Deep thoughts, cheap shots and bon mots ... Nov 15, 2009
Shaquille O'Neal and his wife have split up. Was it something Kobe said. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
J.J. Hickson scores career-high 20 points Nov 15, 2009
Hickson cemented his spot in the starting five with this game, but keep in mind that Shaquille O'Neal (shoulder) was out for mostly precautionary reasons. Hickson is probably only worth owning in deep leagues, but he's worth watching closely. (MSNBC -- Sports)
'Dogs pursue 'D' in identity Nov 14, 2009
Paul Pierce scored 23 points and pulled down 11 rebounds, pacing Boston to a 95-89 win over the Cavaliers and spoiling the regular season debut for the Cleveland tandem of LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal. James, the reigning MVP, poured in 38 points and had eight assists. (Fresno Bee)
Warriors' Jackson still seeking new home Nov 14, 2009
He respects coach Mike Brown, who was an assistant during Jackson's first season with the Pacers, and would defer to LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal, just as he deferred to Reggie Miller in Indiana. Jackson also lists Dallas as a desired destination, a curious choice given his frustration with Rick Carlisle's coaching style when he played for Carlisle in Indiana. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
The Upside Of Waiting Isaac Baldizon/NBAE Getty ImagesMegastars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade haven't ruled out the notion of playing together next season. The whole LeBron 'will-he or won't-he leave Cleveland next summer?' speculation is actually good for all parties involved, including James' current club, the Cavs, writes Ian Thomsen. Nov 14, 2009
And we all know how it played out for the Lakers between their two "alpha males," as Kobe Bryant referred to his divorce from Shaquille O'Neal when each was in his prime. How would you assess the job Cleveland's front office has done building a team LeBron would want to stay with beyond this year. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Heat await a test from Shaq and LeBron Nov 13, 2009
But here they are, the Heat with a 6-1 record that matches the franchise's best ever, and the Cavaliers still getting used to the megawatt star duo being formed by LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal. The teams play Thursday in Miami, and although it's only the eighth Heat game of the campaign, there's some in the locker room that view it as a significant test. (WSVN-TV Miami, FL)
LeBron, Shaq help Cavs to 102-93 win over Magic Nov 13, 2009
James scored 36 points, Shaquille O'Neal provided an inside presence and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Orlando Magic 102-93 on Wednesday night in a rematch of the Eastern Conference finals. Only this one had a different look. (WSVN-TV Miami, FL)
STILL EXCELLING: Youthful Nash still defying his age Nov 13, 2009
All of those numbers, he says, were reflections of a circumstance -- the half-court presence of Shaquille O'Neal -- that was beyond his control. "The way we played at the start of the year, we wanted Shaq down low and we wanted Amar'e [Stoudemire] on the elbows," said Nash, who found his driving lanes clamped off. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NBA)
It's LeBron vs. D-Wade as Heat host Cavs in Miami Nov 13, 2009
Former Magic star Shaquille O'Neal chipped in 10 points and James added eight rebounds to his night in facing the team that ended hopes of making it to the NBA Finals last season when Orlando ousted the top-seeded Cavaliers in six games. Cleveland has now rebounded nicely to win five of six games since opening the season with back-to-back losses. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Cavs' Brown coolly handles pressure Nov 12, 2009
Brown's experimenting with different lineups now that Shaquille O'Neal is on team ... That process was complicated in the offseason when the Cavs added Shaquille O'Neal, whose massive presence doesn't neatly fit into any scheme. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
LeBron, Shaq magic Nov 12, 2009
LeBron James scored 36 points, Shaquille O'Neal provided an inside presence and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the host Orlando Magic 102-93 on Wednesday night in a rematch of the Eastern Conference finals ... LeBron James scored 36 points, Shaquille O'Neal provided an inside presence and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the host Orlando Magic 102-93 on Wednesday night in a rematch of the Eastern Conference finals. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Names & Faces Nov 11, 2009
Article:Names :/c/a/2009/11/10/SPS61AI19C.DTL Article:Names :/c/a/2009/11/10/SPS61AI19C.DTL advertisement. Wednesday, November 11, 2009. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Shaquille O'Neal, wife splitting up Nov 11, 2009
LOS ANGELES -- Shaquille O'Neal's wife is splitting up with the Cleveland Cavaliers center ... "Obviously, this is a difficult time for our family, and we request that the media respect our privacy," Shaquille O'Neal said in a statement released by the team Tuesday night ... Shaquille O'Neal is a 15-time All-Star center with four NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat. (News & Observer -- Sports)
