AF1: 2014 NBA FINALS GAME 7 PREVIEW (Heat vs. Kings)

[Grandmama Johnson]

ALL FOR ONE

In my first ever association story, I will be assuming the role of Cavs GM. Acting solely in a management capacity, I will attempt to take the franchise from its darkest hour to the top of the NBA. This means the CPU will play all games and my influence will be limited to decisions off the court.

The story will be long-term and an eclectic combination of news articles. Covering the ups-and-downs of the Cavs organizations as well as the biggest stories around the league, I hope to provide readers an entertaining, realistic, and immersive story of the league we love. Feedback and suggestions are always welcome. Thank you for your time and for the opportunity to tell my story of a small-market team that never gave up.

Association Settings
Season Length: 82 Games
Chemistry: On
Player Roles: On
Progressive Fatigue: On
Trade Deadline: On
Trade Override: Off
CPU Trades: On
Preseason Games: On
Injuries: On
Fantasy Draft: Off
Draft Prospects: Auto Generated
Playoffs: 7-7-7-7

Game Settings
Difficulty: Hall of Fame
Sliders: Simulation
Quarter Length: 12 Minutes
Sim Quarter Length: 12 Minutes

All articles have been written by me. All story evens are fictional and any resemblance to actual NBA events is purely coincidental.

phpBB [video]

[Grandmama Johnson]

CLE-LAND! Let's meet your Cavaliers...

Current Roster (2013/14)

[UPDATED SOON]

[Grandmama Johnson]

LEAGUE HISTORY

NBA CHAMPIONS
2011: Miami Heat defeat Los Angeles Lakers, 4-3
2012: Oklahoma City Thunder defeat Chicago Bulls, 4-0
2013: Oklahoma City Thunder defeat Atlanta Hawks, 4-3


NBA MVP
2011: Kevin Durant (SF—Oklahoma City Thunder—age 22) 33.7 PPG, 10.3 RPG
2012: LeBron James (SF—Miami Heat—age 27) 31.0 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 6.1 APG
2013: LeBron James (SF—Miami Heat—age 28) 27.6 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 6.4 APG


NBA FINALS MVP
2011: LeBron James (SF—Miami Heat—age 26)
2012: Kevin Durant (SF--Oklahoma City Thunder--age 23)
2013: Kevin Durant (SF--Oklahoma City Thunder--age 24)

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
2011: Evan Turner (SG—Philadelphia 76ers—age 22)15.2 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 4.0 APG
2012: Clifford Oliver (PG—Toronto Raptors—age 22) 18.2 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 5.5 APG
2013: Chester Horsley (SG—Toronto Raptors—age 21) 20.2 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 3.3 APG

CLASSIC GAMES
2010/11 Regular Season: (Cavs vs. Heat) Cavs Spoil LeBron’s Homecoming in 2-OT Thriller
http://forums.nba-live.com/viewtopic.php?f=92&t=78129#p1340192
2011 NBA Finals: Game 7 (Lakers vs. Heat) Big Three Bring A Ring To Miami
http://forums.nba-live.com/viewtopic.php?f=92&t=78129&start=50#p1348257
2012 NBA First Round Playoffs: Game 5 (Lakers vs. Spurs) Kobe Ends Shaq's Career
http://forums.nba-live.com/viewtopic.php?f=92&t=78129&start=100#p1356362
2012 NBA Finals: Game 3 (Thunder vs. Bulls) Durant drops 59 to Kill Off Bulls In OT
viewtopic.php?f=92&t=78129&start=100#p1357827
2013 NBA Finals: Game 7 (Thunder vs. Hawks) Oklahoma City goes Back-To-Back
viewtopic.php?f=92&t=78129&start=200#p1368313



CAVS HISTORY
2011: 30-52 (Missed Playoffs)
2012: 35-47 (Missed Playoffs)
2013: 47-35 (sixth seed, lost in first round to Hawks)

ALL-STARS:
Antawn Jamison PF (2011)
Danny Granger SF (2013)
Chris Paul PG (2013)

