That’s a quality win. A really solid defensive performance outside of the best player in the game, Yi Jianlian, against a more than decent opponent and away from home to boot. Then the win over South Korea was even better.
Paul George bottled it at the three-point contest during All Stars. Steven Adams wasn’t invited. Russell Westbrook thought he’d been picked last for the AS game (until he realised the list was in alphabetical order). Carmelo Anthony missed selection for the first time since 2009. Everybody had a point to prove.
The Breakers lost all four of their last games of the regular season, despite having solid leads in most of them. They booked their place in the semis and then turned to mud but that’s all good.
We’ve been through the Western Conference, now it's time to take a glimpse at the Warriors' possible Finals opponents. If the West proves to be no match after all then there are still a couple challengers from the other conference to be wary of.
it’s becoming a real gear-grinder this Warriors fatalism that’s seeping through the rest of the NBA. This is a competition, not a simulation. If everyone truly believes that the Warriors are unbeatable then why are they still playing?
The Thunder hit the All Star break with a 33-26 record and can finally put their collective feet up for a few days in the middle of a gruelling schedule. Mixed bag from Steven Adams this week but at least he remains a certified Cavs Killer.
Alright then, forget about first. Forget about second too, as it happens. The Breakers had their chance this week to challenge Melbourne United for first place over a double header and they lost both.
NBA teams were once dishing out big contracts, now they've tightened the purse strings and won't be as generous.
Something strange is going on with Tai Wynyard at Kentucky but, whatever it is, people have kept their mouths shut about the specifics. The whole thing is clouded in suspense and intrigue, it’s both concerning and compelling.
Adjusting to life without Andre Roberson on defence has been tricky and the Thunder swallowed some Ls this week... right up until they thumped on the defending champions.
Tom Brady against Nick Foles, one half of that equation was exactly what many people would’ve picked before the season but the other half… the other half was most definitely not.
Okay now, what have we got here? The supposedly slumping Breakers whipped out two straight wins over the Illawarra Hawks – one at home and one away – and have booked their place in the semi-finals.