Items by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
NYT > Sports
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Off the Dribble: Western Conference Finals Preview
Posted: May 27th, 2012, 8:51pm EDT by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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It would be easy to label the Western Conference finals as a battle of young versus old, but that may be unfair to the San Antonio Spurs as it is not clear that Tim Duncan actually ages. -
Off the Dribble: Western Conference Finals Preview
Posted: May 27th, 2012, 8:51pm EDT by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
Tags: [edit]
It would be easy to label the Western Conference finals as a battle of young versus old, but that may be unfair to the San Antonio Spurs as it is not clear that Tim Duncan actually ages.
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Reds 5, Yankees 2: Cueto and Reds Take Care of Sabathia and Yankees
Posted: May 21st, 2012, 1:30pm EDT by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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C. C. Sabathia traded scoreless innings with Johnny Cueto early but lost control of the strike zone in the seventh, costing the Yankees in a loss to the Reds.
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Off the Dribble: The Annotated N.B.A. Playoff Leader Board
Posted: May 19th, 2012, 9:55pm EDT by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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Taking a look at the playoff leaders in various categories gives a glimpse at which players are thriving.
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Off the Dribble: Back When The Knicks Won One
Posted: May 5th, 2012, 6:14pm EDT by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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The Knicks last won a playoff game in 2001, a 97-89 first-round victory against the Raptors.
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Bats: He's a Heavyweight, and Willing to Say So
Posted: May 3rd, 2012, 8:46am EDT by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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Unlike a number of pitchers over the years who have appeared to weigh 300 pounds or more, the Kansas City Royals' Jonathan Broxton owns up to it.
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Off the Dribble: Bobcats Are Fighting a Losing Battle
Posted: April 21st, 2012, 2:41pm EDT by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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Charlotte needs at least one more win to avoid finishing with the lowest victory total since the N.B.A. was formed in 1949.
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Bats: The Closer: Granderson's Waiting Game
Posted: April 19th, 2012, 11:59pm EDT by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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In a close game, Curtis Granderson had to wait to celebrate his three home run game.
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Off the Dribble: Stern Shines Light on W.N.B.A., Development League
Posted: April 19th, 2012, 8:22pm EDT by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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David Stern talked of the success of the N.B.A. in a lockout-shortened season, praised the N.B.A. Development League and took the media to task for its lack of coverage of the W.N.B.A.
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Off the Dribble: Long Bench Has Served Bulls Well
Posted: April 7th, 2012, 12:55pm EDT by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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Despite having had four of the team’s five starters miss games due to injury, the Chicago Bulls have chugged along as the best team in the Eastern Conference.
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The Closer: Catchers Go the Distance
Posted: April 6th, 2012, 12:34am EDT by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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In a marathon game between the Indians and the Blue Jays, the teams' catchers combined to receive a staggering 540 pitches.
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The Closer: Stern’s Argument Lacking
Posted: April 4th, 2012, 12:07am EDT by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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The N.B.A. commissioner David Stern would like to expand the league’s age requirement, claiming it is a business decision, but the success of high school players harms his argument.
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Bats: Singular Approach to a Signature Hobby
Posted: April 1st, 2012, 11:33am EDT by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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Over the last few years, Benjamin Hoffman has amassed a quirky collection of autographed baseballs using a tried-and-true method: He sorts by price on MLB.com from lowest to highest, then looks for the gems.
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Off the Dribble: If Bynum Practiced 3-Pointers, He Could Make Fans Forget Wang Zhizhi
Posted: March 31st, 2012, 4:55pm EDT by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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Few of Dirk Nowitzki's long-range field-goal attempts have drawn as much attention as the failed one by Andrew Bynum that led to his benching.
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Off the Dribble: Chandler Approaching Historic Pace
Posted: March 24th, 2012, 9:44pm EDT by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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The Knicks' Tyson Chandler is leading the league with a 68.2 field-goal percentage, nearly 10 percentage points ahead of the Lakers' Andrew Bynum.
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The Closer: Time for Willis to Move On
Posted: March 20th, 2012, 11:59pm EDT by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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Yet another team is kicking the tires on Dontrelle Willis, despite the left-hander having pitched poorly for five consecutive seasons.
