OKC - Five-peat! Final summary

[Andrew]

That's a small lineup for Dallas. Can't imagine Dirk would be riding the bench in real life, if he's still around in a couple of years I'd say he'll still be starting but perhaps playing fewer minutes, similar to Tim Duncan. In any case, another good win there.

[Phil89]

18/4/13

Oklahoma City Thunder [64-13] vs Houston Rockets [33-44]

Rockets no match for in-form Thunder



OKC - 40 33 27 39 139
HOU - 27 16 34 30 107

Player of the Game: Blake Griffin




Video Highlights
Griffin's amazing pass sets up an easy lay-up for Maynor.


Griffin makes an unorthodox shot from the foul line.

[Phil89]

That's a small lineup for Dallas. Can't imagine Dirk would be riding the bench in real life, if he's still around in a couple of years I'd say he'll still be starting but perhaps playing fewer minutes, similar to Tim Duncan. In any case, another good win there.

Dirk is way down in ratings since I started this game and he has a huge expiring contract. I wouldn't be surprised if Dallas decide not to re-sign him next season, like how the Spurs let Duncan go and the Celtics got rid of Garnett and Allen. Paul Pierce at Boston is in the same position and maybe even Kobe.

It's the beginning of a new era I guess.

[Phil89]

20/4/13

Oklahoma City Thunder [65-13] vs Memphis Grizzlies [42-35]

Durant has monster night as Thunder win in Memphis



OKC - 28 37 30 35 130
MEM - 33 27 30 32 122

Player of the Game: Kevin Durant




Video Highlights
Durant sets up Lopez with a dunk.

[Phil89]

22/4/13

Oklahoma City Thunder [66-13] vs Atlanta Hawks [33-47]

Thunder hold off Hawks to grab narrow win



OKC - 33 28 34 34 123
ATL - 35 27 25 28 121

Player of the Game: Blake Griffin




Video Highlights
Rose ends the first half in style.


Rose makes a game-winning lay-up.

[Phil89]

24/4/13

Oklahoma City Thunder [67-13] vs Boston Celtics [40-40]

Thunder too good for Celtics at home



OKC - 35 35 29 31 130
BOS - 26 31 23 30 110

Player of the Game: Kevin Durant




Video Highlights
Rose sinks a three.

[Phil89]

25/4/13

Arenas set to return against Wizards after 5 months out



Thunder reserve point guard Gilbert Arenas is expected to resume his playing career after reportedly being given the all clear by club doctors.
He suffered a tear of his anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during the Thunder's game against Memphis on November 23rd last year.
It's a remarkable recovery from the 31 year-old former Wizards player. People suffering from this injury usually face a 6 month lay-off.
Being a combo guard, he'll be competing with Eric Maynor and Daequan Cook for back-up minutes behind James Harden and Derrick Rose.

[Andrew]

Close one against the Hawks but looks like you took care of everyone else fairly handily. You're in fine form as the Playoffs approach.

[Phil89]

26/4/13

Oklahoma City Thunder [68-13] vs Washington Wizards [28-53]

Thunder destroy Wizards as Durant scores career high



OKC - 38 46 24 39 147
WAS - 19 25 29 25 98

Player of the Game: Kevin Durant




Video Highlights
Arenas makes his way through the Wizards defense before scoring.


I shouldn't really admit this, but Durant only played the first half of this game.
This game was just me taking out my anger on the Wizards after the game froze when I'd already played this game.
I won it with a last second jumper from Rose. Take 2 wasn't quite as close.

[Andrew]

That's insane, probably the greatest scoring performance in the history of the league under the circumstances. Great way to cap off the regular season.

[cavs4872]

You must be pretty good playing on Superstar and getting a win like that lol. Seems a little easy. Thinking of changing the difficulty at some point? It isn't unrealistic though because you do have a great team

[Andrew]

Nothing higher than Superstar in NBA Live 10. It comes down to slider tweaks beyond that.

