SB Nation DC: All Posts by Brandon Kline

NBA standings 2013: 76ers drop out of playoff position

2013-01-05T16:54:03Z

The Philadelphia 76ers (15-19) have lost two games in a row, and have fallen behind the Boston Celtics (15-17) to fourth in the Atlantic division. The Sixers are now in ninth in the Eastern Conference, trailing the Celtics by one game. Philadelphia is currently eight games behind the New York Knicks (22-10), who lead the Atlantic division.

The Chicago Bulls (18-13) and Indiana Pacers (19-14) sit atop the Central division, and the Miami Heat are just two games ahead of the Atlanta Hawks (22-11) in the Southeast.

In the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder (25-7) have the best winning percentage in the NBA and hold an eight game lead in the Northwest division. The San Antonio Spurs (26-9) and Los Angeles Clippers (26-8) are tied for the most wins in the league. The Spurs are 3.5 games ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies in the Southwest, while the Clippers lead the Golden State Warriors by three games.

NBA standings 2013: Knicks trail Heat by half a game in East

2013-01-05T16:34:39Z

With a Miami loss on Friday night, the New York Knicks (22-10) moved to just half a game behind the Heat (22-9) for the best record in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks have a 4.5-game lead over then Brooklyn Nets (18-15) in the Atlantic division. The Nets currently occupy the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference playoff hunt, with a 2.5-game lead over the Boston Celtics (15-17).

The Chicago Bulls (18-13) and Indiana Pacers (19-14) sit atop the Central division, and the Miami Heat are just two games ahead of the Atlanta Hawks (22-11) in the Southeast.

In the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder (25-7) have the best winning percentage in the NBA and hold an eight-game lead in the Northwest division. The San Antonio Spurs (26-9) and Los Angeles Clippers (26-8) are tied for the most wins in the league. The Spurs are 3.5 games ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies in the Southwest, while the Clippers lead the Golden State Warriors by three games.

Doug Marrone exploring his NFL options

2013-01-05T16:21:17Z

Syracuse head coach Doug Marrone could be headed to the NFL. Marrone has already interviewed with the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns, and is also expected to meet with the San Diego Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles.

Marrone has been head coach for the Orange for four seasons, over which time he compiled a 25-25 record. In 2012, Marrone's squad was 8-5, and earned a decisive 38-14 victory over West Virginia in the Pinstripe Bowl.

Before coming to Syracuse, Marrone served as offensive line coach for the New York Jets (2002-2005) and offensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints (2006-2008). He enjoyed great success in both roles. The fact that Marrone already has a proven NFL track-record could make him an attractive hire.

Whether or not Marrone is hired by an NFL team, Syracuse will likely offer its coach more money to help ensure he sticks around. The practice has Ross Tucker wondering whether coaches and teams shouldn't simply be a little more transparent:

College coaches should give NFL teams commissions to feign interest so they get big raise. Marrone getting his soon
— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) January 5, 2013

NBA scores: Wizards fall to Nets in double-overtime

2013-01-05T14:54:51Z

The Washington Wizards suffered a heart-breaking 115-113 loss on Friday to the Brooklyn Nets. Joe Johnson made an 18-foot jumper with 0.7 seconds remaining in the second overtime period to break up the tied game. Washington has now lost four-consecutive games, and 12 of its last 13.

Despite the loss, the Wizards had strong performances from Bradley Beal (24 points, six rebounds), Jordan Crawford (23 points, six rebounds), and Nene Hilario (20 points, six rebounds). Brooklyn was led by Brook Lopez (27 points, 23 rebounds), Deron Williams (24 points, 10 assists), and Joe Johnson (18 points).

Here's a look at all of the NBA scores from Friday night:

Brooklyn Nets 115 - Washington Wizards 113 2OT

Cleveland Cavaliers 106 - Charlotte Bobcats 104

Sacramento Kings 105 - Toronto Raptors 96

Detroit Pistons 85 - Atlanta Hawks 84

Oklahoma City Thunder 109 - Philadelphia 76ers 85

Portland Trail Blazers 86 - Memphis Grizzlies 84

Boston Celtics 94 - Indiana Pacers 75

Chicago Bulls 96 - Miami Heat 89

Houston Rockets 115 - Milwaukee Bucks 101

Utah Jazz 87 - Phoenix Suns 80

Los Angeles Clippers 107 - Los Angeles Lakers 102

NBA scores: Celtics snap four-game losing skid

2013-01-05T13:43:42Z

The Boston Celtics ended a four-game losing streak with a 94-75 win over the Indiana Pacers on Friday night. The Celtics never trailed in the second half after taking a double-digit lead in the second quarter.

