Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Sonics Out-Spurs Spurs

March 25th, 2016



Sonics now have the 3rd seed, a half game back of OKC for the 2nd seed, and three games back of the Rockets for the 1st seed. The Spurs fall to the 4th seed, where the Clippers trail them by a half game. The Western Conference Playoffs seeding continue to be in flux among the top six seeds.

[infamyice]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Nice to see the Sonics look to finish the season in the top 4 seeding.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return




March 30th, 2016


He waited patiently for his nephew to finish, but Max couldn't help but steal a glance.

"No peeking!" Teddy chided him, placing the picture he was drawing further behind his makeshift barrier (made of a cardboard box and one of Max's chairs).

Max sighed and sat all the way back in his chair. "Can I at least get a hint?"

"No."

"A small hint?"

Teddy made a face, then shook his head. "It's a surprise. No hints."

Max sighed again. "Fine." He picked up his pen and began tapping on his desk, navigating through his multiple windows with his other hand. The team was now at 50 wins and the headlines were all full of praise; a marked change from earlier in the season when doom and gloom were predicted at every turn.

They've really come together, he thought to himself proudly. The team was better than he or anyone else could have hoped ... but they were still stuck in the 3rd seed. OKC would have no part in them taking the 2nd seed and homecourt if the Rockets fell on their side of the bracket.

The Thunder were talented at every level and had Durant and Westbrook. The duo was more dangerous to them than Harden and Howard, easily. Dwight was aging and not quite as good as he used to be; he could be corralled by Noel and Gortat. There was no corralling Durant and Westbrook; if one of them went off, slowing them down was the only option.

Lazily, Max's eyes drifted to his nephew's notebook full of questions -- every page had questions on it and Teddy was adding more every day. He picked it up and turned to the last page they left at. "Shall I answer some more questions?"

Teddy stopped his coloring and nodded vigorously. "Yeah!" He sat up and climbed into one of the chairs, the plush leather swallowing his small form. He held out his hand.

Max dutifully handed the notebook to him. "Ask away."

Teddy took his finger and traced it down the page, looking for the last spot they left off. "Okay. What does 'and one' mean?"

"It happens when a player is fouled, but he makes the shot anyway. So he gets two points and a shot at the free throw line, which adds one point if he makes it."

Teddy made a face. "Why only one? I'd want more."

Max smirked. "Honestly, I don't know."

"Hmm." Teddy took a pencil from the front of Max's desk and marked that question off. "Who is 'Rain Man'?" He looked up. "Momma says he's a man named Dusty Hoffmen, but Daddy says that's not what it means in basketball."

Max winced. He took out his phone and brought up a picture of Shawn Kemp back in his Sonics days. "That's the Reign Man -- R-E-I-G-N. He played with Gary Payton, who was --"

"The Glove!" Teddy answered excitedly.

"Right," Max confirmed, pride showing on his face. The little six-year old was a handful, but when he was engaged in something he drowned himself in it; much like Max, Gill, and their father. Must be in the blood. "He was Gary Payton's friend; they played really well together. Lots of passes and dunks."

"Cool." Teddy looked at the notebook, then set it aside. "I need to finish the picture, hold on." He climbed out of the chair and resumed his place back onto the floor, lying on his stomach as he colored.

It was only minutes later when he loudly declared, "Done!" and held up the picture victoriously. He stood and held it behind his back as he approached Max. "Okay, you get three guesses," he said as he held out three fingers. "And then you can see it if you're close."

"And if I'm not?" Max asked with amusement.

Teddy looked up for a moment and then grinned. "Then you get infinity guesses till you get it close."

Max leaned back in his chair, making himself comfortable. He was never good at guessing games. "Um ... is it a person?"

Teddy nodded.

"Is it ... your dad?"

Teddy shook his head.

"Your mom?"

Another head shake.

Max pointed at himself. "Not me, is it?"

"No, silly!" Teddy pointed at the wall of pictures. "One of them."

