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What the Thunder are saying about their defense | NewsOk

"It's always important that we focus in on our one-on-one (defense) first. You're going to be tested. Individual defense is where it starts, and if the defense breaks down, we need to have the help. We'll have to have multiple efforts." – Scott Brooks

Fouling the Lakers' bigs strategically | NewsOk

But at the foul line, Gasol is the only quality shooter, with an 82 percent conversion rate this season. Odom is making just 65 percent of his foul shots, and Bynum is converting only 60 percent.

Expect a playoff atmosphere in the Staples Center tonight.  These teams have gotten to know each other and had three close matches in the last regular season (the other one being when the Thunder held 'em to 75!).  I cannot wait for this game.

Nets allowed to speak with Carmelo Anthony directly | nba.com

Under normal rules, direct contact with Anthony by Nets officials, up to and including majority owner Mikhail Prokhorov, would be tampering. But if Denver gives New Jersey permission to contact Anthony, the Nets can make their sales pitch.

What's been holding up the trade is Carmelo's refusal to sign an extension with the Nets, who want some sort of insurance that they can keep the star forward from bolting to the Knicks in free agency. 

No end to Donald Sterling's audacity | ProBasketballTalk

Say what you want about commissioner David Stern creating an almost fascist environment of officiating, it's generally understood that he's been monumentally successful in overseeing this league.  The NBA and basketball as a whole is becoming more popular around the world because of Stern's efforts.  Donald Sterling, the owner of the Clippers, is pretty much on the other end of the spectrum in terms of successful and efficient leadership and also almost definitely an awful human being.  Yet last year at an owners' meeting, when Stern asked for Sterling's opinion he said, "OK, I would fire you. You’re great at marketing, but you’re not tough enough with the union."