Thunder Up! - OVER.

Game of the Week

| 28 | 26 | 17 | 31 | 102
| 27 | 26 | 27 | 21 | 101



Although Kevin Durant surprisingly missed his last free throw of two in the closing seconds of the game, he did enough earlier to help the Oklahoma City Thunder escape Arco Arena with a victory.

Durant though did a good job overall from the free-throw line, shooting 10 of 11, en route to 26 points and also grabbing six rebounds to help the Thunder oust the slumping Kings in a close game, 107-106.

Yet, the Thunder are an even younger team. But unlike the Kings, Oklahoma City typically knows how to close out a game.

The score was tied with Durant at the free-throw line for two shots, it looked like the Thunder were ready to seal the victory. But Durant, an 88 percent free-throw shooter entering the game, missed his last attempt to the delight of a raucous crowd with 3 seconds left even though their home team is still trailing by one.

With a chance to win it with a basket, Tyreke Evans misfired on a fade-away jumper over defender Russell Westbrook from the top of the key with the buzzer lights went red.

Evans had a great game overall despite of the loss, he tallied 28 points on a 7-of-15 shooting, seven assists, four rebounds and three steals. But much needed help from teammate didn't came, Beno Udrih had just 14 points, Jason Thompson ended up racking a double-double, 12 points and 10 rebounds while Carl Landry was only held to 12 points.

With just a minute remaining, Evans converted a tough layup to tie the score at 101. The Kings eventually fouled Durant when he tried to drive to the rim to finish the game.

Westbrook scored a team-high 28 points on a efficient 11-of-15 shooting, Eiji Sawakita added 12.

Thunder beat the Kings in the rebounding category, 36-25. They also had the most points in the paint with 48 points compared to Kings' 34.

Thunder will face again the Kings after they play the Warriors next day, after the two games, they will now fly to Los Angeles to prepare for the All-Star event.

Previous Games:


Top Performers:
Marcus Thornton - 32 points, five rebounds, 13-18 FG | Trevor Ariza - 11 points, eight rebounds, four assists
img]http://www.nba.com/bucks/media/logo_20_okc.gif[/img] Russell Westbrook - 26 points, six rebounds, five assists | Kevin Durant - 19 points, five rebounds, four assists, three steals


Top Performers:
Kevin Durant - 49 points, five rebounds, six assists | Russell Westbrook - 20 points, 11 assists, six rebounds
Vince Carter - 22 points, four rebounds | Steve Nash - 22 points, six rebounds, six assists


Top Performers:
James Harden - 19 points, 7-11 FG| Kevin Durant - 19 points, four rebounds
Andrei Kirilenko - 23 points, eight rebounds, five steals | Paul Millsap - 21 points, 13 rebounds


Top Performers:
Kevin Durant - 39 points, 15 rebounds, five assists | Russell Westbrook - 19 points, three assists, six steals
O.J. Mayo - 21 points, two rebounds | Zach Randolph - 15 points, four rebounds, 6-8 FG

--2011 NBA Trade Deadline--

Warriors acquire Camby in a three-team deal


Warriors get:
• C | Marcus Camby
• G | Alonzo Gee
Projected Starters: Stephen Curry | Monta Ellis | Dorell Wright | David Lee | Marcus Camby

Trailblazers get:
• C | Andris Biedrins
• F-C | Channing Frye
Projected Starters: Andre Miller | Rudy Fernandez | Nicolas Batum | LaMarcus Aldridge | Greg Oden

Suns get:
• C | Joel Pryzbilla
• F | Brandan Wright
Projected Starters: Steve Nash | Vince Carter | Grant Hill | Hakim Warrick | Robin Lopez

Analysis: The Warriors may host another playoff basketball again in a few months and by this year's trade deadline they didn't hesitate to make a move. The Golden State Warriors acquired big time shot-blocker Marcus Camby from a three-team, six players deal.

Trailblazers will receive center Andris Biedrins from the Warriors, they will also receive Channing Frye coming from the Suns. In addition to Camby, the Warriors will get guard Alonzo Gee from Phoenix, while the Suns will receive Joel Pryzbilla and forward Brandan Wright in return.

