Kritik und Lob » hibition game Friday against Green

LOS ANGELES -- In his ninth NBA season, Marc Gasol is becoming a 3-point shooter.The 7-foot center hit a go-ahead 3 from the left corner with 14 seconds left , and the Memphis Grizzlies hung on to beat the Clippers 111-107 on Wednesday night, snapping Los Angeles seven-game winning streak.Mike Conley scored 30 points , Gasol added a season-high 26 and Memphis equaled a season high with 15 3-pointers, including a career high-tying seven by Conley.They are the best team in the league right now, so for us to get a signature win like this is huge, Conley said.Gasol made four 3-pointers, the same number he hit in helping Memphis rally for a win over Washington last month. Hes made 16 3s this season after hitting just 12 in his first eight seasons.We stay in the moment and its been good so far, Gasol said. We made the right plays and we are lucky the ball went in.J.J. Redick scored a season-high 29 points, Blake Griffin added 25, and DeAndre Jordan had 14 rebounds for the Clippers, who still have the NBAs best record at 10-2. Both of their losses have come at home.I dont like that, Clippers coach Doc Rivers said about the home defeats. We had enough points, we didnt have enough defense.Los Angeles came in outscoring opponents by an average of 16.6 points, fourth-highest in NBA history, but the Grizzlies built a 16-point lead in the first half and were ahead by seven going into the fourth.In the end, it was the Grizzlies defense that preserved the victory.With 23 seconds left, Griffin inbounded to Jamal Crawford, who got blocked by Gasol.After Gasols 3-pointer put Memphis ahead 109-107, Redick had the ball stolen by Conley, who got fouled and made both free throws to close out the win.Jordan blamed himself for not being in the right spot when Gasol shot from the left wing.I made a bad read, saw Mike turn the corner and thought I needed to help, Jordan said. I should have stayed on the corner.Redicks seventh 3-pointer gave the Clippers a 101-100 lead in the fourth, their first since early in the second quarter.But Conley answered with his seventh 3 and Zach Randolph hit a turnaround bank hook, putting the Grizzlies back in front 105-101 and forcing the Clippers to call a timeout.Los Angeles regrouped and scored six unanswered points for a 107-105 lead. Crawford put back his own miss, Jordan tipped in Pauls miss and Paul hit a pullup jumper while the Grizzlies missed on consecutive possessions.Randolph added 18 points off the bench and Vince Carter had 12.TIP-INSGrizzlies: Conley scored 30 against the Clippers in a 99-88 home loss on Nov. 4. ... G-F Tony Allen missed his fourth straight game with a right groin injury.Clippers: F Wesley Johnson sat out his third game in a row with a left heel contusion.HE SAID ITHes too far gone for me to teach him how to dance, but now every time he makes one he has to dance. -- Conley on Gasols shimmy moves after hitting the game-winner.HUSTLE PLAYIn the third, Paul had the games best hustle play even though the Clippers failed to score. He got blocked by Harrison on a running layup and Conley grabbed the rebound. But Paul stole it back and fed Redick, who missed a 3-pointer. Green rebounded, but Conley lost the ball to Paul again and Griffin missed a layup.AGELESS CARTERAt 39, Vince Carter is the leagues oldest active player. He scored 20 points on Nov. 8 against Denver, becoming the oldest in league history to score 20 or more off the bench.He also had 20 against Utah on Nov. 14. He had 12 points in 26 minutes Wednesday.He was a superstar in this league and now he still wants to play, Clippers coach Doc Rivers said. Hes a teacher and a leader. Hes still playing because hes smart.Memphis coach David Fizdale called Carter one of the great guys in the NBA.You should see his house in Orlando; its like a workout factory, he said. He takes it serious. He takes pride in his physique and his diet, so Im not surprised how well he is playing.UP NEXTGrizzlies: Visit Dallas on Friday to close out a four-game trip. The Grizzlies have lost three in a row to the Mavericks.Clippers: Visit Sacramento on Friday and return home Saturday to host the Chicago Bulls in the second game of a back-to-back, their fourth of the season. Wholesale Shoes Australia . Louis. To which I would say two things: 1. Where there is smoke, there is or perhaps has been a little fire. Or, in other words, the two teams would appear to have at least spoken. And spoken is defined as one calling the other to inquire, no more, no less. Shoes Australia Outlet . -- Aldon Smith believes he is on the path to being sober for good. https://www.shoesaustraliaonline.com/ . Houston won 3-0 to advance to face New York