The 2K10 & Beyond Project - Season 19/20: NBA Finals - Game 7

Season Review – Lottery Teams


30. Brooklyn Nets (24-58)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Patrick Mills (77), Chris Kaman (76), Jason Terry (74), Kris Humphries (73), Chauncey Billups (72)

Nets fans can find solace in Marcus Smart's All-Rookie First Team honours, but not in much else. With almost half of their roster out of contract, it's almost certainly going to be a fire sale in Brooklyn as they look to rebuild. Pau Gasol, Smart, Waiters and T.J. Warren will be joined by some fresh blood in the Draft, but don't be surprised if the Nets also send one or more of their existing pieces for more picks, as the hole looks too big to dig out of any time soon.


29. Denver Nuggets (31-51)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Kenyon Martin (70)

Two end of season awards for the Nuggets shows some signs of positivity, but this has been a sharp decline after scraping into the playoffs last season. With both their centers taking home awards, either could be on the block as the Nuggets look to re-tool and get back into West contention, with Jordan's freshly inked contract seeming to pin him as the one to stay.


28. Houston Rockets (31-51)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Jamal Crawford (80), Luis Scola (77), Ray McCallum (74), Ryan Kelly (71)

Losing Andre Iguodala last offseason was sure to dampen expectations for H-Town this season, however the future looks bright with Eric Bledsoe at the helm. Josh Smith's production is worrying however, as Luis Scola looks to be out the door, more pressure falls onto the three-time former Defensive Player of the Year. Re-signing Ray McCallum will be a priority, and has shoes to fill after having to replace All-Rookie team's Elfrid Payton.


27. Detroit Pistons (31-51)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Rodney Stuckey (75)

An underwhelming season for the Pistons, who looked likely to make a bigger jump with the addition of All-NBA Center Al Jefferson. The freeing up of Rodney Stuckey's $16m final year will be handy as Detroit heads back to the lottery, and could be in the mix to trading their pick to bring in another vital piece to bring Detroit back to the postseason.


26. Dallas Mavericks (32-50)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Rudy Gay (82), Jameer Nelson (76), MarShon Brooks (71), Jamaal Franklin (71)

The Mavericks could be on the way to rock bottom after giving up the King's Ransom for Rudy Gay, who did little to provide the boost to a Mavs team badly in need for a co-star to Dirk Nowitzki. The only positive being they bring into free agency a ton of cap space, but a full rebuild seems more likely to be the route for Mark Cuban, and a sad ending to their aging stars career.


25. New Orleans Pelicans (33-49)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Klay Thompson (82), John Salmons (73)

The Pelicans have again underperformed, and may pay a hefty price in the possible loss of Klay Thompson for it. Their key youth trio of Drummond, Harris & Thompson plus the addition of Michael Carter Williams are yet to rise to their true potential, and a ruthless Western Conference has taken full advantage of it. Could David Lee be on the move for some future foundational pieces?


24. Toronto Raptors (33-49)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Chris Bosh (86), Corey Brewer (75)

With the Raptors still seeming so far from true contention, is it time to move Chris Bosh in a sign-and-trade? DeMar DeRozan seems certain to take over the captaincy of Canada's lone franchise, and will need further youth around him to ensure future success. If Bosh is to stay, it would be at a much smaller clip than his current $32m salary.


23. Los Angeles Lakers (33-49)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Kobe Bryant (89), Rajon Rondo (87), Nikola Vucevic (80), Vince Carter (77), Luke Ridnour (72)

A season comparable to a car crash for the Lakers, who unloaded one of their horror contracts in Pau Gasol and look certain to amnesty the other in Andrew Bynum. Rajon Rondo looks set to move on, leaving the Lakers with a fresh canvas to see out Kobe's final years in the league and a promising center in Nikola Vucevic. With the cap space, can the Lakers pry away some budding stars to give the Black Mamba a fitting fighting send off?


22. Washington Wizards (34-48)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Enes Kanter (75)

Kyle Lowry looks to be well worth the gamble last offseason, leading a reinvigorated team in DC. Andrew Wiggins looks promising, and with another solid season under his belt, Nerlens Noel also continues to develop. With the departure of Nick Young mid-season, Marcus Thornton stepped up to the plate, delivering scoring in bunches. The focus will be on retaining the center from the Al Jefferson trade in Enes Kanter and finding another key piece to put along their young core.


