Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

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  • trekfan
    Designated Red Shirt
    • Sep 2009
    • 5817

    #451
    Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return



    The Houston Rockets now fall to 32-26 as the Sonics move to 47-11 in a win that gives them the season sweep of the series. The game was a rout, really, and it began with some turnovers by Houston, which Seattle took down the court and put away.

    Seattle stole the ball 11 times, while Houston only managed to force seven turnovers from the Sonics.

    The game was notable for a few things, so here they are in no particular order.

    • James Harden scored 36 points on 15-of-26 shooting, but was absolutely ineffective as a floor leader; he finished with only four assists and no steals, no blocks, and no rebounds.
    • Terrence Jones and Dwight Howard both finished with 14 points (Dwight chipping in 13 rebounds as well), but Howard also logged four turnovers and looked slow going against Gortat and Noel.
    • No other Rocket scored in double digits and the team had only 23 assists as a whole.
    • Seattle was stellar in transition, scoring 20 points compared to Houston's eight.
    • The Rockets continued the trend of Sonics opponents getting more second-chance points than the Sonics, but they still lost.

    • Houston never led once in this game.


    That was the game in a nutshell. The more important development in this game was the play of rookie point guard Malik Newman, who was named player of the game.



    Malik absolutely dominated all of Houston's point guards, including the vaunted defense of Patrick Beverly, and was unstoppable dishing the ball. He could do little wrong and had an all-round game (including three steals and two blocks) that should make some all-stars jealous.

    This might be the last time we see him start. Brandon Jennings, the former MVP candidate, is now resuming team activities and appears to be on track for a return sometime next week (the 76ers or Wizards are the likely opponent for him). Jennings' return has been something Sonics fans initially looked forward to, but Newman's play since taking over as the full-time starter has been eye opening.

    Jennings wasn't due back till mid-March, but he shaved some time off his recovery with how hard he worked ... still, the Sonics staff has no easy choice here. On the one hand, Jennings is the better player now -- he can shoot better, he can arguably pass better, and he was a fringe MVP candidate before his injury.

    But Newman's insertion into the lineup was more than a pleasant surprise, it was a revelation about how good this kid is and will be. He just turned 20 and it would be a shame to banish him to the bench, especially now that we know Jamal Crawford is going to be retiring. Somehow, the Sonics need to find minutes for him in their rotation (bench Landry again? I'd hate to see Carl go, he's a great weapon in the pick and pop game). But Newman is the rookie, he was forced into the role due to the inability of Lin and Crawford to start at the point, so he looks to be the odd man out this year.

    But don't believe for an instant that he's not Seattle's future, perhaps as soon as next season (but Mad Max always has something up his sleeve, doesn't he?). Tonight was the proof that he's ready to take the reins of this team if called upon again.

    Go Sonics.



    Last edited by trekfan; 12-17-2015, 08:45 AM.
    Any comments are welcome.
    Texas Two-Step (2K20 Alt History)
    Orange And Blue Forever (NCAA 14 Dynasty)
    You Don't Know Jack (2K18 Pacers Dynasty - Complete)
    Second Coming (2K16 Sonics MyLeague - Complete)
    The Gold Standard (2K13 Dynasty - Complete)

    Comment

    • trekfan
      Designated Red Shirt
      • Sep 2009
      • 5817

      #452
      Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return



      The Sonics have notched another win, this time against the 8th seeded 76ers in Philly. The game turned out much, much closer than Seattle would have liked, but a win's a win.

      This game marked the return of Brandon Jennings on the floor and it wasn't a particularly pretty game for Jennings, who was just off on his shot, but his passing was sweet and so was threat, offensively, to do damage.

      That threat and passing allowed the Sonics to build up a double-digit lead in the first quarter in the second quarter, which made it appear like Seattle was going to run away with things. Philly came out flat in the first half and you could tell they weren't sure how to attack the Sonics. That hesitation allowed Seattle to steal the ball often in the first half, which gave them a big lead.

      But the second-half saw a reversal of fortunes as the 76ers second unit took the floor and they played on FIRE. Pierre Jackson came off the bench to hit four triples (he went 4-of-5 from deep) and came off screens like a bullet out of a gun. Jennings was a half-step too slow on his rotation to stop Jackson.

      And Jeremy Lin fared little better. Lin was taking advantage of by Jackson as well, and the Sonics soon found their lead whittle down to a precious few points at the beginning of the final quarter. The 76ers starters picked up where the bench left off and took it to Seattle on both ends, the young team finding the spark it sorely lacked in the first half.

