Nike Basketball News

Boston: Green Means Go

TheLetterJ — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 05:18:33 GMT

Individually they are fighting for something they believe belongs to them.

Tried and true. In fact: The Truth. Adversity may be his middle name - overcoming it has catapulted his career among the all-time Celtic greats. Paul Pierce's playoff homework ranges from sacrificing his own prolific offense to banging home game-winners.

You might see it coming. You are powerless to stop it.

But Rajon Rondo is the new face of the franchise. From afterthought to team leader - with a ring in between. From breakout playoff performer to the point guard version of "who's best?"

Making green go. One breathtaking, backbreaking play at a time.

Forget what Glen Davis is listed at: he plays like a man twice his size. At the intersection of massive girth and nimble feet you'll find one of the biggest keys to this green machine.

Big. It's in the nickname; it's in the game.

There are jumpers. High-flyers. Leapers. Human trampolines. And then there is Nate Robinson. Flying high to rock the rim - or steal your dunk. Changing the momentum of a game.

Matched only by lightning-strike three point capacity. And nails-on-the-floor energy.

"Ball Don't Lie." Author: Rasheed Wallace. Truth-sayer. Battle-tested series shifter. And after a career spent kissing that effortless turnaround off glass, he's once again carving out an NBA Finals niche.

Length. Long-distance bombs and the backbone of the back line of defense.

Together they will do whatever it takes to dethrone L.A.

Right-click on the image below to download the Green Means Go wallpaper.

Final Shot: Pierce elbow extended vs. Kobe on the block

tonyhellberg1 — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 21:04:56 GMT

The who: Paul Pierce and Kobe Bryant.

The what: a potential game-winning shot.

The where: elbow extended vs. down on the block.

The when: tonight’s swing game, winner takes series momentum.

The why: because they’re the best at what they do with the game on the line.

Paul Pierce likes his options at the elbow - while Kobe starts thinking about taking his chances after the first dribble that crosses half court. And while Kobe’s likely to hoist a 25-footer for the win - and hit - he’s especially dangerous in the post.

Both shots are nearly impossible to block. Both areas of the floor open the defense up to contact - so a miss is at least backed up by free throw attempts. And both scenarios often lead to double - or even triple - teams, leaving cutting lanes open for their teammates.

And with over two decades worth of pump fakes, spin-backs and crossovers between them, you can’t sleep on The Truth or Black Mamba putting it on the deck and attacking the rim.

So. 1-on1. Game 3 down to the closing seconds. Your team’s trailing by a point. Series momentum hanging in the balance. With a chance to go up 2-1, do you want Pierce at the elbow extended or Kobe on the block?

The Moment: Ready For Anything

TheLetterJ — Wed, 19 May 2010 20:30:15 GMT

The NBA playoffs are all about one thing: the ring.

But forget about being crowned league-best for one second.

The Moment is sometimes about making franchise history - even if the win doesn't even cement you as Eastern Conference champs.

Boston. At Orlando. Game 2. A commanding series lead staring them in the face.

Paul Pierce early - Boston's first 9 points. Paul Pierce late - Game 2's second-most important free throws.

Heaping doses of Rajon Rondo's left hand and Glen Davis' post position in between.

A megadose - in the form of Vince Carter's paired missed free throws - near the end.

And in the end, that commanding series lead staring them in the face.

The Celtics head back to Boston with a rare opportunity: the chance to close out the remaining team with the best overall record.

A series win won't guarantee them home-court in the NBA Finals. But it will get them there. And for the league's most-decorated banner-hangers, a chance is all they'll ask.

After all: this forgotten squad that stumbled into these playoffs is a mere two wins from playing for it all. So consider this incarnation - the first Celtics team in their storied championship history to steal two games on the road with this much at stake - ready for anything.

The Moment: Green and White Storm

TheLetterJ — Sat, 15 May 2010 15:41:15 GMT

The Moment is about the underdog.

It's about putting a dagger right through the heart of the favored opponent - and its MVP leading man.

It's about the loose balls, the tap-backs and the hustle plays that create second-chance opportunities.

It's about all of those things - and the numbers they represent that may never appear in a game recap.

The Moment is about Paul Pierce doing what Paul Pierce does: ignoring his shooting percentage in regulation time.

Because Pierce knows that he’s near-perfect with any series on the line.

