Lv06|ROCKETS-2| Officially Closed.

[ronald_g4]

i love ur dynasty

[Clutch]

i love ur dynasty

thx man; appreciate it!

[Clutch]

STARTING LINEUPS

No Intervention

Chow's Scouting Report - (CHA)
Injury Report

QUICK SUMMARY
Houston would blow a 13 point lead with 3:17 left in the 4th, only to be bailed out by their superstar, Tracy McGrady, who hit a clutch trey with 1 second remaining in the game to seal a Rocket's victory

"I'm not sure why we're having such a hard time closing teams out," said McGrady following the game, "but after the loss in Cleveland, I wasn't about to let this one slip by us." McGrady finished the game with 23 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists

"Basketball's a game of runs and adjustments," said coach Phil Jackson. "They didn't figure out our defense til late in the fourth but when they did, they exploited it and we couldn't stop the run. Thankfully, when you have clutch options like T-Mac and Yao on your side, life becomes a little easier"

The Bobcats were sparked by 6-year Forward, Eddie Griffin, who took advantage of the injury-hampered rookie, Jafari Cotton, finishing with 18 points and 12 rebounds while the JC ended the night with 8 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists

Notes:

Gerald Green was sporting a new highflyin' tattoo, although he had a relatively quiet night with 4 points and 2 rebounds in only 8 minutes of play;

Houston next faces Point Guard sensation, Chris Paul, and the New Orleans Hornets

BOX SCORE
CHA 91
HOU 94 Final

Players at the Half
Player of the Game



Luke Ridnour has a 'Jordanesque' moment

PHOTOS

Okafor serves up a facial
Mutombo says, "Not on MY watch!"
Charlotte's Gerald Wallace lead the 4th quarter comeback
Down 3, Knight hits a clutch shot to tie the game
Tied with 8 seconds - McGrady smiling under pressure

[Its_asdf]

I always hated how the computer could simply force itself to make a comeback by making you miss all of your layups/shots, good thing you had good 'ol T-Mac to help bail you out.

Eddie Griffin is still on a team.

[Clutch]

Actually it was my fault (well... "Phil Jackson's" fault )

I was half asleep just watching and since HOU had a big lead I figured it was pretty much over; then the Bobcats went on their crazy run in the final minutes; also I totally forgot that Jafari Cotton (my PF) was injured and could hardly play D (see the pic of Knight busting a 3 in his face to tie teh game; JC's not even close and with his arms at his side)

Normally I would've intervened, called a timeout, made substitutions for rested players etc; but I was in a sleepy/panicked haze and just kind a spaced out hah

and yah, Eddie Griffin's not only still in the mix, he looked like a freakin' All-Star out there!

[Its_asdf]

I know what you mean. Sometimes I just breeze through a game without even realizing I'm getting blown out by 20 or something. It happens when you get lazy.

[Clutch]

I know what you mean. Sometimes I just breeze through a game without even realizing I'm getting blown out by 20 or something. It happens when you get lazy.

hahah or you've been having too much summer fun

[Clutch]

STARTING LINEUPS

Overall Team Ratings: HOU 74; NO 84
Intervention: Last 5 minutes (Timeouts/Subs only)

Chow's Scouting Report - (NO)

GAME RECAP

Last month, the Rockets suffered their first loss of the season to Chris Paul and the New Orleans Hornets in Houston, who battled back from a double-digit deficit and took the victory in overtime. In this second meeting, it would be the Rocket to find themselves on the ropes early.

Peja Stojackovic and Michael Redd got things going for the Hornets, sparked by excellent passing, ball movement and a barrage of three-pointers. As a result, the Rockets were down 18-27 after the 1st and down by as many as 16 through the second; but a late Houston run led by swingman, Gerald Green, would trim the lead to 7 by halftime.

"Our guys started sluggish in the first half," said Green. "My role is to try give us a boost off the bench, so I just go out and play with a lot of energy and hustle anytime I'm in." Green finished with 11 points, 3 rebounds, a steal and assist in 15 minutes of play.

After some halftime adjustments, the Rockets came out with stifling defense in the third, forcing the Hornets to miss their first 5 attempts and shoot a dismal .154 percent to start the quarter. Momentum swung Houston's way and in turn, McGrady would catch fire and stay hot going into the 4th.

