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

SAC 99 @ HOU 121
22nd March 2020

Rockets continue charge to postseason


As the postseason race hits its peak, Eric Bledsoe and the Rockets put themselves in the drivers seat for a playoff berth, beating the Kings on their home floor.

UTA 120 @ DAL 104
26th March 2020

Davis, Jazz best Mavs in top of West matchup


In a possible Western Conference Finals preview, the West's top seed took care of business on an off shooting night for LeBron James in Dallas.

Monthly Report: March 2020

Conference Standings






League Leaders





Players of the Month

West

Russell Westbrook

East

Kevin Durant


Injury Report




Stories

East's top 4 in a league of their own, Wizards beckon

Lead by an outstanding season by the New York Knicks so far, it seems clear that there are four contenders for the East crown this year. However, no one can bank on an easy exit for the Wizards, currently sitting outside of the top 4 bubble.

Rockets fly up standings, Suns cling to eighth seed

After sitting in the bottom 3 at the end of February, the Houston Rockets look set to head back the playoffs, while on the other hand, only 1.5 games separate the eighth seed contenders. With Phoenix's stronghold on a postseason slot possibly slipping, could the Nuggets, Clippers, or Lakers rain on their possible third-straight playoff appearance?

Heat, T'Wolves wallow

It's been a rough year for the two worst teams in the league this season, with the Heat and Timberwolves all looking to finish with more than 10 wins than their closest competitor in their conference.

CHA 102 @ ORL 128
1st April 2020

Spida makes quick work of Hornets


Praying on a Chicago or Atlanta downfall, Donovan Mitchell and the Magic did what they could to beat up on the lowly Hornets, attempting to close a 4-game gap to sneak into the playoffs.

GS 116 @ LAC 111
11th April 2020

Curry crushes Clippers' postseason hopes


Stephen Curry had another large scoring night, and eviscerated the Clippers chances of making the playoffs, as the Warriors prepare for their fourth straight visit to the postseason.

NY 118 @ TOR 101
12th April 2020

Giannis finishes season in style


Sending another loud message to the rest of the league, Giannis Antetokoumnpo and the Knicks took care of business in Toronto, punctuating their best season in the team's storied history.

Monthly Report: April 2020

Conference Standings






League Leaders





Players of the Month

West

Russell Westbrook

East

Kevin Durant


Injury Report




Stories

Knicks, Jazz lead conferences into playoffs

Finishing with their best record in their long history, all eyes are on the New York Knicks as they have their best chance to come out of the East and win a championship in over 20 years. While in Utah, Anthony Davis and the Jazz look set to complete their revenge tour after missing both Davis and Gobert during last year's postseason campaign.

Who will win MVP?

With stellar seasons from Giannis Antetokoumpo, Anthony Davis, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul and James Harden, it's anyone's guess who will walk away with the trophy in arguably one of the tightest MVP races in history.

Awards & Playoff Tree

Most Valuable Player

Giannis Antetokounmpo, New York Knicks

Rookie of the Year

Zion Williamson, Miami Heat

Sixth Man of the Year

Rudy Gay, Cleveland Cavaliers

Most Improved Player

Malcolm Brogdon, Chicago Bulls

Defensive Player of the Year

Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Lakers

Coach of the Year

David Fizdale, New York Knicks



ALL-NBA TEAMS

ALL-NBA FIRST TEAM


ALL-NBA SECOND TEAM


ALL-NBA THIRD TEAM



ALL-DEFENSIVE TEAMS

ALL-DEFENSIVE FIRST TEAM


ALL-DEFENSIVE SECOND TEAM



ALL-ROOKIE TEAMS

ALL-ROOKIE FIRST TEAM


ALL-ROOKIE SECOND TEAM

Season Review – Lottery Teams


30. Minnesota Timberwolves (19-63)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Carmelo Anthony (77)

Losing both Kevin Love and Bradley Beal to trades before the season began, plus a season-ending injury to their top pick Coby White within the first month, there wasn't much to paint a positive light in Minnesota. Aaron Gordon and Jarrett Culver now hold the future of the Timberwolves in their hands, with hopefully a budding star from the draft board this offseason.


