AF1: 2014 NBA FINALS GAME 7 PREVIEW (Heat vs. Kings)

[Grandmama Johnson]

Did you try to get Griffin?

Unfortunately not. Griffin got a max contract and I had no cap room to even compete for his services. We used the mid-level exception, but are only a couple million over the soft cap.

[Nutellar]

Ok, i already expected this

[Grandmama Johnson]

2013/2014
NBA SEASON PREVIEW


GOING FOR THREE: With two titles under his belt, Kevin Durant is the new crown prince of the NBA. Will his Thunder continue to reign?

3 For OKC?
Eastern Powers Ready to Deny Thunder Three-Peat

The 2013-2014 NBA season gets underway tonight, as the Oklahoma City Thunder seek a third consecutive title against a revitalized pack of challengers. “Three-peat” is a word that has defined dynasties across league history, from the classic Lakers vintages to Michael Jordan’s unbeatable Bulls. If OKC can add another banner to their 2012 and 2013 championships, they will join this elite group and signal the birth of a true NBA dynasty.

The Thunder will have to face this year’s competition without impact player James Harden, who joined Orlando in free agency. Losing Harden to the Magic will make a “three-peat” even more difficult for OKC, who will be battling the Memphis Grizzlies for Western Conference supremacy. The Grizzlies are coming off their best season in franchise history and boast one of the league’s best star duos in Rudy Gay and O.J. Mayo. If Memphis can continue to develop, they may make it back to the conference finals again and perhaps go even further.

Out In the Eastern Conference, the field is stacked with a number of teams with title aspirations. The Atlanta Hawks came within one victory of an NBA championship last season and have only gotten stronger. With the addition of Brandon Jennings, Atlanta is the preseason favorite in the eyes of many NBA analysts.
The Miami Heat will also be a team to watch after the blockbuster signing of coach Phil Jackson. With the Zen Master at the controls, the Heat will attempt to rebound from their quarterfinal exits the past two years and recapture their title-winning form from 2011.

Plenty of other storylines permeate the upcoming NBA season. Will the Celtics make their fifth consecutive conference finals? Will the Lakers continue their fall from grace and what will this mean for 35-year old Kobe Bryant, whose contract expires at the end of the season? Will Blake Griffin thrive under the tutelage of Tim Duncan? Who will distinguish themselves in one of the deepest draft classes in recent memory? All these questions will be answered. Next.

[Grandmama Johnson]

2013-2014
CAVS SEASON PREVIEW



Ready to Contend?
Cavs Look to Take Talented Team to Next Level

After a season where the Cleveland Cavaliers improved by 12 wins and returned to the playoffs, the rising franchise has set the bar even higher for 2013-2014. Chris Paul and company will be aiming for a deep playoff run this spring, confident that improved chemistry, more familiarity, and developing young talent will pay dividends.

“We have a lot of things working in our direction,” Paul said to media prior to tonight’s season opener. “Last year, we spent a long time getting familiar with each other, but this year should be different and we should hit our stride right away.”

Four of five starters return for the Cavs this year, with starting forward Antawn Jamison retiring in the offseason. Paul Millsap will replace Jamison at the power forward position in a move that many see as an upgrade to the aging star.

Danny Granger and Chris Paul both return in their second years with the Cavs. Both were instrumental in last year’s success, earning All-Star selections and Granger receiving All-NBA 3rd Team honors.

However, the continued emergence of Cameron Stribling and Clifford Hood may be just as crucial to this year’s success. Stribling is entering his third year in the league and, according to head coach Byron Scott, is “primed for a breakout season.” Hood has similarly developed, looking to further establish himself in his sophomore campaign.

“Our young guys have shown a lot of promise,” Scott said, who was given a new, two-year deal after bringing the Cavs back to the postseason. “We also like what we’ve seen from [rookie] Quincy Swanson.”

With returning stars, developing young players, and the experience of last year’s postseason under their belts, things are looking up in Cleveland. Only time will tell if the Cavs can meet their growing expectations.

[Nutellar]

I am looking forward to the next season, as you said it will all depend on players like Stribling and Hood. At the moment the Hawks and Thunder are my favourites. I am also excited how the Spurs compete, maybe they can even pass the Thunder this year.

Lets wait for the first trimester report.

[kibaxx7]

Go Cavs! Never thought I'd say that.

[Justine.]

Thunder will have their three-peat!

[Cruzerr]

Damn, wish I had CP3. Good luck, as from one Cavs GM, to another

[Grandmama Johnson]

Damn, wish I had CP3. Good luck, as from one Cavs GM, to another

Thanks, man. Happy to see all your early season success. Keep it up!

