WBMA - Sports

Hayden softball wins 1st state title; Pisgah rolls to 3A crown

Sat, 18 May 2013 23:33:00 EDT

The Pisgah softball team rolled to its eighth state championship after taking down Winfield in Class 3A and Hayden grabbed its first Class 5A title in the AHSAA Tournament Saturday.

Pelham sweeps Hewitt-Trussville to win Class 6A state baseball title

Ben Culpepper — Sat, 18 May 2013 23:14:00 EDT

The Pelham High School baseball team swept Hewitt-Trussville 2-0 to win the AHSAA Class 6A state championship Saturday in Montgomery.

Saban, Little Debbie oatmeal cream pies enshrined at Alabama Sports Hall of Fame

Sat, 18 May 2013 20:33:00 EDT

Nick Saban's scowling face now greets fans coming into the state of Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and a box of his cherished oatmeal cream pies rests at his feet.

Alabama softball edges WKU, advances to NCAA Regional championship game

Sat, 18 May 2013 18:06:00 EDT

In a back-and-forth affair the Alabama softball team held off Western Kentucky, 7-6, Saturday afternoon in day two of the NCAA Softball Tuscaloosa Regional.

Couture's OT goal gives Sharks 2-1 win over Kings

Sun, 19 May 2013 01:33:00 EDT

The Los Angeles Kings are now the team bemoaning a late penalty while the San Jose Sharks celebrate a dramatic win.

Jimmie Johnson races to record 4th All-Star win

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:53:00 EDT

Cross another milestone off of Jimmie Johnson's list. He stands alone in All-Star history.

Red Wings beat Blackhawks 4-1, even series

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:43:00 EDT

In case they weren't aware already, the Chicago Blackhawks now know they're going to have to earn it if they want to get past Detroit.

Pacers knock out Knicks with 106-99 win in Game 6

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:33:00 EDT

Indiana spent the entire season perfecting its defense.

Coach K return to US team no longer ruled out

Sat, 18 May 2013 22:53:00 EDT

By The Associated Press Mike Krzyzewski is no longer ruling out a return as coach of the U.S. Olympic men's basketball team.

Derby winner Orb disappoints in the Preakness

Sat, 18 May 2013 21:33:00 EDT

Orb came up short in the Preakness, frustrating everyone who made the Kentucky Derby winner a 3-5 favorite - no one more than trainer Shug McGaughey.

Ed Carpenter earns Indy 500 pole

Sat, 18 May 2013 21:23:00 EDT

Ed Carpenter turned Pole Day into a family celebration.

No Triple Crown: Oxbow upsets Orb at Preakness

Sat, 18 May 2013 21:13:00 EDT

Right from the start, a horse trained by one not so over-the-hill Hall of Famer and ridden by another took control of the Preakness. The result: a huge upset and the end of any hopes for a Triple Crown attempt at the Belmont...

Stevens rides Oxbow to 3rd Preakness win

Sat, 18 May 2013 20:43:00 EDT

Although no one really keeps track of such things, Gary Stevens had no problem making the assessment with complete conviction.

Chella Choi takes lead at Mobile Bay LPGA Classic

Sat, 18 May 2013 20:43:00 EDT

Anna Nordqvist was putting like a rookie again - and that's a good thing.

News Minute: Here is the latest Alabama news from The Associated Press

Sun, 19 May 2013 05:04:00 EDT

Gov. Robert Bentley is spending the weekend trying to round up legislative support for his proposal to delay Alabama's new private school tax credits for two years. Bentley spoke Saturday at the Alabama League of...

Sports Minute: Here is the latest Alabama sports from The AP

Sun, 19 May 2013 04:24:00 EDT

Chella Choi of South Korea shot her second straight 6-under 66 on Saturday to take a one-stroke lead over Jessica Korda and Anna Nordqvist in the third round of the Mobile Bay LPGA Classic. Choi twice made three straight...

Chella Choi takes lead at Mobile Bay LPGA Classic

Sat, 18 May 2013 19:32:00 EDT

Chella Choi shot her second straight 6-under 66 on Saturday to take a one-stroke lead over Jessica Korda and Anna Nordqvist, the Swede who broke the course record with a 61 in the third round of the Mobile Bay LPGA Classic.

