2008 NBA Playoffs

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Crucial play makes cut
Inbounds clears Pistons’ path to victory over Celtics
By Krista Jahnke, Detroit Free Press / Pistons Notebook
Saturday, May 24, 2008 - Updated 10h ago

The Celtics [team stats] undoubtedly are a great defensive team, but even great defensive teams make mistakes.

They made one late in Thursday’s fourth quarter, when the Pistons needed a basket to keep their lead at six in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals. Point guard Chauncey Billups curled around two screens and found himself wide open to catch a short inbounds pass from Tayshaun Prince and bounce in a reverse layup with 18 seconds left.

It was the kind of play that left people wondering: Just how did Billups get so open at such a crucial juncture in the game? Even Prince, the Pistons’ steady inbounder, was surprised.

“We had a lot of action going on,” Prince said. “Yes, I was surprised he was that wide open. I was going to try to get it to him no matter what because he was the one that was going to the basket on the play. Luckily none of their bigs were in the paint at the time.”

That’s because of the decoy - shooting guard Richard Hamilton, who set the first screen for Billups, then popped outside to the 3-point line and headed to the corner. Celtics forward Paul Pierce [stats] saw Hamilton heading in that direction and decided to go with him. In the instant he made that decision and turned his back on Billups, Prince got the ball in and Billups put it up.

“Tay made a great read off it,” Pistons coach Flip Saunders said, “but it was more how they defended it. Paul thought Rip was coming off to the corner, so he kind of jumped out to take away the pass to Rip and by doing that he opened up a lane to the basket. And Rasheed (Wallace) got a heck of a screen on Chauncey, and he was wide open at the basket.”

Saunders said they had run the play only one time before, in the Philadelphia series.

Maxed out?

Pistons forward Jason Maxiell was a starter for six games in the playoffs before going back to the bench. Now it seems he’s losing his sixth-man role, too.

Saunders used Maxiell for only five minutes in Game 2, preferring instead to keep veteran Theo Ratliff [stats] on the floor. Maxiell didn’t score or have a rebound in his five minutes.

“We’ve tried to match Theo up on (Kevin) Garnett at times when we’ve taken those other guys out to get him a little rest,” Saunders said. “Really, right now, (Antonio McDyess) is playing unbelievable. There are only so many minutes to divide up.”

Billups fine

Saunders said Billups was “a little sore” in yesterday’s practice but went through everything. Billups played 32 minutes in Game 2 and at one point in the fourth quarter seemed to be reaching for his recovering right hamstring. He stayed in the game and will be fine for tonight, Saunders said. . . .

Ray Allen surely is sad the Celtics lost Game 2, but he must be happy about one thing: not having to answer any more questions about his shooting slump. Allen started hitting jumpers in the second half of Game 2 and finished with 24 points in the Celtics’ 103-97 loss.

That won’t change how the Pistons approach him for tonight’s Game 3, mainly because it’s the kind of Allen performance they always expected.

“He’s going to make shots,” Saunders said. “I’m sure he’s going to make some. . . . We prepared going into Game 2 for Ray Allen making shots; we didn’t prepare for him where he hasn’t made shots.”

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Coaching search heads to 3rd week

by Paul Coro - May. 23, 2008 09:08 PM
The Arizona Republic

The Memorial Day weekend will be a time to digest hot dogs and let sunshine sink in.

The Suns will spend it digesting the first two weeks of their coaching search and letting the words of those long interviews sink in before moving on to call-back interviews as early as next week.

The Suns might not be done interviewing. Team executives have not been able to meet with San Antonio lead assistant Mike Budenholzer, a Holbrook native, because of the Spurs' schedule during the NBA playoffs.

The Suns' head-coaching interviews, not including any that might have been kept secret, have gone (in order) to ABC analyst Mark Jackson, Detroit Pistons lead assistant Terry Porter, Houston Rockets lead assistant Elston Turner, Utah Jazz special assistant Jeff Hornacek and Utah assistant Tyrone Corbin, who interviewed Friday.

Suns General Manager Steve Kerr has commented little on the process.

"We've interviewed some very bright, very intriguing prospects, and the process is running smoothly," Kerr said.

More Suns interviews could be possible next week, with Kerr, Suns Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin and Suns Assistant General Manager Vinny Del Negro headed to Orlando for the NBA pre-draft camp. Executives, scouts and coaches will represent every team there.

The league-run, four-day event brings in about 60 draft prospects. The top ones agree only to be measured and meet with teams, while borderline prospects go through three days of drills and games that begin Tuesday night.

The Suns have the 15th and 48th picks in the June 26 draft, so it's unlikely that anyone under consideration for its first-round pick would play in Orlando.

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Lakers spank Spurs to grab 2-0 NBA semi-final lead


Agence France-Presse
First Posted 13:29:00 05/24/2008
www.inquirer.net


LOS ANGELES -- A 101-71 romp by the Los Angeles Lakers over defending champion San Antonio Spurs here Friday moved Kobe Bryant's club halfway to a berth in the National Basketball Association Finals.

NBA Most Valuable Player Bryant scored 22 points while Lamar Odom added 20 points and 12 rebounds to lead a devastating blowout by the Lakers, who grabbed a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven Western Conference finals.

"I wanted to try to keep them off balance," Bryant said. "The is a momentum team. We wanted to break that up, get them out of their comfort zone."

The Lakers can finish a sweep by winning Sunday and Tuesday at San Antonio, where the Spurs went 34-7 this season and 6-0 in the playoffs.

"We have to step up, starting with me," Spurs guard Manu Ginobili said. "We have to get those two games at home. It's going to be tougher now. We still have confidence. We still believe."

San Antonio fell behind New Orleans 2-0 but rallied and advanced in seven games to meet the Lakers, but that feat brought little comfort.

"There's no comfort being down 0-2 ever," Spurs star Tim Duncan said. "We're either going to turn this thing around and make it a series or we're not. We're still confident. We're going to go home and try to change the tempo."

Either the Lakers or Spurs will face the Eastern Conference champion, Boston or Detroit, in next month's NBA Finals. The Celtics and Detroit are level 1-1 with game three Saturday at Detroit.

The Spurs, trying to win back-to-back titles for the first time in club history, remain a serious threat despite blowing a big lead in game one and never leading in game two, Bryant warned.

"It's going to be a big challenge for us," Bryant "They are going to up the pressure, try to take us out of our offensive rhythm. We have to do a better job of running our (offense), break up that pressure."

Odom scored 11 points in the third quarter when the Lakers pulled away to stay.

"I just brought my focus. I came out aggressive and wanted to play well," Odom said. "I made a few mistakes but I changed my game. As the game went along I was able to rebound the ball. I tried to stay as aggressive as possible.

"We have to go out there and play the same way and maybe take one or two."

The Lakers were faster, more aggressive and played with a faster tempo and more energy than San Antonio in game two, blowing open the game from a 37-37 deadlock late in the second quarter.

