Bringing the NBA to Oklahoma City: NBA 2K9

[JetsIn06]

April 16th, 2012 - NBA Playoffs - Round One (Game One)

#6 Portland Trail Blazers @ #3 Oklahoma City Thunder

STARTING LINEUPS

BLAZERS

PG Farmar
SG Roy
SF Webster
PF Aldridge
C Oden

THUNDER

PG House
SG Durant
SF Dean
PF Bargnani
C Stoudemire

---

FIRST HALF

Here we go kids! Game one of the first round of the 2012 playoffs.

Bargnani strikes first on a close shot and we go up 2-0.

Halfway through the first quarter and we're up by one, 15-14. Bargnani is leading the way for us with 8 points already.

We go on a 10-0 run and with 3:39 left we're up 25-14.

The first ends and we are up 32-21.

After six minutes, the margin is the same. We're up 43-32. Bargnani has 14 and Durant has 12.

At the end of the half, they've cut the lead to seven. We're up 50-43.

HALFTIME STATS

OKC

PTS: 50
REB: 22
AST: 12
STL: 4
BLK: 1
TO: 6
FG%: 50
3PT%: 50

POR

PTS: 43
REB: 15
AST: 8
STL: 4
BLK: 3
TO: 7
FG%: 53
3PT%: 25

SECOND HALF

Eight minutes into the second half and Portland as cut the lead to five. We've held Oden, but they are spreading the ball around well.

We quickly get back on track and the third quarter ends with us up 71-59.

With 3:30 left, they cut the lead to six. And then Oden hits a shot to bring it to 4.

Crap.

Woo! Dean makes a steal and Durant puts it in, then Aldridge turns the ball over and Stoudemire puts it in.

With 29 seconds left, we're up eight and this one is over. But in the last minute, House strains his achilles and will be out 2-4 weeks. Luckily, I'm okay with Luther Head at PG.

Oklahoma City 91, Portland 81

FINAL STATS

OKC

Stoudemire: 27-11-3
Durant: 17-9-5
Bargnani: 16-3-1

POR

Roy: 17-1-2
Outlaw: 13-2-0
Webster: 7-5-5

[JetsIn06]

April 18th, 2012 - NBA Playoffs - Round One (Game Two)

#6 Portland Trail Blazers @ #3 Oklahoma City Thunder

Thunder lead the series 1-0

STARTING LINEUPS

BLAZERS

PG Farmar
SG Roy
SF Webster
PF Aldridge
C Oden

THUNDER

PG Head
SG Durant
SF Dean
PF Bargnani
C Stoudemire

---

FIRST HALF

Dean opens it up on a close shot after a rebound from Amare.

Halfway through and we're already up 15-7, but we can't let up. Dean has scored five points and is looking good.

With 4:24 left, we've brought the lead to double digits and it's 19-9.

The first comes to an end and we're up 33-18. Nice!

We're up twenty as the first half comes to end, and we're going to simulate to the end.


Oklahoma City 123, Portland 81

FINAL STATS

OKC

Durant: 36-8-3
Batum: 32-2-2
Stoudemire: 14-8-0
Head: 5-2-8

POR

Roy: 16-4-5
Outlaw: 11-5-0
Farmar: 6-2-7

[JetsIn06]

April 20th, 2012 - NBA Playoffs - Round One (Game Three)

#3 Oklahoma City Thunder @ #6 Portland Trail Blazers

Thunder lead the series 2-0

STARTING LINEUPS

BLAZERS

PG Farmar
SG Roy
SF Webster
PF Aldridge
C Oden

THUNDER

PG Head
SG Durant
SF Dean
PF Bargnani
C Stoudemire

---

FIRST HALF

Yuck. We start the first half by going down 19-13.

The first quarter comes to a close and we're down 35-25. Oh boy.

A few minutes go by in the 2nd quarter and we've cut the lead to three. Portland is up 41-38.

Dean NAILS a three and it's tied up at 41!

With 4:50 left, we take the lead on a shot from Batum, we're up 45-43.

The half ends with us up 56-52.

HALFTIME STATS

OKC

PTS: 56
REB: 16
AST: 11
STL: 6
BLK: 1
TO: 5
FG%: 50
3PT%: 57

POR

PTS: 52
REB: 18
AST: 12
STL: 2
BLK: 2
TO: 10
FG%: 60
3PT%: 50

SECOND HALF

We quickly jump out and score five unanswered which brings the lead to nine.

About halfway through the third and we are up 77-66. So far, Stoudemire is leading the team with 21 points and also 4 rebounds, and 2 assists.

We dominate the rest of the quarter and at the end of three we are up 91-75.

It ends with no surprises and we're up 3-0!

Oklahoma City 118, Portland 101

FINAL STATS

OKC

Durant: 26-6-5
Batum: 16-1-1
Stoudemire: 27-5-3
Dean: 14-4-5

POR

Aldridge: 21-4-0
Roy: 16-7-5
Outlaw: 13-2-1
Farmar: 8-2-7

[JetsIn06]

April 22nd, 2012 - NBA Playoffs - Round One (Game Four)

#3 Oklahoma City Thunder @ #6 Portland Trail Blazers

Thunder lead the series 3-0

STARTING LINEUPS

BLAZERS

PG Farmar
SG Roy
SF Webster
PF Aldridge
C Oden

THUNDER

PG Head
SG Durant
SF Dean
PF Bargnani
C Stoudemire

---

FIRST HALF

We jump out to a 19-4 lead in the first five minutes and this one's already got the look of a blowout. Can we sweep it here?

At the end of one, we're up 36-21.

They cut the lead to ten with 7:41 left in the half.

With 1:24 left, they cut it to six, but the half ends with us 57-59.

HALFTIME STATS

OKC

PTS: 57
REB: 16
AST: 13
STL: 7
BLK: 3
TO: 8
FG%: 60
3PT%: 62

POR

PTS: 49
REB: 18
AST: 13
STL: 6
BLK: 1
TO: 9
FG%: 50
3PT%: 66

SECOND HALF

The third quarter goes by quickly and we're up by 20, 83-63 at the end of the quarter.

At the halfway mark of the 4th, we're up 25 and this one is over!

Time officialy expires and we're on to the next round! We've swept the Blazers!

Oklahoma City 118, Portland 90

FINAL STATS

OKC

Durant: 18-4-3
Batum: 18-1-0
Stoudemire: 22-6-1
Dean: 17-6-6
Bargnani: 17-6-6

POR

Roy: 20-6-3
Dragic: 13-1-1
Outlaw: 11-3-1

[JetsIn06]

NBA PLAYOFFS: ROUND ONE RESULTS

EAST

Bulls (1) 2
Hawks (8) 4

Holy crap. What a huge upset. The Bulls were by far the best team in the league and get knocked out in the first round by the #8 seed!

