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

[kibaxx7]

And it's probably photobucket continuing with their unexplained grudge against you, Thierry.

Already edited all 38 pages again. Fuck them. Never using Photobucket again.

[Nutellar]

The 76ers couldnt improve in the second half of the season, but as you mentioned maybe next year. Maybe they get a nice Draft Steal or an other nice offseason move.

A bit surprising to see the Bobcats with 41-41.

[Stress Fracture]

Chauncey's career PPG average is 19.4?

[newc]

Nice season stats from Gilbert Arenas, hope he does even better in the play-offs

[Axel The Great]

Great job for the Bulls!3rd seed in the East is pretty good
Now wishing for a deep postseason!

Yep. I'm pretty glad they finished well. In some associations I've simmed, 2K hardly ever seems to favor the Bulls.

And it's probably photobucket continuing with their unexplained grudge against you, Thierry.

Already edited all 38 pages again. Fuck them. Never using Photobucket again.

Yeah, I understand your anger and frustration. Just find it odd that they wouldn't know anything about your situation, and how the user with the best pics on the forum would have problems with photobucket.

The 76ers couldnt improve in the second half of the season, but as you mentioned maybe next year. Maybe they get a nice Draft Steal or an other nice offseason move.

A bit surprising to see the Bobcats with 41-41.

With a lottery pick, they could use getting Enes Kanter.

Chauncey's career PPG average is 19.4?

No, 19.6 is his career high. His average is around the 15-16 range.

Nice season stats from Gilbert Arenas, hope he does even better in the play-offs

I was also glad to see him produce like that. He really took advantage of Nelson's absence.

Western Conference review coming up later tonight or tomorrow.

[Cruzerr]

Off season now for the Cavs. Hoping for a good pick, used smartly.

[Mavs4Life]

Boston wants that title, great performance by a vet team.

[hova-]

Nice season by the Cs and Bulls (Rose 28 ppg is pretty high). But I think you can beat anybody in the East. It will be a tough road though. My ECF would be Cs vs Heat or Bulls

[Justine.]

Gilbert is enjoying his career in Magic Hope they can have a deep run in the Playoffs

[Axel The Great]

The Season in Review (Western Conference)

Northwest Division


Denver Nuggets
Record: 46-36
PPG: 104.6
Points Allowed Per Game: 101.0
Scoring Leader: Wilson Chandler (14.5 ppg)
Rebounds Leader: Kenyon Martin (8.7 rpg)
Assists Leader: Raymond Felton (8.3 apg)

After trading their two star players in Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups in return for three role players (Wilson Chandler, Raymond Felton, and Danilo Gallinari), everyone thought that the Denver Nuggets would fall in the standings, and likely not make the playoffs. That really wasn't the case. They satisfied Anthony after his request to be traded and now have an arguably more potent team. The players they have on their roster have proven that they can explode for bunches of points on any given night. With that, opposing teams have no idea who to watch out for to start the game, as on some nights it was Chandler, other nights it was Felton, Nene, Kenyon Martin, or any other player give a sudden surge in scoring. Chandler led the team in scoring at 14.5 points, and with six other players averaging five points maximum below that, it tells the whole story. Denver remains a top scoring team after the trade. In fact, they are second behind the Houston Rockets. Using their offense, they not only have high hopes of an upset in the playoffs, but possibly a tremendous future is in store for this franchise.