Los Angeles went on a 20-4 run to end the first half with a 46-37 half-time lead and started the third quarter with a 9-4 run.

The Lakers, who improved to 7-0 at home in the playoffs, stretched the margin to 74-57 entering the fourth quarter as the Spurs went silent from the field the final three minutes of the third quarter.

"They came out in the third quarter with renewed vigor," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. "We answered that challenge and we were fortunate to get out of the quarter with that lead."

The fourth quarter was an anti-climax as San Antonio played reserves to rest top talent for game three and the Lakers' bench depth completed the rout.

Tony Parker led San Antonio with 13 points while Duncan had 12 points and 16 rebounds but took only one shot in the second half. Ginobili, hurt by a sore ankle, was only 2-of-8 for seven points and was by far his own harshest critic.

"I'm not taking it that the ankle is limiting me. I'm just playing bad," Ginobioli said. "I have to play better. I have to be more aggressive.

"I played terrible but I know I can perform better, really help the team, be more me. Today I was not aggressive enough. I didn't make anything happen."

The Lakers improved to 32-7 since obtaining big man Pau Gasol from Memphis, turning Bryant from an unhappy star pondering leaving the Lakers to a leader sparking the club from mediocre to title contender.

"It's the answer to a prayer," Bryant said. "It's a great opportunity and we want to take advantage of it."

Gasol's arrival has provided offensive opportunities for Bryant and Odom.

"Lamar knows he can be a great player now. He knows he can go get it," said Bryant. "(Having Gasol) frees him up a lot more now, lets him do what he can do more because he doesn't have two guys breathing on him now."

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May 25, 2008, 1:29AM
NBA PLAYOFFS
Pistons taste wrath of road warriors
Celtics prevail away from home to take series lead

Chronicle News Services

AUBURN HILLS, MICH. — Kevin Garnett led the Boston Celtics to their first win on the road in the playoffs.

He had plenty of help.

Garnett scored 22 points and was one of six players to make the Celtics' first six baskets, helping them build the first of many big leads en route to a 94-80 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night and a 2-1 lead in the Eastern Conference finals.

The NBA's top-seeded team had lost its first six road games — tying a league record — and was 9-0 at home until losing to Detroit in the previous game.

"We took care of business, getting our first win on the road," Garnett said.

The Pistons will host Game 4 on Monday night.

Too little, too late
"They got home court back," Detroit coach Flip Saunders said. "Monday is a crucial game for us — the biggest of the year."

Detroit rallied to pull within 87-78 but couldn't get closer in a game in which it trailed by as many as 24 points.

"We didn't come out and play. That's point blank," Pistons rookie reserve Rodney Stuckey said. "We didn't give no effort at all at the start of the game, and you can't do that against a team like that."

Boston's Big Three scored as much as its supporting cast.

Garnett, Ray Allen (14) and Paul Pierce (11) combined for 47 points to match the rest of the team. Kendrick Perkins, Rajon Rondo and James Posey each scored 12 for the Celtics.

"Their role players really hurt us," Saunders said.

Detroit's Richard Hamilton scored 26 points and Stuckey added 17.

Tayshaun Prince scored four points on 2-of-11 shooting and Chauncey Billups had six points and appeared to be slowed after aggravating his right hamstring injury in Game 2.

Boston, which scored the first 11 points, led 50-32 at intermission after holding Detroit to a playoff low in the first half and getting at least two points from each of the nine Celtics who played.

"The main concentration was to come out aggressive and get the lead early," Pierce said.

The Pistons pulled within 13 early in the second half only to have their comeback hopes dashed by the Celtics' 12-0 run.

Boston led by 20-plus points late in the third quarter and ABC-TV showed mercy for Saunders, letting him off the hook for his scheduled interview before the fourth.

Pistons outhustled
Besides making shots and playing tough defense, the Celtics beat Detroit to the majority of loose balls and offensive rebounds.

Garnett went to the bench with two fouls five minutes into the game and his replacement, P.J. Brown, promptly dunked on his first offensive possession.

The Pistons responded with a 13-0 run to go ahead for the first time only to let the Celtics score the last 10 points of the quarter and take a 25-17 lead.

Boston used nine players in the first quarter and they all scored, helping the team shoot 53 percent and hold Detroit to 30 percent.

After the Pistons pulled within four early in the second quarter, Boston went on a 16-3 run and maintained the cushion as it ended the first half with an 18-point cushion.

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Snow appearing in coaching forecast
By Bob Finnan, Morning Journal Writer
05/25/2008

Since most insurance companies move at a glacial pace, don't expect any quick developments in Eric Snow's potential coaching career.

Snow, who appeared in just 22 games last season for the Cavaliers before being shut down because of a serious problem in his left knee, is never expected to play again.

Despite the fact that he has one year remaining on his contract worth $7.3 million, he's being courted by the Charlotte Bobcats for an assistant coaching job. The Chicago Bulls took it a step further and have reportedly inquired about Snow for their vacant head coaching position. As of last week, the Cavs have yet to grant the Bulls permission to talk to Snow.

That's because there's a major obstacle hanging over the entire situation: The Cavs have filed a disability claim on Snow's contract that would cover up to 80 percent of the $7.3 million contract.

Also, they could be granted a disabled player salary cap exception worth half Snow's salary. Furthermore, the Cavs could conceivably find trade value in Snow's expiring contract.

So, as one can see, there are a lot of loose ends to this story. A speedy conclusion is highly unlikely.

Until the injury claim is settled, the 35-year-old can't start his coaching career.

''Both sides need to be protected,'' agent Steve Kauffman said. ''The Cavs have to make sure they don't do anything to jeopardize their disability claim.

''He's permanently disabled. There's never been a question that when Eric Snow was done playing, a lot of teams were going to call. The head coaching thing is very flattering.''

It's not a cut-and-dry situation. That's why Kauffman has enlisted the help of the players' union to plow through the red tape.

''It's very complicated in the short term,'' Kauffman said. ''I don't remember a situation like this. This is not a day-by-day thing. This probably won't be settled for several weeks.''

Insurance companies don't just rubber stamp claims of this magnitude. The Cavs have submitted Dr. Richard Parker's medical claim that Snow's left knee is so damaged that it wouldn't hold up to the rigors of an NBA season.

''That's why I can't give anyone clarity,'' Kauffman said. ''I know he's not going to play again.''

Bulls general manager John Paxson is reportedly interested in talking to Snow. The Bulls are looking for a veteran coach, which doesn't bode well for Snow.

The longer the settlement draws out, the longer his odds become to be the Bulls' coach. He's an extreme long shot to begin with, since he has no head coaching experience. By the time the insurance claim is settled, they'll likely have a head coach in place.

''There's not much I can do,'' Kauffman said. ''I'm doing as much behind the scenes as possible.''

New Bobcats coach Larry Brown also wants Snow to be a member of his coaching staff for next year.

