The team is now officially the Brooklyn Nets.

And today, they confirmed the new Brooklyn Nets logo, which was actually leaked and seen all around the Internet late last week.

Here’s the first new Brooklyn Nets logo. There are other versions, with the full word “Brooklyn,” and we’ll update this page and post them here later today (Monday).

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From the Nets:

https://p.twimg.com/ArujAcVCIAAkchp.jpg

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http://a.yfrog.com/img686/9277/q43nd.jpg

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And this is via Ben Couch of the Nets:

http://p.twimg.com/AruY3o7CAAQ0j0w.jpg

Rajon Rondo hoping to avoid suspension

Rajon Rondo

Rajon Rondo could be facing a suspension after making contact with official Marc Davis in the final minute of the Celtics’ 83-74 loss to the Atlanta Hawks Sunday night.

Rondo had been suspended for two games after being ejected for tossing the ball at official Sean Wright in a 96-81 loss at Detroit Feb. 19.

“I was upset with the [foul call on Brandon Bass] and I said something to [Davis],’’ Rondo said. “As I was walking, I thought he stopped and my momentum carried me into him. I think I might even tripped on his foot. I didn’t intentionally chest-bump him.’’

Asked about a possible suspension, Rondo replied, “We’ll see, it’s out of my control. Obviously, I want to be there for my teammates but, other than that, I have no control right now.’’

— Reported by Frank Dell’Apa of the Boston Globe