NBA 2K23 - The Kobe Era Reimagined

[the_kevstaaa]

4/12/03

Around the League
• The Lakers have finally put together a strong string of games, reeling off 12 straight victories before losing to the Kings. During that streak, Kobe Bryant went off, averaging 36.0ppg, 6.2rpg, 6.8apg, 2.58spg, and 1.08bpg.
• Kobe Bryant has regained the scoring lead from Tracy McGrady (30.2ppg to 29.7ppg), Ben Wallace leads in rebounding (14.3rpg), Jason Williams leads in assists (10.1apg), Jason Kidd has taken the steals lead (2.3spg), and Theo Ratliff leads in blocks (2.5bpg).
• The Pistons (53-26), Nets (52-27), Bucks (49-31), Pacers (48-31), Magic (47-32), 76ers (47-32), and Hornets (43-36) have all clinched in the East. The race for 8th is between the Wizards (40-39) and the Heat (40-40).
• All eight teams have clinched out West. The Spurs (52-27), Timberwolves (50-30), Lakers (48-31), Warriors (48-31), Mavericks (45-34), Clippers (44-35), Kings (44-37), and Suns (43-36) are all in.

Players of the Week 3/17/03-3/23/03
ORL – Tracy McGrady [5] (34.0ppg, 6.0apg, 5.6rpg, 1.0spg, 2.3bpg)
DAL – Dirk Nowitzki [2] (21.0ppg, 13.6rpg, 6.0apg, 3.6spg, 1.6bpg)

Players of the Week 3/24/03-3/30/03
ORL - Grant Hill [1] (17.0ppg, 12.0rpg, 8.6apg, 2.0spg, 1.3bpg)
LAL – Kobe Bryant [3] (37.2ppg, 5.0rpg, 6.5apg, 2.5spg, 1.0bpg)

Players of the Month for March
ORL – Tracy McGrady [2] (30.6ppg, 7.5rpg, 5.7apg, 1.3spg, 1.8bpg, 59FG%)
LAL – Kobe Bryant [1] (34.4ppg, 6.3apg, 6.2rpg, 2.0spg, 1.2bpg, 65FG%)

Rookies of the Month for March
CHI – jay Williams [2] (13.8ppg, 5.6apg, 1.2spg, 52FG%)
HOU – Yao Ming [4] (12.6ppg, 12.4rpg, 1.7bpg, 45FG%)

Players of the Week 3/31/03-4/6/03
BOS – Paul Pierce [2] (30.0ppg, 6.6rpg, 3.6apg, 1.3spg)
LAL – Kobe Bryant [4] (35.7ppg, 7.7rpg, 5.7apg, 1.7spg, 1.0bpg)

(37-42; 9th in West) Houston Rockets @ (35-44; 10th in West) Seattle Supersonics
[14-26 on the road; Lost 1 straight] [19-21 at home; Lost 2 straight]

Rockets
Steve Francis (19.2ppg, 6.8apg, 4.6rpg, 1.1spg, 51FG%)
Cuttino Mobley (17.8ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.0spg, 47FG%)
Scottie Pippen (10.3ppg, 6.3apg, 5.0rpg, 1.6spg, 45FG%)
Glen Rice (11.3ppg, 48FG%)
Yao Ming (14.6ppg, 12.1rpg, 2.2bpg, 50FG%)
6th Man: Moochie Norris (7.0ppg, 4.1apg, 42FG%)

Supersonics
Gary Payton (21.0ppg, 8.3apg, 3.6rpg, 1.7spg, 50FG%)
Brent Barry (9.5ppg, 6.0apg, 4.2rpg, 1.3spg, 52FG%)
Desmond Mason (12.4ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.1spg, 45FG%)
Rashard Lewis (19.5ppg, 5.7rpg, 54FG%)
Vin Baker (6.7ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.3bpg, 45FG%)
6th Man: Joseph Forte (9.0ppg, 42FG%)

[the_kevstaaa]

Yao Ming added another feather in his cap for the Rookie of the Year race with one of his best games of the season, notching 30 points, 13 rebounds, and a game winning bucket in Houston’s 98-96 victory over Seattle. Ming was given the ball and scored on a turnaround jumper, leaving 0.3 on the clock. Seattle tried an inbound alley-oop to Desmond Mason (14 points) but it was broken up. They were led by Rashard Lewis (26 points) and Gary Payton (19 points, 7 assists), while Ming got help from Steve Francis (20 points, 7 assists).

