[22-5] Chicago Sharks - Boxing Day Beatdown

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Postby Valor on Thu Jul 06, 2017 4:47 pm

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Westbrook is leading the pack for MVP honors so far
Race to the MVP: Midseason Awards Edition
By Kurt Walker, NBA.com
Posted Feb 28 2017 11:30PM

Usually in this segment every month we will evaluate and rank the top 10 players in contention for the regular season MVP award, but since February marks the passing of the halfway mark of the 2016-17 NBA season, here’s a look at the best of the first half of the season. Nobody will get anything from this, but hey, this is fun, so we’ll do it.

Most Valuable Player: Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
In what is looking like to be one of the most tightly contested MVP races in recent years, the triple double machine Russell Westbrook wins out in our midseason awards. Westbrook notched 4 more triple doubles in the 11 games played in February, bringing his season total up to a league leading 18. Additionally, the team’s record of 37-22 propels his team up to the 4th seed in the Western Conference. Considering the Thunder ended the year 2016 barely above .500, this is nothing short of amazing and it’s all due to the efforts of Westbrook. If this isn’t worthy of being named Most Valuable, then I don’t know what does. I have Curry second, LeBron third, James Harden fourth, and Blake Griffin fifth.

Rookie of the Year: Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers
No surprises here, Simmons leads all rookies in rebounding (8.7) despite being a small forward (and sharing the court with fellow rookie standouts Joel Embiid and Dario Saric, who are bigs), is 4th in assists (4.8), 7th in scoring (12.5), and 2nd in steals (1.8), all the while shooting a healthy 44% from the floor. Barring any injuries or sudden drop-off (ie the infamous rookie wall), Simmons looks to be a lock for an unanimous Rookie of the Year result at the end of the season.

Coach of the Year: Mike D’Antoni, Houston Rockets
Of course, the obvious choice here would be Steve Kerr, as the Golden State Warriors are by far the best team in the league at the moment, but the Coach of the Year award more often comes with the most surprising team, and in this case, it’s the mad scientist himself - Mike D’Antoni - who has transformed what was a .500 team of last year to be a top three team in the Western Conference and looking like a legit title contender. People questioned the decision when it happened, but moving James Harden to Point Guard looks like an absolute stroke of genius right now.

Defensive Player of the Year: DeAndre Jordan, Los Angeles Clippers
Sure, Kawhi Leonard and Draymond Green are probably the better overall defenders, but this season - so far at least - has been the year of DeAndre Jordan on the defensive end, leading the league in both rebounds (15.1) and blocks (3.2) at a rate that hasn’t been seen since Ben Wallace (15.4 rpg, 3.2 bpg) won the award in 2003. Even Dwight Howard during his three-peat of the award did not put up numbers of this magnitude.

Most Improved Player: Jeremy Lin, Brooklyn Nets
When talking about Jeremy Lin, people more often than not point to Linsanity - the period in 2012 where Lin made his mark on the NBA - as being the high point of his career. However, when examining the actual numbers, Lin’s production this season has trumped all of his previous years, even the Linsanity period, as he is averaging career highs across the board with 16.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 1.7 steals and 0.7 blocks over 60 games played for the Brooklyn Nets this season. The Nets are horrible, but Lin is definitely the lone bright spark for the club as they attempt to rebuild from the ground up. Other contestants of the award include Steven Adams (OKC) and D'Angelo Russell (LAL).

Sixth Man of the Year: Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs
The fountain of youth is real. Almost 9 years after Ginobili had last won this award, he is looking like the favorite to do so again, as the 39 year old, 15th year veteran guard is putting up his best numbers since 2011 (13.7 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 4.5 apg), and is even averaging a career high in steals (2.0) for the San Antonio Spurs, which is enough to closely edge out Deron Williams of the Seattle Sonics (16.8 ppg, 4.5 apg) in my book.
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Re: [23-37] Alternate Reality - February Recap

Postby Andrew on Thu Jul 06, 2017 7:15 pm

It's a tough run through the first half, but actually pretty good for an expansion team. 11 more wins, and you'll beat the Bulls' record for most wins by an expansion team.
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Re: [23-37] Alternate Reality - February Recap

Postby Valor on Fri Jul 07, 2017 11:28 am

Andrew wrote:It's a tough run through the first half, but actually pretty good for an expansion team. 11 more wins, and you'll beat the Bulls' record for most wins by an expansion team.