--

Cavaliers (4) 4
Nets (5) 1

--

76ers (3) 2
Bucks (6) 4

--

Bobcats (2) 4
Raptors (7) 0

WEST

Lakers (1) 4
Kings (8) 1

Damn. If only the huge upset happened in the West. Even if I beat the Grizzlies, I'll probably have to face the Lakers who absolutely destroyed me in the regular season.

--

Clippers (4) 2
Hornets (5) 4

--

Thunder (3) 4
Blazers (6) 0

--

Grizzlies (2) 4
Nuggets (7) 2

[JetsIn06]

May 2nd, 2012 - NBA Playoffs - Round Two (Game One)

#3 Oklahoma City Thunder @ #2 Memphis Grizzlies

Series is tied at 0-0

STARTING LINEUPS

GRIZZLIES

PG Livingston
SG Mayo
SF Gay
PF Arthur
C Gasol

THUNDER

PG Head
SG Durant
SF Dean
PF Bargnani
C Stoudemire

---

FIRST HALF

Durant opens up the second round of the playoffs with a close jumper and puts us ahead 2-0.

We jump out to a 9-4 lead about four minutes into the game.

Five minutes in and we're up 12-4 and Memphis has yet to score on anything other than free throws.

Halfway in now, we're up 16-4.

They finally hit a shot from the paint with 4:30 left in the quarter, but at this point we are up by 16 points. Can we keep this up?

The first quarter ends with us up 33-19. Durant is leading us with 9 PTS.

Five minutes in and we're still up by ten points, 37-27.

The first quarter ends and we are up only five points, 47-42.

HALFTIME STATS

OKC

PTS: 47
REB: 27
AST: 10
STL: 4
BLK: 4
TO: 6
FG%: 39
3PT%: 22

MEM

PTS: 42
REB: 25
AST: 8
STL: 2
BLK: 0
TO: 11
FG%: 40
3PT%: 33

SECOND HALF

With 9:00 left in the 3rd, they cut our lead to one, but we turn it on and get our lead back up to 8 just two minutes later. With 3:44 left, it's 68-60.

With 1:27 left, Memphis just called a timeout and they are down 73-64.

Durant currently has 23 points and Bargnani has 21.

The third quarter ends with us in the lead, 78-72.

But just two minutes and and we've brought the lead to 11, 85-74.

And with just a minute left, we're up 99-86 and this one is over!

Oklahoma City 101, Memphis 90

FINAL STATS

OKC

Durant: 37-12-10
Stoudemire: 23-11-0
Bargnani: 21-6-0
Dean: 8-4-9

MEM

Gay: 32-7-7
Arthur: 12-2-11
Mayo: 12-7-0

[JetsIn06]

May 4th, 2012 - NBA Playoffs - Round Two (Game Two)

#3 Oklahoma City Thunder @ #2 Memphis Grizzlies

Thunder are up 1-0

STARTING LINEUPS

GRIZZLIES

PG Livingston
SG Mayo
SF Gay
PF Arthur
C Gasol

THUNDER

PG Head
SG Durant
SF Dean
PF Bargnani
C Stoudemire

---

FIRST HALF

The first quarter is about halfway done and both teams are keeping up with each other.

We're up 17-15 and there is 4:44 left.

They tie it up and we trade baskets for a while, and with 2:16 left it's tied at 23.

The first quarter ends and we're up 32-26.

The 2nd quarter brings more of the same. No one can gain any ground on each other, and halftime comes with us up 61-58. Luther Head leads us with 14 PTS.

HALFTIME STATS

OKC

PTS: 61
REB: 20
AST: 13
STL: 2
BLK: 2
TO: 5
FG%: 48
3PT%: 42

MEM

PTS: 58
REB: 20
AST: 8
STL: 3
BLK: 0
TO: 5
FG%: 54
3PT%: 25

SECOND HALF

We open up with a 7-0 run, but give minutes in and they've not only caught up, but gone on a run of their own and are now up 75-69.

With 5:30 left, we get within two again. Then they hit two threes in a row, but we answer back.

With 39 seconds left in the 3rd, it's all tied up at 82.

They hit a shot with 9 seconds left to go up 84-82, and here comes the 4th.

We go up after Bargnani nails a three with 10:22 left.

Woo! Durant hits a three and now we are up 92-86 five minutes in.

Halfway through the last quarter and we're up 98-90.

With 1:10 left, we are up 104-101. They have the ball. They go for the 2 but miss and we get the rebound.

Their next possesion they get the two and with 20 seconds left, we're only up one.

Head gets fouled but makes both and the game ends with us up 106-103!

Oklahoma City 106, Memphis 103

FINAL STATS

OKC

Head: 20-1-6
Stoudemire: 18-5-2
Durant: 18-6-8
Dean: 16-8-6

MEM

Gay: 19-6-6
Arthur: 19-5-0
Terry: 17-0-2

[JetsIn06]

Round Two: Game Three

Thunder up 2-0

The first quarter is a close one, with Memphis up 28-24. Dean is stepping it up with 15 points through a quarter and a half.

Midway through the 2nd and we tie it up. They are up 10 at the end of the half though.

We cut the lead though and at the end of three, they're up 75-69.

But they quickly go up ten again.

We cut it to five with 3:00 left, but can't catch up in time.

Grizzlies 100, Thunder 87 (Dean: 26-3-0; Durant: 20-7-7; Stoudemire: 12-7-2)

[JetsIn06]

Round Two: Game Four

Thunder up 2-1

We take this one easily, 102-81.

Durant had a stellar game, dropping 41 points on Memphis. Stoudemire had 17, Head had 10, and Bargnani had 9. Durant also led the team in rebounds, assists, steals.

Thunder 102, Grizzlies 81

[JetsIn06]

Round Two: Game Five

Thunder up 3-1

The 1st is close and it ends with us up by one basket, 25-23. Durant has 12 points already and looks like he could top last games performance.

We suck ass in the 2nd and are down 14 points at halftime. Durant only had 3 points and the team only had eight this quarter.

We cut the lead in the 3rd but are still down 8, 68-60.

Durant has 22 so far. As the 4th starts, we cut the lead to five with 8:56 left. Five minutes in and we're down only 79-77.

We bring it to one and then go ahead, but they answer right back and it's 82-80.

With 2:19 left, they are up four, 94-90. Come on guys!

They go up seven and it's just too hard to catch up.

