OKC - Five-peat! Final summary

21/4/11

Oklahoma City Thunder [63-15] vs Portland Trail Blazers [46-32]

Thunder fans happy with win despite poor shooting night



OKC - 22 33 32 17 104
POR - 14 23 24 29 90

Player of the Game: Kevin Durant


OKC _______ POR
37-89 - FGM/A - 36-75
2-12 - 3PTM/A - 5-8
28-28 - FTM/A - 13-17
25 - Rebounds - 41
20 - Assists - 16
11 - Blocks - 13
14 - Steals - 4
13 - Turnovers - 30
10 - Fouls - 13


Top Scorers
Chris Paul - 24
Brook Lopez - 22
Kevin Durant - 21
Brandon Roy - 20
Gerald Wallace - 15
Emeka Okafor - 14
Russell Westbrook - 13
Al Horford - 12
Hasheem Thabeet - 12
James Harden - 10

Assists
Russell Westbrook - 10
Chris Paul - 6
Gerald Wallace - 5

Rebounds
Emeka Okafor - 13
LaMarcus Aldridge - 9
Gereald Wallace - 7
Brook Lopez - 7
Al Horford - 5

Video Highlights
Westbrook shows some trickery before making a jump shot.
Flash

22/4/11

Oklahoma City Thunder [64-15] vs Dallas Mavericks [35-44]

Thunder get revenge for last second loss back in OKC



OKC - 28 26 34 24 112
DAL - 16 37 23 23 99

Player of the Game: Kevin Durant


OKC _______ DAL
43-93 - FGM/A - 38-88
4-14 - 3PTM/A - 4-11
22-25 - FTM/A - 19-24
37 - Rebounds - 46
25 - Assists - 20
14 - Blocks - 6
15 - Steals - 3
11 - Turnovers - 24
18 - Fouls - 14


Top Scorers
Kevin Durant - 42
Dirk Nowitzki - 33
Al Horford - 22
Jason Kidd - 16
Brook Lopez - 14
James Harden - 12
Shannon Brown - 12
Rodrigue Beaubois - 11
Brendan Haywood - 10

Assists
Russell Westbrook - 12
Jason Kidd - 10

Rebounds
Dirk Nowitzki - 16
Brendan Haywood - 14
Brook Lopez - 13
Al Horford - 10
Tyson Chandler - 7
Kevin Durant - 5

Video Highlights
Durant gets past Terry easily and dunks.
Flash

Wild shootout in the Kings game, unfortunately for them they were hammered in the second and third quarters so it was pretty much just stat padding. Good wins all around.

I like when it's time for the playoffs, but all the end of season round-ups are like doing 10 monthly updates at once.

Should all be ready for posting some time tomorrow.

24/4/11

Oklahoma City Thunder [65-15] vs San Antonio Spurs [29-51]

Durant drops 54 as Thunder come from behind to win in San Antonio



OKC - 25 22 34 35 116
SAS - 28 29 23 29 109

Player of the Game: Kevin Durant


OKC _______ SAS
44-93 - FGM/A - 42-88
4-18 - 3PTM/A - 6-16
24-26 - FTM/A - 19-26
35 - Rebounds - 47
23 - Assists - 24
8 - Blocks - 8
14 - Steals - 3
12 - Turnovers - 24
14 - Fouls - 15


Top Scorers
Kevin Durant - 54
Richard Jefferson - 24
Russell Westbrook - 23
Tim Duncan - 16
Tony Parker - 16
George Hill - 15
James Singleton - 11
Matt Bonner - 10
Shannon Brown - 10

Assists
Tony Parker - 10
Russell Westbrook - 7
George Hill - 5

Rebounds
Brook Lopez - 13
Tim Duncan - 12
Kevin Durant - 11
DeJuan Blair - 11
Tony Parker - 7
James Singleton - 6
George Hill - 5

Video Highlights
Lopez shows off his dribbling skills.
Flash
-----
Horford fouled out midway through the fourth quarter.

26/4/11

Oklahoma City Thunder [66-15] vs Memphis Grizzlies [37-44]

Thunder end season with win in Memphis



OKC - 19 25 23 37 104
MEM - 26 23 18 27 94

Player of the Game: Kevin Durant


OKC _______ MEM
41-78 - FGM/A - 40-87
1-7 - 3PTM/A - 3-10
21-24 - FTM/A - 11-15
29 - Rebounds - 34
19 - Assists - 17
10 - Blocks - 10
12 - Steals - 6
21 - Turnovers - 25
10 - Fouls - 15


Top Scorers
Kevin Durant - 49
OJ Mayo - 28
Rudy Gay - 27
Marc Gasol - 16
Al Horford - 16
James Harden - 12
Russell Westbrook - 11
Brook Lopez - 10

Assists
Russell Westbrook - 10
OJ Mayo - 5

Rebounds
Marc Gasol - 9
Brook Lopez - 7
Al Horford - 6
Kevin Durant - 6
Rudy Gay - 5

Video Highlights
Durant given way too much room and takes advantage.
Flash

30/4/11

Regular Season Review

Conference Standings

Eastern Conference
1. MIA*o | 61-21 | N/A | .744
2. NYK*o | 46-36 | 15.0 | .561
3. CHAo | 45-37 | 16.0 | .549
4. BOSo | 44-38 | 17.0 | .537
5. ORLo | 44-38 | 17.0 | .537
6. DET*o | 43-39 | 18.0 | .524
7. PHIo | 43-39 | 18.0 | .524
8. WASo | 43-39 | 18.0 | .524
----------------------------------------------
9. NJNx | 42-40 | 19.0 | .512
10. ATLx | 38-44 | 23.0 | .463
11. MILx | 38-44 | 23.0 | .463
12. TORx | 38-44 | 23.0 | .463
13. CLEx | 33-49 | 28.0 | .402
14. INDx | 32-50 | 29.0 | .390
15. CHIx | 29-53 | 32.0 | .354