It's about Rajon Rondo picking up the pulse of The Moment - while picking and choosing exactly when to pick up the pace, slam on the brakes or jam the passing lanes.

It's about Glen Davis' energy - and Rasheed Wallace's visit to the fountain of youth. The two of them taking turns muscling up on the glass and knocking down knock-out corner threes.

The Moment is about the Boston Celtics looking the national conscience in their home-court eye - and swallowing LeBron James in a green-on-white storm.

It's about a former champion putting its veteran roots on display - while resetting Cleveland to the city's historical norm.

The Moment: No Doubt

TheLetterJ — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 19:16:31 GMT

Defending the Boston Celtics in late-game scenarios really shouldn't be all that difficult.

After all: every opponent pretty much knows what's coming. The difficulty lies in preventing the seemingly inevitable. For as long as Paul Pierce has been in the postseason business, he's carried the burden of shooting in The Moment.

In basketball parlance, its called an isolation play.

In the Celtics playbook, it might as well be called, "just give the ball to Paul."

With a desperate Miami team spurred on by its rabid home crowd, Paul Pierce dribbled into The Moment as the game clock ticked down.

Release. Rotation. Red lights.

Pierce left 0.0 on the clock - and no doubt about the outcome.

Another game-winning shot. A hard-fought two-point win. A commanding 3-0 series lead.

And another chapter authored in the lengthy novel that is Paul Pierce’s living playoff history.

The Collection 3.0: Air Legacy Paul Pierce

TheLetterJ — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 21:42:25 GMT

2008 NBA Finals MVP Paul Pierce has averaged at least 18.0 points per game every year since the 1999-2000 season. While his touches are down this year, The Truth remains an efficient scorer, hitting 46.7% of his shots, 42.0% from distance, and 85.6% from the free throw line.

On Friday night, Paul and the Celtics take on Houston. In his last game against the Rockets, Pierce scored 26 points - in only 28 minutes.

Check out the Air Legacy that Paul has been wearing all year.

All-Star Round-Up: Los Angeles Clippers & Boston Celtics

TheLetterJ — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 05:25:12 GMT

The 2010 Eastern and Western Conference NBA All-Star starters will be announced on Thursday, January 21 - right before a game between the Lakers and the Cavaliers. One week later, on January 28, the remaining All-Stars will be named, after the the results of each conference's coaches vote are announced.

nikebasketball.com will be taking a look at players from all over the league, and stating the case on why specific players have earned a vote from the coaches.

Today's two teams? The Los Angeles Clippers and the Boston Celtics.

Los Angeles Clippers

Chris Kaman

Season stats: 20.4 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 1.34 BPG, 50.6% FG

This Top-15 scorer is on the precipice of also being a Top-15 rebounder and shot blocker while continuing to flirt with the "20 and 10" barrier that marks truly elite front-court players. The tenacious 7-footer's incessant effort and energy is a huge reason why the Clippers are still hovering around the .500 mark - with the potential to slide into Western Conference playoff contention long after All-Star Weekend passes, despite several key injuries to major players throughout the roster.

Boston Celtics

Rajon Rondo

Season stats: 14.1 PPG, 9.6 APG, 2.51 SPG, 53.1% FG

Things point guards are supposed to do: drive, dish and deal with the other team's initial offensive set. Things Rondo does: leads the NBA in steals and the Eastern Conference in assists (4th overall). He's also pumping in a ridiculous 53.1% from the field - a number usually reserved for bigs with dunk-only repertoires and perhaps the most glaring evidence of his blow-by ability. In rekindling his triple double fancy from last year's playoffs, Rondo has shepherded the Celtics to the top of the Atlantic Division.

Paul Pierce

Season stats: 18.2 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.30 SPG

With a continuously improving supporting cast, the C's heart and soul is picking and choosing his spots better than ever. In fact, in his 12th NBA season Pierce is on pace to post the best shooting numbers of his career. Nearly 47% from distance (4th in the league). Ditto overall from the floor. And nearly 85% from the line to boot. His points/rebounds/assists per game have flatlined in the 18/5/4 zone. As noted above, the Green Machine's Ws have not.

Who do you think deserves a trip to Dallas from these teams?

Play With Heart Moments: October 27, 2009

TheLetterJ — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:39:14 GMT

Check out Play With Heart moments from opening night in the NBA from LeBron, Kobe Bryant, Paul Pierce, Lamar Odom, and Greg Oden.

