Thunder Up! - OVER.

[Justine.]

Mayo losing patience



Memphis Grizzlies' guard O.J. Mayo is been on the headlines these past few weeks, according to some reports, he's losing patience and wanting a trade to be done. He is currently out with an injury, and resulting him to just one game played this season. The Grizzlies now are holding a 11-13 record.


Brown: Trade me



After decided to stay in his team, now Shannon Brown isn't happy in L.A.

"Trade me as soon as possible," Brown said. "I find myself useless here anymore, I want more playtime." Brown is playing just 11.9 minutes this season, a 9 minutes drop down from last season, and he's just averaging six points per outing on 43% shooting.

Lakers somehow is doing good and sitting next to the Thunder at second place in the West by their 16-7, they are currently holding a mini 3 game winning streak. Teams that shown interest for Brown are Celtics, Pistons, Magic and Pacers.


James injured, expected to miss few weeks



LeBron James of the Miami Heat leave the game against the Utah Jazz last December 8 because of an injury. Heat lose that game against the Jazz.

Team doctors said that the injury wasn't that major but he sprained his neck and they decided to sideline James for two to four weeks.The Heat are now atop of their conference at 18-7, and James is still pouring some MVP numbers, scoring 28.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.6 assists.


Kahn: Everyone is available at the moment


All is not well in Minnesota. Recently Timberwolves General Manager David Kahn announced to the press that every player on the team is available and he's willing to deal them to improve the team.

"As you can see, our team isn't going to the path that I'm looking for," Kahn said. "Yes, we are mediocre, but still I believe there's still time to improve and cover up." The Wolves now are holding 8-16 record to put them at the bottom of the Western Conference. At least they are not the league worst.

Well, let's see if Kahntastic make his smart moves and improve his team.




The Boston Celtics' Rajon Rondo and the San Antonio Spurs' Manu Ginobili today were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Dec. 5-11.

Rondo helped his Boston Celtics go 2-2 this week and currently averaging 14.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and a league high 11.1 assists and 3.4 steals.

While Ginobili propelled the Spurs to a 2-1 this week, Spurs are holding a 12-10 record. Manu is averaged for about 40 points on 49% shooting, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists on those three games.

Here's the recap of the week for Rondo and Ginobili:

Rajon Rondo

Dec. 5 @ New Jersey: Tallied 17 points on 6-for-11 shooting, 17 assists, six rebounds and four steals in a win over the Nets.

Dec. 8 vs. Denver: Recorded a near triple-double, 11 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds en route to a win against Nuggets.

Dec. 9 @ Philadelphia: Notched his first triple-double of the season, 14 points, 10 rebounds and 14 assists. The Celtics somehow loss against the Sixers.

Dec. 11 @ Charlotte: Scored 16 points, grabbed six rebounds and dished seven assists in a loss to the Bobcats.

Manu Ginobili

Dec. 5 vs. New Orleans: Scored 39 points to go along with nine rebounds in a 111-85 win over the Hornets.

Dec. 8 vs. Golden State: Netted 36 points including eight rebounds, four assists and four steals in a loss against Warriors.

Dec. 10 vs. Atlanta: Beasted with a season-high 45 points including a clutch three, eight rebounds and seven assists in a 109-108 win over the Hawks.

[Bucket]

Manu? FTW... Kahn is crazy

[kibaxx7]

OMG MANU'S EXPLODING! And huge games by Harden.

[dare]

I wonder who will the Lakers get for Brown

[Justine.]

2011 NBA Draft - Early Look

Stephen Peacock, Indiana
Point Guard
6-3, 190 lbs
NBA Comparison: Derrick Rose
Draft Stock: Top 5

Athletic, high-flyer and defensive point guard... Aggressive enough when driving to the rim... Shooting range is only limited by the size of the court... Scouts are enamored with his offensive skills and ability to knock down shots... He'll need to continue to expand his point guard abilities to solidify a spot in the top 5 in the upcoming draft... Needs to improve his playmaking ability...



Johnathan Logan, North Carolina
Shooting Guard
6-6, 215 lbs
NBA Comparison: Brandon Roy
Draft Stock: Lottery

Amazing man defense, disrupts the offense and forces turnovers...He uses pump fakes and positions his body efficiently when going up for a layup or dunk under the rim ...Has a NBA ready body...He can take off from anywhere, and if running in transition he can almost guarantee the crowd a highlight reel finish...Capable passer, but still need to improve his court vision...Not much range on his jump shot...



