Knicks, Anthony appear headed for split
Jackson says All-Star ‘would be better off somewhere else’
The New York Knicks might have bigger concerns than trying to trade Carmelo Anthony.
Their future franchise player, Kristaps Porzingis, skipped his exit meeting with Knicks officials — including team president Phil Jackson — because of frustration over all the drama surrounding the team, a league source said.
Porzingis, 21, was outspoken during the season, saying there was “a lot of confusion” and it was “from top to bottom.” He has played for three coaches and lost 101 games in two seasons. Porzingis’ failure to meet with Jacksonwas an interesting development considering what happened Friday. Jackson, in a news conference, said the Knicks haven’t been able to win with Carmelo Anthony and that “he would be better off somewhere else.” Anthony responded with an Instagram and Twitter post with the words “Really” and two “crying laughing” emojis. Porzingis liked the post.
The skipped meeting could explain why Jackson said it’s too soon for the Knicks to become Porzingis’ team. Jackson also wouldn’t say Porzingis is untouchable as he tries to rebuild the team.
Spurs-Grizzlies: Nobody in the NBA has played against each other in the playoffs since 2011 more than San Antonio and Memphis.
And with the exception of 2011, the Spurs have dominated the Grizzlies.
The Spurs roll into this first-round series, which starts Saturday night with Game 1 in San Antonio, as the No. 2 seed in the West with 61-21 regular-season record that was second only to the Warriors in the NBA. The Grizzlies slumped to the seventh seed by going 9-15 after the All-Star break and limp into the postseason going 1-5 in April.
Cavaliers-Pacers: Their fierce on-the-floor rivalry blossomed into a strong friendship that will be put on hold. LeBron James and Paul George are about to face off again in the NBA playoffs.
Cleveland begins defense of its title Saturday in the first round against Indiana. The James-George matchup will attract TV cameras and likely set the tone for the series.
They’ve previously squared off in the postseason when James was with the Miami Heat and before George suffered a horrific leg injury that threatened his career. But George has not only bounced back, the star forward said he’s been aiming for a shot at the champions. “It’s who I’ve wanted to match up against,” he said.
Jazz-Clippers: Utah is back in the playoffs after a five-year absence. Los Angeles is looking to make a deep run for the first time in franchise history.
Their opening-round matchup beginning Saturday night in Los Angeles offers contrasting styles, with the patient Jazz making multiple passes to set up their offense, and the Clippers eager to run their opponent out of the gym.
Both teams finished the regular season with 51-31 records.
Bucks-Raptors: Giannis Antetokounmpo presents a defensive conundrum for Toronto. Assign a shorter player on the 6-foot-11 Antetokounmpo, and the Milwaukee star can take advantage on the block. Put a taller player on him, and the athletic Antetokounmpo might blow past him to the hoop.
Antetokounmpo is a highlight-reel regular for dunks in transition. He can make opponents pay for double-teams, too.
The Raptors need to figure this problem out beginning Saturday when the first-round series opens.
“It’s not going to be a one-man job. It’s going to be a team effort to guard him,” Raptors coach Dwane Casey said. “But him in transition, it’s not a dream, it’s a nightmare.”