2019 NBA Western Conference preview

The Warriors are favored to win it all again while the No. 2 team in the conference has a very tough first-round matchup.

Rockets vs. Jazz: Predictions, picks for 2019 NBA playoffs first-round series

Everything you need to know about the Rockets and Jazz before their first-round series in the 2019 NBA playoffs.

West series by the numbers

Here’s a breakdown of all the first-round West series, by the numbers.

NBA wrap: April 10

Detroit jumped out to an early lead and pulled away for an easy 115-89 victory over the Knicks on Wednesday.

NBA wrap: April 9

Dwyane Wade and Dirk Nowitzki each played their last home games, as both have plans to retire after the season.

Russell Westbrook might play jerk, but harsh fans are real problem

Russell Westbrook takes fan abuse until finally he reacts and sets off a new wave of outrage. But it's not Westbrook who has trouble dealing with harsh crowds. It’s harsh crowds that have trouble dealing with Westbrook.

Warriors vs. Jazz: Time, TV channel, how to live stream

The Golden State Warriors will play host to the Utah Jazz. Here's everything to know about the matchup and how to watch live on TV or stream online.

NBA All-Star 2019: Rudy Gobert rejected? Jazz center is easily most glaring snub

There are plenty of deserving players who were given the cold shoulder from the West roster, but no one has a bigger All-Star gripe than Jazz center Rudy Gobert.

Draymond Green mocks Rudy Gobert for crying about All-Star snub; Gobert fires back

Rudy Gobert walked away from his interview with reporters with tears in his eyes, and some Warriors players had thoughts on it.

Grayson Allen reminds Twitter he's in NBA with Flagrant 1 foul

The former Duke star's reputation brought out the jokes on the internet.

Nikola Jokic not expecting suspension after walking toward Mason Plumlee-Derrick Favors scuffle

The Nuggets' leading scorer and rebounder did not appear concerned that he might miss a game for leaving his seat on the bench Wednesday night.

NBA Christmas games 2018: Full schedule, tipoff times, how to watch

The NBA's annual Christmas Day tradition continues with a full slate of five games, including a primetime Western Conference matchup between the Lakers and Warriors.

76ers vs. Jazz: Time, TV channel, how to watch

When, where and how to watch the Utah Jazz take on the Philadelphia 76ers.

Jazz or Rockets: Which West team is better positioned for quick turnaround?

Let’s have a look at how the Jazz and Rockets got to this point, and which team is better arranged to imagine that things might yet change in the coming weeks.

Tonight's FanDuel NBA DFS lineup: Pick advice, sleepers for Thursday, Dec. 6

Get advice for sleeper and bust advice for FanDuel cash games ahead of Thursday's three-game NBA DFS slate.

Kyle Korver trade grades: Jazz, Cavs both come out winners in surprising swap

The Cavs agreed to trade sharpshooter Kyle Korver to the Jazz in exchange for Alec Burks and two second-round picks. Here's what the deal means for both sides.

Lakers fan botches in-game contest because numbers are hard

One Lakers fan made an embarrassing blunder during an in-game contest Friday night at Staples Center.

Here's what I know (and don't know) about Derrick Rose

Timberwolves guard Derrick Rose scored a career-high 50 points against the Jazz, earning praise from fans, media members and his fellow players. But the conversation around Rose goes beyond what he brings to the basketball court.

NBA trade rumors: Which big men could soon hit open market?

Sporting News spoke with a few NBA executives to get a grip on some of the big men who could be hitting the trade market this winter — and those who probably won’t.

NBA awards predictions 2018-19: Surprise MVP pick emerges from crowd of stars

Our NBA awards predictions do have some predictable choices, but we do foresee some surprises. Here’s how things could shape up at awards time.

Western Conference Tiers: Get ready for wild playoff race (and more Warriors domination)

The Western Conference is as strong as it has ever been with 12 of the 15 All-NBA selections set to play out West this season. Here's how we see the West shaking out.

NBA Power Rankings: Warriors stay on top; LeBron James, Lakers make big jump

After considering the changes made and where teams stand now, here’s how we see the coming season shaping up for the remade and revamped NBA.

How largest trade in NBA history helped Heat win first championship

Ahead of the 2005-06 season, the Boston Celtics, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, New Orleans Hornets and Utah Jazz swapped 13 players. But only one team truly benefited from the deal.

