Bleacher Report - Front Page

Key Adjustments the Memphis Grizzlies Need to Make to Win

Tom Firme — Wed, 22 May 2013 03:43:30 -0400

The Memphis Grizzlies hold many problems in their hands after losing the first two games of the Western Conference finals to the San Antonio Spurs. Whether they adjust in those areas will determine whether they come back to win the series.

Two key Grizz players started shakily. Zach Randolph couldn't hit shots in the first game-and-a-half. Mike Conley struggled to control the ball in Game 1.

Also, Memphis failed to stop the Spurs in a key area.

Here's a look at these issues and how the Grizzlies can address them:

Defend the Three-Ball

The Grizzlies had shut the Los Angeles Clippers and Oklahoma City Thunder down beyond the arc in the first two rounds. They held the Clippers to 30.4 percent and the Thunder to 33.3 percent. In Game 4, the Grizz allowed the Thunder to reach a high of 45 percent. Against Los Angeles, the most they allowed was 36.8 percent in Game 1.

The Spurs quickly put a dent in Memphis' three-point defense. San Antonio went 14-of-29 (48.3 percent) in Game 1. Kawhi Leonard was 4-of-5 from downtown. Matt Bonner hit four of six three-point attempts in 16 minutes, triggering this tweet from Josh Coleman of the Three Shades of Blue blog.

The Grizz cooled the Spurs' hand in Game 2, limiting them to 36 percent. However, the Spurs were 9-of-21 (42.8 percent) before missing their last four. Mostly, the Spurs maintained their laser aim from deep. While Bonner and Tony Parker each went 1-of-4, Danny Green drilled three of four long-range shots.

Indeed, the Thunder were third in three-point field-goal percentage in the regular season, one place ahead of the Spurs. However, the Spurs are more disciplined and make smarter passes than Kevin Durant's crew.

Mike Conley told Matt Moore of CBSSports.com that the Grizzlies "overhelped" on outside shots on Game 1. The Memphis Flyer's Chris Herrington explained that it was more complicated than that, saying that they didn't show good awareness on pick-and-roll sets.

The difference between the two teams' three-point aptitudes is vast. The Grizz were No. 24 in three-point field-goal percentage. Quincy Pondexter is the only Memphis player to shoot better than 37 percent. San Antonio had six.

Letting the Spurs run away in this area would be unaffordable.

Get Zach Randolph on Even Ground

Randolph's shot was horrifically off during the first six quarters of this series. In that time, he shot 2-of-18 from the field, including 1-of-8 for two points in Game 1.

The Commercial Appeal's Peter Edmiston noted via Twitter how rare Randolph's funk in the series opener was.

The 31-year-old finished 5-of-8 to salvage his Game 2 figure.

Still, Randolph needs to find his stroke for an entire game. The Grizzlies won eight of the 10 games in which he's scored 15 points.

Part of the solution is opening angles for Randolph. The Spurs collapsed on him in Game 1. Thus, they limited him to 11 offensive touches, according to ESPN.

Also, he should take stronger attempts. Many of his shots during the first two games were either weak tosses or the result of a sloppy approach.

The 12-year pro shouldered the load for both of the Grizzlies' significant playoff runs in the last three years. If they are to recover, his return to form is a must.

Steadier Point Guard Play

Conley had played outstanding ball through two rounds. He had three 20-point games and an assist-to-turnover ratio of five against the Clippers. Against the Thunder, he had a 3.1 assist-to-turnover rate and scored 26 and 24 in Games 2 and 4, respectively.

In this series, Conley has taken time to load up. He had 14 points on 5-of-12 shooting while turning it over a playoff-high-tying four times in Game 1.

Conley played hero toward the end of Game 2, hitting a game-tying shot to send it to overtime. However, he missed all three shots in overtime. He also had three fouls in the first 19 minutes of action.

His absence was felt as the Spurs went on a 13-1 run to enter the half with a 15-point lead.

Meanwhile, Jerryd Bayless has had an unimpressive postseason. He averaged 14.7 points per 36 minutes in the conference semifinals after scoring 19.3 per 36 in the opening round. He's shooting 37.1 percent in the playoffs.

To his credit, he's turning it over just 1.1 times per game.

Bayless shot 7-of-18 in Game 2, even though he and Conley shared the team lead with 18 points.

He missed two three-pointers in the final minute of overtime.

The efficient play that helped the Grizz reach this point is due in large part to the guile of Bayless and Conley. That efficiency is imperative in order to match the well-heeled Spurs.

Antonio Cesaro Is Not Ready for WWE's Main Event Scene

Sebastian Maldonado — Wed, 22 May 2013 03:40:51 -0400

Antonio Cesaro is floundering in the WWE. His disappointing fall started after losing the United States title to Kofi Kingston on the April 15 edition of Raw. Since that fall, his losing streak began and as a result, he has lost the fans’ interest. The streak encompasses losses to Kingston, Alberto Del Rio and Randy Orton among others.

The writing’s on the wall; Antonio Cesaro is not ready for the WWE’s main event scene.

Why isn’t he ready? We can’t question his wrestling ability because he works great matches, as evident from his rematch with Kingston on WWE’s Main Event show.

Could it be what happens backstage? Unfortunately, this has some truth to it.

Vince McMahon reportedly is not a fan of Cesaro, as confirmed by Dave Meltzer’s subscriber-only radio show (via Cagesideseats.com). The report published a written excerpt of the show, stating how officials believe Cesaro is boring.

Believe it or not, there is some merit behind that. Quick, go to a memorable Antonio Cesaro promo in the WWE. Can you remember any?

The problem lies with the entertainment value. Antonio Cesaro, at the moment, is boring.

He doesn’t have that ability to click with fans. Why do you think the yodeling gimmick was started and quickly dropped? It was a failed attempt to connect with fans.

Many wrestlers have had this same problem before making it big, namely three main event Superstars, CM Punk, Daniel Bryan and Dolph Ziggler.

Punk uttered the pipe bomb, and that led to his reign as champion. Bryan shouted, “YES,” and he became a fixture in the WWE. Ziggler had Vickie but used his charisma to garner attention to himself. All three are great wrestlers and developed their personas to connect with the WWE Universe.

Antonio Cesaro needs to bond with that audience. He needs that moment that puts him on the level of those WWE Superstars. It’s the only way he can reach the WWE Universe. Until then, as far as being in WWE’s main event scene, Cesaro is just not ready.

Advising Joe Dumars so He Doesn't Waste Detroit Pistons' Free-Agency Cash Again

Jay Wierenga — Wed, 22 May 2013 03:14:25 -0400

Let's just be clear about one thing. I am not a Joe Dumars hater.

I love and respect the man for not only helping the Detroit Pistons win two titles during my early years, but I also appreciate all he did in building a winner in my senior year of college.

My formative years on this planet have been dramatically influenced by this man.

That being said, I am not 100 percent sure that I can trust him right now.

The Detroit Pistons are about to embark on just their second offseason during the Dumars era in which they have a heap of cash to spend on prospective free agents.

We already know that the NBA draft will be tough sledding for the Pistons since the basketball gods deemed them unworthy of luck during the draft lottery (I knew we were in trouble when ESPN rolled out its karma list and had the Pistons drafting first).

The best they can hope for at this point is that Shabazz Muhammad slips to them with the eighth overall pick.

So it will be up to Dumars to turn this team around quickly through free agency

Here is what I would do to advise Dumars as he sets out to build a winner this summer.

Restore the Defense

Dumars has a lot of pressure on him these days. He has an owner who is antsy, and who can blame him? Tom Gores bought the Pistons for upwards of $300 million and wants to see a return on his investment.

But since Gores took control, the Pistons have become a tough sell to the fans.

Obviously the economy is still struggling in Detroit, but it's been struggling for over a decade. During the last decade, the Pistons were consistently the biggest draw in the NBA. Obviously they were winning back then, but they still were drawing.

The reason the Pistons were so great to watch back then was because they had a story that people could relate to.

They were a team of castoffs and busts that assembled together and found their identity as a tough, defensive-minded group of ballplayers.

Average fans could relate to them and their "going to work" mantra.

One of the biggest reasons for this relationship was the fact that Pistons' fans love defense. They love rough play and they love effort.

But when Dumars finally pulled the plug on his core of title winners, he decided to change his approach.

The league had changed into a more offensive-friendly sport. Dumars thought that his only option since he couldn't beat them was to join them.

So he used his cap space to sign talented yet soft Charlie Villanueva and Ben Gordon.

Both, obviously, were colossal busts.

So what exactly should Dumars do this summer?

The Pistons need to get back to a tough-minded and defensive-centered approach. They already have an excellent defensive center in Andre Drummond who should be able to anchor the interior for years to come.

But outside of him, this team is short on defensive talent.

Luckily for Detroit, there are a few players that could immediately help the Pistons on the defensive side of the ball.

Corey Brewer is a player that I have been focusing on all year. He is a big, long and athletic freak who loves defense and has steadily improved his long-range shooting.

Tony Allen is another player that should have Pistons fans excited. A fan favorite with the Boston Celtics and now with the Memphis Grizzlies, he is generally considered one of the top perimeter defenders in the league.

He also can jump out of the gym and has a good attitude.

And then there is Josh Smith.

Smith is one of the few max-contract types of players available this summer. He is a fantastic forward who is athletic, strong and is versatile on the offensive side of things.

He also is a stellar defender.

That being said, he will cost way too much money and probably should be avoided by Detroit.

