[46-36]History in the Making ※ Playoffs Preview!

LBJ killed you guys. Almost 40 points and 7 rebounds, dang

Yep, couldn't stop him driving and couldn't stop him dunking.....

Sucks that Iverson is out, but luckily he'll be back for the post-season. Hope you can keep it together and snag a decent playoff seed.

Sucks that Iverson is out, but luckily he'll be back for the post-season. Hope you can keep it together and snag a decent playoff seed.

My only option in the half court now is to run the pick and roll/pop or curl shooters out after Nash penetrates though, huge blow to our offense....but hopefully our D can pick up a bit n get some fastbreaks buckets :/ Things are not looking good recently and we might fall out of the top 8 altogether

Good luck while Iverson comes back. My backup point guard just got injured too, hope your frontcourt holds up

Good luck while Iverson comes back. My backup point guard just got injured too, hope your frontcourt holds up

Cheers buddy, it's a huge blow so I just hope to hold the fort n keep the losses low so we don't get kicked out of the playoff race altogether

Atlanta Snaps Thunder Streak At 16
Mar 14, 2012



With that, the streak is over.

In a dramatic, back and forth contest, the Atlanta Hawks took home
a 117-111 victory over the scorching hot Oklahoma City Thunder squad
that came into Atlanta riding a 16 game winning streak despite Kevin
Durant's 40 point effort.

Al Horford led the Hawks with 37 points and 12 rebounds.

While certainly not as dramatic as the Rockets' 22 game winning streak
back in 2008, this one by OKC still ranks up there at 17th (tied) on the
all-time longest winning streaks in the NBA.

The Thunder hasn't lost a game since the beginning of February, when
they dropped 101-103 to the Denver Nuggets. Since then they have
climbed from the outside looking in, all the way up to the current
3rd seed in the Western Conference with a record of 42-26.

"It was fun while it lasted," said Durant, "But we just gotta put that
behind us now and continue to play good basketball"

Nuggets Fire Armstrong, Hires Rambis
Mar 23, 2012



The Denver today announced that the team has relieved
head coach Willis Armstrong of his coaching duties

The Nuggets are currently 14th in the Western Conference standings
at 27-45 and looks to be a lock for the lottery.

Rambis, a former disciple of Phil Jackson, last coached as the Head
Coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves. In his two seasons as head
coach of the Wolves, Rambis compiled a 32-132 record.

Jim O'Brien Fired by Pacers, Hired by Raptors
Mar 29, 2012



In what is probably the most bizarre day in NBA history in terms of coaching changes, the
Indiana Pacers that head coach Jim O’Brien has been relieved of his duties as head coach and Jay
Triano has been hired as his replacement. Only hours later, however, the Toronto Raptors announced
the hiring of O'Brien to replace former head coach Clarence Singleton.

The Pacers are sitting at 27-49 while the Raptors are 25-49 and both look to be a lock for
the lottery yet again.

"They (Pacers) will regret firing me" O'Brien said in his introductory press conference in Toronto

2011/12 Regular Season Recap

2010/11 Regular Season Awards

Kobe Bryant wins third Kia NBA MVP Award
By Official release
Posted May 12 2012 4:41PM



New York -- Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers is the winner of the Maurice Podoloff Trophy as the 2011-12 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player Award, the NBA announced today. Bryant earns the honor for the third time in four seasons and becomes the first player since Michael Jordan to win at least three MVPs.

Bryant, who also earned the honor last season, totaled 1,074 points, including 85 first-place votes, from a panel of 121 voters sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada as well as an NBA MVP fan vote.

Rounding out the top five in voting are Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls (889 points, 24 first-place votes), Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant (385, six first-place votes), the Miami Heat’s LeBron James (352, two first-place votes), and Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks (331, four first-place votes).

Bryant led the Lakers to a record of 61-21, tops in the league for the second straight season. The 16th year veteran led the league in both scoring (29.2 ppg), and field goal percentage (.532), while also was third in steals (2.7 spg) along with 5.2 rebounds and 4.9 assists per contest.

Read More.

Panthers’ Asik wins Kia Defensive Player of the Year
By Official Release
Posted May 2 2012 1:53PM



New York -- Omer Asik of the New Zealand Panthers is the recipient of the 2011-12 Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award, the NBA announced Wednesday. Chandler becomes the first player in franchise history to earn the honor.

Asik received 311 points, including 45 first-place votes, from a panel of 121 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada. Atlanta’s Josh Smith finished second with 294 points and Orlando's Dwight Howard, who had won the award each of the previous three seasons, finished third with 186 points. Players were awarded five points for each first-place vote, three points for each second-place vote and one point for each third-place vote received.