Grayson Allen, Trae Young get T'd up in summer league clash; Twitter weighs in

The rookie guards get feisty during their matchup. Social media denizens then have their say.

What are George's best options in free agency?

Could Paul George make a return to the Pacers this offseason or is he destined to play for his hometown team?

2018 NBA awards ballot: How would playoff performances change MVP, ROY voting?

The NBA playoffs hold zero impact in how voters pick the top players and coaches in major award categories. What would happen if we changed that this year?

NBA Draft 2018 trades: Tracking draft-night deals

NBA Draft night usually includes a flurry of trade activity. SN is keeping track of the deals that take place at the 2018 draft.

In search of the next Donovan Mitchell...

If NBA teams are interested in finding players with a higher chance of outperforming their draft positions, they should take a look at Zhaire Smith and De'Anthony Melton.

NBA playoffs rookie breakdown: Evaluating performances of Donovan Mitchell, Ben Simmons, Jayson Tatum

Even the youngsters are judged separately on their postseason performances. Let's take a closer look at how Ben Simmons, Jayson Tatum and Donovan Mitchell have fared under the bright lights of the NBA playoffs.

Play of the Day: Gerald Green

The Rockets' Gerald Green steals a pass and goes coast-to-coast for the dunk against the Jazz in Game 5 of their Western Conference playoffs series.

Move of the Night: Donovan Mitchell

Dante Exum attempted to defend James Harden with his face

Jazz guard Dante Exum was called for a foul on James Harden after his face collided with the basketball.

Have the Jazz found a Harden stopper in Dante Exum?

Dante Exum matched up with James Harden for 22 possessions in Game 2 and limited him to two points on 0-for-7 shooting from the field.

NBA playoffs 2018: Odds, predictions to win NBA Finals after first-round eliminations

AccuScore simulates the rest of the 2018 NBA playoffs to see which teams have the best chances of winning the NBA title.

Can Rudy Gobert, Jazz slow down scorching Rockets?

The shots James Harden's Rockets feast on are the ones the Jazz’s defense is designed to stop.

Russell Westbrook snaps at Jazz fans twice in Game 6, rips them after OKC loss

Thunder guard Russell Westbrook says arena spectators wouldn't dare heckle him "on the street," because "I don't play that s—."

It's time for Thunder to send Carmelo Anthony to bench — and leave him there

Putting Carmelo Anthony on the bench runs the risk of wounding his professional pride, but it's too late for Thunder coach Billy Donovan to worry about that now.

It's time for Thunder to send Carmelo Anthony to bench — and leave him there

Putting Carmelo Anthony on the bench runs the risk of wounding his professional pride, but it's too late for Thunder coach Billy Donovan to worry about that now.

Jazz rookie Donovan Mitchell is outshining Thunder's stars on NBA's biggest stage

Having outplayed Russell Westbrook and Paul George to this point of the series, it’s as clear as ever that Donovan Mitchell is on the path to superstardom.

Thunder's Paul George, Jazz's Joe Ingles continue physical feud in Game 4

The physical battle continued between the Jazz and Thunder on Monday night with Paul George and Joe Ingles getting tangled up — again.

NBA playoffs 2018: Could Dante Exum be key to deep Jazz run?

In just over a month-long time period, Dante Exum has shown that he’s the Jazz’s best hope to make some noise in the playoffs.

NBA playoffs 2018: 'NBA 2K18' predicts multiple upsets in competitive first round

Injuries and parity have introduced uncertainty to the first round of this year's NBA playoffs. The simulation engine in "NBA 2K18" provides some insight on what to expect.

In eyes of NBA execs, Dante Exum could be worthwhile 'gamble' as restricted free agent

Heading into his restricted free-agency year, Dante Exum has limited time to establish some sort of market for himself. Can the Jazz guard recapture the magic that made him the No. 5 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft?

Jazz's Ricky Rubio hits floor after shoves from Suns' Jared Dudley, Marquese Chriss

The Jazz point guard has another opponent angry with him to the point of giving him cheap shots.

NBA Rookie of the Year race: Battle between Ben Simmons, Donovan Mitchell heats up

It appeared Ben Simmons had the Rookie of the Year award locked up early, but a huge surge by Donovan Mitchell has made this season's race much more interesting.