''Eric and Larry talked directly about that,'' Kauffman said. ''They have a special relationship. Having Larry as a coaching mentor would be huge.

''I have a running joke with (Bobcats GM) Rod Higgins. He said, ÔYou and me will be the last to find out (if Snow is hired by Charlotte).'''

Kauffman said he thinks Snow is the hottest coaching prospect on the market, and that includes announcer Mark Jackson.

''(Snow) is a leader and can relate to the present-day player,'' Kauffman said. ''Eric has that balance. He's stern and tough. He's not that removed -- if at all -- from being a player.

''If the disability claim is resolved, I'd shocked if he's not coaching somewhere (next year).''

There's a possibility that there could be some turnover on Cavs coach Mike Brown's staff. Hank Egan, 70, went through several medical problems last season and could choose to retire. Also, some think lead assistant John Kuester could join Larry Brown in Charlotte.

''Eric has really enjoyed the Cavs' organization,'' Kauffman said. ''If John were to leave, he's not averse to listening to the Cavs. I don't know if (Cavs GM) Danny (Ferry) is considering him.''

Trivia question

Have the Bulls ever had the No. 1 pick in the draft? (Answer below)

Smelling a Rose

Let the debate begin.

When the Bulls earned the top selection at the draft lottery last week, everyone seems to know what they'll be doing on June 26.

In Chicago, the fans and media seem to think the Bulls should select Memphis point guard and Chicago native Derrick Rose. But Paxson vows to take a long look at both Rose and Kansas State forward Michael Beasley.

Both Rose and Beasley would fill needs. They would love to have a true point guard and a court leader like Rose, but also could use an inside scorer like the 6-foot-9 Beasley.

''You've got a player in Beasley who put up absolutely fabulous numbers and has proven to be an NBA-ready player right now and will go into the league and he will put up numbers right away, similar to what you saw from Kevin Durant,'' ESPN analyst Jay Bilas said. ''But I'm a big believer that if you get a chance at a potentially great point guard, you pull the trigger on it, and (Rose is) one of those. Derrick Rose is going to be hard to say no to. You're not going to be able to get a point guard of his caliber in free agency.''

By the numbers

35.5 percent: According to the Web site, www.82games.com, the Cavs were the worst 2-point shooting team in the league.

Trivia answer

It's the second time the Bulls have had the first pick in the draft. They won the lottery in 1999 and selected Duke forward Elton Brand. In case you were wondering, Michael Jordan was the third overall pick in 1984 behind Hakeem Olajuwon (Houston) and Sam Bowie (Portland).

Quick shots

- U.S. Olympic managing director Jerry Colangelo plans to meet with Heat guard Dwyane Wade to discuss his rehabilitation of the player's knee problems. Colangelo said he was heartened by a conversation with Tim Grover, the independent trainer Wade has been working with in Chicago. ''On a scale of one to 10, he put him at about an eight at this stage,'' Colangelo said. The U.S. national team will convene in Las Vegas on June 27-29 for a mini-camp, set its 12-player roster on July 1, and then hold a final camp July 20-25 in Las Vegas.

- Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko raised a few eyebrows when he skipped a practice during the Western Conference semifinals so he could fly to San Francisco to take care of a visa issue. One might think the visa issue was so he could continue to stay and work in the U.S., but that wasn't the case. Kirilenko and his family have a trip to France scheduled for this summer and he needed to fly to the Bay Area in order to take care of the travel visas. Coach Jerry Sloan gave him permission to miss practice -- the day before the Jazz's biggest game of the season.

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Fisher, Ginobili deal with injuries
By Elliott Teaford, Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 05/24/2008 09:57:44 PM PDT

One guard needs months of rest and recovery before his ailing foot is sound.

The other guard also looks as if he could use a long layoff to rest a bum ankle.

Derek Fisher has helped direct the Lakers to a 2-0 series lead in the Western Conference finals despite playing with a partially torn tendon in his right foot.

Manu Ginobili has struggled because of a sprained left ankle, becoming the poster boy for the San Antonio Spurs' troubles the first two games.

Fisher said Saturday he has no intention of sitting out.

Ginobili's coach, Gregg Popovich, admitted late Friday night he considered resting the standout from Argentina in Game 2. In the end, Popovich played Ginobili in a reserve role, giving Michael Finley the start.

Ginobili's injury and his ineffective play was a topic of much discussion in the Lakers' camp after their workout Saturday. Ginobili scored 10points on 3-for-13 shooting in Game 1 and had seven points on 2-for-8 shooting in Game 2.

"The impact he's been able to have on the game is almost unmatched, so if he's not playing at his best because of an injury that obviously works in our favor," Fisher said of Ginobili, who was named the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year.

"He's going to play better, that's what he's going to do," Fisher predicted. "We expect him to play better starting (tonight in Game 3)."

Fisher credited Kobe Bryant and Sasha Vujacic for hounding Ginobili and frustrating him with their solid defense.

"I think the guys that have defended him have continued to make things difficult," Fisher said. "When you're having a tough time getting anything going, if you don't get anything easy, that keeps you down a little longer than you normally would.

"Kobe and Sasha and our perimeter players who have been defending him have not allowed him to get too many easy opportunities."

As for his own injury, Fisher declined to say whether there were specific plays that hurt him more than others. He also vowed to play on no matter the pain.

"Until our job is finished, I'm going to keep going," he said. "If there were (movements that hurt worse than others), I wouldn't tell you, but there really aren't many. Since those first few weeks, it's been less and less painful. It's still there, but it's not something I need to worry about."

Bench bonus: Jordan Farmar scored 14points in Game 2. Vujacic and Luke Walton had seven apiece. Trevor Ariza, DJMbenga and Ronny Turiaf added a bucket each.

Friday night was a good night for the Lakers' reserves.

"We have so many guys on our team that get involved in the game and can hit shots," Lamar Odom said of the backups. "The strength of our team is our bench and once we get everyone going offensively anything is possible.

"When you've got 12 guys, 13 guys that can come in and make plays, make shots, make passes, we are a pretty tough team to beat."

Mihm ailing: Backup center Chris Mihm did not practice and did not join the Lakers for their flight to San Antonio on Saturday because of a stomach ailment. Mihm is expected to travel to Texas when he feels

[AUSTIN316]

Fisher, Ginobili deal with injuries
By Elliott Teaford, Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 05/24/2008 09:57:44 PM PDT

One guard needs months of rest and recovery before his ailing foot is sound.

The other guard also looks as if he could use a long layoff to rest a bum ankle.

Derek Fisher has helped direct the Lakers to a 2-0 series lead in the Western Conference finals despite playing with a partially torn tendon in his right foot.

Manu Ginobili has struggled because of a sprained left ankle, becoming the poster boy for the San Antonio Spurs' troubles the first two games.

Fisher said Saturday he has no intention of sitting out.