Brewer and Allen are the type of player that the Pistons should be focusing on, but they aren't sexy picks. Smith is the type of player that could get Pistons fans excited, but he is not the right fit.

The Pistons don't want to just win the press conference; they want to win games.

Smith could potentially pair well with Drummond, but at what cost? If they sign him to a big deal, will they still have money available when their other young talent is looking for their extensions?

The answer is probably not.

That's why the Pistons need to focus on one of these two players and sign him to a four-year deal. The Pistons will probably have to overpay a little bit, but they should still each be a good value.

What Dumars needs to remember is that there usually aren't any quick fixes in basketball. Rarely do teams get a transcendent player to just plop in their lap like the Cleveland Cavaliers did with LeBron James, the San Antonio Spurs did with Tim Duncan or the Chicago Bulls did with Michael Jordan.

Instead, he needs to make subtle and smart moves.

Unclear Time Frame

It remains to be seen how much time Dumars has to figure things out.

This past season's attendance was embarrassing—ESPN reports that at 14,782 per game, the Pistons' attendance was third-worst in the league—and that can't be lost on the owner. There is a real possibility that Gores decides to light a fire under Dumars' can and get the process rolling.

He already has been advised by some smart basketball people like Dave Checketts and Phil Jackson.

So how hot is Dumars' seat?

I would imagine that his resume and a perceived fan outcry is the only thing keeping Dumars employed. Gores must believe that Dumars still has the potential to get this thing right.

But how much patience can he have? And if he indeed is pushing Dumars, what could that lead to? If Dumars is being pushed by Gores to win at all costs, you may see the Pistons offer Smith a big deal.

Or perhaps they could go after a restricted free agent.

Personally, I think that Dumars' biggest fear should be spending too much money on a free-agent class that is flawed and end up rudderless—and lost and unemployed to boot.

If Gores is pushing Dumars, there is a real possibility that this summer involves some serious fireworks.

But it all comes down to how far away this team feels it is from playoff contention. Could this current roster be just one or two players away from the playoffs?

Or are they further away than that?

Personally, I think that this team has no shot at winning until they find out what its team philosophy is. Dumars probably is looking to get back to a defense-first mentality since he knows that that can work.

Therefore, it makes sense to improve the depth of the team and the overall team defense. And they can do this through subtle, relatively inexpensive moves.

Trades Are Also an Option

Dumars also needs to realize that the draft and free agency aren't the only avenues available to him.

The Pistons also have the potential to deal one or two of their players.

I have been an open proponent of dealing Greg Monroe. I have questioned whether or not he fits with Detroit's current team dynamic. He isn't athletic, he plays awful low-post defense and he needs to work on his offensive range.

That being said, the fact that three of the four teams remaining in the playoffs have a similar big-man situation bodes well for Detroit.

However, they should at least field phone calls for Moose.

Rodney Stuckey is another player who should be shopped. He is athletic, quick and probably just needs a new environment.

The NBA is quickly running out of shooting guards, so he should have some value on the open market.

If the Pistons can deal Stuckey for either a first-round pick that they can package with their existing pick for a chance to move up or for some young talent, they should count themselves lucky.

The bottom line is that the Pistons need to explore all options; a team this bad really can't be picky about taking phone calls.

Outlook

This really comes down to how much pressure Dumars is under.

Something tells me something big may be coming down, and the Pistons need to be careful. They could mortgage their future for a chance to win a press conference.

That's why its this writer's belief that the Pistons need to target a defensive wing right away and throw enough money at him to pry him away.

That being said, they can't break the bank. Luckily for the Pistons, they have other options.

But the most important thing is that Dumars avoids dropping a pile of cash on the wrong player. He needs to be smart with his cash, and if the pieces aren't right, he needs to walk away from the table.

Fernandinho: Summer Transfer Window Profile and Scouting Report

Peter Brownell — Wed, 22 May 2013 03:00:00 -0400

Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fernandinho is among many players being tipped with a possible transfer in the summer window.

Here's a breakdown of his numbers and a brief scouting guide to the Brazilian, along with a few hints as to where he might be playing next summer.

Age: 28

Contract Situation: Fernandinho joined Shakhtar Donetsk in 2005 and is under contract until 2016.

Career Stops: Atletico Paranaense (2002-2005), Shakhtar Donetsk (2005-current).

Current Campaign: Premier Liga—23 games, two goals, seven assists; Champions League—eight games, one goal, one assist; Kubok Ukrainy—two goals, one assist; Superkubok Ukrainy—one game, one assist.

Video Showreel

Scouting Guide

Fernandinho is a midfielder for the Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk.

He can play as a box-to-box midfielder, capable of controlling possession with a smooth touch and high work rate. The Brazilian has a few weapons in his arsenal, including the ability to unleash shots from long distances.

Overall, he is a technical midfielder with plenty to bring to a club both offensively and defensively.

Where Next?

If Fernandinho gets his wishes, he will be wearing Manchester City blue when City's next campaign starts. The Brazilian tweeted, via the Mirror, his desires to join the Champions League club and could well be an excellent addition to Manchester City's midfield.

Then there is the other club in Manchester, Manchester United, who could well have a chance to sign Fernandinho if previous reports, per the Metro, are indeed true.

Either move would be a massive step for Fernandinho.

Chargers' RB Breakdown: Complete Position Evaluation and Analysis

Alex Ramirez — Wed, 22 May 2013 02:57:36 -0400

The San Diego Chargers have recently made some big signings in Dwight Freeney and Max Starks, but one of their smartest moves of the current offseason was the addition of Danny Woodhead. For a team who had the best running back in the league for about seven years, San Diego is trying everything they can to find stability and production in the backfield.

Over the past few years, there were three reasons for the Chargers' diminished running game: health, offensive line and Norv Turner.

They all tied in together if you think about it. Ryan Mathews hasn't played an entire season because of his inability to stay healthy. Yes, he's very fragile, but the NFL's worst offensive line doesn't help either. None of that really mattered anyway with Turner coaching. He had no clue as to how to use Mathews in his offense. He would run him up the middle a lot more than outside or on a pitch.

Let's now look into the future. 2013 should involve a heavy-running attack with Ken Whisenhunt now directing. Let's see if the explosiveness that LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles brought to the team years ago returns.

Ryan Mathews

Ht: 6'0'' Wt: 218 pounds

College: Fresno State

Experience: three years

2012 Statistics: 707 yards, 3.8 yards per carry, 1 TD

Three years into the league, Mathews is already facing a make-or-break season with the San Diego Chargers. It's very obvious and clear that Mathews has incredible talent and elusive ability, but his injury concerns scare MANY people, including coaches.

There is a reason the Chargers jumped up in the 2010 draft to land the former Bulldog. I still believe Mathews can be a top-five back in the NFL, staying healthy of course. In the Chargers' new offensive system, he'll have plenty of opportunities to shine.

The 2012 training camp was the best Mathews ever felt going into a season. After a broken collarbone, he wasn't able to gain momentum into the regular season. In 2013, he will.

Projected Position in the Depth Chart: starter

Ronnie Brown

Ht: 6'0'' Wt: 223 pounds

College: Auburn

Experience: eight years

2012 Statistics: 220 yards, 4.8 yards per carry, 371 receiving yards, 7.6 yards per catch

One of the founding fathers of the Wildcat offense in the NFL, Ronnie Brown, played very well for the Chargers in 2012. At this point in his career, Brown is more effective in the passing game. He doesn't have the speed he once did.

San Diego may not use Brown much next year, but when they do, it should be on third down. Brown is one of Philip Rivers' favorite targets and should get attention and praise for No. 17 himself.

Projected Position in the Depth Chart: third string

Danny Woodhead

Ht: 5'8'' Wt: 200 pounds

College: Chadron State

Experience: five years

2012 Statistics: 301 yards, 4.0 yards per carry, 4 TDs, 446 receiving yards, 11.2 yards per catch, 3 TDs

Charger fans should be excited to watch Danny Woodhead in San Diego. He may not have the speedy quickness that Sproles has, but he's pretty darn close production wise. Woodhead will become Philip Rivers' best friend throughout the season in the passing attack.

One little dump-off to No. 39 can result in a 20-yard play in the blink of an eye. The Chargers offense is much more explosive with Woodhead on the roster.

Projected Position in the Depth Chart: backup

Foswhitt Whittaker

Ht: 5'10'' Wt: 202 pounds

College: Texas

Experience: one year

2012 Statistics: N/A

Foswhitt "Fozzy" Whittaker was brought in with Ken Whisenhunt. After going undrafted and unsigned, Whittaker spent the entire season in free agency. That was until the Arizona Cardinals signed him to their practice squad for the final two games.

Whisenhunt had the Chargers bring Whittaker in based on what he saw last season. He'll bring competition to San Diego this summer. Who knows, maybe with this new youth movement, Whittaker could take Ronnie Brown's spot?

Projected Position in the Depth Chart: cut

Edwin Baker

Ht: 5'8'' Wt: 200 pounds

College: Michigan State

Experience: one year

2012 Statistics: N/A

Edwin Baker was the final pick by the San Diego Chargers in the 2012 NFL draft. He did not play one snap last season and did not make any game-day rosters. Baker bounced around from the practice squad to free agency the entire season.

Projected Position in the Depth Chart: Cut

Michael Hill

Ht: 5'10'' Wt: 209 pounds

College: Missouri Western

Experience: rookie

2012 Statistics: N/A

When the Chargers hosted Michael Hill in March, their intentions were never to draft him. They wanted to sign him as an undrafted rookie to add competition to training camp. Hill is a very talented running back that could have been a late round gem.