in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Last in the game, Di Vaio and Romero got into a shoving match with several Houston players. Romero appeared to elbow and kick Houston defender Kofi Sarkodie. Fake Shoes Australia . They were putting most of their energy into a record-setting offensive display. Shoes Australia From China . PAUL, Minn. NFL Nation reporters assess the top storylines to watch for every team on Monday.NFC East | NFC North | NFC South | NFC West AFC East | AFC North| AFC South | AFC WestAFC EASTBuffalo BillsThe biggest storyline at Mondays practice figures to be the status of running back Mike Gillislee, who left Saturdays game and was evaluated for a possible concussion. The Bills had backfield depth that made them well-suited to withstand waiving running back Karlos Williams, but losing Gillislee for any period of time would thin out the crowd. Rookie Jonathan Williams could most capitalize on a Gillislee absence. -- Mike RodakMiami DolphinsThe Dolphins are shutting down Pro Bowl center Mike Pouncey for the rest of the preseason after he suffered a hip injury in Fridays loss to the Cowboys. Coach Adam Gase said there is some concern about whether Pouncey will be ready for Week 1 of the regular season. Backups Anthony Steen and Jamil Douglas will take over Miamis center role for at least the next two weeks. -- James WalkerNew England PatriotsWith injury news breaking Sunday regarding running back Dion Lewis (second surgery, will start year on PUP) and offensive tackle?Sebastian Vollmer (a nagging hip ailment reportedly threatens his season), the spotlight shines more brightly on the projected replacements: third-year running back James White and sixth-year right tackle Marcus Cannon. Both have filled in capably in the past, but the Patriots, naturally, would prefer to not tap into their depth before the season even begins. -- Mike ReissNew York JetsThe Jets will continue to rotate their right tackles this week, with Ben Ijalana and Brent Qvale sharing reps with the first team. Incumbent Brent Giacomini (back) will miss at least another week -- he still hasnt practiced -- which puts the Jets in a potential bind. The Jets havent ruled Giacomini out for the season opener, but his chances become bleaker by the day. -- Rich CiminiAFC NORTHBaltimore RavensBaltimore needs someone to separate himself from a crowded running back race. In the second preseason game, all four running backs averaged 3.7 yards or less. Justin Forsett, Buck Allen, Terrance West and Kenneth Dixon each failed to break a run longer than nine yards against an Indianapolis run defense that ranked No. 25 last season. Forsett, who is still atop the depth chart, was ineffective in his first action of the preseason, gaining 11 yards on five carries. The Ravens plan in the regular season could be to go with the hot running back from week to week. -- Jamison HensleyCincinnati BengalsWide receiver Brandon LaFell returned to practice and participated in team drills on Sunday after missing the first two preseason games because of a hand injury, but the Bengals remain thin on the offensive line, with injuries to tackles Cedric Ogbuehi and Jake Fisher. The team will hold a semi-public practice for season-ticket holders on Monday, then close practices for the remainder of the preseason. -- Katherine TerrellCleveland BrownsRookie wide receiver?Corey Coleman?returned to practice Sunday for the first time since he strained his hamstring on Aug. 5. Coleman was joined by Andrew Hawkins, who also missed time because of a hamstring. The hope is that they and Josh Gordon will be able to play in the third preseason game Friday against the Bucs. -- Pat McManamonPittsburgh SteelersThe Steelers might face a crucial decision with tight end Ladarius Green, who denied reports that hes suffering from recurring headaches but said his ankle injury is not healed. NFL teams can designate one player for injured reserve/designated to return, and two early candidates are Green and cornerback Senquez Golson, who underwent Lisfranc surgery this month. Green seems like the ideal candidate if he isnt ready by Week 1, but Green told reporters the ankle is still weak, which triggered more uncertainty with the Steelers big free-agent signing. -- Jeremy FowlerAFC SOUTHHouston TexansThe Texans offensive line continued to have difficulties in Saturdays preseason?game, as it missed starters at every position except for left guard Xavier Sua-Filo. Tackles Duane Brown (quad) and Derek Newton (hamstring) and center Nick Martin (ankle) missed the game because of injuries, and right guard Jeff Allen was absent because of a death in his family. The line struggled to?run block, though it looked better in protecting