Ginobili's coach, Gregg Popovich, admitted late Friday night he considered resting the standout from Argentina in Game 2. In the end, Popovich played Ginobili in a reserve role, giving Michael Finley the start.

Ginobili's injury and his ineffective play was a topic of much discussion in the Lakers' camp after their workout Saturday. Ginobili scored 10points on 3-for-13 shooting in Game 1 and had seven points on 2-for-8 shooting in Game 2.

"The impact he's been able to have on the game is almost unmatched, so if he's not playing at his best because of an injury that obviously works in our favor," Fisher said of Ginobili, who was named the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year.

"He's going to play better, that's what he's going to do," Fisher predicted. "We expect him to play better starting (tonight in Game 3)."

Fisher credited Kobe Bryant and Sasha Vujacic for hounding Ginobili and frustrating him with their solid defense.

"I think the guys that have defended him have continued to make things difficult," Fisher said. "When you're having a tough time getting anything going, if you don't get anything easy, that keeps you down a little longer than you normally would.

"Kobe and Sasha and our perimeter players who have been defending him have not allowed him to get too many easy opportunities."

As for his own injury, Fisher declined to say whether there were specific plays that hurt him more than others. He also vowed to play on no matter the pain.

"Until our job is finished, I'm going to keep going," he said. "If there were (movements that hurt worse than others), I wouldn't tell you, but there really aren't many. Since those first few weeks, it's been less and less painful. It's still there, but it's not something I need to worry about."

Bench bonus: Jordan Farmar scored 14points in Game 2. Vujacic and Luke Walton had seven apiece. Trevor Ariza, DJMbenga and Ronny Turiaf added a bucket each.

Friday night was a good night for the Lakers' reserves.

"We have so many guys on our team that get involved in the game and can hit shots," Lamar Odom said of the backups. "The strength of our team is our bench and once we get everyone going offensively anything is possible.

"When you've got 12 guys, 13 guys that can come in and make plays, make shots, make passes, we are a pretty tough team to beat."

Mihm ailing: Backup center Chris Mihm did not practice and did not join the Lakers for their flight to San Antonio on Saturday because of a stomach ailment. Mihm is expected to travel to Texas when he feels

[AUSTIN316]

Chicago Bulls should take Derrick Rose with No. 1 pick in NBA draft

Saturday, May 24th 2008, 9:01 PM

Winning the draft lottery doesn't place the Bulls on the horns of a dilemma, as it's currently being portrayed by Chicago GM John Paxson.

The pick for the No. 1 selection next month in the NBA draft is Derrick Rose over Michael Beasley, in a heartbeat.

Unless you're getting Shaquille O'Neal or LeBron James, taking a point guard who can develop into a special player is the way to go these days in the NBA. The game favors exceptional playmakers who can get their own shots and raise the level of teammates. Case in point: Chris Paul.

Rose could be that franchise player in a few seasons, while Beasley, who stands 6-9 in sneakers, doesn't have the imposing physical stature to tilt the floor in his team's favor.

Upon seeing his team make the second-greatest jump (ninth to first) to win the lottery - Orlando went from 11th to first in 1993 - Paxson broke it down this way: "It's difficult to find terrific point guards who can lead your team and make others better. But you also have a kid who is a flat-out scorer and we know how valuable those players are. It's nice to be in this position to evaluate that."

That sounds exactly like Portland GM Kevin Pritchard last year. But Pritchard was taking Greg Oden all the way, and it seems a safe bet that in the final analysis, Paxson will go with Rose.

"It's a natural leadership position on the team," Paxson said. "It's something every team covets. We need leadership on our team. We saw how Chris Paul played for New Orleans. ... I know we're loaded in the backcourt, but true point guards like Rose. ... I can make the argument that position is the most difficult position to fill consistently."

To clear up his backcourt for Rose, a Chicago-area product, Paxson will find a new home for Kirk Hinrich, an attractive asset given his level of play over the past five seasons and reasonable contract. Hinrich's five-year, $47.5-million deal started this past season at $7.8 million, and ends in 2011-12, at $11.4.

The Knicks, Denver, the Clippers, Seattle, Phoenix and Orlando are expected to make a run at Hinrich.

Beasley's scoring prowess has earned him comparisons to Derrick Coleman. But unlike the ex-Net, who didn't care much for basketball, other than the monetary rewards it provided, Beasley has shown that he plays hard.

"He scores the ball as easily as any young player that went into the college game in a long, long time," Paxson said. "He has the unique ability to put the ball in the basket and would be a go-to scorer. We know how valuable those players are."

Winning the draft lottery doesn't place the Bulls on the horns of a dilemma, as it's currently being portrayed by Chicago GM John Paxson.

The pick for the No. 1 selection next month in the NBA draft is Derrick Rose over Michael Beasley, in a heartbeat.

Unless you're getting Shaquille O'Neal or LeBron James, taking a point guard who can develop into a special player is the way to go these days in the NBA. The game favors exceptional playmakers who can get their own shots and raise the level of teammates. Case in point: Chris Paul.

Rose could be that franchise player in a few seasons, while Beasley, who stands 6-9 in sneakers, doesn't have the imposing physical stature to tilt the floor in his team's favor.

Upon seeing his team make the second-greatest jump (ninth to first) to win the lottery - Orlando went from 11th to first in 1993 - Paxson broke it down this way: "It's difficult to find terrific point guards who can lead your team and make others better. But you also have a kid who is a flat-out scorer and we know how valuable those players are. It's nice to be in this position to evaluate that."

That sounds exactly like Portland GM Kevin Pritchard last year. But Pritchard was taking Greg Oden all the way, and it seems a safe bet that in the final analysis, Paxson will go with Rose.

"It's a natural leadership position on the team," Paxson said. "It's something every team covets. We need leadership on our team. We saw how Chris Paul played for New Orleans. ... I know we're loaded in the backcourt, but true point guards like Rose. ... I can make the argument that position is the most difficult position to fill consistently."

To clear up his backcourt for Rose, a Chicago-area product, Paxson will find a new home for Kirk Hinrich, an attractive asset given his level of play over the past five seasons and reasonable contract. Hinrich's five-year, $47.5-million deal started this past season at $7.8 million, and ends in 2011-12, at $11.4.

The Knicks, Denver, the Clippers, Seattle, Phoenix and Orlando are expected to make a run at Hinrich.

Beasley's scoring prowess has earned him comparisons to Derrick Coleman. But unlike the ex-Net, who didn't care much for basketball, other than the monetary rewards it provided, Beasley has shown that he plays hard.

"He scores the ball as easily as any young player that went into the college game in a long, long time," Paxson said. "He has the unique ability to put the ball in the basket and would be a go-to scorer. We know how valuable those players are."

