Re: The Association (2K10)
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The hottest team in the NBA? It's not the Mavs or Nets, it's the Knicks. They jumped up the standings at the end of the year to grab the #2 seed, and then sweeped the previous Eastern Conference champs, the Boston Celtics. The Hawks weren't so bad themselves, earning the #3 seed, and then beating the Orlando Magic in 6, who were possible contenders. Two old vets lead these teams at the floor general position, with 2 time MVP Steve Nash and Mike Bibby. Bibby has declined a lot, and Nash is still a top point guard, and should outplay Bibby. Two scorers headline the shooting guard position with Tracy McGrady and Joe Johnson matching up against each other. Johnson dominated the Magic in the first round, and McGrady was too much to handle for the undersized Darren Collison of the Celtics. Now these two should put up significant points for each other, as defense isn't that important when it comes to these two. Marvin Williams and Wilson Chandler won't be on your front page newspaper, but they are true ex-factors for each team. Chandler has been playing his best recently, and the Knicks have been flourishing. Williams came up big throughout the Magic series, and the Hawks advanced. CB4 and J-Smoove are both athletic power forwards who can stretch the D with their shot, and should be a lot to handle for each player. Bosh dismantled the C's, while Smith was not in top form against Orlando. Still, both teams are here and this match-up is a must watch. David Lee and Al Horford do the dirty work, both grabbing a heavy amount of rebounds for their teams. With the rebounding battle always being a decisive factor, these two can easily change the outcome.
The Hawks are a really talented team, but the Knicks are playing the best ball in the NBA right now. Plus who can bet against a Knicks-Nets match-up?
Prediction: Knicks 4, Hawks 2
Game 1
Is anybody having a better playoffs than Chris Bosh? Ask the Celtics and Hawks and their answer would be a simple no.
Once again, Bosh lit up the opposition with 37 points and 14 boards. Not only was his offensive performance amazing, but on defense he held Josh Smith to 11 points. Whenever the Hawks threatened, the Knicks relied on Bosh and he delivered keeping Atlanta at bay, and helping New York go up 1-0. Joe Johnson was similarly spectacular for the Hawks with 29 points and 6 assists. He tried answering Bosh for every bucket, but came up a little short. While Bosh was easily the game's MVP, a few other Knicks contributed. Steve Nash scored 12 points and dished out 13 assists, and Tracy McGrady struggled, but still had 13 on the night. Marvin Williams dropped 15 for the Hawks, and Horford followed with 14.
The Knicks protected their home court with the Game 1 win, but their role players will need to step up, and not force Bosh to do it all. We will see how the Hawks handle Bosh, in an intriguing Game 2 match-up.
Game 1 Final Score: Knicks 97, Hawks 90
Game 2
Joe Johnson was a different player during Game 2, not just leading his team in scoring but assists. Thanks to his amazing play, the Hawks cruised to tie the series up.
Johnson had 33 points and 14 assists, in a memorable performance. He had 23 in the first half, but in the second was more of a facilitator, finding Marvin Williams and Josh Smith open for jump shots, and feeding Horford for dunks. He wasn't the only man with a great load of assists for the Hawks, as Mike Bibby had 13 himself. The Hawks just played great team basketball, outplaying the previously red-hot Knicks. Bosh did his thing with 37 points and 11 rebounds, but his offense didn't make up for the terrible Knick defense. Nash helped out with 14 and 11, and McGrady had 15, but they fell short and now the series is even. The game was tight for most of it, tied at half-time thanks to half-court shot by Nash, but in the second half, the Hawks couldn't miss shooting 59% for the half. They ran away, with an offensive explosion, and then contained the Nash & Bosh pick and roll in the 4th to get the W.
The Knicks roll in the post-season is finally over, and the Hawks have grabbed the momentum. Going back to Atlanta, the Knicks need to regather themselves and try and steal one in Phillips Arena.
Game 2 Final Score: Hawks 105, Knicks 91
Game 3
After a tough loss to suffer in Madison Square Garden, the Knicks responded by outlasting the Hawks in Atlanta, in a high-scoring affair.
The Knicks trailed by 4 going into the final period, but outscored the Hawks 38-24, thanks to their terrific offense to take the win. The duo of Steve Nash and Chris Bosh were too much for the Hawks to handle, as Nash scored 17 and dished out 15 assists, and Bosh collected 21 points and 14 boards. Other Knicks were fantastic as well, as McGrady scored 15, Wilson Chandler and Jordan Hill both had 22, and David Lee finished with 11 and 13. The trio of Joe Johnson, Jordan Crawford, and Marvin Williams were on fire for Atlanta, as they had 23, 22, and 21 respectively. Together, they kept the Hawks in the game, but no one else stepped up. Josh Smith managed 11, and Al Horford and Mike Bibby were nowhere to be seen.
