| Bucks | Fear The Deer! | Nov. 2

[kibaxx7]

Jennings is unstoppable! Nice game by Hakim too...

[Andrew]

Sounds like quite a game with two players flirting with triple doubles. Nice win to take the lead in the series.

[Fresh8]

Good to see you go ahead. Yung Buck was 1 board shy, does that satisfy you or you gonna try again next game?

Cause I do want to see a Bogut breakout game!

[Martti.]

:doh: So close to a triple-double for Jennings. Looks like the Cavs were expecting LBJ to bail them out in the second half. If that keeps up, you win in 5.

I grabbed 6 rebounds with him in the fourth, but I didn't check until the end I was 1 board short.

Jennings is unstoppable! Nice game by Hakim too...

Warrick has been consistent, I can rely on him. Jennings has his moments, I'm glad that he has delivered in the post-season.

Sounds like quite a game with two players flirting with triple doubles. Nice win to take the lead in the series.

It was defintely a battle between the two MVP candidates. When I saw that LeBron won MVP, I had something to prove.

Good to see you go ahead. Yung Buck was 1 board shy, does that satisfy you or you gonna try again next game?

Cause I do want to see a Bogut breakout game!

You might be in luck, he had a good outing in game #4.

[Martti.]

Behind Bogut's Dominating Performance, Bucks One Win Away From Conference Semis.
Bucks (95) - Cavaliers (85)

Access denied for King James.

Andrew Bogut struggled in the first 3 games on both ends of the court, but put together a dominating defensive performance in game #4. He finished with 12 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists and 7 blocks. He shot just 3-13 from the field, but went 6-7 from the stripe after shooting 53% this season.

The Bucks now return home where they have a chance to close out the series in game #5.

Brandon Jennings, who has been blazing hot in the series, was held to 13 points and 5 assists. Hakim Warrick had his third double-double of the series finished with 14 points and 16 rebounds. Just like Bogut, he struggled from the field, just 5-16.

MVP LeBron James had 20 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists. Jason Richardson led the Cavaliers with 23 points.

Bogut dictated the defense in the first half, racking up 5 blocks and 9 rebounds. The Bucks had great perimeter defense too, as the Cavaliers missed all their 3PT-attempts. Although Bogut and Warrick combined for 30 rebounds, the Bucks won the rebounding by just 1 rebound, 41-40.

Behind Jason Richardson and LeBron James, the Cavaliers came within 3 points with less then a minute to go, but Bogut had 2 blocks in the final minute, plus he made all of his 4 free throws. Brandon Jennings also made both his foul shots to set the final score, 95-85

NOTES : Cavaliers shot 0-12 from distance; Miami lost game #4 to Detroit as the series shifts back to Detroit tied at 2 games a piece; Warriors were eliminated in 4 games;

Cleveland's scoring in the last 3 games :

Game #4 : 85
Game #3 : 84
Game #2 : 83



FINAL SCORE (Record after the game)
MIL (3-1) | 95 |
CLE (1-3) | 85 |

Player of the Game : Andrew Bogut


| 12 PTS | 14 REBS | 6 ASTS | 1 STLS | 7 BLKS | 3-13 FG | 0-0 3 PT FG | 6-7 FT

Key Performers :

Bucks :

Brandon Jennings : 13 points, 5 assists, 2 steals, 6-12 FG
Hakim Warrick : 13 points, 16 rebounds, 2 assists
Michael Redd : 26 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, 12-22 FG
Shane Battier : 12 points, 3 rebounds, 3-4 3PT
Kyle Korver : 8 points, 3 assists (Bench)

Cavaliers :

Zydrunas Ilgauskas : 13 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks
LeBron James : 20 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 9-21 FG
Jason Richardson : 23 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 10-23 FG
Mo Williams : 13 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 6-15 FG
Anderson Varejao : 8 points, 7 rebounds, 3 blocks, 4 steals, 3-6 FG

[Fresh8]

Poor shooting performance but Bogie showed off that he is a monster in all departments Finish the series player!

[kibaxx7]

[Martti.]

Mavericks complete dominating sweep over Houston.



AP -- Dallas Mavericks, behind Dirk Nowitzki completed a sweep over the #7 seed Rockets in a 126-108 victory in game #4.