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The Closer: A Sad End for Oden
Posted: March 15th, 2012, 11:59pm EDT by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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Being released to free up a roster spot is hardly the end to his career with the Trail Blazers that Greg Oden would have imagined.
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Off the Dribble: A Guard Emerges: Sound Familiar?
Posted: March 3rd, 2012, 5:32pm EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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Isaiah Thomas, the last player chosen in the 2011 draft, has thrived in a starting role for the Kings.
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The Closer: Linsanity May Be Peaking
Posted: February 23rd, 2012, 12:34am EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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Jeremy Lin has had a great start to his Knicks career, but calls to add him to the United States Olympic roster seem premature.
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Off the Dribble: The Closer: Some Much-Needed Rest for Lin
Posted: February 16th, 2012, 12:17am EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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In a blowout against the Kings, the Knicks were wise to limit Jeremy Lin's minutes considering the abuse he has been taking.
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The Closer: Flaws Clear Even in Knicks Win
Posted: February 14th, 2012, 11:59pm EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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Jeremy Lin won the game for the Knicks on Tuesday with a last-second 3-pointer, but there were flaws on display for the Knicks despite the six-game winning streak.
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Off the Dribble: To Make the Playoffs, Knicks Still Have Work to Do
Posted: February 14th, 2012, 4:01pm EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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Even with five consecutive victories, the Knicks are jockeying for the seventh or eighth playoff spot in the East.
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Off the Dribble: 30 Seconds With Paul Sturgess
Posted: February 14th, 2012, 7:00am EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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Paul Sturgess, at 7 feet 8 inches, is among the tallest men ever to play basketball of any sort. Currently a member of the Harlem Globetrotters, he will be at Penn Station on Tuesday handing out roses and game tickets.
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Off the Dribble: The Harlem Globetrotters Go Big
Posted: February 11th, 2012, 3:21pm EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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The Harlem Globetrotters have added Paul Sturgess, who at 7 feet 8 inches is the world’s tallest professional basketball player.
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Off the Dribble: Nerdy Greeting Really a Smart Shake
Posted: February 9th, 2012, 11:29pm EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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Jeremy Lin and Landry Fields debuted a new handshake this week that appears to be a nod to the fact that they both attended hallowed educational institutions.
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Off the Dribble: Looking Ahead to Lin's Next Three
Posted: February 9th, 2012, 12:16pm EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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Jeremy Lin has stayed hot through three games. Looking ahead to his next three, he may be able to keep it going a while longer.
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Off the Dribble: Looking Ahead to Lin's Next Three
Posted: February 9th, 2012, 12:16pm EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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Jeremy Lin has stayed hot through three games. Looking ahead to his next three, he may be able to keep it going a while longer.
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Super Bowl — Bradshaw Backs Into a Victory
Posted: February 6th, 2012, 1:53am EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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Ahmad Bradshaw’s last-minute touchdown was a result of a Patriots strategy that ultimately failed.
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N.F.L. Roundup: Curtis Martin Elected to Hall of Fame
Posted: February 5th, 2012, 1:20am EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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The former Patriots and Jets running back Curtis Martin was among six players elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Another finalist, the former coach Bill Parcells, did not make it.
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The Fifth Down: 30 Seconds With David Baas
Posted: February 4th, 2012, 1:15pm EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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David Baas, the Giants' starting center, spent six seasons in San Francisco and had to switch coasts before ending up on a winning team.
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Off the Dribble: #Wow, Dunk Or No Dunk
Posted: February 4th, 2012, 12:40pm EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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A monster dunk (or was it even a dunk?) by the Los Angeles Clippers star prompted numerous posts.
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The Fifth Down: IBM Says Twitter Prefers Eli
Posted: February 4th, 2012, 12:30pm EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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IBM and U.S.C. have teamed up to try to gauge the public sentiment toward the players heading into the Super Bowl, using Facebook and Twitter to provide the data.
