Monday, April 29, 2013
2015 NBA Playoffs
EASTERN CONFERENCE 2nd Round Review
(1) Cleveland Cavliers (60-22)
vs
(5) Milwaukee Bucks (43-39)
Series Results
**Game 1** Cavs win 11-97 (1-0)
- LeBron James - 33 points - 4 reb - 14 ast
- Shabazz Muhammad - 16 points - 9 reb - 7 ast
- Danny Granger - 27 points - 7 reb
- Brandon Jennings - 16 points - 6 ast - 4/14 FG - 2/7 3pt
**Game 2** - Cavs win 107-98 (2-0)
- LeBron James - 30 points - 10 reb - 9 ast - 3 blk
- Shabazz Muhammad - 30 points - 9 reb - 2 ast
- Kyrie Irving - 21 points - 6 reb - 8 ast
- Brandon Jennings - 40 points - 3 reb - 8 ast - 3 stl
**Game 3** - Bucks win 122-114 (2-1)
- Brandon Jennings - 49 points - 4 reb - 8 ast
- Danny Granger - 23 points - 4 reb - 4 ast
- LeBron James - 36 points - 12 reb - 11 ast - 7 TO
- Kyrie Irving - 21 points - 4 reb - 11 ast - 5 TO
**Game 4** - Cavs win 109-92 (3-1)
- Kyrie Irving - 34 points - 2 reb - 12 ast - 16 points in 4th qrt
- LeBron James - 31 points - 8 reb - 6 ast - 3 stl
- Brandon Jennings - 29 points - 4 reb - 7 ast - 2 stl - 9 points in 2nd half (LBJ Defense)
**Game 5** - Cavs win 104-97 (4-1)
- LeBron James - 35 points - 11 reb - 9 ast
- Kyrie Irving - 21 points - 5 reb - 10 ast - 3 stl
- Danny Granger - 37 points - 3 reb - 5 stl
- Brandon Jennings - 15 points - 6 reb - 6 ast - 5/23 fg - 2/7 3pt
- We said before the Series started that the Matchup at the Point Guard Position, between Brandon Jennings and Kyrie Irving would be the determining factor, and it was a big factor, but, overall the more talented team won the series... Kyrie Irving only scored 30 points or more in 1 game during the Series, while Brandon Jennings was over 29 in 3 of the 5 games, but it was Irving's consistency that was the difference in his matchup with Jennings... Jennings exploded in Games 2 and 3 with back to back 40 point games, but Irving was steady all series long and helped lead his team to victory... LeBron James was the player of the series, nearly averaging a triple double in the 5 games... He's playing even better than his MVP Regular Season and heading into the Eastern Conference Finals, the Cavaliers are going to need James to be at his very best...
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(2) 76ers (49-33)
vs
(3) Bulls (46-36)
Series Results
**Game 1** - 76ers win 112-92 (1-)
- Thadeus Young - 26 points - 3 reb
- Jrue Holiday - 19 points - 7 reb - 8 ast - 3 stl
- Derrick Rose - 30 points - 4 ast
**Game 2** - 76ers win 97-95 (2-0)
- Andrew Bynum - 26 points - 10 reb - 4 ast
- Derrick Rose - 31 points - 10 reb - 6 ast - 2 stl
**Game 3** - 76ers win 97-74 (3-0)
- Jrue Holiday 24 points - 7 reb - 7 ast
- Andrew Bynum 19 points - 11 reb
- Derrick Rose - 20 points - 5 reb - 6 ast - 3 stl
**Game 4** - 76ers win 85-74 (4-0)
- Anrew Bynum - 22 points - 10 reb - 3 blk
- Thadeus Young - 18 points - 10 reb
- Jrue Holiday - 11 points - 6 reb - 9 ast - 2 stl
- Derrick Rose - 13 points - 3 reb - 7 ast - 6/15 fg - 0/3 3pt
- I have to admit, I'm a little surprised by how this Series played out, I'm not sure if the results were so lopsided because of the Sixers great Defense, or, the Bulls bad Offense, whatever the reason, the Sixers swept the Bulls and weren't really challenged outside of a 2 point win in Game 2... Chicago only averaged 84 points per game in the 4 game series, which is surprising considering they have Derrick Rose who usually puts in 25 to 30 by himself... The Sixers will move on to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals...
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Stay tuned for the Western Conference 2nd Round Review coming soon...
EASTERN CONFERENCE 2nd Round Review
(1) Cleveland Cavliers (60-22)
vs
(5) Milwaukee Bucks (43-39)
Series Results
**Game 1** Cavs win 11-97 (1-0)
- LeBron James - 33 points - 4 reb - 14 ast
- Shabazz Muhammad - 16 points - 9 reb - 7 ast
- Danny Granger - 27 points - 7 reb
- Brandon Jennings - 16 points - 6 ast - 4/14 FG - 2/7 3pt
**Game 2** - Cavs win 107-98 (2-0)
- LeBron James - 30 points - 10 reb - 9 ast - 3 blk
- Shabazz Muhammad - 30 points - 9 reb - 2 ast
- Kyrie Irving - 21 points - 6 reb - 8 ast
- Brandon Jennings - 40 points - 3 reb - 8 ast - 3 stl
**Game 3** - Bucks win 122-114 (2-1)
- Brandon Jennings - 49 points - 4 reb - 8 ast
- Danny Granger - 23 points - 4 reb - 4 ast
- LeBron James - 36 points - 12 reb - 11 ast - 7 TO
- Kyrie Irving - 21 points - 4 reb - 11 ast - 5 TO
**Game 4** - Cavs win 109-92 (3-1)
- Kyrie Irving - 34 points - 2 reb - 12 ast - 16 points in 4th qrt
- LeBron James - 31 points - 8 reb - 6 ast - 3 stl
- Brandon Jennings - 29 points - 4 reb - 7 ast - 2 stl - 9 points in 2nd half (LBJ Defense)
**Game 5** - Cavs win 104-97 (4-1)
- LeBron James - 35 points - 11 reb - 9 ast
- Kyrie Irving - 21 points - 5 reb - 10 ast - 3 stl
- Danny Granger - 37 points - 3 reb - 5 stl
- Brandon Jennings - 15 points - 6 reb - 6 ast - 5/23 fg - 2/7 3pt
- We said before the Series started that the Matchup at the Point Guard Position, between Brandon Jennings and Kyrie Irving would be the determining factor, and it was a big factor, but, overall the more talented team won the series... Kyrie Irving only scored 30 points or more in 1 game during the Series, while Brandon Jennings was over 29 in 3 of the 5 games, but it was Irving's consistency that was the difference in his matchup with Jennings... Jennings exploded in Games 2 and 3 with back to back 40 point games, but Irving was steady all series long and helped lead his team to victory... LeBron James was the player of the series, nearly averaging a triple double in the 5 games... He's playing even better than his MVP Regular Season and heading into the Eastern Conference Finals, the Cavaliers are going to need James to be at his very best...
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(2) 76ers (49-33)
vs
(3) Bulls (46-36)
Series Results
**Game 1** - 76ers win 112-92 (1-)
- Thadeus Young - 26 points - 3 reb
- Jrue Holiday - 19 points - 7 reb - 8 ast - 3 stl
- Derrick Rose - 30 points - 4 ast
**Game 2** - 76ers win 97-95 (2-0)
- Andrew Bynum - 26 points - 10 reb - 4 ast
- Derrick Rose - 31 points - 10 reb - 6 ast - 2 stl
**Game 3** - 76ers win 97-74 (3-0)
- Jrue Holiday 24 points - 7 reb - 7 ast
- Andrew Bynum 19 points - 11 reb
- Derrick Rose - 20 points - 5 reb - 6 ast - 3 stl
**Game 4** - 76ers win 85-74 (4-0)
- Anrew Bynum - 22 points - 10 reb - 3 blk
- Thadeus Young - 18 points - 10 reb
- Jrue Holiday - 11 points - 6 reb - 9 ast - 2 stl
- Derrick Rose - 13 points - 3 reb - 7 ast - 6/15 fg - 0/3 3pt
- I have to admit, I'm a little surprised by how this Series played out, I'm not sure if the results were so lopsided because of the Sixers great Defense, or, the Bulls bad Offense, whatever the reason, the Sixers swept the Bulls and weren't really challenged outside of a 2 point win in Game 2... Chicago only averaged 84 points per game in the 4 game series, which is surprising considering they have Derrick Rose who usually puts in 25 to 30 by himself... The Sixers will move on to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals...
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Stay tuned for the Western Conference 2nd Round Review coming soon...
Sunday, April 28, 2013
2015 PLAYOFFS
WESTERN CONFERENCE 2nd Round Preview
(1) Thunder (51-31)
vs
4. Lakers (47-35)
Key Matchup
Kevin Durant vs Kobe Bryant
- Kobe Bryant is without a doubt past his prime, but, judging by how he played in the 1st round, averaging close to 23 points per game and dishing out nearly 10 assists per game, someone must have forgoten to tell him... Kevin Durant is expected to be covering Kobe for most of the time during the series, and, on Paper, that doesn't bode well for Bryant... However, we all know what happens to Kobe when the Playoffs come around, he usually steps his game up and rises to the occasion... We're not sure yet if Kobe is going to cover Durant, but, if he is I think that matchup is a big advantage for the Thunder... Durant is coming off his 4th scoring title in 5 years, and hasn't slowed down at all in the Playoffs, as he averaged 29+ points per game vs the Spurs in their 7 game 1st round matchup...
