Fri Jun 03, 2005 9:02 am
WOW! Kwame with 47 points, well I guess you can say he is really living up to his draft pick status 
Just to think if he made more than half of his free throws 
Just a little short from the 50-point mark. Ratchuk had a great game too. Good thing you got the win because it would be pretty bad if Kwame had that great game in a loss, but the Twolves' starters killed you with 4 of the players with 20 or more.
Just to think if he made more than half of his free throws Just a little short from the 50-point mark. Ratchuk had a great game too. Good thing you got the win because it would be pretty bad if Kwame had that great game in a loss, but the Twolves' starters killed you with 4 of the players with 20 or more.
Fri Jun 03, 2005 6:53 pm
it's all about my white boy Freddie Ratchuk 
I guess at least Kwame is living up to his No. 1 billing with the Lakers....can't say the same for real life I guess.
I guess at least Kwame is living up to his No. 1 billing with the Lakers....can't say the same for real life I guess.
Fri Jun 03, 2005 8:16 pm
Lakers Close to Surrendering Game
Utah Jazz 108 @ Los Angeles Lakers 110
Mar 12, Los Angeles - The Lakers looked as if they were going to win another easy game. Gordon Giricek didn't give them an easy time doing so. The Croatian Sensation scored 15 oh his game high 30 points in the final quarter and led a Utah Jazz rush home in a failed attempt in catching the Lakers.
Carlos Arroyo finished with 26 and 6 assists, Mehmet Okur had 16 and 12 while Jonathan Bender scored 14 and 8. Head Coahc Jerry Sloan was happy with his team's efforts, "We had the chances but the Lakers were jsut the better team in the end."
Six Lakers scored in double figures and every player played and scored at least one bucket in the match. Kwame Brown who is having a break out season had a triple double, a first in his career. He completed the feat with 13, 14 and 11. Carlos Boozer and bench player Juan Dixon tied as Laker top scorers on 15 apiece.
"Another true team game tongiht," newly named LA General Manager Rudy Tomjanovich said.
The Lakers started out strong and made the Jazz play at its pace. They controlled every aspect of the game from defence, offence, and handling the rock. The Lakers never let anything get out of control. It all worked out and paid off as LA took a double digit lead in the second quarter and kept it that way through to the fourth quarter.
"Up until the end, it was perfect," Rookie Jared Randall stated.
Then the Jazz stepped up with a flurry of three ponit bombs, they were back in the running for the game. "It all happened so fast, I can't even remember what happened!" former Laker Luke Walton exclaimed.
With 1:23 left, the Jazz had already caught up and cut the margin to 2. Giricek sank another three point bomb to put his team ahead by 1. Anthony Palmer then made a surprise long range bomb to put LA back in the lead at 108-106. With 46.7 secodns left, the Lakers forced Bender into a missed shot and the ball was carried downcourt slowly. Fredrik Ratchuck was fouled on his way to the hoop with 18.5 left. The Englishman missed his first and made his second.
The Jazz then quickly converted a jumper from the baseline by Okur. It was then up to Ratchuk to make his two free throws. The Jazz couldn't have asked for more as the PG missed both his free throws however Utah failed to capitalise. Brian Grant then picked the offensive board and dumped it out to Ratchuk who missed another jumper. Grant yet again grabbed the board and sent it back out to Ratchuk for another miss.
The miss was predictably cleaned off the glass by Grant who was finally fouled by the Jazz with 1.4 left on the game clock.
"I told them to foul him," an angry Kirilenko said, "But noone was smart enough." Ron Artest played stellar defence and locked down on the Russian Forward who struggled on both ends of the court.
NOTES:
The Lakers overtook the Sacramento Kings to lead the Pacific Division and are now officially second in the Western Conference... Current Record: 16-8 (9-1, 7-7)
BOXSCORE:
Utah Jazz 108 @ Los Angeles Lakers 110
Mar 12, Los Angeles - The Lakers looked as if they were going to win another easy game. Gordon Giricek didn't give them an easy time doing so. The Croatian Sensation scored 15 oh his game high 30 points in the final quarter and led a Utah Jazz rush home in a failed attempt in catching the Lakers.
Carlos Arroyo finished with 26 and 6 assists, Mehmet Okur had 16 and 12 while Jonathan Bender scored 14 and 8. Head Coahc Jerry Sloan was happy with his team's efforts, "We had the chances but the Lakers were jsut the better team in the end."
Six Lakers scored in double figures and every player played and scored at least one bucket in the match. Kwame Brown who is having a break out season had a triple double, a first in his career. He completed the feat with 13, 14 and 11. Carlos Boozer and bench player Juan Dixon tied as Laker top scorers on 15 apiece.
"Another true team game tongiht," newly named LA General Manager Rudy Tomjanovich said.
The Lakers started out strong and made the Jazz play at its pace. They controlled every aspect of the game from defence, offence, and handling the rock. The Lakers never let anything get out of control. It all worked out and paid off as LA took a double digit lead in the second quarter and kept it that way through to the fourth quarter.
"Up until the end, it was perfect," Rookie Jared Randall stated.
Then the Jazz stepped up with a flurry of three ponit bombs, they were back in the running for the game. "It all happened so fast, I can't even remember what happened!" former Laker Luke Walton exclaimed.
With 1:23 left, the Jazz had already caught up and cut the margin to 2. Giricek sank another three point bomb to put his team ahead by 1. Anthony Palmer then made a surprise long range bomb to put LA back in the lead at 108-106. With 46.7 secodns left, the Lakers forced Bender into a missed shot and the ball was carried downcourt slowly. Fredrik Ratchuck was fouled on his way to the hoop with 18.5 left. The Englishman missed his first and made his second.
The Jazz then quickly converted a jumper from the baseline by Okur. It was then up to Ratchuk to make his two free throws. The Jazz couldn't have asked for more as the PG missed both his free throws however Utah failed to capitalise. Brian Grant then picked the offensive board and dumped it out to Ratchuk who missed another jumper. Grant yet again grabbed the board and sent it back out to Ratchuk for another miss.
The miss was predictably cleaned off the glass by Grant who was finally fouled by the Jazz with 1.4 left on the game clock.
"I told them to foul him," an angry Kirilenko said, "But noone was smart enough." Ron Artest played stellar defence and locked down on the Russian Forward who struggled on both ends of the court.