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The Fifth Down: The QB Files: Tom Brady vs. Joe Montana
Posted: February 3rd, 2012, 9:15am EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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With Tom Brady set to become the second quarterback to start five Super Bowls, The Fifth Down is comparing his body of work with top performers in the game that decides it all. In the final installment: Joe Montana.
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The Fifth Down: Madonna Talks Victor Cruz, High-Ankle Sprains
Posted: February 2nd, 2012, 4:15pm EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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Madonna kept her lips sealed on what songs she would be playing during Sunday's halftime show, but did plenty of bantering with the media Thursday.
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N.F.L. Vendor Wraps Up City Before Super Bowl Begins
Posted: February 2nd, 2012, 2:32pm EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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Sport Graphics, a company based in Indianapolis, produced the signs and created the vinyl adhesive building wraps that have transformed the city for the Super Bowl.
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The Fifth Down: N.F.L. Says to Leave Mace, Sticks at Home
Posted: February 2nd, 2012, 11:49am EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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In hopes of increasing security at the Super Bowl, the N.F.L. has released a list of items banned from Lucas Oil Stadium. So fans will have to leave their Frisbees at home.
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The Fifth Down: The QB Files: Tom Brady vs. Terry Bradshaw
Posted: February 2nd, 2012, 8:24am EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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With Tom Brady set to become the second quarterback to start five Super Bowls, The Fifth Down is comparing his body of work to some of the greatest performers in the game that decides it all. Third up: Terry Bradshaw.
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The Fifth Down: Whither 'Sweet Child O' Mine'?
Posted: February 1st, 2012, 5:56pm EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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Banshee Music is working with the N.F.L. to commission new songs for the league to play during games, and is involving artists like Darius Rucker, Jordin Sparks and James Durbin.
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The Fifth Down: The QB Files: Tom Brady vs. Troy Aikman
Posted: February 1st, 2012, 9:32am EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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With Tom Brady set to become the second quarterback to start five Super Bowls, The Fifth Down is comparing his body of work to some of the game's greatest performers in the game that decides it all. Second up is Troy Aikman.
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The Fifth Down: The QB Files: Tom Brady Vs. John Elway
Posted: January 31st, 2012, 9:00am EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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With Tom Brady set to become the second quarterback to start five Super Bowls, The Fifth Down is comparing his body of work to some of the game's greatest performers in the game that decides it all. First up: John Elway.
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Off the Dribble: Amid Players Hoping for N.B.A., a Few Trying to Get Back
Posted: January 28th, 2012, 1:19pm EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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Rafer Alston, a streetball legend and longtime N.B.A. veteran, may join Antoine Walker and other older players trying to work their way back through the league’s development league.
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Bats: Astros Name May Not Be Long for This World
Posted: January 25th, 2012, 1:00am EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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As the Astros consider changing the team's nickname, it seems like a fitting time to look back at other teams who have done so in the past.
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Off the Dribble: Quick Rebound in Cleveland
Posted: January 21st, 2012, 8:25pm EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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When LeBron James left the Cavaliers, the devastation was supposed to be complete. But in the second season after his departure, they are doing the unexpected.
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The Fifth Down: Davis's Performance Recalls Winslow's 'Epic' Day
Posted: January 17th, 2012, 2:26pm EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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Vernon Davis and Rob Gronkowski joined Kellen Winslow on the list of greatest performances by a tight end in a postseason game. But Winslow's big day may still be the best of the bunch.
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Off the Dribble: Jason Kidd on the Disappearing Triple-Double
Posted: January 13th, 2012, 8:06pm EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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In a season with just one triple-double so far, Jason Kidd's absence from the court is conspicuous. The star guard talks about the accomplishment he has helped to define.
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Off the Dribble: Kings Hope Change Is for the Better
Posted: January 7th, 2012, 12:50pm EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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The Sacramento Kings are regrouping under Keith Smart, who talked extensively about the challenges in front of him.
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Off the Dribble: Walker Returns to Garden, Site of Big East Glory
Posted: January 5th, 2012, 6:59pm EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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Kemba Walker averaged 26 points a game in Connecticut's run through the Big East tournament en route to the Huskies' winning the national championship.