Russell Westbrook vs Tayshon Taylor
- This matchup is completely lopsided in the Thunder's favor... Russell Westbrook, one of the most dynamic scoring point guards in the NBA vs a 2nd year Point Guard from the Lakers Tayshon Taylor... The Lakers are going to have to figure out some sort of scheme to try and defend Westbrook because he's going to destroy Taylor if they don't...
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2. Nuggets (51-31)
vs
3. Hornets (50-32)
Key Matchup
Ty Lawson vs Austin Rivers
- There are many great matchup between these two teams, but the key to the entire series could be the matchup at the point guard positio... Young Austin Rivers has developed into a very solid Point Guard in the league however, Ty Lawson has taken his game to another level these past few years and he is the straw that stirs the Denver Offense... He can score, he can pass, and he can play good defense... Rivers is going to have to slow him down if the Hornets are going to win this series... Rivers has the benefit of having two amazing rim protectors in Nerlen Noel and Defensive Player of the Year Anthony Davis behind him, if and when Lawson get by him...
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Stay tuned for a full recap of the 2nd round playoff matchups and a Conference Finals Preview!
Follow my entire Association Here - Cavaliers Rise up and Rebuild
WESTERN CONFERENCE 2nd Round Preview
| Oklahoma City Thunder Depth Chart - 2014/15 | ||||
| STARTER | 2ND | 3RD | 4TH | |
| PG | Russell Westbrook (95) | Reggie Jackson (73) | CJ McCollum (69) | Eric Maynor (69) |
| SG | Kevin Martin (78) | Jeremy Lamb (75) | Thabo Sefolosha (64) | |
| SF | Kevin Durant (96) | Perry Jones (68) | ||
| PF | Serge Ibaka (85) | Perry Jones (68) | Nick Collison (60) | Kevin Chambers (65) |
| C | Kendrick Perkins (75) | Aziz N'Diaye (63) | ||
vs
4. Lakers (47-35)
| Los Angeles Lakers Depth Chart - 2014/15 | ||||
| STARTER | 2ND | 3RD | 4TH | |
| PG | Tyshawn Taylor (75) | Ray McCallum (72) | Lorenzo Brown (71) | |
| SG | Kobe Bryant (91) | Wilson Chandler (84) | ||
| SF | Roger Fox* (80) | Wilson Chandler (84) | Chris Singleton (72) | |
| PF | Kris Humphries (74) | Kenyon Martin (71) | ||
| C | Dwight Howard (97) | Chris Kaman (73) | Jordan Hill (74) | |
Key Matchup
Kevin Durant vs Kobe Bryant
- Kobe Bryant is without a doubt past his prime, but, judging by how he played in the 1st round, averaging close to 23 points per game and dishing out nearly 10 assists per game, someone must have forgoten to tell him... Kevin Durant is expected to be covering Kobe for most of the time during the series, and, on Paper, that doesn't bode well for Bryant... However, we all know what happens to Kobe when the Playoffs come around, he usually steps his game up and rises to the occasion... We're not sure yet if Kobe is going to cover Durant, but, if he is I think that matchup is a big advantage for the Thunder... Durant is coming off his 4th scoring title in 5 years, and hasn't slowed down at all in the Playoffs, as he averaged 29+ points per game vs the Spurs in their 7 game 1st round matchup...
Russell Westbrook vs Tayshon Taylor
- This matchup is completely lopsided in the Thunder's favor... Russell Westbrook, one of the most dynamic scoring point guards in the NBA vs a 2nd year Point Guard from the Lakers Tayshon Taylor... The Lakers are going to have to figure out some sort of scheme to try and defend Westbrook because he's going to destroy Taylor if they don't...
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| Denver Nuggets Depth Chart - 2014/15 | ||||
| STARTER | 2ND | 3RD | 4TH | |
| PG | Ty Lawson (87) | Isaac Newman (68) | ||
| SG | Corey Brewer (72) | Evan Fournier (65) | Durand Scott (64) | |
| SF | Danilo Gallinari (83) | Jordan Hamilton (72) | ||
| PF | Kenneth Faried (81) | Anthony Randolph (79) | Mirza Teletovic* (68) | |
| C | Javale McGee (79) | Reggie Evans (59) | ||
vs
3. Hornets (50-32)
| New Orleans Hornets Depth Chart - 2014/15 | ||||
| STARTER | 2ND | 3RD | 4TH | |
| PG | Austin Rivers (75) | Grevious Vasquez (71) | ||
| SG | Eric Gordon (91) | Xavier Henry (76) | Nick Young (71) | |
| SF | Al-Farouq Aminu (77) | Yunlong Su* (71) | Doug McDermott (70) | |
| PF | Nerlens Noel (81) | Ryan Anderson (73) | ||
| C | Anthony Davis 91) | Robin Lopez (71) | ||
Key Matchup
Ty Lawson vs Austin Rivers
- There are many great matchup between these two teams, but the key to the entire series could be the matchup at the point guard positio... Young Austin Rivers has developed into a very solid Point Guard in the league however, Ty Lawson has taken his game to another level these past few years and he is the straw that stirs the Denver Offense... He can score, he can pass, and he can play good defense... Rivers is going to have to slow him down if the Hornets are going to win this series... Rivers has the benefit of having two amazing rim protectors in Nerlen Noel and Defensive Player of the Year Anthony Davis behind him, if and when Lawson get by him...
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Stay tuned for a full recap of the 2nd round playoff matchups and a Conference Finals Preview!
Follow my entire Association Here - Cavaliers Rise up and Rebuild
Friday, April 26, 2013
2015 NBA PLayoffs
EASTERN CONFERENCE 2nd Round Preview
(1) Cleveland Cavliers (60-22)
vs
5. Milwaukee Bucks (43-39)
Key Matchup
Brandon Jennings vs Kyrie Irving
- Brandon Jennings finished 2nd in the league in scoring, averaging 27.7 points per game, 5th in assists per game with 8.8 per game and he finished 5th in League MVP Voting... Kyrie Irving didn't have numbers as good as those, 22.6 points and 7.8 assists per game, mainly due to the fact that Kyrie wasn't asked to do as much as Jennings... This matchup should be a great one as both players can fill it up from all over the floor... Neither player plays what you would call "great" defense, and at times, its down right "bad" but, their ability to score is unquestioned...
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2. 76ers (49-33)
vs
Bulls (46-36)
3.
Key Matchup
Derrick Rose vs Jrue Holiday
- Jrue Holiday has become a star in this league over the last few Seasons... He's averaging nearly 20 points, 10 assists, 5 rebounds per game over the last 3+ Seasons... His Offense and understanding of the game has greatly improved and his Defense is starting to finally catch up as well... His Defensive abilities will be tested to the fullest against Derrick Rose in this series... Rose is one of, if not THE most explosive Point Guard in the NBA and he's a tough test for anyone, not just Holiday... Jrue Holiday has the advantage of getting some help from Evan Turner, who's longer and just as quick to help slow down Rose, and also Andrew Bynum lurking in the paint should Rose break down the first level of Defense... This is going to be a heavy-weight fight between two teams that could easily represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals...
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Stay tuned for the Western Conference 2nd Round Preview coming soon...
Follow my Association here - http://www.operationsports.com/forum...p-rebuild.html
EASTERN CONFERENCE 2nd Round Preview
Cleveland Cavaliers Depth Chart - 2014/15 | ||||
| STARTER | 2ND | 3RD | 4TH | |
| PG | Kyrie Irving (90) | Trey Burke (71) | ||
| SG | Shabazz Muhammad (87) | Ronnie Brewer (71) | Tony Allen (69) | |
| SF | LeBron James (99) | Tony Allen (69) | Solomon Hill (63) | |
| PF | Tristan Thompson (79) | Jonas Jerebko (74) | Renaldo Balkman (63) | |
| C | Anderson Varejao (73) | Tyson Chandler(75) | Rambo Hightower* (66) | |
vs
5. Milwaukee Bucks (43-39)
Milwaukee Bucks Depth Chart - 2014/15 | ||||
| STARTER | 2ND | 3RD | 4TH | |
| PG | Brandon Jennings (89) | Pierre Jackson*(65) | ||
| SG | Myck Kabongo (77) | Doron Lamb (72) | ||
| SF | Danny Granger (85) | Luc Richard Mbah A Moute (72) | Tobias Harris (71) | |
| PF | Ersan Ilyasova (81) | Larry Sanders (73) | John Henson (69) | |
| C | Ramon Uwawah* (72) | Ekpe Udoh (73) | ||
Key Matchup
Brandon Jennings vs Kyrie Irving
- Brandon Jennings finished 2nd in the league in scoring, averaging 27.7 points per game, 5th in assists per game with 8.8 per game and he finished 5th in League MVP Voting... Kyrie Irving didn't have numbers as good as those, 22.6 points and 7.8 assists per game, mainly due to the fact that Kyrie wasn't asked to do as much as Jennings... This matchup should be a great one as both players can fill it up from all over the floor... Neither player plays what you would call "great" defense, and at times, its down right "bad" but, their ability to score is unquestioned...