Grizzlies 99, Thunder 93 (Dean: 24-8-10; Durant: 24-3-4; Bargnani: 13-2-1)

[JetsIn06]

Round Two: Game Six

Thunder up 3-2

The first quarter is close as usual and ends in a tie, 32-32.

But we gain some ground in the 2nd and go up 53-46. Durant has 12 PTS and 8 REB so far. House is 2nd with 9 PTS.

Shit. The third quarter ends with the Grizzlies up 11, 83-72. We gotta come back!

But we can't. Memphis wins and we're going to game seven.

Grizzlies 112, Thunder 97 (Durant: 20-11-5; Stoudemire: 15-5-0; Bargnani: 13-6-1)

[JetsIn06]

Round Two: Game Seven

Series is tied 3-3

We finish the 1st quarter down 28-23. Durant leads with 7 point for us.

We gain some ground and are down by just one at the half, 50-49. Durant and Dean are the only guys on our squad with double digit points.

Yes! The third ends and we're up by six, 78-72. We NEED to hold them here or our season is over. Defense! Defense!

They come within three with 8:13 left and have the ball. Shit. They tie it up with 7:28 left.

They go up 7 with 3:50 left. FUCK.

With 1:40 left, we're down 99-93.

And our season is over. Wow.

Grizzlies 104, Thunder 98 (Durant: 21-3-8; Stoudemire: 16-7-2; Bargnani: 15-4-0; Dean: 14-4-6)

[JetsIn06]

NBA PLAYOFFS: ROUND TWO RESULTS

EAST

Hawks (8) 3
Cavaliers (4) 4

--

Bucks (6) 3
Bobcats (2) 4

WEST

Lakers (1) 4
Hornets (5) 3

--

Thunder (3) 3
Grizzlies (2) 4

[JetsIn06]

NBA PLAYOFFS: ROUND THREE RESULTS

EAST

Cavaliers (4) 4
Bobcats (2) 3

WEST

Lakers (1) 4
Grizzlies (2) 3

[JetsIn06]

'11-'12 FINALS

LOS ANGELES LAKERS vs. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

GM 1: Cavs 91, Lakers 70
(James: 27-7-7; West: 15-5-4)

GM 2: Lakers 97, Cavs 82
(Bryant: 33-5-4; Gasol: 23-5-1)

GM 3: Lakers 106, Cavs 97
(Bryant: 28-2-6; Bynum: 26-14-1)

GM 4: Cavs 94, Lakers 92
(James: 38-4-6; Ilgauskas: 12-6-1)

GM 5: Cavs 117, Lakers 116
(James: 37-17-8; Williams: 20-3-10)

GM 6: Cavs 103, Lakers 96
(James: 24-8-2; Williams: 10-2-8)



THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS ARE NBA CHAMPIONS!

MVP: SF LeBron James (24.8 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 7.1 APG)

[JetsIn06]

Retiring Players

PF A. McDyess - Bulls - 17 yrs, 37 yo
PG M. Hames - Horners - 11, 37 yo
SG B. Barry - Magic - 17, 40 yo
C S. O'Neal - Suns - 20, 40 yo
PG D. Fisher - T'Wolves - 16, 37 yo

[JetsIn06]

OFF-SEASON

We've only got one very important option, and that's for former #1 overall PG/SG Darius House.

Player Options:

SG Troy Law: $502k (2 yr Team) Accepted
C Dmitri Elliot: $543k (Team) Accepted
PG Jean Micoud: $502k (Team) Accepted
PG Darius House: $5.11m (2 yr Team) Accepted

[JetsIn06]

OFF-SEASON

Player Re-Signing:

Here are they players whose contracts are expiring:
(B) = Bird Rights

C Kurt Thomas (B) Re-signed
SF Nicolas Batum (B) Re-signed
SG Greg Buckner Re-signed
SG Roman Semenko Let Go

First thing we do is sign up Thomas for next year. He's old, but he's cheap and still a pretty good backup center.

We also get Buckner on a one year minimum deal.

Batum came over in a trade with Phoenix. I like him a lot, and because he's got three bid years or more, I can sign him easily for a few years. He gives us excellent depth. He'll be our sixth man. We give him a four year deal with a 5th year that is a team option.

[JetsIn06]

OFF-SEASON

Draft Lottery

Let's see who will make the first pick this year.

1) Washington
2) Boston
3) San Anotonio
4) Houston
5) New York
6) Minnesota
7) Phoenix
8) Detroit
9) Indiana
10) Golden State
11) Dallas
12) Orlando
13) Utah
14) Miami

Here we go! Let's see what the lottery balls say!

1) Washington
2) New York (+3)
3) Houston (+1)
4) Boston (-2)
5) San Antonio (-2)
6) Minnesota
7) Phoenix
8) Detoriot
9) Indiana
10) Golden State
11) Dallas
12) Orlando
13) Utah
14) Miami

[JetsIn06]

2012 NBA DRAFT INFO

I've got the 25th overall pick, the 29th overall pick, the the 37th overall pick. I consider packaging them to move up, but I don't really have a need that I could target. Right now, all I need is solid depth.

Mock Draft

The mock has us taking PF Gregg Bates from Canada with the 25th pick. This is a guy that I spent a lot of time scouting. He's got a good inside game on offense and defense. He's a big guy; 6'10" and tipping the scales at 272 lbs. His biggest weakness is outside shooting. He's got absolutely nothing going for him in that area.

With the 29th pick, the mock has us taking Russian SG Dmitiri Klimov. I really, really don't like this guy. Horribly defensively, no outside shooting skills.

Top Five

Here are the Top 5 players in the draft.

1) SG Manny Cruz - Puerto Rico
2) SG Carlton Coleman - South Carolina
3) SG Nick Vincent - Northwestern
4) PG Elton Lambert - Boston U
5) PG Hason Basturk - Turkey

[JetsIn06]

2012 NBA DRAFT

Here we go!

With the 1st pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, the Washington Wizards select...

Ian Jink, center from Providence College.

Hmm. Interesting pick, but I guess it was a need. He's not great offensively and is okay on defense. His true strength is rebounding.

Crap. PF Gregg Bates gets taken by Cleveland with the 24th pick. He was really the last guy that I wanted. Everyone else available really kind of sucks.

I end up taking a guy that was projected to go in the 2nd, but he really looks like the best player to me.

We select SG Victor Johnson from Georgia Tech.

Our next pick comes up and we see a player that we like.

We select PG Rolondo House from Georgia Tech.

Nice, two players from the same school. House is a great playmaker, a pretty good defender, and a pretty good outside shooter. He should give us some decent depth.

