NC Domination [6-3] 6 Games and Way Way Way Too Many Trades

[rise]

He had a Shaun Livingston-type knee injury in the first couple months of the 2010-2011 season.

[rise]

A Lockout Is Looming

Derek Fisher, leader of the NBPA, warned fans today that the 2012-2013 will likely be cancelled due to a lockout. "We all thought the lockout was going to be this year, but we were able to postpone it at the time, but now it's pretty much clear that neither side is going to budge. If something isn't resolved by October, then, it's my painful duty to tell you there probably will be no 2012-2013 season."

NBA fans across the world are shocked, and fans with NBA teams in their areas will likely attend more games this season to make up for what they could miss next season. If there is no NBA season, many players will go overseas to play, or older players might just decide to retire. Also a lot of underclassmen college players may decide to stay another year in college, resulting in a weak 2012 Draft and a much stronger 2013 Draft. The NBA D-League would also be in a lockout.

Jared Dudley of the NC Domination said in an interview, "I'll be surprised if there isn't a lockout. Some of the guys on the NBPA are not budging on their opinions, others are slightly willing to be flexible, but this whole situation is just terrible. I want to have an NBA regardless of what happens, I don't want a lockout at all, but it doesn't look good for a 2012-2013 season right now." When asked what he thought this would do to the Domination, Dudley simply said, "No one really knows what's going to happen. If there's a lockout, I might go overseas."

[rise]

Contest 3: Who will be an All-Star?

There are twenty names in the East and twenty names in the West, all deserving of an All-Star selection this season. Pick eight players in the East and eight players in the West who will be snubbed from the All-Star game and post it here. Yao Ming, Kevin Martin, Amar'e Stoudemire, Kobe Bryant, and Dwight Howard will not play in the All-Star game due to injuries, therefore they are not listed here.

West:
-Lamarcus Aldridge (POR)
-Devin Andrews [R] (SAC)
-Carmelo Anthony (DEN)
-Andrew Bynum (LAL)
-Stephen Curry (GSW)
-Kevin Durant (OKC)
-Monta Ellis (DAL)
-Pau Gasol (LAL)
-Blake Griffin (LAC)
-Ray Jackson [R] (MIN)
-Al Jefferson (UTA)
-Steve Nash (PHX)
-Dirk Nowitzki (DAL)
-Lamar Odom (LAL)
-Chris Paul (DAL)
-Jason Richardson (PHX)
-Brandon Roy (POR)
-Jason Terry (GSW)
-Russell Westbrook (OKC)
-Deron Williams (UTA)

East:
-Gilbert Arenas (ORL)
-Andrew Bogut (MIL)
-Carlos Boozer (CHI)
-Chris Bosh (MIA)
-Tyson Chandler (NCD)
-Luol Deng (CHI)
-Jared Dudley (NCD)
-Raymond Felton (CHA)
-Kevin Garnett (BOS)
-Corey Harrington [R] (NCD)
-Stephen Jackson (CHA)
-LeBron James (MIA)
-Joe Johnson (ATL)
-Brook Lopez (NJN)
-Paul Pierce (BOS)
-Rajon Rondo (BOS)
-Derrick Rose (CHI)
-Josh Smith (CHA)
-Dwyane Wade (MIA)
-Gerald Wallace (CHA)

[Houndy]

West:
-Lamarcus Aldridge (POR)
-Devin Andrews [R] (SAC) SNUB
-Carmelo Anthony (DEN)
-Andrew Bynum (LAL) SNUB
-Stephen Curry (GSW) SNUB
-Kevin Durant (OKC)
-Monta Ellis (DAL) SNUB
-Pau Gasol (LAL)
-Blake Griffin (LAC)
-Ray Jackson [R] (MIN)
-Al Jefferson (UTA) SNUB
-Steve Nash (PHX)
-Dirk Nowitzki (DAL)
-Lamar Odom (LAL) SNUB
-Chris Paul (DAL)
-Jason Richardson (PHX) SNUB
-Brandon Roy (POR)
-Jason Terry (GSW) SNUB
-Russell Westbrook (OKC)
-Deron Williams (UTA)

East:
-Gilbert Arenas (ORL) SNUB
-Andrew Bogut (MIL)
-Carlos Boozer (CHI)
-Chris Bosh (MIA)
-Tyson Chandler (NCD) SNUB
-Luol Deng (CHI) SNUB
-Jared Dudley (NCD) SNUB
-Raymond Felton (CHA)
-Kevin Garnett (BOS) SNUB
-Corey Harrington [R] (NCD)
-Stephen Jackson (CHA)
-LeBron James (MIA)
-Joe Johnson (ATL) SNUB
-Brook Lopez (NJN) SNUB
-Paul Pierce (BOS)
-Rajon Rondo (BOS)
-Derrick Rose (CHI)
-Josh Smith (CHA)
-Dwyane Wade (MIA)
-Gerald Wallace (CHA) SNUB

[puttincomputers]