Asik came into his own after being acquired by the Panthers in a draft day deal and anchored the Panthers defense from day 1. He led the league in blocks with 2.4 per game and ranked third in rebounding (10.9 rpg), setting career highs across the board while playing in every contest and turning the Panthers into one of the better defensive squads in the league.

Read More.

Nuggets Ty Lawson named 2011/12 Kia Most Improved Player
By Official release
Posted May 7 2012 8:58AM



New York -- Ty Lawson of the Denver Nuggets is the winner of the 2011-12 Kia NBA Most Improved Player Award, the NBA announced today. The annual award is presented to a player who has made a significant improvement from the previous season.

Lawson received 260 of a possible 605 points, including 33 first-place votes, from a panel of 121 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada. Omer Asik of the New Zealand Panthers (159 points, 21 first-place votes) and Aaron Brooks of the Phoenix Suns (104 points, 10 first-place votes) finished second and third, respectively. Players were awarded five points for each first-place vote, three points for each second-place vote and one point for each third place vote received.

Given the starter role in Denver, Lawson flourished and averaged 10.9 points, 7.0 assists, and 1.3 steals per game for the Nuggets. He shot a career high 41% from beyond the arc and helped establish a fast-pace culture in Denver.

Read More.

Lakers’ Odom wins Kia Sixth Man of the Year award
By Official release
Posted May 10 2012 11:16PM



New York -- The Los Angeles Lakers' Lamar Odom is the winner of the 2011-12 Kia NBA Sixth Man Award as the league's best player in a reserve role, the NBA announced today.

Odom received 584 of a possible 595 points, including 115 of a possible 119 first-place votes, from a panel of 119 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada. Gilbert Arenas of the Magic finished second with 231 points while rookie Harrison Barnes finished third with 81 points.

In the reserved role for the Lakers, Odom averaged all-rounded numbers of 9.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.1 blocks and a steal per contest. He shot 41% from the field and just under 31% from beyond the arc, helping boaster the bench production of the league-best Los Angeles Lakers.

Read More.

Cavaliers’ Kyrie Irving named Kia Rookie of the Year
By Official release
Posted May 15 2012 11:12AM



New York -- Kyrie Irving is the recipient of the Eddie Gottlieb Trophy as the 2011-12 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year, the NBA announced today. Irving totaled 592 points and received 117 first-place votes from a panel of 120 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada.

Minnesota's Ricky Rubio finished second with 170 points and Washington’s Perry Jones finished third with 129 points (one first-place vote). Players were awarded five points for each first-place vote, three points for each second-place vote and one point for each third-place vote.

Despite going down with a season ending injury, the number one overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft seemingly has done enough to warrant the top honors. He averaged a rookie-best 16.6 points per game, also dishing out 5.6 assists and getting 1.2 steals per contest, shooting 43% from the field and just under 36% from long distance.

Read More.

Nets’ Avery Johnson named 2011-12 NBA Coach of the Year
By Official Release



New York -- New Jersey’s Avery Johnson is recipient of the Red Auerbach Trophy as the 2011-12 NBA Coach of the Year, the NBA announced today.

Johnson, who also earned the honor in 2005-06, totaled 467 points, including 77 first-place votes, from a panel of 119 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada. Coaches were awarded five points for each first-place vote, three points for each second-place vote and one point for each third-place vote.

Tom Thibodeau of the Chicago Bulls finished second with 315 points, while Oklahoma City’s Scott Brooks finished third with 161.

In his 2nd season as the Nets’ head coach, Johnson guided New Jersey to a record of 56-26, good enough for the second seed in the Eastern Conference. Perhaps more importantly, to a better record than their cross-river rival New York Knicks.

Read More.

Irving, Rubio leads All-Rookie team roster
By Official Release
Posted May 22 2012 3:38PM



New York -- The Cleveland Cavaliers' Kyrie Irving, the 2011-12 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year, and the Minnesota Timberwolves' Ricky Rubio headline the 2011-12 NBA All-Rookie First Team, the NBA announced today. Irving was the lone unanimous selection.

Joining Irving (58 points) and Rubio (49 points) on the NBA All-Rookie First Team are Washington’s Perry Jones (46 points), Sacramento’s Brandon Knight (43 points), and Alec Burks of the Minnesota Timberwolves (40 points).

The NBA All-Rookie Second Team consists of New Zealand’s Harrison Barnes (33 points) and Kenneth Faried (27 points), Detroit's Kemba Walker (18 points), Phoenix Suns forward/center Enes Kanter (16 points) and Indiana's William Buford (16 points).

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Bryant, Rose Highlight 2010-11 All-NBA First Team
By Official Release
Posted May 24 2012 2:24PM



New York -- The Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant, the 2011-12 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player and winner of three of the previous four MVP awards, highlights the 2011-12 All-NBA First Team. Bryant received 118 of a possible 120 first team votes. Joining Bryant on the First Team are Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls, Lebron James of the Miami Heat, Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic.

