The 2K10 & Beyond Project - Season 19/20: DeRozan exacts revenge on Wizards

[jubba910]

SAC 99 @ HOU 121
22nd March 2020

Rockets continue charge to postseason


As the postseason race hits its peak, Eric Bledsoe and the Rockets put themselves in the drivers seat for a playoff berth, beating the Kings on their home floor.

[jubba910]

UTA 120 @ DAL 104
26th March 2020

Davis, Jazz best Mavs in top of West matchup


In a possible Western Conference Finals preview, the West's top seed took care of business on an off shooting night for LeBron James in Dallas.

[TGsoGood]

[jubba910]

Monthly Report: March 2020

Conference Standings






League Leaders





Players of the Month

West

Russell Westbrook

East

Kevin Durant


Injury Report




Stories

East's top 4 in a league of their own, Wizards beckon

Lead by an outstanding season by the New York Knicks so far, it seems clear that there are four contenders for the East crown this year. However, no one can bank on an easy exit for the Wizards, currently sitting outside of the top 4 bubble.

Rockets fly up standings, Suns cling to eighth seed

After sitting in the bottom 3 at the end of February, the Houston Rockets look set to head back the playoffs, while on the other hand, only 1.5 games separate the eighth seed contenders. With Phoenix's stronghold on a postseason slot possibly slipping, could the Nuggets, Clippers, or Lakers rain on their possible third-straight playoff appearance?

Heat, T'Wolves wallow

It's been a rough year for the two worst teams in the league this season, with the Heat and Timberwolves all looking to finish with more than 10 wins than their closest competitor in their conference.

[jubba910]

CHA 102 @ ORL 128
1st April 2020

Spida makes quick work of Hornets


Praying on a Chicago or Atlanta downfall, Donovan Mitchell and the Magic did what they could to beat up on the lowly Hornets, attempting to close a 4-game gap to sneak into the playoffs.

[jubba910]

GS 116 @ LAC 111
11th April 2020

Curry crushes Clippers' postseason hopes


Stephen Curry had another large scoring night, and eviscerated the Clippers chances of making the playoffs, as the Warriors prepare for their fourth straight visit to the postseason.

[jubba910]

NY 118 @ TOR 101
12th April 2020

Giannis finishes season in style


Sending another loud message to the rest of the league, Giannis Antetokoumnpo and the Knicks took care of business in Toronto, punctuating their best season in the team's storied history.

[jubba910]

Monthly Report: April 2020

Conference Standings






League Leaders





Players of the Month

West

Russell Westbrook

East

Kevin Durant


Injury Report




Stories

Knicks, Jazz lead conferences into playoffs

Finishing with their best record in their long history, all eyes are on the New York Knicks as they have their best chance to come out of the East and win a championship in over 20 years. While in Utah, Anthony Davis and the Jazz look set to complete their revenge tour after missing both Davis and Gobert during last year's postseason campaign.

Who will win MVP?

With stellar seasons from Giannis Antetokoumpo, Anthony Davis, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul and James Harden, it's anyone's guess who will walk away with the trophy in arguably one of the tightest MVP races in history.

[jubba910]

Awards & Playoff Tree

Most Valuable Player

Giannis Antetokounmpo, New York Knicks

Rookie of the Year

Zion Williamson, Miami Heat

Sixth Man of the Year

Rudy Gay, Cleveland Cavaliers

Most Improved Player

Malcolm Brogdon, Chicago Bulls

Defensive Player of the Year

Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Lakers

Coach of the Year

David Fizdale, New York Knicks



ALL-NBA TEAMS

ALL-NBA FIRST TEAM


ALL-NBA SECOND TEAM


ALL-NBA THIRD TEAM



ALL-DEFENSIVE TEAMS

ALL-DEFENSIVE FIRST TEAM


ALL-DEFENSIVE SECOND TEAM



ALL-ROOKIE TEAMS

ALL-ROOKIE FIRST TEAM


ALL-ROOKIE SECOND TEAM

[jubba910]

Season Review – Lottery Teams


30. Minnesota Timberwolves (19-63)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Carmelo Anthony (77)

Losing both Kevin Love and Bradley Beal to trades before the season began, plus a season-ending injury to their top pick Coby White within the first month, there wasn't much to paint a positive light in Minnesota. Aaron Gordon and Jarrett Culver now hold the future of the Timberwolves in their hands, with hopefully a budding star from the draft board this offseason.


