Sit's Dynasty (NBA Live 06)

[Fresh8]

SUPER SOPHOMORES SIZZLE OPPONENTS

ROOK: 15 – 9 – 23 – 17 – 64
SOPH: 34 – 26 – 21 – 37 – 118

High Points: D Harris 17 | 2 tied 23
High Rebounds: 3 tied 8 | C Anthony 13
High Assists: A Iguodala 2 | D Wade 9


ABOVE: Dwyane Wade (3) and Carmelo Anthony (15) stormed to share co-MVP honours scoring 23 apiece

Feb 18, Denver – All Star Weekend 05 started with the GotMilk? Rookie Challenge. Unfortunately for the first year players, the second year squad proved too strong for them as the Sophomores took advantage of the inexperience of the best of the rookie crop this season.

The sophomores easily disposed of the rookie team with a barrage of three pointers and team defence which sank the other team early. The rookies struggled to score consistently with sources other than low post moves or driving inside for the dunk or lay up. “We just couldn’t get past their zone defence,” Mavericks Point Guard Devin Harris, who scored 17 points said, “It’s not like they were putting much of an active defence either.”

Hometown hero Carmelo Anthony and Miami guard Dwyane Wade rolled to co-MVP honours for the game as 03-04 GotMilk? Rookie of the Year LeBron James took a back seat for his teammates as he was rested for his All-star game inclusion. Anthony notched up 23 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists while Wade came off the bench with 23 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists and 3 steals. Both players made the most of their game high 33 minutes of court time.

The first time All-star James made the most of the minutes he was given, scoring effectively from the field and along with Anthony put on a show at the start of the game. James scored 15 points on 7-7 shooting. He even joked about his performance, “I was just warming up, and they should have given me MVP!”

Other notable performances for the Sophomores were Chris Kaman’s 12 rebounds and 4 blocks, Chris Bosh’s 14 points (7-7 FG), 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks and Luke Ridnour’s 5 steals in 13 minutes.

The Rookies received 17 points (8-20) from Devin Harris while only Dwight Howard (11 points, 8 rebounds) and Andre Iguodala (10 points) were the only other double digit scorers for the match. Leading 04-05 GotMilk? Rookie of the Year candidate Emeka Okafor contributed 6 points (3-6 FG), 8 rebounds and 2 blocks from off the bench for the Rookies.

The game started with a Sophomore 15-0 run. Carmelo Anthony scored all 12 of the game’s first points as ha and LeBron James put on a spectacular show of fast break basketball. Anthony scored back to back three pointers and then scored two driving dunks and finished his scoring run with an alley-oop from James which brought the crowd to its feet. James didn’t disappoint, stealing the ball at halfway on one play and passed to Anthony whom fed him with a pass for a dunk.

The rookies came out into the second period with a 6-0 run as they tried to fight back into the game. But another 15-0 run put the game out of contention for the rookies. To make matter worse, the sophomores then held the rookies to 1 point for the final 5 minutes of the first half. The Sophomores also scored 4 threes in a span of 55 seconds and Dwyane Wade dunked over Emeka Okafor from the baseline to further demoralise the Rookie team.

The main highlight of the second quarter was when Luke Ridnour stole the ball with 35 seconds left at halfway and he, Marquis Daniels and Josh Howard converted a mini ‘three man weave.’ Ridnour who dribbled down court passed to Daniels on the left wing. Daniels who could have scored an easy lay up slowed down to draw Jameer Nelson and Luol Deng towards him before passing back to Ridnour in the middle who passed to Howard on the right wing. Howard went screaming into the lane with a ferocious dunk. “That was the defining play of the game which showed how easy it was for the opposition,” Dwight Howard said, “They played around with us but I admit that they are a talented draft class.”

The rookies actually won the third quarter 23-21 and put up more of a fight to stay where they were. “At that point, we knew we couldn’t win. We just wanted to win the second half,” Nelson said. Iguodala scored 8 points in the quarter while Okafor led the team on the glass with 5 boards including two put back dunks. The fans loved his intensity in the post, especially when he rejected 7 footer Chris Kaman on one play.

Wade was impressed with the rookie team’s attitude, “That (attitude) is what will get them far. It didn’t matter if they lost but they kept fighting which is what makes a player great!” Bosh added, “Emeka is one heck of a fighter but you could say that about all of those guys on the court tonight.”

The Rookies were able to stay close with the Sophomores for much of the final period. With 4:56 left though, Anthony excited the game and a few seconds afterwards, Wade fouled out. As both received standing ovations, the Sophomores were ready to take it to their opponents as the bench took their games to higher gears. The Rookies didn’t score again as the Sophomores easily widened the already big margin to 50 points on a Luke Ridnour three pointer.

Ben Gordon of the Bulls said, “They (Sophomores) really killed us tonight. But it was only a charity game and with Wade and Anthony putting on a show, I’m hopeful we did well enough to significantly aid the humanitarian crisis in Asia.”

Rookie Stats:

C: Araujo (8 reb, 0/5 FG)
PF: Howard (11 pt, 8 reb, 2 blk, 5/11 FG)
SF: Iguodala (10 pt, 2 reb, 2 ast, 3/15 FG)
SG: Gordon (7 pt, 2 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl, 3/11 FG, 1/4 3PT)
PG: Harris (17 pt, 4 reb, 2 stl, 8/20 FG)

Okafor (6 pt, 8 reb, 2 blk, 3/6 FG)
Nelson (4 pt, 1 reb, 1 ast, 2/9 FG)
Deng (2 reb, 0/5 FG)
Nociono (9 pt, 1 reb, 1 blk, 2/7 FG)

Points: 64
Rebound: 36 (OReb: 15, DReb: 21)
Assists: 4
Steals: 6
Blocks: 5
Personal Fouls: 6
Turnovers: 16
Field Goals: 27/89 (30.3%)
3 Pt Field Goals: 1/10 (10%)
Free Throws: 9/15 (60%)

Sophomore Stats:

C: Kaman (8 pt, 12 reb, 4 blk, 4/7 FG, 3 PF)
PF: Bosh (14 pt, 6 reb, 4 ast, 4 blk, 1 stl 7/7 FG)
SF: Anthony (23 pt, 13 reb, 4 ast, 9/17 FG, 2/4 3 PT) *
SG: James (15 pt, 3 reb, 1 stl 7/7 FG, 1/1 3PT, 10 min)
PG: Hinrich (2 pt, 1 reb, 0/3 FG, 22 min)

Wade (23 pt, 5 reb, 9 ast, 3 stl, 10/18 FG, 1/4 3PT, 6 PF) *
Howard (12 pt, 5 reb, 6/11 FG)
Ridnour (10 pt, 5 stl, 4/5 FG, 2/2 3PT, 13 min)
Daniels (11 pt, 5 ast, 4/6 FG, 3/3 3PT)

* Denotes Co-MVP's

Points: 118
Rebound: 47 (OReb: 7, DReb: 40)
Assists: 26
Steals: 11
Blocks: 8
Personal Fouls: 14
Turnovers: 14
Field Goals: 51/81 (63%)
3 Pt Field Goals: 9/16 (56.2%)
Free Throws: 7/9 (77.8%)

[Fresh8]

SLAM DUNK CONTEST RECAP

Marc Stein
Feb 19, Denver

The second day of All-star weekend saw Kobe Bryant, Jerry Stackhouse, Lebron James and Michael Pietrus square off for best dunker in the NBA. As many past contests have shown (other than last season's), this one didn't dissapoint the fans as they witnessed high flying dunks from left, right and center! Here is my official recap:

The Judges:

- Moses Malone
- Dee Brown
- James Worthy
- Clyde Drexler
- Julius Erving

Competition Format:

- 2 Dunks per Round
- 2 Rounds

First Round

Kobe Bryant:

Kobe tossed the ball up with his back facing the hoop, and caught it in midair to slam it home hard. That was the first of his two '50' dunks. In his second dunk, Kobe did what Michael Pietrus did for his first attempt (Read below), but added a 360 degree spin before famming it home.