Minnesota Timberwolves
Record: 33-49
PPG: 100.0
Points Allowed Per Game: 104.9
Scoring Leader: Michael Beasley (19.9 ppg)
Rebounds Leader: Kevin Love (10.0 rpg)
Assists Leader: Jonny Flynn (6.1 apg)

After another terrible last season, many thought the T-Wolves were destined for the same path this season. How quickly things changed for them. It all started after Wolves' GM David Kahn fired head coach Kurt Rambis, something that was long overdue. Kahn brought in the legendary coach Don Nelson. At Nelson's command, the Timberwolves went on a 7-game win streak to go from bottom of the West, to 12th, making their record seem a little bit better. That streak came to an end against the Houston Rockets, but it was seen that these Timberwolves have a bright future with Michael Beasley, whom had a breakout season, averaged 19.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals, and Kevin Love averaged 14.5 points, 10 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. The Syracuse Connection in Jonny Flynn (18.1 points, 6.1 assists, 2.3 rebounds) and Wesley Johnson (12.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.4 steals, 1.3 blocks) had excellent seasons, with Johnson being a favorite to win sixth man of the year. After proving many wrong, the Timberwolves will now look to take the next step in making the playoffs.


Portland TrailBlazers
Record: 36-46
PPG: 94.9
Points Allowed Per Game: 94.0
Scoring Leader: Brandon Roy (24.0 ppg)
Rebounds Leader: Marcus Camby (9.4 rpg)
Assists Leader: Andre Miller (7.4 apg)

A Torn MCL ended Brandon Roy's season, and after the Portland TrailBlazers traded for Gerald Wallace, things didn't look as shady. However, Wallace also suffered a season-ending broken wrist, which just further dampened the Blazers' spirits. Without a consistent wing scorer, Portland just wasn't able to get back into playoff contention. Andre Miller and LaMarcus Aldridge stepped up for them. Aldridge averaged 17 points, 8 rebounds, a steal, and 1.7 blocks, while Miller averaged a career high 17.3 points, 7.4 assists, and 1.4 steals. Health will play a major factor for this roster next season, as on paper, this looks like an excellent playoff team. One could make the argument that Portland is the best team to miss the playoffs.


Oklahoma City Thunder
Record: 54-28
PPG: 102.8
Points Allowed Per Game: 97.5
Scoring Leader: Kevin Durant (31.1 ppg)
Rebounds Leader: Kevin Durant (8.8 rpg)
Assists Leader: Russell Westbrook (7.4 apg)

From out of nowhere, the Oklahoma City Thunder shot from cellar-dweller, to title contender in a span of about two seasons. The biggest factor, was superstar Kevin Durant's scoring. After becoming the youngest scoring champion in NBA history, Durant followed that up this season with his second consecutive scoring title, with an even higher scoring average. Durant maintained a firm lead in scoring the whole season; his offense has led his Thunder to the second seed in the West. His averages were 31.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.7 blocks, and 1.3 steals. Russell Westbrook also chipped in a big contribution. He averaged 22.1 points, 7.4 assists, 4 rebounds, and 1.9 steals. The acquisition of Kendrick Perkins mid-season may not be notable on the stat sheet, but has really shaped this team defensively. Moving forward, Oklahoma City has a dangerous team that can quite possibly win it all this season, or the next few seasons.


Utah Jazz
Record: 50-32
PPG: 101.3
Points Allowed Per Game: 98.0
Scoring Leader: Devin Harris (21.2 ppg)
Rebounds Leader: Al Jefferson (8.7 rpg)
Assists Leader: Devin Harris (6.0 apg)

Despite trading their superstar point guard Deron Williams away, the Utah Jazz had themselves another 50-win season with head coach Jerry Sloan continuing to go at full throttle. Acquisition Devin Harris averaged 21.2 points, 6 assists and 2.2 steals, while Al Jefferson averaged 19.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks. Paul Millsap also had an excellent season, with 12.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and a block and a steal. With Coach Sloan calling the shots, Utah is just another dangerous team in the playoffs that can make a surprise run to the Conference Finals.