29. Miami Heat (19-63)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Dwight Howard (80), Jeremy Lin (75)

Usually always a consistent contender, the Heat failed to get out of the blocks this season. For his first season, #1 pick Zion Williamson lived up to his billing and more, running away with Rookie of the Year and All-Rookie First Team honours. Could this be the end of an era of Dwight Howard in South Beach? After 5 seasons in Miami and two NBA Finals appearances, it seems likely D12 will head to a contender this offseason to chase an elusive championship ring.


28. Brooklyn Nets (25-57)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Pascal Siakam (84), Jaren Jackson Jr. (79) (2YRT), Eric Gordon (78), Joe Ingles (78), Dennis Smith Jr. (76) (T), James Johnson (76)

A season soaked in youthful promise, the Nets now stare down the barrel of losing a restless Pascal Siakam who seems more than keen to leave Brooklyn, on top of the expiring contracts of both Eric Gordon and Joe Ingles casting doubt over the stability of New York's second franchise. Jaren Jackson Jr. will be banking on a major free agent to step in to push the Nets back to relevance, on top of a high draft pick.


27. Charlotte Hornets (27-55)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Trae Young (86) (2YRT), Jayson Tatum (85) (T), Tyreke Evans (76), Kris Dunn (76)

After a dream postseason run last season, the Hornets sunk heavily back down to earth this season, with the exceptional play of Trae Young and Jayson Tatum not enough to pull Charlotte back to the playoffs. With their future laying heavy in their laps, the question becomes who can they fit around their two stars to surpass the horror playoff run of the Kemba Walker-Paul George in Milwaukee.


26. Detroit Pistons (30-52)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Domantas Sabonis (82), Lonzo Ball (79) (T), Caris LeVert (79), Kelly Oubre Jr. (79), Mo Bamba (78) (2YRT), Denzel Valentine (75)

Finally breaking the playoff drought last season seemed to affect the Pistons more than anyone expected this season, with the acquisition of Bradley Beal becoming a horror story in the Motor City. Continued growth and team deals for the likes of Lonzo Ball and Mo Bamba present promise, however retaining Domantas Sabonis will be key to their possible return to the postseason.


25. Boston Celtics (34-48)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Jarrett Allen (79) (T), T.J. McConnell (76), Brad Wanamaker (75)

An underwhelming season in Beantown, which wasn't set up for success with the offloading of Isaiah Thomas' lofty contract creating a gridlock across their offseason moves. After dealing away Joel Embiid, Jarrett Allen's potential is still questionable to restore the same production as the now-Clipper. A majority of the same cast will be here next season, however Paul Millsap's age raises questions about the Celtic's frontcourt plans this offseason.


24. Orlando Magic (34-48)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Donovan Mitchell (88) (T), Elfrid Payton (76)

Despite some sensational play from Donovan Mitchell, the Magic find themselves still on a road to nowhere after consistent postseason appearances over the last decade. Finding Spida a true running mate will be the priority this offseason via the draft and possible trades for the underperforming Gordon Hayward and Serge Ibaka.


23. New Orleans Pelicans (34-48)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Bam Adebayo (81) (T), Derrick White (78) (T), Boban Marjanovic (76)

Losing both Nikola Jokic and Klay Thompson spelt impending doom for the former Western Conference leader. With a new tandem of Karl-Anthony Towns and Bam Adebayo, The Big Easy is in safe hands on the block, though with possible opt-outs from Bradley Beal and Eric Bledsoe in particular, a stronger backcourt duo with Spencer Dinwiddie could be on the horizon.


22. Indiana Pacers (35-47)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Derrick Rose (79), DeMarre Carroll (78), Kyle O'Quinn (78)

Where to next for the Pacers? Under the tutelage of veteran Derrick Rose, #2 overall pick Ja Morant looks to be the real deal and the foundation of the Pacers new era. Bidding adieu to the lengthy and painful contract of DeMarre Carroll should give Indy the opportunity to make some moves in the offseason to compete in the East within the next few years.


