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Minnesota Timberwolves – Rubio Needs to be More Than Flashy
The razzle dazzle associated with Ricky Rubio is one of the few things that make the Minnesota Timberwolves appealing on a more than regional level. However, the Spanish point guard has reached the point in which he needs to be more than just someone dishing out beautiful assists, as adding a long range game and improving his defense would be a bit more beneficial.
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Los Angeles Clippers – Paul Takes Preseason Seriously
It’s hard to say what Doc Rivers was thinking as he let Chris Paul and Blake Griffin play for over 40 minutes in a preseason, but it did get out the best from his point guard, delivering a performance in overtime for the Los Angeles Clippers that’s rarely seen by a proven star in a meaningless game.
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Miami Heat – Dwyane Wade Enjoys Some Alone Time
With LeBron James out for maintenance, it was up for Dwyane Wade to lead the Miami Heat in their NBA Finals rematch on far less serious conditions, enjoying a chance to show he’s not as old or banged up as he’s made out to be at times, and proving that it’s going to be a much better season for him individually than some might suggest it’ll be.
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Derrick Rose Saved His Best For Homecoming
The most special game for Derrick Rose in his return to the NBA and the Chicago Bulls was playing at the United Center for the first time since tearing his ACL 18 months ago. From his short yet excellent appearance, it was worth the wait.
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Oklahoma City Thunder – Kevin Durant Needs to Score More Than Ever
Scoring 36 points in 24 minutes isn’t something we’re going to see from Kevin Durant or anyone else in this NBA season, but it does serve as an example of just how much the Oklahoma City Thunder are going to rely on him, especially while Russell Westbrook is out.
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Miami Heat – LeBron James Shines Even When Losing
Because preseason losses don’t really matter, the most talked about moment of the Miami Heat being defeated for the first time on the exhibition circuit was LeBron James showing his dunking form for the first time since the long summer break with two back to back slams.
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Houston Rockets – The Jeremy Lin & James Harden Experience
Despite Dwight Howard being the most recognized name and face on the Houston Rockets, it’s not going to be about him all the time, as the team played in Taiwan, the latest stop on their preseason tour, it was the backcourt’s turn, James Harden and especially Jeremy Lin due to the crowd’s demand, that made all the difference.
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Miami Heat – LeBron James Coming Along Nicely
The preseason for the Miami is about achieving quite a few goals, all of them being met quite well so far. LeBron James is finding his shape slowly, sometimes by giving up on scoring completely; Dwyane Wade is looking lighter and fitter than he has in a very long time; Chris Bosh shows once again that he hasn’t lost the ability to look like a star; and Michael Beasely proving just what a valuable addition he can become.
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Houston Rockets – Jeremy Lin Shouldn’t Come Off the Bench
Only preseason, so sights like Jeremy Lin coming off the bench for the Houston Rockets shouldn’t be taken too seriously. However, if the Daryl Morey and Kevin McHale’s of the world plan on making this new Dwight Howard project work, they better not leave James Harden with Patrick Beverley when things become a bit more serious.
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Chicago Bulls – Derrick Rose Slowing it Down
The Chicago Bulls continue their preseason schedule by beating the Memphis Grizzlies 106-87, as the issue of Derrick Rose and his adaptation to the NBA game once again stands in the focus of their preparation for the next season. So far, it seems to be going quite well.