Tag: Free Throws

Northwestern’s coach had an all-time ejection last night as Purdue was handed a victory

Northwestern’s coach had an all-time ejection last night as Purdue was handed a victory

Wisconsin basketball was almost given a gift last night…almost. Instead, it appears to be Purdue on the receiving end.

Chris Collins and the surprising Northwestern Wildcats played on the road at Purdue yesterday. The Boilermakers scratched out a 105-96 overtime victory thanks to 30 points and 15 rebounds from Zach Edey, 26 points on 5/7 shooting from three from Lance Jones and, most importantly, a free throw disparity of 46 to eight. Yes, Purdue went 29/46 from the free throw line while Northwestern went only 6/8.

The Boilermakers could have five Zach Edeys on the floor and get hacked every time down the court, but that still wouldn’t explain one team shooting nearly 40 more free throws than the other. Last night was just a terribly officiated basketball game.

Related: Looking ahead to Wisconsin’s 2024 football schedule

For Wisconsin purposes, a Northwestern victory in the contest would’ve given the Badgers a full-game lead atop the Big Ten standings with a tough two-game stretch upcoming — at Nebraska tonight and home against Purdue on Sunday. Instead, Wisconsin and Purdue are technically tied entering the Badgers’ contest tonight at Nebraska.

Regardless of the Big Ten ramifications and Wisconsin fans’ rooting interests, the officiating did give us an all-time ejection from Wildcats head coach Chris Collins:

And a terrific postgame monologue. I’d call it a rant, but it was too calm and well-directed.

I think Collins is in the right here, even if it meant losing his mind at the end of the game. Now Wisconsin will hope it doesn’t experience the same fate when Edey and the Boilermakers visit Madison on Sunday afternoon.

Giannis Antetokounmpo on incident after loss to Sixers: ‘I don’t feel like I did anything wrong, except the ladder just fell’

“I don’t know if I should apologize because I don’t feel like I did anything wrong, except the ladder just fell. I feel like it’s my right for me to work on my skills after a horrible night at the free throw line. I think anybody in my position that …

“I don’t know if I should apologize because I don’t feel like I did anything wrong, except the ladder just fell. I feel like it’s my right for me to work on my skills after a horrible night at the free throw line. I think anybody in my position that had a night like me would go out and work on his free throws. “And if they didn’t, they don’t really care about their game.”

Source: Tim Bontemps @ ESPN

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Appreciation tweet for Montrezl Harrell, who postgame took the ball away from Giannis(holding WFC court staff hostage), and told him to GTFO. – 7:46 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Sixers-Bucks takeaways: Joel Embiid’s conditioning, Shake Milton’s playmaking, and Giannis Antetoukounmpo’s foul shooting stand out inquirer.com/sixers/joel-em… via @phillyinquirer – 7:39 AM
Tas Melas @TasMelas
I had questions about the Giannis free throw incident. I got them here: theathletic.com/3912361/2022/1… – 7:38 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Joel Embiid powers #Sixers over #Bucks, 110-102, on night Tyrese Maxey leaves with injury and things get testy with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Montrezl Harrell post game. Antetokounmpo even shoves a ladder out of the way. inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-… via @phillyinquirer #NBA – 7:31 AM
Mike Lynch @SportInfo247
Giannis saw a giant inanimate object stooped at 45 degrees clogging the lane and thought it was his front court mate – 7:30 AM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Things got heated between the Greek Freak and Montrezl Harrell after the game #NBA
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/14… – 6:12 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Joel Embiid powers #Sixers over Bucks, 110-102, on night Tyrese Maxey leaves with injury and Giannis Antetokounmpo shoves a ladder inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-… via @phillyinquirer #NBA – 6:02 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#Sixers–#Bucks takeaways: Joel Embiid’s conditioning, Shake Milton’s playmaking, and Giannis Antetoukounmpo’s foul shooting stand out inquirer.com/sixers/joel-em… via @phillyinquirer – 6:00 AM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Antetokounmpo argues with Harrell, Philadelphia arena worker, then knocks down ladder postgame nba.nbcsports.com/2022/11/19/ant… – 4:27 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Montrezl Harrell were involved in the post-game conflict with curse word exchanges 😤
Greek Freak responded about the altercation and a ladder throw:
basketnews.com/news-181119-gi… – 3:42 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Joel Embiid powers Sixers over Bucks, 110-102, on night Tyrese Maxey leaves with injury and Giannis Antetokounmpo shoves a ladder inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-… via @phillyinquirer – 3:22 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
After shooting 4/15 from the FT line, Giannis Antetokounmpo was visibly frustrated and wanted to work on his game 😳
🎥 @dem389 pic.twitter.com/h02vHiQJff – 2:28 AM

Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
Funny thing is we all know how Giannis is about to handle those guys next time he sees them. – 2:10 AM
Sean Highkin @highkin
I’m very glad I was out tonight and missed whatever this Giannis-Montrezl thing is and the discourse around it. No interest in finding out what it is. – 2:06 AM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
The #Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo was involved in a weird postgame scene with the #76ers Montrezl Harrell & a ladder.
“I feel like it’s very unprofessional. I would never take the ball away from a professional athlete when he’s trying to do his job.”
jsonline.com/story/sports/n… – 2:05 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Giannis Antetokounmpo had a poor shooting night from the free-throw line, making just 27% of his shots 🥶
He tried to put in extra work after the game, but his frustration broke out when Wells Fargo Center staff got in his way:
basketnews.com/news-181117-gi… – 1:55 AM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
And to think, a flagrant foul on Giannis by Joel Embiid was an initial postgame talking point for Mike Budenholzer and the #Bucks.
“Wish I was on the court. Yeah.” – Bobby Portis
Tap in for what else Portis & Budenholzer said⬇️
jsonline.com/story/sports/n… via @journalsentinel – 1:30 AM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
A weird night in Philly only got weirder.
Here’s video of #76ers Montrezl Harrell taking the ball from the #Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo, starting a postgame situation that ended with a ladder being knocked over.
jsonline.com/videos/sports/… – 1:26 AM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
You’ve likely seen the video of Giannis Antetokounmpo pushing over a ladder, but a whole lot happened before that in Philadelphia.
@Joe Vardon wrapped it all up for us at @TheAthletic:
theathletic.com/3912361/2022/1… – 1:26 AM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Radio Roulette is LIVE @UnderdogFantasy
• Giannis tilt + ladder video
• Lauri Markkanen career high
• Garland superhero ball
• Bulls facing crossroads
• Notable injuries to Ja/Maxey
• Lakers schedule potion
Talking about it all:
📺 https://t.co/7LlWs7ZbnQ pic.twitter.com/Uz0LTx4SZ2 – 1:11 AM