21. Memphis Grizzlies (38-44)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Luka Doncic (86) (2YRT), Marvin Bagley (83) (2YRT), Otto Porter (80), Malik Monk (77) (T), Gerald Green (77), Terrence Ross (77), Kevin Knox (77) (2YRT), Juan Hernangomez (76), Cory Joseph (75)

Boasting the most youthful lineup, it's the second straight year of no playoffs for the Grizzlies, even with the addition of superstar Nikola Jokic. Likely to see a platoon change bench-wise next season, Jokic, Doncic and Bagley will have a heavy spotlight on them to take The Music City back to prominance.


20. Sacramento Kings (39-43)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Taurean Prince (78), Tyler Johnson (78), Troy Brown Jr. (76) (2YRT), Aaron Holiday (75) (2YRT), Evan Turner (75)

A season stung with the mid-season move of one of their marquee stars in Kyle Kuzma, the Kings again find themselves flirting with irrelevancy. Free Agency will be crucial for Sac-Town to build a stronger second unit, as well as a super offseason from Jonathan Isaac to give Kings fans hope that they're still trending upwards.


19. Los Angeles Lakers (40-42)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Kevin Love (84), JaVale McGee (78)

Another postseason missed from the Leonard-Irving connection, despite the addition of long-time Timberwolf Kevin Love. Another gamble in the free agency market and some creative accounting will be needed to strengthen the Lakers depth, as they've continually been exposed outside of their two superstars.


18. Los Angeles Clippers (41-41)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Blake Griffin (87) (T), Montrezl Harrell (86), Dejounte Murray (79), Doug McDermott (76), Noah Vonleh (76)

After the disruption of De'Aaron Fox midway through the season, the Clippers have a chance to change a significant amount of their roster to better base it around Joel Embiid. Pushing through the growing pains that haunted them throughout the second half of the season with Dejounte Murray, a fresh re-signing should steady the playcalling ship to make the Clippers the viable contender they've been aiming to return to being.


17. Denver Nuggets (41-41)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Bradley Beal (88) (P), DeAndre Ayton (84) (2YRT), Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (78), Torrey Craig (75), Alec Burks (75), Maxi Kleber (75)

After acquiring Bradley Beal, the Mile High City's postseason chances looked to increase dramatically, though just missed out. Pending Beal's decision on whether or not to stay in Denver will determine how seriously the West will take the Nuggets next season. DeAndre Ayton's continued development will also be key, with a second season under his belt, could he be set for a breakout third year?

[jubba910]

Playoffs: First Round Completed Series

Western Conference

(1) Utah Jazz vs (8) Houston Rockets
Game 1: HOU 107 @ UTA 137, Anthony Davis - 31 pts, 14 reb, 4 blk
Game 2: HOU 80 @ UTA 111, Khris Middleton - 19 pts, 7 reb, 7 ast, 4 stl
Game 3: UTA 105 @ HOU 101, Anthony Davis - 33 pts, 14 reb
Game 4: UTA 129 @ HOU 101, Anthony Davis - 24 pts, 13 reb, 6 reb, 4 blk
UTA wins 4-0

The Utah revenge tour was in full swing against the Rockets, with Anthony Davis dominating the series.

(4) San Antonio Spurs vs (5) Golden State Warriors
Game 1: GS 108 @ SA 125, Chris Paul - 25 pts, 10 ast, 6 stl
Game 2: GS 125 @ SA 130, Chris Paul - 27 pts, 15 ast
Game 3: SA 120 @ GS 106, Chris Paul - 20 pts, 12 ast
Game 4: SA 143 @ GS 126, Stephen Curry - 43 pts, 12 stl
SA wins 4-0

Last year's MVP couldn't be denied, leading the charge for the Spurs in a clean sweep of Stephen Curry and the Warriors, and setting up a formidable matchup with their 7-game rival last season in Utah.

