A LEGEND IS BORN II

[Mandich]

This is really, really great, you always find pictures that match with the reads, great work keep it up model

[Valor]

ouch...good luck staying in the playoffs chase
what you should tell the team is, give the ball to westbrook or durant, get the hell outta their way

[kibaxx7]

Ouch, tough loss. Great game by Durant & Westbrook, also by Wilcox. Pass by my association later Sit, I'm needing some opinions

[Fresh8]

I meant to say "hopefully we outdo your boy Reshawn Tyson"....

Ah yes! I know what you mean now.

Tough loss against my Mavs. Seems like we are just at the same stage of our associations. Played the Thunder (twice) these days and lost both. Westbrook and Durant are beasts. Keep it up fella.

Yeah man, we are at the same stage I guess. I'm a lil bit further ahead though... I was a bit pissed we lost this one, I was destined to win but no... Stack had to be on fire...

This is really, really great, you always find pictures that match with the reads, great work keep it up model

Thanks man. As you can see, the pics are getting clearer too. Thanks to my camera phone.

ouch...good luck staying in the playoffs chase
what you should tell the team is, give the ball to westbrook or durant, get the hell outta their way

Don't forget Wilcox. He's a gun.

Pass by my association later Sit, I'm needing some opinions

I will pop over to have a look soon.

[Fresh8]

Boston Blows Out Seattle: 110-92

Preview | Box Score | Recap


Ray Allen goes for the easy layup

29 March, 2009

BOSTON (AP) – It was a night filled with emotion as the defending champion Boston Celtics further dented the Seattle Stealth’s playoff chase aspirations. Seattle’s tenth loss of the month came on the back of a controversial final quarter in which Head Coach Gary Payton was ejected from the match.

The game seemed to be headed for a blow out as Boston dominated proceedings in the first half. However, Boston Coach Doc Rivers opted to allow his starters to reenter the fray in the final period much to the dislike of Payton. Payton started a vocal battle with Rivers and was ejected by the officiating team with 5 minutes left in the game. Payton was also seen throwing objects at the Boston bench. “It seemed like he (Payton) was trying to start something,” an anonymous spectator told a reporter.

Seattle didn’t give up and at times reduced the once 30 point lead to a modest 10 point deficit. “We didn’t give up and kept trying to get the score down. We were embarrassed to be losing by 30 and it’s even worse when you’re losing to a team who can’t trust their own bench to hold their own,” Kevin Durant stated, “Coach was right, guys like KG, Ray (Allen) and Paul (Pierce) shouldn’t be on the court in garbage time.”

Ray Allen led the Celtics with a game high 39 points; 32 of them scored in the first half. Kevin Garnett added 10 and Paul Pierce had 9 points and 6 steals. Late season pick up Stephon Marbury scored 11 points from off the bench as he shared ball handling duties with Rajon Rondo who had an off night; being held scoreless but still finishing with 6 assists.

Russell Westbrook had a career high 30 points on 12 for 19 shooting. He also added 8 assists and a number of dazzling plays but his final tally of 9 turnovers put a dampener on his performance. Durant finished with a subpar total of 18 points while super sub Earl Watson had 15 points in limited minutes.

The loss means that Seattle drop further out of the top 8 and into 11th place in the Western Conference. “This loss really hurt,” Durant stated, “We have to win all of our games because with the way the West is, we’re already a lot of steps behind the other teams. We’re only two games behind the eight seed but you have to play really really good basketball. There is little room for error when you’re in the West.”

Notes: Westbrook noticed that the Stealth struggles against the full court press. “The full court press really hurts us every time. If teams keep playing it against us and we keep failing to beat it, I don’t think our team will stick around too much longer to be a threat to make the playoffs.”…

Quarter-by-Quarter Team Score

Seattle (Away) 24 – 15 – 23 – 30 – 92
Boston (Home) 36 – 33 – 19 – 22 – 110

Jordan Player of the Game

Ray Allen
39 Points (Season High)
17-28 FG
2-12 3PT
3-3 FT
1 Rebounds
1 Assists
5 Steals (Season High)

Key Performers

Seattle (33-40)