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LeBron played like the MVP he is, scoring 38 points and dishing out 8 assists. But his Play With Heart moments came on the defensive end: two transition blocks to stop Boston from scoring easy points.

Cleveland didn't get the W, as Paul Pierce was clutch in the fourth quarter. In the final 1:03, Pierce hit two jumpers, and knocked in two free throws to ice the 95-89 victory.

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On ring night in Los Angeles, the Lakers beat the hometown rival Clippers, 99-92. Kobe Bryant played a complete game, with 33 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, and 4 steals. Lamar Odom was ready to play, finishing with 16 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 assists--including two highlight passes in the first half.

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In Portland, Greg Oden showed how to Play With Heart in other ways than scoring points. He had 12 rebounds and 5 blocks as he helped Portland beat Houston, 96-87.

What was your favorite Play With Heart moment from Tuesday?

1-on-1: Brandon Roy vs. Paul Pierce - The Last Shot

TheLetterJ — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:59:59 GMT

Tick. Tock. Tick-tock. 3. 2. 1. Buzzer.

Swish.

Even if you've never played organized basketball, chances are you've nailed a few game-winning jumpers - while serving as your own play-by-play announcer - on the hoop in your driveway.

Or a crumpled piece of paper in your cube at the office. A rolled up sock on laundry day.

For elite shot-makers like Brandon Roy and Paul Pierce, it just seems to happen a little more often. With 20,000 or so of their closest friends watching in the stands.

Brandon has become the frontline late-game hero for Portland.

A sturdy 6'6" and 211lbs., he has a knack for absorbing contact while attacking the rim with the game on the line. Backed by the calm on-court demeanor of a player with twice his experience, Brandon also has the range to catch and shoot from just about anywhere on the court - even with the opponent's best defender in his face.

In his three years in the league, you've seen Brandon ice games at the free throw line and rain bombs from 30-feet as time expired. At the tender age of 25, he's already a well-defined constant come winning time.

Paul has been doing it for more than a decade.

The definition of smooth. The designation as "The Truth." An NBA Finals MVP as the defining proof.

When you talk about legendary clutch Boston players - and as the winningest championship franchise in league history, Boston's had more than a few - there aren't many players you'd name before Paul.

His favorite spot: free-throw line, elbow extended. And truth be told, even if his defender beats him to it, Paul’s 6'7" length and veteran poise always seems to pay off in go-ahead buckets for the guys in green.

Game 7s bring out his very best. And in the closing seconds, he makes no hesitation about what’s coming next.

The question:

Who do you want taking the last shot, Brandon Roy or Paul Pierce?

The Family: Playoffs Review

Hotnix — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:09:27 GMT

The injury-ridden reigning champs return to the postseason to face the now evenly matched 7th seed Chicago Bulls. Can Paul Pierce step up once again and lead his Boston Celtics to back to a championship?

They call him “The Truth,” and truth be told, Paul Pierce is a scoring machine. Following up on last year’s playoffs, a six-week stretch during which Pierce became Boston’s top dog and go-to player when they needed a hoop, Pierce has been the target of defenses every night this season. PP responded with 20 points per game, a pretty big number to achieve while wearing a target on the back of his green jersey.

Now Pierce is after consecutive titles, and Boston has a good chance, if they can first get past the surprisingly challenging Chicago Bulls. Chicago is team has struggled for an identity and a place in the postseason in recent years. But they are proving more and more that they belong after taking Boston out in a tight overtime victory Saturday. Led by their rookie point guard, they challenged the champs offensively, matching them point for point throughout much of the game to get the 105-103 victory.

Game two saw the Celtics bounce back from a crushing game one defeat. Pierce’s veteran leadership and 18 points provided a great foundation for the young guns to work from. Their point guard showed some growth since last year’s Finals run, dropping 29 in game one but also providing 19 much needed points in the game two win.

The other key player in Boston’s quest for back-to-back is Big Baby. Glen Davis, who stepped into the power forward breach left by an injury to that large ticket fellow, and has provided some serious frontcourt oomph. With more playing time, Big Baby has taken better shots, and his productivity has skyrocketed. In his second postseason appearance he’s scored 18 points in the first loss but came even stronger with 26 in the win.