Our next pick comes up and we know who we want.

We elect SF Oleg Kolomak from Ukraine.

Kolomak is a good shooter, a good defender inside, and a great rebounder. We didn't get to scout him in depth, but it looks like he has potential and is only 19 yo.

And that's it! We add three young players to our roster and hope that they can give us some better depth this year.

[JetsIn06]

FREE AGENCY

We're $12.91m over the cap. Once we take a look at the players available, we'll consider any trades that would make sense.

Here are the Top 10 Free Agents available:

PG Deron Williams, 28 yo (96 ovr)
PF Tim Duncan, 36 yo (91 ovr)
PF Kevin Garnett, 36 yo (91 ovr)
PF Michael Beasley, 23 yo (90 ovr)
SG O.J. Mayo, 24 yo (90 ovr)
SG Vince Carter, 35 yo (88 ovr)
PG Jason Kidd, 39 yo (84 ovr)
C Chris Kaman, 30 yo (83 ovr)
SG Eric Gordon, 23 yo (83 ovr)
PG Jameer Nelson, 30 yo (82 ovr)

Wow. Some very young guys like Beasley and Mayo hitting FA for this first time. I expect that their old teams will go over the soft cap to sign them. Deron Williams is going to go for a LOT of money.

Day 1: Interesting. Williams doesn't get an offer from the Jazz yet. They have plenty of cap room. Could they possibly want to go in another direction? The Pacers have made a significant offer. The Clippers, Cavaliers, and Raptors have all made lowball offers on Tim Duncan.

Day 2: The Suns have upped the offer on Williams and are now in the lead. Kevin Garnett looks like he could be wearing a Nugget uni next year.

Day 3: Looks like Beasley and Mayo are going back to their original teams.

Day 8: We make an offer to 3rd year PF Shannon Hodges and use our MLE. We also waive our 1st round pick PG Rolando House. He was just wasn't going to cut it and we need the roster space.

Day 9: Hodges rejects our offer so we make a new one.

Day 10: The Spurs make a splash and sign PG Deron Williams to a 4-year, $77m deal.

Day 11: The Nets and Rockets are battling it out over PF Tim Duncan. I think the Rockets land him

Day 12: The Kings and Hawks are both bidding on Jason Kidd. The Raptors and Bucks are close but probably not close enough.

Day 13: Wow. Mayo denies the Grizzlies and moves on to the Suns!

Day 14: Hodges signs with us, and Garnett moves on to the Rockets.

Day 16: Carter and Kidd are the only top free agents left. The Bocats and Nets are going after Carter, and the Kings, Pacers, and Hawks are all going after Kidd very hard.

Day 18: The Blazers step up their offer and now in the running for Kidd.

Day 23: Vince Carter ends up signing with the Nuggets, and Kidd signs with the Pacers!

PG Deron Williams, 28 yo (96 ovr) (Spurs)
PF Tim Duncan, 36 yo (91 ovr) (Nets)
PF Kevin Garnett, 36 yo (91 ovr) (Rockets)
PF Michael Beasley, 23 yo (90 ovr) (Heat)
SG O.J. Mayo, 24 yo (90 ovr) (Suns)
SG Vince Carter, 35 yo (88 ovr) (Nuggets)
PG Jason Kidd, 39 yo (84 ovr) (Pacers)
C Chris Kaman, 30 yo (83 ovr) (Bobcats)
SG Eric Gordon, 23 yo (83 ovr) (Pacers)
PG Jameer Nelson, 30 yo (82 ovr) (Nets)

[JetsIn06]

TRADE

Last year's #2 pick, Chip Lawson, who we debated taking with the #1 is on the block.

He's been unhappy in Indiana and now they are just looking to get something for him. I'd like him on the team.

I put together a trade that would send them our PF Bargnani (81 ovr) and PF Shannon Hodges (69 ovr). They would send me PF Chip Lawson (79 ovr) and PG Jerryd Bayless (81 ovr).

They counter and ask for House in return.

This is tempting. House is a great player for us, but he is playing out of position at PG. Bayless is more of a traditional PG. Bargnani is a solid shooter but gives us no defense at all on the inside.

Both Bayless and Lawson are young, as well and have great potential.

I'm going to pull the trigger. I hope this was the right thing to do.

[JetsIn06]

2012-2013 Opening Day Roster

Can we keep up this trend? Can we make it to the third round of the playoffs? Or maybe even further? Here is a look at the squad that will get us there.

STARTERS

PG: Jerryd Bayless, 24 yo (5) 6'3", 200 lbs. (83 ovr)

Bayless is a new member of the team. Last year for the Lakers he averaged 10.6 PPG and 4.0 APG. He's good defensively and I think he'll be good for the team. This is our fourth or fifth PG in a few years and I'm hoping he's the guy that will stick.

SG: Kevin Durant, 24 yo (6) 6'9", 215 lbs. (96 ovr)

Still goin' strong. Durant is by far our strongest player.

SF: Preston Dean, 22 yo (2) 6'7", 236 lbs. (80 ovr)

Dean's rookie year started on the bench, but he eventually moved into a starting role. He scored just under 10 points a game. He's strong on offense and defense and I can't wait to see him gain some experience and reach his potential.

PF: Chip Lawson, 22 yo (2) 6'10", 268 lbs. (82 ovr)

We passed up on Lawson in the 2011 draft, but now we get to see what he looks in in Thunder blue and orange. Lawson is an excellent defender, especially in the post. I think we're going to be the first to see what Lawson can really do considering how unhappy he was last year in Indiana.

C : Amare Stoudemire, 29 yo (11) 6'10", 249 lbs. (95 ovr)

Stoudemire is tough to keep happy, but he always brings his best game to the court. His numbers were a bit down last year, but I still think he's got what it takes.

SIXTH MAN

PG: Luther Head, 29 yo (8) 6'3", 185 lbs. (76 ovr)

I really like having this guy on the team. He's a great outside shooter, a pretty good distributor, and okay on defense.

ROLE PLAYERS

SF: Nicolas Batum, 23 yo (5) 6'8", 190 lbs. (76 ovr)

Batum, coming off the bench, put up 9.5 PPG last season. That's pretty solid. He's solid defensively, can hit the outside shot, and is a terrific athlete. He looks like he'll be here for a while.

PG: Jean Micoud, 23 yo (2) 6'1", 191 lbs. (72 ovr)

Micoud is only in his second year, but he looks like he's on his way to becoming a terrific backup point guard. He's a solid ball handler, a good shooter, and pretty good on defense. His biggest weakness is scoring from the inside.