R Westbrook 30 pt, 3 reb, 8 ast, 2 stl, 9 TO, 12-19 FG, 1-2 3PT, 5-5 FT
K Durant 18 pt, 5 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl, 8-15 FG, 2-4 3PT
E Watson 15 pt, 2 ast, 2 stl, 6-7 FG, 3-4 3PT

Boston (44-32)

S Marbury 11 pt, 3 ast, 1 stl, 5-8 FG
K Garnett 10 pt, 6 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl, 1 blk, 5-6 FG
P Pierce 9 pt, 2 reb, 3 ast, 6 stl, 4-8 FG

[Fresh8]

Gary Payton, Kevin Durant Fined

March 30, 2009

SEATTLE (AP) – Gary Payton’s antics during Boston’s 110-92 win over Seattle landed him in hot water as the NBA decided to follow up on the head coach’s ejection with a fine. Kevin Durant’s post-game comments on the matter also got the League’s attention with the second year player also fined.

A statement released by the League read: ‘Gary Payton’s behaviour was inappropriate; he was not acting accordingly to League policy. Kevin Durant’s comments were unprofessional and only escalated the matter further.’

Gary Payton was alleged to have swore repeatedly on national television as he accused Boston Celtics’ Head Coach Doc Rivers of using cheap tactics against the Stealth after the Celtics’ coach reinserted his starters late in the final quarter of a blowout win. Payton was also seen losing his cool as he threw a water bottle and a clip board towards the Celtics’ bench during a time out. Kevin Durant was reported to have told journalists that he agreed with his coach’s opinion on the matter and supported the actions taken by his coach during the game.

When contacted, the Seattle Stealth stated that they would not appeal the decision and the fines would be paid. General Manager Will Sit was unavailable for comment as were other playing members of the Seattle Stealth team.

Read More…

[Fresh8]

March Recap
March Results/Western Conference Playoff Race

The Seattle Stealth endured a tough 4-11 month that contributed to dropping them out of the top eight. The Stealth now battle an uphill struggle to be able to make the playoffs with only 8 games remaining and being three and a half games behind the seventh placed Minnesota Timberwolves and two and a half off the pace of the eighth placed Phoenix Suns.

A mid-month three game win streak, which included a win over the San Antonio Spurs, gave Seattle a little bit of hope but all of that was extinguished after the team finished the month on a five game losing streak.

March Schedule

Mar 2 – Dal @ Sea 98-92 (Loss)
Mar 4 – Was @ Sea 93-107 (Win)
Mar 7 – Sea @ NO 96-104 (Loss)
Mar 8 – Phi @ Sea 85-76 (Loss)
Mar 10 – Sea @ Sac 86-110 (Loss)
Mar 11 – Sea @ Den 96-100 (Loss)
Mar 14 – Sea @ Pho 97-106 (Loss)
Mar 16 – SA @ Sea 102-108 (Win)
Mar 18 – Chi @ Sea 102-103 (Win)
Mar 20 – Uth @ Sea 97-104 (Win)
Mar 22 – Sea @ Min 89-94 (Loss)
Mar 24 – LAL @ Sea 121-104 (Loss)
Mar 27 – Sea @ Tor 110-128 (Loss)
Mar 29 – Sea @ Bos 92-110 (Loss)
Mar 31 – Sea @ SA 89-119 (Loss)

Western Conference Playoff Race

Position | Team Name (Games Behind Seventh Place) | Games Left

7. Minnesota Timberwolves (0.0) 7
8. Phoenix Suns (1.0) 7
- - -
9. Portland Trailblazers (1.5) 8
10. Dallas Mavericks (2.0) 7
11. Utah Jazz (2.5) 6
12. Seattle Stealth (3.5) 8
13. Denver Nuggets (5.0) 7

Denver looks like they are out of the playoff race while Seattle still has a mathematical chance but the way they have been playing does not lead to any rosy outlook. Minnesota and Portland are guaranteed one spot; whoever wins the Northwest will win a spot in the playoffs. Minnesota is having a surprise season like the Blazers last season and may well stay slightly head of their rivals to top their division. So as the season comes to a close; the Wolves, Suns, Blazers, Mavs, and Jazz look set to battle to the last day of the regular season for a chance to compete in the postseason.