Nick Wright @getnickwright
Giannis has been in the public eye for nearly a decade, and been a super super star for 5 years.
This is his first even kind of bad moment. I’m gonna go ahead and give him more than the benefit of the doubt, if that’s OK. – 12:42 AM
Andrew Sharp @andrewsharp
Here are the five steps that Giannis needs to take to win back our trust after that disgusting display with the ladder guy in Philadelphia tonight (1/6) – 11:11 PM
Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
Wizards beat Heat by 1
Suggs hits deciding 3, Magic beat by Bulls by 1
Lowry: 24-15-10
Rozier forces OT with 3, but Hornets fall to Cavs in 2OT
Giannis 4 for 15 from line; Bucks lost by 8
Luka 33-12-11
Celtics win 9th straight, now 13-3
45 and counting for Book, game still going – 11:05 PM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Programming Note: Radio Roulette will be live immediately following Lakers/Pistons. two notable injuries, overtimes, blown leads, mediocre teams facing crossroads, and the Giannis video. late games have just only started too. – 11:02 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
The explanation from the game official on why Joel Embiid was not assessed a Flagrant 2 foul on Giannis Antetokounmpo: “Embiid commits the foul, and in doing so he delivers a blow with his shoulder and elbow. This contact was deemed to be unnecessary but not excessive.” – 10:55 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
FINAL: Sixers 110, Bucks 102
– Antetokounmpo 25pts/14reb/4ast
– Portis 21pts/11reb/3ast
– Lopez 15pts/4reb/2ast/4blk
Bucks fall to 11-4 on the season. – 10:14 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Final: Sixers 110, Bucks 102.
Philly gets over .500 for the first time this season behind 32-11-8 from Joel Embiid, but now waits to see what the status of Tyrese Maxey’s foot is.
Giannis Antetokounmpo had 25 and 14 for Milwaukee but went 4-for-15 from the foul line. – 10:11 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Sixers’ best win to date. A gutsy effort on defense is going to crown them victors over the Bucks tonight.
Embiid an absolute monster again.
Giannis 4-for-15 at the FT line. – 10:10 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Oh man, prime Embiid right here. Leveraged his shooting gravity at the elbows to lift Milwaukee’s interior, ripped a beautiful pass to Milton in the dunker’s spot to put the Sixers up 9 with 1:47 to play.
Embiid has 30, 10, and 8 tonight.
Giannis has 25 and 13. – 10:08 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
That pass from Embiid to Milton for the finish made the WFC the loudest it’s been all season. At least, for a basketball play. Giannis missing his third set of free throws to give the crowd 12 free nuggs surpassed it.
Sixers 108, Bucks 99 with less than two to play. – 10:08 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
The last 5 minutes of this game should be 1on1 between Embiid and Giannis. – 9:57 PM
Kane Pitman @KanePitman
It should be impossible that there could be a defensive player of the year on the Bucks that isn’t named Giannis Antetokounmpo or Jrue Holiday….but it would be Brook Lopez right now. – 9:52 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Giannis is 4-of-15 from the free-throw line tonight and his Bucks trails Philly by 1 with 7 minutes left. – 9:50 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Giannis Antetokounmpo is 4-for-15 from the free throw line. The #76ers lead by two. – 9:47 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
After 3: Sixers 89, Bucks 84.
Impressive third from Philly, which managed to outscore Milwaukee 34-22 with Tyrese Maxey out with a left foot injury.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has 23 and 11, but is 4-for-13 from the line. – 9:37 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Sixers 89, Bucks 84 after House hits an off-the-dribble jumper at the buzzer. Embiid with 24-7-5. Niang with 14 points on 4-of-7 from deep off the bench. Sixers are 12-of-24 from long range overall. Giannis has 23 and 11 but is 4-of-13 from the FT line. – 9:37 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
After three quarters, the Sixers lead, 89-84.
Even with his struggles at the line, Antetokounmpo still has 23 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists. – 9:36 PM
Rob Peterson @ShotDrJr
Giannis is leaning back again on his freebies – 9:34 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Giannis Antetokounmpo is just 4-for-13 from the free throw line tonight. He came in shooting just 62% from the line this season. It hasn’t really hurt the #Bucks much to date, but tonight it’s been a difference. – 9:34 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Giannis Antetokounmpo struggling at the free throw line tonight. He is 3-of-11 at the line. – 9:31 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
After all this time, we finally found something that can slow down Giannis: Chick-fil-A giveaways in opposing arenas. – 9:31 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Giannis Antetokounmpo is now 3-for-11 from the foul line tonight after missing two in a row for a second time this half, and now has four fouls, as well. – 9:31 PM
Tas Melas @TasMelas
Giannis flops on the flagrant, Embiid gets ejected, but Giannis doesn’t flop. – 9:20 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Giannis Antetokounmpo missed both free throws, then picked up his third foul of the game – so he heads to the bench. #76ers lead 73-71. – 9:20 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Giannis has given Sixers fans nuggs twice this season. #reporting – 9:18 PM
Kane Pitman @KanePitman
Can we talk about Giannis just taking that shot and standing up dead straight without budging. The man is a machine. Should have been a flagrant two. – 9:18 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Embiid was given a Flagrant 1 for that foul on Giannis. – 9:17 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Officials are reviewing that foul by Joel Embiid on Giannis Antetokounmpo. Looked like he threw his elbow into Antetokounmpo’s chest as the Bucks forward tried to eurostep past him. – 9:16 PM
