Sports

Frantic Closing Night Awaits in the NBA, with Much to Decide

Published

11 years ago

April 15, 2015

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, right, and Spurs forward Tim Duncan, left, speak to Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr after an NBA basketball game, Sunday, April 5, 2015, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 107-92. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

TIM REYNOLDS, AP Basketball Writer

Take a bow, NBA schedule-makers.

The last day of the 2014-15 regular season has arrived. And it’s loaded with intrigue, with more than half of the games on the closing docket having some effect on the playoff picture.

Here’s just some of what will be decided Wednesday night:

— Seven of the eight first-round playoff matchups, with the lone one decided so far pitting Cleveland against Boston in a rematch of LeBron James’ last series with the Cavaliers before he left for Miami in 2010.

— Seeds for eight of the 16 postseason-bound teams.

— The fates of New Orleans, Oklahoma City, Brooklyn and Indiana. Half of that group gets in, half goes home.

— The scoring title, though Russell Westbrook seems far enough ahead of James Harden to keep that in Oklahoma City and succeeding teammate Kevin Durant as the league’s points king. Assuming both play, Harden would have to outscore Westbrook by about 35 points to pass him in the race. If Westbrook wins, it’ll be the first time since 1952 and 1953 that one team had two different players win the scoring title in consecutive years.

Of course, that will be no more than an ancillary thought for the Thunder. Like plenty of other teams, they might find themselves doing some serious scoreboard-watching on Wednesday.

Some storylines for closing night:

___

SEEDS STILL NOT SET: In the East, Atlanta (1), Cleveland (2), Washington (5), Milwaukee (6) and Boston (7) have their playoff seeds locked up. In the West, Golden State (1), Portland (4, but without home-court in the first round) and Dallas (7) know their bracket spots.

Everything else, still up for grabs.

___

WEST CLUTTER: The defending champion San Antonio Spurs start the night No. 3 in the West, and could rise to No. 2.

They could also fall all the way to No. 6.

It’s a mess in the West.

There’s obvious incentive for San Antonio to win at New Orleans. A Spurs win, they’re the No. 2 seed. And they’ll be rooting for the Spurs in Oklahoma City, too.

The only way Oklahoma City — a team with so much talent and so much bad luck on injury fronts this season — will reach the playoffs is if the Spurs beat New Orleans and the Thunder win at Minnesota.

But don’t expect Westbrook to wear silver and black.

“I ain’t got to root for nobody,” Westbrook said. “Ain’t no Spurs fan.”

Houston could get the No. 2 seed if it beats Utah and the Spurs lose. The Rockets could also finish fifth or sixth.

The Los Angeles Clippers — whose season is over at 56-26, and who start the night in the No. 2 spot — will have no worse than the No. 3 seed. If the Spurs and Rockets both lose, the Clippers stay at No. 2.

Memphis will be No. 5 or No. 6, and either New Orleans or Oklahoma City will be No. 8. If the Pelicans win or the Thunder lose, New Orleans is in, Oklahoma City out.

___

EAST PICTURE: It’s a little clearer in the East.

Top-seeded Atlanta will play either Indiana or Brooklyn. If the Pacers beat Memphis, they’re the 8 seed. If the Pacers lose and Brooklyn wins, the Nets get the last spot.

Cleveland gets Boston. That’s done.

Chicago would be the No. 3 seed if it beats Atlanta, or No. 4 if it loses and Toronto tops Charlotte.

___

BIG 3: There’s history for the Spurs to play for on Wednesday as well.

Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish won 540 games together with the Boston Celtics. So far, the Spurs’ Big 3 — Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker — have combined to win 539 regular-season contests together.

Those are the only trios in NBA history to top the 500-win-together mark.

___

LAKER HISTORY: Yes, even the Los Angeles Lakers — who haven’t spent a single day over the .500 mark since November 2013 — have something compelling going on closing night.

They could avoid being the worst Laker team ever.

If they beat Sacramento, they would finish 22-60 and with a winning percentage of .268. If they lose, they finish 21-61, winning percentage there of .256.

For now, the worst record in franchise history comes from the 1957-58 Minneapolis Lakers, who went 19-53 (.264).

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Related Topics:NBA NBA Championship NBA Playoffs

Up Next

Donald Sterling’s Lawyer Criticizes Wife’s Lawsuit Victory

Don't Miss

Big Score: College Bowl Game Payouts Surpass $500 Million

Oakland Post

Click to comment

Alameda County

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

4 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.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

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

11 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.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

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

1 year 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.