quarterback Brock Osweiler. Coach Bill OBrien said Brown and Newton are making progress but wont be back this week. -- Sarah BarshopIndianapolis ColtsThe Colts head to practice with some injury concerns for a couple key starters as they prepare for the their third preseason game against Philadelphia on Saturday. Receiver T.Y. Hilton and cornerback Vontae Davis both sat out of the Colts loss to Baltimore over the weekend. Hilton, a back-to-back Pro Bowler, has been dealing with a hamstring injury, and Davis, also a back-to-back Pro Bowler, injured his ankle late last week. Vontae rolled an ankle, and it swelled up on him a little bit, so we just held him out, coach Chuck Pagano said. T.Y. had a little bit of a hamstring [injury]. He pushed through it all last week. Even going back to the catch on the sideline where he overextended in the Buffalo game and came back and he practiced all week. It was just a little bit tender, so it wasnt worth throwing him out there. The Colts are expected to play their starters into the third quarter Saturday against the Eagles. -- Mike WellsJacksonville JaguarsThe Jaguars are banged up on the defensive line. Roy Miller is questionable for the rest of the preseason because of a quad injury, and Sheldon Day (back), Michael Bennett (hip) and Abry Jones (quad) are dealing with injuries this week as well. Miller and Jones are nose tackles, so the Jaguars are very thin at that spot, which means a lot more work for bubble player Richard Ash, who has been productive in both preseason games. -- Mike DiRoccoTennessee TitansPlaying too far off receivers has led Titans cornerbacks to get burned for far too long. It was an issue again Saturday in the teams second preseason game, particularly for Antwon Blake. Even from the sideline, were telling guys to get up there, to press, coach Mike Mularkey said. ... Looking at the tape, [we were] probably a little bit softer than we want to be. And thats been addressed. As the Titans return to work on Monday, coaches could take the issue from the meeting room to the practice field. -- Paul KuharskyAFC WESTDenver BroncosThe Broncos quarterback battle?will continue to drive the preseason conversation for at least another week. Trevor Siemian was more consistent overall in Saturday nights preseason loss to the 49ers, but he had an interception returned for a touchdown. With Mark Sanchezs two lost fumbles, the Broncos top two quarterbacks have had four turnovers in the teams two preseason games. Thats certainly not the ratio coach Gary Kubiak is looking for, and those turnovers are likely the biggest reasons no starter has been named yet. With the third preseason game -- the one in which?starters normally play into the third quarter -- looming, the guy who cleans up that issue most quickly in practice this week, or at least shows that he understands whats happening and shows hes addressing it, could get most of the reps in the game. -- Jeff LegwoldKansas City ChiefsLinebacker Tamba Hali?could return to practice on a limited basis this week. Hali didnt practice during the offseason or at training camp after having knee surgery. His?availability is important when the regular season begins because the teams other starting outside linebacker, Justin Houston, also had knee surgery and wont be ready to play Week 1. -- Adam TeicherOakland RaidersMenelik Watson is maintaining his lead over Austin Howard?in the Raiders preseason battle for the starting right tackle job. Watson tore an Achilles tendon in Oaklands third preseason game last year, and a knee injury knocked Howard out in December. Both guys have had good camps, staying healthy. Were happy about that, Raiders coach Jack Del Rio said. I think its great to have Menelik back. He brings a little temperament, little athleticism to the position. Obviously, Austin filled in and did a great job for us last year. Thats been a good competition. -- Paul GutierrezSan Diego ChargersAfter giving up 288 rushing yards to the Titans in the first preseason game, the Chargers held the Cardinals to just 209?total yards in a convincing win in Week 2 of exhibition play. San Diego inside linebacker Manti Teo said the play of his teams defense against one of the favorites to represent the NFC in this years Super Bowl is a sign of things to come. If we play as one and we play with that intensity and that confidence, were going to be special, Teo said. -- Eric D. WilliamsNFC EASTDallas CowboysAs the Cowboys start practicing again in Texas, Ezekiel Elliotts workload will increase. He returned to 11-on-11 action work for two days while in California but did not have any carries. With the added workload, the expectation is that Elliott will play Thursday against the