Bruno Manrique Articles - Page 191

The saga of Kawhi Leonard’s offseason decision has been a conundrum of multiple reports detailing what the relationship between the 26-year-old star, his infamous uncle, and the franchise have held during the past season. A report by longtime journalist Peter Vecsey suggests that head coach Gregg Popovich tried to keep Leonard away from the team […]

The Los Angeles Lakers could be shifting their plans to take a shot at two max-level free agents this offseason and set their eyes toward next summer, as LeBron James is unlikely to be as heavily pursued as previously thought. An NBA agent thinks the Lakers have made a change of heart, knowing Kawhi Leonard […]

Stephen Curry has put together two underwhelming postseason games for the first time in these playoffs, failing to record 20 or more points in Games 1 and 2 of the Western Conference Finals. The former two-time MVP has clearly struggled shooting the ball from deep after coming back from a Grade 2 MCL sprain after […]

Boston Celtics icon Paul Pierce was flattering when compared to rookie Jayson Tatum, noting their careers have had a different arcs, but ultimately flattered to be considered among some of the greats of the franchise. “When I came out, I was a 21-year-old. He was 19 for most of this season. I know that doesn’t […]

Don’t expect the Chicago Bulls to shock the NBA Draft room once again this season, as the franchise won’t be looking to make any eye-opening trades during this year’s iteration. The Bulls wound up with the seventh overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft Lottery, the same slot they selected rookie Lauri Markkanen with last […]

Despite generating plenty of hoopla around NBA circles, European wonder Luka Doncic might not be joining the biggest league in the world next season after all. The Slovenian small forward spoke during a EuroLeague Final Four press conference and was hesitant to call this his last hurrah for his home club, Real Madrid, not knowing […]

Kevin Durant was disappointed with his all-around performance, despite a rousing 38-point performance in Game 2 against the Houston Rockets, noting the myriad of defensive mistakes that plagued the Golden State Warriors. “We just got to guard,” Durant said when asked about the Rockets targeting Curry and reserve Nick Young, according to ESPN’s Chris Haynes. “They’re […]

Stephen Curry has found it tough to regain his full rhythm after coming back from a Grade 2 MCL sprain that kept him out nearly six weeks. For the first time in a series, Curry has had back-to-back subpar games — scoring less than 20 points in Games 1 and 2 against the Houston Rockets. […]

The Houston Rockets had some changes to make after a Game 1 defeat to the Golden State Warriors stripped them of their hard-earned home court advantage. The loss had made resident ace defender P.J. Tucker so mad that he even refused to answer a call from his teammate James Harden. “I was so mad I […]

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr didn’t sugarcoat his take on a 22-point loss to the Houston Rockets in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals on Wednesday night, putting it as simply as can be. “They kicked our butts; no other way to say it,” Kerr said, according to Mark Medina of the […]

The Houston Rockets bounced back firmly against the Golden State Warriors to even up the Western Conference Finals after a 127-105 Game 2 win on Wednesday night. Stephen Curry, who was the usual suspect targeted in their famed isolation matchups, was the primary defender in 23 plays after facing 20 in Game 1, according to […]

Steve Kerr wasn’t shy praising his point guard Stephen Curry, knowing he’s had to withstand a barrage of isolation plays during Game 1 of the series against the Houston Rockets. “He’s also the guy that is getting picked on in our lineup,” said Kerr. “Generally the other guys… they’re long and athletic and great defenders.” […]

The Milwaukee Bucks held a second interview for coaching prospect Mike Budenholzer, which apparently included a breakfast with franchise star Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to ESPN’s Zach Lowe. Antetokounmpo’s appearance makes all the sense in the world, as his comfort level is the primary concern of the franchise after signing a four-year, $100 million extension in […]

Houston Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni was unequivocally refusing to make any major changes to his offensive approach after falling short in Game 1 against the Golden State Warriors. His counterpart Steve Kerr offered the same principle, agreeing with his colleague on the matter. “Mike is right,” said Kerr, according to Logan Murdock of the […]

Steve Kerr wasn’t surprised by what’s gone on in the Eastern Conference Finals, as the Boston Celtics boast a handsome 2-0 lead on the Cleveland Cavaliers. “Not particularly,” said Kerr, according to Connor LeTourneau of The San Francisco Chronicle. “Boston is the best defensive team in the league.” If things indeed pan out to Boston’s […]

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr explained the difference between his team this season and last year’s iteration. One dominated coast-to-coast, while this one has been forced to play an extra game at home in each series, unable to sweep its way to the NBA Finals as they did in 2017. “We weren’t ready […]

Gerald Green’s fit into the Houston Rockets was a natural one. A Houston native with a known ability to shoot the three and run the floor avidly due to his athleticism. But after stints with eight different teams through 10 seasons, Green was ready to call it a career not long before coach Mike D’Antoni […]

The Houston Rockets have made a point to give their isolation star, James Harden, the easiest possible target to face in a one-on-one battle. In a Hamptons Five starting lineup, Stephen Curry is the usual matchup, but when he is off the floor, they will target Kevon Looney, a long-limbed forward/center who isn’t as adept […]

Oklahoma product Trae Young has drawn comparisons to Stephen Curry during his rousing freshman season, and now that he’s heading into the pros as one of the first-round prospects of this 2018 NBA Draft, the young point guard revealed he’s gotten some advice from the very one that came before him. “He’s given me a […]

