The New York Times (Jonathan Abrams) reports: In defiance of N.B.A. history and everyday logic, the Nets wear their record inside-out. On the road, they are one of the league’s top teams with a 10-5 record, with as many losses as the Cleveland Cavaliers. At home in the Izod Center, they are 5-12, better than only the Washington Wizards in the Eastern Conference. The end result is that the puzzling Nets are teetering around the break-even mark and in the middle of the pack in the conference. “Right now, we’re a better road team, for whatever reason,” Keyon Dooling said. “It’s kind of unorthodox. But we’ve got to keep chopping wood and trying to get better.” Coach Lawrence Frank has some theories, but solving the problem has been more difficult… According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the 1955-56 Knicks are the only N.B.A. team to finish above .500 on the road (16-13) and below that mark at home (13-15). They went 6-9 in games played at neutral sites. The Boston Celtics, during the 2003-4 season, are the only team this decade to finish below .500 at home (19-22) and qualify for the playoffs, according to Elias.
Category: NBA Teams
NBA teams blog
Dwyane Wade has migraine headaches
The Miami Herald (Michael Wallace) reports: Another bout with migraine headaches forced Dwyane Wade to wear tinted goggles during Friday’s practice at AmericanAirlines Arena. Wade, who missed two practices last month because of migraines, said he wore them to help him deal with sensitivity to lights. He said he did not expect to wear the goggles Saturday. ”I’m just protecting my eyes [after] minor headaches,” Wade said. “They [teammates] said I look like a fool. But that’s all right.”
Kelenna Azubuike emerging
The Bay Area News Group (Curtis Pashelka) reports: Kelenna Azubuike has evolved into one of Golden State’s best all-around players — second on the team in rebounds (158), third in three-point field-goal percentage (.407) and fifth in scoring (13.6 points). “I feel comfortable in any offense,” the 6-foot-5 Azubuike said. “We’ve all just tried to buy into (the new system). It’s helped us play more (as a team).” Azubuike’s play was one of the few bright spots in the Warriors’ 107-100 loss to Oklahoma City on Wednesday as he scored a season-high 24 points, all in the second half. He was 4 of 6 on three-point attempts and 8 of 12 overall, receiving plenty of open shots thanks to the Warriors’ new offensive philosophy.
Thunder picking mascot
The Oklahoman (Mike Baldwin) reports: When the Thunder unveils its new mascot after the All-Star break, the yet-to-be-named character will tightrope a rail in Loud City, drop from the Ford Center ceiling and trampoline to the rim with the dunk team. “We want the mascot to be athletic and very mobile but also be a character that’s part of photo ops and interaction,” said Brian Byrnes, vice president of ticket sales and services. “It’s above and beyond what the character does at our games.” … “Once we choose the character, there are a ton of minor details,” Byrnes said. “How big are the eye holes? How big are his hands and feet? What’s the weight of the costume, his depth perception? What type of material do we use to make sure he’s athletic? It’s all part of the process.”
Amir Johnson D helping Pistons
The Detroit Free Press (Vince Ellis) reports: Amir Johnson has averaged five points and 6.5 rebounds over the last four games, but most importantly, the Pistons are playing their best defense of the season as Johnson’s athleticism, quickness and long arms have been put to good use. And to think, before that four-game stretch, Johnson got no playing time against the Chicago Bulls and had six other DNPs after starting the first seven games of the season. Curry sat Johnson earlier in the season because of inconsistent play and the coach was experimenting with the starting lineup. But it was a rough time for the fourth-year player who the Pistons drafted out of high school in 2005.
PJ Brown is retired
The New Orleans Times-Picayune (Jimmy Smith) reports: For all those NBA teams — the Hornets included — who were hoping for yet another comeback by veteran forward P.J. Brown, there’s no good news in the new year. Brown said Wednesday he is officially retired. “My career ended June 17,” Brown said of the day he became a world champion when the Boston Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2008 NBA title. Brown had left a voice message to The Times-Picayune to that effect nearly five months ago, on Aug. 7, but would never use the “R” word.
76ers end 4-game losing streak, beat Clippers 100-92
The AP reports: The reward for the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Clippers, two teams riding four-game losing streaks, was that somebody had to win. Andre Iguodala had 28 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, and the 76ers closed out the year with a 100-92 victory Wednesday night… Al Thornton scored 24 points for the Clippers, who lost their fifth in a row… This time, a combination of players did in the Clippers. Thaddeus Young added 20 points for the 76ers and Andre Miller had 15 points and nine assists against his former team… Eric Gordon added 21 points and Marcus Camby had 16 points and 17 rebounds for the Clippers, who fell apart after tying the game with 3 1/2 minutes remaining. They were outscored 14-6 from there.
Thunder top Warriors for 4th victory of the season, 107-100
The AP reports: The Thunder pulled away in the third quarter and held on for a 107-100 victory over the Golden State Warriors. It was only the fourth win of the season for Oklahoma City, which snapped a five-game losing streak… Jeff Green scored 18 of his 26 points in the second half. Oklahoma City turned 20 Golden State turnovers into 24 points, many coming off of steals. Green pointed to the team’s intensity in the second half as the difference in the game… Kevin Durant posted his fifth double-double of the season with 25 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, and reserve Chris Wilcox had 23 points and nine boards… Kelenna Azubuike had all of his season-high 24 points in the second half to lead the Warriors. Stephen Jackson had 17 points on 5-of-16 shooting and the Warriors were beaten on the boards 45-35.
Nene, Anthony lead Nuggets over Raptors 114-107
The AP reports: Nene scored 21 points, Carmelo Anthony added 20 and the Denver Nuggets beat the Toronto Raptors 114-107 on Wednesday night. Chauncey Billups scored 18 points and J.R. Smith had 16 for Denver, with Kenyon Martin adding 15 points and reserves Linas Kleiza and Chris Andersen each scoring 10. Denver coach George Karl earned his 900th career regular-season victory. He is 10th on the career list. Andrea Bargnani scored 26 points and Chris Bosh added 24 points and 11 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough for the Raptors, who have lost 13 of 17. Jose Calderon had 18 points and 11 assists for Toronto, with Anthony Parker scoring 12 points, Will Solomon 11 and Jamario Moon 10.
Yao, Scola lead Rockets to win over Bucks 85-81
The AP reports: The Houston Rockets hardly sounded like the victorious team after struggling past the Milwaukee Bucks 85-81 on Wednesday night. Yao Ming had 22 points and 10 rebounds, and Luis Scola added 11 points and 10 boards, but the Rockets sputtered on offense during long stretches for the third straight home game. Ron Artest had 15 points and reserve Carl Landry added 14 as the Rockets beat the Bucks for the eighth straight time, bouncing back from an embarrassing loss to Washington on Monday… Michael Redd scored 20, Richard Jefferson had 16 and Luke Ridnour dished out 11 assists for the Bucks, who’ve lost nine consecutive games in Houston. Milwaukee was outrebounded 40-34 and committed 17 turnovers—six in the second quarter, when Houston stretched its early lead to 15.