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
Some big time collisions between Embiid and Giannis in this third quarter – 9:16 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Joel Embiid sends Giannis Antetokounmpo to the court for a moment – and now the play is being reviewed for flagrancy. – 9:15 PM
Frank Madden @fmaddenNBA
One obvious positive from first half: Giannis hit 4/6 fg outside the restricted area after a 1/21 slump over the previous 3 games. Now just needs to get his FT form back. – 8:56 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Half: Bucks 62, Sixers 55
– Antetokounmpo 15pts/9reb/3ast
– Portis 13pts/7reb
– Lopez 11pts/3reb/2blk – 8:45 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Halftime: Bucks 62, Sixers 55.
Giannis has 15-9-3 to lead Milwaukee, while Tyrese Maxey – who was sensational in the first half – had 24-4-5 on 9-12 shooting before leaving late in the half with a left leg injury. – 8:45 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
62-55 #Bucks at the half in Philly. Giannis Antetokounmpo has 15 points, 9 rebounds while Bobby Portis is on his way to his 10th double-double with 13 points and 7 rebounds. – 8:44 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Even with Embiid coming back for those minutes, the Sixers were -2 in the 5 minutes Giannis was resting in this second quarter. That’s a pretty significant missed opportunity. – 8:37 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Bucks were up 8 – 43-35 – when Giannis Antetokounmpo left the floor with 7:30 left in the second quarter.
They are now up, 56-46, with 2:33 left in the first half as Antetokounmpo comes back on the floor.
Even with Embiid out there, the Bucks added two points to their lead. – 8:36 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
The Embiid on Giannis off minutes is working for Philly a bit – 8:30 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
After 1: Bucks 33, Sixers 24.
Predictably, Philly is getting most of its offense from Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey (combined 17 points). Giannis had 11 and 5 to lead the Bucks, who are shooting 59 percent from the field (including 5-for-9 from 3). – 8:17 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Sixers down 34-24 at the end of 1. Giannis (11) and Bobby Portis (9) lead the way for Milwaukee, with Maxey (10) and Embiid (7) doing the bulk of the work for the Sixers. Milwaukee’s shooting 59.1% from the field and 5-9 from 3, and have allowed the Sixers to grab just 1 o-board. – 8:16 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Bucks 34, Sixers 24 at the end of the first. Bucks shot nearly 60 percent from the floor and 5-of-9 from deep. Bucks also have a 12-6 rebounding advantage on the undersized Sixers. Maxey has 10-2-2. Giannis with 11 points on 4-of-5 shooting and 5 boards. – 8:15 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Bad foul at the end of the first quarter by George Hill gives the 76ers a couple extra points.
Bucks up, 34-24, after one quarter. Antetokounmpo already has 11 points and four rebounds. – 8:15 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Bucks up, 17-12, with 6:35 left in the first quarter.
Giannis Antetokounmpo with a quick 8 points and things continue to go well for Jevon Carter on the offensive end. He just tossed an alley-oop to Antetokounmpo into the rim for a deep two. – 7:55 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Jevon Carter accidentally throws a lob to Giannis into the net from just inside the three-point line. He had a runner in Milwaukee the other night that also looked like it was supposed to be a lob that went in. #Bucks lead the #76ers 17-12 in the early going. – 7:54 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Well lol Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo are off to a terrific start – 7:53 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Giannis Antetokounmpo looks like himself for the first time in November. He’s 3-for-4 for 8 points to start. Joel Embiid is 3-for-5 for 7 points. – 7:53 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Giannis got Joel pretty bad once. And Joel just returned the favor. – 7:52 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Embiid responded to Giannis getting him with the shoulder fake by spike-blocking a Giannis layup to get the Sixers out in transition. – 7:52 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Well, this one has been awesome so far. Giannis and Joel going toe-to-toe, with each taking turns winning.
Giannis shook Embiid and threw down a massive dunk on one possession – only for Embiid, a couple minutes later, to emphatically stuff Giannis at the rim on a layup. – 7:52 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
We already got Embiid packing Giannis at the rim and Giannis making Embiid dance 1-on-1, this is gonna be a good one – 7:52 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
3 minutes into this one and it’s Joel Embiid (7) vs Giannis (5), just as we all expected.
Giannis had the more memorable points, though, with his driving dunk after Embiid switched onto him.
10-9 Sixers in the early going here in what’s been a good start to this one. – 7:51 PM
Rob Peterson @ShotDrJr
Yikes, Giannis – 7:50 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
P.J. Tucker starting on Giannis again, and picks up his first foul a minute into the game. – 7:47 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
On the court, the #Bucks go big to start in Philly – Bobby Portis, Giannis Antetokounmpo & Brook Lopez start with MarJon Beauchamp and Jevon Carter. – 7:30 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Joel Embiid has scored 101 points his last two games…what will Giannis Antetokounmpo and the #Bucks handle the #76ers star tonight? pic.twitter.com/sexHyvc9Mn – 5:34 PM

