GSW·2012-13| WEEK 6: Dec 2- 8, 2012 + Player Profiles

[Andrew]

Go Bulls.

[Martti.]

Man, Live 06 contracts are so freaking weird. Acie Law 15M over three years??

[Axel The Great]

Noah and Randolph together should hold down Gregg's son. I think it'll be interesting to see who wins the battle of the PG's: Derrick Rose vs Stephen Curry.

[Clutch]

Apart from Popovic, no other real centers playing for Chi-Town. Noah and Randolph should kill

should is the operative word...

Go Bulls.

that actually made me LOL

Man, Live 06 contracts are so freaking weird. Acie Law 15M over three years??

contracts seem fitting with today's RL contracts, no?

Noah and Randolph together should hold down Gregg's son. I think it'll be interesting to see who wins the battle of the PG's: Derrick Rose vs Stephen Curry.

well, those results are in; stay tuned...

[Valor]

Go Bulls.

Thats what i wanted to say

but seriously, they could use some help

[Clutch]

Miller Time At Oracle Stuns Warriors

Dec 16, 2011 Oakland, CA (AP) - "Our guys showed incredible resolve tonight and got the job done," said Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau in a stunning 127-126 upset over the Golden State Warriors in Oracle Arena. It was a surprisingly close game all throughout, considering the state of the two teams seemingly headed in opposite directions.

The upstart Warriors, with their 3-game win streak and 14-7 record, have been the talk of the town ever since they secured free-agent and former Chicago star, Joakim Noah, during the off-season then acquired a rejuvenated Vince Carter through trade with Orlando.

In contrast, the 6-16 Bulls have struggled with injuries and line-up changes, resorted to a rookie starting center, and have been searching desperately for a way to halt a 6-game slide. But tonight none of that mattered; Chicago leveled the playing field relying on good ol' fashion fundamental basketball.

Clear underdogs from the outset, coach Thibodeau couldn't have been happier as the Bulls held a 52-46 lead near the four minute mark of 2nd-quarter, thanks to veteran Antawn Jamison and star point guard Derrick Rose dominating the early goings. Golden State would rally just before halftime to erase the Bulls lead and take a 2 point edge at the break.

The Bulls started the 3rd-quarter with a strong 7-0 run as Golden State struggled, forcing Stephen Curry to take matters into his own hands. Curry, who scored just 4 points total in the first half, sizzled for 17 of his game-high 27 points coming in the period to reclaim the Warriors lead 94-92 entering the fourth.

The final period was a furious, bucket-for-bucket exchange down to wire. Chicago rookie, Moses "Red Sea" Popovic more than proved his NBA worth by limiting Joakim Noah to single digit scoring then came up with a huge block against him with the scored tied 124-124 and just under 30 seconds remaining in regulation.

The crucial stop gave Chicago possession with 25.9 remaining in the match and coach Thibodeau called time to set up the play - a high screen for Mike Miller's three-point attempt with 3.7 on the clock (2 on the shot clock) that hit nothing but the bottom of the net.

After a Warriors timeout and with 2.8 remaining in regulation, Vince Carter managed to shake free and sink a desperation attempt from the baseline corner, however, his foot was clearly on line.

"I've hit some big shots in my career, but this one's especially nice; hopefully this win helps swing our momentum in the right direction," said Miller who finished with 20 points, 2 rebounds and 6 assists.

Vince Carter also finished with 20 points, as well as 5 boards, 2 assists and a steal. "Tough one to lose tonight, but they played extremely well and Mike (Miller) delivered down the stretch, so props to him."

Joakim Noah struggled against his former team finishing with 6 points, 7 rebounds while rookie Moses Popovic totaled 5 points, 7 boards and 3 blocks. Noah jokingly blamed "Divine Intervention" when asked about his difficulties and the loss.

Golden State will have four nights of recovery and practice to prepare for the visiting Milwaukee Bucks next Wednesday night.


Rose taking on as many Warriors as he can carry | Jamison finding the easier route to lead the Bulls with 25

Steph absolutely on fire in the third | "Who's smelling like a Rose now, boy?"

Rookie Moses Popovic with a big time stop | coach Thibodeau setting up the coup de grâce

It's Miller Time!
_____

Go Bulls.

Thats what i wanted to say

but seriously, they could use some help

they didn't need it

[Valor]

Woah, unexpected tough loss man (what am i saying? GO BULLS!)

Rose with only 15 points and Joe Alexander getting 15 off the bench is weird, anyhow nice game

[Bucket]

Again good performance by Biedrins. Bad about loss

[Axel The Great]

Wow, good game by Curry, sucks I can't say that about the Warriors. You're starting to look like me, getting beaten by under .500 teams.