(3) Portland Trail Blazers vs (6) Oklahoma City Thunder
Game 1: OKC 108 @ POR 105, Russell Westbrook - 32 pts, 10 ast, 8 reb
Game 2: OKC 139 @ POR 99, Russell Westbrook - 40 pts, 11 reb, 13 ast
Game 3: POR 107 @ OKC 110, James Harden - 38 pts, 7 ast, 6 reb
Game 4: POR 126 @ OKC 89, Russell Westbrook - 30 pts, 16 reb, 6 ast
OKC wins 4-0

The Thunder continue to be the biggest kryptonite for the reigning champion Trail Blazers, dismantling them in convincing fashion, and sending a major message to the rest of the West.

(2) Dallas Mavericks vs (7) Phoenix Suns
Game 1: PHX 142 @ DAL 127, John Wall - 28 pts, 8 ast
Game 2: PHX 97 @ DAL 105, LeBron James - 34 pts, 10 ast
Game 3: DAL 129 @ PHX 109, Klay Thompson - 31 pts, 9 reb, 7 ast
Game 4: DAL 126 @ PHX 89, LeBron James - 37 pts, 13 reb, 7 ast
Game 5: PHX 117 @ DAL 118, DeMarcus Cousins - 36 pts, 8 reb, 7 ast
DAL wins 4-1

Despite a Game 1 scare, the #2 Mavericks took care of business against the Suns, setting up a second round matchup with the red-hot Thunder.


Eastern Conference

(1) New York Knicks vs (8) Chicago Bulls
Game 1: CHI 110 @ NY 123, Giannis Antetokounmpo - 39 pts, 9 reb, 5 ast
Game 2: CHI 101 @ NY 109, Giannis Antetokounmpo - 22 pts, 19 ast, 6 ast, 4 stl
Game 3: NY 123 @ CHI 96, Giannis Antetokounmpo - 27 pts, 11 reb, 11 ast
Game 4: NY 124 @ CHI 115, Giannis Antetokounmpo - 29 pts, 11 reb
NY wins 4-0

The Knicks gave no room for doubt in their first round series with the Bulls, with MVP Giannis Antetokoumpo dominating each game of the series.

(3) Philadelphia 76ers vs (6) Cleveland Cavaliers
Game 1: CLE 96 @ PHI 122, Ben Simmons - 37 pts, 12 ast, 9 reb
Game 2: CLE 120 @ PHI 123, Kemba Walker - 38 pts, 10 ast
Game 3: PHI 117 @ CLE 118, DeAndre Hunter - 35 pts
Game 4: PHI 111 @ CLE 110, Ben Simmons - 37 pts, 9 reb, 9 ast
Game 5: CLE 86 @ PHI 121, Ben Simmons - 24 pts, 11 reb, 8 ast
PHI wins 4-1

A series that could've easily been taken to six or seven games with two games decided by a point. The Simmons-Walker connection appears to be running on all cylinders heading into the second round.

(2) Milwaukee Bucks vs (7) Atlanta Hawks
Game 1: ATL 120 @ MIL 92, LaMarcus Aldridge, 31 points, 14 reb
Game 2: ATL 126 @ MIL 89, Jordan Clarkson - 28 pts, 5 reb, 5 ast
Game 3: MIL 106 @ ATL 93, Devin Booker - 22 pts, 6 reb
Game 4: MIL 107 @ ATL 108, Myles Turner - 21 pts, 5 reb, 5 blk
Game 5: ATL 118 @ MIL 113, Myles Turner - 21 pts, 6 reb
ATL wins 4-1

Another horrific postseason performance for Paul George sees the Bucks miss the Conference Finals for the sixth year in a row, despite the addition of Devin Booker. For Atlanta, their early-season big man injuries are far in the rear view as they gear up to take on the Sixers in the second round.

[jubba910]

Playoffs: First Round Game 7

WAS 117 @ TOR 127
TOR wins 4-3

DeRozan exacts revenge on Wizards


After a heartbreaking end to their playoff run last season was handed to them by the Wizards in the Conference Finals, the Raptors will be the ones moving on this season thanks to another dominating performance from their superstar DeMar DeRozan.