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Philadelphia 76ers Depth Chart - 2014/15 | ||||
| STARTER | 2ND | 3RD | 4TH | |
| PG | Jrue Holiday (90) | Delonte West (71) | Anderson King*(64) | |
| SG | Jason Richardson (70) | Sean Kilpatrick (64) | Jordan Aboudou*(64) | |
| SF | Evan Turner (91) | Dorell Wright (75) | ||
| PF | Thaddeus Young (80) | Arnette Moultrie (66) | ||
| C | Andrew Bynum (92) | Cole Aldrich (68) | ||
vs
Bulls (46-36)
Chicago Bulls Depth Chart - 2014/15 | ||||
| STARTER | 2ND | 3RD | 4TH | |
| PG | Derrick Rose (94) | Marquis Teague (72) | Steve Blake (61) | |
| SG | Jordan Crawford (77) | Drew Crawford (61) | ||
| SF | Loul Deng (83) | Jimmy Butler (69) | ||
| PF | Taj Gibson (80) | Carlos Boozer (77) | Rakeem Christmas (69) | |
| C | Joakim Noah (80) | Rakeem Christmas (69) | ||
Key Matchup
Derrick Rose vs Jrue Holiday
- Jrue Holiday has become a star in this league over the last few Seasons... He's averaging nearly 20 points, 10 assists, 5 rebounds per game over the last 3+ Seasons... His Offense and understanding of the game has greatly improved and his Defense is starting to finally catch up as well... His Defensive abilities will be tested to the fullest against Derrick Rose in this series... Rose is one of, if not THE most explosive Point Guard in the NBA and he's a tough test for anyone, not just Holiday... Jrue Holiday has the advantage of getting some help from Evan Turner, who's longer and just as quick to help slow down Rose, and also Andrew Bynum lurking in the paint should Rose break down the first level of Defense... This is going to be a heavy-weight fight between two teams that could easily represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals...
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Stay tuned for the Western Conference 2nd Round Preview coming soon...
Follow my Association here - http://www.operationsports.com/forum...p-rebuild.html
Monday, March 4, 2013
NBA FINALS REVIEW
OKC Wins in Seven Games
This series was everything we could have hoped for... As fans of the Great Game of Basketball, these last two weeks were truly special... Lets take a look back at how the games played out and relive some of the great moments in the 2014 NBA Finals...
PHI @ OKC - Game 1: 110-108 - OKC (1-0)
Sixers were ready for the challenge in this one and PF Thad Young came to play as well scoring 26 points, and pulling down 8 rebounds... Even Turner put in his usual stat stuffing night scoring 21 points, grabing 7 bouts and dropping 6 dimes... Jrue Holiday pitched in 20 points and 10 assists along with 3 steals, however, the story of the game, until the buzzer beater (we'll get to that in a second) was Russell Westrbook who went completely bananas in Game 1... Westbrook scored 50 points, grabbing 7 rebounds and dropping 4 assists and just dominated Jrue Holiday on the Offensive end of the floor... Kevin Durant added 30 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists, oh yeah, and the Game winner at the Buzzer to give OKC the 1-0 lead in the series.
PHI @ OKC - Game 2: 89-85 - OKC (2-0)
Another nail bitter, another win for Russell Westbrook and the Thunder... Evan Turner was in Kevin Durant's grill all game long and Durant struggled, only shooting 8/23 from the field and only scoring 16 points, but, as he's done all post-season, Russell Westrbook picked up the slack and put in work... 28 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists to lead OKC to the victory and the 2-0 series lead... Serge Ibaka had a big hand in the win as well, scoring 16 points, hauling down 11 rebounds and blocking 4 shots..
OKC @ PHI - Game 3: 121-111 - PHI (1-2)
In Game 3, the Sixers knew it was a must win as they couldn't go down 3-0 in the Series... The home crowd was fired up and the team fed off that energy and came away with the win... Andrew Bynum finally started to establish himself in the low post, and he put in 30 points and 6 rebounds... Manu Ginobili nearly had himself a triple double with 20 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists... Russell Westbrook did all he could to keep his team in the game, scoring a game high 40 points, grabbing 6 rebounds and dropping 11 dimes, but, it wasn't ment to be on this night and the Sixers prevailed...
OKC @ PHI - Game 4: 115-113 PHI (2-2)
Game 4, In Philly was a track meet as both teams put up points in bunches... The final score tells the whole story as neither team really played much defense and you could tell from early on, that the team which had the ball last would have a chance to win... The Sixers, had the ball last, and, PG Jrue Holiday delivered the game winner with just 0.6 seconds... For the game, Holiday scored 35 points, nabbed 11 rebounds and dropped 9 assists as he controlled the game from start to finish... Bynum pitched in with his 2nd big game, 29 points and 9 boards... Westbrook and Durant had good nights, 33 points, 10 boards and 9 assists for Durant, 32 points, 1 board, 14 assists for Westbrook, but, it wasn't enough to get the Win and the Sixers tied the Series at 2-2...
OKC @ PHI - Game 5: 103-84 OKC (3-2)
Shots just weren't dropping for the Sixers in Game 5, and, the game wasn't really close... Westbrook and Durant controlled the game, scoring a combined 50 points, with 18 rebounds and 15 assists, while Serge Ibaka had himself a ball game with 17 points, 9 boards and 9 blocks... The win gives the Thunder the 3-2 Series lead as the travel back home to OKC for Game 6 and possibly game 7...
PHI @ OKC - Game 6: 111-110 - PHI (3-3)
Jrue Holiday did it again, in a back and forth game, Holiday once again came through in the clutch, hitting a huge shot in the closing seconds of the 4th quarter to give the Sixers the lead... Kevin Durant had a chance on the other end, a 35 foot prayer to win the NBA Championship, rimmed out, and we head to Game 7!... This game was an instant classic, it was like two heavyweight boxers throwing haymaker after haymaker with neither of them backing down... Durant put in 44 points, with 7 rebounds, Westbrook pitched in 33 points and 14 assists but OKC fell short... Adnrew Bynum led the Sixers with 29 points and 7 rebounds and of course Holiday did his thing with 18 points, 14 assists an the game winning bucket...
Before the series started, we were all hoping for a long, Seven Game Series, and that's exactly what we've gotten... This should be a good one
PHI @ OKC - Game 7: 93-90 OKC (4-3)
Ladies and gentlemen, I can't even put into words what I've just seen... The Thunder and the Sixers just completed, in my opinion, the greatest and most entertaining NBA Finals Series of all time... In Game 7, the Thunder prevailed as Kevin Durant would take that next step into the realm of the NBA's "Super Elite" Players... The only thing missing from Durant's trophy room was an NBA Championship, and, in Game 7 he filled that void with one of the most clutch performances you'll ever see... Durant torched the Sixers to the tune of 45 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists... That game puts him in the discussion for greatest NBA Finals Performance Ever... He simply would not allow his team to lose and he singlehandedly answered every run that the Sixers made during the game...
Congratulations to the OKC Thunder, your 2013/14 NBA Champions!
NBA Finals MVP
Kevin Durant
28.7 points - 10.5 rebounds - 5.9 assists
1.3 steals - 1.8 blocks
.454% FG - .395 3pt% - 43.6 Minutes per game
Stay tuned as I will start to update you all on the happenings around the League during the Off-Season which is quickly approaching...
OKC Wins in Seven Games
This series was everything we could have hoped for... As fans of the Great Game of Basketball, these last two weeks were truly special... Lets take a look back at how the games played out and relive some of the great moments in the 2014 NBA Finals...
PHI @ OKC - Game 1: 110-108 - OKC (1-0)
Sixers were ready for the challenge in this one and PF Thad Young came to play as well scoring 26 points, and pulling down 8 rebounds... Even Turner put in his usual stat stuffing night scoring 21 points, grabing 7 bouts and dropping 6 dimes... Jrue Holiday pitched in 20 points and 10 assists along with 3 steals, however, the story of the game, until the buzzer beater (we'll get to that in a second) was Russell Westrbook who went completely bananas in Game 1... Westbrook scored 50 points, grabbing 7 rebounds and dropping 4 assists and just dominated Jrue Holiday on the Offensive end of the floor... Kevin Durant added 30 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists, oh yeah, and the Game winner at the Buzzer to give OKC the 1-0 lead in the series.
PHI @ OKC - Game 2: 89-85 - OKC (2-0)
Another nail bitter, another win for Russell Westbrook and the Thunder... Evan Turner was in Kevin Durant's grill all game long and Durant struggled, only shooting 8/23 from the field and only scoring 16 points, but, as he's done all post-season, Russell Westrbook picked up the slack and put in work... 28 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists to lead OKC to the victory and the 2-0 series lead... Serge Ibaka had a big hand in the win as well, scoring 16 points, hauling down 11 rebounds and blocking 4 shots..
OKC @ PHI - Game 3: 121-111 - PHI (1-2)
In Game 3, the Sixers knew it was a must win as they couldn't go down 3-0 in the Series... The home crowd was fired up and the team fed off that energy and came away with the win... Andrew Bynum finally started to establish himself in the low post, and he put in 30 points and 6 rebounds... Manu Ginobili nearly had himself a triple double with 20 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists... Russell Westbrook did all he could to keep his team in the game, scoring a game high 40 points, grabbing 6 rebounds and dropping 11 dimes, but, it wasn't ment to be on this night and the Sixers prevailed...
OKC @ PHI - Game 4: 115-113 PHI (2-2)
Game 4, In Philly was a track meet as both teams put up points in bunches... The final score tells the whole story as neither team really played much defense and you could tell from early on, that the team which had the ball last would have a chance to win... The Sixers, had the ball last, and, PG Jrue Holiday delivered the game winner with just 0.6 seconds... For the game, Holiday scored 35 points, nabbed 11 rebounds and dropped 9 assists as he controlled the game from start to finish... Bynum pitched in with his 2nd big game, 29 points and 9 boards... Westbrook and Durant had good nights, 33 points, 10 boards and 9 assists for Durant, 32 points, 1 board, 14 assists for Westbrook, but, it wasn't enough to get the Win and the Sixers tied the Series at 2-2...
