NBA - latimes.com

Miami Heat survive opener against Indiana Pacers in OT

By Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel — Wed, 22 May 2013 21:32:00 PDT

LeBron James scores game-winning layup as the clock expires in overtime for 103-102 win.

MIAMI -- The Indiana Pacers got the ugly game they were hoping for and needed.

Finding a great coach won't be easy

By Broderick Turner — Wed, 22 May 2013 21:18:00 PDT

There are many possibilities for Clippers' opening, but no guarantees they will get a championship from change.

The Clippers have begun their search for a new coach to replace Vinny Del Negro, with the hope that they can find someone who is capable of molding the team into a championship contender.

Spurs, up 2-0 against Memphis, know series is still up for grabs

By Ben Bolch — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:52:00 PDT

San Antonio was up 2-0 against Oklahoma City in 2012 conference finals before the Thunder swept the next four games. Series goes to Memphis, where Grizzlies have won 19 of last 20.

Spurs hold on for 93-89 OT win over Grizzlies

By Ben Bolch — Tue, 21 May 2013 21:26:00 PDT

Tony Parker has 18 assists, including a key pass to Tim Duncan in overtime, to lead Spurs to a 2-0 lead in the series.

Cleveland Cavaliers beat odds, win No. 1 pick for June 27 draft

Associated Press — Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 PDT

Orlando Magic has the No. 2 pick, and the Washington Wizards are in the No. 3 spot.

NEW YORK — Nick Gilbert and the Cleveland Cavaliers have beaten the NBA lottery odds again.

Clippers fire Coach Vinny Del Negro

By Broderick Turner — Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 PDT

Vinny Del Negro led the Clippers to their first Pacific Division title, but the team lost to Memphis in the playoffs. Possible replacements include Byron Scott and Brian Shaw.

Almost three weeks after the Clippers were knocked out of the Western Conference playoffs, the team decided to part ways with Coach Vinny Del Negro on Tuesday.

Do Chris Paul, Blake Griffin know best who should coach Clippers?

T.J. Simers — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:52:00 PDT

Owner Donald Sterling says Vinny Del Negro is a wonderful man and he's sad about the coach's dismissal, but he has to keep his players happy.

Why mess with success when you have known only defeat previously?

Previewing the East finals, Heat vs. Pacers

By Ben Bolch — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:31:00 PDT

Indiana and Miami started battling in the media before this series even started. Once they get on the court, well, LeBron James and the Heat just look better.

Those looking the other way miss a lot with Spurs' Kawhi Leonard

By Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times — Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 PDT

Overlooked high school star who went to San Diego State ends up with one of NBA's most inconspicuous franchises. His three-point accuracy and development as a complete player make him hard to ignore.

— Most San Antonio Spurs possessions start with Kawhi Leonard setting up in the corner.

Pacers coach says he wasn't being 'dismissive' of Heat before series

By Ira Winderman, South Florida Sun Sentinel — Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 PDT

He says his quote about Miami, 'They're just the next team that's in our way,' was taken out of context, and he has great respect for NBA champs, who eliminated Indiana from playoffs last season.

— Indiana Pacers Coach Frank Vogel stressed Monday he meant no disrespect to the Miami Heat in his postgame comments Saturday night and took to South Florida radio to clear the air.