NOTES:
The Lakers overtook the Sacramento Kings to lead the Pacific Division and are now officially second in the Western Conference... Current Record: 16-8 (9-1, 7-7)
BOXSCORE:
Fri Jun 03, 2005 8:24 pm
General Manager Will Sit Calls It Quits
Mar 12, Los Angeles - The NBA's potential GM of the Year Will Sit has decided to call it quits i nterms of working in the Lakers' Front Offices' top job. The 18 year old announced to media before the Lakers clash with the Utah Jazz and said that, 'It is time to move on."
"It is sad that I have to leave," Sit told reporters, "But I feel that my job in LA is done. I have finished taking them through the rebuilding stage."
The Lakers who hired the Australian before last season were bracing for a tough struggle without Shaquille O'Neal in the paint. To their surprise Kobe Bryant had a career year winning MVP and Defensive Player of the Year. However, the Lakers' success may have relied on Sit's abilities. The Lakers only made the playoffs after acquiring C Kwame Brown in a trade for Devean George. Subsequently, Brown has shone ever since arriving in Los Angeles.
"We will miss him a lot," Head Coach Magic Johnson said. Newly appointed GM Rudy Tomjanovich spoke fondly of his young boss, "The kid is young and he's got potential. What's the point in staying here?"
Sit has decided that he wants to take up a coaching course and will apply for a job as a NBA Head Coach for next season or even maybe in two season's time.
"wherever my job takes me, I will go," He stated.
The decision was a shock to his team and especially Kobe Bryant. Sit's star player has been grateful in being able to have worked with him, "I wish Mr Sit the best in the future. He will be a very successful coach."
Mar 12, Los Angeles - The NBA's potential GM of the Year Will Sit has decided to call it quits i nterms of working in the Lakers' Front Offices' top job. The 18 year old announced to media before the Lakers clash with the Utah Jazz and said that, 'It is time to move on."
"It is sad that I have to leave," Sit told reporters, "But I feel that my job in LA is done. I have finished taking them through the rebuilding stage."
The Lakers who hired the Australian before last season were bracing for a tough struggle without Shaquille O'Neal in the paint. To their surprise Kobe Bryant had a career year winning MVP and Defensive Player of the Year. However, the Lakers' success may have relied on Sit's abilities. The Lakers only made the playoffs after acquiring C Kwame Brown in a trade for Devean George. Subsequently, Brown has shone ever since arriving in Los Angeles.
"We will miss him a lot," Head Coach Magic Johnson said. Newly appointed GM Rudy Tomjanovich spoke fondly of his young boss, "The kid is young and he's got potential. What's the point in staying here?"
Sit has decided that he wants to take up a coaching course and will apply for a job as a NBA Head Coach for next season or even maybe in two season's time.
"wherever my job takes me, I will go," He stated.
The decision was a shock to his team and especially Kobe Bryant. Sit's star player has been grateful in being able to have worked with him, "I wish Mr Sit the best in the future. He will be a very successful coach."
Fri Jun 03, 2005 8:41 pm
Micchy Boy wrote:Artest struggles shooting the ball and Grant never attempted a shot, luckily you pull this one... thanks to Brown
Nice 2OT win
Thanks man! Yes it was all Kwame!
Mafia wrote:WOW! Kwame with 47 points, well I guess you can say he is really living up to his draft pick status Just to think if he made more than half of his free throws Just a little short from the 50-point mark.
Yeah virtual Brown is awesome... real life.. oh boy!
Mafia wrote:Ratchuk had a great game too. Good thing you got the win because it would be pretty bad if Kwame had that great game in a loss, but the Twolves' starters killed you with 4 of the players with 20 or more.
I was so relieved that the Wolves didnt force a third overtime or scroe a cheap shot to win the game... and yes they killed me!
X wrote:it's all about my white boy Freddie Ratchuk
I guess at least Kwame is living up to his No. 1 billing with the Lakers....can't say the same for real life I guess.
Freddie is pretty damn good!
And to everyone: 5 games till the playoffs! I can get the number 1 seed if I win the rest of my games.. the hardest is next: Houston Rockets! A very very crappy Kobe Bryant will be returning in 3 games! And I will be switching teams even if I don't win the NBA Championship except I'm not sure if I will join a team for next season or the year after... what do u guys think?
Fri Jun 03, 2005 8:49 pm
Teams Have Eye on Lakers Former GM
Mar 19, Milwaukee - Many teams have an eye on 18 year old Will Sit. The former manager of the Los Angeles Lakers announced that he would be finishing his contract this season and didn't want to return to the team. One week later, he has been contacted by five NBA teams who are all vying to try and win him.
The Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, New Orleans Hornets, Cleveland Caviliers and Toronto Raptors are all interested in him. All five teams are at the bottom of the league ladder and they all desperately want a new coach and manager.
A Eastern Conference coach said, "(Will) Sit seems like he could coach any of his teams. His front office skills could be useful too."
Sit has stated interest in a possible move down Locker Rooms to the Clippers. There he would move the team to Anaheim where a stadium is being constructed. Donald Sterling told reporters, "Sit has talked to us and as soon as he is freed by his Lakers' duties, we will have further interviews."
Analysts though don't see Sit staying in the Western Conference, arguing that he didn't want to be stuck in a good Conference. Marc Stein said, "Sit will probably end up in the East. I see him most likely moving to even Toronto or Milwaukee where there is a young team or a team which he can discemble at will."
Sit hasn't let anything come out of him except, "I might take a one year break and see what happens."
Mar 19, Milwaukee - Many teams have an eye on 18 year old Will Sit. The former manager of the Los Angeles Lakers announced that he would be finishing his contract this season and didn't want to return to the team. One week later, he has been contacted by five NBA teams who are all vying to try and win him.
The Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, New Orleans Hornets, Cleveland Caviliers and Toronto Raptors are all interested in him. All five teams are at the bottom of the league ladder and they all desperately want a new coach and manager.
A Eastern Conference coach said, "(Will) Sit seems like he could coach any of his teams. His front office skills could be useful too."
Sit has stated interest in a possible move down Locker Rooms to the Clippers. There he would move the team to Anaheim where a stadium is being constructed. Donald Sterling told reporters, "Sit has talked to us and as soon as he is freed by his Lakers' duties, we will have further interviews."