'NBA 2K18' ratings update: Biggest surprises, disappointments this season

Which players have exceeded expectations most in terms of their "NBA 2K18" ratings? Who has been the biggest disappointment?

'NBA 2K18' ratings update: Biggest surprises, disappointments this season

Which players have exceeded expectations most in terms of their "NBA 2K18" ratings? Who has been the biggest disappointment?

NBA trade rumors: How Kristaps Porzingis' injury impacts Knicks, plus trade buzz with Suns, Jazz, Grizzlies

Kristaps Porzingis' injury seals the Knicks' fate and, with one day to go before the trade deadline, puts the focus squarely on the franchise’s direction.

NBA trade rumors: Latest news on Klay Thompson's future, Celtics' approach with Marcus Smart

Sporting News' Mitch Lawrence takes a look at the latest rumors surrounding Warriors guard Klay Thompson, Celtics guard Marcus Smart and more ahead of the Feb. 8 trade deadline.

NBA trade rumors: Pistons, Bulls express interest in Jazz's Rodney Hood

Jazz shooting guard Rodney Hood might have a new home by the Feb. 8 trade deadline.

Donovan Mitchell says he has not received invite to NBA Slam Dunk Contest (not yet, at least)

Jazz fans were understandably outraged to hear rookie Donovan Mitchell had not been invited to the 2018 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

Five teams that should call Hornets about trade for Kemba Walker

Kemba Walker has been the lifeblood of the Hornets over the last two-and-a-half seasons, and he can absolutely help a team looking to make a playoff push in the second half of this season.

NBA schedule: Week of Jan. 22 games include Celtics-Warriors, Cavaliers-Spurs

The top games in the NBA this week are headlined by a showdown between the East-leading Celtics and West-leading Warriors.

NBA schedule: Week of Jan. 15 games include full MLK Day lineup, Warriors-Cavs

This week's NBA schedule includes a few highly-anticipated matchups between top teams, including Warriors vs. Cavs and Warriors vs. Rockets.

Donovan Mitchell isn't just Rookie of the Year material — he's a future star

How has the 13th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft become one of the favorites to win Rookie of the Year? Let's take a closer look at what has made Donovan Mitchell so dominant in his first NBA season.

Jazz's Rodney Hood slaps phone out of fan's hand after being ejected

Rodney Hood may hear from the NBA office after he swatted the spectator's device.

NBA trade rumors: Bulls plan to move Nikola Mirotic, who is 'intrigued' by Jazz

The Bulls have gone 11-6 since Nikola Mirotic returned from facial injuries suffered in a fight with teammate Bobby Portis. Unfortunately for Chicagoans, it doesn't appear the honeymoon period will last long.

NBA schedule: Week of Jan. 8 games include Cavs-Raptors and Warriors-Bucks

A matchup between two Eastern Conference contenders highlights this week's NBA schedule.

Class of 2017 stars Tatum, Mitchell and Kuzma take different paths to first-year success

Jayson Tatum, Donovan Mitchell and Kyle Kuzma are taking on challenges, playing major roles and not shaking in their sneakers at the first sign of trouble. It's a new world of NBA rookies.

NBA schedule: Week of Dec. 25 NBA games, including premier Christmas Day matchups

Cavs-Warriors highlights the NBA Christmas Day schedule, but the rest of the week also packs a few must-see games.

Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo gets into heated verbal altercation with assistant coach

Giannis Antetokounmpo screamed at assistant coach Sean Sweeney as Bucks players returned to their bench following a timeout.

What Up With Stat? Warriors' domination, Kyle Lowry's struggles and more early NBA numbers

The Warriors are crushing opponents in the third quarter, Kyle Lowry can't find his way in the Raptors' offense and Dion Waiters is the NBA's best clutch scorer. (Take all of these numbers with a small sample size grain of salt.)

How Ricky Rubio helps Jazz adjust, transform offense without Gordon Hayward

Losing the team's go-to option gave Jazz coach Quin Snyder a new challenge, but Ricky Rubio has helped slowly transform Utah's offense.

James Harden is making history while the Rockets go streaking

The Rockets star also had 10 turnovers to go with his triple-double.