New York did what they needed to do, in stealing a game in Atlanta. Now a decisive Game 4, could mean them taking a 3-1 lead heading back to NYC. Atlanta meanwhile, needs to tie up this series, or else they are in a deep hole, that is tough to climb out of.
Game 3 Final Score: Knicks 119, Hawks 109
Game 4
The Hawks did what they couldn't do in Game 3, and that was play some defense and score enough to win. Atlanta protected their home-court in Game 4, evening up the series at 2.
4 Hawk players were all in tune on offense, giving them a balanced effort in the victory. Marvin Williams hit 3 treys, eventually leading the team scoring 23, and Joe Johnson added 20. Jamal Crawford came off the bench scoring 17, and Josh Smith had 16 inside. Together, they helped the Hawks score 95 points, yet this wasn't their greatest feat in the game. The Knicks were held to 79 points, with Chris Bosh being mauled on defense. He still had 23 points and 11 rebounds, but it was much less than his other performances. Tracy McGrady, still not being too much of a scoring threat, scored 16. Then David Lee contributed with 12 and 10, but Steve Nash and Wilson Chandler both struggled leading to them losing the game.
Going back to New York, a big game 5 awaits. If New York can pull it off, they will be in great shape with having the chance to close out the series 2 more times. Same with Atlanta, as if they can win at Madison in Game 5, they will face the Knicks in Atlanta for Game 6 hoping to eliminate them.
Game 4 Final Score: Hawks 95, Knicks 79
Game 5
All season, this New York team got as much hype as possible in the City that never sleeps. Meanwhile, the Hawks were one of the least-publicized teams in the NBA. Yet, it was the Hawks in Game 5 shocking the crowd at MSG, and taking a 3-2 series lead.
Joe Johnson and Marvin Williams continue to impress, as they combined for 50 in the win. Johnson had 27, and Williams scored 23. The outside game for the Hawks was rolling, as they were hitting bombs left and right, as Mike Bibby also helped with 16. Not only did the Hawks win the three point shooting battle, but the rebounding battle was theirs. With Chris Bosh and David Lee, the Knicks rebound the heck out of the ball. Yet, the Hawks barely topped them in Game 5 as Horford corralled 14 boards, and Smith grabbed 11. Chris Bosh always seems to get his, and even when struggling offensively, had 23 points and 17 rebounds. And while the whole entire Knicks starting line-up was in double digits, Bosh didn't get much help. McGrady was the 2nd leading scorer with only 12, and David Lee had 11 and 10, Nash put up 10 with 12 assists, and Chandler contributed with 11 points. Also, the Knicks bench was nowhere. Only rookie Kemba Walker did anything, with a measly 8 points. The Hawks outscored the Knicks 32-20 in the fourth quarter, which turned a close game into a comfortable win for the Hawks.
For the Knicks to keep the dream alive, they'll need to somehow win in Atlanta to return to MSG for Game 7. The Knicks already have stolen a game in Atlanta so it is possible.
Game 5 Final Score: Hawks 104, Knicks 90
Game 6
The Hawks had their shot at closing out the series, but it proved to be nothing, as the Knicks kept their hopes alive, forcing a Game 7 in New York.
The Knicks outscored Atlanta for 3 quarters, taking a 18 point lead into the 4th, before finishing the Hawks off by 11. Chris Bosh lead the Knicks once again, with 28 and 14. The tandem between Bosh and Nash has been deadly all playoffs long, as Nash was also fantastic with 12 points and 12 assists. Then McGrady joined in, as he was superb with 22. Joe Johnson did what he could for his Hawk team, but his 27 points fell short. Mike Bibby hit some shots to help him out, finishing with 16, and Josh Smith had a solid 10 and 10, but New York still dominated the game. Marvin Williams, who has been vital to this Hawks team all year, was nowhere to be found, and Al Horford struggled for most of the game. Not a good sign, in what could've been the series clincher.
The Hawks will have to continue to do what they've done all series. Win in New York. They are 2-1 at MSG, so far, but it may be too much to ask to do it again.
Game 6 Final Score: Knicks 98, Hawks 87
Game 7
Drama was plentiful at MSG during Game 7, as the Knicks and Hawks battled for 48 minutes trying to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. The man, who has been bashed for never succeeding in the playoffs, has officially responded to all nay-sayers. Tracy McGrady was the man in the last minute for New York, hitting the big three pointer to take a 5 point lead with 30 seconds left.
