Inside Hoops – Page 986 – NBA Blog

Dirk Nowitzki making sure to get enough rest

Here’s the Dallas Morning News blog reporting on veteran Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki, who is sitting tonight’s game against the Bucks out in order to rest his body and maintain health:

Nowitzki fought through tightness in his back during most of the double-overtime win at Chicago on Tuesday night.

When he woke up Wednesday in Milwaukee, he said he felt pretty good. But the decision was made with a busy schedule upcoming that a second rest day in three games was appropriate. The Milwaukee game is the second of six games in nine days for the Mavericks.

“We got almost the most games in the Western Conference and we got some tough games (upcoming),” Nowitzki said. “We got a back-to-back next week that obviously I plan on playing. So I guess it’s the best, especially after double-OT last night, to take a night off and rest and get ready for Friday for myself.”

Monta Ellis, not afraid to shoot

Here’s the Dallas Morning News reporting on Mavericks shooting guard Monta Ellis, who knows very well that he’s on the court to fire the rock:

You may not always like the way Monta Ellis plays or some of the decisions he makes. But there is no denying he’s not afraid in any situation. He knew he was going to be questioned for shooting so much against the Bulls. And yet, he kept shooting. And he made a good enough number of those 35 shots (16) to make this an all-star caliber night. Kobe Bryant would be very proud. And Ellis’ 38 points were his most as a Maverick. He had 37 twice last season. And none of his buckets was as big as the 3-pointer with 39.9 seconds left in the second overtime, which put the Mavericks up by a point. Oh, unless it was the three free throws he made with 1.2 seconds left to get to the first overtime. So, you get the picture. He made a slew of big plays.

Knicks off to 4-15 season start

Here’s the New York Post reporting on the 4-15 Knicks, who weren’t expected to do big things this season but on paper at least appeared capable of playing a bit better than they have thus far. Through Tuesday’s games, the team has the third worst winning percentage in the NBA:

The 4-15 Knicks lead the NBA in the unofficial stat of “comeback losses.’’

You’ve seen the drill. The Knicks get pummeled for three quarters, then come roaring back when their opponent relaxes to nearly steal the win.

Tuesday’s 98-93 Nets heartbreaker marked the fourth time this season the Knicks fought back to within one possession of tying or winning the game after trailing by at least 15 points in the third quarter — only to lose.

Hence comes a misleading stat — and Derek Fisher’s misleading perception — on how close they are to turning this around. According to the Wall Street Journal, the Knicks are 2-10 in games separated by 5 points or fewer with five minutes to go. In the Knicks’ 19 games, a league-high 12 have been separated by five points or fewer entering the final five minutes of regulation.

Mike Miller may get increased role on Cavs

Here’s the Akron Beacon Journal reporting on the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are still adjusting as a team and have more work to do as they aim to reach their potential:

Mike Miller’s role with the Cavs appears to be expanding.

Cavs coach David Blatt conceded Wednesday he’s going to try to get Miller consistent rotation minutes after he provided the much-needed spark in a victory Tuesday against the Milwaukee Bucks. Miller had six points, seven rebounds and a huge block in 18 minutes – all in the second half – to give the Cavs their fourth consecutive victory.

Asked if the performance merited a larger role, Blatt simply responded, “Hopefully, yes.”

Paul Pierce fitting in on Wizards

Here’s CSN Washington with a look at veteran Paul Pierce, as he and his new team, the Washington Wizards, continue to adapt to each other. So far, they’re off to a good start, as the team is 11-5 to begin the season:

Pierce is averaging a career-low 12.5 points. Watching the small forward on a regular basis, the sense he’s waiting for the right moment to take over and giving space for his new teammates to establish themselves. When needed, Pierce produces. He scored five straight points inside the final three minutes to put the Wizards up for good in Saturday’s 83-80 win over the New Orleans Pelicans and had 25 in a victory over the Milwaukee Bucks last month when Washington trailed by double digits early and lost Nene to injury. Never known for his athleticism even during his younger days, Pierce has helped the Wizards maintain the defensive high standard set during last season’s playoff run.