Patrick McMillan, Oregon State
Small Forward
6-9, 228 lbs
NBA Comparison: Kevin Durant
Draft Stock: Top 5

Buries the trey with deadly accuracy on a consistent basis... Very determined rebounder; knows where to be and when... Excellent in drawing fouls... Shows control and poise with scoring instincts in regards to when to pullup and when to attack the rim... Shows control and poise with scoring instincts in regards to when to pullup and when to attack the rim... Lack of potential... His length makes him intimidating on defense but he doesn't give maximum effort on this side of the ball...



Jimmie Gardner, Notre Dame
Power Forward
6-9, 252 lbs
NBA Comparison: Tim Duncan
Draft Stock: Top 5

Inside-oriented with good size and length... Can efficiently score with his back to the basket moves... Possesses that intangible ability to make big plays happen... Terrific rebounder and shot blocker... Lacks explosive athletic ability and lift off the floor... Needs to attempt good shots... Doesn't have a firm grasp on offenses and how they run...



Malcolm Arthur, Nebraska
Center
7-1, 261 lbs
NBA Comparison: Marc Gasol
Draft Stock: Mid-Late 1st

Excellent ability to shut down his man when playing defense... Uses properly his height as a advantage... Incredible strength, especially when guarding the low post... Matured enough to play in the NBA... Lack of athleticism... The seven-footer must improve as a rebounder...

[George7]

Wow!Manu is amazing!!

[Kubik]

Nice rookie preview! And Manu Ginobili... wow. Keep this up!

[Rta]

Manu awsome!
Nice preview man keep it up..

[The X]

Nice prospect coverage

[Bucket]

I like draft article

[Justine.]

George7, He'll probably one of the top at the MVP race at the end of the month. Let's see.

Kubik and Rta, Thanks guys.

The X, Glad you like it. Can't write long articles since that I'm not that too familiar with College Basketball. If you want to be in the draft just send me your infos

Valdis, Thanks man, been looking at your Association too but not commenting, keep your story man

[Justine.]

Simmed Games
Click logos for the boxscores

December 12, 2010



VS.
______89_______________114

OKLAHOMA CITY—Thunder is now back at their homestand holding a five-game winning streak. They faced one of the league worst team Cleveland Cavaliers, everyone knew it will be an easy game, and it really was.

Russell Westbrook beasted the game by scoring a career-high and season-high 36 points, he also stuffed his statsheet by adding nine assists, seven rebounds, five steals on a effective 13-of-19 shooting helping the Thunder beat the Cavs, 114-89. Kevin Durant added 29 points and grabbed 11 rebounds of his own. Coming off from a great game, James Harden notched 18 points off the bench.

Antawn Jamison who has been playing great this season was only held to 13 points and nine rebounds. He struggled to find his shot, Mo Williams led somehow the Cavaliers by his 25 points, he shot poorly, 6-of-21.




December 15, 2010



VS.
______97_______________102

OKLAHOMA CITY—Despite of the balanced scoring of the visiting team, Houston Rockets, still they failed to cool off the hot Oklahoma City Thunder. They cruised to their seventh straight win and knock off the Rockets, 102-97.

We might see Russell Westbrook in the MVP race because of his performances this past few games, he once again put up great numbers, 28 points, 11 rebounds, four rebounds and four steals, he struggled by his shooting though. Other four Thunder players scored double figures, Green(18), Durant(14), Sawakita(12) and Harden(10).

The Rockets is still missing Yao Ming because of an injury, Luis Scola scored a team-high 26 points, Aaron Brooks contributed 24 points while Kevin Martin added. Kyle Lowry surprised and nearly flirted a triple-double, 13 points, nine rebounds and nine assists.




December 17, 2010



VS.
______101_______________107

OKLAHOMA CITY—Kevin Durant scored 36 points, grabbed 14 rebounds, dished four assists and propel Thunder to their season-high eighth consecutive win, 107-101.

Durant shot 13-of-18 in the field and convert his 9-of-11 free throws. Russell Westbrook again played all-around, 21 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Eiji Sawakita added 17 coming off the bench. After the win, Thunder again cruised to another perfect week.

The Kings try to sneak in the Thunder and actually won the fourth quarter scoring, 30-24, but time's fell short and dropped their 12th loss of the season. The Kings' record now is 12-12. Tyreke Evans tallied 29 for his team, Carl Landry added 17, while Beno Udrih notched 14.

