Houston, We Had A Dynasty - Officially Retired

[Axel The Great]

Sophomores bully the Rookies

Background: I was disappointed in the game's selection of the Rookies. Picking 4 PG's for the Rookie bench instead of Chase Budinger. So, I used the sophomores, because it's impossible to play with 2 forwards and only 1 center. Here are the lineups:
Rookies-
C DeJuan Blair (SAS)
PF Chris Hunter (GSW)
SF Omri Casspi (SAC)
SG Marcus Thornton (NOH)
PG Tyreke Evans (SAC)
----------------------------
PG Jonny Flynn (MIN)
PG Stephen Curry (GSW)
PG Brandon Jennings (MIL)
PG Darren Collison (NOH)

Sophomores-
C Brook Lopez (NJN)
PF Michael Beasley (MIA)
SF Danilo Gallinari (NYK)
SG OJ Mayo (MEM)
PG Derrick Rose (CHI)
-----------------------------
PG Russell Westbrook (OKC)
PG Mario Chalmers (MIA)
SG Eric Gordon (LAC)
C Marc Gasol (MEM)

Sophomores 115-88 Rookies


Michael Beasley showed signs of becoming a superstar in the NBA.

Due to the fact that the Rookies lacked big men on the bench, they still put up a good fight through 3 quarters. In the fourth, fatigue started to kick in. Tyreke Evans was the top Rookie, and had 33 points, 7 assists, and 9 rebounds. Despite Tyreke's near triple-double, Derrick Rose came away with the Rookie Challenge MVP. He had 35 points, 13 assists, 4 rebounds and 3 steals. Tyreke, Beasley, and Lopez aren't done for the All-Star Break. They still have to play in the All-Star game, and have a chance to shine.

Rookie Challenge MVP-

Derrick Rose
35 points | 13 ast | 4 reb | 3 stl

Top Scorers-
Sophomores: Derrick Rose- 35
Rookies: Tyreke Evans- 33

Board Crashers-
Sophomores: Marc Gasol- 11
Rookies: DeJuan Blair- 12

Assists-
Sophomores: Derrick Rose- 13
Rookies: Tyreke Evans- 7

Double-Doubles-
Sophomores: Brook Lopez- 10 points 10 rebounds, OJ Mayo- 12 points 10 assists, Derrick Rose- 35 points 13 assists
Rookies- Chris Hunter- 10 points 10 rebounds

Box Scores-
Soph.: 29 32 22 32 115
Rook.: 23 28 22 15 88


Derrick Rose hopes to make the All-Star game next season.

[Justine.]

Monster game by Rose! Disliking the Rookie lineup too

[Andrew]

Dominant display by the Sophomores, nice to see Rose take home MVP honours. I'd have played with the Sophs too, though their reserves weren't that better balanced.

[Axel The Great]

Monster game by Rose! Disliking the Rookie lineup too

Rose is lucky I have Aaron Brooks, if not, he'd be the PG for me to go after.

Dominant display by the Sophomores, nice to see Rose take home MVP honours. I'd have played with the Sophs too, though their reserves weren't that better balanced.

What? I thought you would be thrilled that Rose took the MVP, Andrew! Jk. Well the sophomores only had one big man, but that's better than none right?
I still can't get over the fact that they needed Bud.

[Andrew]

He ended up with a pretty impressive stat line, I was quite pleased to see that.

[Axel The Great]

I tell you I wasn't pleased to find Bud absent from the Rookie Challenge. I've said that a lot of times, but for every time I repeat myself, it emphasizes my point even further.

[Murat]

Poor Rookies. Forget 2nd round pick DeJuan Blair and 33 pts 7 assists Reke.

[Axel The Great]

Poor Rookies. Forget 2nd round pick DeJuan Blair and 33 pts 7 assists Reke.

Derrick Rose was just better.

[Axel The Great]

Red Nation News Article

All-Star Game Recap

West 118-98 East


There were many dunks and facials in this game, as always.