It may have seemed that McGrady's tough, tough three put the game out of reach, but the Hawks shocked the Knicks by coming back. Mike Bibby got a quick runner, and the Knicks called timeout. The Knicks expected the Hawks to foul, but when Nash got the ball in the backcourt, the Hawks double teamed him. Nash eventually broke out of it, but with no help, barely missed crossing the line before 8 seconds passed. Turnover, Hawks ball. 13 seconds were left, and the Hawks opted for the quick two. However, Joe Johnson couldn't get it done, as his contested lay-up rattled out, and Steve Nash hit two freebies to clinch the game, and an ECF birth. Chris Bosh has been phenomenal for the Knicks this whole entire season, and didn't dissapoint at the big stage with 26 points and 9 rebounds. McGrady finished with 21, and the big shot, and Nash managed the game with 15 points and 9 assists. David Lee was a force inside scoring 14, Wilson Chandler dropped 12, and Anthony Morrow had 11 off the bench. For the Hawks, Joe Johnson and Marvin Williams did most of the work. Johnson had 24 and 8 assists, as he had a great series passing the rock. Williams hit several 3's, and totalled 23 points on the night. Horford had 14 and 14, and Josh Smith had 12, as they tried their best to match up with Bosh & Lee. Their vet point guard Mike Bibby finished with 10, and it might be his last game with Atlanta. One big complaint for the Hawks, has to be the lack of production from 6th man Jamal Crawford with only 4 points. The Hawks held two 10 point leads in two different quarters, but failed to hold on. Both times the Knicks' 2-3 zone stifled the Hawks, as they had been riding off the success of their one on one play. New York only went to their zone twice for five minutes each, but they went on a 27-6 run when doing so.
The Knicks advance to face the Nets, as the two close neighbored rivals face off. The winner will claim a spot in the NBA Finals. Meanwhile, the Hawks did what they could this season, coming close to reaching the conference finals. This team still has potential, but will have to go after a point guard to replace Bibby.
Game 7 Final Score: Knicks 103, Hawks 98
Series Result: Knicks 4, Hawks 3
@(2)The hottest team in the NBA? It's not the Mavs or Nets, it's the Knicks. They jumped up the standings at the end of the year to grab the #2 seed, and then sweeped the previous Eastern Conference champs, the Boston Celtics. The Hawks weren't so bad themselves, earning the #3 seed, and then beating the Orlando Magic in 6, who were possible contenders. Two old vets lead these teams at the floor general position, with 2 time MVP Steve Nash and Mike Bibby. Bibby has declined a lot, and Nash is still a top point guard, and should outplay Bibby. Two scorers headline the shooting guard position with Tracy McGrady and Joe Johnson matching up against each other. Johnson dominated the Magic in the first round, and McGrady was too much to handle for the undersized Darren Collison of the Celtics. Now these two should put up significant points for each other, as defense isn't that important when it comes to these two. Marvin Williams and Wilson Chandler won't be on your front page newspaper, but they are true ex-factors for each team. Chandler has been playing his best recently, and the Knicks have been flourishing. Williams came up big throughout the Magic series, and the Hawks advanced. CB4 and J-Smoove are both athletic power forwards who can stretch the D with their shot, and should be a lot to handle for each player. Bosh dismantled the C's, while Smith was not in top form against Orlando. Still, both teams are here and this match-up is a must watch. David Lee and Al Horford do the dirty work, both grabbing a heavy amount of rebounds for their teams. With the rebounding battle always being a decisive factor, these two can easily change the outcome.
The Hawks are a really talented team, but the Knicks are playing the best ball in the NBA right now. Plus who can bet against a Knicks-Nets match-up?
Prediction: Knicks 4, Hawks 2
Game 1
Is anybody having a better playoffs than Chris Bosh? Ask the Celtics and Hawks and their answer would be a simple no.
Once again, Bosh lit up the opposition with 37 points and 14 boards. Not only was his offensive performance amazing, but on defense he held Josh Smith to 11 points. Whenever the Hawks threatened, the Knicks relied on Bosh and he delivered keeping Atlanta at bay, and helping New York go up 1-0. Joe Johnson was similarly spectacular for the Hawks with 29 points and 6 assists. He tried answering Bosh for every bucket, but came up a little short. While Bosh was easily the game's MVP, a few other Knicks contributed. Steve Nash scored 12 points and dished out 13 assists, and Tracy McGrady struggled, but still had 13 on the night. Marvin Williams dropped 15 for the Hawks, and Horford followed with 14.