He'll have a chance to prove to coaches he deserves a roster spot, but it will be tough to do so.

Projected Position in the Depth Chart: cut

Chris Gronkowsi

Ht: 6'2'' Wt: 245 pounds

College: Arizona

Experience: four years

2012 Statistics: 11 receiving yards

Good news: San Diego's Gronkowsi is healthier than New England's. Bad news: San Diego's Gronkowski is not Rob.

Chris Gronkowski has a solid shot at making the Chargers' roster, but not as a running back. He'll either play fullback or be a special teams player. That is, if he makes the team or not.

Projected Position in the Depth Chart: cut

Note: None of these projections involve players added to the practice squad.

Creating the Perfect Offseason Plan for OKC Thunder

Kyle Ramos — Wed, 22 May 2013 02:53:31 -0400

Though it's a bit earlier than most people expected, the 2012-2013 season is officially in the books for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The bitter taste of postseason defeat tends to hang around for a bit, but it's time for the players and the organization as a whole to move forward and start planning for next season.

It's not always the easiest task to find room for improvement in a 60-win team, but there are some definite needs that Oklahoma City needs to address in the coming months. Fortunately, the Thunder's early exit from the playoffs allows them to focus entirely on the offseason.

Let's take a look at things chronologically and map out an ideal plan for OKC to have a truly successful offseason.

NBA Draft

Even with the best record in the Western Conference this season, the Thunder managed to land a pick in the lottery via the Toronto Raptors, which was sent over from Houston as part of the James Harden trade.

Though the ping pong balls did not defy the overwhelming odds of Oklahoma City landing above their 12th slot, having a pick that high after a successful season is still a win for the Thunder.

In terms of who they should select, the Thunder could look to take the best player available on the board. However, I think it would be wiser for OKC to find a quality prospect to serve as an eventual replacement to the underperforming Kendrick Perkins.

Luckily, there are plenty of big men in this year's class who look like they could turn out to be solid contributors. While there may not be any stars that fall to the Thunder that low in the draft, all they need is an eventual starter who could bring more to the table than Perkins.

One player to watch for is Cody Zeller from the University of Indiana, who showed off his great athleticism in the 2013 NBA Draft Combine.

Zeller's athletic ability and solid speed for a big man would make him a wonderful fit for the Thunder, who thoroughly enjoy pushing the basketball down the floor. Instead of seeing Kendrick Perkins laboring down the court trailing his four teammates, it would be a breath of fresh air for Oklahoma City fans to see a youthful Zeller keeping up with the pace.

According to Draft Express' scouting report on Zeller, he is a great threat to score anywhere on the court, possessing reliable post moves, a decent jumper and a good ability to get to the foul line. This definitely sounds like the kind of guy that the Thunder could really groom and develop in the next couple of seasons.

While getting rid of Perk right away sounds tempting, Oklahoma City GM Sam Presti has already stressed via newsok.com that he will not be using the amnesty clause on him this offseason. Besides, it would do Zeller good to ease himself into the NBA instead of being thrust into the lineup as an immediate starter.

If Zeller is unavailable by the time the Thunder get on the clock, which is a very real possibility, there are other options out there like Kelly Olynyk of Gonzaga or Alex Len of Maryland. These two centers also have some good potential of their own, but Zeller would certainly be the best possible fit for Oklahoma City and could end up becoming a key to a championship run.

For the two other picks (one late in the first round at No. 29 and the other in the early second round at No. 32), the Thunder could go with the classic route of stashing talent from overseas, especially since there may not be a lot of roster spots available.

Instead, though, OKC should strongly consider finding a true small forward to play behind Kevin Durant. Though there are defensive specialists like Thabo Sefolosha and DeAndre Liggins on the roster that can play the small forward position, perhaps the Thunder should look for more offensive-oriented guys that can provide a spark off of the bench.

Taking risks at No. 29 and No. 32 overall would almost be no risk at all for OKC, who has an abundance of talent already. That's why they should strongly consider players like Reggie Bullock of the University of North Carolina or James Ennis of Long Beach State.

Bullock has some great spot-up shooting ability and can space the floor for Oklahoma City. Additionally, he rebounds well for his average size (6'7"), which is an area the Thunder could use help with in their second unit.

James Ennis is a bit more raw, but has freaky athleticism and great length for a wing player. Though nowhere near as good as Durant, his body type and style of play can mirror KD at times, so playing behind him would be ideal for his development.

If the Thunder wanted, they could even draft both of these prospects to see which one fits better as a reserve and reward that player with a valuable spot on the roster.

This draft has a lot of potential to be a great one for Oklahoma City, as they could really find some diamonds in the rough on June 27th. If his track record has shown anything, I have full trust in Sam Presti and know he'll do what's best for this team's success.

Free Agency

The primary concern for the Thunder going into free agency after the draft is not about who to sign, but who to re-sign.

Kevin Martin is the main target for OKC after he had a mildly successful year for the Thunder in his new sixth-man role. Though Martin's already expressed his high interest to re-sign for a long term deal, perhaps the Thunder should approach with caution.

Martin is now 30 years old and entering his 10th year of NBA service, meaning that he's logged some serious miles. Though he may not show signs of his age next season or maybe even the season after that, a long-term deal may not be what's best for OKC talent wise nor in a monetary sense.

Behind Martin is the young Jeremy Lamb, who was used sparingly this past year. Though we have no idea just how much Lamb would thrive, he has shown signs that he could perform well at the NBA level of competition.

I'm not saying that the Thunder should just shun the idea of keeping Kevin Martin, but rather that they should really try to keep the contract a bit shorter and the money amount smaller. Lamb would be a good source of leverage in negotiations, as he could possibly fill the same role Martin had (if not better) for less money.

In an ideal situation, Oklahoma CIty could re-sign K-Mart for a one or two-year contract. Even if they don't, Lamb has enough potential where he could rise to the occasion of becoming the new sixth man.

There's not much else for the Thunder to do in free agency with such little cap wiggle room and the possibility of bringing in three new players after the draft. However, if Dwight Howard came along with interest in taking a pay cut for a championship run, the No. 12 remains unused on the OKC roster.

The offseason could end up being a time of sour reflection for the Thunder, but it could also prove to be a big tipping point in terms of their championship contention for the next few seasons. The core may be locked in, but there's a lot to tinker with in the other areas of the team.

Oklahoma City has a lot to look forward to with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook putting on a show night in and night out. But Presti always finds ways to surprise us with hidden talent through the draft (see Reggie Jackson) and his smart financial philosophy in contract negotiations (see anyone but Kendrick Perkins).

Tottenham: Why Moussa Dembele Will Be a Major Part of European Push at Spurs

Frank Wagner — Wed, 22 May 2013 02:52:20 -0400

After yet another late-season disappointment, Tottenham are headed for the Europa League next season.

However, while supporters of the north London club are sure to be hurting from the tough manner in which the club missed out on the Champions League, this should not stop them from looking forward to the club's European pursuits next season.

This past season's Europa League campaign ended with a penalty loss to Basel in the quarterfinals. One would hope that the club can improve on that result and push for European glory this time around.

Meanwhile, after missing the Champions League by one point for the second consecutive season, Spurs will hope that they can find a way to break into the Premier League's top four.

With the summer transfer window approaching, the focus at Tottenham is on the transfer rumors surrounding superstar Gareth Bale, per The Guardian, and the possible players who will be coming into White Hart Lane this summer.

One of the most important keys to next season, though, is being ignored.

Midfielder Moussa Dembele had a fantastic opening season at Spurs.

After transferring from Fulham last summer, the Belgian settled right in and scored on his Premier League debut.

Despite some injury issues, the 25-year-old was still able to contribute to the club throughout the season.

In fact, there is one incredibly flattering statistic that speaks to Dembele's importance at Tottenham over the past nine months: Spurs won just one of the eight league matches that Dembele missed while winning 20 of the 30 in which he played.

This record could be due to the Belgian's ability to hold the ball and ride tackles. With the side playing a high line, even Spurs' talented defenders have found it quite helpful to have a player to keep possession and provide a link from defense to attack.

Further, Dembele was able to score one of the most memorable goals of Tottenham's season, hitting an unstoppable long-range shot in the last minute of a match with Lyon to send Spurs through the round of 32 of the Europa League.

If Dembele is able to stay fit for the entirety of the 2013-14 season, it will be a huge boost to Spurs' aspirations for the season.

Should he miss as many or even more matches due to injury, though, Tottenham could be put in a tough position and have to rely on any new talent they pull in this summer.

A lot of Spurs' success next season could ride on Moussa Dembele.

What's more, given that he's just 25, Dembele's impact on Tottenham's European aspirations could run even further.

Follow @Fw1812

French Open 2013: Was Andy Murray's Pullout the Right Decision?

Michael Ann McKinlay — Wed, 22 May 2013 02:09:09 -0400

World No. 2 Andy Murray made headlines yesterday, as he withdrew from the second Grand Slam of the season, with a lower-back injury.

He said in a statement, “It’s a really tough decision and I love playing in Paris, but after seeking medical advice I am not fit to compete,” said Murray via ESPN. “Apologies to the organizers and thanks to everyone for the messages of support. Now my complete focus is on getting back on the court as soon as possible.”

What’s more concerning was what Murray said in Rome last week. He cited that this lower-back injury has been a problem since the 2011 season and was an issue last year on the clay.

