San Antonio Spurs: For Old Time Sake | 2k13 Association

[Maniak]

Welcome to my NBA 2k13 Association thread. I will be controlling the San Antonio Spurs for one season. Here are the settings I am using, along with what custom sliders and rosters I will use.

Start Date: Beginning of Season
Season Length: 82 Games
Team Chemistry: On
Player Roles: Off
Progressive Fatigue: Off
Trade Deadline: On
Trade Override: Off
Allow CPU Trades: On
Preseason Games: On
Injuries: On
Fantasy Draft: None
Customize League: Off
All Playoff series are Best of 7
Quarter Length: 9 Minutes
Sim Quarter Length: 11 Minutes
Custom Sliders are copied from OperationSports user schnaidt1’s “Holy Game Play Batman”
Rosters are Bedwardsroy19 & Team’s 2k13 Roster Project, found again on OperationSports

I plan on playing through the first 10 games or so of the season and then just doing weekly recaps until around the all-star time. I will play a few games around there, then sim more doing recaps, and then for the last 10 games or so I will also play them myself. I will play all playoff games (provided I make the playoffs, haha). I will do around the league stuff as well, covering injuries, transactions, rumors, and more. There will be features such as Spurs player twitters, articles, and more.

I hope you enjoy reading and I await your feedback, praise, hate, etc.

Notable updates (articles and whatnot) :

clippersfan86 update #1 (http://insidehoops.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8421685&postcount=31)
clippersfan86 update #2 (http://insidehoops.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8428760&postcount=41)
How Deep? A look at the spurs title hopes (http://insidehoops.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8443148&postcount=62)
trades anyone? pt1 (http://insidehoops.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8445965&postcount=76)
trades anyone? pt2 (http://insidehoops.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8445971&postcount=77)
Bledsoe trade announcement (http://insidehoops.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8452732&postcount=99)
all-star starters announced (http://insidehoops.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8455858&postcount=104)
other all-star stuff (http://insidehoops.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8456053&postcount=105)
greg monroe trade announcement per woj (http://insidehoops.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8459158&postcount=111)
r.c. buford presser highlights (http://insidehoops.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8468564&postcount=120)

[Maniak]

End of Regular Season Team Stats
http://i.imgur.com/Frjp3m8.png

http://i.imgur.com/KIoy6bH.png

Spurs Injury Report:

[Maniak]

http://i.imgur.com/FpnaOXD.png
http://i.imgur.com/5NaNjN9.png
Scoring title went to Carmelo Anthony, who averaged 30.2ppg (2476 total points)

[Maniak]

http://gyazo.com/b0ce60942e27697a332bd454c342f20d.png

[Maniak]

October 24th, 2012


So…what now? 2012-13 Spurs Season Preview

Coming off of a disappointing 4-2 loss to the Thunder in the Western Conference Finals, this season may be the Big Three’s final shot at another ring.

http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/002/253/484/142048104_crop_650x440.jpg


Age is a cruel mistress. Tim Duncan (36), Tony Parker (30), and Manu Ginobili (35) learned that the hard way in the Western Conference Finals against the young Spurs core of Kevin Durant (24), Russell Westbrook (23), and James Harden (23). That’s all in the past now, and the Spurs have to look forward to [hopefully] better and brighter things in the upcoming season.

The Spurs lost nobody in the offseason, re-signing Tim Duncan, Danny Green, Boris Diaw, and Patty Mills. However nothing was gained either, and when teams like the Lakers and the Heat further improve their rosters, one has to wonder where San Antonio sits. Well according to NBA.com, they are #1 headed into the season.

Despite no big name new faces, the Spurs retaining franchise cornerstone Tim Duncan (15.4ppg/9.0rpg/1.5bpg on 49% from the field in 28mpg) as well as fourth year player Danny Green who saw increases across the board on his statistics with a 11.6mpg increase last season was very pivotal.

“I think it’s obvious we want to keep these guys together for as long as possible. This team has a chemistry I’m almost afraid to touch and this upcoming season I see no reason why they won’t finish first in the West again with this roster,” General Manager R.C. Buford commented during a press conference late last week.

By now we know what to expect from the Big Three not only in terms of production but also minutes. Popovich will give them as much rest as possible until the playoffs. This places more pressure in the regular season on the youth of San Antonio. 21 year old NBA sophomore Kawhi Leonard is seen as someone who will be a mainstay for the Spurs foreseeable future. After the Spurs traded Richard Jefferson to the Golden State Warriors for Stephen Jackson last season, rookie Leonard embraced the starting small forward spot for the Spurs. While statistically he didn’t blow anyone’s mind last year, his play goes beyond the score sheet.


http://thefanmanifesto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Duncan-mentors-Leonard.jpg
Tim Duncan (left) has helped mentor Kawhi Leonard (right)


When reporters caught up with Tony Parker yesterday, he had this to say on Kawhi: “Kawhi [Leonard] is so active; I mean sometimes I think there are three or four of him out on the court. Defensively he’s not afraid of guarding the other team’s best player and that’s a great trait to have. I can’t wait to see what he can do for us this year. I’m excited.”

While plenty of questions exist for the Spurs headed into the season, time is the only thing to answer them. Their first game is October 31, when they’ll play in New Orleans against the Hornets, a game that will mark the debut of this year’s #1 lottery pick: Anthony Davis.

------

http://i.imgur.com/eE12bPT.png
http://i.imgur.com/jDxT1To.png

These pre-season rankings did not take into account any trades (such as the Houston Rocket's addition of James Harden).

[Maniak]

http://i.imgur.com/z2V9511.png

[Maniak]

Simulated the 4th quarter.
http://i.imgur.com/FaESeZJ.png
POTG: Kawhi Leonard

Recap:

The visiting Spurs didn't make Anthony Davis' NBA debut easy, as the Hornets fell 91-76 on Wednesday night. Davis contributed 19 points and a game high 9 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to stop San Antonio.

"Individually I had a good game tonight, but we still didn't get the win and that's all that matters. They're [Spurs] a great team and a great test of where we are as a team. We all have to own up after a loss but I'll be the first to say I have to continue adjusting to the NBA tempo and improving my game. Hope to get them next time." Davis said after the game.

Tim Duncan had some words regarding the rookie. "He [Anthony Davis] has a lot of talent. To step in to your first NBA game and perform like that is amazing. We struggled to stop him down low and I think personally I underestimated his shooting range. [He's] Got a lot of potential and I don't doubt he'll be an all-star one day, but tonight is ours to celebrate."

The Spurs win can be contributed to fantastic two-way play. Not only did they shoot the ball over 50%, they limited the Hornets to just over 40%.

Kawhi Leonard was the story tonight, missing only one shot and scoring 18 points in the win.

http://i.imgur.com/GWYccks.png

"Some nights the ball rolls how you want it to. I got good touches and my teammates really helped open the floor for me to attack the basket." Leonard said.

Following this solid performance the Spurs head home tonight and ready to face the Oklahoma City Thunder tomorrow. The same Thunder team that knocked the Spurs out of the playoffs just a few months ago.

"The loss is still tender, but it's a new season and a clean slate. We can only look forward and play our game to beat them on our home court." Gregg Popovich commented.

This will be the Thunder's debut for the 2012-13 season. It's their first game without guard James Harden, who was traded to the Houston Rockets along with Cole Aldrich, Daequan Cook, and Lazar Hayward for Kevin Martin, Jeremy Lamb, two first round picks and a second round pick. Harden scored 29 points in his debut as a Rocket as they defeated the Pistons 101-99. Tomorrow we'll see if Martin and Lamb can fill the hole Harden left.

[Maniak]

http://i.imgur.com/Qbbm1fh.png

[Mr. I'm So Rad]

Eww look at the Thunder's starting lineup. Silly 2K

[Maniak]

Eww look at the Thunder's starting lineup. Silly 2K
Durant at PF is really annoying to play against. Him and Westbrook are tearing me apart. I can't guard them.

[Mr. I'm So Rad]

The Thunder are complete cheese in 2K13 especially against the CPU on Hall Of Fame.

[Maniak]

The Thunder are complete cheese in 2K13 especially against the CPU on Hall Of Fame.
Holy shit that was the most ridiculous game I've ever played of 2k.

Box score and recap coming.

[Maniak]

http://i.imgur.com/DXDWXkA.png
POTG: Tony Parker

Recap:
An overtime thriller concluded in San Antonio late Thursday night with the sold out Spurs crowd rejoicing as the Thunder fell.

The Spurs were led by Tony Parker, who scored 30 points and dished 11 assists while not turning the ball over once.

"[Russell] Westbrook was taking it to me early. Beating me off the dribble possession after possession. I became determined to make his job as a defender as hard as mine was. When I started hitting several shots in a row and collapsing the defense when I drove I was able to pass to my open teammates giving them shots they hit," Parker explained.

Parker was also responsible for the three-pointer that put the Spurs into overtime, after running down the clock.

http://i.imgur.com/QFsQ8EK.jpg

"Even though he was our leading scorer Tony [Parker] was the last option on that play. We had [Matt] Bonner screen him but that didn't work, we had Danny Green cutting and getting screens and that didn't work. As well as a few other options that didn't come to fruition. It came down to a make or go home shot with no chance for a rebound and you saw what happened," Gregg Popovich spoke in the press conference post-game.

When overtime came it wasn't Parker who was the hero. Kawhi Leonard scored 6 of their 12 points, including two free throws from a Russell Westbrook blocking foul with seconds left that put the Spurs up by 2. Not only that, but he was the one who put his hand directly in the face of Kevin Durant's 3 pointer to force the near miss. That shot would have won Oklahoma the game.

"There wasn't a single moment of that overtime that wasn't tense. When I went up for that layup and I heard the whistle blow I thought for sure it would be [a] charging [call] and I was devastated. Seeing that it was a blocking [foul] on Westbrook and I'd have two shots at the line to take the lead I really had to calm myself and focus," Kawhi Leonard said.

Kevin Durant scored a season high 43 points in the loss to bring him past the 10,000 career point mark.

The Spurs will get a day of rest tomorrow and then play another home game against the Utah Jazz on Saturday.

[Maniak]

November 2, 2012

Article:

Manu Ginobili's Contract

Starting shooting guard Manu Ginobili of the San Antonio Spurs spoke yesterday about his contract situation, as well as his future in the NBA.

Just one day after a 123-121 victory in overtime over the Oklahoma City Thunder, Ginobili announced his contract is to be extended by 1 year by the Spurs organization.

"We shook hands on it early this morning. I love the San Antonio fans and I love the Spurs. I've been interested in getting this done and now it's being set in stone." Ginobili said.

The extension is substantially smaller than what he is currently receiving. This year the 11 year veteran is set to make $14.11 million, while the extension is said to be closer to $5.0 million.

"Looking ahead into the future I want to allow the front office to have more leeway in the upcoming off-season. We both agreed that this is a fair price."

The estimated near $10.0 million cut will surely give the Spurs money to operate with. As of now the Spurs salary in 2013-14 is $36.54 million. With the salary cap set to be around $60.0 million, that leaves close to $23.50 million in cap room. This number will be different by then, as both Matt Bonner and Patrick Mills have team options in 2013-14, while Boris Diaw has a player option.

"We've got a lot to decide leading up to the next off-season and during. I always have to look ahead but the way things pan out during the regular- and post-season really affects these things. I'm very happy to have Ginobili on board another year." R.C. Buford, G.M. of the Spurs said.

As the Spurs are only 2 games into the 82 game season, the phrase "upcoming offseason" seems a bit strange, but this foresight is what helped San Antonio be a dynasty since the arrival of Tim Duncan.

This extension guarantees the Big Three of Ginobili, Parker, and Duncan to be together at least one more year, provided no trades or retirements occur.

"As of now I think I'll have to retire after the 2014 season, but that decision is a ways away yet. It all depends how I'm playing and how my body is doing." Manu spoke when asked about retirement.

Knowing he has another year of guaranteed money, Manu Ginobili will hope to defeat the Utah Jazz tomorrow.

[Mr. I'm So Rad]

Manu ain't retiring. He gonna sign with the Heat :kobe:

[Maniak]

I didn't mention the three-point shooting in the recap but that's ok.

[Maniak]

http://i.imgur.com/phn1pCV.png

[Brujesino]

Why isnt Splitter starting?That guy is going to demand a trade sooner or later.

[Maniak]

Why isnt Splitter starting?That guy is going to demand a trade sooner or later.
diaw is actually rated higher. im still deciding who i like more and how i want to move the lineups around.

i do think despite his higher rating diaw is worse in the game.

just finished jazz game. was very boring to play. box score and recap coming shortly. this is the last game i'll do today. don't expect this many each day :oldlol:

[Maniak]

http://i.imgur.com/0k9qf4M.png
POTG: Kawhi Leonard

Recap:
The San Antonio Spurs extended their winning streak to three, concluding their first week of NBA action on a good note with a 79-72 win over the Utah Jazz.

The Spurs played their brand of basketball in the first quarter. They dictated the pace and flowed smoothly both offensively and defensively.

"We had cohesiveness out there. The ball was moving around well and as a team we were doing everything we have practiced." Tim Duncan said. He finished with a modest 9 points and 4 rebounds in just 18 minutes.

It was another good night for Kawhi Leonard, who put in 17 points going 6-8 from the field. Leonard is shooting 68% from the field after three games.