Max looked at the wall of pictures, trying to narrow down which one it could be. "Um ... hmm." There were dozens of pictures on that wall ... but only one that Teddy was excited about. "Is it Gary Payton?"

"Yes!" Teddy triumphantly flashed the picture at Max.

Max covered his mouth to stifle the laughter. Teddy had made a somewhat crude drawing of Payton, except Gary's face was a literal glove.

"Now he is the Glove!" Teddy said as laughter overtook him and he collapsed onto the floor into a ball of giggles.

Max, overcome himself with laughter, leaned further back into his chair, which only caused it to tip over and take him with it. He fell to the floor in a jumble as Teddy's laughter hit a higher pitch.

And the two of them lay there on the floor, laughing.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

2015-16 Season Awards

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

2015-16 All-NBA Teams

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

2015-16 NBA Final Regular Season Standings

April 13th, 2016

By Vonny Lee


The end of the NBA Regular Season is upon us and what a year it has been. Here's a quick look at the final regular season standings and where the team's that didn't make the playoffs stand at season's end.

The Central



1. The Pistons -- made a late push for the playoffs but couldn't string together enough wins to make a difference. SVG now heads into another offseason with disappointment foremost on the minds of everyone involved with the organization; Brandon Jennings will test FA and likely not be back ... will Reggie Jackson be enough to run the point for Detroit?

2. The Bucks -- made late adjustments to their rotation to try and make a positive push, but came away with nothing to show for it. The Bucks now have to look hard to see where this season went wrong -- was it Michael-Carter Williams, Greg Monroe, both, or something else entirely? Next year will determine the fate of nearly everyone who's bet on this roster, from Jason Kidd to the Greek Freak.

The Atlantic



1. The Wizards -- bet that this season would be the one where they made the leap, but instead their early season moves to secure a playoff spot fell short and now they're left on the outside looking in. Randy Wittman is likely to get axed in the offseason and whomever follows him will be mandated to make the playoffs next year, or face a similar fate.

2. The Celtics -- don't regret the Boogie trade ... yet. The arrival of Cousins was supposed to energize the Celtics and allow the team to make a push for a playoff spot; instead, Boogie's arrival upset the balance the team had achieved and now leaves the Celtics looking for a way to reestablish some of that balance over the offseason. The fate of Marcus Smart, Tyler Zeller, and Jared Sullinger all remain to be decided in the biggest offseason for Boston in nearly half-a-decade; can the Celtics build around Boogie, or will he prove too much for even them?

3. The 76ers -- lost, exactly like they wanted to, but fell a game short of being the worst in the NBA; that honor belongs to the Jazz. Philly made progress towards the end, but the trades of multiple assets over the season doesn't seem to have hurt their chances too badly at securing the first overall selection.

The Southeast



1. The Hornets -- hit a losing streak at the worst time, going 3-7 over the last 10 games and just missing the playoffs despite the Knicks woeful end-of-year performance. This might be the final iteration of this team with Al Jefferson in the middle, as both he and the Hornets seem ready to move on; where will Michael Jordan go from here?

2. The Magic -- almost made it. A late season push, led by Joe Johnson, energized the team and the fanbase, getting them so close to the playoffs. Despite missing the final cut, the Magic are looking up and with the Lakers pick (acquired in the trade with Philly at the deadline) looking to easily fall outside the top-3, the Magic will be able to snag a valuable asset to develop as this team looks to be on the rise.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

2015-16 NBA Final Regular Season Standings

April 13th, 2016

By Vonny Lee


The Southwest



1. The Mavericks -- are the only team in their division that didn't make the playoffs, an embarrassment that Mark Cuban isn't pleased with. However, with the arrival of Embiid and the multiple injuries to many players, this year is a lost year for the Mavs. The question becomes whether Dirk decides to hang it up, avoiding another year of potential misery, or if he comes back for one more ride.

The Northwest



1. The Blazers -- just couldn't hang on to their positive momentum. Lillard did an admirable job of nearly leading this team to the 8th seed, but he missed out by two games. Still, with as shorthanded as Portland was throughout the latter half the season, the fans shouldn't be upset -- next year will be better for the team.