21. Phoenix Suns (35-47)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Gerald Green (78), Michael Beasley (72), Jimmer Fredette (72), Dorrell Wright (72)

With John Wall's All-NBA honours and a Rookie of the Year trophy for Jabari Parker, things are finally starting to click in PHX. A number of key role players need to be retained, notably Gerald Green & Dorrell Wright, in order to continue their forward momentum. Injuries crippled what looked to be a possible postseason run for the Suns, with both Wall & Parker sidelined, but there could be something special brewing in the years to come.


20. Philadelphia 76ers (35-47)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Greivis Vasquez (76), Al-Farouq Aminu (74), Bismack Biyombo (73), Willie Green (71), Will Barton (70)

Two years removed from a Finals campaign, it looks to be trouble in paradise in Philly. With most key players locked up for the foreseeable future, the Sixers will have to be active in trades if they want to see true change. The gamble on Derrick Favors appears to have fallen flat, and with so many solid role players around star Jrue Holiday, a true second star is required to get this team to where it was only a few years ago.


19. Atlanta Hawks (37-45)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Jordan Farmar (72), Kyle O'Quinn (70)

Al Horford has been the shining light of the Hawks this season, putting up career numbers and leading the charge. With the decline of Joe Johnson imminent, the trading of Josh Smith for Elfrid Payton can only serve to improve the Hawks as they build around Kenneth Faried. If someone is willing to take on Johnson's sizeable contract, a move up the draft board could be on the cards for Atlanta to speed up their re-tooling.


18. Sacramento Kings (37-45)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Brandon Knight (79), Glen Davis (74)

After multiple postseasons, the Kings are back in the lottery, which is a worrying sign. After being unable to move Brandon Knight at the deadline, his expiring contract will likely see him move on without compensation, as well as the possible loss of valuable role player Glen Davis. The pressure is on Brandon Jennings, Greg Monroe & Tyreke Evans to bring this team back into contending form, otherwise the city of Sacramento could be in for another long period of disappointment.


17. Indiana Pacers (38-44)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Chris Copeland (71), David West (80)

Losing a playoff spot to such a youthful team in the Celtics certainly stings for this seasoned Pacers outfit. Ty Lawson clearly needs more top-level help, but with the trade of Nikola Vucevic, the messaging seems crossed in Indiana's front office. Bodganovic looks promising, but likely will not be enough to elevate the Pacers to where they need to be. With David West's contract up, the Pacers could be in the market for another star big to pair alongside Roy Hibbert.

Playoffs: First Round Completed Series

Western Conference

(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs (8) Los Angeles Clippers
Game 1: LAC 96 @ OKC 124, James Harden - 30 pts, 7 reb, 11 ast
Game 2: LAC 104 @ OKC 129, Kevin Durant - 30 pts, 11 reb, 5 ast, 4 stl
Game 3: OKC 131 @ LAC 135, Danny Green - 45 pts, 8 reb, 10 ast
Game 4: OKC 137 @ LAC 98, Kevin Durant - 47 pts, 10 reb, 5 ast
Game 5: LAC 102 @ OKC 129, Kevin Durant - 37 pts, 11 reb, 11 ast
OKC wins 4-1

A nearly flawless first round for the two-time defending champs, with the only blemish coming from an unreal performance from Danny Green in Game 3.

(3) Portland Trail Blazers vs (6) Minnesota Timberwolves
Game 1: MIN 107 @ POR 122, Damian Lillard - 28 pts, 5 ast
Game 2: MIN 135 @ POR 137 (OT), Damian Lillard - 43 pts, 15 ast, 5 reb
Game 3: POR 125 @ MIN 112, Damian Lillard - 25 pts, 13 ast, 6 reb
Game 4: POR 107 @ MIN 113, Bradley Beal - 28 pts
Game 5: MIN 87 @ POR 116, Damian Lillard - 29 pts, 10 ast
POR wins 4-1

Damian Lillard starred with some monster performances as the Blazers surprisingly cruised past the Wolves, sending themselves to the second round for the first time since 2011.