"Tracy just took over in the second half," said Rockets' rookie Forward, Jafari Cotton. "I've only played with him for a short time but man... when he's in a groove like he has been lately, he's fun to watch and impossible to stop." McGrady finished the night with a team-high 32 points, shooting a dizzying 12-of-16 from the field including 2 treys and a series of clutch freethrows to seal the victory. Cotton, now fully recovered from nagging sore thumb injury, had another solid night ending with 14 points, 13 rebounds and 2 blocks

Next, the Rockets continue their road trip with Phil Jackson's highly anticipated first return to Staples Center to take on his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers, led by superstar, Kobe Bryant, and coached by Rich Adelman

BOX SCORE
HOU 104
NO 98 Final

Players at the Half
Player of the Game



McGrady won't be denied

PHOTOS
Redd from downtown helped provide an early Hornet's spark
Desmond Mason with the backdoor cut
Green serves up the wicked facial on Hornets' Bobby Jackson

[Clutch]

STARTING LINEUPS

Intervention: Yes (Timeouts/Subs only)

Chow's Scouting Report - (LAL)
Bettman's Training Log

GAME RECAP

Only in LA could Phil Jackson's first return to Staples Center since his release from the Lakers be overshadowed by the media circus covering the recent, uncharacteristically uninspired play of superstar, Kobe Bryant, and the cloud of trade rumors surrounding him. Jackson, the former Lakers coach, was greeted by a mixture of jeers and cheers as the Rockets faced a struggling Lakers team for the second time this second

Houston would erupt from the get go, opening on a 14-1 run led by Center, Yao Ming, and rookie Forward, Jafari Cotton. The duo punished the Lakers' interior D, controlled the glass early on, and built a comfortable 9 point cushion for the Rockets by halftime

But after a brilliant first half, Yao ran into foul trouble to start the second and as a result, spent a majority of the remaining game watching helplessly from the sidelines

"It was very frustrating," Ming commented post-game. "when you have as good a game as I had in the first half, the last thing you want to do is sit and watch."

With the 'Great Wall' on the bench, the Lakers came roaring back led not by Bryant, but by the stellar play of surprising rookie Center, Juwan Rice, who continues to exceed all expectations. Rice, a powerfully built 7'0" 294lbs juggernaut from Darkar, Senegal, drafed 8th-overall by the Lakers,exploded in the second half, showcasing his dominating efficiency and playing with skill and maturity years ahead of his time

Rice commented after the game, "The team is going through growing pains right now and dealing with some.. 'difficulties'; but I just listen to coach Adelman. He tells me to playhard every night and that's what I do." The "difficulties" the stoic Rice suggested refer to the fog surrounding teammate, Kobe Bryant

Drama continues to surround the Laker's superstar after a tumultuous opening season including Bryant's open demand requesting a trade following coach Jackson's firing. He has since backed off from his earlier statements about a trade but continues to be a hot topic given Bryant's noticeable statistical drop-off from last season and is further fueled by a rumored feud between Bryant and new head coach, Rick Adelman

Bryant, often judged as a 'prima-donna' at times in the past, is averaging 14 points less in scoring from last year and his rebounds and assists have fallen as well, though not as significantly. When asked about his reluctance to score, Bryant replied, "It's coach's system, not mine. In the past I've been blasted for shooting too much; now I'm not shooting enough. You guys are never satisfied."

Bryant finished the game with 8 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists taking only 9 attempts the entire game while rookie sensation, Juwan Rice, finished with and impressive 30 points, 12 rebounds off 12-of-18 shooting in 32 minutes of play

Despite the tremendous efforts by the Lakers' Rice and Yao forced to the bench in foul trouble, the Rockets weathered the 3rd quarter Lakers storm and rallied once again behind All-Star, Tracy McGrady. McGrady, with only 7 points in the first half, dominated the second, finishing with a team-high 33 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals and did most of his damage off 7-for-13 shooting from beyond the three-point arc

"Big fella got hit with two quick fouls early to start the second half," said McGrady after the game. "Phil didn't have to say anything. During the timeout, he just gave me a look and a nod; I knew what I had to do."

Yao, playing with 5 fouls, returned with roughly 5 minutes left in the game to help secure the victory defensively. Ming ended the night with 17 points and team-high 12 rebounds while Rocket's Point Guard, Luke Ridnour, had a solid game with 13 points and 8 assists, including 3-of-5 from downtown

On a back-to-back, the Rockets return home to host Jason Terry and an injury-plagued Dallas Mavericks team tomorrow night

Notes:
Juwan Rice currently leads the Lakers in scoring;
After the game, a dejected Bryant embraced his old coach and the two shared a few words. When asked what was said to Byrant, Jackson replied, "I just told him not to hang his head, to give things (Adelman) a chance and make the most of the new talent surrounding him"


BOX SCORE
HOU 105
LAL 98 Final

Players at the Half
Player of the Game



McGrady connecting on one of his 7 treys, including 2 back-to-back in the closing minutes

PHOTOS
Impressive rookie Center, Juwan Rice, throws down the Bryant alley-oop
JC serves up a vicious facial
McGrady unconscious from downtown

[Its_asdf]

Best thread title ever.