Western Conference
1. OKC*o | 67-15 | N/A | .817
2. LAL*o | 51-31 | 16.0 | .622
3. PORo | 48-34 | 19.0 | .585
4. UTAo | 46-36 | 21.0 | .561
5. DENo | 44-38 | 23.0 | .537
6. SACo | 44-38 | 23.0 | .537
7. PHXo | 43-39 | 24.0 | .524
8. LACx | 40-42 | 27.0 | .488
----------------------------------------------
9. GSWx | 39-43 | 28.0 | .476
10. NOH*o | 38-44 | 29.0 | .463
11. MEMx | 37-45 | 30.0 | .451
12. DALx | 35-47 | 32.0 | .427
13. MINx | 29-53 | 38.0 | .354
14. SASx | 29-53 | 38.0 | .354
15. HOUx | 21-61 | 46.0 | .256

* = Division Leader
o = Playoff spot clinched
x = Eliminated

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


League Leaders

Points Per Game
1. Kevin Durant - OKC - 31.8
2. Amare Stoudemire - NYK - 31.4
3. Kobe Bryant - LAL - 29.2
4. LeBron James - MIA - 27.9
5. Kevin Martin - HOU - 27.1

Rebounds Per Game
1. Carl Landry - CHA - 13.3
2. Chris Bosh - MIA - 13.0
3. Joakim Noah - CHI - 12.9
4. Dwight Howard - ORL - 12.7
5. Carlos Boozer - CHI - 12.1

Assists Per Game
1. Russell Westbrook - OKC - 12.2
2. Jose Calderon - TOR - 10.0
2. Steve Nash - PHX - 10.0
4. DJ Augustin - CHA - 9.6
5. Stephen Curry - GSW - 9.5
5. Derrick Rose - CHI - 9.5

Steals Per Game
1. Kevin Durant - OKC - 2.8
2. Russell Westbrook - OKC - 2.2
3. Leandro Barbosa - CHA - 1.9
3. Chris Paul - POR - 1.9
3. Kobe Bryant - LAL - 1.9
3. Monta Ellis - GSW - 1.9
3. Dwyane Wade - MIA - 1.9
3. LeBron James - MIA - 1.9

Blocks Per Game
1. Dwight Howard - ORL - 3.0
2. Andrew Bynum - LAL - 2.7
2. Al Horford - OKC - 2.7
4. Andrew Bogut - MIL - 2.5
4. Pau Gasol - LAL - 2.5


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Awards

Individual Awards

Most Valuable Player
Amare Stoudemire - PF - NYK
31.4 PPG - 11.3 RPG - 3.8 APG - 2.0 BPG - 1.1 SPG

Most Improved Player
Daequan Cook - SG - MEM
10.0 PPG - 2.2 RPG - 0.6 APG - 0.7 BPG - 1.3 SPG

Defensive Player of the Year
Chris Bosh - PF - MIA
24.1 PPG - 13.0 RPG - 1.3 APG - 2.1 BPG - 1.4 SPG

Rookie of the Year
Declan Giles - SF - LAC
9.7 PPG - 3.5 RPG - 3.9 APG - 0.8 BPG - 1.2 SPG

Sixth man of the Year
Lamar Odom - PF - LAL
13.8 PPG - 8.0 RPG - 1.2 APG - 1.7 BPG - 0.7 SPG

Coach of the Year
Scott Brooks - OKC
Win Percentage - 81.707 - Home - 31-10 - Away - 36-5



All NBA team 1


All NBA team 2


All Defensive team 1


All Defensive team 2


Rookie team 1


Rookie team 2



-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Player Stats


Brook Lopez - 15.7 PPG - 10.3 RPG - 2.2 APG - 2.4 BPG - 1.1 SPG
Al Horford - 16.8 PPG - 9.4 RPG - 4.2 APG - 2.7 BPG - 1.2 SPG
Kevin Durant - 31.8 PPG - 4.7 RPG - 1.7 APG - 1.4 BPG - 2.8 SPG
James Harden - 15.1 PPG - 2.4 RPG - 1.6 APG - 0.8 BPG - 1.8 SPG
Russell Westbrook - 10.1 PPG - 2.5 RPG - 12.2 APG - 1.0 BPG - 2.2 SPG

Shannon Brown - 13.2 PPG - 1.2 RPG - 1.0 APG - 0.5 BPG - 1.2 SPG
Wesley Matthews - 2.6 PPG - 0.4 RPG - 1.1 APG - 0.1 BPG - 0.4 SPG
Sonny Weems - 2.3 PPG - 0.5 RPG - 0.3 APG - 0.1 BPG - 0.2 SPG
Ronald Murray - 1.3 PPG - 0.2 RPG - 0.7 APG - 0.0 BPG - 0.2 SPG
Corey Brewer - 4.4 PPG - 1.4 RPG - 0.8 APG - 0.5 BPG - 0.7 SPG
Hasheem Thabeet - 3.0 PPG - 2.1 RPG - 0.6 APG - 0.5 BPG - 0.2 SPG
Serge Ibaka - 3.9 PPG - 2.4 RPG - 0.8 APG - 0.8 BPG - 0.3 SPG

Byron Mullens - 4.0 PPG - 2.0 RPG - 0.0 APG - 0.5 BPG - 0.3 SPG
Rocco Roe - 1.5 PPG - 0.2 RPG - 0.1 APG - 0.0 BPG - 0.1 SPG

1/5/11

Playoff match-ups finalised



The playoffs are upon us again and fans of the 16 teams that qualified are hoping their team can go all the way.
Oklahoma City and Miami are overwhelming favourites to meet in the Finals after both teams surpassed 60 wins this season.
For the second consecutive season both teams finished atop their respective conferences by some margin.
Most people expect a re-match of last year's Finals, but there will surely be some twists and turns to come.



Western Conference

1. Oklahoma City [67-15] vs 8. Phoenix [43-39]



In an extremely tight finish to the race for the final playoff places out west, Phoenix ended up drawing the short straw.
The Suns actually finished in seventh place, but were demoted after New Orleans received fourth seed courtesy of winning their division.
They face the defending champions, who are odds on to win again after a 67 win regular season.
This match-up is actually a re-match of the conference finals from last season, which the Thunder swept in 4 games.
Phoenix did however put up a massive fight in game 4. The epic encounter finished 189-188 after 3 overtime periods.