29. Miami Heat (19-63)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Dwight Howard (80), Jeremy Lin (75)

Usually always a consistent contender, the Heat failed to get out of the blocks this season. For his first season, #1 pick Zion Williamson lived up to his billing and more, running away with Rookie of the Year and All-Rookie First Team honours. Could this be the end of an era of Dwight Howard in South Beach? After 5 seasons in Miami and two NBA Finals appearances, it seems likely D12 will head to a contender this offseason to chase an elusive championship ring.


28. Brooklyn Nets (25-57)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Pascal Siakam (84), Jaren Jackson Jr. (79) (2YRT), Eric Gordon (78), Joe Ingles (78), Dennis Smith Jr. (76) (T), James Johnson (76)

A season soaked in youthful promise, the Nets now stare down the barrel of losing a restless Pascal Siakam who seems more than keen to leave Brooklyn, on top of the expiring contracts of both Eric Gordon and Joe Ingles casting doubt over the stability of New York's second franchise. Jaren Jackson Jr. will be banking on a major free agent to step in to push the Nets back to relevance, on top of a high draft pick.


27. Charlotte Hornets (27-55)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Trae Young (86) (2YRT), Jayson Tatum (85) (T), Tyreke Evans (76), Kris Dunn (76)

After a dream postseason run last season, the Hornets sunk heavily back down to earth this season, with the exceptional play of Trae Young and Jayson Tatum not enough to pull Charlotte back to the playoffs. With their future laying heavy in their laps, the question becomes who can they fit around their two stars to surpass the horror playoff run of the Kemba Walker-Paul George in Milwaukee.


26. Detroit Pistons (30-52)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Domantas Sabonis (82), Lonzo Ball (79) (T), Caris LeVert (79), Kelly Oubre Jr. (79), Mo Bamba (78) (2YRT), Denzel Valentine (75)

Finally breaking the playoff drought last season seemed to affect the Pistons more than anyone expected this season, with the acquisition of Bradley Beal becoming a horror story in the Motor City. Continued growth and team deals for the likes of Lonzo Ball and Mo Bamba present promise, however retaining Domantas Sabonis will be key to their possible return to the postseason.


25. Boston Celtics (34-48)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Jarrett Allen (79) (T), T.J. McConnell (76), Brad Wanamaker (75)

An underwhelming season in Beantown, which wasn't set up for success with the offloading of Isaiah Thomas' lofty contract creating a gridlock across their offseason moves. After dealing away Joel Embiid, Jarrett Allen's potential is still questionable to restore the same production as the now-Clipper. A majority of the same cast will be here next season, however Paul Millsap's age raises questions about the Celtic's frontcourt plans this offseason.


24. Orlando Magic (34-48)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Donovan Mitchell (88) (T), Elfrid Payton (76)

Despite some sensational play from Donovan Mitchell, the Magic find themselves still on a road to nowhere after consistent postseason appearances over the last decade. Finding Spida a true running mate will be the priority this offseason via the draft and possible trades for the underperforming Gordon Hayward and Serge Ibaka.


23. New Orleans Pelicans (34-48)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Bam Adebayo (81) (T), Derrick White (78) (T), Boban Marjanovic (76)

Losing both Nikola Jokic and Klay Thompson spelt impending doom for the former Western Conference leader. With a new tandem of Karl-Anthony Towns and Bam Adebayo, The Big Easy is in safe hands on the block, though with possible opt-outs from Bradley Beal and Eric Bledsoe in particular, a stronger backcourt duo with Spencer Dinwiddie could be on the horizon.


22. Indiana Pacers (35-47)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Derrick Rose (79), DeMarre Carroll (78), Kyle O'Quinn (78)

Where to next for the Pacers? Under the tutelage of veteran Derrick Rose, #2 overall pick Ja Morant looks to be the real deal and the foundation of the Pacers new era. Bidding adieu to the lengthy and painful contract of DeMarre Carroll should give Indy the opportunity to make some moves in the offseason to compete in the East within the next few years.


