The 2K10 & Beyond Project - Season 19/20: NBA Finals - Game 7

ROOK 86 - SOPH 83
24th February 2012

Irving, Rookies top Sophomores


2011 #1 Pick Kyrie Irving took it to his slightly more experienced opponents, giving the Rookies the bragging rights.






WEST 96 - EAST 103
26th February 2012

LeBron shines in Conference Showdown


LeBron James lead the way for the East in unusual fashion, scoring all 28 of his points from either mid-range or three-point territory.

Monthly Report: February 2012

Conference Standings




League Leaders





Injury Report
Frustratingly, somehow injuries were turned off recently, meaning all injuries were wiped. This will mainly affect the 76ers and Magic who both had Robin Lopez & Marcin Gortat missing the season. I'll be releasing them both from their rosters and will reinstate them in the 2K13 season.

Stories

Clippers in dying need of win streak

After making bold moves at the deadline, the Los Angeles Clippers are on a zero-excuse basis to rise up the West Standings, attempting to match their top 4 finishes of the past two seasons with arguably a much stronger roster on-paper than ever.

Rockets, Warriors teams to watch

With the Warriors swapping Monta Ellis for Eric Gordon and the Rockets pulling the trigger on Sixers swingman Andre Iguodala, the West Standings could not be hotter. The question is, is there enough room for them both?

Extension deadline passes, Howard still unsigned

Deep in the East playoff fight, The Magic failed to sign an extension with star C Dwight Howard, leaving his player option as the only string keeping him in Orlando.

NY 115 @ BOS 92
4th March 2012

Knicks take W in TD Garden


Shannon Brown exacted some revenge on his former team in their home arena, scoring his season-high 25 points on the Celtics.






LAC 98 @ HOU 107
4th March 2012

Amare, Rockets too good for new-look Clippers


Amare Stoudemire continued his MVP-caliber season in Houston with another solid performance against the Clippers, as Carmelo Anthony and co. still struggle to get on a roll.

DAL 87 @ GS 83
10th March 2012

Mavs hold on for tight road win in Oakland


Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks continued their winning ways in the Bay Area, keeping themselves in the upper echelon of the Western Conference.

IND 96 @ CHI 89
24th March 2012

Granger, Pacers surge past Bulls in Windy City


Danny Granger and the Pacers got off to a slow start, but rallied back to take a key game against their division rival in Chicago.

MIA 62 @ OKC 99
25th March 2012

Durant, Thunder dismantle Heat in OKC


Kevin Durant and the Thunder took full advantage of a Miami Heat team recently missing Wilson Chandler, demolishing the 2nd placed East contender by 37 points.

Looks like we might see LeBron vs Kobe in the Finals at last.

Monthly Report: March 2012

Conference Standings




League Leaders





Injury Report


Stories

Spurs playoff streak at risk, can the Clippers hold on?

The San Antonio Spurs haven't missed the playoffs since the 1996-97 season, but are currently on the verge of missing out on the 8th seed, trailing the Suns, Rockets & Clippers. If standings stay the same, we could see a Battle of LA in the playoffs for the first time ever.

A tale of two cities

The titan cities of the East and West Coasts of the United States currently sit atop both conferences, with two of the biggest stars in NBA history the faces of their franchises in LeBron James & Kobe Bryant. Could we see the most blockbuster matchup in NY vs LA in this years Finals?

Limping Hawks scrapping to stay 8th

With a season-ending injury to starting PG Jeff Teague, the Atlanta Hawks will have to fend off the Toronto Raptors and Chicago Bulls to retain their chance to return to the Finals.

TOR 99 @ MIL 87
7th April 2012

Raptors stay alive with win in Milwaukee


The Raptors capatilised on a Bogut-less Bucks squad, with Hedo Turkoglu and Andrea Bargnani keeping the Raptors playoff hopes alive.

ORL 94 - ATL 99
13th April 2012

Johnson, Hawks get key win over division rival Magic


Though they may not meet in the first round of the playoffs for the third straight year, Philips Arena had a playoff atmosphere as the Hawks cling to a slight edge in securing the 8th seed against their bitter rival.

PHX 93 @ SA 79
14th April 2012

Dragic shines in Wall's absence, Suns get W in San Antonio


It's a tight race for the bottom 3 seeds in the Western Conference, made no easier for Phoenix with Wall hurt for the next 2-4 weeks. Goran Dragic stepped up with a great performance to put the Suns two games above the Spurs, who are set to miss Tim Duncan for another 2 weeks with a broken finger as we close out the regular season.