Analysts though don't see Sit staying in the Western Conference, arguing that he didn't want to be stuck in a good Conference. Marc Stein said, "Sit will probably end up in the East. I see him most likely moving to even Toronto or Milwaukee where there is a young team or a team which he can discemble at will."
Sit hasn't let anything come out of him except, "I might take a one year break and see what happens."
Fri Jun 03, 2005 10:39 pm
I take it you're planning on starting a new Dynasty then?
Sat Jun 04, 2005 11:29 am
Lakers Hot From Long Range
Houston Rockets 85 @ Los Angeles Lakers 106
Mar 24, Los Angeles - The Lakers scored 6 three pointers in the fourth quarter in an effort to finish off the Houston Rockets. Ron Artest and Kareem Rush scored 13 and 10 apiece in the final period which proved pivitol to the 21 point blowout win over their opponents.
Kwame Brown once again continued his excellence with 22 points on 10 for 14 shooting. He also added 17 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 blocks; both on Yao Ming. Artest finished with 26 and Rush had 24.
"The advantages of our fast paced offence were seen tonight. Your shooters are opened up and you hit your long range shots," Magic Johnson said happily after the match, "Ron (Artest) isn't a three point shooter but he made a decent ammount of shots because he was open. At this level, you don't miss if you're open."
Yao Ming had trouble getting past the stronger and quicker Kwame Brown. He subsequently had a very modest 17 points, 9 rebound, 6 block game. Tracy Mcgrady was hot with 28 points. "Yao has potential to score 30 points on any night. If he were a bit quicker, he would have gotten to that target tonight," Coach Van Gundy stated.
The Lakers won their 10th home game of the season and it was their 4th straight win thus far as they are about to enter into their home stretch for the postseason. According to Juan Dixon, "We (Lakers) are looking very good. In great form."
LA jumped to an early start behind Kareem Rush's 7 points and Kwame Brown's 6 points in the first quarter. Throughout the game, the home team were able to widen the gap between the two teams however Houston kept coming back to force the margin to slim down to 10. This happened twice but Houston wouldn't be thrid time lucky.
The fourth quarter saw the game start slowly but midway through, Rush and Artest went on their three point rampage and Houston fell behind to 96-74 with 4:27 left. They never recovered.
Kareem Rush said after the match, "Houston is a possible first round opponent. I hope we play them becuase they have been the easiest Western Conference opponents this season!"
NOTES:
Houston is hovering around the 6th to 8th seedings and playing the in the first round is a possibility... SG Kobe Bryant may make a return in the next game against the Cleveland Cavaliers... Kwame Brown's name has been thrown around the NBA as a possible MVP candidate... Current Record: 17-8 (10-1, 7-7)
BOXSCORE:
Houston Rockets 85 @ Los Angeles Lakers 106
Mar 24, Los Angeles - The Lakers scored 6 three pointers in the fourth quarter in an effort to finish off the Houston Rockets. Ron Artest and Kareem Rush scored 13 and 10 apiece in the final period which proved pivitol to the 21 point blowout win over their opponents.
Kwame Brown once again continued his excellence with 22 points on 10 for 14 shooting. He also added 17 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 blocks; both on Yao Ming. Artest finished with 26 and Rush had 24.
"The advantages of our fast paced offence were seen tonight. Your shooters are opened up and you hit your long range shots," Magic Johnson said happily after the match, "Ron (Artest) isn't a three point shooter but he made a decent ammount of shots because he was open. At this level, you don't miss if you're open."
Yao Ming had trouble getting past the stronger and quicker Kwame Brown. He subsequently had a very modest 17 points, 9 rebound, 6 block game. Tracy Mcgrady was hot with 28 points. "Yao has potential to score 30 points on any night. If he were a bit quicker, he would have gotten to that target tonight," Coach Van Gundy stated.
The Lakers won their 10th home game of the season and it was their 4th straight win thus far as they are about to enter into their home stretch for the postseason. According to Juan Dixon, "We (Lakers) are looking very good. In great form."
LA jumped to an early start behind Kareem Rush's 7 points and Kwame Brown's 6 points in the first quarter. Throughout the game, the home team were able to widen the gap between the two teams however Houston kept coming back to force the margin to slim down to 10. This happened twice but Houston wouldn't be thrid time lucky.
The fourth quarter saw the game start slowly but midway through, Rush and Artest went on their three point rampage and Houston fell behind to 96-74 with 4:27 left. They never recovered.
Kareem Rush said after the match, "Houston is a possible first round opponent. I hope we play them becuase they have been the easiest Western Conference opponents this season!"
NOTES:
Houston is hovering around the 6th to 8th seedings and playing the in the first round is a possibility... SG Kobe Bryant may make a return in the next game against the Cleveland Cavaliers... Kwame Brown's name has been thrown around the NBA as a possible MVP candidate... Current Record: 17-8 (10-1, 7-7)
BOXSCORE:
Sat Jun 04, 2005 11:31 am
come on man, answer Andrew's question 
will me see Sit coaching or GM-ing a new team
will me see Sit coaching or GM-ing a new team
Sat Jun 04, 2005 11:37 am
Ohhh.... If you are changing jobs, go to the Raptors!!!!!!
Huge win over Houston too, liking the Brown/Rush/Artest combo too.... The next big three
Huge win over Houston too, liking the Brown/Rush/Artest combo too.... The next big three
Sat Jun 04, 2005 11:45 am
You will see!
Anyone have any preferences???
Anyone have any preferences???
Sat Jun 04, 2005 12:17 pm
March Recap
1 Apr, Los Angeles
The Lakers keep on rolling after picking up their fourth straight win, they are looking down at the Playoffs which will begin in one month's time. In the month of March, the Lakers shook off a midseason slump and went 4-1. Now, they have a chance at stealing the Number 1 seed from the Denver Nuggets whom they are only 0.5 GB.
Kwame Brown stepped up once more and averaged a mind-boggling 25 ppg, 16 rpg, 6 apg, 1 spg, 1.5 bpg in only 37 mpg. His shooting percentage stayed steady since his February Player of the Month performance at 60%. "Kwame's sudden outburst is why the Lakers are winning," Detroit Pistons' coach Larry Brown said.