"Our ability to spread the floor as a team was shown tonight. Although we got a little too sloppy after the first quarter as we became too confident with our lead, we were able to hold on primarily due to good defense," Leonard spoke in the post-game press conference.

Defense definitely was the Spurs brightest spot, holding the Jazz to just 43% from the field.

The Spurs can look to improve their offensive execution as they prepare to face the Pacers on Monday. Turning the ball over 15 times is not something Gregg Popovich likes to see. Nor is 2-11 from three.

"I mean you have those nights where everything doesn't just go your way. We want to limit those nights as much as possible of course and we're lucky we were able to get the win with bad performance in those two categories. Our transition defense helped make our turnovers less negative than they could have been," said Popovich post-game.

San Antonio will enjoy a day off on Sunday before they face the Pacers on Monday, their third game in a row at home.

[Maniak]

Decided against showing each player of the week. I'll highlight it if a Spurs player wins it though.

Also I won't update team stats or standings after just this week.

[Mr. I'm So Rad]

Kawhi playing like Detleff Schrempf

[Maniak]

Kawhi is quite the beast. I give him the second most minutes behind Tony Parker.

With these sliders it really opens up his ability to attack the basket efficiently, and he actually plays really well when I have the bench unit on plus him.

[LamarOdom]

Cool shit man, you putting a lot of effort into this. Too bad association mode sucks.

[LamarOdom]

Why isnt Splitter starting?That guy is going to demand a trade sooner or later.

Player roles is inactivated, so it doesn't matter.

[jcsrplumply]

Player roles is inactivated, so it doesn't matter.
Does that thing work?

[Maniak]

Does that thing work?
player roles is stupid and unrealistic, so it just makes everything harder.


Cool shit man, you putting a lot of effort into this. Too bad association mode sucks.


thanks! and yeah, I hope 2k puts good work into it for 2k14 but after all these years I have my doubts it'll ever improve.

[Maniak]

http://i.imgur.com/jvlpuIm.png

[Maniak]

http://i.imgur.com/8Go8OEO.png
POTG: Tony Parker

Recap:
Starting and ending strong helped the San Antonio Spurs defeat the Indiana Pacers 93-75 on Monday night.

The Spurs outscored the Pacers 59-37 in the first and fourth quarter combined.

Tim Duncan spoke on the game. "Coach [Gregg Popovich] stresses us to start the game out well, especially on our home court. We want to dictate what's going on and make the opposing team play our game of basketball. That worked tonight, and we finished strong as well." Duncan finished with 11 points and 5 rebounds in 17 minutes of play.

The Pacers did a very good job staying with the Spurs in the second and third quarters, but their inability to both stop the Spurs offense and execute their offense in the fourth quarter made it impossible for a comeback.

"Defensively we started to lose them for some stretches in the fourth, and you can't expect to win doing that. This is something we really need to correct in our play," Pacers head coach Frank Vogel said after the loss.

The Pacers were led on offense by Danny Granger, who had 17 points and 6 rebounds on 43% shooting from the field.

San Antonio struggled with turnovers once again, committing sixteen over the stretch of the game.

"We all made some mistakes with controlling the ball offensively and we know we can't get caught napping like this, especially against the [Los Angeles] Clippers," Tony Parker said. Parker was tied for the most turnovers on the team with 3 along with Gary Neal and Manu Ginobili. He finished with 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists.

The Spurs will face the Clippers on Wednesday in Los Angeles. Both teams are 4-0 on the season. L.A. has the largest point differential in the league, beating their opponents by an average of 18.8 points per game. Lob City would welcome 16 turnovers or more turnovers from the Spurs with open arms.

[Mr. I'm So Rad]

Kawhi Leonard is my early season MVP pick.

[Maniak]

clippersfan86.com/articles/clippers-will-win-vs-spurs

The Spurs have no chance against the Clippers.

Both teams have started the season off 4-0 and tonight the Clippers will extend it to 5-0 while the Spurs will go to 4-1. I watched the Oklahoma/San Antonio game and was severly unimpressed by SA. First off, the only reason they won that game is lucky three pointers. I think that's their best three point performance they'll see in the next five years. They were completely inept at guarding Westbrook as he slashed, and Chris Paul will do the same tomorrow to the slow defense.

Yes, I said it, slow defense. The Spurs are an old team who can't keep up with the pace of the Clippers. Lob City is going to run them out of the building with their pace. The only guy on the Spurs starting lineup that is as fast as any of the Clippers starters is Kawhi Leonard and I have reason to believe he's a steroid abuser and will be gone from the league in about two years.

Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili have been nothing special this season. I'll take my chances in saying that if they suck it up tomorrow and force Leonard and Parker to carry the load again it'll be game, set, and match. It's not like Tim Duncan has a chance against Blake Griffin anyways, who is the best two-way power forward in the NBA right now.

The Clippers defend against the Spurs very well, due to athletic advantage. Tony Parker will not be able to break down any sort of Clippers defense if he tries to penetrate. Without him this team is just a 40 year old washed up Tim Duncan and a bunch of spot up shooters who can't create a shot if their lives depended on it. Add in some roleplaying bigs who have no ability on the court except height and weight, and this game is a recipie for disaster for Gregg Popovich.

I predict the Clippers win by at least 12 points.

[Al Thornton]

gay

[Brujesino]

:oldlol:

[Maniak]

:oldlol:
Thank you for appreciating my satire.

[Maniak]

I don't plan on updating anything on this thread today. I might quickly do up the clippers game preview.

I will update the standings at the end of this ingame week, as well as some other stuff on the frontpage. I think I'll do a sort of around the league thing per month, we'll see what I can think up in that department.

Suggestions are really appreciated. I have a pretty good rough idea of how I want this all to run but there's room for more (relative to what I have the ability to do).

[Lebowsky]

Cool thread, keep it up.

[Maniak]

I'm going to play the Clippers game now but I don't feel like doing a preview. I hope that's quite alright.

[Brujesino]

I'm going to play the Clippers game now but I don't feel like doing a preview. I hope that's quite alright.
just make a post game reaction by clippersfan86

[Maniak]

just make a post game reaction by clippersfan86
that sounds fair.

[Maniak]

Correct date is November 7th, 2012.
http://i.imgur.com/CCr7oC4.png
POTG: Kawhi Leonard

Recap:
With their 96-88 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers Wednesday night, the San Antonio Spurs remain undefeated on the season.

Largely in part due to Kawhi Leonard stepping up so far this season, he had another fantastic nights scoring 20 points and adding 3 rebounds and 2 steals.

"We're playing our style right now at our pace and it's going exactly as planned, undefeated so far," Leonard said post-game.

Chris Paul led the Clippers solidly and almost helped pull off the comeback in the fourth quarter (Clippers outscored Spurs 31-22 in the 4th), but it wasn't all there for the Clippers.

"Making mistakes down the stretch is problematic against this team, we've learned from previous meetings. Their ability to start games so well this season has left other teams to go back to the drawing board and now we're in that category as well." Paul commented after the game. He had 15 points, 11 assists, and 6 rebounds in the loss.

Tim Duncan had a quiet night with just 3 points (1-3) and 4 rebounds in 20 minutes, but Tiago Splitter stepped up in his place. Splitter scored a season high 11 points and pulled down 8 rebounds (another season high) in just 13 minutes of play.

"Given touches and great looks from my teammates tonight helped me play this well. I hope to stay in this groove for our upcoming games," Splitter said.

Splitter also helped the Spurs bench outscore the Clippers 33-19.

These two teams will meet again later this month on the 19th in San Antonio.

[Maniak]

clippersfan86.com/articles/ginobili-flop-artist

Manu Ginobili is the dirtiest player in NBA history

It was hard for me to watch last night's game when the Spurs came to town. One would assume it was due to the loss, but no. I'm sick of watching Manu flop his way around the league and get away with it. His play last night nearly brought me to the point of vomiting. The referees turn a blind eye as he throws cheap elbows and grabs the necks of other players violently, yet whenever he decides to fly to the ground like a Hollywood actor, they blow that whistle all day long.

I was very sad when the Spurs extended his contract a short while ago. I was hoping he would just fade into obscurity somewhere in Europe, but those dumbasses thought it'd be good to degrade the quality of basketball for one more year.

You all sicken me.

[Mr. I'm So Rad]

Here's the perspective of another Clippers fan on this game

http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?p=8428774#post8428779


i really miss when fouls were called when players got knocked to the ground


it's okay. superstars win in the playoffs, not systems. clippers win in 6 games at max.


i hope whoever stole papabitch's chain buries it in the ocean without swimtrunks. bitch.


slim dunk >>> timmy dunc

[Al Thornton]

lmao

[Maniak]

lmao
Clippers should learn how to play their bench and not play Grant Hill at PF.

[Al Thornton]

Clippers should learn how to play their bench and not play Grant Hill at PF.

forreal it's ridiculous how highly rated he is

[Maniak]

forreal it's ridiculous how highly rated he is
Like I said in the OP I downloaded a different roster. It's really good in a lot of ways but they did not fix Grant Hill. I had thought about tuning him down before I started this assoc but I forgot.

[LamarOdom]

Yo Kawhi is ****ing up the league, when will stats be updated?

[Maniak]

Yo Kawhi is ****ing up the league, when will stats be updated?
The next game is against the Kings and then I think there might be another against the Trailblazers before the week is over.

So after that

[Brujesino]

How are the warriors doing?

[Biggums]

:banana:

[Maniak]

How are the warriors doing?
I'll do a standings update and all as well after this in-game week.

I'm not positive I'll do anything tonight, though.

[Maniak]

Kings and Trailblazers are a back-2-back. I won't do a preview for either. About to play the Kings game

[Maniak]

http://i.imgur.com/Rik3noz.png
POTG: Kawhi Leonard

Recap:
Sacramento saw the wrong side of a blowout last night, losing by 44 points to the visiting San Antonio Spurs.

Kawhi Leonard kept up his hot streak, shooting 8-9 from the field while scoring 18 points and grabbing 3 rebounds.

"I've been able to get good drives down the lane and our ability to spread the floor out with so many offensive threats gives me easy looks," Leonard said.

It was not a good night to be on the Kings, with nobody scoring in double figures. Their most notably absent player was Tyreke Evans, who only hit his shots from free throws (4-4) and made nothing from the field.

"Our guys just didn't have it tonight and the Spurs came in hot as can be. We need to not be devastated by the loss but move on and learn from the mistakes we made," Keith Smart said after the game.

The Spurs rotated the ball extremely well, with Tony Parker recording a career high 17 assists. This also makes him the current league leader for assists in a single game. San Antonio finished with 32 assists.

This is the Spurs first game of their back-to-back. Tomorrow they will be in Portland to face the Trailblazers (2-3) in an attempt to extend their winstreak to 7.

[Mr. I'm So Rad]

Kings scored 59 :oldlol:

And Kawhi gonna break Wilt's FG% record this season.

[Maniak]

That third quarter was basketball excellence in its finest.

I think manu had around 10 straight points.

[Mr. I'm So Rad]

Are you still comfortable with starting Diaw over Splitter?

[Maniak]

for now yes. i was planning on putting splitter over diaw for the lakers game but now im not so sure. we'll see how the trailblazers game goes.

it's a weird choice. even with this patch it made diaw better than he is and splitter still not as good as he is.

i'll run the same line-up for the blazers game (maybe with some small minute adjustments that aren't very noticeable) but will consider changing it against the lakers to see how things go.

[Maniak]

http://i.imgur.com/QGzc7FP.png
POTG: Kawhi Leonard

Recap:
The San Antonio Spurs remain undefeated with a 94-83 win over the Portland Trailblazers last night.

Kawhi Leonard remained on the same course he's been on all season, scoring 20 points on 8-10 shooting and grabbing 2 steals.

The Trailblazers were led by Damian Lillard, who scored a season-high 20 points.

San Antonio's bench also continued it's positive ways, outscoring the Blazer's bench 29-12.

Portland's detractor was their 3 point shooting and their defense of the Spurs' 3. The Blazers went 5-14 from 3 while San Antonio went 9-14, a near 30% difference.

The Spurs will enjoy 2 days off as they head to Los Angeles to play the struggling Lakers, who despite their star studded additions are only 2-5 on the season.

[Maniak]

Updated the playoff race and the Spurs team statistics.

Each month I will do Stat updates somewhere, I'll inform you when this occurs.

I may do the preview for the Lakers game tonight but I don't plan on playing the game.

Again, please provide feedback/suggestions and hope you enjoy!

[Maniak]

http://i.imgur.com/A95DMtD.png

[Maniak]

http://i.imgur.com/TDcPkqE.png
POTG: Tony Parker

Recap:
A scrappy, hard fought battle ended in Los Angeles with the Spurs beating the Lakers 88-83. The Spurs remain undefeated after this victory.

They were led by Tony Parker, who scored 21 points on 9-16 shooting from the field. He also added 4 assists and 3 rebounds.

"This was a very important win. We consider the Lakers as somewhat of a rival and it's even moreso a rivalry now that [Steve] Nash is on their team. It feels good to beat them, especially on their turf," Tony Parker said post-game.

The Lakers had very solid performances from Kobe Bryant (26 points and 6 assists) and Dwight Howard (19 points and 11 rebounds) however the contributions from there were not enough.

"Against a team like San Antonio that can throw 12 different guys at you in a variety of different ways, everyone needs to step it up. We're all responsible and I hold myself to saying I won't let this happen again," said Kobe Bryant.