Yeah it hasn't been amazing but we've had some good wins here and there. Beating the Bulls would be nice but they did make the playoffs and we probably won't :lol:
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Re: [23-37] Alternate Reality - February Recap

Postby Lamrock on Fri Jul 14, 2017 9:19 am

Gerald Green looks like he's ten feet tall in that one pic. :lol: Been saying this for months, but it might be time to unleash the tank and embrace the process!
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Re: [23-37] Alternate Reality - February Recap

Postby Valor on Thu Jul 20, 2017 6:00 am

Lamrock wrote:Gerald Green looks like he's ten feet tall in that one pic. :lol: Been saying this for months, but it might be time to unleash the tank and embrace the process!

It really is insane how he didn't get picked for the Dunk Contest, I've been putting up some spectacular dunks with him over the whole season...and yeah, tank is on man, I've been trying to play all my players and go 12, sometimes 13 deep rotation, just seeing what everyone has to offer and how they fit into the team...somehow winning more than I want to though :facepalm2:
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Postby Valor on Sat Jul 29, 2017 5:38 pm

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Sharks Smash Bulls to win Chicago season series 3-1
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The entire Bulls defense could merely look on as Green flies high for another jam

They probably won’t make the playoffs, but for whatever its worth, the Sharks have taken over Chicago in their inaugural season.

Gerald Green led all scorers with 17 points, Thabo Sefolosha had 14, and Boban Marjanovic added 8 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks as the Sharks beat the Bulls 101-74 at the United Center on Saturday night.

The Sharks secure the crosstown series by beating the Bulls for the third time in four meetings this season, taking home the bragging rights in what is known as the Windy City Derby in the expansion franchise’s first season in the league.

Sefolosha hit 6 of 7 shots from the field, former Bull Taj Gibson went 4 for 6, and newly acquired point guard Joseph Young hit all 4 of his field goals as the offensively challenged Sharks were firing on all cylinders in this one, shooting a blistering 59% from the field in the first half before finishing the game with a 54% field goal percentage - all the while holding the Bulls to just 33 first half points and 39% shooting for the game.

“This was probably as good as it has been this season,” said Sharks coach David Blatt, “Guys were hitting their shots and playing terrific defense. They earned this one.”

The Bulls were led by Jimmy Butler and Robin Lopez, who had 14 points apiece, Dwyane Wade was held to just 13 points while starting point guard Rajon Rondo finished with 6 points, 7 assists and 4 turnovers.

But perhaps more importantly, the Bulls were outmatched in every aspect on hustle plays. They were outrebounded 48-37, and seemingly gave up on 50-50 balls that gave the Sharks plenty of opportunities. Bobby Portis ended the game with the second most rebounds for the Bulls (7), but that total was matched by Sharks reserve guard R.J. Hunter, who despite going scoreless (0-5 FG) in 19 minutes of play, somehow ended up with 7 rebounds and 2 blocks.

“My job is not just being a shooter or whatever, it’s doing whatever the team needs me to do” said Hunter, “My shot wasn’t falling today but that just means I should spend my energy hitting the glass and playing defense, that’s all.”

This win is also the second win over the Bulls this week - they had defeated them on Tuesday night, 84-77 - and the third consecutive win for the team, which matches the longest win streak achieved so far this season, and takes them to a record of 25-37. They will look to set a new record at 4 straight wins in Brooklyn on Monday.

Meanwhile, the Bulls now drop to 32-29 and drops out of the top 4 seeds in the Eastern Conference altogether, they will look to put an end to their three game losing streak in Boston on Monday evening.

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Re: [25-37] Alternate Reality - Sharks win Chicago (season) series

Postby Andrew on Sat Jul 29, 2017 7:55 pm

It's not as good as a Larry O'Brien trophy, but it's satisfying in its own right!
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Re: [25-37] Alternate Reality - Sharks win Chicago (season) series

Postby Valor on Sun Jul 30, 2017 4:47 pm

Andrew wrote:It's not as good as a Larry O'Brien trophy, but it's satisfying in its own right!

