Amare Stoudemire Says Rather Have Steve Nash On His Team Over Kobe Bryant
Antichrist
Although he signed with the New York Knicks this summer, Amare Stoudemire was back in Phoenix to train and reflected on his old Suns team
“The question ownership asked to me was, ‘Who do I want – Jason Kidd, Steve Nash or Kobe Bryant?’ I said Steve. Over Kobe. At the time, Kobe had a reputation for being selfish and Steve was the ultimate point guard. I felt like that’s what we needed. We had Joe Johnson and Shawn Marion. We just didn’t have a PG to control tempo. Kidd was banged up after microfracture knee surgery.”
Stoudemire explained how things have changed after criticizing Mike D’Antoni for his lack of coaching on the defensive end in 2008.
“It definitely changed,” Stoudemire said. “We communicate more. I’m more mature than I was at 22 or 23. Studying defense over the past couple years helped, and I’m a better defensive player. He’s committed to it, but the main thing is for us as players to commit to it.”
Hedo Turkoglu Slams Toronto Raptors Organization
You Both Quit
The feud between Chris Bosh and Toronto Raptors president Bryan Colangelo has expanded to another former Raptor. Hedo Turkoglu, who recently left Canada and signed with the Phoenix Suns, joined in on the fun and backed up his former teammate.
Turkoglu told Fox Sports Arizona that “people have to realize something is wrong with that organization and nobody wants to go there any more.”
Turkoglu supported Bosh’s statements and went after Colangelo. “If he was feeling this way, why not have the guts to say it during the season? Why not say it to Chris? Now that Chris has left, it’s not nice to say those things.”
Turkoglu went onto say that he didn’t think Bosh quit during the final stretch of the season but I say go to the tape because you both did.
San Antonio Spurs Release Malik Hairston From Contractual Obligations
Via Spurs Press Release
[Via Spurs Press Release]
The San Antonio Spurs today announced that, per his request, the team has released Malik Hairston from his contract.
“We’ve enjoyed having Malik in our organization,” said Spurs General Manager RC Buford. “He is a hard-worker, a talented basketball player and an outstanding young man. After Malik approached us we were happy to honor his request as it will, after he clears waivers, allow him to pursue an excellent overseas basketball opportunity.”
Hairston was selected by the Phoenix Suns, with the 48th overall pick, in the second round of the 2008 NBA Draft. In a draft night deal he was then traded to San Antonio – along with a 2009 second round pick – in exchange for the draft rights to Goran Dragic.
In two seasons with the Spurs, Hairston appeared in a total of 62 games, averaging 2.4 points in 7.6 minutes. During each of his two seasons with San Antonio he also saw action with the Austin Toros (the Spurs NBA Development League team). With the Toros he averaged 24.9 points and 5.2 rebounds in a total of 45 regular season games.
Penny Hardaway Wants Back In The NBA & With Miami Heat
No Longer Penny, He's Just A Peso
Former Orlando Magic, Phoenix Sun, New York Knick, and Miami Heat Penny Hardaway aka Peso wants back in the NBA at 39 years old. Peso, who hasn’t played a full season in nearly ten years, doesn’t just want any team for his comeback though, he wants to play with LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade in Miami.
Peso has said he’s reached out to Pat Riley, who hasn’t gotten back to him yet probably because he’s washed up. During his last stint with the Heat in 2007, Peso averaged 3.8 points and 20.3 minutes per game before being released.
Watch the interview HERE
Amare Stoudemire Says Goodbye To The City Of Phoenix
Class Act
The city of Phoenix tears will be a little more heavier tonight knowing that a man who represented their city to the world now calls New York City home.
2010 SGE’s NBA Playoffs Champion: Calvin Casey
2010 NBA Playoff Champion Calvin Casey
The 2010 NBA Playoffs have came to a close Thursday night with the Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Boston Celtics to earn the title back-to-back champions and that means it’s time to hand the NBA Playoffs Championship belt over to Calvin Casey. The predictions started early on the Sports Grind Entertainment as I declared shortly after last years championship and the signing of Ron Artest or resigning of Lamar Odom that the Los Angeles Lakers would be back in the finals. It didn’t stop there as Calvin Casey picked the Boston Celtics to appear in the NBA Finals before training camp had ended and Kevin Garnett still hobbling up court or before Rajon Rondo developed into one of the NBA’s elite.
