A LEGEND IS BORN II

[Lamrock]

Wow, what an upset! Good to see my favorite Stealth player shine. Wouldn't mind seeing a new chapter in the story soon.

[Valor]

Defending Champs...Swept (no team has ever won a playoff series down 0-3..and by the look of it, you are taking game 4...)
Great Win(s)

[KlemenPipic]

wow great win i totally missed my predictions in that round
with Iverson hurt Pistons don't have chance against Boston. You already lead 3-0 against Hornets, same goes for Miami.

[hova-]

Wow, Tyson shows some big playoff heroics. He has been the guy. Looks like a sweep. I dont see the Hornets strinking back. Youre squad is just better.

[Donatello]

Just read through most of this- great to see another somewhat "old-timer" posting a dynasty. This is a great read, as usual, Sit- good work. I'll be joining you shortly

[Fresh8]

I already hear the broomsticks...

Broomsticks make sounds? I guess they do that shh shh sound!

Tyson has really stepped it up in the playoffs.. Amazing.

I sense a sweep.. Also my Heat are doing great, up 3-0.

What does the NBA say Martti??? Where Tyson Happens

And the Miami Wade... I mean Heat are doing awesome.

Superb I don't see the Hornets winning 4 now

I agree man... I agree! But I think they can make it closer than this...

Wow, what an upset! Good to see my favorite Stealth player shine. Wouldn't mind seeing a new chapter in the story soon.

I think I underrated my team a bit... we definitely match up great against the very small Hornets... all my players are bigger and versatile... That's why we're killing them. And a new chapter? Yeah, well, it's coming soon.

Defending Champs...Swept (no team has ever won a playoff series down 0-3..and by the look of it, you are taking game 4...)
Great Win(s)

We will see if we can sweep them.

wow great win i totally missed my predictions in that round
with Iverson hurt Pistons don't have chance against Boston. You already lead 3-0 against Hornets, same goes for Miami.

Yeah... Pistons and Celtics was going either way till AI got hurt... then I just don't get why Wade is pushing his team forward lol stupid sim engine...

Wow, Tyson shows some big playoff heroics. He has been the guy. Looks like a sweep. I dont see the Hornets strinking back. Youre squad is just better.

You should wait and see what Durant thinks about Tyson being the man...

Just read through most of this- great to see another somewhat "old-timer" posting a dynasty. This is a great read, as usual, Sit- good work. I'll be joining you shortly

Thanks man. As I said welcome back. And I am an old-timer. What you talking about?

I came back after 2 years of not posting!

[homicide1550]

WOW! Surprising to see you go up 3-0 against the defending champs.. Time to get the broomstick cause this will be a sweep..

[The X]

Tyson is reminding me of Felton Lindow (Nuggets' rookie starting PG) for Denver Nuggets back in my Live '05 days. He was number 1 overall pick & ended up having average rookie season but great playoffs & we won NBA title & he was Finals MVP....Tyson might follow Lindow's lead

Although word of caution, that was Lindow's career highlight, he never reached such heights in his career & he eventually became a career backup PG....wonder if Tyson will follow suit

[Fresh8]

WOW! Surprising to see you go up 3-0 against the defending champs.. Time to get the broomstick cause this will be a sweep

Playoffs are getting interesting.

Tyson is reminding me of Felton Lindow (Nuggets' rookie starting PG) for Denver Nuggets back in my Live '05 days. He was number 1 overall pick & ended up having average rookie season but great playoffs & we won NBA title & he was Finals MVP....Tyson might follow Lindow's lead

Although word of caution, that was Lindow's career highlight, he never reached such heights in his career & he eventually became a career backup PG....wonder if Tyson will follow suit

We will wait and see what happens to Tyson. Should have had him start all season long but Jeff Green is the better player...

[Fresh8]

Nail-Biting Affair In Seattle

Preview | Box Score | Recap


Kevin Durant went up with so much force,
he had to hold onto the rim for safety

7 May, 2010

SEATTLE (AP) – Kevin Durant didn’t let his muscle strain from keeping him from pushing his team to the Conference Finals as he led his team to a series clinching Game 4 victory over last season’s NBA champions.

