RISE UP! A Cleveland Cavaliers Dynasty (RETIRED)

[Robert]

Man your dynasty is great are u still in year !?

[Srbija]

Havn't been in the dynasty section in a long time but your doing a great job with this one man. Presentation is very good, keep it up.

[homicide1550]

Robert, it is the year 2008... I am going to try to speed this up so I can get into the playoffs and go into the next season...

Srbija, Thanks for checking my dynasty out...

[Skills]

Haha, I'm pretty sure LeBron saw that dunk contest video in real life and decided to join the dunk contest in 2010. Anyway, keep up the great work! Can't wait till the playoffs arrive.

[homicide1550]

3rd Quarter Intervention
(click the logos for the boxscores)
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February 24, 2008

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-------102----------------------100--------

Grizzlies Escape Cleveland With a Win

Memphis had one gameplan; stay in the game and give yourself a chance to win it at the end. And they did just that as they escaped The Q Arena with a 102-100 thriller over the Cavaliers.

Rookie Mike Conley played like a seasoned veteran, registering 24 points and 12 assists to lead his team. Mike Miller added 23 points to help the cause.

But perhaps another rookie deserved the credit for this victory. Spanish guard JC Navarro came off-the-bench to score 10 points including the game-winning jumper that gave them the 2-point lead with 12 seconds left.

"I was open so I had to take the shot," Navarro explained. "It was make or miss, and thankfully it went through the hoop."

LeBron James' 5th triple-double of the season was overshadowed by the loss. He had 31 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. Michael Redd added 29 points for the home team.

Redd had the chance to win the game but missed the corner three-pointer.

Notes:
- Memphis and Cleveland end their season series with a tie, 1-1.
- Memphis made 8 three-pointers compared to Cleveland's four.

<Game Photos>

Player of the Game
Mike Conley - 24 pts | 12 ast | 2 stl

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February 26, 2008

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Cleveland Makes Quick Work on the Bucks

The Cavaliers coming off a disappointing loss at the hands of the Grizzlies made sure they wont lose to another struggling team. They started the game on fire and raced to an early 37-21 first quarter lead and never looked back.

LeBron James finished with 31 points and 12 assists in 37 minutes of action. Former Buck Michael Redd followed with 19 points. Meanwhile veteran Penny Hardaway had his best game as a Cavalier with 16 points, 3 boards and 3 assists.

"Mike finally got me in the rotation so all I did was do my part," a happy Hardaway said. "I knew that my number would be called and I just gotta be a professional and wait for my turn."

Milwaukee has really struggled after they traded away star player Michael Redd. The team has not been the same since he left.

"We are a young, rebuilding team. We have all the talent in the world, we just need the right focus and chemistry to get some wins." said new Bucks captain Desmond Mason.

Notes:
- Cleveland leads the season series, 2-1.
- The biggest lead the Cavs had was 26 points.

<Game Photos>

Player of the Game
LeBron James - 31 pts | 6 reb | 12 ast

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February 27, 2008

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Allen Leads Boston Against the Cavaliers

Ray Allen turned back the hands of time as he led his Celtics to an overtime victory against Cleveland. Allen had a huge night with 43 points, 9 assists and 5 rebounds.

"Man, I cant even remember the last time I scored this much." Allen said. "I knew I had to be more aggressive with Paul having foul trouble."

Allen was not alone in his cause, Kevin Garnett and "Big Baby" Glen Davis helped him with big nights of their own. Garnett had 27 points and 13 rebounds while Davis had a career-night with 23 points and 16 boards.

"We expected the Big Three to perform well, but Big Baby? We were definitely surprised that he played this good," Cavs coach Mike Brown said.

LeBron James had a great game himself; 38 points, 11 assists, 5 rebounds and 5 blocks. Michael Redd chipped in 22 points.

"It would be a hell of a series if we ended up facing them in the playoffs." James said.

