00s Tournament: North Region

As many of you may know, I am going to run a tournament featuring the Top teams of the 2000s. For a quest to who was the best. 64 of the top are presented in this March Madness Style Tournament. Here is the main thread:

[url]http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=304930[/url]

Here is a link to the full bracket:

[url]http://betterbracketmaker.com/#!/46ffb17c92c15[/url]


This thread is solely for the simulation of the North Region. Featuring these teams:

[CENTER]
1 00 Lakers

2 04 Pistons

3 06 Heat

4 04 Pacers

5 00 Blazers

6 07 Suns

7 01 Spurs

8 00 Knicks

9 08 Jazz

10 04 Mavericks

11 07 Bulls

12 02 Pistons

13 01 Raptors

14 00 Hornets

15 05 Nuggets

16 06 Grizzlies[/CENTER]

[LIST][*]Each Round Will Be Best out of 7[*]I will start with the Top Seeds[*]I will be using whatifsports.com to simulate. Box Scores and Play-by-Plays will also be included with each matchup[*]For those who have whatifsports.com experience, they can validate my results and ensure nothing is rigged. [/LIST]


[B]Predictions for the North Region???[/B]

I predict the 00 Lakers win this. Shaq in his prime and a young Kobe? Goodbye, competition.

IMO could be the toughest region. It is the only region to have 3 champions inside the region. And then some other solid teams like the 04 Pacers, the 00 Blazers (who almost beat the 00 Lakers in real-life), and the 07 Suns

I'd take lakers as well, '00 Knicks as a sleeper pick.

As for upset picks (like we typically have in NCAA tournaments)...
um 07 Bulls over 07 Suns?

00 Blazers are my darkhorse pick to win this region

00' Lakers all the way

Dark Horse: 02 Pistons

I'll change my dark horse prediction to 02 Pistons..

Top seed takes it. Peak Shaq is ridiculous in WIS, as he should be. 2001 Spurs are my darkhorse.

Yeah, I'm interested in seeing the boxscores from the '00 Laker games, just to see the numbers Shaq puts up. If it's best-of-seven I don't really see very many upsets happening.

[QUOTE=KG215]Yeah, I'm interested in seeing the boxscores from the '00 Laker games, just to see the numbers Shaq puts up. If it's best-of-seven I don't really see very many upsets happening.[/QUOTE]
Not even on WIF :oldlol:
Your talk of "variation" was the main reason I changed it from 3 to 7 lol

[CENTER][IMG]http://nba.bet007.com/files/team/20120112163535.jpg[/IMG]
[B][SIZE="4"]1 2000 Los Angeles Lakers [/SIZE]
[/B]
vs.


[B][SIZE="4"][IMG]http://www.yazarkafe.com/images/blog/0tkIS91vVpIR.jpg[/IMG]

16 2006 Memphis Grizzlies[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER]


[B]Preview:[/B] The 2000 Lakers finished with a 67-15 record, the best seen in the entire decade. Definitely making them worthy of a #1 seed in this tournament. The playoffs weren't as easy, but they made it through eventually winning the championship. O'Neal was at his peak and maybe the best player in this entire tournament. Kobe was an all-star but not quite in his prime yet. Nonetheless, they had Rice who was probably the best role-player they had in their 1st 3-peat and could make up for Kobe not being at in his prime yet.

The 2006 Grizzlies finished with a 49-33 record and were led by All-Star PF Pau Gasol and a whole bunch of good role players. Some key names include: Shane Battier, Mike Miller, Eddie Jones, and Chucky Atkins. Overall they 6-7 players average in double-figures. They did not however have much success in the playoffs keeping them down to only a #16 seed.

The Grizzlies will have a tough time containing O'Neal in this series, you can expect him to do his thing. However, the Grizzlies do have great perimeter defense with Battier and Eddie Jones. Battier will be guarding Kobe all series limiting him. They may not stop O'Neal, but if they can limit everyone else they have a shot at an upset.