Seahawks. Although the offensive linemen like to say they block the same regardless of running back, building up the timing between the backs is important. Elliott said he doesnt believe his absence from practice because of a sore hamstring has left him behind, but getting Elliott work against a run defense such as Seattles will be good for the rookie and the line.dddddddddddd -- Todd ArcherNew York GiantsThis is shaping up to be a huge week for wide receiver Victor Cruz, who will return to practice on Monday. Cruz hasnt completed a practice in two weeks because of a groin injury. Mondays session will be light for the Giants and will be focused on conditioning and correcting the many mistakes that occurred Saturday in Buffalo. Its imperative that Cruz makes it through the workout without any pain or setback. He needs to show that he can remain healthy and last the entire week through Saturdays preseason game against the Jets. It would be Cruzs first game action since October 2014. -- Jordan RaananPhiladelphia EaglesWide receiver?Dorial Green-Beckham begins his first full week of practice with the Eagles, who are in the middle?of preparations for Saturdays game at the Colts. Coach Doug Pederson has some important decisions to make when it comes to the position, with Rueben Randle, Josh Huff, Nelson Agholor, Chris Givens and now Green-Beckham all competing for snaps. Then theres surprise camp standout Paul Turner, a rookie out of Louisiana Tech whom?Pederson mentions by name every chance he gets. If Turner?claims a roster spot, it could mean that one of the more notable names will be on the outside looking in. -- Tim McManusWashington RedskinsRunning back Matt Jones sprained AC joint in his left shoulder wont keep him out too long, as tests Saturday confirmed the Redskins?optimism after Fridays preseason game vs. the Jets. But the Redskins dont know exactly when Jones will return. In the meantime, rookie backups Keith Marshall and Robert Kelley?have a chance to show what they can do. A Redskins source said Saturday that for now, the team isnt looking hard at backs outside the organization. If the rookies dont show enough, that could change in a few weeks. -- John KeimNFC NORTHChicago BearsThe depleted Bears have a much-needed day off after close to 20 players sat out Sundays practice at Halas Hall. Running back Jeremy Langford (foot) and Pro Bowl guard Kyle Long (shoulder) were among the guys?who didnt participate, though Langford is out of the walking boot he wore to Saturday nights practice. Expect the Bears to mull over their options at cornerback, where Kyle Fuller, Jacoby Glenn, DeVante Bausby and Bryce Callahan are all nursing injuries. At this rate, the Bears might not have enough healthy bodies at cornerback to finish next Saturdays third preseason game against?Kansas City. -- Jeff DickersonDetroit LionsWhile nine players, including receiver Golden Tate, sat out a shortened, fast-paced practice Sunday, there was some potentially good news for Detroit. Tight end?Eric Ebron hasnt returned to practice yet, but he was seen jogging after practiced ended, and he looked?normal. He has been rehabbing an ankle injury for two weeks now. He also spent time catching passes on the Jugs machine, another sign that he might be moving closer to a return. The Lions badly need Ebron healthy, as their?depth chart at the position is pretty thin. -- Michael RothsteinGreen Bay PackersAll eyes will be on No. 87 when the Packers hit the practice field Monday. It will be the first time anyone outside the organization will get an up-close look at wide receiver?Jordy Nelson as he goes through a regular practice for the first time in the 364 days since he tore his ACL. Practice will likely include just the individual and position group drills, with a heavy emphasis on running routes with quarterback Aaron Rodgers; full 11-on-11 team periods are expected to be added later. Aaron and Jordy will work as much as they possibly can on one-on-one routes and things like that, Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. -- Rob DemovskyMinnesota VikingsAfter ending practice early Sunday, the Vikings moved their off-day from Tuesday to Monday, presumably because they dont have enough healthy quarterbacks to get a quality workout. The health of Teddy Bridgewater figures to be the top storyline for the Vikings all week, and neither Bridgewater nor Shaun Hill threw a pass all weekend. The Vikings were left with two QBs who havent thrown a regular-season NFL pass, and theyll hope to get one of their established QBs back by Tuesday. -- Ben GoesslingNFC SOUTHAtlanta FalconsThe Falcons got some good news from a health standpoint, with punter Matt Bosher practicing Sunday, just days after he