The Spurs gave the ball to Manu Ginobili in the final minute, and he cashed in 6 free throws and a field goal to help the Spurs hold on to their lead when it mattered most.

The Spurs outscoring the Lakers 23-9 in the second quarter was a big difference maker, as they held the lakers to just 28% shooting from the field.

"Fantastic defense for a minute or two doesn't mean quite as much as when you have fantastic defense for a straight quarter. Our errors were minor in the second and it's hard to come back from that," said Tim Duncan after the game. Duncan added 12 points on 4-6 shooting in the win.

With another W in the books for San Antonio, the big question mark is who will stop them. New York hopes to be that team as the Knicks will be in San Antonio on Thursday for a game against the Spurs.

[Maniak]

This was...much longer than I expected. I got really carried away and hope you enjoy.


How Deep?
A look at the San Antonio Spurs title hopes this season.


This will most likely be posted around a day or so after the Spurs came off a huge victory in Staples Center over the Lakers. It marks their second win in that arena already (beating the Clippers 96-88 on the 7th of this past month) this season, and for their sake, hopefully not the last.

To me, this is the twilight of this Spurs era. After this season, players like Duncan and Ginobili may be gone (don't let the Manu extension fool you into thinking he's a lock to retire in San Antonio) while a new era of Spurs basketball will be ushered in. Led by players like Danny Green, Kawhi Leonard, and DeJuan Blair. The big three is getting up in years and getting down in production. As the hottest team in the West, the question on people's minds surely is how long can they keep it up?

Well don't expect any records broken from them this year in terms of overall record or winning streak. I assume they'll surpass 50 wins just like they have for over a decade and secure a nice top seed in the West. That's not the question, the question is how far do they go from there?

Obviously your guess is as good as mine, but as someone who has watched all 8 of the Spurs games (as you may have not) I'd like to provide some insight on where I see them this year.

First off, let's start with the story that has put more people to switch over to the Spurs games than in years past. Kawhi Leonard. A rookie who earned a starting spot under Gregg Popovich last year obviously has to be doing something right, and boy is he ever. Now in his sophmore campaign he's #1 in the league for FG% and has brought a quick fastbreak pace to the Spurs that people aren't used to seeing. I don't expect this number to stay this high all season, of course. However, his ability to play such fantastic basketball on both ends of the floor is astonishing, and as long as that jumpshot's consistency improves and he's able to step out to the three point line and be a true threat, teams will be vying for this kid for years to come. Not only that, but he'll be an integral part of the title push for the Spurs this year.

The Spurs overall game plan has been very interesting to watch this year. They've pushed the break and attacked the basket rather frequently. Although the Lakers game last night was more slowed down, presumably because of how much they got burned by turnovers early on. Getting 10-15 shots up for Tim Duncan isn't that big of a deal right now, which is my first and largest question mark.

This teams three point shooting has helped carry them for several nights. With so many options beyond the arc available at the same time, teams like the Thunder and Clippers have been unable to stop the barrage. This is not something you can rely on in a seven game series, and when those aren't falling this team needs someone to go to. I think that their frontcourt rotation is a problem for them right now. Duncan is seeing a career low in minutes and he's really the only good post scorer on this team. When they've looked to Tiago Splitter to give them something down low it hasn't been fantastic, and guys like Diaw and Bonner are much more comfortable fading off the pick to the three point line. Blair saw his shot last night at a starting gig probably disappear as he failed to score any points over a team who was playing two small forwards at the same time for a majority of the game. Forgive me for questioning the mind of Popovich, but I think this team will have to start giving Duncan significantly more looks and Splitter significantly more open looks if they want to not live and die by the three.

I'd be shocked if this team is rocking the same rotation come April. Unless Aron Baynes can hop off the injured reserve into a starting role and prove he's some prolific post scorer in his first year in the NBA, the Spurs front office will need to look to find a trade and acquire a second big man option who can take up a hunk of minutes.

San Antonio has struggled with turning the ball over a little bit too much. This is something that becomes more evident when a team begins to lose, however clutch play from guys like Parker and Ginobili have put Proactiv on this blemish. Ultimately this team only has one really good passer with Tony Parker. Again, this issue may become more evident later on. I worry about them facing the Heat later this month. 15 turnovers can easily turn into 30 points against that team. This may be another reason they should slow it down and not force the break but rather look to Duncan down low. I'll reference back to the Lakers game again. I remember a string of posessions in a row that the Spurs would get the rebound when Parker was on the bench, and when the rebounder gave the ball to Gary Neal he decided not to risk the pass but rather slow it down and set something up. This was quite successful and I think had this not been done and Neal instead threw up a pass, the outcome of the game could be very different.

There's more I could touch on (like the strengths of the Spurs bench and the team's league-leading FT%) but I'll instead go to how I see this team in the postseason.

The way they match up to the Clippers is very very good and if they do add another post scorer or that situation is remedied in some way I see that series as very one-sided (sorry lob enthusiasts). The other LA team will have to worry about beating the slower Spurs pace that was exhibited on Tuesday and out-performing/shutting down the bench.

The other big name is the Thunder, who beat the Spurs in the conference finals last year. I think the Spurs still don't have the ability to beat this team in seven games. If they want to win, the Spurs will need to slow the pace down like they did against the Lakers and force people who arent Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook to be the scorers, or at least limit those two to less than 30 points. Getting the Thunder big men into foul trouble would be extremely problematic with the slashing of Parker/Ginobili/Leonard and the post proficiency of healthy and rested postseason Tim Duncan.

If there's someone I could rest the burden of my questions on it'd be Gregg Popovich. I'm sure him along with the Spurs front office will find solutions this season to be as dangerous as ever in this potential last go 'round. Even without any trades I could see this team fully healthy take the West in the regular and post season. As for how they match up against the East, that's a totally different story. A story that will begin to be written November 29th as they face the Heat for the first time this season.

[Maniak]

http://i.imgur.com/5wnNA8Y.png

[Maniak]

http://i.imgur.com/hhBEvMD.png
POTG: Tony Parker

Recap:
The San Antonio Spurs continued their wining ways while the New York Knicks felt another road loss as the Spurs convincingly won 105-78.

The Spurs were led by Tony Parker, who scored 21 points and dished 6 assists, while holding the point guard duo of Raymond Felton and Jason Kidd to just 6 points and 4 assists on just 10% from the field.

"I wanted to take it to them. It's our first game back home in a short while so it's nice to be back and win. As a team we shot the ball well and outscored them in the paint, while holding them back very well in terms of our defense. Very happy," Parker said after the game.

The matchup people had their eyes on between Carmelo Anthony and Kawhi Leonard ended arguably with Kawhi on the winning end. They scored the same amount of points, and Kawhi only had 1 more rebound and 3 less assists. However, Kawhi shot at 70% from the field while Carmelo only shot 44%.

"I knew I had a big task ahead. Carmelo is one of the deadliest scorers in the game of basketball. I think I got the slight upper hand in the end as well as the victory, so that feels great," Leonard commented.

The Spurs told a familiar tale statistically. They shot very well from 3 point land and the free throw line, while their bench outscored the opposing teams. However they still lacked offensive rebounding (and thus, second chance points) and blocks, not to mention they turned the ball over 13 times.

"I know where we're faltering and I'm trying to correct these things on the fly to maintain our streak. Our shooting and defense that doesn't show up on the stat sheet has risen above everything else, but sooner or later these things will bite us," Popovich commented.

San Antonio will look to extend their streak to double digits against the Denver Nuggets (5-4) on Saturday at home.

[Maniak]

I decided to simulate the following games:

Nuggets vs Spurs - W (10-0)
Clippers vs Spurs - L (10-1)
Spurs @ Celtics - L (10-2)
Spurs @ Pacers - W (11-2)
Spurs @ Raptors - L (11-3)
Spurs @ Wizards - W (12-3)
Spurs @ Magic - W (13-3)

Next up is the Miami Heat. I will do a preview for that game and then update standings, stats, and do some monthly stuff following me playing it. I think I will simulate through the month of December. I'll consider playing the Thunder game. January I will most likely simulate through. Maybe play the Laker game, maybe another game or two depending on what teams we lose/win to in December.

[Maniak]

http://i.imgur.com/jy69X6D.png

Kind of a boring preview :oldlol:

Also I forgot to put the right date there, sorry.

[Maniak]

http://i.imgur.com/qSEHvjT.png
POTG: Tony Parker

Recap:
The San Antonio Spurs handed the Miami Heat their first home loss of the season, winning 96-74.

It wasn't the tight tooth and nails game most were expecting, rather the Spurs winning every quarter. They were led by Tony Parker, who had 23 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals.

"We were able to maintain control and hold down their stars. It was a good win for us as a team and really strengthened our confidence," Tony Parker commented.

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade struggled all night long, scoring 20 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, and 4 turnovers on 38% from the field combined. Instead the Heat were led by Ray Allen, who scored a season high 21 points in 21 minutes, only missing 1 shot (8-9 FG).

Once again the Spurs bench stood tall, outscoring the Heat's 45-19. Danny Green led bench scorers with 13 (3-5 3pt).

[Maniak]

San Antonio Spurs went 9-7 through the month of December.

Will be updating a bunch of stuff.

[Maniak]

Updated lots of stuff on the front page. Check it all out! If you're curious about anything going on within the league as the season goes along please feel free to ask and I will provide the information.

[Wavves]

Are these sliders too easy for you?

[Maniak]

Are these sliders too easy for you?
i think that they're much more realistic and enjoyable than 2k normally is.

as for too easy...not necessarily. i have a hard time finding the right spot between easy and rage inducing. this is close to the middle but not quite there.

[Maniak]

i'm going to write an article about 30 players from all 30 teams that have potential to be traded. or in some format like that.

then there may be a trade...maybe not...

...maybe a blockbuster trade....

...

...

:)

also, in the month of january i plan on playing the lakers game and if i do make a trade i'll play the game where that player debuts (if its not the lakers game)

or players...

...

...


oh i actually might play the mavs game as well. we're pretty close in the division. there are 2 memphis games this month but they're last in the division so meh.

[Wavves]

i think that they're much more realistic and enjoyable than 2k normally is.

as for too easy...not necessarily. i have a hard time finding the right spot between easy and rage inducing. this is close to the middle but not quite there.

Yeah I know what you mean, I always have to have the most realistic gameplay as possible, but finding the spot where it's still difficult but your still having fun is a challenge.

[Maniak]

Yeah I know what you mean, I always have to have the most realistic gameplay as possible, but finding the spot where it's still difficult but your still having fun is a challenge.
i may try another slider set and what-not after im done this association project. might be able to find something more enjoyable, but next thing you know 2k14 will be out.

[Maniak]

BREAKING: Shawn Marion is the third player this season to face a Torn MCL. He will be out for the remainder of the season.

[Maniak]

Trades anyone?
Looking at all the NBA teams and at least 1 player from each team that may be gone.


Hello everyone, I hope you're settling nicely into 2013. We're going to take a look at some players who might not settle into the jersey they wore through the 2012 part of the 2012-13 NBA season for much longer. With no trades made yet this season, and the deadline just over a month away, something is surely up.

Philadelphia 76ers: The 76ers are below most peoples expectations right now, with a 16-19 record. One of the main issues they are facing is the fact that their PG rotation consists of 4 pure points who can't really play the 2 very well, and then their SG spot only has 2 players. Two talented players in Nick Young and Jason Richardson, however when one of them (J-Rich) is injured, the 76ers backcourt situation looks bleak. The 76ers should look to remedy this using Lavoy Allen as a part of their trade package. He's seen reduced minutes this year behind guys like Bynum, Hawes, and Thad. Young, however at the young age of 23 this guy has a lot of potential to give solid minutes to a team. I'm sure there's plenty of teams that would snatch up a young big in exchange for a combo guard.

Charlotte Bobcats: The Bobcats starting 5 isn't all that bad. Beyond that, things get bleak. They especially lack a post option (unless you think Byron Mullens should be your go-to guy down low) and have two bigs in Haywood and Diop who are contributing next to nothing. When he comes off his injury, the Bobcats should try to package off Ben Gordon with some of their low-contributing bigs. Gordon has been overshadowed by Gerald Henderson all season and Jeff Taylor looks to be a suitable enough backup (in Bobcats terms). A team vying for a title this year could look to the services of a healthy Ben Gordon to provide a shooting spark off the bench.

Milwaukee Bucks: The Bucks are gelling and above .500. They look to be a playoff team in the East this season and have quite a few young pieces. This team might need to look for a third string Small Forward, especially with Mbah A Moute out (torn meniscus, expected to be gone for at least 2 more weeks). They have somewhat of a logjam at power forward with five guys, many who are not earning significant enough minutes. Ekpe Udoh proved he's at least a valuable roleplayer last season. He deserves more than the 9 minutes he's getting now in Milwaukee. A team willing to lose a small forward might enjoy his shot blocking and rebounding services.

Chicago Bulls: The Bulls are arguably the best defensive squad in the NBA. They lack height, so why not trade their shortest player? Nate Robinson has proved valuable in limited minutes and when he has been given a minute increase (whether its been Rose or Hinrich out) he's proven his worth with many double digit scoring and 5+ assist games. Teams know what they're getting with Nate, and one that needs guard depth and could do for losing a big might like the scrappy guard.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Despite adding solid rookie contributor Dion Waiters (15ppg on 41% shooting) the Cavs are still unable to put together wins. Although another high lottery pick couldn't do them any harm. They still lack a consistent contributor at the small forward spot, and might want to try to see what teams can offer them for Alonzo Gee or C.J. Miles.