The Thunder have considerably improved their front court since that series though.
They added Al Horford in the off-season and Brook Lopez and Hasheem Thabeet through trades.
The Suns meanwhile have lost experienced pair Jason Richardson and Hedo Turkoglu to Orlando.
They did receive some much needed height in the deal though, acquiring center Marcin Gortat.
Not to mention the addition of point guard Aaron Brooks from Houston for backup Goran Dragic.

This series also pits twin brothers Brook and Robin Lopez against each other.
With Nash's contract expiring, this may be his last shot at winning a championship with the Suns.
With his advancing age he may well decide to leave Phoenix in search of a ring.


Stats Leaders
Thunder
Points: Kevin Durant - 31.8
Assists: Russell Westbrook - 12.2
Rebounds: Brook Lopez - 10.3

Suns
Points: Channing Frye - 26.1
Assists: Steve Nash - 10.0
Rebounds: Channing Frye - 10.0


Oklahoma City
Starters
Brook Lopez - Al Horford - Kevin Durant - James Harden - Russell Westbrook


Bench
Shannon Brown - Corey Brewer - Wesley Matthews - Serge Ibaka - Hasheem Thabeet - Sonny Weems - Ronald Murray


Inactive
Rocco Roe - Byron Mullens




Phoenix
Starters
Robin Lopez - Channing Frye - Mickael Pietrus - Steve Nash - Aaron Brooks


Bench
Josh Childress - Marcin Gortat - Jared Dudley - Carlos Arroyo - Earl Watson - Hakim Warrick - Clarence Hicks


Inactive
Cole MacDonald - Matt Janning - Marcel Vaughn

--------------------------------------------------

4. New Orleans [38-44] vs 5. Utah [46-36]



Despite finishing with the tenth best record in the west, the Hornets moved up to fourth spot courtesy of winning their division.
After all the calculations were completed, it was the Clippers that emerged as the unlucky team that missed out.
They overcame the shock of superstar point guard Chris Paul leaving midway through the season.
Their new players didn't have long to learn each other's games, but thanks to poor form of their division rivals they made it anyway.
Having the likes of Camby, Iverson, Prince and Miller will no doubt benefit their younger players during the playoffs.

Utah also suffered the loss of their star point guard in Deron Williams during the season.
His replacement has been quite impressive so far though. Devin Harris was a starter for the western all-stars.
He also made the All-NBA First Team, while Williams made only the Second Team.
Another new recruit is former Clipper Randy Foye. The Jazz will look to him for scoring in this series.


Stats Leaders
Hornets
Points: Rudy Fernandez - 21.8
Assists: Andre Miller - 5.0
Rebounds: David West, Marcus Camby - 9.2

Jazz
Points: Devin Harris - 24.1
Assists: Devin Harris - 8.0
Rebounds: Al Jefferson - 10.8


New Orleans
Starters
Marcus Camby - David West - Trevor Ariza - Rudy Fernandez - Marcus Thornton


Bench
Allen Iverson - Andre Miller - Tayshaun Prince - Jason Smith - Jerryd Bayless - Quincy Pondexter - Luke Babbitt


Inactive
Joe Alexander - Aaron Gray - Pops Mensah-Bonsu




Utah
Starters
Al Jefferson - Derrick Favors - Paul Millsap - Randy Foye - Devin Harris


Bench
Raja Bell - Shane Battier - Chris Wilcox - Mehmet Okur - Jonas Jerebko - Gordon Hayward - Antonio Anderson


Inactive
Brady Boyle - Sundiata Gaines - Nathan Jawai

--------------------------------------------------

3. Portland [48-34] vs 6. Denver [44-38]



Portland are the team that many have tipped to upset the Thunder and Lakers this year with their new 'fab five'.
First they acquired Gerald Wallace from Charlotte for Joel Przbilla and a future first round pick.
Then, after the all-star break they added superstar Chris Paul and center Emeka Okafor from the Hornets.
They now boast a starting line-up that matches those found in Oklahoma City, Miami and Los Angeles.
Although they gave up some depth in the Paul deal, they still have Greg Oden and Nicolas Batum on their bench.
The Blazers are looking to go further than last season, when they got swept by Phoenix in the first round.

The Nuggets were another team that were touched by the revolution of star players leaving before their contracts expired.
Carmelo Anthony decided he no longer wanted to stay in Denver and was traded to the Knicks for half their roster.
They have the likes of Afflalo, Harrington, Chandler and Lawson to come off their bench and give them a spark if needed.


Stats Leaders
Blazers
Points: Chris Paul - 24.1
Assists: Chris Paul - 9.2
Rebounds: Emeka Okafor - 10.9

Nuggets
Points: JR Smith - 22.9
Assists: Raymond Felton - 8.8
Rebounds: Nene - 11.5


Portland
Starters
LaMarcus Aldridge - Emeka Okafor - Gerald Wallace - Brandon Roy - Chris Paul


Bench
Stephon Marbury - Greg Oden - Nicolas Batum - Armon Johnson - Jeff Pendergraph - Allen Schulze - Sherman Homer


Inactive
Elliot Williams - Harvey Dixon - Abram Baxter




Denver
Starters
Nene - Danilo Gallinari - Al Thornton - JR Smith - Raymond Felton


Bench
Arron Afflalo - Al Harrington - Josh Boone - Julian Wright - Wilson Chandler - Ty Lawson - Timofey Mozgov


Inactive
Gary Forbes - Zachary MacDonald - Chris Andersen

--------------------------------------------------

2. Los Angeles [51-31] vs 7. Sacramento [44-38]



The Lakers disappointingly exited the playoffs in a first round humiliation against Houston last season, winning only 1 game.
They seek redemption this year and will be looking to recapture their title from the new kids from Oklahoma City.
Kobe Bryant finished third in the scoring title race and looks fired up ion pursuit of another ring.
Sixth man of the year Lamar Odom could be a key factor in this series. Sacramento will rely on veteran Kenyon Martin to contain him.

This match-up is exactly what the Kings had in mind when they paid big money to sign injured plagued center Yao Ming.
Along with Dalembert and Thompson, the Kings should at least be able to cope with the Lakers' height.
Former rookie of the year Tyreke Evans will have his work cut out guarding Bryant, but will look to give as good as he gets.