[hova-]

Nice three wins, Westbrook is playing very well.

[Bucket]

Nice wins there. KD and Russell better than Dwayne and LeBitch

[Kubik]

Everybody in this league is terrified when Durant and Westbrook come on the court!

[kibaxx7]

Yeah Westbrook is on fire. MIP?

[Justine.]

—After the second month of the season, the Oklahoma City Thunder already took over the league. At the end of December, they posted a near perfect month. They are currently winning 15 games straight, longest winning streak of their franchise. They beat big teams like the Golden State Warriors who are playing a very far from what we expected, the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, beat the Dallas Mavericks by a buzzer beater and cruised past the Atlanta Hawks. The duo of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook sparked the Thunder's offense, but problems had been swarming throughout the team, Jeff Green is not playing what he is used to be and reports said Serge Ibaka wants a trade. For the next month, Thunder must get ready to maintain this performance because they are facing with the elites of the NBA.


League Standings

Atlantic Division


Celtics are looking for an another shot in the Finals
1. Boston Celtics (24-7) - The usual leader of the Atlantic Division. The Boston Celtics are the only team who are hoping for a post-season berth with the current standings. They are on the .774 mark and leading the Eastern Conference. They finished the month of December with a 14-2 record. All of their starters are averaging double figures and healthy. If they keep this play they are team to beat in the East and not the Heat.

2. New Jersey Nets (15-18) - The Nyets are actually good! They are second on their division and hoping to hit the halfway mark with their 15-18 record. Currently riding a five-game losing streak, the Nets are still looking to attract Carmelo Anthony. But the emergence of Terrence Williams posting an all-around stats, I think they can survive the season and not falling in the lottery.

3. New York Knicks (12-21) - Is there any reason why Anthony wants to play in New York? Actually nothing changed, and still they are sucking, losing four games straight against the Thunder, Bulls, Heat and the Magic. Can Anthony change the scenario in the Big Apple?

4. Philadelphia 76ers (9-24) - Deal Andre Iguodala please. He's not happy anymore in Philly, Sixers must need to rebuild and the first step is to deal him. Other players on the block are Thaddeus Young and Spencer Hawes. They posted 3-12 month, all in all they are having another bad season.

5. Toronto Raptors (8-24) - They suck so let's take this positive. Their rookie Ed Davis is having a good rookie season and the future is bright for the kid, averaging almost a double-double. What they need to draft a versatile swingman or maybe train Andrea Bargnani to grab more rebounds?


Central Division


Can the Bulls be a championship team?
1.5 Chicago Bulls (18-13) - Yes they are leading in their division, but they need to improve their level and try to win games more. Derrick Rose is the leader of the team and really trying to put the Bulls on the contention, but some tweaks in the roster is still needed.

1.5 Indiana Pacers (18-13) - The Indiana Pacers are tied with the Chicago Bulls having the same record as them. Are we expecting a Playoff basketball in Indiana after few months? Danny Granger is playing like an All-Star and really leading the team. Granger having a career high in points, rebounds, steals and FG. Darren Collison is developing into a true point guard, surely, Pacers can make noise in the post-season.

3. Milwaukee Bucks (14-16) - Don't Fear the Deer? Bucks are now back on below .500, but can they charge late off the season and sneak through the Playoffs like what they did last season? Michael Redd seemed to be healthy but unhappy about his playing minutes, will be Redd packing and finally be on a new team in the next few days?

4. Cleveland Cavaliers (8-24) - Dan Gilbert is wrong, the Cleveland Cavaliers is a team which is flat-out bad without The King. The good thing is Antawn Jamison is about to join the All-Star team.

5. Detroit Pistons (6-27) - Worst team in the league, 'nuff said.


Southeast Division



Beast in the East
1. Miami Heat (21-13) - Can anybody stop the Heat? Maybe the Celtics, Lakers, Thunderr are the likely teams. But their Big Three is averaging almost 20 plus points each. Sad news is currently LeBron James is out with an injury and looking to be back in next week. The Heat lost against the Los Angeles Lakers last Christmas, can they seek revenge aganst the champions?

2. Atlanta Hawks (21-14) - .5 game behind the Miami Heat, wow. The Atlanta Hawks is currently sitting in the third place of their conference ousting the problematic Orlando Magic. Probably Josh Smith will never be snubbed again with the All-Star selection? Joe Johnson is playing his multi-million contract very good, Jamal Crawford is now starting and its seems to be effective for the team, hope they can pass through the second round this year.