Boston Celtics: The Celtics backcourt is a toughie, and it only becomes more of a toughie when Courtney Lee returns from his broken arm any day now. Although they just recently acquired him, Jordan Crawford may be the odd man out. The Celtics could do for another solid big man if they plan on making the playoffs (seriously, how is this team NOT in the playoffs?) and Crawford's high usage low percentage style may not fit in Boston for much longer that it already has.

Los Angeles Clippers - With Caron Butler out of the picture (Torn MCL), the Clippers may want to add another small forward to the mix, despite the fact they already have Barnes and Hill. If they do go for another SF, chances are it'll be in a pick+Trey Thompkins type of deal.

Memphis Grizzlies - Ed Davis and Darrel Arthur seem to be somewhat redundant, if you ask me. Neither are true Centers and with Dexter Pittman out the Grizz have no real backup for Marc Gasol. Memphis may benefit from making a big man swap involving one of those two.

Atlanta Hawks - The Hawks have already had Anthony Tolliver on the block for quite some time, and I've heard trade rumors from plenty of teams. The latest news in this front is something surrounding a deal with the Bulls. We'll see if anything comes of fruition, but I think the Hawks would be wise to lighten up the PF position and strengthen their small forward and center spots.

Miami Heat - The champs could seriously use some shot blockers and rebounders (both sides of the court). James Jones and Mike Miller have both been rumored to be dished off. If you ask me, I'd want to package off Joel Anthony, James Jones, and some picks. Mike Miller has a lot of value on this team, although his low spot on the depth chart could play into his departure.

New Orleans Hornets - Xavier Henry, Austin Rivers, Roger Mason. At least one of these three Eric Gordon back ups should try to be shipped off by the Hornets. They could use a guy who could play the 3 and 4 spot. With Anthony Davis seeing lots of minutes at center , Jason Smith hasn't been the answer for the backup power forward behind Ryan Anderson. Despite Aminu's growth, the 3 is still somewhat of a weak spot for this team.

Utah Jazz - With Al Jefferson signing a lengthy and pricey contract extension earlier this season, it seems likely Millsap won't be around. Most teams in the league could use what Paul Millsap brings, and more minutes for Derrick Favors to develop could benefit the Jazz in the long run. Millsap could bring in some picks, as well as a young point guard.

Sacramento Kings - The Kings are really struggling this season. I don't see Marcus Thronton sticking around as Tyreke Evan's backup, so getting as much value out of him as possible could be a good plan. Picks and small forward are keys for this team.

New York Knicks - Unless Kurt Thomas, Rasheed Wallace, Kenyon Martin, and Marcus Camby all return to their former glory (or merge together to bring back their old power) sometime soon, the Knicks need scoring bigs with Stoudemire out long-term. They could do with losing one (or two) of Felton, Prigioni, Smith, Kidd, Shumpert, and White, along with some bigs+picks packaged.

Los Angeles Lakers - The Lakers aren't where they'd hoped to be (#1 in the west) at this point. They could use a truly solid backup for Nash (guys like Blake and Duhon don't cut it for a guy that needs significant rest at age 38). Devin Ebanks is young and expiring with potential. A combo of him and one or two point guards could bring in something nice for the short-term situation of the Lakers.

Orlando Magic - Although it seems like he just arrtived, the Magic might want to dish out Arron Afflalo. He's not really part of a long-term plan in my eyes and developing SG talent like Doron Lamb and E'Twaun Moore could do them good for the remainder of this loss-filled season.

Dallas Mavericks - Elton Brand has not been too strong for this team so far this season. With Shawn Marion out for the season and Brandan Wright sucking up a lot of minutes at center, this team could use another power forward. Anthony Morrow has been the center of rumors involving Orlando and Toronto. We'll see what transpires there.

Brooklyn Nets - Marshon Brooks deserves more than the 12 minutes a game he's gotten his past 4 games, as well as his overall low minutes this season. Gerald Wallace is injured and not in his best form this season, and seeing as none of Johnson, Bogans, or Stackhouse is a true SF, the Nets should deal Brooks to a team that can bring them an SF and give him significant minutes.

Denver Nuggets - JaVale McGee is seeing 11.8mpg behind Kosta Koufos, despite the fact he got a nice pay-day this offseason. Don't be surprised to see a team take a stab at McGee before the deadline. The Nuggets could use improved perimeter shooting, mostly in the backcourt.

Indiana Pacers - Lance Stephenson's improvement could be better utilized by a team that can give him minutes. The Pacers could use another backup at small forward and/or center.

Detroit Pistons - The Pistons are struggling this year. With their frontcourt seemingly set and figured out (starters, at least) with Monroe/Drummond, the Pistons may want to move Rodney Stuckey whose been struggling of late, but shown good games earlier this season. They could really use a solid small forward and frontcourt depth

Toronto Raptors - Toronto has been bit with the injury bug. As of typing Bargnani is out for the season, Rudy Gay and Amir Johnson are both out for the next couple weeks, and Valanciunas is being effected by a dislocated finger. They have too many small forwards and to me it's very likely either Alan Anderson or Linas Kleiza will be gone by the deadline.

Houston Rockets - Houston will need more than Motiejunas and Smith being their primary center backups, we've learned as Omer Asik has been injured with a broken finger. They may need to sacrifice some picks if they want to begin making true playoff pushes.

[Maniak]

San Antonio Spurs: Obviously the Big Fundamental is going nowhere, but his lowest statistical contributions in nearly every category in his career aren't helping lead this front court. Diaw has been shooting at a very nice percent (51% from the field, 56% from 3pt), but scoring just under 5ppg as the starting power forward. This team is still a serious contender but their frontcourt is a big question mark in a 7 game series. Stephen Jackson may be on the outs with reduced minutes and stats, not to mention his upcoming expiring contract that will entice a lot of teams.

Phoenix Suns: Shannon Brown has seen great statistical improvement this season. However the Suns are a multi-year rebuild at this point and they'd be wise to get the most they can out of him before he dashes. Some picks and youth at the center position could be nice for this squad.

Oklahoma City Thunder - DeAndre Liggins has been heard in rumors. It'll take more than dealing a guy who hasn't suited up this season to clean up the shooting guard log jam in OKC. I can't imagine Sefolosha being traded, so maybe Ronnie Brewer plus Lamb or Liggins will head off for some more front court depth.

Minnesota Timberwolves - The Timberwolves need a solid center backup. They could afford to lose Ridnour or Barea from their backcourt.

Portland Trailblazers - Portland needs a better bench. They have three small forwards (Babbitt, Claver, and Pavlovic) who are quite jammed up. Something should be done there, and the Blazers should seek some picks as well as a better backup for Aldridge.

Golden State Warriors - Could use for a better center backup. Richard Jefferson has seen reduced minutes that another team may enjoy giving him. Maybe that other team has a center to offer?

Washington Wizards: Jan Vesely may never be what the Wizards wanted him to be. Now he just keeps the bench and garbage time warm. Washington would be wise to see what they could get for him.

[Maniak]

January 5, 2013

The Phoenix Suns have traded Channing Frye to the Indiana Pacers for Ian Mahinmi.

Frye has 2 years at $6.0 million and $6.4 million respectively, as well as a $6.8 million player option for his third year. He averaged 5.9ppg and 2.4rpg on .42% from the field with the Suns this season in 10.5mpg

Mahimi has 4 years left on his contract, $4.0 million each of those years. He was averaging 1.9ppg and 2.7rpg on 52% from the field in just 8.1mpg with Indiana.

In other trade news, it is rumored that Stephen Jackson will not be travelling with the San Antonio Spurs to New Orleans. Sources confirm it is not an injury and Jackson is perfectly healthy.

[Maniak]

January 8, 2013

The rumor of Stephen Jackson not going to New Orleans was proven false last night, as he played 11 minutes in the Spurs 99-73 victory over the Hornets. Sources say he is booked on the plane today heading back to San Antonio, but nothing is for sure.

In other news, Thabo Sefolosha was not seen at today's shootaround in Oklahoma despite the fact he played last night against the Wizards and the Thunder are set to play at home again tomorrow against the Timberwolves.

[Brujesino]

Theres no way the warriors are getting out of Richard Jeffersons contract:(

[Maniak]

Theres no way the warriors are getting out of Richard Jeffersons contract:(
haha. i had gone through so many teams straight at that point i wasnt thinking of contracts

[CarlosBoozer]

been lurking this thread, will post my thoughts after I eat and study :)
great job so far!

[Maniak]

been lurking this thread, will post my thoughts after I eat and study :)
great job so far!
thanks very much!

[CeltsGarlic]

:lol at clippersfan updates. Spot on.

Youre doing an amazing job with all that coverage of ALL teams. Good read.

[CarlosBoozer]

Aight aight, tell me everything about the bulls.

[Maniak]

Aight aight, tell me everything about the bulls.
From what I recall D. Rose had an injury earlier in the season. He's averaging around 20ppg, 5apg, and 4rpg. They're second in the east behind the heat at 20-13.

Boozer is averaging 14/9 with almost 2 steals per game as well. 46% from the field.

They allow the second least amounts of ppg behind the Spurs. Their team chemistry is also very solid.

[CarlosBoozer]

Damn rose, even in 2k? :roll:

I think they should trade Robinson for a legit sg. Maybe oj mayo or Evan turner? Booze is awesome as usual, they are probably are the top in rebounding I'm guessing? Bulls have good depth in forwards but they should look for a legit backup C, if Noah is injured.. they are f*cked. Perhaps we can acquirea diaw? What's your center depth chart? kinda lazy to go through the thread, I'm on my phone haha

[Maniak]

my frontcourt is like this

C - Duncan / Bonner
PF - Diaw / Splitter / Blair

I don't have interest in Robinson. I guess I could give Aron Baynes away for like a 2nd or something but I think he's just as good if not worse than Nazr.

[CarlosBoozer]

Damn, no potential trades then.. perhaps a 3 trade.. hmm. You interested in jimmy butler? :)

[Maniak]

Why would the Bulls get rid of Butler for any of those bigs, excluding duncan?

hes young and has potential at a pretty weak position. sure theres deng but hes aging and not improving. the bulls would be acquiring a past-prime big like diaw or guys who you dont really know how good they are/will be like splitter/blair.

[CarlosBoozer]

I'm not trading butler for diaw haha, just wondering if you were interested in him. We need deng for defense, his rebounding and some offense haha. Jimmy is good but we can upload some trades with him.

[BuffaloBill]

How many times has Manu been injured this season in your association? Anything under 3 is completely unrealistic.

[Maniak]

How many times has Manu been injured this season in your association? Anything under 3 is completely unrealistic.
So far our only injury was something minor to Splitter for around 2 weeks.

[Maniak]

Sorry about doing no real updates in a little bit here. I've been going back and forth on some trades but it's looking like nothing will happen for a little bit due to some terrible contract stuff.

I will play the Lakers game today, post a preview shortly.

[Maniak]

The San Antonio Spurs will be putting Nando De Colo in place for Patrick Mills. De Colo has played in only 6 games this season, while Tiago Splitter was out with injury.

http://i.imgur.com/kJnfypf.png

[Maniak]

Previous 4 games:

Spurs @ Bucks - L
Spurs @ Knicks - W
Spurs vs. 76ers - W
Spurs @ Hornets - W

http://i.imgur.com/qs1U9Ut.png
POTG: Manu Ginobili

Recap:
The Spurs extended their winning streak to 4 with a 100-84 victory over the Lakers. They were led by a season-high scoring performance from Manu Ginobili. He scored 33 points and added 4 rebounds and 3 assists.

"Beating the Lakers always is a feel good sensation, this win meant a lot," Ginobili laughed after the game.

Steve Nash played well for the Lakers (18 points and 8 assists on 6-11 from the field and 6-6 at the line), however the teams lack of contribution aside from Nash and Bryant (20 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists) led them to their demise.

The Spurs only turned the ball over 8 times. While still more than the Lakers 6, it's a step up from where they have been in many previous games. Their bench (29pts) had another solid contribution as well, led by Tiago Splitter.

The Spurs will look to extend the streak to 5 against division rivals Memphis on Friday.

[Maniak]

Simulated through the rest of January. Things went very well. Tony Parker has escalated into the top 5 of the MVP race and the team only lost 2 games the whole month. Milwaukee earlier on (as noted in the thread), and then Golden State.

Will update everything on the frontpage (stats, awards, etc) shortly.

[Maniak]

January 30, 2013

Trade rumors surrounding Eric Bledsoe have become more and more heard around the league. Teams known to have offers on the table for the 23 year old point guard are the Spurs, Bobcats, Hornets, and Raptors.

Although the rumors have become more abundant, most are still skeptic if he will be traded. Chris Paul will be a UFA this upcoming offseason, and so will Chauncey Billups. Eric Bledsoe's 2013 1 year team option gives the Clippers certainty in their backcourt for at least 1 more year.

[Maniak]

February 1, 2013

Today marks a new month, but also a new home for 3 NBA players.

The Los Angeles Clippers finalized a deal with the San Antonio Spurs today, sending Eric Bledsoe and their 2013 2nd round pick (unprotected) in exchange for Gary Neal and Aron Baynes.

Neal is an unrestricted free agent this coming offseason, and averaged 5.7ppg on 43% shooting in 12.9mpg during his 48 game tenure with the Spurs this season.