Our tip is for Dallas and Portland to come out on top.

[The X]

Hard luck....I was waiting for the Stealth's fairytale season to hit the wall....in a shorter season (29/58 games), the team would've made the cut, but unfortunately the long season can change that....

[Mandich]

damn...just unlucky, I was hoping for a game 7 from the Stealth, but now you can chose, the lottery pick, or the battle for the 8th seed. Good luck in both ways!

[Valor]

ouch...good luck bro, hope you can make it

[Fresh8]

Hard luck....I was waiting for the Stealth's fairytale season to hit the wall....in a shorter season (29/58 games), the team would've made the cut, but unfortunately the long season can change that....

A bit tough but the season isn't over yet. You never know what can happen over 8 games...

damn...just unlucky, I was hoping for a game 7 from the Stealth, but now you can chose, the lottery pick, or the battle for the 8th seed. Good luck in both ways!

I'm not going to tank... if that's what you are implying for me to do.

ouch...good luck bro, hope you can make it

Thanks.

[NovU]

I believe in KD even though most of you here finds him a dickhead. He will lead the Stealths to the playoffs. Mark my word, or not...

[Fresh8]

Chapter 8

Kevin Durant was slouched over in his seat as Gary Payton was being as animated as ever. Durant let out a big sigh as he tried to ignore the head coach yelling at his players at halftime. This guy is a joke, Durant thought to himself. Like most of the team, the players were losing faith in their head coach. It was halftime and the team was trailing by a considerable margin to the Boston Celtics. They were defending champions after all and the Seattle Stealth were, well, the Seattle Stealth.
“This is embarrassing! Get your asses out there and play harder!” Payton yelled, “This ain’t the way you play. This ain’t the way Seattle plays! You’re all making me look bad!”
And with that, Payton stormed out of the room as the players relaxed and sat down. Five minutes left before they were due to return to the court. Russell Westbrook looked over at Durant and shook his head. The two players had had a bumpy relationship since February. They had started off as friends but slowly grew apart. It took a while for Durant to sense it but he knew now that he had one less comrade having his back in times of trouble.
“Come on man,” Jeff Green walked over to Durant, “Let’s go out there and get this game back in our hands.”
Green patted Durant on the back and walked out the door. A few others followed and Durant pulled himself up. The season was a long one and in a span of a month the team, that once looked set for a surprise appearance in the playoffs, was desperately spiraling out of control. Not only was the team falling deeper and deeper into the depths of the NBA Draft Lottery, the team was also falling out of control at the personnel level. There were serious problems with the coaching staff and there were serious problems of mistrust amongst the player ranks.
“This team is a mess,” Durant muttered under his breath.

Westbrook was having a great game. He was spinning and ducking in between and under defenders for tight buckets. He was shooting the ball exceptionally well and he was finding team mates for open looks. He had frustrated Rajon Rondo so much that Rondo didn’t dare take a shot; Rondo finished with no points.
“That’s my boy!” Payton yelled from the sidelines, “Show them what you’ve got for them suckers!”
Durant was on the bench at the start of the final quarter and clearly not enjoying his stint there.
“How many times has he turned the ball over coach?” Durant asked Payton in an irritated voice, “Good point guards don’t do that.”
Payton ignored his star player’s question and said, “Kevin, get back in the game man.”
Durant stood up and ripped his track pants off, “Eff you.”
Payton turned and Durant stormed right past him to the scorers’ table, “What did you say?”
“You heard me!” Durant yelled back.
Durant got back into the game. He looked over as the Boston bench was being unloaded onto the floor. Off came Stephon Marbury, Kendrick Perkins, Sam Cassell and on came Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen. Durant cursed under his breath and Payton could be heard doing the same at the Stealth bench. As play resumed, Payton was not going to have any of it. He walked towards the halfway line and started jawing at Boston coach Doc Rivers.
“What is this? What is this? You mad?”
Rivers laughed and told one of his assistants, “He never shuts up doesn’t he?”
Payton then approached the Boston bench, “You cheap son of a…”
Rivers got up, as did a few of his players on the pine, and put his arm out to stop Payton from approaching him. Payton got right up in Rivers’ face.
“You’re winning by 20, 25, 30 points. You don’t put your starters back on the floor.”
One of the match officials blew his whistle and play stopped. Security had reached the Boston bench to separate Rivers and Payton. Payton was pulled away by a security guard and dragged back to his bench. One of the refs called a technical on Payton.
“I’m calm, I’m calm,” Payton was reassuring everyone.
As everyone settled down, Ray Allen went to the charity stripe for the technical free throws. Suddenly, the fans started to boo. Allen thought it was a bit strange as they were at home, Why would they boo me? He looked over at his bench and saw why.
“This is bullshit! This is bullshit!” Payton was screaming at the top of his lungs as he hurled water bottles at the Boston bench from half court, “What all of y’all looking at? Shove this up your…”
Payton then ran back towards the Seattle bench and grabbed a chair that happened to be loose. He ran towards the Boston bench and tossed it at the home side. Payton was promptly tackled and restrained on the floor. It was hysteria.
“That’s it,” the ref called out, “Technical and you’re out of here.”
Payton was in a daze, “What do you mean? What you mean?”
“It means you been ejected,” a burly security guard told him as he picked him up from off the floor, “Get your stuff and leave.”
As Payton walked off the floor and back to the dressing room, it was to a loud chorus of boos.