West
-Devin Andrews [R] (SAC)
-Stephen Curry (GSW)
-Monta Ellis (DAL)
-Lamar Odom (LAL)
-Jason Richardson (PHX)
-Ray Jackson [R] (MIN) SNUB
-Brandon Roy (POR)
-Jason Terry (GSW)
East
-Raymond Felton (CHA)
-Corey Harrington [R] (NCD)
-Chris Bosh (MIA)
-Gilbert Arenas (ORL)
-Kevin Garnett (BOS)
-Brook Lopez (NJN)
-Josh Smith (CHA)
-Luol Deng (CHI)

[Axel The Great]

West:
-Devin Andrews [R] (SAC)
-Andrew Bynum (LAL)
-Stephen Curry (GSW)
-Ray Jackson [R] (MIN)
-Lamar Odom (LAL)
-Jason Richardson (PHX)
-Jason Terry (GSW)
-Deron Williams (UTA)

East:
-Gilbert Arenas (ORL)
-Carlos Boozer (CHI)
-Tyson Chandler (NCD)
-Luol Deng (CHI)
-Raymond Felton (CHA)
-Kevin Garnett (BOS)
-Corey Harrington [R] (NCD)
-Stephen Jackson (CHA)

[Nutellar]

West:
-Lamarcus Aldridge (POR)
-Carmelo Anthony (DEN)
-Stephen Curry (GSW)
-Kevin Durant (OKC)
-Monta Ellis (DAL)
-Steve Nash (PHX)
-Dirk Nowitzki (DAL)
-Chris Paul (DAL)


East:

-Andrew Bogut (MIL)
-Tyson Chandler (NCD)
-Raymond Felton (CHA)
-Kevin Garnett (BOS)
-LeBron James (MIA)
-Rajon Rondo (BOS)
-Derrick Rose (CHI)
-Dwyane Wade (MIA)

[rise]

to clarify, these are the guys getting SNUBBED from the game.

*cough*osaki*cough*

[Bucket]

-Devin Andrews [R] (SAC)
-Andrew Bynum (LAL)
-Stephen Curry (GSW)
-Blake Griffin (LAC)
-Ray Jackson [R] (MIN)
-Al Jefferson (UTA)
-Lamar Odom (LAL)
-Jason Terry (GSW)

East:
-Andrew Bogut (MIL)
-Tyson Chandler (NCD)
-Luol Deng (CHI)
-Jared Dudley (NCD)
-Raymond Felton (CHA)
-Corey Harrington [R] (NCD)
-Stephen Jackson (CHA)
-Brook Lopez (NJN)

[rise]

Clippers Cut Domination Win Streak Short In Double-Overtime

Two overtime periods were played without either team's starting point guard. Both rookies Paul Giles and Corey Harrington fouled out late in the fourth. Harrington fouled out on a Baron Davis dunk that tied the game at 116. Davis missed the free throw and the game went into overtime, where neither team found an edge and each team scored seven, sending the game to OT2. Randy Foye caught fire after Baorn Davis fouled out and scored eight points in the period to seal the win.

Many great things happened in this game. For one, Corey Harrington made the most of his eight-inch height advantage over 5'10" Paul Giles and lit up the Clippers with 38 points. Jared Dudley played point guard for the first time in his career and dished nine assists, but he chucked 15 threes and only five went in. DeJuan Blair played both overtime periods at center because Tyson Chandler fouled out. Blair notched his first 13-rebound performance of the season, but only scored three points. Adam Morrison returned to action in the third quarter after missing about a month with a sprained knee.

For the Clippers, Blake Griffin has double-doubles in every one of his eighteen games this season. Blake Griffin and Chris Kaman were repsonsible for 31 of their team's 33 rebounds and had five steals apiece. The trio of Tyson Chandler, DeJuan Blair, and Wilson Chandler grabbed 37 rebounds, four more than the entire Clippers team. The Clippers have finally found their elusive fourth win and are now 4-14.

LAC: 28|55|83|116||123||138| Eric Gordon: 29 points (12-20 FG%, 4-9 3P%, 1-1 FT%), 0 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 0 blocks, 2 turnovers, 1 foul
NCD: 23|55|82|116||123||131| Corey Harrington: 38 points (18-25 FG%, 0-2 3P%, 2-2 FT%), 0 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks, 6 turnovers, 6 fouls

