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What’s the real story of the Rockets?
Good morning. We have that and more in Monday’s NBA newsletter.
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Let’s basketball.
More Than A Beard
Paul Flannery dove into the Houston Rockets in this week’s Sunday Shootaround. The story has been James Harden’s excellence under Mike D’Antoni. But the story of how the Rockets finish the season will be much deeper. Flannery talked to architect Daryl Morey, D’Antoni and more. Shootaround also has his All-Snub team and more. Check it out.
4-Point Play
- The NBA wasn’t oblivious to President Trump’s executive order banning immigration from and travel to the United States by citizens of seven majority-Muslim nations. There were immediate concerns Milwaukee’s Thon Maker, a South Sudan national with an Australian passport, wouldn’t be allowed to return from Toronto Friday night. (He was. Sudan is on the ban list, not South Sudan.) The NBA is working with the U.S. State Department to determine the ban’s impact on its players. Meanwhile, players and coaches are speaking out. Here’s Steve Kerr’s passionate protest of the ban.
- Two Americans playing professionally in Iran were on a team-sponsored trip to Dubai when Iran retaliated with a travel ban on Americans. Those players, Joseph Jones and J.P. Prince, may be forced to miss the rest of the season and may not be allowed to collect their things in Tehran. Michael McCann explains other issues the NBA and sports leagues could run into here.
- Steph Curry has returned to memedom. He hit a halfcourt shot at the end of the half against the Clippers on Saturday, and Draymond Green’s dap sent Steph to the floor in hilarious fashion. The internet had fun with it.
- The Knicks and Hawks played a four-overtime instant anti-classic on Sunday. Here are the seven most ridiculous things from the game, according to Tim Cato. Carmelo Anthony, meanwhile, hit two key game-tying shots and scored 45 before eventually fouling out. And Paul Millsap became the first guy in a long time to play 60 minutes.
Scores Galore ...
NYK 139, ATL 142 (4OT)
OKC 91, CLE 107
HOU 101, IND 120
WAS 107, NOP 94
ORL 114, TOR 113
PHI 108, CHI 121
DAL 105, SAS 101
GSW 113, POR 111
... And Plenty More
LeBron and the Cavaliers are reportedly at loggerheads over spending. James just wants Cavs owner Dan Gilbert to live up to his promise.
Sure, Brian Scalabrine, wear a Celtic green jacket with your face on it and your name misspelled.
Be excellent to each other.
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