(63-19) First Round Wraps Up [4-0]

[puttincomputers]

Points leader for February: Kevin Martin
Rebounds leader for February: Ming
Assists leader for February: Lowry

@ Lakers: W
@ Jazz: L
vs. Grizzlies: W
@ Nuggets L
vs. T-Wolves: W
vs. Mavericks: L
vs. Nuggets: W
vs. 76ers: W
@ Pistons: W
@ Cavaliers: W
vs. Nets: W
@ Hornets: L
All-Star Game winner: (East/West) East
Rookie Challenge winner: (Rookies/Sophomores) Rookies

Overall Record for February: (12 games in total) 8-4

[rise]

Points leader for February: K-Mart
Rebounds leader for February: Yao
Assists leader for February: Brooks

@ Lakers: W
@ Jazz: W
vs. Grizzlies: W
@ Nuggets L
vs. T-Wolves: W
vs. Mavericks: L
vs. Nuggets: W
vs. 76ers: W
@ Pistons: W
@ Cavaliers: W
vs. Nets: W
@ Hornets: W
All-Star Game winner: (East/West) West
Rookie Challenge winner: (Rookies/Sophomores) Sophs

Overall Record for February: (12 games in total) 10-2

[kibaxx7]

Points leader for February: Kevin Martin
Rebounds leader for February: Luis Scola
Assists leader for February: Aaron Brooks

@ Lakers: W
@ Jazz: W
vs. Grizzlies: W
@ Nuggets: L
vs. T-Wolves: W
vs. Mavericks: W
vs. Nuggets: W
vs. 76ers: W
@ Pistons: L
@ Cavaliers: W
vs. Nets: W
@ Hornets: L
All-Star Game winner: West
Rookie Challenge winner: Sophs

Overall Record for February: 9-3

[Stress Fracture]

Points leader for February: Kevin Martin
Rebounds leader for February: Luis Scola
Assists leader for February: Aaron Brooks

@ Lakers:W
@ Jazz:W
vs. Grizzlies:W
@ NuggetsW
vs. T-Wolves:W
vs. Mavericks:W
vs. Nuggets:W
vs. 76ers:W
@ Pistons:W
@ Cavaliers:W
vs. Nets:W
@ Hornets:W
All-Star Game winner: (East/West) West
Rookie Challenge winner: (Rookies/Sophomores) Rookies

Overall Record for February: (12 games in total) 12-0 (yeah believe me, you can beat them all)



About the Dream Points, I'll spend them once the next season starts.

[hova-]

I'm not so much into this prediction stuff, at least it's less work for you then.

Just keep this one up, one of my fav stories on the board

[Lamrock]

I like the corruption angle. Sure I've asked you this already, but do you tweak the foul sliders in the CPU's favor in the rigged games?

[Axel The Great]

About the Dream Points, I'll spend them once the next season starts.

Sure, no problem.

Anyone else predictions? I've got Valdis, Thierry, Stress Fracture, z02, puttincomputers, and Houndy's predictions. I'll give everyone 'til Tuesday to send them in before I resume with the updates for February. Got the top plays next, including the poster on Blake Griffin!

I'm not so much into this prediction stuff, at least it's less work for you then.

Just keep this one up, one of my fav stories on the board

Thanks, hova-! That really means a lot to me! Your story is one of my favorites, definitely in the top 3 on the board.

As for predictions, I'm thinking of doing away with it for next season. I may have a little playoff prediction game this season, that may end up being the only prediction game I do for the next season, idk.

I like the corruption angle. Sure I've asked you this already, but do you tweak the foul sliders in the CPU's favor in the rigged games?

Don't remember you asking me this, but I've actually only played one game that was "corrupted" by Stern. I had the foul sliders higher for the CPU, but for some reason, we still ended up attempting the same amount of free throws. But yeah, I don't think I've ever seen anyone do this before, so it's a nice little challenge to implement.