21. Memphis Grizzlies (38-44)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Luka Doncic (86) (2YRT), Marvin Bagley (83) (2YRT), Otto Porter (80), Malik Monk (77) (T), Gerald Green (77), Terrence Ross (77), Kevin Knox (77) (2YRT), Juan Hernangomez (76), Cory Joseph (75)

Boasting the most youthful lineup, it's the second straight year of no playoffs for the Grizzlies, even with the addition of superstar Nikola Jokic. Likely to see a platoon change bench-wise next season, Jokic, Doncic and Bagley will have a heavy spotlight on them to take The Music City back to prominance.


20. Sacramento Kings (39-43)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Taurean Prince (78), Tyler Johnson (78), Troy Brown Jr. (76) (2YRT), Aaron Holiday (75) (2YRT), Evan Turner (75)

A season stung with the mid-season move of one of their marquee stars in Kyle Kuzma, the Kings again find themselves flirting with irrelevancy. Free Agency will be crucial for Sac-Town to build a stronger second unit, as well as a super offseason from Jonathan Isaac to give Kings fans hope that they're still trending upwards.


19. Los Angeles Lakers (40-42)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Kevin Love (84), JaVale McGee (78)

Another postseason missed from the Leonard-Irving connection, despite the addition of long-time Timberwolf Kevin Love. Another gamble in the free agency market and some creative accounting will be needed to strengthen the Lakers depth, as they've continually been exposed outside of their two superstars.


18. Los Angeles Clippers (41-41)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Blake Griffin (87) (T), Montrezl Harrell (86), Dejounte Murray (79), Doug McDermott (76), Noah Vonleh (76)

After the disruption of De'Aaron Fox midway through the season, the Clippers have a chance to change a significant amount of their roster to better base it around Joel Embiid. Pushing through the growing pains that haunted them throughout the second half of the season with Dejounte Murray, a fresh re-signing should steady the playcalling ship to make the Clippers the viable contender they've been aiming to return to being.


17. Denver Nuggets (41-41)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Bradley Beal (88) (P), DeAndre Ayton (84) (2YRT), Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (78), Torrey Craig (75), Alec Burks (75), Maxi Kleber (75)

After acquiring Bradley Beal, the Mile High City's postseason chances looked to increase dramatically, though just missed out. Pending Beal's decision on whether or not to stay in Denver will determine how seriously the West will take the Nuggets next season. DeAndre Ayton's continued development will also be key, with a second season under his belt, could he be set for a breakout third year?

Playoffs: First Round Completed Series

Western Conference

(1) Utah Jazz vs (8) Houston Rockets
Game 1: HOU 107 @ UTA 137, Anthony Davis - 31 pts, 14 reb, 4 blk
Game 2: HOU 80 @ UTA 111, Khris Middleton - 19 pts, 7 reb, 7 ast, 4 stl
Game 3: UTA 105 @ HOU 101, Anthony Davis - 33 pts, 14 reb
Game 4: UTA 129 @ HOU 101, Anthony Davis - 24 pts, 13 reb, 6 reb, 4 blk
UTA wins 4-0

The Utah revenge tour was in full swing against the Rockets, with Anthony Davis dominating the series.

(4) San Antonio Spurs vs (5) Golden State Warriors
Game 1: GS 108 @ SA 125, Chris Paul - 25 pts, 10 ast, 6 stl
Game 2: GS 125 @ SA 130, Chris Paul - 27 pts, 15 ast
Game 3: SA 120 @ GS 106, Chris Paul - 20 pts, 12 ast
Game 4: SA 143 @ GS 126, Stephen Curry - 43 pts, 12 stl
SA wins 4-0

Last year's MVP couldn't be denied, leading the charge for the Spurs in a clean sweep of Stephen Curry and the Warriors, and setting up a formidable matchup with their 7-game rival last season in Utah.