OKC @ PHI - Game 5: 103-84 OKC (3-2)
Shots just weren't dropping for the Sixers in Game 5, and, the game wasn't really close... Westbrook and Durant controlled the game, scoring a combined 50 points, with 18 rebounds and 15 assists, while Serge Ibaka had himself a ball game with 17 points, 9 boards and 9 blocks... The win gives the Thunder the 3-2 Series lead as the travel back home to OKC for Game 6 and possibly game 7...
PHI @ OKC - Game 6: 111-110 - PHI (3-3)
Jrue Holiday did it again, in a back and forth game, Holiday once again came through in the clutch, hitting a huge shot in the closing seconds of the 4th quarter to give the Sixers the lead... Kevin Durant had a chance on the other end, a 35 foot prayer to win the NBA Championship, rimmed out, and we head to Game 7!... This game was an instant classic, it was like two heavyweight boxers throwing haymaker after haymaker with neither of them backing down... Durant put in 44 points, with 7 rebounds, Westbrook pitched in 33 points and 14 assists but OKC fell short... Adnrew Bynum led the Sixers with 29 points and 7 rebounds and of course Holiday did his thing with 18 points, 14 assists an the game winning bucket...
Before the series started, we were all hoping for a long, Seven Game Series, and that's exactly what we've gotten... This should be a good one
PHI @ OKC - Game 7: 93-90 OKC (4-3)
Ladies and gentlemen, I can't even put into words what I've just seen... The Thunder and the Sixers just completed, in my opinion, the greatest and most entertaining NBA Finals Series of all time... In Game 7, the Thunder prevailed as Kevin Durant would take that next step into the realm of the NBA's "Super Elite" Players... The only thing missing from Durant's trophy room was an NBA Championship, and, in Game 7 he filled that void with one of the most clutch performances you'll ever see... Durant torched the Sixers to the tune of 45 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists... That game puts him in the discussion for greatest NBA Finals Performance Ever... He simply would not allow his team to lose and he singlehandedly answered every run that the Sixers made during the game...
Congratulations to the OKC Thunder, your 2013/14 NBA Champions!
NBA Finals MVP
Kevin Durant
28.7 points - 10.5 rebounds - 5.9 assists
1.3 steals - 1.8 blocks
.454% FG - .395 3pt% - 43.6 Minutes per game
Stay tuned as I will start to update you all on the happenings around the League during the Off-Season which is quickly approaching...
2013/14 NBA Finals Preview
Once again, due to some 2K glitch, the Thunder will have home court in the Finals, despite the 76ers having the Best record in the NBA during the regular season.
Two teams remain after nearly Eight Months of NBA Basketball... Two teams that were very good during the regular Season, and even better during their Post-Season runs...
The Thunder, who finished the regular Season with a 48-34 record, and the #2 Seed in the Western Conference Playoffs took care of Denver in 5 games in Round 1, but went to the Brink of Elimination vs the Kings in the 2nd round and the T'Wolves in the Western Finals... OKC has played 19 games heading into these Finals, so, some are wondering if their endurance will be able to hold up vs a very well rested Philadelphia team...
The Sixers, have pretty much lambasted their way through the Eastern Conference during this historic post-season run... They have won 12 games in a row, Three Consecutive Sweeps and they haven't really been challenged in any of their games to this point... Some will question this team's toughness as they haven't had to deal with much adversity throughout the playoff run so far...
TALE OF THE TAPE
As you can see, there aren't many holes in either of these team's rosters... From top to bottom these are two of the best teams in the NBA... Both teams have legitimate superstars all over the floor, they have experience at key positions and they both have players that have played with each other and know each others' games very well... This is truly a great matchup.
KEY MATCHUP
Jrue Holiday vs Russell Westbrook
Holiday is averaging 20.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.9 steals per game in the 2014 Playoffs... While Russell Westbrook, is probably the Playoffs MVP to this point, averaging 29.9 points, 6 rebounds, 9.3 assists and 2.5 steals per game... This should be a great matchup at the point guard position all series long...
KEY MATCHUP
Evan Turner vs Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant is unquestionably the best scorer in the NBA Today, while Evan Turner is not so quietly becoming a superstar in this league... Turner is going to have his hands full with Durant in this Series... The Sixers will be ok with Durant scoring his usual 25-30 points, but, Turner and the rest of the team has to figure out a way to stop him from going off for one of his epic 40 or 50 point games...
This matchup between the Sixers and the Thunder has all the makings of an NBA Instant Classic, as fans, all we can hope for is a LOOONG Seven Game Series
Stay Tune...
Once again, due to some 2K glitch, the Thunder will have home court in the Finals, despite the 76ers having the Best record in the NBA during the regular season.
Two teams remain after nearly Eight Months of NBA Basketball... Two teams that were very good during the regular Season, and even better during their Post-Season runs...
The Thunder, who finished the regular Season with a 48-34 record, and the #2 Seed in the Western Conference Playoffs took care of Denver in 5 games in Round 1, but went to the Brink of Elimination vs the Kings in the 2nd round and the T'Wolves in the Western Finals... OKC has played 19 games heading into these Finals, so, some are wondering if their endurance will be able to hold up vs a very well rested Philadelphia team...
The Sixers, have pretty much lambasted their way through the Eastern Conference during this historic post-season run... They have won 12 games in a row, Three Consecutive Sweeps and they haven't really been challenged in any of their games to this point... Some will question this team's toughness as they haven't had to deal with much adversity throughout the playoff run so far...
TALE OF THE TAPE
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As you can see, there aren't many holes in either of these team's rosters... From top to bottom these are two of the best teams in the NBA... Both teams have legitimate superstars all over the floor, they have experience at key positions and they both have players that have played with each other and know each others' games very well... This is truly a great matchup.
KEY MATCHUP
Jrue Holiday vs Russell Westbrook
Holiday is averaging 20.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.9 steals per game in the 2014 Playoffs... While Russell Westbrook, is probably the Playoffs MVP to this point, averaging 29.9 points, 6 rebounds, 9.3 assists and 2.5 steals per game... This should be a great matchup at the point guard position all series long...
KEY MATCHUP
Evan Turner vs Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant is unquestionably the best scorer in the NBA Today, while Evan Turner is not so quietly becoming a superstar in this league... Turner is going to have his hands full with Durant in this Series... The Sixers will be ok with Durant scoring his usual 25-30 points, but, Turner and the rest of the team has to figure out a way to stop him from going off for one of his epic 40 or 50 point games...
This matchup between the Sixers and the Thunder has all the makings of an NBA Instant Classic, as fans, all we can hope for is a LOOONG Seven Game Series
Stay Tune...
2014 Conference Finals Review
WEST
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OKC Wins in 7 game thriller
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OKC Wins in 7 game thriller
If you remember last Season, PG Russell Westbrook almost carried the Thunder all the way to the NBA Finals, despite Kevin Durant missing the entire playoffs with an injury... This year, and in this Series, he has been the best player on the floor and, in this Series he dominated nearly ever facet of the game... Look at these numbers...
Game 1: 28 points - 7 reb - 10 ast - 4 steals
Game 2: 35 points - 14 reb - 16 ast - 3 steals
Game 3: 21 points - 7 reb - 7 ast - 4 steals
Game 4: 17 points - 11 reb - 7 ast - 2 steals
Game 5: 23 points - 10 reb - 13 ast - 2 steals
Game 6: 27 points - 6 reb - 10 ast - 5 steals
Game 7: 48 pionts - 2 reb - 8 ast - 2 steals
For the Series he averaged 25 points - 8 reb - 10 ast - 3 steals per game... Simply amazing numbers and when you combine Kevin Durants 25 points per game, this duo could not be stopped...
The Heart of the Timberwolves can't go un-noticed however, as this team pushed a much more talented OKC Team to the brink of elimination... Minnesota was leading the series 3 games to 2 heading back home with a chance to close it out, however, a 33 point game from Durant and the great game by Westrbook forced a Game 7 back in OKC... The home crowd was juiced up from the Tip in Game 7 and Minnesota just ran out of gas as they were run out of the building 125-88... OKC Moves onto the NBA Finals to take on the winner of the Sixers / Nets series...
EAST
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Perfection! Sixers head to NBA Finals a perfect 12-0 in Playoffs
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Perfection! Sixers head to NBA Finals a perfect 12-0 in Playoffs
The Philadelphia 76ers have run rough shot through the Eastern Conference this postseason... They have played 12 games, and in 12 games they have come out victorious... A perfect 12-0 record as they head to the NBA Finals to take on Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder...
The Sixers don't beat you with one or two guys like most of the NBA these days, they beat you as a team, and that was most evident in their series vs the Brooklyn Nets... In all four games of the series, the 76ers had four players score 20 points in every game... Jrue Holiday, Andre Bynum, Evan Turner, Thadeous Young and Manu Ginobili make up one of the most complete teams we've seen in a long time... Their perfect record through their 12 game run is a testament to that...
Stay tuned as I give you a preview of the 2013/14 NBA Finals between the OKC Thunder and the Philadelphia 76ers!