Bledsoe is confirmed to debut tomorrow in San Antonio against the Wizards (provided he passes his physical), and Neal will presumably debut Sunday in Boston as the Clippers take on the Celtics (same conditions for physical apply).

The two teams will meet twice more this season. In Los Angeles on the 21st of this month (NBA Trade Deadline) and in San Antonio on the 29th of March. The season series is currently tied 1-1.

[Maniak]

Playoff race, Spurs stats, and some interesting facts stuff updated.

[Maniak]

I'll play the Wizards game due to it being the debut of Bledsoe. I won't write a preview though.

[Maniak]

Quick note pre-game:

John Wall is not playing due to injury.

[Maniak]

http://i.imgur.com/9lRFSOT.png
POTG: Eric Bledsoe

Recap:
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Washington Wizards 100-82 at home to extend their winning streak to 7. The star player of tonight's game was a bit of a surprise.

With John Wall absent from the lineup due to a sprained wrist, people assumed that Tony Parker would exploit A.J. Price. However, with foul trouble throughout the first half, Nando De Colo and Eric Bledsoe filled in for Parker.

Eric Bledsoe figured it would be best if he started off on a good note, scoring a career high 28 points in his debut game for the Spurs. He added 4 assists to go with his 11-14 shooting from the field (4-4 from 3)

"I wasn't even expecting over 20 minutes, let alone over 20 points. Everything clicked tonight and it felt like I've been on this team for a lot longer than a few days." Bledsoe said post-game.

De Colo also scored a career high 11 points with 14 minutes played.

A.J. Price (21 points) and Bradley Beal performed quite well in the absence of Wall. However Beals poor shooting (6-17) didn't help as much as his 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals.

The Spurs bench led by Bledsoe outscored the Wizards bench 49-16.

San Antonio will enjoy a three-day break where they'll have a chance to further integrate Eric Bledsoe into the team, get some rest, and travel to Minnesota where they'll face the Timberwolves on Wednesday.

[Maniak]

February 3, 2013

2013 NBA All-Star Starters Announced

East All Star Starters:

C - Kevin Garnett - BOS - 15th Appearance
F - Carmelo Anthony - NYK - 6th Appearance
F - LeBron James - MIA - 9th Appearance
G - Derrick Rose - CHI - 4th Appearance
G - Dwyane Wade - MIA - 9th Appearance

West All Star Starters:

C - Dwight Howard - LAL - 7th Appearance
F - Dirk Nowitzki - DAL - 12th Appearance
F - Kevin Durant - OKC - 4th Appearance
G - Russell Westbrook - OKC - 3rd Appearance
G - Kobe Bryant - LAL - 15th Appearance

[Maniak]

Simulated some games:

Spurs @ Wolves - W
Spurs @ Pistons - L
Spurs @ Nets - L
Spurs @ Bulls - W
Spurs @ Cavaliers - L

All Star Reserves:

East:

G - Kyrie Irving - CLE - 1st Appearance
G - Monta Ellis - MIL - 1st Appearance
F - Danny Granger - IND - 2nd Appearance
F - Josh Smith - ATL - 1st Appearance
C - Greg Monroe - DET - 1st Appearance
G - Brandon Jennings - MIL - 1st Appearance
G - Deron Williams - BKN - 4th Appearance

West:

G - Stephen Curry - GSW - 1st Appearance
G - James Harden - HOU - 1st Appearance
F - Nicolas Batum - POR - 1st Appearance
F - Blake Griffin - LAC - 3rd Appearance
C - DeMarcus Cousins - SAC - 1st Appearance
G - Goran Dragic - PHX - 1st Appearance
G - Tony Parker - SAS - 5th Appearance

Rising Stars Challenge:

Home:

C - Jonas Valanciunas - TOR
F - Michael Kidd-Gilchrist - CHA
F - Thomas Robinson - HOU
G - Kemba Walker - CHA
G - Brian Roberts - NOH
G - Isaiah Thomas - SAC
G - Dion Waiters - CLE
F - Kawhi Leonard - SAS
F - Tristan Thompson - CLE
C - Bismack Biyombo - CHA

Away:

C - Nikola Vucevic - ORL
F - Chandler Parsons - HOU
F - Anthony Davis - NOH
G - Klay Thompson - GSW
G - Damian Lillard - POR
G - Kyrie Irving - CLE
G - Bradley Beal - WAS
F - Kyle Singler - DET
F - Kenneth Faried - DEN
C - Tyler Zeller - CLE

[Maniak]

All Star Contest Contestants:

Sprite Slam Dunk Contest:

James White - NYK
Kenneth Faried - DEN
Andre Drummond - DET
DeMar DeRozan - TOR

Foot Locker Three-Point Contest:

James Harden - HOU
Carmelo Anthony - NYK
Kevin Durant - OKC
Brandon Jennings - MIL
Stephen Curry - GSW
J.R. Smith - NYK

[Maniak]

Trade Update:

Grizzlies Trade: Tayshaun Prince, 2014 2nd round pick
Jazz Trade: Alec Burks, Raja Bell

Bobcats Trade: Josh McRoberts
Mavericks Trade: Anthony Morrow

[Maniak]

Carmelo Anthony wins All Star Game MVP with 23 points and 10 rebounds on 8-11 shooting from the field and 3-3 from 3pt.

The East defeated the West 101-90.

February 19, 2013: Spurs defeat Kings in Sacramento for their 40th win of the season.

Trade deadline is 2 days away.

[Maniak]

Multiple league sources have confirmed that the Detroit Pistons began seriously shopping Greg Monroe on February 18, just a day after the All-Star Game.

Apparently Monroe has been vocal about the Pistons current state since his announcement as an All-Star earlier this month.

The Detroit Pistons sit at 23-32 with just a day before the Trade Deadline.

Whether he is doing this to try to guarantee a big pay-day when his contract ends in a few years or not, whatever happens to Monroe will be a big deadline story.

[Maniak]

February 21, 2013

Greg Monroe's 20 point and 8 rebound game in a loss against the Charlotte Bobcats may mark the final time he'll be in a Detroit Pistons uniform. With the trade deadline coming up in several hours, the prevalent rumor is that Monroe is set to be a Cavalier in a deal that will most likely send Anderson Varejao to the Pistons.

The Wizards and Celtics have both been big names when it comes to bringing in Monroe, but the weights seem to have shifted. Only time will tell.

[Maniak]

@WojYahooNBA

Greg Monroe headed to San Antonio with Jonas Jerekbo, league sources tell Y! Sports

@WojYahooNBA

Spurs will be sending Mills, Splitter, Diaw, and an unprotected 2014 1st round pick, league sources tell Y! Sports

@WojYahooNBA

Spurs offer is arguably worse than others, but Monroe wanted to be a Spur. Neither player will play @LAC tonight, sources tell Y!

[Maniak]

http://i.imgur.com/rFQA7Jh.png

[Maniak]

http://i.imgur.com/t0PJ7be.png
POTG: Tony Parker

Recap:
What happens when you take Boris Diaw, Tiago Splitter, and Patrick Mills away from the Spurs and replace them with empty seats on the bench? A 94-84 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in Staples Center sounds about right.

While the Spurs were shorthanded, it should also be noted that the Clippers were missing their superstar point guard Chris Paul, someone who certainly would have made a huge difference in this game. Particularly in the 4th quarter when the Clippers struggled.

Tony Parker led the Spurs to victory with 29 points and 6 assists on 12-19 shooting from the field.

"Coach [Gregg] Popovich made it clear that it'd be a tooth and nail struggle tonight, and he was right. We're happy to come away with the win and can't wait for the new guys." Parker commented.

Blake Griffin and Chauncey Billups had 20 points each, but it wasn't enough to stop the Spurs.

Eric Bledsoe scored 11 points and dished 4 assists in his return game against the Clippers. The crowd cheered for him as he stepped on to the court, but the lay-up from Bledsoe that soon followed generated more of a mixed response.

The Spurs going 8-20 from the 3pt line didn't help quite as much as their 34 bench points (compared to the Clippers 21).

San Antonio will head over to Golden State to face the Warriors tomorrow. Greg Monroe and Jonas Jerebko are both expected to be in action.

[Maniak]

@tonyparker

@M10OSE and @JonasJerebko will greet us in GS! so excited to meet them as teammates and play with them tomorrow!

[Maniak]

Tony Parker is listed as a game time decision for tonight's game against the Warriors.

Spurs medical staff cites a Strained Groin that had been bothering Parker since late in the 4th quarter of last night's game. It apparently only got worse as the long day went on.

[Maniak]

http://i.imgur.com/VHznnny.png

Looks like Parker will miss the game. Monroe and Jerebko will be debuting though!

[Maniak]

Tomorrow as the Spurs enjoy a day off their general manager R.C. Buford will hold a press conference in San Antonio to discuss the team, primarily the recent trade involving Greg Monroe. Stand out questions/answers will be posted for you to read.

[Maniak]

http://i.imgur.com/sfW4msy.png
POTG: Eric Bledsoe

Recap:
No Tony Parker, no problem. The San Antonio Spurs beat the Golden State Warriors 96-89 on Friday night, putting the Warriors below .500 at home.

Eric Bledsoe filled in nicely for Parker, scoring 13 points and dishing out 9 assists in 20 minutes.

"Tony [Parker] being out was very short notice and I wasn't expecting to start. I'm happy I filled in well and we pulled out the win without him." Bledsoe commented.

Stephen Curry shone for the Warriors, scoring a game-high 25 points and also grabbing 4 rebounds and 6 assists (11-19 FG). However the poor performance from Klay Thompson (2-10FG, 1-4 3pt, 7pts, 5ast, fouled out late in the 4th) held the Warriors back.

Manu Ginobili scored 18 points on 5-10 shooting, a big improvement from last night's 6 points on 2-7 shooting.

Greg Monroe debuted with 9 points and 5 rebounds (4-7FG) in 16 minutes. Jonas Jerebko also had a solid debut, putting up 10 points and 3 assists in 15 minutes (5-6FG).

The Spurs got to the line 16 times and converted on all 16. This was the game's deciding factor.

San Antonio will enjoy a day off and then play in Phoenix on the 24th in their last game of a long 9 game road trip.

[Brujesino]

Pistons traded Monroe? Dumbest front office in the NBA.

[Maniak]

R.C. Buford Press Conference Highlights:

Q: Why trade away so many players and risk this much when you've got a 40 win team halfway through the season?

A: Well first I'd like to say that bringing in Jerebko and Monroe isn't all that much of a risk in my eyes, otherwise the deal never would have gone through. I mean you're looking at an all-star in his third year and a guy whose shown great strides of improvement in his game despite reduced minutes this year. Then in regards to changing things up when we're a 40 win team already, yes I see that criticism and that's something I went back and forth with when this deal was on the table. However as an organization we need to look forward and recognize that this year maybe we became a conference finalist down from a finalist, but next year we're champions due to the deal. I don't see it exactly like that and I think we'll still be on top this year regardless of moving pieces.

Q: Most people thought that if Monroe was going anywhere it'd be Cleveland, based on the prevalent talk around the league. Obviously that didn't happen and rumors made it seem like Monroe chose San Antonio over the other teams personally. Why do you think that was?

A: I'd like to think that Greg chose San Antonio because we have been a consistently winning team for well over a decade and all the pieces, et cetera. However much that played in to it I also know that him and Tony Parker really hit it off well at the All-Star game and Tony was all about Greg as a person and as a player. So that relationship was key in this deal, for sure.

Q: Is this deal still worth it if in 2014 Monroe becomes a free agent and heads somewhere new?

A: That's not exactly how I see things playing out in my mind but if he gives us all-star caliber basketball for this year and next, not to mention helps us do serious damage in the playoffs, I'd still say it's worth it if he left in 2014.

[Maniak]

Simulated the two Suns games. Hilariously we won both despite the fact that I forgot to adjust the lineups to re-insert a now 100% Tony Parker and place Monroe in the starting line-up.

The player re-signing deadline has passed and the Spurs did nothing regarding Stephen Jackson and DeJuan Blair, as neither player was interested in an extension at the moment.

Also simulated the following games:

Spurs vs. Kings - W
Spurs vs. Pistons - W
Spurs vs. Bulls - W
Spurs vs. Blazers - W

Will be playing the Thunder game probably tonight, will post a preview probably definitely tonight. Will most likely also play the Miami game from this month but probably no others...

I will update the ROTM/POTM and maybe a few other things but not the standings or team stats until april.

[Maniak]

As of March 9th the Heat clinched their playoff berth. Funnily enough, they clinched it on the 8th in real life this year (correct me if I'm wrong).

[Maniak]

http://i.imgur.com/Ldoi69x.png

[CarlosBoozer]

how do you get those stuff, projected starters and game notes? also the tweets and the writeups?

[Maniak]

http://i.imgur.com/uXoNQUQ.png
POTG: Tony Parker

Recap:
Heartbreak in San Antonio...almost.

A bricked jumper with 5 seconds to go from Kevin Durant with Manu Ginobili in his face played right in to the hands of Greg Monroe. Knowing his team was up by one point, he passed the ball up to Ginobili and nobody on the Thunder could catch him for the foul.

The Spurs should count themselves lucky for beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 89-88 after being outscored 22-13 in the fourth quarter.

"Guys were making mistakes I've never seen them make before. I mean we were feeling so good coming off of the third quarter and the offense was clicking perfectly, but the life was sucked out of us in the fourth." a relieved Gregg Popovich told reporters after the game.