This withdrawal is also major because it directly affects defending champion Rafael Nadal, as he will be bumped up to the No. 3 seed and will not face Novak Djokovic or Roger Federer until at least the semifinals.

Was this a good move for the remainder of Murray’s 2013 season?

The obvious answer is yes when looking at the 2013 season as a whole. First, Murray can sacrifice his last year’s result (quarterfinals) in Paris and work on defending the more important Wimbledon points and U.S. Open crown.

And after winning the gold medal during the London Olympics at Wimbledon last July, Murray (believe it or not) will be facing even more pressure to break the 77-year drought and finally become the first British male since Fred Perry to win Wimbledon. Plus, now that he’ll come to Wimbledon a Grand Slam champion, he is expected to win.

Secondly, rankings aside, Murray has always played better tennis during the June through August months, excelling on the fast grass and American hard courts. He needs to be healthy during that time because Wimbledon and the U.S. Open are probably his top priority for 2013. With the pullout, it also proved how much Murray values this part of the tennis season.

On the other hand, besides the points he’ll be forfeiting, he is also foregoing his highest Grand Slam seeding since the 2009 U.S. Open as No. 2.

In the last 10 months, Murray has worked hard to assert himself as a Grand Slam contender, not just a Masters Series contender and his ranking shows that effort. With this setback, he could be throwing away his hard work and giving his competitors a slight edge over him in the next month with more match play.

But in the end, Murray isn't considered a favorite to win at Roland Garros, and as such, made the right move to get healthy before the real test in London comes next month.

The French Open draw will be available Friday, with main draw action beginning Sunday.

10 Most Thrilling Finishes in NASCAR History

Jim Folsom — Wed, 22 May 2013 02:09:03 -0400

NASCAR is a sport that builds for the finish. The finish is all that really counts in a NASCAR race. You can lead every lap but the last one, and that makes you a loser.

Like baseball, a lot can happen during the course of the event, but the end is all that really matters. You can get 26 outs and be in good shape, but if you don't get that last one, you lose. Conversely, you can be down all day long, but pull it out at the end.

In NASCAR, you can trail all day long as well, but if you lead at the end it is all that matters. So to narrow it down to the top 10 most exciting finishes of all time will be quite a task. It will surely lead to many arguments as well, but that's alright. It's why there is a comment section below.

So without further ado, let's count them down.

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French Open 2013: About That Roger Federer Backhand Versus Rafael Nadal

Jeremy Eckstein — Wed, 22 May 2013 02:08:07 -0400

Roger Federer’s latest struggle against Rafael Nadal in the Italian Open finals was a microcosm of eight frustrating years of French Open futility against his Spanish nemesis.

There is little, if anything, to examine with the future of this rivalry on red clay. It would be like trying to sell a dunk contest between Michael Jordan and Larry Bird.

Instead, it leads many tennis fans to reflect on the Swiss Maestro’s most glaring weaknesses. One of my readers, Aakash Karkare, recently summed this up by wondering how recent French Open history could have changed: “If Roger had a two hander, would Nadal not have bothered him as much?”

Certainly Nadal’s lefty topspin has created a terrible matchup for Federer’s more spotty single-backhand, but there are numerous layers to this question. Inexorable changes from the ATP tour have directed much of the warfare in tennis that has shaped these two epic champions.

Old-School Artistry

Federer, born in 1981, saw plenty of clay-court champions win with a single backhand. Mats Wilander and Ivan Lendl could push away shots with their weaker side and set opponents up—Wilander preferred to grind for opponent errors and Lendl looked to club his forehand for winners.

There were other one-handers who thrived on clay in the 1990s, including bullish Thomas Muster, who needed a big wind-up for his other wing—and artistic Gustavo Kuerten, who used his lanky height and grace to place the ball deep in the court and stymie counter-attacks.

However, few tennis aficionados, and least of all Federer, would have foreseen the weaknesses to possessing a one-hander because they were nurtured to develop an all-court game. Half of the French Open champions in this draw used a single backhand.

In the 1980s, coach Pete Fischer had young Pete Sampras change his two-hander to the more well-rounded one-hander so that he could win Wimbledon. It’s hard to imagine this would happen again if Sampras were born in the 21^st century.

The champions during much of Federer’s upbringing sought to hit approach shots and force opponents into off-balanced impotent replies. Tennis required more vertical scrambling and guile. Federer honed his game to the 20^th-century ideals of perfected old-school tennis and added 21st-century athleticism and technology. From 2004-2008, it was a nearly unbeatable combination.

New-Wave Power

Nadal, born in 1986, may have been aware of Bjorn Borg’s clay-court dominance, but the Viking’s two-handed topspin dominance was still more of an aberration.

But by the time Nadal was five years old, Jim Courier and Sergi Bruguera had come along with heavy two-handed Western topspin that would dominate four consecutive French Open titles. Fellow Majorcan Carlos Moya also used a two-hander, and champions like Andre Agassi made the baseline style look highly attractive to tennis prospects.

For very young children, holding a racket with two hands is easier. Nadal’s autobiography, Rafa with John Carlin, explains that Nadal was using both sides with two hands. At age nine, his Uncle Toni had him commit to one side or the other for his forehand, and Rafa’s decision to use a lefty forehand certainly changed the future of tennis.

Yet even by 2005, when teenager Nadal was celebrating his first French Open title, it seemed inconceivable that he would conquer red clay with the kind of sweep not seen since the 13-century rise of the Mongol Empire.

Glimpse of the Future

If Federer has been the consummate artist and all-court champion, it’s Nadal who has influenced the way tennis is now played at the highest level. His heavy topspin has produced unprecedented spin speed (consistently measured over 3,000 rpms, according to tennis analyst John Yandell as reported in the New York Times) and high-hopping balls that can rise above an opponent’s head. He has sent every tennis pro back to the laboratory to develop countering techniques and mechanics.

Consequently, the past decade has seen the rapid expansion from a more traditional, two-dimensional game of placement and power added to a third dimension of aerial bounces produced to make it difficult for the opponent to line up shots in his wheelhouse.

For now, it feels as if Federer’s single backhand is all but obsolete in trying to chase titles on clay. If this style is to make a comeback, the players who succeed must hit the ball early and powerfully. Additionally, they must also learn to guide the ball with the same kind of ease seen from the double-handed players.

What young tennis player now would choose to still adopt a one-hander with Federer’s infamous difficulties in fending off Nadal’s devastating missiles? It’s like training to be a master swordsman only to find out that a newly-devised longbow is a more effective long-range weapon.

Federer has an original style, but also an anachronistic one playing under new conditions against a mostly new cast of competitors. He is Claude Monet's "Woman with a Parasol" hanging in a gallery now being decorated with digital facsimiles of supermodels.

Suppose Federer did possess Djokovic’s double-backhand? Would this be the ultimate completion to the perfect player? Would he have a shelf of half a dozen French Open cups to go along with the other 16 Grand Slam titles?

Probably not.

To gain a technical advantage is to lose something else. Federer built his game around quick reflexes and perhaps the most masterful baseline forehand in tennis history. He dominated Wimbledon and the U.S. Open.

Maybe 17 Grand Slam titles never happen if he decided to rely on a Djokovic-like backhand. He might gain the patience to bash from the baseline, but lose the aggressive, fluid attacking game that once ruled the sport. Changing Federer’s backhand would be like giving a makeover to the Mona Lisa. Some things are meant to be appreciated forever the way they are.

Nadal is also more than the sum of his whirlwind topspin. He has raised the bar for seemingly every aspect of clay footwork, retrieval and patience. There is arguably nobody who can top his mental toughness and determination to be a champion. Opponents like Djokovic and Ernests Gulbis can bring out a big backhand, but they will still need the fortitude and talent to seize the biggest points and dominate three of five sets.

French Open 2013 promises to be a spectacular display with Nadal determined as ever to combat his focused competitors. Whether or not someone can beat him with a big double-backhand, that challenger will need a big heart and legendary determination.

Nadal will not hand over his crown.

Click here to match Nadal and Federer with the great French Open champions of the past

Orioles End Losing Streak; Gausman to Start Against Toronto on Thursday

Drew Reynolds — Wed, 22 May 2013 02:01:57 -0400

The Baltimore Orioles ended their six-game losing streak on Monday, beating the Yankees 3-2 in 10 innings on a Nate McLouth solo home run.

The rest of the Orioles offense on Monday night came solely from outfielder Chris Dickerson, who hit two solo home runs. Both blasts were surrendered by Yankees starter Phil Hughes, with one coming in the third inning and the other in the fifth.

While Orioles starter Miguel Gonzalez pitched a solid seven innings in his first start after coming off the disabled list, it was Orioles closer Jim Johnson who picked up the win. After blowing three straight saves, Johnson pitched a perfect top of the 10th and only needed eight pitches to do so.

However, perhaps the biggest news of the night came an hour after the end of the game. It was confirmed by Eduardo A. Encina of The Baltimore Sun that top pitching prospect Kevin Gausman would be called up from Double-A Bowie and start for the Orioles on Thursday in Toronto. Jon Morosi of Fox Sports broke the story.

Gausman, 22, was the fourth overall draft pick out of LSU in last year's draft. So far this season in Bowie, Gausman has pitched well. In eight starts, he has a 3.11 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP, despite only compiling a 2-4 record.

After struggling in a couple of his first three starts, Gausman has hit his stride as of late. In his latest start, which came on Friday, he had another strong outing. Over six innings, Gasuman allowed only one run on four hits and a walk, while striking out 10.