If Davis can give opposing defenses something to worry about throughout the postseason, and if their young point guard can break down defenses and score big, then Paul Pierce and his Boston Celtics may well have another ring fitting in their future.

The Family: Versus

Hotnix — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 20:01:44 GMT

The action in the East is heating up as three teams battle for that top spot. Cleveland sits in the hot seat but the #2 Boston Celtics and the #3 Orlando Magic meet this Thursday to overthrow The King.

The West has long been known as the far tougher conference, but recently major trades, blossoming young stars and great coaching has turned the tide in the East, bubbling up teams that are real contenders for the crown. While LeBron James has long kept Cleveland in a threatening position, Boston and Orlando are just a few games away from the Eastern crown.

After one of the most dynamic trades in recent NBA history, Boston created an entirely new program and proved that they are world class. And while their big man is their emotional center, Paul Pierce remains the go-to guy to clench victories. The ultimate role player, he understands when his team needs him to put up 30+ points in a night or when they need him to hit the boards or find opportunities for his teammates. This season he continues to prove that he will do whatever it takes to defend the crown.

Orlando has long been a mainstay in the East but has struggled in recent years to become conference champions. Their most well known weapon is their young superhero center phenom who, averaging 20.9 points and 13.9 rebounds, controls the paint on defense and offense. But as the young team continues to grow, their veteran forward Rashard Lewis is leading them to the Promised Land. After coming to the Magic in the 07-08 season, he’s averaged a strong 18 points and nearly 5.8 rebounds a game, leading the squad to what could be his second straight playoff run.

These two Eastern powerhouses clash Wednesday night at 8:00pm ET.

NBA Regular Season

Monday, March 23

Orlando vs. New York @ 7:30pm ET

Wednesday, March 25

Boston vs. Orlando @ 8:00pm ET

Thursday, March 26

L.A. Lakers vs. Detroit @ 7:30pm ET

Friday, March 27

Denver vs. Dallas @ 8:30pm ET

Sunday, March 29

Dallas vs. Cleveland @ 1:00pm ET

The Family: Versus

Hotnix — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 22:28:01 GMT

This Sunday, the top four teams in the East and the West face off in this season's biggest double-header. Featuring the league's hottest All-stars, all 4 of these teams have the talent, the experience and the desire to play in this season's Finals.

On January 19th, the league's two biggest stars faced off in an epic battle. The reigning MVP Kobe Bryant led Pau Gasol and the rest of the Lakers to a 17 point victory over LeBron James and his Cavs. With the best record in the West, they're steam rolling their way back to the championship series.

But standing in their way is a rematch with Cleveland, a team with arguably the best player in the league, lots of young talent and a hunger to win. After a historic start to the season, LeBron must use all his super-human power, explosiveness and selflessness to lead his team to victory over one of the deepest benches in the NBA.

After a rough, injury-ridden start to the season, including Tony Parker's sprained ankle, San Antonio has climbed into the number 2 spot in the West. A constant threat for the division title, they're facing Boston, the top team in the East and a favorite for the championship trophy.

Boston started the season the same way they ended the last, but Paul Pierce and the reigning champion Celtics hit a rough patch in late December and early January. After losing 7 of 9 games they quickly recovered and have gone undefeated for 11 straight games. Riding the winning momentum, their big 3 is fighting to protect the crown they've battled so long to earn.

This epic double-header starts Sunday 1:00pm.

NBA Regular Season

Monday, January 2

Portland vs. New Orleans @ 8:00PM ET

Tuesday, February 3

San Antonio vs. Denver @ 9:00PM ET

Wednesday, February 4

Miami vs. Detroit @ 7:30PM ET

Thursday, February 5

L.A. Lakers vs. Boston @ 8:00PM ET

Sunday, January 8

San Antonio vs. Boston @ 1:00PM ET

L.A. Lakers vs. Cleveland @ 3:30PM ET

The Family: Versus

Hotnix — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:57:57 GMT

The fight for supremacy in the Eastern conference is always a heated one, and this year the the conference's biggest stars are shining brighter than ever.

When the two teams currently atop the standings meet in Cleveland for conference show down, there will be lots for them to prove and even more for fans to see.

The reigning champs are recovering from a series of losses to the Lakers, the Warriors, the Trailblazers and the Knicks. This is the chance for Paul Pierce to rally his Celtics and show the hoops world they’re still the true beast of east.