Speaking of salaries, the lowest-paid in the NBA is Denver's Mark Warkentien, who really is more of a scout than an executive, with coach George Karl and executives Brent Bearup and Rex Chapman also having input with owner Stan Kroenke. Warkentien, who remains on Donnie Walsh's radar for the Knicks' GM post, pockets only around $500,000 per season, according to league sources. Other first-time GMs who come in under the $1 million-per-year figure are Seattle's Sam Presti ($800,000) and Charlotte's Rod Higgins ($700,000).

Sweet smell of ...

The Spurs' success has translated into better jobs for Ferry, Presti and P.J. Carlesimo. Next in line is Gregg Popovich's chief assistant, Mike Budenholzer, who is expected to get a call from former Spur Steve Kerr about the Suns' coaching vacancy. ...

Sacramento VP Geoff Petrie on Danilo Gallinari, who figures to be the Knicks' choice at No. 6: Very gifted, but not ready for the NBA. One European expert disagrees with comparisons to Toni Kukoc. "Kukoc was a much better passer," he said. "He's more like the next Bostjan Nachbar." Ask the Nets how "Bochie" is working out. ...

Southern Cal's O.J. Mayo doesn't figure to drop much past No. 3 (Minnesota). GMs love his NBA-ready body, skill level and mind-set to take over at the end of games. And they're also always impressed by someone who was getting paid in the ninth grade. ...

Seattle's Kevin Durant, this year's Rookie of the Year, didn't secure his one and only double-double until the season finale, hard as that is to believe. In his one season at Texas, he had 20 double-doubles, second nationally, but his rebound average dropped alarmingly from 11 per game at Texas to 4.4 for Carlesimo. ...

If Steve Nash is Mike D'Antoni's idea of a perfect point guard, Jerryd Bayless might be the polar opposite. Bayless is expected to go anywhere from No. 4 to No. 8, but among the knocks on the Arizona product is that he doesn't make teammates better, like Nash or Paul. "It's all about him," said one executive. ...

People who know Stanford big man Brook Lopez, who could go as high as No. 3, swear he's the next Michael Olowokandi or Jim McIlvaine: a potential bust because he doesn't like to play. ...

The lottery's biggest loser? A year after jumping three spots to the No. 2 hole to selectDurant, the Sonics had the second-worst record to Miami, but dropped to No. 3. That's kind of like finding out you're going from Seattle to Oklahoma City.

[AUSTIN316]

Jim Souhan: Trading down is way to go for Wolves

By packaging the third overall pick, they can also get rid of one of their problem players and get more draft picks instead.

By JIM SOUHAN, Star Tribune

Last update: May 24, 2008 - 10:26 PM



If I were Kevin McHale ... I'd quit. But that would make for a really short column.

So let's try a more complex hypothetical. What would I do if I were Timberwolves exec Kevin McHale, I held the third pick in the 2008 NBA draft, my team was generating TV ratings that read like windchills, and my roster held exactly one potential star-quality player?

I'd take a good look in the mirror, see Kevin McHale, and deduce the following:

• If I take a player with the third pick, he's probably going to remind me of Christian Laettner. And not in a good way. Hold it -- is there a good way?

• I'm not just trying to add new players, but I'm also trying to get rid of old mistakes. Few people know this, but Marko Jaric picked up that supermodel he was dating last year by saying, "Hey, baby, do you know just how overpaid I am?"

Rashad McCants is what we thought he was (I now owe Denny Green 38 cents in royalties) -- a streaky scorer who plays defense like Wasswa Serwanga. They've got to go.

• I'm not just one good young player away from contending in the beastly Western Conference. I need platoons of help.

Take those three thoughts, stir, and you come to this conclusion: If I'm Kevin McHale, I don't try to trade up. I try to trade down.

If McHale can swing it -- and that "if" has grown like oil prices the past 10 years -- he should package the third pick in the draft and one of his many problems. He should find a way -- and this is going to require creativity and possibly a three- or four-team transaction -- to get a couple of picks lower in the first round.

If you're not going to land a superstar at No. 3, you'd be better off landing a couple of promising players later.

The favored NBA cliché holds that you build around superstars, but look at the league's final four. These teams win because they have cultivated winning cultures.

Detroit has zero superstars, and three of its four core players started elsewhere. The Pistons play exceptional defense, share the ball and make big shots.

Boston has three supposed superstars, but it's the Celtics defense and unselfishness that has allowed them to survive the frequent disappearing acts of Ray Allen and the occasional, expected sabbaticals of Kevin Garnett.

The Spurs have one star in Tim Duncan and two players -- Tony Parker and Manu Ginobli -- who might not be anything close to what they are now if they hadn't played for Gregg Popovich. The Spurs win because they're the toughest, best-coached team in basketball.

The Lakers have Kobe, but they're threats to win it all this year because Kobe has become the best all-around player in the game -- a guy who makes his teammates better -- instead of just the best scorer. He has changed the Lakers' culture.

Consider the players the Wolves might select at No. 3, and ask yourself if you wouldn't rather have two similarly good players:

• USC freshman O.J. Mayo: Let's see, a guy from SoCal named O.J. who hangs out with shady people and is about to write a book titled "If I Did It (Took Lots of Money at USC)." No thanks.

• Arizona guard Jerryd Bayless: Nice player, but how is he different from Randy Foye? Other than, the Wolves didn't trade Brandon Roy to get him?

• Italian star Danilo Gallinari: Would follow in a long line of Italian basketball stars, like Christiani DePauli and D'Amare Stoudamirioli.

• Stanford center Brook Lopez: This is what the Wolves need -- more centers from Stanford.

The earliest rumors (or lies) from NBAland offer the possibility that the Bulls will take Memphis' Derrick Rose, the Heat will take Mayo and Kansas State's Michael Beasley could fall to the Wolves at No. 3. If that happens, disregard all of the above.

Beasley is the player I want. If he's not available, the Wolves get creative, trade down, get rid of one of their problems and take a couple of guys who might be just as good as the player selected No. 3.

Then, next year, when the Wolves have the first pick in the draft, they can take a star.

[AUSTIN316]

Ainge, staff preparing for pre-draft camp

By Marc J. Spears
Globe Staff / May 23, 2008

General manager Danny Ainge and his scouting staff will be rooting on the Celtics from Orlando, Fla., during part of the Eastern Conference finals.

The NBA pre-draft camp is Tuesday through Friday. The Celtics have the 30th pick in the first round and the 30th and last in the second. The draft is June 26. Ainge, assistant GM Dave Wohl, assistant director of basketball operations Leo Papile, director of international scouting Ryan McDonough, and brain doctor Jon Niednagel are expected to represent the team in Orlando. About 70 NBA prospects are expected to play.

"There is a really good chance a player we draft will be in Orlando this year," Ainge said. "Last year, it was a long shot we'd find a player in Orlando. This year, both picks could be in Orlando. You never know. That's why I'll probably be in Orlando instead of [at some playoff games]. We will watch a lot of this Detroit series on TV."

If the Celtics make the NBA Finals, Ainge and his staff could miss some games while they work out prospects at the Celtics' Waltham training facility. Ainge said about 50 players will be worked out, and scheduling is in the works.