ALL-NBA
THIRD TEAM
Antawn Jamison PF (2011)
Danny Granger SF (2013)

CLASSIC GAMES
2010/11 Regular Season: (Cavs vs. Heat) Cavs Spoil LeBron’s Homecoming in 2-OT Thriller
http://forums.nba-live.com/viewtopic.php?f=92&t=78129#p1340192

[Grandmama Johnson]

Cavs Reload, Rebuild in Aftermath of the “Decision”
October 26,2010

CLEVELAND (AP) It has only been a few months since the Cleveland Cavilers lost superstar LeBron James to free agency, but life is beginning anew in this hard-scrabble Ohio city. Gone are the “Witness” billboards, the national media coverage, some of the franchise’s “casual” fans, and the team’s title hopes. The reversed fortunes even coincide with what has been difficult economic times , as the team’s fall from the NBA elite mirrors Cleveland’s own slide down the financial “power rankings”. The King has officially left the building, but, as the Cavs get ready for life without LeBron, “hope” and “future” are the watchwords of the franchise.

“These are tough times for our organization, but we have an excellent roadmap for long-term success,” said new Cavs general manager Chris Grant. “There is no replacing a LeBron overnight, but our strategy of gradual improvement and forming a solid nucleus for the future will ensure that this team is competitive for years to come.”

Since “The Decision”, the Cavs have made their own decision to hire Grant to a long-term deal as team GM. According to sources inside the organization, Cavs ownership is more interested in progress rather than immediate results from their new deal-maker. While, it is highly unlikely that the team will be able to replicate the success of the LeBron Era this season, Grant is optimistic that solid free agent acquisitions and smart drafting will eventually return the Cavs to championship contention.

“Our loyal fanbase understands our position,” Grant said at a morning press conference. “This is a multi-year process that requires leadership and direction, both on and off the court. We can’t rely on ping-pong balls to deliver a contender. Our players realize we are in a rebuilding mode, but that there will be no hasty moves to blow up the roster. This is a gradual process and we appreciate our fans’ understanding and support of our direction.”

With a relatively weak roster and big shoes left to fill at Quicken Loans Arena, it seems like the only direction is up. The Cavs open their season tomorrow, hosting the defending Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics at the Q.


The rafters of Quicken Loans Arena serve as a poignant reminder of better times for the franchise

[Grandmama Johnson]

Cavs Re-Sign Szczerbiak, Drop Green to D-League
October 27, 2011

Cleveland (AP)--Sometimes, the longest roads begin with the smallest steps. New Cavaliers general manager Chris Grant seems to be taking those words to heart, as the organization signed free agents Wally Szczerbiak and Fabricio Oberto yesterday. The signings were Grant's first player personnel moves as GM, along with assigning second-year forward Daniel Green to the Erie BayHawks of the NBA Developmental League.

"We're happy to have Wally back," Grant said of Szczerbiak, who last played in the NBA with the Cavs. "He'll give us depth at small forward, while offering us an outside threat that we didn't have at that position."

The Cavs declined to re-sign Szczerbiak in 2009, which led to the former lottery pick's unofficial retirement from the league. However, a weakened roster, a lower cap figure, and the prospect of some veteran guidance from the 33-year old have led to an unlikely reunion.

Cleveland have also picked up 35-year old Fabricio Oberto on a $473,000, 1-year contract. According to Grant, the move addresses the team's biggest lack of depth at the center spot.

"Fabricio will be a good role player for us," Grant said. "He provides a scoring threat down low, which will allow some of our outside shooters, including Wally, to thrive in Coach Scott's offense."

Step one: Complete.

[Kubik]

I hope you will get better than real Cavs. In offseason you should get the top pick and do some major trades! Good luck

[kibaxx7]

Good luck man You're gonna need it.

[KidJustin]

make a trade for a superstar and win it all!

and then shove that in LeBron's face

[buzzy]

How ironic that the pic with the trophy in your banner is from the Heat's championship win.