PF: Matt Bonner, 32 yo (9) 6'10", 240 lbs. (69 ovr)

Bonner isn't great on defense, but he's a good shooter from the outside and can cause mismatches because of his height.

BENCH WARMERS

SG: Greg Buckner, 36 yo (14) 6'4", 210 lbs. (70 ovr)

Pretty average player but not a bad option for the bench. He's not very happy and could be a potential trade option.

PROSPECTS

SF: Oleg Kolomak, 20 yo (R) 6'7", 232 lbs.(75 ovr)

Kolomak was taken with the 37th overall pick and is from Ukraine. He looks like a steal, to me. He's already pretty well developed and is a good rebounder, good shooter from inside and out, and pretty good on defense.

SG: Victor Johnson, 21 yo (R) 6'6", 226 lbs. (75 ovr)

Johnson was the 25th overall pick in the draft. He's a dominant outside shooter and a very good perimeter defender. His ball handling is solid as well. I have a feeling we got two long term players for us in this draft.

OPENING DAY ROTATION

Here is our planned rotation for the start of the season:

PG Bayless: 32
SG Durant: 42
SF Dean: 35
PF Lawson: 32
C Stoudemire: 41

PG Head: 21
SF Batum: 10
PG Micoud: 8
PF Bonner: 7
SF Kolomak: 5
SG Johnson: 5
SG Buckner: 2

C Elliot: (Rsv)
C Thomas: (Rsv)

[JetsIn06]

2013 Draft Outlook

Here's a quick look at the Top 5 players in the 2013 draft. Finally some big men at the top.

PF Byron Fletcher - DePaul

A great defender and rebounder, Fletcher can also score from inside. Looks very, very good.

C Chucky Barber - West Virginia

A 7'1", 295 lb. monster. Barber is even better on defense, but his rebounding isn't. Still, anyone who ends up this this guys is going to be happy.

PF Darrell Reeves - Michigan State

Great rebounder, pretty good defense, great inside shooter.

PF Colin Augmon - Penn St.

Probably the best defender of the bunch but lacks the offensive skills. Super rebounder.

PF Alberto Cruz - Puerto Rico

Pretty similar to everyone else, but at 19 yo he could use a little seasoning. Also very poor athletically.

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:
(PTS-REB-AST)

For some reason, I can't load the boxscores for the games first few games I simulated, so you won't see any individual stats listed for them.

MIN: 93-128 W
LAK: 84-97 W
@ LAK: 101-87 W
UTA: 82-102 W
POR: 96-90 L
@ TOR: 92-94 L (Durant: 34-2-5; Stoudemire: 16-7-1; Dean: 15-7-3)
@ BOS: 99-85 W (Dean: 22-7-4; Durant: 19-8-4; Stoudemire: 18-3-1)
@ ATL: 87-103 L (Durant: 27-6-3; Bayless: 12-2-7; Dean: 12-4-3)
@ WA: 82-97 L (Durant: 23-8-6; Stoudemire: 11-10-1)
@ DET: 86-92 L (Stoudemire: 28-5-0; Durant: 23-8-6; Dean: 12-7-4)
PHO: 96-116 W (Durant: 34-11-6; Stoudemire: 26-7-1; Bayless: 18-5-6)
IND: 107-95 L (Durant: 25-4-5; Stoudemire: 18-7-1; Bayless: 14-2-3)

Current Record: (6-6)

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:
(PTS-REB-AST)

@ MEM: 103-99 W (Durant: 29-8-3; Bayless: 18-3-5; Stoudemire: 13-12-1-7 Blocks)
@ HOU: 88-109 L (Durant: 18-5-3; Lawson: 13-3-0; Bayless: 11-3-5)
CLE: 78-113 W (Stoudemire: 28-5-1; Durant: 22-8-4; Dean: 11-5-3)
HOU: 106-104 W (Stoudemire: 25-6-3; Durant: 24-1-1; Dean: 21-2-5)
GS: 97-104 W (Stoudemire: 30-10-0; Durant: 23-6-2; Bayless: 21-3-8; Dean: 18-6-2)
NY: 108-111 W (Durant: 33-5-7; Stoudemire: 28-6-3; Dean: 18-3-4)
@ GS: 98-99 L (Bayless: 21-3-3; Durant: 19-7-8; Dean: 15-6-2)
CHA: 73-118 W (Stoudemire: 31-9-1; Durant: 29-7-8; Bayless: 20-5-4)
NJ: 81-119 W (Durant: 29-6-7; Stoudemire: 20-10-1; Dean: 10-12-2)
@ PHO: 93-104 L (Stoudemire: 24-10-1; Durant: 20-7-4; Bayless: 17-2-3)
@ DEN: 103-107 L (Stoudemire: 26-10-1; Bayless: 16-3-5; Durant: 15-9-5)
UTA: 88-108 W (Durant: 26-10-6; Stoudemire: 21-7-4; Batum: 14-1-1)

Current Record: (13-11)

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:
(PTS-REB-AST)

ORL: 94-93 L (Durant: 27-5-6; Stoudemire: 18-10-3; Dean: 11-1-5)
@ PHI: 101-98 W (Durant: 25-7-4; Stoudemire: 20-6-0; Head: 13-1-2)
@ NY: 93-113 L (Durant: 24-7-5; Head: 17-3-1; Dean: 14-3-4)
@ MIL: 109-110 L (Stoudemire: 35-7-2; Durant: 26-5-7; Dean: 19-3-5)
@ CLE: 107-108 L (Durant: 28-7-6; Dean: 23-6-4; Bayless: 10-3-10)
@ IND: 78-86 L (Stoudemire: 22-7-1; Dean: 11-4-0; Lawson 10-7-1)
DAL: 82-97 W (Durant: 40-4-0; Stoudemire: 24-10-0; Dean: 7-8-4)
@ SA: 95-94 W (Dean: 19-3-4; Durant: 18-5-9; Stoudemire: 17-3-2)
BOS: 75-100 W (Durant: 30-8-2; Stoudemire: 19-8-0; Dean: 18-4-4)
@ SAC: 92-99 L (Stoudemire: 30-10-4; Durant: 24-4-6; Dean: 11-3-4)
LAC: 124-120 L (Durant: 33-5-6; Dean: 24-2-2; Johnson: 18-4-3)
NO: 109-103 L (Durant: 33-5-6; Stoudemire: 22-5-0; Lawson: 13-7-1)


Current Record: (17-19)

[JetsIn06]

Around the NBA Update:

We're a few games away from the halfway mark, so here is a quick update on the happenings around the league.