For Cleveland, it’s time to prove their day has come. After several seasons of near victories and dramatic heartbreaks, LeBron James will step in to lead his squad to victory with his dominance and a whole bunch of points. But in the end it’ll be the team that wants it more that walks out with the win.

This one tips off Friday at 8:00pm.

NBA Regular Season

Monday, January 5

San Antonio vs. Miami @ 7:30pm ET

Tuesday, January 6

New Orleans vs. L.A. Lakers @ 10:30pm ET

Friday, January 9

Boston vs. Cleveland @ 8:00pm ET

Saturday, January 10

Detroit vs. Utah @ 9:00pm ET

Sunday, January 11

Miami vs. L.A. Lakers @ 9:30pm ET

The Family: Versus Christmas Edition

Hotnix — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 23:26:58 GMT

If everything you wished for isn’t under the tree for you on Christmas morning, don’t fret. Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Paul Pierce and Caron Butler have got you covered on Christmas night. With the Lakers and Celtics squaring off in a rematch of last year’s finals, followed by the magic men of Washington paying a visit to LJ and crew in Cleveland, the night of the 25th is shaping up to be the ultimate holiday two-for-one special.

First up, a bi-coastal clash no amount of sugar cookies could sweeten up. Kobe and company are out to prove the basketball balance of power still resides on the west coast, while Pierce and his partners seek to re-affirm their league dominance and try to break their franchise record 18 game win streak. Tensions should run high on both sides of the ball, as both squads will be looking to light up the scoreboard no matter how Scrooge-worthy the defense gets.

Next up is a showdown that pits the boys from our nation’s capital against the best in the Midwest. Should be a festive night at the Q as LeBron and friends try to cast a spell of their own on the Wizards. Ranked #2 in the East, the Cavs are fighting to topple Washington and anyone else in the way of the NBA championship trophy. That includes #1 ranked Boston. But LeBron and company have to get through Caron Butler's non-stop offensive.

And as if these match-ups weren’t enough to get hoop-loving hearts pounding, Kobe will be unveiling his Zoom Kobe IV iD Christmas Edition while LeBron will debut The Six Chalk Edition for the holiday. How does the song go – it’s the most wonderful time of the year? In this case, wonderful is an understatement.

NBA Regular Season

Monday, December 22

Portland vs. Denver @ 9:00pm ET

Tuesday, December 23

Chicago vs. Detroit @ 8:00pm ET

Thursday, December 25

Boston vs. L.A. Lakers @ 5:00pm ET
Washington vs. Cleveland @ 8:00pmET

Friday, December 26

Houston vs. New Orleans @ 8:00pm ET

Sunday, December 28

Miami vs. Cleveland @ 7:00pm ET

The Family: Versus

Hotnix — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 19:39:14 GMT

Since their big lineup change last season, Boston has played like a team possessed. But as they hold the top spot in the East, Atlanta is climbing the ranks to challenge the crown.

By the way they have been playing it's hard to imagine the Celtics not making their second consecutive appearance in the finals. Behind their fearless leader Paul Pierce, they've racked up 14 straight wins for a total record of 22W – 2L. Averaging 18.8 points and 6 rebounds a game, Pierce and his squad face Atlanta for the second time this season. In their first matchup, The Truth put up 34 points in their narrow 103-102 victory, serving the Hawks their first loss of the season.

But as Boston rules the conference, Atlanta continues to fight for that top seat. So far, they've had a season to remember. After starting the regular season undefeated, they recently returned to form by beating Miami and breaking the Cavs 11 game win streak. With their back court stars combining for an average of almost 40 points a game and last season's Rookie of the Year runner up Al Horford putting up 11 points and 8 rebounds a night, the Hawks occupy the number 4 seat in the conference.

This season, the Celtics and the Hawks are showing the West that the East is in the house. Danger.

NBA Regular Season

Tuesday, December 16

New York vs. L.A. Lakers @ 10:30pm ET

Wednesday, December 17

Boston vs. Atlanta @ 7:00pm ET

Thursday, December 18

Phoenix vs. Portland @ 10:30pm ET

Friday, December 5

Cleveland vs. Denver @ 10:30pm ET

Saturday, December 20

Utah vs. Chicago @ 8:30pm ET