Pacific Division


Golden State Warriors
Record: 30-52
PPG: 101.5
Points Allowed Per Game: 104.5
Scoring Leader: Monta Ellis (27.3 ppg)
Rebounds Leader: David Lee (10.3 rpg)
Assists Leader: Stephen Curry (7.6 apg)

Golden State looked like a potential eight seed when the season began, but unfortunately, they still can't get it done on defense. The Warriors were third in points allowed, despite making the top 10 in scoring. A minor injury caused David Lee to miss 10 games this season, but overall, Golden State were second in rebounds, somewhere they hadn't been in a while. Lee averaged a double-double of 17.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, with 1.1 steals to go along with that. Monta Ellis averaged a career high 27.3 points, with 5.1 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.7 steals to go along with that. Stephen Curry also averaged 18.1 points, 7.6 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. To top this all off, Dorrell Wright had a breakout season with career highs across the board. 14.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.2 blocks and he's a candidate for Most Improved Player. Another bad season in Golden State, but a good future is in store if they can find a good defensive piece to add to their roster.


Los Angeles Clippers
Record: 43-39
PPG: 97.9
Points Allowed Per Game: 99.3
Scoring Leader: Eric Gordon (20.9 ppg)
Rebounds Leader: Blake Griffin (11.5 rpg)
Assists Leader: Maurice Williams (6.0 apg)

The Clippers are back in the playoffs. The Clippers curse did not rear its ugly head into the franchise this season for the most part. True, Eric Gordon only played 66 games, and Mo Williams only played 62, but everyone else, including Chris Kaman, stayed healthy. Blake Griffin lived up to the hype he received by giving highlights left and right, most of which were vicious dunks, en route to 17.5 points, and 11.5 rebounds. Gordon averaged 20.9 points, 4.8 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.9 steals. Kaman followed up on his breakout season from last year with 16.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks. Mid-season acquisition Williams chipped in 16.4 points, 6 assists, and 2.7 rebounds. After years and years of losing seasons, the Los Angeles Clippers have a chance to no longer be the laughing stock of the NBA, as long-term, they have a young, talented squad secured.


Los Angeles Lakers
Record: 47-35
PPG: 99.8
Points Allowed Per Game: 96.2
Scoring Leader: Kobe Bryant (27.2 ppg)
Rebounds Leader: Pau Gasol (10.5 rpg)
Assists Leader: Kobe Bryant (5.2 apg)

It was a down season for the two-time defending champions, not being able to win 50 games, but yet, they were able to clinch the weak Pacific division. Kobe Bryant continued to do work averaging 27.2 points, 5.2 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals. Meanwhile, Pau Gasol averaged 18.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks. Andrew Bynum was able to play all 82 games for the first time since his sophomore season, and he averaged 11.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks. He had low numbers due to the fact that head coach Phil Jackson only played him 24.7 minutes a game, given his history of injuries. One factor in the Lakers' struggles is Ron Artest. Artest had a forgettable season shooting 40% from the field, and averaging just 8.5 points and 2.8 rebounds. With a bad regular season, one can make the excuse that the Lakers will turn it up in the playoffs, but you can't be too certain.


Phoenix Suns
Record: 38-44
PPG: 100.1
Points Allowed Per Game: 101.7
Scoring Leader: Vince Carter (23.0 ppg)
Rebounds Leader: Marcin Gortat (9.5 rpg)
Assists Leader: Steve Nash (7.2 apg)

Rejuvenation for Vinsanity; he averaged 23 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.2 steals. That sounds really good and all, but Vince Carter only managed to play 58 games. With no one else being able to score on a consistent basis, Steve Nash had to do the scoring and averaged a career high 22.9 points, but at the expense of his assist numbers decreasing significantly, and his shooting numbers went down a bit as well. He shot 48% from the field, his lowest percentage in recent years, and a career low 37% from beyond the arc. With that, Phoenix remained a sub .500 team, and just could not get into any rhythm.


