Nike Basketball News

Play With Heart Moments: November 19, 2009

jechee — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:51:24 GMT

Rashard Lewis provided one of Wednesday's Play With Heart Moments when he returned to the court.

On Thursday night, it was time for Pau Gasol to make his regular-season debut for the Los Angeles Lakers. Gasol got off to a quick start, scoring 10 of his team's first 13 points. In 34 minutes, Gasol would finish up with 24 points and 13 rebounds, as the Lakers beat the Bulls 108-93.

Don't just play. Play With Heart. See what Playing With Heart means to LeBron James, and pledge your heart to the game.

The Collection 3.0: Zoom Sharkalaid Deron Williams

jechee — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:33:49 GMT

In his fifth season, Deron Williams is unquestionably one of Utah's leaders, and he hopes the team will make The Leap from playoff team to Western Conference Champion to NBA Champion.

After 12 games, Deron is second in the NBA in assists per game (9.8) and minutes played (39.8).

And during all those minutes, he's been getting an assist from the Zoom Sharkalaid.

Take a look at the wallpaper, and let us know what you think.

Play With Heart Moments: November 18, 2009

jechee — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:04:05 GMT

A near triple-double and a rookie stepping up highlight Wednesday night's Play With Heart Moments.

Rashard Lewis made his on-court season debut for the Orlando Magic, and was one assist away from his first triple-double in the NBA. The Magic beat the Thunder 108-94, as Lewis rang up 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists - without playing the fourth quarter.

Eric Maynor chipped in 11 fourth-quarter points in a 104-91 Utah Jazz victory over the Toronto Raptors. With Ronnie Price inactive due to injury, Maynor logged 23 minutes, often as part of a backcourt with Deron Williams, with Maynor running the point, and Williams sliding to shooting guard. Maynor finished wih 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists. Stepping up when your team needs you? That's Playing With Heart.

Don't just play. Play With Heart. See what Playing With Heart means to LeBron James, and pledge your heart to the game.

School Days: Greg Oden

jechee — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:44:55 GMT

Portland, OR via Columbus, OH via Indianapolis, IN via Terre Haute, IN via Buffalo, NY.

Well-traveled by the time he was taken No. 1 overall by the Portland Trail Blazers, Greg Oden was also heavily adorned.

He led Ohio State to the championship game as a raw college freshman, sure. But in high school, Greg had already led Lawrence North to three straight Class 4A Indiana state titles.

"We had a great coach, a great coaching staff. Being around them and the things they taught me, it helped me, my mom, my whole family. It was really great being there and learning under a staff that had produced so many great players."

In a basketball-crazy state.

"When I was in Indiana, the high school basketball was really, really good. There are a lot of guys in the league now from all around that area - especially the city of Indianapolis - that I played against. And it was just fun. Every game was packed - all my high school games were sold out. And it was just exciting. Indiana loves its high school basketball."

They won 45 consecutive games to close out his career, including an undefeated senior year as Greg averaged 22.0 points and 10.5 rebounds per game while shooting an insanely high 74% from the floor. Saving his best for last, he dropped 27 points and ripped down 26 boards against Muncie Central, fiercely controlling the title tilt.

Having a great point guard sure didn't hurt.

"When you have a great point guard, you know those teams are always going to be good. I was blessed to be on teams with one."

Greg built a rock-solid relationship with his point guard.

"We'd knew each other for so long. It was to the point where we were always around each other. People tried to make it like we were the best of friends, but it was even more simple than that. I thought, 'Man, I'm just happy to be around him everyday!' We were able to grow that connection on the court to the point where we just clicked."

Of course, it didn't hurt that Greg was willing to do all the dirty work.

"Somebody's just got to do it. It's a team game so you've got to do a little bit of everything. There are guys out there who are scorers, who are going to get 20, 30 points a game. They just do that. But there's also other guys who are going to get 10 rebounds a game, get 3 blocks a game - and maybe only score a couple of points."

For Greg, it's about embracing the concept of "team."

"You need guys to do that rebounding and defensive work just as much as you need the guys to score. Team means a lot to me. I'm one of those players who isn't worried about scoring - I just want to go out there and help the team in any way possible. There's always going to be a need for defense, there's always going to be a need for rebounding. So that's what I want to go out there and do."

Greg did it so well, McDonald's called with a spot on their All-American squad.

Indiana named him Mr. Basketball.

Before that? He was just the first high school junior since LeBron James to be named Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year.

But none of those awards drove Greg on the court.

"I never really though about any of that stuff - I just kept on playing. I just wanted to go in and play hard, have fun with it. I was never really thinking about what could come out of it. I wasn't even thinking about where I was gong to go to college until my senior year. I thought, 'OK, I'm going to Ohio State next year.' When I was younger, I just went out and played."