Stats Leaders
Lakers
Points: Kobe Bryant - 29.2
Assists: Steve Blake - 8.8
Rebounds: Andrew Bynum - 11.9

Kings
Points: Tyreke Evans - 22.6
Assists: Tyreke Evans - 8.9
Rebounds: Yao Ming - 10.7


Los Angeles
Starters
Andrew Bynum - Pau Gasol - Ron Artest - Kobe Bryant - Steve Blake


Bench
Lamar Odom - Eric Maynor - DJ White - Derek Fisher - Jamaal Tinsley - Ronnie Price - Luke Walton


Inactive
Mardy Collins - Rodney Dowel - Ernie Gill




Sacramento
Starters
Yao Ming - Samuel Dalembert - Jason Thompson - Tyreke Evans - Beno Udrih


Bench
Omri Casspi - DeMarcus Cousins - Kenyon Martin - Francisco Garcia - Luther Head - Sean Williams - Donte Greene


Inactive
Hassan Whiteside - Jud Peters - Jan King

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Eastern Conference

1. Miami [61-21] vs 8. Washington [43-39]



Since signing their 'big 3' Miami have absolutely dominated the eastern conference, winning 120 games in two seasons.
A feat only bettered by their conquerors in last seasons Finals, Oklahoma City. The Thunder have won 129 games in the same period.
Surprisingly it has been forward Chris Bosh that has out-shined both LeBron and D-Wade this season.
He finished third in the MVP vote behind Stoudemire and Durant, but ahead of LeBron in fourth.
The Heat are massive favourites to advance to the Finals once again and avenge last years failure.

Washington's main advantages in this series will be John Wall and JaVale McGee.
Wall will look to exploit his speed and agility advantage over veterans Bibby and Mason.
He may find it much more difficult guarding the likes of Wade and Chalmers though.
Big man McGee has a 10cm height advantage over opposite number Haslem.
His power and agility should be a key weapon against Haslem and the aging Ilgauskas.


Stats Leaders
Heat
Points: LeBron James - 27.9
Assists: LeBron James - 6.9
Rebounds: Chris Bosh - 13.0

Wizards
Points: Rashard Lewis - 22.5
Assists: John Wall - 7.3
Rebounds: JaVale McGee - 10.0


Miami
Starters
Udonis Haslem - Chris Bosh - LeBron James - Mike Miller - Dwyane Wade


Bench
Mario Chalmers - Mike Bibby - DeShawn Stevenson - Roger Mason - Travis Outlaw - Zydrunas Ilgauskas - Marquis Daniels


Inactive
Acie Law - Stephen Henry - Shavlik Randolph




Washington
Starters
JaVale McGee - Andray Blatche - Rashard Lewis - Josh Howard - John Wall


Bench
Rasheed Wallace - Maurice Evans - Yi Jianlian - Nick Young - Luc Mbah a Moute - Jordan Crawford - Ronald McNamara


Inactive
Rocco Jeffries - Kevin Seraphin - Adam Morrison

--------------------------------------------------

4. Detroit [43-39] vs 5. Boston [44-38]



Nobody picked Detroit at the start of the season to make the playoffs this season, let alone win their division.
But with Chicago having an absolutely abismal season, the Pistons snuck into fourth seed and will face the aging Celtics.
Lead by top scorer Ben Gordon, they have good depth on their bench and will fancy themselves to advance past this series.

Boston had a good season, but didn't overly impress with their play. The loss of Kendrick Perkins hurt them.
They've had to rely on the veteran O'Neals after he left for Milwaukee last off-season.
This could be the last chance for their 'big 3' to win a title together as Garnett and Allen's are expiring at seasons end.
Also on expiring deals are Jermaine and Shaquille O'Neal, Nate Robinson, Jamario Moon and Glen Davis.
If they fail to go far this season, we may see them totally rebuild their team around Rondo in the off-season.


Stats Leaders
Pistons
Points: Ben Gordon - 26.9
Assists: Will Bynum - 7.5
Rebounds: Jason Maxiell - 9.3

Celtics
Points: Paul Pierce - 19.9
Assists: Rajon Rondo - 9.1
Rebounds: Jermaine O'Neal - 9.7


Detroit
Starters
Jason Maxiell - Charlie Villanueva - Tracy McGrady - Ben Gordon - Will Bynum


Bench
Michael Conley - Rodney Stuckey - Greg Monroe - Richard Hamilton - Nenad Krstic - Austin Daye - Ben Wallace


Inactive
Victor Carlos - Brent Bradley - Wayne Reid




Boston
Starters
Jermaine O'Neal - Troy Murphy - Paul Pierce - Ray Allen - Rajon Rondo


Bench
Shaquille O'Neal - Nate Robinson - Von Wafer - Glen Davis - Jamario Moon - Kevin Garnett - Othello Hunter


Inactive
Avery Bradley - Glenn Lloyd - Luke Harangody

--------------------------------------------------

3. Charlotte [45-37] vs 6. Orlando [44-38]



Charlotte's decision to sign forward Carl Landry and guard Leandro Barbosa last off-season has turned out to be a masterstroke.
Along with Stephen Jackson and DJ Augustin, the pair have lead the Bobcats to third seed in the east.
Landry has been a revelation this season. He finished first in rebounding this season with an amazing 13.3 per game.
With the exception of Jackson, all of those players are on expiring contracts. So they will want to do well now in order to keep them.

Orlando never really made the run that everyone expected them to make this season after refreshing their roster mid-season.
They shook things up by bringing in the likes of Jason Richardson, Hedo Turkoglu and Gilbert Arenas.
The trio have been solid yet unspectacular so far. Superstar Dwight Howard was his usual dominant self though.
He lead the league in blocks, racking up an impressive 3 per game. He will hope to nullify Landry's rebounding ability.