Sacramento Kings
Record: 28-54
PPG: 96.2
Points Allowed Per Game: 101.4
Scoring Leader: Tyreke Evans (22.8 ppg)
Rebounds Leader: Samuel Dalembert (8.4 rpg)
Assists Leader: Beno Udrih (5.2 apg)

Tyreke Evans followed up on his great all-around rookie season this season by averaging 22.8 points, 5 assists, and 4.3 rebounds to continue to lead Sacramento. Mid-season, Marcus Thornton was acquired and averaged 20 points and 3.7 rebounds, but despite that, the Kings find themselves bottom of the West. That mostly has to do with the fact that this young team can't close out games in the fourth quarter. Their consistent players are young, while their veterans aren't consistent enough to be relied upon late in games. Sacramento has a talented team, but that talent is just not good enough to get stops in the fourth, or dominate offensively in the clutch.

Southwest Division


Dallas Mavericks
Record: 50-32
PPG: 102.6
Points Allowed Per Game: 97.0
Scoring Leader: Dirk Nowitzki (29.7 ppg)
Rebounds Leader: Tyson Chandler (8.4 rpg)
Assists Leader: Jason Kidd (10.4 apg)

It looked like Dallas was destined for a bad season. They started 5-12, but thanks to their veterans, they recovered and had yet another 50-win season. Shooting-wise, Jason Kidd did not have a great season. He averaged a career-low 7.9 points, and shot a career-low 37% from the field. However, in the assists department, he is still as great as ever. He was second in the league in assists at 10.4, showing no signs of regress there. Meanwhile, Dirk Nowitzki averaged a career high 29.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks (career high as well). He had another 50-40-90 season shooting 54% from the field, 40% from deep, and 91% from the free throw line. Jason Terry chipped in 19.1 points, and Caron Butler had 17 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.8 steals. Going into the playoffs, this team has the versatility and offense to make it as far as the NBA Finals, it's just a matter of putting it all together.


Houston Rockets
Record: 58-24
PPG: 106.6
Points Allowed Per Game: 98.1
Scoring Leader: Kevin Martin (28.0 ppg)
Rebounds Leader: Luis Scola (9.0 rpg)
Assists Leader: Aaron Brooks (6.1 apg)

Full, in-depth review coming soon.


Memphis Grizzlies
Record: 33-49
PPG: 97.0
Points Allowed Per Game: 101.5
Scoring Leader: Rudy Gay (18.6 ppg)
Rebounds Leader: Zach Randolph (10.5 rpg)
Assists Leader: Michael Conley (9.5 apg)

For a long while, the Memphis Grizzlies were without a consistent point guard. Michael Conley was sidelined with injuries, and demoralized this talented and versatile roster. Conley averaged 12.8 points, 9.5 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.1 steals; all career highs. Rudy Gay averaged 18.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.6 steals, while Zach Randolph averaged his regular double-double of 18.4 points and 10.5 rebounds. OJ Mayo was also huge averaging 16.9 points, but unfortunately, this up and coming team just couldn't make the playoffs again this season. This team seems to be just a move away from becoming a perennial playoff team.


New Orleans Hornets
Record: 43-39
PPG: 97.4
Points Allowed Per Game: 97.6
Scoring Leader: Chris Paul (19.0 ppg)
Rebounds Leader: Emeka Okafor (10.6 rpg)
Assists Leader: Chris Paul (9.4 apg)

The New Orleans Hornets lost the season series to the Los Angeles Clippers 2-1, and with that, they narrowly missed the playoffs. They had great things going, at 35-26 they looked in perfect shape for an excellent finish, and a good spot in the playoffs. However, they slacked off and a sudden 9-game losing streak struck them hard in the face, which allowed the Clippers to make a move in the standings. Health may have been a factor; Emeka Okafor missed a huge chunk of the season with back injuries, while Chris Paul was hampered by injuries early on in the season. Paul averaged 19 points, 9.4 assists, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.5 steals, while also shooting 51% from the field and 44% from beyond the arc. Carl Landry added 17.1 points, and 8.4 rebounds, while David West averaged 15.9 points and 6.7 rebounds. After being close to making the playoffs again, you can bet New Orleans will come back next season with a vengeance.


