Edition: U.S. / Global

Friday, December 5, 2014

Pro Basketball

Wilt the Stilt Becomes Wilt the Stamp

By DAVID DAVIS
United States Postal Service

Wilt Chamberlain, who dominated basketball in the 1960s, is being honored on Friday with his own postage stamp. Spoiler alert: They’re taller than most stamps.

On Pro Basketball
After a 5-7 start this season, LeBron James and the Cavaliers won their fifth straight game Thursday night, beating the Knicks, 90-87, at Madison Square Garden.

Taking Control and Having His Say

By HARVEY ARATON

If LeBron James handles his organizational power as well as he has embraced his role as an athlete unafraid to address social issues, the Cavaliers need not worry.

Hornets 103, Knicks 102
The Knicks’ Carmelo Anthony reacted as the Hornets congratulated Kemba Walker on his game-winning shot as time expired.

Knicks Storm Back, and Then Fall to Hornets at the Buzzer

By VIV BERNSTEIN

With a disheartening loss to the Hornets, the Knicks took one step closer to lottery relevance.

The 76ers are 1-17, nearly tying the league’s record for futility to start a season.

76ers Keep Losing, and It’s All Part of the Plan

By DAVID GELLES

The franchise with more N.B.A. Finals trips than any team besides the Lakers and Celtics is trying to return to greatness with a team built to lose.

Cavaliers Coach David Blatt during a game against the Boston Celtics last month. He had spent 20 years coaching overseas before he agreed to coach Cleveland in June.

David Blatt and the Cavaliers Are Putting the Pieces Together

By SCOTT CACCIOLA

After a slow start under its new coach, David Blatt, Cleveland faced the Knicks at the Garden on Thursday looking for its fifth straight victory.

Cavaliers 90, Knicks 87
The Knicks' Carmelo Anthony, left, going after a ball in the second half of a loss to the Cavaliers.

Unable to Stop Kyrie Irving, Knicks Extend Skid

By ANDREW KEH

The Knicks had a 5-point lead entering the fourth quarter, but they failed to contain Irving, who finished with 37 points for the Cavaliers.

On Pro Basketball
The Spurs’ title in June came as relief to Coach Gregg Popovich because the team had blown a lead in the 2013 finals.

A Little Solace Amid a Lot of Winning

By HARVEY ARATON

Since Tim Duncan joined Coach Gregg Popovich in San Antonio, the Spurs have been contenders or champions every season. Still, missed opportunities — the 2013 finals, in particular — haunt Popovich.

Nets 95, Spurs 93 (Overtime)
Front, left to right, Joe Johnson, Brook Lopez and Alan Anderson as the Nets prepared to wrap up a victory over the Spurs, the defending champions.

A Night Later, the Nets Earn Another Victory, This One Over the Champions

By ANDREW KEH

The Nets, beating their first quality opponent of the season, halted the San Antonio Spurs’ eight-game winning streak.

N.B.A. Roundup
Philadelphia’s K. J. McDaniels passes away from Minnesota’s Mo Williams, left, and Corey Brewer in Wednesday’s win.

Philadelphia Avoids Tying Record-Worst Start With a Win Over Minnesota

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins has been released from the hospital after receiving treatment for a viral infection that will keep him sidelined through the weekend.

Sports of The Times
The Nets, with an N.B.A.-high payroll around $98 million, had little to smile about Sunday in the final minutes of their 102-84 loss at home to the Chicago Bulls.

For Knicks and Nets, More Money, More Problems

By MICHAEL POWELL

The Knicks and the Nets have two of the N.B.A.'s highest payrolls, but had a combined 10-23 record entering Tuesday night’s matchup.

News From A.P. and Reuters »

Editors' Picks
Memphis’s Marc Gasol, during a victory over Sacramento on Nov. 13, is noticeably skinnier than he was last year.
A Big Man Shrinks Into a New Role
By BILLY WITZ

Marc Gasol, who “looks like he lost 50 pounds,” according to one teammate, was averaging 20.2 points a game entering Sunday amid speculation he might leave the Memphis Grizzlies as a free agent.

The Thunder’s Russell Westbrook, left, scored 32 points Friday against the Knicks in his return from a broken hand.
On Pro Basketball
The Absence of Two Stars May Have Lifted the Thunder’s Game
By SCOTT CACCIOLA

For 14 games, the Oklahoma City Thunder discovered what life was like without Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant in the lineup: unpleasant. But the benefit is that the second unit has become more self-reliant.

Derek Fisher, left, with J.R. Smith, has made the transition from being a player this time last year to being the coach of the Knicks.
Sports of The Times
As Knicks’ Derek Fisher Finds, Coaching’s Burdens Are Heavy
By WILLIAM C. RHODEN

No matter how long you have played, no matter how often you have been labeled a coach on the court, you are never prepared for the extent to which coaching can take over your life.

Carmelo Anthony was surrounded by Nets defenders Friday night, when he missed 20 of 25 shots in a third straight loss.
On Pro Basketball
It’s Elementary: Knicks’ Problem Is Chemistry, Not Geometry
By HARVEY ARATON

A handful of games in, most of them unsightly, discussion of the Knicks’ triangle offense is deflecting attention from a roster that is ill-suited for it.

The 76ers’ Nerlens Noel, left, with Chris Johnson, was the sixth overall pick in the 2013 draft. He was obtained in a trade with the Pelicans.
Beneath a Pile of Losses, the Philadelphia 76ers Seek a Formula for Victory
By HARVEY ARATON

The 76ers, who are winless and have a mostly anonymous roster, could take a step toward success by getting a high draft pick next year.

A field at Lloyd Barbee Montessori, a Milwaukee public school, reflects the poor state of many of the city’s playing surfaces and recreation centers.
Sports of The Times
An Arena Fairy Tale With Blurred Morals
By MICHAEL POWELL

The Bucks have joined the list of professional sports teams that have sought public financing to build arenas or stadiums, even as Milwaukee’s schools and recreation centers face money problems.

The Knicks acquired Jim Cleamons (35) as a free agent in October 1978, which, in turn, led to Walt Frazier (11) being shipped to Cleveland.
On Pro Basketball
Reminder of Knicks’ Dysfunction Is Again Hoping to Solve It
By HARVEY ARATON

Jim Cleamons, a current assistant and former Knicks player, has ties to Phil Jackson, the team president, and an awkward history with Walt Frazier, the TV analyst.

O’Neal earned more than $21 million last year through his business and TV work, his management team said.
Looming Even Larger Off the Court
By SCOTT CACCIOLA

Shaquille O’Neal, the former N.B.A. All-Star, has earned millions by promoting a wide variety of products, such as jewelry and soda.

LeBron James during a Cleveland exhibition. Owners’ claims of penury “will not fly with us” after huge television deals, he said.
On Pro Basketball
Owners Can’t Line Their Pockets Now and Cry Poverty Later, LeBron James Says
By HARVEY ARATON

With the N.B.A. announcing $24 billion worth of television contract deals, James threw down the gauntlet on future collective bargaining negotiations.

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