The Knicks protected their home court with the Game 1 win, but their role players will need to step up, and not force Bosh to do it all. We will see how the Hawks handle Bosh, in an intriguing Game 2 match-up.
Game 1 Final Score: Knicks 97, Hawks 90
Game 2
Joe Johnson was a different player during Game 2, not just leading his team in scoring but assists. Thanks to his amazing play, the Hawks cruised to tie the series up.
Johnson had 33 points and 14 assists, in a memorable performance. He had 23 in the first half, but in the second was more of a facilitator, finding Marvin Williams and Josh Smith open for jump shots, and feeding Horford for dunks. He wasn't the only man with a great load of assists for the Hawks, as Mike Bibby had 13 himself. The Hawks just played great team basketball, outplaying the previously red-hot Knicks. Bosh did his thing with 37 points and 11 rebounds, but his offense didn't make up for the terrible Knick defense. Nash helped out with 14 and 11, and McGrady had 15, but they fell short and now the series is even. The game was tight for most of it, tied at half-time thanks to half-court shot by Nash, but in the second half, the Hawks couldn't miss shooting 59% for the half. They ran away, with an offensive explosion, and then contained the Nash & Bosh pick and roll in the 4th to get the W.
The Knicks roll in the post-season is finally over, and the Hawks have grabbed the momentum. Going back to Atlanta, the Knicks need to regather themselves and try and steal one in Phillips Arena.
Game 2 Final Score: Hawks 105, Knicks 91
Game 3
After a tough loss to suffer in Madison Square Garden, the Knicks responded by outlasting the Hawks in Atlanta, in a high-scoring affair.
The Knicks trailed by 4 going into the final period, but outscored the Hawks 38-24, thanks to their terrific offense to take the win. The duo of Steve Nash and Chris Bosh were too much for the Hawks to handle, as Nash scored 17 and dished out 15 assists, and Bosh collected 21 points and 14 boards. Other Knicks were fantastic as well, as McGrady scored 15, Wilson Chandler and Jordan Hill both had 22, and David Lee finished with 11 and 13. The trio of Joe Johnson, Jordan Crawford, and Marvin Williams were on fire for Atlanta, as they had 23, 22, and 21 respectively. Together, they kept the Hawks in the game, but no one else stepped up. Josh Smith managed 11, and Al Horford and Mike Bibby were nowhere to be seen.
New York did what they needed to do, in stealing a game in Atlanta. Now a decisive Game 4, could mean them taking a 3-1 lead heading back to NYC. Atlanta meanwhile, needs to tie up this series, or else they are in a deep hole, that is tough to climb out of.
Game 3 Final Score: Knicks 119, Hawks 109
Game 4
The Hawks did what they couldn't do in Game 3, and that was play some defense and score enough to win. Atlanta protected their home-court in Game 4, evening up the series at 2.
4 Hawk players were all in tune on offense, giving them a balanced effort in the victory. Marvin Williams hit 3 treys, eventually leading the team scoring 23, and Joe Johnson added 20. Jamal Crawford came off the bench scoring 17, and Josh Smith had 16 inside. Together, they helped the Hawks score 95 points, yet this wasn't their greatest feat in the game. The Knicks were held to 79 points, with Chris Bosh being mauled on defense. He still had 23 points and 11 rebounds, but it was much less than his other performances. Tracy McGrady, still not being too much of a scoring threat, scored 16. Then David Lee contributed with 12 and 10, but Steve Nash and Wilson Chandler both struggled leading to them losing the game.
Going back to New York, a big game 5 awaits. If New York can pull it off, they will be in great shape with having the chance to close out the series 2 more times. Same with Atlanta, as if they can win at Madison in Game 5, they will face the Knicks in Atlanta for Game 6 hoping to eliminate them.
Game 4 Final Score: Hawks 95, Knicks 79
Game 5
All season, this New York team got as much hype as possible in the City that never sleeps. Meanwhile, the Hawks were one of the least-publicized teams in the NBA. Yet, it was the Hawks in Game 5 shocking the crowd at MSG, and taking a 3-2 series lead.