(3) Portland Trail Blazers vs (6) Oklahoma City Thunder
Game 1: OKC 108 @ POR 105, Russell Westbrook - 32 pts, 10 ast, 8 reb
Game 2: OKC 139 @ POR 99, Russell Westbrook - 40 pts, 11 reb, 13 ast
Game 3: POR 107 @ OKC 110, James Harden - 38 pts, 7 ast, 6 reb
Game 4: POR 126 @ OKC 89, Russell Westbrook - 30 pts, 16 reb, 6 ast
OKC wins 4-0

The Thunder continue to be the biggest kryptonite for the reigning champion Trail Blazers, dismantling them in convincing fashion, and sending a major message to the rest of the West.

(2) Dallas Mavericks vs (7) Phoenix Suns
Game 1: PHX 142 @ DAL 127, John Wall - 28 pts, 8 ast
Game 2: PHX 97 @ DAL 105, LeBron James - 34 pts, 10 ast
Game 3: DAL 129 @ PHX 109, Klay Thompson - 31 pts, 9 reb, 7 ast
Game 4: DAL 126 @ PHX 89, LeBron James - 37 pts, 13 reb, 7 ast
Game 5: PHX 117 @ DAL 118, DeMarcus Cousins - 36 pts, 8 reb, 7 ast
DAL wins 4-1

Despite a Game 1 scare, the #2 Mavericks took care of business against the Suns, setting up a second round matchup with the red-hot Thunder.


Eastern Conference

(1) New York Knicks vs (8) Chicago Bulls
Game 1: CHI 110 @ NY 123, Giannis Antetokounmpo - 39 pts, 9 reb, 5 ast
Game 2: CHI 101 @ NY 109, Giannis Antetokounmpo - 22 pts, 19 ast, 6 ast, 4 stl
Game 3: NY 123 @ CHI 96, Giannis Antetokounmpo - 27 pts, 11 reb, 11 ast
Game 4: NY 124 @ CHI 115, Giannis Antetokounmpo - 29 pts, 11 reb
NY wins 4-0

The Knicks gave no room for doubt in their first round series with the Bulls, with MVP Giannis Antetokoumpo dominating each game of the series.

(3) Philadelphia 76ers vs (6) Cleveland Cavaliers
Game 1: CLE 96 @ PHI 122, Ben Simmons - 37 pts, 12 ast, 9 reb
Game 2: CLE 120 @ PHI 123, Kemba Walker - 38 pts, 10 ast
Game 3: PHI 117 @ CLE 118, DeAndre Hunter - 35 pts
Game 4: PHI 111 @ CLE 110, Ben Simmons - 37 pts, 9 reb, 9 ast
Game 5: CLE 86 @ PHI 121, Ben Simmons - 24 pts, 11 reb, 8 ast
PHI wins 4-1

A series that could've easily been taken to six or seven games with two games decided by a point. The Simmons-Walker connection appears to be running on all cylinders heading into the second round.

(2) Milwaukee Bucks vs (7) Atlanta Hawks
Game 1: ATL 120 @ MIL 92, LaMarcus Aldridge, 31 points, 14 reb
Game 2: ATL 126 @ MIL 89, Jordan Clarkson - 28 pts, 5 reb, 5 ast
Game 3: MIL 106 @ ATL 93, Devin Booker - 22 pts, 6 reb
Game 4: MIL 107 @ ATL 108, Myles Turner - 21 pts, 5 reb, 5 blk
Game 5: ATL 118 @ MIL 113, Myles Turner - 21 pts, 6 reb
ATL wins 4-1

Another horrific postseason performance for Paul George sees the Bucks miss the Conference Finals for the sixth year in a row, despite the addition of Devin Booker. For Atlanta, their early-season big man injuries are far in the rear view as they gear up to take on the Sixers in the second round.

Playoffs: First Round Game 7

WAS 117 @ TOR 127
TOR wins 4-3

DeRozan exacts revenge on Wizards


After a heartbreaking end to their playoff run last season was handed to them by the Wizards in the Conference Finals, the Raptors will be the ones moving on this season thanks to another dominating performance from their superstar DeMar DeRozan.