Isaiah Thomas can't be ignored any longer

Thomas scored 38 points to help the Celtics upend Anthony Davis and the Pelicans.

Raptors quietly developed their own 'Big 3' and now the East should be worried

Lowry made 10 of his 17 shot attempts to help Toronto upend the Jazz.

Crowder upset with Celtics fans

The Celtics player also tweeted, "I have no problem leaving."

When will Raptors get win against NBA's best?

San Antonio led by as many as 34 points in a 110-82 rout that saw Raptors All-Star Kyle Lowry score just six points.

James Harden in position to push old pal Russell Westbrook in MVP race

James Harden is the first player in NBA history to record at least 50 points, 15 rebounds and 15 assists in one game.

Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love working just fine as part of Cavs' 'Big Three'

LeBron James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving all posted double-doubles against the Celtics. Cleveland held on for the win.

James Harden having career year

James Harden already has nine games this season with 30 points and 10 assists, one more than he had all of last season.

Kings move closer to top eight in West after rallying past Jazz

Highlights, studs and duds from Wednesday night in the NBA.

Celtics emerging as a threat in the Eastern Conference, finally

The Celtics are finally starting to look like the team everyone expected might challenge the Cavaliers for Eastern Conference supremacy.

Rockets break NBA 3-point records in 9th straight win

The Rockets and James Harden made history Friday night as Houston topped New Orleans.

Westbrook downplays stats

Despite Westbrook’s historic start, the Thunder are just 15-11 and seventh in the Western Conference.

Kawhi Leonard continues silent takeover of NBA

Leonard is one of the best two-way players in the NBA, but he would never admit it.

Warriors' fab four proving too much to handle on most nights

Draymond Green finished two assists shy of a triple-double in Golden State's win over Utah His other big-name teammates were pretty good, too.

Carmelo Anthony tunes up for showdown with LeBron James by lighting up Heat

The Knicks forward scored 35 points in a 114-103 victory in Miami. Up next: a meeting with James and the Cavaliers in New York on Wednesday.

Cavs upend Raptors in thriller

The Cavs continued their success against Raptors, improving to 3-0 against their new rivals this season.

Gordon Hayward looking to make serious, loud noise in 2017

After turning in his third straight game of 30-plus points, people may need to start paying attention to the Jazz forward.

Pronounce Giannis Antetokounmpo's name 'Su-per-star'

Giannis Antetokounmpo is terrorizing teams around the NBA, even as announcers and other players struggle to pronounce his name.

Westbrook on triple-double streak

The Thunder star recorded his eighth triple-double of the season in Monday's 112-103 win over the Knicks.

Carmelo Anthony's OT winner sets up Knicks for home-and-home sweep of Hornets

Carmelo Anthony records his first double-double of the season, but he saves his best for last, hitting the game-winner.

Warriors figure to be in spirit of giving well after holidays

Golden State was dropping dimes all over Oracle Arena. "That shows we're getting more comfortable with each other," Kevin Durant says.

Celtics different squad with Al Horford on floor

Back from a concussion, Horford came up huge in the final seconds to give the Pistons their first home loss.

After slow start, Timberwolves turning into team everyone expected them to be

Minnesota's 1-5 stumble is a more distant memory after a nationally televised blowout of the 76ers.

Pistons improve to 5-0 at home

The star guard is still nursing knee and finger injuries that have kept him out all season.

Lakers guards a force to be reckoned with in Los Angeles renaissance

D'Angelo Russell, Lou Williams, Jordan Clarkson and Nick Young all scored in double figures in Saturday's win against the Pelicans; Anthony Davis, meanwhile, makes history.

Joel Embiid set to prove he was worth the wait for the 76ers

The 76ers snapped their 44-game losing streak in the months of October and November.

Hornets ride hot start to top of Eastern Conference

Charlotte is looking like one of the top teams in the East through seven games.

Harden joins company with Jordan

The Rockets star has now recorded 30 points and 10 assists in four straight games.

Jazz primed to make some noise in the Western Conference

If this team continues to jell, they could be a tough out for a contender in the first round of the playoffs.

Derrick Rose enjoys Chicago return, Knicks look like team with playoff potential

Rose scored 15 points and added 11 assists and seven rebounds. He wasn't the only former Bull who thrived; Joakim Noah had 16 points.

