The 2K10 & Beyond Project - Season 19/20: NBA Finals - Game 6

[jubba910]

Playoffs: First Round Completed Series

Western Conference

(3) Golden State Warriors vs (6) Los Angeles Clippers
Game 1: LAC 110 @ GS 126, Stephen Curry - 45 pts, 11 ast
Game 2: LAC 87 @ GS 105, DeMarcus Cousins - 25 pts, 10 reb
Game 3: GS 131 @ LAC 101, Stephen Curry - 28 pts, 9 ast, 8 reb
Game 4: GS 126 @ LAC 89, Stephen Curry - 35 pts, 14 ast, 7 reb, 4 stl
GS wins 4-0

Stephen Curry and the Warriors made quick work of the Embiid-less Clippers, setting up a second round matchup with either the Trail Blazers or Timberwolves pending their Game 7 matchup.


Eastern Conference

(1) Washington Wizards vs (8) Chicago Bulls
Game 1: CHI 111 @ WAS 118, Kevin Durant - 25 pts, 6 reb
Game 2: CHI 109 @ WAS 125, Kyle Lowry - 26 pts, 5 ast
Game 3: WAS 119 @ CHI 109, Kevin Durant - 37 pts, 9 reb, 5 ast
Game 4: WAS 124 @ CHI 115, Kevin Durant - 31 pts, 7 reb
WAS wins 4-0

Chicago's return to the postseason was short-lived, disposed off ruthlessly by the reigning champions in a 4-game sweep to continue their title defense.

(4) Philadelphia 76ers vs (5) Milwaukee Bucks
Game 1: MIL 98 @ PHI 103, Al Horford - 17 pts, 10 reb
Game 2: MIL 117 @ PHI 105, Kemba Walker - 29 pts, 9 ast
Game 3: PHI 103 @ MIL 117, Wesley Matthews - 24 pts
Game 4: PHI 96 @ MIL 101, Paul George - 17 pts, 9 ast, 5 reb, 3 stl
Game 5: MIL 109 @ PHI 107, Kemba Walker - 48 pts
MIL wins 4-1

It took overtime in Game 5, but it was another Kemba Walker masterclass to close out the 76ers with 48 points, as the Bucks hope to ride this momentum to face the Wizards in the second round.

(3) Charlotte Hornets vs (6) Detroit Pistons
Game 1: DET 115 @ CHA 128, Jayson Tatum, 37 points, 8 reb
Game 2: DET 90 @ CHA 103, Jayson Tatum - 22 pts, 11 reb
Game 3: CHA 127 @ DET 100, Trae Young - 33 pts
Game 4: CHA 117 @ DET 120, Harrison Barnes - 28 pts
Game 5: DET 126 @ CHA 103, Aaron Gordon - 26 pts, 8 reb
Game 6: CHA 121 @ DET 86, Tyreke Evans - 34 pts, 7 reb
CHA wins 4-2

A valiant fightback wasn't enough for the Pistons, with the youthful Hornets forgetting all memories of their late season loss to Detroit, and booking their first Conference Semifinals appearance since their Finals-making run of 2012.

[jubba910]

Playoffs: First Round Game 7's

(5) OKC 108 @ (4) SA 116
SA wins 4-3

MVP Paul carries Spurs to Game 7 win


The San Antonio Spurs are moving on, eliminating the reiging West champions in only their second ever First Round elimination in franchise history. MVP Chris Paul was crucial down the stretch, hitting multiple jumpshots to secure the win on their home floor.






(7) MIN 111 @ (2) POR 128
POR wins 4-3

Lillard, Blazers close out Timberwolves


Opening up a 20-point lead early in the second quarter, the Trail Blazers were in cruise control against the Timberwolves, setting up a Pacific division showdown with the Warriors in the Conference Semifinals.






