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NBA Podcast: The Late Shift Live From San Antonio - Game 2 Spurs vs Mavs Postgame Show

Vince Carter and Dirk Nowizki celebrate a win over the Spurs for Game 2
of the NBA Playoffs. Photo credit DallasNews

Join us for another podcast of The Late Shift live from the AT&T Center in San Antonio for Game 2 of the Spurs vs Mavs series. Interviews with Gregg Popovich, Rick Carlisle, Manu Ginobli, Dirk Nowitzki, Devin Harris, Samuel Dalembert, and Monta Ellis. Plus we preview Game 3!

Will Carmelo Anthony leave the struggling New York Knicks and test free
agency? Photo credit NBA

by +Rodney Fisher

Carmelo Anthony is pondering the most important decision of his NBA career. Should he stay with the New York Knicks, now without any coaches, or join forces with a new team in a new city? As a rabid basketball fan, I reserve the right to over-analyze anything that happens in the association. So join me as we look at every what-if, every possible, and every mindset scenario that may be currently bouncing around in the mind of Melo.

Spurs Take Game 1 over Mavs 90-85. Photo credit NBA

Join me for a special edition of TheLateShift live from the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas for Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs.

The San Antonio Spurs beat the Dallas Mavericks 90-85 to keep home-court advantage.

Interviews with Gregg Popovich, Rick Carlisle, Danny Green, and Tim Duncan...

Join NBA analyst Rodney Fisher for a preview of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs. A full preview to both Western Conference and Eastern Conference series.

2014 NBA Playoffs first round schedule. Photo credit NBA

by Rodney Fisher

All 82 games are in the books for the 2013-14 NBA season. Now 16 teams will begin the real season to crown a champion. Here is the full schedule:

UFC on Fox 11

by Lance Levan

UFC on Fox 11 is being held in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, April 19^th. The top three (3) fights on this card look to be very action-packed and could move people up in the rankings. Unlike last week, I do not think that any of these fighters have anything to worry about from the standpoint of being cut from the UFC if they lose. All six (6) of these fighters “bring the noise” every time they enter the octagon and it is never a dull moment to watch them fight. I think that whoever wins the Werdum/Browne fight will be next in line for a title shot.

UFC Fight Night 39 Preview

UFC Fight Night 39 is being held in Abu Dhabi on Friday, April 11^th. In my opinion, 3 of the fighters in the top 2 matches are on the proverbial “chopping block”. These 3 fighters are getting a little older, they are not winning fights like they should anymore and I think Dana White is whispering to these guys that UFN 39 is “do-or-die” for them. I am willing to bet that within minutes of Dana cancelling their contract with the UFC, other certain organizations will be offering them a contract.

(#11) Antonio “Minotauro” Nogueira (34-8-1, 1NC) vs. (#9) Roy “Big Country” Nelson (20-9-0).
This is going to be a 5 round heavyweight fight between two (2) fairly old guys. Both of these guys are pushing 40 (37)…and it is going to be a messy fight. I think both of these fighters are in jeopardy of having their contracts voided by Dana White. Neither of them has had a winning streak in quite some time. It’s now or never for these warriors. Both of these fighters like to stand and trade punches and both of them can take a tremendous amount of punishment. What I find strange is that they are both very technical Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighters but yet, they both like to stand and trade punches. Both of these guys also like to get their opponent on the ground and inflicting loads of damage via “ground-and-pound”. I think this fight is going to come down to who has more “heart”. Both of them are going to inflict lots of damage on the other one…but the one of them who can keep getting up and coming forward through all of the abuse, is the one who is going to win. When it’s all said and done, there are VERY few people in the world who have more heart than the Nogueira brothers. Prediction: Nogueira wins by TKO in the 4^th round.