Thunder will have their three-peat!

We will see, they definitely have a good shot

Go Cavs! Never thought I'd say that.

Haha, much appreciated. Thanks, Thierry.

I am looking forward to the next season, as you said it will all depend on players like Stribling and Hood. At the moment the Hawks and Thunder are my favourites. I am also excited how the Spurs compete, maybe they can even pass the Thunder this year.

Lets wait for the first trimester report.

I agree, Spurs will be very interesting to watch between Duncan and Griffin. First trimester coming soon!

[Grandmama Johnson]

2013/2014
NBA FIRST TRIMESTER REPORT

HEADLINES

POSEY TAKES NBA BY STORM: Charlotte rides rookie to league-best 22-5 record
Rookie phenom Lee Posey (24.2 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 4.0 APG) could be the next great superstar
Supporting cast of Danilo Gallinari (20.4 PPG) and Tyrus Thomas (19.1 PPG) also contributing
22-5 record tops East, tremendous turnaround from 32-50 mark last year



WARRIORS RISING: Golden State leads West at 21-7
Stephen Curry (20.0 PPG, 8.4 APG) has emerged as a bonafide star
Monta Ellis (26.0 PPG) enjoying career year
Andre Iguodala looking like a great offseason signing



YEAR OF THE ROOKIE: First-year players making big splash
Five rookies averaging over 15 PPG, nine averaging over 10 PPG
Lee Posey leading Bobcats to NBA-best record, tenth in scoring (24.2 PPG)
Frederick Bowden putting up 22.1 PPG in New Orleans
Joey Kent (11.2 PPG, 10.6 RPG) is making his presence felt in Dallas


STANDINGS

EAST
Bobcats 22-5
CAVS 21-6
Bulls 20-7
Heat 22-9
Hawks 16-13
Knicks 14-13
Pacers 13-14
Magic 14-16
-------------------------
Sixers 12-18
Wizards 11-17
Pistons 11-18
Bucks 11-18
Nets 11-19
Raptors 10-19
Celtics 10-19

WEST
Warriors 21-7
Thunder 20-9
Suns 20-10
Grizzlies 18-10
Kings 16-10
Nuggets 17-13
Jazz 13-14
Mavericks 13-16
--------------------------
Lakers 13-16
Spurs 13-16
Rockets 11-17
T-Wolves 11-19
Hornets 10-19
Blazers 9-21
Clippers 6-21

LEAGUE LEADERS

POINTS
Kevin Durant (OKC) 30.1 PPG
Derrick Rose (CHI) 29.1 PPG
LeBron James (MIA) 28.7 PPG
Jonny Flynn (PHX) 26.8 PPG
Danny Granger (CLE) 26.8 PPG

REBOUNDS
Al Horford (ATL) 12.7 RPG
Dwight Howard (ORL) 12.2 RPG
Kevin Love (DEN) 11.7 RPG
Joakim Noah (DET) 11.4 RPG
Anthony Randolph (PHX) 11.3 RPG

ASSISTS
Rajon Rondo (BOS) 9.3 APG
Darren Collison (IND) 8.7 APG
Deron Williams (UTA) 8.7 APG
Stephen Curry (GS) 8.4 APG
John Wall (WAS) 8.2 APG

[Cruzerr]

Hey, same ranking as mine, lets go lead our teams to the playoffs .P

[Grandmama Johnson]

2013/2014
CAVS FIRST TRIMESTER REPORT

OVERALL RECORD: 21-6 (second in East)


HOT START: The Cavs are second in the East, thanks to the guidance of coach Byron Scott (left) and sharp-shooting Danny Granger (right)

NOTABLE GAMES

(11/2): Cavs Take Down Champs
Cleveland beats defending champion Thunder, 100-96, at the Q
Westbrook (OKC): 34 pts, 8 ast
Stribling (CLE): 24 pts, 8 reb
Durant (OKC): 27 pts, 13 reb
Paul (CLE): 22 pts, 9 ast

(11/6): Granger drops 45
Danimal nets career-high 45 points in 118-73 demolition of San Antonio
Granger (CLE): 45 pts, 6 reb

(11/9): Cavs Win Sixth Straight, Now 7-1
38-point rout over New York Nets puts exclamation point on current run
Paul (CLE): 12 pts, 10 reb, 17 ast
Stribling (CLE): 32 pts, 7 reb, 4 ast
Granger (CLE): 29 pts, 5 reb

(11/29) Cleveland 14-3 After Wolves Win
Road victory over Minnesota, 98-92, was Cavs seventh win in a row
Stribling (CLE) 24 pts, 6 reb
W. Johnson (MIN) 17 pts, 15 reb

