X's Bobcats Dynasty '07/08 (NBA Live 2005)

[Fresh8]

Sit's 2nd ROUND PREDICTIONS:

WEST

San Antonio defeats Dallas 3-2
- San Antonio will prove too strong but have to prevail after a fifth game...

Denver defeats Sacramento 3-2
- Nuggets will continue on their unlikely streak

EAST

Detroit defeats Indiana 3-1
- Defence wins rings...

Miami defeats Orlando 3-1
- Orlando will lose to the Heat in this one

[The X]

PLAYOFFS 2nd ROUND RESULTS

Here are the results from the 2nd Round of the playoffs....

WEST

(1) San Antonio defeats (4) Dallas 3-1



This was a series where every game played was closely contested. But when the game was on the line, the experienced Spurs stepped up and took the advantage in the series as they won a tough series 3-1. The Spurs once again advance to the Western Conference Finals.

San Antonio: T. Duncan - 18.9ppg, 11.4rpg, 2.00bpg, 1.88spg, 54.4% FG
Dallas: J. Terry - 11.1ppg, 5.0apg, 37.8% FG


(2) Sacramento defeats (6) Denver 3-0



I expected a closer series, but the Kings absolutely destroyed the Denver Nuggets in 3 straight games to advance to the Western Conference Finals to face the mighty Spurs of San Antonio.

Sacramento: B. Miller - 15.0ppg, 9.1rpg, 4.0apg, 1.63bpg, 1.25bpg
Denver: M. Camby - 0.83bpg


EAST

(1) Detroit defeats (4) Indiana 3-1



Indy got a sole win in game 3, but apart from that it was all smooth sailing for the Pistons, who will now more one step from their 2nd NBA Finals appearance in the last 3 years. The Pistons did well to win this series so comfortably, especially with the injury sustained by star SG Rip Hamilton in game 1.




Detroit: R. Wallace - 19.4ppg, 7.3rpg, 2.86bpg, 2.00spg, 50.0% FG, 37.0% 3Pt. (10/27)
Indiana: J. Tinsley - 11.0ppg, 5.9apg, 36.4% FG, 39.1% 3Pt. (18/46)


(7) Orlando defeats (3) Miami 3-1



The Magic continued their fairytale run through the post-season to knock off another big seed in Shaq, Wade and the Heat. Outside of game 2, the Magic used big series from Hill, Howard and Mobley to propel itself to a Conference Finals matchup against the mighty Pistons.

Orlando: D. Howard - 17.7ppg, 8.8rpg, 1.44bpg 48.6% FG
Miami: D. Wade - 17.0ppg, 38.8% FG, 5.9% 3Pt. (1/17)

[AlwaysWhat,NeverWhy]

GO MAGIC!!! The Cinderella story lives on... Now on to take over MotorTown...

The Spurs are always big in dynasties... you said something about embedded codes,no?

[The X]

series mostly went to form outside of the huge Magic upset of the Heat....let's see how it affected the playoff predictions....

Round 2:

The X

1 x 3 points (SAS-Dal)
1 x 1 point (Sac-Den)
2 x 0 points (Det-Ind, Orl-Mia)

Total = 4 points


Sit

1 x 3 points (Det-Ind)
1 x 1 point (SAS-Dal)
2 x 0 points (Sac-Den, Orl-Mia)

Total = 4 points


Micchy_boy

1 x 3 points (SAS-Dal)
2 x 1 point (Sac-Den, Det-Ind)
1 x 0 points (Orl-Mia)

Total = 5 points


NJ/Trez/Najira

1 x 3 points (Det-Ind)
1 x 1 point (SAS-Dal)
2 x 0 points (Sac-Den, Orl-Mia)

Total = 4 points


The 2nd Round was much closer in picks with only 1 point separating the streaking Micchy_boy over X, Sit and NJ. Once again, no one picked the big upset (Magic over Heat).



LEADERBOARD (After Round 2)

1st - Micchy_boy (18pts)
2nd - The X (13pts)
3rd - Sit (8pts)
4th - NJ/Trez/Najira (4pts) [Not involved in Round 1]


Micchy_boy almost has an insurmountable lead, but a collapse and some good picking by The X could move him off his mantle.

[The X]

PLAYOFF TREE (After Round 2)



Over six months ago, 30 teams had their eyes on the ultimate prize, the 2005/06 NBA Championship. Fast-forward to today, only 4 teams remain. These 4 teams are powerhouses San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Pistons, the always strong Sacramento, and the surprising Orlando Magic who are led by a renewed former superstar (Grant Hill) and a Christian who is only 2 years removed from high school (Dwight Howard). It's Conference Final time folks, and it's anyone's game. Which 2 teams will advance to the NBA Finals?!?