The whole series, accept maybe for game #1, was very one-sided. Dallas won four games by an average of 21.8 points, the biggest win being a 130-99 crushing in game #3. The Rockets were without Tracy McGrady, who suffered a leg injury in the final regular season game. McGrady was the sixth leading scorer in the league during the regular season.

The Mavericks averaged 122.3 points in the series, shooting 58%.

In game #1, when the Rockets lost by 'just' 10, Yao Ming had 52 points. Yao averaged 39.8 points, 11.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists with 2.3 blocks in the series.

For the Mavericks, 3 players averaged more then 20 points, led by Nowtizki who averaged 30.8. Josh Howard (22.5), Kirk Hinrich (20.0), Jason Terry (16.8) and Drew Gooden (12.5) all averaged double-figures.

Games :

HOU @ DAL 100-110
HOU @ DAL 95-123
DAL @ HOU 130-99
DAL @ HOU 126-108

Tirieux and Stoudemire duo collapses, get swept by elderly Spurs.



AP -- The San Antonio Spurs swept the Golden State Warriors after winning game #4 104-102. Tim Duncan scored a tip-in with 2.1 seconds left.

The Warriors had high hopes for the Playoffs after acquiring Amar'e Stoudemire in February. They also had former #1 overall pick Thierry Tirieux.

But both of them were struggling offensively, Stoudemire averaged 14 points and 9.3 rebounds and Thierry averaged 13.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists. Stephen Jackson led the team in scoring with 16 a game. Corey Maggette averaged 12.5 points off the bench in 23 minutes of play.

For the Spurs, Tim Duncan, Ray Allen and Tony Parker all averaged over 18 points and David Lee had 16 points per game. Bobby Jackson was big off the bench, averaging 8.8 points, including a 18-point outing in game #2.

Games :

GS @ SA 78-94
GS @ SA 77-94
SA @ GS 109-94
SA @ GS 104-102

Behind Garnett and Pierce, Celtics complete sweep over Raptors.



AP -- The Raptors surprisingly made the Playoffs after dealing away Chris Bosh for Michael Beasley, but the reigning Eastern Conference champions Boston Celtics didn't give them much of a chance in the Playoffs as they swept them in 4 games.

Garnett averaged 21.3 points, 11.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists in the series, including a 28-point, 15-rebound, 9-assist outing in the final game of the series. Garnett also did well with defending Beasley, who averaged just 10.8 points in the series. He shot just 39% in the series.

Paul Pierce also averaged 21.3 points, including a 33-point game #1. Adika Marshall and John Salmons also averaged double-figures in the series. Ricky Rubio averaged 8.3 points off the bench, Rajon Rondo averaged 6.8 points, 5 rebounds and just 3.3 assists in the series as a starter.

Andrea Bargnani led the Raptors averaging 20 points, 10.8 rebounds and an impressive 4.8 assists, Jose Calderon was also solid, averaging 18.3 points.

Games :

TOR @ BOS 88-99
TOR @ BOS 70-91
BOS @ TOR 102-99
BOS @ TOR 93-80

[Andrew]

Not a bad stat line for Bogut, though it'd look better with around 20 points or so; shame he didn't have a better game shooting the ball.

[Oskar]

Mavericks 122 points a game and the shot percentage is pretty ridicilous, especially considering that Houston is not a bad one.. Hope you can get that last win, too. Pretty stellar performance by Bogut, especially with the blocks.

[kibaxx7]

If we had to go fishing with a sweep, I'm glad it was against the Spurs

Watch out for Thierry & Amar'e next year.

[Clutch]

7 Blocks GREAT game by Bogut! could be wrong, but i got a feeling LBJ's not quite cooked just yet...

[Valor]

Bogut > LeBrick

[Axel The Great]

What an epic pic!

You've been playing tough defense as of late, holding a team to 85 and under for three consecutive games is amazing. Game 5 will be yours.

[Martti.]

Getting the awards RIGHT

So the awards were announced and I agree with some of 'em, but man, some are just plain crazy and ridiculous. Enough chit-chat, let's get down to business. Here's the breakdown.

Most Valuable Player : LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

Okay, I sort of agree with this one. Definitely better then Elton Brand last year. The Cavaliers were had the fith best record in the Conference and LeBron averaged 26-9-6. Without LeBron they probably would've been as bad as Phoenix. But I think this wasn't a good pick. LeBron woke up in April when he earned POTM honors, before they were constantly 6th or worse in the East.