Tas Melas @TasMelas
The Drop | One Month In NBA Awards
• MVP: Luka, Tatum or Giannis?
• Most Improved: SGA, Markkanen or Bol Bol?
• DPOY: Brook Lopez, OG or Jarrett Allen?
📼: https://t.co/lpdqYcGEij
🍎: https://t.co/XjSclz1zbq
✳️: https://t.co/YpCkqbFeOa
🅰️: https://t.co/v1qudLaLWE pic.twitter.com/nWikTngpqX – 12:43 PM

Serge Ibaka @sergeibaka
Have you seen Rise? @Giannis Antetokounmpo tells us what it was like making a movie about his life with @Disney. Watch the full episode on Youtube and on @Sportsnet in Canada. 👉🏽 https://t.co/ojEuKxWTs9 #hhay #howhungryareyou #giannis #nba #bucks pic.twitter.com/gEsbLBi7Ef – 12:39 PM

Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Give Em To Me! I want your predictions for tonight’s #Sixers vs. #Milwaukee #Bucks game at the Wells Fargo Center. I want the winning team, final score and points for Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo #NBA        #PhilaUnite #FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/MWP4eAgnIQ – 8:33 AM

More on this storyline

Milwaukee superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo tried to shoot extra foul shots after a terrible game he had at the line. The Sixers’ backup center Montrezl Harrell and a coaching staff member, Jason Love, returned to the court, and Harrell took the ball from Giannis and refused to give it back. Harrell stood in the corner shaking his head and holding the ball while Antetokounmpo pleaded with him. “This isn’t f—— Milwaukee,” Harrell barked at Antetokounmpo, as witnessed by The Athletic. “Get that s— out of there.” -via The Athletic / November 19, 2022
Only when he came back, a Wells Fargo Center employee pushed a large, A-frame ladder in front of the hoop where Giannis was shooting. Antetokounmpo asked the man to move the ladder so he could finish his shooting, and twice the man said no. Now angry at the surprising circumstances he was facing, Giannis tried to move the ladder out of the way and wound up knocking it over. The arena employee scattered as the ladder crashed to the court. Video of the incident with the ladder was posted to Twitter by a Philadelphia fan in the arena. -via The Athletic / November 19, 2022
The Athletic: Video of Montrezl Harrell taking the ball away while Giannis Antetokounmpo was shooting free throws after the game: Mahktar Ndiaye & @joevardon -via Twitter / November 19, 2022

However, Nurse believes more foul calls …

However, Nurse believes more foul calls should have been made against Joel Embiid, who went to the foul line 11 times. The MVP candidate made nine of his free throws en route to 19 points to go with a game-high 15 rebounds and four assists. “The counter is, we’ve got to believe that, if we’re legal defensively, that they’re going to call those,” Nurse said. “Like, we had a couple of times where we beat him to the spot and he bowled us right over, and they just let him lay it in.”

“I don’t care if you’re 5-foot-11 and …

“I don’t care if you’re 5-foot-11 and 160 pounds, if you beat him to the spot and he runs over, it’s a foul,” Nurse continued. “I thought he threw three or four elbows to the face. He got called for one. OK. I mean, we’re gonna stand in there. We just need, if we’re legal defensively, then we’ve got to have them called or we don’t have a chance, period. Nobody can guard that guy if they’re just gonna let him run you over time and time again. “We’re gonna stand in there, and we’ll see if we don’t get a few more elbow to the face calls and a few more beat them to the spot calls.”