The Orioles' starting rotation has been somewhat of a mess since Jake Arrieta was demoted back in April. With Arrieta's replacements not pitching well and with Wei-Yin Chen currently on the disabled list, it shouldn't come as a total surprise that the Orioles will have Gausman, who is MLB.com's 36th overall prospect, skip Triple-A and get a start in the majors.

While it's likely that Gausman's stay isn't permanent and more of a fill-in start, the 22-year-old can perhaps get a longer look if he provides the Orioles with a strong outing.

Andreas Weimann: Summer Transfer Window Profile and Scouting Report

Peter Brownell — Wed, 22 May 2013 02:00:01 -0400

Aston Villa striker Andreas Weimann is among many players being tipped with a possible transfer in the summer window.

Here's a breakdown of his numbers and a brief scouting guide to the Austrian international, along with a few hints as to where he might be playing next summer.

Age: 21

Contract Situation: Weimann started with Aston Villa in 2010 and is under contract until the end of June 2014.

Career Stops: Aston Villa (2010-current), Watford (loan, 2011-current).

Current Campaign: English Premier League—30 games, seven goals, four assists; League Cup—six games, four goals, one assist; FA Cup—two games, one goal, one assist; World Cup Qualifiers—three games, one assist.

Video Showreel

Scouting Guide

Weimann is a striker who plays as a right-winger for the English Premier League side Aston Villa and the Austrian national team team.

He is a very powerful player and can score from both outside the box and from close range. Weimann is excellent at finding gaps in oppositions' back lines and moves off the ball with purpose.

His strength allows him to hold off defenders, and he is capable of scoring with one touch. He is fearless when attacking the goal and can serve as an outside midfielder if necessary.

Where Next?

A few highly regarded clubs are interested in the signature of Andreas Weimann.

First up are Inter Milan, who, according to Sky Sports, have expressed intrigue in the striking capabilities of the young Austrian.

Then, according to the Mirror, there are slew of clubs keeping tabs on Weimann's contract status with Villa in the hopes that they could step in should the two parties become unable to make a deal.

They include the likes of Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle.

Obviously, playing for a Champions League finalist would be an appetizing move for one of the bright Premier League stars, but the lore of Inter Milan could draw Weimann to Italy.

Ohio State Football: How the Road Can Be Unkind to the Buckeyes in 2013

Tim Bielik — Wed, 22 May 2013 01:55:30 -0400

Ohio State shouldn't have many problems being perfect at home. It's the road trips that will show how good this team really is next season.

The Buckeyes only leave Ohio five times, but face tough challenges in nearly all of those games.

OSU plays this season at Cal, Northwestern, Purdue, Illinois and Michigan. The Illini should pose little threat after going winless in the Big Ten a year ago, but the other four road games may be very tough.

Cal gave OSU a tough test in the Horseshoe a year ago and should pose another threat in Berkeley with first-year coach Sonny Dykes running the show. The Golden Bears offense should be more explosive, especially if youngsters RB Brendan Bigelow and WR Chris Harper build off solid seasons.

Northwestern finally had a big breakthrough in 2012, winning 10 games as well as winning a bowl game for the first time since 1949.

The news gets worse for the rest of the Big Ten because most of the Wildcats' big guns, namely RB Venric Mark and QB Kain Colter, are back. Northwestern is already a tough team to stop, but now, they're an even tougher team with experience and a boatload of confidence.

The Buckeyes haven't lost to Northwestern since 2004, but this year's team may be the best Northwestern has been in a long time.

Purdue should be an interesting challenge as well because of how much trouble the Boilermakers have caused the Buckeyes in recent years. Were it not for an incredible comeback by Kenny Guiton at QB, the Buckeyes would have lost to Purdue for the third time in four years last season.

New coach Darrell Hazell may bring a different mindset offensively than Danny Hope, but Purdue has enough talent to make OSU sweat again if the Boilermakers play the way they have in recent years.

As for Michigan, the difficulty is obvious with the rivalry factor. The Wolverines defense should be at its best since the Lloyd Carr era ended, and RB Fitzgerald Toussaint should be healthy after missing last year's showdown in Columbus.

OSU fell to the Wolverines in Ann Arbor two years ago, in the last game before Urban Meyer signed on as head coach. Michigan could be the biggest obstacle standing between the Buckeyes and the national championship shot they have coveted for years.

These four games in particular are all winnable without question, but they're certainly going to be battles.

If the Buckeyes run the table once again this year, with the road slate in front of them, it will mean a lot more.

Follow me on Twitter @bielik_tim for the latest college football news and updates.

Mid-Round Rookie Running Backs Set to Make an Impact in 2013

Brandon Holstein — Wed, 22 May 2013 01:48:54 -0400

There's something to be said about taking an opportunity and running with it.

Sometimes it can be as simple as being in the right situation at exactly the right time, while other times it involves more knowledge and overall skill.

Nevertheless—no matter which way you spin it—success nearly always starts and can be defined by this one simple saying from Seneca:

"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity."

Corny, yes, but there is also a lot of truth and meaning to take away from this quote as well.

After all, each year we see player's who shock everybody, turning out much better than anyone could have ever expected.

For instance, running backs like Daryl Richardson, Bryce Brown and Alfred Morris, who, just last year, turned out to make substantial impacts despite facing some rather improbable odds.

It's an anomaly of sorts, but the crazy thing is it happens each and every year, and this year appears to be no different.

So, who exactly are the running backs going into the most ideal situations in this, their rookie seasons?

Ahead, I try to pinpoint these players—discussing exactly what makes them special and how they will make their presences felt sooner rather than later.

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Mike Trout Hits for Cycle: What Can't the Angels Superstar Do on the Field?

Doug Mead — Wed, 22 May 2013 01:45:35 -0400

When Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout stepped to the plate in the bottom of the eighth inning against the Seattle Mariners, he had already singled, doubled and tripled in the game.

With four RBI already and a stolen base to his credit, Trout had already put forth an outstanding effort.

His night, however, was not quite over.

Trout took a Lucas Luetge offering and deposited it over the fence in right-center field for a solo home run. The hometown crowd roared, knowing that Trout had performed something very rare indeed.

Trout hit for the cycle, becoming the first Angel to achieve the feat since Chone Figgins on Sept. 16, 2006.

According to ESPN, at 21 years and 188 days old, Trout is the youngest player in American League history to hit for the cycle.

2013 Mike Trout	21-288	Angels
1997 Alex Rodriguez	21-313	Mariners
1964 Jim Fregosi	22-115	Angels

According to Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register, Trout’s achievement was historic in nature as well:

ESPN was quick to point out that in recent times, Trout’s feat, considering his age, is also rare:

ESPN also gives us this interesting fact:

Okay, so enough about his age—what’s next for Trout?

Well, MLB.com reporter Lyle Spencer believes that we certainly haven’t seen the last of cycles from Trout:

I’m inclined to agree.

Trout’s 4-for-5, five-RBI night was certainly a boost for his season stats as well; he's now hitting .293 with nine home runs and leads the team with 34 RBI.

This well could be the kick-start that Trout needed. While it’s difficult to say he was going through an early-season slump, his numbers certainly weren’t what were expected, considering the stratospheric stats he posted in his rookie year.

Spencer is absolutely right, the all-time cycle record could easily be in Trout’s sights. At just 21 years old and blessed with great speed, he absolutely has the tools to challenge the mark. In addition, Trout’s special night could also be the catalyst the Angels needed to pull them out of the doldrums as well.

Make no mistake about it—it’s not going to be Albert Pujols or Josh Hamilton that drives this Angels team. Their production is certainly important for the cause, as are the contributions of the other 22 players on the roster.

But Trout is the Angels’ Red Bull. His energy on the field is what drives this offense.

And on this night, Trout proved that he has only just begun.

Doug Mead is a featured columnist with Bleacher Report. His work has been featured in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, SF Gate, CBS Sports, the Los Angeles Times and the Houston Chronicle.

Feel free to talk baseball with Doug anytime on Twitter.

Follow @Sports_A_Holic

Tony Parker Notches Career High in Assists as Spurs Outlast Grizzlies in Game 2

Jesse Dorsey — Wed, 22 May 2013 01:44:59 -0400

Tony Parker led the San Antonio Spurs in a squeaker over the Memphis Grizzlies, a 93-89 Game 2 overtime win, thanks in part to his career-high 18 assists.

Tony Parker's 18 assists are tied for 2nd-most in Spurs playoff history, 2 shy of Johnny Moore's 20 in 1983.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 22, 2013

All night long, Parker was finding open shooters and streaking slashers, with shot after shot falling for the first three quarters.

San Antonio's second quarter was an amazing all-around performance, with the team notching an assist on each of its 11 field goals in the quarter. Parker was able to pick up six of those 11 assists, but somehow that wasn't the most impressive stretch from the Frenchman on the evening.

Perhaps most impressive, San Antonio came up with 11 field goals in the third quarter, 10 of which involved Parker. Parker assisted on the first eight, scored the next two and then Manu Ginobili came home with a selfish layup with four seconds left in the quarter.

In all, Parker had a hand in 24 consecutive points.

He had 16 assists after that eight-dime third, but his teammates suddenly stopped making shots in the fourth.

Zero assists came Parker's way in the period as the Spurs scored just nine points.

Parker, not generally known for putting up huge assist numbers (he averages six per game in his career and 7.6 per game this season) actually set his previous career-high earlier last season.

He picked up 17 assists in a two-point win over the New Orleans Hornets late last January, marking just the third time in his career that he surpassed the 15-assist mark.