You may think this was a blowout, but if you watched the game, you wouldn't think so. The West had a 6-11 point lead through most of the game, but the East tied the game every once in a while. The difference in the game, however, was 3 pointers, and bench scoring for the West. The East couldn't get any 3's to fall, obviously they didn't have as great shooters as the West. The East also got multiple offensive rebounds and second chance opportunities which kept them in the game. In the end, those little things are what destroyed the East, and the West took them down for the second straight year. Steve Nash took the All-Star MVP honors, in what was a questionable pick.

Red Nation interviewed Rick Adelman and K-Mart after the All-Star Game. Adelman was asked what strategy he used to win the game and he said, "As always, bench scoring. I use that down in Houston as well. I made sure everybody scored, and once that was done, find the right lineups to win the game. We had better shooters, bigger size with Kaman, Yao, and Dirk, but also a bench that was willing to provide scoring, and that made the difference in the game." Kevin Martin was asked how it was like to be in his first All-Star game. He replied, "I was pretty nervous before the game. I've never played in front of 100,000+ fans before, and I've never been surrounded by this many veterans before. But I pulled myself together when I first checked in, because my job is to play basketball, not to whine about the number of people watching me play."

All-Star MVP-

Steve Nash
15 points | 9 ast | 3 reb | 1 stl

Top Scorers-
West: Kevin Durant- 17
East: Antawn Jamison- 26

Board Crashers-
West: Chris Kaman- 11
East: Dwight Howard- 15

Assists-
West: Steve Nash- 9
East: Rajon Rondo and LeBron James- 9

Doube-Doubles-
West: Chris Kaman- 14 points 11 rebounds
East: Antawn Jamison 26 points 10 rebounds, Dwight Howard 21 points 15 rebounds


The East were given too many easy baskets.

Box Scores-
29 28 28 33 118
18 29 27 24 98


Steve Nash communicated well with his teammates.

[Clutch]

Nash MVP is pretty normal, though i would've liked if Jamison pulled it off

what were Martin's stats and how many mins did he get to play? IRL, has Martin ever been to the ASG?

[Martti.]

Clutch, IRL, nope.

I hate it that in most dynasties/associations, West beats the crap out of the East.

Sucks Bud didn't make the Rookie team, but the class was full of great PG-s and Live picks the best players PPG-wise to the game. Most of the times it's 4 PG-s or if you're lucky, one SG as well.

[Clutch]

Clutch, IRL, nope.

huh... glad i traded his sorry ass then

j/k

[Axel The Great]

Nash MVP is pretty normal, though i would've liked if Jamison pulled it off

what were Martin's stats and how many mins did he get to play? IRL, has Martin ever been to the ASG?

I though Howard would get the MVP, with 15 boards, and dunking all over my defense!
I think K-Mart had 7 points and 2 assists (might have to check and edit later), not good stats for K-Mart normally, but with Kobe and Tyreke in the SG spot as well, it's acceptable.
Martti. already beat me, but no, K-Mart has not been to the All-Star game IRL. However, next season he will!

I hate it that in most dynasties/associations, West beats the crap out of the East.

Sucks Bud didn't make the Rookie team, but the class was full of great PG-s and Live picks the best players PPG-wise to the game. Most of the times it's 4 PG-s or if you're lucky, one SG as well.

Well, maybe that's because ppl with dynasties/assoc. pick a team in the West.

Picking players PPG-wise is not smart, as basketball isn't all about scoring. Well, next season I know to get Bud's scoring avg. up so he can be with the sophomores.

[Andrew]

Not the most gaudy stats for Nash, but seemingly a deserving All-Star MVP all the same.

[Axel The Great]

Well, not very high numbers, but the reason for that is because I was focused on everybody scoring and getting playing time. But if I were to choose the MVP, it would be Howard.