Definitely very satisfying, GarPax and Hoiball couldn't even beat an expansion team! :lol:
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Postby Valor on Sun Jul 30, 2017 4:48 pm

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JaVale McGee Grabs Sharks Franchise Record 23 Rebounds
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JaVale McGee scored 11 points and grabbed 23 rebounds -- a Chicago Sharks franchise record -- in the Sharks’ 79-87 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.

McGee eclipsed Boban Marjanovic’s single-game franchise record of 21 (Set in November), as well as his own previous career high of 19 from just the previous night in Detroit - where he helped the Sharks go on a 29-6 run in the fourth quarter to beat the Pistons 85-76 after being down by as many as 13 points.

McGee, a mid-season signing, has been impressive in limited opportunities so far this season behind starting center Boban Marjanovic and backup Roy Hibbert, but a recent down run of form for Hibbert and injury to Marjanovic has made him the current starting center for the past few games.

“He’s really stepped in and impressed us,” said David Blatt, “His energy is tremendous and infectious for the team.”

While Boban is set to return to health soon, expect McGee to receive more minutes going forward.
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Re: [27-38] Alternate Reality - JaVale McGee!!

Postby Andrew on Sun Jul 30, 2017 6:31 pm

Making his mark, and the most of his opportunity.
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Re: [27-38] Alternate Reality - JaVale McGee!!

Postby Valor on Tue Aug 01, 2017 2:47 pm

Andrew wrote:Making his mark, and the most of his opportunity.

Definitely, he might even be better than Boban (just don't tell him this!) with his impact right now. Absolute beast in 2K, JaVale is. (Y)
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Postby Valor on Sat Aug 05, 2017 12:26 am

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Green scores Franchise Record 40 points as Sharks down Mavs
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Green was unstoppable in the fourth quarter

Another hotly contested game, another remarkable performance from Gerald Green.

Green scored 19 of his game high 40 points in the fourth quarter, leading the Chicago Sharks to a 105-91 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night.

Green’s 40 points breaks his own Chicago Sharks franchise record for most points scored in a single game, which was previously 31 points. However, it is interesting to note that Green was also one point shy of his own career high (41).

“Had a few missed free throws, it happens.” said Green, “More than anything I’m just glad that we came away with the W.”

Green, who went 12-26 from the field in 31 minutes, was aided by the contributions of Joseph Young, who started at point guard today following some impressive performances from off the bench since his acquisition from the Indiana Pacers at the trade deadline. Young did not disappoint in his first start, as he finished with a very solid 12 points, 10 assists, and 4 steals in 25 minutes of play.

Thabo Sefolosha added 12 points, while Boban and McGee combined for 22 rebounds and 4 blocks at the center position for Chicago, who outrebounded the Mavs 54-43 despite Andrew Bogut’s valiant efforts (14 points, 16 rebounds) for Dallas.

The Mavs were led by Harrison Barnes, who had 20 points on 9-18 shooting from the field, as well as Devin Harris’ 14 points and 3 steals; but Dirk Nowitzki did not have his best outing, as he shot just 5 of 16 and finished with 13 points, having been harassed by Taj Gibson of the Sharks all night long.

The difference in the game though, ultimately, was the scoring burst of Gerald Green.

“He was incredible, absolutely caught fire and hit everything down the stretch there” said Rick Carlisle “When an opponent goes off like that there really isn’t much you can do about it, unfortunately for us.”

With this win, the Sharks are now 29-42 on the season, while the Mavericks drop to 32-39.

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Re: [29-42] Alternate Reality - Gerald Green sets new Franchise Record (again)

Postby Phil89 on Wed Aug 23, 2017 4:06 pm

That's quite a handy big man rotation you've got with JaVale McGoat and Boban :cool:

Your scoring spread is pretty good already, but hopefully you can add a dominant scorer to your team over the off-season to take the team to the next level.
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Re: [29-42] Alternate Reality - Gerald Green sets new Franchise Record (again)

Postby Valor on Wed Sep 06, 2017 10:28 pm

Phil89 wrote:That's quite a handy big man rotation you've got with JaVale McGoat and Boban :cool:

Your scoring spread is pretty good already, but hopefully you can add a dominant scorer to your team over the off-season to take the team to the next level.