After the Boston game, Durant sat at his designated locker in the dressing room as reporters scrambled to get his take on Payton’s ejection.
“I fully support my head coach, he was right.”
Payton would later be fined for his antics and Durant would also be fined for his verbal support of his mentor.
“Thanks for having my back son,” Payton said to Durant at a training session the next day.
“I wasn’t doing you any favour,” Durant snapped at Payton, “Make sure you don’t make a fool out of yourself again. I’m hoping you aren’t going to be around next season.”
Payton was a bit taken back, “You better respect me boy or you will be the one out of here next year.”
Durant laughed loudly, “You got nothing.”
Durant reached for a ball and dribbled back onto the court, joining his team mates. Payton was fuming.

* * *

Seattle still had a chance to make the playoffs as long as they won most of their last eight games. Things did not quite pan out as desired and the team found themselves a part of the bottom ten teams of the NBA with a few games left of the regular season. Tension was building in the Stealth locker room and it all boiled down to the last game of the season. It was a game at Los Angeles against the Clippers. All of the players were snapping at each other and after a drubbing at the hands of the playoff bound Clippers, the situation got out of hand.
“Kevin Durant is greedy, overrated, and a jerk,” Russell Westbrook told a reporter after the game.
Adam Morrison had similar sentiments as he fielded his first interview in a long time, courtesy of his season high scoring, “I help lead this team. Russell helps lead this team. Brad and Chris help lead this team. You guys never write about us. You rather write about some chump who shoots 40 times a game. Yeah, good way to go about it. This is a team sport.”
Durant didn’t say anything until the players were ready to leave. Payton had everyone in a huddle.
“It’s been a tough season but I’m proud of you guys,” Payton briefed his players, “Next season, we will make our ways to the top.”
Durant then raised his voice, “I’m ashamed in all of you.”
Everyone was silent as Durant continued, “None of you has my back anymore. I can’t play on a team that isn’t on my side.”
“I wonder why,” Westbrook snorted.
Added Morrison, “Just shut up man, stop embarrassing yourself.”
“Fool,” one of the other guys blurted out.
Durant lost his cool and snapped, “Screw you.”
Durant went straight for Morrison’s neck and tried to get his hands around him. Durant shoved Morrison into the wall and started punching him in the gut.
“After I’m through with you, I will get you!” he yelled at Westbrook who had come from behind to try and pull Durant away.
Westbrook kicked Durant and Durant turned around to swing a punch at the rookie’s head, narrowly missing him. Brad Miller and Chris Wilcox jumped in between them and pulled Morrison and Westbrook away from Durant.
“It’s not worth it man,” Wilcox said to Westbrook, “Cool down man.”
All of a sudden, Johan Petro came out of nowhere, “You know what? You are a prick.”
Petro tackled Durant onto the ground and Jeff Green ran over to help his friend Durant, “Get off him man!”
By then, the coaching and training staff had noticed what was going on and trying to break it up. Reporters had rushed back into the room and tried to snap pictures of it on their camera phones. Payton was trying to get control of his players again.
“Get out of here!” Payton screamed at Durant once the fighting had stopped.
Durant refused to talk to anyone as he made his way out of the arena and was quickly taken away, he would be going back to Seattle alone.
“No one is leaving here without deleting any pictures or videos you may have taken,” One of the Stealth Public Relations reps stated as security guards closed all the doors, “We will check your phones and recording devices one by one.”

