The Association: Dallas Mavericks

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Mavericks defeat Timberwolves, 101-93

January 26, 2021 | by NBA News

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It was no easy task as the pesky Timberwolves kept answering back whenever the Mavericks would make a run.

DeMarcus Cousins once again led the team in scoring with 30 points along with 15 rebounds. Wall and Barnes were also efficient, combining for 41 points on 10/18 shooting. Despite the efficiency, Dallas as a team continued to struggle from outside, making just 5 of 22 attempts.

As for Minnesota, Harry Giles, who recently inked an extension, led with 20 points and 13 rebounds. However, as a team, the Timberwolves only went to the foul line just 6 times compared to a whopping 42 attempts from the Mavericks.

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On a side note, I'm going to bump up the 3PT shooting sliders for the User.

I'm literally over these default HoF sliders. I mean I'm taking wide open 3's and continuously missing them, even with Real FG%. I've noticed a trend these past few seasons where my 3PT% has suddenly dropped from 35-40% down to just 20-25% and getting worse. I think something might've been tweaked with the default sliders, perhaps a patch modification.

The 3PT sliders are currently set to 37 so I might bump it up to 39 (the same as the CPU).

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Dallas come from behind and defeat Memphis, 101-94

February 8, 2021 | by NBA News

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With both John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins battling foul trouble, it was Serge Ibaka who was the main constant for the Mavericks, scoring 17 points on 7/8 shooting. Despite fouling out of the game, DeMarcus Cousins did his damage in 33 minutes, finishing with 27 points and 10 rebounds.

Trailing by as much as 15 points, Dallas was once again miserable from downtown, making just 1/10 at the half. However, that all turned around thanks largely to Justin Anderson, who knocked down 2 huge threes in the fourth, giving Dallas the lead along the way. In fact, Rick Carlisle even opted to play Anderson down the stretch, ahead of Tim Hardaway Jr. and Marcus Smart. Perhaps the Mavericks have finally found a viable option at the two-guard in order to continue bringing Smart off the bench.

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[MarvellousOne]

Re: The Association: Dallas Mavericks

He's having a real nice sophomore season so far. After making the All-Rookie 1st-Team, he is averaging almost double his points.

Personally, I have not seen him in action as he is on the Eastern Conference (Charlotte Hornets), but stat-wise, he looks like a healthy Greg Oden.

He definitely has shown a massive improvement. That .698 FG% wow

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Mavericks survive against underperforming Jazz

February 15, 2021 | by NBA News

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Utah's disappointing season continue as they fell short to Dallas, losing 117-112.

Michael Porter Jr. and Markelle Fultz combined for 55 points but it wasn't enough to overcome MVP front-runner, DeMarcus Cousins, who had 36 points and 14 rebounds.

Serge Ibaka also continued his improved play of late, scoring 23 points, while both John Wall and Marcus Smart recorded double-doubles.

With the All-Star break ahead, Dallas comfortably sit at the top of the Western Conference with a 7-2 record. Meanwhile, Cleveland have yet to be defeated this season, ranking first in the Eastern Conference at 8-0.

Furthermore, Rick Carlisle has been named the head coach of the Western Conference All-Star team. During an interview, Carlisle was very humbled in receiving the honors. "Oh, it's going to be a fun night. I'm going to soak it all in and get to know everyone. It'll be a blast," Carlisle told reporters. It will be his second time coaching an All-Star squad, with his first dating back in 2004 with the Indiana Pacers.

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[Knickerbocker91]

Re: The Association: Dallas Mavericks

Nice start to the first half of the season.

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2021 NBA All-Stars Announced

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LeBron James and Russell Westbrook will headline the NBA All Star Game, hosted in Orlando on February 21, 2021. Both players were the highest vote-getters for their respective conference as per the fans, players, and media panel.

Despite shooting a career-worse, 38.6% from the field, Westbrook is still filling up the stat sheets with averages of 25.9 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 9.2 APG and 3.7 SPG. However, there was much controversy to the vote as his OKC Thunder are coming dead last in the Western Conference with a 2-7 record.