The Bulls, after losing to the #8 seed in the first round last year, are on top again, leading the league with a 25-10 record. They are doing it with defense, giving up only 91.5 PPG, third best in the league, and getting 8.4 steals per game, which is best in the league . Their rebounding numbers are also the best in the league, pulling down 38.1 per game.

Derrick Rose is leading the team with 20.1 PPG, 7.0 APG, and 1.6 SPG. Ben Gordon, Luol Deng, and Carlos Boozer are all averaging over 15 PPG for the Bulls.

The worst team in the league? The Boston Celtics, who lost Kevin Garnett to the Rockets in free agency. They are averaging a league-low 84.3 PPG. They are losing games by the biggest margin as well, averaging a -10.1 point differential. Ouch. Their leading scorer is SF Paul Pierce with 16.3 PPG.

Jackson Lawson, a SF from Duke, was the 14th pick in the draft and is is looking great so far. He leads all rookies with 8.4 PPG, 3.6 RPG, and 2.9 APG.

Ian Jinks, the center taken with the 1st overall pick by the Wizards, hasn't done much yet, averaging just seven minutes per game.

The top free agent last off-season, PG Deron Williams, is doing well with his new team, the Spurs. He's averaging a career high 25.2 PPG, which is over six points higher than his previous career high. However, his team is tied with the 2nd worst record in the league at 11-26.

[JetsIn06]

TRADE

Boston PG Rajon Rondo, a 7 year veteran, is on the block.

We like Bayless, but we like Rondo more. I'm willing to make a deal.

First thing I do is offer Bayless for Rondo, straight up. It saves the Celtics some money and also makes them younger.

They accept. Quick and painless.

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:
(PTS-REB-AST)

MIL: 99-95 L (Stoudemire: 26-6-2; Durant: 23-7-5; Rondo: 5-10-2)
CHI: 96-117 W (Durant: 46-6-6; Stoudemire: 23-11-1; Rondo: 14-5-6)
@ POR: 96-102 L (Dean: 22-5-1; Stoudemire: 19-7-1; Durant: 15-7-6)
@ HOU: 83-97 L (Durant: 22-6-1; Head: 12-0-3; Stoudemire: 11-8-1)
@ DAL: 98-81 W (Stoudemire: 31-11-2; Durant: 29-2-2; Johnson: 11-3-3)
DEN: 101-119 W (Durant: 30-9-2; Stoudemire: 28-6-1; Rondo: 12-3-12)
@ SA: 110-90 W (Durant: 28-7-4; Stoudemire: 24-10-0; Dean: 13-4-3)
DET: 86-107 W (Stoudemire: 27-13-2; Durant: 22-8-7; Lawson: 17-3-1)
@ MIN: 105-108 L (Stoudemire: 35-9-1; Durant: 21-13-8; Rondo: 12-3-9)
MEM: 109-105 L (Durant: 40-8-5; Stoudemire: 20-9-0; Dean: 13-5-4)
POR: 88-80 L (Durant: 27-4-2; Stoudemire: 21-14-1; Dean: 10-3-1)
@ UTA: 95-94 W (Durant: 23-7-2; Rondo: 20-6-8; Stoudemire: 17-5-1)


Current Record: (23-25)

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:
(PTS-REB-AST)

WAS: 94-124 W (Durant: 35-6-7; Stoudemire: 27-11-2; Rondo: 19-3-4)
DAL: 76-105 W (Durant: 38-9-2; Stoudemire: 18-3-0; Rondo: 10-12-6)
@ GS: 101-112 L (Durant: 31-6-4; Stoudemire: 26-8-3)
@ LAC: 96-105 L (Durant: 31-7-3; Stoudemire: 20-3-0; Rondo: 6-7-10)
SAC: 97-108 W (Durant: 34-7-6; Stoudemire: 18-3-0; Johnson: 13-4-3)

Current Record: (26-27)

[JetsIn06]

ALL-STAR BREAK

East All-Star Team Starting Five

PG: Derrick Rose (Bulls - 3rd Appearance)
SG: Dwayne Wade (Heat - 7th Appearance)
SF: LeBron James (Cavaliers - 9th Appearance)
PF: Michael Beasley Heat - 1st Appearance)
C: Dwight Howard (Magic - 7th Appearance)

West All-Star Team Starting Five

PG: Chris Paul (Hornets - 5th Appearance)
SG: Kevin Durant (Thunder - 4th Appearance)
SF: Carmelo Anthony (Nuggets - 7th Appearance)
PF: Al Jefferson (T'Wolves - 3rd Appearance)
C: Amare Stoudemire (Thunder - 7th Appearance)

OKC Thunder All-Stars

SG Kevin Durant (4th Appearance)
C Amare Stoudemire (7th Appearance)

All-Star Game

West 110, East 90

Stoudemire: 8-6-1
Durant: 7-3-3

[JetsIn06]

Around the League Update

Team Report

PG Rondo: 11.1 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 7.3 APG
SG Durant: 26.6 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.2 APG
SF Dean: 12.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2.7 APG
PF Lawson: 4.7 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 0.3 APG
C Stoudemire: 21.2 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.2 APG

Playoff Picture

East

1. Bulls (36-18)
2. Bucks (31-20)
3. Heat (30-22)
4. Raptors (26-26)
5. Bobcats (29-23)
6. Hawks (27-26)
7. Pistons (25-26)
8. Cavaliers (26-27)

On the Bubble

76ers (26-29)
Pacers (26-29)

West

1. Lakers (33-20)
2. Hornets (30-20)
3. Rockets (30-22)
4. Jazz (28-24)
5. Blazers (28-25)
6. T'Wolves (28-25)
7. Clippers (28-26)
8. Suns (26-25)

On the Bubble

Thunder (26-27)
Nuggets (25-26)
Warriors (26-28)

[JetsIn06]

TRADE

While Lawson may pan out, this experiment isn't working. I regret making the trade and now I need to get better at the PF position if we want to make the playoffs.

The Nets are 19-36 and are tied for the worst record in the league. 36 year old Tim Duncan is there but an aging veteran does them no good, really. I'm going to see if I can work out a deal to bring him to the Thunder.

Unfortunately, we just don't have the pieces that could make the cap work, so we abandon the idea of getting Duncan and move on to other teams.

Another idea is to make a deal with the struggling Mavericks for 15th year vet Dirk Nowitzki.

If possible, I'd like to keep Lawson and have him on the bench.

I put together a trade that would send them rookie SG Victor Johnson (75/D), SF Nicolas Batum (76/D), and PG Luther Head (76 ovr).