But once the playoffs became real and our predictions where put to the test, Calvin Casey ran away with it only losing one series and that was him predicting the San Antonio Spurs to defeat the Phoenix Suns in the second round of the Western Conference. Here’s a look at the final records for everyone involved:
Calvin Casey 12-1
Rudy J 9-4
Salami 9-4
As with every year the winner gets the distinction of being number 1, a round of drinks, and in our side wager wins a brand new iPod touch.
Phoenix Suns Alvin Gentry Throws Up On Sideline
I didn’t need to see it but I did and it was classic. Last night in the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers Game 5 of Western Conference Finals Suns head coach Alvin Gentry blew chunks on the sideline for all of TNT to witness.
It’s just nice to see someone in the NBA other than San Antonio Spurs Tony Parker hit with the germ.
Steve Nash Does Space Ghost Coast To Coast
Awesome to see Phoenix Suns Steve Nash and Vitaminwater down with Cartoon Network. The 3-D world of Nash collides with the 2-D world of Space Ghost to discuss new possible nicknames, international NBA height requirements.
You know Space Ghost is hilarious.
WTF: Phoenix Suns Trainer
Is That Your Tickle Spot?
After the Phoenix Suns beat the Los Angeles Lakers for a 2-2 tie in the Western Conference Finals TNT went inside the locker room hoping to get a glimpse of coach Alvin Gentry’s victory speech, but got a little more than just that.
While Gentry was talking to his team, OKAY, the cameras caught the trainer giving Lou Amundson a little tickle or that’s what it appeared from my seat at the bar. Of course I couldn’t hear what Gentry was saying while Gun N Roses blasted from the jukebox but I did see the Suns trainers head bob up and down more than once.
Phoenix Suns Robin Lopez Reacts To Justin Bieber
Not even a 94-103 lead over the Los Angeles Lakers can excite Phoenix Suns Robin Lopez than seeing Justin Bieber at least, it just seems that way.
WTF: Phoenix Suns
Ocean Front Property For Sale Too
I don’t know it maybe just me but when I see slashing prices I don’t see to much confidence the city has in its team. Sure that’s probably all changed now since the series with Los Angeles Lakers is tied up 2-2.
Finally we have a series that looks to be worth a damn.
Phoenix Suns Grant Hill’s Reaction To Steve Nash Broken Nose
Dammmmn
That’s a picture that says more than words can. If you didn’t see the play where Los Angles Lakers guard Derek Fisher headbutted Phoenix Suns Steve Nash or the video, you can watch it by clicking (here)
Mix 96.1 Presents Charles Barkley The Skinny Women Of San Antonio
Back during the San Antonio Spurs and Phoenix Suns series former NBA player and Inside the NBA host Charles Barkley made a comment regarding the plus size women that live here in San Antonio. So our local Mix 96.1 created a calendar of skinny women for Barkley.
Then TNT decided to add a little spice to the images…..the Chicken!
Buffalo Wild Wings Blazin Player: Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant
Every Tuesday Sports Grind Entertainment presents you with the Buffalo Wild Wings Blazin Player of the Week. This week the recipient of this prestigious honor goes to Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant for his contributions in helping win Game 1 in the Western Conference Finals which simply is BLAZIN.
Bryant’s health was called into question entering the Western Conference Finals and for at least one game the questions where deaded. Sporting a yellow knee brace in last night’s game, Bryant put on a dominating performance that led his Lakers to a 128-107 victory against the Phoenix Suns in Game 1.
Kobe Bryant was red hot from the field all night, scoring 40 points on some very efficient shooting. He was 13-23 from the field and even hit 3-6 of his three-pointers. In vintage Kobe fashion, he was able to get to the line 12 times, converting on 11 of the chances. He also had 5 assists and 5 rebounds to cap off his excellent game.