[the_kevstaaa]

4/16/03

Around the League
• It’s the final day of the regular season!
• With the Miami Heat’s loss in their final game, the Washington Wizards clinched the 8th seed in the East, meaning Michael Jordan’s career extends by at least four more games.
• Will be saving league leaders and standings for the post after this game since it’ll be the season wrap.

Players of the Week 4/7/03-4/13/03
WSH – Michael Jordan [2] (29.5ppg, 7.5rpg, 5.2apg, 2.5spg, 1.0bpg)
MIN – Kevin Garnett [9] (34.3ppg, 14.0rpg, 8.6apg, 1.3spg, 3.6bpg)

(42-39; 8th in East) Washington Wizards @ (47-34; 6th in East) Philadelphia 76ers
[19-21 on the road; Won 3 straight] [24-16 at home; Lost 2 straight]

Wizards
Larry Hughes (13.6ppg, 5.1rpg, 4.7apg, 1.8spg, 44FG%)
Michael Jordan (23.1ppg, 5.8rpg, 4.8apg, 1.4spg, 55FG%)
Jerry Stackhouse (21.2ppg, 4.8apg, 47FG%)
Christian Laettner (8.1ppg, 6.7rpg, 5.6apg, 1.1spg, 49FG%)
Brendan Haywood (4.8ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.5bpg, 37FG%)
6th Man: Wesley Person (12.5ppg, 52FG%)

76ers
Eric Snow (6.3ppg, 5.6apg, 1.2spg, 39FG%)
Allen Iverson (23.1ppg, 7.3apg, 5.2rpg, 2.2spg, 57FG%)
Aaron McKie (11.6ppg, 4.7rpg, 4.4apg, 1.4spg, 45FG%)
Keith Van Horn (16.9ppg, 6.7rpg, 47FG%)
Derrick Coleman (11.8ppg, 8.2rpg, 1.4bpg, 44FG%)
6th Man: Rafer Alston (9.7ppg, 5.0apg, 43FG%)

[the_kevstaaa]

It was expected to be Michael Jordan’s final game but with the Wizards making the playoffs, their 109-95 loss to Philadelphia doesn’t mark the end for the legend. Jordan scored 29 points, including 11 in the final quarter but he was outdueled by Allen Iverson (43 points, 8 assists). Both teams move on to see what lies in the postseason.

[the_kevstaaa]

2002-2003 NBA Season Wrap-Up



All-NBA 1st Team
ORL – Tracy McGrady – 29.7ppg, 6.0rpg, 5.5apg, 1.5spg, 1.2bpg, 61FG%
LAL – Kobe Bryant – 30.3ppg, 6.0rpg, 5.6apg, 1.8spg, 61FG%
MIN – Kevin Garnett – 26.6ppg, 14.1rpg, 7.4apg, 1.3spg, 2.2bpg, 59FG%
SAS – Tim Duncan – 24.2ppg, 13.6rpg, 4.8apg, 2.3bpg, 56FG%
LAL – Shaquille O’Neal – 26.3ppg, 12.8rpg, 4.1apg, 2.1bpg, 58FG%

All-NBA 2nd Team
NJN – Jason Kidd – 19.9ppg, 10.0apg, 5.5rpg, 2.3spg, 49FG%
PHI – Allen Iverson – 23.4ppg, 7.3apg, 5.2rpg, 2.2spg, 57FG%
DAL – Dirk Nowitzki – 21.7ppg, 10.9rpg, 4.3apg, 1.2spg, 1.2bpg, 53FG%
NOH – Jamal Mashburn – 24.1ppg, 6.0rpg, 5.5apg, 1.1spg, 54FG%
DET – Ben Wallace – 10.2ppg, 14.5rpg, 1.1spg, 1.9bpg, 41FG%

All-NBA 3rd Team
MIL – Ray Allen – 19.7ppg, 5.4apg, 4.7rpg, 1.1spg, 54FG%, 47 3PT%, 93FT%
TOR – Vince Carter – 23.2ppg, 5.1apg, 3.7rpg, 1.2bpg, 61FG%
IND – Jermaine O’Neal – 23.1ppg, 10.4rpg, 2.0bpg, 55FG%
GSW – Antawn Jamison – 20.6ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.0spg, 51FG%
CLE – Zyndrunas Ilgauskas – 20.8ppg, 8.2rpg, 1.6bpg, 47FG%