(#9) Clay “The Carpenter” Guida (30-11-0) vs. (#12) Tatsuya “The Crusher” Kawajiri (33-7-2)
When you look at these 2 fighters on paper, this is another fight that is a very VERY close match up. Guida is a wrestler/brawler, Kawajiri is a kickboxer. Both of these guys are strikers and they like to throw punches-in-bunches. Guida is known for his relentless pressure and never-ending stamina. Guida is the 3^rd fighter of the night that, in my opinion, needs to win this fight in spectacular fashion to keep his job. Rumor has it that recently, Guida has changed his entire fight-style from a buzz-saw predator...to a much more cautious style of fighting. This will NOT sit well with his fans…or with UFC brass. He needs to come out swinging and trying to destroy Kawajiri. Kawajiri needs to hurt Guida early and not try to out-last him in the later rounds. Kawajiri is dangerous, but I’m not sure he has the same “gas tank” as Clay. I am a “Clay Guida Fan”….so I am expecting a win. Prediction: Guida wins via TKO in the 3^rd.

John “Doomsday” Howard (22-8-0) vs. Ryan LaFlare (10-0-0)
This is a welterweight fight of two (2) fighters that are largely unknown. Howard has nine (9) fights in the UFC and LaFlare has 3. Both guys have very heavy hands and both of these guys have beaten some very impressive opponents. Howard beat Uriah Hall back in August 2013 and LaFlare beat Cort McGee in December 2013. Both of these fighters are on a winning streak….Howard has 4 in a row and LaFlare has an impressive 10-0 record. Almost half of their fights are KO/TKO fights…so they are going to be throwing a LOT of hard punches. You are not likely to see either of these fighters sitting back and stalling. Both of them are going to want to show the UFC that they belong on the roster. When you look at both of them on paper…LaFlare has the advantage. He is taller with a longer reach, he lands more punches per minute, and his overall defense seems to be more defined. Prediction: LaFlare wins via TKO in the 2^nd round.

NBA: Mavs Coach Carlisle Talks Teams Must Win Attitude Before Lakers Game

Mavs head coach Rick Carlisle talks about team's attitude
in LA. Photo credit NBA

by Rodney Fisher

Los Angeles-- Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle addresses the media before big game against Los Angeles Lakers. The Mavericks are in must-win game situations the rest of the season due to a tie for the final playoff spot in the West.
(Video After Jump)

The last playoff spot in the West will come down to the last game. Photo credit NBA

by Rodney Fisher

Los Angeles-- With roughly 13 days left in the 2013-14 NBA season, three teams are tied for the eighth and final spot in the Western Conference. The Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, and Memphis Grizzlies are all square at 44-31.

Stephen Curry hits the game-winner in OT to beat the Dallas Mavericks. Photo credit NBA

by Royce Fisher

Dallas-- The Golden State Warriors defeat the Dallas Mavericks 122-120 in overtime thanks to a game-winning shot by All-Star Steph Curry.

Interviews below with Curry, Dirk Nowitzki, Klay Thompson, Vince Carter, and Mark Jackson...

(Video After Jump)

Joe Johnson talks about his Nets turnaround and his development under
head coach Jason Kidd. Photo credit NBA

by +Rodney Fisher

When the Brooklyn Nets started the 2013-14 NBA season, with a first-year head coach with a new roster of veterans, expectations where high. After a 10-21 record before New Years Day, those hopes turned into nightmares. Since then the Nets have the hottest team in the Eastern Conference with a 28-12 record, good enough for a fifth place seed.

After the Nets overtime win over the Dallas Mavericks (107-104), I had the chance to chat with six-time NBA All-Star Joe Johnson about the team's turnaround, his new coach, and what makes him so lucky in the final seconds of a game.

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UFC 170 preview

by Lance Levan

I have decided to blog today about this weekends top 3 UFC fights and my predictions for the outcomes. Just so you know...these are my "opinions". I am entitled to them. And usually, I am completely wrong...but here goes.

RFSN is proud to announce that for the 3rd consecutive year we will be broadcasting LIVE from the 2014 NBA All-Star weekend in New Orleans, LA. To watch LIVE all you have to do is go to our home page and click on the Ustream Player.