Camby gives Golden State a much-needed boost at center position while Ellis, Curry and Lee doing their right job. The lanky veteran is a former defensive player of the year and two-time member of the NBA all-defensive team. The big man will surely improve the Warrior's playoff chances, they are currently the third best in the West behind the Lakers and the Thunder. While the Suns are holding a 24-29 record, 2 games behind the Trailblazers. Oden seems to be healthy and by this move, he can move to the starting spot, they also got a sharpshooter forward in Frye that they needed the most, but Brandon Roy is still injured though and they are struggling.

San Antonio land Yao Ming in blockbuster trade


Spurs get:
• C | Yao Ming
• G | Aaron Brooks
• F | Craig Smith
Projected Starters: Aaron Brooks | Manu Ginobili | Richard Jefferson | Tim Duncan | Yao Ming

Clippers get:
• F-G | Shane Battier
• C-F | DeJuan Blair
• F-C | Antonio McDyess
Projected Starters: Baron Davis | Eric Gordon | Shane Battier | Blake Griffin | DeAndre Jordan

Rockets get:
• C | Chris Kaman
• 2011 second-round pick (from Clippers)
• 2011 first-round pick (from Spurs)
• G | Tony Parker
Projected Starters: Tony Parker | Kevin Martin | Chase Budinger | Luis Scola | Chris Kaman

The trade deadline could not be completed by just a minor deals, there will be always a blockbuster trade.

The San Antonio Spurs announced that they had acquired seventh-time All-Star Yao Ming, guard Aaron Brooks, forward Craig Smith. In return, the Spurs will send All-Star guard Tony Parker, 2011 first-round pick to the Rockets, DeJuan Blair and Antonio McDyess to the Clippers. Clippers will also receive defensive stalwart Shane Battier from the Clippers. In exchange they will send second-time All-Star Chris Kaman and a 2011 second-round pick to the Rockets.

Yao Ming has been an injury-prone again that forced the management to put him on the trade block. Ming is currently averaging 17.8 points, 10 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game in just 31 games. The surprising move by the Rockets was also trading their two core players, Aaron Brooks and Shane Battier. Last year Most Improved Player Brooks is currently enjoying his best season of his basketball career got surprised by the move, unlike Battier who's been a disappointment for the team. Rockets are still trying to get to the playoffs by their 27-29 record. But the most important is, they got Tony Parker from the Spurs who's averaging 20 points per game in 53% shooting and also dishing 7.2 assists. This move deepened their point guard position, both Parker and emerging Kyle Lowry can be on a starting spot, the team now had only one small forward, the sophomore Chase Budinger, but the kid is developing and got a ton of potential. Rockets also received a couples of draft picks from the two teams.

Despite of their not so good record of 32-23, the Spurs is clearly gunning for a title. What a job for Spurs General Manager R.C. Buford by bringing two superstars. Yes they let go of Parker, but they got Aaron Brooks in return. They also traded their promising center DeJuan Blair and veteran Antonio McDyess. But what matter most is Yao Ming. Just look at the Spurs frontcourt if Ming remained to be healthy throughout the season. Tim Duncan and Yao Ming can be a very deadly duo. Watch out for the "Los Spurs Twin Towers."

Clippers' Davis to Cavs for Williams and Moon



Clippers get:
• G Mo Williams
• G-F Jamario Moon
Projected Starters: Mo Williams | Eric Gordon | Shane Battier | Blake Griffin | DeAndre Jordan

Cavaliers get:
• G Baron Davis
• 2011 first-round pick (from Clippers)
Projected Starters: Baron Davis | Ramon Sessions | Joey Graham | J.J. Hickson | Anderson Varejao

Analysis: Donald Sterling seems so very busy during the deadline.

Clippers got Mo Williams and Jamario Moon in return for Baron Davis, a former All-Star who played better this season than last in L.A. and their 2011 first-round pick. The Cavs, with an eye toward adding assets and draft picks as they rebuild, trade one of the links to their LeBron James glory days in Williams. But other sources said that the Cavs are not done by their trade deadline moves, let's see.