[kibaxx7]

Superb performances by Jamison and Deng, and the buzzer-beater by Miller. Tough loss

[lefisto]

Tough loss there, impressive performance by Miller and Jamison. Curry is sure the next Rose lol...

[Andrew]

Clearly, it was the support of Valor and myself that willed the Bulls to that unlikely victory. Hard luck, if not for Carter's foot being on the line that could've been a great OT win.

[cavs4872]

A very tough, and as Valor said, unexpected loss man. Jamison, Miller, and Deng torched you guys. Hopefully you can bounce back against those pesky Bucks.

[Clutch]

Rose with only 15 points and Joe Alexander getting 15 off the bench is weird, anyhow nice game

Alexander definitely made the most of Miller & Rose's passing skills

Again good performance by Biedrins. Bad about loss

He may get to start next game; I think Noah needs a breather (or some incentive to start playing tough again )

Wow, good game by Curry, sucks I can't say that about the Warriors. You're starting to look like me, getting beaten by under .500 teams.

their 6-16 record isn't accurate of what this team can do; now that they've traded for Jamison I think their gonna make a push in the East

Superb performances by Jamison and Deng, and the buzzer-beater by Miller. Tough loss

was really surprised how Antawn 'Hot Potato' Jamison schooled Meal Ticket (i call him hot potato because when we used to watch him on the Warriors, he had this strange looking shot and quick release as soon as Arenas fed him the ball; it was as if the ball were burning his hands and he just wanted to be rid of it still, it went in more often than not)

Tough loss there, impressive performance by Miller and Jamison. Curry is sure the next Rose lol...

haha he can't be the 'next' Rose if Rose is still playing, no? If his defense improves, I'd rather Steph be the next GP aka 'the Glove'

Clearly, it was the support of Valor and myself that willed the Bulls to that unlikely victory. Hard luck, if not for Carter's foot being on the line that could've been a great OT win.

Not sure we would've survived them in OT as solid as they were ballin', but would've liked for the opportunity regardless

A very tough, and as Valor said, unexpected loss man. Jamison, Miller, and Deng torched you guys. Hopefully you can bounce back against those pesky Bucks.

yeah as long as we can keep stringing 3-4 game win streaks i think we'll be alright

thx for the comments gents some interesting off-court developments soon...

[Martti.]

Curry actually had a PG-ish game.

[kibaxx7]

i call him hot potato because when we used to watch him on the Warriors, he had this strange looking shot and quick release as soon as Arenas fed him the ball; it was as if the ball were burning his hands and he just wanted to be rid of it

[Clutch]

On Second Thought...

Sunday Dec 18, 2011, one week til Christmas. GSW Corporate HQ, downtown Oakland, CA.

At the top of the stairs just outside the building's entrance, Warriors' owner Chris Cohan paused to turn and give a somber nod to a mysterious lunchtime business associate who boarded a taxi with an acknowledging wave and then quickly sped off.

Cohan entered GSW Corporate juggling a small briefcase plus Starbucks Grandé Mocha 'Extra Hot' in one hand, a stack of loose papers under the same arm, and somehow managed to close an umbrella with the other. It had been rained something fierce this afternoon and despite his best efforts, parts of him still managed to get soaked.

In a mood as foul as the cloudy blackness of the stormy midday, Cohan made his way to the elevator and pressed "Up" but in this reflexive action, he momentarily eased on the stack of papers pressed under his arm, some of which flew down in different directions and lay scattered on the floor.

"AWWWwww, what the FU…!" he started to yell aloud, but as he turned he spotted a young African American girl maybe 6-7 years old, with beige cargo pants and an orange Warriors hoodie standing just a few feet behind him. Two short, braided pig tails sprout off her head and her cute oval face framed large, greenish-brown eyes and a soft, innocent smile.

"FUUhhh.. mmmm… errr, hello lil' one… what's your name?" Cohan said uncomfortably, revealing the awkwardness he's always felt around youngsters.

The little girl didn't reply; instead, she was busy picking up all of Cohan's papers and had quickly gathered them all in a neat stack and handed them back without a word. He took the stack reluctantly, like someone receiving an award for something they didn't earn, then secured them neatly under his arm again.

"Well thank you, lil' girl," Chris said beside himself.

Just then a man's voice called loudly, "Trish!? Trisha, where are you?" and from around the corner, out stepped Kelenna Azubuike.