Rajon Rondo had 18 points and seven assists for Boston. Kevin Garnett, who was ejected in the fourth quarter following a flagrant foul on Tyler Hansbrough, also had 18 points and seven rebounds.

Tyler Hansbrough came off the bench to lead Indiana with 19 points. David West was the only other Pacer in double-figures. He finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

With the win, Boston remained 2.5 games behind the Brooklyn Nets, who defeated the Washington Wizards, 115-113, in double-overtime. The Celtics now lead the 76ers by one game, as Philadelphia lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder, 109-85.

Here's a look at all of the NBA scores from Friday night:

Brooklyn Nets 115 - Washington Wizards 113 2OT

Cleveland Cavaliers 106 - Charlotte Bobcats 104

Sacramento Kings 105 - Toronto Raptors 96

Detroit Pistons 85 - Atlanta Hawks 84

Oklahoma City Thunder 109 - Philadelphia 76ers 85

Portland Trail Blazers 86 - Memphis Grizzlies 84

Boston Celtics 94 - Indiana Pacers 75

Chicago Bulls 96 - Miami Heat 89

Houston Rockets 115 - Milwaukee Bucks 101

Utah Jazz 87 - Phoenix Suns 80

Los Angeles Clippers 107 - Los Angeles Lakers 102

Seahawks vs. Redskins: RGIII will wear knee brace

2013-01-04T19:32:09Z

Coach Mike Shanahan told the press that Redskins' quarterback Robert Griffin III will wear a brace on his right knee on Sunday when Washington hosts the Seattle Seahawks. Griffin continues his rehab from a sprained lateral collateral ligament, which he first injured on Dec. 9 against the Baltimore Ravens. Earlier in the week, he told the media that the knee is improving. Griffin said, "I feel good. I've felt better every day, every week."

The rookie has been wearing the brace during practices this week, and did so last weekend against the Dallas Cowboys. In that game, RGIII completed only 9-of-18 passes for 100 yards. Although he appeared to limp at times, Griffin still managed to run for 63 yards in six attempts in the Redskins' Week 17 victory.

The brace causes a natural limp, but protects his knee. Griffin has also said that the injury has ultimately made him a better quarterback:

"I've done a better job protecting myself since the injury, sliding to get down and getting all the yards I can. Sometimes things have to happen for you to really grasp that and it's shown me a lot."

WVU football: Dana Holgorsen likely to shake up coaching staff

2013-01-04T18:07:55Z

Following a 7-6 season and a disappointing loss to Syracuse in the Pinstripe Bowl, West Virginia head coach Dana Holgorsen is likely to make some coaching changes in the coming weeks. According to a post by Mike Casazza, Holgorsen has revealed very little about his plans.

At the very least, the Mountaineers are in need of a new cornerbacks coach. Holgorsen relieved Daron Roberts of that post in early December, after West Virginia allowed more passing yards and touchdowns than any other team in the Big 12. Rumors pointed to a few replacement candidates, but Casazza admits that these were all unconfirmed.

In addition to a new cornerbacks coach, Holgorsen is expected to make further changes. All that fans and reporters can do is speculate at this point. Other defensive alterations seem most likely, since West Virginia's defense gave up an average of 38.1 points per game this season. Holgorsen will attend the coaching convention, which begins on Monday in Nashville.

Todd Gurley looks ahead to 2013 season

2013-01-02T17:01:58Z

Georgia Bulldogs' tailback sensation Todd Gurley told the press how excited he is for next season. Following Georgia's victory over Nebraska in the Capital One Bowl, Gurley said:

"In the off-season we're just going to be pushing that much harder just knowing we came so close to going to the national championship. It's not like we got blown out or something. So while we're working out, we'll be thinking about all the little things because that could be the difference in the outcome of getting those five yards and getting to the national championship game. We're excited because we feel like this is the first win of 2013. We start next season with Clemson and we're ready to play them now."

In his freshman season, Gurley ran for 1385 yards and 17 touchdowns, averaging 6.2 yards per carry. The 6'1 back had nine 100-yard rushing performances. He also caught 16 passes for 122 yards.

While many of Georgia's offensive weapons will be back next season, the Bulldog defense could end up losing most of its starters. Quarterback Aaron Murray is undecided as to whether he will stay for his senior season, but the running and receiving corps will remain intact. The defense, however, will lose starters Bacarri Rambo, Shawn Williams, Jonathan Jenkins, Cornelius Washington, Mike Gilliard, Sanders Commings, and Alec Ogletree. In addition, Jarvis Jones has not announced whether he plans to enter the draft.