Joining Westbrook in the back court will be Finals MVP, Stephen Curry, who is currently leading the Warriors to a 5-3 record with averages of 27.9 PPG, 5.7 RPPG, 7.9 APG, and 2.6 SPG.

The West starting forwards will be Kevin Durant, DeMarcus Cousins, and last year's All-Star MVP, Karl-Anthony Towns. Coming off a championship season, Durant is averaging 25.5 PPG despite a career-low 40.5% from the field. Additionally, Cousins is having a career year so far, averaging 30.0 PPG, 14.1 RPG and shooting an incredible 70.1%, whilst Towns is having a somewhat down year with 15.6 PPG, 11.5 RPG and 2.8 BPG.

Rounding out the West reserves will be Damian Lillard, James Harden, Gordan Hayward, DeAndre Jordan, John Wall, and first-timers, Michael Porter Jr. and Markelle Fultz.

As for the East, MVP favorite, LeBron James will headline the East starters, posting averages of 24.0 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 8.8 APG, and a career best 4.0 SPG this season. Joining him in the front court will be Andre Drummond (23.8 PPG, 13.8 RPG, and 1.7 BPG), and Jimmy Butler, with averages of 25.1 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 5.8 APG, and 3.1 SPG.

For the East back-court, Giannis Antetokounmpo will be starting, with averages of 16.8 PPG, 8.8 RPG and 6.0 APG. Kyrie Irving will also join him, making his 7th All-Star appearance after averaging 22.6 PPG and 5.4 APG.

Rounding out the East reserves will be Dennis Schroder, Ben Simmons, hometown hero Nikola Vucevic, and four first-timers featuring Orlando's Jonathan Isaac and Aaron Gordon, along with Luka Doncic and Josh Jackson.

Stars

Starters: Isaac Bishop (DEN), Erik Wright (ATL), Alan Carter (BKN), James Michael Johnson-King (LAC), Dakoulas Balidis (NOP)
Reserves: Martell Jackson (HOU), Dejounte Miller (LAC), DeAndre Lawrence (HOU), Tyronn Singleton (IND), Lawrence Howard (CHA)

Elites

Starters: Braden Samuel (SAS), DeMar Brooks (NYK), Skyler Olson (LAL), Axel Romero (UTA), Solomon D'diaye (BOS)
Reserves: Alejandro Ruiz (LAL), Steve Lever (ORL), Sylven Belemene (HOU), Dario Golob (BOS), Leon Best (BKN)

Participants
James Harden (HOU)
Stephen Curry (GSW)
Jonathan Isaac (ORL)
Patrick Beverley (NYK)
Alan Carter (BKN)
Zach LaVine (MIN)



Participants
DeMar Brooks (NYK)
Alan Carter (BKN)
Braden Samuel (SAS)
Isaac Bishop (DEN)

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2021 NBA All-Star Weekend Recap

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The West All-Stars have defeated the East All-Stars, 107-103, in a tightly contested battle. Stephen Curry was voted the All-Star MVP, scoring 15 points, 6 assists, and going perfect from downtown, draining 4 three-pointers.

Kyrie Irving was the leading scorer for the East All-Stars as he posted 20 points. Despite a strong fourth quarter comeback, it was not enough as they shot just 2/15 from outside.

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The Rising Stars Challenge saw the Elites dominate the Stars, 108-79. Utah's Axel Romero was named the MVP, as he led with 17 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks. For the Stars, Johnson-King was their leading scorer, finishing with 13 points.

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Winner: Stephen Curry (GSW)

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Winner: DeMar Brooks (NYK)

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Mavericks crush Rockets but lose Ibaka in the victory

February 15, 2021 | by NBA News

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There was no stopping DeMarcus Cousins, who exploded for 31 points and 12 rebounds, as he carried the Mavericks to a 22 point victory over the Rockets.

Harrison Barnes also had it going, lighting it up from downtown and knocking 4 triples. He finished with 27 points while John Wall racked up 11 points and 15 assists.

Dallas also did an outstanding job containing All-Star guard, James Harden, who only had 3 points during the first three quarters. Dallas consistently double-teamed Harden whenever he had the ball but Harden eventually got it going in the fourth quarter, erupting for 16 points. But by then, it was too little too late.