The highlight of the month was a double overtime win against the Minnsota Timberwolves. The game saw Kwame smash his career high in points by scoring 47. In the next game, Brown had another career first: his first NBA triple double. "Kwame Brown has been a surprise to all of us," former coach Eddie Jordan said in Washington.
The Lakers' General Manager Will Sit announced to his decision to step down as Lakers GM. The 18 year old told Press that "It is time to move on." Rudy Tomjanovich has taken up duties as GM and Will Sit is expected to be leaving the orginisation after the Lakers' postseaosn regardless of whether they win the Championship.
NBA Players of the Month
The Boston Celtics surged towards a playoff spot with a 6-1 record for the month. It wouldn't have happened without Paul Pierce. 'P-Dub' averaged 25.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 6.0 apg and 1.8 spg to lead his team into the Eastern Conferecnce's Top 4 teams as of last week. "Paul is playing outstanding basketball," Teammate Ricky Davis stated.
Pierce's pass to Davis for a game winning layup completed a 27 point, 7 rebound, 4 assist outing against the Atlanta Hawks in a 101-100 victory. His 16 point fourth quarter against the Knicks helped the Celtics come back in a 107-103 win. Pierce scored 35 points and dished ou 11 assists in a 102-81 thumping of the Hosuton Rockets and in a 102-84 win over the San Antonio Spurs, Peirce finished with 21, 8, 5 and 4 steals.
Kevin Garnett won another Player of the Month award with his 23.3 ppg, 17.2 rpg, 3.7 apg, 3.0 bpg and 2.1 spg effort for March. His team went 4-2 as they race towards a Top 4 ranking in the Western Conference. "Kevin is going to be the MVP," Flip Saunders said, "That is for sure!"
Garnett was outstanding in a 125-123 double overitme loss to the Lakers as he finished on a tally of 24 points, 28 rebounds and 5 blocks. He dominated with 31 points in a 91-77 win over the Golden State Warriors and scored a month low 15 points but added 14 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals against the Seattle Supersonics in a 102-82 win. Garnett was deadly from mid range as he hit a game winner with 4.2 seconds left against the New Jersey Nets in a 92-90 victory.
GotMilk? Rookies of the Month
6'9" Stanford Product Kosi Rayner had an outstanding month for the Nets who went 3-4. Kosi averaged 15.6 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 2.3 apg and 1.8 bpg. In a 108-81 win over the Golden State Warriors, Rayner scored 22 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. His block in the final minute of regulation which led to a fast break point by Jason Kidd helped the Nets pull off a 97-95 win past the Boston Celtics and he once again played well in a game against Cleveland. In a 97-76 win, Rayner scored 18 points, 14 rebounds and blocked 4 shots.
After a very good effort in the Rookie-Sophomore game, Priest Askins was awarded a starting spot by the Phoenix Suns. However, it may have backfired as the Suns are on a four game losing streak after going 1-5 for the duration of march and are on the verge of missing the playoffs for the second year in a row. The first overall draft pick showed that as an individual, he has what it takes to play well.
Askins averaged 11.5 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 3.7 apg, 2.0 bpg and 1.17 spg which showed the 6'10" Perdue PF has a great array of skill. "Priest is good, he just needs a chance to show it," Quentin Richardson said. In a 100-98 loss to the Indiana Pacers, Askins was able to score a career high 13 points and added 9 rebounds. In a 102-89 triumph over the Portland Trailblazers, Askins contributed 8 points, 9 reboudns and 5 assists.
MVP Candidates (As of 1/4/06)
Rank. Position Name Team | PPG | RPG | APG | BPG | SPG |
1. PF Kevin Garnett, MIN | 23.9 | 12.9 | 3.5 | 2.82 | 2.00 |
2. C Shaquille O'neal, MIA | 24.6 | 14.3 | 1.9 | 2.11 | 0.81 |
3. C Yao Ming, HOU | 22.1 | 10.5 | 2.2 | 2.42 | 1.15 |
4. SG Ray Allen, SEA | 24.0 | 5.0 | 4.3 | 0.46 | 1.50 |
5. SF Rahard Lewis, SEA | 21.1 | 9.0 | 2.5 | 1.14 | 1.57 |
Western Conference Playoff Race
Four teams are at the very end of the playoff race. Dallas, Houston, Phoenix and Utah are only 2.5 games within eachother and with the final month of competition to come, which team will falter?
8. Dallas 14-11 -- [The Mavs need to win at least 3 of their 4 games to clinch 8th seed]
---
9. Houston 12-14 2.5 GB [It would be disappointing to see Yao and T-Mac miss the postseason]
10. Phoenix 12-14 2.5 GB [Talk about tough luck, Askins' starting has made the team drop to 10th]
11. Utah 11-13 2.5 GB [The Jazz just can't get it right, it's up to AK-47 to get them back into the playoffs!]
1 Apr, Los Angeles
The Lakers keep on rolling after picking up their fourth straight win, they are looking down at the Playoffs which will begin in one month's time. In the month of March, the Lakers shook off a midseason slump and went 4-1. Now, they have a chance at stealing the Number 1 seed from the Denver Nuggets whom they are only 0.5 GB.
Kwame Brown stepped up once more and averaged a mind-boggling 25 ppg, 16 rpg, 6 apg, 1 spg, 1.5 bpg in only 37 mpg. His shooting percentage stayed steady since his February Player of the Month performance at 60%. "Kwame's sudden outburst is why the Lakers are winning," Detroit Pistons' coach Larry Brown said.
The highlight of the month was a double overtime win against the Minnsota Timberwolves. The game saw Kwame smash his career high in points by scoring 47. In the next game, Brown had another career first: his first NBA triple double. "Kwame Brown has been a surprise to all of us," former coach Eddie Jordan said in Washington.
The Lakers' General Manager Will Sit announced to his decision to step down as Lakers GM. The 18 year old told Press that "It is time to move on." Rudy Tomjanovich has taken up duties as GM and Will Sit is expected to be leaving the orginisation after the Lakers' postseaosn regardless of whether they win the Championship.