(8) PHX 115 @ (1) UTA 116
UTA wins 4-3

Butler, Jazz hold on


Even without Anthony Davis & Rudy Gobert, Jimmy Butler stepped up deliver the Utah faithful a Conference Semifinals berth, eliminating the Suns in Phoenix's second-straight First Round Game 7.






(7) NY 111 @ (2) TOR 116
TOR wins 4-3

DeRozan explodes for 47 to eliminate Knicks


Despite solid performances from Andre Drummond and Giannis Antetokounmpo, DeMar DeRozan was the star of the show in Toronto, dropping 47 points to advance to the next round.

[jubba910]

Season Review – First Round Eliminations


16. Chicago Bulls (37-45)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Jaylen Brown (86) (T), Terry Rozier III (80), Justise Winslow (78), Marquese Chriss (76), Justin Holiday (76), Harry Giles (75) (T)

A massive step in the right direction for the Windy City franchise, heading back to the postseason for the first time since the exodus of Derrick Rose. Jaylen Brown, Malcolm Brogdon, and Julius Randle appear to be a solid foundation for the Bulls to ride into the future, and securing the future of Terry Rozier on top of that can only assist them further. With Harry Giles $10m team option likely to free up cap space, the Bulls could be in the market for a big man to solidify their uprise to East contention.


15. Phoenix Suns (42-40)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Jonas Valanciunas (85), Jonathan Isaac (79) (2YRT), Alan Williams (78) (T), Thon Maker (75) (T)

Another bitter Game 7 defeat for the Suns, almost pipping the wounded top of the West leading Jazz. With a majority of key pieces still locked up, Valanciunas will be key to keep, unless they look to break the bank for a new big man in free agency.


14. Minnesota Timberwolves (42-40)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Kevin Love (87) (P), Mason Plumlee (78), Joe Harris (77), Ian Mahinmi (76), Tyus Jones (76), Milos Teodosic (75), Luke Babbitt (75)

A valiant series effort against the Blazers soured by a poor Game 7 performance. Kevin Love's 10-year stint in Minnesota could be over, with the longtime franchise piece umming and ahhing new horizons after a decade in cold Minneapolis. On top of Love, the Timberwolves will be fighting to keep two-time Sixth Man of the Year Mason Plumlee locked up, as his services look set to be in high demand across other contenders.


13. Los Angeles Clippers (44-38)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Kelly Oubre Jr. (78), De'Aaron Fox (78) (2YRT), Al-Farouq Aminu (78), Boban Marjanovic (76), Ish Smith (76), E'Twuan Moore (76)

Doomed before the playoffs began with Embiid's season-ending injury, the Clippers look to next year as their chance to break the mould at the top of the West. Kelly Oubre Jr. will be the main piece to retain in the offseason, as the Clippers continue to build around Embiiid, Oladipo and extremely promising PG De'Aaron Fox.


12. New York Knicks (45-37)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Buddy Hield (81) (T), Austin Rivers (79), Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (77), Jeff Withey (76), Troy Daniels (75), Ron Baker (75)

Heartbreak for the Big Apple, who looked set to ruffle more feathers this offseason. With long time superstars Giannis and Drummond, the Knicks can focus again on accumulating stronger talent around them to hopefully crack through to their first Conference Finals since 2014.


11. Detroit Pistons (45-37)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Lonzo Ball (82) (2YRT), Domantas Sabonis (81) (T), Spencer Dinwiddie (81), Mario Hezonja (78), Allen Crabbe (78), Brandon Knight (76), Denzel Valentine (75) (T), Ivan Rabb (75) (T)

Seemingly spent from their long drive to break their playoff drought, the Pistons were blown out by 35 to finish their season on a bitter note. Key players Mario Hezonja and Allen Crabbe will be hot on the free agency wire, whilst the Motor City looks to do even better next year with the postseason monkey off their back.