(2) San Antonio Spurs vs (7) Utah Jazz
Game 1: UTA 82 @ SA 96, Manu Ginobili - 20 pts, 6 reb
Game 2: UTA 91 @ SA 90, Jimmy Butler - 22 pts, 5 reb
Game 3: SA 95 @ UTA 99, Paul Millsap - 23 pts, 10 reb
Game 4: SA 92 @ UTA 99, Paul Millsap - 25 pts, 10 reb
Game 5: UTA 85 @ SA 89, Danilo Gallinari - 14 pts, 5 reb
Game 6: SA 61 @ UTA 76, Paul Millsap - 17 pts, 14 reb
UTA wins 4-2

An extremely disappointing result for the contending Spurs, and especially their captain Chris Paul as the Jazz win a gritty series and advance, even without star center Anthony Davis.


Eastern Conference

(3) Milwaukee Bucks vs (6) Charlotte Hornets
Game 1: CHA 95 @ MIL 101, Kemba Walker - 24 pts, 6 ast, 5 reb
Game 2: CHA 76 @ MIL 104, Andre Iguodala - 28 pts
Game 3: MIL 74 @ CHA 67, Paul George - 24 pts, 7 reb
Game 4: MIL 106 @ CHA 90, Paul George - 33 pts, 15 reb
MIL wins 4-0

Complete domination from the Bucks as they reach the second round for the first time since 2001, with all three stars Paul George, Kemba Walker & Andre Iguodala firing on all cylinders.

(4) Orlando Magic vs (5) Chicago Bulls
Game 1: CHI 89 @ ORL 94, Lance Stephenson - 20 pts, 8 reb
Game 2: CHI 58 @ ORL 107, Brook Lopez - 25 pts, 11 reb
Game 3: ORL 106 @ CHI 85, Brook Lopez - 20 pts, 7 reb
Game 4: ORL 91 @ CHI 101, Derrick Rose - 29 pts, 5 ast
Game 5: CHI 108 @ ORL 110, Brook Lopez - 26 pts, 6 reb
ORL wins 4-1

The dream run continues for the Orlando Magic under Coach of the Year Jacque Vaughn, taking out the wounded defending East Champions in the Bulls. Can this run continue as they face either the Knicks or the Celitcs?

Playoffs: First Round Game 7's

(5) MEM 97 @ (4) GS 110
GS wins 4-3

Boogie rises above Grizzlies, Dubs advance to face Thunder


DeMarcus Cousins proved to be the difference for the Warriors with 25 points and 14 rebounds against the Grizzlies, but the true test lies ahead against the reigning champions.






(8) BOS 102 @ (1) NY 94
BOS wins 4-3

Young Celtics upset Knicks, advance to second round


Chandler Parsons lead the way for the youthful Celtics as they upset the #1 seed and sent the Knicks packing.






(7) CLE 106 @ (2) MIA 107
MIA wins 4-3

Irving ices Cavaliers in the clutch


Kyrie Irving was instrumental with 34 points, his last two proving the difference down the stretch, icing the game against an extremely competitive Cavaliers outfit.

Cousins having a much better run with the Warriors here than in real life.

Conference Semifinals: Playoff Tree



Season Review – First Round Eliminations

16. Los Angeles Clippers (38-44)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Danny Green (78), Channing Frye (76), Mirza Teletovic (71)

An expected first round exit with a hurt Blake Griffin, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Tyson Chandler, however some unreal performances from Danny Green kept them competitive, and perfectly timed heading into free agency market. With a Sixth Man of the Year award under his belt in his first season, the Clippers look set to move on from Green and give more time to Bogdanovic. Next year is the last of Carmelo Anthony's contract, creating a ticking clock for the Clippers to put it all together.

15. Cleveland Cavaliers (41-41)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: J.R. Smith (78), Jonas Valanciunas (78), Timofey Mozgov (74), Isaiah Canaan (72), Matthew Dellavedova (72), Jordan Hamilton (70)

Fighting through injury, J.R. Smith gave it his all in the Cavs first round matchup with the Heat, and looks set to return as the support star to Nicolas Batum. With multiple other pieces out of contract, and the first round loss for the New York Knicks, could The Land be in the mix for a LeBron homecoming?

14. Charlotte Hornets (43-39)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Boris Diaw (82)

A great result for a team missing a key player in Zach Randolph for the entire season. Nikola Mirotic looks like the real deal, raising the question as to whether Z-Bo is likely to return to the lineup next year. Boris Diaw is the only piece out of contract, and with so many dominant bigs, could be on the move to another contender.

13. Chicago Bulls (43-39)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Jose Calderon (78), Carlos Boozer (78)

Nasty injuries to both Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer seemed to doom the Bulls from the start, and saw them completely outmanned against a strong Magic outfit. After a Finals appearance last year, the championship window for Derrick Rose's supporting cast seems to be closing, and may require a re-tool to reach the promised land of the Finals once again.

