Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return
Thunder v Sonics... This is what we've been waiting for...
Thunder v Sonics... This is what we've been waiting for...
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Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return
First Round Postmortem
April 24th, 2016
By Vonny Lee
The NBA's first round is now over and, with it, so are the dreams of eight teams. Here's a look at the defeated and where they go from here after their elimination.
1. The Rockets -- one of the favorites heading into the season for the title, the Rockets have fallen victim to Anthony Davis. The Brow thoroughly dominated the Rockets in the last three games after Houston went up 2-0; there were no injuries and no excuses for the Rockets, who fall to the 8th seed after making the conference finals the year before.
Foremost on everyone's mind in Houston: what will Dwight do? Howard has a player option that he has yet to pick up and still may test free agency, especially after the disappointment here. Houston is prepared to move on without him, according to inside sources, despite Dwight's play in Game 4 being worlds better than Harden (who went 4-of-14 in the 105-104 loss). If you're Dwight, do you really risk free agency after another first round playoff defeat (the second in three years)? And what about Ty Lawson, who himself had a poor series despite a good regular season?
2. The Clippers -- were simply not competitive in the final game, losing 114-84 in the elimination game. After losing the first two games at home by six-points combined, the Clippers died in the third game and one could even make the case they quit, one of the worst things you can accuse a player or team of doing.
Word out of LA is that Doc Rivers will be stripped of his title as GM and Coach, focusing strictly on his coaching duties as the Clippers shift to a more traditional organizational model: the move is reportedly not sitting well with Rivers, who wants to have some input on the roster, but owner Steve Ballmer isn't hearing any of it, instead wanting his own people in charge of the roster.
The Clippers disagreements in the front office could result in changes in the coaching staff and, possibly, the roster itself.
3. The Suns -- were swept and in embarrassing fashion. Phoenix was happy to finally make the playoffs but were matched up against a Sonics team playing the most unselfish basketball in the NBA (by the end of the season they led the league in assists). The performances by the Suns bench, often cited as a strength, were key into them losing this series and Phoenix now has to figure out if the two point-guard system is viable in the postseason.
With their coach's contract still up in the air, there's a level of tension around Phoenix as the offseason approaches.
4. The Spurs -- have disappointed themselves and their fans after a dominant regular season. The addition of LaMarcus Aldridge was supposed to vault this team back into title contention, but instead the Spurs find themselves out of the playoffs after the first round for the second year in a row.
The Spurs will not be the same next year. Manu Ginobili announced his retirement after Game 3, the wear and tear finally doing the Argentinian in. Ginobili did not play his best series, as he was more a hindrance than a help in the Thunder's sweep.
The Spurs biggest loss, however, will be Tim Duncan, as he will step away as well. Duncan's longevity and effectiveness is now legendary, rivaled only by Kareem. He and Manu are both retiring, but Pop has yet to make any decisions. The Spurs hope he stays on, but if he doesn't, it's only appropriate for him to step away with two of the players he has valued for so long.
5. The Knicks -- were actually a threat to upset the Cavs. After a Game 1 beatdown delivered by LeBron, the Knicks roared back to steal Game 2 in Cleveland by just four-points, lead by Carmelo and rookie Kristaps Porzingis. Kyrie showed up big in MSG in Game 3, ensuring a Cavs win by 13-points, but the Knicks pulled out a four-point win in Game 4 thanks to the unlikeliest of heroes, Derrick Williams (former no. 2 overall pick), who scored 20-points in just 18 minutes of play.
Game Five was never close, as LeBron pushed the Cavs out to a lead in the first and never looked back. New York didn't get the game it needed from 'Melo or KP, resulting in a loss that looks better than it was. Despite the season's end, the Knicks have to be pleased with the way their squad performed. The question now becomes what moves, if any, New York will make in the offseason to improve the squad.
6. The Hawks -- after just barely squeaking by in a Game 1 OT thriller against the Grizzlies, the Hawks won another close game in Game 2, before stepping into the Grindhouse for Game 3.