[Fresh8]

I believe in KD even though most of you here finds him a dickhead. He will lead the Stealths to the playoffs. Mark my word, or not...

Now what do you think of Durant?

[Valor]

I believe in KD even though most of you here finds him a dickhead. He will lead the Stealths to the playoffs. Mark my word, or not...

Now what do you think of Durant?

nice story once again, love the fact that Payton looked like an idiot, and while Durant looks like a complete jerk now, the story is progressing fine

keep it up man, tough luck about not making the postseason, good luck in the lottery

[Mandich]

This keeps getting better and better. This text really reminded me on what really happens in the NBA backstage. All guys act like friend, like Durant defended Payton, but they really can't stand each other. Durant is still young, he is the next NBA superstar. And I know you didn't mention trades, but if you trade him, and don't get a go-to guy, the Stealth will depend on the young Westbrook. I see Payton losing his job, am I right

[NovU]

At “Good point guards don’t do that.”, I laughed so hard. Here we go again, you making my boy look shit again. ROFL!!!

It's not over yet. Just not yet. KD will win you 8 games in a row... or not.

[C-77]

Man,Durant is such a Prick that he even balmed his teammates for losing,what a jerk

[hova-]

Oh man, fuck KD A bit harsh that those guys are really throwing punshes at each other. But still I like the story. Just like someone said, it happens in RL, too. Keep it up, the Stealth will have a tough time unloading this prick and getting equal talent in return.

[Fresh8]

nice story once again, love the fact that Payton looked like an idiot, and while Durant looks like a complete jerk now, the story is progressing fine

keep it up man, tough luck about not making the postseason, good luck in the lottery

Payton is already halfway out the door... Just dunno how to get rid of him. He 'owns' the team after all... Not sure what I can get for Durant but we wll see.

This keeps getting better and better. This text really reminded me on what really happens in the NBA backstage. All guys act like friend, like Durant defended Payton, but they really can't stand each other. Durant is still young, he is the next NBA superstar. And I know you didn't mention trades, but if you trade him, and don't get a go-to guy, the Stealth will depend on the young Westbrook. I see Payton losing his job, am I right

I don't know if you are right. Read the next chapter to see.

At “Good point guards don’t do that.”, I laughed so hard. Here we go again, you making my boy look shit again. ROFL!!!

It's not over yet. Just not yet. KD will win you 8 games in a row... or not.

KD didn't help us win 8 games in a row unfortunately.

Man,Durant is such a Prick that he even balmed his teammates for losing,what a jerk

Nah, his team mates were blaming him.

Oh man, fuck KD A bit harsh that those guys are really throwing punshes at each other. But still I like the story. Just like someone said, it happens in RL, too. Keep it up, the Stealth will have a tough time unloading this prick and getting equal talent in return.

At least the story is interesting now. Only gets better from here.

[Fresh8]

Clippers End Season On High, Seattle On Low

Preview | Box Score | Recap


Where to now for Kevin Durant (centre),
Russell Westbrook (left), and the Seattle Stealth?

15 April, 2009

LOS ANGELES (AP) – Baron Davis scored 25 points in the first half and sat out the whole of the second. Ricky Davis added a season high 37 as the Los Angeles Clippers cruised to victory on the last day of the NBA regular season.

The Clippers began the game with an impressive 17-2 run and led for the whole match. Every player except for Jason Williams got on the score sheet for the Clippers. Rookie Eric Gordon ended the season by chipping in 19 points from off the bench.

Adam Morrison got the green light to shoot from Seattle coach Gary Payton and was subsequently on fire as he rolled to 15 first quarter points, including three treys. Morrison cooled down considerably and was a non-factor the rest of the way. He ended the game with a season high 29 points.