“It feels great to sweep the defending NBA champions,” Durant told press after the game. When questioned on whether he was surprised, Durant answered, “To tell you the truth, we were a bit worried before the series started but after Game 1, we knew we were the better team. New Orleans is a different team without Tyson Chandler."”

Durant finished the game with 23 points, including several big buckets late in the match. David Lee racked up a double double of 21 points and 12 rebounds, also making a big clutch bucket with 8.5 seconds left in the match.

Chris Paul had one of his best games of the postseason with 19 points, 17 assists, and on 5 for 9 shooting but it was not enough as the Hornets could not hold onto a late 10 point lead. “We will be kicking ourselves for a long time,” Paul said, “We led by about 20 in Game 3 and we led by 10 with only a few minutes to spare tonight. We could still have been in this series with it tied at 2-2.”

Stealth rookies and childhood friends Reshawn Tyson and Rocky Akonnor were also major factors in the Stealth’s win. Akonnor, in the game for Brad Miller, has been a revelation to the Stealth after proving he could be effective in small stretches. The 7’3” behemoth had 3 rebounds and 3 blocks in limited time. Two of those blocks came in the same possession and kept Seattle in the game. Tyson has averaged close to 23 points a game in this series and hit a big shot late in the game also.

The two teams kept them game close with the lead changing hands plenty of times. New Orleans came out in the fourth quarter, determined to send the series home for a fifth game and keep their hopes alive. The defending champs saw their lead extend into double digits in the final period.

“We thought we had it,” Hornets PF David West said, “When we were up with like 2 minutes left, we were up by nearly 10 points. I can’t believe we dropped that one.”

Durant, slowed down by injury, was still dangerous as he scored three buckets in a row to cut the Hornets’ lead to 2 points. The score was 94-92 with 1:51 to play. Durant scored on pull up jumpers and reverse layups, the Hornets were frustrated that they could not contain the NBA scoring champion. Scrappy defense forced the Hornets into a tough shot, Seattle regained possession but Durant could not get a good look.

After two deflections by New Orleans, Seattle called timeout, and George Karl drew up a play to free up rookie Reshawn Tyson with Durant as a decoy. That plan worked a charm as Tyson was wide open on the wing and drilled a jumper to tie the game at 94-94 with 1:28 left. The Hornets came right back at the Stealth as West scored a jumper of his own to put his team up by 2 points with 1:14 to play.

Akonnor missed an easy shot but made up for his miss with two big blocks on West. The shaken West put up a third attempt and the ball spun out, with David Lee grabbing the rebound. West then fouled Lee on the other end in the act of shooting. Lee’s layups dropped in and he sank his shot from the charity stripe with 33.7 seconds remaining to put his side ahead 97-96. West promptly drew a foul on the other end and sank both of his free throws to put the Hornets ahead by 1 point.

The Stealth crowd had a sigh of relief as Lee saved the team on the following play. Tyson split the defense but missed the easy layup. Lee somehow stretched far enough to grab the offensive rebound over West and converted the second chance bucket. The Hornets used up their last timeout with 8.5 seconds left. Everyone held onto their breath as the Hornets inbounded the ball. Peja Stojakovic missed an off balance three point attempt, Akonnor grabbed the rebound, and was fouled. Akonnor hit his first free throw and missed the second. Luckily, the Hornets did not have enough time to do anything with the ball and Seattle escaped with a 2 point win.

As the Stealth celebrated in front of their home crowd, Chris Paul walked over to his team’s bench to see injured C Tyson Chandler, wondering if he would have made a difference to their playoff fortunes; especially after the Stealth frontcourt manhandled the likes of Leon Powe, Stojakovic, and James Posey who all tried to play at the power forward position during the series.

