**"The Blazer"** Gone out of Business

[mp3]

Match... glad you stuck with this dynasty ive just spent 35 minutes reading it and its good!!

Your pics always look so clear and detailed, great job with the Birdie report Horn

[Mark.]

Thanks a lot mp3. Sorry about the lack of updates lately but I will have 3 mags to update close together in a few days, j've just been busy with exams.

[Mark.]

.::**Issue Five of "The Blazer"**::.


All Star Calibre

With the recent performances of Zach Randolph many supected he would be making an appearance in Denver for this years All Star game. When asked wether he thought he would be playing in the game this year Randolph replied "In the end its the fans' and the coaches choice. I hope I am entertaining the fans' enough and playing up to the coaches standards."

Just yesterday the line-ups for the All Star Game were announced.

East

Starters:
Shaquille O'Neal
Jermaine O'Neal
Ron Artest
Paul Pierce
Allen Iverson

Bench:
Ben Wallace
Antoine Walker
Grant Hill
Richard Jefferson
Michael Redd
Gilbert Arenas
Gary Payton


West

Starters:
Vlade Divac
Elton Brand
Cory Maggette
Kobe Bryant
Jason Williams

Bench:
Yao Ming
Pau Gasol
Tim Duncan
Zach Randolph
Andrei Kirilenko
Michael Finley
Steve Nash


Some supprising names that werent present were the big names of Kevin Garnett, Tracy Mcgrady and Steve Francis. Also many thought Rookie Emeka Okafor was a likely participant due to his great leadership that he has shown during the first half of the season.

The Rookie challenge teams were also announced.

Rookies:

Starters:
Robet Swift
Emeka Okafor
Andreas Niconi(sp?)
Ben Gordon
Shawn Livingston

Bench:
Al Jefferson
Dwight Howard
Andrea Iugodola
Devin Harris


Sophmores

Starters:
Chris Kaman
Udonis Haslem
Carmelo Anthony
Lebron James
Dwyane Wade

Bench:
Chris Bosh
Jaosn Kapono
Krik Hinrich
Luke Ridnour


Also the Participants in the 3 point shoot-out and Slam Dunk Competition were announced.

3 Point Shoot-out:
Damon Stoudamire
Jason Williams
Reggie Miller
Ray Allen
Jamal Crawford
Baron Davis
Antoine Walker
Kirk Hinrich


Slam Dunk Competition:
Darius Miles
Tracy McGrady
Josh Childress
Kenyon Martin


Kenyon Martin will look to make the Denver fans proud in the Dunk contest, while many are dissapointed at Voshon Lenard not being invited to the shoot-out.


5 Game Recap

Game 16 @ 11-5 Washington Wizards

The Blazers fell out to a 11 point defecit at the start of the game, but behind a 10 point 10 rebound effort from Randolph they managed to claw it back to go ahead, 28-24 at the end of the period.

The Blazers kept their run going in the second to take a 56-49 halftime lead. During the third the Blazers kept on trucking, a good late run fueled by Zach Randolph, who already had 32 points and 22 rebounds, helped the Blazers to a 85-73 lead at the end of the third.


One of many highlights of the game, an alley-oop from Stoudamire to Ratlif

The fourth saw the Blazers trying their hardest to get Zach a 50 poitns 30 rebound game but he fell short by one of each stat.

End Score: 121-98 Blazers Victory

Player of the Game: Zach Randolph




Game 17 VS 8-12 Los Angles Clippers

The CLippers played some good defense to force a lot of turnovers from the Blazers, helping them to a 27-21 lead at the first break. Durin the second Kerry Kittles lit it up with some solid help from both Elton Brand and Corey Maggette, the Clips took a 43-42 Halftime lead.


Sebastian Telfair making a fool of Chris Kaman

The third saw Ricky Davis fire up the Blazers with some great all round play to take a 8 point lead at the start of the third, however the Clippers pulled them back to tie it at 67 at the end of third.