Two absolute beasts in the middle, 9/10 I dominate the paint (Y)
Yeah just need somebody to consistently create their own shot, a legit star would be great to have. Some consistency at PG (Patty out for most of the season really hurt) wouldn't be bad.

Looking to update soon :lol: Just need to find time to write that March recap!
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Re: [29-42] Alternate Reality - Gerald Green sets new Franchise Record (again)

Postby Lamrock on Sat Sep 09, 2017 5:55 am

Hopefully your decision not to tank pays off. Gerald Green and JaVale McGee are certainly all-star caliber players in 2K, if you play enough games that is.
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Postby Valor on Sun Sep 10, 2017 7:23 pm

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Monthly Recap: March 2017
Part One: Sharks Month in Review

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Record: 9-7
Off. Rating: 99.3 (28) | Def. Rating: 101.7 (13) | Net Rating: -2.3 (21)


Overview
Month after month, the Chicago Sharks have fought valiantly and fought against the odds in every game they’ve played in in the hopes of nabbing a playoff spot in their inaugural season.

Month after month, they have come up short of even a winning record to end the month…until now.

Buoyed by the explosive offense of Gerald Green and a pleasantly surprising stretch of rebounding dominance from JaVale McGee, the Chicago Sharks have finally done it. No, they haven’t reached the playoffs, nor are they even close as they sit in the 13th spot in the weak Eastern Conference; but they have ended the month with a winning record of 9-7.

“I understand that there’s considerations for next season in terms of getting better odds in the lottery, but I am very happy for the lads” said head coach David Blatt, “They have competed hard throughout the season and should be very proud of themselves. These are the kind of things that sets the franchise up for future successes as well.”

It wasn’t all chumps that they managed to defeat either, as the Sharks managed to take victories away from teams that were still in the mix for the final playoff spots, including the now playoff bound Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics (twice, no less), 4th seed Chicago Bulls (3-1 season series win), as well as the Charlotte Hornets who are still on the outside looking in with a puncher’s chance of getting in the postseason.

This is unlikely to repeat in the final 6 games of the season, however, as the team have announced they will be resting key players with nagging injuries, as well as give retiring journeyman Metta World Peace aka Ron Artest a proper send off from the NBA by allowing him to start and play the final few games. In other words, the tank is on.


Most Impressive Performance: 94-79 win over the Boston Celtics
Blowing out the crosstown rival Bulls is always great, but nothing this month tops the surprising back-to-back victories over the Eastern Conference contenders Boston Celtics, and it all started in the first quarter when Gerald Green scored the game’s first 11 straight points en-route to his game high 21 and a 15 point victory at Chicago Stadium.

A Game To Forget: 109-115 defeat to the Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are literally the second worst team in the league with a record of 28-49, letting such a team put up 115 points on you was inexcusable for a defensive minded squad

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Get that weak stuff outta here!
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Right between the eyes! R.J. Hunter beats the first half buzzer with a deep trey
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Yi's buzzer beater to end the first helped set the tone for our upset victory in Boston
Last edited by Valor on Mon Sep 11, 2017 3:29 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Postby Valor on Sun Sep 10, 2017 7:26 pm

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Postby Valor on Sun Sep 10, 2017 7:31 pm

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Westbrook has carried his team every step of the way and is looking like the MVP this year

Race to the MVP: Our Final Verdict
By Kurt Walker, NBA.com
Posted Mar 31 2017 09:45PM

The clock is ticking.

As the end of the regular season approaches, we have now entered the most intense two week period of every regular season. This is where playoff contenders duke it out for the final few spots available in the postseason, and this is also the crucial period where MVP candidates push on and make their final cases for the Maurice Podoloff Trophy.

In a race as tight as the one this season, frontrunners Russell Westbrook, James Harden, LeBron James, and Steph Curry will need every performance to count if they wish to impress voters enough for them to be awarded the most prestigious individual award the game has to offer.

Without further ado, let the last Race to the MVP ladder of the season commence.


1. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder (50-25)
Stats: PPG -- 26.5; RPG -- 9.5; APG -- 10.1; SPG -- 3.4; BPG -- 0.7; FG% -- .469; 3P% -- .330; FT% -- .809
Last Month's Rank: 1
Comment: Westbrook will enter the final two weeks of the season as the current favourite to win league MVP honours, and it’s easy to see why. The man has moved closer and closer towards that prestigious accomplishment of averaging a triple double for the season (while also notching a career high of 23 total triple doubles in a season), and it hasn’t been just empty stats that he’s been putting up either. The Thunder have now clinched a playoff spot with a record of 50-25, and are sitting pretty in 2nd place in the Western Conference Standings. Led by Westbrook, they went 13-3 with a staggering average of 110 points per game in the month of March. Now that’s an example of a player being the engine that drives the whole team.

2. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers (56-20)
Stats: PPG -- 22.7; RPG -- 8.8; APG -- 8.6; SPG -- 2.3; BPG -- 1.3; FG% -- .481; 3P% -- .326; FT% -- .749
Last Month's Rank: 3
Comment: Yes, he’s had better seasons statistically, particularly on offense. Yes, the Cavs’ record, while dominating the East, doesn’t compare to Western Conference teams. These are all valid points, but one has to look past those and recognise that LeBron James is truly worth of being in the contention for MVP honours. After a month of February where his shooting dipped to an alarming 43.4%, James has sprung back with a very respectable 49.1%, and even raised his three point percentage to 33.9% - the second best month shooting this season. But these are all beside the point, as he has been more focused on distributing the ball and his biggest contribution have actually been on the defensive end. With James leading the charge defensively, Cleveland only allowed 99.1 points per game in the month of March on just 41.4% shooting from their opponents. On the season they have the 4th best defensive rating in the league alongside the best offensive rating (yes, better than the Warriors!) and it is a big reason why they have already clinched the conference with plenty of time to remaining before the postseason.

3. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors (60-16)
Stats: PPG -- 28.8; RPG -- 6.1; APG -- 6.8; SPG -- 2.2; BPG -- 0.2; FG% -- .497; 3P% -- .452; FT% -- .913
Last Month's Rank: 2
Comment: Due to having Kevin Durant on the team, the two time reigning MVP will most likely miss out on receiving the honour for the third straight time, but it’s no knock on his performances, as the Warriors have long clinched the Western Conference and Curry will most likely walk away with his first scoring title by season’s end, as there is a staggering 1.7 ppg difference between him and second place James Harden right now.

4. James Harden, Houston Rockets (46-29)
Stats: PPG -- 27.1; RPG -- 6.7; APG -- 6.4; SPG -- 1.9; BPG -- 0.9; FG% -- .468; 3P% -- .431; FT% -- .859
Last Month's Rank: 4
Comment: At first glance, Harden’s numbers may have looked better last season, but upon closer examination on efficiency vs productivity, we can safely conclude that the Bearded one is definitely enjoying his best season in his 8 year career so far. Teaming up with the famous offensive genius Mike D’Antoni and being moved to point guard, Harden has enjoyed the most efficient season yet, shooting over 43% from deep (he has never shot over 39% before this season), just under 47% from the field (second best in career), and still averaging a league second best 27.1 ppg, Harden has thrived in D’Antoni’s uptempo system and it’s no question who runs the show for the playoff bound Rockets.

5. Damian Lillard, Portland Trailblazers (49-27)
Stats: PPG -- 23.8; RPG -- 3.9; APG -- 8.2; SPG -- 1.6; BPG -- 0.3; FG% -- .452; 3P% -- .416; FT% -- .892
Last Month's Rank: 9
Comment: A 14-4 month has not only propelled the Blazers from 6th to 3rd in the Western Conference standings and clinch them a playoff spot early, but it has also moved Lillard up the rankings from his previous spot at 9th to 5th. Alongside his fellow sharpshooting partner in the backcourt C.J. McCollum, Lillard and the Blazers look ready to make some noise in the postseason.

6. Kevin Durant, Golden State Warriors (60-16)
Stats: PPG -- 23.7; RPG -- 7.7; APG -- 4.7; SPG -- 1.4; BPG -- 1.7; FG% -- .516; 3P% -- .444; FT% -- .894
Last Month's Rank: 10
Comment: Durant’s numbers are a far cry from his OKC self, and his presence on a stacked team that features Steph Curry also hurts his case for MVP (and vice versa), but Durant’s incredibly efficient contributions to the title favourite Warriors cannot be ignored, as he is easily having his most efficient season scoring the basketball with career highs in both field goal (51.6%) and three pointers (44.4%). As the month of March has shown, Durant is still perfectly capable of having months where he is putting up massive offensive numbers (26.9 points, 7.6 rebounds), only now he’s doing it on 55% from the field and 49% from three. Incredible.