Serge Ibaka also left the game early with a rib injury. He will be sidelined for 1-2 weeks, but based on the Mav's schedule, isn't expected to miss any games.

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Mavericks outlast Clippers, 101-97

March 11, 2021 | by NBA News

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In a game where Dallas led for the majority of the game, they almost blew it within the final 20 seconds of the game. Trailing by as much as 10 points, the Clippers narrowed the gap within 3 points thanks to a series of boneheaded and careless plays from the Mavericks.

John Wall led the way with 28 points, 11 assists and a season-high 6 blocks. Both Wall and Justin Anderson were instrumental in limiting Clippers point guard, Chris Paul, to just 7/26 shooting with their terrific defense.

With the win, Dallas is now the clear-cut favorite to finish on top of the Western Conference standings, with a current record of 9-2.

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Mavericks blitz past Lakers in the fourth

March 18, 2021 | by NBA News

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Despite coming back from a 15 point deficit and tying the game in the third quarter, the Lakers simply could not match the offensive arsenal from the Mavericks in the fourth quarter, with Dallas outscoring 32-20.

Harrison Barnes, DeMarcus Cousins and John Wall combined for a whopping 97 points to lead the victory.

During the match, worst enemies John Wall and Trevon Duval were once again at it, with a scuffle breaking out in the second quarter when they were contesting for a loose ball. The two were later issued a technical as both playerss continue to share a history of bad blood.

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Dallas wins 7th straight as Cousins drops 51 points

March 25, 2021 | by NBA News

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The Mavericks defeated the Thunder, 99-90, thanks to a monstrous performance by DeMarcus Cousins, who finished with 51 points, 18 rebounds and 3 blocks.

Despite the team combining for just 4/26 from outside, Cousins was unstoppable in the paint as the Thunder front-court could do nothing at all. Cousins went to the line 19 times, resulting in the majority of Oklahoma City's bigs into foul trouble.

A heroic effort from Russell Westbrook, who scored 33 points, was not enough as the rest of his team simply couldn't buy a bucket. With Oklahoma City already out of Playoff contentions, it remains to be seen whether this was Westbrook's last game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in a Thunder uniform, with the All-Star point guard an impending free agent at the end of the season.

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Mavericks crush Nuggets, lock up #1 seed

April 8, 2021 | by NBA News

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The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Denver Nuggets in a convincing 114-90 win. It was also a game where all five starters scored in double digits for the first time this season.

With the Mavericks having a comfortable 22 point lead at the end of the third quarter, Rick Carlisle emptied his bench and allowed the starters a well earned rest, in preparation for the Playoffs.

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2020-21 End of Season Report

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Division Standings

SOUTHWEST	W	L	GB	DIV	CONF
Dallas Mavericks	12	2	0.0	3-1	12-2
Memphis Grizzlies	9	5	3.0	2-2	9-5
San Antonio Spurs	7	7	5.0	2-2	7-7
Houston Rockets	6	8	6.0	2-2	6-8
New Orleans Pelicans	5	9	7.0	1-3	5-9

Conference Standings

WESTERN CONFERENCE	W	L	GB	DIV	CONF
1. Dallas Mavericks	12	2	-	3-1	12-2
2. Golden State Warriors	10	4	2.0	2-2	10-4
3. Minnesota Timberwolves	9	5	3.0	1-3	9-5
4. Memphis Grizzlies	9	5	3.0	2-2	9-5
5. Los Angeles Clippers	8	6	4.0	2-2	8-6
6. Portland Trail Blazers	7	7	5.0	3-1	7-7
7. Denver Nuggets	7	7	5.0	2-2	7-7
8. San Antonio Spurs	7	7	5.0	2-2	7-7
9. Sacramento Kings	6	8	6.0	1-3	6-8
10. Utah Jazz	6	8	6.0	3-1	6-8
11. Houston Rockets	6	8	6.0	2-2	6-8
12. Los Angeles Lakers	5	9	7.0	2-2	5-9
13. New Orleans Pelicans	5	9	7.0	1-3	5-9
14. Phoenix Suns	5	9	7.0	3-1	5-9
15. Oklahoma City Thunder	3	11	9.0	1-3	3-11

