2019-20 NBA news and notes

[InThe313]

It came two months early, but it's here.  "The Last Dance" is premiering on ESPN, documenting Hornets owner Michael Jordan's run with the 1997-98 Bulls.

[InThe313]

I just saw the first two parts of "The Last Dance" and as a Pistons fan, I can't stand the Bulls, but this look into Michael Jordan's last season in Chicago may be the best ESPN documentary since the Oscar-winning "O.J.: Made in America".

[InThe313]

If you're looking for some good entertainment during quarantine, look no further.  Episodes 3 and 4 of "The Last Dance" are on.  This week, the show will look at Dennis Rodman's relationship with current Hornets owner Michael Jordan.

[InThe313]

It is time to look at the first meeting between two legends.  Episodes 5-6 of “The Last Dance” are on as they look back at the 1998 All-Star Game as current Hornets owner Michael Jordan goes head-to-head with Kobe Bryant.

[InThe313]

Who's ready to throw down?  Episodes 7 and 8 of "The Last Dance" are on now.  Tonight, they'll look at the infamous fight between current Hornets owner Michael Jordan and current Warriors head coach Steve Kerr.

[InThe313]

Like Donna Summer said, this is the last dance.   Episodes 9 and 10, the final two episodes, of "The Last Dance" are on now.  This will feature the Game 7 showdown with the Pacers.

[InThe313]

This is a unique look at one of the most iconic games in NBA history.  "Game 6: The Movie" is on ESPN as a never-before-seen cinematic production of Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals.

[InThe313]

Sad news to report this morning.  Jazz senior basketball advisor Jerry Sloan died at the age of 78.  The team's longtime head coach was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009.

[Corunner]

Who's ready to throw down?  Episodes 7 and 8 of "The Last Dance" are on now.  Tonight, they'll look at the infamous fight between current Hornets owner Michael Jordan and current Warriors head coach Steve Kerr.

I grew up with a family member involved in sports in ways that allowed us to get a TON of tickets, autographs, etc.

I was never a Jordan fan, but when those around me were watching Bulls games, I LOVED to watch (& root for) Kerr and Kukoc.

Dig this: Thought I recalled getting a jersey for 1 of the two of them when I went to a game (back before Lebron made my local team &/or my Lakers unwatchable)... Not there now, but I have them for Marc Price, "Sir Charles", Dan Majerle (when he was on a Dream Team), & Kevin Johnson.

[InThe313]

Who's ready to throw down?  Episodes 7 and 8 of "The Last Dance" are on now.  Tonight, they'll look at the infamous fight between current Hornets owner Michael Jordan and current Warriors head coach Steve Kerr.

I grew up with a family member involved in sports in ways that allowed us to get a TON of tickets, autographs, etc.

I was never a Jordan fan, but when those around me were watching Bulls games, I LOVED to watch (& root for) Kerr and Kukoc.

Dig this: Thought I recalled getting a jersey for 1 of the two of them when I went to a game (back before Lebron made my local team &/or my Lakers unwatchable)... Not there now, but I have them for Marc Price, "Sir Charles", Dan Majerle (when he was on a Dream Team), & Kevin Johnson.

That's pretty freaking cool, if you ask me.

[InThe313]

I doubt he'll be able to extinguish this Dumpster fire.  According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the Knicks and Tom Thibodeau are finalizing a five-year deal to make him the franchise's next head coach.

[InThe313]

Here are a couple of great games as the re-start continues with its first set of game.  The Celtics are playing the Bucks right now.  The Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging a career-high 29.6 PPG.  The Rockets will play the Mavericks at 9:05 p.m.  Updates to come.

The Bucks beat the Celtics, 119-112.
The Rockets beat the Mavericks, 153-149, in overtime.

[InThe313]

Well, those were some pretty pointed comments (and please notice that I am not doing political commentary).  The Lakers' LeBron James said the basketball community won't be sad about losing President Donald Trump's viewership after his comments on kneeling.  This came after the Lakers' 105-86 loss to the Thunder.

[InThe313]

Welcome to the playoffs!  The NBA Play-In Round is now on between the No. 9 Grizzlies and No. 8 Trail Blazers.  The Trail Blazers need to win to advance to play the Lakers beginning on Tuesday in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.  The Grizzlies must beat the Trail Blazers twice.  Updates to come.

UPDATE:  That was an exciting way to open the postseason!  The Trail Blazers rallied and made the playoffs by beating the Grizzlies, 126-122.  The Trail Blazers' Damian Lillard had 31 points and CJ McCollum had 29 points.  The Trail Blazers trailed by five with 4:24 left and will play the Lakers in the first round.

[InThe313]

Okay, so today is the REAL postseason opener.  The NBA Playoffs are tipping off now with the Jazz taking on the Northwest rival Nuggets.  At 4 p.m., the Nets will face the Atlantic rival Raptors.  Later, the 76ers will battle the Atlantic rival Celtics and the Mavericks will throw down with the Clippers.  Updates to come.

The Nuggets beat the Jazz, 135-125, in overtime.
The Raptors beat the Nets, 134-110.
The Celtics beat the 76ers, 109-101.
The Clippers beat the Mavericks, 118-110.