Notes:
- Cleveland and Boston ends their season series tied at 2-2.
- Cavs G Delonte West injured his leg with 9:27 in the 3rd period and never returned.
- Celtics F Paul Pierce fouled out with 4:40 left in the 4th.
- Cavs C Zydrunas Ilgauskas fouled out with 0:59 left in OT.

<Game Photos>

Player of the Game
Ray Allen - 43 pts | 5 reb | 9 ast

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February 29, 2008

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T-Wolves Stun Cavs at The Q

The Cavaliers suffered their second straight defeat at the hands of the lowly Timberwolves. This was the second time this week that the Cavs drop one against a below .500 team, the first loss coming from the Grizzlies.

Spanish guard Rudy Fernandez led Minnesota in scoring with 19 points. Al Jefferson finished with a double-double with 16 points and 10 boards. Point guard Sebastian Telfair had 16 points and 8 assists and showed great leadership down the stretch for the young T-Wolves.

"It was a great road win for us, we haven't won a lot of games this season so hopefully this win gets us on the right track," Stromile Swift said who also had a double-double with 12 points and 13 boards.

LeBron James had 26 points and 7 rebounds for Cleveland. While guard Delonte West had 19 points and 4 steals.

Notes:
- Cleveland and Minnesota finishes their season series tied at 1-1.
- Cavs G Michael Redd shot just 3-of-14 from the field.

<Game Photos>

Player of the Game
Sebastian Telfair - 16 pts | 4 reb | 8 ast

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Up Next: Monthly Recaps for February

[homicide1550]

Monthly Recap: February
LeBron's Star Rises to New Heights! But Cavs are Struggling...


LeBron James was busy during the All-Star Weekend. First, winning the Slam Dunk Contest
and then playing in the 57th All-Star Game.

CLEVELAND, OH -- LeBron James' superstardom has risen to new heights, as he showcased his talent in front of the basketball world during the 2008 All-Star Weekend in New Orleans.

James had everyone mesmerized when he won his first Slam Dunk title over rookie Greg Oden. He showed everyone how creative he can be and somehow silenced some of his critics. And then on Sunday night, he led the Eastern Conference All-Stars with 26 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. If only they completed their comeback, James may have won himself his second All-Star Game MVP.

Meanwhile, his team, the Cavaliers have struggled during the last couple of weeks. They have lost 4 of the last 7 games after the All-Star break, with two losses coming from the Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves.

"We have to get it together," Mike Brown said. "Right now we have the number 2 seed in the East, we can't start losing to below .500 teams or we are going to be in deep trouble come playoff time."

Veteran forward Anfernee Hardaway has been playing good basketball as of late since being inserted into the rotation. He is averaging 12.3 points, 1.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists over the past three games. He needs to continue this if he is to help the team make a final push for the East's best record.

Note: The Cavs have 23 games left in their season, 13 of them being home games.

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Player Stats (clickable)

Team Stats:

PPG 101.9
RPG 39.7
APG 22.7
BPG 7.25
SPG 11.80
T/O 15.0
FG% .476
3P% .270
FT% .748
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Next: ESPN Around the Association

[Robert]

Man you had some bad losses but you can comeback from them .

[homicide1550]

The Rising Suns!


Led by the trio of Shaquille O'Neal, Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire, the Suns have risen
to the top spot in the West and is tied with the Pistons for the league's best record.

The temperature in Orange Planet is through the roofs! The Phoenix Suns (40-18) are waxing hot as they went 9-2 on the month of February, losing only to the Los Angeles Lakers (33-26) and Boston Celtics (32-25). They now hold the top spot in the tough Western Conference and is currently tied with the Detroit Pistons (40-18) for the league's best record.

