NBA.com wrote:Lakers Hold Off Clippers 103-93 To Win Staples Series
Shaquille O'Neal proved that he had something left in the tank. Unfortunately the the BIg Diesel and the Clippers, it wasn't quite enough. In what Shaq announced was his final playoff run, his Clippers bounced back from a 3-1 deficit to force a game 7 against his former team (in which he won three championships). In front of 20 thousand Laker fans and Billy Crystal, the Lakers recovered from a seven point deficit at the half to oust the Clippers 103-93, earning the right to face the Golden State Warriors in the second round, whom the Lakers swept the season series with. Following the game, O'Neal received a standing ovation. His #34 jersey is expected to be retired by the Lakers.
Clippers 80, Lakers 100
Clippers 98, Lakers 103
Lakers 92, Clippers 101
Lakers 108, Clippers 95
Clippers 112, Lakers 108 [OT]
Lakers 99, Clippers 105
Clippers 93, Lakers 103
Lakers win series 4-3
NBA.com wrote:Rasheed, Nuggets Stun Spurs in OT
After losing in double overtime, then being blown out by 26 in game 2 seemed like it would be yet another first round loss to the Spurs for Denver. However, the energetic Nuggets went home and tied the series, with a pair of exciting victories. That momentum carried over into a stunning 101-94 win in San Antonio. The veteran Spurs responded with a blowout win in the Mile High City to force a game 7. With the odds stacked against them, the Nuggets got help from an unexpected source: Rasheed Wallace. After having scored just 20 points total in the other three games in San Antonio, Wallace exploded for 25 as his Nuggets defeated the Spurs 110-105. The Nuggets advance to the second round, while Tim Duncan and the Spurs have a long Summer ahead of them.
Nuggets 112, Spurs 117 [2OT]
Nuggets 82, Spurs 108
Spurs 94, Nuggets 102
Spurs 89, Nuggets 98
Nuggets 101, Spurs 94
Spurs 93, Nuggets 75
Nuggets 110, Spurs 105 [OT]
Nuggets win series 4-3
NBA.com wrote:Blazers Oust Disappointing Rockets In Game 5
Following their offseason acquisition of superstar power forward Chris Bosh, many expected the Houston Rockets to contend for the NBA title. Injuries, reported chemistry issues and some bad breaks led to a 46 win season. Finally healthy, and matched up with a defensively weak Portland Trailblazers team, some expected them to pull off the upset. Didn't happen. The Blazers, who ESPN analyst John Hollinger dubbed "the best offensive team ever", destroyed the Rockets, defeating them in five quick games. Bosh and Yao Ming combined to average just under 32 points per game, while Brandon Roy and Danny Granger combined for nearly 50 a night. After this defeat, it is doubtful that Bosh, a free agent, will re-sign with the Rockets this Summer.
Rockets 71, Blazers 99
Rockets 91, Blazers 102
Blazers 104, Rockets 92
Blazers 90, Rockets 95
Rockets 83, Blazers 101
Blazers win series 4-1
NBA.com wrote:Celtics Bounce Back from 3-1 Deficit, Oust Nets
The 37-45 New Jersey Nets drew comparison to the 2007 "We Believe" Warriors in the first four games of this series, dominating the Celtics with a brand of fast-paced basketball to take a 3-1 lead. A blowout game 5 win by Boston halted New Jersey's momentum, and Boston took games 6 and 7 handily, to secure a date with the Charlotte Bobcats in the next round. Vince Carter and Devin Harris averaged 25 and 23 points per game respectively in the first four games, but just 14 and 15 in the final three. When asked about the shift in game 5, Doc Rivers said "we were playing their game, for some reason, and that's not our game. In game 5 we slowed them down, and they couldn't do anything".
Nets 103, Celtics 107
Nets 111, Celtics 89
Celtics 85, Nets 100
Celtics 102, Nets 113
Nets 78, Celtics 102
Celtics 97, Nets 88
Nets 69, Celtics 94
Celtics win series 4-3
NBA.com wrote:Bobcats Complete Upset Of Bulls In First Postseason
With the Bobcats' 104-99 victory over the highly touted Chicago Bulls in game 6 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, Michael Jordan('s team) has defeated the franchise he won six titles with. The series opened with the Bobcats blowing out the Bulls in Chicago. The Bulls recovered with a game 2 victory followed by a Jordan-esque game-winner by Derrick Rose in the third game. Then, the Bobcat's vaunted defense went to work, holding the Bulls to under 45% from the field in games 4, 5 and 6, all Bobcat victories. The morning after the Bobcats' win, Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro was fired.
Bobcats 108, Bulls 85
Bobcats 91, Bulls 104
Bulls 100, Bobcats 99
Bulls 86, Bobcats 96
Bobcats 98, Bulls 93
Bulls 99, Bobcats 104
Bobcats win series 4-2
NBA.com wrote:LeBron, Cavs Sweep Johnson-less Hawks
Could the Hawks' luck have been any worse? They lose the first two games in Cleveland by a possession each, leading scorer Joe Johnson goes down in game 3 with a strained MCL, and they get swept by LeBron and the Cavaliers. The Hawks were in complete control of game 3 following a pair of narrow losses, leading 35-22 before Johnson went down. With Johnson sidelined, the Cavaliers would come back to win 91-87, then took game 4 96-82. Johnson was remorseful about the injury. "It's just the worst timing, you know? Right before a new contra- I mean during the postseason." The Cavaliers will advance to play the Orlando Magic in the conference semis.