"We've worked out that many before," Ainge said. "We've worked out more. We've worked out 75-80 before. Now the window's a little bit shorter. We're in the process of confirming dates, workouts."

Ainge said there are no plans to share workouts with other teams to reduce costs. The Celtics won't have a summer league team, but tentatively have rookie and free agent camps in Waltham scheduled July 3-7.

Pick your poison
Sam Cassell did not play in the first two games of the series and Eddie House was scoreless in seven minutes last night. Coach Doc Rivers was asked about choosing between the two. "You know how you guys are," said Rivers. "If Sam is not playing well, play Eddie. If Eddie is not playing well, play Sam. Either way, you're a dunce. I think on the road Sam's experience would help. We'll see."

Community assist
Kevin Garnett was awarded the NBA Community Assist Award for April. He received the David Robinson Plaque and $5,000 for a charity of his choice.

Garnett donated more than 600 Celtics tickets to Boston Public School students during April through his "Big Ticket Challenge." The program encourages local at-risk students to excel in school with a reward of attending a Celtics game and meeting the 11-time All-Star. More than 1,000 kids signed a commitment to improve their school performance through the program and were encouraged to follow Garnett's personal mantra: "Anything worth having is worth working for."

Buyers beware
Demand for Celtics apparel and memorabilia is on the rise.

Counterfeiters have converged on the Boston market, hawking knockoffs to potential customers. The illegal sale of sports merchandise has been an ongoing issue in the NBA.

During the playoffs and through the Finals, the NBA will be working closely with local authorities responsible for enforcing laws prohibiting the sale of counterfeit league, team, and event merchandise.

"As the Celtics continue to win and advance through the playoffs, their merchandise becomes more popular among basketball fans and counterfeiters alike," said Ayala Deutsch, senior vice president and chief intellectual property counsel for the NBA.

To avoid purchasing counterfeit items, Deutsch urges customers to identify merchandise as "genuine" or "official," as authorized by the NBA. She also recommended shopping at the Celtics' official team store or other NBA-authorized retail locations rather than buying from street vendors or flea markets.

Hamilton fined
The Detroit News reported Richard Hamilton was fined by the NBA for his flagrant foul on Garnett in the fourth quarter of Game 1.

Hamilton apparently had no idea.

"Fine?" he said. "What fine?"

He didn't say much else about the foul, which happened after Garnett swatted his shot. The Pistons were down 12 and Hamilton was angry because a foul was not called on Garnett. In chasing Paul Pierce, Hamilton got tangled up with Garnett and caught him in the face with an elbow.

"It's instinct," Rivers said. "It was flagrant. I can tell you that. We thought that at the time. Rip's a good guy. It's an emotional game and that kind of stuff happens. It's just part of the game. No big deal."

[AUSTIN316]

Cavs keep draft plans under wraps

Many expect Ferry to select big man

By Brian Windhorst
Beacon Journal sportswriter

Published on Sunday, May 25, 2008

The Cavaliers are in a bit of a rare position, at least as it applies to them.

Their season is over, but they not only have a first-round NBA Draft pick, but they also have their highest selection spot since 2004. About to enter his fourth season as general manager, Danny Ferry has been able to use just three draft picks, and they all came in the same year, 2006. He's only had one first-rounder, which turned out to be a failure in Shannon Brown, who didn't survive two years with the team and now has a murky NBA future.

The Cavs still don't have their full complement of picks this season. The second-rounder is going to the Phoenix Suns for a 2002 trade to acquire Milt Palacio.

Still, the No. 19 overall selection belongs to them. Because three of the Cavs' last four first-round draft picks have been busts (Dajuan Wagner, Luke Jackson, Brown), using it wisely is vital.

Usually you will not find instant-impact players that low. In fact, just two of the last seven players taken at No. 19 have had significant roles on their teams. One is Zach Randolph, and the other is Sasha Pavlovic. Last year, point guard Javaris Crittenton went to the Los Angeles Lakers at No. 19 and was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies at midseason in the Pau Gasol deal.

Unlike many teams that will announce whom they are working out and when — often followed by a news conference where the player might be critiqued — Ferry lets nothing out when it comes to his draft plans. The Cavs keep their workouts and any comments on the players secret.

So getting a read on their plans is somewhat difficult. However, this draft is deep in big men, and the Cavs have three big men in their 30s in Ben Wallace, Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Joe Smith. Anderson Varejao might just be entering his prime, but he's also signed for only one more season, which would make getting another big man prudent with a year to develop, followed by expectations in the 2009-10 season.

That is the way the top mock draft experts are thinking. ESPN's Chad Ford has the Cavs taking former GlenOak star Kosta Koufos of Ohio State with their pick, and Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress.com is projecting the Cavs to look at
Nevada sophomore JaVale McGee.

Both are 7-footers who need seasoning. Koufos is more of a finesse player who some project could eventually play like Ilgauskas. But Ilgauskas had way more experience and more low-post talent when he was drafted by the Cavs in 1996. McGee is known for his 7-foot-6 wingspan but is even more of a project who is now frantically trying to add weight. He played at just a little more than 220 pounds this season.

If the Cavs are looking for a more-polished player, they might look at Georgetown senior Roy Hibbert. He was projected as a high lottery pick a year ago but has slid recently as some see him as not athletic enough to compete at the highest level. Still, he's a legitimate 7-foot-2, skilled and experienced player. There are plenty of teams, though, who have hinted they might be willing to trade down in this draft. Numerous picks between the mid-lottery and the Cavs' slot could be had for the right package.

The Cavs might test the waters on moving up. There are two point-guard prospects expected to be taken in the lottery that sources say the Cavs have an interest in. One is Texas guard D.J. Augustin, and the other is UCLA guard Russell Westbrook.

There's plenty of time between now and June 26, and individual workouts won't start until after this week's Pre-Draft Camp in Orlando, Fla., so lots of variables could change plans.

Dribbles

• It was a very difficult season for Varejao, who didn't join the team until December due to a contract squabble.

Then he played some of the best basketball of his career before a severe ankle injury at the end of January put him on the bench for a month.

When Varejao came back, Wallace was the starter and was getting more clutch-time minutes. Varejao responded by trying to force his offensive game, which turned into a disaster. His shooting percentage plummeted, and his turnovers increased.

By the end of the season, Varejao was just plain frustrated and not at all happy, and he made it known.

Though he's still valuable, it wouldn't be a surprise if the Cavs test the trade market for Varejao this summer.

• The Cavs are facing the loss of Assistant General Manager Chris Grant, who has emerged as the Atlanta Hawks' top choice to become their new general manager. Though he is very familiar with the Hawks after working there nine years, he hasn't actively been looking to leave the Cavs and will make sure everything is in order before signing.

The Hawks' ownership and top management have been in various stages of chaos for the past three years. Expect Grant to take a page from Ferry's book.