Tony Parker was San Antonio's hero. He scored a game-high 28 points.

"We were 5 games up on the Thunder in the West heading in to tonight and we were really hoping as a team to widen the gap. I put it all out there and it was a little close for comfort, but good. Still good" Parker said after the game.

Kevin Martin shouldered the load for the Thunder, proving to be a tough problem for the Spurs to solve when paying so much attention to Durant and Westbrook. He scored 22 points (4-8 from 3) and dished 5 assists.

The Thunder stayed in it thanks to their 10-19 three point shooting. The Spurs decided to take a more mid-range and post-game focused approach, putting up only 3-9 from 3 but getting 22 attempts at the free throw line (capitalizing on 18).

This brings the season series 2-1 in favor of the Spurs. San Antonio will seek their 50th win of the season and their 11th straight in Minnesota tomorrow.

[Maniak]

how do you get those stuff, projected starters and game notes? also the tweets and the writeups?
i do the tweets and writeups all myself, as the most talented writer on insidehoops.

the rest of the stuff is resources available on operationsports.

[Maniak]

March 14, 2013

Spurs beat Mavericks 96-93 behind Parker's 21, winning their 50th game of the season.

March 15, 2013

Spurs clinch playoffs.

March 17, 2013

Spurs clinch best divisional record.

March 29, 2013

Spurs blow out Clippers 90-65. This brings their record this month to 12-1, with just 1 game to go against the Miami Heat in San Antonio. The Spurs have outscored their opponents 92.6 to 77.8 down the stretch of March, a 14.8ppg difference.

[Maniak]

March 30, 2013

The San Antonio Spurs sign Troy Murphy for the rest of the season with a $1.48m contract.

Murphy played in 59 games for the Lakers last year. He averaged 3.2ppg and 3.2rpg in 16.2mpg.

He will be available tomorrow against the Heat however it is speculated unlikely that Popovich will put him into the 12 man rotation.

[Maniak]

http://i.imgur.com/JvenLHE.png

[Mr. I'm So Rad]

Spurs get beat 89 - 73

[Maniak]

Spurs get beat 89 - 73
Not quite what happened.

[Maniak]

http://i.imgur.com/yMDDPqP.png
POTG: Tony Parker

Recap:
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Miami Heat 103-99, handing the Heat their 10th road loss of the season.

The Spurs nearly choked away a lead that was once at 16 after the Heat went on several scoring runs, however the play of the Big Three (not Bosh, Wade, James) halted the Heat.

Tony Parker led the way with an astonishing 31 point 9 assist game on 12-16 shooting from the field.

"When the teams with the two best records meet up, you know it'll be a good game. I'm happy I was able to play the way I did down the stretch along with the rest of my team who I think did a great job." Parker said.

Lebron James and Dwyane Wade combined for 50 points, however Chris Bosh scoring just 6 points in 25 minutes on 2-5 shooting from the field was a hindrance for the Heat. Proving that although the Heat generate lots of points in the paint from drives, their lack of post-up game can be killer, especially against a team like the Spurs.

Greg Monroe had a quiet 6 points on 2-3 shooting from the field in 22 minutes, however the emphatic one handed dunk on the fastbreak with seconds left was the icing on the Spurs cake of victory.

Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan combined for 38 points, shooting 74% from the field to help anchor the win.

The Spurs winning streak extends to 8, and they will look to continue it against the Grizzles in Memphis tomorrow for their first game in the month of April.

[Maniak]

Simulated the following games:

Spurs @ Grizzlies - W
Spurs vs. Magic - W
Spurs @ Thunder - L
Spurs vs. Hawks - W

Will be playing the Nuggets game, then maybe the Lakers game. Otherwise, it's almost playoff time!

[Maniak]

Updated the POTM/ROTM

I'll update team stats and league standings after the Nuggets game. Then I'll do it one more time before the playoffs begin.

If you're curious, the Spurs are set to face the 8th seed Clippers if the playoffs started today. Clippers are 37-40

[Maniak]

April 7, 2013

The San Antonio Spurs have signed veteran small forward Maurice Evans for the remainder of the NBA season. He will debut for the team April 10, when the Spurs visit the Denver Nuggets.

Also, the Spurs will be resting Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili for the remainder of the season (5 games), citing a sore left knee for Ginobili, back sprain for Duncan, and a sore neck for Parker.

[Maniak]

Actually I lied, I'm not going to play the Nuggets game, or any other regular season games. Sorry :oldlol:

Spurs @ Nuggets - L
Spurs vs. Kings - W
Spurs @ Lakers - L
Spurs @ Warriors - W
Spurs vs. Wolves - W

Finished season 63-19.

Going to update stuff on the front page before finishing simulating the day, then I'll cover seasonal awards and etc.

[Maniak]

Posted the bracket, as well as all of the NBA regular season awards. so PLEASE read the front page stuff.

i will make first round playoff preview however you cant access previous season results because this game is designed really badly so i wont be able to mention the season series unfortunately and i'll be working with very little information.

[Maniak]

Series-by-Series First Round Matchups Preview

Western Conference:
1. San Antonio Spurs vs. 8. Sacramento Kings
The team that held number one in the West for practically all of the season against the team that barely slipped in by the end. I honestly can't give the Kings even one win. It's playoff time in San Antonio and with the Big Three still looking sharp, I see San Antonio sweeping this series. However, so this preview isn't boring, I'll throw two storylines in for this series. The first is the battle between DeMarcus Cousins and Greg Monroe. Just two draft picks apart in the 2010 draft, these two bigs are some of the brightest at the center position, with similar numbers. Cousins averaged 15.3ppg, 8.8rpg, and 1.3bpg, while Monroe averaged 14.7ppg, 8.6rpg, and 0.9bpg. Seeing these two guys go at it could very well be the best thing this series has to offer. The second storyline is Tony Parker. Averaging 20.1ppg and 5.4apg on the season, people assumed Parker could slip into an All-NBA team this year. It's very arguable he should have made it over one of Curry (3rd team), Irving (2nd team), or Ellis (3rd team). Tony may feel that extra edge due to the "snub" and take it all out on the Kings.

Fun Fact: Of the 29 other teams in the NBA, Tony Parker averaged his least number of PPG against the Kings, and his highest number of APG. Although 3 games is a small sample size, it's an interesting thing to note.

Important Note: Marcus Thornton is expected to be out another 1-2 weeks with a seperated shoulder.

Prediction: Spurs win over Kings 4-0

4. Denver Nuggets vs. 5. Los Angeles Clippers
It felt like just yesterday I was raving about how the Clippers are the biggest disappointment of the season, and it really wasn't too long ago. They shot up to the 5th seed late in the season. With Caron Butler a definite "no" for the remainder of the playoffs, and DeAndre Jordan still suffering from a Strained Hamstring, the Clippers haven't caught a break from the injury bug all season. Chris Paul was only able to play 54 games all season, and he should hope to make up for it in this first round. Kosta Koufos tore his MCL late in the season, which was a big shame for the Nuggets, as he had solidified himself as the starting C for the team. However McGee seems to have replaced him nicely (averaging 12.3ppg and 7.0rpg in the month of April) and this may not be as big of a factor as Butler's Torn MCL. The home court advantage is what pushes the Nuggets over for me in the series, however I would not be surprised if Chris Paul made me call this one wrong.

Prediction: Nuggets win over Clippers 4-3.

3. Los Angeles Lakers vs. 6. Portland Trail Blazers
The Lakers are one of the hottest teams coming into the post season, getting their 10th straight win in their final game (vs. Rockets) of the season. Portland's youth, energy, and Rose Garden provides a hindrance for L.A., however it looks like Kobe and co. are peaking at the right time. Plus, everyone is healthy. Watch for the Lillard/Bryant match-up, which will surely be entertaining, however I don't see Portland pulling the upset.

Prediction: Lakers win over Trail Blazers 4-1.

2. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 7. Dallas Mavericks
This match-up could be very interesting (especially for a 2-7) if it wasn't for the fact that Dirk Nowitzki is still suffering from a Strained MCL. Although he's listed as day-to-day, every game he's absent from in this series will kill the Mavericks. Not to mention, the Thunder are my pick to take the West (more on that as the playoffs roll on) and I think they'll have no problem handling the Mavs. The off-season additions were nice, Dallas, but you were dealt a rough hand in the first round.

Prediction: Thunder win over Mavericks 4-0.

Eastern Conference:
1. Miami Heat vs. 8. Atlanta Hawks
At first glance of the Hawks roster, you might think an 8th seed in the East is pretty peculiar. Be that as it may, this match up will be a tough one to watch if you're a Hawks fan (or a Heat hater, which is far more likely). Jeff Teague, Josh Smith, and Ivan Johnson are all expected to miss this series at least with a variety of injuries. Although the team is still solid even in the absence of them, solid won't cut it against the defending champs. It'll take unbelievable play from Horford, Williams, and whoever else decides to show up combined with horrendous play from the Heat's Big Three.

Prediction: Heat win over Hawks 4-0.

4. Brooklyn Nets vs. 5. Boston Celtics
Coming off of his worst statistical season since his rookie year, Rajon Rondo, the man Boston hoped to be their future post Big Three (man, how many big threes are there?) has a lot of explaining to do. He should hope to get the chance to explain how the Celtics beat the Nets, but it'll be tough. I feel as though both of these teams have had big underperformers and injury issues through the season, so seeing them match up in the first round is quite interesting. For the sake of having a lower seed win a series, I'll put my faith in the more experienced Celtics. My confidence in this pick is lower than Rondo's three point percentage.

Prediction: Celtics win over Nets 4-3.

3. New York Knicks vs. 6. Philadelphia 76ers
New York is a 3 seed while they pay a guy $65.10 million to cheerlead. Having the league's best scorer in Carmelo Anthony helps, but I can honestly say that this team impressed me this year. If it wasn't for the fact that Andrew Bynum can't spell or stay healthy, I'd honestly edge the 76ers over the Knicks. I have confidence in Carmelo and/or J.R. not shooting the lights out for 7 straight games, and with a frontcourt older than their last championship, the Knicks would be prone to getting dominated by Bynum. Andrew is expected to miss another 2-4 weeks with a broken finger, which is really a shame. I can't see the 76ers in this state defeat the Knicks, and Carmelo is a man on a mission.

Prediction: Knicks win over 76ers 4-2.

2. Chicago Bulls vs. 7. Milwaukee Bucks
Monta Ellis may have it all, but the Bulls know how to stop it all. This series will simply be a case of defense over offense (especially with the Bucks not having Brandon Jennings...wait...maybe that'll be a good thing). Derrick Rose didn't quite have an MVP-caliber season (20.6ppg, 5.8apg, 4.5rpg in 76 games), but he'll be feeling the same pain Tony Parker feels not being on an All-NBA team. Eyeing up one of the guys who beat him (Ellis), I think Rose will play it up in the playoffs. If Larry Sanders constantly denies Rose at the rim and shots are falling, the Bucks may do better than what I'm giving them credit for.

Prediction: Bulls win over Bucks 4-1.

After the first round look for my article recapping what I got right/wrong and why, and then look forward to my second round preview. Enjoy NBA basketball!

[Maniak]

http://i.imgur.com/mKLyq5Q.png

Get hyped! It's playoff time!

[Maniak]

http://i.imgur.com/SmZjgyG.png
POTG: Manu Ginobili

Recap:
The San Antonio Spurs sent a message to the Sacramento Kings, and the other 14 teams in the playoffs with a 101-65 blowout in game 1.

Manu Ginobili led the way for the Spurs with 22 points and 5 rebounds on 9-13 shooting from the field.

"We've been very well rested heading in to today and I think that showed. We can't take them lightly just because of a big win, and we'll come just as hard next game as we came today." Ginobili said post-game.

Tyreke Evans did his best to shoulder the load for the Kings (19 points, 5 rebounds 8-16 from the field) however he was their only true bright light. An especially large problem for the Kings was DeMarcus Cousins. Matched up against Greg Monroe, not only did he only score 5 points and grab 3 boards on 1-6 from the field, but he gave up 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks (7-9 fg) to Monroe.

San Antonio's balanced and high percentage attack will need to be addressed in the remaining games of this series. However the Kings aren't the strongest defensive team in the NBA so they'll most likely have to try to match the Spurs offensively.

Game 2 will be playing in San Antonio on April 21.

[Maniak]

I wont do a game preview for each game in this series, unless things get closer than I'm expecting...

I fully plan on dong game 2 today and potentially game 3, so expect that.

[Maniak]

http://i.imgur.com/OLVqUCQ.png
POTG: Tony Parker

Recap:
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Sacramento Kings 101-86 to bring them up 2-0 in the best of 7 series.

Tony Parker led the way with 26 points and 6 assists.

"They played a good game and fought very hard but down the stretch our execution on both ends of the floor was superior." Parker said post-game.

Isaiah Thomas played his heart out for the Kings, scoring 30 points (6-8 three pointers), and adding on 5 assists and 3 steals. However like game one, the Kings top contributor was relatively alone, and there was not enough contribution from any one else.

The Spurs won the rebounding battle and that played into their hand for the victory. Tim Duncan led the game with 12 rebounds.

Game 3 will bring both teams to Sacramento, where the Kings will hope to win their first game of the series.

[JerryWest]

jesus what a blowout, just rest the starters :roll:

[Maniak]

^ Haha. I thought about resting them but it seemed too unrealistic

I actually played game 3 yesterday but for some reason I forgot to post it all up. I'll have to do that some time later today.