It was there that the wheels fell off for Atlanta, as the Grizzlies pounded them with Marc Gasol, Mike Conley, and Jeff Green -- all of whom scored over 20-points (Gasol with 14 assists!). The Hawks could not muster any defense against the Grizzlies and lost 124-107.
Game 4 would be another loss for the Hawks as the Grizzlies jumped out to a large lead in the first quarter and didn't look back, grinding out another win behind Gasol and sophomore Jarnell Stokes (20 points, 10 boards), who got the start over Branden Wright after Wright tweaked a hamstring.
Game 5 was a less than inspiring performance by the Hawks as they only managed to score 17 points in the first quarter and 39 in the first half; the Grizzlies easily took advantage and were never threatened despite a lackluster fourth quarter from them. ATL went out with a whimper in a 96-84 loss that looks better than it was (and that's saying something).
Al Horford will likely test free agency after the loss and the Hawks could find themselves looking for a new big man if he decides to leave. Horford has been the face of the franchise for years now and his departure would be a damning referendum on what the Hawks are trying to build.
7. The Pacers -- went down 2-0 in back-to-back blowouts and the sweep looked certain for them. Instead, their return to Indiana allowed them to deliver blowouts of their own despite the lack of Derrick Favors (who fouled out in 10 minutes of play in Game 3). It was all Paul George and PG13 made the Heat pay with 32 points, 13 boards, and four assists in the 117-108 Game 3 win.
Game 4 was even more lopsided as the Pacers throttled the Heat in the fourth quarter, winning 122-97 behind PG13's 28 points and Favors 19 point, 17 board game.
But the euphoria was short-lived as the series returned to Miami and the Pacers choked away the game in the second-half. Dragic was huge for the Heat, scoring 34 points and dishing out nine dimes as the Heat put away the Pacers in a rivalry that isn't as dead as it looked at the beginning of the series.
For Indiana, the year must be considered a success despite the loss. The team was in transition and now will have an offseason to reload around Paul George and tune some things. Word out of Indiana is that the Pacers could be looking at bringing in the Heat's Whiteside, reestablishing their identity as a defensive force and dealing one of their rivals a serious blow.
8. The Raptors -- played ugly game after ugly game in this series as they get swept. After a nasty looking Game 1 loss, 81-72, the Bulls ran roughshod over them in Game 2 as Gasol and Butler both scored over 25 points. The Raptors' Kyle Lowery and Joe Johnson were both banged up, but both attempted to play -- neither was effective and the Raptors bench was just as bad. Game 3 wasn't even competitive and Toronto is looking for answers.
The offseason promises changes for this team but where -- and who -- is a mystery at this point.Last edited by trekfan; 10-24-2015, 10:11 AM.Comment
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Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return
Second Round Preview
April 24th, 2016
By Vonny Lee
5. Warriors vs. 8. Pelicans
The Warriors beating the Clippers wasn't that surprising. The Pelicans beating the Rockets? That was surprising and the upset had changed the playoff picture in the West as three of the preseason title contenders are down for the count (the Rockets, Clippers, and Spurs).
Anthony Davis is a one-man wrecking crew and wants revenge after the Warriors knocked him out of last year's playoffs. Despite having a worse record than the year before, the Pelicans are playing with an urgency and fervor that was missing before.
The Warriors might not be able to stop Davis if he decides to take over; Bogut is back from injury, but Harrison Barnes and Shaun Livingston both suffered injuries in the first round (and Iggy is still 4 weeks away from being back). Barnes is out for 2-4 weeks with a broken toe and Livingston sprained his knee, officially day-to-day but team doctors feel it'll be a week before he's back to full health.
Prediction: The NBA is put on notice that Anthony Davis is here. Pelicans upset the defending champs in seven hard fought games and win the series 4-3. The injuries to the Warriors prove too much for them to overcome.