Hawks 90, Cavaliers 93
Hawks 99, Cavaliers 101
Cavaliers 91, Hawks 87
Cavaliers 96, Hawks 82
Cavaliers win series 4-0
NBA.com wrote:Magic Overcome T-Mac's 40, Sweep Raptors
The Magic are officially a force to be reckoned with. The defending conference champs blew out the Raptors in the first two games, thanks to the dynamic duo (Chris Paul and Dwight Howard)'s efforts. When the series shifted to Toronto, they shut them down there too, limiting the league's fourth highest scoring team under 95 points yet again. Tracy McGrady, a former Magic player, scored a season high 40 points, keeping the Raptors in the game. However, the Magic shot 57%, and a late barrage of treys helped Orlando complete the sweep. The Magic will play the Cleveland Cavaliers in the conference semis.
Raptors 93, Magic 109
Raptors 94, Magic 112
Magic 105, Raptors 92
Magic 114, Raptors 108
Magic win series 4-0
NBA.com wrote:Warriors' Anthony Randolph Is Most Improved Player
April 22, 2010 - Warriors big man Anthony Randolph has been named the NBA's 2009-10 Most Improved Player award. Randolph, 20, has dramatically improved his numbers. In his rookie season last year, he put up 7.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 0.8 assists per game. This year, he is averaging 16.8 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists. Furthermore, his Warriors went from 29 wins last season to 47 this year. Read More
NBA.com wrote:Suns' Jrue Holiday Wins Rookie Of The Year Award
April 19, 2010 - Phoenix Suns point guard Jrue Holiday has reportedly won the 2009-10 NBA Rookie Of The Year award. The 19 year old former UCLA Bruin averaged 12.2 points per game, and led all rookies with 7.7 assists as well. Holiday played and started 80 games for the Suns, who lost starting PG and two-time MVP Steve Nash to free agency in the offseason. Despite the team losing four of its five starters from last season (Grant Hill and Shaquille O'Neal to the Clippers, Nash to the Warriors, Amar'e Stoudemire to the Bulls), Holiday has helped them over-achieve to an adequate 34-48 record... Read More...
NBA.com wrote:Nate Robinson Named Kia Sixth Man Of The Year
April 25, 2010 - After helping the Charlotte Bobcats secure their first playoff berth in franchise history, leading the team with just under 18 points per game, Nate Robinson has won the 2010 Kia Sixth Man Of The Year award. Robinson, 25, signed with the Bobcats as a free agent last Summer, and has made an instant impact. In addition to his scoring, Robinson has also averaged 4 assists per game off the bench. Robinson came off the bench in 65 out of 82 games, and averaged 26.6 minutes a night. Robinson will receive the award in Charlotte prior to game 4 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals. Charlie Villanueva of the Portland Trailblazers and Mehmet Okur of the Memphis Grizzlies finished second and third respectively.
NBA.com wrote:Dwight Howard Named Kia Defensive Player Of The Year
April 27, 2010 - For the second consecutive year, Dwight Howard has won the 2010 Kia Defensive Player of the Year award. Howard, 24, became the first player in NBA history to lead the league in both rebounding and blocks for two consecutive seasons, with 12.0 and 2.9 per game respectively. Howard led the Magic to 54 wins and their third consecutive division title. The voting was far from unanimous however, with the Celtics' Rajon Rondo finishing a close second, with Cleveland's LeBron James a distant third. Howard's Orlando Magic finished second in the league at defensive rating behind the Boston Celtics.
NBA.com wrote:Warriors' Liam Washburn Named 2010 Executive Of The Year
April 28, 2010 - Following a league-best 18 game single season turnaround for the Golden State Warriors, which saw them improve from the lottery to the 5th seed in the Western Conference, rookie general manager has won the 2010 NBA Executive of the Year award. Washburn, 28, made major alterations to the team, ultimately retaining just four of the original players from the roster. Notable moves by Washburn include signing two-time MVP Steve Nash, drafting Ricky Rubio and acquiring the Blazers' Rudy Fernandez in one of two blockbuster three-team trades. Despite the death of leading scorer Monta Ellis the Warriors still won 47 games, and will have the cap space to sign a max free agent this offseason. Mike Dunleavy of the Los Angeles Clippers and Otis Smith of the Orlando Magic finished second and third respectively.
NBA.com wrote:Clippers' Mike Dunleavy Named Coach of the Year
April 30, 2010 - From being nearly fired in January to being coach of the year, it has been a pivotal three months for Dunleavy and the Clippers. Posting a 24-10 record from February to April, the Clippers turned their season around, securing their first playoff spot since 2006. The turning point for the season seemed to be when Dunleavy acquired Shaquille O'Neal from the Phoenix Suns. Interestingly enough, the Warriors' Don Nelson finished as the runner-up for this award, while Dunleavy finished second to Golden State's Liam Washburn for the executive of the year award. The Lakers' Phil Jackson finished third. This award is Mike Dunleavy's second.