Detroit dominated the league, but they didn't have a clear leader, much like the Pistons in the early 2000s. That was more down to the coach (Read below). Milwaukee was second with Michael Redd averaging 26 points. But an MVP - probably not. Brandon Jennings's name came up more and for a reason, as 'Yung Buck' led the league in assists, was second in steals and probably makes the All-NBA 1st team again this year.

The Lakers had the best record in the West, but that, much like Detroit was a team effort. Pau did emerge as the leader after averaging 21 ppg. 34-year old Kobe Bryant took a step back. Dallas was second in the West with 18 wins, with Dirk leading the way, averaging over 28 points (#1 in the league).

Conclusion : LeBron was a good choice, but Dirk deserved it more.

Winner : LeBron James
Our pick : Dirk Nowitzki

Rookie of the Year : Stephon Mayberry, New York Knicks

The only unanimous selection. Mayberry started hot, then slowed down a bit when Sit arrived, and finished the season averaging 30 ppg in April. He finished the season averaging 15.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4 assists with solid defensive numbers too (1.69 spg, 1.59 bpg).

I really wished I could see this kid in the Playoffs, but the Knicks had to trade half their team for one guy who wasn't a leader. Mayberry said he liked the Sit acquisition, but I'm not 100% convinced in that. His stats dropped dramatically, the Knicks went 1-8 after acquiring the Aussie and the Knicks, who started 6-3, didn't make the Playoffs. They are both talented, but I don't think they compliment each other.

But Mayberry definitely deserved it. Only one rookie (Bobby Stokes) averaged over 10 points, Adika Marshall of the Celtics averaged 9.6 points and 6 boards.

Winner : Stephon Mayberry
Our pick : Stephon Mayberry

Defensive Player of the Year : Greg Oden, Portland Trail Blazers

After having 3 injury-plagued seasons to start off his career, Oden has finally won something after earning female fans a few years back. Oden averaged a double-double with 18 points and 10.6 rebounds. He was a stellar defender throughout the season, averaging 2 blocks and 1.7 steals per game.

Oden also made the All-Star team and had 11 rebounds in limited minutes.

So this choice makes sense. Other front-runners were LeBron James, Dwight Howard and Brandon Jennings. Oden probably deserves it the most.

Winner : Greg Oden
Our pick : Greg Oden

Most Improved Player : Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder

Uhhhmmmmm... I have no words for this one. Were the voters high? I hope they were.

Durant's scoring went down for god's sake!!! And don't give me that 'grew as a player' crap, he won the award last year averaging 25! This year he averaged 20.2 and 7.8 boards. If Adam Morrison had averaged those numbers, that would have made sense. But it's Durant.

The one thing they got right was the team though. Durant's teammate Ocho Huit should have won it. Huit finished last season averaging 9.4 points and 7.8 rebounds. This season, he led OKC in scoring and rebounding with 21.2 (+11.8) and 9.8 (+2.0).

Winner : Kevin Durant
Our pick : Ocho Huit

Sixth Man of the Year : Mike Dunleavy, Boston Celtics

Dunleavy did well in his limited minutes off the bench. He averaged 8.3 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists in just 18.8 minutes. Let's make them PER48 :

21.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, 8.1 assists, 2.2 steals.

It's nice to get LeBron-esque numbers off the bench. Kyle Korver averaged 10.4 points this season, but he didn't do much else. David Lee and Manu Ginobili were among the front-runners of the award, but both got starting nods with their new teams.

Corey Maggette led all bench scorers with 14.5 points, that would have been our pick in conclusion.

Winner : Mike Dunleavy
Our pick : Corey Maggette

Coach of the Year : John Kuester, Detroit Pistons

This one they got spot on. The Pistons were a team without a clear leader, having 5 mediocre starters. But John Kuester made them do wonders on the court. He led them to a league-best 22 wins. The same Pistons team that many didn't expect to make the Playoffs.

Since most of the other teams in the Playoffs right now were there the last year, no-one aside from Kuester emerged as a potential COY.

Winner : John Kuester
Our pick : John Kuester

[Fresh8]

I hope that this continues one more season so that Sit can fuck up your Bucks.

[megarover]

Kevin Durant Winning MIP has me scratching my head.

[dare]

KD always wins the MIP in early Live games

[kibaxx7]

Went back in the pages and saw the Pistons' lineup. No doubt, COY for Kuester

[Martti.]