Man, I swear EA must really hate Kobe Bryant a lot if he made him play so badly in both of our games.

It's also suprising to see that Rice guy, a rookie generated player, dominate like that. Normally only baskets they'd score against me are the ones that I'm too lazy to contest

[Clutch]

Best thread title ever.

Man, I swear EA must really hate Kobe Bryant a lot if he made him play so badly in both of our games.

It's also suprising to see that Rice guy, a rookie generated player, dominate like that. Normally only baskets they'd score against me are the ones that I'm too lazy to contest

hahah thx man; yah Kobe wasn't looking for points that's for sure; but his overall stats are still wicked so i've a feeling he'll erupt on me later in the season

the comp-gen rookie dominated for sure but funny thing is I was kinda watching/waiting for Kobe the whole time not realizing Rice was having such an uber game; nice 'misdirection' by KB24

[Clutch]

STARTING LINEUPS

Overall Team Ratings: DAL 71; HOU 74
No Intervention

Chow's Injury Report - (DAL)


QUICK GAME SUMMARY

Even with injuries sidelining Allstar, Dirk Nowitzki, and 6th man, Jerry Stackhouse, the Dallas Mavericks were able to steal a victory against the Rockets in the Toyota Center. They relied on an incredible 4th quarter defensive lockdown, holding Houston to a season-low 8 point quarter led by the inspired play of Center and 11-year pro, Erick Dampier

"We're short-handed right now with all the injuries," Dampier said. "So as a team we all need to step up until Dirk and Stack get healthy; we might not be able to do it offensively but we still can play tough defense without those two." Dampier finished a terrific night with 18 points, 12 rebounds and 2 blocks off 7-for-12 shooting

Dallas Coach Avery Johnson commented, "I'm real proud of what I saw out there tonight. Damp and Jet played with a lot of leadership and heart and our guys off the bench gave us tremendous effort and defensive energy in the 4th; that's really what did Houston in."

"Sometimes you take teams for granted," Rockets' Coach Phil Jackson said following the loss,"especially when a team's without it's superstar. We came out strong after halftime, built a nine point lead going into the 4th, but we got complacent and they jumped all over us. It's a tough loss but good lesson for our squad - at this level of the game, you just can't expect anyone to laydown without a fight."

Tracy McGrady led all scores for Houston with 21 points and 4 assists but struggled shooting 3-for-10 from beyond the arc

The Rockets have a day off to contemplate their 4th quarter collapse before hosting Ray Allen and the Indiana Pacers

BOX SCORE
DAL 91
HOU 82 Final

Players at the Half
Player of the Game



Yao gets one of his four blocks (with a little help from Ridnour)

PHOTOS
Yao pins one to the glass
JC's crushing dunk over the Dallas reserves

[Its_asdf]

Ray Allen and the Indiana Pacers huh? I guess the Pacers felt like they needed a Reggie Miller replacement.

What are Jafari Cotton's ratings? He seems to be a very good contributor to your team.

[Clutch]

Ray Allen and the Indiana Pacers huh? I guess the Pacers felt like they needed a Reggie Miller replacement.

What are Jafari Cotton's ratings? He seems to be a very good contributor to your team.

yeah Allen swapped with Jermaine O'Neal in a big franchise shake up but considering their standings (Indiana 11-11, Seattle 9-12) it hasn't done much;

JC's stats? Good question!



Jafari Cotton
Nickname: "JC"
Position: Power Forward
Height: 6'9"
Weight: 262 lbs
Years Pro: R
Jersey #: 9
School: n/a
Drafted 2nd Overall in 2007 by ATL
Birth Place: Bangui, C. African Rep

Overall: 81
FG: 70
3PT: 54
FT: 59
Dunk: 80
Stl: 48
Blk: 70
O.Reb: 63
D.Reb: 78
Pass: 64
O.Aware: 85
D.Aware: 85
Speed: 46
Quick: 63
Jump: 49
Dribble: 53
Strength: 72
Hardy: 50
Stamina: 59
Ins. Scr: 78

for more on how he was first acquired, gotta back-track a bit:
http://www.nbaliveforums.com/sutra785743.php#785743

Hmm... actually I hadn't looked at his stats in a while. Even though he's relatively slow-footed, I forgot how much of a stud he is (considering it's his rookie year) but also forgot how fragile (Hardy:50!); guess I've been lucky so far he's not had any injuries considering how much banging he does in the paint. I'll need to get the Althletics training focus on him asap!

[jonthefon]

Wow, haven't checked on this for a while. Still going well though!