Congratulations Kobe Bryant you are this weeks Buffalo Wild Wings Blazin Player.
“Scream” Actor David Arquette Decked At Playoff Game
"Ready To Rumble"
David Arquette a devoted Los Angeles Lakers fan and star of the upcoming movie “Scream 4″ was involved in a melee Monday night at the Staples Center.
Arquette went from rooting for the Lakers to helping a security guard who was being trounced by a fan gone wild. After the Lakers beat the Suns 128-107 in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals, a fan rushed the court and Arquette got caught up in all. As the security guard was tussling with the fan, a bunch of courtside seats, including Arquette’s were knocked backward into the aisle.
Arquette was stuck on the floor before managing to squeeze out of the fray. Arquette was said not to be in any serious injury but the same cannot be said for his acting career, especially when willing to do another Scream title.
Mama Margie’s Major Meltdown: Atlanta Hawks, San Antonio Spurs, Utah Jazz
Atlanta Hawks, San Antonio Spurs, Utah Jazz
Every Thursday Sports Grind Entertainment will present you with the Mama Margie’s Major Meltdown. The recipient of this honor goes to the Atlanta Hawks, San Antonio Spurs and the Utah Jazz in being swept 4-0 in the second round of the NBA playoffs.
Each team played formidable opponents in the Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers but still never managed to win a game. Out of 16 games only one, game 3, was decided by one point in the Jazz and Lakers series. The rest of the games in the series had the Jazz loss by an average of 9 points.
The Hawks versus the Magic series was never close from the moment of tip off in game one. The series saw game one’s outcome decided by 43 points and an average of 25 points in defeat for Atlanta. The Spurs four loses to the Suns may have seemed close but that was until the second half got under way. The second half saw Phoenix pull away four straight times and proving to be to much for the Spurs in the end.
San Antonio Spurs Second Round Playoff Ratings Down
Est. 1973
Fewer viewers are watching the latest entry into the San Antonio Spurs/Phoenix Suns rivalry.
The Suns Game 2 win over the Spurs on Wednesday night drew a 2.7 U.S. rating and 4.0 million viewers, down 7% in ratings and 8% in viewership from Orlando Magic/Boston Celtics Game 2 in the timeslot last year 2.9, 4.3 mil. Monday’s Game 1 drew a 2.7 and 4.1 million viewers.
To put the numbers in perspective, Game 2 of the Phoenix Suns/San Antonio Spurs first round series two years ago drew a 3.0 rating and 4.4 million viewers.
Through Wednesday, ratings have declined for four of the six second round telecasts (not including Utah Jazz/Los Angeles Lakers game since ratings where not available), with three games seeing double-digit drops. However, with the exception of Atlanta Hawks/Orlando Magic Game 1 on Tuesday, the ratings have been generally solid.
San Antonio Spurs Gregg Popovich Mocks Reporter
Remember the Titans? Not here. Win one for the Gipper? Um, no thanks. Famous speeches given by Vince Lombardi? Don’t need ‘em. Such is the approach of San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich uses, whose team is in a 2-0 deficit against the Phoenix Suns.
Popovich has no place in his locker room for the cheerleading instead likes to belittle reporters. Think of a question? I believe he did sir, it just wasn’t up to par to your fine wine taste buds.
Sad thing is this is just a pimple to compared to some of his other mockings.
Phoenix Suns Pay Tribute To The Latino Community
No "Los Spurs" Tonight Though
Arizona knows racial controversy as the last state to recognize Martin Luther King Day in 1992. It took votes, appeals, protests, the NFL moving the Super Bowl XXVII from Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, and a strong message from Public Enemy from the track titled “By The Time I Get To Arizona” to finally have Arizona Do The Right Thing.
Today is Cinco de Mayo and when the Phoenix Suns take to the court for Game 2 of their series with the San Antonio Spurs, they will be wearing their orange “Los Suns” alternate uniforms that celebrate diversity as a political statement opposing this outrageous new immigration law.