[Axel The Great]

Top Plays of the Season So Far

The Rockets have produced some crowd-pleasing plays this season. The following are the best of the best, in no particular order.

phpBB [video]

Kevin Martin gets fouled and gets the tough layup to go.

phpBB [video]

Dwight Howard gets a taste of his own medicine and has his dunk blocked by Yao.

phpBB [video]

Kevin Martin drives to the rim, gets fouled by Dwyane Wade, and finishes the play.

phpBB [video]

Chase Budinger avenges the corpses of those posterized by Blake Griffin.

phpBB [video]

Chase Budinger finishes a tough alley-oop that most other players would not have been able to finish.

phpBB [video]

Kevin Martin doesn't need to look in order to put the ball in the basket.

Interaction: Which highlight was your favorite? Vote by posting below!

[Houndy]

Chase over Griffin

[rise]

Blake getting dunked on.

[puttincomputers]

Chase over griffin

[KidJustin]

Blake Griffin Posterizing Chase Budinger...obviously

[Justine.]

Points leader for February: Kevin Martin
Rebounds leader for February: Luis Scola
Assists leader for February: Aaron Brooks

@ Lakers: W
@ Jazz: W
vs. Grizzlies: W
@ Nuggets L
vs. T-Wolves: W
vs. Mavericks: L
vs. Nuggets: L
vs. 76ers: W
@ Pistons: W
@ Cavaliers: W
vs. Nets: W
@ Hornets: L
All-Star Game winner: West
Rookie Challenge winner: Rookies

Overall Record for February: 8-4

[hova-]

For sure Chase making a b**** out of Blake. I love Chase's wicked vertical.

[rise]

Let's say people like that one.

[George7]

KidJustin didn't like that one,did you KJ??
K-Mart is a highlight maker it seems!

Points leader for February: Kevin Martin
Rebounds leader for February: Luis Scola
Assists leader for February: Aaron Brooks

@ Lakers: L
@ Jazz: W
vs. Grizzlies: W
@ Nuggets L
vs. T-Wolves: W
vs. Mavericks: W
vs. Nuggets: W
vs. 76ers:W
@ Pistons: W
@ Cavaliers: W
vs. Nets: W
@ Hornets: L
All-Star Game winner: East
Rookie Challenge winner: Sophomores

Overall Record for February: 9-3

[Axel The Great]

Yep, guess the other highlights don't even come close, at all. They were still pretty good in my opinion. Will look to have more in the future, and maybe have everyone vote for the top 5 or top 10 plays of the season.

Blake Griffin Posterizing Chase Budinger...obviously

Blake's posterized so many players out there, it was about time someone posterized him!

For sure Chase making a b**** out of Blake. I love Chase's wicked vertical.

For sure, who said white men can't jump?

K-Mart is a highlight maker it seems!

Yep, I remember I also had a replay of him making one of the toughest layups you'll ever see (and-one, no look, throwing up a prayer kind) against the Clippers over Eric Gordon, but couldn't find it. Seems him and Chase make a highlight-generating duo.

And thanks to those who have submitted predictions. Week 15 Recap will be up shortly.

[Axel The Great]

[34-15] Houston Rockets 113-98 Los Angeles Lakers [28-20]


K-Mart using Kobe's signature turnaround fadeaway jumpshot and sending a message that he is willing to take over the "best two-guard" title.

Role players like Kyle Lowry stepped up this game. | Andrew Bynum's extremely inefficient game cost the Lakers.

The Rockets began the game on a 14-4 run. They connected on six of their first eight field goal attempts, while the Lakers failed to connect on six of their seven first attempts. The Rockets limited Kobe Bryant to only four points in the first half, on 2/7 shooting. He would go on a scoring surge in the second half, but it was a case of too little, too late, as the Rockets could care less how much he scored as they had the game secured. At one point, the Rockets had a 15-point lead in the first half, but in the third quarter, the Lakers came out with surging defense, making an attempt to claw their way back into the game.

They chipped the lead down to five midway through the third quarter, and limited the Rockets to 20 third quarter points. Leading the way for the Rockets, was Kevin Martin, who had a game high 27 points. His streak of 30+ point games came to an end at 19, but not on a bad note. "This was the best way to end the streak in my opinion. I shot efficiently, and my team won. I just didn't take any more attempts," Martin said. He shot an efficient 10/15 from the field, sending a message to Bryant.

