Day: January 27, 2014

Paul Millsap, Kevin Durant named NBA Players of Week through January 26

Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant today were named NBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, Jan. 20, through Sunday, Jan. 26.

Millsap led the Hawks to a 3-1 week behind averages of 21.3 points (ninth in the conference) on .508 shooting from the field, 7.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.5 steals (fifth in the conference) and 2.0 blocks (fourth in the conference). Millsap collected five blocks in a road win over the Orlando Magic on Jan. 22, and filled the stat sheet with 26 points, seven rebounds and four assists on Jan. 20, in a win over the Miami Heat.

Durant led Oklahoma City to three wins during a 4-0 week, having missed the 101-83 win over the Celtics on Jan. 24 (shoulder). He averaged a league-leading 38.0 ppg and added 8.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists. Durant collected a triple-double with 32 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists during a 103-91 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Jan. 25.

Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week were Brooklyn’s Mirza Teletovic, Charlotte’s Al Jefferson, Golden State’s Stephen Curry, Memphis’ Zach Randolph, Miami’s Chris Bosh and LeBron James, New Orleans’ Anthony Davis, New York’s Carmelo Anthony, and Toronto’s DeMar DeRozan and Terrence Ross.

Carmelo Anthony wishes he could attend Super Bowl

Even NBA stars sometimes suffer off-court disappointments, people. Here’s New York Newsday with an item on Carmelo Anthony:

Carmelo Anthony wishes he could attend Super Bowl

Carmelo Anthony can’t believe the Super Bowl is so close to home and he won’t be able to go to it.

The Knicks play the Heat at Madison Square Garden Saturday night, but will fly Sunday to Milwaukee. They play the Bucks Monday night, but according to NBA rules teams have to be in the city the night before the game.

“We got to go, man,” Anthony said. “I wish we can go to the Super Bowl. Rarely do we get a chance to participate in the Super Bowl and the events and stuff that’s going on around here.”

Los Angeles D-Fenders sign Shawne Williams

Los Angeles D-Fenders sign Shawne Williams

The Los Angeles D-Fenders have acquired former Los Angeles Lakers forward Shawne Williams, by way of a successful waiver claim, it was announced today by General Manager Nick Mazzella.

Williams (6’9” / 230) was selected in the first round (17th selection) of the 2006 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers. Most recently, he spent 32 games (11 starts) with the Lakers this season, posting averages of 5.2 points and 4.5 rebounds in 20.2 minutes. The Memphis native has appeared in 247 career NBA games (34 starts) with the Pacers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, New Jersey Nets and Lakers. Williams has also played for Guangzhou Liu Sui, of the Chinese National Basketball League.

An alumnus of the University of Memphis, Williams averaged 13.2 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists in his lone season with the Tigers (2005-06). Williams led Memphis to the Elite 8 of the NCAA Tournament, along with Conference-USA regular season and tournament championships in 2006. The Laurinburg Institute graduate also earned Conference-USA Freshman of the year, All-Conference-USA third team and Conference-USA Tournament MVP honors.

Royal Ivey likely off to play basketball in China

Here’s the Oklahoman with a report on guard Royal Ivey, whose time with the Thunder will reportedly be followed by basketball work in China:

Royal Ivey likely off to play basketball in China

Royal Ivey’s latest stint in the NBA came with an unblemished record. And it will end that way.

During his recent 10-day contract with the Thunder, which expired on Sunday, Ivey received an offer to play in China.

And because of that, the likable but sporadically used Thunder guard will hop overseas for the final month-and-a-half of the Chinese season, rather than signing another 10-day contract with the Thunder.

During Ivey’s 10 days in OKC, he only appeared in two games, playing five minutes and grabbing one rebound. But his arrival coincided with the team’s sudden turnaround. The Thunder went 7-0 with Ivey.

Photo: Melo and Kobe talking in New York

Sunday in New York the Knicks hosted the Los Angeles Lakers. With Kobe Bryant and several other Lakers out injured, the Knicks, led by Carmelo Anthony’s 35 points, came away with a 110-103 win.

Will Melo someday bolt New York and join up with Bryant and the Lakers? For now, that’s just baseless speculation, and there’s no concrete reason to believe it’ll happen. While you ponder this, enjoy this photo of Melo and Kobe saying hello after the game:

Tyreke Evans puts up huge game for Pelicans

Here’s the New Orleans Times-Picayune reporting on the Pelicans, who enjoyed a big performance from Tyreke Evans yesterday:

Tyreke Evans puts up huge game for Pelicans

After sitting out of Friday’s win at Detroit with flu-like symptoms, New Orleans Pelicans reserve swingman Tyreke Evans didn’t appear to be ailing Sunday night.

Evans returned to action, scoring a team-high 23 points in the Pelicans’ 100-92 victory against the Orlando Magic at the New Orleans Arena.

“I’m feeling much better,” Evans said. “I had a lot of confidence tonight, and it really helped me out.”

Before Sunday’s game, Evans was put through a rigorous workout by the Pelicans’ coaches in an effort to build up Evans’ stamina. Evans obviously made it through the session and the game just fine.

Playing 28 minutes, Evans also had seven rebounds and seven assists to go along with his point total on 7-of-13 shooting. He also made 9-of-11 free throws.

Chris Johnson expected to get another 10-day deal from Celtics

Here’s CSNNE reporting on the Boston Celtics, who may keep Chris Johnson around a bit longer:

Chris Johnson had one more shot to impress the Boston Celtics’ brass before his 10-day contract would be over.

And just as he has done throughout his time with the Celtics, he didn’t disappoint which is why Boston is expected to sign him to a second, 10-day contract prior to Tuesday’s game against the New York Knicks.

Johnson’s contract, signed on Jan. 17, was set to expire at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday.

“The coaches and GMs like me. That’s a good thing,” Johnson told CSNNE.com. “I’m just going to stay after it and stay hungry.”