2. Sonics vs. 3. Thunder
The regular season series was an even split and the Sonics have wanted this matchup from the day their return was announced. Seattle has demons to exercise and their magical season continues after their convincing sweep of the Suns in the first round.
The Thunder aren't scared, though. They beat the Spurs in three games and Durant/Westbrook are humming as a duo. They're not happy they lost the 2nd seed and will look to steal at least one game from the Sonics.
Prediction: The difference between fantasy and reality is a thinner line than most would admit; no one in Seattle believed the Sonics would be here and their season has been the best this franchise could have hoped for with the roster they have.
That said, fantasy always gives way to reality and this is where the Thunder remind the Sonics just what reality they live in. OKC wins the series 4-2, but Seattle makes a good show of it and does the city proud.
The East
1. Cavs vs. 5. Grizzlies
The Cavs got more of a series than they thought they would against the Knicks, but they're actually healthier now thanks to the return of Kevin Love to the lineup. Cleveland's battle with New York has given the Cavs an early test that they passed with flying colors.
The Grizzlies shouldn't be here, especially with Z-Bo still out of the lineup (at least 1-2 weeks away from being back) and now they face their toughest test yet; can they slow down LeBron, Kyrie, and Kevin Love while still grinding out wins?
Prediction: There's a reason the Cavs are the 1st seed and that's because few teams, if any, consistently gave them problems. With the Cavs record a gaudy 64-18, there's little doubt that they know how to handle the Grizz. Memphis puts up a fight but bows out in this round as the Cavs take the series 4-1.
2. Heat vs. 3. Bulls
Another series with history, the Heat and Bulls are largely teams that know one another too well. The Heat had to battle to get out of the Pacers series while the Bulls were able to play only one really good game and still win against the Raptors.
The onus is on Chicago to put forth its very best effort here as the Heat will not take it easy on them. Dragic is expected to try and take advantage of Rose as often as he can, and the combo of Bosh and Whiteside are more than a match for the Bulls' Gasol and Noah. The Bulls are missing Mike Dunleavy, who suffered a broken leg in Game 2 against the Raptors and will be out for the next 8 weeks.
Prediction: Chicago can't seem to enter a postseason without at least one major injury and that streak continues this year. Despite how evenly matched these two teams look on paper, the Heat's bench is vastly superior and that will be the difference to a Chicago team that needs its starters to play exceedingly well to cover the flaws of their second unit. Heat take the series 4-1 and it's only close in two games.Comment
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Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return
This has been incredibly interesting (and has inspired me to try my hand at doing my own, relocating a team to Cincinnati...as soon as I have posting privileges).
Quick question; are you using a realistic draft class for the upcoming season, or a fictional one? Because I noticed Gary Payton Jr. was in one of the classes I used, and there's a zero percent chance you (or Max) could pass that up, right?Check out my 76ers dynasty here on OS:
http://tinyurl.com/76ersFranchiseComment
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Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return
I'm using a real one for this season -- when I started there were only a few to choose from and I chose one that I hope is good. I need to research for what the one's next season might look like.
And Max could totally not pass up Gary Payton Jr.
Glad to have inspired you, I look forward to seeing what you do. If you have any questions, feel free to ask, I always like a good 'chise.
...
All that said, Holy Mother of God did I just finish one of the best games ever. Game 1 of the OKC/Sonics series is an instant classic. Recap in the morning.Comment
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Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return
Sonics Overcome Thunder in OT Classic
April 26th, 2016
By Vonny Lee
The Seattle SuperSonics took Game 1 of this series despite blowing a seven-point lead heading into the fourth quarter. The savior of Seattle wasn't one of the usual suspects: not Noel, not Allen, not Jack, not Gortat, and not Crawford.
It was Jeremy Lin.
Heading into the fourth, the Sonics lead -- once sitting at 20 in the third -- had been trimmed down to just seven as the PAC held its breath anxiously, wondering if the Sonics collapse was going to be as thorough as it appeared. To the horror of everyone in the arena, it was.