NBA Players of the Month
The Boston Celtics surged towards a playoff spot with a 6-1 record for the month. It wouldn't have happened without Paul Pierce. 'P-Dub' averaged 25.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 6.0 apg and 1.8 spg to lead his team into the Eastern Conferecnce's Top 4 teams as of last week. "Paul is playing outstanding basketball," Teammate Ricky Davis stated.
Pierce's pass to Davis for a game winning layup completed a 27 point, 7 rebound, 4 assist outing against the Atlanta Hawks in a 101-100 victory. His 16 point fourth quarter against the Knicks helped the Celtics come back in a 107-103 win. Pierce scored 35 points and dished ou 11 assists in a 102-81 thumping of the Hosuton Rockets and in a 102-84 win over the San Antonio Spurs, Peirce finished with 21, 8, 5 and 4 steals.
Kevin Garnett won another Player of the Month award with his 23.3 ppg, 17.2 rpg, 3.7 apg, 3.0 bpg and 2.1 spg effort for March. His team went 4-2 as they race towards a Top 4 ranking in the Western Conference. "Kevin is going to be the MVP," Flip Saunders said, "That is for sure!"
Garnett was outstanding in a 125-123 double overitme loss to the Lakers as he finished on a tally of 24 points, 28 rebounds and 5 blocks. He dominated with 31 points in a 91-77 win over the Golden State Warriors and scored a month low 15 points but added 14 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals against the Seattle Supersonics in a 102-82 win. Garnett was deadly from mid range as he hit a game winner with 4.2 seconds left against the New Jersey Nets in a 92-90 victory.
GotMilk? Rookies of the Month
6'9" Stanford Product Kosi Rayner had an outstanding month for the Nets who went 3-4. Kosi averaged 15.6 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 2.3 apg and 1.8 bpg. In a 108-81 win over the Golden State Warriors, Rayner scored 22 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. His block in the final minute of regulation which led to a fast break point by Jason Kidd helped the Nets pull off a 97-95 win past the Boston Celtics and he once again played well in a game against Cleveland. In a 97-76 win, Rayner scored 18 points, 14 rebounds and blocked 4 shots.
After a very good effort in the Rookie-Sophomore game, Priest Askins was awarded a starting spot by the Phoenix Suns. However, it may have backfired as the Suns are on a four game losing streak after going 1-5 for the duration of march and are on the verge of missing the playoffs for the second year in a row. The first overall draft pick showed that as an individual, he has what it takes to play well.
Askins averaged 11.5 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 3.7 apg, 2.0 bpg and 1.17 spg which showed the 6'10" Perdue PF has a great array of skill. "Priest is good, he just needs a chance to show it," Quentin Richardson said. In a 100-98 loss to the Indiana Pacers, Askins was able to score a career high 13 points and added 9 rebounds. In a 102-89 triumph over the Portland Trailblazers, Askins contributed 8 points, 9 reboudns and 5 assists.
MVP Candidates (As of 1/4/06)
Rank. Position Name Team | PPG | RPG | APG | BPG | SPG |
1. PF Kevin Garnett, MIN | 23.9 | 12.9 | 3.5 | 2.82 | 2.00 |
2. C Shaquille O'neal, MIA | 24.6 | 14.3 | 1.9 | 2.11 | 0.81 |
3. C Yao Ming, HOU | 22.1 | 10.5 | 2.2 | 2.42 | 1.15 |
4. SG Ray Allen, SEA | 24.0 | 5.0 | 4.3 | 0.46 | 1.50 |
5. SF Rahard Lewis, SEA | 21.1 | 9.0 | 2.5 | 1.14 | 1.57 |
Western Conference Playoff Race
Four teams are at the very end of the playoff race. Dallas, Houston, Phoenix and Utah are only 2.5 games within eachother and with the final month of competition to come, which team will falter?
8. Dallas 14-11 -- [The Mavs need to win at least 3 of their 4 games to clinch 8th seed]
---
9. Houston 12-14 2.5 GB [It would be disappointing to see Yao and T-Mac miss the postseason]
10. Phoenix 12-14 2.5 GB [Talk about tough luck, Askins' starting has made the team drop to 10th]
11. Utah 11-13 2.5 GB [The Jazz just can't get it right, it's up to AK-47 to get them back into the playoffs!]
Sat Jun 04, 2005 2:05 pm
Moten Twins Lead 'Cuse To NCAA Championship
(1) Syracuse 85 vs. (8) Oklahoma State 83
Apr 3, Memphis - The Orange Men won another NCAA title thanks to their two seniors: the Moten twins. 6'2" Haydn helped run a near perfect offence and played unselfishly finishing the title game with 14 points, 8 assists and 3 steals. Brother 6'7" Anthony top scored for Syracuse with 22 points on a blistering display of shooting in which he scored on a wide array of offensive moves.
"The Motens were too hard to contain," Cowboy's SG Bryan Cooper said, "They were experienced and we rushed things too often tonight." Cooper, Oklahoma State's highest ranked high school recruit in the school's history missed the potential game tying shot. The freshman finished the game with a game high 26 points on 7 for 12 shooting from the field, 2 for 3 from three point range and didn't miss a free throw by going 7 for 7 from the free throw line. The 6'7" SG also added 5 rebounds and 4 steals to his boxscore.
"It was a disappointing that we couldn't get it done in the end," Oklahoma State Center Jon Budden said, "Bryan did a lot for us, we're going to miss him next year!"
Cooper who averaged 19.2 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 4.1 apg and 2.02 spg for Oklahoma State this season won Big 12 Freshman of the Year honours and is expected to declare for the NBA Draft. His draft stock rose considerably over the period of the NCAA Tourney.
In their game against Albany, Cooper lead the Cowboys to a surprise comeback win over Albany and Cooper's Big 12 rival Zach Blain. The 6'6" senior had the upperhand for most of the game before the younger and much faster Cooper took over by scoring 12 of his 24 points in the final 5 minutes. Cooper limited Blain to 2 of 8 shooting in the same period of time as the Cowboys won 65-57.
Blain praised the young man, "Bryan has a big future. He is very good, even a tad underrated."
From that game on, Cooper has averaged a nation leading 27 ppg, 8 rpg and 3 spg. In an upset win over America's best college team Duke, Cooper scored 32 points and grabbed 11 rebounds which had media swarming him and NBA scouts following him for the rest of the tournament. The quiet spoken Cooper didn't let the new found attention get to his head. "I just come to play," He said in a recent interview.