North Carolina

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Pos.  No.   Name         Pts   Mins  FGM   FGA   FG%   3PM   3PA   3P%   FTM   FTA   FT%   Rebs  Blk   Stl   Ast   TO    Fouls     
C     45    D. Blair     3     14    1     4     .250  0     0     .000  1     2     .500  13    1     2     2     1     2     
SG    24    S. Brown     2     14    1     3     .333  0     2     .000  0     0     .000  2     0     1     1     1     1     
C     6     T. Chandler  17    14    7     11    .636  0     0     .000  3     4     .750  12    0     2     4     1     6     
PF    21    W. Chandler  16    16    7     14    .500  0     1     .000  2     2     1.000 12    2     1     2     5     2     
SF    32    J. Dudley    22    24    8     22    .364  5     15    .333  1     1     1.000 5     1     3     9     2     4     
PG    3     C. Harrington38    16    18    25    .720  0     2     .000  2     2     1.000 0     2     3     6     6     6     
PF    5     W. Herrmann  2     7     1     4     .250  0     3     .000  0     0     .000  2     0     0     1     3     2     
PG    11    A. Law       9     11    3     12    .250  2     11    .182  1     3     .333  1     0     0     6     3     4     
SG    35    A. Morrison  3     7     1     3     .333  1     2     .500  0     0     .000  2     0     2     1     1     1     
SG    22    A. Morrow    8     11    3     8     .375  2     5     .400  0     0     .000  0     0     1     3     1     4     
SF    14    P. Williams  2     2     1     3     .333  0     2     .000  0     0     .000  0     0     0     0     0     1     
PF    46    B. Wright    9     6     4     7     .571  1     1     1.000 0     3     .000  4     0     0     0     0     2     

LA Clippers

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Pos.  No.   Name         Pts   Mins  FGM   FGA   FG%   3PM   3PA   3P%   FTM   FTA   FT%   Rebs  Blk   Stl   Ast   TO    Fouls     
SF    3     A. Aminu     19    21    8     12    .667  0     0     .000  3     5     .600  1     1     1     5     3     2     
PG    12    E. Bledsoe   0     0     0     0     .000  0     0     .000  0     0     .000  0     0     0     0     0     0     
PF    34    B. Cook      0     2     0     0     .000  0     0     .000  0     0     .000  0     0     1     1     0     0     
PG    5     B. Davis     12    11    5     8     .625  0     2     .000  2     6     .333  0     1     1     3     5     6     
PG    5     Q. Douby     2     4     0     1     .000  0     0     .000  2     2     1.000 0     0     1     4     2     0     
PG    4     R. Foye      22    8     6     7     .857  3     4     .750  7     7     1.000 1     0     1     2     1     1     
PG    0     P. Giles     21    11    5     10    .500  3     3     1.000 8     8     1.000 0     0     1     11    6     6     
SF    15    R. Gomes     4     8     2     2     1.000 0     0     .000  0     2     .000  0     0     1     1     1     2     
SG    10    E. Gordon    29    21    12    20    .600  4     9     .444  1     1     1.000 0     0     2     2     2     1     
PF    32    B. Griffin   15    20    7     9     .778  0     0     .000  1     2     .500  15    2     5     1     4     2     
C     35    C. Kaman     12    26    6     6     1.000 0     0     .000  0     0     .000  16    2     5     2     1     2     
PF    7     C. Smith     2     8     1     2     .500  0     0     .000  0     0     .000  0     0     0     1     0     0     

--

Domination Fall Short To Pistons

Pistons rookie forward Raphael Bolin has presented himself as a clutch player in the NBA, when he drained a layup at the buzzer to give Detroit their sixth win of the season. He finished with 17 points and 8 rebounds on a career-best 6-7 from the floor. He wasn't without help though. Newly acquired Jose Calderon had 15 points and 10 assists, while Austin Daye and Ben Gordon combined for 46 points. Rodney Stuckey played his first game of the season after recovering from an MCL tear suffered in the final game of the 2010-11 season. He had 2 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists. He was welcomed back by Detroit fans with tremendous applause.

Corey Harrington gave the Pistons a true scare in the fourth quarter. He went into the quarter with just two points, scored 15 points in the quarter and finished with 17. He was able to blow right pass Calderon, Stuckey, Gordon, and Hamilton consistantly in the period and finished dunks that actually had Pistons fans cheering for him. Anthony Morrow couldn't miss from outside and went 5-5 in the first three quarters, but went 0-2 in the final period, when things matter most. "I feel like my shot with about 12 seconds left was just really unlucky, I mean it rolled around the inside of the hoop and swirled out. Now that's just bad luck." -Anthony Morrow.

DET: 21|41|69|95| Raphael Bolin: 17 points (6-7 FG%, 0-0 3P%, 5-6 FT%), 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 4 fouls, 0 turnovers
NCD: 12|44|64|94| Corey Harrington: 17 points (7-14 FG%, 1-4 3P%, 2-2 FT%), 0 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks, 5 fouls, 6 turnovers