NBA.com wrote:Lakers' Kobe Bryant Wins 2010 Kia Most Valuable Player Award
May 2, 2010 - In what was the closest MVP race in NBA history, the Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant has narrowly edged out Cleveland's LeBron James for his second MVP award. Bryant, 31, averaged 27.4 points per game, a career high 6.4 assists per game and 5.4 rebounds per game as he led the Lakers to a league-best 61-21 record. Bryant, who last won the award in 2008, beat out James by just six points, and actually finished with one less first place vote. James, the 2008-09 MVP, had higher stats nearly across the board, but his Cavaliers finished with a disappointing 51-31 record. Bryant will accept his award prior to game 2 against the Golden State Warriors at the Staples Center.
Nellieball Chronicles
Chapter 6: Exit Monta, Enter Montaveli
Liam Washburn was bogged down. Though he won the Executive of the Year award, his Warriors were trailing 3-1 in their conference semifinals series against the Los Angeles Lakers, and already off-season changes were being requested. "Bring in Amar'e", Steve Nash pressured. Rashard Lewis is our center of the future. We need him", Don Nelson insisted.
He knew that he couldn't do both without dealing star player Anthony Randolph, and with Stoudemire's marquee player status and Rashard's Magic looking like title favorites, these tasks were looking impossible. Throw in a developing pill addiction, Stephen Jackson constantly complaining about weed being stolen from his locker and visions of the deceased Monta Ellis, and Liam was truly fucked.
Don Nelson wasn't doing much better. A pair of blowout losses in Los Angeles saw the team start to fall apart. They were playing into his system, chucking threes at a rapid pace, but were making less than a quarter of them. Simply put, they became every other Don Nelson coached team. The Warriors narrowly won game 3 against a barely trying Laker team, but lost their first home game of the post-season by 25 after Nelson benched Andris Biedrins and Anthony Randolph in the second half due to their lack of three-point shooting. (Stephen Jackson played the five)
"I'm telling you Liam, for Nellieball to work, we need a five to stretch the floor. A guy like Al Harrington or Raef LaFrentz!", the old coach said to GM Washburn.
Liam pinched the bridge of his nose. "So a power forward that shoots threes? Let me reiterate Don. Antawn Jamison and Troy Murphy never want to play here again, Rashard Lewis is too expensive, and I'm pretty sure Antoine Walker's legs were broken by a loan shark. Finish up the season and I'll see what I do. Plus, the trade and free agency deadlines have passed, it being the fucking playoffs. Don't you have some coaching to do", Washburn snapped.
"Ohhhh real professional Liam. Mr. young know-nothing thinks he can tell me what to do. I'm going to the bar", replied Nelson.
"Perfect," Liam said as he trudged towards the practice court to run yet another practice session. His failure to hire an assistant coach replacement for Ben Bailey has led to him leading a quasi-role as assistant.
Following practice, he once again saw a man with a familiar face wearing a hoodie. "Monta!", he shouted, before the man sped off. Liam went after him, determined. He chases the figure all around the facility, before it tripped on the stairs.
"OW MY ACL!", the man pouted in what was undoubtedly Monta Ellis's.
Liam sprinted down the stairs to help him. "Monta? What are you doing here? I thought you were dead," Liam said, helping him up.
"No... nobody was supposed to find out yet," replied Monta. "You see, my rap career had faltered a bit. Tha Dopeboy IV got a Metascore of 6 and being in C'Mon Son turned out to be bad publicity. So, I took some advice from my good friend Tupac, and faked my death. As a result, Dopeboy has gone Platinum!"
"Tupac, huh? Well, why have you been coming back here?", Liam asked.
"Well, I haven't been receiving paychecks, you see, and my cut of Tha Dopeboy IV proceeds are going to charity, the fuckers. I've been stealing Stephen's weed and training for my comeback," Monta replied, matter-of-factly.
Liam replied, "I see. Well, you know your contract is void, on account of you being dead, right?"
"That hasn't been finalized yet. I'ma come back and win all the awards next year!"
Liam then realized the implications of this: the team would no longer have the cap to afford a max contract player in the offseason, and he would likely be fired for letting such an event go down. "Sounds good. You know, we, uh, made an, um, recording studio in the basement in your honor," Liam said.
Monta was excited. "Ohhh shit son. Let's check that out!"
"Let's," Liam said, before leading the shooting guard into the basement, then locking him in there.
"Man, this is cold, man. Do you know who I am? I am Monta Ellis, bitch!", Monta complained.
"Write me a list of your favorite foods under half an inch in diameter so I can slip it under the door tonight. Stay sharp, Monta!", Liam said, returning to work with a sinister grin on his face.
Meanwhile...
Don Nelson was attempting to rally his troops for game 5 against the Lakers. "Okay, we're down 3-1. No matter what -hic, happens, we'll always -hic have Vegas. Now go out there and hit some long range jump shots!"
"Here here!", Stephen Jackson said, setting his pistol down and running on to the court.
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