(12/13) Statement in Memphis
Cavs Beat Grizzlies on Road, 124-116
Granger (CLE): 44 pts
Mayo (MEM): 43 pts, 6 reb
Paul (CLE): 19 pts, 12 ast

(12/20) Thunder Gets Revenge
Oklahoma City defeats Cavs, 109-93, in OKC
Durant (OKC): 39 pts, 15 reb
Westbrook (OKC): 34 pts, 9 ast
Stribling (CLE): 34 pts, 5 reb

TEAM LEADERS

Danny Granger (SF) 26.8 PPG (5th in NBA), 3.9 RPG
Cameron Stribling (SG) 20.9 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 3.9 APG
Chris Paul (PG) 17.9 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 8.2 APG (6th in NBA)
Paul Millsap (PF) 10.9 PPG, 8.2 RPG
Ramon Sessions (6th) 9.5 PPG, 4.4 APG
Clifford Hood (C) 5.6 PPG, 8.5 RPG

[Grandmama Johnson]

Hey, same ranking as mine, lets go lead our teams to the playoffs .P

Haha, yeah. Both near the top, let's get it done

[Nutellar]

Nice start so far, very surprising to see the Bobcats in front but it is a long season.

Granger seem to have a great season with almost 27 PPG.

[mpac]

i got inspired with your association and also get granger and hibbert to Nets to be part of my version of Big Three with D. will I can say granger is really a scorer and i love using him in my 2k games. he has the jumpers, drives and the defense!

good luck on your season. Go Cavs!

[kibaxx7]

Looks like the Cavaliers are back What a record for the 'Cats too.

[Houndy]

Helluva start man!

[Justine.]

Glad see to that the now Cavs are rocking with that record

[Grandmama Johnson]

Nice start so far, very surprising to see the Bobcats in front but it is a long season.

Granger seem to have a great season with almost 27 PPG.

Looks like the Cavaliers are back What a record for the 'Cats too.

Helluva start man!

Glad see to that the now Cavs are rocking with that record

i got inspired with your association and also get granger and hibbert to Nets to be part of my version of Big Three with D. will I can say granger is really a scorer and i love using him in my 2k games. he has the jumpers, drives and the defense!

good luck on your season. Go Cavs!

Thanks, guys!

It's been a dream start for the team so far. A lot of promise this season with Paul running the offense, Granger putting up big scoring numbers, and Stribling developing. It's a great start, but still a lot of season to play. The Bobcats have been really surprising, as you mentioned. Galinari and their rookie (Lee Posey) have really done well there. No true superstars, but a good, well-balanced lineup.

Also, @mpac, glad to hear you're enjoying Granger on the Nets. Sounds like a good team with D-Will and Hibbert!

[Grandmama Johnson]

NBA SECOND TRIMESTER REPORT
2013/2014

HEADLINES

CP3 FOR MVP?
Elite point guard has Cleveland rolling (40-16), second in the East
All-around stat line (16.9 PPG, 8.3 APG, 4.6 RPG) among the league’s best
Teammates Danny Granger and Cameron Stribling also thriving



JONNY FLYNN, NBA SUPERSTAR?
Offseason acquisition has lifted Suns (35-21) to the next level
Impressive season (27.6 PPG, 6.5 APG, 4.1 RPG) has Flynn heading to first All-Star game

FALL OF LAKERS AND CELTICS
Celtics (19-37), after four consecutive conference finals, are last in East
Aging Lakers (24-33) outside playoff position

POSEY TAKES ALL-STAR STAGE
Rookie phenom (24.9 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 3.8 APG) makes East team
Posey’s Bobcats (41-13) top East
Brandon Jennings, Jonny Flynn, and Stephen Curry among other All-Star debutants




STANDINGS

EAST
Bobcats 41-13
CAVS 40-16
Heat 38-16
Nets 30-25
Pacers 28-26
Magic 29-27
Bulls 27-27
Hawks 27-31
--------------------
Bucks 26-30
Pistons 26-31
Sixers 25-32
Raptors 24-32
Wizards 23-33
Knicks 22-32
Celtics 19-37

WEST
Thunder 37-19
Kings 35-18
Warriors 35-20
Suns 35-21
Nuggets 33-21
Grizzlies 31-25
Jazz 29-28
Blazers 25-31
-----------------------
Mavericks 25-32
Spurs 25-33
Lakers 24-33
Rockets 22-34
T-Wolves 22-35
Hornets 21-36
Clippers 13-41