North Carolina

Code: Select all

Pos.  No.   Name         Pts   Mins  FGM   FGA   FG%   3PM   3PA   3P%   FTM   FTA   FT%   Rebs  Blk   Stl   Ast   TO    Fouls     
C     45    D. Blair     9     9     4     5     .800  0     0     .000  1     3     .333  12    0     0     4     1     1     
SG    24    S. Brown     4     12    2     6     .333  0     2     .000  0     1     .000  2     3     0     0     2     2     
C     6     T. Chandler  6     14    3     9     .333  0     0     .000  0     2     .000  12    2     0     2     7     0     
PF    21    W. Chandler  4     15    2     12    .167  0     2     .000  0     0     .000  5     2     1     3     2     2     
SF    32    J. Dudley    14    18    6     16    .375  1     4     .250  1     3     .333  6     2     2     3     3     4     
PG    3     C. Harrington17    16    7     14    .500  1     4     .250  2     2     1.000 0     2     2     5     6     5     
PF    5     W. Herrmann  10    8     4     10    .400  0     5     .000  2     3     .667  3     0     1     1     0     0     
PG    11    A. Law       14    9     5     6     .833  3     4     .750  1     1     1.000 0     0     0     4     1     2     
SG    35    A. Morrison  1     10    0     5     .000  0     3     .000  1     2     .500  3     2     1     0     0     1     
SG    22    A. Morrow    15    9     5     8     .625  5     7     .714  0     0     .000  3     0     0     0     0     3     
SF    14    P. Williams  0     0     0     0     .000  0     0     .000  0     0     .000  0     0     0     0     0     0     
PF    46    B. Wright    0     5     0     3     .000  0     0     .000  0     0     .000  1     0     0     1     0     0     

Detroit

Code: Select all

Pos.  No.   Name         Pts   Mins  FGM   FGA   FG%   3PM   3PA   3P%   FTM   FTA   FT%   Rebs  Blk   Stl   Ast   TO    Fouls     
PF    19    L. Amundson  0     4     0     1     .000  0     1     .000  0     0     .000  7     0     0     0     0     0     
PF    39    R. Bolin     17    19    6     7     .857  0     0     .000  5     6     .833  8     1     2     2     0     4     
PG    8     J. Calderon  15    19    5     8     .625  2     3     .667  3     3     1.000 0     0     2     10    8     5     
SF    5     A. Daye      21    19    10    15    .667  0     0     .000  1     2     .500  3     2     2     0     1     2     
SG    7     B. Gordon    25    21    8     20    .400  3     6     .500  6     6     1.000 1     0     1     1     3     2     
SG    32    R. Hamilton  7     5     2     4     .500  0     0     .000  3     4     .750  1     1     1     2     1     1     
SF    33    J. Jerebko   2     4     0     0     .000  0     0     .000  2     2     1.000 1     1     0     1     0     0     
C     12    N. Krstic    4     17    2     5     .400  0     0     .000  0     0     .000  6     0     2     3     1     4     
C     52    B. Miller    0     4     0     0     .000  0     0     .000  0     0     .000  1     0     2     0     0     2     
PG    3     R. Stuckey   2     6     0     0     .000  0     0     .000  2     2     1.000 3     0     0     2     3     1     
PF    31    C. Villanueva2     6     1     2     .500  0     0     .000  0     0     .000  0     0     1     0     0     1     
PF    51    S. Williams  0     0     0     0     .000  0     0     .000  0     0     .000  0     0     0     0     0     0     

--

Harrington, Dudley Bury Cleveland

Once again, the Domination played a game that decided on one shot. Jared Dudley considered himself "blessed" after Tucker Winkler crossed him up like crazy and then airballed a three as time expired. "It could've been so much worse, because I know what Tucker Winkler is capable of, and I'm thankful he didn't unleash his clutchness on us tonight." It's true. The rookie went into the fourth quarter with 19 points on 8-9 shooting, but he only scored two points in the fourth quarter despite playing the whole thing. "I give Shannon and Corey credit, because they were able to limit Winkler to almost nothing, and that's what a really good defense is capable of." Dudley had a great night as well on defense, adding four steals and two blocks to his 22 points.

Cleveland never really looked like the mess that they really are tonight. With Anthony Parker and Tucker Winkler playing above average, they also had backup guard Daniel Green playing at career-high levels. He scored a game-high and career-high 23 points, along with 4 rebounds and 5 assists. He played a point guard role more than usual and that seemed to work out better for him. Unfortunately for Cavs fans, however, Winkler, Green, and Sessions will never play at LeBron-type levels.

CLE: 25|54|76|107| Daniel Green: 23 points (8-12 FG%, 2-5 3P%, 5-6 FT%), 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks, 0 steals, 3 turnovers, 0 fouls
NCD: 32|63|82|110| Corey Harrington: 18 points (8-13 FG%, 0-1 3P%, 2-2 FT%), 3 rebounds, 11 assists, 1 block, 7 steals, 2 turnovers, 3 fouls

