Sports

Injuries Again Playing Prominent Role in NBA Playoffs

Published

11 years ago

April 22, 2015

Portland Trail Blazers’ Arron Afflalo, left, has his shot blocked by Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, April 9, 2015, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

JON KRAWCZYNSKI, AP Basketball Writer

The NBA playoffs have picked up right where the regular season left off — with key players fighting to stay healthy when they are needed most.

Injuries threaten to play a pivotal role in several first-round series, including all three Game 2s tonight — Spurs at Clippers, Nets at Hawks and Trail Blazers at Grizzlies.

The defending champions are missing big man Tiago Splitter, and his replacement Aron Baynes was exploited by the Clippers in their Game 1 victory. Tony Parker is also ailing, and the Spurs were hoping to take advantage of an extra day between Games 1 and 2 to get them both on the mend.

The Hawks lost defensive specialist Thabo Sefolosha just before the playoffs after a confrontation with police in New York City and Al Horford dislocated the pinky finger on his right hand in Game 1, but plans to play through it.

And the banged-up Blazers hope to get Arron Afflalo back from a strained right shoulder that kept him out for the previous six games while LaMarcus Aldridge continues to play through a torn ligament in his left thumb for the last three months.

“The intent and purpose for me being on this team this season with all the injuries we’ve had was to help us win and win big,” Afflalo said. “So I wasn’t brought here to watch. I wasn’t brought here just to play a small role, and obviously I felt I could’ve helped the team … I’m doing what I can to get healthy.”

The Grizzlies are on the other side — at least somewhat.

Memphis got Tony Allen (hamstring) back in the lineup and Mike Conley is playing with a sprained right foot. Both played well in their dominating Game 1 win.

“Hopefully they keep getting better and the time in between is nice and that should help,” coach David Joerger said.

In other series, Chicago’s Nikola Mirotic is hoping to play in Game 3 in Milwaukee on Thursday despite a strained left quadriceps and swollen left knee; Dallas forward Chandler Parsons tweaked a knee injury that bothered him at the end of the regular season and in Game 1 against Houston.

Here’s a look at the three NBA playoff games Wednesday (all times EDT):

___

Spurs at Clippers, Clippers lead 1-0, Game 2, 10:30 p.m. TNT

Blake Griffin and Chris Paul led the way for the Clippers in Game 1, but Jamal Crawford’s efficient play off the bench was huge to help balance things out for Los Angeles.

Crawford scored 17 points on 7-for-10 shooting, including 3 of 4 on 3-pointers to provide the all-important scoring bridge the Clippers needed when Paul went to the bench for a rest. The Clippers’ second unit has been a weakness for much of the season, especially at point guard behind Paul. But if Crawford, one of the league’s slickest ball-handlers at combo guard, can provide that type of lift on a regular basis, the champs could be in trouble.

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said Tiago Splitter could see more than the 10 minutes he played in Game 1, which would be a huge help to the overmatched Aron Baynes, who was dunked on twice by Griffin in an explosive performance.

___

Nets at Hawks, Hawks lead 1-0, Game 2, 7 p.m. NBATV

The Nets could get an emotional boost from the return of Mirza Teletovic. He was ruled out for the season on Jan. 23 with blood clots in his lungs, but coach Lionel Hollins said on Tuesday that he would be listed as probable for Game 2.

Teletovic averaged 8.5 points and 4.4 rebounds for the Nets in 44 games this season, but Hollins said his upgrade did not mean that he would play for certain.

Any little bit could help a Brooklyn team that appeared overmatched by the top-seeded Hawks for much of Game 1. Veteran Alan Anderson figures to get more playing time over youngster Markel Brown in Game 2 as the Nets try to keep up with Atlanta’s superior ball movement.

Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer figures to get a warm welcome from the home crowd in his first game since being named NBA coach of the year. Budenholzer spent 16 years as Gregg Popovich’s assistant in San Antonio, and he got emotional while talking about Popovich’s influence as he accepted the award.

“This award has a permanent spot on his desk in San Antonio,” Budenholzer said. “He just shares it around the league every couple of years.”

___

Trail Blazers at Grizzlies, Grizzlies lead 1-0, Game 2, 8 p.m. TNT

This is the eighth postseason trip for Memphis, and the Grizzlies never have taken a 2-0 lead in a series. It’s also a detail they insisted Tuesday they hadn’t heard about before.

“But we like to be the first here in Memphis to try to do something different here, that hadn’t been done since I’ve been here,” Grizzlies guard Mike Conley said. “To go up 2-0 would be great for us, and it’s going to be tough with the way that they’re going to adjust.”

The biggest adjustment Portland can make is trying to hit shots. LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard combined to shoot 18 of 55 in losing Game 1 100-86. The Trail Blazers had their worst shooting performance of the season as Memphis set a postseason mark for holding Portland to 33.7 percent. Lillard was 5 of 21, missing all six of his 3-point attempts.

“Four out of the first five misses were halfway down, so they felt good,” Lillard said. “I felt good out there. I think it was just a game where we got outplayed and we weren’t good enough offensively or defensively to win the game.”

Memphis has won 10 of the last 11 overall against Portland.

___

AP Sports Writers Teresa M. Walker in Memphis, Tennessee, and Paul Newberry in Atlanta contributed to this report.

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Seth Curry Makes Impressive Debut with the Golden State Warriors

Seth looked comfortable in his new uniform, seamlessly fitting into the Warriors’ offensive and defensive system. He finished the night with an impressive 14 points, becoming one of the team’s top scorers for the game. Seth’s points came in a variety of ways – floaters, spot-up three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and a handful of aggressive drives that kept the Oklahoma City Thunder defense on its heels.