All-Defensive 1st Team
NJN – Jason Kidd
SAC – Doug Christie – 7.2ppg, 5.9apg, 3.2rpg, 2.1spg, 48FG%
MIN – Kevin Garnett
UTH – Andrei Kirilenko – 11.3ppg, 6.9rpg, 3.1apg, 2.0spg, 2.3bpg, 39FG%
DET – Ben Wallace

All-Defensive 2nd Team
PHI - Allen Iverson
ORL – Tracy McGrady
SAS – Tim Duncan
PHX – Shawn Marion – 21.9ppg, 9.8rpg, 3.6apg, 2.0spg, 1.8bpg, 53FG%
ATL – Theo Ratliff – 6.8ppg, 8.8rpg, 2.5bpg

All-Rookie 1st Team
HOU – Yao Ming – 14.7ppg, 12.1rpg, 2.2bpg, 50FG%
PHX – Amar’e Stoudemire – 16.7ppg, 8.6rpg, 1.4bpg, 54FG%
CHI – Jay Williams – 12.2ppg, 6.6apg, 1.6spg, 46FG%
MEM – Drew Gooden – 14.5ppg, 8.0rpg, 1.0bpg, 47FG%
MIA – Caron Butler – 15.0ppg, 3.9rpg, 3.6apg, 1.5spg, 43FG%

All-Rookie 2nd Team
CLE – Carlos Boozer – 12.2ppg, 9.7rpg, 45FG%
SAS – Manu Ginobili – 11.1ppg, 4.2apg, 1.3spg, 48FG%
DET – Tayshaun Prince – 9.9ppg, 5.7rpg, 4.2apg, 1.3bpg, 41FG%
ATL – Dan Dickau – 9.6ppg, 5.7apg, 35FG%
GSW – Mike Dunleavy – 10.0ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.3apg, 1.0spg, 44FG%

[the_kevstaaa]

2003 NBA Playoff Preview

(6) 48-34 Philadelphia 76ers @ (3) 50-32 Orlando Magic
This is going to be the battle of Allen Iverson vs. Tracy McGrady. However, the Magic have a healthy Grant Hill and added Shareef Abdur-Rahim during the season. That gives them two viable scoring options outside of McGrady while Philly really doesn’t have a #2 behind Iverson. That will be the difference here.

Prediction: Magic in 6

(5) 49-33 Indiana Pacers @ (4) 50-32 Milwaukee Bucks
One of the more evenly matched series this year. The teams were nearly identical at home and on the road and in their offensive and defensive numbers. Milwaukee has Ray Allen but Indiana can combat that with the defense from Ron Artest. There’s talent at every position here but Milwaukee has a clear advantage at point guard with Sam Cassell over Erick Strickland. That could be the difference maker.

Prediction: Bucks in 7

(6) 47-35 Los Angeles Clippers @ (3) 45-37 Sacramento Kings (No clue why the game has them as the #3 seed)
The Kings came within an eyelash of the NBA Finals last year but this squad is less successful. With no Chris Webber, Peja Stojakovic has made for a good top scorer but they’re missing a lot down low. Meanwhile, the Clippers have Elton Brand to dominate down there. The Clippers might be hungry enough to pull this off.

Prediction: Clippers in 7

(5) 48-34 Golden State Warriors @ (4) 52-30 Minnesota Timberwolves
The Warriors were the surprise of the season and there’s no doubt that Antawn Jamison can give MVP Kevin Garnett some fits. Golden State might even be the more talented team top to bottom. That said, Garnett is the MVP for a reason. He has put this team on his back and took them to more wins than expected. That’ll continue in the playoffs.

Prediction: Wolves in 6

(7) 45-37 New Orleans Hornets @ (2) 55-27 New Jersey Nets
Last year, the Nets beat the Hornets in the Conference Semifinals in a tough five game set. Expect more of the same here. New Orleans hasn’t changed its roster much while the Nets got an even better Jason Kidd, Richard Jefferson in the starting lineup, and Dikembe Mutombo down low.

Prediction: Nets in 5

(8) 42-40 Washington Wizards @ (1) 56-26 Detroit Pistons
One of the league’s feel good stories is the Wizards heating up late to make the playoffs. Michael Jordan has at least one more run in him. Alas, he’ll likely end his career like some of his earliest days: getting bullied and sent home by a superior Pistons team. Detroit is just too good defensively. Also, look out for the storyline of Hamilton vs. Stackhouse given they were traded for one another.

