A can't-miss article from Henry Abbott at TrueHoop, about just how close the players and owners might have been to a deal, and how it ended in one moment, when four players said it was unacceptable. "The players had two pieces of news that shocked the league: 50/50 was not good enough. And there was nothing further to discuss." The players say won't cave for any offer under 53/47, nor will they bend on other issues. ("...when you talk to players now there is religious fervor, around the number 53, and around not giving owners any freebies on the other issues.") Hope you don't enjoy watching pro basketball, everyone.