LeBron James:

Bron missed two dunks during the 24 seconds he was allowed but slammed home his third try within the time limit. he kicked the ball off of his knee and caught it in the air and put it through his legs before putting it through the iron. Bron's second dunk saw him do a behind the back pass off the big screen as he elevated to complete a reverse jam. His two dunks earned him 100 out of 100.

Michael Pietrus:

The frenchman threw it off the camera off of his elbow but wasted his lob for an easy putback which earned him only a 46. He came back for his second dunk, already eliminated but still earned 50 points to finish third. The problem is, his second dunk was exactly the same as LeBron's second, why'd he get the same score?

Jerry Stackhouse:

The surprise entry got a horrible 36 for his first attempt. He threw it off the backboard for a putback dunk which barely got more cheers than Bryant got all night. However, the vet proved he still had hops with his second perfect attempt when he tossed the ball behind his back and caught it in the air for a windmill.

Final Round


ABOVE: James' second dunk brang the Denver crowd to its feet

Lebron James:

LeBron had a perfect 100 again in the final round. His first dunk was one where he hit the ball off of his elbow which hit the shot clock. James leaped into the air to grab the ball and put it through his legs. James then, in his second dunk, did a behind the back pass off the backboard and caught it in a reverse slam motion to bring it back down to earth hard.


ABOVE: "Bryant hang in the air for about 3, 4 seconds," Dr J said

Kobe Bryant:

Bryant punched the air after both of his dunks as he survived elimination and boos. Kobe's first dunk and second had similar finishes with him hanging in the air for long enough that it looked like he was on 'pause.' Bryant's behind the back pass hit the glass on his first attempt and his second one was when the ball was hit off of the shot clock.

Tiebreaker


ABOVE: James' contest winner

Bron scored another 50 when he raced to the lefthand baseline and headed the ball up and caught it in the air to spin 360 degrees. Drexler said afterwards, "That (Dunk) is going to be in a lot of living rooms by tommorrow!" James only lost until Kobe Bryant did a very odinary baseline reverse slam. Sick and tired of the booing he was receiving, Bryant only scored a 39, allowing LeBron James to continue on writing his own legacy.

LeBron on his win: "This is great, to be able to beat one of the game's best (Bryant) I feel like I'm finally part of the elite."

Kobe on what was going through his mind: "I'm going to sound weak but it (Crowd) all reminded me of the Philly All-star game when I was booed. No more comments thank you."

Final Standings:

1. LeBron James, CLE (100, 100, 50)
2. Kobe Bryant, LAL (100, 100, 39)
3. Michael Pietrus, GSW (96)
4. Jerry Stackhouse, DAL (86)

[kibaxx7]

Great Slam Dunk Recap (Y)(Y)

[AdamBa17]

This is the best dynasty by far.

Major props on this!

[Fresh8]

Thanks for the props! I just want to ask u guys how I can make this dynasty interest u more…

Anyway, Sasha Vujavic has been cut from the team and we are seriously considering picking up Eddie Robinson who is 6’9” SG.

Things that will come out in this thread during the next few weeks are:

- All-Star Game
- 6 Regular Season Games
- Playoff Race Report
- Playoffs
- Rookie Reports

Anyone got any other suggestions on what I should include?

[kibaxx7]

You can do an overview of the season at the end of it

[HonorGlow]

A bit late, but here's my shout-out!

...from the annals of the 2005 Birdie Project: (info)
Sit's L.A. Lakers 2004-05 mid-season Birdie Breakdown:



The 're-visited' Kobe Bryant came out stronger than ever, earning Team MVP Honors with a weighted Birdie score to 18.72- as well as ranking #5 on the top ten Team MVP chart. For all this, his second 'reversible' Live Card is now enabled.

Okafor's Live Card preview:



Breaking into the Top 10...again!:
This Dynasty instance is currently ranked #6 on the 2005 Birdie Board

Complete 'Birdie Breakdown' coverage AND to see Bryant's ' reversible' Live Card click here.

Yoyo Sit: Looking forward to your end of season stats and thanks for bugging me about your post...you deserve it(and I almost forgot) I'm looking forward to some great things happening on the LiveDynasty end so I hope this is a start of something...even bigger!

[Fresh8]

WEST WIN DOWN THE STRETCH

WEST: 26 – 29 – 32 – 36 – 123
EAST: 24 – 32 – 30 – 24 – 110

High Points: K Bryant 31 | C Mobley 28
High Rebounds: B Miller 10 | S O’Neal 13
High Assists: K Bryant 7 | S Francis 4


ABOVE: Lakers’ Star Kobe Bryant earned All-star MVP with 31 points despite ongoing ‘boos’

Feb 20, Denver – The 2005 NBA All-star game was filled to the brim with comeback stories, fine debuts, celebrity coaches and Kobe Bryant. The Western All-stars fought for the win in a game of several lead changes which witnessed the leading team always holding a double digit margin until the end of each quarter.

The game was the first ever in NBA history to have the teams coached and managed by celebrities. The East featured Nelly as their coach, the rapper having close ties with the Charlotte Bobcats and Knicks fans Spike Lee and P Diddy as assistants. The Western Conference team was co-coached by long time Lakers fan, actor Jack Nicholson and former N’sync member Justin Timberlake. The reason for the coaching arrangements was to boost ticket sales in a bid to raise money for the Asian tsunami appeal.

Lakers’ guard Kobe Bryant was crowned All-star MVP after a superb performance of 31 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. Bryant was unstoppable down the stretch as he single headedly brought the West back into pole position to win the match. Team mate Tim Duncan told Bryant during a late timeout, “You (Bryant) need to step up your game and show this crowd what you are made of. We need you to beat them to win.” Bryant responded with a 7 point individual run; part of a game winning 17/2 run and capped off the game with back to back fade away jump shots over Ron Artest. Kevin Garnett said post game, “We (Western All-stars) saw the crowd boo him all night and so we decided that we wanted to support him in showing that crowd what he really is like. Kobe’s a nice guy and we guess we owe him a lot.” Yao Ming added, “When you are team mates and you are down, you always want your friends to give you a boost. That’s what we did with him (Bryant).”

Bryant who was introduced second last in the starting line up, received more boos than national anthem performer William Hung. The star guard, who had received the same treatment the night before in the dunk contest, didn’t let the Denver crowd get to his head at the final stages of the game. His team mates let him do what he does best, dominating the ball as if he was playing with the Lakers. “It’s something I always feel confident with because if I’m not scoring I can make a play instead,” Bryant stated, “So thanks to all the guys on the team for letting me do my thing. I wanted to prove that despite my private life I can still ball with the best of them (League).”

Kevin Garnett proved he was second best in the NBA if he wasn’t better than Bryant. Battling a nagging headache, the 7 foot forward from Minnesota was overwhelming in the paint during the first half of the game. The ‘Big Ticket’ scored 21 points and grabbed 7 rebounds whilst dominating down low against key Eastern defenders like Ben Wallace and Jermaine O’Neal. Houston Rockets centre Yao Ming was instrumental in the West’s win as he hit 4 free throws to ice the West’s win in the last minute of game play. The 7’6” giant finished with 16 points and 8 boards in 23 minutes off the bench. Hornets guard Baron Davis chipped in 15 points and Kings forward Peja Stojakavic scored 11 points, both coming off the bench.

The Western Conference’s feel good story of the evening was Trailblazers guard Damon Stoudamire re-entry into All-star weekend. After seasons of being kept at bay with different problems, Stoudamire has come into the 04-05 season playing more consistent basketball which awarded him a position as a starter. “It was great just to be back!” Damon told a sideline beat writer. Despite a game in which the stats showed he didn’t make too much of a difference, the small player was lifted by many cheers throughout the game and even received a standing ovation when he re-entered the game during the final quarter.