In the fourth quarter, the Lakers went on a surge, and came within three. However, Luis Scola and Martin led the Rockets to pull away, eventually obtaining a 20-point lead late in the quarter, making it garbage time. The Rockets have swept the season series against the Lakers, 3-0. Kobe Bryant was not too happy after the game, as his team showed no effort, and he was intimidated by Kevin Martin during a heated confrontation in the fourth quarter.

As the Rockets were leaving the arena through the entrance tunnel after the game, Laker fans started throwing things at Martin. "They're all just a Kobe (expletive)-sucking pile of dung, utter garbage. They're not winning a championship this season, not with that kind of attitude or performances," said Martin. This is likely the start to an even more intense rivalry between the Rockets and the Lakers. "We're not too worried at this point. This team can beat any team in a seven-game series. If we end up facing them in the playoffs, the team will bring much more effort," said Lakers head coach Phil Jackson.

Player of the Game-

Kevin Martin
27 points | 7 rebounds | 3 assists | 10/15 FG

Key Performers:
Rockets:
Luis Scola - 19 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 9/14 FG
Aaron Brooks - 11 points, 13 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, 5/14 FG
Yao Ming - 10 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals, 3 blocks, 4/9 FG
Kyle Lowry - 10 points, 7 assists, 1 rebound, 5 TO, 3/7 FG

Lakers:
Kobe Bryant - 24 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals, 1 block, 10/20 FG
Lamar Odom - 20 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 9/13 FG
Andrew Bynum - 14 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 7/22 FG
Pau Gasol - 14 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 7/13 FG
Shannon Brown - 13 points, 2 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 6/11 FG

27 33 20 33 113
19 29 24 26 98

[35-15] Houston Rockets 117-116 Utah Jazz [29-20]


Raja Bell had the hot hand all game. | D-Will could not carry his team in the clutch.

AB showed his scoring and passing repertoire this game. | The three to tie it for overtime.

The Rockets caught fire in the first quarter, shooting 60% from the field. They were clicking on all cylinders, getting easy baskets, and forcing turnovers on the defensive end. Kevin Martin led the way on an unsurprisingly efficient 16/25 from the field, good for a game high 40 points. The lead that the Rockets built reached its peak in the second quarter, which was 15, and the Rockets held a 13 point lead at halftime.

The Jazz came out with an aggressive mentality in the third quarter, shooting efficiently, and shutting down the Rockets' offense. Raja Bell had the hot hand for the Jazz, as he had 22 points on 8/12 shooting, including 4/6 from downtown. His club climbed their way back into the game, to tie the game heading into the final period.

In the fourth quarter, the Rockets took a 97-92 lead, after a three-point play by Shane Battier. The Jazz would come tearing after that, however, as they went on a 9-0 run to take a 101-97 lead. Kevin Martin scored another three-point play to end the run, but the Jazz came coming back. With the game at 106-103, Raja Bell knocked down a three-pointer with less than a minute left, and that appeared to be the dagger to end the game. However, a three-point play and a defensive stop leading to a fast break for the Rockets, Martin knocked down a wide open three in transition to tie the game with five seconds remaining. At 109-109, Deron Williams had a chance to win the game, but his fadeaway rolled off the rim.

In overtime, both teams played gritty defense, not allowing easy baskets. This was a change from regulation, as both teams were shooting a high percentage all game. The Jazz shot 55% from the field while the Rockets shot 53%. The Jazz took a 116-115 lead in the final minute of the overtime period, thanks to a jumpshot from the right block from Paul Millsap. After a timeout, Yao Ming shot a turnaround jumpshot from the high post over Al Jefferson, and banked it in with 21 seconds left to take a 117-116 lead, and that was the eventual game-winner.

The Jazz blew their chance to win the game, as Deron Williams got the ball inside to Jefferson who had to settle for a tough shot with Yao breathing down his neck, and fell short. The Rockets retake the lead in the Western Conference with this win, and what a way to do it, on a huge overtime thriller win.