North Carolina

Code: Select all

Pos.  No.   Name         Pts   Mins  FGM   FGA   FG%   3PM   3PA   3P%   FTM   FTA   FT%   Rebs  Blk   Stl   Ast   TO    Fouls     
C     45    D. Blair     2     7     1     3     .333  0     1     .000  0     0     .000  4     0     2     2     0     1     
SG    24    S. Brown     11    13    5     9     .556  1     4     .250  0     0     .000  2     1     0     4     4     2     
C     6     T. Chandler  17    18    8     14    .571  0     0     .000  1     2     .500  8     1     1     5     1     2     
PF    21    W. Chandler  9     13    4     8     .500  0     2     .000  1     1     1.000 3     0     0     0     1     2     
SF    32    J. Dudley    22    17    9     18    .500  3     7     .428  1     2     .500  2     2     4     0     3     5     
PG    3     C. Harrington18    16    8     13    .615  0     1     .000  2     2     1.000 3     1     7     11    2     3     
PF    5     W. Herrmann  5     13    2     7     .286  1     2     .500  0     0     .000  2     0     1     0     0     2     
PG    11    A. Law       12    9     6     8     .750  0     2     .000  0     0     .000  0     0     3     8     1     4     
SG    35    A. Morrison  5     6     2     6     .333  0     3     .000  1     3     .333  1     0     0     1     0     1     
SG    22    A. Morrow    5     8     2     8     .250  1     3     .333  0     0     .000  1     0     1     0     1     1     
SF    14    P. Williams  2     2     1     2     .500  0     1     .000  0     2     .000  1     0     1     0     0     0     
PF    46    B. Wright    2     4     1     3     .333  0     0     .000  0     0     .000  0     0     0     2     0     0     

Cleveland

Code: Select all

Pos.  No.   Name         Pts   Mins  FGM   FGA   FG%   3PM   3PA   3P%   FTM   FTA   FT%   Rebs  Blk   Stl   Ast   TO    Fouls     
PF    33    R. Anderson  4     7     2     2     1.000 0     0     .000  0     0     .000  7     0     0     0     0     1     
C     2     J. Boone     4     18    2     3     .667  0     0     .000  0     0     .000  9     0     0     3     0     1     
SF    20    R. Carney    0     0     0     0     .000  0     0     .000  0     0     .000  0     0     0     0     0     0     
SG    15    M. Gelabale  5     3     2     3     .667  1     1     1.000 0     0     .000  1     0     0     1     3     0     
SG    14    D. Green     23    12    8     12    .667  2     5     .400  5     6     .833  4     2     0     5     3     0     
PF    21    J. Hickson   10    18    5     9     .556  0     0     .000  0     0     .000  3     1     1     2     1     3     
SF    15    J. Moon      8     17    3     4     .750  0     1     .000  2     2     1.000 6     0     2     0     1     2     
C     25    T. Mozgov    2     7     1     1     1.000 0     0     .000  0     0     .000  6     0     0     1     0     0     
SG    18    A. Parker    18    13    5     11    .454  4     9     .444  4     5     .800  0     0     0     2     6     4     
PF    13    K. Seraphin  0     0     0     0     .000  0     0     .000  0     0     .000  0     0     0     0     0     0     
PG    3     R. Sessions  12    11    6     6     1.000 0     0     .000  0     0     .000  1     0     1     6     2     5     
SG    11    T. Winkler   21    19    9     13    .692  1     4     .250  2     2     1.000 3     1     1     2     6     2     

[rise]

The Final Straw

Everyone's at a shootaround the morning of the game against the Mavericks. Tyson Chandler, Wilson Chandler, Shannon Brown, James White, Acie Law, and DeJuan Blair are practicing their jumpers at the same hoop. Tyson seemed to struggle a little this morning and it didn't help that other basketballs were being thrown at the same time, occasionally deflecting his shot. After his fourth consecutive shot bounced off another ball. He shot again and saw DeJuan Blair quickly take aim and fire off another shot, hitting Tyson's shot, causing it to miss the rim entirely. Tyson, already irritated by his poor shooting, rounded on DeJuan. "Hey, DeJuan, cut it out. I'm having enough trouble with my shots already without you fucking them up."

DeJuan opened his mouth to make a retort, but turned away instead. Tyson missed three consecutive shots without any interference and his fourth shot, which was aimed perfectly, was thrown off course by a ball thrown from exactly where DeJuan was currently standing. "What did I tell you? Cut it out! Now!"

It happened again within seconds, and Tyson had had enough. Suddenly both were wrestling each other to the ground and the door to the gym slammed open.

"That's it! I've had enough! Chandler, Blair, stop it now! I've let this go on far too long, I've had enough of you two constantly at each other throats." Zee Otoo was angrier than any of the players had ever seen him, so much angrier that Anthony Morrow, more than half a foot taller than Zee, flinched when Zee spoke. "Blair, you are NOT playing tonight, and you are not until you and Tyson can get along. Brandan can take your place as a backup center and power forward. I'm not taking chances because I want to win this game to make a statement about the team, that we can beat any team, and if we beat Dallas, that's really something to celebrate about. However, we're not going to be celebrating if you two, are at each others' fucking throats the whole fucking day."

"Don't get angry at me, Zee," Tyson Chandler said angrily, "DeJuan started it, just ask anybody here, they'll tell you."

"I honestly don't give a damn who the hell started this, all I care is that this team can play like a team when it matters, which is TONIGHT!"

"But...", Tyson Chandler started.

"Let me finish," Zee Otoo said, "Things aren't any better when you're pissed off at your own teammates. Not any better at all."