“It’s two-fold,” Suns General Manager Steve Kerr said. “One, it is Cinco de Mayo. And, two, it is a political statement. We felt the law, however well intended, was not right. We hear there will be some protesters outside the building,” Kerr said. “From what I gather, there will be a march from a local church to the arena. So there was going to be some hoopla anyway.”
The idea to make a statement came to Suns owner Robert Sarver on a road trip to Portland and then he received approval from the league to make the bold statement. He then asked the players permission to support him on the message and they were 100% in agreeance with the move.
Amare Stoudemire said it was great to “let the Latin community know we’re behind them 100 percent.” While Steve Nash said.
“I think it’s fantastic,” Steve Nash said. “I think the law is very misguided, and unfortunately, to the detriment of our society and our civil liberties. And I think it’s really important for us to stand up for things we believe in . . .
“It doesn’t feel good to have people around the world and around the country look at our state as less than equal, less than fair. So as a proud (resident) of this state, I want us to be held in the highest esteem. I think we have a lot of great attributes and a lot of great people, and I think we need to be very cautious in how we respect our civil liberties, and the tone we’re setting, and the precedent we’re setting going forward.”
In the words of Martin Luther King Jr. “an injustice anywhere is an injustice everywhere”.
Spurs Antonio McDyess Goes Old School
There was a time when Antonio McDyess played like Amare Stoudemire and his power forward technology was the McNicess in the league. McDyess wasn’t enough to get the Spurs a win, but seeing him lay down a reverse hammer was a sign of more good things that continue to come from this off season signing.
Should San Antonio Spurs Manu Ginobili Wear The Mask?
Can You Still Do The Dance Of Joy?
That’s right, that is the mask that San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili wore during shoot around this morning and if he decides to ditch the tape in game one against the Phoenix Suns for. After this mornings practice all signs pointed to him continuing to wear the tape. However later in the day Ginobili provided the Twitter world with a glimpse of what the mask looks like and asking whether he should wear it. I just want our Balki Bartokomous aka Bronson Pinchot back asap.
So what do you think he should do?
BLOCK CITY: Your Victim-Jerryd Bayless
Grant Hill, you have been charged with the crime of Representin.
And the verdict is Guilty.
San Antonio Spurs Western Conference Semifinals Playoff Tickets On Sale Now
Via Spurs Press Release
[Via Spurs Press Release]
The Spurs are headed to the Western Conference Semifinals and tickets for Round 2, games A & B are on sale now starting at $18 at spurs.com, ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at (210) 225-TEAM.
Starting Friday, fans can purchase playoff tickets at all Ticketmaster Ticket Center locations and at the AT&T Center Southeast Box Office. Box Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. and weekend event days only, beginning at 10 a.m.
San Antonio Spurs Draw Good Ratings On TNT
Amazing Is Belief
TNT NBA Playoffs tripleheader on Sunday drew good numbers for TNT. Headlined by the San Antonio Spurs/Dallas Mavericks matchup.
The Mavericks Game 1 win over the Spurs drew a 2.9 overnight rating on TNT Sunday night, up 7% from Miami Heat/Atlanta Hawks in the same time slot last year (2.7). Last year’s Mavericks/Spurs Game 1, which aired on a Saturday night on ESPN, drew a 2.3 overnight rating. The 2.9 for Sunday’s game was tied as the highest of the weekend for an NBA Playoff game on cable as the Miami Heat/Boston Celtics also drew a 2.9 on ESPN the previous night.
The rest of ESPN’s tripleheader numbers saw the Milwaukee Bucks/Atlanta Hawks game draw a 1.8 overnight rating and later in the night the Utah Jazz/Denver Nuggets saw a 2.4 overnight.
The Charlotte Bobcats/Orlando Magic Game 1 drew a 2.5 overnight rating, up 9% from Philadelphia 76ers/Orlando Magic Game 1 last year (2.3). The night ended with the Portland Trail Blazers Game 1 upset of Phoenix Suns drew a 2.2 overnight and was down 3% from last year’s Game 1 between the New Orleans Hornets and Denver Nuggets (2.3).
Overall, TNT averaged a 2.5 overnight rating for NBA Playoff coverage on Sunday.