I should hopefully have game 4 done today as well.

[Maniak]

http://i.imgur.com/gMnTH7a.png
POTG: Greg Monroe

Recap:
A popular saying in the game of basketball is "live and die by the three". When the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Sacramento Kings 93-86 and went up 3-0 in the first-round series, that popular saying couldn't be any more true.

Despite the fact that the Spurs shot a poor 47% from the field (compared to the 51% of the Kings), their 5-10 shooting from three was what did it for them. That combined with Sacramento's 3-12 from beyond the arc.

San Antonio saw no standout performance from any one player. Although Greg Monroe was named player of the game, his 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks on 41% from the field was nothing compared to the individual performances the Spurs saw from Ginobili and Parker in games 1 and 2.

Monroe didn't even win his positional battle when looking purely at the stats. DeMarcus Cousins had 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocks on 50% from the field.

Stephen Jackson had one of his best games of the season coming off of the bench. He scored 14 points on 5-8 shooting to lead San Antonio's bench to outscore Sacramento's 30-19.

"I gotta go out there and get mine when I'm called on. Tonight I did what was needed of me and now we're in a great position." Jackson said post-game.

If Sacramento didn't feel the pressure of facing the number 1 seed before, they surely will now being down 0-3 in the series. Game 4 is set for April 25 in Sacramento.

[Maniak]

http://i.imgur.com/3tNGbqJ.png
POTG: Greg Monroe

Recap:
How do you come back after getting outscored 35-15 in the first quarter? Well if you ask the Sacramento Kings, they won't have the answer. They were knocked out of the playoffs following the 96-70 loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

The Spurs completed the sweep thanks to two players in particular: Greg Monroe and Tyreke Evans.

Greg Monroe gave the Spurs a game high 18 points and 12 rebounds on 57% from the field (much better than his 41% from the previous night) to aid the victory.

Tyreke Evans gave the Kings 9 points and 7 rebounds on 2-12 from the field (1-5 from 3) to aid the San Antonio Spurs victory.

"I wasn't too happy with my play the other night despite being named player of the game, so tonight to get the same honor in the last game of the sweep and play better really did it for me." Monroe said post-game.

Surely all the blame doesn't fall on Tyreke's shoulders. This series was a case of the experienced one seed crushing the inexperienced eight seed.

Like most blowout victories, the Spurs saw the better end of many aspects of the game. Fast break points (20 to 10), points in the paint (50 to 26), and bench points (25 to 17) brought the Spurs straight to the top.

The Spurs will enjoy some rest back in San Antonio, where they will await the winner of the Nuggets-Clippers series, a series currently tied up at 2-2.

[Maniak]

The brooms are brought out in Sacramento! :rockon:

I will write a recap of the first round/preview of the second. Chances are it'll be cut a tad short as I don't want to write up too too much. I hope to play the first game in the next series today as I don't have much to do but after that writing combined with the writing I'm about to do I don't know if I'll have it in me to put that much time into this today. We'll see.

[Maniak]

First Round Recap:

Spurs vs. Kings
What I predicted: Spurs 4-0
What happened: Spurs 4-0

Not much to say here. I actually watched all of the games in this series just because of the Cousins-Monroe match up. I was not disappointed with that as both players played quite equally and showed that they are the future. However everything else was rather lackluster.

Nuggets vs. Clippers
What I predicted: Nuggets 4-3
What happened: Nuggets 4-3

Alright! 2 for 2 baby! I love back and forth basketball like this and what I caught of these games was so worth it. Blake Griffin shone in every game but game 3, but I was left with something to be desired for the rest of the team

[Maniak]

Second Round Preview:

Eastern Conference:
San Antonio Spurs vs. Denver Nuggets

I feel as though the best way to describe this series is that the Denver Nuggets are good and deep, but the San Antonio Spurs are better and deeper. The Nuggets will need to force turnovers and be very efficient on the break, while denying either the Spurs inside or outside game. I think Denver

[Brujesino]

Warriors didnt make the playoffs:facepalm

[Maniak]

http://i.imgur.com/zg7Hm2A.png

[Maniak]

http://i.imgur.com/IscUvqH.png
POTG: Tony Parker

Recap:
It was a quiet, low scoring night in San Antonio as the Spurs beat the visiting Denver Nuggets 82-71 to take a 1-0 series lead.

San Antonio won thanks to crushing defense in a slow paced game. They limited Denver to just 41% from the field. Danilo Gallinari had a near empty 6 point and 3 rebound game on 1-15 shooting from the field (1-7 from three). His poor play and high usage helped the Spurs substantially.

The Spurs were led by Tony Parker. He scored 15 points and dished 5 assists on 70% shooting.

Denver's brightest spot was their rebounding. They outrebounded the Spurs by just one board, but had 11 offensive rebounds to the Spurs one. Even with the addition of Greg Monroe the Spurs have still struggled to rebound the ball well, and the Nuggets will need to go at this for the remainder of the series.

Game 2 is set for May 5, 2013 in San Antonio, when the Nuggets will hope to hasten the pace and break the Spurs defense.

[Maniak]

The San Antonio Spurs have replaced DeJuan Blair with Troy Murphy in their active line-up for game two of their series against the Denver Nuggets.

[Maniak]

http://i.imgur.com/ot8dXQ1.png
POTG - Tony Parker

Recap:
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Denver Nuggets 94-84 to take an important 2-0 lead in the series headed into Denver's 2 game home stand.

The Spurs balanced offensive attack combined with their neutralizing defense left the Nuggets with no answer.

"We haven't been relying on just one guy so far in this series and its really making them [Denver] panic. I feel like if someone on our team is struggling someone is right there ready to sub in and pick up the slack," Gregg Popovich commented.

Andre Iguodala led all scorers with 20 and also grabbed 5 rebounds. As an individual he had the best game however the Spurs proved it's not just about one guy. With nobody else on Denver able to really get it going offensively the Nuggets saw stretches of the game where they were down 20 or more points.

Stephen Jackson led the Spurs bench to outscore the Nuggets 45-24. He had a team-high 14 points on 5-8 shooting.

"I gotta be a spark right off the bench every night and tonight it clicked. My three ball hasn't been great this season so hitting the two I put up was a confidence boost, no doubt," Jackson said post-game.

Heading back home, the Nuggets have a lot of questions to answer. They'll need more from players like Danilo Gallinari and Ty Lawson, and defensively look to shut down a team rather than one or two players, not an easy task by any means.

[Maniak]

Probably going to reduce the minutes of Manu and Kawhi next game. Increase those of Jerebko and maybe put in Maurice Evans for Troy Murphy or just put Blair back...Need to give Evans a go this series. Wanted to put in Corey Joseph for Nando but Nando has played well.

Also, Lakers are up 2-0 against the Thunder headed into the 2 games in staples center. Both other series are 2-0 for the home team (miami and chicago). rip hamilton scored 27pts in game 2.

[JerryWest]

lakers better win, got $5 on the line!

[Maniak]

http://i.imgur.com/Bz8czaF.png
POTG: Ty Lawson

Recap:
The San Antonio Spurs were defeated for the first time during this years playoffs, losing to the Denver Nuggets 87-82. The series is now 2-1 in favor of the Spurs.

San Antonio saw good individual performance from Tony Parker and Greg Monroe, who combined for 43 points. However the rest of the team didn't contribute as expected, allowing the Nuggets improved offensive game to capitalize.

Ty Lawson had a strong game for the Nuggets, scoring 22 points, getting 4 rebounds and 3 assists, all while only missing 1 shot all game long.

"This game was crucial to us. Going down 0-3 would have been a tough climb. I really felt the need to step up tonight," Lawson said.

All of the Nuggets 12 players scored at least once, answering back to the Spurs deep performances in games one and two.

San Antonio saw Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili have another quiet night. This isn't the first time in the series they haven't performed like they did in the past, however it is the first time it hurt them enough to win.

"Those guys [Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili] are obviously very important to us. They quieted them down and forced other players to step up offensively. That didn't happen as I'd hope and we need to adjust for game 4," Popovich said post-game.

The Spurs were outscored 28-19 in the first quarter. They will look to bounce back in game four.

[Maniak]

http://gyazo.com/b0ce60942e27697a332bd454c342f20d.png

Updated bracket. Sorry for the fact it kinda ruins the page. The Thunder will look to do the near impossible coming back from being down 0-3 to the Lakers.

[Maniak]

DeJuan Blair and Maurice Evans will replace Nando De Colo and Troy Murphy in the Spurs lineup for game 4.

[Maniak]

I'm getting lazier and lazier...don't feel like doing another box score today :oldlol: Just finished playing game 4, will post results and recap and what not

[Maniak]

Spurs Three Stars:
Tony Parker - 23 pts, 7 ast, 3stl, 9-12fg, 2-4 3pt in 22mins
Greg Monroe - 23 pts, 4 ast, 7 reb, 10-12fg in 22mins
Eric Bledsoe - 17pts, 3ast, 1reb, 6-10fg, 5-5 FT in 14mins

Nuggets Three Stars:
Andre Iguodala - 15 pts, 7 reb, 1stl, 6-13fg in 27mins
Wilson Chandler - 12 pts, 2 reb, 1blk, 5-9fg in 14 mins
Kenneth Faried - 9 pts, 7 reb, 2 ast, 4-6fg in 25 mins

POTG: Tony Parker

Recap:
The San Antonio Spurs brought the series to 3-1 in their favor as they defeated the Denver Nuggets 101-74. The Nuggets will be on the tightrope in San Antonio in just 2 days.

Just like last game for the Spurs, Tony Parker and Greg Monroe shone, combining for 46 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists, and 3 steals on an unbelievable 79% shooting from the field. However unlike last game, they weren't alone. Eric Bledsoe added 17 points and Jonas Jerebko and Tim Duncan added 7 each.

"It's a team game, and you can't forget that, especially in the playoffs. They're on the edge now and headed home we're prepared to take the win and the series." Parker said post-game

San Antonio also played great defense, holding Danilo Gallinari to 0-7 shooting from the field in the first half, then leaving him with just 13 points. Ty Lawson was also nothing like game three, as he struggled with fouls all game and fouled out mid-fourth quarter. He finished with only 6 points and 6 assists going 3-14 from the field.

The Spurs demolished the Nuggets offensively, shooting over 20% better from the field and outscoring the Nuggets on the break 20-2 and in the paint 68-36.

"Denver is a monstrous offensive force and we know that in this series we have to either stop that or match that. Tonight we did both." Tim Duncan said in the post-game press conference.

The potentially series-deciding game 5 will be in San Antonio on May 11.

[Maniak]

Thunder take game 5, Lakers now lead series 3-2. - Westbrook drops 40!
Bulls take game 5, now lead series 3-2 over Knicks. - Rose gets 23/9/6! Melo held to just 4/5 on 2-8 shooting in 10 mins, is suffering from shin splints

[Maniak]

Danny Green has replaced Manu Ginobili in the San Antonio Spurs starting 5 for game 5 against the Denver Nuggets.

[Maniak]

Spurs Three Stars:
Tony Parker - 28 pts, 8ast, 3reb, 3stl, 6to, 11-16fg in 31 mins
Manu Ginobili - 16 pts, 4ast, 2reb, 6-11fg in 19 mins
Danny Green - 15pts, 2reb, 1stl, 6-12fg in 18 mins

Nuggets Three Stars:
JaVale McGee - 25pts, 12reb, 2blk, 12-15fg in 32mins
Ty Lawson - 20pts, 8ast, 4reb, 2stl, 8to, 8-22fg in 35 mins
Danilo Gallinari - 17pts, 6reb, 3ast, 7-11fg in 31 mins

POTG: Tony Parker

Recap:
Despite their best efforts, the Denver Nuggets were eliminated by the San Antonio Spurs from the 2013 playoffs after a 110-107 overtime loss in San Antonio.

The Nuggets had a very solid first half. They outscored the Spurs 53-37 in the first half, however the Spurs came back in the second half due to a 28-17 advantage in the third quarter.

Tony Parker led the Spurs with 28 points and 8 assists.

"Our first half was dreadful and I held myself accountable. I really had to bring it back in the second half and our team was able to score inside and out like we couldn't in the first half," Parker said post-game.

JaVale McGee had one of his best games of his career. He didn't miss a shot in the first half and ended with 25 points and 12 boards.

"I felt a lot of pressure to work harder in the paint after some of these past games. I felt like I underachieved in this series and I still feel that way seeing as we're out of the playoffs," McGee spoke in the press conference.

The Spurs overtime was led by Manu Ginobili [I can't actually give you what happened here because the GameTrack is so broken in this stupid game] who scored a majority of the teams points, despite being placed on the bench to start things off and seeing reduced minutes.

"As a team player I wanted to win this game for the team but as an individual I wanted to win and perform well because I felt pressured to bring more after being assigned to the bench. My performance recently has not been where I'd expect it to be so hopefully coming off of the bench will help." Ginobili commented.

The Nuggets can be proud they dominated a majority of the game, and the paint (outscoring the Spurs down low 70-58), however they still were unable to stop what San Antonio threw at them. They'll look on and watch the playoffs as the Spurs will either face the Thunder or the Lakers.