2. The Timberwolves -- had their star rookie, Anthony-Towns, get hit with a limiting injury during the last month of the season. His decline in play, combined with Wiggins' sophomore slump, doomed the Wolves in a conference that eats its young. KG may hang it up at the end of the year and the Wolves have to hope that Wiggins can bounce back next season; this team isn't quite there yet, but they'll be something special when it's all said and done.

3. The Nuggets -- were bad, just as they wanted to be, and nearly finished with the worst record in the league. The team's offense has been atrocious since the trades of Faried and Chandler, and the Nuggets front office will have some choices to make during the offseason as they look for a direction to take this team in.

4. The Jazz -- finished with the worst record in the league, a big step back from a team that was a threat for the final playoff spot last season. Despite their futility, the top pick is waiting for them and the top of the draft is rather stacked with talent; Utah should find a good player to pair with Hayward, Exum, Burks, and Gobert, but that player may be better than half of the aforementioned names.

The Pacific



1. The Lakers -- actually didn't look too horrible at the end of the year, despite missing not only Kobe but also Russell. Still, they weren't bad enough to get their pick back and LA will have to hope that their cap space will sway someone to pick them in FA. They also might be secretly hoping Kobe retires, but insiders report Bryant is gearing up for yet another return.

2. The Kings -- are really, really bad. Tied with the 76ers for the second-worst record in the NBA, the Kings have a bevy of picks, a solid draft, and George Karl (firmly in power) heading into the offseason. Free agency will likely be a place that yields only bench players for them; the team's improvements will come from the draft and internal developments.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return


1st Round Playoff Preview

April 13th, 2016

By Vonny Lee


The 2016 NBA playoffs have finally arrived and the league is bracing itself for a resumption of multiple postseason rivalries.



1. Rockets vs. 8. Pelicans

The Rockets earned the first seed with an impressive 56-26 record, barely edging out the Sonics and Thunder for the 1st seed. Houston enters the postseason with no injuries and plenty of confidence.

Their matchup, however, is a familiar foe in the Pelicans. Anthony Davis and company surged ahead to finish the season at 41-41, winning four straight to secure the final spot. Davis will not be so easily denied this time around and, with the first round only five games, the momentum the Pelicans have will be even more important.

Prediction: Pelicans steal a game and make it interesting, but the Rockets handle Davis and co. Houston wins the series 3-1.

4. Clippers vs. 5. Warriors

The Clippers once held the 1st seed, but faltered late in the year and the rest of the West didn't mind taking advantage. That theme will continue to show itself in the postseason as LA is missing one of its most important pieces, J.J. Reddick, who is out for the next 4-6 weeks with a severe ankle sprain. With Lance Stephenson also slightly banged with with a twisted ankle, the Clippers two spot is weak.

Just what the Warriors, the one team no one wants to see in the playoffs, want. Thompson should have a field day with the Clippers and the return of Andrew Bogut (finally back after missing most of season with an injury) will allow the Warriors to put out nearly their entire lineup. Iggy is still out, likely for next 4-6 weeks, but the Warriors have more than enough to get past the Clippers.

Prediction: The Warriors are champions and, until otherwise proven, get the benefit of the doubt. Golden State wins the series 3-1 and it's not particularly close.

2. Sonics vs. 7 Suns

The Seattle SuperSonics have blown away all expectations of anyone, having a dream season (and making David Stern look like a fool, even in retirement) and have a favorable matchup against the Suns. The Sonics won the majority of the games against this squad during the regular season and have no injuries to speak of.

The Suns, for their part, are not going to bow down to any team. Injury free and with playoff experience in Tyson Chandler on the roster, the Suns will be looking for an upset and a validation of the two-small guard system.

Prediction: The Sonics might get caught looking forward to the Thunder in the next round, but making the playoffs can't be enough for this team now; with Seattle hosting playoff games for the first time in over a decade, the energy will be with the Sonics. Seattle sweeps, 3-0.