[Phil89]

30/4/13

Regular Season Review

Conference Standings

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

League Leaders

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

Awards

Most Valuable Player

35.0 PPG - 13.7 RPG - 1.6 APG - 2.6 BPG - 1.2 SPG


Most Improved Player

19.7 PPG - 6.4 RPG - 1.5 APG - 1.5 BPG - 1.5 SPG


Defensive Player of the Year

33.8 PPG - 4.7 RPG - 2.0 APG - 1.5 BPG - 2.9 SPG


Rookie of the Year

21.8 PPG - 3.8 RPG - 4.1 APG - 0.9 BPG - 1.5 SPG


Sixth man of the Year

15.1 PPG - 2.0 RPG - 5.9 APG - 0.1 BPG - 1.3 SPG


Coach of the Year
Scott Brooks - OKC
Win Percentage - 84.146 - Home - 32-9 - Away - 37-4

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

Teams

All NBA team 1


All NBA team 2


All Defensive team 1


All Defensive team 2


Rookie team 1


Rookie team 2

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

Oklahoma City Player Stats

Brook Lopez - 12.7 PPG - 10.0 RPG - 2.2 APG - 2.2 BPG - 0.6 SPG
Blake Griffin - 18.4 PPG - 8.3 RPG - 5.0 APG - 2.4 BPG - 1.2 SPG
Kevin Durant - 33.8 PPG - 4.7 RPG - 2.0 APG - 1.5 BPG - 2.9 SPG
James Harden - 15.4 PPG - 2.9 RPG - 2.3 APG - 1.2 BPG - 2.1 SPG
Derrick Rose - 20.2 PPG - 2.0 RPG - 9.1 APG - 0.8 BPG - 1.7 SPG

Eric Maynor - 2.4 PPG - 0.5 RPG - 1.5 APG - 0.2 BPG - 0.3 SPG
Rolf Young - 9.2 PPG - 1.9 RPG - 0.8 APG - 0.7 BPG - 0.9 SPG
Crawford Mayer - 7.3 PPG - 3.2 RPG - 0.9 APG - 0.6 BPG - 0.3 SPG
Gilbert Arenas - 6.6 PPG - 0.7 RPG - 1.6 APG - 0.1 BPG - 1.1 SPG
Kris Humphries - 1.9 PPG - 1.6 RPG - 0.8 APG - 0.3 BPG - 0.1 SPG
Daequan Cook - 10.3 PPG - 2.5 RPG - 0.4 APG - 0.4 BPG - 0.9 SPG
Kevin Garnett - 2.5 PPG - 0.8 RPG - 0.4 APG - 0.2 BPG - 0.1 SPG

Tracy McGrady - 4.1 PPG - 0.4 RPG - 0.5 APG - 0.2 BPG - 0.7 SPG
Antawn Jamison - 4.9 PPG - 5.3 RPG - 0.2 APG - 1.2 BPG - 0.1 SPG

[Andrew]

Good to see your players rewarded with some hardware. I'm still picking the Heat to be your Finals opponent.

[Phil89]

First round against the Lakers will be tough despite the fact that I won 31 more games than them this season. I don't want to get ahead of myself.

If I do make the finals I'd love to face Miami for the story, but if Milwaukee could somehow make it that far it'd be awesome too considering all of my former players on their team. Westbrook, Green, Bargnani and Williams all have rings.

[Andrew]

True, that'd make for a pretty good story too.

[Manimalia]

Can't wait for the playoffs. I love the NBA Live sim results! 9 players with 13 or more rebounds? I like.

[Phil89]

1/5/13

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 once again overwhelming favourites to meet in the Finals after both teams surpassed 60 wins this season.
It's the fourth consecutive season that both teams have finished atop their respective conferences, miles ahead of an challengers.
Most people expect a re-match of the three previous year's Finals, but there will surely be some twists and turns to come.