EASTERN CONFERENCE	W	L	GB	DIV	CONF
1. Cleveland Cavaliers	13	1	-	4-0	13-1
2. Washington Wizards	10	4	3.0	2-2	10-4
3. Philadelphia 76ers	10	4	3.0	4-0	10-4
4. Miami Heat	9	5	4.0	3-1	9-5
5. Detroit Pistons	9	5	4.0	2-2	9-5
6. Milwaukee Bucks	7	7	6.0	1-3	7-7
7. Orlando Magic	7	7	6.0	2-2	7-7
8. Indiana Pacers	7	7	6.0	1-3	7-7
9. Chicago Bulls	6	8	7.0	2-2	6-8
10. New York Knicks	6	8	7.0	3-1	6-8
11. Toronto Raptors	5	9	8.0	1-3	5-9
12. Atlanta Hawks	5	9	8.0	2-2	5-9
13. Boston Celtics	4	10	9.0	1-3	4-10
14. Brooklyn Nets	4	10	9.0	1-3	4-10
15. Charlotte Hornets	3	11	10.0	1-3	3-11

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Team Statistics

FGM

FGA

FG%

3PM

3PA

3P%

FTM

FTA

FT%

OREB

DREB

REB

AST

TO

STL

BLK

PF

PTS

+/-

36.7

77.2

47.5

8.0

26.7

29.9

27.0

33.4

80.8

10.7

40.4

51.1

26.4

10.8

9.5

6.7

12.1

108.4

10.7

19th

30th

1st

9th

4th

26th

1st

1st

7th

22nd

1st

11th

9th

30th

2nd

26th

30th

1st

2nd

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Player Statistics

Dallas Mavericks
Player	GP	MIN	FG%	FT%	3PM	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
DeMarcus Cousins	14	34.9	68.9	79.9	0.2	14.5	1.4	1.1	1.7	30.3
John Wall	14	33.3	50.0	81.7	0.4	3.4	12.8	1.9	1.1	19.4
Harrison Barnes	14	35.7	40.6	83.3	2.1	5.3	1.4	0.6	0.6	18.1
Serge Ibaka	14	29.1	51.4	84.6	1.4	7.0	1.8	1.4	0.9	11.1
Marcus Smart	14	27.5	35.8	68.4	1.4	2.6	5.2	1.5	0.3	9.6
Justin Anderson	14	18.9	41.0	83.3	0.7	2.6	0.7	0.7	0.2	5.0
Chandler Parsons	14	22.7	31.5	66.7	0.9	3.9	1.0	0.6	0.4	4.7
Tim Hardaway Jr.	14	20.2	30.3	88.9	0.4	1.6	1.4	0.9	0.4	4.4
A.J. Hammons	14	12.4	59.4	84.6	0.0	3.6	0.1	0.5	1.0	4.3
Ryan Anderson	5	7.6	42.9	100.0	0.6	1.6	0.4	0.0	0.2	2.2
Tony Powers	4	2.8	20.0	100.0	0.3	0.5	0.5	0.0	0.0	1.3
Wesley Matthews	6	6.7	18.2	0.0	0.3	0.5	0.3	0.3	0.0	1.0
Al Jefferson	3	3.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.7	0.3	0.3	0.0	0.0