Notes: The Hornets extended their lead to 10 in the last quarter after a beautiful alley-oop from Paul to West… The Stealth advance to face the winner of the Denver Nuggets-Portland Trailblazers series… When questioned on which team he would rather face, Durant stated that he was confident in beating the Blazers… Chris Paul made some surprising comments aimed at his team’s front office. He called for them to make some moves to improve the team and said that they did nothing to address the loss of the 7’1” Chandler…

Quarter-by-Quarter Team Score

New Orleans (Away) 27 – 27 – 24 – 20 – 98
Seattle (Home) 22 – 28 – 25 – 25 – 100

Jordan Player of the Game

Kevin Durant
23 Points
10-15 FG
1-2 3PT
2-2 FT
4 Assists

Key Performers

New Orleans Hornets

D West 20 pt, 12 reb, 9-14 FG, 2-2 FT
C Paul 19 pt, 5 reb, 17 ast, 5-9 FG, 1-2 3PT, 8-8 FT
J Posey 13 pt, 6 reb, 5-16 FG, 1-7 3PT, 2-2 FT
M Peterson 12 pt, 3 ast, 5-12 FG, 2-7 3PT
P Stojakovic 9 pt, 2 reb, 2 ast, 3-8 FG, 3-7 3PT
M James 11 pt, 5-6 FG, 1-1 3PT

Seattle Stealth (Sweeps Series 4-0)

D Lee 21 pt, 12 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl, 10-16 FG, 1-1 FT
R Tyson 20 pt, 8-17 FG, 2-4 3PT, 2-2 FT
A Morrison 10 pt, 4-10 FG, 2-8 3PT
J Kidd 4 pt, 3 reb, 14 ast, 3 stl, 2-5 FG, 0-1 3PT

[Fresh8]

Playoff News

Kidd: Good Opportunity To Make Finals

May 8, 2010

SEATTLE (AP) – When Jason Kidd signed with the Seattle Stealth, he knew that the team was good enough to make the playoffs but he never thought that they would be on the cusp of making the NBA Finals. After sweeping the defending NBA champions, Kidd strongly believes that his side has a chance to make all the way to the NBA Finals.

“We have a great young squad and everyone has really stepped up in these playoffs,” the 6’4” playmakers said, “David Lee, Reshawn Tyson have both played really well. Kevin (Durant) has been cruising even with his injury, and our bench is strong. The whole team is in high spirits.”

Seattle now waits to see who they will face in the Western Conference Finals; the winner of the series between Denver and Portland. The Blazers took a 3-1 series lead today. George Karl is quietly confident because Seattle was successful against both teams during the regular season.

He is remaining cautious however, admitting that “anything can happen in sport. The Western Conference is so competitive. No one expected us to beat the Stealth, let alone sweep the series. Who knows, our next opponent could sweep us.”

Read More…

- - -

Portland Shuts Down Denver

May 8, 2010

PORTLAND (AP) – The revival of the Portland Trailblazers may be nearly complete if they can win their next game and close out their series against the second seeded Denver Nuggets. Underdogs for the series, the Blazers’ preseason signings of Steve Nash and Carlos Boozer have started to pay dividends.

“On paper, the team doesn’t look great,” Brandon Roy said, “But we don’t win games on paper. And you can see how we played tonight by holding Denver to 70 points. It was a great effort as these guys usually score like 120 points.”

Roy had 18 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. He was also instrumental in slowing down Nuggets’ star Carmelo Anthony. Anthony had just 9 points on 3 for 14 shooting. Travis Outlaw led the Blazers with 20 points and Steve Nash had 15.

Andrew Watson top scored for Denver with 16 points and Chauncey Billups added 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists.

Read More…

- - -

Celtics Thrash Pistons, Take 3-1 Lead

May 8, 2010

BOSTON (AP) – The Boston Celtics are about to have revenge on the team that denied them a stab at back to back NBA titles after a 123-80 blowout win over the Detroit Pistons. The Celtics’ big three were the big performers again with Kevin Garnett leading the way with 26 points and 11 rebounds. Paul Pierce finished with 24 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists as Ray Allen scored 21 points, including five three pointers. Tony Allen was impressive with 19 points from off the bench.