[SIZE="3"][B]Game 1: Grizzlies 102, at Lakers 92[/B][/SIZE]

Box Score: [url]http://whatifsports.com/nba/boxscore.asp?GameID=8043868&nomenu=1&teamfee=-1[/url]

Player of the Game: P.Gasol 18points/10reb/7ast/2blk


[B]Recap:[/B] The Grizzlies come out and stun the Lakers Game 1. They outscored them 56-40 in the 2nd half to win this game. Pau Gasol led the way with a double-double dishing out 10 assists, while 5 other players were also in the double-figures. They also turned it over only 8 times. Shaq led the Lakers with 33 points and 13 rebounds while Kobe added 18/9/8 but it was not enough.

[SIZE="3"][B]
Game 2: at Lakers 108, Grizzlies 77[/B][/SIZE]

Box Score: [url]http://whatifsports.com/nba/boxscore.asp?GameID=8043962&nomenu=1&teamfee=-1[/url]

Player of the Game: S.O'Neal 33points/13reb/4ast on 15/22 shooting

[B]Recap: [/B]The Lakers bounced back in a big way to take Game 2 from the Grizzlies. O'Neal was dominant once again while Kobe added 19 points for them in 30 minutes due to foul trouble. The key difference was their defense, holding the Grizzlies to less than 40% shooting and forcing 20 TOs. Gasol struggled shooting just 5/13 and is now just 12/40 overall in the series.


[SIZE="3"][B]Game 3: Lakers 86, at Grizzlies 78[/B]
[/SIZE]
Box Score: [url]http://whatifsports.com/nba/boxscore.asp?GameID=8044014&nomenu=1&teamfee=-1[/url]

Player of the Game: S.O'Neal 34points/17reb on 14/25 FG

Recap: In a tough fought defensive game the Lakers came out victorious to take a 4-2 lead in the series. O'Neal had 30+ points again as he led the way when everyone else was struggling. Bryant had 11points/8ast while Rice added 15. Pau Gasol had his best game of the series scoring 26 with 8reb/6ast but the rest of his team struggled as the Lakers take a 2-1 lead.


[B][SIZE="3"]Game 4: at Grizzlies 102, Lakers 77[/SIZE][/B]

Box Score: [url]http://whatifsports.com/nba/boxscore.asp?GameID=8044066&nomenu=1&teamfee=-1[/url]

Player of the Game: P.Gasol 19points/12reb/7ast on 7/14 FG
[B]
Recap: [/B] The Lakers came out soft and the Grizzlies came out hard. The outcome was the result of this. Pau Gasol had another good all-around game as the Grizzlies played terrific defense holding the Lakers to just 77 points. Shaq had 29/14 but Kobe just 9 points on 4/13 shooting. He has failed to reach the 20 point mark all series thanks to Shane Battier and the Memphis tough defense.


[B][SIZE="3"]Game 5: at Lakers 95, Grizzlies 90[/SIZE][/B]

Box Score: [url]http://whatifsports.com/nba/boxscore.asp?GameID=8044069&nomenu=1&teamfee=-1[/url]

Player of the Game: S.O'Neal 22points/15reb/9ast/4blk on 9/15 FG

[B]Recap:[/B] The Lakers won a tough fought Game 5. O'Neal led the way again, he was double-teamed more this game but found open players and had 9 assists overall while making a more impact on defense. Glen Rice stepped up leading all scorers with 24 while Bryant added 17 on 8/19 continuing his medicore series. Gasol just missed a triple-double with 19/10/9.


[B][SIZE="3"]Game 6: Lakers 108, at Grizzlies 97[/SIZE][/B]

Box Score:[url]http://whatifsports.com/nba/boxscore.asp?GameID=8044083&nomenu=1&teamfee=-1[/url]


Player of the Game: K.Bryant 32points/9reb/9ast

[B]
Recap: [/B] Kobe Bryant finally stepped up and had a big game and that is all the Lakers needed to close out the series. Bryant had his series best 32 points while continuing his all-around display. Shaq added 23/13. Pau Gasol struggled with 14 points and 9reb on 7/18 shooting as the series comes to an end.



[B][SIZE="4"][CENTER]

1 2000 Lakers Win Series 4-2[/CENTER][/SIZE][/B]
[CENTER]

[IMG]http://agonica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/2000_lakers_group_md.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER]

Nice Win by the lakers.. I tried my own simulation but the Memphis did an upset 4-3.. Good thing in your simulation the Lakers won.