Oklahoma State's path to the Finals was a surprising one whereas Syracuse's seemed to have been destined as they were pitted against very average teams with their hardest game coming up against the 8th seeded Missouri Tigers led by Sophomore Erick Gardin, in the Semi Finals.
Gardin, tipped as the NBA's definite second overall Draft Pick next season; only behind European Sensation Luc Kaberle, gave the Orange Men their only challenge in the whole tournament before they met Oklahoma State. The 6'10" 20 year old dominated with 32 points and 13 rebounds and helped his team get within 5 points of reaching the NCAA Final. It was the Moten Twins' experience that helped Syracuse win the game 88-84.
Haydn led the charge with 17 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 steals and helped his brother top the 25 ponit mark. Anthony finished with 26 points and 7 rebounds while holding opposition SF Craig Wethers to 11 points on 4 for 16 shooting. It was Anthony who forced Wethers into a missed jumper then straight after, it was Haydn who hit two free throws to ice the game with 2.2 seconds left.
"We had an easy time getting to the Finals," Haydn said. Team captain Anthony added, "Oklahoma State gave us a tough tiem today but in the end we scraped through."
Haydn Moten was the Big East's Senior of the Year after averaging 12 ppg, 4 rpg, 2.4 spg and a Nation leading 7.2 apg. Anthony won a Syracuse Team MVP which was voted by his teammates after ranking 11th in the nation in scoring with 22.4 ppg.
"We had a great team this year. It is fitting that we win it (NCAA) in our final year," Anthony stated after their win.
Syracuse were favorites to win the game and it looked like it as the took a commanding 14 point lead by halftime. A highlight of the first half was the Moten to Moten alley oop which brang the crowd to its feet. Then the race was on for Bryan Cooper to bring his team back into the game with back to back three pointers and a monster tomahawk jam. The Cowboys had the game tied at 81-81 with only 2:12 to play.
Haydn then converted after performing a 'killer crossover' that left his opponent stunned in his place and put Syracuse up 83-81. Cooper was the go to guy on the following play and had an open jump shot from 15 feet out. However, he opted to make the pass of the tournament, going behind the back and bouncing it between two Orange men to PF Sam Johns who dunked the ball to knot the score. Syracuse called a timeout with 43.2 seconds left to set up their game winning play. Anthony and Haydn would get their last ever Syracuse designated play before heading off to the NBA.
Haydn received the ball at the top of the key and drove in towards the hoop. He leapt up in an effort to finger roll the ball but at the blink of an eye whipped the ball to his left and threw a crackling pass to his open brother. Anthnoy then let fly an 18 footer which swished through the net to send the sea of orange on their feet in the stands. The Cowboys called a timeout and allowed Cooper to hold onto the ball until there was 5.6 ticks on the clock left. Cooper shot the ball but let out a shout when the ball hit the iron. Syracuse rebounded the ball and held onto it and when the buzzer sounded, the celebrations began.
As the confetti flew from the rafters up above, Nuggets swingman Carmelo Anthony rushed on court to hug the Moten duo. "I played with those two when I was with the team. They are great guys!" Carmelo said, "I can't wait to meet them in the NBA."
NOTES:
PG Haydn Moten is listed as a possible Top 5 NBA Draft pick, SF Anthony Moten is listed as a Top 20 pick... SG Bryan Cooper met with the Press to annoucne that he had signed an agent and will start to meet NBA teams next month... PF Erick Gardin, Missouri averaged a nation leading 24 ppg and 12.7 rpg...
(1) Syracuse 85 vs. (8) Oklahoma State 83
Apr 3, Memphis - The Orange Men won another NCAA title thanks to their two seniors: the Moten twins. 6'2" Haydn helped run a near perfect offence and played unselfishly finishing the title game with 14 points, 8 assists and 3 steals. Brother 6'7" Anthony top scored for Syracuse with 22 points on a blistering display of shooting in which he scored on a wide array of offensive moves.
"The Motens were too hard to contain," Cowboy's SG Bryan Cooper said, "They were experienced and we rushed things too often tonight." Cooper, Oklahoma State's highest ranked high school recruit in the school's history missed the potential game tying shot. The freshman finished the game with a game high 26 points on 7 for 12 shooting from the field, 2 for 3 from three point range and didn't miss a free throw by going 7 for 7 from the free throw line. The 6'7" SG also added 5 rebounds and 4 steals to his boxscore.
"It was a disappointing that we couldn't get it done in the end," Oklahoma State Center Jon Budden said, "Bryan did a lot for us, we're going to miss him next year!"
Cooper who averaged 19.2 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 4.1 apg and 2.02 spg for Oklahoma State this season won Big 12 Freshman of the Year honours and is expected to declare for the NBA Draft. His draft stock rose considerably over the period of the NCAA Tourney.
In their game against Albany, Cooper lead the Cowboys to a surprise comeback win over Albany and Cooper's Big 12 rival Zach Blain. The 6'6" senior had the upperhand for most of the game before the younger and much faster Cooper took over by scoring 12 of his 24 points in the final 5 minutes. Cooper limited Blain to 2 of 8 shooting in the same period of time as the Cowboys won 65-57.
Blain praised the young man, "Bryan has a big future. He is very good, even a tad underrated."
From that game on, Cooper has averaged a nation leading 27 ppg, 8 rpg and 3 spg. In an upset win over America's best college team Duke, Cooper scored 32 points and grabbed 11 rebounds which had media swarming him and NBA scouts following him for the rest of the tournament. The quiet spoken Cooper didn't let the new found attention get to his head. "I just come to play," He said in a recent interview.
Oklahoma State's path to the Finals was a surprising one whereas Syracuse's seemed to have been destined as they were pitted against very average teams with their hardest game coming up against the 8th seeded Missouri Tigers led by Sophomore Erick Gardin, in the Semi Finals.
Gardin, tipped as the NBA's definite second overall Draft Pick next season; only behind European Sensation Luc Kaberle, gave the Orange Men their only challenge in the whole tournament before they met Oklahoma State. The 6'10" 20 year old dominated with 32 points and 13 rebounds and helped his team get within 5 points of reaching the NCAA Final. It was the Moten Twins' experience that helped Syracuse win the game 88-84.