Before he was willing to take the Cavs' job in 2005, Ferry drove a hard bargain to solidify his control and got himself a fully guaranteed five-year deal.

• The Cavs have already started the paperwork with the league office on getting Eric Snow approved for disability retirement. There are lots of hoops to jump through, but Snow says that his left knee is bone-on-bone, and that he's probably done.

If all the proper parties sign off, Snow's $7.3 million could be taken off the Cavs' books for luxury-tax purposes.

It is also possible that the NBA could grant the Cavs an exception of up to half of Snow's salary ($3.7 million) to use to sign another player or to use in a trade.

• Many Cavs fans got upset at ESPN host Stephen A. Smith on Monday for guaranteeing on a broadcast that James would bolt for New York in two years.

In truth, Smith is close to members of James' inner circle.

It's possible that after the way the season ended, some around James would indeed think this way.

Many of them would benefit from James going to New York. But it will be James alone who makes the decision, and he will not make it until 2010. Speculation and conjecture between now and then is just that.

James has said for years that he is ''his own man,'' and this falls squarely in that category.

Brian Windhorst can be reached at [e-mail]. Read his blog athttp://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/cavs/.

The Cavaliers are in a bit of a rare position, at least as it applies to them.

Their season is over, but they not only have a first-round NBA Draft pick, but they also have their highest selection spot since 2004. About to enter his fourth season as general manager, Danny Ferry has been able to use just three draft picks, and they all came in the same year, 2006. He's only had one first-rounder, which turned out to be a failure in Shannon Brown, who didn't survive two years with the team and now has a murky NBA future.

The Cavs still don't have their full complement of picks this season. The second-rounder is going to the Phoenix Suns for a 2002 trade to acquire Milt Palacio.

Still, the No. 19 overall selection belongs to them. Because three of the Cavs' last four first-round draft picks have been busts (Dajuan Wagner, Luke Jackson, Brown), using it wisely is vital.

Usually you will not find instant-impact players that low. In fact, just two of the last seven players taken at No. 19 have had significant roles on their teams. One is Zach Randolph, and the other is Sasha Pavlovic. Last year, point guard Javaris Crittenton went to the Los Angeles Lakers at No. 19 and was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies at midseason in the Pau Gasol deal.

Unlike many teams that will announce whom they are working out and when — often followed by a news conference where the player might be critiqued — Ferry lets nothing out when it comes to his draft plans. The Cavs keep their workouts and any comments on the players secret.

So getting a read on their plans is somewhat difficult. However, this draft is deep in big men, and the Cavs have three big men in their 30s in Ben Wallace, Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Joe Smith. Anderson Varejao might just be entering his prime, but he's also signed for only one more season, which would make getting another big man prudent with a year to develop, followed by expectations in the 2009-10 season.

That is the way the top mock draft experts are thinking. ESPN's Chad Ford has the Cavs taking former GlenOak star Kosta Koufos of Ohio State with their pick, and Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress.com is projecting the Cavs to look at
Nevada sophomore JaVale McGee.

Both are 7-footers who need seasoning. Koufos is more of a finesse player who some project could eventually play like Ilgauskas. But Ilgauskas had way more experience and more low-post talent when he was drafted by the Cavs in 1996. McGee is known for his 7-foot-6 wingspan but is even more of a project who is now frantically trying to add weight. He played at just a little more than 220 pounds this season.

If the Cavs are looking for a more-polished player, they might look at Georgetown senior Roy Hibbert. He was projected as a high lottery pick a year ago but has slid recently as some see him as not athletic enough to compete at the highest level. Still, he's a legitimate 7-foot-2, skilled and experienced player. There are plenty of teams, though, who have hinted they might be willing to trade down in this draft. Numerous picks between the mid-lottery and the Cavs' slot could be had for the right package.

The Cavs might test the waters on moving up. There are two point-guard prospects expected to be taken in the lottery that sources say the Cavs have an interest in. One is Texas guard D.J. Augustin, and the other is UCLA guard Russell Westbrook.

There's plenty of time between now and June 26, and individual workouts won't start until after this week's Pre-Draft Camp in Orlando, Fla., so lots of variables could change plans.

Dribbles

• It was a very difficult season for Varejao, who didn't join the team until December due to a contract squabble.

Then he played some of the best basketball of his career before a severe ankle injury at the end of January put him on the bench for a month.


When Varejao came back, Wallace was the starter and was getting more clutch-time minutes. Varejao responded by trying to force his offensive game, which turned into a disaster. His shooting percentage plummeted, and his turnovers increased.

By the end of the season, Varejao was just plain frustrated and not at all happy, and he made it known.

Though he's still valuable, it wouldn't be a surprise if the Cavs test the trade market for Varejao this summer.

• The Cavs are facing the loss of Assistant General Manager Chris Grant, who has emerged as the Atlanta Hawks' top choice to become their new general manager. Though he is very familiar with the Hawks after working there nine years, he hasn't actively been looking to leave the Cavs and will make sure everything is in order before signing.

The Hawks' ownership and top management have been in various stages of chaos for the past three years. Expect Grant to take a page from Ferry's book.

Before he was willing to take the Cavs' job in 2005, Ferry drove a hard bargain to solidify his control and got himself a fully guaranteed five-year deal.

• The Cavs have already started the paperwork with the league office on getting Eric Snow approved for disability retirement. There are lots of hoops to jump through, but Snow says that his left knee is bone-on-bone, and that he's probably done.

If all the proper parties sign off, Snow's $7.3 million could be taken off the Cavs' books for luxury-tax purposes.

It is also possible that the NBA could grant the Cavs an exception of up to half of Snow's salary ($3.7 million) to use to sign another player or to use in a trade.

• Many Cavs fans got upset at ESPN host Stephen A. Smith on Monday for guaranteeing on a broadcast that James would bolt for New York in two years.

In truth, Smith is close to members of James' inner circle.

It's possible that after the way the season ended, some around James would indeed think this way.

Many of them would benefit from James going to New York. But it will be James alone who makes the decision, and he will not make it until 2010. Speculation and conjecture between now and then is just that.

James has said for years that he is ''his own man,'' and this falls squarely in that category.

[AUSTIN316]

Celtics power to road win over Pistons

Reuters

DETROIT - The Boston Celtics cruised to a 94-80 victory over the Detroit Pistons to take a 2-1 lead in the Eastern Conference finals on Saturday.

The Celtics scored the game's first 11 points and, after falling behind by two, used a 10-0 run late in the first period to take command and secure their first road win of the playoffs.

Detroit rallied to within nine points late in the game after trailing by 24 in the third quarter.

Kevin Garnett led Boston with 22 points, 13 rebounds and six assists.

Richard Hamilton scored 26 points for Detroit.

Game Four is in Detroit on Monday.