[Its_asdf]

Man, I never realized you had Marvin Williams at one point... Damn you should've kept him.

You should dbf edit Cotton's speed to make it more reasonable I think.

[Chaser7]

what do you mean kept Marvin Williams?
and whatever happened with the Artest trade?

[Its_asdf]

Oh wait, my bad, I thought that by now Williams would've been a starter at least... I would have T-Mac play the 2 and Marvin play the 3.

[Clutch]

jonthefon - thx man; looking forward to your latest as well;

Its_asdf - yeah, who starts is a tough call for 'Jackson' to make If you check out the roster, you'll see that JC just edges Williams in overall rating and so far hasn't made a big stink about playing time heh. For now, Marvin Williams comes off the bench as backup to JC with a secondary role as SF, so he steps in there every so often; unfortunately if there's a pitch for Artest, Williams will most likely be part of the package; speaking of which...

nbarulez - Artest? Still a possibility for that trade to happen. Remember "in game" time, it's only December, the 7th week (or 8th, I forget) into the season, so a few months from the trade deadline;

ah, Its_asdf, almost forgot - I'd rather leave Cotton 'as is' (how he was randomly generated); makes for a more satisfying career if I can train him properly and not tamper with him (plus having weaknesses keeps it more realistic and fun); JC may be slow getting up and down court, but once he's on the block he's got a decent first step and can throw it down harder than Juwan Howard ever could!

One thing I might .dbf edit is one, maybe two, of next year's rookies though since I think the draft projection is 'very weak'; I'd like one or two potential franchise players coming out next season so the scrub teams of the nba have someone to fight over in the '08 draft; just hope I'm not there with 'em...

[Clutch]

STARTING LINEUPS

Overall Team Ratings: IND 86; HOU 75
Intervention: Last 5 minutes (timeouts/substitutions only)

QUICK GAME SUMMARY

Yao Ming led the way for Houston with a team-high 24 point, 10 rebound, 2 steal night as six Rockets scored in double-digits for a victory over the visiting Indiana Pacers

Houston refused to repeat a fourth quarter meltdown as in their previous game against Dallas, sparked by rabid bench play including 15 points from swingman, Gerald Green, and a vintage performance from the NBA's oldest player, Dikembe Mutombo, who finished with 6 points, 5 rebounds and 3 blocks in 10 minutes

Ray Allen led the Pacers with 20 points, 6 assists and 2 steals, hitting a pair of back-to-back treys in the final minutes but ultimately could not overcome the Rockets lead

The Rockets continue their homestand, next hosting Chris Bosh and the Toronto Raptors

BOX SCORE
IND 92
HOU 100 Final

Players at the Half
Player of the Game



Mutombo flashing back to his prime with one of his three blocks as coach Jackson watches on

PHOTOS
Troy Murphy tastes TMac's shoulder in a wicked screen
Ray Allen picks Joey Graham's pocket
Yao drops the hammer over Danny Granger
Finger-wagging time!
Yao wins the foot race after the steal

[kobe4mvp]

Great dynasty, I love the presentation and the "Clutch Play of The Game"
Keep up the good work!

[Clutch]

Great dynasty, I love the presentation and the "Clutch Play of The Game"
Keep up the good work!

Hey thx man! i'll be trying something a little different next update (hopefully tomorrow; if not early in the week) so stay tuned and lemme know whatcha think

[Its_asdf]

Yuck, Tinsley shooting 1-11 from the field. Typical Live A.I. heaving shots with the point guard.

Green had a nice game scoring-wise, maybe he can overtake Graham as the starting two guard soon since Graham is more like a 3 anyway. It'd be funny to have T-Mac and Green running the wings together since Green is compared to McGrady so often.

Try not to do too well against the Raptors. They are my favourite team after all.

[Clutch]

Yuck, Tinsley shooting 1-11 from the field. Typical Live A.I. heaving shots with the point guard.

Green had a nice game scoring-wise, maybe he can overtake Graham as the starting two guard soon since Graham is more like a 3 anyway. It'd be funny to have T-Mac and Green running the wings together since Green is compared to McGrady so often.

Try not to do too well against the Raptors. They are my favourite team after all.

i hear ya about the AI; evenso I still like 06's AI 100x better than 07's (more balanced imo) where the PG seemed determine to chuck every other shot;

so far Green's started only a couple games (i forget which; i think against the Lakers); i kinda need his firepower off the bench to give the team a boost when TMAC's taking a breather;

Raps coming up for sure but got delayed; went on a roadtrip to Ottawa for the weekend

[Chaser7]

Are you goin to play al 82 games out? Or sim to the playoffs or what? either way is fine... good luck