X's CONFERENCE FINALS PREDICTIONS:

WEST

(2) Sacramento defeats (1) San Antonio 3-2

It's only fitting that the top 2 seeds matchup to duke it out for the honour of coming out of the mighty West. This should be a titanic series that should go the distance. While my brain says to go with Duncan and the Spurs, my heart says to go with Peja and the Kings. Kings in 5 gruelling games.


EAST

(1) Detroit defeats (7) Orlando 3-1

Magic have had a great run, and I don't believe Grant Hill has ever advanced this far in the playoffs. It's a little more than ironic that Hill plays against his former team who benefited hugely from his trade when they scooped away diamond in the rough, Ben Wallace. Magic should keep it close through the 1st couple of games, but the depth and power of this Pistons team will prove too much. Pistons in 4.


Results for Conference Finals should be posted tomorrow night, barring a poker night.

[Fresh8]

Sit's Predictions

Spurs Defeat Kings 3-2

- This will go to five.. both teams are good teams... thats all i can say!

Magic defeat Pistons 3-1

- The Magic should take advantage of a missing RIp Hamilton!

[pHLo]

yeah, cool recaps again
and a nice little matchup between u and micchy !
it was fun to read it

Not to be outdone, Watson had his own tricks to get the upper hand
Watson: "Hey micchy, look over there at that hot woman"
Santos: "Where? Where? I don't see her?!?"
Watson: "Haha, you have much to learn rook"

*eMail sent*

[Micchy_boy]

Micchy_boy almost has an insurmountable lead, but a collapse and some good picking by The X could move him off his mantle.

well honestly i can play safe and pick exactly how you pick. with that you will not be able to cut my lead ...
but that will not be fun so here my prediction...


Micchy_boy Conference Finals Prediction
San Antonio win series 3-1
TD with TP still the dynamic duo to beat... add Manu then that trio will be unstoppable..

Detroit win series 3-1
honestly it will be a sweep for Pistons but with Magic having some luck, i'l give them 1 win..

[pHLo]

though i haven't any chance to win this little competition, i'll finally take part in it

i say:


Spurs - Kings 2 - 3
i dislike both of them, but i hatethe spurs more than the kings ^^

Heat - Magic 3 - 0
a playoff shaq is too much for the magic

[The X]

I think you got this one wrapped up Micchy_boy....at least I wasn't so bad with my picks this season....

and pHLo, last time I checked, Heat were knocked out by Magic....you must be thinking of the Pistons....

[Ataraxia]

damn the Nuggets lost....

Cool 4 points

NJ/Trez/Najira

Spurs vs Kings (3-1)

Pistons vs Magic (3-2)


Wow Im glad Shaq's not in the finals

[The X]

PLAYOFFS CONFERENCE FINALS RESULTS

WEST

(1) San Antonio defeats (2) Sacramento 3-2



In game 1 the Spurs sent a statement as they easily took apart the Kings' D, and left their offense in shambles. But the Kings would not wilt, as in game 2, they won a titanic OT game to tie the series at 1-1 with the series heading back to Sacramento. With newfound confidence, the Kings ran the Spurs around in an uptempo matchup that suited the Kings' playing style to move to a 2-1 series lead and the chance to close the series at home. However, that is the last the Kings would get to run in this series as the Spurs ground it down to a half-court matchup. With the tempo slowed, the Spurs went on to take the final 2 games of the series and move on to the NBA Finals with a 3-2 series win of Sacramento.

San Antonio: T. Parker - 17.4ppg, 5.6rpg, 7.3apg, 1.07spg, 1.4TOpg
Sacramento: C. Webber - 16.8ppg, 44.5% FG


EAST

(1) Detroit defeats (7) Orlando 3-1




This series was surprisingly high-scoring, would you would think would suit the Magic. Well the Pistons had no problems playing up-tempo as they comfortably dispatched the gallant Magic in 4 games. The Pistons now move on to their 2nd NBA Finals in the last 3 years, where they will face Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs, to see who will add a 2nd title for the decade.

Detroit: C. Billups - 19.8ppg, 6.2apg, 1.18spg, 43.3% 3Pt. (26/60)
Orlando: S. Francis - 15.5ppg, 31.0% FG

[Fresh8]

Damn man... Magic couldnt cause an upset...

Anyways! The Finals as predicted by me... Pistons in 5. Quote me on that! lol

[The X]

series mostly went to form outside of the huge Magic upset of the Heat....let's see how it affected the playoff predictions....