OKC 90 @ LAC 98
16th April 2012

Clippers inch closer to Playoff berth with win over Thunder


The Los Angeles Clippers have put themselves in the drivers seat to clinch a playoff spot heading into their last game of the season with an impressive win over the reigning champions.

Monthly Report: April 2012

Conference Standings




League Leaders





Injury Report


Stories

Bobcats to be without Wallace for 2-4 weeks

After another solid season for the Bobcats, it seems certain to be soured by the loss of franchise swingman Gerald Wallace with a broken hand set to keep him out of action for 2-4 weeks. Facing the Magic in the first round will be a true test as the Bobcats try to better their previous run of the ECSF.

Clippers, Rockets make it, Spurs miss out

The Spurs playoff streak is over, and the Clippers & Rockets can breathe a sigh of relief for their deadline moves getting them into the postseason. And for the first time ever, the Battle of LA will contested in a playoff 7-game series.

Pacific Division dominance, while the Northwest have a season to forget

The entire Pacific division in the Western Conference are playoff-bound, the first time an entire division has made the postseason. The true surprises being the Kings, Warriors & Suns all making the postseason after missing comfortably last season.

LeBron, Knicks in the driver seat to go deep

Is this the year that LeBron raises the Larry O'Brien Trophy? The Knicks are riding high with an East-best 52-30 record, setting them up with home court advantage against any opponent except for the 56-26 Lakers.

Awards & Playoff Tree







ALL-NBA TEAMS




ALL-DEFENSIVE TEAMS



ALL-ROOKIE TEAMS

Still going with Knicks vs Lakers in the Finals. I'll say Lakers over Knicks.

Season Review – Lottery Teams

30. Denver Nuggets (25-57)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Kenyon Martin (76)

With Carmelo Anthony out of the picture, it’s no surprise to see the Nuggets in this position. Chauncey Billups & Nene both had a stellar first half of the year individually, earning All-Star honours, but a poor 1st round pick selection in Chris Singleton has left the Nuggets in dire need for some credible star power.


29. New Orleans Hornets (28-54)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: None

The Hornets had their biggest blow before the first tip-off of the season, with Wilson Chandler, the main youth piece from the Chris Paul Knicks trade walking out the door. It’s been damage control ever since, but there’s a glimmer of hope in young SG Klay Thompson, and a high draft pick may give the Hornets some more hope.


28. Detroit Pistons (31-51)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: None

The Pistons have been the poorest performing team of the last 3 seasons, stuck to the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Enes Kanter played well during his rookie season, but the Pistons are in a heap of trouble with Ben Gordon still on a massive contract, blocking their ability to fully rebuild. This could be the offseason where there is a major clean-out in the Motor City.


27. Utah Jazz (32-50)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Deron Williams (89)(P), Mehmet Okur (71)

Not an ideal season for Utah with star Deron Williams having a player option. Okur’s $11m will come off the books this offseason, which may give the Jazz the wiggle room to find some decent pieces around Williams & Millsap, especially with the former coming off another All-NBA calibre season.


26. Minnesota Timberwolves (33-49)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: JaVale McGee (74), Antawn Jamison (74), Ramon Sessions (72)(P)

The Timberwolves find themselves again in the lower part of the league, however now have rookie sensation PG Ricky Rubio and Derrick Williams to build around for the future, with a 7-year contract on star big Kevin Love. Antawn Jamison’s $15m could provide some leeway for some inbound talent.


25. Philadelphia 76ers (34-48)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: None

This may not be the low-point for the fans of Philadelphia. After trading away star swingman Andre Iguodala at the deadline for Trevor Ariza & Avery Bradley, the Sixers also lost Thaddeus Young and Marreese Speights, leaving them completely disjointed. Elton Brand is most likely out the door with the Amnesty Clause rearing its head as his production continues to drop, while Jrue Holiday, Louis Williams & Marcus Thornton have the green light to score at will as this team weathers a tough storm.


24. New Jersey Nets (35-47)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Courtney Lee (72)

The Nets head to Brooklyn with their tail between their legs, with a roster boasting little to no fanfair for a brand new Barclays Center. The Nets will have to be very busy this offseason to ensure their home opener is a sell out at this point.