Prediction: Pistons in 5

(7) 46-36 Dallas Mavericks @ (2) 51-31 Los Angeles Lakers
A very intriguing series. The Lakers are loaded with Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and Karl Malone but Dallas has their own big three in Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash, and Michael Finley. The Lakers’ road to a four-peat can hit a stutter step here but their experience will trump Dallas’ talent, especially with Shaq abusing their center.

Prediction: Lakers in 6

(8) 43-39 Phoenix Suns @ (1) 55-27 San Antonio Spurs
This could be the sleeper series. The Spurs looked like the class of the league at times thanks to Tim Duncan’s incredible season and the rise of Ginobili and Parker. That said, Phoenix has helped change how many look at the game thanks to their small lineup. Phoenix will surprise a lot of people and threaten the Spurs but won’t overcome them.

Prediction: Spurs in 6

[the_kevstaaa]

First Round

(6) Philadelphia 76ers 2 vs. (3) Orlando Magic 4
Game 1: PHI 120 @ ORL 105 – A. Iverson (20 points, 10 assists)
Game 2: PHI 105 @ ORL 106 – T. McGrady (26 points)
Game 3: ORL 102 @ PHI 123 – A. Iverson (29 points)
Game 4: ORL 98 @ PHI 96 – T. McGrady (26 points)
Game 5: PHI 98 @ ORL 103 – S. Abdur-Rahim (19 points)
Game 6: ORL 129 @ PHI 118 – T. McGrady (31 points, 10 rebounds)

(5) Indiana Pacers 2 @ (4) Milwaukee Bucks 4
Game 1: IND 112 @ MIL 107 – E. Boykins (22 points)
Game 2: IND 98 @ MIL 92 – J. O’Neal (22 points)
Game 3: MIL 117 @ IND 111 – M. Redd (24 points)
Game 4: MIL 111 @ IND 109 (OT) – R. Allen (32 points)
Game 5: IND 107 @ MIL 92 – A. Harrington (24 points)
Game 6: MIL 105 @ IND 111 – E. Strickland (22 points)

(6) Los Angeles Clippers 4 @ (3) Sacramento Kings 2
Game 1: LAC 105 @ SAC 100 – E. Brand (22 points, 13 rebounds)
Game 2: LAC 105 @ SAC 96 – A. Miller (16 points, 10 assists)
Game 3: SAC 114 @ LAC 104 – P. Stojakovic (34 points)
Game 4: SAC 102 @ LAC 107 – L. Odom (23 points)
Game 5: LAC 106 @ SAC 119 – P. Stojakovic (29 points)
Game 6: SAC 106 @ LAC 111 – Q. Richardson (21 points)

(5) Golden State Warriors 1 @ (4) Minnesota Timberwolves 4
Game 1: GSW 136 @ MIN 105 – A. Jamison (32 points)
Game 2: GSW 104 @ MIN 114 – K. Garnett (30 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists)
Game 3: MIN 119 @ GSW 110 – K. Garnett (47 points, 18 rebounds)
Game 4: MIN 114 @ GSW 91 – W. Szczerbiak (24 points)
Game 5: GSW 98 @ MIN 100 – K. Garnett (19 points)

(7) New Orleans Hornets 2 @ (2) New Jersey Nets 4
Game 1: NOH 125 @ NJN 119 (OT) – B. Davis (33 points, 9 assists)
Game 2: NOH 93 @ NJN 100 – K. Martin (18 points, 10 rebounds)
Game 3: NJN 107 @ NOH 78 – K. Kittles (23 points)
Game 4: NJN 102 @ NOH 112 – B. Davis (30 points)
Game 5: NOH 101 @ NJN 120 – K. Martin (26 points)
Game 6: NJN 106 @ NOH 105 – K. Martin (24 points, 11 rebounds)

(8) Washington Wizards 1 @ (1) Detroit Pistons 4
Game 1: WSH 89 @ DET 117 – R. Hamilton (35 points)
Game 2: WSH 96 @ DET 102 – R. Hamilton (29 points)
Game 3: DET 98 @ WSH 88 – C. Williamson (29 points)
Game 4: DET 96 @ WSH 97 – M. Jordan (25 points)
Game 5: WSH 104 @ DET 105 – Pistons outscored the Wizards 37-6 in the 4th quarter