12. Minnesota Timberwolves (48-34)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Goran Dragic (84), Ricky Rubio (79), Nate Robinson (79), Khris Middleton (75), Derrick Williams (71), Alexey Shved (70)

Kevin Love finally got some playoff experience under his belt, however it still wasn't enough for the Timberwolves to advance to the second round. With three key guards in Goran Dragic, Ricky Rubio & Nate Robinson all out of contract, there looks to be a likely re-structure of the Wolves backcourt around potential superstar Bradley Beal. Khris Middleton will be a key piece to retain, as Caron Butler looks to be heading into the twilight of his career.

11. Memphis Grizzlies (49-33)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Kawhi Leonard (85),Gerald Henderson (78), Nick Calathes (72)

A tough Game 7 loss for the Grizzlies, who looked to be a level above this season and able to challenge the Thunder at the top of the West. Kawhi Leonard looks set to sign a massive contract as the future of the franchise despite a less-than-ideal playoff performance, while Gerald Henderson will be a key role player to retain for Memphis to stay competitive. They still have an abundance of talent at the SG position between O.J. Mayo, Terrence Ross and likely Henderson, and could be in the market for another major piece at the trade table.

10. San Antonio Spurs (57-25)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Kevin Garnett (77), Mike Scott (72)

A truly deflating and disappointing postseason performance from the Spurs, as they were seen as the most likely to upset the West favourite Thunder. Chris Paul shrunk in the spotlight majorly, with Manu Ginobili leading the squad in his swansong performance. With key players in Ginobili & Richard Jefferson both hanging it up after this season, the Spurs are in a state of flux and are in dire need of some superstar help to remain a contender.

9. New York Knicks (57-25)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: LeBron James (98), Tim Duncan (90), Chris Andersen (75), Marco Belinelli (75)

LeBron James has almost certainly played his last game in a Knicks jersey with a shock first round exit at the hands of the Celtics. The Big Apple will have to scramble to replace such a huge piece, but at least have promise in Giannis Antetokounmpo to continue to improve. Tim Duncan is ready to go around again, but with LeBron out of the picture, does The Big Fundamental stick around in New York, or head elsewhere for one more shot at glory?

Playoffs: Conference Semifinals - Elimination Games


(1) OKC 135 @ (4) GS 139 (OT)
Series tied 3-3

Warriors stave off Thunder in OT behind Young's 44 points


The deadline acquisition of Nick Young has paid major dividends in a do-or-die game for the Warriors on their home floor, notching a career-high 44 points, including back-to-back threes to send the game to overtime.






(3) POR 103 @ (7) UTA 95
POR wins 4-2

Blazers advance to West Finals in Utah


The offensive onslaught became too much to handle for an Anthony Davis-missing Jazz defense, with the Trail Blazers continuing their hot run to face either the Thunder or Warriors in the Conference Finals.






(4) ORL 91 @ (8) BOS 99
ORL leads 3-1

Celtics avoid sweep on home floor, take series back to Orlando


Joel Embiid starred with 18 points and 15 rebounds as the Celtics begin their tough climb out of a 3-0 hole to make the Conference Finals.






(2) MIA 96 @ (3) MIL 108
Series tied 3-3

Rookie Exum ties series with Heat, Irving tears MCL


Dante Exum was the unlikely hero in Milwaukee's elimination game against the Heat, dropping 22 points off the bench to force Game 7 in Miami, who will be without All-NBA PG Kyrie Irving for the rest of the season with a torn MCL.

Please have Durant join the Warriors if they eliminate him.

Please have Durant join the Warriors if they eliminate him.

As KD's contract was signed later in this universe, he's actually got two years left! This dynasty is nowhere near finished yet...

Guess he'll have to magically opt out.

Or perhaps not.

Playoffs: Conference Semifinals - Elimination Games


(4) GS 115 @ (1) OKC 124
OKC wins 4-3

Thunder trio through to WCF once again


Despite a Game 6 fightback in Oakland, the Oklahoma City Thunder did what they do best in Game 7, outgunning the Warriors on the offensive end, lead by Russell Westbrook's 36 points.






(8) BOS 101 @ (4) ORL 109
ORL wins 4-1

Magic return to Conference Finals behind Stephenson, Lopez


Offseason signing Lance Stephenson filled it up from the offensive end as the Orlando Magic punched their ticket back to the Eastern Conference Finals, however with a different big man in Brook Lopez leading the way.






