Road to Glory II

[Fresh8]

Sit >> L-Train and the rest of the Class.

[Axel The Great]

Sit's ego > Will Sit himself

[Lamrock]

L-Train doing work! IMO I should be higher than Jones. Jones' raw numbers are arguably less impressive, and the difference in shooting percentages is quite jarring.

[Fresh8]

I don't care who's number 2 because I'm Numero Uno!

[Mark.]

Whoa 25 game winning streak, pretty mad, wonder if they will break the Bulls record. Looking good Valor, same solid recaps as usual Also like the rookie coverage as well.

[Valor]

He outdoes his real life counterpart in this association.

Unfortunately, yes

Sit >> L-Train and the rest of the Class.

Sit's ego > Will Sit himself

I don't care who's number 2 because I'm Numero Uno!

Always love the competitive chat from the NLSCers

L-Train doing work! IMO I should be higher than Jones. Jones' raw numbers are arguably less impressive, and the difference in shooting percentages is quite jarring.

He had a better month though

Whoa 25 game winning streak, pretty mad, wonder if they will break the Bulls record. Looking good Valor, same solid recaps as usual Also like the rookie coverage as well.

Cheers Mark, hope they wont break the 72-10 record....Part Four (R2MVP) and Five (Miscellaneous) coming soon

[Valor]

Monthly Recaps:
Part Five: Race to the MVP

1. Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets (29-3)

Stats: PPG -- 22.2; RPG -- 5.2; APG -- 11.0; SPG -- 2.8; BPG -- 0.3; FG% -- .567; 3P% -- .581; FT% -- .911
Last Month's Rank: 1
Comment: His Hornets finally got beat, but that wasn't before they eased themselves into second place on the all-time win streak list ahead of the 2007-08 Houston Rockets with 25 straight wins. At 29-3, the Hornets still looks unstoppable and CP3 is the main reason why.


2. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers (27-5)

Stats: PPG -- 30.5; RPG -- 4.4; APG -- 5.2; SPG -- 2.0; BPG -- 0.5; FG% -- .546; 3P% -- .445; FT% -- .870
Last Month's Rank: 2
Comment: Another month in his 16th NBA Season and the reigning MVP and back to back to back defending champion still shows no signs of slowing down. Bryant's league-leading scoring average remains at a staggering 30.5 points per game, and he's more efficient than ever, cashing in almost 55% of his field goal attempts.


3. Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic (23-7)

Stats: PPG -- 19.9; RPG -- 12.6; APG -- 1.0; SPG -- 0.7; BPG -- 3.3; FG% -- .546; 3P% -- .500; FT% -- .557
Last Month's Rank: 3
Comment: Although his scoring dipped a tad from last month's average, Dwight Howard's improvements on the offensive end of the floor has been evident with three 30+ games and one 29 point performance in the month of December. His Magic are leading the pack in the East and looks to be a lock for the top seed this season.


4. Yao Ming, Houston Rockes (23-8)

Stats: PPG -- 19.6; RPG -- 11.0; APG -- 1.3; SPG -- 0.2; BPG -- 3.1; FG% -- .522; 3P% -- .400; FT% -- .838
Last Month's Rank: 8
Comment: The Great Wall of Houston has never played better, and that's saying a lot. Yao recorded his first career triple double and a career high 10 blocks earlier in the month, his Rockets have blazed to third place in the incredibly stacked Western Conference and he's challening Dwight Howard's throne in the rebounding and blocks categories. Did I mention he's still very much healthy even after a full 82 game season last year? (first 80+ game season since his third year in the league)


5. Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls (20-11)

Stats: PPG -- 26.4; RPG -- 2.7; APG -- 7.9; SPG -- 1.7; BPG -- 0.6; FG% -- .533; 3P% -- .422; FT% -- .849
Last Month's Rank: 6
Comment: Get this, Derrick Rose has only one game this season in which he did not score 20 or more points. (Nov 11 vs Phx, he had 18) Rose is having a breakout season offensively, scoring over 26 points per game along with just under 8 assists to lead his Bulls to the second best record in the Eastern Conference.