The All-star debut of Zach Rudolph went horribly wrong though when the Portland star was caught in a war of words with Coach Justin Timberlake. The dispute rose after Rudolph refused to job back on defence. “I told him to jog, not walk and he wouldn’t listen,” Timberlake said. Rudolph replied during a halftime interview with the harsh words of, “I ain’t listening to no boy band guy! He knows jack all about the game, heck I lost all respect when he couldn’t get it with Brittany (Spears).” Rudolph suffered the consequences for his comments by sitting out the rest of the game on the bench. Golden State Warrior Mike Dunleavy had a far better debut, scoring all of his points during the second quarter in a run which levelled the game just before half time. Jack Nicholson was impressed by the young forward’s performance, “He (Dunleavy) showed us that he had range on his jumper. He’s going to be a star in a few seasons if he keeps on improving.”

The Eastern Conference team was led by Orlando Magic guard Cuttino Mobley who had a stunning debut. The sharpshooter landed nearly every shot he took in a 16 ponit third quarter performance which credited him the role of keeping his team in the game. Cat scored 28 points but was disappointingly held to no points with 8 missed shots in the final period. Magic teammate Steve Francis played a game high 40 minutes but couldn’t reward his coach with any kind of production other than missed shots. He scored 12 points on a dismal 6-24 from the field.

The fact that the rest of the starting players were down in foul trouble wasn’t encouraging at all for the East. Miami centre Shaquille O’Neal scored 12 ponits and grabbed 13 rebounds in dominating fashion but was limited to 29 minutes of court time. His main highlight was the swat of Kobe Bryant’s driving lay up which was sent into the stands. Western Conference member Ray Allen admitted, “If Shaq was on (the court) the whole time, we would have lost big!”

Hawks forward Antoine Walker scored 8 points, 9 rebounds and 5 steal in 34 minutes. Grant Hill’s fairy tale return to the All-star game was shortened by fouls no doubt but the forward was ecstatic about his inclusion. “Thank you to all of the fans who still have faith in me. I never thought I’d play in (the All-star game) again!” Hill finished with 10 points and 5 rebounds. Pacers forward Jermaine O’Neal scored 14 points while debutant LeBron James also chipped in 11 for the East. Ben Wallace provided great interior defence with 4 blocked shots.

The East bench was in turmoil when Knicks guard Stephon Marbury fell to a suspected stomach virus before tip-off. “I felt fine (during warm-ups), one sip of that drink sent me straight to the bathroom,” Marbury angrily complained. The Brooklyn guard was gone from the game until the final minute wen he stormed back into the arena and got himself tangled in a scuffle with Nelly whom he accused of doing something with the drink he had. The game was stopped with 45 seconds left due to the incident. “I didn’t do nothing,” Nelly explained, “Why would I poison my own players?” Marbury answered the inquiry with the reason that he had spat at Nelly during a game against Charlotte when Nelly was courtside but Nelly had claimed they had set their troubles behind them.

After William Hung belted out the not-so recognizable national anthem, the two man tandem of Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett went to work. Bryant scored 7 straight to start the game as Garnett dominated inside and the duo scored 17 of the West’s 26 first quarter points. The second quarter witnessed a flurry of three pointers from the Western side and 22 points from the Magic Trio. Both teams kept it close until midway through the second until Serbian Peja Stojakavic decided to step up.

“We thought we were gone until Peja hit those threes,” Bryant exclaimed. Peja scored back to back long range bombs before Bryant and Garnett combined for another 16 second quarter points in the second quarter; all three players only scoring in the second half of the second period.

The East’s inside defence was tough to penetrate as Jermaine O’Neal and ben Wallace manned the post. “We weren’t going to let them score,” O’Neal proudly boasted. O’Neal even had a nasty block on Baron Davis which sent him sprawling on the court and had the crowd on its feet.

The Western All-stars took out a new game plan for the third quarter which worked wonders for a little while. Yao Ming became the focal point of the offence and scored 6 straight to start the quarter and grabbed 5 rebounds in less than 4 minutes. He had a nifty left handed hook shot over Ben Wallace and over powered Jermaine O’Neal for an up and under dunk which had the fans cheering his name.

As the West took a double digit lead for the first time in the game, it seemed that it was in the bag until Shaquille O’Neal returned to the fray and added 7 points before picking up his 5th foul. O’Neal’s dominance inside diminished the West’s lead and had the teams close to even at the break.

The West started the fourth quarter with another spirited run. Baron Davis scored 5 straight points and Ray Allen added back to back three pointers to stretch the lead out to double digits once again. The East however didn’t give up as Allen Iverson and Ron Artest both made their contributions on both ends of the floor to bring the score up to 108-103, the East leading with 6:48 left in the game.

The Western Conference All-stars then turned to their would-be saviour for the rest of the game. They allowed Bryant to play his free wheeling ball game to perfection as the lone warrior led his team to the win.

“It’s an honour to be (All-star) MVP. But my main goal is always winning another ring,” Bryant grinned after the game.

West Stats:

C: Brad Miller – 3 pt (1/3 FG, 1/2 FT), 10 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk, 1 t/o in 17 min
F: Kevin Garnett – 21 pt (9/15 FG, 1/1 3PT, 2/2 FT), 7 reb, 3 ast, 2 blk, 4 t/o, 1 PF in 29 min
F: Mike Dunleavy – 9 pt (4/5 FG, 1/2 3PT, 0/2 FT), 1 reb, 2 stl in 17 min
G: Kobe Bryant – 31 pt (11/17 FG, 2/6 3PT, 7/7 FT), 7 reb, 7 ast, 1 blk, 1 stl, 2 t/o, 2 PF in 31 min
G: Damon Stoudamire – 0 pt (0/4 FG, 0/3 3 PT), 3 ast, 1 stl, 1 t/o

Yao Ming – 16 pt (6/11 FG, 4/4 FT), 8 reb, 2 ast, 2 blk, 4 t/o in 23 min
Tim Duncan – 5 pt (2/6 FG, 1/3 FT), 5 reb, 2 ast, 4 blk, 2 t/o, 2 PF in 25 min
Elton Brand – 4 pt (1/4 FG, 2/2 FT), 7 reb, 2 ast, 1 t/o in 17 min
Peja Stojakavic – 11 pt (3/5 FG, 3/5 3PT, 2/2 FT), 3 reb, 1 ast, 1 PF in 21 min
Ray Allen – 8 pt (2/10 FG, 2/4 3PT, 2/2 FT), 1 reb, 1 ast, 1 PF in 16 min
Baron Davis – 15 pt (6/12 FG, 1/5 3PT, 2/4 FT), 2 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl, 1 t/o, 1 PF in 20 min
Zach Rudolph – 0 pt (0/2 FG), 1 reb, 1 t/o, 2 PF in 6 min

Points: 123
Rebound: 52 (OReb: 10, DReb: 42)
Assists: 23
Steals: 5
Blocks: 10
Personal Fouls: 10
Turnovers: 17
Field Goals: 45/94 (47.9%)
3 Pt Field Goals: 10/26 (38.5%)
Free Throws: 23/30 (76.7%)

East Stats:

C: Shaquille O’Neal – 12 pt (6/9 FG), 13 reb, 4 blk, 1 stl, 1 t/o, 5 PF in 29 min
F: Antoine Walker – 8 pt (4/9 FG, 0/1 3PT), 9 reb, 1 ast, 5 stl, 5 PF in 34 min
F: Grant Hill – 10 pt (5/9 FG), 5 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl, 4 t/o, 5 PF in 34 min
G: Cuttino Mobley – 28 pt (11/22 FG, 1/2 3PT, 5/5 FT), 3 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl, 2 t/o, 1 PF in 35 min
G: Steve Francis – 12 pt (6/24 FG, 0/4 3 PT), 2 reb, 4 ast, 2 t/o, 2 PF in 40 min

Ben Wallace – 2 pt (1/5 FG), 4 reb, 1 ast, 4 blk in 21 min
Jermaine O’Neal – 14 pt (7/9 FG), 6 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk, 1 t/o in 14 min
Antawn Jamison – 0 pt (0/2 FG) in 5 min
LeBron James – 11 pt (5/8 FG, 1/2 3PT), 1 reb, 1 blk, 1 t/o in 10 min
Allen Iverson – 6 pt (3/7 FG, 0/1 3 PT), 2 ast in 9 min
Ron Artest – 7 pt (2/7 FG, 0/2 3PT, 3/3 FT), 2 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl, 1 t/o, 1 PF in 14 min
Stephon Marbury – DNP (Stomach Virus)

Points: 110
Rebound: 45 (OReb: 10, DReb: 35)
Assists: 14
Steals: 11
Blocks: 10
Personal Fouls: 19
Turnovers: 12
Field Goals: 50/111 (45%)
3 Pt Field Goals: 2/12 (16.7%)
Free Throws: 8/8 (100%)

[kibaxx7]

That's a very large and amazing post. Keep it up!!!!!!