The Boston Celtics are flourishing despite having their two top talents out of commission, making the most of their veteran core and the young pieces put around them. Yet they will cost some good money to stick around after this postseason. Owner Wyc Grousbeck recently said he’s willing to “pay for performance” and “we are […]

The Phoenix Suns walked away from the NBA Draft Lottery as the big winners, garnering the top overall pick. While the decision that awaits the franchise is crucial in nature, there’s very little chance that the organization ends up trading it. “I think it’s very unlikely that we would trade [the pick],” general manager Ryan McDonough told […]

The Houston Rockets showed a very deliberate plan of attack in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals — attack Stephen Curry on defense as much as possible. And while James Harden had a field day with Curry on an island, it won’t keep the two-time MVP from having confidence in his ability to make […]

Boston Celtics Hall of Famer Robert Parish was the latest to give his two cents on the obvious conditioning issues of Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid. The Cameroonian looked clearly fatigued upon his return from injury and struggled with his efficiency, especially during his Eastern Conference semifinals matchup with the Celtics. Asked how he’d defend […]

Marcus Smart was every bit of the spark plug the Boston Celtics had expected him to be during his return to the court this postseason, once again making his presence felt in Game 2 against the Cleveland Cavaliers in a 107-94 win on Tuesday night. His most notable role was coming in to defend teammate […]

Al Horford wasn’t pleased with a late shot from J.R. Smith in the latter stages of the fourth quarter. The Boston Celtics center looked to finish an alley-oop play and was pushed in the back while airborne by Smith, causing Horford to stumble into the stanchion. Smith made no attempt to contest the shot or […]

Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart had his fingerprints all over a Game 2 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, once again successfully defending home court and putting their Eastern Conference rivals in a tough situation as the series progresses. The spark plug logged the most minutes off the bench, and for good reason — posting 11 […]

The Phoenix Suns have won the 2018 NBA Draft Lottery. They came into the night with the best odds. Here is the order of teams: Phoenix Suns Sacramento Kings Atlanta Hawks Memphis Grizzlies Dallas Mavericks Orlando Magic Chicago Bulls Cleveland Cavaliers (via Brooklyn Nets) New York Knicks Philadelphia 76ers (via Los Angeles Lakers) Charlotte Hornets […]

Coming off a brutal 119-106 loss in Game 1 of the series against the Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni refused to change his iso-heavy approach in this series, rather noting his team should have a massive sense of urgency coming into Game 2 on Wednesday. “This comes down to a dogfight,” said […]

The Houston Rockets suffered a painful blow in Game 1 against the Golden State Warriors, giving away their home court advantage during a 119-106 loss on Monday night. In true Clutch City fashion, the Rockets had 45 isolation plays in Game 1, the most in the last five postseasons, according to Second Spectrum — and […]

The Houston Rockets executed what would have been a perfect plan against any other team, hoisting 37 threes and putting the ball in the hands of their best players, as James Harden and Chris Paul combined for 64 of the team’s 106 points in a 13-point loss to the Golden State Warriors on Monday night. […]

The Golden State Warriors seemed to be en route to a decline after failing to snatch the top overall seed for the fourth straight season. Yet while not being first for the first time in four years was somewhat worrisome, it presented the opportunity to break out of the monotony. The defending champions entered the […]

The Houston Rockets are facing a crude reality coming into Game 2 of their Western Conference Finals series against the Golden State Warriors — their success will be predicated on their ability to adapt to circumstances. Clutch City had worked incredibly hard during the regular season, mustering a franchise-best 65 wins and the top overall […]

New York Knicks head coach David Fizdale gave some insight into his vision for the team, already looking into potential ways to put this team together and mold to his talent. “There’s some guys that have some real potential there. I think Tim Hardaway Jr. obviously is a talent. And the way I want to […]

Despite a vital 119-106 loss in Game 1 of the series, Houston Rockets big man Clint Capela has been relentlessly confident in his team’s ability to dethrone the Golden State Warriors, who stole home court on Monday night. Capela infamously proclaimed his team was better than the defending champion after a Jan. 20 win, which […]

L.A. Clippers top assistant Mike Woodson will not return under head coach Doc Rivers next season, according to a report by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. As Rivers is nearing talks to stay with the Clippers, Woodson’s departure will create an opening for a top-level defensive-minded assistant, while Woodson could throw in his hat in the race […]

Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry took a few steps back on Monday night to a shot-hoisting Klay Thompson, who attempted a season-high 15 long-distance shots against the top-seeded Houston Rockets during a 119-106 win, which lead to a 1-0 series lead to steal home court. The two-time MVP took a back seat to his […]

Despite an eye-popping 37-point performance by Kevin Durant in a 119-106 Game 1 victory for the Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni seemed more concerned with Klay Thompson happily hoisting 15 3-pointers on Monday night. “He is 7 feet and falling away. He’s one of the best scorers ever, right? So I […]

Much like in last year’s NBA Finals, Kevin Durant has become the main bucket-getter for Steve Kerr and the Golden State Warriors in a series where the team is forced to fight fire with fire. During Monday night’s 119-106 win, the Warriors gave Durant a beefy 27 shot attempts, doing just about everything the Houston […]

Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry side-stepped past a tricky post-game request, as ESPN’s Chris Haynes asked him to recall a play-by-play of the opening minute of the game, much like LeBron James did after a Game 1 loss to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals. The sharpshooter passed on the chance, yet […]