7. DeAndre Jordan, Los Angeles Clippers (49-28)
Stats: PPG -- 14.7; RPG -- 14.8; APG -- 0.5; SPG -- 0.1; BPG -- 3.1; FG% -- .513; 3P% -- .472; FT% -- .914
Last Month’s Rank: 5
Comment: He is still the favourite for defensive player of the year honours, but DeAndre’s production has been slipping in all facets in the past month, as he only put up 13 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game through the 15 games in March, with the only positive uptake in production coming from his free throw performances, going up from an abysmal 30% in February to a less terrible rate of 44.1% this month. If he doesn’t pick it up in the final few games, Anthony Davis might just snatch the defensive honours away, and while we are at it, Andre Drummond is closing in on the rebounding title too, which we thought was all but clinched by DJ.

8. Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers (56-20)
Stats: PPG -- 24.9; RPG -- 3.4; APG -- 7.1; SPG -- 1.7; BPG -- 0.8; FG% -- .486; 3P% -- .428; FT% -- .922
Last Month's Rank: 6
Comment: For the first time this season, Irving’s scoring has dropped below 20 ppg (19.9) and this has been reflected in his drop down our Race to the MVP ladder; and let’s face it, there is just no way Irving could win regular season MVP honours while a certain monster by the name of LeBron James is on his team. Nonetheless, Kyrie is definitely having a career year and might just take home Finals MVP honours if he picks up his play for the defending champs in their bid to go back-to-back this postseason.

9. Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs (46-30)
Stats: PPG -- 21.9; RPG -- 6.8; APG -- 3.3; SPG -- 2.6; BPG -- 1.0; FG% -- .500; 3P% -- .467; FT% -- .911
Last Month’s Rank: 7
Comment: Rule number one when judging a Spurs player is always, don’t look at their stats, as Popovich is known to rest his stars and is rarely concerned with regular season success anyways as long as they make the playoffs. But the Spurs are really slipping this past month, ending the month with a 10-6 record and finding themselves dropping to 6th in the West. However, they have still clinched a playoff spot and that’s all that matters for Pop. Plus, Kawhi averaged 21 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, and 1 block on 50% shooting from both the field and from deep this month playing significantly less minutes than every other MVP candidate on this list. In other words, he’s still Kawhi Leonard.

10. Andre Drummond, Detroit Pistons (43-34)
Stats: PPG -- 19.0; RPG -- 14.4; APG -- 0.5; SPG -- 0.7; BPG -- 1.5; FG% -- .558; 3P% -- .800; FT% -- .385
Last Month's Rank: N/A
Comment: No, your eyes do not deceive you. Andre Drummond is indeed shooting 80% from three this season. Granted, it is just 4 of 5 attempts, but it is impressive nonetheless. Now if he could improve on that dreadful 38.5% from the foul line he’d be a legit MVP contender for sure, as he is quietly pushing DeAndre Jordan for the rebounding title, while putting up a career high 19 points per game and leading the Pistons to the second best record in the (granted, it’s weak) Eastern Conference, and a clinched playoff berth entering the month of April.

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Re: [29-42] Alternate Reality - Gerald Green sets new Franchise Record (again)

Postby Valor on Sun Sep 10, 2017 7:40 pm

Lamrock wrote:Hopefully your decision not to tank pays off. Gerald Green and JaVale McGee are certainly all-star caliber players in 2K, if you play enough games that is.