Two-time MVP Steve Nash is leading the Suns in points and assists with 24.2 and 10.2 respectively. Amare Stoudemire is also averaging a double-double with 21.8 points and 10.6 rebounds. While "The Big Cactus" Shaquille O'Neal is close to a double-double average with 9.8 points and 9.2 rebounds but whats important is his presence in the paint which they sorely missed when he was out 5 weeks due to a foot injury. Veteran Grant Hill has also rejuvenated his career in Phoenix with averages of 15 points and 4.9 boards.

"We have the best team in the NBA, period," a confident Shaq said in an interview. "Look at our lineup and it is clear that no one can match-up with it. The only thing that can stop us from winning the championship is ourselves."

It will be interesting to see if Shaq can back up his words come playoff time but for now it certain that the Suns are playing like they are indeed the best team in the NBA today.

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February 2008 Transactions

2/1 - The Timberwolves trade Marko Jaric to the Nets for Stromile Swift.

The T-wolves finally gets a veteran who can start at the power forward position in Stromile Swift. Meanwhile, the Nets gets a decent backup who can play both guard positions.

Trade Grade:
Timberwolves -- B-
Nets -- C

2/1 - The Heat trade Earl Barron to the Supersonics for Mike Wilks.

The Heat gets an insurance point guard in case Chris Quinn or Marcus Banks goes down with an injury but it still cant replace the loss of Jason Williams. The Sonics get a big man who can shoot from the perimeter. Barron might get some minutes while Nick Collison is still nursing an injury.

Trade Grade:
Heat -- C
Supersonics -- C+

2/8 - The Jazz trade Kenny Thomas to the Kings for Matt Harpring.

Both players return to their original team after being traded for one another last December. Is this even legal?

Trade Grade:
Jazz -- C
Kings -- C

2/9 - The Bulls trade Thabo Sefolosha to the Celtics for Eddie House.

Eddie House joins a crowded Bulls backcourt. He never had playing time in Boston and neither will he get it in Chicago. The Bulls do get his expiring contract. Meanwhile, Sefolosha may split backup minutes with Tony Allen in Boston.

Trade Grade:
Bulls -- B-
Celtics -- C

2/13 - The Lakers trade Vladimir Radmanovic to the Kings for Mikki Moore.

The Lakers got tired of Bynum's slow progress and got a veteran who can start with Pau Gasol. Moore will certainly bring energy and intensity into the Lakers' starting lineup. Meanwhile, Vladimir Radmanovic has really struggled playing in the triangle offense. He hopes to resurrect his career in Sacramento but would have to contend for playing time.

Trade Grade:
Lakers -- B+
Kings -- C-

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Injuries
unplayable / playable

Atlanta Hawks
PF - Marvin Williams - broken nose - 2/20 - 2 weeks

Detroit Pistons
PF - Antonio McDyess - sprained toe - 2/20 - 13 days

Houston Rockets
PG - Steve Francis - strained shoulder - 2/29 - 10 days

Minnesota Timberwolves
SG - Rashad McCants - bruised knee - 2/26 - 9 days

New Jersey Nets
PF - Sean Williams - torn achilles tendon - 2/20 - 10 weeks

Phoenix Suns
SF - Grant Hill - broken nose - 2/20 - 12 days

Seattle Supersonics
PF - Nick Collison - broken bone in his foot - 1/19 - 9 weeks

Toronto Raptors
PG - TJ Ford - broken nose - 2/24 - 2 weeks
PF - Jorge Garbajosa - sore thumb - 2/29 - 3 days

Washington Wizards
PF - Antawn Jamison - bone spur in his foot - 2/25 - 3 weeks

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Season Standings











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Players of the Month
(clickable)

East Rookie - Al Horford
West Rookie - Kevin Durant

East - LeBron James
West - Kobe Bryant

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League Leaders
(clickable)

Points - Rebounds - Assists - Steals - Blocks

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ESPN Top 5 Plays of the Month

phpBB [video]

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Next: Race to the MVP

[XpLosibo]

awesome presentation man.. the lakers got stronger and kobe just got owned by d-wade, ewww watz the song? i thought i was watching wnba

[Robert]

A you know #2 on your top plays man I can never do that man I try doing a pump fake and leaning unto them for the foul or and1 but I can't do it

[Calamaro]

Nice Dynasty I really enjoy reading this.