6. Carmelo Anthony, Milwaukee Bucks (20-14)

Stats: PPG -- 27.7; RPG -- 8.2; APG -- 3.1; SPG -- 2.0; BPG -- 0.5; FG% -- .557; 3P% -- .444; FT% -- .768
Last Month's Rank: 5
Comment: Even with a bunch of injuries smacking Milwaukee right in the face, the Bucks were still able to keep up amongst the elite company of the East thanks to Melo and his smooth and explosive offensive game.

7. LeBron James, Sacramento Kings (19-12)

Stats: PPG -- 24.6; RPG -- 9.3; APG -- 6.8; SPG -- 1.8; BPG -- 2.2; FG% -- .464; 3P% -- .268; FT% -- .716
Last Month's Rank: 9
Comment: The Kings went 8-2 in their last 10 games and it's all thanks to the efforts of the King. James has taken it upon himself to crash the glass, an area of weakness for Sacramento, and has grabbed 10+ boards in all 8 of those victories.


8. Pau Gasol, Los Angeles Lakers (27-5)

Stats: PPG -- 22.1; RPG -- 9.4; APG -- 2.3; SPG -- 0.3; BPG -- 2.1; FG% -- .580; 3P% -- .000; FT% -- .723
Last Month's Rank: N/A
Comment: After a sub-par (for his standards) season last year where he averaged a career low in points per game and snubbed from the All-Star team, the 7 foot Spaniard has bounced back nicely and is now averaging a career high 22.1 points per game on a career best 58% shooting from the field.


9. Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics (18-14)

Stats: PPG -- 18.6; RPG -- 7.1; APG -- 8.6; SPG -- 2.4; BPG -- 0.3; FG% -- .546; 3P% -- .272; FT% -- .589
Last Month's Rank: 10
Comment: This is a breakout year for Rajon Rondo alright. Rondo is averaging career highs across the board and notched two more triple doubles this month to add to his league leading season total of four.


10. Lamar Odom, Los Angeles Lakers (27-5)

Stats: PPG -- 10.9; RPG -- 7.7; APG -- 5.5; SPG -- 1.2; BPG -- 1.5; FG% -- .508; 3P% -- .441; FT% -- .698
Last Month's Rank: N/A
Comment: It's strange to see three players from the same team appearing on the top ten, it's even more strange to see a sixth man appearing in the race; but Odom has just been that good for the Lakers, literally doing whatever Phil Jackson wants him to do on the floor. He is second in the NBA behind Rajon Rondo in triple doubles with two thus far, and he only plays 28 minutes per game. Can you imagine what numbers he'll put up if he plays as a starter and the main guy on offense?

[Fresh8]

does 2k10 count triple doubles? Also not cool seeing lamar in there. Even the real life one isnt an mvp candidate.

[Valor]

does 2k10 count triple doubles? Also not cool seeing lamar in there. Even the real life one isnt an mvp candidate.

No, but it appears on the "headline" page when someone gets one
Lamar is listed at 5 in the 2K10 MVP rankings, along with Gasol and Kobe; I don't usually put three players from same team in the Race, but he IS playing that good so gotta give credit where its due

[Fresh8]

It's not that good... The game sucks! Haha

[George7]

The season Rose having is really great!Make him the MVP!

[Martti.]

Right now CP3 is in front by a huge lead. 29-3, that's just crazy.

[maksie]

yeah CP3 is almost a sure winner.Can the hornets go for 73 ?

[Valor]

It's not that good... The game sucks! Haha

Sometimes, it does really suck

The season Rose having is really great!Make him the MVP!

Tough competition

Right now CP3 is in front by a huge lead. 29-3, that's just crazy.

Yup, they are still cruising along

yeah CP3 is almost a sure winner.Can the hornets go for 73 ?

At their currently W/L percentage, they are on pace to win 74 games.....