23. Memphis Grizzlies (35-47)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: None

After only just missing the playoffs last season, the Grizzlies weirdly regressed with all their young talent in tow. Fingers crossed this is just an outlier year, with most starters signed up for multiple years, it could be real ugly in Memphis if the tides don’t change.


22. Chicago Bulls (36-46)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: None

Despite an All-NBA season from Derrick Rose, the Bulls had an extremely lacklustre year, reminiscent of the 2009-10 campaign. After only being two games away from an NBA Finals berth last season, the Windy City will be quiet throughout the postseason as they look to regroup. Their mid-season move of Anderson Varejao and Taj Gibson for Thaddeus Young and Marreese Speights did little to stop the bleeding, and may need to find a true sidekick to fit with their home-grown superstar.


21. Portland Trail Blazers (36-46)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: None

Steve Nash isn’t getting any younger, and Brandon Roy looks set to retire as his knees have given out. The Blazers look set for a rough stretch after failing to build on their postseason appearance last year. With cap space to move, the Blazers could be next in line for a major rebuild.


20. Washington Wizards (37-45)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Kirk Hinrich (73), Andray Blatche (72)

A better season than expected from the Wizards, with Evan Turner winning the Most Improved Player award and finally moving the horror contracts of Gilbert Arenas & Antawn Jamison. Al Jefferson will provide more in the short-term than McGee, and with a bit of manoeuvring may not be too far away from playoff contention.


19. Cleveland Cavaliers (38-44)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Anthony Parker (70)

I predicted the Cavs to comfortably take the #30 spot on this year’s review, but boy was I wrong. Their free agency acquisitions only had them a handful of games away from the playoffs, with great progress from J.J. Hickson in particular, along with their new stars of Aaron Brooks & J.R. Smith. The Cavs could be in the mix for a few more solid free agency pickups and march their way further up the league ladder next season.


18. San Antonio Spurs (39-43)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: None

A true disappointment from the Spurs, missing the playoffs for the first time since the 1996-97 season, and the first in their Big 3’s careers. Is it time for change? With all major players signed beyond this season, the Spurs may enter the trade market for the first time in a long time.


17. Toronto Raptors (42-40)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Mo Williams (74)(P)

It’s not often you see a team in the Eastern Conference finish above .500 and not make the playoffs, however the Toronto Raptors have suffered this fate. A catalyst to a bumpy road in the back half of the season has to be credited to another ill-timed injury to Caron Butler, who missed a big chunk of the season post-All Star break. The Raptors will be back again, however time is running out with Hedo & Butler both into their mid-30’s.

Playoffs: First Round Completed Series

Western Conference

(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs (8) Los Angeles Clippers
Game 1: LAC 86 @ LAL 134, Kobe Bryant - 47 pts, 9 reb
Game 2: LAC 90 @ LAL 107, Kobe Bryant - 38 pts, 8 stl
Game 3: LAL 84 @ LAC 83, Kobe Bryant - 25 pts, 7 reb
Game 4: LAL 100 @ LAC 106, Carmelo Anthony - 34 pts, 10 reb
Game 5: LAC 93 @ LAL 102, Kobe Bryant - 29 pts, 7 reb
LAL wins 4-1

A third straight first round exit for the Clippers, as the Lakers stay red-hot heading into the second round, in a series punctuated from the get-go with a 48 point drubbing in Game 1.

(4) Dallas Mavericks vs (5) Golden State Warriors
Game 1: GS 108 @ DAL 97, Eric Gordon - 24 pts, 5 ast
Game 2: GS 107 @ DAL 90, Stephen Jackson - 30 pts, 10 reb
Game 3: DAL 95 @ GS 113, Stephen Curry - 16 pts, 12 reb
Game 4: DAL 74 @ GS 123, Anthony Randolph - 28 pts, 11 reb
GS wins 4-0

Do "We Believe"? The Golden State Warriors made quick work of the Dallas Mavericks, giving Dirk Nowitzki flashbacks to 2007. The Warriors proved their depth, with different players stepping up to lead the squad throughout the series, but will have their work cut out for them against the top seeded Lakers next.

(3) Sacramento Kings vs (6) Phoenix Suns
Game 1: PHX 94 @ SAC 130, Kevin Martin - 36 pts, 5 reb
Game 2: PHX 89 @ SAC 119, Brandon Jennings - 24 pts, 11 ast
Game 3: SAC 99 @ PHX 106, Michael Beasley - 29 pts, 6 reb
Game 4: SAC 99 @ PHX 112, Jason Richardson - 27 pts, 9 reb
Game 5: PHX 95 @ SAC 101, Brandon Jennings - 22 pts, 8 reb, 8 ast
Game 6: SAC 94 @ PHX 85, Tyreke Evans - 25 pts
SAC wins 4-2

Despite the series being tied at 2-2, the Sacramento Kings closed out the young Suns, and again proving they're no pushover, with Kevin Martin in some career-best form.