Walter Herrmann led Detroit with 18 points and 7 rebounds, Luther Head chipped in 16 as he started in place of the injured Allen Iverson. Rip Hamilton scored 14 points and Rasheed Wallace also had 14 of his own but both players shot terribly, crumbling to the pressure of the Celtics’ defence.

Read More…

- - -

Atlanta Stays Alive

May 8, 2010

MIAMI (AP) – Facing elimination, the Hawks dug in deep for a 113-83 win against the Miami Heat but will go home to Atlanta trailing 3-1 in the series. “We need to play like this in the next game if we are to have any hope of staying alive,” Joe Johnson said, “I’m sure we can keep the series going.”

Johnson and Josh Smith each scored 28 points in their team’s win. Dwayne Wade scored 25 for Miami and Michael Beasley added 16.

Read More…

[akokulit]

Hey! I know Benny Hinn!

[Martti.]

Congrats on the sweep!

[hova-]

So you did it. CP3 did very well but still not enough. I really did not think youre team was THAT good. Now I hope for you that you face the Blazers. Nuggets have such an offensive tempo. Its always tough to keep up with them. I guess Portland has more of an inside game with Boozer and Nash cant run the court like he did some years ago(at least he shouldnt be able)


Good luck !!

[kibaxx7]

Sweep! Great job. Yeah I would also like you to battle the Blazers, please.

[XpLosibo]

kudos! i like that jkidd's got one more shot for the ring

[C-77]

congrats man! i hope you don't face the mile-high city good luck

[homicide1550]

Congrats on the sweep.. Tyson has been a revelation in this series, great to see him play well despite personal issues...

[akokulit]

congrats!

[Donatello]

Great stuff... here's hoping for Portland.

[kaiser_kobe]

nice sweep! gud luck in the next round...hehe, i think no one guessed it will finish in four game

[Fresh8]

Thanks everyone!

However, something to ponder!

During the Regular Season: Seattle was 3-1 against Denver and 2-2 against Portland.

[Fresh8]

The Tale Of Tyson
After a quiet rookie season, the third pick of the 2009 NBA Draft is lighting it up in the playoffs

May 10, 2010


By Woody Hannes
ESPN.com Junior Writer

Three years ago, North Carolina’s Roy Williams was sitting in a tiny lounge room and in front of him sat a wiry 6’4” teenage basketballing phenomenon. The Tar Heels coach was pleading with Reshawn Tyson to play for his program. A powerhouse program with plenty of tradition. Williams knew that Tyson’s favorite player was Michael Jordan and reminded him that his idol had been down this path before.

Tyson had one request, “I ain’t going without my best friend.”

Three days later, Rocky Akonnor received an offer to play at UNC. One week later, both had committed to the Tar Heels. That was only one example of the prodigious talent Tyson displayed at a young age. He was so good that he had a say in who played with him.

It was also an example of the person Ty was; he was always the loyal friend who tried to help his friends whenever they were in need. Estonian, former Tar Heel, and current Memphis Grizzly Martti Must went on record during the NBA season, “Reshawn Tyson is one of the best guys I have ever known. He’s great at basketball but he meant more to all of our team than sport. He set the example of how to be a great person.”

Tyson went on to win the NCAA championship in his freshman year. A quiet season culminated a series of impressive scoring feats and an upset victory against the much favored Duke, led by Moses Chara in his junior season. Tyson had grown into his current 6’6” frame and was a dangerous proposition for any opposing defender. Surprisingly, he was never a cocky player and was a cheerful opponent and teammate; in other words a good sport.

After losing the NCAA Final against Duke the following year, Tyson appeared to be a different man. He was quiet and always looked sad. He looked more focused and serious but the fun seemed to have been zapped out of him. His final meeting with the press as a Tar Heel did not last more than a couple of minutes.