The fourth saw the game go backwards and forwards but the clippers showed some great clutch shooting and defense to take the win.


C-Maggs showed some great clutch shooting

End Score: 94-87 Blazers Defeat

Player of the Game: Corey Maggette




Game 18 VS 2-13 Charlotte Bobcats

The combination of Darius Miles getting Injured early in the game and the Bobcats supprising the Blazers made the game closer then many had guessed. After one period the socre was 29-24 in favour of the Blazers.

The Second saw the Blazers try to shake the Cats time and time again but Charlotte didn't give up and the Blazers could only take a 56-48 halftime lead. THe third saw much of the same as well as a increase in the pace of the game to push the scores up to 86-82 at the end of the third.


Wallace may have only had 14 points. but many were to the tune of this dunk

The Fourth saw a terrible shooting display from the Blazers vut somehow they still managed to keep pace with the Cats and only just scrapped through for the W.

End Score: 117-115 Blazers Victory

Player of the Game: Ricky Davis




Game 19 @ 9-6 New York Knicks

The Blazers knew the Knicks had a very capable offense, but the type that started the game was too much for the Blazers defense. The Knicks managed to notch up 35 points for the first quarter while only allowing 20 from the Blazers.

The second saw the Blazers regain their composure nut the gap still remianed large with the Knicks taking a 62-49 lead into the half. THe third saw the Blazers try comebacks but they were playing far too shaky and the Knicks easily shook them off, to take a 82-74 lead into the final Q.

During the fourth the Blazers finally got control of the game and managed to take a lead with 6 mins left, 91-90. But in the dying minutes the Blazers again coudlnt put the game away.


The Blazers were stunned after coming back so well to only lose.

End Score: 104-102 Blazers Defeat

Player of the Game: Jamal Crawford




Game 20 @ 7-12 Golden State Warriors

Damon Stoudamire shot a perfect 4/4 from 3 point range to give the Blazers a 31-26 lead going into the second. After a poor first quarter Ricky Daivs managed to find his touch to help ward off a Golden State run. The Blazers led into the half 59-34.


J-Rich scoring 2 of his 27 points.

The Third saw the scoring increase by a large amount but the Blazers still stayed ahead to go into the final quarter 90-76. For most of the fourth the Blazers looked like they had the game wrapped up, but with 4 to go the Warriors mounted a comeback but a Derek Anderson 3 put a stop to the run, and let the Blazers run away with the Road win.

End Score: 117-108 Blazers Victory

Player of the Game: Ricky Davis

[Mark.]

.::All Star Issue of "The Blazer"::.


Sorry about the poor effort on this one, but I didnt have a happy All Star experience, I went into the 3 point shootout then exited to chnege the difficulty, and I couldnt replay it. And I couldn't get the slider right for the games, so I simmed them.


Rookie Game

134-124 Sophmores Win


Howard catching the nice alley-oop


LeBron Making a Poster


3 Point Shoot-out

Getting 24/30 possible points, Ray Allen wins the shoot-out



Dunk Contest

With Darius Miles missing his final dunk, Kenyon Martin took the easy win 89 to 69


Miles' best dunk, a through the legs 360


Martin's best dunk, a 360 tommahawk





Martin won the Dunk Comp, much to the delight of the Denver Fans


All Star Game

116-108 East Win


Corey Maggette with the Tommahawk


Yao for 3

[Mark.]

Trade News

Only days before the trade deadline, Portland announced they had managed to rid themselves of one of their big contracts. The move saw Troy Bell (Signed at the start of season) and Raef Lafrentz (Aquired from Boston in the Ricky Davis trade) sent to Indiana in exchange for the expiring contract of Austin Croshere and expolsive guard Fred Jones.

Croshere is not expected to be resigned unless he agrees to a much smaller contract.


Fred Jones is now the third highlight reel waiting to happen in Portland

[Mark.]

.::**Issue Six of "The Blazer"***::.