Unhappy Mayo finally traded



Pacers get:
• G O.J. Mayo
Projected Starters: Darren Collison | O.J. Mayo | Danny Granger | Tyler Hansbrough | Roy Hibbert

Grizzlies get:
• G Dahntay Jones
• C-F Solomon Jones
• 2011 second-round pick
Projected Starters: Michael Conley | Dahntay Jones | Rudy Gay | Zach Randolph | Marc Gasol

Analysis: Grizzlies finally let go of Mayo who's been injury-plagued this season. He just played 31 games so far and he demanded a trade to any team in the league. Pacers' GM Larry Bird didn't waste any time and made a move to get Mayo. Pacers send Dahntay Jones and Solomon Jones for O.J. Mayo. We can expect the Pacers to improve because of this move, especially they are looking for a Playoff spot. They are now good at eight place with a 26-26 record.

Bulls get Smith for Brewer


Bulls get:
• G J.R. Smith
Projected Starters: Derrick Rose | J.R. Smith | Luol Deng | Carlos Boozer | Joakim Noah

Nuggets get:
• G Ronnie Brewer
Projected Starters: Chauncey Billups | Aaron Afflalo | Carmelo Anthony | Kenyon Martin | Nene

Analysis: Bulls now got a true, athletic shooting guard in the form of J.R. Smith. He can play: he can sink the three-pointer with ease; he can attack the basket and poster-job opponents; and he can involve others with his passing. He also has an expiring contract which is pretty good, but Smith's attitude can alienate his teammates and can ruin team's chemistry, let's see how this move breaks out. Brewer who's been the Bulls' starting guard is averaging 6.1 points and 2.6 rebounds will likely give Nuggets a much needed defense. The team now holding a record of 32-22 good for fourth place in the West and may look to enter the Playoffs and finish well. Though they are not still sure about Melo's future.

Magic bring in Jamison with another major deal


Magic get:
• F Antawn Jamison
• Manny Harris
Projected Starters :Gilbert Arenas | Jason Richardson | Hedo Turkoglu | Brandon Bass | Dwight Howard

Cavaliers get:
• F Brandon Bass
• G J.J. Redick
• F Quentin Richardson
Projected Starters :Baron Davis | Ramon Sessions | Quentin Richardson | Brandon Bass | Anderson Varejao

Analysis: Otis Smith still got a few tricks on his sleeves. After acquiring Hedo Turkoglu and Jason Richardson early in the season which leave them lack of bigman in the roster, today he announced that they had received forward Antawn Jamison.

In return, the Magic will send forward Brandon Bass, sharpshooter J.J. Redick and free-agent signing Quentin Richardson. The Magic will also receive Manny Harris from the Cavs.

With the Magic struggling lately and had the biggest downslide from last season finally found another big man who can play different positions and can help Dwight Howard in the paint. Magic are slumping and holding a dismal 31-26 which put them at seventh place in the East. And few players are not playing at the level where everyone was expecting. Like Redick, who had been very disappointing and not living with the contract given by the Magic. He's only averaging 3.7 points per outing in only 7.7 minutes playing time with the Magic. While for QRich, since Turkoglu arrived, Richardson was moved down to the bench and not being happy with his minutes, averaging only 14.7 minutes and producing just 3.2 points per game. Brandon Bass is actually developing, scoring 11.4 points in 49% shooting and also grabbing 6.5 rebounds. But what they received is more important than they gave, Jamison, who's traded to the Cavs in last year's trade deadline to help LeBron James, once again been moved to another team. He's one of the players around the league that considered to be a snub in the All-Star selection. He's scoring 21.8 points per game, 8.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. He's expected to wear the same number. This move will surely boost Magic's confidence to be on top of their conference at least.

Raptors/Lakers agree to Calderon deal


Lakers get:
• G Jose Calderon
Projected Starters: Jose Calderon | Kobe Bryant | Ron Artest | Pau Gasol | Andrew Bynum

Raptors get:
• G Steve Blake
• F Luke Walton
• 2011 first-round pick
Projected Starters: Jarrett Jack | Leandro Barbosa | Linas Kleiza | Ed Davis | Andrea Bargnani

Analysis: Raptors finally get rid of Calderon and the Lakers made a deal that should improve their chances to be in the Finals again.

