Ralph Orense Articles - Page 38

Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry was held scoreless in their 104-101 Game 1 loss against the Orlando Magic. The veteran guard played 34 minutes but missed all of his seven shots from the field, six of which came from beyond the arc. Despite his struggles, Lowry’s teammates don’t seem to be worried about him. Raptors […]

Orlando Magic head coach Steve Clifford had high praises for veteran guard DJ Augustin, the hero of their Game 1 victory against the Toronto Raptors. In an interview with John Denton of OrlandoMagic.com, Clifford said that he believes Augustin was wise to take the shot because he knew he could make it. “Taking what the […]

The Orlando Magic may have stunned the Toronto Raptors in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first round matchup, but their players know very well that they cannot be too confident, especially since they are facing one of the best teams in the league this season. Magic guard DJ Augustin told The Athletic’s Josh Robbins […]

Despite pulling off a 104-101 upset against the heavily favored Toronto Raptors, Orlando Magic head coach Steve Clifford believes that the team can do better on the offensive end in Game Two. .@OrlandoMagic coach Steve Clifford today: “(The Raptors) had us on our heels a lot. We won’t win Game 2 playing that same offensive […]

The Orlando Magic’s playoff run is off to a good start after they stunned the Toronto Raptors on the road to take Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first round matchup. The Magic, which entered the playoffs as the seventh seed, worked all season long to reach this far, and Aaron Gordon said postgame that […]

For Golden State Warriors All-Star Kevin Durant, superstar comparisons are overrated. In an interview with Ryan Nagelhout of Uproxx.com, the reigning Finals MVP said that he doesn’t want to compare himself to anyone because it prevents him from being the best player that he can be. “Comparison is a need for joy. It takes a […]

It’s official, Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade has retired. Aside from his three NBA championships, Olympic gold medal and 13 All-Star appearances, Wade will be remembered for how phenomenal he was as a player. He is widely considered as one of the three best shooting guards in the history of the game, and NBA analyst […]

Portland Trail Blazers’ center Jusuf Nurkic won’t be playing for the team in the playoffs because of a season-ending leg injury he suffered in late March, but that hasn’t stopped him from showing support to his teammates ahead of their first-round matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Blazers were treated to a unexpected visitor […]

The Sacramento Kings made it clear that they’re not going to prolong their coaching search after they hired former Los Angeles Lakers coach Luke Walton shortly after firing Dave Joerger. Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr congratulated Walton, saying he has a great opportunity to lead another young team. #Warriors coach Steve Kerr on […]

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is taking a calm and patient approach towards his players ahead of the playoffs. He knows that his behavior as a coach will be crucial for the team as they gun for their third straight title. In an interview with San Francisco Chronicle‘s Ron Kroichick, Kerr said that […]

The Los Angeles Clippers are set to face the defending champion Golden State Warriors in the first round of the playoffs, but a lot of people are already talking about their plans for this summer’s free agency. The team has enough cap space to sign two players to max contracts and they are expected to […]

The NBA playoffs are about to begin and the Golden State Warriors are still overwhelming favorites to win the NBA title. They will have home-court advantage throughout the Western Conference playoffs and their All-Star core is 100 percent healthy. However, there are a few people who believe the Warriors are not going to win the […]

The Denver Nuggets have been one of the most surprising teams in the NBA this year. After barely making the playoffs last season, they earned the two seed in the West this time around, pushing the Golden State Warriors for the conference’s top overall record until the final week of the regular season. Much of […]

Enes Kanter seems to be having a lot of fun both on and off the court since being acquired by the Portland Trail Blazers back in February. The Turkish big man is raving about the idea of playing with a playoff team and is excited to face Steven Adams and the Oklahoma City Thunder in […]

Over the past couple of years, fans have criticized the Golden State Warriors for their free agency acquisitions, citing that it’s unfair Kevin Durant (2016) and DeMarcus Cousins (2018) signed with them. Both are All-Star caliber players, so a lot of people believe that the Dubs ruin the NBA because of the huge gap in terms […]

Over the past couple of years, a lot of people have criticized the NBA for being soft. The league has evolved from players being too physical back in the 1980s and 1990s to being “untouchable” in the present day. Even players themselves usually complain about officials calling a lot of petty fouls. Sometimes, it’s the […]

Ahead of the Houston Rockets’ first-round playoff matchup against the Utah Jazz, Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni acknowledges the fact that his team’s opponent is dangerous. Although the Rockets hold the home-court advantage, D’Antoni warns Houston about being too complacent, especially since the Jazz will have point guard Ricky Rubio to run their offense this […]

When Enes Kanter and the New York Knicks agreed to a buyout back in February, several teams expressed interest in bringing in the Turkish big man for the final stretch of the season, including the Portland Trail Blazers and the Los Angeles Lakers. Kanter eventually chose the Blazers, which has proven to be a wise […]

The Boston Celtics will be facing the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the playoffs, and although the latter lost Victor Oladipo to a season-ending injury, they are still a pretty good team, especially in the painted area. Celtics forward Gordon Hayward acknowledges the advantage the Pacers have because of their bigs, and in […]

Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward returned this season after missing the entirety of the 2017-18 campaign due to a leg injury. The former All-Star signed a four-year deal with the team back in 2016, but his stint has been underwhelming, to say the least. He’s struggled on both ends of the floor and he’s been […]

The NBA postseason is set to begin this weekend, and one of the biggest concerns heading into the playoffs is the officiating. Referees have been criticized throughout the regular season due both to many questionable calls that have impacted close games and the perception among certain players that some officials let personal bias affect their […]

The Boston Celtics have struggled all season, but they are still one of the best teams in the league and a lot of people still believe they can come out of the East and reach the NBA Finals. Celtics forward Gordon Hayward feels the same way, and that’s because of teammate Kyrie Irving. On his […]

The Los Angeles Lakers have officially fired Luke Walton and will now be in search of a new head coach for next season. According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelbourne, general manager Rob Pelinka will spearhead the coaching search. Pelinka will run the Lakers coaching search. As @wojespn reported Ty Lue is one of the leading candidates. […]

The Utah Jazz will be facing the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs, and while the odds don’t seem to be in their favor, Donovan Mitchell has already set his sights on a bigger prize heading into the postseason. The star sophomore, ever confident, believes that the Jazz have what it takes […]

The Los Angeles Lakers just parted ways with head coach Luke Walton, which means that someone new will be calling the shots for the team next season. Betting odds have been released on who the Lakers’ next coach will be, and Juwan Howard is in the driver’s seat. Juwan Howard +100 Ty Lue +125 Monty […]

The Chicago Bulls have been one of the worst teams in the league for the past couple of years, and although the team is currently on rebuild mode, team vice president Jon Paxson admitted that the ownership is being patient about this whole process. Paxson: We convinced Jerry and Michael Reinsdorf that a rebuild was […]

Before the Memphis Grizzlies’ final game against the Golden State Warriors, veteran guard Mike Conley gave a brief speech, which ended with “I’ll see you next season.” After the game, he admitted that it felt weird: Mike Conley admits he felt a little weird telling Grizzlies fans "I'll see you next season" on the court […]

Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward is excited about the playoffs. Despite what has been a disappointing stint with the team so far, the former All-Star is determined to redeem himself to the league and the fans: Gordon Hayward said he’s extremely excited for the playoffs after missing them last season: “It’s the reason why I […]

Jonas Valanciunas was impressive for the Memphis Grizzlies over the past two months, and he’s making it clear he wants to return to the team next season: "My priority is Memphis." Jonas Valanciunas on approaching contract option this summer. https://t.co/UmA9gx8leG — Michael Wallace (@MyMikeCheck) April 11, 2019 Jonas Valanciunas was part of the trade that […]

The Boston Celtics received discouraging news about Marcus Smart’s injury. After initial reports that the five-year veteran would only miss a couple of days, MRI revealed that the Smart is expected to miss the first round of the playoffs. Source says that Marcus Smart waited on MRI because pain left him unable to undergo it […]

Dirk Nowitzki played his final game as a Dallas Maverick last night, scoring 20 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in the team’s 105-94 loss against the San Antonio Spurs. The 21-year veteran received a lot of appreciation and well wishes from fans and his fellow players. He was also congratulated by some of the guys […]

Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks played his final NBA game last night against the San Antonio Spurs, scoring 20 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in a 105-94 loss. After the game, the 21-year veteran said he’s glad that he can finally rest and enjoy some food and wine. Dirk: “I’m kind of relieved that […]

Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma called out the media in a Twitter post on Wednesday night, telling them to “grow up.” Media gonna start reporting firings of janitors from teams now. Y’all gotta grow up man lol this click bait era is tainting the positive things that social media can do. — kuz (@kylekuzma) […]

Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce has been heavily criticized for his recent comments about Dwyane Wade. The one-time champion and current NBA analyst said he had a better overall career than the Miami Heat standout, a statement that didn’t sit well even with his co-workers on ESPN. Celtics president Danny Ainge came to Pierce’s defense, […]

Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving has earned a reputation for making memorable highlights in the playoffs, and he’s expected to deliver once again as his team battles the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the postseason. According to The Athletic’s Jay King, Irving said he’s really excited for the playoffs because it’s more about […]

Los Angeles Lakers guard Lonzo Ball recently had issues with Big Baller Brand, the sports apparel company currently being run by LaVar Ball. Lonzo reportedly severed ties with it and is contemplating on signing with Nike this summer. While Ball said he may still have a business relationship with his father, he will focus more […]

The Los Angeles Lakers are in all sorts of uncertainty right now, especially after Magic Johnson stepped down as the franchise’s President of Basketball Operations. There are a lot of questions surrounding the Purple and Gold’s immediate future, and team owner Jeanie Buss and the rest of her staff will need to provide answers as […]

The future of the Los Angeles Lakers became more uncertain following the resignation of Magic Johnson as the team’s President of Basketball Operations. At this point, no one knows just how thorough the Lakers’ search will be, but they will be pressured to find someone with to fill in the spot vacated by Magic, especially […]

The Los Angeles Lakers are hellbent on bringing in another superstar to pair with four-time MVP LeBron James next season, and it seems they also have their eyes on Boston Celtics star Kyrie Irving. The rumors of Irving possibly joining the Lakers began when he apologized to LeBron back in January for his actions that […]