New Suns are the talk of the NBA Nov 11, 2009
Instead, Nash was reshaping the team from afar, using his leverage to make sure that the locker room would be united and that Shaquille O'Neal wouldn't be part of his future. Once, the 2009-10 season seemed preordained. (AZCentral -- Sports)
SI ROUNDTABLE: Debating AI, the Cavs' start and more Nov 11, 2009
The best guess right now is that Cavs coach Mike Brown is losing sleep over how to best blend the talent of and the experience of Shaquille O'Neal, especially with the Celtics playing like world-beaters. Mannix: If I'm working in the Cleveland front office, I'm squirming a little in my seat. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NBA)
Just Like Old Times Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAe via Getty ImagesCenter Amar'e Stoudemire has averaged 19.3 points per game to help the Suns sprint to an early 7-1 record.With the Shaq experiment in the past, the Suns have returned to their running ways. They've also returned to their winning ways, writes Chris Mannix in the latest Power Rankings. Nov 10, 2009
(4-3)Their efforts to incorporate Shaquille O'Neal into the offense are starting to take a toll on Zydrunas Ilgauskas. In his first season as a reserve, Ilgauskas is averaging 7. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NBA)
Nothing But Net: The Physics Of Basketball Free Throws Nov 9, 2009
"Our recommendations might make even the worst free-throw shooters -- you know who you are, Shaquille O'Neal and Ben Wallace -- break 60 percent from the free-throw line," Silverberg says with tongue firmly in cheek. "A little bit of physics and a lot of practice can make everyone a better shooter from the free-throw line.". (Science Daily)
Lincecum's reputation going to pot Nov 8, 2009
Continuing his interest in law enforcement, Shaquille O'Neal applied to be a sheriff's deputy in Cleveland. You know times are tough when even Shaq needs a second paycheck. (Fresno Bee -- Sports)
ArashMarkaziInside The NBA The T'wolves hope discomfort now makes for comfort later. Nov 7, 2009
The difference, of course, between Jackson's championship teams and Rambis' current squad is that the Timberwolves don't have Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Kobe Bryant or Shaquille O'Neal. That is the biggest reason that the triangle hasn't caught on with any team. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NBA)
IanThomsenInside The NBA I believe LeBron already decided where he's playing next season. Nov 7, 2009
LeBron has welcomed Shaquille O'Neal's ability to shift attention off of him a bit ... Shaquille O'Neal remains the only major free agent to win a championship for the team that signed him. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Standing (very) tall Nov 6, 2009
Adams will never make the NFL, but his height did help him earn a spot on Oprah - where he met (and looked down on) Shaquille O'Neal. He couldn't get a spot on the field until he was cleared by a doctor. (Prep Sports Sports -- Rivals.com)
ChrisBallardOn Sports What's the secret to playing at 7-feet tall? Shaquille O'Neal knows. Nov 6, 2009
Shaquille O'Neal's larger-than-life presence transcends game - Chris Ballard - SI.com ... This excerpt comes from Chapter 10, which is about the evolution of big men in the NBA and focuses on Yao Ming (including the effect U2's "Desire has on his driving ability), Dirk Nowitzki (and how he changed the role of the big man forever) and Shaquille O'Neal. Late one evening, driving back to my hotel after covering a Suns game in Phoenix, I encountered a most unusual sight. This was in February 2009,... (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NBA)
GAME REPORT: Bulls 86, Cavaliers 85 Nov 6, 2009
Shaquille O'Neal chipped in 14 points, 10 boards and five blocks for the Cavaliers, who have already lost twice at home this season, to match the total from all of 2008-09. Anderson Varejao notched 12 points and 13 rebounds for Cleveland, which had a three-game winning streak broken. (USA Today -- Sports)
Bulls squeak by Cavs 86-85, end Cleveland's three-game win streak Nov 6, 2009
Shaquille O'Neal had 14 and 10 rebounds and added 12 with 13 boards. But Cleveland's offense never got into a flow and the Cavs didn't help themselves by going 12 of 20 on free throws. (USA Today -- Sports)
Bulls Squeak by Cavs 86-85 Nov 6, 2009
Shaquille O'Neal had 14 points and 10 rebounds and Anderson Varejao added 12 with 13 rebounds for the Cavs, who were just 6 of 19 from the field in the fourth and finished 12 of 20 on free throws. One of Chicago's defensive goals was to send the Cavs to the line, where they came in shooting just 70 percent. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Bullsclip LeBron, Cavs Nov 6, 2009