Lakers had acquired Spanish guard Jose Calderon from Raptors in exchange for guard Steve Blake, swingman Luke Walton and their this year's first-round pick

Only question is, who will start, Fisher or Calderon? Jose is an amazing passer, shooter, can drive and doesn't turn the ball over much, his defensive ability is minimal though from what Fisher bring in to the team. Calderon maybe he would find himself being a weak link at the defensive end for the Lakers. His role on such a team would only be backup PG, like what Blake did. Lakers let go of Blake due to his durability and inefficiency, as similar as Luke Walton too.

Pistons and Celtics orchestrate multi-player trade


Pistons get:
• F Glen Davis
• C Jermaine O'Neal
• F Jarvis Hayes
Projected Starters: Rodney Stuckey | Ben Gordon | Jonas Jerebko | Charlie Villanueva | Jermaine O'Neal

Celtics get:
• F Tayshaun Prince
• G Tracy McGrady
Projected Starters: Rajon Rondo | Ray Allen | Paul Pierce | Kevin Garnett | Shaquille O'Neal

Analysis :Celtics announced that they acquired 4 Time All-NBA defender, Tayshaun Prince and All-Star Tracy McGrady in a trade with the Detroit Pistons.

Forward Glen Davis, Jarvis Hayes and Jermaine O'Neal will go to the Pistons to complete the deal.

Prince has 1 year left on his contract and is making 11.1 Million this year, and can improve the Celtics' defense much better, while wash-up guard Tracy McGrady could be a good backup for Ray Allen. Celtics also cleared their logjam at the center position and let go of their another O'Neal. Reports said that they want to give O'Neal heavy minutes as he mentioned this year will be his last, they also traded their energetic forward Glen Davis who played a very crucial role in last year's Playoffs.

Mavericks exchanged Terry for Hamilton


Mavericks get:
• G Richard Hamilton
• C Ben Wallace
Projected Starters :Rodney Stuckey | Jason Terry | Jonas Jerebko | Charlie Villanueva | Jermaine O'Neal

Pistons get:
• G Jason Terry
• C Alexis Ajinca
• 2011 first-round pick
Projected Starters :Jason Kidd | Richard Hamilton | Caron Butler | Dirk Nowitzki | Brendan Haywood

Analysis: After trading Prince to the Celtics, they let go again one of their championship team few years ago, Richard Hamilton. Mavericks acquired Hamilton and center Ben Wallace and will send former Sixth Man of the Year award Jason Terry, Alexis Ajinca, 2011 first-round pick to the Pistons in return.

Hamilton relationship with the coach and other players are ruined and affecting team's chemistry and performance. He's averaging just 9.1 points and 4 assists per game. Another big acquisition is Ben Wallace, the former Defensive Player of the Year is returning in this year's award race. He's scoring just 2.7 points but grabbing 11 rebounds, adding also to his stats, 2.1 steals and 1.6 blocks that made him a favorite to win the defensive player award. Terry played as a starter for the Mavs and may look to remain that role in Pistons, he's scoring a career-high 21.2 points in 47% shooting. Pistons also got another first-round pick for their rebuilding mode.

Mavericks not done by their moves, acquire Murphy from Nets


Mavericks get:
• F Troy Murphy
Projected Starters: Jason Kidd | Richard Hamilton | Caron Butler | Dirk Nowitzki | Ben Wallace

Nets get:
• C Tyson Chandler
• 2011 second-round pick
Projected Starters: Devin Harris | Anthony Morrow | Terrence Williams | Derrick Favors | Brook Lopez

Analysis: The recent trade with the Pistons caused the Mavericks to have a logjam at the center position, they let go one of them by another deal.

Mavericks send Tyson Chandler to the New Jersey Nets for forward Troy Murphy. Mavs also send their remaining draft pick for this year.

The Texas team is struggling and sitting seventh place in the Western Conference. The move basically was to improve Mavericks roster and whole team. Haywood will be their backup center for now and Murphy will be backing up for Dirk Nowitzki who's currently injured. While for Tyson Chandler, he can backup this year's All-Star center Brook Lopez and improve the Nets' defense.