[CHUCK]

You should look to rebuild, as they should have in real life. Good Luck. I'll be following.

[Grandmama Johnson]

Thanks guys for the support. I'm looking to have the next couple articles up really soon.

How ironic that the pic with the trophy in your banner is from the Heat's championship win.

@buzzy, nice catch! Some definite irony there.

[Grandmama Johnson]

The Departed: Shaq Returns To Cleveland, Guides Celtics Past Cavs in Season Opener, 106-89
October 28, 2010

On night one of the post-LeBron era, the Cleveland Cavaliers showed flashes of promise, but eventually succumbed to the Boston Celtics, 106-89. The Cavs jumped out to a surprising, six-point lead at the end of the first quarter, only delaying the Celtics' eventual onslaught led by Shaquille O'Neal.

"We're still in the beginning stages of building our unit," opined head coach Byron Scott after his first game in charge. "We put together a great first quarter, but then the Celtics' talent really came through."

Indeed, the Cavs had Quicken Loans Arena buzzing after taking a 26-20 lead through the first quarter. However, the Boston comeback saw Cleveland enter the half down by four. From there, the reigning Eastern Conference champions went on a 33-20 tear in the third before cruising to a 17-point victory.

O'Neal led the way for the Celtics, picking up a team-high 22 points and nine rebounds. Five Celtics made it into double-figures, including O'Neal, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Von Wafer. The Cavs were led by Mo Williams' 27-point output and Jamison's 22 in the losing effort.

Cleveland starts the season 0-1, while the Celtics improve to 2-0, after crushing the Heat by 25 the night before.

"You have to hand it to Boston," Scott conceded. "They came out and dominated Miami in front of national TV last night. It would have been easy to backslide tonight, playing back-to-back after a 'statement game'. Clearly, they didn't."

In a world without LeBron, Cleveland fans might have to get used to more nights like these at the Q. If there were any pretensions otherwise, Boston and the Big Aristotle dealt a big reality check to Cleveland last night.

[Pistol]

Tough loss, maybe add some box scores to this bad boy.

[Grandmama Johnson]

Tough loss, maybe add some box scores to this bad boy.

Thanks for the advice! I really like how some of the other stories do box scores and will try to incorporate it for big games. Much appreciated.

[Houndy]

Yeah, nice start so far. Hard loss against the Celts, but you'll get over it

[Grandmama Johnson]

Cavs Win Seventh Straight, Improve to 7-2 After Indy Win
November 14, 2010

The obituary for the Cleveland Cavaliers’ season was seemingly already written. National media and local fans alike had already written a script of futility, turmoil, and rebuilding for the once-proud franchise. There was only one problem:

Nobody told the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Cavs continued to defy the critics last night, notching their seventh straight win with a 98-93 victory over the visiting Indiana Pacers. Nine games into the season, the Cavs are now 7-2, good enough for fourth in the Eastern Conference and 1.5 games better than the 6-4 Miami Heat.

“The locker room is excited about our success so far,” head coach Byron Scott told the media after last night’s win. “We’re not listening to the papers, just going out and playing, trying to win.”

Mo Williams led the way with 15 points, followed by Wally Szczerbiak’s 14, and Antawn Jamison’s 13. Jamison also collected 11 rebounds in the victory.

So far, the theme of the young season has been “overachievement”. Each core player for the Cavs has outplayed expectations, allowing individual overachievement to translate into team success.

Jamison, a former All-Star has turned back the clock (and then some) this year. The 13th-year forward has posted a career-high 25.9 PPG and 7.9 RPG. Jamison currently sits 10th on the league’s scoring charts, a place he never came close to before, even in his supposed prime.

Additionally, Mo Williams has emerged from LeBron James’ shadow and increased his own production dramatically. Averaging a career-high 21.3 PPG, he’s been handed the keys to the Cavs offense by coach Byron Scott.

However, perhaps the most unlikely underdog story comes from small forward Szczerbiak. The veteran was out of basketball and languishing on the free agent list until Cleveland took a chance on their former player before the season started. It paid off, as the man once destined for a quiet descent into retirement now averages 9.2 PPG in the Cavs’ starting lineup.

