NBA.com reports: They knew what was coming, but weren’t even close to stopping it. With the Cavs down by one and 4.9 ticks left, Cleveland sent its inbounds pass to LeBron James, who demonstrated why he is truly the king of the clutch. James blasted past the defending Brandon Roy, seeped through LaMarcus Aldridge and went around the extended arms of Travis Outlaw to drain a game-winning last-second layup to give the Cavs a thrilling road triumph over the Blazers. It was the finishing touch to a 17-point fourth quarter for the King, who brought the Cavs back from an 11-point final-period deficit. “We stepped up too late,” Roy said of Portland’s defense on LeBron’s final drive. “Once he got to into the paint we didn’t want to foul him so a couple of guys shied away. We’ve got to force him into a jump shot in that situation.” Cleveland has now won five straight games on the road, its longest streak since April 1998.
Tony Parker left ankle update
The San Antonio Spurs today announced that Tony Parker underwent an MRI on his left ankle on Wednesday in San Antonio. The results showed that Parker is suffering from chronic inflammation and confirmed there is no structural damage in his ankle.
Parker received anti-inflammatory shots today which are designed to decrease the swelling in his ankle joint.
No timeline has been set for his return. Parker will not travel with the Spurs on the team’s six-game Eastern road trip which starts on Tuesday in Indiana.
Damon Stoudamire to Spurs is extremely likely
A source tells InsideHoops.com editor Jeff Lenchiner that it’s “extremely likely” Damon Stoudamire will sign with the San Antonio Spurs.
Several media outlets reported Tuesday and Wednesday that San Antonio was an increasingly probable destination for the point guard, who became a free agent after a buyout agreement led to the Memphis Grizzlies waiving him. A source confirmed that to InsideHoops.com, and said late Wednesday night that Stoudamire to the Spurs is expected to happen unless a sudden surprise offer comes Damon’s way.
InsideHoops interviews Sixers rookie Jason Smith
InsideHoops.com met with Philadelphia 76ers rookie Jason Smith.
The 7-0 kid reveals how impressed he is by Dirk Nowitzki, which cars he owns, and what video games he plays.
See the interview.
Suns arena adding new bar
The Phoenix Suns and US Airways Center will debut a new Bacardi Rum Bar tomorrow night (January 31) when the Suns host the San Antonio Spurs at 8:30 PM. The newly branded bar is located on the east side of the lower level concourse outside Sections 102 – 104.
Designed with Bacardi’s trademark red and black colors, the newest addition to US Airways Center features flat screen TV’s and will seat approximately 130 guests. In addition to serving a variety of cocktails, beer and wine, the bar is the only place in the Center that will sell a variety of hamburgers and Planet Orange Sweet Potato Fries.
“We’re excited to have a branded bar in such a beautiful and heavily-trafficked arena,” said Courtney Winter, Bacardi USA Field Marketing Manager, West Central Region. “As we explored opportunities with different venues, this partnership really jumped out at us as a solid opportunity to promote our brands and drive awareness through two key consumer passion points: sports and live music.”
Balkman suspended for elbowing Vujacic
New York Knicks forward Renaldo Balkman has been suspended for one game without pay and assessed a Flagrant Foul, Penalty Two for elbowing the Los Angeles Laker’s Sasha Vujacic in the jaw, it was announced today by Stu Jackson, NBA Executive Vice President Basketball Operations.
The incident occurred with 7:07 remaining in the second period of New York’s 120-109 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, Jan. 29 at Staples Center. Balkman will serve the suspension tonight when the Knicks visit the Utah Jazz at EnergySolutions Arena.
Get your Nick Collison bobblehead
The SuperSonics announced today that a limited-edition bobblehead series will be unveiled to fans beginning Monday, Feb. 4 when the Sonics take on the Chicago Bulls. The Nick Collison bobblehead, presented by FSN, is the first of three to be given away this season. Kevin Durant presented by Allstate Insurance Company will be launched next on Feb. 19, followed by Chris Wilcox presented by KeyBank, on March 14.
“We are pleased to reintroduce the SuperSonics bobblehead series, a longtime Sonics tradition and fan favorite promotion,” said Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing Brian Byrnes. “These limited edition collectibles are a must for any Sonics fan, and the Golden Bobblehead is a way for us to reward a lucky fan with a once in a lifetime game experience.”
Official Rookie Challenge (All-Star weekend) rosters
The Rookie Challenge game in All-Star weekend features this year’s best rookies against this year’s best sophomores (players who were rookies last year). The rosters are on InsideHoops.com. Here’s who is playing:
Rookies: Mike Conley, Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, Al Horford, Jamario Moon, Juan Carlos Navarro, Luis Scola, Sean Williams and Yi Jianlian.
Sophomores: LaMarcus Aldridge, Andrea Bargnani, Ronnie Brewer, Jordan Farmar, Rudy Gay, Daniel Gibson, Paul Millsap, Rajon Rondo and Brandon Roy.
For more info see the full story on InsideHoops.com.
Bulls name Mike Brown assistant coach
The Chicago Bulls today named Michael Brown assistant coach. Brown joins Ron Adams, Pete Myers and Mike Wilhelm to round out Jim Boylan’s coaching staff.
“Michael’s main responsibility will be working with Pete Myers and focusing on the continued development of our young big men,” said Bulls Interim Head Coach Jim Boylan. “His experience as a player in the NBA, and as a coach in the NBDL, will be a welcome addition to our staff and our team.”
For more info, see the full story.
Wizards-Raptors team connections
Wizards captain Antawn Jamison was drafted 4th overall by Toronto in 1998, but his draft rights were immediately traded to Golden State for the draft rights to #5 pick Vince Carter.
Raptors guard Juan Dixon was drafted by Washington 17th overall in 2002 and played three seasons with the Wizards.
Wizards assistant Dave Hopla was a basketball development consultant for the Toronto Raptors last season.
Wizards guard Roger Mason Jr. formerly played for the Raptors.