DeMarcus Cousins remains out with viral infection

Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins underwent additional evaluation on Tuesday evening as he continues to recover from a viral infection.

Team physicians, led by Dr. Jason Brayley of Kaiser Permanente in Sacramento, admitted DeMarcus to the hospital for treatment and rest. His condition is improving daily and a full recovery is anticipated.

Cousins will not be in uniform this weekend, with a return to competition expected by next week.

Grizzlies recall Jarnell Stokes from D-League

The Memphis Grizzlies recalled forward/center Jarnell Stokes from the NBA Development League’s Iowa Energy, the Grizzlies’ exclusive D-League affiliate, the team announced today. Stokes began his second assignment with Iowa on Dec. 1.

Stokes (6-9, 263) recorded 15 points and 8 rebounds in 22 minutes in his Energy regular season debut on Dec. 2 at Fort Wayne. During his first assignment in Iowa (Nov. 8-10), he posted a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds on Nov. 8 vs. Sioux Falls in an exhibition played in Memphis at FedExForum.

The 20-year-old has totaled eight points and seven rebounds on 3-of-3 shooting in 21 minutes through six appearances for the Grizzlies this season.

Stokes was selected by the Utah Jazz in the second round (35th overall) of the 2014 NBA Draft after three seasons at the University of Tennessee (2011-14). The Memphis native was traded to the Grizzlies on draft night for a 2016 second round draft pick.

Alec Burks recovering from shoulder issue

The following is a medical update on Utah Jazz guard Alec Burks:

Burks (left shoulder inflammation) will be listed as OUT for tonight’s game vs. Toronto and Friday’s game vs. Orlando while undergoing additional testing on his left shoulder. Further updates will be provided when appropriate.

The 23-year-old Burks (6-6, 211, Colorado) has appeared in 18 games (all starts) and is averaging 13.3 points and career-highs of 4.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 33.7 minutes. The fourth-year guard was originally selected by the Jazz in the first round (12th overall selection) of the 2011 NBA Draft.

Ersan Ilyasova injury update

$Ersan Ilyasova nasal fracture$

Milwaukee Bucks forward Ersan Ilyasova was inadvertently struck in the face/nasal area late in the second quarter of yesterday’s game at Cleveland. After being examined in the locker room at halftime, he was taken to the Cleveland Clinic where he underwent a CT scan that revealed a nasal fracture. He also displayed symptoms of a mild concussion. Ilyasova was held overnight for observation, released this morning, and is returning to Milwaukee.

Ilyasova will not play in tonight’s contest and is not expected to travel on the team’s next trip to Dallas (Dec. 7) and Oklahoma City (Dec. 9). Further updates will be made when appropriate.

In 19 games this season, Ilyasova is averaging 10.1 points and 3.8 rebounds in 18.5 minutes per game. Prior to last night’s game he had scored in double figures in eight straight games, averaging 15.8 points while shooting 56.0 percent from the field.

Cavs want to host 2018 All-Star weekend

Cavs want to host 2018 All-Star weekend

Hosting an All-Star weekend brings lots of attention to a city as a destination, as well as its NBA team. Not every city is cut out for the job. Ideally there’s an easy-to-navigate, hotel-filled, main central area, with an arena but also lots of event space for all the side attractions, parties, etc. And, it helps if the local team has players who are participating in the weekend, hopefully with an All-Star jersey on their back. Anyway, here’s the Cleveland Plain Dealer reporting:

The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission have submitted a bid to host the 2018 NBA All-Star Game.

Cavaliers Chief Executive Officer Len Komoroski and President and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission David Gilbert both confirmed to Northeast Ohio Media Group that the bid has been placed.

Cleveland has gone through a transformation in recent years and is already primed to host some big-time events.

The return of LeBron James certainly helps, and in March for the first time the city will host the regional semifinals and finals of the 2015 NCAA basketball tournament. Cleveland also was awarded the Republican National Convention in 2016.