With a dime dropped to Tim Duncan on the first play of overtime in San Antonio's playoff win, Parker was able to tie that mark, and another dish to Duncan to give the Spurs a four-point lead with a minute remaining put him in uncharted territory.

Cleveland Cavaliers Win NBA Lottery, What Should They Do Now?

Tommy McConnell — Wed, 22 May 2013 01:39:24 -0400

Well, the Cleveland Cavaliers have a choice to make. A few of them, actually.

The Cavs jumped up two spots in Tuesday night's NBA draft lottery to snag the No. 1 pick. The surprising good luck—thanks, Nick Gilbert!—has Cleveland in a fortuitous position: they have their choice of young players to add to their already young core, or they could look to move the pick for an established All-Star type player.

Let's say Cleveland keeps its pick, which is probably the likeliest scenario.
Nerlens Noel is the obvious pick, and while Chris Grant will do his due diligence, there's a couple of factors pointing strongly toward the freshman from Kentucky, chief among them Mike Brown.

Brown is, above everything, a defensive coach. He is fully aware of just how awful Cleveland was on that end of the court a year ago, and I would imagine his first priority would be improving one of the league's most porous defenses.

Their guards struggled to make consistent rotations and keep the ball in front of them, but the major problem was protecting the paint. Opposing teams shot 62.5 percent from within five feet against Cleveland, the third-worst mark in the league. Cleveland doesn't have a single player on its roster that can challenge a shot at the rim.

Enter Nerlens, a shot-blocking maven. If he's going to contribute anything at all during his rookie season, it will be on defense, primarily blocking and altering shots. Brown has to be giddy that he can plug in a rookie who will help to solve his defense's most glaring issue almost immediately.

Beyond that, it's not unreasonable that he can live on putbacks and pick-and-roll dunks, and if he puts on a few more pounds, he could possibly be a healthier and more offensive Tyson Chandler. There's more to like right off the bat than you think.

There's an argument to be made for drafting Otto Porter, who's the ideal 3 for Cleveland's roster, but effective swingmen are much more plentiful in the draft (maybe even with the 19th pick) than a 6'11" shot-blocking pogo stick.

But Grant has made it clear that drafting Noel, or even keeping the pick, is not a lock. Cleveland will explore all its options, and that includes trading the No. 1 overall pick.

If they were to pull the trigger on a deal of that caliber, what would be a fair, or more importantly, a smart return? Cleveland was recently linked to LaMarcus Aldrige, so perhaps they'd revisit that deal. DeMarcus Cousins is available, but he's pretty much confirmed any and all headcase suspicions. Al Horford could also be acquired if Atlanta whiffs on the D12/CP3 dream signing.

Those are three talented bigs, but they're also expensive. Is it worth tying up all future cap flexibility for one of them? I don't think so. There's only one name that really intrigues me: Kevin Love.

If Minnesota were to make him available, Cleveland has to pull the trigger. There's no question marks with Love. He's a legit All-Star, a relentless rebounder who has three-point range and proven chemistry with Uncle Drew. Could you imagine pairing him with Anderson Varejao? How many rebounds would they get? All the rebounds, that's how many.

As things stand right now, there's really only two options: Noel or Love.

Whatever he does, this quote will help me sleep easier at night, courtesy of Cleveland.com:

"We certainly think about that. And it is important," Grant said of veteran help. "But at the same time, when you have the ability to add very good young talent to your roster that can grow and flourish, and you add that to the other guys you have, it gives you an opportunity to build something that's sustainable long-term."

What We've Learned About Each NBA Conference Finalist This Postseason

Josh Cohen — Wed, 22 May 2013 01:38:42 -0400

Even in the conference finals of the NBA playoffs, we are still learning new things about the teams left standing.

After nearly seven months of games, the league's best have revealed their strengths and flaws on the biggest scale possible. That's what happens when the best of the best face off in seven-game series—everything is more pronounced.

But it's not just questions from the regular season that have been answered. A handful of genuine surprises have popped up this postseason, shaping the action in unexpected and exciting ways.

We've been watching these teams all season, yet each of them has shown us that there's more to it than meets the eye. How their opponents adjust to these discoveries will go a long way toward deciding the 2013 NBA title.

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Biggest Takeaways from Tuesday's NHL Playoff Action

Carol Schram — Wed, 22 May 2013 01:38:17 -0400

Tuesday night's NHL playoff action featured two series headed in very different directions.

Though the New York Rangers had not lost a playoff game this year when leading after two periods, the Boston Bruins came from behind with a 2-1 win to take a 3-0 stranglehold in their best-of-seven series.

Meanwhile, the feisty San Jose Sharks stormed hard out of the gate to dominate the Los Angeles Kings early, then hang on for a 2-1 win to tie their series at two games each.

Here's a look at some of the pivotal moments and key takeaways from Tuesday's games.

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NBA Players Who Would Thrive in Another Professional Sport

Ben Leibowitz — Wed, 22 May 2013 01:32:09 -0400

NBA players are among the most athletic and physically skilled human beings on the planet. As a result of their elite talents, it would not be unusual to see those players thrive in other professional sports.

The marquee examples of dual sport athletes include Deion Sanders and Bo Jackson. Both were prominent athletes in the NFL and Major League Baseball throughout their careers.

Even lesser known cases like Chicago Cubs pitcher Jeff Samardzija (who played wide receiver at Notre Dame) and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (who was drafted by the Montreal Expos before attending the University of Michigan) are interesting examples of the talent today’s athletes possess.

So which NBA players could not only play a different sport professionally but also succeed in doing so?

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Upset Meter for Every 2nd-Round Stanley Cup Playoff Series

Tom Urtz Jr. — Wed, 22 May 2013 01:18:10 -0400

The second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs has been exciting up to this point, and each series has the potential for an upset. The New York Rangers are the most unlikely to pull off an upset, as they are in an 0-3 hole trailing the Boston Bruins.

The Chicago Blackhawks could go down 3-1 if they lose Game 4 on Thursday night, and that would put them in a ton of trouble. The other series going on in the NHL playoffs also feature great matchups, and here is where the upset meter is for every second-round Stanley Cup playoff series.

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49ers Running Back Breakdown: Full Evaluation and Depth Chart Analysis

Joseph Akeley — Wed, 22 May 2013 01:15:38 -0400

The San Francisco 49ers have one of the most productive running games in the NFL.

Led by a mauling offensive line and talented group of running backs, the Niners ranked fourth in rushing yards per game in 2012.

Colin Kaepernick's dual-threat ability also played in a major role in the rushing assault. The 49ers featured more read-option plays with Kaepernick behind center, and it resulted in a more explosive ground attack.

Just ask the Green Bay Packers.

Let's take a look at the top five running backs in Red and Gold. What will their roles be in 2013?

Frank Gore: The Starter

Gore is quietly making a case for a Hall of Fame induction. He ranks 34th in all-time rushing yards and third among active players.

However, he just turned 30. Is he due to slow down?

He showed no signs of slowing down in 2012.

Gore rushed for 1,214 yards on a 4.7 yards-per-carry average—his best mark since 2009. He was even better in the playoffs, accumulating 319 rushing yards on a 5.1 per-carry average in three games.

Gore doesn't have the speed of a Chris Johnson or the power of an Adrian Peterson, but his combination of vision, patience and elusiveness makes him one of the most efficient runners in the NFL.

He's also a quality receiver out of the backfield, and he does everything expected of a running back when picking up oncoming blitzers.

In the 2012 regular season, Gore placed ninth in Pro Football Focus' overall ranking for qualified running backs (subscription required). Until he clearly loses a step, he should be San Francisco's starter.

LaMichael James: Change of Pace

James appeared in San Francisco's last seven games (playoffs included) in 2012, and he immediately showed why the Niners used a second-round pick on him.

He has the quickness to attack the edges of the defense, which can be absolutely deadly with an athletic quarterback running the read-option.

At the 46-second mark of the video to the right, you get a glimpse of James' explosiveness. Before some Falcons defenders know he has the ball, he's around the right side of the line with a straight line to the end zone.

However, questions remain about James' ball security and durability.

The diminutive back had only 38 carries last year, and it's yet to be determined whether he can stay healthy for a full NFL season. He also had several minor injuries in his career at the University of Oregon, but he played through them to become the school's all-time leading rusher.

As for ball security, he had two fumbles last year, one of which was recovered by the Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII.

Still, with Kendall Hunter's health in question, James may be relied upon heavily as San Francisco's No. 2 running back in 2013.

Kendall Hunter: Wild Card

According to Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle, Hunter was running sprints in mid-April, but he could not make cuts yet. Still, Hunter seems to be on the right track to return for training camp from the torn Achilles he sustained in November.

And what a lift it would be if he was at full strength for the 2013 season.

Hunter actually had a better rushing score on Pro Football Focus' rankings than Gore did in 2011 (subscription required). And last year, Hunter averaged 5.2 yards per carry.

He deserves to be mentioned as a possible starting replacement for Gore down the road.

The issues with Hunter are his porous run-blocking and health concerns. In blitz pickup, he often chops at bigger defensive players, which leaves San Francisco's quarterback vulnerable at times.

I've already alluded to the health concerns. If the Niners don't feel he's ready for the 2013 season, they could put him on the temporary IR until midseason to give Jewel Hampton a roster spot or add more depth to another position.

Anthony Dixon: Short-Yardage Back

Dixon should make the roster over Hampton and any other unexpected challengers due to his special teams contributions.