And the hype?

"It has never affected me. Even still to this day - positive or negative - it doesn't bother me at all. I try not to listen to that - I just go out there and play my game."

For Greg, it's about the love he developed for the game.

"I was always way more interested in school than I was in basketball. You know, I really just started playing basketball 'cause I didn't have anything else to do. But then I fell in love with it - just kept playing, and playing and playing. So for young players today, just keep developing that love for the game. Just go out there and play. Don't worry about all the outside influences or what people say. You know what you can do - go out there and have fun."

And pressure? He brushes that aside.

"I try not to think about that, either. I already put a lot of pressure on myself to play well - so I don't worry about what everybody else is saying. If you focus on what you're saying to yourself - on what you want to do and what you know you can do - then all you have to do is go out there and do it."

He entered the NBA as its top draft pick, having never lost a home game in college or high school. But before he got a shot to defend the Rose Garden - his new home court - Greg underwent microfracture surgery to fix his knee and missed the entire season. He was also forced to miss the beginning of his freshman year at Ohio State with a wrist injury.

"It was tough. I really couldn't participate in any of the summer workouts. But it was good, too. I enjoyed being there and just seeing everything, taking it all in. The excitement from missing those first 8 games at Ohio State just got me all rammed up to go when I got back."

And after getting his knee all the way back through a grueling year of rehab, Greg started to deliver on all the promise that catapulted him to the top of the NBA Draft.

"You just have to keep going and try not to worry about it. Injuries happen - they happen to everybody. You can always push through it and you can always learn and be better than you were before you even had the injury. I just used it as an opportunity to get better, get my body stronger and learn something new to improve my game."

Play With Heart Moments: November 17, 2009

jechee — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:54:12 GMT

Another 40-game for Kobe Bryant, and a come-from-behind win for the Phoenix Suns were the settings for Tuesday's Play With Heart Moments.

Kobe Bryant enjoyed his 100th career 40-point game, as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Detroit Pistons, 106-93. Kobe has entered the zone as a permanent resident this season - last year he had four 40-point games all year. In 11 games this year? He's matched that total. That's Playing With Heart.

In Houston, Amare Stoudemire led the high-octane Suns offense with 23 points, to lead Phoenix over the Rockets, 111-105. The Suns have topped 100 points in every game this season, and Amare's 19.5 points per game are a big reason why Phoenix is the first team to win 10 games.

Don't just play. Play With Heart. See what Playing With Heart means to LeBron James, and pledge your heart to the game.

The Collection 3.0: Blue Chip II Caron Butler

jechee — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:29:55 GMT

Forward Caron Butler is one of two players in the NBA to average at least 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists per game in each of the last two seasons. Caron and the Washington Wizards will be on national television tonight taking on the other player with those statistics - LeBron James.

When Caron takes the court, he'll be wearing the Blue Chip II.

Take a look at the wallpaper, and tell us what you think of the shoe by leaving a comment.

1-on-1: Rudy Fernandez vs. Marc Gasol - Better Player From Spain

jechee — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:55:05 GMT

Sweet-shooting. High-flying. Spaniard.

Big-bodied. Low post-patrolling. Spaniard.

Born in Palma de Mallorca, Rudy Fernandez is a 6'6" shooting guard with Slam Dunk Contest credentials and the NBA rookie record for three-point field goals made (159). He boasts Catalan League, FIBA EuroCup, Spanish King's Cup and ULEB Cup championships.

And on several of those title teams, Rudy was named MVP.

A first-round NBA Draft pick in 2007, he was named to the All-Rookie team last year.

Born in Barcelona, 7'1" Marc Gasol began making a name for himself at the Lausanne Collegiate School (Memphis, Tennessee) as a dominant high school big man living with his NBA All-Star big brother, Pau.

Marc returned to Europe and picked up a Spanish League championship and a Spanish League MVP before being selected in the second round of the 2007 NBA Draft.

After breaking Pau's franchise record for field goal percentage, Marc joined Rudy on the 2009 NBA All-Rookie team.

Two players. Two completely different styles of play. Two hometowns. One country.

But this one's no slam dunk:

Between Rudy Fernandez and Marc Gasol, who's the better Spaniard?

Combat Players of the Week: November 9 to November 15

jechee — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:49:41 GMT

Basketball is combat. You have to attack your man on both ends of the floor. That means pushing the ball on offense, taking it to the hole, being willing to draw contact and then fight through it to finish. It means attacking on defense. Getting position and maintaining that position. Taking the ball away and altering shots. And owning the glass – being relentless on both the offensive and defensive side.