[Matthew]

Awesome all star recap sit . Kobe seems to be hated at every asw, Philly.. LA... Denver

These articles are making your dynasty unique and one of the best. Keep it up.

[Fresh8]

LAKERS ROUT WARRIORS AT HOME DESPITE BRYANT’S ABSENCE

Golden State Warriors 93 @ Los Angeles Lakers 121

Feb 21, Los Angeles – Kobe Bryant ‘led’ the Lakers to another win despite sitting out the whole second half of the game with a shoulder injury and not scoring in double digits for the first time this season. In one of Bryant’s strangest games of the season, he scored a season low 9 points and added 10 assists before bowing out due to a shoulder injury with 9:02 left in the third quarter. But the damage was done to the visitors as Bryant had already helped build a 30 point advantage.

Kwame Brown who was in foul trouble of most of the game helped pick up Bryant’s slack in the second half of the game. The 6’11” monster dominated in the paint, scoring the Lakers’ first 10 points of the game and then scoring 15 in the final quarter. Brown finished with 36 points and 12 rebounds in 26 minutes of game time. Karl Malone added 15 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals and Lamar Odom had 11, 5 and 5 to pace the Lakers to an easy blow-out win.

“A great game we played tonight,” Rudy Tomjanovic praised his team, “But Kobe has done so much during the last few days, his shoulder failed him tonight.” Bryant talked about his shoulder after the game, “I can move it a little but if I try to move it too much it hurts a lot.” The team doctor stated that Bryant should make a full recovery within the next three days.

Mike Dunleavy, a teammate of Bryant’s the night before scored 26 points to lead his team but watched on as Jason Richardson struggled against Caron Butler and Kobe Bryant’s defence. The shooting guard only scored 15 points on 6-24 but covered up for it by adding 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Derek Fisher was held in check by Chucky Atkins in his home coming, scoring all 11 of his points in the second quarter. Atkins scored 12.

“It is very good to be back in the place where I learned how to play with the best of them! (Kobe and Shaq)” Fisher said. The former Lakers player received a framed jersey with a picture of his most famous shot. Fisher scored a basket with 0.4 second remaining to steal a win from the San Antonio Spurs in last season’s playoffs. His shot still plays on the STAPLES centre scoreboard and still makes the crowd roar in approval.

The Lakers stormed to a 15-0 lead within a few minutes in the first quarter. They then let the Warriors catch up a little bit before storming out of the quarter with another 18-2 run and held the opposition scoreless for the final 3 minutes of the quarter.

Bryant dominated play on both sides of the basketball, scoring 7 points and handing out 7 assists while establishing him as the main spearhead of the Lakers defence which saw him force a few turnovers from the Warriors.

When Bryant left the game injured, clutching his left arm, the STAPLES crowd gave him a standing ovation. However, the Lakers struggled even more and let a 30 point lead slip down to 20. The fourth quarter witnessed a Warriors comeback, as they got within 9 points of the Lakers at one stage. However, the Lakers’ Chucky Atkins scored 3 threes in a row to ignite the team to their 5th win in a row.

“We let the Lakers kill us in the last quarter,” Mike Dunleavy disappointedly said, “If we kept the momentum going our way, no doubt we would have won.”

NOTES

SG Eddie Robinson has agreed to join the Lakers because he feels the organisation treats its players well… GM Will Sit has been praised for his efforts in bringing the team back into playoff contention by the team owner Jerry Buss… The Lakers have improved to a 5 game winning streak and are 7-3 in the last 10 games… The 20-4 Minnesota Timberwolves clinched a playoff berth and their division title today…

BOX SCORE

[Fresh8]

LAKERS SURGE TO SIXTH STRAIGHT, END HOME RUN

Atlanta Hawks 100 @ Los Angeles Lakers 109

Feb 27, Los Angeles – Jack Nicholson will need to wave good bye to the Lakers for three weeks as the Lakers finished their five game home stand. The Lakers swept all of the games played on the STAPLES floor and the score lines and stats became more impressive as they progressed through the home schedule. With four games left in the season, the Lakers are presently in 5th position facing the playoffs.

The one against the struggling Hawks was no different as emerging dominating star Kwame Brown scored 29 points on 14-20 shooting, grabbed 16 rebounds and league MVP candidate Kobe Bryant scored 31 (11-26 shooting), dished out 9 dimes, had 4 boards and 5 steals to lead the Lakers past Atlanta.

“My team is on a roll,” screamed GM Will Sit who was for advertising reasons, not courtside but sat with fans in the higher levels of the stadium. “If we keep this up, we might get a fourth seed!”

The Lakers came out to a huge roar from their home crowd who have started to embrace the new image of their team. Without Shaq O’Neal, Rick Fox, Robert Horry and Derek Fisher, the Lakers now have Kwame Brown, Lamar Odom, Brian Grant and a rejuvenated Karl Malone. One male fan in his late 30’s who holds full season tickets made a statement, “This team is the most exciting we’ve had since 2001; definitely the most entertaining since the mid 90’s.” Another fan in her 60’s said, “I don’t like the noise but Kobe is playing like Michael Jordan so I try to join in the cheering.”

The Hawks gave a big effort against the red hot Lakers, leading by 15-4 in the first quarter before Kobe Bryant and Kwame Brown decided to step up. Antoine Walker scored 16 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to lead his team. He was supported by three other scorers in triple figures. Al Harrington scored 20, Jon Barry had 17 while Kenny Anderson came off the bench to add 19. 42 year old centre Kevin Willis even grabbed 11 rebounds to help out.

“I’m proud of my team,” Team Captain Walker said, “We were spirited and we played to the death. Great work tonight!” Team mate Al Harrington had a different view, “We could have won tonight, but Kobe Bryant wasn’t only their star player- he was their ‘X-factor.’ When he steps onto the court and into the game, I always feel that he is an imposing force and it’s always hard to stop him.”

Bryant was magic in the final quarter when Atlanta was within 5 of the home team. Bryant stole the ball on three consecutive plays and scored three pointers on all of them to stretch the lead back up to double digits and give the Lakers a mental edge going into the closing minutes of a hard fought game.

When the Lakers won, Kobe raised his fist in approval towards the home crowd as the full capacity crowd stood in response and cried MVP in unison. The Hawks bench even stood up to applause the star whop took the advice from Hawks centre Kevin Willis who said after the game, “It’s not everyday when everyone likes him. I guess it’s a break after that rude crowd at Denver.”

Bryant gladly took on board the advice, “I know that not every NBA fan likes me and I’m trying to make up for it. I’m going to treasure moments like tonight though because they are special.”

NOTES

NBA great John Stockton was in attendance and received a standing ovation from the STAPLES arena crowd despite him being a former Utah Jazz player… San Antonio won their 17th game of the season to clinch a playoff berth… Brian Grant had a quiet game with 6, 10 and 7 but it was 8 offensive rebounds that was impressive… The Lakers are 14-11…

BOX SCORE

[Ataraxia]

awesome reads....sorry I havent been supporting u ....but the stuff your doin is awesome.....those recaps r the longest Ive seen...I cant believe it but the Laker dynasties r the best ones around(Micchy_Boy's and Yours).......

go Kobe

[kibaxx7]

The recaps are amazing, but why you have Bryant at forward and Butler at guard?