San Antonio Spurs
Record: 50-32
PPG: 100.4
Points Allowed Per Game: 98.4
Scoring Leader: Manu Ginobili (21.3 ppg)
Rebounds Leader: Tim Duncan (11.4 rpg)
Assists Leader: Tony Parker (7.8 apg)

The Texas Triangle continues with their consistent 50-win seasons, with the San Antonio Spurs showing that their championship window is still open. Manu Ginobili led the way for the Spurs with 21.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.9 steals, all career highs. Tony Parker had 20.4 points, a career high 7.8 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 steals. Tim Duncan also added 17.2 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 2 blocks. San Antonio has taken a new approach to their game by becoming an offensively efficient team, being tops in field goal percentage, and three-point percentage. San Antonio's Big Three is still going strong, and hope to win at least one last championship before they begin to decline. It begins by taking on the Los Angeles Lakers.

[Axel The Great]

Off season now for the Cavs. Hoping for a good pick, used smartly.

Derrick Williams would be a serviceable player for them. They have a good shot at the first pick.

Boston wants that title, great performance by a vet team.

Definitely. Their Big Three remains consistent, and Rondo also had an excellent season. They know their championship window is closing.

Nice season by the Cs and Bulls (Rose 28 ppg is pretty high). But I think you can beat anybody in the East. It will be a tough road though. My ECF would be Cs vs Heat or Bulls

Tied the season series against the C's and Bulls, but lost twice against the Heat. But the Heat's holes at PG and C leave them vulnerable against us. AB would walk right over Bibby/Chalmers, and Yao would own their lack of a frontcourt. Can't get far ahead of ourselves as first we gotta focus on beating the West teams, first.

Gilbert is enjoying his career in Magic Hope they can have a deep run in the Playoffs

Yep. Jameer Nelson's injury helped bunches towards his rejuvenation season. We'll see how they do against the Hawks.

West review posted now. Next is the season review for the Rockets, in-depth. Then, it's the monthly recap and playoffs preview.

[Bucket]

Good job on finishing season Nice East review. Looks like C's will make finals
Very good season for KD and Thunder, I want Rockets-Thunder in West conference finals

[hova-]

Career-high by Dirk, wow. Also interesting to see Utah not struggling, they did in my Ds. Also great to see the Clipps over .500%. Now it's time for the Rockets to get to the WCFs.

[Nutellar]

For me the biggest surprise the Utah Jazz, in my association they completely failed. It will be interesting to see if the Lakers can speed up in the post season.

[kibaxx7]

Yep, Utah was on fire Always nice to see the Spurs with 50 victories.

[Axel The Great]

Good job on finishing season Nice East review. Looks like C's will make finals
Very good season for KD and Thunder, I want Rockets-Thunder in West conference finals

Thanks. Rockets-Thunder in the WCF would be interesting, and definitely difficult.

Career-high by Dirk, wow. Also interesting to see Utah not struggling, they did in my Ds. Also great to see the Clipps over .500%. Now it's time for the Rockets to get to the WCFs.

Dirk had a monster season. I really don't know what explains Utah's great season. Maybe because Jerry Sloan is still there. Hopefully we get as far as the WCF.

For me the biggest surprise the Utah Jazz, in my association they completely failed. It will be interesting to see if the Lakers can speed up in the post season.

Jazz season is surprising considering the downgraded at PG with Harris there. Hopefully the Lakers will get eliminated in the first round!

Yep, Utah was on fire Always nice to see the Spurs with 50 victories.

Wonder how the Jazz will do in the playoffs now that they don't suck. And yeah, 2K doesn't always favor the Spurs, so good to see them win 50 games in my association.