The All-NBA Second Team consists of Chris Paul of the LA Clippers, Boston’s Rajon Rondo, Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony, Atlanta Hawks’ Josh Smith, and Brook Lopez of the New Jersey Nets.

The All-NBA Third Team includes Allen Iverson of the New Zealand Panthers, Deron Williams of the New Jersey Nets, Dirk Nowitzki of the Mavs, Pau Gasol of the Lakers, and Jazz center Al Jefferson.

The All-NBA Teams were chosen by a panel of 120 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada. The media voted for All-NBA First, Second and Third Teams by position with points awarded on a 5-3-1 basis.

Read More.

Bryant named to All-Defensive First Team, Breaks NBA Record
By Official Release
Posted May 23 2012 1:52PM



New Zealand Panthers center Omer Asik, winner of the 2011-12 Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award, headlines the NBA All-Defensive First Team, the NBA announced today. Asik totaled 53 points overall, including 24 First Team votes. He was the lone player to top 50 points.

Joining Asik on the NBA All-Defensive First Team are forwards Josh Smith of the Atlanta Hawks (47 points), and Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder, guards Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers (35 points) and Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat (33 points). With this 10th selection, Bryant breaks the NBA record of 9 First-Team selections, previously held by Gary Payton, Michael Jordan, and himself.

The NBA All-Defensive Second Team consists of guards Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers and Rajon Rondo of the Boston Celtics, forwards Lebron James of the Miami Heat, and Tyrus Thomas of the Charlotte Bobcats, three time defensive player of the year Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic round out the selection.

The voting panel consisted of the NBA's 30 head coaches, who were asked to select NBA All-Defensive First and Second Teams by position. Coaches were not permitted to vote for players from their own team. Two points were awarded for a First Team vote and one point was awarded for a Second Team vote.

Read More.

Last edited by Valor on Wed Nov 14, 2012 11:42 am, edited 2 times in total.

2012 NBA Playoffs Preview: First Round



1. Los Angeles Lakers (61-21) v 8. San Antonio Spurs (44-38)

Key Rotation
Los Angeles Lakers: JJ Barea | Kobe Bryant | Ron Artest | Pau Gasol | Andrew Bynum | Lamar Odom | Matt Barnes
San Antonio Spurs: Tony Parker | Manu Ginobili | Jared Dudley | Tim Duncan | Dejuan Blair | Stephen Jackson | George Hill

Comment: While the Lakers have the best record in the NBA and homecourt advantage in the series, the Spurs come into the playoffs as one of the hottest teams since the All-Star break. Bouncing back from a horrible first half to the season, they have been playing specular basketball as of late and could really give the defending champs a run for their money.

ESPN Prediction:Lakers in 7


2. Oklahoma City Thunder (52-30) v 7. Portland Trailblazers (44-38)

Key Rotation
Oklahoma City Thunder: Nate Robinson | James Harden | Kevin Durant | Serge Ibaka | Kendrick Perkins | Wesley Johnson | Dominic McGuire
Portland Trailblazers: Raymond Felton| Brandon Roy | Gerald Wallace | LaMarcus Aldridge | Greg Oden | Nicolas Batum | Wesley Matthews

Comment: OKC are without Russell Westbrook, who is listed as day-to-day with a sprained knee. Without Westbrook it is very probable for this team to be upset by the Blazers, who squeaked into the playoffs off of a three-way tiebreaker. Nonetheless it will be an interesting series to watch as the two top picks of the 07 draft square off against one another.

ESPN Prediction: Blazers in 7


3. Dallas Mavericks (50-32) v 6. New Zealand Panthers (46-36)

Key Rotation
Dallas Mavericks: Jason Kidd | Vince Carter | Shawn Marion | Dirk Nowitzki | Tyson Chandler | Jason Terry | Rodrigue Beaubois
New Zealand Panthers: Steve Nash | Allen Iverson | Shane Battier | Yi Jianlian | Omer Asik | Thabo Sefolosha | Harrison Barnes

Comment: These two teams practically mirror one another the way they are constructed, and there are plenty of storylines to intrigue here. Who will come up on top between the two best point guards in the 90s-00s era; Steve Nash or Jason Kidd? What will become of the Carter-Iverson duel take two? Is Yi ready to take the torch away from Dirk as a premier shooting power forward? Will Chandler or Asik make a bigger impact on the defensive end? And who is a better sparkplug off the bench, Jason Terry or Harrison Barnes? All this remains to be seen.

