The Oklahoma City Thunder failed to respond to a loss in Game 1 to the Portland Trail Blazers, mainly due to the poor shooting of Russell Westbrook, and the point guard promised to play better in Game 3.
Westbrook vows to play better after loss | ESPN
The Thunder lost the second game against the Portland Trail Blazers and they were not even close to getting a win. Portland won 114-94 and Russell Westbrook’s display was quite disappointing, even though he posted a near triple-double performance. Westbrook made just five of his 20 attempts from the floor and made only one three-pointer on six attempts, and he promised to bounce back in Game 3.
“Starting with myself, I’ve got to play better,” Westbrook said. “And tonight, the loss, I’m going to take full responsibility for tonight. Because of the way I played was unacceptable. I’m going to be better, so I’m not worried one bit. My job is to make sure I continue to come out and will and lead our guys and make sure we have a chance to win the game.”
Nancy Lieberman is ready for women to break through NBA’s head-coaching barrier | Sporting News
Nancy Lieberman, a former D-League head coach, Sacramento Kings assistant, and reigning Big3 championship coach thinks it is the right time for women to take up head coaching roles in the NBA.
“Absolutely,” Lieberman told the Sporting News. “When the boss says — Adam Silver, clearly the best commissioner in all of the sports — he wants to see a woman head coach sooner rather than later, then it’s going to happen.”
With multiple NBA coaching jobs opening up, basketball trailblazer @NancyLieberman tells @SeanDeveney it's time to look past the line of men and give women a chance: https://t.co/w7yDrSooAp pic.twitter.com/yca6NuMlpj
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) April 17, 2019
Celtics, Rockets and Bucks eye 2-0 1st-round series leads | Associated Press
The Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets, and Milwaukee Bucks are all big favorites to beat their respective rivals in Game 2 of the NBA Playoffs after commanding displays in Game 1. Although the Pacers, Jazz, and Pistons are expected to perform way better than they did in the opening games, it would be surprising to see any of the home teams lose Game 2.
Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets and Milwaukee Bucks eye 2-0 leads in first round of NBA playoffs https://t.co/hejdho52OP @Globe_Sports pic.twitter.com/BBhBgTQzpQ
— The Globe and Mail (@globeandmail) April 17, 2019
DeMarcus Cousins’ Latest Injury Has Serious Contract Implications | Stadium
Golden State Warriors’ center DeMarcus Cousins suffered a torn left quad injury in Game 2 against Los Angeles Clippers and will likely be sidelined for the rest of the season. Although he didn’t need surgery to repair his quad, Boogie’s recent injuries cannot be ignored and he could find it hard to secure a max contract in the upcoming offseason.
Warriors All-Star DeMarcus Cousins has been diagnosed with a torn left quad, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. Devastating for Cousins, who had MRI early this morning.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 16, 2019
Fernando, Cowan Jr. to Declare for Early Entry into NBA Draft | UMTerps
Maryland Terrapins’ Bruno Fernando and Anthony Cowan Jr. have plans to declare for the 2019 NBA Draft and will sign with agents in order to find suitable teams in the NBA.
“Both Bruno and Anthony are taking advantage of the new rules and hiring agents to make educated decisions as they pursue their goals of playing in the NBA,” said head coach Mark Turgeon. “Both of them will have the opportunity take to advantage of the system set in place to gain feedback on their futures. Our coaching staff will be working in tandem every step of the way.”
This season, Fernando earned Team All-Big Ten and All-Defensive Team honors, recorded 22 double-doubles, 362 rebounds, and a .607 field goal percentage. On the other hand, Cowan Jr. led the Terrapins in scoring, assists and minutes the last two campaigns.
University of Maryland announces Bruno Fernando AND Anthony Cowan, Jr. intend to declare for early entry into the NBA Draft. Under new rules each can hire agents during evaluation process and still return for next season. #Terps @WMAR2News From Maryland: pic.twitter.com/rJZem16wZN
— Shawn Stepner (@Shawn_Stepner) April 15, 2019
