Wizards are champions again!

[Durant35]

Cousins is definitely giving you some low post offense and rebounding.

[Phil89]

Just ordered an HD capture card and I'm waiting for it to arrive before I do any of the all-star weekend events.

So with that and the all-star DLC I downloaded last week this year's all-star coverage should be better.

[Phil89]

15/2/14

Beal dominates as the league shows off it's bright young talents



STA - 24 20 25 28 97
ELI - 21 20 20 22 83

Player of the Game: Bradley Beal
(37pts, 9reb, 1ast, 1stl)
(15-24 FG, 7-13 3PT, 0-0 FT)


Top Scorers
Bradley Beal - 37
TyShaun Taylor - 18
Andre Drummond - 17
Harrison Barnes - 14
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist - 14
Trevor Mbakwe - 10
Nerlens Noel - 9
Cody Zeller - 8

Rebounds
James McAdoo - 9
Bradley Beal - 9
TyShaun Taylor - 7
Andrew Nicholson - 6
Andre Drummond - 6
Harrison Barnes - 6
Nerlens Noel - 6
Shabazz Muhammad - 6
Cody Zeller - 5
Terrence Ross - 5

Assists
Damian Lillard - 13
TyShaun Taylor - 9
Shabazz Muhammad - 5

Steals
James McAdoo - 3
Harrison Barnes - 2
Shabazz Muhammad - 2

Blocks
Harrison Barnes - 1
Anthony Davis - 1
Nerlens Noel - 1
Damian Lillard - 1


Beal Highlights


Noel Highlights

I usually play as the underdog in this game, but both Beal and Noel were on the stacked team so I had to pick it.

Beal now has 64 points in his two appearances in the rising stars game, which might be a record? Too lazy to look it up. Btw, Noel had 9p/6r/3a/1b.

[Mark.]

Beal a scoring machine. Like it. Still as I always say, looking forward to getting back to the real games

[Phil89]

I really think that Beal could challenge for the scoring title in the next year or two, if he keeps improving.

[Phil89]

16/2/14

All-Star Saturday provides close action

2014 Foot Locker Three Point Contest


Round One



Round Two

-----

2014 Sprite Dunk Contest


Round One



Round Two



Round Three

[Phil89]

17/2/14

LeBron grabs the headlines with last second winner



EAST - 29 31 29 31 120
WEST - 32 33 28 26 119

Player of the Game: LeBron James
(27pts, 8reb, 6ast)
(11-19 FG, 3-5 3PT, 2-3 FT)


Top Scorers
Kevin Durant - 31
LeBron James - 27
Carmelo Anthony - 25
Blake Griffin - 24
Kobe Bryant - 17
Shabazz Muhammad - 17
Russell Westbrook - 16
John Wall - 15
Derrick Rose - 15

Rebounds
Blake Griffin - 12
LeBron James - 8
Carmelo Anthony - 8
Dwight Howard - 6
Kevin Durant - 5

Assists
John Wall - 14
Kobe Bryant - 11
Jeremy Lin - 6
LeBron James - 6
Dwyane Wade - 6
Derrick Rose - 5

Steals
Damian Lillard - 2
Dwight Howard - 2

Blocks
Kevin Durant - 2


Dramatic ending to the game.



LeBron wins the MVP.



John Wall had a great game.

[SuperHueyNewton]

Couldn't watch the recaps at school -_-

[Mark.]

Nice coverage man. Hadn't seen the ASW stuff in action on 2k13. Wall played very nice and huge game from Lebron

[Durant35]

HUGE Layup by Bron! Coincidence that it also happened in real-life?

[Phil89]

Couldn't watch the recaps at school -_-

Does your school block Youtube or is it an issue with the videos?

Nice coverage man. Hadn't seen the ASW stuff in action on 2k13. Wall played very nice and huge game from Lebron

Thanks, I figured recording the three point and dunk contests would be better than just writing the winners.

The ASG was a battle between letting the starters have their playing time and getting Wall his as well. I think I balanced it nicely. LeBron proved his doubters wrong with that last shot under pressure.

HUGE Layup by Bron! Coincidence that it also happened in real-life?

Maybe. He is a quality player in real life and on 2k



Trade deadline coverage up next...