Saturday, March 2, 2013
2014 Conference Finals Preview
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OKC rolled off 48 wins in the regular season, good enough for a #2 seed in the Western Conference Playoffs... They have taken care of Denver and Sacramento, two good, young up and coming teams in the first two rounds of these playoffs... Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant have taken their games to another level in these playoffs... Combined they are averaging 56.2 points, 15.6 rebounds, 14 assists and 3.6 steals per game... They have put the team on their back and the Thunder will go only as far as these two superstars can take them... With James Harden leaving and heading to Houston, its going to be interesting to see who will step up if either Westbrook or Durant were to have a bad game...
At the Trade deadline the T'Wolves sent former #2 pick Derrick Williams to Boston in exchange for Celtic Legend Paul Pierce... Pierce was brought over to bring veteran leadership and savy and he has done just that... Since the trade the T'Wolves have gone 19-11 and, as I said made a late push just to get into the playoffs... They took care of #1 seeded Houston in the 1st round and 4th seeded Phoenix in the 2nd round... With Pierce in the mix, the Wolves finally have "that guy" that can get his own when the game is on the line... As good as Kevin Love is, he's not the closer that Pierce has proved himself to be throughout his storied career...
KEY MATCHUPS
Kevin Love vs Serge Ibaka
Love is one of the best scoring big men in the game today, however, he does allot of his work from midrage and three point teritory... It will be interesting to see if Ibaka will follow Love out onto the perimeter, because doing so will open up driving lanes for Rubio and Pierce...
Russell Westbrook vs Ricky Robio
We all know that Westbrook is one of the most explosive point gaurds in the league and, on paper this matchup would clearly favor OKC... However, looking deeper you'll see that Rubio has turned into one of the best on the ball defenders in the league and during the regular season he ranked in the Top 5 in steals averaging 2.3 per game... If Rubio can slow down Westbrook, at least a little, the T'Wolves will have a much better chance of pulling off the Upset...
Kevin Durant vs Anyone...
Minnesota is going to have to find someone to slow down Durant.. Paul Pierce, at this age isn't going to be that guy so the Wolves are going to have to get creative and try and figure out a way to defend Durant... We all know, on most nights KD is going to get his, however, the Wolves can't let him dominate the game and score 35 or 45 points because if the do, its going to be a quick series...
PREDICTION
I just don't see how the Timberwolves are going to slow down Durant and Westbrook during a long Series... I know the T'Wolves have heart and grit and toughness but I think OKC is just too talented from top to bottom... I'll take OKC to advance to the NBA Finals in six games...
EAST
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If you've been following up to this point, you already know that the 76ers haven't lost a game this post-season. They are a perfect 8-0 heading into the East Finals... Easily taking care of business vs the New York Knicks and the Washington Wizards, the 76ers enter the Easter finals having not played a game in over a week... Will they be rusty? Or will they be even more focused?
Their Opponent was counted out after the loss of SG Joe Johnson early in their 1st round series vs the Bulls, somehow they have managed to transform their philosophies in the middle of this magical playoff run... They went from a predominately perimeter based team to a team that will literally fight you in the paint... Pau Gasol was brought in at the trade deadline to help bolster the front line and add more Offense and Defense in the low post... Pau has never been known for his physical play, however, since joining the Nets he's been playing with a mean streak that he's never shown before... He and Brook Lopez are seven foot duo that is one of the best the league has seen in awhile...
The Sixers are, in my estimation the best all around team in the NBA and have been for the last two seasons... Their 62-20 record in the regular season was only a preview of things to come as they have rolled through their first two opponents in back to back sweeps... Jrue Holiday is becoming a SuperStar point guard in this league and players like Evan Turner and Thadeus Young aren't far behind... Down low they have the 2nd best center in the game in Andrew Bynum and the addition of SG Manu Ginobli in Free Agency last year has given them the leader that they lacked last year...
KEY MATCHUPS
Jrue Holiday vs Darren Williams
This is going to be fun to watch as two of the leagues premier point guards get ready to do battle.. Williams has been carrying the team during this postseason run averaging 23.5 points, and 8.2 assists per game... Holiday, in eight games has averaged 19 points, 4.4 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game... I think William's is a little stronger than Holiday so, I'll give him the edge, but, I wouldn't be surprised at all if Holiday steps up and outplays him...
Andre Bynum vs Brook Lopez / Pau Gasol
In the playoffs Lopez and Gasol have combined to average 36.3 points, 18.1 rebounds and 4.6 blocks per game... Andrew Bynum has been no slouch putting up 17.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per night through the post-season... Bynum however, has not gone up against a team with two players players as skilled as Lopez and Gasol... I think the team that can win the battle in the paint and on the boards is going to win this series
Gerald Wallace vs Evan Turner
The battle at the Small Forward position is going to be another fun one to watch as the veteran Defensive Stopper Gerald Wallace looks to slow down the young legs of future superstar Evan Turner... Turner has a fantastic all around game and can do it all on the floor... He's putting up 17.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game this post-season.. Wallace, doesn't really score like he once used to, so, his #1 job this series will be to slow down Turner...
PREDICTION
I've said it before and I'll say it again, the Philadelphia 76ers are the most complete team in the NBA, and I'll pick them to win this series in Six games to advance to the NBA Finals...
WEST
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OKC rolled off 48 wins in the regular season, good enough for a #2 seed in the Western Conference Playoffs... They have taken care of Denver and Sacramento, two good, young up and coming teams in the first two rounds of these playoffs... Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant have taken their games to another level in these playoffs... Combined they are averaging 56.2 points, 15.6 rebounds, 14 assists and 3.6 steals per game... They have put the team on their back and the Thunder will go only as far as these two superstars can take them... With James Harden leaving and heading to Houston, its going to be interesting to see who will step up if either Westbrook or Durant were to have a bad game...
At the Trade deadline the T'Wolves sent former #2 pick Derrick Williams to Boston in exchange for Celtic Legend Paul Pierce... Pierce was brought over to bring veteran leadership and savy and he has done just that... Since the trade the T'Wolves have gone 19-11 and, as I said made a late push just to get into the playoffs... They took care of #1 seeded Houston in the 1st round and 4th seeded Phoenix in the 2nd round... With Pierce in the mix, the Wolves finally have "that guy" that can get his own when the game is on the line... As good as Kevin Love is, he's not the closer that Pierce has proved himself to be throughout his storied career...
KEY MATCHUPS
Kevin Love vs Serge Ibaka
Love is one of the best scoring big men in the game today, however, he does allot of his work from midrage and three point teritory... It will be interesting to see if Ibaka will follow Love out onto the perimeter, because doing so will open up driving lanes for Rubio and Pierce...
Russell Westbrook vs Ricky Robio
We all know that Westbrook is one of the most explosive point gaurds in the league and, on paper this matchup would clearly favor OKC... However, looking deeper you'll see that Rubio has turned into one of the best on the ball defenders in the league and during the regular season he ranked in the Top 5 in steals averaging 2.3 per game... If Rubio can slow down Westbrook, at least a little, the T'Wolves will have a much better chance of pulling off the Upset...
Kevin Durant vs Anyone...
Minnesota is going to have to find someone to slow down Durant.. Paul Pierce, at this age isn't going to be that guy so the Wolves are going to have to get creative and try and figure out a way to defend Durant... We all know, on most nights KD is going to get his, however, the Wolves can't let him dominate the game and score 35 or 45 points because if the do, its going to be a quick series...
PREDICTION
I just don't see how the Timberwolves are going to slow down Durant and Westbrook during a long Series... I know the T'Wolves have heart and grit and toughness but I think OKC is just too talented from top to bottom... I'll take OKC to advance to the NBA Finals in six games...
EAST
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If you've been following up to this point, you already know that the 76ers haven't lost a game this post-season. They are a perfect 8-0 heading into the East Finals... Easily taking care of business vs the New York Knicks and the Washington Wizards, the 76ers enter the Easter finals having not played a game in over a week... Will they be rusty? Or will they be even more focused?
Their Opponent was counted out after the loss of SG Joe Johnson early in their 1st round series vs the Bulls, somehow they have managed to transform their philosophies in the middle of this magical playoff run... They went from a predominately perimeter based team to a team that will literally fight you in the paint... Pau Gasol was brought in at the trade deadline to help bolster the front line and add more Offense and Defense in the low post... Pau has never been known for his physical play, however, since joining the Nets he's been playing with a mean streak that he's never shown before... He and Brook Lopez are seven foot duo that is one of the best the league has seen in awhile...
The Sixers are, in my estimation the best all around team in the NBA and have been for the last two seasons... Their 62-20 record in the regular season was only a preview of things to come as they have rolled through their first two opponents in back to back sweeps... Jrue Holiday is becoming a SuperStar point guard in this league and players like Evan Turner and Thadeus Young aren't far behind... Down low they have the 2nd best center in the game in Andrew Bynum and the addition of SG Manu Ginobli in Free Agency last year has given them the leader that they lacked last year...
KEY MATCHUPS
Jrue Holiday vs Darren Williams
This is going to be fun to watch as two of the leagues premier point guards get ready to do battle.. Williams has been carrying the team during this postseason run averaging 23.5 points, and 8.2 assists per game... Holiday, in eight games has averaged 19 points, 4.4 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game... I think William's is a little stronger than Holiday so, I'll give him the edge, but, I wouldn't be surprised at all if Holiday steps up and outplays him...
Andre Bynum vs Brook Lopez / Pau Gasol
In the playoffs Lopez and Gasol have combined to average 36.3 points, 18.1 rebounds and 4.6 blocks per game... Andrew Bynum has been no slouch putting up 17.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per night through the post-season... Bynum however, has not gone up against a team with two players players as skilled as Lopez and Gasol... I think the team that can win the battle in the paint and on the boards is going to win this series
Gerald Wallace vs Evan Turner
The battle at the Small Forward position is going to be another fun one to watch as the veteran Defensive Stopper Gerald Wallace looks to slow down the young legs of future superstar Evan Turner... Turner has a fantastic all around game and can do it all on the floor... He's putting up 17.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game this post-season.. Wallace, doesn't really score like he once used to, so, his #1 job this series will be to slow down Turner...