Joe Johnson and Marvin Williams continue to impress, as they combined for 50 in the win. Johnson had 27, and Williams scored 23. The outside game for the Hawks was rolling, as they were hitting bombs left and right, as Mike Bibby also helped with 16. Not only did the Hawks win the three point shooting battle, but the rebounding battle was theirs. With Chris Bosh and David Lee, the Knicks rebound the heck out of the ball. Yet, the Hawks barely topped them in Game 5 as Horford corralled 14 boards, and Smith grabbed 11. Chris Bosh always seems to get his, and even when struggling offensively, had 23 points and 17 rebounds. And while the whole entire Knicks starting line-up was in double digits, Bosh didn't get much help. McGrady was the 2nd leading scorer with only 12, and David Lee had 11 and 10, Nash put up 10 with 12 assists, and Chandler contributed with 11 points. Also, the Knicks bench was nowhere. Only rookie Kemba Walker did anything, with a measly 8 points. The Hawks outscored the Knicks 32-20 in the fourth quarter, which turned a close game into a comfortable win for the Hawks.
For the Knicks to keep the dream alive, they'll need to somehow win in Atlanta to return to MSG for Game 7. The Knicks already have stolen a game in Atlanta so it is possible.
Game 5 Final Score: Hawks 104, Knicks 90
Game 6
The Hawks had their shot at closing out the series, but it proved to be nothing, as the Knicks kept their hopes alive, forcing a Game 7 in New York.
The Knicks outscored Atlanta for 3 quarters, taking a 18 point lead into the 4th, before finishing the Hawks off by 11. Chris Bosh lead the Knicks once again, with 28 and 14. The tandem between Bosh and Nash has been deadly all playoffs long, as Nash was also fantastic with 12 points and 12 assists. Then McGrady joined in, as he was superb with 22. Joe Johnson did what he could for his Hawk team, but his 27 points fell short. Mike Bibby hit some shots to help him out, finishing with 16, and Josh Smith had a solid 10 and 10, but New York still dominated the game. Marvin Williams, who has been vital to this Hawks team all year, was nowhere to be found, and Al Horford struggled for most of the game. Not a good sign, in what could've been the series clincher.
The Hawks will have to continue to do what they've done all series. Win in New York. They are 2-1 at MSG, so far, but it may be too much to ask to do it again.
Game 6 Final Score: Knicks 98, Hawks 87
Game 7
Drama was plentiful at MSG during Game 7, as the Knicks and Hawks battled for 48 minutes trying to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. The man, who has been bashed for never succeeding in the playoffs, has officially responded to all nay-sayers. Tracy McGrady was the man in the last minute for New York, hitting the big three pointer to take a 5 point lead with 30 seconds left.
It may have seemed that McGrady's tough, tough three put the game out of reach, but the Hawks shocked the Knicks by coming back. Mike Bibby got a quick runner, and the Knicks called timeout. The Knicks expected the Hawks to foul, but when Nash got the ball in the backcourt, the Hawks double teamed him. Nash eventually broke out of it, but with no help, barely missed crossing the line before 8 seconds passed. Turnover, Hawks ball. 13 seconds were left, and the Hawks opted for the quick two. However, Joe Johnson couldn't get it done, as his contested lay-up rattled out, and Steve Nash hit two freebies to clinch the game, and an ECF birth. Chris Bosh has been phenomenal for the Knicks this whole entire season, and didn't dissapoint at the big stage with 26 points and 9 rebounds. McGrady finished with 21, and the big shot, and Nash managed the game with 15 points and 9 assists. David Lee was a force inside scoring 14, Wilson Chandler dropped 12, and Anthony Morrow had 11 off the bench. For the Hawks, Joe Johnson and Marvin Williams did most of the work. Johnson had 24 and 8 assists, as he had a great series passing the rock. Williams hit several 3's, and totalled 23 points on the night. Horford had 14 and 14, and Josh Smith had 12, as they tried their best to match up with Bosh & Lee. Their vet point guard Mike Bibby finished with 10, and it might be his last game with Atlanta. One big complaint for the Hawks, has to be the lack of production from 6th man Jamal Crawford with only 4 points. The Hawks held two 10 point leads in two different quarters, but failed to hold on. Both times the Knicks' 2-3 zone stifled the Hawks, as they had been riding off the success of their one on one play. New York only went to their zone twice for five minutes each, but they went on a 27-6 run when doing so.
The Knicks advance to face the Nets, as the two close neighbored rivals face off. The winner will claim a spot in the NBA Finals. Meanwhile, the Hawks did what they could this season, coming close to reaching the conference finals. This team still has potential, but will have to go after a point guard to replace Bibby.
Game 7 Final Score: Knicks 103, Hawks 98
Series Result: Knicks 4, Hawks 3
hows his poor little elbow?
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