A LEGEND IS BORN II

[Fresh8]

Durant, Sheed Power Stealth To Win

Preview | Box Score | Recap


Kevin Durant and Rasheed Wallace bumps fists

15 Feb, 2011

NEW YORK (AP) – The New York Knicks sank ten three point shots to keep themselves in the game but were unlucky to face a determined Kevin Durant in the way. In front of the Madison Square Garden crowd, Durant played like a man possessed to open the game and then to close it. Durant finished with 44 points; 14 of them in the first quarter and 15 in the final quarter.

“He (Durant) was amazing,” Knicks SG Vince Carter exclaimed after the game, “He was hitting everything. And when he went cold and that gave us a chance to stick with them (Stealth), he came right back at us in the last quarter. Just hurt us so bad and won the game for his side. It was amazing.” All-Star PG Allen Iverson echoed Carter’s sentiments towards Durant, “He’s young but he’s one of the best closers in the game already. He’s on the level of Kobe (Bryant) and LeBron (James). The kid is tough.”

Seattle started the game strong, thanks to Durant’s aggressiveness in the first quarter. The team began to falter over the following two periods as they struggled to put the ball in the hoop and particularly from long range where the home town Knicks were finding so much success. As the Knicks notched up ten triples, Seattle would only finish with one; their lone trey coming in the closing stages of the game.

The Knicks’ Carter led his side with 27 points as Iverson added 21 and 9 assists. Chris Duhon was effective with 14 points, 4 assists from off the bench while Lamar Odom had 11 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks in limited minutes due to foul trouble.

Durant added 8 rebounds to his points total. Fellow starter Reshawn Tyson had an off-night two nights after leading the side with 23 against the Knicks in Seattle; Tyson finished with only 14 in this game. Andrew Bogut added 12 points, 8 reobunds, and David Lee had 11 points and 13 rebounds against his former team.

However, it was recently acquired Rasheed Wallace who impressed the most with his double double from off the Stealth bench. Wallace was a major catalyst for the Stealth as he put up 12 points and 10 rebounds.

The fourth quarter began with both teams tied and it was Durant who took full advantage of the situation, leading the Stealth into the lead. With momentum against the home side, the Stealth were able to build a double digit lead against the Knicks. Durant has a layup, jump shot, and Wallace added a long two to extend Seattle’s lead to 13 with 1:15 left in the game. Carter hit a three, straight out of a time out, with 1:12 on the clock and Iverson made a triple of his own with 47.3 seconds to cut the Stealth lead to 7. That was as close as the Knicks would get as Durant hit a two point shot with the shot clock winding down. Iverson’s layup in traffic was no consolation as the Stealth dribbled out the clock to end up 99-92 winners.

Notes: New York lost to Seattle two night ago, 107-95, in Seattle. Tyson led Seattle with 23 while Carter led New York with 30 points, 7 rebounds, 10 assists… Jason Kidd had 11 assists and 5 steals… New York was 10 from 36 from three point range while Seattle was 1 from 11… This was Seattle’s third straight win…

Quarter-by-Quarter Team Score

Seattle Stealth (Away) 28 – 21 – 25 – 25 – 99
New York Knicks (Home) 17 – 26 – 31 – 18 – 92

Jordan Player of the Game

Kevin Durant
44 Points
8 Rebounds
3 Assists
1 Blocks
20-36 FG
1-6 3PT
3-5 FT

Key Performers

Seattle Stealth (27-28)

R Tyson 14 pt, 5 ast, 1 stl, 6-15 FG, 0-1 3PT, 2-3 FT
R Wallace 12 pt, 10 reb, 2 ast, 6-12 FG, 0-1 3PT
D Lee 11 pt, 13 reb, 3 ast, 4-6 FG, 3-3 3PT

New York Knicks (19-39)

V Carter 27 pt, 6 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl, 10-20 FG, 4-9 3PT, 3-3 FT
A Iverson 21 pt, 3 reb, 9 ast, 3 stl, 9-19 FG, 3-8 3PT
L Odom 11 pt, 6 reb, 4 ast, 3 blk, 5-12 FG, 1-5 3PT

[Lamrock]

Amazing game by KD, solid performance by Sheed, and only one game under .500. Nice work. LOL @ the Knicks being 19-39 with Odom, Iverson and VC. I guess 2010 offseason wasn't as kind to them as they had hoped.