Western Conference

1. Oklahoma City Thunder [69-13] vs 8. Los Angeles Lakers [38-44]




Stats Leaders
Thunder
Points: Kevin Durant - 33.8
Assists: Derrick Rose - 9.1
Rebounds: Brook Lopez - 10.0

Lakers
Points: Kobe Bryant - 23.5
Assists: Brandon Jennings - 9.8
Rebounds: Andrew Bynum - 12.5


Oklahoma City
Starters
Brook Lopez - Blake Griffin - Kevin Durant - James Harden - Derrick Rose
Bench
Eric Maynor - Rolf Young - Crawford Mayer - Gilbert Arenas - Kris Humphries - Daequan Cook - Kevin Garnett
Inactive
Antawn Jamison - Tracy McGrady



Los Angeles
Starters
Andrew Bynum - DeMarcus Cousins - Terrence Williams - Kobe Bryant - Brandon Jennings
Bench
Jrue Holiday - Nate Robinson - John Salmons - Ronnie Price - Mardy Collins - Derrick Brown - Francsico Garcia
Inactive
Brunon Wozniak - Horace Regan - Ernie Gill

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

4. Phoenix Suns [44-38] vs 5. Utah Jazz [45-37]




Stats Leaders
Suns
Points: Travis Outlaw - 26.5
Assists: Chris Duhon - 10.5
Rebounds: Spencer Hawes - 11.3

Jazz
Points: Al Jefferson - 25.5
Assists: Raymond Felton - 9.7
Rebounds: Al Jefferson - 12.7


Phoenix
Starters
Spencer Hawes - Travis Outlaw - Jared Dudley - Chris Duhon - Aaron Brooks
Bench
Martell Webster - Bobby Brown - Chris Douglas Roberts - Colman Johnson - Udonis Haslem - Josh Childress - DJ White
Inactive
Bruno Cameron - George Christian - Clarence Hicks



Utah
Starters
Al Jefferson - Derrick Favors - Danilo Gallinari - Randy Foye - Raymond Felton
Bench
Sebastian Telfair - Hamed Haddadi - Gordon Hayward - Brady Boyle - Jonas Jerebko - Sonny Weems - Demitri Warren
Inactive
Darren Ridley - Vic Kelly - Leo Hogan

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

3. San Antonio Spurs [45-37] vs 6. Memphis Grizzlies [43-49]




Stats Leaders
Spurs
Points: George Hill - 22.9
Assists: George Hill - 9.3
Rebounds: Al Horford - 14.2

Grizzlies
Points: Rudy Gay - 27.7
Assists: Jameer Nelson - 10.5
Rebounds: JaVale McGee - 12.5


San Antonio
Starters
Al Horford - Michael Beasley - Josh Smith - Cameron Hunter - George Hill
Bench
Tayshaun Prince - Delonte West - JJ Hickson - DeMarcus Nelson - Marquis Daniels - Joel Przybilla - James Anderson
Inactive
Elliot Williams - Nicholas Robin - Benjamin Morgan



Memphis
Starters
JaVale McGee - Brandon Bass - Rudy Gay - OJ Mayo - Jameer Nelson
Bench
CJ Watson - Drew Gooden - Dorell Wright - Steve Novak - Anthony Tolliver - Neil Bryant - Vincenzo Connolly
Inactive
Luc Mbah a Moute - Ignacio Carlos - Archibald Fenwick

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

2. New Orleans Hornets [55-27] vs 7. Portland Trail Blazers [40-42]




Stats Leaders
Hornets
Points: Rudy Fernandez - 30.7
Assists: TJ Ford - 7.7
Rebounds: Pau Gasol - 13.7

Blazers
Points: Brandon Roy - 25.6
Assists: Will Bynum - 8.5
Rebounds: LaMarcus Aldridge - 12.7


New Orleans
Starters
Marc Gasol - Pau Gasol - Ersan Ilyasova - Rudy Fernandez - TJ Ford
Bench
Lee Alsten - Rashad McCants - Pops Mensah-Bonsu - Keyon Dooling - Luke Babbitt - Alexandre Carlos - Quincy Pondexter
Inactive
Damon Griffiths - Phillip Cook - Loren Kruger