The Cavs have found unlikely sources to fuel their equally unlikely start to the season. Yes, those victories include wins over cellar-dwellers like Philadelphia and Indiana. Yes, tough road tests await against New Orleans and San Antonio, not to mention an upcoming home date against “you know who”. However, 7-2 represents a real achievement in the eyes of the Cavs players…one they hope to build on.

“Nobody has believed in us and we’re out to prove them wrong,” Mo Williams told reporters. “This team has heart and we’re showing it every night out there.”


"US AGAINST THE WORLD": An underdog mentality has paced Cleveland to a strong start, but can they keep it up?

[Mandich]

Shaq mid the mid range J wtf ?

[Grandmama Johnson]

Shaq mid the mid range J wtf ?

Yeah, he was having that good of a night. Honestly, I thought he was gonna jack up a three.

[MrHeraklinos]

Nice 7-2 start Williams and Jamison are beasting it . If only they could both be consistent in real life every game .

[kibaxx7]

Wow 7-2. Hopefully you won't lose 18 in a row like in real life.

[Bucket]

Wow 7-2. Hopefully you won't lose 18 in a row like in real life.

It's 20 now

[Grandmama Johnson]

Nice 7-2 start Williams and Jamison are beasting it . If only they could both be consistent in real life every game .

Wow 7-2. Hopefully you won't lose 18 in a row like in real life.

Thanks, guys. Jamison just got injured, but he's playing through it. Nevertheless, I'm expecting the record to dip, especially with a tougher schedule leading up to the "LeBron game"

[Kubik]

You doing a great job right now. Keep that level of play!

[Houndy]

Don't choke like the real Cavs! Nice start

[Grandmama Johnson]

Return of the King: LeBron, Cavs Collide In Tonight’s Showdown
December 2, 2010

The wait is over.

After months of indecision, followed by a monumental “Decision”, Heat superstar LeBron James finally returns to Cleveland tonight. His high-flying Miami Heat (13-6) will face the upstart Cleveland Cavaliers (10-7) at Qucken Loans Arena. The contest has become one of the most highly-anticipated regular season encounters in recent memory, showcasing storylines of a homecoming phenom, an enigmatic super-team, and a scorned fanbase. While the game may not prove decisive in the standings, emotions will certainly be running high as the Cavs faithful get their first opportunity to confront a former hero.

In a phrase, the Heat is on.

The Heat enter tonight’s game with eight wins in their last ten games. After a 5-4 start to the season, the team’s “Big Three” have started to gel and live up to their lofty expectations. James has enjoyed a strong season so far, averaging 28.7 PPG, 8.2 RPG, and 6.4 APG, despite sharing the sharing the spotlight with two other superstars.
James currently occupies third place in the league scoring charts, followed by teammate Dwyane Wade (25.1 PPG) in eight place.

Chris Bosh remains the biggest question mark surrounding the “Big Three”, as the former Raptor has not been able to bring his stellar play across the border. Bosh’s scoring numbers (18.7 PPG) are his lowest since his second year in the league. Perhaps more troubling is the forward’s lack of rebounding, pulling down only 8.5 boards per game, the fewest since his rookie year.

If the Cavs have any hope of knocking off Miami and King James, they will have to bring the effort they showed fans at the outset of the season. After a 7-2 start to the season, Cleveland has gone 3-5, all while batting injuries and tough scheduling.

Despite recent setbacks, the Cavs still find themselves at fifth spot in the Eastern Conference. Antawn Jamison continues to defy age, averaging 25.3 PPG (7th in NBA) at age 34. Mo Williams’ numbers (21 PPG, 4 APG) have also held steady, despite the team’s recent struggles.

“There’s obviously a lot of attention surrounding this game,” conceded Williams after team practice yesterday. “It’s just one game, but we know how much this one means to the city and the fans. We’ll be ready to play come tomorrow night.”