(3) MIL 86 @ (2) MIA 102
MIA wins 4-3

Brooks steps up, Heat take Game 7, move on to ECF


With Kyrie Irving sidelined for the remainder of the season, Aaron Brooks stepped up to the plate with 22 points to lead the Heat to the Conference Finals, setting up a Battle of Florida for the East crown.

Conference Finals: Playoff Tree



Season Review – Conference Semifinals Eliminations

8. Golden State Warriors (39-43)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Alec Burks (76), Reggie Evans (74), Kyle Singler (74)

One game away from beating the two-time defending champs, the Warriors could mark this season as a success with superstar acquisition DeMarcus Cousins. With all starters returning next season, and further development of Craig McDermott, Golden State still looks to be a genuine contender even without any changes.

7. Boston Celtics (40-42)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Reggie Jackson (79), Hedo Turkoglu (71)

A true over-acheivement for this young group, who look to only get better. An excellent first season from Joel Embiid is sure to keep Beantown excited during the offseason, but Reggie Jackson's stellar play could see him move to a starting role elsewhere.

6. Utah Jazz (48-34)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Jimmy Butler (81), Kirk Hinrich (76), Kostas Koufos (72), Jae Crowder (72), Jeremy Evans (70)

The absence of Anthony Davis for the second straight postseason cannot be overlooked in the Jazz's shortcomings, and creates an uneasy situation around Jimmy Butler. Regardless of a strong outfit in Utah, Butler has been open about heading to another contender if the price and situation is right.

5. Milwaukee Bucks (50-32)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Kemba Walker (82), Kostas Papanikolou (72)

No excuses for this Bucks effort in a dismal Game 7 performance against a Kyrie-less Heat outfit which soured a 50-win season. With Kemba Walker now out of contract, this recent performance makes negotiations in Milwaukee a bit tougher, as the Bucks again failed to make the jump to the Conference Finals. Without a steep jump in performance from their second unit, it could be another year of the same for the Herd, the question is will their star PG be there to steer the ship once again?

All-Florida ECF, All-Small Market WCF. That 100 Loyalty rating for Kevin Durant is paying off!

This is really cool. Seeing the old menus makes me feel nostalgic, and I like the in-depth coverage of the teams.

Playoffs: Conference Finals - Elimination Games


(1) OKC 120 @ (3) POR 117
OKC wins 4-2

Durant sends Thunder back to finals on last-second three


Despite losing James Harden for the rest of the season in Game 1 with knee tendinitis, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook carried the load, including a last-second three from the reigning MVP to avoid overtime in the Moda Center, and send them to the Finals for a third straight year, and fourth in five years.






(4) ORL 97 @ (2) MIA 104
MIA wins 4-1

Heat cruise past State rival, head to NBA Finals


Even without Kyrie Irving, Wilson Chandler and the Heat put a beatdown on their cross-town rival, demolishing the Magic in 5 games and heading back to the Finals for the first time since 2006.

NBA Finals: Playoff Tree



Season Review – Conference Finals Eliminations

4. Orlando Magic (46-36)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Lance Stephenson (84), Iman Shumpert (77)

What a season from the upstart Magic. Making the most of their offseason signings in Lance Stephenson and Patrick Beverley, Orlando looks to be burgeoning on a perennial contender once again in the East, only 3 years removed from the Dwight Howard era. Stephenson & Shumpert will both demand a pretty penny, but have both earned it with this year's performance. With continued development, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Magic here in the Conference Finals once again next year.

3. Portland Trail Blazers (50-32)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Draymond Green (77), Marcus Morris (76), Andray Blatche (75)

So close yet so far for the Blazers, with their best playoff performance since the days of Scottie Pippen. The upcoming contracts of both Draymond Green & Marcus Morris will be important to maintain, as they continue to push for a championship. WIth Aldridge locked in and Lillard more than likely to re-sign a rookie max extension next season, Portland is in good hands to take it to the Thunder once again next year.


Finals Preview: Oklahoma City Thunder vs Miami Heat

Another year, and another possible championship for the best team of the modern era. The Thunder will be without key cog James Harden, but with the Heat also missing Kyrie Irving, it could be another smooth sailing trip for Oklahoma City to their third straight championship.