* * *

Tyson was drafted by the Seattle Stealth, who had to trade away their previous season’s lottery pick, Russell Westbrook, and an additional lottery pick in order to move up in the Draft to be able to have a shot at selecting the swingman. Tyson was the third pick and most players picked at this spot go to teams that have a starting spot and plenty of minutes to offer.

Tyson was in no such position.

Seattle was coming off a semi-successful season; missing the playoffs due to erratic play in the second half of the season. Gearing up for another run at making the playoffs, the team hired George Karl as their head coach. The team also had depth at the positions Tyson played. To start off with, Kevin Durant would always be the number one option. Durant was the NBA’s leading scorer at 30 a game. Jeff Green and Adam Morrison were automatically ahead of Tyson in the depth chart. Green was coming a solid sophomore season while Morrison had played better for Seattle than he ever had in his whole career.

Things only got worse for Tyson when the team announced the signing of Jason Kidd. That move meant that Earl Watson would be spending more time at SG; a part of George Karl’s plan to space the floor.

“Things weren’t looking great for me,” Tyson said in a recent interview, “And then when I came back from Summer League, Coach had a talk with me.” Karl confirms that the two did have a talk about Tyson’s role on the team. Tyson explains, “He (Karl) told me that we had an experienced team and the aim was to make the playoffs. He said that I had to be patient.” He then admits, “I know I was impatient for most of the season.”

Tyson’s play was erratic throughout the whole season. In his debut game against the Cavs, he entered to a rousing standing ovation and had a dunk on his first touch. His next two touches resulted in a turnover and an air ball. Tyson did not play any minutes for the rest of that game as the Stealth held off the Cavs for a win to start the season.

Some games, Tyson would play great and score in double digits – even though it was usually during garbage time. In others, he would make a few mistakes before being yanked out of the game. It was clear that Karl’s high standards were making him play like a different player. And once in a while, he would have a game that just wowed everyone in attendance. The most memorable would have been this matchup against Rookie of the Year and his arch-rival Moses Chara.

“When Ty had a game like the one he had against Chara in the middle of the season,” team captain Jason Kidd said, “That’s when we were pulling for him. But we always wondered where all that firepower went in games where he was struggling.” Tyson was always adamant about his inconsistency, “I was ready to quit on the team. I wasn’t happy being here.”

Tyson’s bid for more minutes was also affected by several niggling injuries but he finally got his chance in the playoffs. In a surprising move by George Karl, the veteran coach decided to start Tyson in a first round game against the Lakers. It was a knock against Tyson though as Karl wanted to have the more consistent Jeff Green as a leader for the second unit. He treated Tyson as a player who could chase the ball but did not think of him as a lead player.

Tyson did not play well as a starter but Green was great off the bench. Karl decided to stick with Tyson in the starting five. When Kevin Durant strained his MCL, Tyson stepped up and made Karl look like a genius. In a sweep of the NBA defending champions, Tyson averaged 23 ppg and shut down Chris Paul in Games 1 and 2.

“Ty played like a true star,” Adam Morrison said, “I’m happy for the kid.”

Tyson had always shown potential to be a lock down defender but during his college seasons, he never seemed to try hard enough on the defensive end. “That was always something Coach Williams gave me slack for,” Tyson reminisces, “When I got to the NBA, I realized that I had to try hard on both ends of the floor. I don’t want to be embarrassed by the guy I’m guarding.” Tyson’s defense was a revelation to his teammates and coaches. His scoring was a reassurance that the Stealth has the second scoring option that they have so desperately needed all season. “Better late than never,” Karl says whilst thinking back to earlier in the season when he was pleading with his players to step up as the team lacked a legitimate second scoring threat to place alongside Durant.

After 93 NBA games, Tyson has finally made the starting five and made an impact on more than just one game. No one can call what he did a fluke unless he fails to do it again. But judging from his talent and past, this seems like only the beginning of a career full of success. This is what the Stealth envisioned when they selected Reshawn Tyson with the third pick. No matter what the critics said, the team stuck with their rookie and the rookie stuck with them.

[nba_baller]

Nice article, good read.

[KlemenPipic]

again great writting