ALL-STARS

EAST

Starters
G Dwyane Wade (Heat) 9th appearance
G Chris Paul (CAVS) 7th appearance
F LeBron James (Heat) 10th appearance
F Carmelo Anthony (Pacers) 6th appearance
C Dwight Howard (Magic) 8th appearance

Reserves
Rajon Rondo (Celtics) 5th appearance
Lee Posey (Bobcats) 1st appearance
Danny Granger (CAVS) 5th appearance
Josh Smith (Hawks) 4th appearance
Brook Lopez (Nets) 4th appearance
John Wall (Wizards) 3rd appearance
Brandon Jennings (Hawks) 1st appearance

WEST

Starters
G Kobe Bryant (Lakers) 16th appearance
G Deron Williams (Jazz) 5th appearance
F Kevin Durant (Thunder) 5th appearance
F Rudy Gay (Grizzlies) 5th appearance
C Andrew Bynum (Lakers) 3rd appearance

Reserves
Jonny Flynn (Suns) 1st appearance
Monta Ellis (Warriors) 3rd appearance
Wesley Johnson (T-Wolves) 1st appearance
Michael Beasley (T-Wolves) 1st appearance
Al Jefferson (Jazz) 3rd appearance
Tyreke Evans (Kings) 2nd appearance
Stephen Curry (Warriors) 1st appearance

MVP RACE
LeBron James (SF—Miami Heat—age 29) 29.0 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 5.3 APG
Kevin Durant (SF—Oklahoma City Thunder—age 25) 30.3 PPG, 8.9 RPG
Chris Paul (PG—Cleveland Cavaliers—age 28) 16.9 PPG, 8.3 APG, 4.6 RPG
Jonny Flynn (PG—Phoenix Suns—age 25) 27.6 PPG, 6.5 APG, 4.1 RPG
Dwyane Wade (SG—Miami Heat—age 32) 22.0 PPG, 4.8 APG, 4.4 RPG

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR RACE
Lee Posey (SG—Charlotte Bobcats—age 22) 24.9 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 3.8 APG
Frederick Bowden (SG—New Orleans Hornets—age 23) 21.9 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.6 APG
Bryce Barker (SG—Orlando Magic—age 22) 19.6 PPG
Lee McDaniel (PG—Portland Blazers—age 22) 14.2 PPG, 6.3 APG
Derek Coles (Milwaukee Bucks—age 22) 14.7 PPG, 3.5 APG

[Grandmama Johnson]

2013/2014
CAVS 2ND TRIMESTER REPORT

OVERALL RECORD: 40-16 (second in East)


JOB WELL DONE: Cameron Stribling and Clifford Hood showing teamwork makes the dream work

TEAM HEADLINES

ON A ROLL: Cavs sit second in the Eastern Conference
Cleveland is two games behind the first-place Bobcats (41-13)
Cavs are two games in front of third-place Miami (38-18)

CP3: MVP CONTENDER
Chris Paul has lifted Cavs to NBA’s second-best record, receiving award consideration
Currently averaging 16.9 PPG, 8.3 APG, 4.6 RPG

ALL-STAR DUO
Paul and Danny Granger make Eastern team for second consecutive year

NOTABLE GAMES

(1/14) LUCKY SEVEN: Cavs Stretch Winning Streak to 7
Cleveland tops Raptors on road, 104-99
Outscores Toronto, 30-17, to complete comeback
Stribling (CLE): 39 pts, 7 reb

(1/19) BOBCATS MAKE STATEMENT: Charlotte wins battle of NBA’s top teams, 111-96
Lee Posey (CHA): 26 pts, 4 reb, 6 ast


TEAM LEADERS

Danny Granger (SF) 25.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG
Cameron Stribling (SG) 21.3 PPG, 4.2 RPG
Chris Paul (PG) 16.9 PPG, 8.3 APG, 4.6 RPG
Ramon Sessions (6th) 10.3 PPG, 4.4 APG
Paul Millsap (PF) 9.7 PPG, 7.9 RPG
Clifford Hood (C) 5.0 PPG, 8.4 RPG

[Axel The Great]

Definitely an improvement from last season, probably due to Stribling's great season. Nice to see CP3 in the MVP talks, he'd probably be in first place if he were averaging 20 ppg.

PS - Those pics are really good, do you take them manually (w/ a digital camera)?

[Justine.]

Glad to see both of your two stars made it to the All-Star team, Flynn MVP?

[Nutellar]

Cant believe the Bobcats are still in front, the Kings also do very well. I also like the Suns become a force in the West, Flynn really boosts them .

Grats for having two All Stars in your team.

[kibaxx7]

Things looking great for rookie duo