You forgot to post the southwest division. You posted southeast twice

[homicide1550]

XplosivE22, the lakers played well in february... and the title of the song is shut and drive by rihanna..

Robert, yeah it is really hard to do.. it is difficult to get fouled and make the jump shot.. and it was the computer who did it, I was controlling the Cavs that time..

Calamaro, Thanks for the heads up bro, I didnt notice that.. I have already edited the the recap.. thanks again!

[jonthefon]

It looks like it's all down to the stretch run now. You're in a pretty good position but gotta finish strongly before heading into the playoffs.

[C-77]

Nice recaps! as always,can't for the R2MVP

[kibaxx7]

Loving the recaps man

Check my association later if you have time, click my sig.

[homicide1550]

[Srbija]

Come on LeBron, you can do it.

Presentation great.

[Fresh8]

Just like in real life

[XpLosibo]

boy-toy stupidity, nice u got the ads huh, awesome work

[Fcuk Orlando]

Really nice writing man, Duncan really fell off

[homicide1550]

Srbija, Thanks!

Sit, yup! both guys are putting up great numbers...

XpLosibo, really don't know why in the hell Andre Iguodala is in the Top 5... NBA Live is so stupid...

Mavericks Fan, yeah, Duncan really fell but I have a strong feeling he will be back at the Top 5 at the end of next month...

[Lamrock]

Long time no see Homicide. Glad to see you still going on with this, with the prevalance of 2K and it being 2009 and all. Sorry its been so long since I've checked in. I hope you finish this.

LBJ4MVP

[homicide1550]

Lamrock, Nice to see you again here bro! Yeah, I will definitely finish this since my PC cant run 2k9... Guess I'm stuck with Live 08 until I upgrade my system specs...

[homicide1550]

3rd Quarter Intervention
(click the logos for the boxscores)
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March 2, 2008

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@
--------105---------------------102--------


Gordon Leads Bulls Past Cavaliers


Gooden slams it over two Cavs defenders.

CLEVELAND (AP) -- The Cavaliers continued their struggles as they fell at home to the Chicago Bulls, 105-102 on Sunday night. This is their third straight defeat dating back to February.

Ben Gordon led the Bulls' charge with 35 points and he went 5-of-7 from downtown. His backcourt mate Kirk Hinrich had 22 points, 5 rebounds and 4 steals. Rookie Joakim Noah had a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds.

"I knew that I had the stroke tonight when I hit my first two shots and coach gave me the green light to operate," Gordon said.

Cleveland tried to rally back late in the fourth but fell short. Michael Redd had the chance to send the game into overtime but missed it.

LeBron James had a terrific night with 43 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists while Zydrunas Ilgauskas finished with a double-double with 12 points and 14 boards.

Notes:
- Cavs G Anfernee Hardaway injured his hand with 2:52 left in the third and didn't come back. X-rays showed that he suffered a sprained finger and will be out for 8-12 days.
- Bulls F Luol Deng fouled out with 10:32 left in the 4th.

Player of the Game
Ben Gordon - 35 pts | 4 reb | 2 stl

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March 5, 2008

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Knicks Trio Spoils LeBron's Heroic Efforts


Starbury hits another jumper from the top of the key.

NEW YORK (AP) -- On most nights when LeBron James puts up 53 points, 10 assists and 9 boards you have to chalk up the win for the Cavaliers, but not this time. The trio of Stephon Marbury, Jamal Crawford and Zach Randolph combined for 91 points to spoil King James' amazing performance at the Garden.

Marbury had a team-high 31 points including 8 assists. Zach Randolph had 30 points with 11 rebounds and 4 steals while Jamal Crawford also had 30 points to go along with his 13 assists.

