effort

So many things are behind the Boston Celtics’ sweltering defensive start. Better defensive rebounding. The ability to dissuade shots at the rim. Scores of similarly sized wings who are able to switch across almost every position with each other. Al Horford doing a ton of switching himself. Marcus Smart’s capacity to, as a point guard, [...]

Coach Pop gonna Coach Pop. Following the San Antonio Spurs’ loss to the Chicago Bulls, their first road L of the season, Gregg Popovich disparaged his team’s effort, per ESPN.com’s Michael C. Wright: Asked whether it was his job to make sure the Spurs were ready to play, Popovich said, “I don’t remember playing tonight. [...]

The Washington Wizards may be the most disappointing team in the NBA through 20 games at 7-13. They have been unable to build any chemistry or momentum with either unit and despite being relatively healthy and talented, they look lethargic and are nowhere near a playoff team. If you want an example of how bad [...]

On Thursday night, the New York Knicks got blasted by the Washington Wizards, who have arguably been the NBA’s worst team, relative to summer expectations, this season. Then, afterward, they were blasted by one of their own: Brandon Jennings. From the New York Post‘s Marc Berman: “We haven’t been locking in well on the road,” [...]

The Dallas Mavericks have been eliminated from playoff contention for the first time in more than a decade. So in theory, the only thing they’re playing for is pride. Last night Dallas’ O.J. Mayo had a crack at his former team, the Memphis Grizzlies. But according to Dallas head coach Rick Carlisle, O.J. didn’t put [...]