[Phil89]

20/2/14

Frantic deadline day as teams look ahead to the future, short and long term





This time of year is always exciting for basketball fans across the country and indeed the world. The main attraction is always the all-star weekend with all of it's star power and celebrity appearances, but perhaps the more important date on the basketball calendar is the trade deadline. For a couple of weeks before it arrives each season fans anticipate what moves their team might make; whether it be landing the superstar who will lead their team to the promised land of championship contention, acquiring a lottery pick ahead of draft stocked with hyped prospects or simply dumping an overpriced contract who hasn't been performing.

This year was no different and several general managers made frantic phone calls to their counterparts across the country in the three days since LeBron hit that buzzer-beater to win the all-star game for the east team. The two biggest players in this season's scramble were Chicago and Washington, who both were involved in two deals each. The Bulls, who are seemingly doomed to lottery status this season with Joakim Noah continuously on the injured list, decided to jettison veterans Carlos Boozer and Luol Deng in exchange for future cap space and potential lottery picks. The high-flying Wizards on the other hand dumped frustrated duo Pau Gasol and Jarrett Jack and still managed to retain cap room to re-sign John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins.

Pau Gasol


Kris Humphries, Wayne Ellington

After weeks of complaining about his role in media interviews and asking to be traded, Pau Gasol finally got his wish. He's heading back to the place where his NBA journey began; Memphis, Tennessee. It's a fitting place for him to spend the twilight period of his illustrious career and as an added bonus he gets to play alongside his brother Marc. Pau had been used as filler in the deal that sent Rudy Gay to Toronto and found himself behind Nerlens Noel, Derrick Favors and most recently DeMarcus Cousins in the pecking order in Washington. Now he gets to have a starting role with the team which drafted him with the third pick in the 2001 draft. The Grizzlies currently hold the sixth seed out west with a 26-25 record. They are sat at the top of a group of six teams chasing the last three western seeds, separated by only two and a half games.

The Wizards probably could have gotten a better deal for Gasol, but getting two expiring contracts helps them keep the cap room that they need to re-sign John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins. Humphries is Washington's main reserve big man now that JJ Hickson and Gasol are gone. Veteran Chris Andersen will also have to play increased minutes as the Wizards look to go deep in the playoffs. Ellington will likely be waived and replaced by another big man as the Wizards already have Thabo Sefolosha, DaeQuan Cook and DeAndre Liggins backing up Bradley Beal at shooting guard. Washington are currently third in the east with an impressive 37-14 record. It's been a simply amazing turnaround for them after they finished with the second-worst record in the league last season.

-----

Jarrett Jack


Greivis Vasquez

This deal for Washington was another case of getting rid of a player who posed a risk to team harmony. Jarrett Jack apparently had many arguments with Randy Wittman over playing time. So they've sent him back to one of his former teams, the New Orleans Hornets, in exchange for Venezuelan Greivis Vasquez. The 6 ft 6 guard will take over Jack's role in their second unit. Vasquez is said to be very happy with the change of scenery because he was stuck in a five-man point guard rotation in New Orleans and now has a chance to play for a team that is winning. His bench scoring will be vital for the Wizards' second unit.

The Hornets are just behind that group of teams fighting for the last seeds in the west. They hope that bringing in Jack will give them some veteran help as they make a push for playoffs. DJ Augustin has secured the starting point guard role in NOLA, but Jack will be able to back him up and also mentor the group of young guards that were drafted by the Hornets this year. In a move that David Kahn would be proud of, the Hornets drafted three point guards in the first round of the last draft. They were Myck Kabongo (pick 4), Ian Miller (pick 17) and CJ McCollum (pick 20). Given the wealth of guards at their disposal they will probably let Jack walk at the end of the season to free up some cap room.

-----

Andrea Bargnani, Timberwolves' 2014 first rounder


Carlos Boozer

Chicago offloaded one of their highest earners by sending veteran Carlos Boozer to the Timberwolves in exchange for former number one pick Andrea Bargnani and a potential 2014 lottery pick. It seems that after Joakim Noah's latest injury setback the Bulls decided to more or less give up on this season and focus all their attention towards landing Chicago native Jabari Parker in the upcoming draft. Replacing Boozer with Bargnani saves the Bulls several million dollars over the two years that they both have left on their contracts. It also gives the Bulls so more floor spreading on offense. They are sitting thirteenth in the east with a 19-34 record after disappointing early season form. One positive for their fans though is that they could find themselves with three lottery picks next June.