[Axel The Great]

Jeffries' Recovery Progress

*Knock Knock Knock*. "Come in," said Daryl Morey from his GM's office. "Oh, it's you coach," said Daryl Morey casually. "I'd like to know Jared Jeffries' recovery progress," replied Rick Adelman. "You haven't asked him personally?", replied Daryl. "No, he hasn't been showing up to games, and hasn't been answering his phone, he's an important piece to this Rockets team, and I don't want him missing," said Rick, sitting down in an empty chair after Daryl motioned for him to do so.

"Yes, I'm well aware of that. Just let me call our team doctor." Daryl said. "Hello," answered the team doctor. "Yes, it's me Daryl, how's Jared doing?", asked Daryl. "He's 100% clear to play in the upcoming Jazz game. He hasn't been coming to games because he needed to spend time with his family. He agreed to play this Tuesday," replied the team doctor. "Excellent! Thank you," said Daryl and hung up. "He's ready to play," Daryl told Rick. "Good, I'll limit his minutes for the next 2-3 games then," replied Rick. "Just tell him not to go up for blocks against aggressive dunk monsters again," Daryl jokefully answered. "Oh I'm sure he'll be wanting revenge against Dwight Howard when we play the Magic next week," replied Rick laughing.

"Now with Jared back, what are your plans with David Andersen? He's so good off the bench, a perimeter big man who can shoot threes, block, rebound, and post-up, how will you manage both of them?", Daryl asked. "Good question, maybe I'll have them take turns switching from active to injury replacement. I'll work something out. See you until the next team practice then Daryl, sorry for the disturbance." Rick said. "Oh no problem, I was bored anyways, but I'll be at the next team practice." Daryl replied.


They both shook hands, and Rick left the room, leaving Daryl to twiddle his thumbs and stare into space.

[Clutch]

nice to hear Jared Jeff's returning; even though you're doing fine with out him, having the extra 6 fouls as insurance is never a bad thing

[Axel The Great]

Actually, you might know this but, in the game he's not injured, I just fit it into the story. Remember that screen I took of Jared blocking Howard?

[Axel The Great]

4-Game Recap

[43-8] Houston Rockets 95-80 Utah Jazz [20-31]


Ariza was awarded the Sprite Dunk of the Night.

The Rockets rose from their ashes after being burned down by the Heat. This game was basically one sided, but Yao's struggle to rebound is worth mentioning, as he only picked up 6 boards. However, Al Jefferson and Tyrus Thomas are great fits to their new team, but it comes at a price, as Memo saw limited minutes.

SPOTG-

Kevin Martin
32 points | 2 reb | 3 ast | 1 blk | 2 stl

Top Scorers-
Rockets: Kevin Martin- 32
Jazz: Deron Williams- 23

Board Crashers-
Rockets: Luis Scola- 10
Jazz: Al Jefferson- 14

Assists-
Rockets: Kyle Lowry- 6
Jazz: Deron Williams- 7

Box Scores-
25 23 23 24 95
14 27 16 23 80


The Chuckwagon playing great defense on Big Al, forcing him out to the perimeter.

[44-8] Houston Rocets 93-90 Milwaukee Bucks [25-27]


Jennings was given a look similar to this but couldn't force OT.

The Rockets had a nail-biter against the Bucks. The Rockets had the lead for most of the game, but in the 3rd quarter, the Bucks made a good run. 4th quarter the Rockets were up 91-90, thanks to a bucket made by Kevin Martin. Bucks inbounded, and tried to get the ball to John Salmons, but K-Mart intercepted the pass, and the Bucks were forced to foul. Martin would make both free throws, and it was Bucks ball. 7-game winning streak on the line for the Bucks, Brandon Jennings was given a clean look for a 3 whle down by 3, but couldn't make it, and that ended the Bucks' 7-game winning streak.