Player of the Game-

Kevin Martin
40 points | 2 rebounds | 2 assists | 2 steals | 16/25 FG | 4/4 3P

Key Performers:
Rockets:
Aaron Brooks - 16 points, 12 assists, 3 rebounds, 6/10 FG, 1/3 3P
Luis Scola - 14 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block, 5/14 FG
Brad Miller - 11 points, 2 rebounds, 1 block, 4/5 FG
Yao Ming - 10 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 5/8 FG

Jazz:
Al Jefferson - 26 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 1 block, 11/16 FG
Raja Bell - 22 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 8/12 FG, 4/6 3P
Paul Millsap - 18 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, 9/17 FG
Deron Williams - 18 points, 12 assists, 7 rebounds, 1 block, 6 TO, 7/15 FG

29 30 21 29 8 117
21 25 34 29 7 116

[36-15] Houston Rockets 107-113 Memphis Grizzlies [21-30]


Brad Miller has had a nice string of games this week. | Rudy Gay's double-double was instrumental in taking out the Rockets.

The Grizzlies are struggling to stay at .500 this season, but came out on fire against the Rockets. They scored 33 first quarter points, led by OJ Mayo. He scored a team high 31 points, sinking 6/10 from downtown. Helping out was Rudy Gay's double-double of 25 points and 10 boards, and also let's not forget Zach Randolph's non-rare double-double of 16 points and 15 boards. This Grizzlies team was clicking offensively all game, and pulled an upset over the team with the second best record in the league.

Not to be outdone, the Rockets had to fight hard this game. They were down by as many as 14 points in the second quarter, as Mayo and Gay were just having their way against the defense. Kevin Martin yet again scored high, with a game high 39 points, on 16/23 shooting. He had the size advantage over OJ Mayo, and used that to abuse him on the low post.

What was the X-Factor for the Rockets was the struggles of Aaron Brooks and Luis Scola. Together, they shot 9/26 from the field, not able to keep up with the efficient shooting from everyone else. "This is a big upset. The fact that we defeated a championship-caliber team on their home floor gives us a huge boost in confidence moving forward as we try to get above .500," Grizzlies forward Rudy Gay said.

Even with this loss, the Rockets claim the season series over the Grizzlies 3-1, and continue to be tops in the southwest division, where only this Memphis team is below .500.

Player of the Game-

Rudy Gay
25 points | 10 rebounds | 7 assists | 1 steal | 9/20 FG

Key Performers:
Rockets:
Kevin Martin - 39 points, 4 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 16/23 FG
Luis Scola - 14 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 6/15 FG
Chase Budinger - 12 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 5/5 FG
Yao Ming - 10 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 4/8 FG
Aaron Brooks - 8 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds, 5 TO, 3/11 FG

Grizzlies:
OJ Mayo - 31 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 11/23 FG, 6/10 3P
Zach Randolph - 16 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 8/16 FG
Marc Gasol - 12 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, 4/11 FG
Michael Conley - 11 points, 12 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 3/5 FG

27 31 26 23 107
33 29 29 22 113

[rise]

Ahhh, the Lakers get raped again.

...and then you lose to Memphis. WTF, AXEL?!?!?

[kibaxx7]

That was a TWO!

[Justine.]

Agreed to Thierry Rockets>Lakers

[karlsanada10]

Can I still send you my application form for the draftees? Or am I late? Anyways, I'll just send it to you.

[Stress Fracture]

Agreed to Thierry Rockets>Lakers

And Phil's bitching again.

[shadowgrin]

That was a TWO!

Also possible that it's still a three. Martin's foot stepped on the line just after landing from the jump (shot).

[hova-]

Oh, Martin's streak coming to an end. But a win vs LAL is still a win vs the Champ. The goddamn Grizzlies are so tough to play, I hate their offense. Really fastbreaking all the time and good shooters ins Mayo, Gay and Conley (and now even Battier in my D&RL)