[Maniak]

So I'll simulate the rest of the round tonight and potentially post a recap and conference finals preview but we'll have to see.

the results are pretty ridiculous if you ask me :roll:

[Maniak]

Second Round Recap:

Western Conference:
Spurs vs. Nuggets
What I predicted: Spurs win 4-2
What happened: Spurs win 4-1

Just a game off of the correct prediction, I feel pretty good about what I said here. Danilo Gallinari didn't step up as hoped for, in fact, he choked pretty hard. The Nuggets only truly showed up to 2 games (3 and 5) and won just one of those. Losing by at least 10 points in 3 of the 5 games is not what you want to see as a team.

Thunder vs. Lakers
What I predicted: Thunder win 4-3
What happened: Lakers win 4-2

Somebody forgot to tell me that no Thunder players outside of Westbrook and Durant were planning on really showing up for this series. Pulling 2 games after being down 3-0 is nice, but I'm sure this was not the playoff run Scott Brooks was expecting his team to have. Deciding game 6, get outscored 21-14 in the fourth quarter? Yuck! Kobe played fantastic through the series, with alternating stellar performances from Nash, Howard, and Gasol, as well as surprising bench performance.

Eastern Conference:
Heat vs. Nets
What I prediced: Heat win 4-2
What happened: Heat win 4-0

Pretty disappointing series to be honest. None of the games were exceptionally close and Miami's big three is still very scary and seemingly unanswerable. We'll have to wait and see if Chicago has the answer (a very different team from Atlanta and Brooklyn).

Bulls vs. Knicks
What I predicted: Knicks win 4-2
What happened: Bulls win 4-2

It wasn't all just Derrick Rose, but rather a fantastic team effort. Guys like Rip, Boozer, and Noah really stepped up in ways I didn't expect. New York losing 'Melo for most of game 5 really hurt them. The Bulls strategy seemed to be let Carmelo do whatever the hell he wants and put up as many shots as he wants, then just deny everyone else. I'm not sure if they'll see that much success with a similar strategy against Miami.

[Maniak]

Conference Finals Preview

East:
San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Lakers
1999: Spurs beat Lakers 4-0 in Conf. Semifinals; win title
2001: Lakers beat Spurs 4-0 in Conf. Finals; win title
2002: Lakers beat Spurs 4-1 in Conf. Semifinals; win title
2003: Spurs beat Lakers 4-2 in Conf. Semifinals; win title
2004: Lakers beat Spurs 4-2 in Conf. Semifinals; lose to Pistons in finals
2008: Lakers beat Spurs 4-1 in Conf. Finals; lose to Celtics in finals
2013: ??

What a matchup. The Spurs have knocked off two younger more fast paced teams heading into these conference finals, while the Lakers have defeated two teams that have given them troubles in the past. This match-up is just so good. Parker vs. Nash, Ginobili vs. Bryant, Duncan vs. Gasol, Monroe vs. Howard, Gregg Popovich vs. Phi-...hmm. Regardless, this series is going to be good and I truly hope for 7 games. To me the Lakers performance against the Thunder was a scale tipper. I actually like the Lakers in 5 or 6 but this is too good not to be 7 games somehow. The reason I say 5 or 6 is the fact that Parker is the only guy I'm sold on for the Spurs right now. I'm not entirely doubting Monroe, Duncan, Gino, etc necessarily, however I am doubting their consistent ability to win 4 games against this Lakers team.

Prediction: Lakers win 4-3

West:
Miami Heat vs. Chicago Bulls

As I looked at the playoff bracket at the start of this years playoffs, I couldn't really reason a way the Heat don't at least make the finals. That thought hasn't changed. The Bulls generate lots of problems for the Bulls but...LeBron, Dwyane, Chris. For the Bulls to win Derrick Rose needs to seriously go off and/or the Bulls defense needs to suffocate the Heat...or maybe the Bulls need to suffocate that big three...hmmm..

Prediction: Heat win 4-2

By the way, there is no way that Lebron and Kobe being in the same finals ends well.

[Maniak]

Important to note Pau Gasol will be out for another 1-2 weeks with a Seperated Shoulder he suffered in game four of the Lakers/Thunder series.

Lakers opt to have World Peace/Clark rather than Clark/Jamison or World Peace/Jamison starting.

[Maniak]

Cory Joseph is replacing Maurice Evans in the Spurs active 12 lineup for game 1.

Green still starting over Ginobili.

[Maniak]

Spurs Three Stars:
Tony Parker - 24 pts, 4 reb, 8ast, 1to, 9-11fg in 23 mins
Manu Ginobili - 22 pts, 2 reb, 1stl, 8-12fg in 17 mins
Tim Duncan - 21pts, 11reb, 1stl, 8-12fg in 22 mins

Lakers Three Stars:
Kobe Bryant - 37pts, 5reb, 3ast, 1stl, 1blk, 16-32fg, 4-7 3pt in 29 mins
Dwight Howard - 22pts, 7 reb, 10-18fg in 28 minutes
Steve Nash - 9pts, 6reb, 11ast, 2stl, 3to, 3-9fg in 28 mins

POTG: Tony Parker

Recap:
The Los Angeles Lakers went on a 13-4 run in a short 1:40 stretch in the fourth quarter, but it wasn't enough to overcome the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs won 101-94 and took a 1-0 series lead in the Western Conference Finals.

They're called "The Big Three" for a reason, and tonight they proved why. Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, and Manu Ginobili combined for 67 points, 17 rebounds, 9 assists on 71% shooting from the field.

"It's our time, it's the conference finals. There's some history and controversy between us but in the end it comes down to the game of basketball, tonight we won that game," Tim Duncan said in his post game interview.

Things haven't changed much for L.A. Kobe Bryant scored 37 points on 16-32 FG and got 5 rebounds and 3 assists as well.

"You can look at the stats or whatever and say I had a good game but then you can look at the score at the final buzzer and realize you're wrong. It's all about the win and it's tough not to get it. It's a long series and only the beginning, I'm still confident in our ability to take it," Kobe said post-game.

The Spurs depth helped immensely. With Ginobili coming off the bench he helped lead their bench to outscore the Lakers 44-17.

Los Angeles only turned the ball over 3 times compared to the Spurs 12. This turnover issue has been problematic for the Spurs many times this season and they should feel good they were still able to win despite the difference.

Game 2 will be May 17 in San Antonio.

[Maniak]

Troy Murphy replaces DeJuan Blair in the Spurs Active 12.

[Maniak]

Spurs Three Stars:
Tony Parker - 23 pts, 10ast, 1stl, 10-14fg, 3-5 3pt in 22mins
Manu Ginobili - 21pts, 4ast, 7-10fg, 2-4 3pt in 17 mins
Kawhi Leonard - 14pts, 5ast, 3stl, 6-7fg in 21mins

Lakers Three Stars:
Kobe Bryant - 26pts, 3reb, 2ast, 1stl, 2to, 12-18fg in 22mins
Dwight Howard - 16pts, 4reb, 1blk, 8-11 fg in 20 mins
Steve Nash - 10pts, 7ast, 1stl, 1to, 4-6fg in 18mins

POTG - Tony Parker


Recap:
It was a good old fashioned blow out, and not the caliber of game you'd expect in game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. The San Antonio Spurs made it look easy against the team that just a short while ago was up 3-0 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Spurs beat the Lakers 115-87 as the series heads into Los Angeles.

Once again it was Tony Parker leading the Spurs charge. He had a balanced game of 23 points and 10 assists on 10-14 from the field (3-5 3pt).

"We don't expect the game to go this way headed to L.A, but we'll take this. Our execution on both sides of the floor was great and Popovich is really happy with the end result," Parker said post-game.

Kobe Bryant had 26 points (12-18fg) and 3 rebounds in just 22 minutes of play, opting to miss most of the fourth quarter along with the rest of the Lakers starters. Dwight Howard scored 16 on 8-11fg.

The Lakers had very few bright spots on the stat sheet. They had more second chance points, offensive rebounds, and steals. That's all.

Los Angeles will look to bounce back at home and push this game into the past.

[Mr. I'm So Rad]

Kobe not playing the entire game. Dwight with 18 FGAs.

Very unrealistic.

[Maniak]

Haven't felt like playing this association for a little bit, but think I should do game 3 tonight. About to start playing it.

Sorry for the hold-up. Gotta get this closed up soon.

[Maniak]

Nando De Colo and DeJuan Blair replace Troy Murphy and Cory Joseph in the Spurs active 12 for game 3.

[Maniak]

BREAKING NEWS:

Los Angeles Lakers training staff announces that Kobe Bryant is suffering from a Twisted Ankle he suffered in game 2 of the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. He is listed as day-to-day and still expected to play in game 3 in Los Angeles. However, he will not be starting.

Most speculated something had to be up, as Bryant missed almost all of the fourth quarter in game 2.

Pau Gasol is still suffering from a Separated Shoulder and will not be active in game 3. His timetable is still listed as 1-2 weeks.

[Maniak]

Spurs Three Stars:
Tony Parker - 21pts, 4reb, 6ast, 1stl, 5to, 9-15fg, 3-4 3pt in 25mins
Danny Green - 14pts, 2reb, 1ast, 1blk, 1to, 4-8fg, 1-2 3pt in 20mins
Manu Ginobili - 12pts, 2reb, 3ast, 4-7fg, 2-3 3pt in 15mins

Lakers Three Stars:
Dwight Howard - 28pts, 7reb, 1ast, 1stl, 12-20fg, 4-7ft in 23mins
Steve Nash - 11pts, 1reb, 3ast, 2stl, 2to, 3-11fg, 4-4ft in 27mins
Jodie Meeks - 8pts, 2ast, 1stl, 1to, 2-15fg, 2-9 3pt in 26mins

POTG: Tony Parker

Recap:
No Kobe Bryant...no problem! Well, for the San Antonio Spurs at least. The Spurs beat the Lakers 96-70 in the Staples Center to take a commanding 3-0 lead.

Kobe did play, however only in 8 minutes (getting 5 points and a rebound on 2-5 shooting).

"I didn't feel comfortable giving him significant minutes in the condition he was in, nor did the training staff, nor did any of the other coaching staff. When we'd put him out he'd have to come back shortly after and get iced and the trainer would have to work with him, it didn't get better as the game wore on." Coach Mike Brown (lol I know, he still coaches them) said post-game.

Jodie Meeks attempted to replace him, playing in 26 minutes and having 15 shot attempts (9 from three). Of those 15 shots he only converted on 2 (both of them threes) and he ended the night with 8 points and 2 assists.

Tony Parker was the Spurs front man, scoring 21 points and adding 4 rebounds and 6 assists on 9-15 shooting.

"This win was huge for us. I don't doubt our ability to take one game out of a potential four more." Parker said.

Dwight Howard led the Lakers with a game-high 28 points (12-20 field) and 7 rebounds.

"It wasn't all there tonight," Howard spoke.

The Lakers will look to improve their atrocious 38% shooting from the field and hope Kobe will be back 100% in game 4 (however that looks very unlikely at the moment) to avoid the Spurs bringing out the brooms for the second time this post-season.

[Maniak]

http://gyazo.com/e1f2dea4629bb39e82633783b29669d8.png
http://gyazo.com/5c50e9aec534ed62a888496e24f1c8c1.png

[Maniak]

http://cdn.straightfromthea.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/kobe-cry-baby.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4T0D5Zp9BU8/TdAZ11-P79I/AAAAAAAAAj0/FwUdvj4hZgM/s1600/lakers.jpeg

http://gamedayr.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/lakers-swept-meme-7.jpg

[Maniak]

Spurs Three Stars:
Kawhi Leonard - 22pts, 3reb, 9-15fg, 0-2 3pt in 23mins
Danny Green - 18pts, 1reb, 2ast, 2to, 7-10fg, 3-6 3pt in 21mins
Eric Bledsoe - 6pts, 2reb, 7ast, 3to, 2-4fg, 1-3 3pt in 23mins

Lakers Three Stars:
Dwight Howard - 27pts, 7reb, 1ast, 3stl, 11-15fg, 5-10ft in 27 mins
Kobe Bryant - 12pts, 1reb, 2ast, 5-5fg, 2-2ft in 8mins
Steve Nash - 12pts, 8reb, 6ast, 5to, 5-12fg, 0-1 3pt in 28mins

POTG: Kawhi Leonard

SA: 24 | 15 | 23 | 25 | 87
LAL: 15 | 22| 21 | 25 | 81

Recap:

The San Antonio Spurs are the first team to advance to the 2013 NBA Finals following a 87-81 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. The Spurs swept the Lakers 4-0, despite missing Tony Parker in the final game.

Kobe Bryant still only saw limited play, however his performance was much better. He scored 12 points on 5-5 shooting from the field. Some arguing was seen on the sidelines between him and Mike Brown throughout the game.

In the absence of Parker, Kawhi Leonard stood tall for the Spurs. He scored 22 points and got 3 rebounds to lead his team in scoring.

"I felt like I gave everything I could on both sides of the floor and coming out of it with a win I truly believe that," Leonard said.

The San Antonio Spurs await the winner of the Miami Heat - Chicago Bulls series, which is currently tied 2-2.

[Maniak]

I'm not going to do a recap/preview like I have done for the previous rounds.

Heat won 4-2. Rose and James didn't play very well, Wade played great.

[CarlosBoozer]

beat the Miami heat by 2 points by a clutch jump shot by Paul pierce, Lebron was out but wade stepped up and put up 40, rose put up 46. Played the game myself.

[Mr. I'm So Rad]

^Wait...what?

[Maniak]

I think he lost his mind.