For Minnesota this deal is all about adding a dominant inside scorer to bolster their quest of reaching the playoffs. It's been an interesting season for their fans as David Kahn has been changing thingsup. Bargnani himself was brought to the club earlier in the season in a trade with Toronto. Kahn's goal seems to have been to bring in experienced players who could help his team compete and to end their perpetual rebuilding cycle. Perhaps having Boozer on the team will give former lottery pick Derrick Williams someone who can help him with his inside game. He really needs to kick on if he's to become the good player that Kahn wants him to be. Minnesota are in the group of teams fighting for the last few playoff seeds in the west. They will be hoping that this move pays off for them and that Boozer can lead them to new heights.

-----

Danilo Gallinari, JaVale McGee


JR Smith, Anderson Varejao

It seems that Cleveland owner Dan Gilbert has decided to commit his team being a playoff team for the next several years by trading for a pair of quality younger players. JaVale McGee and Danilo Gallinari fill the two main holes in the Cavs' roster. Despite his tendency to do the occasional idiotic thing on the court, McGee is an athletic freak. When he is focused and on form he can be a legitimate triple-double threat. Cleveland also strengthen their frontcourt with versatile Italian Gallinari. The former Knick will relish a starting role after having to compete with Wilson Chandler in Denver. Although this move is intended to help them in the long run, a playoff run isn't out of the question this season as they are only just behind the eighth seed out east at the moment. Their young core of McGee, Gallinari, Tristan Thompson, Dion Waiters and Kyrie Irving could cause some problems for teams out east in the future.

The Nuggets bring fan favourite JR Smith back to Denver in and add another rebounding machine to play alongside Kenneth Faried. It definitely signals their intent to challenge for a title and could help them solidify their third seed out west. Smith will add some much needed scoring to the Nuggets roster and will be able to take the load whilst rookie Ben McLemore develops. The pair could even form a dynamic duo in the future. Acquiring veteran Brazilian Varejao also gives them some cap flexibility moving forward as he has a team option on his contract for next season. He and Faried should really dominate the boards. Denver are currently third in the western conference with a solid 32-20 record and look good for a playoff run. They'll face strong competition from the Clippers and Thunder though.

-----

Danny Granger, Vince Carter


OJ Mayo, Shawn Marion, Rodrigue Beaubois

Apparently the bank of Cuban is open for business at the moment. After winning a championship in 2011 Mark Cuban decided to dismantle his team in a bid to crate cap room and lure the likes of Deron Williams, Chris Paul or Dwight Howard to sign in Dallas. This plan ultimately failed and his team this season has the worst record in the league. It prompted his star player Dirk Nowitzki to issue a simple ultimatum: "Get me help or trade me". So rather than lose the guy who got him a ring, Cuban has sanctioned the acquisition of veteran sharpshooter Danny Granger from Indiana. A deal like this was the only way for the team to improve after they shortsightedly traded their 2014 first rounder for JJ Barea during last season's draft. Marion was expiring at season's end and could have even retired, so he isn't a big loss. This deal also clears up the logjam at the point guard position, with Collison and Barea now handling those duties. The Mavs are having a torrid season so far and sit rock bottom of the western conference with a dismal 14-39 record. Hopefully this move gets them headed back to the top again.

For Indiana, this trade allows them to give the keys to the franchise to rising all-star Paul George. He'll take over the three spot whilst OJ Mayo will slot in at shooting guard. Granger signed a monster extension months ago and with George playing so well the Pacers decided that the veteran was no longer needed. Rodrigue Beaubois will provide much needed backup for George Hill at point guard. Up until this point of the season the Frenchman had been considered a top candidate for the sixth man award. Depending on whether or not Mayo decides to stay in Indiana past this season, the Pacers could have a fair amount of cap space to work with in the next free agency period. Things are looking good for Indiana are far as achieving playoff basketball this season. They are currently holding the sixth seed in the east with a fairly solid 29-25 record.

-----

DeAndre Jordan, Omri Casspi


Andrew Bogut

Probably the most interesting move made before the deadline was the western conference leading Clippers trading big man DeAndre Jordan and forward Omri Casspi to the Warriors for Andrew Bogut. The lob city era is possibly over as Blake Griffin is the only one of that trio left in Los Angeles. The Clippers have done a good job of retooling after Chris Paul joined the Spurs in the off-season. They added Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili in a sign-and-trade deal with the Spurs and so far it seems that they got the better end of the deal as they are currently the in-form team in the league. They definitely hold the bragging rights in LA after a 36-19 start to the season has them on top of the western conference. This trade could very well make them favourites for the title.