ESPN Prediction: Mavericks in 7


4. Houston Rockets (47-35) v 5. Utah Jazz (47-35)

Key Rotation
Houston Rockets: Kyle Lowry | Kevin Martin | Terrence Williams | Luis Scola | Yao Ming | Courtney Lee | Chase Budinger
Utah Jazz: Devin Harris | CJ Miles | Gordan Hayward | Paul Millsap | Al Jefferson | Derrick Favors | Raja Bell

Comment: On paper, it would appear that both sides are pretty even, but Terrence Williams made the All Star team this season and Kevin Martin is a much more proven scorer then CJ Miles. With Devin Harris affected with a broken finger, just how far can the Jazz go against the finally healthy and well rested Yao Ming and the rest of the crew?

ESPN Prediction: Rockets in 5




1. Chicago Bulls (59-23) v 8. Milwaukee Bucks (38-44)

Key Rotation
Chicago Bulls: Derrick Rose | Rodney Stuckey | Luol Deng | Carlos Boozer | Joakim Noah | Taj Gibson | James Posey
Milwaukee Bucks: Brandon Jennings | Monta Ellis | Terrence Jones | Ekpe Udoh | Andris Biedrins | Chuck Hayes | Luc Mbah A Moute

Comment: Milwaukee has a sub .500 record, Brandon Jennings is banged up with back spasms (although he might have ankle issues as well after Derrick Rose is done with him), and their best defender is a 6 foot 6 center. Enough said.

ESPN Prediction: Chicago in 4


2. New Jersey Nets (56-26) v 7. Philadelphia 76ers (42-40)

Key Rotation
New Jersey Nets: Deron Williams | OJ Mayo | Thaddeus Young | Kris Humphries | Brook Lopez | Jordan Farmar | Anthony Morrow
Philadelphia 76ers: Jrue Holiday | Evan Turner | Andre Iguodala | Elton Brand | Spencer Hawes | Marreese Speights | Louis Williams

Comment: With David West out for now with a sprained neck, the Sixers might just have a shot to make it a competitive series and even take the upset. Alas, Elton Brand’s effectiveness will be questionable as he is hobbled from a strained quad. Without that advantage, it will be hard for Iggy and co to pull it off against one of the deepest teams in the league.

ESPN Prediction: Nets in 6


3. New York Knicks (52-30) v 6. Atlanta Hawks (44-38)

Key Rotation
New York Knicks: Chauncey Billups | Landry Fields | Carmelo Anthony | Amare Stoudemire | Marc Gasol | Ronny Turiaf | Tony Douglas
Atlanta Hawks: Kirk Hinrich | Joe Johnson | Marvin Williams | Josh Smith | Zaza Pachulia | Jeff Teague | Hilton Armstrong

Comment: Al Horford has a strained achillies tendon and is out for now. Without Horford, the Josh Smith-led Hawks will have a tough time stopping what is perhaps the most potent frontcourt in the NBA with Amare, Melo, and Marc Gasol down low.

ESPN Prediction: Knicks in 5


4. Miami Heat (52-30) v 5. Boston Celtics (50-32)

Key Rotation
Miami Heat: Mario Chalmers | Dwyane Wade | LeBron James | Chris Bosh | Udonis Haslem | Nenad Kristic | Mike Bibby
Boston Celtics: Rajon Rondo | Ray Allen | Paul Pierce | Kevin Garnett | Jermaine O’Neal | Jamal Crawford | Brandon Bass

Comment: The good old Heat-Celtic rivalry will spark off once again as they square off against each other in this first round series. Expect this to be very choppy, scrappy, and borderline dirty. Also expect this to go all the way to a game 7, because both the old big three (plus Rondo) and the new big three-led clubs are very, very strong teams in their own right.

ESPN Prediction: Heat in 7

Glad to see the Panthers ended up making the playoffs. Very tough run to the finals though, with the road running through the top 3 seeds. Good luck against the Mavs.

Glad to see the Panthers ended up making the playoffs. Very tough run to the finals though, with the road running through the top 3 seeds. Good luck against the Mavs.

Cheers Lamrock, it was a tough stretch in the end (we went 5-5 without AI) but we managed to hold on. Dunno what happened between the threeway tie of LAC, SAS and POR as the standings showed Portland being out of the playoffs but now they are in 7th. Weird

Highly doubt I can make it all the way but hopefully we can get out of the first round

It's gonna be tough against this Mavs, with Chandler and Jet. Good luck.

Great updates man. I hope that you can finish this story with a bang!

It's gonna be tough against this Mavs, with Chandler and Jet. Good luck.

The toughest is actually Vince in 2K11, he's basically the '01 Vince.... thanks man

Great updates man. I hope that you can finish this story with a bang!

Cheers Sit, I hope so too, see how far I can go in the playoffs

Recapping the series as a whole so it'll have to wait until I finish playing it!