[QUOTE=IceMan2]Not even on WIF :oldlol:
Your talk of "variation" was the main reason I changed it from 3 to 7 lol[/QUOTE]
Not sure what you mean, but I wasn't the only one. I was just agreeing with the one or two posters who said something before me along those same lines. I've really only messed around with simming all-time great teams against other all-time great teams, and teams like the '96 Bulls, '86 Celtics, and '87 Lakers generally won the most. So maybe more upsets than I expect shouldn't surprise me.

Here's Shaq and Kobe's averages.

[B]Shaq:[/B] 29.0 PPG, 14.2 RPG, 3.8 APG, 2.0 BPG, .588 FG%

[B]Kobe:[/B] 17.7 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 6.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, .441 FG%

[QUOTE=hangintheair]Nice Win by the lakers.. I tried my own simulation but the Memphis did an upset 4-3.. Good thing in your simulation the Lakers won.[/QUOTE]
Lol just some tips when simming on WIF from my experience:

1) Make sure you check/edit depth-charts before you sim.

2) I've noticed when you are logged into a WIF account the results are more stable and accurate than when you aren't. Its kind of weird, but for someone who has done both plenty of times, you will see a difference.

[QUOTE=KG215]Here's Shaq and Kobe's averages.

[B]Shaq:[/B] 29.0 PPG, 14.2 RPG, 3.8 APG, 2.0 BPG, .588 FG%

[B]Kobe:[/B] 17.7 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 6.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, .441 FG%[/QUOTE]
Niice

Kind of what I think I would expect in real-life lol.

[QUOTE=KG215]Here's Shaq and Kobe's averages.

[B]Shaq:[/B] 29.0 PPG, 14.2 RPG, 3.8 APG, 2.0 BPG, .588 FG%

[B]Kobe:[/B] 17.7 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 6.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, .441 FG%[/QUOTE]

Nice.. Fair Enough

[QUOTE=IceMan2]Lol just some tips when simming on WIF from my experience:

1) Make sure you check/edit depth-charts before you sim.
[/QUOTE]
This is the biggest one. Some of their depth-charts/rotations are really messed up.

[QUOTE=IceMan2]Niice

Kind of what I think I would expect in real-life lol.[/QUOTE]
Yeah, the rebounds and assists seem kind of high, but it's not too far-fetched to think he could do that in a playoff series. I may track the stats for the stars on each team (best 1-3 players). Not going to do every player on every team. Tried doing that for a 16 team tournament and got burned out before I could even get down with the 1st round. But tracking the stats for just a few players doesn't take long.

[QUOTE=KG215]Yeah, the rebounds and assists seem kind of high, but it's not too far-fetched to think he could do that in a playoff series. I may track the stats for the stars on each team (best 1-3 players). Not going to do every player on every team. Tried doing that for a 16 team tournament and got burned out before I could even get down with the 1st round. But tracking the stats for just a few players doesn't take long.[/QUOTE]

That would be great!

Yeah burning out is a concern for even me. I started pretty strong with the previews/recaps, but not sure if I can continue that lol

Okay starting a new region!

Will come back to this region later. The bracket (posted in OP) is updated.

[QUOTE=KG215]Here's Shaq and Kobe's averages.

[B]Shaq:[/B] 29.0 PPG, 14.2 RPG, 3.8 APG, 2.0 BPG, .588 FG%

[B]Kobe:[/B] 17.7 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 6.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, .441 FG%[/QUOTE]

Curious boredom while looking through the box scores.

[B]Gasol WIS[/B]: 18.5 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 6.6 APG, 1.8 BPG .444 FG%
[B]Gasol's actual averages[/B]: 20.4 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.9 BPG, .503 FG%

Solid. Major drop in FG% = Less PPG. Gasol would look to pass more in that situation in real life and his APG was up in the WIS series. Rebounding and blocks roughly the same. I actually think his rebounding would go up in that situation to maybe 11-12, but whatever.