3. Thunder vs. 6. Spurs

The Thunder had the 2nd seed, but lost it in the last day. OKC is furious at itself and its angry; Durant was denied the MVP despite a stellar campaign and the Thunder have an axe to grind.

Unfortunately, so do the Spurs. They were close to winning the last game of the season against the Sonics and, much like the matchup before, the atmosphere was very playoff like. But the Spurs fell, dictating that they end up as the 6th seed in the ultra-competitive conference. San Antonio wants its shot at the Sonics as much as OKC, and they're the deeper team.

Prediction: This series comes down to the wire, ultimately hinging on which team is the better team; San Antonio takes it, 3-2, and Tim Duncan survives another first round bloodbath out West.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return


1st Round Playoff Preview

April 13th, 2016

By Vonny Lee



1. Cavs vs. 8. Knicks

Cleveland is banged up and hurting, missing two of its best contributors in J.R. Smith (Torn ACL, out for the season) and Kevin Love (broken finger, out for 1-2 weeks). The Cavs, however, have continued chugging along thanks to the brilliance of LeBron James and Kyrie Irving.

The Knicks backed into the playoffs and in ugly fashion; after the All-Star break, the team got hit by the injury bug and only barely recovered in time to prevent an epic collapse. Knicks fans will take the victories where they can get them, but the Knicks come into the postseason thanks to how bad everyone behind them was.

Prediction: Cavs sweep. The Knicks aren't even supposed to be here, easily a year ahead of their schedule, and LeBron isn't about to let Carmelo get by him.

4. Hawks vs. 5. Grizzlies

Atlanta was looking at securing the 2nd seed as the season went into its lat month, but injuries to its second unit made that task impossible. Atlanta instead had to settle for the 4th seed, but in a weak East the difference isn't great; eventually, the would have had to go through LeBron anyway.

For the Grizzlies the second-half of the season was more like what the organization had in mind when they moved out East; filled with many wins and a commitment to defense, Memphis is more than happy to meet a division rival it knows well. Unfortunately, Zach Randolph won't be there as he's out with a knee injury for the next 2-4 weeks, forcing the Grizz to start Brandon Wright next to Marc Gasol, changing the dynamic.

Prediction: No Z-Bo, no second round. Hawks win series 3-2.

2. Heat vs. 7. Pacers

Old rivals meet again, but neither is the same as the last time. The Heat now sport Dragic and Whiteside as feature players. The Pacers make the playoffs, largely thanks to the addition of Derrick Favors. The Heat feel confident Whiteside can take Favors away as an option.

The Pacers might agree with them. Despite Favors' play, the Pacers can't be confident in their matchups; PG13 will be facing the combination of Deng and Gerald Green at SF, while the talent of the Heat is clearly better than the Pacers.

Prediction: The glory days of this rivalry are gone. Heat sweep 3-0.

3. Bulls vs. 6 Raptors

The Bulls made a strong showing at the end of the season, and they look fresher than they have in years. Mirotic, however, is out for the next 1-2 weeks with a lower-back issue, making the Bulls without their sweet-shooting stretch four.

The Raptors are more banged up, though. Biyombo, their defensive specialist off the bench, is out for 2 weeks with a torn hamstring. Joe Johnson, former Bull, is still out with a broken right ankle but could be ready for the second game of the series. Kyle Lowery is dealing with a pinched nerve and is listed as questionable, but is likely to play the first game of the series.

Prediction: Bull and Raptors engage in a thoroughly entertaining first round series, but the Raptors don't have enough to get past the Bulls. Chicago takes the series 3-1.

[AdamJones113]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Wow. Great content and great writing.

Write long, and prosper

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Wow. Great content and great writing.

Write long, and prosper

Much obliged. Game one of the Sonics/Suns series is being played now ... the postseason is a different beast.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Sonics Best Suns in Game One

April 16th, 2016

By Vonny Lee




"The last time I saw a Sonics team in the playoffs, we lost to the Spurs," said Ray Allen before the game. Allen, of course, was part of the that 2005 playoff run for the Sonics where they made it to the conference semis before being bested by Tim Duncan and the Spurs, 4-2.