The fourth saw the Thunder storm back and, within minutes of the quarter starting, they had taken the lead from Seattle. Fouls had been traded all game and Jarrett Jack had piled up plenty before the fourth; Westbrook wasn't having a great game (20 points on 9-of-23 shooting) but he was frustrating the veteran point guard.
With less than eight minutes left, Jack fouled out and Jeremy Lin entered the game. Through three quarters Lin had amassed 16 points and seven assists, helping the Sonics jump out to their lead in the third. But Seattle needed someone -- anyone -- to step up and prevent the collapse that would have defined this series for years to come.
Jeremy Lin did just that. Despite Seattle trailing by six points with less than five minutes to go, Lin rallied the troops and kept running the offense; rather than allow the Sonics bigs to roll to the rim, the Thunder kept them out of the paint.
Lin, however, was given space to run in and he took it. The aggressiveness, one of his defining traits (sometimes for good and ill), was on full display in the fourth quarter as Lin took it inside and got bucket after bucket.
With every make, the crowd roared, and somewhere in the universe Mike D'Antoni smiled.
The Sonics clawed back into the game, making it a three-point, one possession affair in the last two minutes as multiple players went to the line and multiple misses ensued, the pressure of the situation bearing down on everyone.
With less than 23 seconds on the clock the Thunder managed to eek out a three-point play on a Durant layup, foul, and free throw. The Sonics had the last possession and played it beautifully, calling for multiple screens and leaving the ball in the hands of Lin, who dutifully got the pick, stepped to his right and back, and drained the triple with 1.2 seconds on the clock.
The PAC exploded in a frenzy as the Thunder quickly took a timeout. Linsanity was in full effect and the Thunder, who had been spared the original occurrence of the sensation, were going to be its next victim.
It had taken over five years for Lin to recapture that magical moment, but it was finally here. The Thunder were unable to get a quality look in the 1.2 seconds left and the game went into OT, the first time for either of these two teams in the postseason.
Hollis-Jefferson had fouled out towards the end of the fourth, meaning Seattle had to insert Bogdanovic into his place as the OT period started. With a lineup of Lin, Allen, Bogdanovic, Noel, and Gortat, the Sonics were without two of its most important players.
The Thunder were without Enes Kanter, who fouled out himself, and Steven Adams, who's back injury -- initially diagnosed as minor -- was determined serious enough to hold him out of the game.
The OT period began as both teams traded buckets, but the Sonics locked down the Thunder on defense, preventing OKC from getting quality looks. Meanwhile, the Sonics continued to play their brand of patient pick and roll offense; the Thunder keyed off on Lin and the point guard dutifully passed the ball to the rolling man to the rim.
With less than three minutes to go, the Sonics were forced to sub Bogdanovic out after the player pulled up on the court, seemingly suffering from cramps, and rookie Chris McCullough entered the game. McCullough was forced to play the four against Ibaka as the Sonics rotated Noel onto Durant.
OKC attempted to take advantage of the matchup but found McCullough ready to play -- he prevented Ibaka from getting any good shots.
With less than 1:15 to go, OKC had a one-point lead and the ball after a missed Ray Allen triple. Coming up the court, they dished it to Westbrook, who was theoretically fouled with 49.7 seconds on the clock; the replay, however, showed that Noel did not make contact with Westbrook at all and the foul was a phantom.
Lionel Hollins chewed the referees out on the sidelines as Westbrook took his two free throws, the Thunder up 125-124. If he made either or both, the game could be over.
Westbrook not only missed the first, he missed the second as well, and the Sonics went back to work on the other end. Lin setup Noel for a pick and roll and Noel rolled to the rim, but passed out to Gortat who hit the floating layup over the outstretched hands of Ibaka.
The Thunder, down 126-125 with 33.7 seconds to go, had the ball again. With plenty of time left on the clock Westbrook brought the ball up the court. He dived into the Sonics paint, then passed out to McGary, but the pass was poor and Gortat came away with the steal.