Here's what I got for Shaq, Kobe, and Pau:

[B]Shaq:[/B] 40.2 MPG, 29.0 PPG, 14.2 RPG, 3.8 APG, 2.0 BPG, 0.7 SPG, 3.3 TOV, .588 FG%, .667 FT%

[B]Kobe:[/B] 38.0 MPG, 17.7 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 6.0 APG, 0.7 BPG, 1.2 SPG, 3.5 TOV, .441 FG%, .364 3P%, .870 FT%

[B]Gasol:[/B] 38.8 MPG, 18.5 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 6.6 APG, 1.8 BPG, 0.3 SPG, 3.5 TOV, .444 FG%, .500 3P%, .667 FT%

[QUOTE=IceMan2][LIST][*]Each Round Will Be Best out of 7[*]I will start with the Top Seeds[*]I will be using whatifsports.com to simulate. Box Scores and Play-by-Plays will also be included with each matchup[*]For those who have whatifsports.com experience, they can validate my results and ensure nothing is rigged. [/LIST]


[B]Predictions for the North Region???[/B][/QUOTE]
07 Suns :rockon: :rockon: :rockon:

Man lets do some WIS drafting.

[CENTER][IMG]http://www.hrsport.net/photos/_resized/380/85/0000000000380855_282_0.jpg[/IMG]

[B][SIZE="4"]2 2004 Detroit Pistons [/SIZE]

[/B]

vs.


[B][SIZE="4"][IMG]http://nbaplayoffs2011.wikispaces.com/file/view/Nuggets.gif/220633846/250x198/Nuggets.gif[/IMG]

15 2005 Denver Nuggets[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER]


[B]Preview:[/B] The 2004 Detroit Pistons went 54-28 and stunned the world defeating the Lakers for the championship. They really improved as a team once they acquired Rasheed Wallace. The Pistons were a very dominant defensive team, arguably the best defensive team in this tournament. Anyone facing this team knows it will not be an easy series.

The 2005 Nuggets went 49-33 and were led by Carmelo Anthony. He was just 20 at the time, but he had already turned around the Nuggets franchise leading them to the playoffs in his 2nd year. Aside from Carmelo this team had other good players like Camby, K-Mart and Andre Miller. Overall a good tough team which will not go down easy.

The obvious question is how well will the Nuggets offense do against the Pistons defense. The Pistons will have Prince guard Melo the entire series and hope to contain him. The Nuggets have Camby and K-Mart protecting their rims which should make things tougher for the Pistons offense. I think it will come down to how well the Pistons stop Carmelo, if Melo has a big series, Nuggets can upset.

[SIZE="3"][B]Game 1: at Pistons 97, Nuggets 80 [/B][/SIZE]

Box Score: [url]http://whatifsports.com/nba/boxscore.asp?GameID=8061872&nomenu=1&teamfee=-1[/url]

Player of the Game: R.Hamilton 27pts/5stl on 8/15 FG

[B]Recap:[/B] The Pistons defense plays extremely well as they take Game 1 from the Nuggets. The Nuggets were held to just 32% shooting as they scored just 80pts. Melo especially struggled going 4/16 while the Pistons had a balanced effort on offense.


[SIZE="3"][B]

Game 2: at Pistons 96, Nuggets 73[/B][/SIZE]

Box Score: [url]http://whatifsports.com/nba/boxscore.asp?GameID=8061879&nomenu=1&teamfee=-1[/url]

Player of the Game: B.Wallace 11pts/18reb/4stl/4blk

[B]Recap: [/B]The Pistons dominate Game 2 as well shutting down the Nuggets again. The Nuggets had just 29pts in the 1st half as the Pistons won this game in true Piston defense fashion holding the Nuggets to just 33% shooting again.


[SIZE="3"][B]Game 3: Pistons 103, at Nuggets 93[/B]

[/SIZE]

Box Score: [url]http://whatifsports.com/nba/boxscore.asp?GameID=8062161&nomenu=1&teamfee=-1[/url]

Player of the Game: C.Billups 24pts/7ast on 8/16 FG

[B]Recap:[/B] It was a must-win game for the Nuggets and they came and played hard in the 1st half leading 41-35 at half time. But in the 2nd half they allowed 68pts to the Pistons, and when you allow the Pistons to score 68 in a half, you are not winning. Melo continues to struggle, while Billups had another big game putting the Pistons ahead 3-0 in the series.