"We lost on our home floor. I haven't forgotten, never will."

This game was the first playoff game Seattle has hosted since 2005 and the PAC was rocking long before tip off. The crowd was given free t-shirts to start the game, proudly whiting out the arena. Seas of Sonics fans stretched across the arena, with seemingly only a few dozen Suns fans at all.

"It gave me chills to get out on that floor," said longtime Seattle legend Jamal Crawford. "I'll hold onto that moment for the rest of my life."

Game 1 didn't go exactly to as the Sonics would have liked, but from tip-off the energy in the building was clearly different. The fans were loud enough to make the refs blue in the face as they tried to whistle for fouls and timeouts.

The game started as the two teams traded blows, back and forth. The Suns, early in the year, had been a puzzle Seattle couldn't solve; later, as the season progressed, the Sonics evened the series and eventually took the season series. But the tone of this game was set early and often by Tyson Chandler, who blocked shot after shot as the Sonics tried to drive it into the paint.

"He was simply a step ahead of us early," said Coach Hollins after the game. "True professional, a true credit to defense."

Chandler would be matched on the other end by Gortat, who himself came up with two blocks, as the game was a seesaw affair throughout the first, eventually leading to a slim Sonics lead at the beginning of the second.

In the second, the Suns would storm back behind the shooting of Brandon Knight, who once more found himself the Suns source of offense with Eric Bledsoe off the floor. The Sonics let Knight have multiple looks and Knight made them pay, allowing the Suns to gain a one-point lead as they headed into the half.

"We had adjustments to make, but it wasn't anything with our gameplan; we were exactly where we wanted to be," said Hollins.

The Sonics and Suns again engaged in a high-octane third quarter, blocks, steals, dunks, layups, and transition points in full effect. The Suns forced the Sonics to run and Seattle ran, keeping up with the Suns at every turn and allowing their second-unit, led by Jeremy Lin, to flourish as their starters got some valuable rest.

Lin dished out a career-high 14 assists by the time the third quarter ended, nabbing seven rebounds on top of that.

"I did whatever I needed to so the we could win," said Lin after the game. "It was pretty cool, honestly."

The fourth quarter arrived and the Sonics finally began pulling away, thanks in large part to the foul trouble the Suns had gotten in during the third. Alex Len and Markieff Morris both had four fouls heading into the final quarter and it limited what they could do defensively.

The Sonics busted out all their tricks to ensure their lead would stay, running multiple screen plays for Jarrett Jack and Ray Allen; Allen, mostly quiet for the night offensively (though plenty effective on the floor thanks to his assists and rebounding) hit a clutch dagger three off a screen that seemed to kill the hopes of the Suns.

After that three, the Suns were beaten.

Seattle takes a 1-0 series lead and wins its first postseason game in 11 years. Game 2 takes place in Seattle on the 18th, as the Sonics look to take a 2-0 series lead.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Sonics Demolish Suns in Game Two

April 18th, 2016

By Vonny Lee



The Sonics now take a 2-0 lead in the series thanks to the best display of team basketball the NBA has seen in years. The Suns came out firing from deep, trying to stretch Seattle's defense early, and that strategy got them six quick points and the lead.

But Seattle, as it has for most of the latter-half of the season, stuck to its gameplan: they allowed the Suns to take those shots if they were there, and focused their defense on protecting the paint and challenging any shot that went up. Results came soon after the Suns got their lead as their shots from outside began to miss.

In response, Phoenix began to drive inside more with Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight, but the two under-sized guards were denied frequently by Gortat and especially Nerlens Noel (whom finished with six blocks).

The Sonics stuck to their guns, using the pick and roll to set up their offense over, and over, and over; one pick was quickly followed by another, sometimes by the same player, sometimes by a different one, and the Suns defense wasn't up to the task of keeping up. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was the star for the Sonics, as he used this game to announce his arrival in the postseason, sailing across the court on multiple fast breaks for dunk after dunk.