James Harden fires back at Tyronn Lue on free throw narratives

There’s been a lot of narratives out there lately with what has gone on the past couple years, do you feel like you have something to prove this postseason in Philly? 
James Harden: No, I don’t. I don’t. For me personally, I always want to go out there and play well and contribute in whatever way I need to contribute but for me, it’s going out there and playing my game, trying to help my team win. I don’t feel any pressure, I don’t feel any of that.  So when you see people like Ty Lue comment that you wouldn’t be a Top 10 scorer without free throws, do you just laugh at stuff like that? 
James Harden: I don’t even pay attention to it. Free throws are a part of the game. You look at who leads the league, Joel and Giannis, what about if you take away their free throws? I don’t understand what that comment meant. Free throws are a part of the game. It’s on the defense to have discipline and not foul. That’s what coaches should be teaching their players. For me I don’t pay attention to it, I just try to go out there and make an impact on the game in a positive way every night.

James Harden fires back at Tyronn Lue on free throw narratives

There’s been a lot of narratives out there lately with what has gone on the past couple years, do you feel like you have something to prove this postseason in Philly? 
James Harden: No, I don’t. I don’t. For me personally, I always want to go out …

There’s been a lot of narratives out there lately with what has gone on the past couple years, do you feel like you have something to prove this postseason in Philly? 
James Harden: No, I don’t. I don’t. For me personally, I always want to go out there and play well and contribute in whatever way I need to contribute but for me, it’s going out there and playing my game, trying to help my team win. I don’t feel any pressure, I don’t feel any of that.  So when you see people like Ty Lue comment that you wouldn’t be a Top 10 scorer without free throws, do you just laugh at stuff like that? 
James Harden: I don’t even pay attention to it. Free throws are a part of the game. You look at who leads the league, Joel and Giannis, what about if you take away their free throws? I don’t understand what that comment meant. Free throws are a part of the game. It’s on the defense to have discipline and not foul. That’s what coaches should be teaching their players. For me I don’t pay attention to it, I just try to go out there and make an impact on the game in a positive way every night.