--------------------------
POST 300!!!!!

[Fresh8]

NBA FEBRUARY ROUNDUP

Feb 28
NBA.com

FEBRUARY PLAYERS OF THE MONTH



Yao Ming led his Houston Rockets to a 4-2 record during the month and also added a spirited All-star appearance along the way. The Chinese national team star averaged 24 ppg, 10 rpg, 2.5 apg, 2.5 bpg and 1.0 spg in a balanced month of great performances which was highlighted by his game winning 3 point play in a 92-95 triumph over the Utah Jazz. That game say Yao score 34 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists and block 3 shots.

Teammate Tracy Mcgrady has praised Yao’s work ethic and leadership on the young team. “If it wasn’t for him (Yao), we wouldn’t be fighting for a playoff spot.” Coach Van Gundy even made a comment after a recent game, “Yao is just going to keep improving. With the offence we have surrounding him, it will be not time before he dominates!”

Allen Iverson, the pint sized super scorer may be having an off year but he helped his team go 2-3, considerably better than how the team has fared all season, having only won 5 games so far. By averaging 22.2 ppg on a 47% field goal percentage and adding 8.6 apg, 5.6 rpg, 2.6 spg, Iverson has cemented himself in the section of elite point guards in the league.

One game which saw the Sixers get thrashed by NBA leaders Minnesota, Iverson scored 45 points, more than half of the team’s final output. Kevin Garnett recognized that Iverson was only starting to play well, “In that game, Iverson wasn’t any kind of (defensive) assignment because he hasn’t played at his best yet. Now I feel sorry that he can’t make the playoffs to show how good he is.”

Other Candidates: Kevin Garnett, MIN Kobe Bryant, LAL Kwame Brown, LAL Tim Duncan, SA Elton Brand, LAC Ray Allen, SEA Michael Redd, MIL Keith Van Horn, MIL Steve Smith, CHA Jermaine O’Neal, IND Kenyon Martin, DEN Antoine Walker, ATL LeBron James, CLE Paul Pierce, BOS Shaquille O’Neal, MIA

GOTMILK? ROOKIES OF THE MONTH

Allen Iverson’s teammate, Andre Iguodala averaged 17.4 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 4.2 apg, 1.4 bpg and 1.0 spg to help his Sixers win 2 of their 5 season wins in February. The rookie had a breakout month but it’s too late for the Sixers as they are heading towards that wooden spoon with that 5-18 record. Kirk Snyder edged out Dallas’ Devin Harris for the Rookie of the Month honors this time around with averages to the tune of 4.2 ppg, 1.2 repg and 1.2 apg as Utah went 2-3.

THE BEST IN THE NBA

The NBA is coming towards the playoffs, with two teams in particular focus as both keep on winning and rolling towards those Finals berths. The league leading Minnesota Timberwolves and the East’s best team, Indiana Pacers are both in the midst of a sudden in-form movement and are surging right now with great play on both ends of the court.

Minnesota has won 13 in a row and shows no signs of slowing down. Kevin Garnett, reigning MVP, is dominating with ease as he stays on the low block to score, rebound and dish. The special thing about him is that he doesn’t need to try to free up teammates like Spreewell and team leading scorer Wally Szerbiak for shots. Sam Cassell who was shut up by Garnett on the topic of contract issues is back to his normal self hitting clutch shots and showing up every night with his leadership. While the Minnesota bench is one of the most spirited ones around in the League. The Indiana Pacers have leapt onto the backs of duo Jermaine O’Neal and Ron Artest as they have won 9 in a row. The Pacers who pride themselves with their bruising defence have taken over the number 1 seeding in the East, passing the Detrioit Pistons and Miami Heat.

San Antonio star, Tim Duncan commented on the two teams, “Thos two are definitely the front runners for that ring but don’t count too many of us out.” Duncan was right as teams like the Spurs, Kings, Lakers, Heat, Wizards and Pistons are all looking like contenders themselves. It seems like the playoffs will be special this year!

[Fresh8]

LAKERS WIN CLOSE MATCH

Los Angeles Lakers 105 @ Charlotte Bobcats 96

Mar 24, Charlotte – The NBA’s most storied franchise visited the League’s newest franchise in a match which saw one of the Leagues’ most storied players play his best game in a year. Karl Malone, the second oldest player in the NBA and one of the best power forwards in the history of the game notched a triple double with 15 points, 17 rebounds and 12 assists as he helped guide the Lakers to an exciting last minute win.

The Lakers who had led all the way to the fourth quarter looked like they were going to cruise to victory but a Bobcats 17-4 run at the start of the fourth quarter helped the Bobcats catch the visitors. Charlotte stole the lead with 5:49 remaining in the game with a Gerald Wallace steal for the breakaway dunk as the Bobcats went up 85-84. The game was then kept close until the final two minutes of the game. The turning point of the game saw Emeka Okafor pick up his fifth foul and allowed the fans to witness Okafor kick the ball into the stands in rage before he sat ou the closing stages of the match with 1:59 remaining in the match.

Kobe Bryant dished to Kwame Brown for a dunk with 1:49 left. The Bobcats turned the ball over and Bryant drained a three pointer with 1:29 on the clock. Bryant stole the ball and immediately set up the play and found an open Malone for another basket with 55.5 seconds left in the game as Los Angeles held the advantage 101-94. The Bobcats had a chance to inch closer after Keon Clark dunked the ball and they fouled Brown immediately to force two shots. Brown who scored 20 points and grabbed 12 rebounds missed both shots before Steve Smith failed to score an open three pointer which allowed Lamar Odom to score a jumper with 23.8 seconds remaining.

Keon Clark, a midseason acquisition for the Bobcats picked up another double double with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Rookie Emeka Okafor scored 9 points and grabbed 16 boards but was disappointing as Kwame Brown kept him in check only allowing to take 8 attempts from the field. Brevin Knight, Steve Smith, Eddie House and Gerald Wallace all scored in double figures as they led a balanced attack against Los Angeles.

“I was disappointed I couldn’t capitalise on my opportunities,” Okafor stated after the game, “The team played well as one unit, I let everyone down.” Gerald Wallace who scored 15 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists but turned the ball over 6 times tried to shoulder some of the blame, “It’s not all of Emeka’s fault we lost. I was a bit too greedy with the ball in my hands.”

The Lakers who continue their winning streak and extended it to seven received 36 points, 5 assists and 4 steals from Kobe Bryant. Bryant was superb scoring 25 first quarter points before slowing down his own play to accommodate for defensive assignments. Rudy T said, “I told him (Kobe) to slow down because the Bobcats were running out of options and we had a huge physical edge. All of our guys were bigger so we had to try something different- shutting them down on defence.”
It could be said that the Lakers won because of Bryant but after looking again at the game, it is clear that the X-factor was Karl Malone. Malone’s x-ray vision helped him pinpoint Bryant for many easy baskets as Bryant was unstoppable from midrange. Bryant scored 15 points in the second quarter, Malone had 8 rebounds and 7 assists in the same time.

“Karl helped me play so well tonight,” Bryant said, “I’m hoping he plays like this every night!”

NOTES

F Caron Butler scored 7 points and 6 rebounds… The Denver Nuggets clinched a playoff berth two days ago; the Lakers are only 1 game behind them… G Eddie Robinson has been training with the team for a month and is considered to being able to break into the rotation very soon…

BOX SCORE

[Fresh8]

STARBURY SNAPS LAKERS SEVEN GAME STREAK

New York Knicks 102 @ Los Angeles Lakers 98

Mar 30, Los Angeles – Kobe Bryant let down his team mates in a selfish display of basketball. In a game which saw him launch nearly 40 jump shots alone including 17 three pointers, also let fans witness the type of basketball that former team mates of Bryant’s labelled as selfish basketball.