When the Suns defense managed to slow him down, the Sonics frequently made the extra pass, which helped the team dish out 52 assists as a squad (nearly double the Suns 28 assists).

By the time the first quarter ended, the Sonics had pulled out to a 10-point lead and they wouldn't look back; the Suns were only able to trim the lead to seven-points midway through the third, but the Sonics quickly increased the lead, at one-time in the fourth leading by as much as 20-points.

"Embarrassing," said veteran center Tyson Chandler after the game. "You don't do what we did tonight if you want to win. We flat out got embarrassed and our *sses are down 2-0 now."

The Suns players were visibly upset after the game in the lockeroom and the press was escorted out soon after Chandler's comments.

For the Sonics, this series is playing out exactly as they wanted.

"Being up 2-0 is where any team wants to be heading into the third game," said Coach Hollins. "We defended our homecourt, now they're gonna take it to us when we visit theirs. It ain't over yet."

Hollins' words of caution aside, the Sonics seem to be playing the most unselfish ball of the year. More than that, Jarrett Jack and Ray Allen both seem to be in a groove, the two lead guards not simply being called upon to hit timely shots, but rather play a significant role in the offense from the beginning.

"It felt good to get out there and get buckets, get fouls, get the other team pissed at me," said Jack after the game. "Ray and I, we just played out there -- we balled and our team balled and that's how you mess people up in this league; if everyone's getting touches, no one's cold. Hard to stop a whole team that's en fuego."

The Sonics next play the Suns in Phoenix on April 20th, looking to complete the sweep on the road.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Man, *hit just got crazy out West ... recap of Game 3 and the first round forthcoming.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Sonics Extinguish Suns in Game 3

April 20th, 2016

By Vonny Lee



At the beginning of this season, the playoffs were thought to be just within reach for the SuperSonics; a relocated squad, built upon the bones of the Brooklyn Nets, the team wasn't expected to do much more than threaten for the 8th seed.

Laden with veterans on expiring contracts, a rookie defensive ace (and offensive work-in-progress) in Hollis-Jefferson, a lame duck coach, and a new owner (whom also made himself GM), the Sonics were just a few ingredients away from a full-blown mess.

Instead, the Seattle SuperSonics have won their first round series against the Suns in emphatic fashion, moving on to the Conference Semis for the first time since 2005 (the last time the franchise made the playoffs as well).

The Suns fought valiantly in the beginning, keeping pace with Seattle and investing in their outside shot. Unlike Game 2, the Suns kept hitting from the floor, refusing to be baited into Seattle's game of inside-out basketball and instead focusing on stretching the Sonics defense all over the court.

The strategy paid early dividends for the Suns, but Seattle's offensive execution soon began to overwhelm them. Adjustments by the Suns staff in the second -- namely the play of T.J. Warren -- allowed Phoenix to storm back and tie the game at 59 all heading into the half.

The momentum was on the Suns side, but it wouldn't be for long. In the third, Jeremy Lin was put out onto the floor, playing the majority of the quarter and making the Suns look silly. It was a throwback game for Lin, who dished, drove, scored, and defended like he was in the midst of Linsanity again.

The Suns had no answer as Lin lead the second unit in getting and holding onto a large lead in the third; Bojan "Bogdog" Bogdanovic also hit everything he took from deep, going 3-of-3 from that range.

The second unit firmly established the Sonics dominance in the third, after which the starters reentered for the fourth. There is where the Sonics stepped on the Suns throats with multiple steals and transition buckets, outplaying Phoenix down the stretch despite multiple attempts by the Suns to narrow the lead down to something manageable.

The end of the game was punctuated by multiple fouls from the Suns, one flagrant against Jarrett Jack late, as the composure of the team gave way. Despite the fouls and the hard play, the Sonics leave Phoenix with the win.

Up next: the series Seattle faithful have been waiting years for ... The Thunder.