Haydn led the charge with 17 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 steals and helped his brother top the 25 ponit mark. Anthony finished with 26 points and 7 rebounds while holding opposition SF Craig Wethers to 11 points on 4 for 16 shooting. It was Anthony who forced Wethers into a missed jumper then straight after, it was Haydn who hit two free throws to ice the game with 2.2 seconds left.
"We had an easy time getting to the Finals," Haydn said. Team captain Anthony added, "Oklahoma State gave us a tough tiem today but in the end we scraped through."
Haydn Moten was the Big East's Senior of the Year after averaging 12 ppg, 4 rpg, 2.4 spg and a Nation leading 7.2 apg. Anthony won a Syracuse Team MVP which was voted by his teammates after ranking 11th in the nation in scoring with 22.4 ppg.
"We had a great team this year. It is fitting that we win it (NCAA) in our final year," Anthony stated after their win.
Syracuse were favorites to win the game and it looked like it as the took a commanding 14 point lead by halftime. A highlight of the first half was the Moten to Moten alley oop which brang the crowd to its feet. Then the race was on for Bryan Cooper to bring his team back into the game with back to back three pointers and a monster tomahawk jam. The Cowboys had the game tied at 81-81 with only 2:12 to play.
Haydn then converted after performing a 'killer crossover' that left his opponent stunned in his place and put Syracuse up 83-81. Cooper was the go to guy on the following play and had an open jump shot from 15 feet out. However, he opted to make the pass of the tournament, going behind the back and bouncing it between two Orange men to PF Sam Johns who dunked the ball to knot the score. Syracuse called a timeout with 43.2 seconds left to set up their game winning play. Anthony and Haydn would get their last ever Syracuse designated play before heading off to the NBA.
Haydn received the ball at the top of the key and drove in towards the hoop. He leapt up in an effort to finger roll the ball but at the blink of an eye whipped the ball to his left and threw a crackling pass to his open brother. Anthnoy then let fly an 18 footer which swished through the net to send the sea of orange on their feet in the stands. The Cowboys called a timeout and allowed Cooper to hold onto the ball until there was 5.6 ticks on the clock left. Cooper shot the ball but let out a shout when the ball hit the iron. Syracuse rebounded the ball and held onto it and when the buzzer sounded, the celebrations began.
As the confetti flew from the rafters up above, Nuggets swingman Carmelo Anthony rushed on court to hug the Moten duo. "I played with those two when I was with the team. They are great guys!" Carmelo said, "I can't wait to meet them in the NBA."
NOTES:
PG Haydn Moten is listed as a possible Top 5 NBA Draft pick, SF Anthony Moten is listed as a Top 20 pick... SG Bryan Cooper met with the Press to annoucne that he had signed an agent and will start to meet NBA teams next month... PF Erick Gardin, Missouri averaged a nation leading 24 ppg and 12.7 rpg...
Last edited by Fresh8 on Sat Jun 04, 2005 4:59 pm, edited 3 times in total.
Sat Jun 04, 2005 2:44 pm
luvin' the college update
are those Moten twins any relation to Lawrence Moten?!?
are those Moten twins any relation to Lawrence Moten?!?
Sat Jun 04, 2005 2:50 pm
Pretty freaky... the motens and all the rookies i said were created by the Sim engine. I looked up Lawrence and hes a Syracuse Grad too! Both motens in the game are from Syracuse... they're all around 10 years apart... I can make them his cousins lol
Last edited by Fresh8 on Sat Jun 04, 2005 3:10 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Sat Jun 04, 2005 3:01 pm
yep, when I heard the name Moten, I thought immediately of Lawrence....unfortunately he didn't cut it in the NBA....don't know where he ended up....Siberia, who knows....
Sat Jun 04, 2005 3:03 pm
I like how you added the NCAA CHampionship score in there Cusby. Good job
Sat Jun 04, 2005 3:28 pm
Nice touch adding the NCAA recap. Good read.
Sat Jun 04, 2005 7:32 pm
Big Payday for Four Lakers
Apr 3, Los Angeles - Rudy Tomjanovich shook the hands of Kareem Rush, Brian Grant, Juan Dixon and Kyle Korver and said, "Unfinished business." The Lakers and the players signed contract extensions as they looked toward the long term engagements they would endure together.
"These four guys are important to our team's success in the future, I'm glad they are going to play for us for a lot longer than this season!"
SG Kareem Rush has played a very good season, stepping in for the injured Kobe Bryant and has proven capable of scoring at least 20 points whenever he is needed to. PG Juan Dixon has repeatedly proved that he is the best sixth man in the NBA with his ability to come off the pine and contribute straight away. PF Brian Grant has been instrumental in many wins for the lakers recently with his ability to clean up off the glass while SG Kyle Korver's shooting touch has returned as the player's form has too.
Rush's contract expires this season and he signed a three year extension in the anticipation that the Lakers had a good enough team to be able to perform at a high level for the next five years. Dixon and Korver both signed on for three more years each while Brian Grant added another 1 to his 2 years remaining.
"This is the beginning of a new era of dominance for the Lakers franchise!" Kobe Bryant said.
Apr 3, Los Angeles - Rudy Tomjanovich shook the hands of Kareem Rush, Brian Grant, Juan Dixon and Kyle Korver and said, "Unfinished business." The Lakers and the players signed contract extensions as they looked toward the long term engagements they would endure together.
"These four guys are important to our team's success in the future, I'm glad they are going to play for us for a lot longer than this season!"
SG Kareem Rush has played a very good season, stepping in for the injured Kobe Bryant and has proven capable of scoring at least 20 points whenever he is needed to. PG Juan Dixon has repeatedly proved that he is the best sixth man in the NBA with his ability to come off the pine and contribute straight away. PF Brian Grant has been instrumental in many wins for the lakers recently with his ability to clean up off the glass while SG Kyle Korver's shooting touch has returned as the player's form has too.
Rush's contract expires this season and he signed a three year extension in the anticipation that the Lakers had a good enough team to be able to perform at a high level for the next five years. Dixon and Korver both signed on for three more years each while Brian Grant added another 1 to his 2 years remaining.
"This is the beginning of a new era of dominance for the Lakers franchise!" Kobe Bryant said.