Jessica Korda leads Mobile Bay LPGA Classic

Fri, 17 May 2013 18:55:00 EDT

Jessica Korda shot a 7-under 65 on Friday to take a one-stroke lead over Hall of Famer Karrie Webb after the second round of the Mobile Bay LPGA Classic.

Bama's Nick Saban to enter state Hall of Fame

Fri, 17 May 2013 15:51:00 EDT

A life-sized cutout of Alabama football coach Nick Saban, scowling face and all, now greets fans coming into the state's Sports Hall of Fame.

Sports Minute: Here is the latest Alabama sports news from The Associated Press

Fri, 17 May 2013 05:06:00 EDT

Lexi Thompson birdied four of her last five holes for a 7-under 65 and a share of the first-round lead Thursday with Eun-Hee Ji in the Mobile Bay LPGA Classic. The 18-year-old Thompson, second last year behind Stacy Lewis,...

Thompson, Ji lead Mobile Bay LPGA Classic

Thu, 16 May 2013 19:48:00 EDT

Lexi Thompson birdied the final three holes for a 7-under 65 and a share of the first-round lead Thursday with Eun-Hee Ji in the Mobile Bay LPGA Classic.

Rutgers guard Jerome Seagears transfers to Auburn

Wed, 15 May 2013 18:31:00 EDT

Former Rutgers guard Jerome Seagears is transferring to Auburn.

Lewis aiming for 3rd straight LPGA win in Alabama

Wed, 15 May 2013 18:31:00 EDT

Stacy Lewis returns to the Mobile Bay LPGA Classic under very different circumstances.

Troy, South Alabama meet for Sun Belt title

Wed, 15 May 2013 17:23:00 EDT

Troy and South Alabama will settle the Sun Belt Conference regular season title this weekend.

Auburn AD Jay Jacobs: Football, athletic program will rebound

Tue, 14 May 2013 23:03:00 EDT

Auburn athletic director Jay Jacobs is adamant that the football program and overall department will rebound from a rough year and that he'll be around to enjoy the resurgence.

College hoops news: SEC/Big 12 Challenge match-ups announced

Todd Dewey — Tue, 14 May 2013 19:26:00 EDT

The SEC/Big 12 Challenge tips off this fall.

Committee completes review of Auburn Athletics program

Jeff Wyatt — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:52:00 EDT

A six-person committee has completed a review of Auburn's athletic department.

Tina Deese dismissed as Auburn softball coach

Stu McCann — Wed, 8 May 2013 23:39:00 EDT

Tina Deese, who has led the Auburn softball program for the last 17 seasons, has been dismissed as head coach, Director of Athletics Jay Jacobs announced Wednesday.

Auburn’s Hal Baird to be honored at SEC Baseball Tournament

Stu McCann — Wed, 8 May 2013 19:13:00 EDT

Hal Baird will return to the diamond at this month's SEC Baseball Tournament.

Auburn's Gus Malzahn kicks off Tiger Trek in Huntsville

Tue, 7 May 2013 21:52:00 EDT

Auburn's new head coach signed autographs, shook hands and talked about his Tigers at the Space and Rocket Center under a 363-foot Saturn V rocket stretching the length of the building.

SEC's new network with ESPN to debut in 2014

Thu, 2 May 2013 15:30:00 EDT

The Southeastern Conference and ESPN have announced a 20-year agreement to operate a SEC network that is scheduled to debut in August, 2014.

Malzahn releases Auburn's post-spring depth chart

Wed, 1 May 2013 16:30:00 EDT

Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn released a post-spring depth chart Wednesday and discussed some of the defensive players.