Stats Leaders
Bobcats
Points: Leandro Barbosa - 24.3
Assists: DJ Augustin - 9.6
Rebounds: Carl Landry - 13.3

Magic
Points: Jameer Nelson - 22.4
Assists: Jameer Nelson - 8.9
Rebounds: Dwight Howard - 12.7


Charlotte
Starters
Joel Przybilla - Carl Landry - Stephen Jackson - Leandro Barbosa - DJ Augustin


Bench
Boris Diaw - Gerald Henderson - Aaron Miles - Marko Jaric - Desagana Diop - Matt Carroll - Shaun Livingston


Inactive
Abdullah Aswad - Morgan Jackson - Kwame Brown




Orlando
Starters
Dwight Howard - Brandon Bass - Jason Richardson - Jameer Nelson - Gilbert Arenas


Bench
Vince Carter - Chris Duhon - JJ Redick - Jason Williams - Quentin Richardson - Hedo Turkoglu - Ryan Anderson


Inactive
Earl Clark - Corey Fitzgerald - Daniel Orton

--------------------------------------------------

2. New York [46-36] vs 7. Philadelphia [43-39]



The Knicks made a huge gamble mid-season in trading half their roster to get superstar Carmelo Anthony from Denver.
It's hard to argue that the gamble didn't pay off. They won their division and finished second in the east.
Although Anthony has impressed with his new team, the real story for the Knicks was the form of MVP Stoudemire.
Averaging an amazing 31 points and 11 rebounds a game, he beat the likes of Durant and Bosh to the award.
He and Melo formed a formidable partnership that saw the Knicks become the form team in the latter half of the season.

Philadelphia just snuck into the playoffs, finishing equal with Detroit and Washington and a game ahead of New Jersey.
Spencer Hawes and Elton Brand will have a tough task trying to contain Stoudemire and Turiaf down low.
A mouth-watering match-up between stars Anthony and Iguodala will be worth watching.
The 76ers also have veteran Erick Dampier on their roster. He was part of the championship winning Thunder team last season.


Stats Leaders
Knicks
Points: Amare Stoudemire - 31.4
Assists: Chauncey Billups - 8.6
Rebounds: Amare Stoudemire - 11.3

76ers
Points: Andre Iguodala - 23.2
Assists: Evan Turner - 5.7
Rebounds: Spencer Hawes - 10.9


New York
Starters
Ronny Turiaf - Amare Stoudemire - Carmelo Anthony - Kelenna Azubuike - Chauncey Billups


Bench
Tiago Splitter - Toney Douglas - Renaldo Balkman - Anthony Randolph - Bill Walker - Nicolaos Abas - Bobby Meyer


Inactive
Patrick Ewing - Tony O'Callaghan - Ike Diogu




Philadelphia
Starters
Spencer Hawes - Elton Brand - Evan Turner - Andre Iguodala - Louis Williams


Bench
Jrue Holiday - Jodie Meeks - Erick Dampier - Andres Nocioni - Thaddeus Young - Marreese Speights - Derrick Brown


Inactive
Gabriel Alexander - Craig Brackins - Chase Powell

Last edited by Phil89 on Fri Apr 15, 2011 1:40 am, edited 1 time in total.

Awesome work on the end of season write-ups and playoff previews. Great to see that Durant's big games allowed him to edge Amar'e in the scoring race, shame he got screwed over for MVP though. Good to see him and Westbrook on the All-NBA and All-Defensive teams in light of that. Good luck against the Suns!

Thanks. I really wanted to put a bit more detail into it this season. Took a fair few hours of typing, but I think it was worth it.
I'm still trying to think of a way to do a more detailed draft and free agency summaries too.

I think Stoudemire probably deserved to be MVP. Durant did score a little bit more, but Amare also averaged 11 rebounds a game.

Phoenix always present a good challenge. Hopefully Nash playing at SG reduces his impact on the games though.

??/5/11

Oklahoma City Thunder [0-0] vs Phoenix Suns [0-0]

Thunder take game 1 comfortably



OKC - 33 33 28 35 129
PHX - 30 23 33 15 101

Player of the Game: Russell Westbrook


OKC _______ PHX
60-100 - FGM/A - 44-93
4-11 - 3PTM/A - 6-14
5-7 - FTM/A - 7-10
34 - Rebounds - 35
34 - Assists - 23
10 - Blocks - 9
9 - Steals - 2
15 - Turnovers - 20
10 - Fouls - 6


Top Scorers
Kevin Durant - 26
Aaron Brooks - 24
Al Horford - 21
Channing Frye - 20
Brook Lopez - 20
Steve Nash - 19
Russell Westbrook - 18
Shannon Brown - 16
Mickael Pietrus - 15
Hasheem Thabeet - 12
James Harden - 10

Assists
Russell Westbrook - 17
Aaron Brooks - 9
Mickael Pietrus - 5
Steve Nash - 5
Al Horford - 5

Rebounds
Channing Frye - 13
Brook Lopez - 9
Al Horford - 9
Mickael Pietrus - 8
Robin Lopez - 7

Video Highlights
Durant makes a long three early in the second quarter.
Flash

Last edited by Phil89 on Mon Apr 18, 2011 12:06 am, edited 1 time in total.

Great start to the series. Looks like Nash playing at shooting guard is definitely going to work out in your favour.

??/5/11

Oklahoma City Thunder [1-0] vs Phoenix Suns [0-1]

Thunder take game 2 despite Brooks' monster game



OKC - 29 32 37 34 132
PHX - 34 20 29 39 122

Player of the Game: Russell Westbrook


OKC _______ PHX
59-97 - FGM/A - 55-104
4-11 - 3PTM/A - 7-19
10-11 - FTM/A - 5-6
28 - Rebounds - 38
35 - Assists - 29
14 - Blocks - 8
15 - Steals - 8
21 - Turnovers - 23
7 - Fouls - 7


Top Scorers
Aaron Brooks - 41
Kevin Durant - 22
Steve Nash - 21
Channing Frye - 18
Mickael Pietrus - 17
Russell Westbrook - 17
Shannon Brown - 17
Robin Lopez - 16
Serge Ibaka - 13
Al Horford - 12
Corey Brewer - 12
Brook Lopez - 10
James Harden - 10
Hasheem Thabeet - 10

Assists
Aaron Brooks - 14
Russell Westbrook - 10
Brook Lopez - 6
Ronald Murray - 6
Mickael Pietrus - 6

Rebounds
Robin Lopez - 12
Mickael Pietrus - 8
Brook Lopez - 8
Channing Frye - 7
Al Horford - 5
Corey Brewer - 5

Video Highlights
Brewer finishes with a nice dunk.
Flash

Matthews doing his best Shannon Brown impression.
Flash
-----
I rested my starters for the entire fourth quarter.