Now with 27.9 seconds left and the lead, Seattle had the ball. Lin got it and again called for the pick and roll. Gortat set the pick, rolled to the rim, but missed the layup. As the arena held its breath, Ray Allen came up with the rebound, the bucket, and the foul. With 8.1 seconds left the Thunder watched as Ray Allen sunk the free throw, then called a timeout.
During their next possession Andre Roberson would get the ball at the high post and dive towards the hole; he was fouled by Gortat and went to the line, but missed one of his free throws. The Sonics got the ball back and it found its way to Noel, who was promptly fouled.
Noel, however, stepped to the line and iced the game by making one free throw.
The Thunder, with 2.4 seconds left, had no recourse. The game was theirs to lose after a remarkable comeback and lose it they did, in no small part due to the play of Russell Westbrook, who becomes the scapegoat of this game.
Seattle comes away with a very close Game 1 win and there's not a Sonics fan who feels even the least bit bad for OKC. Game 2 is just around the corner and OKC has to rebound after such an emotional loss ... and the Sonics have to remember that this series is a best-of-seven. One game doesn't undo years of trauma, but this was a big step towards that.
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Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return
Pretty cool that Linsanity came back. What a turn of events!?The Bulgarian Brothers - a story of two brothers (Oggy and Dinko) as they coach in the NCAA and the NBA.
?Ask me about the Xbox Ally handheld - I'm on the team that made it.Comment
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Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return
It was fate, I think. I was revisting Linsanity on Youtube hours before the game and remembering how unreal it was ... then Lin broke out and saved my bacon.
We almost choked it away but no one will ever remember that; they will only remember Jeremy Lin and Westbrook's two bricks free throws (and his horrible turnover) that gave us the win.
I honestly don't mind if I lose the series now, I got the epic win against OKC I was looking for. I would love to knock them out of the playoffs, though.
If we do that and I end up facing the Warriors, the Sonics will be screwed; we only won once all season against them and that was luck. If we get the Pelicans, I am much more confident we can win and get to the Finals ... I want the dream season, but I know the likelihood is that it all comes crashing down this round.Comment
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Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return
Great read.
Just can't stand (jokingly) the obvious bias of Lin and the push he's getting. He's done and been done since Houston legitimately (Laker days if you want to put nail in coffin), but it is what it is.
I guess you gonna acquire Lance Stephenson next, er?
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Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return
Lance? Maybe. *shrug*
But honestly, I was planning on hiring Tim Tebow as head coach. TebowTime + Linsanity = 82-0!
(For real, though, big fan of Lin and Tebow.)Comment
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Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return
Can I ask what's Lin's contact?
Is he locked up for another year after this season, and is he a lifer in Seattle now?Comment
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Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return
He is a free agent in all likelihood. He has a player option for 2.3M, but he's probably going to jump into FA (especially after this last game). Assuming he doesn't completely bomb the rest of the playoff run, he's in for a substantial pay raise (I'd guess somewhere between 6-8M a year for 2-3yrs).
I'd gladly pay him that and let him run my point spot in the future; dude is one of my favorite NBA players, fits my play style, and is just the right age/type of veteran I want to mentor my future PG (acquired in draft or in a trade).
Looking at the rest of the league, I don't think anyone else will offer him a starting gig at this point, but the offseason is gonna be crazy. Already teams like the Spurs (due to retirements) and the Rockets (due to Dwight's drama) are gonna be in prime position for change and with all the cap money floating around, teams are gonna be taking bigger risks with their wallets.Comment
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Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return
Good stuff!! I read above that you don't know another draft class for next season, have you seen SimWorlds fiction class?
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Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return
Thanks for the compliment!
Yes, I have seen it. I'm not at the point where I need to make a decision yet, but I'm definitely researching to see what would fit. I'd prefer to keep it as real world as I can for the first 3-4 seasons and then dip into fictional stuff, but we'll see how it goes.Comment
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