suffered a chest injury against the Browns. Bosher was blindsided during special-teams coverage by Browns linebacker Tank Carder, but the NFL told coach Dan Quinn the hit on Bosher was legal. Moving forward, Bosher looks ready to punt in Thursday nights preseason game against the Dolphins. It was good to see Bosh back, and he was able to do a full load today, Quinn said. Boshers quick recovery kept the Falcons from signing veteran punter Brandon Fields following a workout. -- Vaughn McClureCarolina PanthersCoach Ron Rivera admitted that rookie cornerback Daryl Worley could have played better in Saturdays preseason win at Tennessee, so itll be interesting to see if the Panthers make any adjustments in Mondays?practice, with the third and pivotal preseason game against New England coming up. Veteran Robert McClain still is an option if theres any doubt that Worley is ready. Bene Benwikere, who played well at nickel, also could be utilized. -- David NewtonNew Orleans SaintsThe Saints return home to finish training camp at their practice facility in Metairie, where they will need to shake off the rust from a very rough week, especially on offense. Theres little reason to worry about New Orleans offense, in general, especially with Drew Brees and the receivers playing well. But theyve got to find some consistency at both guard spots. They really need second-year guard Andrus Peat to develop rapidly now that he should be practicing full-time at right guard. -- Mike TriplettTampa Bay BuccaneersBucs rookie kicker Roberto Aguayo missed two field goals Saturday night in Jacksonville and missed an extra point in the first preseason game against the Eagles. Coach Dirk Koetter admitted, I dont know whats wrong with Roberto right now. Maybe theres some nerves in there, I dont know. He might be overthinking it. Koetter also said that as a head coach and offensive playcaller, he isnt really one who can help him. Koetter can, however, give Aguayo just one holder to work with, rather than rotating between two, so he can hopefully regain some consistency. -- Jenna LaineNFC WESTArizona CardinalsThe Honey Badger is back. Safety Tyrann Mathieu returned to the practice field Sunday for the first time since he tore his ACL in Week 15 of last season. The initial plan was for Mathieu to just go through individual drills, but he didnt think thatd be enough. He participated in 11-on-11 drills with the first team and made some big hits. Mathieu said he didnt expect to do as much and feel as good as he did after his first practice. I was real surprised, he said. I didnt feel any pain. I didnt really get tight at all. I was surprised with where I was at, but I was also pleased with what Ive been doing. -- Josh WeinfussLos Angeles RamsThe first two preseason games have revealed deficiencies in the Rams secondary, a troubling sign given the departure of former No. 1 cornerback Janoris Jenkins. Dak Prescott, the Cowboys backup quarterback, went 10-of-12 for 139 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1. The Chiefs starter, Alex Smith, went 9-of-12 for 137 yards and a touchdown in Week 2. In the latter game, Trumaine Johnson, now the No. 1 corner, was beaten in press man-to-man coverage for a 37-yard pass play up the sideline, and Chiefs receiver Jeremy Maclin?scored a 20-yard touchdown with no defenders near him. -- Alden GonzalezSan Francisco 49ersMonday marks the start of a pivotal week in the 49ers quarterback competition, especially for Colin Kaepernick. Kaepernick did an extensive throwing session before the second preseason game against Denver, and the Niners are hoping to have him available for practice and the third exhibition game Friday against Green Bay. His availability will be determined by how his tight right shoulder reacts to the strain of Saturdays throwing session. Coach Chip Kelly said Kaepernick felt fine on Sunday, but how much he participates in Mondays practice is to be determined. Blaine Gabbert played a little more than a quarter in the win over the Broncos and completed six of nine passes for 69 yards. --?Nick WagonerSeattle SeahawksRunning back Thomas Rawls continues to progress from offseason ankle surgery, and all indications are that he will be on the field in the opener against the Dolphins. Rawls was a full practice participant Sunday, and theres a chance that hell see some action in the preseason. The signs are very positive that hes going to be ready in a couple weeks to play, coach Pete Carroll said. Meanwhile, the team expects to get running back C.J. Prosise (hamstring) back on Monday. The rookie will have to make up for lost time if he wants to fill?the role of the Seahawks third-down back when the season starts. -- Sheil Kapadia ' ' '