On Top of the League

With the regular season finished, and the top seeds for the playoffs found. Not many are supprised that the top team this season was the Minnesota Timberwolves. Led by reigning MVP Kevin Garnett the Wolves recorded a league best 22-7, tied with Sacramento (Wolves won season matchup). Since the All Star game the Wolves have gone 8-2.

Many put this great finish down to KG being excluded from the All Star game, encouraging KG even more to show the league that he is the best player out there now. What more makes the Wolves season even better is the fact that they went 11-3 against Western Conference teams.



9 Game Report

These are just brief recaps of each game, actually not really even recaps, these are all the games I played during my exams:p

Game 21 @ 15-5 Indiana Pacers

End Score: 105-101 Pacers

Player of the Game: Jermaine O'Neal


Jermaine O'Neal celebrates after a close victory over the Blazers





Game 22 @ 18-6 Minnesota Timberwolves

End Score: 102-100 Wolves

Player of the Game: Kevin Garnett






Game 23 @ ??-?? Phoenix Suns

End Score: 95-87 Blazers

Player of the Game: Darius Miles


Zach Randolph used his strength well against Marion....

....while Marion used his quickness and speed well against Randolph





Game 24 VS 10-12 Milwaukee Bucks

End Score: 105-94 Bucks

Player of the Game: Michael Redd


Miles took KVH to school on quite a few occasions, usually the "Hard" way





Game 25 VS San Antonio Spurs

End Score: 104-101 Spurs

Player of the Game: Rasho Nestrovic


Anderson's huge block on Nestrovic





Game 26 @ 12-11 Los Angles Lakers

End Score: 99-89 Lakers

Player of the Game: Kobe Bryant





Game 27 @ 12-13 Cleveland Cavs

End Score: 121-104

Player of the Game: Darius Miles


The Blazers during a timeout, before making a crucial 10-0 run





Game 28 VS 16-10 Denver Nuggets

End Score: 145-139 Nuggets

Player of the Game: Carmelo Anthony


Blazers with a crucial timeout..... they didnt make the shot





Game 29 @ 15-13 New Orleans Hornets

End Score: 103-79 Blazers

Player of the Game: Damon Stoudamire


Baron Davis did his best to try get his team to the playoffs in the west





Season Wrap-up


Stadings

East




West





Stats Champions

Points: Michael Redd 26.8 ppg

Rebounds: Shaquille O'Neal 13.0 rpg

Assists: Stephon Marbury 7.8 apg


Playoff Matchups

East


1. Pacers VS 8. Bucks

4. Pistons VS 5. Celtics

3. Wizards VS 6. Raptors

2. Knicks VS 7. Cavaliers



West


1. Wolves VS 8. Spurs

4. Grizzlies VS 5. Nuggets

3. Mavericks VS 6. Suns

2. Kings VS 7. Blazers

[Mark.]

Round 1 Preview


22-7 Sacramento Kings VS 16-13 Portland Trailblazers

Outlook

The Blazers come into this match the under-dogs, but they cant be discounted, often showing up the stronger teams with their team play and hustle. Portland did loose the regular season matchup 118-114 but the game was played at Sacramento and before the arrival of Ricky Davis. Sacramento however ended up the equal best record in the league tied with Minnesota, they have a very strong starting unit and sixth man, but their bench begins to fade after Bobby Jackson.

Key Match-up



Darius Miles VS Peja Stojakovic

The shooting machine vs the versitile athlete. Miles will have to use every ounce of his quickness and jumping ability to always be in Peja's face, and to stop him getting the ball. Peja was a offensive force during the regular season, averaging 23ppg shooting 46% from the field, 37% from 3pt range and 95% from the free throw line. Miles will look to combat this with his vastly improved defense, Miles averaged 1.0 spg and 1.67 bpg during the season and has been using his height and length to get in the face of his oponents.

Prediction

While you can never discount the Blazers, the Kings have the experience and fire power, while Portland lacks leadership at the moment. While Portland will surely be a contender in years to come, it still seems too early.

