USA TODAY Sports Kevin Spain talks to NBA reporter Jeff Zillgitt, while he's in the Denver Airport on his way from Oakland to Cleveland, about the amazing defensive performance by the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 of the NBA Finals. The guys discuss LeBron James' effort and how the Cavaliers shut down the NBA MVP Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors.
The NBA A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt discuss the devastating fractured kneecap injury suffered by Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving with USA TODAY Sports' Kevin Spain. They break down how this affects the Cavs and how it changes things for NBA Finals opponent Golden State Warriors and what commissioner Adam Silver had to say about the injury.
As the NBA Finals approach the A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt discuss Klay Thompson's concussion, Kyrie Irving's injury and how the two coaches match up against each other with USA TODAY Sports' Kevin Spain. Zillgitt has a one-on-one discussion with Cavaliers coach David Blatt about how he grew this season and what it's like coaching a guy like LeBron James. Spain and Zillgitt talk to Des Moines' Register columnist Randy Peterson, who has covered Fred Hoiberg for several years about why...
In a move that wasn't a surprise, but should be, the Chicago Bulls fired coach Tom Thibodeau after he won 65 percent of his games. The NBA A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt discuss that with USA TODAY Sports' Kevin Spain. The guys also take a first look at the NBA Finals matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors. They talk about what to expect from LeBron James and Stephen Curry and how this is the matchup everyone wanted to see.
Los Angeles Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak said in a radio interview that this will be Kobe Bryant's last season with the Lakers. The NBA A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt discuss that with USA TODAY Sports' Kevin Spain. The guys also talk about some of the great playoff performances we've had so far. Spain and Scott Gleeson talk about how D'Angelo Russell will fare in the draft and we hear from Gleeson's interview with Russell. Spain and Derek Bodner talk about the updated mock draft now that th...
USA TODAY Sports' Kevin Spain talks with Scott Gleeson about some of the top players at the upcoming NBA draft. Gleeson catches up with Duke's Justise Winslow, who talks about how his experience with Coach K prepared him for the NBA. Spain talks to Derek Bodner about the top five centers and power forwards in this year's draft.
The NBA A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt discuss the matchups in the conference finals with Kevin Spain from USA TODAY Sports. Spain and Zillgitt look ahead to the draft lottery, one of the most anticipated in its history.
It's the buzzer-beater playoffs in the conference semifinals and the NBA A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt discuss that with USA TODAY Sports' Kevin Spain. Jeff Zillgitt caught up with Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler and talked to him about how his offensive game has improved. Kevin Spain talked with NBA draft guru Derek Bodner about some of the top guards and small forwards in this year's draft.
Is home court advantage not sacred? Road teams have won in each of the conference semifinals of the NBA playoffs and the A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt discuss that with USA TODAY Sports' Kevin Spain. The guys break down a gutty performance by Memphis Grizzlies' guard Mike Conley and talk about Stephen Curry's win and speech from the most valuable player ceremony.
The NBA A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt discuss with USA TODAY Sports' Kevin Spain the Oklahoma City Thunder's hiring of University of Florida coach Billy Donovan to replace Scott Brooks. They also talk about Kevin Love's future after the shoulder surgery and take a quick look at some things to keep an eye on as the NBA moves to the second round of the playoffs.
The NBA A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt discuss what the Kevin Love injury will mean to the Cleveland Cavaliers and to Love's future with USA TODAY Sports' Kevin Spain. The guys also talk about some surprises in the playoffs, who are the Oklahoma City Thunder looking for in a coach and what is the market for Rajon Rondo?
The NBA A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt talk about some great performances of the playoffs so far with USA TODAY Sports' Kevin Spain. They also discuss the schedule reform and owners' discussion of playoff reform and we hear from commissioner Adam Silver on that subject. We also hear a little of the conversation Sam had with New Orleans Pelicans' Anthony Davis and Toronto Raptors Lou Williams.
The seedings are set and the NBA playoffs are about to begin. The NBA A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt break it all down with Kevin Spain of USA TODAY Sports. They take a look at the first round, what are some of the compelling matchups and then look down the road at who will advance to the conference finals and the NBA Finals. Their resistance to pick a winner is futile.
It's awards time and NBA A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt discuss how they voted with USA TODAY Sports' Kevin Spain. The guys discuss the most valuable player, rookie of the year, coach of the year, sixth man, most improved and executive of the year. Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer gives his thoughts on being nominated by the team as executive of the year.
The teams in the Western Conference who are in the playoffs are fighting for position as we move into the final week of the season and A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt discuss that with USA TODAY Sports' Kevin Spain. Sam Amick talks to Andrew Bogut about how he changed as a player and his Golden State Warriors. Kevin Spain and Sam Amick talk to Oklahoman reporter Darnell Mayberry about the Oklahoma City Thunder. The guys discuss the sale of the Atlanta Hawks and the players association an...
A current and a former teammate of LeBron James are playing their best basketball in the final weeks of the season and A to Z guy Jeff Zillgitt discusses that with USA TODAY Sports' Kevin Spain. James Harden talks to Sam Amick about his season. Kevin Spain talks with NBA draft guru Derek Bodner about some of the big names and not so big names in this year's draft.
The NBA A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt discuss the Cleveland Cavaliers being the team we thought they would be with USA TODAY Sports' Kevin Spain. LeBron James has a couple comments on how he feels and when he knew the team was locked in. The guys also discuss what the return of Dwight Howard to the Houston Rockets means for MVP candidate James Harden. Amick talks to Mike D'Antoni about the retirement of Steve Nash. Amick and Spain talk about how voting has gone for power rankings and M...
Should the NBA change the playoffs format to put the top 16 teams in regardless of conference? The A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt discuss with Kevin Spain from USA TODAY Sports. The always opinionated Jeff Van Gundy weighs in as well. Amick talks to NBA legend Jerry West about the Golden State Warriors and the idea they might be getting a little cocky. DeAndre Jordan discusses his chase of Wilt Chamberlain's field goal percentage record and free agency with Amick.
USA TODAY Sports reporters Jeff Zillgitt and Sam Amick discuss the battle for the bottom seeds in each conference with USAT's Kevin Spain. Indiana Pacers coach Frank Vogel and Charlotte Hornets coach Steve Clifford talk to Jeff Zillgitt about what their teams need to do to make the playoffs in the East. Fat Lever talks to Sam Amick about how well Russell Westbrook has been of late. Sam Amick talks to Vlade Divac, who is back in the NBA, as an executive with the Sacramento Kings.
USA TODAY Sports NBA reporters Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt pick their favorites for this year's most valuable player with USAT's Kevin Spain. Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard weighs in on who he thinks should get the nod. Sam Amick interviews Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant.
In the NBA A to Z debut podcast, USA TODAY Sports writers Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt talk to Charlotte Bobcats coach Steve Clifford about his where he learned his coaching philosophy, his new team and how he thought the Los Angeles Lakers, who he was an assistant for last season, don't get enough credit for how they finished.