Broadcast Schedule:

Dirk Nowtizki is excited about making his return to the NBA All-Star
game for a 12th time. Photo credit NBA

by Rodney Fisher

Dirk Nowitzki, now 35-years old, is the oldest participate for the 63rd NBA All-Star. This will be his 12th appearance, and with Kevin Garnett or Kobe Bryant playing, he is now the veteran guidance for a plethora of young talent. But Dirk is humbled by it all.

Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond wins MVP of BBVA Rising Stars
Challenge. Photo credit NBA

by Rodney Fisher

The BBVA Rising Stars Challenge was another high scoring affair as we have become accustomed to. First-time GM Grant Hill’s team defeated Team Chris Weber 142-136. Sophomore center Andre Drummond put on a impressive show with 30 points and a Rising Stars record 25 rebounds to win MVP.

by Steve Painter

Allow me to make one thing very clear: You can't replace Jeter. How would you? He's one of the greatest of all time. You can't just get the scouts on the phone and say, "Get me another Jeter." Impossible. Doesn't work that way.

David Stern elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball
Hall of Fame. Photo credit NBA

by Rodney Fisher

Finalists were announced today as the 63rd Annual NBA All-Star festivities kicked off in New Orleans. Among several worthy names, now ex-NBA chairman David Stern was elected to be enshrined at the August 8th ceremony.

Derek Jeter to retire in 2014. Photo credit MLB

by Steve Painter

Derek Jeter is everything a team, and a sport, could ever ask for. He will retire at the end of the 2014 season with his golden legacy and a certain trip to Cooperstown in store.

A. J. Burnett joins to the Philadelphia Phillies. Photo credit MLB

by J.T.

The Philadelphia Phillies signed pitcher A.J. Burnett to a one year $16 million deal today.

St Louis Cardinals are more than most experts say. Photo credit MLB

by Steve Painter

In 2010, experts such as Baseball Prospectus, ESPN's Keith Law, and Baseball HQ all had the Cardinal farm system at or near the bottom of their respective rankings. They weren't alone. Many smart observers were caught in that trap.

All-Star Dwight Howard and the Houston Rockets are on a six game win
streak. Photo credit NBA

by Rodney Fisher

Most teams look forward to the NBA All-Star break as a time to rest, regroup, and refocus. For the Rockets, in the middle of their best win streak of the season, the break could not come at a more inconvenient time.

Dana White terminates Silva contract after being arrested. Photo credit UFC

by L.A. LeVan

Anyone who keeps up with MMA, or more to the point, the UFC, has heard this weeks news about one of the UFC's fighters getting their contract terminated. Tiago Silva was arrested this past friday on two counts of attempted murder, aggrevated battery with a deadly weapon and obstruction without violence, as reported by NBC Miami. Miami SWAT was called to go in and get out of his house, where he had barricaded himself. Within a very short time, UFC president Dana White announced that they were terminating his contract and that "This guy will never fight in the UFC again."

Dock Ellis

by Steve Painter

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Dock Ellis was quite a character. He sported hair curlers in the dugout, took handfuls of amphetamines before games, and pitched a no-hitter on LSD.

Curt Schilling recently announced he has cancer. Photo credit MLB

by Steve Painter

Although he had plenty of talent, Curt Schilling had a rough start to his Major League Baseball career. He had to grow, physically and emotionally, into the role everybody remembers, as an ace.

Bronson Arroyo joins the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Photo credit MLB

by J.T.

The Arizona Diamondbacks just signed Mr. Innings eater himself. Who might that be? Bronson Arroyo. As a Reds fan I'm sad to see him go, but I knew we couldn't resign him.

Fernando Rodney joins the Seattle Mariners. Photo credit MLB

by J.T.

The Mariners made another good signing by bringing in Closer Fernando Rodney. Rodney is known for having a top notch fastball that sits guys down.

Hank Aaron, age 80, is a true living legend. Photo credit MLB

by Steve Painter

This April 8th, when the Braves open their first home stand, there will be a ceremony honoring Hank Aaron on the 40th anniversary of becoming baseball's home run king. He has done much more than we can ever give back. And at 80, he stays in shape and still is as smart and savvy as he's always been.