Auburn's Blanche Alverson signs with WNBA's Atlanta Dream

Stu McCann — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 23:00:00 EDT

Blanche Alverson will not have to go far for her shot at professional basketball. The former Auburn women's basketball player signed a training camp contract with the WNBA's Atlanta Dream. Alverson played

Auburn questions remain about quarterbacks, status of safety McNeal

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 22:17:00 EDT

By JOHN ZENORAP Sports Writer AUBURN, Ala. (AP) - The Auburn Tigers leave Gus Malzahn's first spring with an ongoing quarterback battle and uncertainty about the status of safety Demetruce McNeal. Malzahn's

4 State Teams In NCAA Softball Tournament

Jeff Speegle — Mon, 13 May 2013 00:19:00 EDT

Four teams from the state of Alabama are in the chase for the NCAA Softball Championship. Defending champ Alabama was given the 10th overall seed and will host a regional Friday through Sunday at Rhoads

Samford shows improvement in final spring scrimmage

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 17:52:00 EDT

The Samford football team held its final scrimmage of spring practice Saturday afternoon at Seibert Stadium.

Sullivan pleased with production in Samford's first spring scrimmage

Sat, 6 Apr 2013 21:56:00 EDT

The Samford football team held its first scrimmage of spring practice Saturday evening at Seibert Stadium.

Troy hires Phil Cunningham as new basketball coach

Jeff Wyatt — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 13:54:00 EDT

Troy has hired Western Kentucky assistant Phil Cunningham as men's basketball coach.

Competition will be a focus for UAB football during spring drills

Stu McCann — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 19:08:00 EDT

UAB football coach Garrick McGee wants to make sure his players don't have a sense of entitlement going into spring drills. "There's no one that's solidified a position," McGee said on Monday. "We have

Samford's C.K. Irby sweeps Southern Conference baseball awards

Stu McCann — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:48:00 EDT

Samford's C.K. Irby was honored for historically dominant week on the baseball diamond. Irby was named the Southern Conference Pitcher and Hitter of the Week, becoming the first player in the history

Auburn to host UAB in first round of Women's NIT

Jeff Speegle — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 01:54:00 EDT

UAB & Auburn received bids Monday night to play in the Women's NIT. They will play each other Wednesday night at Auburn Arena.

Samford football practices in helmets, shorts on day two of spring drills

Ben Culpepper — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 23:18:00 EDT

The Samford football team practiced for about two hours in shorts and helmets Thursday afternoon.

Defensive lineman Nick Williams impresses scouts during Samford Pro Day

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 23:24:00 EDT

Samford football players worked out for 13 representatives from 11 different NFL teams at the Bulldogs' annual Pro Day Tuesday morning.

UAB basketball gets commitment from junior college guard

Stu McCann — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 22:36:00 EDT

UAB basketball got a commitment from junior college guard Thaddeus Rideau. The 6-foot-4 shooting guard was an NJCAA Division II All-American last season for Brown Mackie College in Salina, KS. Rideau

UAB wraps up second week of spring practice with workout at Legion Field

Sat, 6 Apr 2013 22:02:00 EDT

The UAB football team completed its second week of spring drills on Saturday as the squad moved to Legion Field for a two-hour morning workout.

UAB's Isaiah Jones plans to transfer out of basketball program

Stu McCann — Thu, 4 Apr 2013 15:57:00 EDT

UAB has granted guard Isaiah Jones his release and he is expected to transfer out of the program at the end of the school year. Jones played in 23 of the Blazers 33 games this season, with averages 2.8

UAB ends season with loss to Southern Miss in C-USA Tournament

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 17:14:00 EDT

Neil Watson scored 23 points and Dwayne Davis scored 20 to lead second-seeded Southern Mississippi to an 81-66 victory over UAB in the quarterfinals of the C-USA Tournament.

UAB edges SMU 53-52 in opening round of C-USA tournament

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 21:56:00 EDT

Jordan Swing scored 17 points, including a layup with 9 seconds to play, and UAB beat SMU 53-52 in the opener of the Conference USA tournament on Wednesday.

UAB ends regular season with 86-71 loss at Memphis

Sat, 9 Mar 2013 23:43:00 EST

The UAB men's basketball team fell on the road to No. 25 Memphis, 86-71, on Saturday at the FedexForum to close out the 2012-13 regular season.