Portland
Starters
LaMarcus Aldridge - Emeka Okafor - Nicolas Batum - Brandon Roy - Will Bynum
Bench
Manu Ginobili - Chase Budinger - Richard Jefferson - Roger Mason - Abram Baxter - Steve Nash - Josh Boone
Inactive
Corey Fitzgerald - Matt Bonner - Derrick Caracter

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

Eastern Conference


1. Miami Heat [62-20] vs 8. Boston Celtics [41-41]




Stats Leaders
Heat
Points: Chris Bosh - 35.0
Assists: Mario Chalmers - 11.8
Rebounds: Chris Bosh - 13.7

Celtics
Points: Rjon Rondo - 28.0
Assists: Rajon Rondo - 10.3
Rebounds: Samuel Dalembert - 12.4


Miami
Starters
Channing Frye - Chris Bosh - LeBron James - Dwyane Wade - Mario Chalmers
Bench
Mickael Pietrus - Jordan Hill - Eddy Curry - Mike Miller - Stephen Henry - Shavlik Randolph - Acie Law
Inactive
Earl Watson - Moyo Chrima - Austin Daye



Boston
Starters
Samuel Dalembert - Troy Murphy - Othello Hunter - Von Wafer - Rajon Rondo
Bench
Ramon Sessions - Paul Pierce - Jamario Moon - Sean Williams - Alexander Fitzpatrick - Archibald Wainwright - Kyle Bradford
Inactive
Avery Bradley - Toby Lynch - Glenn Lloyd

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

4. New York Knicks [48-34] vs 5. Chicago Bulls [46-36]




Stats Leaders
Knicks
Points: Amare Stoudemire - 32.4
Assists: Michael Conley - 11.8
Rebounds: Amare Stoudemire - 14.0

Bulls
Points: JR Smith - 23.7
Assists: Beno Udrih - 11.3
Rebounds: Tyson Chandler - 14.0


New York
Starters
Zach Randolph - Amare Stoudemire - Carmelo Anthony - Boris Diaw - Michael Conley
Bench
Curtis Jerrells - Toney Douglas - Tony O'Callaghan - Renaldo Balkman - Anthony Randolph - Bill Walker - Valentino Moretti
Inactive
Joel Anthony - Jamie Becker - Dorgon Nicolas



Chicago
Starters
Tyson Chandler - Carlos Boozer - Luol Deng - JR Smith - Beno Udrih
Bench
Sam Young - Tony Allen - Brandan Wright - Goran Dragic - Theodore Coxon - Rasual Butler - Jermaine O'Neal
Inactive
Rasheed Dunne - Walt O'Shea - Casper Brennan

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

3. New Jersey Nets [52-30] vs 6. Indiana Pacers [46-36]




Stats Leaders
Nets
Points: Deron Williams - 30.9
Assists: Deron Williams - 9.6
Rebounds: Dwight Howard - 13.7

Pacers
Points: Danny Granger - 29.8
Assists: Darren Collison - 10.0
Rebounds: Roy Hibbert - 11.6


New Jersey
Starters
Dwight Howard - Ryan Anderson - Kyle Korver - Andre Iguodala - Deron Williams
Bench
Darrell Arthur - DeShawn Stevenson - Ryan Gomes - James Singleton - Chris Quinn - Daniel Orton - Nick Collison
Inactive
Damion James - Mike Bibby - Harry O'Callaghan



Indiana
Starters
Roy Hibbert - Mike Dunleavy - Danny Granger - Jamal Crawford - Darren Collison
Bench
Matt Carroll - Stephen Jackson - Fredrik Price - Jason Smith - AJ Price - Dahntay Jones - Jesus Carlos
Inactive
Paul George - Hasheem Thabeet - Caleb O'Connor

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

2. Detroit Pistons [57-25] vs 7. Milwaukee Bucks [42-40]




Stats Leaders
Pistons
Points: Ben Gordon - 27.5
Assists: Jarrett Jack - 10.1
Rebounds: Robin Lopez - 12.3