Published

2 months ago

December 4, 2025

Oakland Post

Seth Curry is a point guard on the GSW team.Photo courtesy of the Golden State Warriors.

By Y’Anad Burrell

Tuesday night was anything but ordinary for fans in San Francisco as Seth Curry made his highly anticipated debut as a new member of the Golden State Warriors. Seth didn’t disappoint, delivering a performance that not only showcased his scoring ability but also demonstrated his added value to the team.

At 35, the 12-year NBA veteran on Monday signed a contract to play with the Warriors for the rest of the season.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came before Seth even scored his first points. As he checked into the game, the Chase Center erupted into applause, with fans rising to their feet to give the newest Warrior a standing ovation.

The crowd’s reaction was a testament not only to Seth’s reputation as a sharpshooter but also to the excitement he brings to the Warriors. It was clear that fans quickly embraced Seth as one of their own, eager to see what he could bring to the team’s championship aspirations.

Warriors’ superstar Steph Curry – Seth’s brother – did not play due to an injury. One could only imagine what it would be like if the Curry brothers were on the court together. Magic in the making.

Seth’s debut proved to be a turning point for the Warriors. Not only did he contribute on the scoreboard, but he also brought a sense of confidence and composure to the floor.

While their loss last night, OKC 124 – GSW 112, Seth’s impact was a game-changer and there’s more yet to come. Beyond statistics, it was clear that Seth’s presence elevated the team’s performance, giving the Warriors a new force as they look to make a deep playoff run.

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Barbara Lee

WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries Kick Off Season with Community Programs in Oakland

“The Golden State Valkyries are more than a team—they’re a movement,” said Oakland Interim-Mayor Kevin Jenkins. “Their touchdown in Oakland marks a new era of opportunity, inspiration, and equity in sports. This partnership reflects our city’s deep commitment to uplifting women, investing in youth, and building a community where every dream has a place to grow. We’re proud to welcome the Valkyries to The Town.”

Published

9 months ago

May 18, 2025

Oakland Post

The Valkyries came to Oakland City Hall with a “Hoopbus.” Present were (from left to right): City Councilmembers Noel Gallo, Rebecca Kaplan, Zac Unger and Rowena Brown; Oakland Mayor-elect Barbara Lee, Valkyries President Jess Smith, a Valkyries team representative and Deputy Mayor LaNiece Jones. Photo courtesy Rebecca Kaplan’s office.

Team installs new nets at playgrounds, holds flag-raisings at City Halls in Oakland and S.F.

Special to The Post

The Golden State Valkyries brought the excitement of their inaugural season to every corner of the Bay Area with a full slate of community celebrations leading up to their historic home-opener against the Los Angeles Sparks at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Friday.

The week featured flag-raising ceremonies at city halls in Oakland and San Francisco, three “Violet Net” installation days at Oakland parks to encourage basketball play, fun “Hoopbus” takeovers at multiple schools presented by Kaiser Permanente, and player appearances.

In total, 90 violet nets were installed on 45 basketball courts across 34 public parks throughout Oakland this week. A list of the parks receiving violet nets can be found at Valkyries.com.

About the Golden State Valkyries

The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA affiliate of the seven-time NBA Champion Golden State Warriors, were announced as the 13th WNBA franchise on Oct. 5, 2023. According to Norse mythology, Valkyries are a host of warrior women who are fearless and unwavering – flying through air and sea alike.

This brand is Golden State’s modern interpretation of Valkyries: strong, bold, and fierce. Tipping off during the 2025 WNBA season, the team is headquartered in Oakland and will play home games at Chase Center in San Francisco. For Golden State Valkyries’ assets, including team logos, visit valkyries.com.

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Activism

McClymonds High Names School Gym for Star Graduate, Basketball Legend Bill Russell

William “Bill” Felton Russell was born on Feb. 12, 1934, and died on July 31, 2022. He achieved fame as a U.S. professional basketball player who played center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1956 to 1969. He was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty that won 11 NBA championships during his 13-year career.

Published

12 months ago

February 18, 2025

Oakland Post

Bill Russell and Brian McGhee in McClymonds High School Gym, 2011. Photo courtesy of Brian McGhee.

By Ken Epstein

West Oakland’s McClymonds High School, “the School of Champions,” this week named the school’s gymnasium in honor of one of its most famous graduates, basketball legend Bill Russell (class of ’52).

Russell is widely known as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. In 2011, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civil honor, from President Barack Obama for Russell’s contributions to basketball and the Civil Rights Movement.

The McClymonds’ naming ceremony was held on Wednesday, the same day as Russell’s birthday. Oakland leader Bill Patterson, a longtime friend of Russell’s, was scheduled to cut the ribbon at the reopening of the gym, which had been closed for several months for renovation. Russell’s daughter Karen was scheduled to attend the ribbon cutting.

Russell’s name and signature are now printed on the gymnasium floor.

Patterson was working at DeFremery Park when he met Russell. “I befriended him as a boy and during his years at University of San Francisco” said Patterson. “We stayed friends for the rest of his life.”

Said McClymonds Principal Darielle Davis, herself a McClymonds graduate, “We are excited to honor Bill Russell for his sports accolades and because he broke color barriers. He is part of our legacy, and legacy is really important at McClymonds.”

Brian McGhee, community schools manager at McClymonds and former football player at UC Berkeley, said that Russell meant a lot to him and others at the school. “He was a beacon of light and hope for West Oakland,” he said. “He did a lot for sports and for civil rights.”

Starting in 2018, Ben “Coach” Tapscott worked with Patterson and other McClymonds grads, community members, and former coaches to encourage the Oakland Board of Education to endorse the naming of the school gym, which finally happened recently.

“We worked hard to make this happen,” said Tapscott. “He’s an important part of McClymond’s history, along with a lot of other famous graduates,” he said.