Conference Finals:

The X

1 x 3 points (Det-Orl)
0 x 1 point
1 x 0 points (SAS-Sac)

Total = 3 points


Sit

1 x 3 points (SAS-Sac)
0 x 1 point
1 x 0 points (Det-Orl)

Total = 3 points


Micchy_boy

1 x 3 points (Det-Orl)
1 x 1 point (SAS-Sac)
0 x 0 points

Total = 4 points


NJ/Trez/Najira

0 x 3 points
2 x 1 point (SAS-Sac, Det-Orl)
0 x 0 points

Total = 2 points


pHLo

0 x 3 points
1 x 1 point (Det-Orl)
1 x 0 points (SAS-Sac)

Total = 1 point


The Conference Finals are done and all went to plan for the top seeds. The top scorer for this round was once again Micchy_boy with 4 points. Micchy_boy has won every round of the picking so far.


LEADERBOARD (After Conference Finals)

1st - Micchy_boy (22pts)
2nd - The X (16pts)
3rd - Sit (11pts)
4th - NJ/Trez/Najira (6pts) [Not involved in Round 1]
5th - pHLo (1pts) [Not involved in Round 1 & 2]


Congrats to Micchy_boy who now has an insurmountable lead and has won this season's playoff pickings It is now a battle for 2nd between The X and Sit for 2nd place honours.

Although I'm implementing a new scoring system for NBA Finals....2pts for picking winner, 5pts for picking winner and margin....although it looks like it probably won't make much of a difference in standings....

[The X]

THE MATCHUP




HOW THE SPURS GOT THERE

San Antonio entered the season with one goal in mind - an NBA championship. Anything less would be deemed a failure for this Spurs team. The Spurs rolled through the regular season as it finished with a league-best 46-12 record and the No. 1 seed throughout the playoffs.



Although the West is the tough, many expected the Spurs to erase last season's shock 1st Round exit and advance to another NBA Finals. Whilst everyone was feeling dejavu in the Spurs' 1st Round series against the Lakers, they overcame their gitters and moved onto face the Mavs. They took care of Dallas pretty comfortably before coming from behind to outlast the Kings to move onto the NBA Finals and a tough matchup against the Detroit Pistons. San Antonio used a 9-5 playoff record to date to get to the NBA Finals, which indicates how battle-tested they are to this point.

The Spurs is led by All-NBA and All-World star Tim Duncan. When Tim goes, the Spurs go and he is the key to his 3rd career title. Duncan is supported well by burgeoning international stars, PG Tony Parker and SG Manu Ginobili. The rest of the team comprises of role players who are built around the big 3.


HOW THE PISTONS GOT THERE

Detroit was not happy with last season's 1st Round upset to the Magic. Anything less than a return to the NBA Finals would be deemed a failure. With Ben Wallace back in the fold, a championship was waiting for the taking. The Pistons were easily the class team out East as they had a Conference-best 40-18 record that was good enough for home court advantage up until the NBA Finals.



Much like the Spurs, the Pistons were looking to get at least past that 1st Round hump. You could hardly call the Hawks a hump in the road as the Pistons got out the broomstick and thrashed the living daylights out of 'Toine and the Hawks. A message was sent to the rest of the NBA that the Pistons were back. Pistons then faced up against arch nemesis, the Indiana Pacers, who proved to be a formidable foe. However, once again the Pistons proved to deep and too strong. The upset-minded Magic were up next in the Eastern Conference Finals, however the Pistons brushed them aside. The Pistons easily took care of the East's best with a 9-3 record and is in fine form going into the NBA Finals.

Whilst the Spurs are Tim Duncan's team, the Pistons don't really have that one superstar franchise player. Instead they have 3 or 4 good, fringe All-star like players. The heart and soul of the team has to be Ben Wallace, who once again scored the Defensive Player of the Year Award. He's joined by Rasheed Wallace and Tayshaun Prince in the frontcourt to probably form the best defensive frontline in the league. The starting guards are high-octane scorers Rip Hamilton and Chauncey Billups. Their starting lineup is very good, and they are supported by players such as Antonio McDyess off the bench. If the Pistons are to win, it'll need strong play from all 6 of these guys.


X's PREDICTION

This matchup might not be a fan's dream in terms of playing style, but clearly, the top 2 teams in the NBA throughout the regular season and playoffs will now meet to playoff for the ultimate prize. This series could go either way, and probably won't come down to the Tim Duncan-Ben Wallace matchup. It is more likely to come down to the supporting cast. Pistons have a deeper supporting cast in the frontcourt and I think that will make the difference. I'm predicting the Pistons will win this series in 5 tough, low-scoring games.

[Fresh8]

Yeah X... lets see.. if u pick wrong margin.. and i do, i still cant win... u might as well go for SPurs and I'll go for Detroit!

