Portland’s Batum, McCollum, Kaman Exit Game With Injuries
The injury bug bit the Trailblazers again on Monday night during a road loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. With LaMarcus Aldridge sitting out, and Arron Afflolo nursing a shoulder injury, Portland hoped to just sleepwalk through what was essentially a meaningless game as they prepare for a playoff push. But things didn’t quite go as planned. During the first quarter, forward Nicolas Batum landed awkwardly while fighting for a rebound, and had to be helped off the court. Shortly before the end of the second quarter, shooting guard C.J. McCollum left the game after Thunder guard Russell Westbrook stepped on his ankle. Center Chris Kaman left before halftime as well, after what was later described as a “tweaked back.”
Batum’s x-rays were negative after the game, but he has an MRI scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. McCollum is listed as day-to-day, and Kaman’s status for Wednesday’s final regular season game is uncertain.
Klay Thompson Scores 26 Points In One Period
Klay Thompson was at it again on Monday night during the Warriors’ 111-107 victory at home over the Memphis Grizzlies, scoring 26 points in the second quarter alone en route to 42 points total for the game.
Thompson previously set an NBA record back on Jan. 24 when he scored 37 points in the third quarter during a win over Sacramento.
Thompson made 10 of 13 shots in the second quarter, including 6 of 7 from 3-point rang, and finished 15-of-21 from the floor, including 8-of-10 from 3-point range.
“It felt different,” Thompson said. “I don’t think I’ll ever get 37 points in a quarter again.”
Thompson finished 4-of-4 from the foul line, and also chipped in five rebounds, three assists, and a steal during the win. He is averaging 21.6 points, 2.9 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game this season on 46 percent field goal shooting.
Milwaukee Bucks Unveil New Logos
One day after locking up the sixth playoff seed in the Eastern Conference, and one year after finishing the season with just 15 wins, the Milwaukee Bucks unveiled a new set of logos and colors. Following a press conference, the team shared the following video on Twitter detailing all of the logos:
Meet The New Bucks At http://t.co/bgGBwi3s2q https://t.co/qgmR9bJ0LI
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 14, 2015
The team’s new color scheme maintains some familiar aspects of years past, but their use of purple is officially over.
Our new colors are inspired by the diverse landscapes of Wisconsin and rich heritage of Milwaukee. pic.twitter.com/oe8Zo8FKYI
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 14, 2015
The new primary logo is a slightly angrier version of the Buck they’ve used for decades.
The new Buck is only looking ahead, an imposing figure determined and focused on the path in front of him. pic.twitter.com/sF6e3WE6AG
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 14, 2015
The secondary mark portrays a strong reminder of the rich heritage of Bucks basketball in Milwaukee. pic.twitter.com/fjY6RYiAn7
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 14, 2015
The outline of Wisconsin solidifies the identity of the state as essential to the fabric of the new Bucks brand. pic.twitter.com/qR6CwtBy9x
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 14, 2015
The Bucks will participate in the playoffs for the first time since the 2009-10 season, when they lost to the Atlanta Hawks in seven games during their opening round series.
Rubio Undergoes Successful Surgery, Full Recovery Expected
Saturday, the Minbesota Timberwolves announced that point guard Ricky Rubio was going to undergo a procedure to clean up the left ankle that has been bothering him for most of the season. On Monday, the team announced that the surgery was successful and he’s expected to make a full recovery.
From the team’s press release:
The Minnesota Timberwolves today announced guard Ricky Rubio underwent successful diagnostic arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle. The surgery was performed this morning by Dr. Richard Ferkel of Southern California Orthopedic Institute in Van Nuys, California. Rubio is expected to make a full recovery this summer.
Rubio played in only 22 games this season while putting up solid numbers, averaging 10.3 points. 5.7 rebounds and 8.8 assists per game. He’s averaged 10.2 points, 8.2 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game in four seasons with Minnesota.
The 2015-16 season will be the first year of a four-year, $55 million extension he signed with the team back in October.