Eastern Conference

(1) New York Knicks vs (8) Indiana Pacers
Game 1: IND 92 @ NY 108, Chris Paul - 22 pts, 11 ast
Game 2: IND 79 @ NY 102, LeBron James - 31 pts, 10 reb
Game 3: NY 99 @ IND 85, LeBron James - 28 pts, 14 reb
Game 4: NY 115 @ IND 94, DeMarcus Cousins - 18 pts, 15 reb
NY wins 4-0

Smooth sailing for the Knicks, making short work of the 8th seeded Pacers. The buzz continues to build around the Big Apple that this could be their year.

Playoffs: First Round Game 7's


HOU 106 @ OKC 104
HOU wins 4-3

Rockets down the defending champions in 7


The Houston Rockets shocked the basketball world and have stopped the dynasty of OKC in it's tracks, with Amare Stoudemire starring in a down-to-the-wire Game 7.






BOS 84 @ MIL 78
BOS wins 4-3

Allen, Garnett-less Celtics top Bucks in Milwaukee


Ray Allen played like the Milwaukee Buck Ray Allen of old, leading a Celtics teams now facing a second round matchup and beyond without Kevin Garnett, out for 4-6 weeks.






ORL 82 @ CHA 84
CHA wins 4-3

Hamilton lifts Bobcats over Magic


Another first round Game 7 for Orlando & Charlotte, with the Bobcats winning out in a tight battle even without captain Gerald Wallace.






ATL 98 @ MIA 93
ATL wins 4-3

Hawks move on after win in Miami


It may be a different situation to last season, but the dream is still alive for the Atlanta Hawks to return to the NBA Finals, while the Heat look to regroup around star Dwyane Wade and rookie sensation Kyrie Irving.

Conference Semifinals: Playoff Tree



Season Review – First Round Eliminations

16. Los Angeles Clippers (41-41)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Chris Kaman (76)

After splashing the cash in the offseason and being highly active at the trade deadline, this isn't where the Clippers wanted to end up. The only hope for the Clip show is that a full offseason with this roster can gel together and become a force for the 2012-13 season. With the advancement of DeAndre Jordan and the absorbing of Gilbert Arenas' contract, it seems likely that Chris Kaman's 9 year tenure in Los Angeles may be over.


15. Phoenix Suns (42-40)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: None

A solid result for a team which has bounced back majorly since the loss of Amare Stoudemire and Steve Nash. The Suns look to be in good hands with John Wall & Michael Beasley, and as long as Greg Oden stays healthy they have their franchise C sorted. This could be the year where the Suns may splash some cash to find another piece to get them in a better position for next season.


14. Indiana (43-39)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Vince Carter (74), Dahntay Jones (71)(P)

Picking up Vince Carter in the offseason and Ty Lawson at the deadline looked to be the right moves to have the Pacers make the next step, but was all for nought. With Carter likely to return, the Pacers will look set to return with a similar lineup with hopefully better results.


13. Orlando Magic (44-38)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Dwight Howard (92)(P), J.J. Redick (70)

All eyes are locked onto Dwight Howard, and whether he'll remain in a Magic uniform. With two straight first-round exits and no All-Star calibre help in sight, it could be time for the clock to strike midnight in Orlando. The Magic may also be bordering on whether to amnesty Rashard Lewis, with his whopping $23m leaving the Orlando front office hamstrung and cashstrapped.


12. Dallas Mavericks (47-38)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: None

It's farewell to Jason Kidd, who is set to retire, leaving the PG position open to Rodrigue Beaubois to take over. The Mavericks were dominant throughout the year, but completely toothless in the playoffs. Dallas is still aging drastically, and could be on the tipping point of a rearrange while Dirk is still playing at his best.


11. Milwaukee Bucks (49-33)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: None

What a season from the young Bucks, with ROY Kemba Walker providing everything they hoped out of Brandon Jennings and more, pairing with their dynamite swingman in Paul George, who went bucket for bucket with Paul Pierce throughout their playoff series. If it wasn't already clear, it seems time to truly Fear the Deer.