Conference Semifinals: Playoff Tree



Season Review – First Round Eliminations


16. Chicago Bulls (38-44)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (82) (2YRT), Jaylen Brown (80), Landry Shamet (77), Ivica Zubac (77), Alex Len (77), Dante Exum (75)

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. Cleveland Cavaliers (39-43)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Lauri Markkanen (83) (T), Cody Zeller (77), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (77), Harry Giles Jr. (75) (T)

In what almost all pundits considered a foregone slide back down the East rankings with the departure of LeBron James to Dallas, the Cavaliers showed enormous grit to make the playoffs behind a resurgent Dennis Schroder, Rudy Gay and Lauri Markkanen.With Markannen locked in and Kentavious Caldwell-Popes sizeable salary off the books, Cleveland will no doubt be active in the free agent market as they look to establish a contending run.


14. Washington Wizards (40-42)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Bismack Biyombo (77), Anfernee Simons (75) (2YRT)

A shock exit for the reigning East champions, losing in 7 games to Toronto. Though there is less surprise following their in-season form, struggling to be keep up the dominance of the Conference that Kevin Durant has commanded since landing in DC. With their core locked in, do they run it back, or shift some pieces to capitalise on the twighlight of the best player in the game?


13. Houston Rockets (42-40)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Eric Bledsoe (88) (P), Brandon Ingram (82), Markieff Morris (77), Markelle Fultz (76) (T), Tony Snell (75) (P)

Still middling in an extremely competitive Southwest Conference, the Rockets have hit a crossroads with both Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Ingram both at risk of leaving H-Town. Could this be a changing of the guard with the freshly inked contract of Kristaps Porzingis as the cornerstone?


12. Phoenix Suns (42-40)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Kyle Kuzma (86) (T), Brook Lopez (80), Thomas Bryant (77)

A third straight first round exit for the Suns, as John Wall is still yet to make it to the Conference Semifinals in his career. Still boasting a stacked lineup, it's a mystery how Phoenix with such a strong foundation can't seem to take it to the next level. Brook Lopez's departure does open some space in the frontcourt, could a new face down low be the solution to their early playoff exits?


11. Golden State Warriors (47-35)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Thaddeus Young (80), Jakob Poeltl (77), Chandler Parsons (75)

2012 seems so far away now for Stephen Curry and the Warriors, despite putting up another winning season. All signs lean towards a Curry-Cousins connection restructure, with a viable third threat the only way for the Bay Area to cut through the cream of the crop in the West.


10. Portland Trail Blazers (53-29)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Marc Gasol (82), Jeremy Lamb (80), Kevin Huerter (78) (2YRT)

The reigning champs bounced in the first round is not what many expected from the Blazers - let alone a sweep to their division rival. It's back to the drawing board in Portland, and possibly without Finals MVP Marc Gasol who's now out of contract. Can Damian Lillard and Draymond Green follow in the Jazz's footsteps and rebound to the top of the West next year?


9. Milwaukee Bucks (54-28)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Kenneth Faried (80), Wilson Chandler (75), Robert Williams III (75) (2YRT)

Not much else needs to be said about the Bucks, with another extremely lackluster postseason performance souring all promise for the franchise, which though making the playoffs last six years, is still yet to taste the Conference Finals. With the swap out of Kemba Walker for Devin Booker, there was hope that this was a new chapter in Milwaukee. It seems further changes may be the only way to get them over the hump.

Playoffs: Conference Semifinals

(4) SA 123 @ (1) UTA 88
UTA wins 4-0

Jazz rout Spurs


Ensuring no heroics, the Jazz exterminated Chris Paul and the Spurs in dominating fashion to cruise to the Conference Finals.






(2) DAL 124 @ (6) OKC 113
Series tied 3-3

LeBron, Mavericks send series back to Dallas


Clearly unaffected by the most tenured contender in the league in a close-out game, LeBron James put the Mavericks on his back in a 43-point performance to force Game 7.






(1) NY 120 @ (4) TOR 102
NY wins 4-0

Knicks blow out Raptors


The newly crowned MVP continued his hot form against the Raptors, dropping 45 points in Toronto to send the Raptors packing in their second consecutive series sweep this postseason.






(3) PHI 107 @ (7) ATL 111
Series tied 3-3

Aldridge rises to lift Hawks


Flashing back to his dominant days in Portland, LaMarcus Aldridge poured it on in Atlanta, pushing the Hawks to a Game 7 decider in Philly.