What the fuck, Brooks and Yao?
Celtics traded Davis?
Mayo for nothing?
J.R. Smith for Brewer

i was like....

Shane Battier clippers!

then Mo and Baron....

all the trades are really awkward...but hey....itll make ur association real interesting

Chandler for Murphy is awful for the Mavs.

Mayo to Indiana?! FOR S***?

Awful deal for the Rockets. Parker is an upgrade over Brooks, but Kaman is a huge downgrade from Yao. Deals don't make sense for the Spurs and the Rockets in my eyes.

EDIT: Yao and Parker look hideous in their new jerseys.

Last edited by Axel The Great on Wed Mar 23, 2011 7:25 am, edited 1 time in total.

Nice trade for the Bulls!!
J.R. Smith will be a great 2-guard for the team!

That's why I don't allow CPU trades until later

Honestly these trades are fucked.

The J.R. trade is outright stupid for the Nuggets.

The Mavs raped themselves in both trade, first giving up JT for elderly citizens, and then like that wasn't bad enough, trading Tyson Chandler? NO.

George7, he would screw up the team chemistry.

I'm gonna be honest... If you made these trades, you need to watch more basketball

Oh, thanks for the negative comments I did some of these trades or revised them.

Like the Spurs and Rockets one, the CPU did Yao for Parker and some guys, I re-do the trade and add Brooks, and some players for the Clippers. Mayo is a bitch, he's player role is down to 0 and he's requesting a trade since early January.

As for the Mavericks, Tyson is not playing like what in real life. Chandler is just rated 67 in my roster and Haywood, Wallace is better than him. I want first to deal Haywood, but his contract sucks. Well, here's Chanlder's stats: 2.2 points, 2.4 rebounds on a poor 41% shooting. Awful isn't it? And the NEts are actually good, 10th place in the East. For the Terry trade, I think it's pretty balance, they got Hamilton who maybe can revive his career? And Wallace who is the frontrunner for the Defensive Player award. Let's just see how it works out.

I didn't do the Perkins trade just because I want to sign him or other center when free-agency comes around. The team is pretty perfect for me now, both sides are clicking and I love it, I'm looking forward to beast in the Playoffs.

All in all, this is my story and I don't like to copy almost all of the trades, moves, etc. from the real life. Virtual compared to real life are way different, very different. Players who are good in the NBA now, maybe struggling in my association. I just want to make this story interesting for me. I want to improve not only my team, but others too. Honestly, I got bored by this, so I pulled some of this trades. So let it be guys I'll post every players first game and keep you updated, cheers!

EDIT: Guys, predict who will be the winners for the All-Star Events, I'll add points to your respective players if your made a correct guess

The Mayo trade is perfect. I can live with the Warriors-Blazers-Suns, and the real life Cavs-Clips, but I don't like the rest. Specially the Spurs-Rox trade.

like this?

RookVsSoph MVP - John Wall or RookVsSoph - Rookies Win
NullStar MVP - Joel Anthony
3PT - Paul Pierce
Slam Dunk - (see my sig )
All-Star MVP - Kobe Bryant or All-Star - West Win

Some of this silly trades was because players were unhappy? I had the same problem in my Thunder association before, and now with Nate, he plays 20-25 mins per game scores 10-15 and he is still unhappy...

KidJustin, Thanks man. I'll post the proper format.

Valdis, Well, that is one factor, another factor is the team's standing and performance, the players before the trade are unhappy so I move to them to another team, and I think their morale went up.

Rookie vs. Sophomore Game | Who will win?: (Choose between Rookie or Sophomore)
Null-Star Game | Who will win and take the MVP award?: (Chose from East or West and the MVP)
Three-Point Contest | Who will take home the trophy? :(Choose from Conley, Casspi, Harden, Miller, Brooks and Pierce)
Slam-Dunk Contest | Who will win? :(Choose from Thomas, Young, Westbrook, Griffin)
2011 All-Star Game | Who will win and take the MVP award?: (Choose from East or West and the MVP)

Last edited by Justine. on Sat Mar 26, 2011 10:42 am, edited 1 time in total.