Last edited by Fresh8 on Mon Jun 06, 2005 9:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Sun Jun 05, 2005 9:11 pm
This is as great as chocolate pudding, Cusby.
Mon Jun 06, 2005 8:14 pm
Kobe Bryant Wins Game on Return
Cleveland Cavaliers 80 @ Los Angeles Lakers 82
Apr 3, Los Angeles - Kobe Bryant's return wasn't a typical one. The Lakers star was clearly still feeling the effects of his injury as he basically limped all over the court and helped salvage a Lakers victory. A clearly fatigued and much slower Byrant scored 5 points in the fourth quarter, all on free throws but more impressive was the fact that they all came in the final 3 minutes of regulation in a period of time where the home team took their only lead in the final three quarters of the match and held on to win.
Bryant scored the winning free throws with 0.2 seconds left in the game to avoid an overtime period against the Cavaliers. Bryant completed a Lakers 7-2 run that stole the game from the Cavs as the stunned away side came to grips with their loss. LeBron James was distraught, "We can't keep sliding like this. I don't want to miss the playoffs again. We had it in the bag but we let a cripple take over in the end."
The Cavs never let the Lakers overtake them since the start of the second quarter and had a commanding 14 point lead early in the final period. James scored 11 of his team's fourth quarter points but it wasn't enough to keep his team ahead. His teammate Zydranus Ilgauskus had a double double of 14 and 18 while Jeff Mcinnis chipped in 18 points but noone else stepped up.
"I can't do everything myself," James complained to his teammates after the match, clearly very pained to have lost such a close game especially after he was the one who tied the game at 80-80 with 28 ticks left on the clock. He finished on 21 points.
Bryant finished with 9, 8 and 7 in just 19 minutes of game time. The star SG was cheered on by his home crowd at STAPLES center and he raised his finger at his bench to signal he was back after hitting the game winning free throws. The crowd roared, "MVP" in approval as he led his team off the court.
The Lakers didn't play their typical fast paced basketball and watched on as Kwame Brown fell victum to foul trouble. Kareem Rush also had a horrible shooting display. Luckily, Brian Grant had his running shoes on as he finished with a monster 10 points and 17 rebounds off the bench. He scored 8 fourth quarter points and helped Los Angeles make their steady comeback.
After the game, Bryant did complain that his ankle didn't feel right, "My ankle ain't holding up too well."
NOTES:
SG Kobe Bryant is doubtful for the game against the Denver Nuggets... Los Angeles has moved into the 1st seeding for the Western Conference... If they defeat Denver, they should clinch first place... PG Shane Heal made his Lakers debut... Current Record: 18-8 (11-1, 7-7)
BOXSCORE:
Cleveland Cavaliers 80 @ Los Angeles Lakers 82
Apr 3, Los Angeles - Kobe Bryant's return wasn't a typical one. The Lakers star was clearly still feeling the effects of his injury as he basically limped all over the court and helped salvage a Lakers victory. A clearly fatigued and much slower Byrant scored 5 points in the fourth quarter, all on free throws but more impressive was the fact that they all came in the final 3 minutes of regulation in a period of time where the home team took their only lead in the final three quarters of the match and held on to win.
Bryant scored the winning free throws with 0.2 seconds left in the game to avoid an overtime period against the Cavaliers. Bryant completed a Lakers 7-2 run that stole the game from the Cavs as the stunned away side came to grips with their loss. LeBron James was distraught, "We can't keep sliding like this. I don't want to miss the playoffs again. We had it in the bag but we let a cripple take over in the end."
The Cavs never let the Lakers overtake them since the start of the second quarter and had a commanding 14 point lead early in the final period. James scored 11 of his team's fourth quarter points but it wasn't enough to keep his team ahead. His teammate Zydranus Ilgauskus had a double double of 14 and 18 while Jeff Mcinnis chipped in 18 points but noone else stepped up.
"I can't do everything myself," James complained to his teammates after the match, clearly very pained to have lost such a close game especially after he was the one who tied the game at 80-80 with 28 ticks left on the clock. He finished on 21 points.
Bryant finished with 9, 8 and 7 in just 19 minutes of game time. The star SG was cheered on by his home crowd at STAPLES center and he raised his finger at his bench to signal he was back after hitting the game winning free throws. The crowd roared, "MVP" in approval as he led his team off the court.
The Lakers didn't play their typical fast paced basketball and watched on as Kwame Brown fell victum to foul trouble. Kareem Rush also had a horrible shooting display. Luckily, Brian Grant had his running shoes on as he finished with a monster 10 points and 17 rebounds off the bench. He scored 8 fourth quarter points and helped Los Angeles make their steady comeback.
After the game, Bryant did complain that his ankle didn't feel right, "My ankle ain't holding up too well."
NOTES:
SG Kobe Bryant is doubtful for the game against the Denver Nuggets... Los Angeles has moved into the 1st seeding for the Western Conference... If they defeat Denver, they should clinch first place... PG Shane Heal made his Lakers debut... Current Record: 18-8 (11-1, 7-7)
BOXSCORE:
Tue Jun 07, 2005 3:39 pm
Good win, great performance by Kobe in limited minutes. How long until his injury is fully healed?
Tue Jun 07, 2005 4:37 pm
Kobe looks to have come back with an attitude change....7 boards, 8 assists shame about the 4 TO's though, at least some things stay the same
shame about the 4 TO's though, at least some things stay the same
Wed Jun 08, 2005 7:45 pm
3 more virtual weeks... next Game is against Denver to decide the Number One Seed in the West... we're tied right now!
Kobe will be fit for the very last game of the season... theres two more games till then! 3 games till the playoffs!
Kobe will be fit for the very last game of the season... theres two more games till then! 3 games till the playoffs!
Wed Jun 08, 2005 11:22 pm
sweet....we'll be going into playoffs at the same time
and just noticed that OSU was a No. 8 seed that advanced through to the NCAA Championship game that's almost unheard of....so they finished better than about 28-30 teams that were ranked higher than them....go the Cowboys, too bad they screwed up my NCAA bracket in real life 
and just noticed that OSU was a No. 8 seed that advanced through to the NCAA Championship game
that's almost unheard of....so they finished better than about 28-30 teams that were ranked higher than them....go the Cowboys, too bad they screwed up my NCAA bracket in real life