[Fresh8]

Chapter 26

Kevin Durant answered his cell phone, “Hello?”
He couldn’t make out who the voice belonged to on the other end, “Hi Kevin, do you have a minute to talk?”
“Sorry, I can’t hear you,” Durant said, “Bad reception.”
He excused himself from the table and stood up. He looked around to find a corner of the restaurant that may be quiet. He made his way towards a small hallway near the restrooms and started talking again.
“You still there?”
“I got some important news for you.”
He recognized the voice to be that of general manager Will Sit, “We’ve just completed a big deal.”
Durant was eager to learn about who had been traded, “Oh yeah?”
Sit stated, “Come into the office tomorrow so that we can discuss it.”
Durant replied, “Ok” and listened to Sit instruct as to when and where they would meet. He hung up and returned to the table for the rest of dinner with two of his entourage. They excitedly discussed about the possibility that a deal sending away Reshawn Tyson had finally been reached.

Sit had hung up and dialed another number. This time he was calling Reshawn Tyson. The phone was ringing for a long time and Sit was about to hang up when Ty finally picked up.
“Hello?”
Sit greeted him, “Hi Ty, how are you?”
“Good. Just doing weights.”
Sit smiled, “Good to hear that you are working hard.”
“Thanks.”
Sit continued, “Ty, a deal has been done. I’m just calling to inform you that you are not a part of it.”
“Ok…”
“I know that you requested to be dealt but I have had a lot of time to think about it. We couldn’t get the deal we wanted but we didn’t want you gone in the first place.”
“I understand,” Ty replied.
“I know you have been having a lot of problems and I would like you to come into my office to talk about it in the next few days.”
“I’m fine,” Ty retorted.
“As your employer, we know that you have been seeing a psychiatrist for a while now,” Sit explained, “Ty, we need to know what’s going on. It’s very important you come to meet with me to explain everything. Don’t worry; everything you say is confidential.”
Ty did not sound happy and hesitated before saying, “I really do not feel comfortable discussing it.”
Sit didn’t want to push him, “Just make sure you’re getting help but if you need to talk, there are a lot of us in this organization who can help you.”
Ty stayed silent.
Sit added, “You’re going to get a call soon. I’ve been really impressed with your form so expect a call from George this evening. Also, expect your minutes to go up. Jeff isn’t on the team anymore.”
Sit said bye to Ty and hung up. Meanwhile, Ty was in the weights room with the team trainer. He put his phone back into his bag and returned to his work out. Ty was disappointed that he was still a part of the Seattle team. Coach Karl did call him later on in the night and it left Ty feeling indifferent.
Karl had said to him, “Son, your time has come. You’re my starting two guard.”