“This was the sort of play that branded what Bryant was all about!” Shaquille O’Neal’s former Magic team mate Penny Hardaway said, “When Kobe was given his own team and up to yesterday, I thought he had changed… after tonight I don’t think (so).”

Bryant made excuses after the game and said, “I honestly was feeling it tonight. Every shot I put up felt like they were going in.” Coach Rudy T, for the first time criticised his star player, “Kobe let us down tonight, he should have noticed he wasn’t playing well and found other ways to help his team mates. Sure, he did well on the boards, defence but he just kept on jacking up bad shots!”

Bryant had scored 20 points by halftime but needed 15 shots to get to that mark. He shot 6-15 from the field in the first half but did amass five free throws. He missed all of his 13 shot attempts in the final quarter and never went to the line in the second half. An ill advised jumper with the game on the line with 45.3 seconds left may have also lost the game for his squad. On that play, Bryant didn’t wait for the shot clock to wind down and threw a brick which allowed the Knicks to stay on their scoring run, which eventually won the game. Bryant’s horrid display on offence included two missed lay ups in the fourth quarter and several missed dunks during the game but nothing compared to three airballs from long range midway through the second quarter. Bryant finished with 29 points (10-38 FG, 4-17 3PT, 5-5 FT), 8 rebounds, 9 assists and 2 steals.

“That’s what I don’t call teamwork,” team mate Lamar Odom stated, “But if it wasn’t for that, I wouldn’t have been so much more open than I was tonight.” Odom and Kwame Brown both seemed to benefit from Bryant’s selfish play as they both scored efficiently from all over the court. Odom scored 26 points on 11-18 shooting while Brown scored 20 points on 10-18 shooting. The 6’11” centre added 15 boards to his box score.

The Lakers lost the game which could have been their eighth straight win and it was a crucial one too. The win would have jettisoned them into the Top 4 of the Western Conference standings.

BOXSCORE

[Fresh8]

LAKERS ENTER PLAYOFFS AS SEVENTH SEED

Final Team Record: 16-13

Apr 19, Los Angeles – In the Lakers’ match up against the Orlando Magic, coach Rudy Tomjanovic tried a different approach. He made sure that he rotated all of his players around so that everyone played less minutes but more effective basketball. His strategy worked as his team combined their skills to make a late comeback in the third quarter. However, the Magic’s Cuttino Mobley’s sharpshooting was just too much to handle.

Mobley sank five three pointers, three in the game’s final 2 minutes as the Magic regained control of the game after being down by 7 with 2:23 to play in the game. Hedo Turkoglu also added his own triple with 17 seconds left to put the Magic ahead by one. After Kobe Bryant’s lay up rolled in and out of the rim, the Magic’s Steve Francis iced the game with two free throws and the Magic crowd jumped onto its feet as Caron Butler missed a rushed long range attempt.

Cuttino Mobley scored 32 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in a game which could have given his team an edge in their playoff race. Steve Francis had 27, 4, 8, Grant Hill scored 15 and Dwight Howard added 10 and 12. “It was a team effort tonight,” Hill said of the win, “We came out and fought to the final buzzer!”

Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with 21 points on a conservative scoring night making sure he didn’t overshoot the ball. He added 9 rebounds and 5 assists to a balanced game. Kwame Brown had 17 points, 9 rebounds and Lamar Odom scored 19 as the team allowed all of their players to play at least 12 minutes each.

Rudy T said, “It was an experiment and in the end it nearly worked. Now we need to secure our playoff berth by beating the Timberwolves in two weeks.”

Two weeks later:

When the Lakers went onto the hardwood at Target Centre, they knew they were in for a battle. The Timberwolves were first in the NBA, a win for them would keep them there. A loss would put them down to a potential third. For the Lakers, a loss could mean missing out on the playoffs.

“We have to win tonight,” Caron Butler said before the game, “It’s important.” Both teams were up to the challenge as the Lakers and Timberwolves played in an old-school shootout including a combined 75 point final period.

Kobe Bryant was stellar with 28 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists and 3 steals. Brian Grant was equally impressive off the bench with 26 ponits and 15 rebounds as Kwame Brown added 25 and 11 and Lamar Odom scored 21 points.

Kevin Garnett dominated with 21 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists but it was Sam Cassell who kept the team in the game with 38 points. “Sam was hot tonight,” Flip Saunders said, “But the Lakers dug in deep to beat us. They deserve the win.”

WESTERN CONFERENCE STANDINGS

1. Sacramento Kings
2. San Antonio Spurs
3. Minnesota Timberwolves
4. Denver Nuggets
5. Houston Rockets
6. Dallas Mavericks
7. Los Angeles Lakers
8. Memphis Grizzlies

BOXSCORES

[Fresh8]

UPDATED obviously... and I will try to tell u the Eastern COnference standings.

1. Boston (SURPRISE)
2. Indiana
3. Miami
4. Detroit
5. Atlanta (SURPRISE)
6. Cleveland
7. Washignton
8. Orlando

And the Players of the months!

MARCH

East: Jermaine O'neal, IND
West: Carmelo Anthony, DEN
Rookies: Andre Iguodala, PHI and Devin Harris, DAL

APRIL

East: Grant Hill, ORL
West: Kevin Garnet, MIN
Rookies: Dwight Howard, ORL and Devin Harris, DAL

[Fresh8]

SEASON REVIEW

After a slow start which had the Lakers in turmoil, the Lakers were able to build enough momentum to steamroll back into the playoffs as the seventh seed. Finsihing the season at 16-13 wasn't the best record they could have acheived but it was a sigh of relief for the team and espcially Kobe Bryant.

Bryant who was alledged to have sent former Lakers coach Phil Jackson and center Shaquille O'neal faced scrutiny all season long and the results: a career year (Top candidate for MVP) and back in the playoff race.

However, the results came at a price as Bryant has battled all season long with injury and inconsistency and the constant media attention as he grew into Public Enemy Number One with non-Kobe fans.

The Lakers started the season with a blowout win over the Philadelphia 76ers but they then saw Kobe crumble as his legs couldn't carry him for a few games. The ineffective Bryant led to losses and even when Bryant was at his best, sometimes his teammates couldn't raise their games to another level.

By mid season, the Lakers GM Will Sit noticed that it wasn't the best way to keep going at their current pace. And that led to a trade which sparked the team to enter the playoffs with a seven game winning streak late in the season.

"The schedule was nice to us with five games in a row at home right," Sit said, "But you have to admit that it was Kwame Brown's arrival and Karl's (Malone) return which helped our team come through with the results we were hoping for!"

The trade which brang in Kwame Brown, a former first round pick and Juan Dixon, a hotshot guard in exchange for little used forwards Devean George and Jumaine Jones. ESPN's Marc Stein praised the trade, "This is what turned the Lakers around and steered them back on-course."

Andrew Begley of NLSC Associated Press was cautious about the trade at first but yesterday wrote in his weekly column, "The Lakers are dangerous right now. Not because of Kobe but becasue of Kwame."

As the Lakers enter the post season with a 16-13 record against the 21-8 San Antonio Spurs, the Los Angeles faithful will need to get behind their team with 110 % support. Because one thing that is known for sure is that the team puts in that effort on the basketball court.

TEAM REVIEW

C: Kwame Brown : 20 GP | 16 GS | 21.9 PPG 11.1 RPG .639 FG%
The player whom most NBA experts pointed the finger at for being a bust in Washington took his game to Hollywood... and shone! A walking double double, the beast in the paint can hold his own in the paint and can also score at will with power in his low post moves. The Lakers future is him and his future depends on what happens this offseason as he becomes a free agent.

PF: Karl Malone : 12 GP | 9 GS | 9.5 PPG | 8.6 RPG | 3.7 APG
The Mailman is definately in his final season. He's getting one last chance to win a ring. Although, he and Bryant had their own 'run in' with each other, the pair have made up and settle on their differences to produce great basketball to lead the team to wins. His intelligence and experience are vital to the team.