Source: Zion Olojede @ complex.com

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Marc Berman @NYPost_Berman
James Harden-Ben Simmons hype and other top #NBA playoffs storylines nypost.com/2022/04/14/202… via @nypostsports – 10:03 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
New ESPN story: When the idea of playing with any pressure in the upcoming playoffs came up, James Harden seemed surprised the question was even asked.
“Pressure, no. I feel good,” Harden said with a smile. “I’m ready to hoop. There’s nothing to it.”
espn.com/nba/story/_/id… – 7:32 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
As the playoffs get set to begin, Joel Embiid has some advice for James Harden #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2022/04/14/joe… via @SixersWire #NBA – 7:10 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Ty Lue also said that Kawhi Leonard’s presence on the bench helps the team, that Leonard points out things he sees and keeps guys calm. Ty says Leonard will be on the bench tomorrow. – 6:26 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Ty Lue says he has to do a better job of spreading out the work load for Paul George and Norman Powell to keep them fresh for the fourth quarter. – 6:24 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Ty Lue mentioned that Kawhi Leonard’s presence is meaningful to the team, and that he’ll be around tomorrow – 6:04 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Lue says that Kennard is getting treatment. Mentioned that Kennard’s injury resulted from getting kneed Sunday vs Thunder. – 6:02 PM
Mirjam Swanson @MirjamSwanson
Ty Lue: “Next-game mentality.” – 5:58 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Ty Lue mentioned that Minnesota trip took a lot out of him, and that he spent yesterday just trying to rest.
He has not watched Tuesday’s game again. – 5:57 PM
Mirjam Swanson @MirjamSwanson
Ty Lue: “Feel good.” – 5:55 PM
Joe Vardon @joevardon
The Cleveland Cavaliers, David Griffin, and Tyronn Lue probably never should have broken up. Now they’re all here, in the NBA Play-In finals, fighting for their playoff lives, on opposite sides. ⁦@The Athletic⁩ theathletic.com/3250664/2022/0… – 3:59 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Sixers-Raps specific preview coming tomorrow (thankfully Embiid and Harden talked today), so view this as sort of an overall temperature check coming into the playoffs: theathletic.com/3249367/2022/0… – 3:30 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
James Harden also did give an update on his hamstring injury as the playoffs get set to begin #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2022/04/14/jam… via @SixersWire #NBA – 2:31 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
As the playoffs get set to begin on Saturday, James Harden and the team have been using these practices to gain comfortability and it’s beginning to pay off #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/lists/james-ha… via @SixersWire – 2:29 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
James Harden on his hamstring: “It’s good, I’ve actually been doing some sprints and some hamstring work. So it’s a really good week to be prepare myself for this first round.”
Said this week has been a bit similar to his first week as a Sixer, prior to the Minnesota game. – 1:39 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
James Harden on if he feels pressure coming into the playoffs: “Pressure? No. I feel good, I’m ready to hoop. Nothing to it.” – 1:35 PM
Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
“They fly around and play extremely hard… they just run around and have each other’s backs” #Sixers’ James Harden on the #Raptors – 1:03 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
James Harden says this week of practice has been key – and spirited – for the @Philadelphia 76ers:
“It’s been great. We got after it these last couple days. A lot of yelling… it’s been really helpful.” – 1:01 PM
Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
James Harden says the #Sixers have “been getting after it” this week leading into the playoffs – 1:01 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
On the stakes for Joel Embiid, the likelihood of James Harden finding another gear, the pressure on Doc Rivers and a lot more.
Ten thoughts on the Sixers heading into the playoffs (sub for $1 per month): theathletic.com/3249367/2022/0… – 10:56 AM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
With Game 1 set for Saturday, Doc Rivers admits that James Harden and the team are still a work in progress #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2022/04/13/doc… via @SixersWire – 10:53 AM
Michael Grange @michaelgrange
The Raptors have made thwarting Joel Embiid a tradition, but do they have a plan for James Harden too? sportsnet.ca/article/centre… – 10:18 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Sixers coach Doc Rivers excited to finally have practice time and get James Harden up to speed: ‘I think he’s getting it’ inquirer.com/sixers/james-h… via @phillyinquirer – 9:43 AM
Mirjam Swanson @MirjamSwanson
Could hear Pat Bev’s unmistakable voice, likely to Ty Lue as he left the interview space: “See y’all in the Western Conference finals.” – 12:48 AM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Pat Bev just walked by the media room as Ty Lue was exiting and said “see y’all in the Western Conference finals.” – 12:47 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Patrick Beverley to Tyronn Lue: “See y’all in the Western Conference Finals.” – 12:47 AM
Melissa Rohlin @melissarohlin
Ty Lue when asked about the fan who glued herself to the floor: “She glued herself to the floor? I thought she fell down. What do you mean glued herself?” – 12:47 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Lue: “There’s some things I could have done differently… but, whatever.”
Adds whoever they play Friday will be their focus. – 12:46 AM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Ty Lue: “They were tougher so they deserve to win the game.”
“We got one game to get into the playoffs and we’ll be ready.” – 12:46 AM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Ty Lue said D’Angelo Russell was the one he was worried about going off, and he added 29. – 12:42 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Tyronn Lue: “They played a lot better without KAT on the floor.”
Towns was a -14.
And Timberwolves outscored Clippers by 19 with Towns on bench tonight. – 12:42 AM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Ty Lue: “We had a game plan of how to attack them and they played a lot better with KAT off the floor.” – 12:42 AM
Mirjam Swanson @MirjamSwanson
Ty Lue on the Clips’ scoring droughts: “I thought they picked their physicality up … they played a lot better without KAT on the floor” which seems to have messed up the Clippers’ game plan. – 12:42 AM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
Love Lue going back to PG despite things “going well” for Clips. – 11:57 PM
Bill Simmons @BillSimmons
I’m calling Ty Lue THE BILL BELICHICK OF BASKETBALL from now on. Thanks TNT! – 11:45 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Minnesota matches their largest lead of the game at 63-58. Ty Lue this morning said the Clippers’ loss of Luke Kennard would be “tough” but they’d had others step up all season. But tonight, it hasn’t been the case offensively, everyone but Norm Powell struggling with their shot. – 11:22 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
Ty Lue got KAT in the depths of helll – 10:09 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Two nights ago Ty Lue downplayed the Wolves’ lack of playoff experience. Anthony Edwards has all of Minnesota’s first 7 points. – 9:45 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Tyronn Lue says he feels good after shootaround, same starters, needs to protect the ball, and that was about it but let me listen back 😅 – 8:03 PM
Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
Clippers starting lineup, via Ty Lue
Reggie Jackson
Paul George
Marcus Morris
Ivica Zubac
Nicolas Batum – 8:03 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Monty Williams was also recognized as Coach of the Year by the National Basketball Coaches Association.
Other candidates: Willie Green, Taylor Jenkins, Tyronn Lue, Gregg Popovich, Erik Spoelstra – 4:35 PM
Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz
The 30 NBA coaches have voted Monty Williams the NBCA coach of the year (this is different from media award). NBA doesn’t say who got how many votes, but Heat’s Spoelstra, Pelicans’ Willie Green, Memphis’ Taylor Jenkins, Clippers’ Lue and Spurs’ Popovich also got votes. – 3:43 PM
JD Shaw @JShawNBA
Suns head coach Monty Williams has won the NBCA Coach of the Year award, which was voted on by the NBA’s 30 head coaches. New Orleans’ Willie Green, Memphis’ Taylor Jenkins, Los Angeles’ Tyronn Lue, San Antonio’s Gregg Popovich and Miami’s Erik Spoelstra all received votes. – 3:42 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Ty Lue on what to be wary of with Minnesota tonight: “Their offensive rebounding. That’s key, and we got to take care of the basketball, because they’re #1 in the league in causing turnovers.
So taking care of the basketball and rebounding the basketball, we should be good.” – 3:42 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Lue on Kennard:
“It’s tough when you lose the #1 3-point shooting guy in the league. You definitely don’t want to see anyone get injured.
But it’s been our mentality all year. A guy goes down, other guys got to step up. … No excuses, got to get ready to play.” – 3:25 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Luke Kennard didn’t make the trip to Minnesota, Ty Lue says. He’s still rehabbing his hamstring. – 12:55 PM
Michael Gallagher @MikeSGallagher
Playoff mode for 3 Ball! It’ll be mostly preview stuff for the day with a lot of notes from NBA Matchups.
Talking Garland’s role, Mobley’s minutes, KD’s passing, the Clippers defending KAT, how Finch and Lue could tweak their rotations, and much more.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/est… – 10:25 AM

More on this storyline

Let’s talk Brooklyn for a second, how would you sum up your short stint in Brooklyn? 
James Harden: Uh, it was a lot of ups and downs. I appreciate the Nets and the city for what they’ve done for me in that year and a half. This is a business and for me, I think my happiness is the most important thing so I had to make the best decision for myself and for my family. But yea, I appreciated the time in Brooklyn.  Do the “what if everyone was healthy” thoughts linger in your head? 
James Harden: Yea I think everybody thinks that. Everybody thinks about ‘what if, what if, what if’ but in reality, things don’t work off what if. -via complex.com / April 15, 2022
Kevin Durant’s relationship with James Harden began to blossom again. They went on a trip to Greece this past summer, and the guard twice reassured Durant that he’d sign an extension to stay in Brooklyn long term, according to league sources. -via The Ringer / March 31, 2022
Brian Lewis: Kyrie: “If thats what James wanted I respect his decision…I wish him nothing but peace and love. We have a great friendship but it didnt work out. Wish things could’ve been communicated better for all of us as men; but hey, no hard feelings here with me or anything else.” #Nets -via Twitter @NYPost_Lewis / March 9, 2022