“I regret to inform you that Jeff Green is no longer to be a member of the Seattle Stealth,” Sit softly explained to Durant.
The star forward was shocked, “What?”
“Jeff was a big part of the team and I understand that it may be hard because both of you are so close.”
“Why didn’t you ask me before you traded him?”
“You’re not the manager.”
“I should have a say in things around here!”
Durant was shaking; he and Green had entered the NBA at the same time and the two had a close bond. He could not believe that the team had given up on him.
Sit tried to calm Durant down, “Jeff was a great player but Kevin, we are doing this in the best interests of the Seattle Stealth. Of your team. We needed some more experience and leadership and we needed a veteran. Sometimes you have to give up something good to get something better.”
Durant wanted to scream at Sit but he told himself not to in his head.
“You’re our star player Kevin,” Sit stated, “I really need you to get all the guys on the same page. There’s been too much disharmony in the locker room. That’s another reason why we’ve brought in the new guy. He’s going to help a lot.”
Durant was shaking his head, “Who is the new guy then?”
Sit smiled, “Rasheed Wallace.”
“What?” Durant was now fuming, “Rasheed Wallace? He’s a joke now! Old and washed up. You traded Jeff for him? You’ve got to be kidding me!”
“He’s going to help,” Sit said to Durant, “He’s going to make us tougher to defend. I think you’re underestimating him. Plus he’s won a championship before so he knows what he’s doing.”
Durant unhappy was an understatement at this point of time, “You’re killing the team.”
Sit was trying to make Durant see the greener side, “He’s a four time All-Star and a champion. This is the kind of player we needed on this team. We’re not going to win with a young and inexperienced squad.”
“You’re killing us. You’re killing our future. I can’t believe you did this without asking me first.”
“As I said, I’m the manager.”
Durant didn’t want to hear anymore, “I’m over this.”
Sit wanted to tell him the other piece of news he had for him, “One last thing. I want you to be more professional in playing with Reshawn Tyson. I don’t know what’s up with you two but you guys have got to start playing together. You don’t need to like each other but when you’re on the court together, please cooperate.”
Durant laughed, “You’re kidding me? You’re trying to teach me how to play?”
Sit cracked a slight grin, “Well, we will have problems if you guys don’t. I will tell you now instead of letting George tell you. Ty will be starting alongside you.”
Durant didn’t say anything.
Sit just said, “I know this may not sound great for you but this is the business.”
The meeting ended and Durant walked out of Sit’s office. He was extremely agitated at the fact that the team had traded away Jeff Green for Rasheed Wallace. He was furious that Tyson had bumped Raja Bell out of his starting spot. Durant had been dreading this day since Tyson was drafted by the team. As he walked out into the hallway towards the lift, Durant clenched his right fist and hammered at the wall.
“This is my team!” he shouted out; to nobody in particular.

* * *

“When I think of mom, when I think of Tay…” Ty was speaking softly, “All the feelings rush back.”
His psychiatrist was listening intently, “And how do you feel about it? Does it bother you as much as before?”
Ty took a deep breath, “I went to their graves a few weeks ago. It wasn’t as bad as usual. I didn’t break down this time.”
“That’s good. I think you’re making progress.”
He thought for a moment, “Yeah. It’s not bothering me as much. I’ve learnt to block it out of my head.”
“Your basketball seems to be going good,” she proclaimed, “I think you are really getting better.”
Ty smiled for the first time since stepping into the office, “You’re right. I guess being on the court should make me happy instead of feeling a lot of pressure.”
“Are you going to visit your mom and brother again?”
“In a few weeks we travel to New York so I will be there.”
“That’s good; I think you are really accepting your loss. I know that life sometimes can get lonely and miserable Reshawn but you need to be strong.”
“I’m trying really hard to be happy.”
She asked him another question, “Is there anything else on your mind?”
“I guess I still feel guilty about my girlfriend.”
“As I’ve told you before, we all make mistakes in life. You just need to learn from them.”
Ty took a deep breath, “I’m not sure if she will ever be awake again.”
“How is she going anyways?”
“The doctors say that she’s in a stable condition right now.”
She put her hand on his shoulder, “That’s good. Just keep your chin up. Be happy because that’s what everyone would have wanted for you.”
Ty nodded and thanked her for her time. He also told her he had no need for any antidepressants this time. Ty walked out and as he did, thought of what Stephon Marbury had told him at his younger brother’s funeral. ”You were his hero man, don’t let the kid down,” Marbury had stated. Ty then had told himself, “I’m going to make it big Tay. Just for you.”