Brooks is the new Nash.

Given that Nash could leave in the upcoming free agency period, they will certainly be hoping he is.

Pietrus is surprising me with his offense. He's making lots of threes and turnaround jumpers.
I can't say I've watched him live in real life, but I thought he was more of a Sefolosha type. More defensive minded.

He is, though he's not too bad offensively.

Nice previews, and nice 2-0 start. Expect a sweep in this series

??/5/11

Oklahoma City Thunder [2-0] vs Phoenix Suns [0-2]

Thunder win thriller in Phoenix to go 3-0 up



OKC - 31 26 22 36 115
PHX - 19 34 25 34 112

Player of the Game: Kevin Durant


OKC _______ PHX
39-68 - FGM/A - 45-88
5-11 - 3PTM/A - 6-12
32-37 - FTM/A - 16-22
30 - Rebounds - 26
25 - Assists - 26
9 - Blocks - 7
4 - Steals - 5
20 - Turnovers - 12
12 - Fouls - 21


Top Scorers
Kevin Durant - 36
Mickael Pietrus - 30
Channing Frye - 29
Aaron Brooks - 23
Shannon Brown - 18
Brook Lopez - 16
Al Horford - 14
James Harden - 13

Assists
Aaron Brooks - 12
Russell Westbrook - 10
Steve Nash - 7
Brook Lopez - 5

Rebounds
Brook Lopez - 12
Al Horford - 7
Marcin Gortat - 6
Channing Frye - 5
Steve Nash - 5

Video Highlights
Harden finishes the first half with a three.
Flash

Pietrus missing the three to tie the game after Durant's sloppy pass is intercepted by Brooks.
Flash

Great win, sweep coming.

??/5/11

Oklahoma City Thunder [3-0] vs Phoenix Suns [0-3]

Brown and Lopez star as Thunder complete sweep of Suns



OKC - 29 35 35 31 130
PHX - 28 21 25 37 111

Player of the Game: Brook Lopez


OKC _______ PHX
57-94 - FGM/A - 45-87
5-13 - 3PTM/A - 7-17
11-13 - FTM/A - 14-16
37 - Rebounds - 32
27 - Assists - 28
2 - Blocks - 6
12 - Steals - 2
13 - Turnovers - 16
12 - Fouls - 9


Top Scorers
Channing Frye - 32
Aaron Brooks - 30
Shannon Brown - 29
Brook Lopez - 28
Mickael Pietrus - 20
Robin Lopez - 12
James Harden - 12
Steve Nash - 11
Kevin Durant - 11
Al Horford - 10

Assists
Aaron Brooks - 14
Russell Westbrook - 7
Mickael Pietrus - 6
Steve Nash - 5

Rebounds
Channing Frye - 12
Robin Lopez - 11
Al Horford - 11
Brook Lopez - 7
Kevin Durant - 5
Hasheem Thabeet - 5

Video Highlights
Horford grabs the rebound then decides to take it all the way to the basket himself.
Flash
-----
Little dissapointed at how much they fell away after the first quarter. Seemed like it was going to be really competitive.
I was able to rest my starters in the fourth again.

??/5/11

Lakers and Celtics among first round casualties



It was an interesting first round of the playoffs. One heavyweight bowed out and two more almost followed.
Both pre-playoff favourites still remain in the hunt for the championship though.


Western Conference

1. Oklahoma City [67-15] vs 8. Phoenix [43-39]



Oklahoma City were clear favourites in this series, but they ended up winning more comfortably than most people predicted.
It took Phoenix until game 3 to get anywhere near the Thunder, who dominated the first two games.
The decisive moment in the series came when Mickael Pietrus missed a last second three to send game 3 into overtime.
Being 3-0 down, the Suns mentally checked out and game 4 went the same way as the first two in Oklahoma City.

So the Thunder continue in their quest for back-to-back championships, advancing to the conference semi finals.
The Suns on the other hand head into an uncertain off-season, after again failing to make an impact in the playoffs.
Steve Nash, Mickael Pietrus and Robin Lopez could all potentially leave in the upcoming free agency period.
One positive though was the form of new recruit Aaron Brooks. He lead the Suns in scoring and assists in this series.


Results
PHX @ OKC - 101-129
PHX @ OKC - 122-132
OKC @ PHX - 115-112
OKC @ PHX - 130-111

Thunder wins series 4-0


Stats Leaders
Thunder
Points: Kevin Durant - 23.8
Assists: Russell Westbrook - 11.0
Rebounds: Brook Lopez - 9.0

Suns
Points: Aaron Brooks - 29.5
Assists: Aaron Brooks - 12.3
Rebounds: Channing Frye - 9.3

-----

4. New Orleans [38-44] vs 5. Utah [46-36]



Although finishing below the Hornets as a result of them being division champions, the Jazz were favourites to advance.
No one predicted a sweep though. But that's exactly what happened as Utah took full advantage of their height supremacy.
Jefferson, Favors and Millsap all averaged over 10 rebounds per game in the series, yet only West did for New Orleans.

In what was an extremely disappointing series for the Hornets, only Fernandez managed more than 15 points per game.
They had plenty of contributors, but lacked a dominating leader offensively. They really missed Chris Paul.
Randy Foye really stepped up for his new team. Leading them in scoring and assists, along with Devin Harris.
Al Jefferson proved too big and strong for the likes of Camby, West and Smith and took advantage.


Results
UTA @ NOH - 145-96
UTA @ NOH - 142-102
NOH @ UTA - 57-67
NOH @ UTA - 58-85

Jazz wins series 4-0


Stats Leaders
Hornets
Points: Rudy Fernandez - 15.3
Assists: Rudy Fernandez - 5.3
Rebounds: David West - 10.8

Jazz
Points: Randy Foye - 24.0
Assists: Randy Foye - 7.5
Rebounds: Al Jefferson - 11.3

-----

3. Portland [48-34] vs 6. Denver [44-38]



Portland came out on top of this battle of the northwest division rivals, winning in only five games.
Paul, Roy and Wallace spearheaded their offense. Each averaged over 20 points per game.
The defense of Aldridge and Okafor also contributed greatly to their success in this series.
Much like the Hornets, the Melo-less Nuggets lacked leadership at the offensive end.
JR Smith did his best, but his 19 points per game was never going to be enough against Portland.


