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Release Date: 5/21/2012 Notes from TNT’s Coverage of the NBA Playoffs – Sunday, May 20, 2012 Notes from TNT’s Coverage of the NBA Playoffs – Sunday, May 20, 2012 TNT's coverage of the 2012 NBA Playoffs continues Monday, May 21, with an exclusive doubleheader featuring the Philadelphia 76ers @ Boston Celtics (Game 5) at 7 p.m. ET followed by the Los Angeles Lakers @ Oklahoma City Thunder (Game 5) at 9:30 p.m. ***CLIP OF THE NIGHT*** Shaq, Charles, Kenny and EJ send the Clippers fishing **** **** **** **** TNT NBA Tip-off presented by AutoTrader.com Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith Barkley on the San Antonio Spurs: “This team is going to win the NBA Championship. They are the team to beat in the NBA and it’s going to be very difficult for any team to beat them.” Barkley on the Los Angeles Clippers’ playoff run: “This is a great learning experience for the Clippers. I love Blake Griffin, but he has a lot of holes in his game. Right now, he’s just a highlight reel to get the ‘dunk of the week.’ DeAndre Jordan is worse, he can’t make anything other than a dunk. For this Clippers team to be relevant in the future, [Griffin and Jordan] need to say, ‘We’ve got a long way to go before we are legitimate stars in the NBA.’ Right now, they are great talents but they aren’t close to being great players.” Smith on the Clippers: “They were thought of as the best young team mid-way through the season. They aren’t one of the best young teams we’ve seen now. We’ve watched Denver and the Indiana Pacers [in the playoffs]…those are the best young teams in the league.” Barkley on Clippers point guard Chris Paul: “Chris Paul is the best leader in the NBA today.” **** **** **** **** San Antonio Spurs (102) @ Los Angeles Clippers (99) – Spurs win the series 4-0 and advance to the Western Conference Finals Announcers: Marv Albert (play-by-play) and Steve Kerr (analyst) with Marty Snider (reporter) Kerr on Spurs rookie Kawhi Leonard: “He could not have landed in a better place. The Spurs saw something in him in terms of his ability to improve his shot, which he’s done dramatically. He can play multiple positions…he is a tremendous defender and rebounder. He has a way about him; he’s very calm and collected on the court.” Kerr on Spurs point guard Tony Parker: “[The Spurs] have become Tony Parker’s team. He sets the entire table for the Spurs. His speed leads to everything for them.” Kerr on Clippers guard Mo Williams: “He’s been in the perfect role this year. He’s been a starter most of his career but I love Mo Williams as a sixth man. He’s so explosive; he can play either guard position and can provide energy off the bench.” Kerr on the Spurs’ ball movement: “It’s amazing how many passes you see in a San Antonio possession. They move the ball so well until someone gets a [good] look.” **** **** **** **** Sprint Halftime Report Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith O’Neal on the Spurs: “The Spurs run almost every play to perfection. The pick is set correctly, they cut hard and they make the right pass. They’re not going to be beat.” **** **** **** **** Kerr on Clippers forward Blake Griffin: “He still doesn’t have a jump shot or a turnaround jump hook that he’s going to need eventually. He has to work so hard for his hoops. When he’s feeling athletic and strong, he can get it done.” Kerr on the Clippers’ roster: “Chris Paul has made all the difference in the world for [the Clippers]. The improvement will come, not only outside the roster with some new additions, but with internal improvement. Blake Griffin can get so much better.” Kerr on the Spurs playoff outlook after sweeping the Clippers in the second round: “I think this is the best offensive team they’ve ever had in the Popovich/Duncan era. They are really primed to move forward [in the playoffs]. They are the best passing team left, the best shooting team left. They are the best with their execution and taking care of the ball. This is a team that could very well be lifting a trophy next month.” **** **** **** **** Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith Barkley on the Clippers next season: “The key is going to be Blake Griffin. He has to grow a lot as a player, get better offensively, and do a much better job on the boards. He is the key because he has special talents. When he goes to that next level as a player, they will have two stars.” O’Neal and his recommendation to Blake Griffin and Chris Paul: “Take your time and keep playing your game. This is only going to make Chris Paul stronger; this is only going to make Blake Griffin stronger. This will only make them have more thirst for the championship.” Barkley on the Clippers changing their style of play: “This “Lob City” thing is great for SportsCenter but you can’t win any games. I thought the Clippers might win a game [against San Antonio] but I’m not surprised they got swept because all their flaws showed.” Smith on the Indiana Pacers losing confidence after losing Game 4: “They expected a tough series and they have gotten it. You can’t expect to beat the Miami Heat 4-1; you are going to have to win a couple games possibly on their home floor. I don’t think it took anything out of their sail. They are still in the game, their game plan is still working. It’s just that these guys [Heat] are phenomenal players.” - 30 -
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