SF: Lamar Odom : 24 GP | 24 GS | 15.6 PPG 5.8 RPG 2.9
APG
Lamar came to LA knowing he'd have to take a back seat behind Bryant. He didn't know that he'd become third behind Kwame Brown as well. However, his unselfishness has allowed the trio to mesh well as Kwame is the inside focus of the team, Bryant the leader and outside-inside player and Lamar acted as the point forward. Lamar's versatility helps decide games for the Lakers. It won't be any different against teams in the playoffs.

SG: Kobe Bryant : 28 GP | 28 GS | 31.8 PPG 7.1 RPG 8.5 APG 3.64 SPG .511 FG%
Kobe Bryant played like Michael Jordan as he domianted the league. Ranking first in scoring, steals and assists, Bryant looks like a frontrunner for both Most Vauable Player and Defensive Player of the Year awards. Bryant only missed one game due to suspension and started games injured so that his Lakers could reach where they are now. The League's premier guard is ready for the long stretch towards NBA Finals 2005!

PG: Juan Dixon : 27 GP | 11 GS | 7.0 PPG 2.4 APG 1.56 SPG
The Maryland guard too small to play at the 2 and not much of a natural point guard was a steal in the Kwame Brown trade. Able to light up opposition players on any given night, Dixon proved that he was worth a shot for GM Sit to accquire in the trade. His fast paced offensive game and stealing skills fit into the Laker's system perfectly.

Brian Grant: The perfect sixth man as he averaged 10 ppg and 11 rpg off the bench for all 29 games of the NBA season!

Caron Butler: Didn't perform to the expected prediction. But he does provide energy off the bench.

Kareem Rush: Is one of the best three point shooters in the League. Gives Los Angeles a three point threat to go to every game.

Chris Mihm: Was good while he lasted as the starter. Averaged 7.4 ppg and 7.9 rpg in a season which is sort of a breakout season

Chucky Atkins: Dissapointing but has found his shooting range during the Lakers final stretch

Luke Walton: Dependable ballhandler who can set up plays. Played PG, SG, SF and PF during course of season.

Vlade Divac: Didn't play much as Lakers rest him for playoffs. His passing and defence will be important as the lakers face tough 5 and 4 men.

Slava Medvedenko: Couldn't crack into the rotation.

Brian Cook: Same as Medvedenko.

Eddie Robinson: A player the Lakers may go to during the playoffs.

[Fresh8]

SPECIAL: 2005 NBA DRAFT REPORT

With a deep draft coming soon this off season, ESPN decided to look at the Top Ten players who should be entering the League next season. Here is Part One! Marc Stein writes:

Apr 28

Name: Priest Askins
Position: PF
Age: 19
Height/Weight: 6’10” / 247 lbs
NBA.com Prediction: 1st Overall Pick
ESPN Prediction: 1st Overall Pick
NBA Comparison: Tim Duncan

Could this be the next Tim Duncan? The sophomore power forward out of Perdue averaged 25 ppg, 13 rpg, 4 apg and 4 bpg during the college season as he led Perdue to the Final Four. Askins has a similar ‘track’ record as Duncan did. Originally an outstanding tennis player, Askins had a sudden growth spurt and switched to basketball. He now dominates with a fundamental basis of the game just like the Spurs star.

Strengths: Strongest player in the Draft, rebounding and defensive skills are outstanding, excellent endurance for a big man

Weaknesses: Lacks athleticism and is not known to be bale to fake defenders out with any type of post move

Name: Chuck Terrell
Position: SF/SG
Age: 18
Height/Weight: 6’7” / 236 lbs
NBA.com Prediction: 2nd Overall Pick
ESPN Prediction: 2nd Overall Pick
NBA Comparison: Michael Finley

The NCAA freshman of the year averaged 20 ppg, 6 rpg and 3 spg for Kent as he led them to the NCAA Finals. Terrell struggled during the season as he could only score with his driving and slashing game but his defensive skills picked up the slack for his non-existent jump shooting.

Strengths: Freak athlete

Weaknesses: Struggles shoot the basketball consistently

Name: Fredrick Ratchuck
Position: PG
Age: 20
Height/Weight: 5’10” / 189 lbs
NBA.com Prediction: 3rd Overall Pick
ESPN Prediction: 3rd Overall Pick
NBA Comparison: Damon Stoudamire

Ratchuck rounds out the Top Three of the 2005 Draft as it is foreseeable that the players mentioned so far will not picked in any other order. The English National team star averaged 23 ppg, and 8 apg in the Euroball competition this year while he also averaged 17 ppg, 11 apg and 4 spg during the 2003 World Junior Championships. Ratchuck has played in Europe for the past season and did well as he led his team with 26 ppg, 6 apg and 2 spg. Not bad for the, usually smallest guy on the court!

Strengths: Can shoot the ball form all over the court, quickest player in the Draft

Weaknesses: No weaknesses

Name: Demian Reirden
Position: PF/SF
Age: 21
Height/Weight: 6’8” / 225 lbs
NBA.com Prediction: 4th Overall Pick
ESPN Prediction: 6th Overall Pick
NBA Comparison: Juwan Howard

Reirden has been hiding from his homeland of Hungary. The forward made a controversial decision as he left his Hungary basketball club to join a team in Greece while still on a two year contract three years ago. (He averaged 18 ppg, 11 rpg with his Greek team in 2004) Ever since then, teams have been cautious in trying to offer him a position. However, a move to the NBA should surely lock him into place if he accepts a contract which isn’t any problem for any NBA club.

Strengths: All-around talented player who can score and rebound competently. Great potential as he listens to his coaches

Weaknesses: Struggles on defence

Name: Dean Freidman
Position: SG
Age: 23
Height/Weight: 6’6” / 214 lbs
NBA.com Prediction: 5th Overall Pick
ESPN Prediction: 5th Overall Pick
NBA Comparison: Baron Davis

The former Illinois player has been playing for an Australian basketball team for the last year as he opted out of last year’s draft due to many shaky draft analyses and projections. He won the NBL’s MVP award with averages of 20 ppg, 9 rpg and 5 apg as his team won the championship down under.

Strengths: Drives to the hoop with confidence, smart player and great ball handler

Weaknesses: Cannot hit an open jumper

To Be Continued…

[Fresh8]

LAKERS SMASH SPURS ON AWAY COURT

LAL: 32 – 34 – 32 – 34 – 132
SAS: 24 – 20 – 28 – 23 - 95

16-13 Los Angeles Lakers lead Best of Five series against 22-7 San Antonio Spurs 1-0

San Antonio – Kobe Bryant scored 40 points and Lamar Odom added 41 to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 37 point thrashing of the San Antonio Spurs. The Lakers utilised great outside shooting and excellent team defence as they easily disposed of the Spurs. “This is what I call Showtime basketball,” Lakers legend Magic Johnson said. The Lakers fast tempo game blew away the Spurs as they couldn’t find a way to stop the duo of Kobe and Odom.

Bryant was stunning in the first half, in particular the second quarter. Kobe scored 32 points in the first half including 22 points in the second period. In a Lakers’ 20-0 run in the second period, Kobe scored 17 of the team’s points. “Tonight, I felt like I could shoot and score from anywhere!” Bryant finished with 40 points (15/26 FG, 9/10 FT), 8 rebounds, 13 assists and 8 steals in 46 minutes of court action.

Lamar Odom, the player who was traded for Shaquille O’neal last season showed his worth as he and Bryant combined their games to overwhelm the Spurs defence. Odom scored 37 of his 41 points in the second half which included an individual 10 point run which crushed the Spur’s hope of any type of comeback. “After Lamar had those three pointers and that drive over me, we (Spurs) knew it was close to over!” Tim Duncan said.

Odom finished the game with 41 points (18/27 FG, 5/8 3PT), 4 rebounds and 6 assists in 38 minutes of court action. His game included a driving dunk over Tim Duncan which forced the Spurs crowd to its feet. Karl Malone played like his old self scoring 19 points and grabbing 20 rebounds while a foul plagued Kwame Brown chipped in 10 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists in 25 minutes of court time.