Results
DEN @ POR - 125-148
DEN @ POR - 149-114
POR @ DEN - 78-53
POR @ DEN - 77-64
DEN @ POR - 53-86

Blazers wins series 4-1


Stats Leaders
Blazers
Points: Chris Paul - 28.8
Assists: Chris Paul - 8.2
Rebounds: LaMarcus Aldridge - 11.0

Nuggets
Points: JR Smith - 19.6
Assists: Raymond Felton - 8.0
Rebounds: Nene - 8.8

-----

2. Los Angeles [51-31] vs 7. Sacramento [44-38]



In easily the biggest upset of the first round, or recent history for that matter, the Kings beat their mighty neighbours.
Tyreke Evans and Beno Udrih combined for and incredible 52 points per game. Evans also managed 11 assists per game as well.
Kobe and Gasol played as expected, but Andrew Bynum had a terrible series. Averaging only 5 points and 6 rebounds per game.
Yao Ming stayed healthy for all 5 games and no question had the better of Bynum throughout.
This is the second season in a row that the Lakers have exited in the first round of the playoffs.


Results
SAC @ LAL - 120-136
SAC @ LAL - 152-104
LAL @ SAC - 50-78
LAL @ SAC - 74-85
SAC @ LAL - 86-67

Kings wins series 4-1


Stats Leaders
Lakers
Points: Kobe Bryant - 25.8
Assists: Steve Blake - 7.2
Rebounds: Pau Gasol - 12.4

Kings
Points: Beno Udrih - 26.4
Assists: Tyreke Evans - 11.6
Rebounds: Samuel Dalembert - 11.0

---------------------------------------------------



Eastern Conference

1. Miami [61-21] vs 8. Washington [43-39]



In what could have been an even bigger story than the Lakers going out, the Heat were pushed to 7 games by the Wizards.
Their 'big three' played well enough, but McGee dominated Haslem as many predicted he would.
Former Orlando forward Rashard Lewis had a great series, averaging 25 points per game. But he had little help.
It's unknown if this was just Miami not taking Washington seriously enough, or a sign of tough times ahead for the Heat.


Results
WAS @ MIA - 142-120
WAS @ MIA - 119-154
MIA @ WAS - 74-68
MIA @ WAS - 76-78
WAS @ MIA - 75-82
MIA @ WAS - 59-65
WAS @ MIA - 45-78

Heat wins series 4-3


Stats Leaders
Heat
Points: LeBron James - 24.1
Assists: LeBron James - 5.4
Rebounds: Chris Bosh - 12.4

Wizards
Points: Rashard Lewis - 25.1
Assists: John Wall - 8.6
Rebounds: JaVale McGee - 11.0

-----

4. Detroit [43-39] vs 5. Boston [44-38]



The Pistons may have just brought the end to Boston's 'big three' combination by knocking them out.
Shaq is 39, Allen and Garnett are 35, Jermaine O'Neal is 32 and Jamario Moon is 30. All are currently on expiring deals.
The aging stars never really got going and Rajon Rondo was never going to carry this teams offense by himself.
Ben Gordon continued to be a scoring machine for the Pistons, averaging 25 points per game this series.


Results
BOS @ DET - 107-91
BOS @ DET - 91-103
DET @ BOS - 94-84
DET @ BOS - 89-79
BOS @ DET - 62-73

Pistons wins series 4-1


Stats Leaders
Pistons
Points: Ben Gordon - 25.2
Assists: Will Bynum - 8.2
Rebounds: Jason Maxiell - 10.2

Celtics
Points: Rajon Rondo - 19.6
Assists: Rajon Rondo - 8.6
Rebounds: Troy Murphy - 11.2

-----

3. Charlotte [45-37] vs 6. Orlando [44-38]



Orlando were only underdogs by virtue of finishing below Charlotte. Nobody questioned their ability to win this series though.
Lead by newcomers Arenas and Richardson, as well as Dwight putting up his usual numbers, they swept the disappointing Bobcats aside.
Przybilla was comprehensively outplayed by Howard. Surprisingly though, Carl Landry still managed to grab more rebounds per game than Howard.
Landry, Jackson, Barbosa and Augustin all averaged about 16 points per game. No one else managed more than 5 per game though.
It would seem that Orlando's mid-season gamble is continuing to pay off for them.


Results
ORL @ CHA - 104-89
ORL @ CHA - 117-93
CHA @ ORL - 70-82
CHA @ ORL - 58-80

Magic wins series 4-0


Stats Leaders
Bobcats
Points: Leandro Barbosa - 16.3
Assists: DJ Augustin - 5.5
Rebounds: Carl Landry - 12.0

Magic
Points: Gilbert Arenas - 27.8
Assists: Jameer Nelson - 7.3
Rebounds: Dwight Howard, Brandon Bass - 9.3

-----

2. New York [46-36] vs 7. Philadelphia [43-39]



Another top seed in the east was pushed to seven games by a team thought to just be making up the numbers.
Philadelphia took the series right down to the wire against the Knicks and almost came away with a memorable upset.
Stoudemire, Anthony and Billups were able to keep their cools though and guide New York through to the semis.
Amare didn't quite manage to repeat his regular season numbers, but still managed to average a double-double per game.
Iguodala lead the way for the 76ers as expected. Dampier also put up solid numbers, averaging almost 10 rebounds per game.


Results
PHI @ NYK - 87-77
PHI @ NYK - 116-117
NYK @ PHI - 86-75
NYK @ PHI - 76-81
PHI @ NYK - 73-65
NYK @ PHI - 76-57
PHI @ NYK - 51-56

Knicks wins series 4-3


Stats Leaders
Knicks
Points: Amare Stoudemire - 23.9
Assists: Chauncey Billups - 8.1
Rebounds: Amare Stoudemire - 10.0

76ers
Points: Andre Iguodala - 22.7
Assists: Evan Turner - 4.6
Rebounds: Erick Dampier - 9.9

Some scores there... are terrible... 56-51? 67-57? 65-59?