[Micchy_boy]

Playoff time!!!!

I know your the underdog but the Kings must be careful.

Good luck bro....
Beat those Qu.. Kings!!!

[-BHZMAFIA-]

dang when you said big update, you really meant big update the dynasty is getting better and better and real good job on the mags too...playin sac is going to be tough with bibby and peja shooting lights out in this game...and i hope my grizz win the championship

[HonorGlow]

Frick talk about an update! Good work on finishing up the season! Are there going to be any NLSC's in the post playoff draft? The Dynasty's looking pretty sweet though! Hope you go far in the playoffs! Man, the Kings for the first round? THat's going to be some brawl!

Looking forward to that...and of course your end of season pstat file!

- Honor Glow

[Mark.]

Okay guys I need some advice here.

I've gotten way behind in my recaps (currently i'm up to the fifth game in my second season)

So i'm deciding wether I Start reposting from the start of my second season OR I start a new dynasty.

I like the second option because i'm going to change the format a bit, not sure how but i find with doing recaps every 5 games I begin to forget about games, I feel if i do a recap after every game it will keep me posting more regulary and I wont get as slack.

Anyway which way should I go??

[Micchy_boy]

i also like to see a game recap every game rather than recap for 5 games in 1 post. im looking forward with your new format.

[The X]

nice job with the dynasty.....

u're representing Ash-vegas well (I'm a Christchurch lad originally, got a few mates who are from the Big A).....

shame Nick van Quick is gone, probably for best, as you can develop Telfair with more minutes.....

I like the Croshere and Freddie Jones trade, create some cap room, Freddie will be a bit of insurance in the backcourt at the 2, and Croshere adds a perimeter swing forward, something you were probably lacking a bit with Miles and co.

X

[Mark.]

nice job with the dynasty.....

u're representing Ash-vegas well (I'm a Christchurch lad originally, got a few mates who are from the Big A).....

shame Nick van Quick is gone, probably for best, as you can develop Telfair with more minutes.....

I like the Croshere and Freddie Jones trade, create some cap room, Freddie will be a bit of insurance in the backcourt at the 2, and Croshere adds a perimeter swing forward, something you were probably lacking a bit with Miles and co.

X

Yeah dude i'm from Ash Vegas, who are your mates?? Its a small town so i will probs know them or know of them.

Thanks for the kind words bout the dynasty, but i'm sorry to say its over.

Be sure to check out my Hawks Dynasty.

[ilya]

you should really just play the last quarter. i think it's a lot more fun and keeps you from
a) getting bored
b) forgetting
c) winning too easily

[Mark.]

Only b) really applies to me, but i think ill stick with playing 12 min quarters, the whole game, and play just 4th quarter if im stuck for time.

[The X]

yeah, don't know if you'll know them, they both left Ash a while ago.....

Nick Protos(it's like Protonotaris or something), Greek family....he's still in ChCh....not sure if his cousin Mikey is from Ash.....

you might know the Abernathy's (sp?) though.......I know Paul (although he prefers to go by Trev).....lost contact with him when he moved, but yeah, last I heard he was somewhere in Oz with his girlfriend.....

as for Hawks dynasty I'll be sure to check it out....I was actually considering doing one with them myself, but I don't think I would have been luvin' having to jack up everything with Toine.....

[Mark.]

Hmmm I recognise the name Paul Abertnathy..... I think, sounds like you might be a few years older than me, i'm only 18, which school did you go to in Chch?

[The X]

yeah, I'm a bit of an oldie around here....about 5 years your senior.....have been playing Live since '95.....good old Live, haven't been able to get it and bball out of my system ever since.....that's of course outside of a small hiatus for a few years for uni when I had no computer and drank copious amounts of grog

and yeah, I went to Riccarton High School.....

[Mark.]

Oh yeah Riccarton, We played them this year, gave them a hiding actually