Previous matchups

20/1: OKC 123 @ MIA 87
22/03: MIA 113 @ OKC 115

Missing pieces a snapshot of what could have been



Unfortunately, both Finals starting lineups will have gaping holes due to season-ending knee injuries to both Kyrie Irving & James Harden. A shining light since Miami's shocking lottery win in 2011, Irving stole the spotlight from Miami favourite Dwyane Wade and rocketed the Heat to success, despite their loss of Amare Stoudemire in the same offseason he came in. With his first All-NBA 1st Team honours this season, it's a bitter pill to swallow to not see him compete for a Championship. For Oklahoma City, a main component of their dominance has been the durability and consistency of their big 3, however with James Harden's injury in Game 1 of the Conference Finals, the Thunder will be fighting it out on the Finals stage without all three of their superstars for the first time.

Wade returns to Finals



It's been 9 long years, but once again Dwyane Wade is back competing for a Championship in Miami. Now aged 33, Wade will have a hell of a battle on his hands looking to take on the NBA's best player and his dynamic sidekick Russell Westbrook defensively, while looking to fill a seismic gap left on the offensive end with the loss of Kyrie Irving. With the clock ticking on a hall of fame career, this could be Flash's last chance at a second ring.

Westbrook's time to shine



In what has been another incredibly successful regular season for the Thunder, their star PG and former MVP Russell Westbrook has endured a fair amount of slight from the media. Westbrook was left off both the West All-Star team as well as all three All-NBA teams, while his star teammates Kevin Durant & James Harden both started at the All-Star Game and received All-NBA first team honours. Still showing the consistent production that has seen him showered with awards and praise over the past few seasons, it appears that there's a big chip Westbrook's shoulder heading into this Finals series. With James Harden on the sidelines, Russ looks set to prove to everyone how good he really is.

Heat supporting cast face biggest test yet



Shorthanded with the absence of Kyrie Irving, Miami's supporting cast will be on show this Finals series, with pressure on Wilson Chandler, Larry Sanders & Aaron Brooks in particular to step up to the plate against the Oklahoma City dynasty. With the chips heavily stacked against them, spotlight performances such as Aaron Brooks' Game 6 dominance against the Bucks and Wilson Chandler's Game 5 shutout of the Magic give hope to the Miami hopeful that if they click on all cylinders, they've got a fighting chance to take out the reigning champions.

I'm leaning towards the Thunder getting the threepeat, though I'm not counting out the Heat entirely.

NBA Finals: Game 1


MIA 90 @ OKC 101
OKC leads 1-0

Westbrook, Durant seal Game 1 in OKC


Even without James Harden, Kevin Durant & Russell Westbrook showed out in their return to the NBA Finals, dropping 30 and 27 points respectively.

NBA Finals: Game 2


MIA 102 @ OKC 103
OKC leads 2-0

Durant seals 2-0 lead on last-second steal & jam


After a resilient fightback that saw the Heat leading in the dying seconds, a desperate steal from MVP Kevin Durant and fastbreak dunk ensured the Thunder kept home court advantage.

Awesome finish! Looking good for the Thunder.

NBA Finals: Game 3


OKC 111 @ MIA 89
OKC leads 3-0

Durant drops 40 to lead 3-0


Continuing to show why he's the best player in the world, Kevin Durant monstered the Heat with another 40-performance despite a bruised tailbone, setting up the Thunder for their second straight Finals sweep.

NBA Finals: Game 4


OKC 112 @ MIA 87
OKC wins 4-0

Oklahoma City complete 3-peat, sweep Heat




Kevin Durant put on an all-time performance in the absence of James Harden, finishing with the fourth highest average PPG in a Finals series with 38.25 PPG and his second Finals MVP.

Not a huge surprise there! Let's see if they can go for four with a new game and its sim engine.

Player Retirements & Draft Lottery

Player Retirements


Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs, Hall of Fame Inductee
Richard Jefferson, San Antonio Spurs
Hedo Turkoglu, Boston Celtics
Kenyon Martin, Denver Nuggets
John Salmons, New Orleans Pelicans

NBA Draft Lottery

Lottery odds


Lottery results


Nets miss out as Big Easy scores #1 pick, new twin towers in New Orleans imminent?



The New Orleans Pelicans have jumped from the sixth-best odds to the #1 pick, pushing aside lottery favourite Brooklyn and putting them in the drivers seat to select Karl Anthony-Towns, creating a formidable frontcourt pairing with star Andre Drummond.