"Dwight Howard plays better when he's pissed off," Shannon Brown pointed out with a smile.

"Shut up, Brown, this doesn't concern you."

"He does, though."

"EVERYBODY SHUT UP NOW!" Zee yelled, and Morrow flinched again. "I can't deal with this. Practice is over. Just be ready for the game at 7:30. And for Pete's sake, DeJuan, just stay away from Tyson."

--

--

Three hours later, Tyson Chandler entered the hallway near Zee Otoo's office, intending to talk to the coach, GM, and owner of the team, about what had happened this morning and to apologize. But as he approached the office, he heard voices. Otoo's wasn't alone in the room and he was also on the phone.

"Now way! Just Henderson? You've gotta be kidding me. DeJuan has skills, it's just that he can't show them behind Tyson, while Tyson plays at his All-Star level... What? No! I still need a backup center if we're getting rid of him. I'm not going to trade him for a backup guard!"

Tyson took time for what he just heard to sink in, and when he did, he felt hollow inside. "Trade?" he asked himself, silently, "I don't want Blair to get traded." He thought back about the last six months, and how much had happened since then. He had developed his offensive game to an All-Star level, while his defense had never been better, partly thanks to the very DeJuan Blair that could now be on his way out. "It's my fault."

Zee Otoo had started talking again. "I'd hate to trade Blair, but it's necessary that our team is at it top form at all times if we're making a run to the playoffs."

Another voice had spoken, that of the team's defensive specialist coach. "Why are we making Blair leave? It's Tyson's fault for insulting him in the first place. We'll call Riley, Knight, and Cho tomorrow, let's focus on tonight. I'm having second thoughts about this."

Tyson had had enough. Forgetting about what he come here for, he turned his back on Zee Otoo's office door and went to search for DeJuan, but he was nowhere to be found. In fact, he never showed up to either afternoon practice and wasn't in the locker room before the game against Dallas.

Tyson sat for a minute longer in the locker with his face in his hands, thinking, "What have I done?"

[Bucket]

Wow, what's next?

[rise]

Exactly the reaction I was going for. Reading it myself, I'm surprised it turned out that well, I usually suck at writing.

Guys who haven't submitted predictions for All-Star snubs, please do it in the next day or so, because All-Star game is only a couple games away.

[puttincomputers]

Awesome article!

[Houndy]

Huh? DeJaun is doing Tyson's mom.

[Nutellar]

to clarify, these are the guys getting SNUBBED from the game.

*cough*osaki*cough*

lol sorry


if its still possible i submit a new vote

West:
-Lamarcus Aldridge (POR)
-Devin Andrews [R] (SAC)
-Pau Gasol (LAL)
-Ray Jackson [R] (MIN)
-Lamar Odom (LAL)
-Jason Richardson (PHX)
-Russell Westbrook (OKC)
-Jason Terry


East:
-Gilbert Arenas (ORL)
-Carlos Boozer (CHI)
-Tyson Chandler (NCD)
-Luol Deng (CHI)
-Corey Harrington [R] (NCD)
-Brook Lopez (NJN)
-Josh Smith (CHA)
-Gerald Wallace (CHA)

[kibaxx7]

West:
-Lamarcus Aldridge (POR)
-Devin Andrews [R] (SAC)
-Andrew Bynum (LAL)
-Ray Jackson [R] (MIN)
-Al Jefferson (UTA)
-Lamar Odom (LAL)
-Jason Richardson (PHX)
-Brandon Roy (POR)

East:
-Tyson Chandler (NCD)
-Luol Deng (CHI)
-Jared Dudley (NCD)
-Raymond Felton (CHA)
-Corey Harrington [R] (NCD)
-Stephen Jackson (CHA)
-Josh Smith (CHA)
-Gerald Wallace (CHA)

Not having much time lately, sorry

[rise]

Contest 4: All-Star Prediction Contest

Notes: Rosters are below. Look back to last season's All-Star Game to see what stats were like in 12-min quarters, but I'll give you a couple pointers - no one scored 40 and no one got a triple-double or quadruple-double. All questions are worth a single point.

1. Who will win the All-Star game? West or East?
2. How many points will the West score? (within 10)
3. How many points will the East score? (within 10)
4. Who was the West's leading scorer?
5. How many points did he score? (within 5)
6. Who was the East's leading scorer?
7. How many points did he score? (within 5)
8. Which side won the battle of the boards?
9. Which Eastern trio (Miami Big 3 or Charlotte Big 3 of Felton, Wallace, Smith) scored more?
10. The game was decided by a clutch basket. Who scored it?
11. How many points did Tyson Chandler score? (within 5)
12. How many points did Corey Harrington score? (within 5)

[rise]

Domination Tear Past League-Best Mavericks

Despite a historic night for Dirk Nowitzki, the Domination were able to catch fire and take the Mavericks by storm in the fourth quarter to get the win. Tyson Chandler posted 26 points and 14 boards without DeJuan Blair backing him up. He played lockdown defense against the team he nearly won a championship with last season. He kept Marc Gasol to just 6 points and 3 rebounds and reduced Fabricio Oberto to nothing. No one seemed to have an answer for Dirk Nowitzki's sudden burst of all-around domination, for lack of a better word. He racked up a five-by-five and 27 points. "This is the best loss of my career. I've never had a game quite like this one. I haven't shot so many threes in a while either." Dirk, Monta Ellis, and Rashad McCants all shot very well, combining 77 points, while hitting 13-21 from downtown. No other Maverick made a trey the whole game.