Playoffs: Conference Semifinals

(6) OKC 100 @ (2) DAL 128
DAL wins 4-3

LeBron leads Mavericks to WCF


After doing the hard yards in OKC in Game 6, LeBron James and Mavericks put the finishing touch on the Oklahoma City Thunder to advance to the Conference Finals against the Jazz.






(7) ATL 111 @ (3) PHI 107
ATL wins 4-3

Hawks upset Sixers, head to Conference Finals


For the first time since 2011, the Atlanta Hawks are Conference Finals-bound, upsetting the 76ers in Philadelphia behind stellar performances from LaMarcus Aldridge and Jamal Murray.

Conference Finals: Playoff Tree



Season Review – Conference Semifinals Eliminations


8. Oklahoma City Thunder (46-36)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Danilo Gallinari (84), Damian Jones (75)

A second straight non-Finals appearance for the Thunder, with a Conference Finals berth snatched away from them by the Mavericks in Games 6 and 7. Famously running lean outside of Harden, Westbrook and Whiteside, Danilo Gallinari's sizeable contract should provide some second-unit relief to keep the most successful team of the decade in the running for another championship.


7. San Antonio Spurs (47-35)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Chris Paul (86) (P), P.J. Tucker (81), JJ Redick (79), Taj Gibson (78), Nicolas Batum (77), Marcin Gortat (76), Bryn Forbes (76), Justin Jackson (75) (T)

The biggest movers this offseason look likely to be the Spurs, with almost all of their top-tier talent out of contract this year. A lot will depend on the intentions of their captain and former MVP Chris Paul, with his player option signalling either a full rebuild, or another restructure to strive for a ring.


6. Toronto Raptors (48-34)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: DeMar DeRozan (87) (P), Bojan Bogdanovic (83), Wendell Carter Jr. (82) (2YRT), Derrick Favors (81), Fred VanVleet (80), Bojan Bogdanovic (79), Ish Smith (75)

After expelling so much energy in toppling the reigning East champs in the First Round, the Raptors found themselves outgunned and outmatched for the top-seeded Knicks. In a similar situation to the Spurs, Toronto has a major shake up pending the possible departure of one of this year's biggest free agent talents in DeMar DeRozan. Do the Raptors run it back, or reconfigure their future with fresh faces?


5. Philadelphia 76ers (53-29)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Ben Simmons (91), Danny Green (78), Miles Bridges (78) (2YRT), Jahlil Okafor (77), Pat Connaughton (76) (T), T.J. Leaf (75)

A shattering loss for the 76ers in Game 7 on their home floor leaves a lot of questions for The City of Brotherly Love, most importantly their budding superstar Ben Simmons and his intentions this offseason. With a team built around the former #1 pick, does Simmons hold the fort, or decide to head to greener pastures?

Playoffs: Conference Finals

(1) UTA 124 @ (2) DAL 84
UTA wins 4-2

Gobert, Fox step in and up for Jazz, punch NBA Finals ticket


Despite an injury hampering Anthony Davis' minutes and giving up a 2-0 lead in the series to the Mavericks, Rudy Gobert and De'Aaron Fox dominated in Game 6, demolishing the Mavericks by 40 to head back to the NBA Finals.






(1) NY 120 @ (7) ATL 111
NY wins 4-0

Knicks cruise to NBA Finals


It's been 20 long years for the Big Apple, but the New York Knicks are once again Eastern Conference champions, completing their third straight series sweep this postseason to be fit and firing for a chance to win their first NBA championship since 1973.

I'll pick the Knicks...and probably jinx them in the process, but they're certainly due!

NBA Finals: Playoff Tree



Season Review – Conference Finals Eliminations

4. Atlanta Hawks (39-43)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Jamal Murray (85), Mikal Bridges (78) (2YRT), Devin Harris (75)

An amazing year from the Hawks, who shocked many with an impressive playoff run. Looking to build on this year's momentum, priority #1 will be retaining Jamal Murray to stay contending, with a Conference Finals berth giving many confidence that the Kentucky product will sign on. Other hopes lie with LaMarcus Aldridge's purple patch of form throughout the playoffs can carry through to next year.