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Off the Dribble: Walker Returns to Garden, Site of Big East Glory
Posted: January 5th, 2012, 6:59pm EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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Kemba Walker averaged 26 points a game in Connecticut's run through the Big East tournament en route to the Huskies' winning the national championship.
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Off the Dribble: Plenty of Heat Generated in Thunder's Fast Start
Posted: December 31st, 2011, 1:51pm EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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The weekend notebook includes items on the Thunder’s fast start and how the lockout is already affecting the season.
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Bats: Yankees Hats Are Everywhere, Even North Korea
Posted: December 29th, 2011, 10:10pm EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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Yankees hats are ubiquitous, even on the heads of young mourners at the funeral of North Korea's Kim Jong-il.
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Bats: Red Sox Add a Closer and Some Anxiety
Posted: December 29th, 2011, 12:32pm EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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Andrew Bailey, if healthy, is a great addition to the Red Sox. But the Boston bullpen now rests on the closer's fragile right elbow.
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Off the Dribble: Nets' Deron Williams Williams Looks for Teammates and Continuity
Posted: December 28th, 2011, 11:54am EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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After the Nets' 36-point loss to the Hawks, Deron Williams made it clear the team has a long way to go to be competitive.
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Off the Dribble: Which Teams Will Have the Stamina for a 66-Game Sprint?
Posted: December 24th, 2011, 2:25pm EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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After a prolonged lockout, the N.B.A. returns on Christmas Day with what promises to be a 66-game regular-season sprint to the playoffs.
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Yankees 6, Twins 4: Rivera Gets Record 602nd Save in Classic 1-2-3 Fashion
Posted: September 20th, 2011, 1:43am EDT by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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Mariano Rivera retired the Twins in order to pass Trevor Hoffman and become baseball’s career saves leader with 602.
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With Suzuki, There’s Less Than Meets the Eye
Posted: July 10th, 2011, 1:48am EDT by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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The Seattle Mariners star Ichiro Suzuki has an ability to trick you into believing that he is a far more valuable player than he actually is.
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Off the Dribble: Eastern Europeans' Stock Rises in N.B.A. Draft
Posted: June 24th, 2011, 8:51pm EDT by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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The first round of the N.B.A. draft on Thursday night had an international flavor, with 10 of the players having been born outside the United States.
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Roundup: Familiar Names Appear in the Draft
Posted: June 8th, 2011, 2:01am EDT by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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The Yankees selected infielder Dante Bichette Jr. with the 51st pick in the first round, but the son of the former All-Star outfielder was not the only relative of a major leaguer selected on the first day of the draft Monday.
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Now Batting for Charity, a Sabermetrician
Posted: May 13th, 2011, 2:09am EDT by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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A gathering devoted in part to the study of baseball statistics will serve as a charity fund-raiser, underscoring how that element of the game has grown.
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Off the Dribble: FreeDarko Goes Dark
Posted: April 9th, 2011, 2:55pm EDT by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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Having run its course as a blog, the collaborators of FreeDarko are now going their separate ways, but not before reflecting on their influence on the blogosphere.
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Off the Dribble: Mullin May Join Olympic Teammates in Hall of Fame
Posted: February 18th, 2011, 6:22pm EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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A finalist for the Hall of Fame, Chris Mullin could become the 11th member of the 1992 Dream Team to be enshrined.
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Off the Dribble: What's to "Like" About Williams's Release by Orlando?
Posted: January 28th, 2011, 10:41pm EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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Fans clicked "like" on the Orlando Magic's Facebook post about the release of Jason Williams 53 times in four minutes Wednesday, though what they meant may not be that clear.
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Off the Dribble: Cavaliers At Nets? Priceless (Almost)
Posted: January 24th, 2011, 9:34pm EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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For slightly less than the $2.50 cost of a single-ride MetroCard, a basketball fan could have treated himself and 21 of his friends to seats at the Nets-Cavaliers game Monday night.
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Off the Dribble: Wizards Without Wands
Posted: January 22nd, 2011, 12:30pm EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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In a rough season for Wizards fans, the team has been especially bad on the road, going 0-20.