Shawn Marion played tenacious defense, while rebounding well, but only got four points all night. His backups, Thierry Tirieux and Mike Harris played well. The 6'8 Thierry has improved on his point-forward-ness and had three assists in four minutes, giving Chris Paul and Roddy Beaubois a breather when it was necessary, while giving Dallas more size. How did the Domination survive Dirk Nowitzki and Co.'s attack? By playing like a team. Seven players scored in double-digits for NC and Walter Herrmann had 9 points, hitting three triples in the fourth quarter, crucial to the Domination's late comeback. Corey Harrington showed off playmaking skills, beating out Chris Paul, scoring a point more, three assists more, and stealing two more than Dallas's superstar floor general, who was fairly silent.

The Domination jump to 12-7, good for fifth in the East.


DAL: 35|69|90|111| Dirk Nowitzki: 27 points (7-12 FG%, 5-6 3P%, 8-9 FT%), 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 7 steals, 5 blocks, [five-by-five] 1 foul, 1 turnover
NCD: 21|54|83|116| Tyson Chandler: 26 points (11-17 FG%, 0-0 3P%, 4-4 FT%), 14 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 2 fouls, 3 turnovers

North Carolina

Code: Select all

Pos.  No.   Name         Pts   Mins  FGM   FGA   FG%   3PM   3PA   3P%   FTM   FTA   FT%   Rebs  Blk   Stl   Ast   TO    Fouls     
C     45    D. Blair     0     0     0     0     .000  0     0     .000  0     0     .000  0     0     0     0     0     0     
SG    24    S. Brown     10    16    4     7     .571  2     4     .500  0     0     .000  0     1     0     2     1     0     
C     6     T. Chandler  26    19    11    17    .647  0     0     .000  4     4     1.000 14    1     2     3     3     2     
PF    21    W. Chandler  13    15    6     14    .428  0     2     .000  1     1     1.000 5     3     0     4     5     3     
SF    32    J. Dudley    16    15    6     14    .428  4     11    .364  0     0     .000  2     0     0     2     2     3     
PG    3     C. Harrington11    19    5     8     .625  0     0     .000  1     2     .500  3     1     3     12    3     4     
PF    5     W. Herrmann  9     9     3     5     .600  3     5     .600  0     0     .000  9     0     0     3     0     2     
PG    11    A. Law       10    8     4     8     .500  2     6     .333  0     0     .000  0     0     1     5     0     1     
SG    35    A. Morrison  5     3     2     3     .667  1     2     .500  0     0     .000  1     1     0     1     0     0     
SG    22    A. Morrow    10    9     4     8     .500  2     5     .400  0     0     .000  2     1     1     1     1     1     
SF    14    P. Williams  0     1     0     0     .000  0     0     .000  0     0     .000  0     0     0     0     0     0     
PF    46    B. Wright    6     4     3     4     .750  0     0     .000  0     0     .000  3     0     0     0     1     1     

Dallas

Code: Select all

Pos.  No.   Name         Pts   Mins  FGM   FGA   FG%   3PM   3PA   3P%   FTM   FTA   FT%   Rebs  Blk   Stl   Ast   TO    Fouls     
PG    5     R. Beaubois  8     9     4     6     .667  0     1     .000  0     0     .000  2     0     1     7     5     4     
SG    8     M. Ellis     28    16    12    15    .800  4     6     .667  0     0     .000  6     0     1     1     2     0     
C     33    M. Gasol     6     18    2     2     1.000 0     0     .000  2     2     1.000 3     2     2     2     0     0     
SF    30    M. Harris    2     7     1     2     .500  0     0     .000  0     0     .000  2     0     1     0     0     1     
SG    1     J. Lin       0     0     0     0     .000  0     0     .000  0     0     .000  0     0     0     0     0     0     
SF    0     S. Marion    4     18    2     5     .400  0     1     .000  0     0     .000  7     0     4     1     0     1     
SG    37    R. McCants   22    9     8     13    .615  4     7     .571  2     2     1.000 2     0     0     0     0     0     
PF    41    D. Nowitzki  27    21    7     12    .583  5     6     .833  8     9     .889  9     5     7     6     1     1     
C     9     F. Oberto    0     11    0     1     .000  0     0     .000  0     2     .000  2     0     0     2     0     2     
PG    3     C. Paul      10    12    2     5     .400  0     2     .000  6     6     1.000 0     0     1     9     7     5     
SF    7     T. Tirieux   4     4     1     1     1.000 0     0     .000  2     3     .667  2     0     0     3     2     2     
PG    2     E. Watson    0     0     0     0     .000  0     0     .000  0     0     .000  0     0     0     0     0     0     

[rise]

Thierry, I had a pic of you obliterating Corey Harrington on a dunk, but I can't find my pic right now. If I find it, I'll edit my Dallas recap.