10. Miami Heat (50-32)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Kris Humphries (73), Jermaine O'Neal (70)

A hurt Dwyane Wade definitely played its part in a lackluster playoff performance from the Heat, as a first round exit on a 50 win season never sits well. Thankfully, Kyrie Irving looks set to be a fantastic running mate, and the Heat still have cap space to beef up their front-line, which is clearly their achilles heel.


9. Oklahoma City (51-31)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Brendan Haywood (71)

From a championship in their first playoff appearance, to a 7-game first round elimination. The game of basketball can be cruel, and it seems to have dealt the young Thunder a fatal blow. With MVP Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook shining thoughout the series, questions need to be raised around the production of some of their smaller parts. Marcus Camby is set to retire, leaving the reigns to Serge Ibaka to fill the giant rebounding void.

Playoffs: Conference Semifinals - Elimination Games


LAL 110 @ GS 104
Series tied 3-3

Kobe, Lakers take series back to LA for Game 7.


The Los Angeles Lakers have bounced back from the brink of elimination to even up the series and set up a Game 7 showdown in the Staples Center.






HOU 84 @ SAC 101
HOU leads 3-2

Rookie Knight takes centre stage, Kings take series back to Houston


Rookie Brandon Knight showed out on the Kings home floor, top scoring as Sacramento look to come back from a 3-1 deficit.






BOS 99 @ NY 87
BOS wins 4-1

Pierce, Celtics eliminate #1 seed Knicks


The Truth was ruthless in his MSG performance, sending LeBron and the Knicks packing with 33 points to send the Celtics to the Conference Finals for the first time in 3 years.






ATL 103 @ CHA 91
CHA leads 3-2

Hawks claw back to 3-2 deficit in Charlotte


Showing the heart that took them all the way to the Finals last season, Joe Johnson and the Hawks will head back to ATL to tie up the series, as the Bobcats welcome back Gerald Wallace, who had a quiet 9 points in 43 minutes.

I jinxed another team.

Playoffs: Conference Semifinals - Elimination Games


GS 96 @ LAL 87
GS wins 4-3

Jax, Warriors eliminate Lakers in LA, next stop Conference Finals


For the first time since the 1975-76 season, the Golden State Warriors are in the Conference Finals, eliminating the #1 seed, as the Lakers make a Conference Semifinals exit for the second straight year.






SAC 82 @ HOU 85
HOU wins 4-2

Rockets head back to WCF over youthful Kings


FA signing Amare Stoudemire starred for the Houston Rockets, as they look to reach the top of the mountain once again as they did only two years ago.






CHA 85 @ ATL 82
CHA wins 4-2

Bobcats make maiden Conference Finals, defeat Hawks in 6


The Charlotte Bobcats are heading to the Conference Finals for the first time in their 9 year history lead by the revived sharpshooter Richard Hamilton, carrying the Bobcats with his veteran Championship experience.

Conference Finals: Playoff Tree



Season Review – Conference Semifinals Eliminations

8. Atlanta Hawks (44-38)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: None

After a compelling Game 7 win over the Magic, and avoiding elimination with a solid Game 6 victory, the Hawks find themselves on the end of another disappointing result. With most stars youthful, contracted and healthy, all is not lost in Atlanta, though the looming Dwight Howard who called Atlanta his home in his formative years may be on the table for a way to supercharge this perennial contender.


7. Sacramento Kings (47-35)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: None

Overperformance is the best way to describe this season for the Sacramento Kings. Blending in the addition of Tyrus Thomas and a fantastic year from Brandon Knight, this Kings team should be a contender for the next few years in it's current form.


6. New York Knicks (52-30)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Chris Paul (92)(P)

Falling to a Celtics team without captain Kevin Garnett and a flawless 4-0 start over the Pacers, MSG's lights won't be turned up again for playoff basketball despite their East-topping finish to the regular season. CP3's player option is looming heavily, though most would be surprised to see him move to greener pastures after a solid regular season.


5. Los Angeles Lakers (59-26)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: None

Pushed to the limit by an inexperienced Warriors squad after a 4-1 win over the 8th seeded Clippers, the Lakers again failed to capatilise on their #1 seeding. With Kobe and Pau still contracted for 4 & 6 years respectively, it may be time for a shake-up in the role player department.

Two teams jinxed.

Two teams jinxed.

Crazy that the last two years, the top two seeds haven't even made the Conference Finals!