[Axel The Great]

Wouldn't mind if CP3 took the MVP award, as long as it's not Kobe. Yao or Derrick Rose would be nice too.

[Mark.]

Dwight for MVP!

[Valor]

Wouldn't mind if CP3 took the MVP award, as long as it's not Kobe. Yao or Derrick Rose would be nice too.

I love how everyone hates on Kobe

Dwight for MVP!

He's beasting alright...

Part Five coming right up!

[Valor]

Monthly Recaps: December 2011
Part Five: Miscellaneous Recaps

NLSC Player Watch
Will Sit, Portland Trailblazers
G | GS | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | TOPG | FPG | FG% | 3P% | FT%
32 | 32 | 30.3 | 16.0 | 1.2 | 4.2 | 0.6 | 0.1 | .421 | .417 | .822

Game of the Month
December 26th vs Philadelphia 76ers (W: 131-106)
24 points, 2 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 11-19 FG, 0-3 3PT, 2-2 FT


Liam Washburn, Miami Heat
G | GS | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | TOPG | FPG | FG% | 3P% | FT%
30 | 30 | 29.6 | 12.4 | 3.4 | 6.8 | 0.3 | 0.2 | .447 | .500 | .727

Game of the Month
December 1st @ Utah Jazz (W: 111-81)
13 points, 8 rebounds (career high), 8 assists, 1 block, 5-11 FG, 3-5 3PT


Martti Must, Houston Rockets
G | GS | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | TOPG | FPG | FG% | 3P% | FT%
31 | 0 | 16.5 | 8.5 | 4.5 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 1.0 | .505 | .466 | .833

Game of the Month
December 13th @ Miami Heat (W: 106-96)
17 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 6-10 FG, 3-4 3PT, 2-2 FT


Octavius Ocho, San Antonio Spurs
G | GS | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | TOPG | FPG | FG% | 3P% | FT%
30 | 5 | 17.7 | 5.0 | 5.7 | 1.0 | 0.2 | 1.5 | .542 | .000 | .435

Game of the Month
December 29th @ Memphis Grizzlies (L: 95-104)
16 points (career high), 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block, 3 turnovers, 6-9 FG, 4-7 FT


Thierry Tirieux, Atlanta Hawks
G | GS | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | TOPG | FPG | FG% | 3P% | FT%
30 | 0 | 5.7 | 3.6 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.3 | .576 | .166 | .777

Game of the Month
December 12th @ Cleveland Cavaliers (W: 124-94)
12 points (career high), 2 assist (career high), 6-9 FG

2012 NBA All-Star Balloting Update


Western Conference

Point Guard: Chris Paul (NO) 2101990; Tony Parker (SA) 1066070; Jason Kidd (DAL) 1042250; Deron Williams (UTA) 961931; Russell Westbrook (OKC) 824232; Ty Lawson (DEN) 784321; Stephen Curry (GS) 676850

Shooting Guard: Kobe Bryant (LAL) 2151272; Brandon Roy (POR) 1013696; Tracy McGrady (DEN) 804678; OJ Mayo (MEM) 672049; Kevin Martin (HOU) 668886; Ben Gordon (NO) 600940; Manu Ginobili (SAC) 452660

Small Forward: LeBron James (SAC) 1382265; Kevin Durant (OKC) 1308859; Ron Artest (LAL) 771925; Rudy Gay (MEM) 720550; Trevor Ariza (HOU) 443498; Shawn Marion (DAL) 375894; Corey Maggette (GS) 366459

Power Forward: Pau Gasol (LAL) 1263785; Dirk Nowitzki (DAL) 1102122; Amare Stoudemire (PHX) 1055813; Lamar Odom (LAL) 952286; Tim Duncan (SA) 933979; David West (NO) 614053; Blake Griffin (LAC) 577640

Center: Yao Ming (HOU) 1151393; Emeka Okafor (NO) 763267; Andrew Bynum (LAL) 611477; Al Jefferson (MIN) 558532; David Lee (OKC) 549133; Chris Kaman (LAC) 463654; Andris Biedrins (GS) 419325