[AUSTIN316]

Celtics power to road win over Pistons

Reuters

DETROIT - The Boston Celtics cruised to a 94-80 victory over the Detroit Pistons to take a 2-1 lead in the Eastern Conference finals on Saturday.

The Celtics scored the game's first 11 points and, after falling behind by two, used a 10-0 run late in the first period to take command and secure their first road win of the playoffs.

Detroit rallied to within nine points late in the game after trailing by 24 in the third quarter.

Kevin Garnett led Boston with 22 points, 13 rebounds and six assists.

Richard Hamilton scored 26 points for Detroit.

Game Four is in Detroit on Monday.

[AUSTIN316]

Ginobili sparks Spurs in rout of Lakers

May 25, 2008

By Brian Guerra PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

SAN ANTONIO (Ticker) -- Manu Ginobili finally found his form.

Ginobili came off the bench to lead the way with 30 points as the San Antonio Spurs grabbed their first win of the Western Conference finals with a 103-84 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.

"It's really not a surprise anymore," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said of Ginobili. "(He) is such a competitor. He puts so much on his shoulders, and he fights through a lot of things. He's got a lot of confidence in what he can do."

The Lakers still hold a 2-1 edge heading into Game Four of the best-of-seven series here on Tuesday.

Tim Duncan had 22 points and 21 rebounds and Tony Parker chipped in 20 points for the Spurs, who received 72 points combined from the trio of Ginobili, Duncan and Parker.

Duncan said he knew Ginobili would rebound from his past two outings, but did not fully expect the performance from his Argentine teammate Sunday.

"We knew he was going to be aggressive. We knew he was going to try and turn this series around for himself," Duncan said. "We expected big things from him. ... He's the guy we need to put the ball in the hole. He scores points that aren't easy."

The Spurs, which led, 69-57, after three quarters, started the fourth on a 12-4 run that extended their lead to 20 points with 8:10 left in the game.

Ginobili, who scored just 17 points combined in the first two games, had 22 points by halftime. The reigning Sixth Man of the Year also put the game to rest with a three-point play that gave San Antonio a 97-78 with 3:26 left in the game.

"I was too stagnant in the first two games," Ginobili said. "I didn't feel like I was being me. So that's why I really wanted to attack the rim, especially the first minutes I was there."

The Lakers 1-2 punch of Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol were forced to the bench shortly thereafter.

"It was all the Argentina flags that were out there," Bryant quipped. "It must have felt like home. (Ginobili) hit a lot of big shots. He hit one shot that just made me laugh. ... He is a phenomenal player and he had a spectacular first half."

Lakers coach Phil Jackson agreed.

"Those shots he was making, it didn't matter who you put on him," he said. "The guys were on him defensively, and I thought those were just impossible shots."

Bryant, who finished with 30 points to lead Los Angeles, made things interesting midway through the fourth when he scored nine points on three possessions. He missed a free throw that could have given resulted in a four-point play.

The league Most Valuable Player hit another 3-pointer with under five minutes left in the game that cut the deficit to 88-76, but Duncan's strong move over Gasol on the next possession turned into a three-point play.

"If we can't get stops, it doesn't matter," Bryant said. "We had a point there where we cut it to 12 or nine, and we couldn't get stops. So, whether I go off for a 20-point quarter or 15-point quarter, we still have to get stops."

It didn't help that Bryant's supporting cast was less than stellar. Gasol and Lamar Odom were a combined 9-for-29 from the field.

"I think they weren't decisive enough on what they wanted to get done," Jackson said. "They had their opportunities and missed some layups and things just didn't go well."

"There's no way I can play like that for us to be successful," Odom said. "I'll take the blame on that. I know I can play better than that."

It would be tough for Ginobili to play much better. His impact was immediate, hitting back-to back 3-pointers with 3:35 left in the quarter to trim an early deficit to 15-14.

Ginobili and Bryant both scored eight points in the first, but the Lakers held a 24-21 lead heading into the second period.

With 9:08 left in the second, a Lakers turnover led to a bounce pass from Brent Barry to a blazing Parker to give the Spurs their first lead, 27-26, since early in the first.

Ginobili then struck again, hitting back-to-back 3-pointers for the Spurs with just over seven minutes left in the second. It gave the Spurs a 33-30 lead before Bryant countered with an 18-footer.

Parker's 15-footer increased the Spurs' lead to 46-36 with 2:09 left in the first half.

Ginobili tested his luck late in the first half with a fade-away 3-pointer with 58 seconds remaining that put the Spurs up, 49-37.

"It shows a lot of heart," Parker said. "He took some crazy shots, but they went in and that is the Manu we know. He was playing unbelievable."

Bryant's quick layup made it a 10-point halftime deficit.

Duncan had eight points and six rebounds in the third quarter to help the Spurs maintain their lead. Michael Finley's shot from the arc early in the quarter gave the Spurs a 54-41 lead before Los Angeles rallied, but the Lakers never got the lead under eight points the rest of the way.

Gasol and Jordan Farmar were the only other Lakers in double figures, with 15 and 10 points, respectively.

Bryant said the Spurs defense bothered the Lakers rhythm, but they still had plenty of chances.

"We just missed a lot of bunnies, a lot of easy ones," Bryant said. "It just rolled off the rim."

[AUSTIN316]

May 25, 2008, 10:21PM
Spurs top Lakers 103-84, cut series deficit to 2-1

Associated Press

SAN ANTONIO - The San Antonio Spurs opened another big lead over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night. This time, they kept it.

Manu Ginobili broke out of his scoring slump with 30 points and the Spurs beat the Lakers 103-84 in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals.

Tim Duncan added 22 points and Tony Parker had 20 for the Spurs, who have not lost at home this postseason.

The Lakers lead the series 2-1. Game 4 is Tuesday in San Antonio.

The Spurs squandered a 20-point lead to lose Game 1 in Los Angeles and the Lakers routed them in Game 2.

The Spurs did not want to be in the position of having to make league history by being the first team to come back from an 0-3 hole.

Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with 30 points and Paul Gasol scored 15. Lamar Odom struggled all night, finishing 2-of-11 from the field for seven points. But he had six of the Lakers' 13 assists and 11 rebounds.

The Lakers also struggled at the free throw line, going just 8-of-17.

On Sunday, the Spurs got a lead midway through the second quarter and never looked back, despite a late surge from Bryant.

Up 69-57 entering the fourth, the Spurs opened with a 12-4 run, and Parker's layup gave them a 20-point lead a little over 8 minutes to play.

Then Bryant did what Bryant does: almost single-handedly pulled his team out of the hole. He hit four 3-pointers over the course of less than 2½ minutes and his last one brought the Lakers within 12 points, 88-76, with 5 minutes to play.

But the Lakers would get no closer, not when the Spurs' title defense would be all but ruined with a Game 3 loss.

Duncan answered with a three-point play to put the Spurs back up by 15 and not long after Brent Barry's steal that resulted in a three-point play for Ginobili made it 97-78 with 3:26 to go.