"This is a great win for us, we are chasing the last playoff spot in the East and this is definitely a great morale booster," said Crawford. "James had a special night but luckily for us Steph, Zach and I also had our games going."

Ben Wallace surprisingly is the second leading scorer for the Cavs tonight with 16 points, followed by 14 coming from Delonte West.

"Bron did it all tonight but we still fell short," Mike Brown said. "We need to fly out immediately to Chicago for tomorrow's game and hopefully we still have the energy to try and get a win before we return home."

Cleveland has now dropped their fourth straight game.

Notes:
- New York led by as much as 24 points.
- Despite the loss, Cleveland still won the season series 2-1.

Player of the Game
Jamal Crawford - 30 pts | 4 reb | 13 ast

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March 6, 2008

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Hinrich, Gordon Proves Too Much for Struggling Cavaliers


Captain Kirk pulls a fast one against James.

CHICAGO (AP) -- The backcourt tandem of Ben Gordon and Kirk Hinrich once again did wonders for the Chicago Bulls as they beat the Cavaliers for the second time this week despite another great performance fromLeBron James.

Gordon and Hinrich both scored 31 points for the home team. Meanwhile, Luol Deng who struggled with foul trouble the last time these two teams met filled the stat sheets with 18 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 steals and a career high five blocks. Joakim Noah took care of the boards and finished with 19 boards to go along with his 10 points.

James once again flirted with a triple-double with 41 points, 14 boards and 9 assists but still cant get his team the win. Delonte West and Michael Redd both scored 20 points for the Cavs.

"I am really frustrated right now, I don't know what else to do," James said in the locker room interview. "I don't care whether I post big numbers or not, all I want is for us to get a win. We have to get back on track."

Chris Duhon's 3-pointer with 1.5 seconds left sent the game to overtime. The Bulls grabbed the lead early in the overtime period and never relinquished it.

Notes:
- Cavs C Zydrunas Ilgauskas hurt his arm with 4:56 left in the 4th and didn't return.
- Chicago also beat Cleveland earlier this week and leads the season series, 2-0.
- Cleveland is on a 5-game losing skid.

Player of the Game
Ben Gordon - 31 pts | 9 ast | 3 stl

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March 8, 2008

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Cavaliers Snap Skid Behind James' Triple-Double


James had his 6th triple-double of the season.

CLEVELAND (AP) -- LeBron James needed to post a triple-double to finally snap the Cavaliers' losing slump as they beat the Indiana Pacers 111-94 at The Q, Saturday evening.

"Our aggressive start was the key for this win," Cavaliers coach Mike Brown said. "We held them to 35 points in the first half and shut down their offense."

James had 24 points, 11 boards and 10 assists in 33 minutes of action. Michael Redd had 16 points and 5 assists while Zydrunas Ilgauskas added 13 points despite leaving the game early due to injury. Old man Dikembe Mutombo played quality minutes and finished with 11 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks.

It was not a pretty basketball game with both teams shooting way below 50%. Indiana hit just 35% of their shots while Cleveland was only 41% from the field.

Jermaine O'Neal led Indiana with 20 points and 7 rebounds despite of early foul trouble. Mike Dunleavy had 19 points while emerging star Danny Granger finished with a double-double with 17 points and 10 boards.

Notes:
- Cavs C Zydrunas Ilgauskas hurt his leg trying to block O' Neal's shot in the 3rd period. He sustained a bruised thigh.
- Pacers G Mike Dunleavy hurt his right arm with 1:21 left in the 4th.

Player of the Game
LeBron James - 24 pts | 11 reb | 10 ast

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Next Game Recaps: Mar 10 vs Portland | Mar 12 at New Jersey | Mar 13 at Washington | Mar 16 vs Charlotte

[Martti.]

Damn, so many close losses. At least you finished with a win!

Lebron is playing great! I think you'll go 3-1 next week.