Eastern Conference

Point Guard: Derrick Rose (CHI) 1379758; Gilbert Arenas (WAS) 1008715; Jameer Nelson (ORL) 871009; Rajon Rondo (BOS) 814674; Devin Harris (NJ) 766495; Nate Robinson (CLE) 544048; Raymond Felton (NY) 534091

Shooting Guard: Dwyane Wade (MIA) 1627420; Allen Iverson (PHI) 981099; Vince Carter (ORL) 839989; John Salmons (ATL) 615967; Randy Foye (ORL) 454036; Stephen Jackson (CHA) 422626; Mike Miller (WAS) 421114

Small Forward: Carmelo Anthony (MIL)1420516; Joe Johnson (ATL) 1392054; Andre Iguodala (PHI) 712549; Michael Beasley (MIA) 661278; Danny Granger (IND) 610998; Gerald Wallace (CHA) 600138; Paul Pierce (BOS) 605436

Power Forward: Chris Bosh (WAS) 1005750; Carlos Boozer (CHI) 782197; Kevin Garnett (BOS) 654169; Rashard Lewis (ORL) 601535; Josh Smith (MIA) 452033; Yi Jianlian (CHA) 441003; Tyrus Thomas (WAS) 416888

Center: Dwight Howard (ORL) 1363483; Jermaine O'Neal (MIA) 722957; Andrew Bogut (MIL) 550775; Al Horford (ATL) 535969; Joakim Noah (CHI) 508095; Brook Lopez (NJ) 488792; Tyson Chandler (CHA) 361952

[Mandich]

Wow Lamar Odom on the list ? That's a surprise

[Axel The Great]

Surprised to see AI and J. O'Neal on the list at this point in time.

[kibaxx7]

I love Lamar, but more votes than Timmy D?

[Valor]

Wow Lamar Odom on the list ? That's a surprise

2K has him in the top five for R2MVP, so I'm not surprised to see him get votes for the All-Star team

Surprised to see AI and J. O'Neal on the list at this point in time.

You forgot that this is 2K, AI is still The Answer of old, leading Philly to a pretty good record and a deep playoff run last season while Jermaine O'Neal plays like his Indiana days

Can't say I'm happy at the latter though

I love Lamar, but more votes than Timmy D?

Timmy D is 35 though, I like him too and he is still producing at a high level but his numbers have noticeably dipped from his past few seasons

[Valor]

Cavaliers Fire Mike Brown
January 4th, 2012


The Cleveland Cavaliers have announced that Mike Brown
has been relieved of his duties as head coach.

"I have truly enjoyed working with Mike Brown. Mike has played a huge
role in turning around the Cavs organization," Ferry said. "Over the past
six years, Mike established a work ethic, defensive identity and culture
of winning that was not here previously."

Brown was hired as the 17th coach in franchise history on June 2, 2005.
He was named the 2009 NBA Coach of the Year.

"Mike Brown is a class act. On behalf of the entire Cavaliers organization,
there is only gratitude and appreciation for Mike's accomplishments over
the past six years," stated Cavaliers majority owner Dan Gilbert. "I think
it is clear that Mike Brown has been instrumental in contributing to the
growth and progress we have experienced in recent years."


"Unfortunately, after a long and deep analysis and discussion about the
team's situation and future, we concluded that it was time for the Cavaliers
to move in a different direction," Gilbert added. "We wish Mike and his family
the best of luck in any future challenges that Mike chooses to accept going forward."

In a related move, the Cavaliers have announced the hiring of Elden Jennings
as the team's 18th head coach. Cleveland is currently 12-20 and sits at 11th place
in the Eastern Conference Standings.

[Houndy]

Wow, another coach fired? I love the coaching carousel

[Valor]

Wow, another coach fired? I love the coaching carousel

I've lost track of how many coaches fired thus far in the season, I know the clippers had two changes and the pistons fired Kuster....