10. Oklahoma City Thunder (49-33)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Hassan Whiteside (86) (P), Thabo Sefolosha (78), Wayne Ellington (78), Raymond Felton (77), Channing Frye (75), JaMychal Green (75)

Unfamiliar territory for the decades most successful franchise, bettered by MVP Chris Paul and the Spurs for their second ever Game 7 First Round loss. Will Whiteside stay? It's looking to be a massive offseason for big men, leading many to believe Whiteside could forego his $14 million option to chase a bigger contract with another contender. Time will tell, but it would be hard to find another destination that can best the talent of Westbrook and Harden that surrounds him now.


9. Philadelphia 76ers (49-33)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Ben Simmons (93) (T), Devin Booker (89), Willie Cauley-Stein (81), Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (80), Markelle Fultz (79) (2YRT), Will Barton (79), Robin Lopez (78), Yogi Ferrell (76), T.J. Leaf (75) (2YRT)

The City of Brotherly love seems still stuck in second gear, with a disappointing first round elimination against the Bucks. Offseason nervousness seems to be quelled however, with Devin Booker strongly tipped to re-sign on a maximum extension to stay as the vital running mate of Ben Simmons. A strong supporting cast will be dangling however, with Cauley-Stein, Hollis-Jefferson and Will Barton all out of contract, Philadelphia could be sporting a different lineup off the bench in 2020.

[jubba910]

Playoffs: Conference Semifinals

(4) SA 108 @ (1) UTA 116
SA leads 3-2

Butler leads Jazz fightback


The spotllight continues to shine heaving on the shoulders of Jimmy Butler, as he put up a spirited performance to stave off elimination on their home floor.






(3) GS 117 @ (2) POR 118
POR wins 4-1

Lillard closes the door on Curry, Warriors


In the battle of star point guards, Damian Lillard continues to rise above, locking in a Conference Finals berth for the Blazers closing out the Warriors in 5.






(1) WAS 129 @ (5) MIL 114
Series tied 3-3

Durant, Wizards force Game 7 in Milwaukee


It took Durant's best for the Wizards to avoid a Conference Semifinals elimination, scoring 49 to take the series back to DC.






(2) CHA 107 @ (3) TOR 98
TOR leads 3-2

Evans, Ibaka lead the way for Hornets in Toronto


With Jayson Tatum sidelined for the remainder of the playoffs, veterans Tyreke Evans and Serge Ibaka stepped up to avoid elimination.

[jubba910]

Playoffs: Conference Semifinals

(1) UTA 103 @ (4) SA 89
Series tied 3-3

Butler's heroics continue, force Game 7


With Anthony Davis a possibility to return for the Conference Finals, Jimmy Butler and the Jazz did everything they could to hold on in San Antonio, taking the series back to Utah for a pivotal Game 7.






(1) WAS 126 @ (5) MIL 115
WAS wins 4-3

Wizards head back to Conference Finals


Backing up his 49 point performance two nights earlier, Kevin Durant dropped 51 to send the Bucks packing, taking the defending champions back to the Conference Finals.






(3) TOR 126 @ (2) CHA 119
TOR wins 4-2

DeRozan too good for Hornets, head to ECF


Continuing his outstanding play, the heart and soul of the Raptors DeMar DeRozan led from the front as the Raptors booked their place in the Conference Finals in Charlotte.

[Andrew]

Jimmy G. Buckets coming up clutch, as he did this year in real life. Wizards looking good to repeat, though.

[jubba910]

Playoffs: Conference Semifinals - Game 7

(4) SA 81 @ (1) UTA 80
SA wins 4-3

MVP Paul snuffs out Jazz


It was a true captain's performance by Chris Paul in Utah, supported by veteran big man Marcin Gortat, eliminating the top-seeded Jazz and taking the Spurs to the Conference Finals for the first time in 11 years.

[Andrew]

Can't get much closer-fought than that to finish off the series!