PREDICTION
I've said it before and I'll say it again, the Philadelphia 76ers are the most complete team in the NBA, and I'll pick them to win this series in Six games to advance to the NBA Finals...
2nd round recap
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- Minnesota takes care of the Suns in 6 games... After having the best record in the west last season, only to lose in the 1st round to the Spurs the Twolves have reached the conference finals for the 1st time since the KG era... Kevin Love continued his great postseason, as he averaged 24 points and 14 rebounds per game in this six game series... Ricky Rubio fought through some nagging injuries and came up big with 15 points and 11 assists per game... The difference between this years Wolves and last years has to be the addition of Paul Pierce... Last year the Wolves didn't have "that guy" that could get his own when the game was on the line, "the captain" is exactly that and he has come up big since being acquired at the deadline...
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- The upstart Kings pushed the Thunder to Seven games but, in the end the Thunder was just too talented... Westbrook and Durant once again carried the team, in the series they averaged 63 points per game combined... Throw in some Kevin Martin and Jeremy Lamb and this team looks like the favorite to come out of the West... Sacramento put up a fight, but, in the end this young team just needs some more time before they can take that next step...
EAST
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- The 76ers, who swept the Knicks out of the 1st round continued their dominance this postseason as they swept the Wizards out as well... Eight games in, Eight wins later, the Sixers are in the East Finals... This team has it all, Defense, Rebounding, Inside Offense, Outside Offense, they are the most complete team in the league and with Miami out of the picture, I think they are going to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals...
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- The amazing story of the Brooklyn Nets continues as they knock out the Pacers in Five Games... Without arguably their best offensive player, Joe Johnson, the Nets have dug down deep and run rough shot through the first two rounds of the playoffs... Pau Gasol is playing lights out and he and Brook Lopez are a force on the inside... With Darren Williams running the show and those two Seven Footers in the paint, this team looks like they are going to be a tough out in these playoffs... We'll see how they match up against the Sixers, who have yet to lose a playoff game
WEST
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- Minnesota takes care of the Suns in 6 games... After having the best record in the west last season, only to lose in the 1st round to the Spurs the Twolves have reached the conference finals for the 1st time since the KG era... Kevin Love continued his great postseason, as he averaged 24 points and 14 rebounds per game in this six game series... Ricky Rubio fought through some nagging injuries and came up big with 15 points and 11 assists per game... The difference between this years Wolves and last years has to be the addition of Paul Pierce... Last year the Wolves didn't have "that guy" that could get his own when the game was on the line, "the captain" is exactly that and he has come up big since being acquired at the deadline...
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- The upstart Kings pushed the Thunder to Seven games but, in the end the Thunder was just too talented... Westbrook and Durant once again carried the team, in the series they averaged 63 points per game combined... Throw in some Kevin Martin and Jeremy Lamb and this team looks like the favorite to come out of the West... Sacramento put up a fight, but, in the end this young team just needs some more time before they can take that next step...
EAST
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- The 76ers, who swept the Knicks out of the 1st round continued their dominance this postseason as they swept the Wizards out as well... Eight games in, Eight wins later, the Sixers are in the East Finals... This team has it all, Defense, Rebounding, Inside Offense, Outside Offense, they are the most complete team in the league and with Miami out of the picture, I think they are going to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals...
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- The amazing story of the Brooklyn Nets continues as they knock out the Pacers in Five Games... Without arguably their best offensive player, Joe Johnson, the Nets have dug down deep and run rough shot through the first two rounds of the playoffs... Pau Gasol is playing lights out and he and Brook Lopez are a force on the inside... With Darren Williams running the show and those two Seven Footers in the paint, this team looks like they are going to be a tough out in these playoffs... We'll see how they match up against the Sixers, who have yet to lose a playoff game
Friday, March 1, 2013
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2013/14 1st Round Recap
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- T'Wolves shock the #1 Seed Houston Rockets in a 4 Game Sweep... The injury to James Harden in Game 1 hurt the Rockets in a big way... Harden was able to play through the pain but he clearly wasn't himself only averaging 16 points per game throughout the series... Kevin Love for the Wolves was a man amongst boys as he came up big averagin 26 points and 13 rebounds per game...
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- We knew the Suns were the better team but we didn't know that they were 4 straight wins better... Phoenix easily took care of the Blazers 4-0 to move on to face the T'Wolves in the 2nd round... Suns PG Goran Dragic showed why he has made the All Star Team these past two years as he averaged 21 points and 12 assists for the 4 game series... Former #2 overall Pick Michael Beasley has turned the corner in his career it seems... He averaged 18 points and 9 rebounds per game the last two seasons and he stepped it up even more in this Series... Beasley put up 22 points and 11 rebounds per game for the Suns as the Blazers had no answer for him...
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- I picked the Kings to win the Series before it began because of their depth and their ability to slow the game down vs the run happy Warrior squad... Well, that didn't work out as I thought it would, sure, the Kings won the Series in 5 games, but, they couldn't slow down the Warriors as they averaged 107 points per game... Instead of being a slow down pace that I thought, the Kings beat the Warriors at their own game... Up and Down fastbreak offense was the name of the game this series and these two teams put on a show for 5 games...
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- As I expected the Thunder easily handled the Nuggets in 5 games... Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant averaged 58 points per game combined throughout the series... When those two are playing like that I'm not sure if there is a team in the NBA that can stop them... If you recall, the Thunder made it all the way to the West Finals last Season, but, they had to take on the Lakers without Kevin Durant because of a torn ligament in his wrist he sustained vs the Spurs in the West Semi Finals... If Durant can stay healthy this year, I think the Thunder is going to come out of the West...
EAST
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- I didn't give the Knicks much of a chance in this Series, and, They didn't let me down as they were swept out of the first round by the team with the best record in the NBA This Season... Carmelo Anthony did everything he could, averaging 31 points per game in the 4 game series, but, the rest of the Knicks just didn't show up... With the Summer of 2014 now upon them, there could be some big moves coming to the Big Apple... For the Sixers they advance as expected and continue their fantastic Season... The addition of SG Manu Ginobli has done wonders for this team... Manu is a guy that the rest of the team looks up to, and, even if he isn't the player he once was, his leadership and experience are priceless to this young team who fell just short of the NBA Finals last year losing to the Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals...
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- I had a feeling coming into this one that the Wizards might have a slight edge on the inside with Emeka Okafor and Nene vs Tristan Thompson and Samuel Dalembert and, unfortunately I was right... The Cavs lost the series in 5 games, and, every game they lost they were outrebounded, the game they won, they also won the rebounding battle... Cavs PG Kyrie Irving did everything he could to carry his team to victory, averaging 26 points, 8 rebounds and 12 assists per game, but, the rebounding advantage for the Wizards was too much to over-come... This series solidifies what we already knew about the young Cavaliers, and that is, they just aren't quite ready to take that step into the relm of the NBA's Elite Teams... They have a great young core in place with Irving, Waiters, Muhammen and Thompson, but they need some more depth on the front line and maybe another wing player off the bench to really do some damage next season... They will use this as a learning experience and I look for them to come back stronger in the 2015 Season...
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- Chris Bosh strained his Achilles in the final week of the regular season... It was expected that he'd be able to fight through the pain and play in this series, however, he wasn't able to do so... With Bosh out, LeBron James would step up and play Power Forward, and Center throughout the series... LeBron would play 45 minutes per game in the Series and he did everything he could to lead his team, but, in the end the Pacers were able to pull off the Upset of the Playoffs so far knocking off the Heat in Six Games... We knew the Pacers had the Defensive ability to slow down the Heat, and with Bosh out, that made the Pacers job that much easier... Despite LeBron putting up some of the best Playoff Series numbers of all time, 45 minutes, 33 points, 15 rebounds and 9 assists per game, the Heat just didn't have enough from everyone else to get the job done... The win propels the Pacers into the 2nd round and the loss raises numerous questions on South Beach... With the league collective bargaining agreement changing next year, there are many that believe there is no way that the Heat will be able to keep "The Big 3" of LeBron, Wade, and Bosh... All 3 have player options for 2015 but, there have already been rumors of all 3 wanting to explore free agency... Stay tuned...
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- For the Nets, many fans and media members thought there NBA Final Asperations went away when SG Joe Johnson went down with a Torn MCL in the 1st game of the series... The Nets rallied and that was not to be the case... The Bulls, who lost to the Lakers in Six games in the NBA Finals last year, had their sights set on a return trip this Season... The Brooklyn Nets had a different idea though and this would be the best 1st round Series of them all... 7 games of pure basketball joy for the fans... In the end it would be the Nets that would come out on top, thanks in large part to the Deadline acquisition from the Lakers Pau Gasol... In the Series Gasol average 25 points and 12 rebounds per game... Gasol had 25 and 10 in the series clinching 7th game... Derrick Rose had 39 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists and 2 steals in Game 7 but it wasn't enough... Brooklyn moves on and the Bulls go home...
WEST
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- T'Wolves shock the #1 Seed Houston Rockets in a 4 Game Sweep... The injury to James Harden in Game 1 hurt the Rockets in a big way... Harden was able to play through the pain but he clearly wasn't himself only averaging 16 points per game throughout the series... Kevin Love for the Wolves was a man amongst boys as he came up big averagin 26 points and 13 rebounds per game...