[Axel The Great]

Houston Rockets Regular Season Review

Posted by Axel Gomez, April 16, 2011 at 10:32 AM
And so another season has gone by. The Houston Rockets find themselves back in the playoffs with another 50-win season after a down season last year. When this season started, people did not imagine that the Houston Rockets would be a top team, much less win 50 games. But they did just that, recovered nicely after their 42-40 season, finishing 58-24 and are in a great situation in the playoffs as the first seed in the West. After a great regular season, let's take a closer look at the Rockets' regular season, and how and why they were able to succeed. Below are top five reasons as to why they made a huge jump from almost making the playoffs, to being the first seed:

Leadership

In the NBA, it's been proven that a team needs a leader, someone who can keep the team from falling apart, from losing confidence, and making sure everyone is on the same page. Though it's probably not the most notable or obvious thing in the world, the leader for the Houston Rockets is and has always been Shane Battier. This season Battier has decided, "enough fooling around, if we want to win that championship, it has to be now." Looking at Battier's stats, one would think he just talks a big game but doesn't back it up. Battier averaged a career low 5.1 points this season, despite being the starting small forward. However, his effort on the defensive end is what has fans in Houston convinced that he means business.

For the past few years, the Houston Rockets have been known as a high octane offensive team under head coach Rick Adelman, and so their defense gets overlooked most of the time. Battier changed that for the team this season, as out on the court, he communicated well with teammates so they know what to do and how to get it done on that end of the floor.

Whether it's during a timeout, on or off the court, Shane Battier has made sure that his teammates get along with each other, play hard, and focus on the task at hand. It may not be the biggest contributing factor to the Rockets' success this season, but Battier's leadership was definitely necessary for the Rockets to win 50 games this season.

Health

Health. Staying healthy and injury-free all season has always been the key for the Rockets. For the past few years, they've been hampered and slowed down by injuries which kept their star players from playing a significant amount of games. That wasn't the case this season, as for the most part, everyone stayed relatively healthy.

The story is Yao Ming. Yao took part in 80 games this season, by far the most since the 2004-05 season. Though he wasn't the same 20 points, 10 rebounds player from the past, he was able to contribute 13.4 points and 6.4 rebounds in 26.5 minutes per game. That amounts to roughly 18 points and 8 rebounds per 36 minutes, which is almost the amount of minutes he was used to playing. By not having to be relied upon in the offense so much, Yao shot a career high 60% from the field, which led the league, and 91% from the free throw line. He led the league in True Shooting Percentage at about 65%, meaning that Yao may not be scoring as much as he used to, but he is definitely still just as if not more efficient than before. Too much information? Simply put: Yao's much more comfortable and aggressive on offense now.

As for other players, early on in the season it appeared as if the injury bug struck when Kevin Martin went down for a few games with a lower back strain. When he returned to full bloom, Aaron Brooks also suffered a back injury and missed three games. In January, Courtney Lee suffered a broken ankle and had to sit out two months. One can say the injury bug was there for Houston, just not enough to plague them badly. If the Rockets can remain healthy in the playoffs, they will be a tremendous deadly team and a force to be reckoned with.

Defense

OK, so even I can play more defense than quite a few players on this roster, but as said earlier, Shane Battier's leadership has helped get this team to at least half-commit to defense. The Rockets allowed 98.2 points per game this season, which ranked 12th in best defense in the league. Not bad, but as opposed to some prior seasons, it could use some improvement. The Rockets played at a very high pace, which allowed their opponents more shots and more opportunities for points.

This team made sure that every shot the opposing team attempted was challenged, closed out. Sometimes, the defensive rotations just weren't the best, as some players would be left open despite the tight defensive intensity by the Rockets. Sometimes help defense didn't come, and the lane was open for a dunk. Those were just defensive collapses that can happen to any team. For the most part, though, teams were usually held to a lower shooting percentage than the Rockets, which is a testament of their philosophy of forcing them to bad shots. That's how players like Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, Manu Ginobili, and others were contained.

The Rockets' defense is nowhere near as great as that of the Celtics, or the Bulls, but it can get the job done and hold other opponents to less than 95 points when put together properly.