3. Dallas Mavericks (56-26)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Mitchell Robinson (80), Collin Sexton (78) (2YRT), Reggie Bullock (77), Rajon Rondo (76), Willy Hernangomez (77), Zach Collins (75) (T)

With a 2-0 series lead and two games at home, the Mavericks squandered possibly their best chance to make it to the NBA Finals with LeBron James and Klay Thompson. Mitchell Robinson will be courting major interest from rivals, and with Hernangomez also out of contract, a solid frontcourt restructure will be crucial to the Maverick's championship aspirations.


Finals Preview: Utah Jazz vs New York Knicks

Previous matchups

8/1: NY 132 @ UTA 121
4/3: UTA 116 @ NY 110


Davis return to the Big Stage, MVP Giannis gets his shot



Despite a niggling injury hampering his affect on the Conference Finals, Anthony Davis is fresh and ready to win his second championship in Utah. In career-best form, the Brow looks undeniable in his quest to return to the pinnacle, in a career that's been plagued by season-ending injuries that could've seen him and the Jazz with 2-3 rings by now. Opposite him stands the fresh-faced 25-year old Giannis Antetokounmpo, holding the MVP trophy that some pundits believe belonged just as much to Davis after this season. After learning in LeBron James' shadow for the first years of his career, the Greek Freak has become New York royalty and has dominated the league this year with multiple 40 and 50-point performances. Can he further etch his name in Knicks history, or can Utah secure their second championship in two attempts this decade?


Can the 47-year drought be broken?



It's been a long time since 1973, and its come with an never-ending wait for New York Knick fans to celebrate a championship in such a basketball-loving city. After sitting on the sidelines in the 80s, to being dominated by Jordan through the 90s, the unfathomable run of 1999-2000, there's been little for the Knicks to hold on to hope for. Boasting what many would say is a stronger squad than the James-Duncan-Parker Knicks of earlier this decade, Giannis, Drummond, Holiday and Hield will likely have the better half of 1.6 million manhattanites eyes on them throughout this series.


Crawford get another chance



8 years removed from the Hawks' NBA Finals sweep at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Jamal Crawford is set for the occasion and a chance to win his first ring. Now a 20-year veteran, championship glory has never been so close for Crawford, a perennial sixth-man who returned to his early roots of the league in Madison Square Garden this season. Does he have one more iconic performance left in the tank?


Deadline duo the x-factor for Jazz?



After landing arguably the two biggest trades of the deadline, De'Aaron Fox and Khris Middleton look formidable behind Anthony Davis as serious threats to take games over and cause major headaches for the Knicks.


Rebounding leaders to do battle



It's going to be a mad dash on the boards throughout the NBA Finals this year, with both Andre Drummond and Rudy Gobert's glass cleaning abilities to be put on show on the biggest stage of them all.

NBA Finals: Game 1

UTA 107 @ NY 129
NY leads 1-0

Giannis, Knicks take Game 1


Donning their 1973 championship winning uniforms, the Knicks were dominant in Game 1, with Giannis Antetokounmpo dominating with 48 points, with 22 of them coming from dunks alone.

Strong start for the Knicks!

NBA Finals: Game 2

UTA 129 @ NY 108
Series tied 1-1

Fox stars in the Garden


Despite dropping to a 12-point defecit after the first quarter, the Jazz fought back agressively behind a starring performance from De'Aaron Fox, scoring 41 points and dropping 11 dimes.

This one might go seven!

NBA Finals: Game 3

NY 109 @ UTA 118
UTA leads 2-1

Davis, Jazz take control


The momentum continued to shift in Game 3, as Anthony Davis returned to peak form, stuffing the stat sheet with 42 points, 16 rebounds and 6 blocks.

NBA Finals: Game 4

NY 113 @ UTA 120
UTA leads 3-1

Davis, Fox inch Jazz closer


Despite a 50-point performance from the Greek Freak, the two-man power trip of Anthony Davis and De'Aaron Fox stormed home with a fourth-quarter flurry to put the Jazz one win away from their second ever championship.