[jubba910]

Season Review – Conference Semifinals Eliminations


8. Milwaukee Bucks (46-36)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Kemba Walker (86), Enes Kanter (81), Wesley Matthews (78), C.J. Miles (76), Ben McLemore(75)

Another season without a Conference Finals berth for the Bucks, as the longtime Kemba and PG duo fall to the reigning champions depsite being up 3-2. In need of shake up in order to challenge for the East crown, and with Walker out of contract, could this finally be the year the duo part ways?


7. Charlotte Hornets (49-33)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Jayson Tatum (80) (2YRT), Nikola Mirotic (81), Serge Ibaka (80), Kris Dunn (80) (T), Ed Davis (79), Jonathon Simmons (78), OG Anouby (77) (2YRT), Andrew Bogut (76), Tony Snell (75)

The surprise of the season was in Charlotte, with their future all but guaranteed to be back in the postseason behind Jayson Tatum and Trae Young. With Mirotic, Ibaka, and Davis out of contract, could the Hornets be in the market for a franchise big to team with their two young stars?


6. Golden State Warriors (54-28)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Cedi Osman (78), Jakob Poeltl (78) (T), Mirza Teletovic (78), J.R. Smith (77), Trevor Booker (77), Deyonta Davis (75)

A similar situation as the Bucks sit the Warriors, with Stephen Curry playing out of this world, there's doubts about whether his supporting cast is enough to get them over the hump. The Bay Area could be another heavy hitter for a third star this offseason.


5. Utah Jazz (58-24)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Jimmy Butler (91) (P), Dejounte Murray (81) (T), Ersan Ilyasova (79), Jamal Crawford (78), Tyson Chandler (77), Davis Bertans (76), Jerian Grant (76),

A cruel way to end a season with such promise for the Jazz. One basket away from a possible Conference Finals run with former Finals MVP Anthony Davis back in the lineup, Utah now has to look to reset and hope they can stay healthy next season. Will he stay or will he go? Jimmy Butler's heavily underpaid Player option looms large, after a stellar playoff run saw him carry the entire team on his back to seven games against the Spurs. If Butler is to stay, and they manage to stay healthy, we won't be seeing this early of an exit for the Utah franchise next year.

[jubba910]

Playoffs: Conference Finals

(2) POR 122 @ (4) SA 95
POR wins 4-0

Dame Time destroys Spurs


It was truly Dame Time in the Conference Finals, with Lillard and the Blazers decimating the Spurs with a Conference Finals sweep, setting themselves up for their first NBA Finals in 27 years.






(1) WAS 115 @ (2) TOR 114
Series tied 3-3

Wizards survive once again


Despite an 8-point lead halfway through the fourth quarter, the Raptors squandered an almost certain Finals berth, as Reggie Jackson hit a key jumper with only seconds left to force a Game 7 in Washington.

[Andrew]

Keen to see if I jinxed the Wizards prematurely!

[jubba910]

Playoffs: Conference Finals - Game 7

(2) TOR 122 @ (1) WAS 127
WAS wins 4-3

Wizards complete comeback, return to Finals


Clearly spent from their Game 6 meltdown, the Raptors put up as much fight as they had left as the Wizards rolled home to claim their second-straight Game 7 series victory, and return to the Finals.

[Andrew]

Phew! I didn't jinx them...yet.

[jubba910]

NBA Finals: Playoff Tree



Season Review – Conference Finals Eliminations

4. Toronto Raptors (52-30)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Goran Dragic (82), Darren Collison (78), Jahlil Okafor (76), Corey Brewer (75)

So close yet so far for the Raptors, who looked to go a step beyond their dream run from two seasons ago. One thing is for certain however, DeMar DeRozan is a superstar in this league. With a majority of their cast coming back next year, including Goran Dragic ready to re-sign, there's hope that Toronto will be back in a similar situation next year.