Offense

Defense has been a somewhat minor part of the Rockets' system, since their philosophy this season was the best offense is the best defense. That can be proved. They had the highest field goal percentage in the league, shooting 47.9%, and the highest three-point percentage in the league, at 42.2%. They led the league in scoring at 106.6 points, and also in assists at about 22 a game. Ball movement, fast break execution, and good shots were key contributing factors to their success. To top it all off, they also led the league in free throw percentage at about 84%.

It helps to have a strong-supporting home crowd too. The Rockets were 35-6 at home this season, and with homecourt advantage in the playoffs, they can surely take advantage of that being an excellent home team.

Players were given the green light to take the shots they were comfortable with, as the entire roster has proven and is capable to go on a scoring rampage. From the leading scorer Kevin Martin to backup Courtney Lee, this team was consistent in putting the ball in the basket and hardly ever scored less than 100 points.

Their saying, as I put it, is this. "You're gonna drop 110 points on us? Lol. We'll just drop 120 on you with less shot attempts and at a higher percentage." With such a potent offense, there really wasn't much need for defense to begin with since a lot of teams can't keep up with the Rockets' high offensive tempo, and most teams aren't as efficient as the Rockets. A consistent offense is a good thing to have for the future, and if you have high hopes of making a deep playoff run.

Kevin Martin

Last and most definitely not least, the last key to Houston's success is Kevin Martin. Martin had a breakout season averaging a career high 28 points per game, 3.7 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and took over the go-to-guy role on offense. Martin was looked for in clutch situations, and he would deliver. With a lightning fast drive, Martin got to the free throw line seven times a game this season, and shot a very high percentage from there as well. That's where Martin closed out games in the clutch.

Speaking of percentages, Martin's percentages are jaw-dropping and just outright unfair. Martin shot 52% from the field, 48% from beyond the arc, and 93% from the free throw line. He was second only to teammate Yao Ming in True Shooting Percentage at 64%. He became the sixth player in league history to record a 50-40-90 season, which was dangerously close to a 50-50-90 season. True, he did this with a Usage Percentage of about 30%, but you can't argue with the results he gave considering the ball handling he did for the Rockets. Players on this team understand the fact that Martin will get his shots, and that their shots will come within the flow of the game, or if Martin decides to pass the ball. He has become a pretty willing passer, averaging a career high 2.7 assists per game, but that's maybe something he'll want to improve on.

To top it all off, Martin led the league in Player Efficiency Rating at 31.66, which ranks as the fifth best PER in a single season. When other teams look at Martin's stats, you can bet they'll be afraid to go up against him. Such efficiency is hard to stop, especially when Martin was just as consistent against teams with great defenses, like the Celtics and the Heat. Definitely hoping this wasn't a fluke season for Martin, and if he can continue the same efficiency in the future, I don't see this Rockets team going too long without a championship in these conditions.

To Close It All Out...

This team is an excellent offensive team, hands down. Luis Scola averaged 15.2 points and 9 rebounds, Aaron Brooks averaged 15.9 points and 6.1 assists, and Courtney Lee led the bench in scoring at 7.4 points. Off the bench, Kyle Lowry averaged 6.8 points, 5.5 assists, and had an assist percentage of 40%. With so many different scoring options, it's hard to contain this Rockets team. Teams usually wear down trying to keep up with them.

Moving towards the playoffs, the Rockets are definite favorites to win it all. They were the elephant in the room when the season began, and after beating title contenders like the LA Lakers, the Boston Celtics, and the San Antonio Spurs in the regular season, you can definitely say they are well-prepared for any challenge that comes their way. It is all just a matter of health, and remaining consistent with their offense that will decide how far this team makes it this post-season.

Comments: (6)

Posted by Ariza's Bricks April 16 at 10:46 AM
I feel sorry for Kevin Martin. He's homeless. I'd gladly invite him over to my brick house.

Posted by Kobe #24 4-ever April 16 at 10:50 AM
the rockets suck and fail. yao will get injured and martin will choke worse than dirk nowtski. KOBE AND THA LA LAKERS ALL DAY!!!!!11!!!11!!!

Posted by MillerLite April 16 at 10:58 AM
What? I don't get a mention? At least thank me for being there on the bench in case Yao's foot collapses. This article sucks and disappoints me.

Posted by The Real K-Mart (Kenyon sucks!) April 16 at 11:16 AM
@ Ariza's Bricks, lol. Go enjoy your 30% shooting from the field elsewhere.

@ Kobe #24 4-ever, by the season's end, you'll be a bandwagoning Rockets fan.

Posted by Definitely not Donald Sterling April 16 at 11:25 AM
I was just informed that the Clippers made the playoffs for the first time in ages and that they'll be facing the Rockets. I just wanna thank God that Baron Davis isn't here to share this happy feeling with.

Posted by Axel Gomez April 16 at 12:26 PM
@ Kobe #24 4-ever, Lol. Stop with your Kobe dick-sucking. The Lakers' reign of terror is destined to end this season. The basketball gods have had enough of that nonsense. We're headed for great times in this league.

[Bucket]

lmao @ comments.
After 42-40 and missing playoffs, 58-24 and 1st sead in West, I think Adelman will win COY. ( and K-Mart MVP )

[Stress Fracture]

Who the hell is that Kobe #24 4-ever? His comments are so immature.

[Axel The Great]

Valdis, Adelman winning COY would be nice. But you already know LeBron will win MVP.

Stress Fracture, a trolling Kobe fan. Like benji.

[kibaxx7]

Really nice read, this was K-Mart's year, no doubt.

[Cruzerr]

Wheres the news that Axel Gomez got fined for being an hero and dissing a Lakers fan?

[hova-]

K-Mart's season is just sick. 48% from downtown is amazing. Bad luck he did not get the 50-50-90 feat done. Apart from that, I hope that your high octane offense can adjust to the slower Playoffs basketball (that would be if this was RL ).

You will get it done vs the Clippers I guess, I don't see any problems with that. Hoping for some Battier daggers

[Gamebreaker]

Nice wrap-up, especially helpful since I've just started following.

I liked the defensive hustle of the Rockets in years previous... but Adelman was impressive in keeping the ship semi-afloat.

Also nice to see a universe where Yao's back and effective. Good luck.

[Axel The Great]

Really nice read, this was K-Mart's year, no doubt.

Thanks, Thierry! K-Mart completely owned this season.

Wheres the news that Axel Gomez got fined for being an hero and dissing a Lakers fan?

Haha. It's just an internet blog that the league probably doesn't know about. So I guess that means I'm a hero twice for taking down David Stern as well?

K-Mart's season is just sick. 48% from downtown is amazing. Bad luck he did not get the 50-50-90 feat done. Apart from that, I hope that your high octane offense can adjust to the slower Playoffs basketball (that would be if this was RL ).

You will get it done vs the Clippers I guess, I don't see any problems with that. Hoping for some Battier daggers

It would've been amazing to get 50-50-90. But still, to have the two best shooters for the season (True Shooting %, Yao and Martin) is cool. As for the slow Playoffs basketball, we'll just force the other teams to play at a fast tempo so they can tire out and we can pull away.

I don't see many problems against the Clips, either. I won the season series 3-1 so I'm not too worried. Battier's experience will definitely help out in the playoffs.

Nice wrap-up, especially helpful since I've just started following.

I liked the defensive hustle of the Rockets in years previous... but Adelman was impressive in keeping the ship semi-afloat.

Also nice to see a universe where Yao's back and effective. Good luck.

Thanks! Always nice to have a new reader/follower on board.

Rockets have always been a hustle team with Battier in the middle. All Rick Adelman is known for is offense but yet, the Rockets have held opponents to less than 100 points even with him there. I am hoping to give Yao some good minutes in the playoffs. Hopefully he doesn't get injured.

Next is the monthly recap, playoffs preview, and of course, the actual playoff games.