Tony Dejak / APBulls point guard Derrick Rose, center, jumps to the basket againstCavaliers centerShaquille O'Neal, right, and point guard Mo Williams in the first quarter of Chicago's 86-85 victory Thursday night ... A look at the colorful career of four-time NBA champion Shaquille O'Neal. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Saia, Cleveland can't help but be rivals Nov 5, 2009
Shaquille O'Neal surveys the scene, his eyes bulging like an iguana's at the sight of the media pack pinning LeBron James into his corner cubicle. That's when Shaq busts into one of those crooked, Shaqalicious smiles, the one he uses when he's about to deliver a one-liner. (Fresno Bee)
Shaq, Cavs still finding their comfort zone Nov 5, 2009
When the Cleveland Cavaliers acquired Shaquille O'Neal in the offseason, they hoped the 14-time All-Star could still provide a spark inside and open things up for LeBron James. It has taken a little time, but the team is starting to see the desired results. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Pierce, Wallce keep Celtics undefeated Nov 5, 2009
CAVALIERS 102, WIZARDS 90 In Cleveland, LeBron James scored 27 points, Shaquille O'Neal added a season-high 21 while wearing out Washington's big men and Cleveland won their third straight. The Cavs trailed by 18 in the second quarter before turning up their defense and relying on their superstar combo of James and O'Neal to win their sixth straight at home over the Wizards. (Herald Online, SC -- Sports)
Rockets welcome Lakers to Toyota Center Nov 5, 2009
(Sports Network) - When the NBA season kicked off last week, nearly all basketball pundits were debating whether the Los Angeles Lakers would repeat as champions or LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers would finally climb to the top of the mountain with the help of a very big Sherpa -- Shaquille O'Neal. Well, don't sleep on the Boston Celtics. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Nuggets rout Pacers to remain unbeaten Nov 4, 2009
LeBron James scored 27 points and Shaquille O'Neal added a season-high 21 while wearing out Washington's big men as Cleveland beat the Wizards 102-90 for their third straight win. Caron Butler and Gilbert Arenas scored 22 apiece to lead the Wizards. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
NBA ROUNDUP Nowitzki has 29 points in 4th quarter to lift Mavs Nov 4, 2009
LeBron James scored 27 points, Shaquille O'Neal added a season-high 21, and host Cleveland won its third straight by overcoming an 18-point second-quarter deficit. Pistons 85, Magic 80. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
The Kids Are All Right APFirst-year guard Stephen Curry has given Golden State an early-season boost, leading the team in minutes played.Strong play from several rookies -- including some outside the lottery -- is among the storylines that caught Britt Robson's attention during the first week of the regular season. Nov 4, 2009
Raise your hand if you expected Shaquille O'Neal and Zydrunas Ilgauskas -- not twin towers so much as a water tank and a silo -- to share the court for any time this season. Defending high pick-and-rolls and closing out on the wings remain sore spots, and the offense has been sputtering. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NBA)
Investment Strategy Damian Strohmeyer/SIPoint guard Rajon Rondo reportedly agreed on Monday to a five-year, $55 million contract to remain with Boston.Off to a simmering start, the Celtics took a big step toward making sure the good times continue by agreeing on a deal with Rajon Rondo, writes Chris Mannix in his Power Rankings. Nov 3, 2009
(2-1)Josh Smith, 23, has passed Shaquille O'Neal to become the youngest player with 900 career blocked shots. "It's incredible," Hawks coach Mike Woodson told reporters. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NBA)
TALE OF THE TAPE: Chad Ochocinco vs. Andre Agassi Nov 3, 2009
Shaquille O'Neal vs. Jaoquin Phoenix ... Shaquille O'Neal vs. Kobe Bryant. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Tennis)
The Tip-Off on the NBA's New Season Nov 3, 2009
Who's the real man in the cape the Magic's Dwight Howard or new Cavalier Shaquille O'Neal. As the league prepares to open its regular season in the days leading up to Halloween, NBA Commissioner David Stern deploys his usual bag of tricks in answering these questions and facing the still-ghoulish economy. (BusinessWeek)
Frye, Suns take down T-Wolves Nov 2, 2009
He's exactly the opposite of Shaquille O'Neal - which is exactly why he's the perfect fit for this team. . (AZCentral -- Sports)
Jenkins: On the NBA Nov 1, 2009
You wonder which happens first in Cleveland: the firing of inept coach Mike Brown or the physical breakdown of Shaquille O'Neal. "The body wasn't made to play 82 games," Allen said in the Celtics' camp, and he's so right. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Mailbag: Bulls need go-to guy; LeBron needs West Nov 1, 2009
But what Shaquille O'Neal can provide is a "moment," perhaps adding an extra playoff win or two for Cleveland. Considering where the Cavaliers stood last season, that could be enough to put them over the top. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Josh Smith reaches blocks milestone Oct 31, 2009