Bucks
Points: Anthony Morrow - 26.6
Assists: Russell Westbrook - 9.9
Rebounds: Andrew Bogut - 12.7


Detroit
Starters
Robin Lopez - Charlie Villanueva - Andrei Kirilenko - Ben Gordon - Jarrett Jack
Bench
Gary Neal - Louis Amundson - Carlos Delfino - Linas Kleiza - Leon Powe - Omer Asik - Wayne Reid
Inactive
Theo Jeffries - Harvey Dixon - Karl O'Farrell



Milwaukee
Starters
Andrew Bogut - Andrea Bargnani - Jeff Green - Anthony Morrow - Russell Westbrook
Bench
Jose Calderon - Marvin Williams - Ian Mahinmi - Kosta Koufos - Aaron Gray - Joey Dorsey - Richard Fortsen
Inactive
Larry Sanders - Loren Prince - Ray Allen

[Phil89]

I decided not to do any long articles in the previews this season as I probably spent longing writing them in the past then actually playing the games.

[Ryan. M]

How are the Lakers only 8th with that team, would love to see them take round 1 to 7 games.

[qfrmcpt310]

Yeah I'm with Ryan, that Lakers team isn't a normal 8th seed, but I don't see them putting up any contest against Durantula,Earthquake Blake, and D-Rose

[Phil89]

**/5/13

Oklahoma City Thunder [0-0] vs Los Angeles Lakers [0-0]

Durant's last second heroics give Thunder 1-0 series lead



OKC - 31 27 23 22 103
LAL - 27 26 23 25 101

Player of the Game: Blake Griffin
(18pts, 8reb, 3ast, 3blk, 2stl)


OKC _______ LAL
36-81 - FGM/A - 40-80
5-20 - 3PTM/A - 3-7
26-26 - FTM/A - 18-24
33 - Rebounds - 35
12 - Assists - 19
10 - Blocks - 6
5 - Steals - 2
11 - Turnovers - 11
15 - Fouls - 14


Top Scorers
Kevin Durant - 25
Brandon Jennings - 25
Kobe Bryant - 23
Andrew Bynum - 19
Blake Griffin - 18
Derrick Rose - 17
Terrence Williams - 12
James Harden - 12
Brook Lopez - 10
DeMarcus Cousins - 10
Rolf Young - 9
Crawford Mayer - 6
John Salmons - 6
Derrick Brown - 6

Assists
Brandon Jennings - 9
Terrence Williams - 4
Kobe Bryant - 4
Blake Griffin - 3

Rebounds
Andrew Bynum - 12
DeMarcus Cousins - 8
Blake Griffin - 8
Rolf Young - 6
Crawford Mayer - 5
Kevin Durant - 5
Kobe Bryant - 5
Derrick Brown - 5

Video Highlights
Mayer rebounds Durant's miss and stuffs it home.


Arenas sinks a three over Kobe.


Griffin dunks over both Bynum and Cousins.


Durant sinks the game winning shot with 0.2 seconds left.

-----
Lopez picked up his 5th foul late in the third quarter and Bynum dominated in the fourth.

[cavs4872]

lol Boris Diaw at shooting guard for the Knicks. Is there a position the man can't play? Clutch shot by KD That Lakers team looks too good to be an 8th seed. Surely just as good but more likely better than the team they currently have.

[Andrew]

Good way to open the Playoffs, nice shot by Durant. I also see that the whole team was money from the free throw line once again.

[Phil89]

First round playoff results - Game 1

Western Conference


103-101
Thunder lead the series 1-0



131-149
Jazz leads the series 1-0



131-140
Grizzlies lead the series 1-0



137-125
Hornets lead the series 1-0

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

Eastern Conference


136-123
Heat lead the series 1-0



132-120
Knicks lead the series 1-0



113-150
Pacers lead series 1-0



144-152
Bucks lead series 1-0