The 2009 sixth-round pick won't see the field much on offense, but he still might be the best option for the Niners on a 3rd-and-1 play due to his powerful running style.

San Francisco called on him against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship Game, and he delivered.

Dixon should settle in as the third- or fourth-string running back for the 2013 season.

Marcus Lattimore: The Future

Will Lattimore suit up in 2013?

Your guess is as good as any at this point.

According to Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee, head coach Jim Harbaugh hinted at giving Lattimore a year to recover from the torn ACL, MCL and PCL he sustained in October.

That being said, the 49ers could put him on the temporary IR (only one player per team is allowed the spot) and activate him around midseason in case several running backs get injured.

Or, he could be like Adrian Peterson and come back in 2013 better than ever...but I wouldn't bet on it.

With all the running back talent on the San Francisco roster, I'm guessing Lattimore does sit out the entire season. He has the talent to be San Francisco's starter down the road.

10 NFL Players Who Will See the Most Dramatic Stat Increases from 2012 to 2013

Alessandro Miglio — Wed, 22 May 2013 01:11:13 -0400

Every season, we see a smattering of NFL players dramatically increase their production.

Here are 10 players set to see big increases in their statistical output next season. A few might surprise you, given they were pretty good last year. Others are simply logical progressions given new situations.

Statistics courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com.

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San Antonio Spurs Out-Ugly Memphis Grizzlies in Game 2 of Western Finals

Josh Martin — Wed, 22 May 2013 01:10:56 -0400

You'd hardly know the San Antonio Spurs were a high-flying finesse team after the way they closed out Game 2 of the 2013 Western Conference Finals against the Memphis Grizzlies Tuesday night.

The Spurs were up by as many as 18 points in the third quarter and 14 in the fourth. Tony Parker appeared poised to challenge the NBA playoff record for assists in a game, with 16 dimes through the first three frames. All five of San Antonio's starters had already scored in double figures while helping to hold the Grizzlies well under 40 percent from the field.

Then, the wheels came off the wagon, and the Spurs found themselves on the brink of blowing a crucial contest at home. Over the last 8:10 of regulation, San Antonio missed all but one of its 12 attempts from the floor (including an ugly fadeaway by Tim Duncan at the end of the game), turned the ball over four times, and racked up six fouls—four of which came on the same possession.

Not that the Grizzlies played any prettier. Zach Randolph had himself another forgettable game. He had just two points at the half and (once again) struggled to get his shot off from among San Antonio's trees. Tony Allen airballed his fair share of shots, as did Jerryd Bayless, who clanked a three off the backboard in the closing seconds of overtime.

In fact, only two Memphis players (Quincy Pondexter and Keyon Dooling) managed to hit at least half of their shots.

And those two combined for all of nine shots.

But ugly is the way Memphis has long preferred to play. The Grizzlies sport the lowest effective field-goal percentage of any team that's participated in these playoffs. During the regular season, they played at the second-slowest pace, tallied the third-worst effective field-goal percentage and ranked among the bottom 10 in assists per game. When things went sour in San Antonio, Memphis reverted to its signature, muck-making ways and managed to force overtime as a result.

The thing is, San Antonio has a long, storied history of not only playing unattractive basketball but also riding such a style all the way to the top. With Tim Duncan as the anchor, the Spurs fashioned their four-title dynasty around a stifling, fundamentally sound defense and a deliberate offense that grounded out buckets.

The other thing is, these Spurs are still entirely capable of succeeding under such circumstances if need be. When fastbreak-fueling turnovers are hard to come by and the shots aren't falling and the pick-and-roll isn't generating the looks that it normally does, San Antonio can still count on its ability to stop the opposition.

They can also count on Timmy to come through in the clutch, as he did on Tuesday night. Duncan scored six of San Antonio's eight points in overtime, including a crucial bucket off an offensive board that opened up after Marc Gasol switched onto Tony Parker in the pick-and-roll.

Basketball fans have been treated to such vintage Duncan all season, and Game 2 was no different. He finished the evening with about as stuffed a stat line as you'll ever see from a 37-year-old: 17 points, nine rebounds, three assists, four blocks and two steals in 31 minutes.

For all of the work that the Spurs have done to reorganize themselves around Parker's particular talents, the Big Fundamental remains the rock upon which San Antonio leans in times like these. He anchors their defense and protects the rim, even though he can no longer move and leap as well as he once did. He bails them out with big buckets, like a rusty but reliable safety valve.

Duncan can play a beautiful brand of basketball (as the game was meant to be played) but he is just as comfortable down in the proverbial dirt. He's won nearly a handful of championships that way without apology, even as so much of the basketball-watching public once turned on San Antonio for being slow, boring and ugly.

The Spurs are no longer that squad. They play fast, pass the ball and score at an elite rate. Tony Parker is their best player and leader, with young guns like Kawhi Leonard, Danny Green and Tiago Splitter taking their rightful place on Gregg Popovich's decorated mantle of raw prospects-turned-pivotal pieces.

But lurking deep within San Antonio's soul are the vestiges of a team that can (and sometimes does) win sans aesthetics. That will always be the case, so long as Timmy and Tony and Manu Ginobili are still lacing 'em up as a trio.

It's that very versatility that has propelled the Spurs to this point, allowing them to squash the Los Angeles Lakers, outlast the upstart Golden State Warriors, and now beat the Memphis Grizzlies at their own game.

To be sure, the Spurs aren't without their weaknesses. They don't have a ton of size and have been known to play fast and loose with the ball at times. They'll be hard-pressed to pummel the Grizzlies in Memphis the way they did in San Antonio if such sloppy play becomes the order of the day.

Then again, the Spurs don't seem to mind playing ugly basketball. If that's what it takes to win this series and advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2007, then you can be sure they'll do it.

After all, they've done it before.

Follow @Josh_E_Martin

Mike Trout Hits for the Cycle vs. Seattle Mariners

Ryan Rudnansky — Wed, 22 May 2013 01:03:49 -0400

Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout hit for the cycle against the Seattle Mariners Tuesday night.

CBSSports.com tweeted:

Coming into the contest, Trout had been hitting .293 with nine home runs, 34 RBI, 31 runs and nine stolen bases. He's hitting .308 with six home runs, 13 RBI, 14 runs and four stolen bases in May.

The 21-year-old has been phenomenal for the Angels since getting regular playing time last season. In 2012, he batted .326 with 30 home runs, 83 RBI, 129 runs and 49 stolen bases as the AL Rookie of the Year.

Trout's impact on the baseball field was on full display Tuesday. After striking out looking in the first inning, he roared back. First, it was an infield single in the third inning. Then, it was a triple in the fourth. Then, it was a double in the sixth inning.

The second-year pro saved the best for last versus Seattle, homering to center field in the bottom of the eighth to help the Angels on their way to the 12-0 victory over their division foes.

Pedro Moura of the Orange County Register tweeted:

And so continues the story of Mike Trout, a true five-tool player whose legend only continues to grow. He's certainly done what he can to help the ailing Angels this season.

Perhaps Trout's wonderful achievement will help rejuvenate the team. Los Angeles is now just 18-27 after the victory—far below expectations, to say the least.

One thing's for sure: If Mike Trout keeps this up, it's going to be difficult for the Angels to lose ballgames. Tack on another accolade for the young star.

San Antonio's 'We Did It' Guy Adds to List of Overly Excited Spurs Fans

Jesse Dorsey — Wed, 22 May 2013 01:01:43 -0400

A 17-point lead dissolved and the Memphis Grizzlies forced overtime, but the San Antonio Spurs took care of business at home and notched a Game 2 win. One Spurs fan might have been the most excited person on the face of the planet.

Just as time runs out and the Spurs are passing hugs around, a man starts shouting, "We did it! WE DID IT!" in close proximity to the camera crew.

And we're thankful that he did.

We did it!
— Bethlehem Shoals (@freedarko) May 22, 2013

There have been a ton of fans in the running to be this year's honorary hilarious fan audio bite of the year, but I think this guy finally takes the cake.

If you recall, last year we had, "Good job, good effort" kid, who has finally been supplanted by the "WE DID IT!" guy.

He easily knocked off "Screaming Spurs Lady," who was doing nothing more than shrieking for what seemed like an eternity during Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals.

I bet the "WE DID IT" guy is married to the screaming Spurs lady.
— Rey-Rey (@TheNoLookPass) May 22, 2013

There's still time for somebody else to take the throne with nearly two full rounds of basketball still to go, but he's going to be a tough one to knock off.

Kansas City Chiefs: Takeaways from May 21 OTAs

Brett Gering — Wed, 22 May 2013 00:58:33 -0400

Head coach Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs returned to the practice field on May 21, which marked the team's fourth day of organized team activities (OTAs).

Throughout the first wave of sessions (May 14–16), the defense consistently pestered its offensive peers—the tides have begun to turn.

But that's not to say that the defense was overshadowed; more like the balance of power has teeter-tottered to a stalemate.

Offense Making Up Ground

Andy Reid arrived at KCI with packed bags, lofty ambitions and a highly touted West Coast offense. He soon grabbed headlines by adding former Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress to his staff—designating him as a "spread game analyst." Recently, Reid enlisted the services of Chris Ault: the mastermind behind the pistol scheme.

This isn't your grandfather's offense (nor Brian Daboll's, for that matter). A handful of practices barely allow the players to scratch the surface.

But backup quarterback Chase Daniel affirmed that the inexperienced playmakers are rounding the learning curve, claiming in an article in the Kansas City Star, "There were no, ‘What?’ calls in the huddle to us or 'What does this mean?’ You can tell our guys are studying."