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- We knew the Suns were the better team but we didn't know that they were 4 straight wins better... Phoenix easily took care of the Blazers 4-0 to move on to face the T'Wolves in the 2nd round... Suns PG Goran Dragic showed why he has made the All Star Team these past two years as he averaged 21 points and 12 assists for the 4 game series... Former #2 overall Pick Michael Beasley has turned the corner in his career it seems... He averaged 18 points and 9 rebounds per game the last two seasons and he stepped it up even more in this Series... Beasley put up 22 points and 11 rebounds per game for the Suns as the Blazers had no answer for him...
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- I picked the Kings to win the Series before it began because of their depth and their ability to slow the game down vs the run happy Warrior squad... Well, that didn't work out as I thought it would, sure, the Kings won the Series in 5 games, but, they couldn't slow down the Warriors as they averaged 107 points per game... Instead of being a slow down pace that I thought, the Kings beat the Warriors at their own game... Up and Down fastbreak offense was the name of the game this series and these two teams put on a show for 5 games...
vs
- As I expected the Thunder easily handled the Nuggets in 5 games... Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant averaged 58 points per game combined throughout the series... When those two are playing like that I'm not sure if there is a team in the NBA that can stop them... If you recall, the Thunder made it all the way to the West Finals last Season, but, they had to take on the Lakers without Kevin Durant because of a torn ligament in his wrist he sustained vs the Spurs in the West Semi Finals... If Durant can stay healthy this year, I think the Thunder is going to come out of the West...
EAST
vs
- I didn't give the Knicks much of a chance in this Series, and, They didn't let me down as they were swept out of the first round by the team with the best record in the NBA This Season... Carmelo Anthony did everything he could, averaging 31 points per game in the 4 game series, but, the rest of the Knicks just didn't show up... With the Summer of 2014 now upon them, there could be some big moves coming to the Big Apple... For the Sixers they advance as expected and continue their fantastic Season... The addition of SG Manu Ginobli has done wonders for this team... Manu is a guy that the rest of the team looks up to, and, even if he isn't the player he once was, his leadership and experience are priceless to this young team who fell just short of the NBA Finals last year losing to the Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals...
vs
- I had a feeling coming into this one that the Wizards might have a slight edge on the inside with Emeka Okafor and Nene vs Tristan Thompson and Samuel Dalembert and, unfortunately I was right... The Cavs lost the series in 5 games, and, every game they lost they were outrebounded, the game they won, they also won the rebounding battle... Cavs PG Kyrie Irving did everything he could to carry his team to victory, averaging 26 points, 8 rebounds and 12 assists per game, but, the rebounding advantage for the Wizards was too much to over-come... This series solidifies what we already knew about the young Cavaliers, and that is, they just aren't quite ready to take that step into the relm of the NBA's Elite Teams... They have a great young core in place with Irving, Waiters, Muhammen and Thompson, but they need some more depth on the front line and maybe another wing player off the bench to really do some damage next season... They will use this as a learning experience and I look for them to come back stronger in the 2015 Season...
vs
- Chris Bosh strained his Achilles in the final week of the regular season... It was expected that he'd be able to fight through the pain and play in this series, however, he wasn't able to do so... With Bosh out, LeBron James would step up and play Power Forward, and Center throughout the series... LeBron would play 45 minutes per game in the Series and he did everything he could to lead his team, but, in the end the Pacers were able to pull off the Upset of the Playoffs so far knocking off the Heat in Six Games... We knew the Pacers had the Defensive ability to slow down the Heat, and with Bosh out, that made the Pacers job that much easier... Despite LeBron putting up some of the best Playoff Series numbers of all time, 45 minutes, 33 points, 15 rebounds and 9 assists per game, the Heat just didn't have enough from everyone else to get the job done... The win propels the Pacers into the 2nd round and the loss raises numerous questions on South Beach... With the league collective bargaining agreement changing next year, there are many that believe there is no way that the Heat will be able to keep "The Big 3" of LeBron, Wade, and Bosh... All 3 have player options for 2015 but, there have already been rumors of all 3 wanting to explore free agency... Stay tuned...
vs
- For the Nets, many fans and media members thought there NBA Final Asperations went away when SG Joe Johnson went down with a Torn MCL in the 1st game of the series... The Nets rallied and that was not to be the case... The Bulls, who lost to the Lakers in Six games in the NBA Finals last year, had their sights set on a return trip this Season... The Brooklyn Nets had a different idea though and this would be the best 1st round Series of them all... 7 games of pure basketball joy for the fans... In the end it would be the Nets that would come out on top, thanks in large part to the Deadline acquisition from the Lakers Pau Gasol... In the Series Gasol average 25 points and 12 rebounds per game... Gasol had 25 and 10 in the series clinching 7th game... Derrick Rose had 39 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists and 2 steals in Game 7 but it wasn't enough... Brooklyn moves on and the Bulls go home...
**2013/14 NBA PLAYOFFS**
(1) 53-29
vs
(8) 42-40
- HOU - James Harden / Jeremy Lin - 47.2 points, 13.4 assists and 9.7 rebounds per game
- MIN - Paul Pierce - 18.2 points per game in 28 games with T'Wolves
- MIN - Kevin Love - 22.3 points, 11 rebounds per game
- T'Wolves were the #1 Seed last year... Made the Deadline Deal for Paul Pierce but, I'm not sure if they have the firepower, even with Pierce to handle the high scoring Rockets
(4) 45-37
vs
(5) 45-37
- PHX - SF Michael Beasley finally living up to expectations... Averaging 18 and 8 for the 2nd straight season for the Suns
- PHX - PG Goran Dragic 16.9 points and 10.1 assists per game
- POR - PF LaMarcus Aldridge 19.9 points and 8.1 rebounds per game
- POR - PG Damian Lillard 16.1 points, 7.9 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game
- The Suns are good but I don't think they are the favorite here... This series is a toss up as both teams are equally talented.
(3) 46-36
vs
(6) 43-39
- SAC - Best young team in the league? C DeMarcus Cousins, SF Tyreke Evans, SG Marcus Thornton all average over 17 points per game.
- GSW - PG Stephen Curry - 24.5 points, 7.7 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game
- GSW - SG Clay Thompson - 21 points per game - .479% 3pt shooter
- I look for the Kings to take care of the Warriors... Too much size inside and they will slow down that uptempo Warrior Offense and force them into a half court game
(2) 48-34
vs
(7) 42-10
- OKC - Westbrook / Durant - 48.6 points per game... Durant 2nd worst Season of Career only shooting .437% from the field and only .348% from 3pt range
- DEN - Likes to Run, Run, Run.. PG Ty Lawson leads the way 17.6 points per game and 8.7 assists per game
- DEN - PG Kenneth Faried - 14.5 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game.
- OKC has the two best players on the court... That's always a good thing... I don't think Denver, although very deep, can hang with the Thunder.
(1) 62-20
vs
(8) 41-41
- PHI - Best record in NBA... Great Defense plus Double figure scoring from all 5 starters
- NYK - SF Carmelo Anthony - 26.9 points, 7.8 rebounds per game
- NYK - PF Amare Stoudemire - 20.0 points, 7.1 rebounds per game
- Stop Melo, Stop the Knicks, Philly will do just that and take care of the Knicks quickly
(4) 48-34
vs
(5) 45-37
- WAS - PG John Wall - 23.9 points, 8.3 assists per game
- CLE - PG Kyrie Irving - 24.0 points, 8.3 assists, 5.0 rebounds per game
- CLE - SF Shabazz Muhammad - 16.5 points, 5.0 assists, 5.0 rebounds per game
- John Wall vs Kyrie Irving will be fun to watch... I fear that Washington has more of an inside presence with Nene and Okafor... However, during the Season the Cavaliers were the #1 rebounding team in the league so, this Series could go either way... Whoever rebounds better will win the Series...
(3) 49-33
vs
(6) 44-38
- MIA - SF LeBron James - 5 time League MVP, 25.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks per game this year
- MIA - SG Dwayne Wade - 22.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists per game.
- IND - Danny Granger leads the team with 20 points per game.
Very tough defensive team (IND) will need to play their best series ever to knock off the Heat... Granger, Georger and Green can fill it up and play great defense but I don't think they pull off the upset.
(2) 52-30
vs
(7) 44-38
- CHI - Derick Rose, NBA Scoring Champion with 28.8 points per game.
- BKN - 16-11 since Pau Gasol trade.
- Should be a physical defensive series with Chicago coming out on top.