Kevin Durant had another poor outing as he closed out the 2008-09 NBA season with a dismal 16 points and 2 rebounds. Rookie team mate Russell Westbrook put in a spirited effort in the second quarter and dazzled the STAPLES Centre crowd with a flurry of quick passes and plays. Westbrook played minimal minutes in the first half due to foul trouble and had all of his 8 assists in the second half.

Seattle was clearly frustrated with their play and that frustration boiled over after the game.

After the match, Westbrook singled out his captain as the one who played with no purpose, “It’s the end of the season and I’m not going to hold back. I think that Kevin did not want to be out there with the team. He seemed uninterested and gave up from the start. He only played because he wanted to say he played and started every game for us this season.” Morrison agreed with the rookie PG, “Kevin is overrated. Russell, Chris (Wilcox), Brad (Miller), and I helped carry this team all season and he never mentioned us. No class.”

Tempers continued to flare after the post-match interview with Seattle staff having to separate Durant from the rest of the playing group as a handful of players got involved in a tussle with the star player. Durant was ordered to leave for the airport alone with security staff as the rest of the team travelled without their star. It had been a surprising turnaround when at the beginning of the season; everyone was prepared to follow Durant through thick and thin. Durant was unavailable for comment, further fueling speculation that the second year phenomenon already had a foot out of Seattle’s door.

Seattle’s General Manager Will Sit told press that changes would be coming to Seattle, “I have decided that there is a need to shake up this roster and also make a few personnel changes.”

The LA Clippers will now face the LA Lakers in a much anticipated first round playoff series while the Seattle Stealth will have time to reassess their team and start to plan for a long off-season.

Notes: Seattle’s Morrison set career highs in three point makes and attempts… LA’s Gordon also set career highs in three point makes… Head Coach Gary Payton expressed his desire to remain in his position on the Stealth bench… Stealth F Darius Miles stated that he would be testing the free agency market…

Quarter-by-Quarter Team Score

Seattle (Away) 19 – 15 – 20 – 23 – 77
LA Clippers (Home) 28 – 30 – 26 – 36 – 120

Jordan Player of the Game

Ricky Davis
37 Points (Season High)
15-24 FG (Season High Makes & Attempts)
6-9 3PT (Season High Makes)
1-1 FT
3 Rebounds
3 Assists
4 Steals

Key Performers

Seattle

A Morrison 29 pt, 3 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl, 11-20 FG, 7-13 3PT
K Durant 16 pt, 2 reb, 4 ast, 1 blk, 8-15 FG
R Westbrook 9 pt, 4 reb, 8 ast, 2 stl, 4-10 FG, 1-1 3PT

LA Clippers

B Davis 25 pt, 3 ast, 11-16 FG, 3-4 3PT
E Gordon 19 pt, 2 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl, 7-9 FG, 5-5 3PT
A Thornton 8 pt, 5 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl

[jonthefon]

Ouch, looks like a complete implosion.

Tough first season but there's definitely promise there. I don't really know whether you should or shouldn't deal Durant. It looks like the team chemistry is irreparable.

Can't wait to see what you've got in store this off-season though.

[kibaxx7]

Great read and will be even better if you ship Durant out of the team.

[NovU]

Damn. Here's my expert like suggestions for offseason.

1) Replace the coach who can do better job in the locker room.
2) Get players who can compliment KD more on and off the court.
3) Trade Westbrook since this season upped his value.

[Fresh8]

Ouch, looks like a complete implosion.

Tough first season but there's definitely promise there. I don't really know whether you should or shouldn't deal Durant. It looks like the team chemistry is irreparable.

Can't wait to see what you've got in store this off-season though.

Our team chemistry in the game is at 12%... it's attrocious... but yes, there may be some changes this offseason!

Great read and will be even better if you ship Durant out of the team.

You don't like KD? Zanshadow will hunt you down.

Damn. Here's my expert like suggestions for offseason.

1) Replace the coach who can do better job in the locker room.
2) Get players who can compliment KD more on and off the court.
3) Trade Westbrook since this season upped his value.

What about:

4) Trade Kevin Durant for an established All-Star player?