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League Leaders

POINTS		PPG	REBOUNDS		RPG
	1. DeMarcus Cousins	30.3		1. DeAndre Jordan	18.5
	2. Damian Lillard	28.9		2. DeMarcus Cousins	14.5
	3. Russell Westbrook	27.7		3. Andre Drummond	13.3
	4. Stephen Curry	26.8		4. Tristan Thompson	12.6
	5. Kevin Durant	25.1		5. Myles Turner	12.1
ASSISTS		APG	STEALS		SPG
	1. John Wall	12.8		1. Josh Jackson	3.9
	2. Lonzo Ball	10.6		2. LeBron James	3.4
	3. Damian Lillard	10.2		3. Russell Westbrook	3.4
	4. LeBron James	9.4		4. Markelle Fultz	3.1
	5. Michael Carter-Williams	9.1		5. Jimmy Butler	3.0
BLOCKS		BPG	FIELD GOAL		FG%
	1. Myles Turner	3.0		1. Axel Romero	68.9
	2. DeAndre Jordan	2.9		2. DeMarcus Cousins	68.9
	3. Karl-Anthony Towns	2.5		3. Lawrence Howard	68.7
	4. Tyler Lydon	2.4		4. Marques Bolden	63.2
	5. Anthony Davis	2.3		5. Jonathan Isaac	61.6
3 POINT FIELD GOAL		3P%	PLUS/MINUS		+/-
	1. Jonathan Isaac	53.8		1. LeBron James	17.5
	2. Buddy Hield	51.4		2. Kyrie Irving	12.9
	3. Andrew Harrison	51.2		3. Tristan Thompson	12.0
	4. D'Angelo Russell	50.8		4. DeMarcus Cousins	11.6
	5. Alan Carter	50.0		5. John Wall	11.3

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Injury Report

Injury Report
Pos	Player	Injury Note
F	JaMychal Green (MEM)	Dislocated Right Patella (Season)
F	Paul Zipser (LAL)	Dislocated Right Patella (8-10 weeks)
G	Wesley Barnett (GSW)	Torn Left ACL (8-10 weeks)
C	Lucas Nogueira (TOR)	Torn Left Elbow Ligament (6-8 weeks)
G	DeMar DeRozan (TOR)	High Right Ankle Sprain (4-6 weeks)
F	Draymond Green (GSW)	Broken Right Hand (4-6 weeks)
G	Collin Sexton (LAC)	Sprained Left Wrist (1-2 weeks)
C	Greg Monroe (BOS)	Broken Left Ankle (1-2 weeks)
G	Hamidou Diallo (SAS)	Sprained Left Foot (Day-to-Day)

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Transaction Report

TRADES

14 November, 2020
Kings trade: Terry Rozier
Bulls trade: Jerian Grant

2 January, 2021
Bucks trade: Greg Monroe, C.J. Miles
Celtics trade: Al Horford, Andre Roberson

10 January, 2021
Thunder trade: Enes Kanter, Karl Winston
Bulls trade: Bobby Portis, Kay Felder

30 January, 2021
Pelicans trade: Jrue Holiday
76ers trade: Kenneth Faried

1 Feburary, 2021
Thunder trade: Steven Adams, Jerryd Bayless
Pacers trade: Paul Millsap, Timofey Mozgov

10 February, 2021
Raptors trade: Norman Powell, 2023 second-round pick
Rockets trade: Richaun Holmes, Patrick Mills

14 February, 2021
Bucks trade: Tobias Harris, 2022 second-round pick
Raptors trade: Jared Sullinger, Joseph Young

SIGNINGS

• Timberwolves sign Jerami Grant to 1yr/$1.12M deal
• 76ers re-sign Terrance Ferguson to 3yr/$73.02M deal
• Raptors re-sign Jared Sullinger to 3yr/$46.16M deal
• Wizards re-sign Grayson Allen to 3yr/$46.85M deal
• Warriors re-sign Kevin Durant to 3yr/$110.28M deal
• Wizards re-sign Dennis Smith Jr. to 3yr/$78.52M deal
• Timberwolves re-sign Harry Giles to 3yr/$79.13M deal
• Grizzlies re-sign Mike Conley to 3yr/$111.48M deal
• Pelicans sign Rajon Rondo to 1yr/$1.12M deal
• Raptors sign Brandon Jennings to 1yr/$1.12M deal
• Pacers sign Aron Baynes to 1yr/$1.12M deal