2013/14 Season Recap
The Season has come to an end... Below you will see a bevy of information about the past year... Enjoy
The Season has come to an end... Below you will see a bevy of information about the past year... Enjoy
| 2013/14 Regular Season Awards | |||
| Award | Player | Pos | Team |
| Most Valuable Player | LeBron James (5) | SF | Miami Heat |
| Rookie of the Year | Cody Zeller | C | Orlando Magic |
| Sixth Man of the Year | Chase Budinger | SF | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| Defensive Player of the Year | Dwight Howard (5) | C | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Most Improved Player | Corey Brewer | SG | Denver Nuggets |
| Coach of the Year | Doug Collins (62-20) | Philidelphia 76ers | |
| All-NBA 1st Team | |||
| All-NBA 1st Team | Derrick Rose (2) | PG | Chicago Bulls |
| Sephen Curry | PG | Golden State Warriors | |
| LeBron James (8) | SF | Miami Heat | |
| Blake Griffin | PF | Los Angeles Clippers | |
| Dwight Howard (7) | C | Los Angeles Lakers | |
| All-NBA 2nd Team | |||
| All-NBA 2nd Team | Kyrie Irving | PG | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| John Wall | PG | Washington Wizards | |
| Carmelo Anthony | SF | New York Knicks | |
| Josh Smith | PF | Atlanta Hawks | |
| DeMarcus Cousins | C | Sacramento Kings | |
| All-NBA 3rd Team | |||
| All-NBA 3rd Team | Russell Westbrook | PG | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| Goran Dragic | PG | Phoenix Suns | |
| Kevin Love | PF | Minnesota Timberwolves | |
| Andre Iguodala | SF | Denver Nuggets | |
| Cody Zeller | C | Orlando Magic | |
| All-Defensive 1st Team | |||
| All-Defensive 1st Team | Paul George (2) | SG | Indiana Pacers |
| Dwayne Wade (2) | SG | Miami Heat | |
| Josh Smith (2) | PF | Atlanta Hawks | |
| Serge Ibaka (2) | PF | Oklahoma City Thunder | |
| Dwight Howard (6) | C | Los Angeles Lakers | |
| All-Defensive 2nd Team | |||
| All-Defensive 2nd Team | Stephen Curry | PG | Golden State Warriors |
| Ricky Rubio | PG | Minnesota Timberwolves | |
| Kenneth Faried | PF | Denver Nuggets | |
| Tyrus Thomas | PF | Charlotte Bobcats | |
| DeAndre Jordan | C | Los Angeles Clippers | |
| All-Rookie 1st Team | |||
| All-Rookie 1st Team | Myck Kabongo | PG | Milwaukee Bucks |
| Shabazz Muhammad | SG | Cleveland Cavaliers | |
| Nerlens Noel | PF | New Orleans Hornets | |
| James McAdoo | SF | Detroit Pistons | |
| Cody Zeller | C | Orlando Magic | |
| All-Rookie 2nd Team | |||
| All-Rookie 2nd Team | Alex Poythress | SF | Boston Celtics |
| Tony Mitchell | SF | Houston Rockets | |
| Rudy Gobert | C | Charlotte Bobcats | |
| DeShaun Thomas | SF | Utah Jazz | |
| Dario Saric | SF | Washington Wizards | |
MVP... Again...
LeBron James wins his 5th MVP Award (3rd straight0 in the last Six Seasons... LeBron averaged 25.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game... He shot .499% from the floor and played in all 82 games... Clearly, LeBron is the best player in the game todayDefensive Player of the Year
Scoring Champion
The Cavaliers were once again led by PG Kyrie Irving... On the year Kyrie averaged 24 points, 8.3 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game... Rookie SG / SF Shabazz Muhammad finished 2nd on the team, scoring 16.5 points per game... Muhammad also added 5 rebounds, 5 assits and 1.5 steals per game... 3rd year PF Tristan Thompson had his best Season as a pro, averaging 14.4 points, 9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game... 2nd year SG Dion Waiters had a slight set back in production, because of the addition of Muhammad but Waiters still had a good sophomore season.. Waiters averaged 12.8 points, 2.7 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game...
All in all the young Cavaliers did allot of growing this year... Making the playoffs for the first time in the Kyrie Irving era is a huge accomplishment for this team... As has been shown in the past, winning in the NBA is something that is a process... The chances of a team acquiring great young talent and then going all the way are very slim... Most teams need to take their lumps in the Playoffs, learn from it, build on the experience and move on further next year... I don't know if the Cavaliers can or will beat the Wizards in the 1st round as both teams are young and have many similarities... I can tell you that I don't expect them to get out of the 2nd round, whether they play the 76ers or the Knicks...
April 1st - 2014
Entering the final 10 or so games of the regular season, here are how things have shaken up around the league...
First and foremost, my Cavaliers are 41-31 and currently the 5th seed in the East
Ok, now here's how the rest of the league is doing...
EAST
WEST
The Sixers continue their great regular Season while the Veteran teams seem to all be getting older by the second... Celtics, Spurs, Lakers and Mavericks are all well out of the Playoff race... Young teams around the league are starting to take over the league... Teams like the Rockets, Kings, Blazers, T'Wolves, Wizards and my Cavaliers all have good young cores to build around and they should be able to keep the majority of their teams together for the next few Seasons at the very least...
MVP RACE
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
-----
That's all I've got for now... I'll update you all on how the final month goes and give a nice Season recap with a Playoff Preview here in the next few days...
First and foremost, my Cavaliers are 41-31 and currently the 5th seed in the East
Ok, now here's how the rest of the league is doing...
EAST
- 76ers - 58-15
- Bulls - 46-26
- Heat - 43-31
- Wizards - 43-31
- Cavaliers - 41-31
- Pacers - 39-35
- Nets - 37-36
- Knicks - 36-37
- aptors - 32-41
- Bucks - 29-43
- Pistons - 29-45
- Celtics - 27-45
- Hawks - 26-47
- Bobcats - 25-48
- Magic - 24-49
WEST
- Rockets - 47-26
- Kings - 43-31
- Thunder - 40-33
- Suns - 40-34
- T-Wolves - 40-34
- Blazers - 39-33
- Nuggets - 39-35
- Warriors - 39-35
- Clippers - 38-36
- Jazz - 37-37
- Hornets - 36-38
- Spurs - 34-39
- Grizzlies - 34-39
- Lakers - 33-41
- Mavericks - 25-48
The Sixers continue their great regular Season while the Veteran teams seem to all be getting older by the second... Celtics, Spurs, Lakers and Mavericks are all well out of the Playoff race... Young teams around the league are starting to take over the league... Teams like the Rockets, Kings, Blazers, T'Wolves, Wizards and my Cavaliers all have good young cores to build around and they should be able to keep the majority of their teams together for the next few Seasons at the very least...
MVP RACE
- LeBron James - Heat
- Jrue Holiday - Sixers
- Andrew Bynum - Sixers
- Evan Turner - Sixers
- Derrick Rose - Bulls
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
- Cody Zeller - Magic
- Nerlens Noel - Hornets
- Shabazz Muhammad - Cavaliers
- Myck Kabongo - Bucks
- James McAdoo - Pistons
-----
That's all I've got for now... I'll update you all on how the final month goes and give a nice Season recap with a Playoff Preview here in the next few days...
I just pulled off this trade for the Celtics and TWolves in my Association (see sig)...
If you read my Association posts, you'll see that the Celtics have pretty much fallen out of the class of NBA Elite because Pierce and KG are just getting too old... Boston has the 3rd worst record in the East... Meanwhile, the TWolves, who are now one of the better teams in the West look to be ready to take that next step and are in need of some veteran leadership... They finished as the #1 seed last year, and are in the mix for the #1 seed again this year...
With that in mind, here's the trade
Celtics Trade
SF Paul Pierce - 36yr old - 81ovr
Twolves Trade
SF Andre Kirilenko - 33yr 0ld - 71ovr
SF/PF Derrick Williams - 22yr old - 75ovr
Pierce is averaging about 18 points per game for the Celtics, and he's clearly got more left in the tank than KG (who is retiring after the season)... Pierce gives the TWolves that veteran presence and leadership that should make them a favorite to come out of the West...
Derrick Williams, former #2 overall pick of the TWolves hasn't really blossomed into what the Wolves were hoping he'd be when he was drafted... His play on the floor has led to less minutes for him off the bench and he was begging to voice his frustrations... AK47 was just a throw in for contract purposes...
I guess the real question is, how much is an NBA Title worth to you? Would you give up on a guy that has allot of upside (williams), for a shot to win a Title RIGHT NOW with a proven vet (pierce)... Or, do you think the T'Wolves gave up too much?
What are your thoughts?
--
PS: the Celtics have also been shopping Kevin Garnett, however, with him announcing that he will be retiring after this Season, there don't seem to be many teams interested in a 3 month rental of the future hall of famer... The Clippers, Kings, and Sixers are the front runners to land KG, but, It's not looking likely that he's moved...
Although, you never know... After the Pierce trade its clear that the Celtics in full rebuild mode... They'd probably be happy with anything in return for KG at this point.
-- Stay Tuned --
Thursday, February 28, 2013
--- 2013-14 Deadline Deals ---
Cavs trade (C) Andy Varejo to Mavericks for (SF) Shawn Marion and a 1st rounder.
--- Mavericks making a bold move and going for broke with one last push for the Playoffs... Andy gives them that rebounding / defensive presence they've never had... Cavs get expiring Shawn Marion and a 1st round pick... The 1st round pick is conditional and is lottery protected for 2014, but in 2015 and 2016 there are no restrictions on it and the Cavs will have the choice of when they want to use it or trade it...
Jazz trade (PF) Paul Millsap to Clipper for (PG) Eric Bledsue
--- Millsap solidifies the Clips front line because outside of Blake and DeAndre there isn't much "umph" up front... Bledsue will be the Point Guard for the foreseeable future in Utah when Mo Williams contract expires...
Lakers trade (PF) Pau Gasol to the Nets for (PF) Chris Humphries
--- Nets are in the thick of things in the East, and Pau can score better than Humphries... With DWill and Pau on the pick and pop that should add a whole new dimension to the Nets Offense... The Lakers are pretty much out of it this year in the West and Humphries could be a solid, younger defender and rebounder for them if they chose to re-sign him...
---
I think there were a few more smaller moves that I made but I can't remember right now lol... I wish I could view my Association online or something
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