Russell Westbrook could be too much for Warriors to handle come Thursday's matchup

The Warriors and the Thunder are set to face off Thursday, pitting two former teammates in Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook against each other for the first time this season.

The Fifth Quarter: Warriors still seeking chemistry, but survive challenge from Suns

The Golden State Warriors are showing that assembling a team of superstars doesn't produce better results right away.

Could LeBron James take smaller role with Cavs?

Kyrie Irving hit a key 3-pointer to help the Cavaliers beat the Raptors in a repeat of last season's Eastern Conference championship. He could take some of the load off King James.

Kobe Bryant 'at peace' following final game

The future Hall of Famer says he's at peace with basketball and Los Angeles following his final game.

Lakers set record by selling $1.2 million worth of Kobe Bryant swag

The Lakers and Staples Center broke the industry merchandise record with Kobe Bryant-related sales Wednesday night.

R. Kelly watched Kobe's final game on ant-sized TV and got roasted

R. Kelly's mentions were destroyed.

Stephen Curry on Kobe Bryant's 60 points: 'Wow, wow, wow'

Stephen Curry scored 46 points in three quarters Wednesday night, and was impressed by Bryant.

Kobe Bryant puts up 60, hits game-winner in final NBA game

Kobe Bryant made sure his swan song was one to remember.

Charles Barkley gives Kobe Bryant the shoe biz farewell

Chuck calls it "an honor and privilege" to watch “the great Kobe Bryant.”

Kobe Bryant may not get Hollywood ending, but he put on a great show

Kobe Bryant has given NBA fans 20 years of drama. And we should all thank him for it.

Kobe Bryant will play season-high minutes in finale, Lakers coach Byron Scott says

It won't be 48, but it will be a lot more than his season average of 27.

Former Jazz coach Jerry Sloan has Parkinson’s disease, Lewy body dementia

Sloan was diagnosed last fall and is now experiencing symptoms like tremors, a hushed voice and sleeplessness.

Kobe Bryant says he's done sitting out of Lakers games, finally

Bryant is planning on playing in each of the Lakers' remaining nine games, according to the team.

LeBron James dominates Carmelo Anthony, Knicks at MSG

James made sure headlines containing his name focused on his on-court performance as he recorded his third triple-double of the season.

Warriors seem a little more human after falling to Spurs

With this win, the Spurs have now won 33-straight at home against the Warriors.

Warriors notch 45th consecutive home win to break 1995-96 Bulls' record

Stephen Curry and the Warriors just took the Bulls out of the record book in one category.

LeBron James and the Cavs just might be able to contend against the Warriors

After a slow start Saturday, LeBron James led the Cavaliers past the Celtics with a big second quarter.

Stephen Curry again shows he's in complete control of the game

Stephen Curry hit a game-winning shot from 32-feet out Saturday against the Thunder.

Damian Lillard has record night in blowout of Warriors

Damian Lillard absolutely torched the Warriors on Friday night.

David Lee expected to sign $2.1 million deal with Mavericks

David Lee could be headed back to the Western Conference after being released by the Celtics.

LeBron James and Cavaliers pick up right where they left off

LeBron James flirted with a triple-double in Thursday's win against the Bulls.

NBA trade deadline 2016: Who went where?

Catch up on all the action as NBA teams swindled deals before the Feb. 18 trade deadline.

Isaiah Thomas leads streaking Celtics past Clippers in OT thriller

Isaiah Thomas proved why he's an All-Star on Wednesday in a big win over the Clippers.

Thunder vs. Warriors: A tale of two halves in Oakland

It was a tale of two halves in the Warriors' win, while Karl Anthony-Towns and Jahlil Okafor are two to watch.

Hassan Whiteside comes up big for Heat in front of 'hometown' crowd

Whiteside came up with 10 points, 10 rebounds and 10 blocks in 27 minutes off the bench as the Heat beat his hometown Hornets.

Hornets snap 17-game skid against LeBron James-led teams

Charlotte, despite missing Kemba Walker, topped Cleveland at home on Wednesday night.

Jazz's Derrick Favors blames his back issues on how he sleeps

Favors missed 16 games with back soreness; now he's changing his "outdated" mattress.