Every Monday, a guard, a wing, and a big will be nominated as the Combat Players of the Week. The team that exemplifies what Combat is all about will be recognized, as well. Here are the players who were Prepared For Combat last week.

Guard: Tyreke Evans (Sacramento Kings)
The Rookie has put up some good numbers early on in Sacramento. And what's most impressive is how he's attacked on both ends of the floor, witnessed by his 6.4 trips to the line pre game (second among guards), and 1.4 steals (fifth among all guards). He's showing big growth, going for 23.8 points, 6.3 boards, and 5.3 assists over the last week.

Wing: Luol Deng (Chicago Bulls)
Deng's game has shown big growth this season – adding nearly 4 points and 4 boards to last season's numbers. On Saturday, he just missed his 3rd double-double of the season, finishing with 19 points and 9 rebounds. And back on the 3rd at Milwaukee, Luol put together an eye-popping line of 24 points and 20 boards.

Big: Greg Oden (Portland Trail Blazers)
On the season, Oden has added a point, a rebound, and a block over last year's numbers. And he was even bigger in three Portland wins lat week - check out these numbers: 14 points and 6 rebounds against Memphis, a season-high 18 points and 11 rebounds against Minnesota, and 8 points and 12 rebounds against New Orleans. Add in 2.5 blocks a game, and you get a sense for the continued evolution of the man in the middle in the Pacific Northwest.

Team: Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta's 8-2 record is fueled by playing aggressive and as a team. They've won their past 4, including big wins on the road in harsh environments of New York and Boston, followed by a home win over the Hornets. And they have a balanced attack, with 5 players averaging in double figures.

Who should be the Combat Player of the Week? Evans, Deng, or Oden?

Play With Heart Moments: November 12, 2009

jechee — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:10:16 GMT

Thursday night in the NBA. Two games on the schedule. LeBron. Kobe. The Cavaliers took on the resurgent Heat, while the Lakers played the Suns, who have gone back to their high-scoring ways.

In Miami, LeBron led Cleveland over the Heat, 111-104. While LeBron scored 34 points and dished out 7 assists, the difference makers were Mo Williams and J.J. Hickson. Williams hit 5-7 from behind the arc to finish with 25 points, while Hickson scored a career-high 18 points.

The Suns came into Staples Center to play its seventh game in ten days. The Lakers took advantage of having three days off, and charged ahead to a 121-102 victory. Kobe had another good day at the office, with 29 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. He continued to demonstrate his new arsenal of post moves. Spending the summer in the gym adding weapons to your game, all after winning your fourth cookie? That's how you Play With Heart.

Don't just play. Play With Heart. See what Playing With Heart means to LeBron James, and pledge your heart to the game.

Play With Heart Moments: November 10, 2009

jechee — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:39:18 GMT

Tuesday's Play With Heart Moments included a 14-point road win and double-double to help one of the league's youngest teams prevail.

In Memphis, LaMarcus Aldridge powered Portland to a 93-79 victory over the Grizzlies. He filled up the stat sheet with 16 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks. Aldridge helped the Trail Blazers get off to a good start on its five-game road trip. In high school, in college, or in the pros, winning on the road requires Playing With Heart.

Jason Thompson led Sacramento over Oklahoma City, 101-98. Thompson notched a double-double, with 21 points and 14 rebounds - 7 on the offensive glass. The win evened Sacramento's record at 4-4, which is the first time the Kings have been playing .500 ball since December of 2006.

Don't just play. Play With Heart. See what Playing With Heart means to LeBron James, and pledge your heart to the game.

Play With Heart Moments: November 9, 2009

jechee — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:32:13 GMT

Steve Nash scored 21 points last night in a 119-115 victory over Philadelphia last night. But that wasn't the most impressive part of his evening. Why not? He also dished out 20 assists - in 36 minutes.

Helping five of your teammates score in double figures? Recording 37 assists in your past two games? That's Playing With Heart.

Don't just play. Play With Heart. See what Playing With Heart means to LeBron James, and pledge your heart to the game.

The Collection 3.0: Air Max LeBron VII New York Energy / "Red Carpet"

jechee — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:49:22 GMT

Last Friday, in his only appearance in Madison Square Garden, LeBron James led the Cavaliers to a 100-91 victory. LeBron was on fire in the first quarter, scoring 19 points on 8-9 shooting.

The game also marked the on-court debut of a special colorway of the Air Max LeBron VII. Often referred to as the "Red Carpet" version of the Air Max LeBron VII, the shoe trades its Flywire upper for a luxurious texture.

To celebrate The King's most recent appearance in New York, a limited number of these shoes will go on sale later this week in the New York area. If you're not in the New York area, or you miss out this week, the shoe will be more broadly available right after Thanksgiving.