In return, we would get PF Dirk Nowitzki (89 ovr), rookie PG Hasan Basturk (76/B), and 2nd year C Stan Landry (66/B).

Unsurprsingly, they decline the trade. I throw in our first round pick and they still decline, so I start again and this time include Lawson.

I replace Johnson with Lawson, take out the first rounder, and they accept. I'm really hoping that Lawson doesn't turn out to be the next star PF, but getting Nowitzki helps us out in our playoff run.

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:
(PTS-REB-AST)

HOU: 110-98 W (Durant: 28-4-2; Nowitzki; 16-7-1; Stoudemire: 15-16-0)
PHI: 85-108 W (Nowitzki: 27-8-0; Durant: 24-6-6; Stoudemire: 16-2-0)
NO: 92-98 W (Durant: 29-3-10; Stoudemire: 15-12-1; Rondo: 14-2-5)
MIA: 105-92 L (Durant: 27-5-1; Stoudemire: 23-9-1; Nowitzki: 22-6-2)
@ DEN: 120-105 W (Durant: 38-10-3; Stoudemire: 24-9-0; Nowitzki: 19-4-2)
GS: 103-99 L (Nowitzki: 28-12-2; Durant: 23-7-4; Stoudemire: 14-7-0)
@ LAC: 97-96 W (Durant: 23-5-5; Dean: 19-6-6; Rondo: 19-4-5)
SA: 71-95 W (Stoudemire: 22-12-1; Durant: 19-10-2; Nowitzki: 19-8-2)
MIN: 113-119 W (Durant: 40-4-7; Nowitzki: 19-6-1; Dean: 17-3-4)
@ NJ: 78-86 L (Durant: 31-6-2; Stoudemire: 12-9-0; Dean: 10-7-4)
@ CHI: 108-92 W (Stoudemire: 32-5-1; Durant: 21-4-6; Nowitzki: 17-9-1)
@ MIA: 92-75 W (Durant: 35-9-2; Dean: 19-3-4; Nowitzki: 11-6-0)
@ CHA: 75-97 L (Nowitzki: 18-13-1; Durant: 16-9-1; Dean: 10-3-5)
@ ORL: 102-91 W (Durant: 33-3-2; Johnson: 27-2-3; Nowitzki: 15-9-2)
ATL: 75-89 W (Durant: 25-12-2; Rondo: 13-3-7; Nowtizki: 10-7-4)
@ POR: 96-103 L (Stoudemire: 24-9-2; Nowtizki: 17-8-2; Durant: 16-2-4)

Current Record: (37-32) (Currently #6 Seed in Playoff Picture)

[JetsIn06]

Game Sims:
(PTS-REB-AST)

SA: 110-99 L (Stoudemire: 26-3-1; Dean: 17-6-4; Durant: 15-8-4)
@ PHO: 76-99 L (Stoudemire: 19-3-1; Nowitzki: 18-7-1; Durant: 9-9-3)
PHO: 101-104 W (Durant: 29-9-7; Nowitzki: 16-4-1; Rondo: 12-7-11)
TOR: 87-103 W (Durant: 29-9-4; Nowitzki: 14-3-0; Stoudemire: 11-10-2)
@ UTA: 101-111 L (Durant: 27-5-6; Stoudemire: 22-5-2; Nowitzki: 22-8-0)
@ MIN: 99-103 L (Durant: 34-7-3; Stoudemire: 20-8-1; Nowitzki: 17-9-2)
DEN: 97-118 W (Durant: 38-8-5; Stoudemire: 25-11-2; Rondo: 19-7-11)
@ NO: 79-86 L (Stoudemire: 23-5-0; Johnson: 13-3-2; Rondo: 12-9-6)
@ DAL: 107-89 W (Stoudemire: 29-9-1; Nowitzki: 26-7-1; Rondo: 12-7-12)
@ MEM: 100-105 L (Stoudemire: 39-14-1; Durant: 29-5-7; Rondo: 9-4-15)
LAC: 99-102 W (Durant: 33-7-3; Nowitzki: 26-8-6; Rondo: 11-15-9)
LAK: 90-91 W (Durant: 18-2-7; Stoudemire: 15-6-1; Rondo: 12-6-10)
@ SAC: 93-88 W (Durant: 31-9-4; Nowitzki: 16-8-1; Stoudemire: 15-5-2)

Final Record: (44-38)

[JetsIn06]

We're going to the playoffs!

[JetsIn06]

'12-'13 AWARDS

MVP Award

SFLeBron James (Cavaliers)
25.0 PPG, 6.5 APG, 8.4 RPG, 1.9 SPG, 1.9 BPG

Rookie of the Year

SF Jackson Lawson (Heat)
9.2 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.8 APG

Sixth Man of the Year

SF Gerald Wallace (Bobcats)
12.6 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.0 APG

Defensive Player of the Year

C Dwight Howard (Magic)
21.6 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 2.2 BPG

Most Improved Player

SF Joe Alexander (Clippers)
13.0 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2.4 APG / 6.4 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 0.8 APG

All-NBA First Team

PG Chris Paul (Hornets)
SG Kevin Durant (Thunder)
SF LeBron James (Cavaliers)
PF Al Jefferson (T'Wolves)
C Dwight Howard (Magic)

All-NBA Second Team

PG Deron Williams (Spurs)
SG Dwayne Wade (Heat)
SF Rudy Gay (Grizzlies)
PF Chris Bosh (Raptors)
C Amare Stoudemire (Thunder)

All-NBA Third Team

PG Abraham Finley (Rockets)
SG Andre Iguodala (76ers)
SF Carmelo Anthony (Nuggets)
PF Josh Smith (Hawks)
C Andrew Bynum (Lakers)

All-Defensive First Team

PG Abraham Finley (Rockets)
SG Kevin Durant (Thunder)
SF LeBron James (Cavaliers)
PF Josh Smith (Hawks)
C Dwight Howard (Magic)

All-Defensive Second Team

PG Chris Paul (Hornets)
SG O.J. Mayo (Suns)
SF Rudy Gay (Grizzlies)
PF Al Jefferson (T'Wolves)
C Andrew Bynum (Lakers)

All-Rookie First Team

PG Elton Lambert (Knicks)
SG Manny Cruz (Celtics)
SF Jackson Lawson (Heat)
PF Clayton Davis (Blazers)
C Wilson Winter (Rockets)

All-Rookie Second Team

PG Hasan Basturk (Thunder)
SG Carlton Coleman (Pacers)
SF Dale Best (Pistons)
PF Gregg Bates (Cavaliers)
C Ian Jinks (Wizards)

Coach of the Year

Erik Spoelstra - Miami Hear (48-34)

THUNDER AWARDS

SF Kevin Durant (All-NBA First Team, All-Defensive First Team)
C Amare Stoudemire (All-NBA Second Team)
PG Hasan Basturk (All-Rookie First Team)

[JetsIn06]

NBA PLAYOFFS

The Nowitzki trade single handedly got us into the playoffs. We were on the bubble after the all-star break and we're now the #6 seed.