COACHING CHANGES

• 28/02/2021 | Nets fire Kenny Atkinson & hire Jason Kidd

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Season Awards

Players of the Month

Rookies of the Month

Most Valuable Player

	#23 LeBron James | SF St. Vincent St. Mary High School (Ohio)
	Height: 6'8"	Age: 36
	Weight: 250 lbs	Drafted: 2003 (1st Rnd, 1st by CLE)
	Nationality: American	Experience: 18 years
STATS GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG 2020-21 Season 14 39.6 44.6 66.2 11.1 9.4 3.4 1.7 24.6
Summary James makes history with this award as he becomes the first person to win the MVP 7 times. He is also now the oldest player to have won the award at the age of 36. Not only did he lead the Cavs to a league-best, 13-1 record, but also posted career highs in assists (9.4 APG) and steals (3.4 SPG). Season highs: Points (34) | Three Pointers Made (4) | Rebounds (18) | Assists (17) | Steals (6) | Blocks (4) | Minutes Played (43)

Rookie of the Year

	#28 Raymar Benjamin | C The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
	Height: 7'0"	Age:20
	Weight: 221 lbs	Drafted: 2020 (1st Rnd, 2nd by ATL)
	Nationality: American	Experience: 1 year
STATS GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG 2020-21 Season 10 33.1 41.8 76.7 8.2 6.0 1.0 1.4 17.1
Summary Drafted second overall, Benjamin was named the Rookie of the Year after an impressive year with the Hawks. He was awarded the Rookie of the Month four times during November, January, March, and April. Season highs: Points (30) | Three Pointers Made (2) | Rebounds (14) | Assists (8) | Steals (4) | Blocks (4) | Minutes Played (38)

Sixth Man of the Year

	#13 Axel Romero | C Argentina
	Height: 7'0"	Age: 21
	Weight: 235 lbs	Drafted: 2019 (1st Rnd, 7th by UTA)
	Nationality: Argentinian	Experience: 2 years
STATS GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG 2020-21 Season 14 28.1 68.9 78.4 9.0 2.0 0.6 1.4 15.1
Summary Coming off the bench, Romero has been a huge offensive punch for the Jazz, averaging 15.1 PPG. He also led the league in field goal percentages with 68.9%. Season highs: Points (22) | Rebounds (14) | Assists (4) | Steals (2) | Blocks (4) | Minutes Played (33)

Defensive Player of the Year

	#23 LeBron James | SF St. Vincent St. Mary High School (Ohio)
	Height: 6'8"	Age: 36
	Weight: 250 lbs	Drafted: 2003 (1st Rnd, 1st by CLE)
	Nationality: American	Experience: 18 years
STATS GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG 2020-21 Season 14 39.6 44.6 66.2 11.1 9.4 3.4 1.7 24.6
Summary There's just simply nothing else to say about this man. James finally wins his first Defensive Player of the Year award, joining Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson, and Kevin Garnett as the only players to have ever won both an MVP and DPOY. Season highs: Points (34) | Rebounds (18) | Assists (17) | Steals (6) | Blocks (4) | Minutes Played (43)

Most Improved Player of the Year

	#33 Myles Turner | PF/C The University of Texas at Austin
	Height: 6'11"	Age: 25
	Weight: 243 lbs	Drafted: 2015 (1st Rnd, 11th by IND)
	Nationality: American	Experience: 6 years
STATS GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG 2020-21 Season 11 33.3 43.9 71.7 12.1 0.6 0.1 3.0 15.4
Summary Turner had a phenomenal year, posting career highs in points, rebounds and blocks whilst helping the Pacers secure the final spot in the Playoffs. Season highs: Points (26) | Three Pointers Made (0) | Rebounds (16) | Assists (3) | Steals (1) | Blocks (5) | Minutes Played (36)

Coach of the Year

	Tyronn Lue Cleveland Cavaliers
	W-L: 13-1	Home: 7-0
	Road 6-1	PPG: 104.9
	PAPG: 87.7	Point Differential: 17.2