Donald Stephenson Pulls Guard Duty

According to the Kansas City Star's Adam Teicher, offensive tackle Donald Stephenson split time at both guard positions.

The transition sells two notions: Donald Stephenson has proven to be too valuable an asset not to utilize, and Jeff Allen has ceased to effectively make his case.

The move sprouts a host of additional questions concerning Allen's development. Last season's second-round selection was consistently bullied by bull-rushers in 2012.

Defensive Aggression

The Chiefs forced a measly total of 13 turnovers in 2012—tied for last in the NFL. That won't be the case under new defensive coordinator Bob Sutton.

In 2013, the Arrowhead faithful can expect to see a gambling man's defense.

Pro Bowl outside linebacker Justin Houston noted the difference to KCChiefs.com's Reid Ferrin, saying, "There are a few changes. Some of the calls, and the way our big guys play up front. They’re attacking more, instead of reading."

Sutton's piranha-like mentality bodes well for two linemen in particular: Dontari Poe and Tyson Jackson.

At the 2012 combine, Poe strutted off the field as a mobile mountain. However, he faced adversity while reading and reacting throughout his rookie campaign.

Jackson recorded three sacks—more than he tallied in his previous three seasons—within a four-game stretch last season. And the aforementioned takedowns stemmed from his deployment in sub packages (i.e. pass-rushing scenarios).

Playmakers can't showcase their talents if they're not put in a position to do so—Bob Sutton appears to agree.

Brett's Twitter: Follow @BrettGering

Brett's Email: gering.brett@gmail.com

Seattle Seahawks Running Back Breakdown: Evaluation and Depth Chart Analysis

Todd Pheifer — Wed, 22 May 2013 00:52:24 -0400

When it comes to the running back position, the Seattle Seahawks have one of the best groups in the NFL. Granted, running back can be a position that has some extreme ups and downs. If a star running back goes down, it can drastically change the effectiveness of the offense.

The emergence of Russell Wilson as an effective quarterback has certainly given the Seahawks more options on offense, but this is still a running team. You could even argue that Wilson’s running ability gives them another ground option out of the backfield.

Assuming that players stay healthy, Seattle should remain one of the most dangerous running teams in the NFL. The Seahawks averaged 161.2 yards in 2012, which was good for third in the league.

Here is a breakdown of the Seattle running backs and how the depth chart should unfold.

Marshawn Lynch

2012 season: 315 carries, 1,590 yards, 11 TDs (one TD receiving)

Get ready for another season of Beast Mode. Marshawn Lynch remains one of the top backs in the NFL, and the Seahawks are likely to depend on their tough running back yet again in 2013. After all, he still has one of the best runs in NFL history, and it is hard to get tired of seeing it.

Adding Christine Michael may help share the load and change the way that the Seahawks use their running backs. However, look for Lynch to be the starter and featured back for the foreseeable future.

The drafting of Michael does not mean that the Lynch era is coming to an end. If anything, Marshawn Lynch may be in his prime for the next season or two. However, NFL running backs can have short careers, and declines can happen very quickly.

For now, fans in the end zone should keep their Skittles at the ready.

Position: Starter

Robert Turbin

2012 season: 80 carries, 354 yards, zero TDs

Robert Turbin was a solid back in 2012, and he may play a similar role in the 2013 season. What is unclear is what the long-term plan is for the second-year running back.

Is Turbin destined to be a backup, or could he see an expanded role at some point?

Adding Christine Michael will almost certainly cost Turbin some touches, though Michael will still have to prove that he can be an effective NFL running back. Turbin did survive his rookie campaign, so he may be all the more effective in 2013 with a year under his belt.

Position: First Backup

Christine Michael

2012 season (college): 88 carries, 417 yards, 12 TDs

It is fair to suggest that the selection of Michael was a surprising pick in the second round since the fans and experts probably expected the Seahawks to go in a different direction in the NFL draft. However, Pete Carroll and John Schneider have been anything but predictable in the last couple of years.

Michael is a talented player, so the potential is definitely there. However, he did have some issues in college. In addition, how do you use a rookie with notable ability when Marshawn Lynch is your established starter?

It will be interesting to see how Michael performs in training camp and the preseason. This may give a clue as to his role in the regular season. Depth is great in certain positions, but you also want particular players to get into a flow.

Position: Second Backup

Michael Robinson

2012 season: 12 carries, 49 yards, zero TDs (two TDs receiving)

Obviously the stat line for a fullback is never going to be particularly impressive from a numerical standpoint. However, football fans know that the fullback is not necessarily supposed to rack up the numbers.

If anything, the numbers of Marshawn Lynch say something about the effectiveness of the fullback. In that regard, Michael Robinson continues to be an excellent blocker and a guy who can break off the occasional run to keep the defense honest.

It seems reasonable to assume that Robinson will remain the guy who sets the table for Marshawn Lynch in 2013. The job isn't glamorous, but it is vitally important.

Position: Starter

Spencer Ware

2012 season (college): 94 carries, 367 yards, one TD

The Seahawks thought enough of Spencer Ware to select him in the sixth round of the NFL draft. Whether he can make the team is an entirely different issue.

Overall, the LSU running back has the ability to contribute at fullback, but there just may not be a roster spot for him. The same could be said for Derrick Coleman, who is also currently on the roster.

Both Ware and Coleman will probably have to put on some excellent performances if they are going to make the deep team.

Position: Wild Card

Follow @tpheifer

Memphis Grizzlies vs. San Antonio Spurs: Game 2 Postgame Grades and Analysis

Dan Favale — Wed, 22 May 2013 00:49:05 -0400

Now, on to Memphis. The San Antonio Spurs jumped out to a 2-0 series lead after defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 93-89 in overtime.

Tony Parker went bonkers on the offensive end while Tim Duncan saved his best for last. Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol struggled to find the bottom of the net while Tony Allen had to resort to flopping to make an impact.

This one was that crazy.

Gregg Popovich's Spurs led by as many as 18 points and held a 12-point lead headed into the fourth quarter, but they just weren't able to close it out in regulation.

Memphis outscored San Antonio 21-9 in the fourth, forcing overtime. The Grizzlies' luck stopped there, though, as they managed to tally just four points in the extra period.

San Antonio now heads to Memphis two victories away from advancing to the NBA Finals, which isn't likely to sit well with the Grizzlies.

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Kings vs. Sharks Game 4: Score, Twitter Reaction and Analysis

Ryan Rudnansky — Wed, 22 May 2013 00:44:50 -0400

After a rough visit to Los Angeles, the San Jose Sharks have roared back against the Kings in the Western Conference semifinals, posting a 2-1 victory on Tuesday to even the series.

The Sharks took control six minutes into the game when Brent Burns scored on a 15-foot slap shot off assists from Joe Thornton and T.J. Galiardi.

The Sharks tweeted:

At the 13:19 mark, the Kings' Colin Fraser was whistled for hooking Patrick Marleau. But the Sharks were only able to get off one shot on goal during the ensuing power play, as numerous attempts were blocked by Los Angeles.

At the 15:26 mark, San Jose received another power play after Drew Doughty got two minutes for slashing Marc-Edouard Vlasic. But despite three shots on goal for the Sharks (including an eight-footer by Galiardi), the Kings emerged unscathed.

The Kings rarely threatened in the first 20 minutes, only getting off three shots on goal and finding themselves in a 1-0 deficit. On the flip side, the Sharks got off 15 shots on goal to really test Los Angeles goaltender Jonathan Quick's reflexes. The Sharks also won 17 of 22 faceoffs in the period.

Dan Moriarty of the Los Angeles Kings broadcast team tweeted after the first period:

That turned out to be quite clairvoyant. At the 3:14 mark in the second period, Fraser was once again whistled. This time, he got two minutes for roughing Andrew Desjardins.

The Sharks made sure to capitalize on their third power play of the game, as Dan Boyle's 54-foot slap shot at the 3:55 mark was deflected into the net by Logan Couture. Boyle and Joe Pavelski got the assists.

Mark Purdy of the San Jose Mercury News tweeted:

Los Angeles was awarded its first power play of the game at the 8:33 mark when Galiardi was whistled for interference. But despite receiving an opening, the Kings only managed one shot on the man advantage.

At the 16:58 mark, the Sharks' Scott Hannan was whistled for interference, setting up another man advantage for the Kings. But again, the Kings weren't able to capitalize, getting off just two shots (zero on goal).

The second period ended with San Jose leading, 2-0. David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News tweeted:

Both teams battled back and forth before the Kings' Matt Greene was given two minutes for high-sticking Couture at the 5:18 mark. On the power play, the Sharks were unable to score, only getting off one shot that was blocked.

Burns displayed poor judgment at the 8:14 mark, boarding Anze Kopitar with the Sharks trying to close out the game.

It proved to be costly, as Los Angeles finally executed on the man advantage. Mike Richards swung home a five-foot wrist shot on assists from Jeff Carter and Kopitar, and at the 9:46 mark in the third, the Kings were trailing 2-1. The Sharks tweeted:

The LA Kings Ice Crew was noticeably happy:

But, despite a few scoring opportunities for the Kings down the stretch, they ultimately weren't able to tie up the game.

Sharks goaltender Antti Niemi saved all but one of Los Angeles' 23 shots on goal. Quick was also outstanding (21-of-23), but was saddled with the loss.

The Sharks have squared up the series at two games apiece. Game 5 will be played on Thursday at Staples Center.