"There you are!" he said upon spotting the girl, who ran in his direction and into Azubuike's arms. "Oh! Hello there Mr. Cohan. I see you've met my niece Trish."

"Kelenna," Cohan nodded. "Yes. Yes, I have. She's a wonderful little girl… What brings you to corporate? No practice going on today?"

"We finished a little while ago," said Kelenna repositioning Trisha who stared back at Cohan, one arm slung around her uncle's sinewy neck and her free hand hovering near her chin and mouth. "I promised Trisha here we'd stop by to drop off some presents she wrapped for the Toys for Tots drive going on in the lobby. Now we're off for ice cream at Fentons; I know it's cold out, but she loves her ice cream."

"Well, she's a thoughtful one. Make sure she gets a double scoop," said Cohan rather cheery.

"Will do, Mr. Cohan. Say g'bye Trish," Kelenna replied and she waved her hand smiling over Kelenna's shoulder as the two made for the exit.

________


Tuesday Dec 21, 2011 Cohan, coach Johnson and GM Riley meet over several boxes of chinese take out to discuss trade talks with Cleveland owner, Dan Gilbert.


"As per our dinner meeting the other night, I've been a busy man but I think you'll like what I've got," said Riley to Cohan who seemed uncharacteristically disinterested as he stared out the window.

"So… Gilbert's initial offer was David Lee for Azubuike and Randolph," Riley started.

Johnson launched a half-digested pot sticker from his mouth across the table, "Whu whu WHAT!?! You're thinking of moving Azubuike and Randolph!? WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO MY TEAM AND WHY AM I THE LAST TO KNOW ABOUT IT!?"

"Just following orders A.J.," said Riley. "I was against it as well… at the beginning; but I've negotiated feverishly with the Cavs and I think you'll be happy with what's been agreed on."

"About that trade…" Cohan suddenly interjected. "I've changed my mind Riles; tell Dan all deals are off."

Riley's jaw dropped and his eyes narrowed. He cocked his neck back like a cobra ready to strike. "Whoa, whoa… Chris I played hardball here because YOU requested it; you threatened my job was at stake if I didn't come through."

Cohan replied, "Ah that? Just yankin' your chain Riles! Your job's not in jeopardy; you need to lighten up a bit. I know what I've said but… well, I've had a change of heart. I won't be cutting any of our players, not this close to Christmas anyway."

Riley palmed his face with a hard slap, then slowly ran his hand down. "Chris, I swear I could kill you right now." After a deep and drawn-out sigh Riley finally said, "Well, do you at least want to hear what they've offered?"

"Sure, why not," said Cohan while Avery just listened with a stunned look on his face before reaching for the chow fun and helping himself with a plastic fork straight from the box.

"The Cavs front office agreed to accept a deal that would send Anthony Randolph, Kelenna Azubuike and DeAndre Jordan to Cleveland for David Lee… "

Avery Johnson winced in his chair.

"That is, David Lee… plus point guard Jannero Pargo AND forward J.J. Hickson."


Cohan's good-cheer smile suddenly turned grinchy flat and his head slowly turned towards Riley like a shark locating a drop of blood.

"Oh… really?"

[kibaxx7]

I see, a little closer to reality with Lee and Pargo Hickson will be huge in the future. Pull the trigger man!

[Martti.]

Don't like it. Keep the Meal Ticket! Though yeah, getting Lee would keep things more up to date.

[dare]

Don't like the trade either, what's going to left for your future team.

[Clutch]

thierry, martti - i'm 50/50 on it right now so we'll see;
dare - Curry and Noah for starters; those two are as good as any to start building a team around

[Houndy]

Trade sucks

[Axel The Great]

Dude Clutch, you are the next Stephen King, you have some good writing skills! About the trade, I think you shouldn't go through with it, but it's your choice.

[Lamrock]

Still don't like the deal. Pargo is a scrub, and I doubt Hickson is any good in Live '06.

[Clutch]

Trade sucks

depending on which side of the bed i wake up, i feel the same about the RL trade lol;

Dude Clutch, you are the next Stephen King, you have some good writing skills! About the trade, I think you shouldn't go through with it, but it's your choice.

Stephen King? lol... thx man; i'm down with that (although most of his stories are like hours of foreplay and 10 second climax lol);

Still don't like the deal. Pargo is a scrub, and I doubt Hickson is any good in Live '06.

Ant Randolph, ovrl 81; JJ Hickson, overl 77... stats definitely allocated differently (Randolph more speed/quickness; Hickson more traditional post player)... tempting but not definite atm... Pargo=scrub is generous