All-NBA Teams

Award	Player	Pos	Team
All-NBA 1st Team
All-NBA 1st Team	Russell Westbrook	G	OKC
	Damian Lillard	G	POR
	Josh Jackson	F	MIA
	LeBron James	F	CLE
	DeMarcus Cousins	C	DAL
All-NBA 2nd Team
All-NBA 2nd Team	John Wall	G	DAL
	Stephen Curry	G	GSW
	Jimmy Butler	F	CHI
	Ben Simmons	F	PHI
	DeAndre Jordan	C	LAC
All-NBA 3rd Team
All-NBA 3rd Team	Markelle Fultz	G	UTA
	Giannis Antetokounmpo	G	MIL
	Kawhi Leonard	F	SAS
	Anthony Davis	F	NOP
	Andre Drummond	C	DET
All-Defensive 1st Team
All-Defensive 1st Team	Russell Westbrook	G	OKC
	Giannis Antetokounmpo	G	MIL
	LeBron James	F	CLE
	Josh Jackson	F	MIA
	DeAndre Jordan	C	LAC
All-Defensive 2nd Team
All-Defensive 2nd Team	Chris Paul	G	LAC
	Markelle Fultz	G	UTA
	Kawhi Leonard	F	SAS
	Anthony Davis	F	NOP
	Karl-Anthony Towns	C	MIN
All-Rookie 1st Team
All-Rookie 1st Team	Erik Wright	G	ATL
	Isaac Bishop	G	DEN
	Martell Jackson	G	HOU
	Braden Samuel	G	SAS
	Raymar Benjamin	C	ATL
All-Rookie 2nd Team
All-Rookie 2nd Team	Alan Carter	F	BKN
	James Michael Johnson-King	F	LAC
	Marcus Patton	C	MIL
	Skyler Olson	C	LAL
	Elliot Newble	C	SAC

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Playoffs Bracket

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First-Round Recap

April 15, 2021 | by NBA News

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(1) Dallas Mavericks vs. (8) San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs were off to a hot start, leading after the first quarter by 10 points. However, Dallas' defensive efforts picked up by the second quarter, limiting San Antonio to just 12 points. Things didn't change either during the third quarter, with the Spurs scoring just 17 points.

DeMarcus Cousins led the Mavericks in scoring with 33 points and 14 rebounds. Serge Ibaka was also a huge lift, finishing with 19 points and 14 rebounds. Despite shooting just 4/17, John Wall was nonetheless efficient in other areas, racking up 16 assists and 4 steals - he tied the franchise record for most assist during a Playoff game.

As for San Antonio, Kawhi Leonard was a one-man wrecking crew, totaling 34 points. Unfortunately, the rest of his teammates struggled from the floor, partly thanks to Dallas' improved defense after the first quarter.

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(2) Golden State Warriors vs. (7) Denver Nuggets

Steph Curry led all scorers with 34 points along with 10 assists as he helped the Warriors edge past the Nuggets in a competitive match-up.

Box Score

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(3) Minnesota Timberwolves vs. (6) Portland Trail Blazers

The Timberwolves overcame the Trail Blazers thanks to a double-double outing from Karl-Anthony Towns as he finished with 24 points and 11 rebounds.

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(4) Memphis Grizzlies vs. (5) Los Angeles Clippers

Tyler Johnson scored a game-high 19 points while Ivica Zubac posted 14 points and 14 rebounds as Memphis gets a gritty win over the Clippers.

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(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (8) Indiana Pacers

LeBron James continues to defy the limitations of age as he posted a freakish stat-line, finishing with 25 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, 3 steals and 5 blocks, as the Cavaliers gut out the win over the Pacers.

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(2) Washington Wizards vs. (7) Orlando Magic

Washington gets the win over Orlando as Bradley Beal finished with 26 points while Otto Porter racked up 16 points, 11 rebounds and 4 steals.

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(3) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (6) Milwaukee Bucks

Philadelphia get a tough win over Milwaukee in a game that went into overtime.

Jahlil Okafor scored 29 points and 10 rebounds whilst Joel Embiid finished with 24 points and 14 rebounds. Despite struggling with his shot, Ben Simmons helped in other areas, racking up a triple double with 12 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists.

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(4) Miami Heat vs. (5) Detroit Pistons

In a replay of last year's first-round matchup, the Heat wasted no time as they gave the Pistons a beat down, thanks to a strong 22-8 run in the first quarter. Justise Winslow was almost perfect from the field, going 8/9 shooting, and finishing with 22 points and 9 rebounds.

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Conference Semifinals Preview