Dw, tank is on for the last 6 games cause I'm sitting my starters and playing Ron Artest :lol: Would love to get at least one legit star in the offseason but yeah, Green and McGee are beasts in 2K and can probably help squeeze me into the playoffs next season if things go right. (Y)
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Re: [32-44] Alternate Reality - March Recap

Postby Lamrock on Mon Sep 11, 2017 2:11 am

Now that he can stretch the floor, Andre Drummond would be a great addition! ;)
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Re: [32-44] Alternate Reality - March Recap

Postby Phil89 on Mon Sep 18, 2017 5:28 pm

Looks like you're going to finish with a respectable win total for an expansion franchise and still get a top 10 pick (Y)
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Postby Valor on Mon Sep 18, 2017 8:03 pm

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MWP drops 26 in final game as Sharks close inaugural season with victory
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World Peace turned back the clock with this two hand jam after picking Simmons’ pocket

On the last day of the 2015-16 regular season, Kobe Bryant stunned the basketball world by putting up an incredible 60 point performance in his farewell game.

It wasn’t quite as dramatic as Kobe, but Metta World Peace, formerly known as Ron Artest, did his best to match the efforts of his former teammate in his own farewell.

Back in the city that first drafted him into the league in 1999 (16th pick by Bulls), the 37 year old put on a show for the home fans, putting up a season high 26 points along with 11 rebounds in 34 minutes of play to lead the Chicago Sharks to a 96-89 victory over the visiting Philadelphia 76ers.

World Peace has not scored more than 25 points in a NBA game for over 5 years, with the last instance being a 26 point performance over the Spurs back in April 2012. He also has not scored more than 20 points since March 2013.

Much like the Lakers with Kobe last year, it was clear from tip off that the Sharks were making a concerted effort to get World Peace the ball and let him play freely. World Peace was just 3 of 11 from the field at the end of the first, but finished the quarter by grabbing an offensive rebound and putting it back in just as time expired in a play that was reminisce of his game winner against the Phoenix Suns in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals in 2010, when his Lakers went on to win his first and only NBA championship.

The buzzer beater seemed to have rejuvenated World Peace, as he settled down after that and hit on 6 of his last 12 shots, including a pull up three pointer from the right wing after blocking a Lance Stephenson layup attempt, and even pulled off a two handed jam following a steal from Ben Simmons when he picked him up full court in the fourth quarter.

World Peace’s offensive explosion was not the only thing that was on display, as the former defensive player of the year turned back the clock and gave extra effort on defense, from defending Rookie of the Year favourite Ben Simmons and Robert Covington full court, to wrestling with Dario Saric and even Joel Embiid in the paint, the 37 year old veteran did it all, notching 2 steals and 2 blocks along with a bunch of great defensive possessions in the contest, and made the night a miserable one for Simmons in particular, who finished the game with just 8 points on 4 of 17 shooting from the field.

By the time Sharks head coach David Blatt took World Peace out with 42.6 seconds remaining, the often erratic, but passionate veteran forward was running on empty. However, perhaps rejuvenated by the standing ovation by the sell-out crowd in Chicago Stadium, he found a last bit of energy to walk to every corner of the court to thank the fans before checking out for the last time in his 17 year NBA career.

“This was a special night, definitely special.” said World Peace, “I definitely thought about what Kobe did last year, I mean, he’s the Black Mamba, so it’s kinda hard to do what he did, you know? But I tried my best to put on a show and the fans were great, they are why we do what we do and I am very honoured.”

World Peace also thanked David Blatt, his teammates, his family, the Sharks coaching staff, the equipment manager, the water boys, and of course, his therapist. It is way too long so we will not be including that here, but you get the picture. (and if you want to see it, just look it up on YouTube!)

The Sharks as a whole played fairly well. JaVale McGee continued his string of impressive performances with 9 points, 19 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks; Yi Jianlian hit 7 of 12 shots for 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 steals; while Patrick Mills continues to regain his rhythm after missing most of the season through injury with 10 points and 5 assists in limited minutes.

All in all, it was a great night for the Sharks, who have pretty much successfully tanked the month of April (1-5 including this win) and find themselves with fairly good odds to get a top 5 pick in the lottery.


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Re: [32-44] Alternate Reality - March Recap

Postby Valor on Mon Sep 18, 2017 8:08 pm

Lamrock wrote:Now that he can stretch the floor, Andre Drummond would be a great addition! ;)

If only i didn't already have 3 starting caliber Cs to choose from :lol:

Phil89 wrote:Looks like you're going to finish with a respectable win total for an expansion franchise and still get a top 10 pick (Y)

Yeah, it wasn't a bad run at all. Though we still lose out to the Sonics in terms of performance by an expansion franchise. They are still in the playoff hunt!