      Seattle lost the lead midway through the quarter and the game became a bout of blows, as both teams attempted to knock the other out once and for all. Devastating triples by Tobias Harris and Jackson extended the 76ers lead to six with under six to go, but Seattle answered back with a few tough buckets inside.

      The final two minutes of the game saw the Sonics take the lead and then slowly pull away as the 76ers just fell apart down the stretch, the young team not quite ready to close out their opponents. Nerlens Noel was crucial down the stretch and throughout the game, as he made it his job to get the buckets Seattle needed most.



      Jennings finished with 11 points and 13 assists. but only shot 3-of-13 from the field and looked rusty in his first live-game action in nearly two months. Despite Jennings relatively poor play, his passing and shooting were still enough to make a difference.

      Not seen this game was Malik Newman, the electric point guard off the bench who impressed the NBA with his play in Jennings' absence. Newman was firmly glued to the pine as Hollins refused to play him, a disappointing but expected move on the coach's part. Hollins knows Newman's weaknesses -- shooting, primarily -- will be a hole in his game that defenses will exploit in the playoffs.

      The rotation of Jennings and Lin has been very effective this year and both players can shoot, something Newman can't do consistently yet, but I'd have liked to see Hollins give the rookie a little run. Crawford and Landry both looked a bit spent out there, but that's to be expected with players their age and with the grind of the regular season setting in.

      The Sonics nearly choked this one away, but managed to come back -- that's a good sign for a team looking to thrive in the playoffs.

      Go Sonics.



      Any comments are welcome.
      Texas Two-Step (2K20 Alt History)
      Orange And Blue Forever (NCAA 14 Dynasty)
      You Don't Know Jack (2K18 Pacers Dynasty - Complete)
      Second Coming (2K16 Sonics MyLeague - Complete)
      The Gold Standard (2K13 Dynasty - Complete)

      Comment

      • trekfan
        Designated Red Shirt
        • Sep 2009
        • 5817

        #453
        Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

        AUTHOR'S NOTE:

        Going to be heading out of town for Christmas vacation tomorrow and won't be back till next Sunday night, so there won't be any updates for the next eight days or so (as I will be away from my PC). Never fear, however, as I'm working on plots and plans for the next season as we're speeding towards the playoffs.

        I'm also in the process of re-designing uniforms for the Sonics for next season (celebrating the 50th year of the franchise's founding) as well as looking into re-designing some other NBA uniforms.

        So, a question:

        1. What other NBA teams would you like to see have their uniform re-designed? (And if you have ideas for the design, do post pictures).

        Also, if anyone wants to submit a design for the next season's iteration of the Sonics, please do so -- I have a lot of ideas but I haven't settled on one yet, so if you got an idea do toss it into the fray.

        As always, thanks for keeping the faith, folks.
        Any comments are welcome.
        Texas Two-Step (2K20 Alt History)
        Orange And Blue Forever (NCAA 14 Dynasty)
        You Don't Know Jack (2K18 Pacers Dynasty - Complete)
        Second Coming (2K16 Sonics MyLeague - Complete)
        The Gold Standard (2K13 Dynasty - Complete)

        Comment

        • BlindSideNZ
          MVP
          • Nov 2012
          • 1900

          #454
          Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

          Enjoy your break my friend. Most definitely look forward to seeing what you come up with. And congrats on the sonics anniversary of course.

          As far as other teams go definitely my raptors please I still feel nothing towards the current ones they're horrendous.

          As far as other teams go possibly the Knicks? It would be nice to see them in something different for a change.

          Comment

          • ktberry1994
            Just started!
            • Oct 2015
            • 3

            #455
            Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

            Minnesota could definitely use a change. They need to re brand the era KAT and Wiggs are bringing in

            Sent from my HUAWEI Y536A1 using Tapatalk

            Comment

            • Teleo
              MVP
              • Nov 2013
              • 2302

              #456
              Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

              Trek, I have two questions for you concerning my Lakers MYGM (I look to you for advice because you ACTUALLY DO RESPOND)...I currently sit at 10-32 and my team is completely abysmal, and I'm already looking towards the offseason because I have secured 4 1st round draft picks in the 2016 draft. Unfortunately, Kevin Durant has resigned a 3 year deal with the Thunder so there went my pursuit of KD (hopefully Lebron will want to come to Hollywood...fingers crossed).