Freddie Freeman gets a pay day from the Atlanta
Braves. Photo credit MLB

by J.T.

After hearing his teammate Jason Heyward got a new deal, the news of Freeman's deal hit the streets. The Braves extended the first baseman 8 years for the tune of around $125-135 million.

Aye Freddie, if you want to hook a brother up let me know!

by Brad Barrett

2014 NFL Mock Draft (Top 15 descriptions)

Jason Heyward avoids arbitration with Atlanta Braves. Photo credit MLB

by J.T.

The Atlanta Braves resigned OF Jason Heyward to a 2 year $13.3 million deal. This deal avoids arbitration for both parties which is a win for both, less stress.

St. Louis Cardinals are ready to return to the World
Series again. Photo credit MLB

by Steve Painter

Every season is different, that's true in any sport. In the spring, hope blooms eternal in every baseball fans heart, wanting to visualize their favorite team winning the championship in the fall. Diehard fans demand a lot from their team, and the St. Louis Cardinals usually deliver some sort of prize for theirs.

New Podcast from 5G Sports Talk

Andrew Bynum joins the Indiana Pacers.

by J.T.

The Indiana Pacers signed C Andrew Bynum for the remainder of the season. Bynum will get around a million dollars for the rest of the season and provide big man insurance for the Pacers.

What's next for Peyton Mannin? Photo credit Fox Sports

by Brad Barrett

After a record breaking season, a fifth MVP, and a trip to the Super Bowl, Peyton Manning could be walking out of the game. As we saw on Sunday, Manning couldn't get the job done in the 48th Super Bowl. The leagues’ best defense held one of the best offenses of all time to only eight points. To me that sounds pretty embarrassing, but to Peyton Manning, not so much.

Malcolm Smith was named MVP after the Seahawks beat the Broncos 43-8
in Super Bowl XLVIII. Photo credit Miami Herald.

by Rodney Fisher

Nobody knew Seattle's defensive was that good. The Seahawks simply bullied the Denver Broncos the entire game to win Suoer Bowl XLVIII 43-8. There were big plays made in all phases of the game. Here is a video recap of Super Sunday:

{video after jump}

MLB home plate collisions a thing of the past. Photo credit MLB

by Steve Painter

It's one thing for there to be a good, clean, close play at home plate; but it's another matter when a runner purposely tries to bowl over the catcher. And it's time for MLB to act on this issue.

Where is your love for the Dallas Mavericks.

by Rodney Fisher

How long does the feel of victory last? Sunday, June 12, 2011 is cemented in the memory Dallas Mavericks fans as the day it finally happened. After wallowing in NBA obscurity, losing in the playoffs, and even losing in The Finals in 2006, the little Mavs won it all. Add the fact they won by beating LeBron James and the Miami Heat and victory tasted 10-times sweeter.

by J.T.

Thursday night the All-Star reserves were released. Their were some snubs, but that's for another article. Now that the All-Star rosters are set let's see who we will be watching on All Star weekend February 16th.

Kansas City Royals are a legitimate playoff contender in 2014. Photo credit MLB

by Steve Painter

In the AL Central, each team has made changes from last year, and you can arguably say those changes have brought overall improvement for each one, and thus, this division may surprise some with the level of play expected for 2014.

Dirk Nowitzki earns another All-Star squad.
Does he have the help he really needs? Photo credit NBA

by Ace Feltman

You knew it was coming.

Last week the title indicated we weren't closing, so naturally this week we're looking for help. Makes sense, right? Of course it does.

Richard Sherman and the Seattle Seahawks look good
on paper, but the Broncos will win. Photo credit NFL

by Nathaniel Herrick

The National Football League's 48th Super Bowl is coming upon us quickly, and after a much needed 2 weeks off, the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks square off in what might be the most anticipated Super Bowl match up since it's creation. No one knows for sure who will pull out the win here, but my gut is going with the Denver Broncos even though the statistics favor the Seahawks.

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