SPOTG-

Kevin Martin
36 points | 4 reb | 3 ast

Top Scorers-
Rockets: Kevin Martin- 36
Bucks: Brandon Jennings- 25

Board Crashers-
Rockets: Yao Ming- 6
Bucks: Andrew Bogut- 14

Assists-
Rockets: Multiple players had 3
Bucks: Brandon Jennings- 5

Box Scores-
23 32 19 19 93
21 18 26 25 90

[45-8] Houston Rockets 95-86 Indiana Pacers [22-32]


Danny Granger had a quiet night, but was awarded the Sprite Dunk of the Night.

The Rockets once again dominate at home, this time defeating the Pacers. The Rockets did blow a 16 point lead, but Yao came to the rescue and this time he finished with 16 points and 15 rebounds.

SPOTG-

Kevin Martin
30 points | 4 reb | 3 ast

Top Scorers-
Rockets: Kevin Martin- 30
Pacers: Troy Murphy- 21

Board Crashers-
Rockets: Yao Ming- 15
Pacers: Troy Murphy- 15

Assists-
Rockets: Aaron Brooks and Kyle Lowry- 4
Pacers- TJ Ford- 11

Box Scores-
24 22 28 21 95
20 24 17 25 86


Jared was a little hesitant in going for blocks this game.

[46-8] Houston Rockets 97-102 New Orleans Hornets [26-29]


The Greene Light has been off for a while.

The Rockets had a frustrating game at New Orleans, being down by double-digits for a big chunk of the game. Near the end of the 4th quarter, Kevin Martin turned up the clutch, and brought the Rockets within 5. However due to a mistake, they allowed Chris Paul to score an easy bucket, and the Hornets increased their winning streak to 6, sending the Rockets home stung.

SPOTG-

Emeka Okafor
13 points | 23 reb | 2 ast

Top Scorers-
Rockets: Kevin Martin- 37
Hornets: Chris Paul- 35

Board Crashers-
Rockets: Luis Scola- 10
Hornets: Emeka Okafor- 23

Assists-
Rockets: Aaron Brooks- 10
Hornets: Darren Collison- 9

Box Scores-
26 15 25 31 97
28 26 26 22 102


Yao has to take some blame for the loss, as his struggles in rebounding continue.

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Sorry for the late update guys. As you see, Kevin Martin is strong after the All-Star break, going 4 consecutive games with 30+ points. He currently holds the lead in scoring, with 28.6 PPG.

Next 5 games-
Magic
Spurs
@Jazz
Raptors
Kings

[kibaxx7]

"Chuckwagon"? "Greene Light"? Nice nicknames, lol.

[Clutch]

wow K-Mart is scorching HOT right now! MVP candidate?

Yao's getting frustrated... just hoping he doesn't frustrate himself into a season-ending injury (as usual )

[Andrew]

Some good wins before the tough game in New Orleans, Martin's certainly been pouring in the points. Lucky escape in Milwaukee.

[Axel The Great]

"Chuckwagon"? "Greene Light"? Nice nicknames, lol.

I'm trying to think of nicknames for all my players. Ironic how Donte Greene and Michael Redd play in the NBA.

wow K-Mart is scorching HOT right now! MVP candidate?

Yao's getting frustrated... just hoping he doesn't frustrate himself into a season-ending injury (as usual )

He's 4th in MVP Candidates. If I can't get him the coveted award, I'll get him a scoring title.

Yao's just going through a tough stretch, every player has those moments during the regular season.

Some good wins before the tough game in New Orleans, Martin's certainly been pouring in the points. Lucky escape in Milwaukee.

I'm going to try and break Moses Malone's streak of 30+ points (13 right now) with K-Mart. He already broke a franchise record of most FT's made without a miss (went 16-16 against the Lakers early in the season).

It was the Luck of a Buck in Milwaukee for me.

[Andrew]

How about the 22 game winning streak from a few years back?

[Axel The Great]

Ehh... Maybe. The team has the right tools for a long streak, but that's a big thing to go for.