I know. Nothing I can do about the stupid sim stats.

The West sure featured a lot of walkovers, with blowouts, two sweeps and 4-1 series wins. Definitely a surprising upset with the Kings and Lakers though. Knicks/Sixers would appear to be the hardest fought series of the first round.

??/5/11

Conference Semis preview




Western Conference

1. Oklahoma City [67-15] vs 5. Utah [46-36]



Oklahoma City will take on Utah in a mouth-watering northwest division match-up in the conferences semi finals.
Both teams advanced to this stage after sweeping Phoenix and New Orleans respectively.
The Jazz will hope that the trio of Jefferson, Favors and Millsap will be able to outplay the Lopez-Horford combination.
Another great match-up will be Devin Harris and Russell Westbrook. These two athletic guards will be key for their teams.

Stats Leaders
Thunder
Points: Kevin Durant - 23.8
Assists: Russell Westbrook - 11.0
Rebounds: Brook Lopez - 9.0

Jazz
Points: Randy Foye - 24.0
Assists: Randy Foye - 7.5
Rebounds: Al Jefferson - 11.3

Oklahoma City
Starters
Brook Lopez - Al Horford - Kevin Durant - James Harden - Russell Westbrook


Bench
Shannon Brown - Corey Brewer - Wesley Matthews - Serge Ibaka - Hasheem Thabeet - Sonny Weems - Ronald Murray


Inactive
Rocco Roe - Byron Mullens




Utah
Starters
Al Jefferson - Derrick Favors - Paul Millsap - Randy Foye - Devin Harris


Bench
Raja Bell - Shane Battier - Chris Wilcox - Mehmet Okur - Jonas Jerebko - Gordon Hayward - Antonio Anderson


Inactive
Brady Boyle - Sundiata Gaines - Nathan Jawai

-----

3. Portland [48-34] vs 7. Sacramento [44-38]



New second favourites in the west, Portland will take on the surprise packet of the first round Sacramento.
After getting past the Lakers, the Kings face another team with two powerhouse big men in their starting line-up.
The Kings will be counting on Yao and Dalembert to neutralise the threat of Aldridge and Okafor.
If Beno Udrih and Tyreke Evans can replicate their first round form, they may just have a shot in this series.

Stats Leaders
Blazers
Points: Chris Paul - 28.8
Assists: Chris Paul - 8.2
Rebounds: LaMarcus Aldridge - 11.0

Kings
Points: Beno Udrih - 26.4
Assists: Tyreke Evans - 11.6
Rebounds: Samuel Dalembert - 11.0

Portland
Starters
LaMarcus Aldridge - Emeka Okafor - Gerald Wallace - Brandon Roy - Chris Paul


Bench
Stephon Marbury - Greg Oden - Nicolas Batum - Armon Johnson - Jeff Pendergraph - Allen Schulze - Sherman Homer


Inactive
Elliot Williams - Harvey Dixon - Abram Baxter




Sacramento
Starters
Yao Ming - Samuel Dalembert - Jason Thompson - Tyreke Evans - Beno Udrih


Bench
Omri Casspi - DeMarcus Cousins - Kenyon Martin - Francisco Garcia - Luther Head - Sean Williams - Donte Greene


Inactive
Hassan Whiteside - Jud Peters - Jan King

----------------------------



Eastern Conference

1. Miami [61-21] vs 4. Detroit [43-39]



Miami were pushed all the way to game 7 by the Wizards, so Detroit may fancy their chances in this series.
If the Heat defense is able to keep Ben Gordon quiet, it will go a long way to helping them advance.
Detroit will be looking to claim another big scalp after knocking the Celtics out in the first round.

Stats Leaders
Heat
Points: LeBron James - 24.1
Assists: LeBron James - 5.4
Rebounds: Chris Bosh - 12.4

Pistons
Points: Ben Gordon - 25.2
Assists: Will Bynum - 8.2
Rebounds: Jason Maxiell - 10.2

Miami
Starters
Udonis Haslem - Chris Bosh - LeBron James - Mike Miller - Dwyane Wade


Bench
Mario Chalmers - Mike Bibby - DeShawn Stevenson - Roger Mason - Travis Outlaw - Zydrunas Ilgauskas - Marquis Daniels


Inactive
Acie Law - Stephen Henry - Shavlik Randolph




Detroit
Starters
Jason Maxiell - Charlie Villanueva - Tracy McGrady - Ben Gordon - Will Bynum


Bench
Michael Conley - Rodney Stuckey - Greg Monroe - Richard Hamilton - Nenad Krstic - Austin Daye - Ben Wallace


Inactive
Victor Carlos - Brent Bradley - Wayne Reid

-----

2. New York [46-36] vs 6. Orlando [44-38]



Orlando cruised through to the semi finals with a sweep of Charlotte. However, the Knicks went to game 7 against the 76ers.
This series will be a great test for both teams to see if their mid-season trades have paid off or not.
Dwight Howard will have the big task of trying to keep MVP Amare Stoudemire from having a big influence.
Jason Richardson will have his hands full guarding all-star Carmelo Anthony.

Stats Leaders
Knicks
Points: Amare Stoudemire - 23.9
Assists: Chauncey Billups - 8.1
Rebounds: Amare Stoudemire - 10.0

Magic
Points: Gilbert Arenas - 27.8
Assists: Jameer Nelson - 7.3
Rebounds: Dwight Howard, Brandon Bass - 9.3

New York
Starters
Ronny Turiaf - Amare Stoudemire - Carmelo Anthony - Kelenna Azubuike - Chauncey Billups


Bench
Tiago Splitter - Toney Douglas - Renaldo Balkman - Anthony Randolph - Bill Walker - Nicolaos Abas - Bobby Meyer


Inactive
Patrick Ewing - Tony O'Callaghan - Ike Diogu




Orlando
Starters
Dwight Howard - Brandon Bass - Jason Richardson - Jameer Nelson - Gilbert Arenas


Bench
Vince Carter - Chris Duhon - JJ Redick - Jason Williams - Quentin Richardson - Hedo Turkoglu - Ryan Anderson


Inactive
Earl Clark - Corey Fitzgerald - Daniel Orton