              My question is this: Byron Scott has a 2 year deal worth $7.15 million, but I want to fire him. Am I able to fire him and then promote Paul Pressey to the head coaching position until the season runs out and then I can pursue another head coach in the offseason? Also, I would like your advice on what move I should make: grind it with Byron or fire him? Thanks man for all that you write...amazing story!

              Comment

              • trekfan
                Designated Red Shirt
                • Sep 2009
                • 5817

                #457
                Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

                Originally posted by Teleo
                Trek, I have two questions for you concerning my Lakers MYGM (I look to you for advice because you ACTUALLY DO RESPOND)...I currently sit at 10-32 and my team is completely abysmal, and I'm already looking towards the offseason because I have secured 4 1st round draft picks in the 2016 draft. Unfortunately, Kevin Durant has resigned a 3 year deal with the Thunder so there went my pursuit of KD (hopefully Lebron will want to come to Hollywood...fingers crossed).


                My question is this: Byron Scott has a 2 year deal worth $7.15 million, but I want to fire him. Am I able to fire him and then promote Paul Pressey to the head coaching position until the season runs out and then I can pursue another head coach in the offseason? Also, I would like your advice on what move I should make: grind it with Byron or fire him? Thanks man for all that you write...amazing story!
                Honestly, I'd just let Byron finish out the year and fire him in the offseason (when there are legitimate HCs out there). As I recall, there was a glitch (which 2K has since patched, but I can't speak to whether it was) where if you fired you HC during the season, no one would sign as your HC and you wouldn't be able to proceed with the season.

                So, I'd stick on the safe side and let Byron finish out the season, fire him, and sign a coach good at development -- you're gonna need at least a season (if not 2) to really right the ship.

                As for free agency, LeBron very often finds his way to somewhere other than Cleveland from what I've seen in MyGM, so you have a good shot at landing him (offer him a ton of money and he'll sign likely). The Lakers have money to burn, so they'll sign LeBron in a heart beat. With 4 1st rounders, you can grab some serious depth (and maybe land an All-Star); depending on where your highest pick lands in the draft, you might want to trade two of those picks for a higher pick in that draft or for a pick in the next draft. But definitely aim for at least 1 top-10 pick to best guarantee yourself a good player (I would aim for a small forward if you can find it).
                Any comments are welcome.
                Texas Two-Step (2K20 Alt History)
                Orange And Blue Forever (NCAA 14 Dynasty)
                You Don't Know Jack (2K18 Pacers Dynasty - Complete)
                Second Coming (2K16 Sonics MyLeague - Complete)
                The Gold Standard (2K13 Dynasty - Complete)

                Comment

                • wonzer21
                  Rookie
                  • Apr 2015
                  • 178

                  #458
                  Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

                  Merry Christmas

                  Comment

                  • vickdamonejr
                    Rookie
                    • Mar 2007
                    • 112

                    #459
                    Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

                    Who is going present a real challenge for these sonics?


                    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

                    Comment

                    • trekfan
                      Designated Red Shirt
                      • Sep 2009
                      • 5817

                      #460
                      Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return



                      Don't let the score fool you: this game was not as close as it appeared. Seattle, from the opening tip, controlled the game and New Orleans had little help from anyone not named Jrue Holiday (who finished with 38 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds). It was really him versus everyone else as Anthony Davis was in constant foul trouble and Joe Johnson jacked up shots that would make 2015 Kobe Bryant blush.

                      Holiday's play was outstanding for the Pelicans. The rest of the team was harassed and bothered by the defense of the Sonics, which tallied seven blocks and seven steals. The Sonics were ferocious on the break, too, scoring 28 points in transition. At the forefront of those breaks was Lance, RHJ, and Jennings.

                      The backcourt of Seattle really came to play -- the frontcourt looked like they had been hit with a bus. Noel and Gortat were soundly outplayed and rebounded by the Pelicans, allowing 15 offensive boards for NOLA, an outrageous number. Those rebounds kept NOLA in the game in the fourth when both teams began to wear down.

                      But Seattle didn't panic -- led by RHJ, whom was named player of the game, they just continued getting good looks and knocking down tough shots. Their performance from the foul line was exceptional in the last quarter as their shooting began to taper off, and the Sonics notched a good defensive win against a team they may see again in the playoffs.

                      This was the first night Brandon Jennings really looked liked himself -- 15 points and six assists on an ultra-efficient 4-of-6 from the field, 2-of-3 from deep. Jennings didn't play much defense against Holiday, but then he wasn't alone in that: RHJ and Lance both switched onto the Pelicans shooter, but the point guard continued to hit his shots.