All-Star Rosters Announced
WEST:
-Andrew Bynum
-Lamarcus Aldridge
-Kevin Durant
-Monta Ellis
-Chris Paul
--
-Pau Gasol
-Deron Williams
-Al Jefferson
-Dirk Nowitzki
-Carmelo Anthony
-Jason Terry
-Steve Nash

EAST:
-Tyson Chandler [NCD]
-Carlos Boozer
-LeBron James
-Dwyane Wade
-Raymond Felton
--
-Gilbert Arenas
-Andrew Bogut
-Chris Bosh
-Josh Smith
-Rajon Rondo
-Gerald Wallace
-Corey Harrington [NCD]

Contest 3 Scores:
(I'm very impressed by all the scores, by the way, I expected mainly scores of 4-6.)

puttincomputers: 9 | Valdis: 9 | Houndy: 8 | Thierry •: 8 | Axel.: 8 | osaki: 7

[puttincomputers]

1. Who will win the All-Star game? West or East? West
2. How many points will the West score? (within 10) 117
3. How many points will the East score? (within 10) 115
4. Who was the West's leading scorer? Durant
5. How many points did he score? (within 5) 29
6. Who was the East's leading scorer? Wade
7. How many points did he score? (within 5) 27
8. Which side won the battle of the boards? West
9. Which Eastern trio (Miami Big 3 or Charlotte Big 3 of Felton, Wallace, Smith) scored more? Miami
10. The game was decided by a clutch basket. Who scored it? Ellis
11. How many points did Tyson Chandler score? (within 5) 22
12. How many points did Corey Harrington score? (within 5) 4

[Axel The Great]

Nice upset win against the Mavs. Huge game by Dirk, though. I'm also pretty surprised that Corey got an All-Star nod.

1. Who will win the All-Star game? West
2. How many points will the West score? 128
3. How many points will the East score? 126
4. Who was the West's leading scorer? KD
5. How many points did he score? 29
6. Who was the East's leading scorer? LeBron
7. How many points did he score? 32
8. Which side won the battle of the boards? West
9. Which Eastern trio (Miami Big 3 or Charlotte Big 3 of Felton, Wallace, Smith) scored more? Miami 3
10. The game was decided by a clutch basket. Who scored it? KD
11. How many points did Tyson Chandler score? 8
12. How many points did Corey Harrington score? 6

[rise]

Nice upset win against the Mavs. Huge game by Dirk, though.

I've had a 5-by-5 against me a few times, but they're usually defensive geniuses like Dwight Howard and Josh Smith who do it. I was amazed when I looked at the box score and saw those numbers.

I'm also pretty surprised that Corey got an All-Star nod.

I was surprised myself, but he has numbers comparable to this year's real life Rajon Rondo:

Corey: (rookie!): 12ppg, 9apg, 3rpg, 2.5spg, 1.5bpg
Rajon (real life): 10.5ppg, 11.3apg, 4.4rpg, 2.3spg, 0.2bpg

... and Corey draws fouls like crazy. As a rookie.

Contest 4 is on the previous page for people who are looking for it.

[Nutellar]

1. Who will win the All-Star game? West or East? East
2. How many points will the West score? (within 10) 154
3. How many points will the East score? (within 10) 156
4. Who was the West's leading scorer? C Paul
5. How many points did he score? (within 5) 37
6. Who was the East's leading scorer? Wayde
7. How many points did he score? (within 5) 32
8. Which side won the battle of the boards? East
9. Which Eastern trio (Miami Big 3 or Charlotte Big 3 of Felton, Wallace, Smith) scored more? Miami Big 3
10. The game was decided by a clutch basket. Who scored it? D Wade
11. How many points did Tyson Chandler score? (within 5) 29
12. How many points did Corey Harrington score? (within 5) 19

[kibaxx7]

1. Who will win the All-Star game? East
2. How many points will the West score? 181
3. How many points will the East score? 183
4. Who was the West's leading scorer? Kevin Durant
5. How many points did he score? 45
6. Who was the East's leading scorer? Dwyane Wade
7. How many points did he score? 42
8. Which side won the battle of the boards? East
9. Which Eastern trio (Miami Big 3 or Charlotte Big 3 of Felton, Wallace, Smith) scored more? Miami's
10. The game was decided by a clutch basket. Who scored it? Gilbert Arenas
11. How many points did Tyson Chandler score? 11
12. How many points did Corey Harrington score? 10

Thierry, I had a pic of you obliterating Corey Harrington on a dunk, but I can't find my pic right now. If I find it, I'll edit my Dallas recap.

Nice, tell me when it's posted.

Also just saw the last season ASG, LeBron with 18 turnovers? I'm predicting everything based on that game.