News Around The Net
Skiles: Bulls struggling to match up (AP)
The Chicago Bulls simply have trouble matching up with Detroit. That was Scott Skiles' assessment about 12 hours after his team's 95-69 loss to the Pistons in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Ben Gordon can't guard Chauncey Billups or Richard Hamilton, Skiles said, and rookie Tyrus Thomas is struggling mentally to grasp defensive concepts.
Cavs shut down Nets in 81-77 Game 1 win (AP)
LeBron James had a nasty head cold. The New Jersey Nets had a bigger headache. Cleveland's defense kept New Jersey's Big 3 from getting into an offensive flow and James sniffled his way to 21 points as the Cavaliers opened the Eastern Conference semifinals with an 81-77 victory over the Nets on Sunday.
Report: Van Gundy to Leave Rockets
According to a report in the NEW YORK POST, and expanded upon by ESPN.COM, "Saturday's Game 7 loss to the Jazz was the last for Jeff Van Gundy as the Houston Rockets' coach ... Citing an 'impeccable source,' The Post reported that Van Gundy is leaving NBA coaching for the forseeable future. According to the source, Van Gundy's decision isn't based on the first-round series loss to the Jazz."
Sunday Click -- What Happened to the Mavs?
The Sunday Click takes you around the web for the best of NBA columnists. How did the Warriors pull of the biggest upset in NBA playoff history?
Report: Van Gundy leaving Rockets after Jazz loss
Saturday's Game 7 loss to the Jazz was the last for Jeff Van Gundy as the Houston Rockets' coach, according to the New York Post.
McDonald's Around the Association: May 5
If you missed any of Saturday's two playoff games, go Around the Association for a look back at the action.
Not again: T-Mac sent packing in first-round loss
Visit ESPN.com for the complete story.
McGrady again makes first-round exit (AP)
Tracy McGrady did it again. Or more appropriately, he didn't do it again. The seven-time All-Star, who had been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs in five previous attempts, was knocked out again Saturday night when Utah beat Houston 103-99 in Game 7. McGrady, Houston's marquee player who was supposed to carry his team in the postseason -- or at least to the second round -- was instead...
Jazz defeat Rockets in Game 7 on road (AP)
The young Utah Jazz are moving on in the NBA playoffs with a new point guard and power forward combination. With fresh faces -- but the same, old coach -- the Jazz beat the Houston Rockets 103-99 on Saturday night to clinch their first playoff series victory since 2000 -- when John Stockton and Karl Malone were still running the pick-and-roll.
Pistons kick off rivalry with Bulls in huge fashion
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Jazz 103, Rockets 99
The young Utah Jazz, meanwhile, embraced one another and quietly celebrated after a 103-99 win over the Houston Rockets on Saturday night that clinched their first playoff series victory since the days of John Stockton and Karl Malone.
Jazz Advance With Thrilling Win Over Rockets
The young Utah Jazz, meanwhile, embraced one another and quietly celebrated after a 103-99 win over the Houston Rockets on Saturday night that clinched their first playoff series victory since the days of John Stockton and Karl Malone.
Ten Questions: Nets-Cavaliers
NBA.com asks 10 questions before the Nets-Cavaliers series gets underway.
Amaechi says he 'underestimated America' (AP)
When John Amaechi told the world he was gay, he steeled himself for a torrent of negativity that never really materialized, the former pro basketball player told the GOP's largest gay organization Saturday. "I underestimated America. I braced myself for the wrath of a nation under God," Amaechi said at the Log Cabin Republicans' annual convention.
Pistons 95, Bulls 69
Chauncey Billups and Richard Hamilton each scored 20 points, leading the Pistons to a 95-69 rout over Chicago in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals Saturday night.
Pistons Dominate Bulls in Game 1 Win
Chauncey Billups and Richard Hamilton each scored 20 points, leading the Pistons to a 95-69 rout over Chicago in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals Saturday night.
Pistons rout Bulls 95-69 in Game 1 (AP)
The Detroit Pistons turned determination into a dominant performance, reminiscent of some of their wins en route to the 2004 NBA title. Chauncey Billups and Richard Hamilton each scored 20 points, leading Detroit to a 95-69 rout over the Chicago Bulls in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals Saturday night.
Nowitzki Begins Long, Tough Offseason
Forced to deal with a long offseason, Dirk Nowitzki plans to spend much of it figuring out what went wrong for him and the Dallas Mavericks in the playoffs.
Amaechi in speech: 'I underestimated America'
When John Amaechi told the world he was gay, he steeled himself for a torrent of negativity that never really materialized, the former pro basketball player told the GOP's largest gay organization Saturday.
Cavs Know They Can't Kidd Around With Nets
Cavaliers guard Eric Snow was put on the spot: Who are the top five guards in NBA history?