3. San Antonio Spurs (53-29)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Larry Nance Jr. (78), J.J. Barea (78), Zaza Pachulia (77), Ante Zizic (76) (2YRT), Justin Jackson (75) (2YRT)

A fantastic season from Chris Paul turned heavily sour by a domination in the Conference Finals at the hands of the Trail Blazers. With an aging roster, the Spurs are due to reset around CP11 to ensure they can get back to this position next season. Could a new running mate be on the horizon?


Finals Preview: Portland Trail Blazers vs Washington Wizards

Previous matchups

28/11: POR 101 @ WAS 131
13/3: WAS 96 @ POR 88

Durant drives for 7



After tying Michael Jordan's 6 for 6 Finals record last season, Kevin Durant looks to move to a league of his own in this NBA Finals. Dropping 49 and 51 in win-or-go-home scenarios against the Raptors in the Conference Finals, KD looks undeniable in his drive for his seventh championship.


42 years in the making for Rip City



Looking to emulate the Wizards' drought-breaking championship last season, the Trail Blazers are looking to hoist the Larry O'Brien trophy for the first time in 42 years. Can Marc Gasol emulate Bill Walton and take over the series to bring Portland it's second-ever NBA championship?


A long time coming for Lillard



Now in his seventh season, Damian Lillard is finally on the grandest stage of them all. Drafted by the Blazers in 2012, he's been the heart and soul of Rip City as they constantly battle amongst the West's elite.


Tall task for Draymond Green



Damian Lillard's running mate Draymond Green will have his hands full this NBA Finals series, tasked with facing an on-fire Kevin Durant. Long lauded for his defensive intensity, it's going to take all of Green's skill to lock-down the league's best player.


Can DeAndre make it back?



After fracturing his hand in Game 4 against the Bucks, DeAndre Jordan has been sorely missed in the starting lineup for the Wizards. With 1-2 weeks of recovery still to go, can the Wizards get their premier rim protector late in the series?

[Andrew]

Tough to pick against the Wizards, but it could be a close one!

[jubba910]

NBA Finals: Game 1

WAS 112 @ POR 121
POR leads 1-0

Blazers take Game 1 in style


The throwback jerseys worked their magic once again, with the Blazers topping the Wizards in their '77 uniforms to win the first game of the series.

[Andrew]

Real Lillard is definitely jealous of this team! 3 wins away from a ring.

[jubba910]

NBA Finals: Game 2

WAS 90 @ POR 106
POR leads 2-0

Lillard, Gasol take Blazers to 2-0


It was all Portland in Game 2, taking advantage of a quiet night from Kevin Durant to lock away their first two wins of the Finals on their home court.

[Andrew]

It's looking like the Wizards are going to have to pull off a miracle to repeat.

[jubba910]

NBA Finals: Game 3

POR 128 @ WAS 127
POR leads 3-0

Lillard denies Wizards, take 3-0 lead


Despite an unreal 53 points from Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard and the Blazers squeaked by the Wizards to take a 3-0 lead, and sit firmly in the drivers seat for this year's NBA Championship.

[Andrew]

Definitely Dame Time!

[jubba910]

NBA Finals: Game 4

POR 103 @ WAS 119
POR leads 3-1

Durant denies sweep, begin comeback


In a situation not uncommon for them this postseason campaign, the Wizards shot back in Game 4 as they begin their fightback from 3-0 down to win their second consecutive title.

[jubba910]

NBA Finals: Game 5

WAS 121 @ POR 124
POR wins 4-1

Trail Blazers win second NBA Championship


Back on their home floor, the Trail Blazers took care of business, finishing off a dominant postseason campaign, and hoisting their first championship in 42 years.


Damian Lillard and Marc Gasol were on fire to win the series, with the latter's Bill Walton-esque 42-point performance enough to claim the Bill Russell trophy.

[Andrew]

Valiant effort by Durant, but that's a huge hole to climb out of without any help. Congrats to Dame and the Blazers!

[jubba910]

I jump on that sentiment too, thanks for keeping Dame at PDX.

Jumping back to this message from a few months back - Dame did it!