                      The bench was a big player tonight in keeping Seattle ahead and that was because of Jamal Crawford and Bogdog. Both made a difference (the former in passing, the latter in scoring) that kept the Sonics from floundering in the third. The bench continues to be a source of strength for the team as the last month of the regular season arrives.

                      Malik Newman once again didn't see the hardwood, however, and that's a disappointment. Hollins still seems to refuse to play the rookie despite the kid's great play in the absence of Jennings. Expect Newman to be the good solider and not make a stink of it, but surely Hollins can shave a few minutes from Crawford/Lin/Landry for Newman? I still can't fathom why the coach is content to let Newman ride the pine, but I guess we'll wait and see.

                      Go Sonics.





                      Any comments are welcome.
                      Texas Two-Step (2K20 Alt History)
                      Orange And Blue Forever (NCAA 14 Dynasty)
                      You Don't Know Jack (2K18 Pacers Dynasty - Complete)
                      Second Coming (2K16 Sonics MyLeague - Complete)
                      The Gold Standard (2K13 Dynasty - Complete)

                      Comment

                      • satam619
                        Rookie
                        • Apr 2015
                        • 43

                        #461
                        Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

                        Trek, how do you plan on going the whole 80 years into this Myleague considering you haven't even finished season 2 and it's January? Will you play less games in the future or what? I would really like you to go the full stretch but at the pace you're going it seems pretty impossible.

                        Comment

                        • BlindSideNZ
                          MVP
                          • Nov 2012
                          • 1900

                          #462
                          Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

                          Welcome back Trek. Hope you had a great Christmas and happy new year.

                          Comment

                          • trekfan
                            Designated Red Shirt
                            • Sep 2009
                            • 5817

                            #463
                            Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

                            Originally posted by satam619
                            Trek, how do you plan on going the whole 80 years into this Myleague considering you haven't even finished season 2 and it's January? Will you play less games in the future or what? I would really like you to go the full stretch but at the pace you're going it seems pretty impossible.
                            It does seem really daunting and out of reach, doesn't it? The math says that I'll need to play less games going forward (which, based on how I'm doing, might not be a bad idea). I don't want to play a lot less games -- I really feel I've got the right number so far. I might trim it by 3-5 games, maybe 10 (playing a total of 20-22 regular season games, total) just to speed things along.

                            I also might play every other playoff game as opposed to every playoff game starting next season. I hate to consider it, as the CPU really steps it up in the playoffs, but winning the title my first year has really given me pause at how much I can count on the CPU to provide a consistent challenge to me. If I end up winning it again this season, I'll definitely be making some changes to my how many games I sim and play. I like winning titles as much as the next person, but if there's no challenge there's no point. I really want my skills as a GM to be tested as much as my skills as a player and a coach.

                            Whatever the case, I am going the full 80 -- it might actually take me 5 years in real life to do, but I'm okay with that. As a PC player, I can extend the lifespan of this game a LONG time if I so choose.

                            Originally posted by BlindSideNZ
                            Welcome back Trek. Hope you had a great Christmas and happy new year.
                            Thanks, man! Both Christmas and New Year was fun. Got to see a lot of family over the holiday and enjoy some good home-cooking. (I liked it, my scale didn't, but that's why I have a basketball goal in the driveway, lol).
                            Any comments are welcome.
                            Texas Two-Step (2K20 Alt History)
                            Orange And Blue Forever (NCAA 14 Dynasty)
                            You Don't Know Jack (2K18 Pacers Dynasty - Complete)
                            Second Coming (2K16 Sonics MyLeague - Complete)
                            The Gold Standard (2K13 Dynasty - Complete)

                            Comment

                            • studbucket
                              MVP
                              • Aug 2007
                              • 4608

                              #464
                              Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

                              I'm not quite to the playoffs yet, but I plan on playing game 1 and elimination games, which keeps every series as short as 2 games and as long as 5 games for me, but it likely means each will be ~3-4 games, which isn't that different than every other.

                              And I feel you on playing less games. I'm starting to wonder if I shouldn't do a game a week, and should do something like 1 out of every 4 games, or 3-4 games a month.
                              ?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

                              • Teleo
                                MVP
                                • Nov 2013
                                • 2302

                                #465
                                Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

                                Trekfan, I did a simulation my league yesterday just to see the differences between that and Mygm and I noticed that the each team did not have their real life draft picks, they do in Mygm but it appeared not so in my league. Is this true or did I set something up wrong?

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