* * *

Ty made his first start of the season against the Golden State Warriors. The game was a blowout win and to Ty’s surprise, Durant was actually passing him the ball. Durant went on to score 33 points as Ty had an impressive 29. Durant kept finding Ty for open jumpers and the Warriors struggled to stop the duo. Marv Albert and Reggie Miller marveled at the Stealth pair.
“Reggie, I don’t know about you but these two are phenomenal scorers. We finally get to see these two start together and both of them being in perfect physical condition,” Marv excitedly stated.
Reggie agreed, “When you put last season’s number one scorer with someone like Reshawn Tyson, who was one of the best offensive player in the college ranks, you have a pretty potent one-two scoring punch. I really don’t know why George Karl didn’t pair these two together earlier.”
“Well Reg, I guess that Tyson has always been very inconsistent and the Stealth have always taken him on as a project rather than give him the minutes from the start.”
“The move may have paid off. Look at him Marv, he’s playing like a seasoned pro out there tonight.”
As Jason Kidd scored a reverse layup in traffic, Marv acknowledged the shot and continued with his assessment of Durant and Tyson, “Stealth fans should be excited because we’ve been waiting for Tyson to get a chance to start at shooting guard for this team. Tonight should prove that he is a future All-Star and he should become a fixture in the starting five. Raja Bell and Rasheed Wallace leading the second unit makes this team so much more potent.”
“I think Durant and Tyson will lead this team to the playoffs. It’s been three to four years and Seattle has never had a go to scorer and a consistent second option. Durant was great last season but the next best scorer was Jason Kidd or Jeff Green or Adam Morrison. Those guys just don’t cut it.”
“I’m really excited for this team,” exclaimed Karl.
Reggie said, “So am I. The rest of the Western Conference have better watch out because the Stealth may be dangerous.”

* * *

Ty was at the back of the team bus, listening to his IPod, and reflecting on visiting the resting places of his mom and brother. The Stealth’s bus rolled towards Madison Square Garden for their second game against the Knicks in three days. Two days ago, they had beaten the Knicks in Seattle. Tyson had top scored for the team . Ty was quiet as the rest of his teammates laughed and joked. The other exception was Durant who was sitting at the front of the bus. Durant hated being grilled by Coach Karl for taking bad shots and not sharing the ball with Ty.
In the previous game against the Knicks, he and Karl had gotten into a verbal spat on the sideline, “Don’t tell me what to do! You never did that before!”
Karl shouted back, “You’ve got to play smarter. You’ve got to take better shots. We are not going to win unless you are mature and start pulling your weight and leading this team.”
“I lead by scoring.”
“You’re killing our chances of winning because you are chucking up shot after shot.”
“You have no idea,” Durant dismissed his head coach.
Karl was about to have a heart attack as Durant kept talking back, “Sit your ass back down on the bench! I don’t need this!”
Durant threw his arms in the air before sitting back down next to Chris Wilcox.
“This is my team! I want some fucking respect around here!” Durant boldly shouted over to Karl.
Karl ignored him as the game went on.

Durant later apologized to Karl over the incident but he was not sorry. He was ready to prove that the team was still his despite having Ty in the starting five. Durant was insecure; he knew that Ty was a threat to his popularity and alpha dog status. He did not believe there to be room for two superstars on the one team. Rasheed Wallace was providing lots of laughs for the team before the bus stopped. The team hopped off the bus and quickly made its way to the change rooms. The team got changed, had their pep talk from Coach Karl, and quickly made its way onto the floor for warm-ups.
Manager Will Sit had made the trip out with the team to join them at the game; he was talking to Andrew Bogut, “Congratulations on playing in the All-Star Game.”
Bogut shook Sit’s hand and went out to join his team mates. Tyson was the last to leave the change rooms once again. Sit saw him and approached him.
“Ty, I’m very happy about your performance as a starter,” Sit smiled.
Ty thanked him for the praise. Sit left to look for Coach Karl and Ty finished tying up his laces. He was flanked by the team trainer and one of the team’s assistant coaches as he headed out of the change room and towards the tunnel that would link onto the court. As Tyson walked out through the tunnel to join his teammates warming up, he walked past the courtside seats. Someone tapped him on the shoulder. He turned around to see a familiar face ahead of him.
“What the…” Ty cursed, and then was lost for words.
Tyson froze.