Enes Kanter could be key to Thunder becoming true contender

The Thunder needed someone to answer the bell and, Friday night, that someone was Enes Kanter.

Tyronn Lue says Cavs are out of shape after loss to Bulls

LeBron James had a big game, but couldn't stop the Bulls from stealing one in Cleveland.

NBA, NHL games postponed due to winter storm

The Wizards-Jazz and Celtics-76ers matchups and the game between the Ducks and Capitals have all been postponed due to winter weather.

Stephen Curry backs up trash talk, helps Warriors hand Cavaliers worst loss of season

Stephen Curry and the Warriors dominated on the road Monday, beating the Cavaliers 132-98.

Pistons give Detroit two reasons to be emotional

On a night when Ben Wallace had his jersey retired, the Pistons demolished the Warriors in a wild game at The Palace.

Spurs rally to beat Cavaliers in matchup we could see again in June

Tony Parker and Kawhi Leonard led the Spurs to a comeback win over the Cavaliers.

Rockets starting to heat up, head in right direction

With a win Sunday against the Pacers, Houston (19-19) remained seventh in the Western Conference standings and got back to .500 for the first time since Dec. 26.

Warriors remain NBA's best team despite growing competition

Stephen Curry is heating back up after missing some time with a shin injury.

Bulls starting to separate selves, looking like Cavs' biggest challenger in East

The Bulls are starting to look like a threat in the Eastern Conference.

James Harden feels disrespected after fan points laser at him during game

Harden said he felt disrespected by the fan, who was banned from NBA games for a year.

Spurs remind everyone Western Conference is still a battle

Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge led the Spurs to a decisive win against the Rockets on Saturday.

Carmelo Anthony says he doesn't get calls because he doesn't 'know how to flop'

The Knicks star said he’s been told that he’s the most difficult player to referee. And he doesn't know how to flop.

Dirk Nowitzki: Kristaps Porzingis is 'way better than I was at 20'

Dirk Nowitzki says comparisons are more than fair and adds that Kristaps Porzingis is ahead of him at this stage of his career.

Warriors look to win 22nd straight; Cavs looking lost

The Warriors were tested late at Toronto on Saturday, but Stephen Curry led Golden State to its 21st straight win of the season.

Dwyane Wade turns back clock, leads Heat past Thunder in thriller

The Heat outlasted the Thunder, in a game that had 38 lead changes, on the strength of Dwyane Wade's fourth-quarter heroics.

Warriors' Harrison Barnes out at least a week with ankle sprain

The fourth-year forward from North Carolina is having the best season of his career so far.

Stephen Curry, Warriors eyeing 33 straight wins; Wizards need to find a win

Golden State stifled Sacramento's offensive attack to move to 18-0 on the season.

Raptors emerging as East contenders after beating Cavs

Kyle Lowry makes sure everyone knows the Raptors aren't a team to take lightly as he leads Toronto past LeBron James and the Cavaliers.

Blake Griffin, Nuggets coach's heated exchange spills over to Denver bench

Tempers got out of hand during the fourth quarter of Tuesday's game between the Clippers and Nuggets.

Sixers are setting records for losing basketball games now

Also Friday, LeBron James reminded everyone that he has no real rivalry with Carmelo Anthony.

Blake Griffin whines his way to ejection even with Chris Paul already out vs. Suns

Also Thursday night, Stephen Curry continued his torrid pace toward another NBA MVP award.

Police: Heat's Gerald Green punched man during incident in apartment lobby

The Heat guard was suspended for conduct detrimental to the team after police say he punched a man in his apartment building.

LeBron James erupts in fourth quarter to shut down Jazz upset bid

The Jazz got a taste of vintage LeBron James on Tuesday night.

The Fifth Quarter: Hawks hustle man Kent Bazemore steps up vs. Wizards

The once unheralded pro prospect Kent Bazemore has found a home with the scrappy Hawks.

The Fifth Quarter: Warriors hold off Clippers, remain undefeated

Stephen Curry scored 31 points to help the Warriors stay undefeated.

The Fifth Quarter: Blake Griffin continues stellar play in win against Kings

Stephen Curry shows why he's league MVP with 53-point outburst.

Wesley Johnson says 'nobody was playing together' on Lakers last year

The newly signed Clippers forward says the team was in disarray last season as there were just too many moving pieces.