Full season recap coming soon...as soon as I can get some real life obligations out of the way! :lol: I do plan on doing at least one more season and see where I can take this one (despite 18 being out) so stay tuned!
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Postby Valor on Sun Sep 24, 2017 4:32 am

2016-17 Regular Season Recap

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Postby Valor on Sun Sep 24, 2017 4:34 am

2016-17 Regular Season Awards

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Russell Westbrook Named Most Valuable Player
By Official release

New York -- He came up short from being just the second player to ever average a triple double for an entire season, but Westbrook's efforts were nonetheless rewarded by being named the 2016/17 NBA Most Valuable Player.

Outside of leading the NBA in triple doubles (26), assists (10.3), and steals (3.4), Westbrook was also 3rd in scoring (27.1) and had the second highest PER (28.3) in the league this season. He led the Thunder to the second seed in the Western Conference with a record of 55-27, the same record as their previous season despite the team losing former MVP Kevin Durant to the Golden State Warriors in the offseason.

Stephen Curry and James Harden came second and third, respectively, in the final tally.

Westbrook joins Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Derrick Rose and Dirk Nowitzki as active players who have won MVP.

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DeAndre Jordan Named Defensive Player of the Year
By Official release

New York -- DeAndre Jordan of the Los Angeles Clippers has been named the 16-17 NBA Defensive Player of the Year.

Appearing in all 82 games for the 51 win Clippers, Jordan averaged career highs across the board, and led the league in both rebounds (14.9) and blocks (3.1) as he anchored the Clippers interior when injuries forced Blake Griffin to be sidelined at the beginning of the season.

Jordan received 86 of 130 first place votes, and edges out Kawhi Leonard (43 first place votes) and LeBron James (1 first place vote) for the honor.

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Gordon Hayward Named NBA's Most Improved Player
By Official release

New York -- Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward has won the NBA's Most Improved Player of the Year award.

Hayward 535 of a possible 580 points, including 92 first place vote, from a panel of 116 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada. He edges out Brooklyn Nets guard Jeremy Lin (16.2 ppg, 7.0 apg, 1.9 spg) and Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (13.4 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 1.6 bpg), who finished second and third, respectively.

Playing in his 7th season in the NBA, the Butler product finished with career highs across the board for the Utah Jazz, and holds a player option entering the offseason.

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Deron Williams Wins Sixth Man Of The Year Award
By Official release

New York -- Deron Williams has won the NBA's 6th Man of the Year Award.

Coming off the bench for the Seattle SuperSonics, who re-entered the league this season as a new expansion franchise, the veteran guard has somewhat revitalized his career after several injury-plagued seasons where he largely underperformed. Williams led the Sonics in scoring (17.4 ppg) and helped lead the team to the brink of the postseason, as Seattle narrowly missed out on the final 8th spot in the Western Conference to the Los Angeles Lakers by just one game.

Williams had 341 points (51 first place votes), beating out Manu Ginobili, who had 288 points (33 first place votes). Marcus Smart finished third with 182 points.

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Ben Simmons Wins Rookie of the Year
By Official release

New York -- Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers has won the 2016-17 NBA Rookie of the Year Award, beating out teammate Dario Saric and Laker forward Brandon Ingram.

Coming out of Australia via LSU, Simmons was the top overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2016 NBA Draft, and was named in the All-Las Vegas Summer League First Team. He led all rookies in rebounds (8.4), was second in steals (1.8), third in assists (4.9) and finished 5th in scoring (12.6) after appearing in all 82 games for the Sixers. Simmons also appeared in the Rising Stars Challenge at All Star Weekend, finishing with 17 points, 10 assists, and 5 rebounds for the victorious Elites team.

Simmons received 64 first place votes, 30 second place votes and four third place votes for 414 total points.

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Steve Kerr Wins NBA Coach of the Year
By Official release

New York -- Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has been named the 16-17 NBA Coach of the Year.

With Kerr at the helm and having added Kevin Durant in free agency, the Warriors steamrolled the competition this season, finishing with a record of 64-18 and comfortably secured home-court advantage throughout the playoffs by the end of March.

Kerr has now won the award for the second straight season, having broke the NBA's regular season wins record with a mark of 73-9 last season.

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