For Golden State this deal gives them a younger core and saves them a fair bit of money. DeAndre Jordan gives them a much more athletic big man to base their team around. Both Jordan and Bogut are primarily defensively minded players, so the structure of the team shouldn't change a whole lot. In a few years the likes of Stephen Curry, Harrison Barnes, James McAdoo and Klay Thompson could well have the Warriors in a position to be legitimately challenging for titles. It's an exciting prospect for Warriors fans and there could be another name added to that list with a lottery pick in the upcoming draft.The rest of this season will basically be a write-off for them though as they are fourteenth in the west with a 17-36 record.

-----

Kevin Seraphin, Xavier Henry, Hornets' 2014 first rounder


Luol Deng

The final deal made before the deadline involved Chicago sending veteran forward Luol Deng to the Hornets in exchange for Xavier Henry, Kevin Seraphin and a 2014 first round pick. It's clear the the Bulls' management have decided to put a line through this season, dump as much salary as possible and load up on valuable assets. This deal comes after they traded Carlos Boozer to the Timberwolves. Henry is locked into a fairly manageable deal and Seraphin is actually expiring next season. The first round pick could well be in the lottery, depending on how the Hornets finish out the season. The Bulls now have three potential lottery picks in the next draft as they aim to land hometown phenom Jabari Parker. As a result of their deadline dealing their own pick could shoot up the final lottery order as their team is weakened.

For New Orleans this deal fills a big hole in their roster and boosts their push to reach the playoffs for only the second time in the last five years. They'll have to be pretty much perfect until the end of the season to make it though. Deng will be the veteran in a starting line-up that includes 2012 top pick Anthony Davis, sharpshooter Ryan Anderson, young prospect Austin Rivers and NOLA native DJ Augustin. Deng will be able to use his perimeter defensive skills to the max knowing that Davis will be behind him protecting the paint. They are currently holding the twelfth out west seed but may feel that with a late season run they can nab the eighth seed and then be competitive against one of the top western teams.

[Durant35]

What the hell did the Clippers and Bulls just do? Anyways, nice trades going on. Excellent outlook for the future signings!

[SuperHueyNewton]

Jarret Jack back in NOLA? and J.R. back in Denver...wierd

Also school blocks youtube -_-

[hova-]

Nice gamewinner by LBJ. A hell lot of trades going on. Your team is really stacked, I couldnt imagine trading away Gasol or Jack with my Mavs, they would definitely help me.

Nice dunks, cool SDC report!

[Phil89]

Nice gamewinner by LBJ. A hell lot of trades going on. Your team is really stacked, I couldnt imagine trading away Gasol or Jack with my Mavs, they would definitely help me.

Nice dunks, cool SDC report!

Part of the reason I traded them was to make my team slightly weaker. I know it sounds dumb but I'm doing much better than I'd hoped this season and on some level I felt a bit guilty about it. But the fact that they wanted to be traded made the decision easier.


Now onto the rest of the season. Only other distraction left is the contract extension deadline, but it looks like Wall and Cousins will remain 'undecided' on new contracts.

[Phil89]

19/2/14

Washington Wizards [37-14] vs Brooklyn Nets [31-22]

Wizards look sluggish after all-star break



WAS - 25 24 24 25 98
BKN - 30 26 29 21 106

Player of the Game: Gerald Wallace
(23pts, 6reb, 1ast, 2stl)
(10-13 FG, 0-0 3PT, 3-3 FT)


Top Scorers
Gerald Wallace - 23
Joe Johnson - 23
Deron Williams - 19
Greivis Vasquez - 19
DeMarcus Cousins - 18
Bradley Beal - 18
Nerlens Noel - 17
DeMar DeRozan - 12

Rebounds
Brook Lopez - 9
Nerlens Noel - 7
DeMar DeRozan - 6
Zach Randolph - 6
Gerald Wallace - 6
Joe Johnson - 5
John Wall - 5

Assists
John Wall - 19
Deron Williams - 11
Bradley Beal - 7
Nerlens Noel - 5

Steals
Joe Johnson - 4
TyShaun Taylor - 2
Brook Lopez - 2
Gerald Wallace - 2

Blocks
Greivis Vasquez - 2


Vasquez had an impressive debut


Vasquez dunks over Teletovic

[Durant35]

First and Third quarter killed you. 30 and 29, ain't nobody got time fo dat.