[The X]

I picked Pistons before I posted all the recaps so your pick, which was the same, didn't influence mine....I still think Pistons will win 3-2, but for interest sakes, I'll pick the Spurs to win 3-2 and I'll make the score for picking the winner to 3pts and the winner and the right margin to 7pts....that should sweeten it up for you and give you a good shot at 2nd place

[Fresh8]

lol... well if u went for the Pistons... its a fair game... i'll lose to u fair and square!

[pHLo]

lol.... u included me to the stats sheet ^^
with only one point
and ye... i've made a mistake with the Heat & Pistons ^^
it was late here in germany and i was tired, coming home from 2 hours of playing basketball

ok... i can tie with the 4th place, so i say

Spurs - Pistons 1 - 3

[Micchy_boy]

well since my prediction will not change the outcome of the contest...
my pick will be for fun...

Since both of you predict a pistons win, i'l go for the Spurs in a sweep....

Now let's see in my luck in predictng will still work

[Seraph]

damn i miss all the playoffs.......

Anyway MANU will sweep the Pistons

[The X]

STARS IN EUROPE NO MORE

The following three players have made a name for themselves in Europe for different reasons, however they all have one thing in common. They will all be plying their trade in the NBA as of the 2006/07 season.

SARUNAS JASIKEVICIUS


The Americans should be used to this sight. Well, they're gonna be seeing a lot more of it soon

How this guy hasn't been in the NBA to date has shocked many basketball experts the world over. They say he's too slow, they say he's not quick enough, they say he can't guard a turnip, they say a lot of things. One thing for sure is that Sarunas Jasikevicius is a winner. He can shoot the lights out of the ball, is one of the best clutch players in the world, can run a team's offense, and at worst, he's a good NBA backup PG. Jasikevicius has both the American and Euro influence on his game as he played at Maryland back in the mid-to-late 90s, and has been in Europe ever since. Look for Sarunas to really step in and help the team that signs him.


LUIS SCOLA


No one will forget that nasty facial he threw down at the Olympics on the US to wrap it up. Can he improve on that legacy?!?

Scola is another player that the Americans became familiar with at the Athens Olympics. Scola and his Argentinian teammates rolled over the US in the semis on their way to the gold. Scola was a late 2nd Round draft pick by the Spurs in 2002, and was expected to join the Spurs last season. For no reason at all, the Spurs renounced his rights and now he is free to sign with any NBA team that wants him, and there should be a few. Scola is a PF who doesn't rebound or defend that well, but his offensive game should be a spark off the bench for some NBA franchise.


MAKIS "Dweaver" HASSAKIS


Hassakis won't be raising the temperature of the Greek lassies anymore, he's moving on to see if he cut it in the NBA.

When he was given a scholarship as a raw 18 year old to the prestigious Stanford University, Makis Hassakis thought the world was his oyster and he was on to big things and possibly the NBA. Hassakis got a rude shock as he had to play behind quality bigs Jason Collins, Jarron Collins and Curtis Borchardt. For Hassakis' 1st 3 seasons, he barely left the bench. He continued to work on his games and his studies (Law Studies) as he made All-Conference Academic Team. It wasn't until his senior season that he finally got some burn as a 6th man and put up solid numbers off the bench. His size, rawness and passion for the game intrigued scouts who thought he might make a good punt in the 2nd Round. However, in a bad turn, Hassakis suffered an injury before the draft camps. He was left standing on draft day as he went unselected. Inspired to prove many wrong, Hassakis returned to his native homeland, Greece, and returned to play for Maroussi. Fast-forward 2 seasons and Hassakis is now one of the top players in Europe, and at 24 he's still young enough to make the transistion to the NBA. Hassakis has decided the time for his shot at the NBA is now. I have no doubt he will be signed, as long as he's happy with the financial terms, and expect him to bring toughness to any team that signs him, which is an unusual characteristic of a Euro player. Look out for big things from this Greek star.

[Fresh8]

Is Sarunas in the Draft or a free agent? Put him on the Pacers roster because Larry Bird is apparently trying to get him to the NBA...

[The X]

all 3 of those guys above are undrafted free agents.....put them like 125th ranked draftees so they wouldn't get drafted despite their ratings....

I won't be dbf editing each guy to their respective team (Scola to Spurs and Jasikevicius to Pacers)....I'll let the dynasty decide as the Pacers and Spurs will have made decisions in my dynasty based on not having these guys....no dbf-editing to get guys on their teams sorry

[AlwaysWhat,NeverWhy]

Wow, I'm the next big thing Greece has exported since Nick the Greek and Telis Savalas ( and souvlakia... ) . Hmmm, rawness and passion... you forgot flailing elbows and short temper... Maybe I'll wind up in the Pistons or the Pacers... On the plus, I can talk almost everybody into submission at the defensive end...