Rudy Tomjanovic was pleased with his team’s win. “It was a team victory against a title contender in the Spurs. I’m proud of Kobe and Lamar.” The Spurs fans even gave the pair a standing ovation as they left the game with 1:58 remaining.

Tim Duncan tried his best as he scored 21 points (9/12 FG), 8 rebounds and swatted 5 shots in 35 minutes. However, his team mates failed to shoot the ball well. The backcourt of Bruce Bowen (10 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists), Brent Barry (25 points) and Tony Parker (16 points) only shot 20/65 from the field including 4/17 from behind the arc.

However, the extended benching of Manu Ginobli was what turned both the Lakers and Spurs fan’s heads. Kobe didn’t understand, “Why did Pop (Spurs Coach) keep him on the (Bench) for so long? I don’t understand.” Manu used his court time efficiently enough to score 10 points in 16 minutes.

The game had its own heated moments which led to technical fouls being called against Tim Duncan, Kwame Brown and Kobe Bryant. The first incident happened in the first quarter after Brown hung onto the ring for too long and fell on top of Duncan. Duncan, usually at ease on the court kicked back at Brown which ended with both of them in a scuffle. The other incident saw Kobe Bryant drive into the lane, dunk the ball and also draw the foul off Bruce Bowen. Bryant was seen wagging his finger in Bowen’s face and then the crowd saw him shove Bowen. Bryant was then slapped with a technical. Bryant made the excuse that he was provoked after the game.


INTERESTING STATS

- Lakers shot 9/22 from three point range which clearly won the game for them
- The Lakers outrebounded the Spurs 58 – 48
- The Lakers also had a more flowing offensive rhythm out on the court as they had 35 team assists as compared to the Spur’s 10
- The Lakers utilised their 80’s style basketball with 16 steals compared to the Spur’s 3

[Fresh8]

KOBE: GREATEST OF ALL TIME?

LAL: 18 – 28 – 22 – 56 – 16 – 137
SAS: 36 – 27 – 35 – 23 – 12 - 133

16-13 Los Angeles Lakers lead Best of Five series against 22-7 San Antonio Spurs 2-0

San Antonio – Michael Jordan, I think we have a new legend in our midst and someone who may have started to overtake the almighty number 23! The San Antonio home crowd witnessed something which may not happen in a long time as Kobe Bryant scored 70 points to set a new career high and also beat Michael Jordan’s career high.

Michael Jordan, quite possibly the greatest of all time played for the Chicago Bulls during the 80’s and 90’s as he won six NBA championships. Bryant’s idol seems to be being overtaken by the student as Bryant shook off an ankle injury to rewrite the history books.

Bryant had a record 38 points in the fourth quarter and added 8 steals and 7 assists. It is a new NBA and playoffs record for the final quarter of a game. Bryant’s game also including the game tying driving lay up at the buzzer and then 8 points during the overtime period.

Kobe finished with 70 points (27/46 FG, 2/5 3PT, 14/17 FT), 7 rebounds, 10 assists, 2 blocks and 10 steals in 42 minutes of game time. “This is definitely the greatest individual performance of the new century,” Rudy Tomjanovic said, “It even rivals Michael Jordan’s best performances… Bryant won the game for us while we were down by about 20!”

Kwame Brown scored a solid 20 points (9/12 FG), 12 rebounds in 30 minutes. Karl Malone added 11 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 blocks while Lamar Odom chipped in 15 and 7. Kwame Brown hadn’t seen anything like what Kobe did last night, “He (Kobe) is just insane. Kobe is always criticised for shooting too much but tonight he kept his chin up and got us the big W! ”

Tim Duncan and his Spurs tried to make things hard as the led the game from the start till the fourth quarter’s 2:47 mark. Duncan was unstoppable in the paint with 29 points (14/18 FG), 19 rebounds in 48 minutes. The Spurs backcourt finally got their shooting touch back as Bruce Bowen (13), Brent Barry (28), Tony Parker (18) and Manu Ginobli (19 in 14 minutes) helped the Spurs take an early lead. Former Laker Robert Horry backed up a Game One 16 rebounds with 10 and 19 in this game.

“We should have won this game,” Tim Duncan told the press, “But Kobe was magic on the court tonight.”

The Spurs took over the game and at halftime were in a commanding position. The Lakers then embarked on a comeback but all hope was lost when Kobe Bryant drove against Malik Rose and rolled his ankle. Bryant sat out the rest of the third as Los Angeles struggled even more and were outscored by 13 in the third period.

Then something came over Bryant. Bryant explained how he felt before he stepped back on the court, “I was sitting (on the bench) and I just wanted to be on the court so I got it (ankle) strapped and went back out. After I got those three steals in a row, I knew I was hot!”

Bryant was phenomenal as he scored seven straight baskets within a time span of 2:21. His hot shooting helped his team score a record 56 fourth quarter points as the lakers stormed back into the game. The Lakers only took their first lead of the night off a Kobe Bryant alley-oop, the pass from Chucky Atkins. However, the Spurs recomposed themselves and stretched the lead back out to 5 with 1:35 to play. What happened next was like a script form a movie.

Lamar Odom missed an easy shot and the Spurs went back down court. After running down the clock, the Spurs got the ball to a wide open Tony Parker on the left hand side of the court. Bryant came out of nowhere to swat the ball out of Parker’s hands and Odom picked up the ball to race back down to the other end. He then swung the ball to Bryant on the right hand side of the court and Bryant came off a Karl Malone screen to swish a three pointer from right in front off the hoop.

The Spurs called their final timeout and set up a play for Tim Duncan. Duncan who got the ball inside hesitated and allowed the Lakers defence overwhelm him. He threw it back out to Brent Barry who missed a long range jumper. The Lakers then called a timeout with 27.8 left on the clock. The Lakers couldn’t set up a suitable play and called one more timeout with 9.4 seconds left.

Kobe’s game tying lay up ensued. It was like magic. Bryant received the ball at the top of the key with Brent Barry cautious of which way he was going to go. Kobe faked to his left and drove in on the right and prepared to try to dunk over Tim Duncan. Duncan who jumped up in anticipation blocked Bryant’s view to the hoop. Bryant then dived a little under Duncan’s left arm and finger rolled the ball at the hoop and went in off the glass.

“That was so lucky!” Caron Butler said. After the three refs reviewed replays of the lay up, to the Spur’s dismay, the shot was counted and the Lakers’ momentum rolled on into overtime. Kobe Bryant came out of the break to steal the ball at halfway and convert a double pump, reverse dunk which had the crowd on its feet for half a minute. As the crowd started to sit down, Kobe then rebounded the ball at the defensive end and dribbled down court, did a fancy crossover and then went up for his second three pointer of the game. The crowd stayed on its feet for the next minute.

“That shot had the Lakers rolling,” Robert Horry said. The Lakers surely had their momentum going and didn’t let their lead diminish for the rest of the game.

NOTES

Series moves back to Los Angeles… Michael Jordan’s career high for total points in one game is 69 and his 63 points was the best all-time in the playoffs, Kobe broke both of them… Tim Duncan is reportedly growing impatient about his teammate's inefficiency during the playoffs...

[Micchy_boy]

again bro sorry for not posting comments but i always check this dynasty esp its a LAKERS DYNASTY

nice to see it still going strong... as i remember this dynasty and mine were the longest running dynasty so far....
nice to see Bryant doing good in your dynasty coz in my dynasty i try to give all my players enough shots but still Kobe is the man...

again goodluck with the Spurs i know you will win the series.
to the finals.....

[Mark.]

Woah!!! Go Kobe, time for everyone to give the man his props (well in your dynasty neway).

Beat those Spurs, the are myy enemies in Live 05.

Tim Duncan is reportedly growing impatient about his teammate's inefficiency during the playoffs...

Does this mean we can expect to see some trades go down in the offseason??

Keep it up dude