3. Orlando Magic (19-15) - Maybe they are missing Vince Carter. The Magic is struggling at the moment. Stan Van Gundy decided to move Jameer Nelson to the bench and start Gilbert Arenas. Arenas actually fit but Nelson is the most perfect match for Dwight Howard. Howard is still beasting, but everybody really needed to step up to be on the top.

4. Charlotte Bobcats (17-14) - Good for the Bobcats, they are still on the Playoff picture thanks to Stephen Jackson leading the team. But rumors said to be that Jackson demanded to be traded to championship teams. Gerald Wallace is facing injuries, but Tyrus Thomas is playing good. They are currently on the seventh seed in their conference and need to win more games to avoid the horrors of the Miami Heat in the playoffs.

5. Washington Wizards (11-20) - John Wall is currently on the top of the Rookie Race, but the Wizards suckitude is still there. Andray Blatche is currently on the block and Rashard Lewis is still disappointing.


Southwest Division



Texas domination
1. San Antonio Spurs (20-12) - The Spurs is leading the Southwest and they are determined and want to bury their performance in the last year playoffs. Manu Ginobili is playing like a MVP while Tim Duncan is not showing signs of age and posting vintage numbers. They are currently on a six-game winning streak and looking to stop Thunder's hot run.

2. Dallas Mavericks (17-14) - Their starting lineups changed, putting Jason Terry on the starting guard and somehow impressive, Dirk Nowitzki is scoring a career high 27 points per game. But the Mavericks need to beat the Spurs and obtain the first place of their division and play a successful playoffs.

3. New Orleans Hornets (18-15) - Chris Paul is healthy but not performing at his best, what seems to be surprising is Marcus Thornton who showed his true talent last season and maintaining his performance, he's now their starting shooting guard and the Hornets is in a good shape.

4. Memphis Grizzlies (16-16) - The Grizzlies are growling and not sucking. Good for a neutral record and hoping for a post-season berth. They really need to get rid O.J. Mayo who's been injury plagued and played only seven games for the Grizzlies.

5. Houston Rockets (15-17) - Yao Ming is still out with an injury and they are at the bottom of their division. But their other players like Aaron Brooks, Kevin Martin and Luis Scola is trying to fill the void.


Northwest Division


Best in the West
1. Oklahoma City Thunder (28-6) - 15-1 for the month of December, sitting atop of their division and in their conference, is really the Thunder the best team in the league? The best duo of the league, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook is having some really good games, but they need to fix other things, who are they willing to trade? The unhappy Serge Ibaka or the underperforming Jeff Green?

2. Denver Nuggets (18-13) - Despite of the drama, Carmelo Anthony is still providing the leadership for the Nuggets. Chauncey Billups is playing his best season so far, but what the scariest thing with the Nuggets is, what if Melo really leave the Nuggets? Can they still keep this level?

3. Utah Jazz (17-16) - They are currently tied at eight place in the West with the Los Angeles Clippers. Deron Williams will make the All-Star game because of his numbers, Al Jefferson fits in the team, they can still make the playoffs.

4. Portland Trailblazers (15-18) - Greg Oden is healthy but not happy, as so as Brandon Roy. They are struggling because of their tough division, it's still early and the Blazers still stood a chance.

5. Minnesota Timberwolves (8-25) - Currently losing 10 games straight, but Jonny Flynn is awesome and maybe running for the MIP award. But there's Kahn, who's willing to deal all of his players.


Pacific Division


Time to believe again?
1. Golden State Warriors (23-9) - Surprising right? Yes, they are leading the Pacific Division, the division where the defending champions are. Currently on a eight-game winning streak. They had their own big three, Monta Ellis looking to be on the MVP race, Stephen Curry really playing well, and their off-season signing David Lee who's averaging a double-double. They are actually better than the Miami Heat!

2. Los Angeles Lakers (23-10) - Is it time to panic? Actually not, the Lakers just need to focus and remain to be the best in the league. This season maybe Phil Jackson's last and obviously they are gunning for the three-peat. Kobe Bryant is scoring like hell, Pau Gasol is still there but Andrew Bynum needs to be healthy and dominate other centers around the league.

3. Los Angeles Clippers (17-16) - The other side of L.A. is hoping for a playoffs after how many unsuccessful seasons. Chris Kaman is still playing like an All-Star, Baron Davis is contributing, but everybody wants to see Blake Griffin dominate, he's only scoring 13 and grabbing eight rebounds. If they keep to suck less, we can see Clippers in the post-season.