UAB winning streak snapped in 74-70 loss to UCF on senior night

Thu, 7 Mar 2013 00:12:00 EST

Isaiah Sykes scored 21 points, posted a double-double and hit two late, key free throws as Central Florida held off Alabama-Birmingham 74-70 Wednesday night in Conference USA action.

UAB downs SMU 74-69 to win 4th straight game

Ben Culpepper — Sat, 2 Mar 2013 19:13:00 EST

Rod Rucker collected his 10th double-double of the season as Alabama-Birmingham won its fourth straight, defeating Southern Methodist 74-69 Saturday.

Rucker, Swing combine for 49, lead UAB to 76-71 win over Tulane

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 23:56:00 EST

NEW ORLEANS, La. -- Rod Rucker and Jordan Swing combined to score 49 points and the UAB men's basketball team shot a season-best 58.5 percent to defeat Tulane on the road, 76-71, at Devlin Fieldhouse

UAB baseball falls to Southern Illinois 5-4 in season opener

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 22:45:00 EST

The UAB baseball team fell 5-4 to Southern Illinois on Friday night in the season opener at Young Memorial Field.

Nick Saban to be inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame Saturday

Fri, 17 May 2013 19:39:00 EDT

University of Alabama head football coach Nick Saban will be one of eight to be inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame Saturday.

Alabama introduces Kristy Curry as its new women's basketball coach

Thu, 16 May 2013 17:40:00 EDT

Director of Athletics Bill Battle formally introduced Kristy Curry as the next head women's basketball coach for the University of Alabama Thursday.

Alabama softball set to host NCAA Regional in Tuscaloosa

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:10:00 EDT

The Alabama softball team is making its 15th trip to the NCAA Tournament as the Crimson Tide will host the Tuscaloosa Regional this weekend at Rhoads Stadium.

Ravens GM: Former Alabama LB Rolando McClain retiring from NFL

Wed, 15 May 2013 13:32:00 EDT

According to report from BaltimoreRavens.com, inside linebacker and former first-round pick on the reserve/retired list Wednesday afternoon.

Head women's basketball coach Kristy Curry leaving Texas Tech for Alabama

Sun, 12 May 2013 02:41:00 EDT

Texas Tech women's basketball coach Kristy Curry has left to take over at Alabama.

Alabama women's golf wins NCAA East Regional Championship

Sat, 11 May 2013 18:26:00 EDT

The top-seeded Alabama women's golf team finished off a commanding performance to win the NCAA East Regional Championship with a 20-under-par 544 Saturday.

Judge dismisses charge against Ravens linebacker McClain

Stu McCann — Thu, 9 May 2013 23:39:00 EDT

Former Alabama star and current Baltimore Ravens linebacker Rolando McClain is a step closer to clearing up his current legal trouble.

Prince to miss a few weeks to play for Russia

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:32:00 EDT

By DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writer Epiphanny Prince is headed to Russia.

Strasburg goes 8 to beat hometown Padres 6-2

Fri, 17 May 2013 01:51:00 EDT

Stephen Strasburg had quite the homecoming.

OJ back in court; Day 4 of bid for new Vegas trial

Thu, 16 May 2013 17:51:00 EDT

The lead defense attorney in O.J. Simpson's armed robbery trial had a conflict of interest because he could have been a witness in the case, a lawyer who worked on Simpson's unsuccessful appeal to the Nevada Supreme...

US Open tennis leaving CBS for ESPN in 2015

Thu, 16 May 2013 15:11:00 EDT

By HOWARD FENDRICH AP Tennis Writer The U.S. Open tennis tournament will leave CBS after nearly a half-century and move all TV coverage to cable starting in 2015 under an 11-year contract with ESPN.

OJ Simpson testifies in bid for new Vegas trial

Wed, 15 May 2013 20:10:00 EDT

His leg shackles rattling as he shuffled to and from the witness stand, O.J. Simpson made his own case Wednesday for a new trial on armed robbery charges with testimony that he relied on the advice of his trusted attorney...

Penn State defends medical changes after report

Wed, 15 May 2013 19:00:00 EDT

Penn State coach Bill O'Brien is fervently disputing suggestions raised in a report that player medical care has been compromised after the team doctor was replaced.

Rutgers makes Louisville's Hermann AD

Wed, 15 May 2013 17:40:00 EDT

Rutgers named Julie Hermann its new athletic director Wednesday, and the former No. 2 athletic administrator at Louisville promised a restart for the scandal-scarred program following the ouster of its men's basketball...

TCU suspends DE Fields for 1st 2 games of season

Wed, 15 May 2013 16:40:00 EDT

TCU defensive end Devonte Fields has been suspended for the first two games of the 2013 season due to an unspecified violation of "university and team policy."

Top prep prospect Andrew Wiggins signs with Kansas

Tue, 14 May 2013 17:30:00 EDT

Top prep basketball prospect Andrew Wiggins told a small gathering of family and friends at his high school gym Tuesday that he will play at Kansas.

Tennessee plans to honor Summitt with sculpture

Tue, 14 May 2013 08:28:00 EDT

Tennessee plans to honor former Lady Vols coach Pat Summitt by building an on-campus statue in her honor.

Bradley keeps lead after 3 rounds at Nelson

Sat, 18 May 2013 20:03:00 EDT

Keegan Bradley still hasn't gotten things right on the 18th hole at the Byron Nelson Championship, even when finally going left.

McDowell beats Colsaerts at World Match Play

Sat, 18 May 2013 16:22:00 EDT

Graeme McDowell reached the semifinals of the World Match Play Championship after knocking out defending champion Nicolas Colsaerts, whose day include the bizarre moment of taking a penalty drop inside a restroom.

Venturi had precious friendship with Byron Nelson

Sat, 18 May 2013 16:13:00 EDT

Ken Venturi was a 14-year-old with a camera trying to get a picture of Byron Nelson when he first met the golfer who would become a mentor and dear friend.

Venturi, US Open champion and CBS analyst, dies

Fri, 17 May 2013 22:22:00 EDT

By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer Ken Venturi, who overcame dehydration to win the 1964 U.S. Open and spent 35 years in the booth for CBS Sports, died Friday afternoon. He was 82.

Venturi, US Open champion and CBS analyst, dies

Fri, 17 May 2013 21:22:00 EDT

By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer Ken Venturi, who overcame dehydration to win the 1964 U.S. Open and spent 35 years in the booth for CBS Sports, died Friday afternoon. He was 82.

Jessica Korda leads Mobile Bay LPGA Classic

Fri, 17 May 2013 21:12:00 EDT

Jessica Korda shot a 7-under 65 on Friday to take a one-stroke lead over Hall of Famer Karrie Webb after the second round of the Mobile Bay LPGA Classic.

Bradley has 3-stroke lead after 2 rounds at Nelson

Fri, 17 May 2013 20:32:00 EDT

Keegan Bradley again bogeyed Nos. 1 and 18 in the second round of the Byron Nelson Championship.

AP source: McIlroy to set up own management group

Fri, 17 May 2013 18:12:00 EDT

By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer Two-time major champion Rory McIlroy is leaving Dublin-based Horizon Sports Management to set up his own management group.

Keegan Bradley shoots course-record 60 at Nelson

Thu, 16 May 2013 17:31:00 EDT

Keegan Bradley had no thoughts of a course record, or the possibility of a 59, after consecutive bogeys in the middle of his opening round at the Byron Nelson Championship.

Will Power grabs early lead in race for Indy pole

Sat, 18 May 2013 18:23:00 EDT

Will Power was the most relieved man in Roger Penske's garage Saturday.

Andretti team is clear favorite for Indy pole

Fri, 17 May 2013 20:42:00 EDT

Everything seems to be lining up for Michael Andretti this May.

Busch will understand if Kahne retaliates soon

Fri, 17 May 2013 17:52:00 EDT

Kyle Busch holds a 3-0 advantage over Kasey Kahne this season and understands Kahne may be planning some retaliation.

NASCAR community mourns death of Dick Trickle

Fri, 17 May 2013 15:32:00 EDT

Mark Martin received a piece of advice very early in his career from Dick Trickle that he's never forgotten.

Sheriff: Ex-NASCAR driver Dick Trickle dead at 71

Thu, 16 May 2013 22:41:00 EDT

There is that lasting image of Dick Trickle in the Winston 500 lighting up a cigarette while driving his stock car with his knees during a caution lap.

Stolen team trailer leads to Truck Series feud

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:41:00 EDT

A missing trailer has sparked a feud in NASCAR's Truck Series.

APNewsBreak: Brown turns down IndyCar CEO job

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:59:00 EDT

Zak Brown has turned down an offer to join the IndyCar Series, choosing instead to remain with the motorsports marketing company he founded.

IndyCar hires Walker as competition chief

Mon, 13 May 2013 20:28:00 EDT

IndyCar drivers and owners have always considered Derrick Walker to be a beacon of leadership.

Yankees put LHP Andy Pettitte on 15-day DL

Fri, 17 May 2013 19:52:00 EDT

Add starting pitcher Andy Pettitte to the long list of All-Stars on the New York Yankees' disabled list.

Nolan Ryan's oldest son named Astros president

Fri, 17 May 2013 16:42:00 EDT

Reid Ryan choked back tears as he was introduced as president of his beloved Astros, the team he grew up watching in the days when his Hall of Fame father, Nolan Ryan, starred as a pitcher for Houston.

Middlebrooks' 3-run double keys Boston win

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:11:00 EDT

The Boston Red Sox were down to their last strike when Will Middlebrooks made the most of a mistake.

MLB hoping for large replay expansion in 2014

Thu, 16 May 2013 18:11:00 EDT

Major League Baseball appears set for a vast expansion of video review by umpires in 2014 and is examining whether all calls other than balls and strikes should be subject to instant replay.

Rays put Cy Young winner David Price on DL

Thu, 16 May 2013 15:41:00 EDT

The Tampa Bay Rays have put AL Cy Young Award winner David Price on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained left triceps.

Chefs cook, raise money for Boston bombing victims

Thu, 16 May 2013 03:30:00 EDT

Boston Marathon bombing victims joined hundreds of first responders and well-wishers at Fenway Park as dozens of top chefs served fine food and drinks from concession stands in a project intended to raise money for those...

Dodgers beat Nationals 3-1 in Greinke's return

Thu, 16 May 2013 02:40:00 EDT

Zack Greinke returned early from the disabled list, and the Los Angeles Dodgers' offense is starting to pick up.

Verlander, Darvish set for showdown in Texas

Wed, 15 May 2013 17:40:00 EDT

Justin Verlander says it's May. Yu Darvish says it's not the first great opposing pitcher he's faced, and won't be his last.

Carlos Zambrano, Phils agree to minor league deal

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:00:00 EDT

In a need of a lift in the rotation, the Phillies are taking a chance on Carlos Zambrano.

Pacers' Hill cleared to play Game 6 vs. Knicks

Sat, 18 May 2013 19:23:00 EDT

Indiana Pacers guard George Hill has been cleared to play Saturday night against the New York Knicks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series.

Ex-NBA player stabbed, seriously injured in fight

Sat, 18 May 2013 08:32:00 EDT

Serbian police say Predrag Danilovic, who played for the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks, is seriously injured after being stabbed in a fight.

Unlikely Big 3 has Memphis in 1st Western finals

Fri, 17 May 2013 17:42:00 EDT

The Miami Heat have LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. The Spurs have dominated for years with the trio of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili.

Mayor: Deal to sell Kings has been signed

Fri, 17 May 2013 15:22:00 EDT

Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson announced to screaming throngs of Kings fans Friday that the deal to sell the NBA franchise to a group led by software tycoon Vivek Ranadive has been signed.

Anthony has 28, Knicks beat Pacers to stay alive

Fri, 17 May 2013 03:52:00 EDT

Carmelo Anthony made two jumpers to open the game, knowing it wouldn't stay that easy.

After eliminating Warriors, Spurs look to Memphis

Fri, 17 May 2013 03:33:00 EDT

Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and the San Antonio Spurs are back in the Western Conference finals for the second straight season with the same style that has carried them to four NBA titles.