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Off the Dribble: Hawks' Favorite Year
Posted: January 15th, 2011, 11:41pm EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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Through the Hawks' first five games in 2011, it seemed the team couldn't lose and that shooting guard Jamal Crawford couldn't miss.Unfortunately, all good things come to an end.
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Off the Dribble: Ellis Is the Warriors' Warrior
Posted: January 8th, 2011, 1:02pm EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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The weekend notebook includes items on the many minutes of Warriors guard Monta Ellis and a strange quirk in plus/minus rating as it relates to the Lakers.
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Off the Dribble: Wizards' Wall Shows Rare Streak of Durability
Posted: January 1st, 2011, 7:59pm EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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John Wall started for the Wizards on Saturday night, making it is only the second time he was healthy enough to play five consecutive games.
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Off the Dribble: Prokhorov as Ivan Drago
Posted: December 6th, 2010, 12:39pm EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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A new Internet video pits James L. Dolan against Mikhail D. Prokhorov.
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Off the Dribble: An Assist Anomaly in Boston
Posted: December 4th, 2010, 12:00pm EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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The weekend notebook includes items on Rajon Rondo's unique season, LeBron James' return to Cleveland and Darko Milicic's surprising offensive outburst.
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Off the Dribble: Griffin Dunking His Way Into the Spotlight
Posted: November 27th, 2010, 10:11am EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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The weekend notebook includes items on the dunking Blake Griffin, the returning LeBron James and the fouling DeMarcus Cousins.
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Off the Dribble: Beasley Is Proving to Be a Find for Timberwolves
Posted: November 20th, 2010, 8:14pm EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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Traded by the Heat to make room for LeBron James, Michael Beasley is averaging 22.4 points for Minnesota, an increase of nearly 8 a game from last season.
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Off the Dribble: Raptors' Evans Thrives in One Dimension
Posted: November 18th, 2010, 4:48pm EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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Reggie Evans of the Toronto Raptors is averaging an impressive 11.7 rebounds a game, but has been a total liability on offense.
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Off the Dribble: Bosh Finds the Web's Dark Side
Posted: November 18th, 2010, 1:01am EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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After years of using the Internet to his advantage, Chris Bosh found out what happens when the Web turns against you.
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Off the Dribble: Bloggers' Stylings in Hardwood Heaven
Posted: October 23rd, 2010, 4:56pm EDT by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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The bloggers known as FreeDarko answer questions about their new book "The Undisputed Guide to Pro Basketball History."
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In A.L. West, Athletics Flexing Muscles Early
Posted: April 21st, 2010, 12:20am EDT by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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In a break with past practice, the Oakland Athletics gave a contract extension to a promising pitcher and have gotten off to a fast start in the A.L. West.
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Fast Pace of Playoffs Is a Test for Kidd
Posted: April 17th, 2010, 10:59pm EDT by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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The Dallas Mavericks, the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, will be hoping that Jason Kidd, the team's veteran point guard, does not have a drop-off in production as he had in the last two postseasons, a trend often attributed to a lack of quickness.
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Globetrotters on Ice, All Tricks Included
Posted: January 30th, 2010, 8:00pm EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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Capitalizing on the N.H.L.'s success with the Winter Classic, the Harlem Globetrotters will be the first professional basketball team to play outdoors, on ice.
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Off The Dribble: More Wins at Home, but Fewer Fans
Posted: January 2nd, 2010, 6:29pm EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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A team that is better at home than on the road is nothing surprising as 25 of the N.B.A.’s 30 teams have a better record while playing in their own arenas.
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Personnel File: Big Yardage Games Eluding McFadden
Posted: November 29th, 2008, 11:34am EST by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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After rushing for 164 yards and a touchdown in Week 2, Darren McFadden, the Raiders’ rookie running back, has been mostly quiet.
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Personnel File: Patriots Need Moss to Keep His Focus
Posted: September 14th, 2008, 4:43am EDT by By BENJAMIN HOFFMAN
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A good wide receiver cannot thrive unless his team has a quarterback who can throw the ball to him.