[The X]

Ahh the suspense. Good to see you're finally starting Tyson

[Martti.]

I think Durant should get a suspension from the team.

Superb chapter, leaving the end a mystery. (It's Marbury.)

[Valor]

great writing as usual, Durant is passing the ball to Ty? guess the NBA really is where amazing happens huh?
i am guessing the guy is his father, since he cursed

[hova-]

Nice chapter. Tyson is finally getting some love in S-Town. I dont know how often I said I hate Durant. This is just once again. You built such a great antipathy, keep it up!

[kibaxx7]

Yeah Durant should get suspended as Martti said

[Fresh8]

Ahh the suspense. Good to see you're finally starting Tyson

Tyson is a gun. You will see in the next few updates that he is.

I think Durant should get a suspension from the team.

I can't suspend him, we'd lose!

great writing as usual, Durant is passing the ball to Ty? guess the NBA really is where amazing happens huh?

Durant is passing because he wants to keep his job. You can see his attitude is really damn poor.

Nice chapter. Tyson is finally getting some love in S-Town. I dont know how often I said I hate Durant. This is just once again. You built such a great antipathy, keep it up!

Durant is a jerk ain't he? At least he stopped tripping players!

Yeah Durant should get suspended as Martti said

As I said, we need to win as many games as we can so can't suspend him.

CHALLENGE

Two people have guessed. Guess who the mystery person is at the end of Chapter 26 for a chance to win player points to use on your virtual player!

[Lamrock]

Another great chapter. Sucks it seems that Ty is about to have the rug pulled out from under him after he has finally started getting better. Looking forward to what comes next Sit.

[dare]

Nice chapter Sit and with the suspense huh. I think its MJ. GO TAR HEELS

[Dee.]

Starbury.

[kibaxx7]

Is it either Marbury or a vision of his brother.

[Fresh8]

Flashback

It was Stephon Marbury, “What I didn’t tell you is that I got to know Tayshawn well and if there’s anything that he would have wanted; it would be for you and your mother to be happy. The kid really was mature for his age.”
Reshawn found it hard to control his own emotion and Marbury put his hand on his shoulder, “Tyson, death isn’t the end. It’s only the beginning. Life goes on here for you though. I think you should know that your brother will watch you from Heaven and follow you.”
Marbury patted Reshawn on the shoulder, “His biggest hero was you, don’t let him down man.”
Marbury walked away after putting a teddy bear on top of the grave leaving Reshawn alone. Reshawn took his sunglasses off and wiped his eyes with his sleeve. He suddenly knelt down on the ground and cried for a bit more before pulling himself from off the ground and joining his mom for the silent ride home.

Read More

[homicide1550]

nice to see you doing your thing man.. it's been awhile since I checked the forums, being busy with work and all.. still trying to catch up with the updates though..

[Fresh8]

nice to see you doing your thing man.. it's been awhile since I checked the forums, being busy with work and all.. still trying to catch up with the updates though..

Thanks for dropping by. Good luck with catching up. I will hold off posting the result of the challenge until you put in your pick! So you have a shot at improving Zoilo!

[Fresh8]

The story so far

Tyson Leads Stealth Past Knicks

Feb 20, 2011

19-38 New York @ 26-28 Seattle: 95-107

SEATTLE (AP) – Kevin Durant did not lead his side in scoring as he was benched during the game by head coach George Karl. The NBA’s second leading scorer had to sit back on the bench and watch second year player Reshawn Tyson, a player Durant has said to have been at odds with, lead Seattle with 23 points to a 107-95 win. Durant had 19 himself but refused to speak to reporters after the game concerning his fourth quarter benching.

Jason Kidd finished with 16 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, Andrew Bogut added 13 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, David Lee added 12 points, 9 rebounds, and Rasheed Wallace put in 11 points and 5 rebounds from off the bench.