Chapter #4

"Richardson driving.. And Bogut is called for the foul. That's his sixth and that is it for him for tonight. Second decent defensive game from him with 5 blocks. Here comes Chan and Richardson will head to the free throw line."
The Cavaliers had a one-point lead, a little more then 35 seconds was on the clock.
"Richardson makes the first. These are big free throws, Cleveland's season could be relying on these. He makes both and Scott Skiles calls for a time-out. There is definite Playoff-atmosphere tonight. As the Bucks are trailing by 3, who the Bucks should go to for the final shot Mark?" Mike Breen, the play-by-play commentator asked his colleague Mark Jackson.
"Well, it has to be Redd. He has been shooting lights out tonight. I think Skiles should put Korver on the floor too, in case the ball doesn't get to Redd.
"I agree," said Jeff Van Gundy. "Redd hasn't been spectacular in the series like he was during the regular season, but if he's shooting like he is tonight, including 3/4 from deep here in the quarter, I'm certain Skiles will call his name."

"Okay, we're trailing by 3 points. Brandon, I want you to set up Mike in the corner, you got it? Don't try to be the hero here."
"Got it coach."
"Good. Mike, be ready, we want to end this series in 5 and on our home court."
"I'm always ready."
"You better be. Okay, let's tie the game and get a fucking stop. Just because Andrew is fouled out, does not mean we don't have to play defense anymore."
Jennings and Redd nodded and took a final sip of Gatorade before Skiles ordered his players to join hands.
"One, two, three.. BUCKS!"
Meanwhile, on the Cavaliers bench..
"LeBron, don't even let Redd breath! Jason, you're off Redd, you can't guard shit tonight, got it!" Byron Scott said furiously at Jason Richardson.
"Fine. Just take me out if that's what you think, coach."
"Okay. Jamario, get in there. You're guarding Korver. Ready?"
"Yes, I'm up for the task coach."
"Good. One, two, three.. CAVS!"

"Brandon Jennings holds the ball. 10 seconds left on the shot clock, he starts to make his move, get's by Williams, kicks it out.. Redd for three.. Bang! Redd with 49 points and the Cavaliers call for time with 18 seconds left in regulation."

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Duncan tipped in Tony Parker's miss to put the Spurs up 104-102 in game #4. Keith Smart called for a time-out.
"Thierry, I want you taking the shot. Our season's on the line, comprende?"
"Me? Really?"
"You don't want to take it?"
"If I have to, then sure, it's just that I'm not very confident right now. People keep badmouth.."
"Shut the fuck up, this is no time for sharing your life story, god dammit! Amar'e, you take it."
"No prob, boss!"
"Okay, now get out of my sight!"

"The Warriors return to the floor with their season on the line. Tirieux will inbound. 2.1 seconds on the clock."
Steve Kerr decided to throw his 2 cents in after Albert had finished.
"2.1 seconds, this is enough time for a decent jump shot and the Warriors have plenty of jump shooters. Amar'e, Maggette, Jackson, Tirieux and Curry could all take the shot. Smart put Tirieux to inbound the ball, that's odd. I thought he'd be taking the shot. "
Albert interrupted Kerr :
"Well, he has been struggling tonight, just 3-16 with 4 turnovers."
"That's true," Kerr replied. "I'd go to Jackson who is 8-11 tonight."
"And Tirieux gets the ball, looking for a pass. Amar'e wants the ball down low, Tirieux passes.. And it's intercepted by Duncan and it's all over! The San Antonio Spurs have completed the sweep over the Golden State Warriors."

"You fuckbag, what pass was that?" Amar'e was screaming at Tirieux.
"What, that wasn't my fault.. You didn.."
"Don't find excuses! Just know that we lost because of you."
Tirieux sat down on the court and stayed there for nearly 15 minutes. The crowd had vanished when he looked back up."

[dare]

And for that Thierry was force to an early retirement

[Oskar]

Ouch, Thierry.. Ouch! Good job with the game tying shot from Redd, btw.

[kibaxx7]

Oh that sucks. Don't really want to leave the Warriors. I love our team!

[Axel The Great]

Nice game-tying three with Redd. Wonder how that turned out.

Thierry, learn to pass the ball!

[George7]

Hadn't checked it for a while but nice win! Hopefully you can finish them as soon as possible.

Thierry, don't worry! Amar'e sucks! You can make a mistake!