(7) Dallas Mavericks 4 @ (2) Los Angeles Lakers 2
Game 1: DAL 140 @ LAL 96 – D. Nowitzki (24 points, 11 rebounds)
Game 2: DAL 129 @ LAL 120 – S. Nash (33 points, 14 assists)
Game 3: LAL 117 @ DAL 96 – K. Bryant (30 points)
Game 4: LAL 114 @ DAL 109 – K. Bryant (33 points)
Game 5: DAL 118 @ LAL 107 – D. Nowitzki (28 points, 17 rebounds)
Game 6: LAL 101 @ DAL 113 – M. Finley (26 points)

Around The League
• The big news is that the Lakers’ quest for a four-peat fell way short, losing in six games in the opening round to the 7th seeded Mavericks. Steve Nash lit up the Lakers (22.3ppg, 10.3apg) and while Kobe Bryant (27.3ppg) and Shaquille O’Neal (26.7ppg, 14.5rpg) played great, they got next to no help. Karl Malone was the third leading scorer at 10.5ppg and shot just 36% from the field.
• Kenyon Martin had himself a series (21.8ppg, 7.7rpg) and could be blossoming into the leading score the Nets need. They still used a balanced effort with six players averaging double figures though.
• The Pistons are a stout defensive team but their offense has looked much improved in the playoffs so far, led by Richard Hamilton (23.2ppg)
• Kevin Garnett continued his MVP level play in Minnesota’s first round win, putting up 28.8ppg, 13.0rpg, and 6.8apg. He’s making a case for Minnesota as a title threat. He and Tracy McGrady both made it past the first round for the first time in their careers.
• Michael Jordan’s potential final playoff run ended quickly but he played well (24.0ppg, 5.8rpg).
• The balanced attack of the Clippers led them to a first round upset of the Kings. Their offense is balanced, with six players averaging between 11.7ppg and 16.8ppg.

Game 7
(8) Phoenix Suns 3 @ (1) San Antonio Spurs 3
Game 1: PHX 134 @ SAS 135 – T. Parker (34 points, 10 assists)
Game 2: PHX 105 @ SAS 107 – T. Duncan (29 points, 12 rebounds)
Game 3: SAS 108 @ PHX 112 – S. Marbury (21 points, 17 assists)
Game 4: SAS 94 @ PHX 103 – S. Marbury (24 points)
Game 5: PHX 101 @ SAS 92 – A. Stoudemire (22 points, 16 rebounds)
Game 6: SAS 107 @ PHX 106 – T. Duncan (28 points, 14 rebounds)

Suns
Stephon Marbury (23.0ppg, 8.5apg, 1.7spg, 55FG%)
Penny Hardaway (8.5ppg, 8.5apg, 1.3spg, 1.3bpg, 35FG%)
Joe Johnson (12.2ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.5apg, 52FG%)
Shawn Marion (17.2ppg, 8.7rpg, 4.0apg, 1.3spg, 2.2bpg, 55FG%)
Amar’e Stoudemire (16.8ppg, 10.2rpg, 1.8bpg, 53FG%)
6th Man: Tom Gugliotta (9.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 50FG%)

Spurs
Tony Parker (19.5ppg, 7.5apg, 56FG%)
Stephen Jackson (14.5ppg, 6.2apg, 44FG%)
Bruce Bowen (3.8ppg, 1.0spg, 32FG%)
Tim Duncan (22.3ppg, 13.8rpg, 3.8apg, 1.2spg, 1.3bpg, 45FG%)
David Robinson (6.3ppg, 9.2rpg, 1.5bpg, 32FG%)
6th Man: Manu Ginobili (11.0ppg, 4.5apg, 3.7rpg, 1.3spg, 49FG%)

[the_kevstaaa]

For the first time in NBA history, an opening round series went to a Game 7 and it didn’t disappoint. Despite being the underdogs, the Phoenix Suns gave the San Antonio Spurs all they handle, losing game 7 107-105. The Suns’ small lineup did them in as David Robinson (15 points, 20 rebounds) and Tim Duncan (25 points, 11 rebounds, 5 blocks) dominated down low, getting key offensive boards. Duncan managed to play the entire second half with five fouls and not pick up the sixth. Phoenix rode the hot Stephon Marbury (35 points, 15 in the 3rd) and it took a buzzer beating three from Joe Johnson (15 points) to lose by two in the end. Manu Ginobili was a menace off the bench (22 points, 8 assists).