The Knicks, close to the bottom of the standings, got 30 points, 7 rebounds, 10 assists and 2 steals from Vince Carer. All-star PG Allen Iverson added 21 points, 10 assists, 4 steals while Lamar Odom added a double double of 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Read More…

- - -

Durant, Sheed Power Stealth To Win

Feb 22, 2011

27-28 Seattle @ 19-39 New York: 99-92

NEW YORK (AP) – The New York Knicks sank ten three point shots to keep themselves in the game but were unlucky to face a determined Kevin Durant in the way. In front of the Madison Square Garden crowd, Durant played like a man possessed to open the game and then to close it. Durant finished with 44 points; 14 of them in the first quarter and 15 in the final quarter.

The Knicks’ Carter led his side with 27 points as Iverson added 21 and 9 assists. Chris Duhon was effective with 14 points, 4 assists from off the bench while Lamar Odom had 11 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks in limited minutes due to foul trouble.

Durant added 8 rebounds to his points total. Fellow starter Reshawn Tyson had an off-night two nights after leading the side with 23 against the Knicks in Seattle; Tyson finished with only 14 in this game. Andrew Bogut added 12 points, 8 reobunds, and David Lee had 11 points and 13 rebounds against his former team.

Read More…

- - -

Seattle Wins Fifth Straight Game

Feb 25, 2011

33-24 Atlanta Hawks @ 29-28 Seattle Stealth: 105-121

SEATTLE (AP) – Seattle are one game above .500; the team are one game behind the LA Lakers for eighth place in the Western Conference. For a team that started the season 4-12, it has been a remarkable turnaround in the past two months. This win against Atlanta was their fifth on the trot and easiest one in the wining stretch.

Jason Kidd led the side with a seemingly effortless 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 10 assists. The veteran PG looked in top form as he shot 10 for 14 from the field, 5 for 6 from three point range, and 1 for 2 from the stripe. Kevin Durant finished with 20 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, Rasheed Wallace scored 17 from off the bench, and Reshawn Tyson added 16.

The Hawks struggled as their two top players played terribly. Although both Manu Ginobili and Josh Smith scored 15 apiece, the two of them shot the ball terribly. Ginobili was 6 for 22 while Smith was 5 for 13. Tayshaun Prince led Atlanta with 20 points and 7 assists. Al Horford notched 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Read More…

- - -

Seattle Blows Sixers Away

Feb 27, 2011

27-30 Philadelphia 76ers @ 30-28 Seattle Stealth: 111-127

SEATTLE (AP) – Kevin Durant led his side to another blowout win; incidentally its sixth straight victory. Seattle is looking like the hottest team in the Western Conference right now as it continues its climb up the standings and towards a playoff spot.

Durant led Seattle with 32 points. Veteran PG Jason Kidd added 18 points, 11 assists, Rasheed Wallace scored 16 from off the bench, and four other Stealth players scored in double figures. Andre Iguodala continued his strong play against Seattle with 30 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals. Elton Brand scored 15 points while Chinese rookie C Mingyu Li had a career high 10 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists.

Zoilo Resurreccion added 9 assists and Byron Brock grabbed 8 rebounds.

Read More…

[Fresh8]

CHALLENGE

Two people have guessed. Guess who the mystery person is at the end of Chapter 26 for a chance to win player points to use on your virtual player!

[Martti.]

And your nicely over .500. Well done!

[hova-]

Nice answer by Durant dropping 44. Your on the run now, at least on the court everything is flowing.

[kibaxx7]

Tyson's playing great!

[Lamrock]

Yay above .500. I think the person is Ty's dad.

[cavs4872]

I should have started following this earlier. It might be a bit much for me to start reading this from the beginning.

[Lamrock]

The more to read the better. Its a very engrossing read. Go for it. Trust me, you won't regret it. (You should read the first one as well)

[cavs4872]

(You should read the first one as well)

Oh God.