Check out the photos, and tell us what you think in the comments.

1-on-1: Russell Westbrook vs. Rajon Rondo - Better Late-Blooming Young Point Guard

jechee — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:23:55 GMT

Today, you know one of these guys as a rim-rattling open-court maestro. The other? As the fearless lead-guard of one of the NBA's most storied franchises.

So if I told you that Russell Westbrook couldn't dunk until his senior year of high school. If I told you that just two years ago, Rajon Rondo was considered the weak link on a title-contending team.

How crazy would you think we were?

Thing is, both of those things are true. And it's the respective rise in each of their games that got us talking around the water cooler.

In one camp, there's the argument for raw athleticism unleashed.

The kind of kid who measures in at a respectable 6'3" 187 - and then gets his elbow stuck in the rim and reaches points on the backboard like guys more than half a foot taller. You know: the guys whose images just last a little longer in your mind when you start thinking about the pantheon of NBA dunkers all-time.

Crazy, when you think back and realize that when Russell was rocking his high school letterman's jacket, dude had about as much hops as the lead trumpet player in the band.

In the other camp, there's the argument for true game management taken to magic levels.

Triple-doubles-in-the-playoffs extremes. The kind of on-court leadership that filled the void of a missing team captain, went face-to-face with the other team's young rising star looking to make his mark and carried his squad on to the next round.

Ridiculous, when you think back and remember that people were saying the Celtics won the chip in spite of Rajon.

So here we are.

The decision is yours. Do you vote in favor of pure physicality? Or do you sway on over to the side on on-court mastery?

Who's the better late-bloomer: Russell Westbrook or Rajon Rondo?

Combat Players of the Week: November 2 to November 8

jechee — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:24:03 GMT

Basketball is combat. You have to attack your man on both ends of the floor. That means pushing the ball on offense, taking it to the hole, being willing to draw contact and then fight through it to finish. It means attacking on defense. Getting position and maintaining that position. Taking the ball away and altering shots. And owning the glass – being relentless on both the offensive and defensive side.

Every Monday, a guard, a wing, and a big will be nominated as the Combat Players of the Week. The team that exemplifies what Combat is all about will be recognized, as well. Here are the players who were Prepared For Combat last week.

Guard: Louis Williams (Philadephia 76ers)
Against New York on Wednesday, Louis played a career high in minutes (42) and pulled down a career high 10 rebounds. On the season he is 2nd among guards in rebounds (5.6) and is attacking the basket, getting to the line 5 times per game.

Wing: Danny Granger, (Indiana Pacers)
Granger leads Wings in two key categories that symbolize how often he is attacking. On offense, it’s getting to the line – 7.4 times a game. Meanwhile on the defensive side, he's dictating position, resulting in a more than solid 2.4 steals/game.

Big: Chris Kaman (Los Angeles Clippers)
Who would have thought the Clippers would be hanging tough with Blake Griffin on the sidelines? Kaman has scored over 20 in 6 straight games – averaging 23.0 points, which is nearly double the 12 points per game he averaged last year. He's attacking in a variety of ways – facing the basket, finishing at the rim, and posting up on the block. Oh and he's adding 9.9 boards and 1.9 blocks every night.

Team: Oklahoma City Thunder
This team has grown up before our eyes – routing the Magic by 28 and taking the Lakers to OT before losing. And they are coming out with a killer attitude we didn't see as often last year. Against the Magic and up by 9 at halftime, the Thunder came out and opened the 3rd quarter with an 8-0 run. That’s what tough teams do – they close out games and come out attacking.

Who should be the Combat Player of the Week? Williams, Granger, or Kaman?

Play With Heart Moments: November 8, 2009

jechee — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:07:13 GMT

Over the weekend, two players - including one rookie - stepped up and Play With Heart.

In Sacramento, Tyreke Evans took his game to another level. With the team's leading scorer out for at least two months, Evans put up a a career-high 32 points in a 104-99 win in Utah on November 7. Evans was aggressive, getting to the line for 19 free throws, making 16 of them. He also got his teammates involved, dishing out 7 assists. The next day, he scored 18 of his 23 points in the second quarter to lead the Kings over Golden State, 120-107. Over the weekend, he totalled 55 points, 11 rebounds, 9 assists, and most importantly, two wins. That's Playing With Heart.

Kevin Durant continues to lead Oklahoma City to victories, this time against Orlando. Durant had 27 points, 9 rebounds, and 1 assist in the 102-74 victory. He also contributed on the defensive end, with 3 steals, including one that led to a breakaway dunk in the second quarter.

Don't just play. Play With Heart. See what Playing With Heart means to LeBron James, and pledge your heart to the game.