Rookie vs. Sophomore Game | Who will win?: Sophomore
Null-Star Game | Who will win and take the MVP award?: West and the MVP- Morrison
Three-Point Contest | Who will take home the trophy? Pierce
Slam-Dunk Contest | Who will win? :Westbrook
2011 All-Star Game | Who will win and take the MVP award?: West and the MVP-Bryant

just to make it official...

Rookie vs. Sophomore Game | Who will win?: John Wall
Null-Star Game | Who will win and take the MVP award?: Joel Anthony
Three-Point Contest | Who will take home the trophy? : Paul Pierce
Slam-Dunk Contest | Who will win? : Blake Griffin
2011 All-Star Game | Who will win and take the MVP award?: Kobe Bryant

Hinrich will have surgery, done for the season



Washington guard Kirk Hinrich will likely miss the rest of the season after tearing his ACL in the Wizards' victory against the Hornets last week.

Hinrich dropped to the floor clutching his right knee and grimacing after colliding with a slashing Marcus Thornton midway through the third quarter. The Wizards said Hinrich will need surgery. A timetable for his return was not immediately set. Hinrich so far is averaging 8.7 points and 5.6 assists this season.

First time All-Stars injured, will be replaced



The league has announced that Charlotte guard Stephen Jackson and Warriors' guard Monta Ellis will not be able to participate in the upcoming All-Star Game.

The two players who are both first-timers are diagnosed with injuries, Jackson separated his shoulder in the Bobcats loss against the Nets, while Ellis has back spasms, he is listed day-to-day but doctors said that it will be good if he sits out and rest his back.

NBA Commissioner David Stern announced who will take place for the two. He said that newest Rocket Tony Parker will replace Ellis' spot in the West team, while Baron Davis of the Cavaliers now will take Jackson's place.

DAVIS ALL-STAR,

DAVIS ALL-STAR,

yes...but Cavaliers?

Valdis, Yes he is.

KidJustin, Well, I thought he will be still playing at the West team, let's just be happy for him there in Cleveland

Predictions still open until I post the recap.

John Wall take home MVP award to help the Rookies trash the Sophomores


Rookies blowout Sophomores for second consecutive win


LOS ANGELES -- It was the night for the young stars, and it shows it is really was.

Blake Griffin led the Rookies and scored 45 points, second-most points in Rookie Challenge history as they outplay the Sophomores, 145-127. Griffin shot a very efficient 21-of-23 attempts. But it was John Wall who got the MVP award, throwing alley-oops and nifty dishes en route to 25 assists to set a new standard, eight more than Chris Paul managed in 2007. Wall also scored 23 points and tallied six steals.

The Rookies after beating the Sophomores last year is now building a mini-streak for beating the second-year guys again this year.

Reigning Rookie of the Year and MVP of the Rookie Challenge last year Tyreke Evans had 29 points, three rebounds and three steals for the Sophomores, who had other four players who scored in double figures. Terrence Williams who's having a productive season scored 21 points, Stephen Curry had 20 points and 12 assists while Serge Ibaka added 16 of his own. The extra year of playing experience somehow didn't affect the Rookie's performance.

The Rookies had six players who come up with the double digit scores, Spurs guard James Anderson came off the bench and scored 20 points in just 18 minutes. He netted 7-of-8 of his three point attempts. Wesley Johnson and Evan Turner each scored 17, while Eric Bledsoe contributed 11 points and five assists. One of his dishes highlighted an insane alley-oop pass to Wall that was the game's signature play.

Rookies pounded the paint and beat the Sophs, 94-76, they also shared the ball more than the Sophomores did, recording 42 compared to 29.

Wall kept the crowd alive with several entertaining passes firing lasers and lobs to teammates cutting to the basket that resulted in entertaining dunks. It was really a dunkfest in L.A., a perfect way to start the All-Star Weekend.

phpBB [video]

jump to 55 seconds for the Kentucky alley-oop!

THAT WAS AWESOME the pass was almost behind the backboard no look over the head...

...then the slam!! he cocked it back before thundering it down