|
Popovich lashed out at Warriors center Zaza Pachulia for his
defense on Leonard, telling reporters Monday that the play was
"dangerous" and "unsportsmanlike" and citing a past pattern of
such play by Pachulia.
Leonard aggravated his left ankle injury on Sunday in Game One
of the best-of-seven series when he landed on Pachulia's foot
after taking a jump shot early in the third quarter.
San Antonio held a 23-point lead at the time of the injury but
couldn't hold of a furious comeback without its best player and
dropped a 113-111 decision.
- - -
Breaking up The Big Three might hand the Boston Celtics the top
pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.
Depending on how the ping-pong balls bounce Tuesday night during
the NBA draft lottery, general manager Danny Ainge and the
Celtics could be celebrating. As payment from the Brooklyn Nets
for the 2013 draft-day trade that sent Paul Pierce and Kevin
Garnett out of Boston, the Celtics stand a 25 percent chance of
winning the 2017 draft lottery.
Boston retained the right to swap picks in 2018 with the Nets in
addition to the Celtics receiving first-round picks in 2014,
2016 and 2018.
Brooklyn had the NBA's worst record (20-62) in 2016-17. The
worst possible outcome for the Celtics in cashing in the draft
pick Tuesday will be the fourth overall selection.
- - -
The Cleveland Cavaliers agreed to a multiyear sponsorship deal
to wear Goodyear's iconic Wingfoot logo on their jerseys
beginning with the 2017-18 season.
The Cavs and the tire company, founded and headquartered in
Akron, Ohio, announced the partnership at Quicken Loans Arena,
home of the defending NBA champions.
"Every Akron kid grew up seeing the Wingfoot in the sky on the
blimp and feeling pride in our community," Cavaliers star LeBron
James said in a statement. "There is something special for me
personally about having that logo on the Cavs uniform. Goodyear
is also very supportive of the LeBron James Family Foundation. I
can't imagine a better situation. (Editing by Gene Cherry)
[© 2017 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2017 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
 |
|