We face the #3 Golden State Warriors. They are an interesting team. They don't have a superstar, but they've got incredible depth.

Here's what the playoff tree looks like.

EAST

Bulls (1)
Hawks (8)

--

76ers (4)
Bobcats (5)

--

Cavaliers (3)
Bucks (6)

--

Heat (2)
Pacers (7)

WEST

Hornets (1)
Nuggets (8)

--
Suns (4)
Lakers (5)

--

Warriors (3)
Thunder (6)

--

Jazz (2)
Grizzlies (7)

[JetsIn06]

Round One: Game One

Series tied 0-0

Halfway through the first and we're up 15-13. Durant is taking control with 11 points.

They go ahead with 3 minutes left, and they end the first with a run and lead 26-21.

The second quarter is a good one and the half ends with Golden State up 50-48. Durant leads the team with 20 points.

The third ends with us up 69-68, and we open up the 4th with a run and are up 78-70 with 8 minutes left.

With 3:47 left, we're up 10 but they tie it up and go ahead by three with 31 seconds left!

We call a timeout.

Bonner gets fouled and makes both to bring us within one. They miss their shot, Rondo gets the rebound, and Stoudemire puts it in for the lead and gets fouled!

He nails it, they miss the long shot, and we win!

Thunder 98, Warriors 96 (Durant: 42-6-4; Stoudemire: 15-5-0; Rondo: 5-7-8)

[JetsIn06]

Round One: Game Two
Thunder up 1-0

It's a close game and the first half ends with us down 64-60.

They open up the second half with a little run and are up 70-60. With 3:07 left, we make a three point play and bring it within three points, 81-78.

We call a timeout with 1:29 left in the 3rd and we're down two, 83-81. Durant leads the team with 20 points.

At the end of the 3rd, Durant nails a three pointer to put us up one. Going into the 4th, it's 86-85, us.

They take the lead two minutes in, and eventually go up by 8 halfway through.

With 2:00 left, it's 104-98 and we need a big play. But they nail a three and put the game out of reach.

Warriors 109, Thunder 100 (Durant: 24-7-2; Stoudemire: 17-9-0; Nowitzki: 17-7-1)

[JetsIn06]

Round One: Game Three
Series tied 1-1

After three quarters, we finally get a little lead and are up 78-71 going into the final quarter.

Stoudemire and Dirk have 15, Durant has 17, and Dean has put up 12.

With 9:12 left to go, we're up 85-73. We go up 20 with 6:00 left and we milk the clock for the win.

Thunder 98, Warriors 88 (Durant: 28-7-4; Stoudemire: 15-5-2; Nowitzki: 17-7-2; Rondo: 13-9-5)

[JetsIn06]

Round One: Game Four
Thunder up 2-1

The half ends with us up by one, but we have a great 3rd quarter and lead 80-69 going into the 4th.

We absolutely destroy them in the 4th, and get an easy win.

Thunder 118, Warriors 86 (Durant: 36-6-1; Stoudemire: 30-5-1; Nowitzki: 8-12-3; Rondo: 12-4-11-6 Steals; Dean: 18-9-2)

[JetsIn06]

Round One: Game Five
Thunder up 3-1

We lead after the 1st 29-26, but they come back and drop 36 points in the 2nd and 3rd to take a big lead.

We outscore them 32-30 in the 4th, but it's not enough to overcome their 128 point game.

Warriors 128, Thunder 115, (Stoudemire: 31-7-0; Nowitzki: 22-9-3; Durant: 17-4-4; Rondo: 12-4-8; Dean: 11-3-1)

[JetsIn06]

Round One: Game Six
Thunder up 3-2

We take a big 10 point lead after the first, and extend to 18 after the 2nd.

This is looking good. We lead 89-74 after the 3rd, and Durant is having a great game with 28 points so far. We close out the 4th with no problem and we move on to the next round!

Thunder 120, Warriors 101 (Stoudemire: 16-6-1; Nowitzki: 20-11-1; Durant: 39-7-2; Rondo: 6-3-12; Dean: 6-8-1)

[JetsIn06]

NBA PLAYOFFS: First Round Results

We make it past the #3 seed Warriors, now let's see who we play and how the rest of the teams did.

EAST

Bulls (1) 3
Hawks (8) 4

For the second straight year, the Bulls get the #1 seed and lose to the #8 seed Atlanta Hawks in the first round. Wow.

--

76ers (4) 2
Bobcats (5) 4

--

Cavaliers (3) 4
Bucks (6) 1

--

Heat (2) 4
Pacers (7) 1

WEST

Hornets (1) 4
Nuggets (8) 3

--
Suns (4) 2
Lakers (5) 4

--

Warriors (3) 2
Thunder (6) 4

--

Jazz (2) 4
Grizzlies (7) 1

[JetsIn06]

Round Two: Game One

Series tied 0-0

The first quarter ends and we're up 26-23. We keep up the intensity in the 2nd and the half ends with us up 55-51.

In the 3rd, we really turn it up and the quarter ends with us in the lead, 79-67.

We kicked their ass in the 4th.

Thunder 109, Jazz 87

Rondo: 4-4-12
Durant: 32-6-6
Dean: 10-5-1
Nowitzki: 14-8-0
Stoudemire: 27-8-0

[JetsIn06]

Round Two: Game Two

Thunder up 1-0

Our defense is dominant in the first, holding them to just 11 points. They came back with 31 in the 2nd, but we outscored them in the 3rd and 4th and get another easy victory.

Thunder 97, Jazz 80

Rondo: 8-5-7
Durant: 31-5-7
Dean: 13-2-6
Nowitzki: 12-8-2
Stoudemire: 25-14-1

[JetsIn06]

Round Two: Game Three

Thunder up 2-0

We were down at the end of the 1st and 2nd, but outscored them by 5 and 6 points in the 3rd and 4th, respectively.

Durant goes 13-19 from the field and leads the team with 34 points. Rondo has a nice game defensively with 5 steals.

One more game!

Thunder 94, Jazz 85

Rondo: 6-5-8-5 Steals
Durant: 34-6-3
Dean: 9-6-6
Nowitzki: 21-6-1
Stoudemire: 15-7-0