Player/Team Options & Amnesties

Philadelphia 76ers
Thomas Robinson (T) - Accepted

Milwaukee Bucks
Jared Sullinger (T) - Accepted
Ben McLemore (2YRT) - Accepted
Miroslav Raduljica (T) - Declined

Chicago Bulls
Archie Goodwin (2YRT) - Accepted
Meyers Leonard (T) – Accepted

Cleveland Cavaliers
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (2YRT) – Accepted
Austin Rivers (T) - Accepted
Nene - Amnesty Clause

Boston Celtics
Victor Oladipo (2YRT) - Accepted
Vitor Faverani (T) - Accepted
Andrew Nicholson (T) - Accepted
Phil Pressey (T) - Declined

Los Angeles Clippers
Dennis Schroder (2YRT) – Accepted

Memphis Grizzlies
Terrence Ross (T) – Accepted
Raymond Felton (P) – Accepted

Atlanta Hawks
Terrence Jones (T) - Accepted
Shane Larkin (2YRT) - Accepted

Charlotte Hornets
Cody Zeller (2YRT) - Accepted
Arnett Moultrie (T) – Accepted
Cameron Bairstow (T) - Declined

Utah Jazz
Anthony Davis (T) - Accepted
Rudy Gobert (2YRT) - Accepted

Sacramento Kings
Gorgui Dieng (2YRT) - Accepted

New York Knicks
Giannis Antetokounmpo (2YRT) - Accepted
Perry Jones (T) - Accepted

Los Angeles Lakers
Andre Roberson (2YRT) - Accepted
Andrew Bynum - Amnesty Clause

Orlando Magic
Kelly Olynyk (2YRT) - Accepted
John Jenkins (T) - Declined
Dewayne Dedmon (T) - Accepted

Dallas Mavericks
Tim Hardaway Jr. (2YRT) - Accepted
Miles Plumlee (T) - Accepted
Otto Porter (2YRT) - Declined

Brooklyn Nets
Dion Waiters (T) - Accepted
Solomon Hill (2YRT) - Accepted

Denver Nuggets
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (T) - Accepted
Steven Adams (2YRT) - Accepted
Russ Smith (T) - Accepted

Indiana Pacers
Tony Snell (2YRT) - Accepted
Evan Fournier (T) - Accepted

New Orleans Pelicans
Andre Drummond (T) - Accepted
Michael Carter-Williams (2YRT) - Accepted

Detroit Pistons
Trey Burke (2YRT) - Accepted
Harrison Barnes (T) - Accepted
Tony Mitchell (T) - Accepted
Aaron Gray (P) - Accepted

Toronto Raptors
C.J. McCollum (2YRT) - Accepted

Houston Rockets
Jeremy Lamb (T) - Accepted
Robert Covington (T) - Accepted
Sergei Karasev (T) - Declined

San Antonio Spurs
Maurice Harkless (T) - Accepted

Phoenix Suns
Anthony Tolliver (T) - Accepted
Alex Len (2YRT) - Accepted
Tyler Zeller (T) - Accepted

Minnesota Timberwolves
Bradley Beal (2YRT) - Accepted
Mason Plumlee (2YRT) - Accepted
Reggie Bullock (2YRT) - Accepted

Portland Trail Blazers
Damian Lillard (T) - Accepted
Shabazz Muhammad (T) - Declined

Golden State Warriors
Anthony Bennett (2YRT) - Declined
Nick Young (P) - Accepted

Washington Wizards
Nerlens Noel (2YRT) - Accepted
John Henson (T) - Accepted
Nate Wolters (T) - Accepted
Tony Wroten (T) - Accepted
C.J. Miles (T) - Accepted
Garrett Temple (P) - Accepted

2013 Draft disappointments declined team options



Both Anthony Bennett and Otto Porter Jr. have been shown the door after two very disappointing years in the league, leaving major question marks as to who will take the gamble on the once highly-touted prospects?

NBA Draft

Draft Board



Towns on the way to New Orleans



It was a quiet draft night with limited transactions, however with the hopeful re-signing of Klay Thompson, it seems clear that the New Orleans Pelicans are on the verge of something special, filling out what could be an extremely dangerous lineup for the 2015-16 season.

Transactions

POR Receive: 2015 1st Round Pick (21)
ORL Receive: 2015 1st Round Pick (25), 2016 2nd Round Pick