Hawks forward Josh Smith became the youngest player in NBA history to reach 900 blocks late in the Hawks' game against Washington on Friday, surpassing Shaquille O'Neal, at 23 and 329 days. Smith batted away a Gilbert Arenas jumper and finished on the other end with a dunk with 4:22 to play. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
LeBron's 24 Points Lifts Cavs, 104-87 Over Wolves Oct 31, 2009
Al Jefferson, working his way back into form from knee surgery last February, had a quiet 12 points and eight rebounds with Shaquille O'Neal jockeying for room with him underneath. Jefferson wished aloud beforehand he hadn't lost those 30 pounds during rehab, because of this matchup with the behemoth O'Neal, who had six points and seven rebounds. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Hawks handle Wizards Oct 31, 2009
The 23-year-old Smith passed Shaquille O'Neal as the youngest with 900 blocks. O'Neal accomplished the task when he was 24 years old. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Okafor lifts Hornets over Kings Oct 31, 2009
Shaquille O'Neal had seven rebounds, six points and three blocks. Jonny Flynn gave 17 points for Minnesota, which fell to 1-1 on the year. (ABC 7 News, DC)
GAME REPORT: Cavaliers 104, Timberwolves 87 Oct 31, 2009
Shaquille O'Neal had seven rebounds, six points and three blocks. "I think it's good that we keep playing a lot of games," said Ilgauskas. (USA Today -- Sports)
Smith, blocks propel Hawks Oct 31, 2009
Shaquille O'Neal was 24 years old when he reached 900. CELTICS 118, BULLS 90: At Boston, Paul Pierce scored 20 of his 22 points in the third quarter, and the Celtics rolled over Chicago in the teams' first matchup since last spring's thrilling seven-game playoff series. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Hawks Hold of Wizards for 100-89 Win Oct 31, 2009
Shaquille O'Neal was 24 years old when he reached 900. The block set up a fast break, capped by Smith's left-handed dunk. (ABC 7 News, DC)
The Ties That Unwind Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty ImagesOnce the closest of friends, Isiah Thomas and Magic Johnson grew apart in their shared desire to win an NBA title.Lost amid the attacks Isiah Thomas and Magic Johnson have hurled at each other is a mutual desire they shared to win. But that drive also spun the two apart, writes Ian Thomsen. Oct 31, 2009
Each instantly began to chase more championships, whether it was Shaquille O'Neal in Miami with Dwyane Wade or Kobe Bryant in L.A. with Pau Gasol or now Shaq in Cleveland with LeBron. After they were divorced and they came to their senses, each went back to the basics of trying to win. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NBA)
Basketball: James powers Cavaliers to first NBA win of season Oct 31, 2009
com - Basketball James powers Cavaliers to first NBA win of season. " onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. (Channelnewsasia.com)
Tickets still available for Suns opener Oct 30, 2009
The Suns didn't make the National Basketball Association playoffs last season and the team traded away popular center Shaquille O'Neal. This is a busy sports weekend in the Phoenix market. (Phoenix Business Journal, AZ)
RichardDeitschMedia Circus NBA TV coverage again is as opinionated as it is entertaining. Oct 30, 2009
" Expect to see and read plenty about James and the league this season. As a television entity, the NBA is coming off one of its best seasons in years. TNT regular-season coverage was up 14 percent for its 53-game schedule, and the network's 43 postseason games were up 16 percent from the previous year. ESPN's coverage of the NBA regular season on ABC was up 16 percent from 2008, an increase that represented the most-viewed season on ABC in six years. The network was also up 19 percent in... (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NBA)
Bargnani, Raptors Overcome LeBron's Triple-double Oct 30, 2009
Mo Williams scored 16 points and Shaquille O'Neal had 12 for Cleveland, which had won five straight over Toronto and nine of 10. Hedo Turkoglu scored 12 points in his Raptors debut and Marco Belinelli had 10. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Shaq seeks to become deputy sheriff in Cleveland Oct 30, 2009
Police Department shows then Miami Heat center Shaquille O'Neal being sworn in as a reserve police officer in Miami Beach ... CLEVELAND - Shaquille O'Neal is looking to continue a sideline career in law enforcement now that he's playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Raptors overcome LeBron's triple-double, send Cavs to 0-2 start Oct 29, 2009
Mo Williams ended with 16 points, and Shaquille O'Neal recorded 12 points and seven boards for the Cavs, who shot 34. 9 percent from the floor. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Garnett returns in easy win over Bobcats Oct 29, 2009
Mo Williams scored 16 points and Shaquille O'Neal had 12 for Cleveland, which had won five straight over Toronto and nine of 10. HAWKS 120, PACERS 109 In Atlanta, Joe Johnson scored 25 points, Al Horford had 24 and the Atlanta Hawks finally played some defense in an offensive shootout, pulling away in the fourth quarter for a season-opening victory. (Herald Online, SC -- Sports)
Many lowlights in early NBA season Oct 29, 2009
As LeBron gazes upon 37-year-old Shaquille O'Neal, wishing he were 10 years younger, he has no legitimate options on the wing. Delonte West, if he ever gets back, won't help. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Magic opens with big victory Oct 29, 2009
Mo Williams scored 16 points and Shaquille O'Neal had 12 for Cleveland, which had won five in a row against Toronto. Looking for more from the Post-Gazette. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Celtics spoil LeBron-Shaq debut in season-opening win Oct 28, 2009
(Sports Network) - Paul Pierce scored 23 points and pulled down 11 rebounds, pacing Boston to a 95-89 win over the Cavaliers and spoiling the regular season debut for the Cleveland tandem of LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal. James, the reigning MVP, poured in 38 points and had eight assists. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Boston Celtics Oct 28, 2009
At issue is Cleveland's recast style, based not only on the arrival of Shaquille O'Neal and two other newcomers but also the absence of troubled Delonte West, who was on the sideline while Ray Allen (16 points) was beating his defenders off the dribble or downcourt for threes in transition. The Celtics came into this game with the advantage of having fewer new parts to integrate, with Rasheed Wallace (12 points) and Marquis Daniels (7 points and 2 assists) fitting in as snugly off the bench as... (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Cavs, Celtics kick off NBA season at the "Q" Oct 28, 2009
(Sports Network) - Reigning MVP LeBron James got a new toy in the offseason and hopes the addition of future Hall of Fame center Shaquille O'Neal can boost the Cleveland Cavaliers to new heights. The two superstars will officially kick off the season Tuesday night versus the Boston Celtics at Quicken Loans Arena. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Lakers have plenty of star power Oct 28, 2009
This is a team that once had the two biggest stars openly feuding (Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant) and a coach (Phil Jackson) the author of a book extremely critical of one of those stars (Bryant again). But Bryant has been above the fray of late. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Big 3 gets best of Big 2 as Celtics top Cavs 95-89 Oct 28, 2009
James scored 38 points but got little help from Shaquille O'Neal as Cleveland was outplayed by the Boston Celtics, who opened the NBA season with a 95-89 win Tuesday night over the Cavaliers, who fell back on old habits they had promised to break. "We're in a transition period right now," said James, who added eight assists and four blocks in 45 minutes. (Concord Monitor)
Celtics beat Cavaliers in opener Oct 28, 2009
Paul Pierce scored 23 points, Ray Allen 16 and Kevin Garnett 13 in his first regular-season game since March as the visiting Celtics beat Cleveland 95-89 on Tuesday night in the NBA season opener, spoiling the debut of the Cavaliers' new duo: LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal. More Sports. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Celtics off to strong start Oct 28, 2009
Paul Pierce scored 23 points, Ray Allen 16 and Kevin Garnett 13 in his first regular-season game since last March as the Boston Celtics beat Cleveland 95-89 on Tuesday night in the NBA season opener, spoiling the hyped debut of the Cavaliers with LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal. Pierce made two crucial jumpers and two free throws in the final 1:03 to pace the Celtics, whose drive to a second straight title was derailed when Garnett injured his knee late last season. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Clock ticking on Johnson, Hawks Oct 28, 2009
" While the Hawks have assembled what is easily their most talented and complete roster in at least a decade, the league's elite teams have put together budget-busting squads that could have competed in any era. The Celtics team that eliminated the Hawks in the playoffs two years ago added veteran All-Star Rasheed Wallace to support Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. The Cavaliers team that ended the Hawks' season last year imported Shaquille O'Neal to serve as the new bodyguard for... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
ToysforTots campaign kicks off with help from Shaq and ToysR'Us Oct 27, 2009
LeBron James led the Cavs with 18 points and four rebounds, and Shaquille O'Neal added 16 points ... Shaquille O'Neal surveys the scene, his eyes bulging like an iguana's at the sight of the media pack pinning LeBron James into his corner cubicle ... But make no mistake about it, when listening to LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal speak, the topic is of a shared goal - winning an NBA championship. (Fresno Bee -- Lifestyle)