[Phil89]

22/2/14

Washington Wizards [37-15] vs Utah Jazz [26-29]

Wizards bounce back and destroy poor Jazz



WAS - 30 29 34 32 125
UTA - 22 19 26 20 87

Player of the Game: John Wall
(21pts, 3reb, 21ast, 1stl, 1blk)
(9-11 FG, 0-2 3PT, 3-4 FT)


Top Scorers
DeMar DeRozan - 25
Bradley Beal - 24
DeMarcus Cousins - 21
John Wall - 21
Nerlens Noel - 15
Gerald Green - 15
Eric Gordon - 14
Nate Robinson - 12
Al Jefferson - 10

Rebounds
DeMarcus Cousins - 9
DeMar DeRozan - 6
Bradley Beal - 6
Paul Millsap - 5

Assists
John Wall - 21
Bradley Beal - 7

Steals
Paul Millsap - 3
Greivis Vasquez - 2

Blocks
Nerlens Noel - 2

Wall was the POTG


Extended Wall highlights

[Durant35]

I'll be honest with you. Give them a chance, please.

[Mark.]

Man I REALLY REALLY enjoyed that trade deadline recap!

Interesting move by the Clippers and Warriors. To be honest I think it is a win:win there. The Clippers lineup of Bogut|Griffin|????|Manu|Parker is really enticing, should be awesome in the halfcourt anyway and Bogut is a much smarter defender than Jordan. For the Warriors, as you say, it helps them going forward. That future starting 5 is very nice.

Good moves on your behalf too. Vasquez should be a nice backup for Wall and the extra height in the backcourt is nice also.

[Phil89]

23/2/14

Washington Wizards [38-15] vs Houston Rockets [32-25]

Beal gets the better of Harden in the battle of young guards



WAS - 26 27 18 27 98
HOU - 24 21 30 18 93

Player of the Game: Bradley Beal
(32pts, 4reb, 5ast, 1stl, 1blk)
(13-18 FG, 4-9 3PT, 2-2 FT)


Top Scorers
Bradley Beal - 32
Jeremy Lin - 20
Jordan Crawford - 17
Chris Kaman - 15
DeMar DeRozan - 15
John Salmons - 14
Nerlens Noel - 13
James Harden - 12

Rebounds
Nene - 8
Nerlens Noel - 7
James Harden - 6
Tyler Hansbrough - 5
Chandler Parsons - 5
Jeremy Lin - 5

Assists
Greivis Vasquez - 12
John Wall - 9
James Harden - 9
Bradley Beal - 5

Steals
James Harden - 4

Beal was POTG


Extended Beal highlights

I actually had to sim the last 2 minutes of this game because it got stuck on an inbounds pass and I had no other option. The margin ended up being the same anyway though.

I love Beal so much, but I should really get back to sharing the scoring load amongst my starters.

[Phil89]

I'll be honest with you. Give them a chance, please.

I was kinda angry after that Nets loss...

Man I REALLY REALLY enjoyed that trade deadline recap!

Interesting move by the Clippers and Warriors. To be honest I think it is a win:win there. The Clippers lineup of Bogut|Griffin|????|Manu|Parker is really enticing, should be awesome in the halfcourt anyway and Bogut is a much smarter defender than Jordan. For the Warriors, as you say, it helps them going forward. That future starting 5 is very nice.

Good moves on your behalf too. Vasquez should be a nice backup for Wall and the extra height in the backcourt is nice also.

I thought it was a pretty even deal too. The Clippers are competing for a championship right now and the Warriors are (surprisingly) a lottery team. I think the Clippers play Caron Butler at small forward.

Vasquez is awesome so far. He is a decent scorer and gives me a boost as my second unit leader, plus his height allows me to defend the bigger guards.

[Mark.]

Yeah Beal is beasting for you. But I think you gotta start dumping it into Cousins a bit more, let the big dog breath, keep him happy!

[Durant35]

Damn Beal, missing only 5 shots?