4. Sacramento Kings (14-15) - And here's the Kings who are also improving, reigning Rookie of the Year, Tyreke Evans is turning to be a superstar in the league, but their sixth overall pick DeMarcus Cousins is dumped on the bench and unhappy about it.

5. Phoenix Suns (13-18) - The team who declined most from last season. The Suns are now on trouble and may look to rebuild. Some reports said that they are shopping Steve Nash. Is is really true? The sun seems to be setting down for them.

[Kubik]

Wow nice month for the Thunder! Great job and presentation

[kibaxx7]

Looking nice man If I could, I'd keep both Ibaka and Green. Maybe deal Collison or Krstic?

[KidJustin]

i'd drop green, he's not a real PF and KD is already the best SF in the league

try to make Ibaka happy! that guys is legit. i wish i had him on my team

(if u trade Jeff Green, assuming he is the starter, then u have an open PF spot....Ibaka role upgrade? that should make him happy)

....but really, ur perfect December ruined by NJ NETS??? pre-melo!

[Justine.]

Month of November Report Part Two

League Leaders



Player Statistics for December



Player Awards

Rookie of the Month in West: Blake Griffin (LAC)
Rookie of the Month in East: John Wall (WAS)

Player of the Month in West: Kevin Durant (OKC)
Player of the Month in East: Dwyane Wade (MIA)

All-Star Voting

Guards: Kobe Bryant (LAL) - 1718162 | Chris Paul (NO) - 1338157 | Deron Williams (UTA) - 1205173 | Russell Westbrook (OKC) - 1067761 | Manu Ginobili (SA) - 1045738 | Brandon Roy (POR) - 1033176 | Monta Ellis (GS) - 1017264 | Steve Nash (PHX) - 969423 | Jason Kidd (DAL) - 860089 | Chauncey Billups (DEN) - 823025

Forwards: Kevin Durant (OKC) - 1420160 | Carmelo Anthony (DEN) - 1196710 | Pau Gasol (LAL) - 1030483 | Dirk Nowitzki (DAL) - 877080 | Rudy Gay (MEM) - 826562 | David Lee (GS) - 702040 | David Lee (GS) - 400069 | Zach Randolph (MEM) - 650547 | Blake Griffin (LAC) - 626326 | Tim Duncan (SA) - 510453

Centers: Chris Kaman (LAC) - 597985 | Al Jefferson (MIN) - 531257 | Marcus Camby (POR) - 405994 | Yao Ming (HOU) - 394499 | Emeka Okafor (NO) - 386452 | Nene (DEN) - 338442 | Mehmet Okur (UTA) - 307123 | Brendan Haywood (DAL) - 287837 | Samuel Dalembert (SAC) - 268004 | Antonio McDyess (SA) - 258037

Guards: Dwyane Wade (MIA) - 1639639 | Rajon Rondo (BOS) - 1101168 | Joe Johnson (ATL) - 1090301 | Derrick Rose (CHI) - 987045 | Stephen Jackson (CHA) - 920460 | Gilbert Arenas (ORL) - 860664 | Andre Iguodala (PHI) - 683665 | John Wall (WAS) - 681254 | Devin Harris (NJ) - 610398 | Darren Collison (IND) - 604734

Forwards: LeBron James (MIA) - 1231342 | Amar'e Stoudemire (NY) - 947136 | Danny Granger (IND) - 842644 | Josh Smith (ATL) - 787144 | Chris Bosh (MIA) - 741296 | Antawn Jamison (CLE) - 689834 | Carlos Boozer (CHI) - 663361 | Kevin Garnett (BOS) - 650342 | Paul Pierce (BOS) - 619116 | Elton Brand (PHI) - 533096

Centers: Dwight Howard (ORL) - 919048 | Andrew Bogut (MIL) - 582220 | Al Horford (ATL) - 579505 | Brook Lopez (NJ) - 476590 | Joakim Noah (CHI) - 475834 | Shaquille O'Neal (BOS) - 435301 | Andrea Bargnani (TOR) - 378054 | Ben Wallace (DET) - 369958 | Roy Hibbert (IND) - 356824 | Anderson Varejao (CLE) - 261913

[Justine.]

Little bit OT, Happy Birthday to me

[Kenny]

Happy birthday Justine

Hope you have/had a great day.

By the way, this association looks impressive

[Bucket]

Happy Birthday Justine.

[KidJustin]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY