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

[Bucket]

I think you will win this one in 6. Looks like Martin is best scorer in NBA right now.

[Axel The Great]

Valdis, that he is.

2011 NBA Rookie of the Year

Posted by Axel Gomez May 1, 2011 at 6:54 AM
It's still way too early to judge most players' careers after just one year, but so far, the 2010 draft class looks promising. Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers has been named the 2011 NBA Rookie of the Year. Griffin was a heavy favorite for the award because of his highlight reel, which was infested with high-flying and emphatic dunks. Not also that, Griffin put up some good numbers on a playoff team in just his first year. Averaging 17.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, and shooting over 50% from the field, he contributed bunches to the Clippers team that went 43-39 and ended its four-year playoff drought. After not being able to play in the 2009-10 season, Griffin started all 82 games for LA, and is definitely the most deserving rookie of the award.

John Wall was the next in line for the award, and had great numbers to back it up. He averaged 17.9 points, 7.8 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.4 steals, but a season-ending Torn Hand Ligament put him out of commission. You could make the argument that Wall was putting up great numbers on a sub-par team, and was therefore less deserving than Griffin of the award.

Like Wall, the next runner-ups for the Rookie award did not stay healthy long enough to be able to be considered for the award or make a good impact on their team. Wesley Johnson took part in 74 games for the Minnesota Timberwolves, and averaged 12.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 1.4 steals. Johnson wasn't only a strong contender for Rookie of the Year, but also for the Sixth Man of the Year award.

Meanwhile, Ed Davis and Evan Turner had some good numbers (see their stats below), but took part in only 51 and 62 games respectively, and weren't able to make enough impact on their teams. And of course, there was surprising undrafted Stanford standout Landry Fields, who put up 10 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists on a finally succeeding New York Knicks team. He however, did play all 82 games for New York.

From the start, everyone knew that Blake Griffin was a lock for this award, and he proved it by being able to take the lowly Clippers back to the playoffs.

2011 Rookie of the Year Contenders:



Comments (4):

Posted by The Real K-Mart (Kenyon sucks!) May 1, 2011 at 8:05 AM
Well, Blake got a consolation prize after his team got MANHANDLED at the hands of Kevin Martin. Winning ROY will not help his career recover from that devastating wrath.

Posted by Definitely not Donald Sterling May 1, 2011 at 9:56 AM
Wait. This Blake Griffin guy plays for the Clippers? The team that the best owner in the NBA Donald Sterling owns? Are we finally back to the days of the beautiful naked bodies?

Posted by Kobe #24 4-ever May 1, 2011 at 10:06 AM
@ The Real K-Mart (Kenyon sucks!), yeah i agree. the clippers suck and will not make the playoffs next year. LAKERS ALL DAY AND NIGHT!!!!!111!1!11!

Posted by The Real K-Mart (Kenyon sucks!) May 1, at 11:23 AM
Shut up bitch. Your Lakers got owned, by the SPURS.... WITHOUT DUNCAN!!!!!!!!!!!

[|)e8*]

lol at the real kmart

[KidJustin]

Blake

[Bucket]

Good to see that Turner had a good season, but Blake really earned it... And K-Mart the best as always.

[Larvae]

Blake! No question!

[Stress Fracture]

I wanna kill that troll Laker fan.

[Axel The Great]

lol at the real kmart

Haha, yep, just another troll.

:applaud: Blake

Blake! No question!

He helped the CLIPPERS go back to the playoffs!

Good to see that Turner had a good season, but Blake really earned it... And K-Mart the best as always.

Turner didn't stay healthy though, but either way, it was Griffin's award to lose.

I wanna kill that troll Laker fan.

Do it! Take out the other trolling Laker fans out in the process.

So it has finally come. Games 1 and 2 recaps next.

[Axel The Great]

Games One and Two Recap

Posted by Axel Gomez May 2, 2011 at 9:43 PM
Houston, TX - When you talk about classic NBA Playoff games, I think you may have to start talking about this one. What started as a defensive grind of a game quickly turned into an up tempo, no stopping for breathers kind of game, and the best part: this game was decided in the final seconds.

It all started very slow for Houston. They connected on just one out of their first five field goal attempts, as San Antonio pushed to an early lead. It wasn't until Kevin Martin began to gather his rhythm that the Rockets gained their first lead. Martin went on a complete scoring rampage, scoring 12 points in the opening quarter. The first quarter ended with the Rockets in front 27-22. Though they were shooting a low percentage, the Rockets were getting to the foul line which gave them a healthy chunk of points. They shot 28/30 from the charity stripe for the game. San Antonio wasn't far behind in free throws either, shooting 23/25.

The Rockets turned the ball over starting the second quarter, and George Hill threw a long fullcourt pass to Richard Jefferson whom layed it in easily. This sparked a run that gave the Spurs the lead again. They went on a 15-6 run to go ahead 37-33. The Rockets responded, and would score six unanswered and from there, and both teams began to trade buckets. Kevin Martin drilled a three to give the Rockets a 44-42 lead, and the Rockets would go into halftime with a slight 51-49 lead. Martin had 21 points at the half, backing up his claims as best scorer in the NBA.

Despite the high scoring game, San Antonio was shooting 39% from the field, and Houston 42%. Free throws helped both teams to increase their scoring, which would also contribute to the final score. However, despite such a low shooting percentage, San Antonio wrecked the Rockets on the boards 45-25.

After the half, the Rockets began the third quarter on a 12-3 run to push out to an 11-point lead, the largest lead of the night. The Spurs were able to keep up with the lead, however, as they would not allow the lead to stretch further than 11.

Manu Ginobili and Kevin Martin put on quite the show in the fourth quarter, trading clutch bucket after clutch bucket. After a double-clutch, and-one layup by Ginobili and a fastbreak score by George Hill (20 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists off the bench), the Spurs were down by just four at 90-86.

Then, Aaron Brooks answered with two consecutive jumpshots to seemingly pull away. But Ginobili would not go down. He scored 14 of his team (that's right, not game) high 42 points in the final period, helping to get Houston's lead to dangle at his fingertips. However, there was another man who owned the night. That man was Kevin Martin. Martin scored 15 of his game high 45 in the final period, as he had answer for everything Ginobili did.

With just 20 seconds left, Ginobili knocked down a 16-foot jumper from the elbow to pull within one, 110-109. Shane Battier was fouled and sent to the free throw line. He split the pair of free throws, and after a timeout, Ginobili was fouled by Battier on the drive, and he calmly sank both free throws to tie the game at 111 apiece with 4.3 seconds remaining. A play had to be done.

Martin was given the ball after a timeout, drove left wing on George Hill, and pulled up for a drifting fadeaway shot over him along the left baseline... nothing but net! With 0.3 seconds remaining, the Spurs could not get a shot off, as the Rockets win 113-111 in Game One thanks to Martin's heroics.

"It's been a while since we've had a close game such as this. After a very boring series in the first round, I think we can say that we have competition. Spurs are definitely a tough team, even without their star Tim Duncan. I see a tough road ahead, but I think we can definitely go through it," the Rockets' star said after the game.

Despite getting outhustled 45-25 on the boards, the Rockets found a way to win this game. They shot 50% from the field while San Antonio shot 46%.

Player of the Game-

Kevin Martin
45 points | 4 rebounds | 3 assists | 16/27 FG | 3/5 3P | 10/10 FT

Key Performers:
Rockets:
Yao Ming - 17 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 3 blocks, 7/10 FG, 3/3 FT
Aaron Brooks - 15 points, 7 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 5/10 FG, 4/4 FT
Kyle Lowry - 9 points, 9 assists, 1 rebound, 2 blocks, 3/7 FG
Luis Scola - 9 points, 3 assists, 1 rebound, 4 steals, 2 blocks, 2/6 FG, 5/5 FT

Spurs:
Manu Ginobili - 42 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, 13/31 FG, 5/19 3P
George Hill - 20 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 6/10 FG, 8/10 FT
Tony Parker - 12 points, 14 assists, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, 5/13 FG
DeJuan Blair - 10 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 5/8 FG

27 24 35 27 113
22 27 28 34 111

phpBB [video]

Game Two

Things did not look good for the Spurs in this one. The Rockets began by converting on their first four field goal attempts, racing out to a 10-1 lead. A couple of threes from Manu Ginobili and Matt Bonner gave them some life to carry on, but all in all, the Spurs just had a bad shooting night.

You look at their shooting numbers, 37% from the field, and 65% (17/26) from the free throw line. They did however, shoot 11/19 from three-point territory, and that helped them stay competitive for the most part. Manu Ginobili led the way with a game high 38 points, shooting 15/26 from the field and hitting 7/10 from downtown. "He was in the zone again, what else can you say? When a guy is hitting his shots, you'd best hope his teammates aren't doing the same," the one in charge of guarding him, Shane Battier said.

And his teammates were not making their shots. Tony Parker shot just 3/14, Richard Jefferson shot 3/12, and George Hill shot 4/13. Bad shooting numbers all around, and at the half, the Spurs were just 32% from the field.

The Rockets were getting the job done on the defensive end. They limited easy baskets, and after getting torn apart on the boards last game, won the rebounding battle 50-46. Kevin Martin had his usual contribution with 27 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists, shooting 10/20 from the field. Stepping up was Luis Scola. Scola had a double-double of 22 points and 11 rebounds, shooting an efficient 8/13 from the field. Shane Battier chipped in 15 points, with 6/8 from the field.

"Without Tim (Duncan), we can't ease up our outside game by pounding it inside. Without a meaningful inside presence, it's tough to have to create shots on the outside. It's even tougher when they're not falling," Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich said. "It all came down to who made their shots. We shot 45% from the field, and made all 21 of our free throws. They shot sub-par from both the field and the free throw line. Making shots was what won us this game," said Rockets head coach Rick Adelman.

San Antonio now has the pressure to win both games in San Antonio. You can't count them out just yet, as they were the ones who took down the defending champions. Extending the series for as much games as possible would help them in the long run, as there is a slight possibility that Tim Duncan may return if a Game Seven is needed.

Player of the Game-

Kevin Martin
27 points | 5 rebounds | 3 assists | 1 steal | 10/20 FG | 7/7 FT

Key Performers:
Rockets:
Luis Scola - 22 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 8/13 FG, 6/6 FT
Shane Battier - 15 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 6/8 FG, 2/2 3P
Yao Ming - 12 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 6/12 FG
Aaron Brooks - 8 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds, 3/8 FG

Spurs:
Manu Ginobili - 38 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 15/26 FG, 7/10 3P
George Hill - 14 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 4/13 FG
Tony Parker - 14 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds, 1 steal, 3/14 FG, 8/11 FT
Richard Jefferson - 7 points, 9 rebounds, 1 steal, 3/12 FG

27 27 23 25 102
23 21 16 30 90

[Mavs4Life]

K-Mart drifting out of bounds... YES! With 1 second to go Houston takes a 2 point lead! If only this was real. Great wins, suprised there was no double team on K-Mart if it was me I would've known the ball was going to him.

[Lamrock]

Congrats on the success to this point. Always liked Kevin Martin, and it's great to see him given such primacy. Keep it up.

[kibaxx7]

Wonderful to see Manu average 40 points, also George Hill on double figures, but the team's 0-2 and we need more power from Jefferson... I've always said he's a failure

[Houndy]

Darn, he didn't brick

[Justine.]

Martin is hot, as so as Ginobili!

[Cruzerr]

As usual, Spurs getting their ass whooped

[Stress Fracture]

Darn, he didn't brick

I would just like to state again that Martin is no Ariza.

Manu's carrying the Spurs. Let Lee defend him.

[Bucket]

Kick the shit outta Spurs, they are too old for you I highly doubt that Mavs will win Thunder, but if they win it would be a nice, two last rounds in Western conference in Texas for you
I hope Yao will have long career here

[Larvae]

K-Mart is a complete BEAST
Great Win Brothaaa!

[George7]

K-Mart's on fire!!! That's what I'm talking about!Lethal on every single minute of the match!

[karlsanada10]

Nice win.xD Hope they won't get sweep. haha.

[qfrmcpt310]

K-Mart is a monster!!!

[Axel The Great]

K-Mart drifting out of bounds... YES! With 1 second to go Houston takes a 2 point lead! If only this was real. Great wins, suprised there was no double team on K-Mart if it was me I would've known the ball was going to him.

Yeah, if only the Rockets going back to the playoffs was real. Spurs should've brought a double-team, but K-Mart would've still prevailed.

Congrats on the success to this point. Always liked Kevin Martin, and it's great to see him given such primacy. Keep it up.

Thanks Lamrock. Martin will always be given that much primacy with me, he's just so consistent.

Wonderful to see Manu average 40 points, also George Hill on double figures, but the team's 0-2 and we need more power from Jefferson... I've always said he's a failure

Tony Parker's dishing dimes as if he were John Stockton, but he's not shooting well either. The 2-0 deficit can be attributed to Duncan's absence.

Darn, he didn't brick

Why would you want him to brick?

Martin is hot, as so as Ginobili!

Manu can't be stopped, but he's had to chuck up so many shots to get his points.

As usual, Spurs getting their ass whooped

Haha, it'd feel much nicer if Duncan was there to experience it.

Darn, he didn't brick

I would just like to state again that Martin is no Ariza.

Manu's carrying the Spurs. Let Lee defend him.

Yep, and glad that there's no Ariza to brick shots for me here. Lee's not getting much minutes (around 13-14 a game at the most) due to Martin's hot streak. Something that's worth the attempt, though.

Kick the shit outta Spurs, they are too old for you I highly doubt that Mavs will win Thunder, but if they win it would be a nice, two last rounds in Western conference in Texas for you
I hope Yao will have long career here

WCF between Dallas and Houston would be just so epic . I hope to get Yao a longer career (he has already out-edged the real Yao by a season ), and so far so good. With a 37 durability rating he hasn't been injured yet.

K-Mart is a complete BEAST
Great Win Brothaaa!

Not only is he a scoring monster, but he's the master of efficiency. Tell me how many players make 16/27 look easy?

K-Mart's on fire!!! That's what I'm talking about!Lethal on every single minute of the match!

Unstoppable. As said before, his shooting numbers game in and game out are just unfair.

Nice win.xD Hope they won't get sweep. haha.

Spurs are a hard-nosed team. I expect two more close games in San Antonio.

K-Mart is a monster!!!

Yep, and he always will be here.

So next: Games 1 & 2 around the league, but not before the milestone post.

[Axel The Great]

And so for the second time in my dynasty/association history, I reach 1000 replies. The quest remains for me to surpass the 1448 replies from my first story, and we're in great condition so far.

And yes, this is the usual shoutout milestone post that everyone does. Before the shoutouts, let me just announce a huge thank you to any and all who have either read, followed, skimmed, viewed, replied, spammed, etc. this story and this thread. It's not a good feeling to share something with a community that's not applauding, especially when you dedicate time off of your day to do so. Every reader is appreciated here, whether you're a consistent reader, or pop in and out every now and then. So let's get on with the shoutouts shall we?

First off, I'd like to thank Kenny (aka badreligionau, I just prefer to call him Kenny ). His Denver Nuggets story is my favorite all-time story, hands down. It was the first story I followed completely, and you can attribute the success of my first and this story to him. Reading his story made me want to start my own, and look where I am now. One story in the HOF, and another one that (hopefully) has the potential to make it there as well. Just want to say thanks, and I hope you fix that jumpshot of yours (over the backboard, really? I get pretty angry if I barely hit rim on a jumpshot of mine. )

Next shoutout goes to the greatest Admin ever, Andrew. He may not read this, as I don't think he's even read a word of this thread, but in case he does, here's a shoutout to him. A consistent follower of my first story and someone who's understanding and tolerant, qualities that are definitely needed from an Admin, you can attribute a lot of the success of this forum to Sir Begley. Here's to more years of quality admin-ing from him.

Next, in no particular order of priority or appreciation, individual shoutouts to:

Thierry - How coincidental that you reach 2K replies a few days ago, and I'm halfway there now. I remember you were a good follower of my first story, and you're still a good follower of this one. Just wanna say "gracias por soportarme", and help you gave me in GIF making.

Stress Fracture - I'm pretty sure this is the only story you follow, right? Either way, thanks for your support, it's nice to have another true Rockets fan besides myself on board. I just hope for our team pride's sake that they don't go downhill after the loss of Yao.

hova- - Became a consistent follower mid-season. And that's a cool thing seeing as how you have the best story on the board right now. Really nice having you as a reader, and I hope you update your Sonics in the near future.

Lamrock - I don't know where you go. You pop in at sporadic moments these days, not just in the section, but the whole forum in general. Anyways, thanks for the support and epic posts. I know you'll probably be one to look forward to Brad Halstead's implementation to the story next season.

Houndy, z02, George7 - I'd say you three are right up there in most enthusiastic readers. Houndy being the heel reader, z02 being a more neutral reader, and George7 being the one who always supports the Rockets. Thanks for the support all three of you, and keep building that enthusiasm!

Martti. - No complaints about winning too much? Nah, jk. I remember you were also one of my first followers of the first story I did. You've continued to be a follower from then until now as well, so thanks a lot.

Clutch - Where u at man? Not here anymore, but just wanna say thanks for the support you gave me in my first story and the epic sig you made for me before the story even started, you were an excellent story-writer (HOF Rockets story backs that up) and reader.




There have been too many followers in the past that it would be tiring to give individual shoutouts to all of them. Everyone deserves a mention though, so here goes:

Thanks (in no small part) to: |)e8*, Valdis, Justine., shadowgrin, The X, Mavs4Life, Valor, Sit, Larvae, KidJustin, karlsanada10, Gamebreaker, qfrmcpt310, Cruzerr, LeQueer (Badger), Radioman, Osaki/Ozaci, Psychedelic™, Mark., Kubik, mandich, dare, Grandmama Johnson, maksie, mp3, puttincomputers, newc, megarover, clevelandwins, lefisto, Keef, Bomb Diggity, Hyperize., TheDee, Helios3D, bret35, Wyze, GrandTheft 2K11: Dub Edition, Phil89, .PorkyJoker.06

So many cool people, I hope I'm not forgetting anyone. Even if it's just one reply you've given, still worthy of being on that list because you contributed one out of 1000 replies. To anyone who reads but doesn't give feedback, well, maybe an incentive to start giving feedback? It's a great sign that some are starting to think this is HOF material, but given the ratio of number of 2K stories started to the ones in the HOF, it's tougher. Maybe after two or three seasons, I'd consider this worthy of the HOF.

So with the final words and to end another long rant of mine, I just want to say thanks to everyone who's contributed at least something to not just this story, but my other story also. It's been a great year and two months updating a dynasty/association, and here's to maybe another year or two of doing the same. You guys are the best!

[Gamebreaker]

Halfway to Thierryland... keep on truckin...

[rise]

Congrats on the 1k, bro.

Nice wins, but seriously, you have to admit that my scenario for the end of that game could've made everything a lot more interesting.