[B][SIZE="3"]Game 4: at Nuggets 101, Pistons 97[/SIZE][/B]

Box Score: [url]http://whatifsports.com/nba/boxscore.asp?GameID=8062179&nomenu=1&teamfee=-1[/url]

Player of the Game: K.Martin 17pts/8reb on 6/10 FG

Recap: [/B] The Nuggets avoid sweep and keep the series alive. They did it through their defense allowing the Pistons to shoot just 37%, they gave up 15 points in the last 2 minutes after the game was over but otherwise played hard all game. On offense it was a team effort fueled by a 58pt 2nd half to get the win.


[B][SIZE="3"]Game 5: Nuggets 101, at Pistons 92[/SIZE][/B]

Box Score: [url]http://whatifsports.com/nba/boxscore.asp?GameID=8062196&nomenu=1&teamfee=-1[/url]

Player of the Game: C.Anthony 31pts/8reb on 10/17 FG

[B]Recap:[/B] The Nuggets finally got a big game from Carmelo to win at the Palace of Auburn Hills. They needed Anthony to step up tonight and he finally did. They once again played very well in the 2nd half scoring 57pts, this is the 2nd game in a row the Pistons defense fell apart in the 2nd half.


[B][SIZE="3"]Game 6: Pistons 95, at Nuggets 86[/SIZE][/B]

Box Score:[url]http://whatifsports.com/nba/boxscore.asp?GameID=8062255&nomenu=1&teamfee=-1[/url]


Player of the Game: B.Wallace 11pts/21reb/5blk

[B]

Recap: [/B] The Pistons wrap up the series in 6. They came out strong in the 1st half holding a 56-41 lead at halftime, and finishing the game off with their strong defense throughout anchored by Ben Wallace. They were able to shut down Carmelo again and move onto the 2nd round of the playoffs.



[B][SIZE="4"][CENTER]

2004 Pistons Win 4-2[/CENTER][/SIZE][/B]

[CENTER]

[IMG]http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/003/041/876/hi-res-53104497_display_image.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER]

Pistons D owned Carmelo

[B]Ben Wallace:[/B] 40.5 MPG, 13.0 PPG, 15.7 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 5.1 BPG, 2.0 SPG, 2.3 TOV, .452 FG%, .571 FT%

[B]Richard Hamilton:[/B] 37.8 MPG, 20.5 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.7 APG, 0.1 BPG, 1.5 SPG, 2.1 TOV, .464 FG%, .286 3P%, .912 FT%

[B]Chauncey Billups:[/B] 37.5 MPG, 19.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 6.2 APG, 0.1 BPG, 0.8 SPG, 1.1 TOV, .392 FG%, .382 3P%, .852 FT%

[B]Tayshaun Prince:[/B] 36.0 MPG, 12.2 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.1 BPG, 0.6 SPG, 1.5 TOV, .491 FG%, .364 3P%, .928 FT%

[B]Rasheed Wallace:[/B] 30.5 MPG, 14.7 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.7 BPG, 0.8 SPG, 2.6 TOV, .443 FG%, .421 3P%, .857 FT%

[B]Carmelo Anthony:[/B] 38.3 MPG, 18.2 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.8 APG, 0.5 BPG, 0.6 SPG, 4.1 TOV, .339 FG%, .167 3P%, .775 FT%

[QUOTE=KG215][B]Ben Wallace:[/B] 40.5 MPG, 13.0 PPG, 15.7 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 5.1 BPG, 2.0 SPG, 2.3 TOV, .452 FG%, .571 FT%

[B]Richard Hamilton:[/B] 37.8 MPG, 20.5 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.7 APG, 0.1 BPG, 1.5 SPG, 2.1 TOV, .464 FG%, .286 3P%, .912 FT%

[B]Chauncey Billups:[/B] 37.5 MPG, 19.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 6.2 APG, 0.1 BPG, 0.8 SPG, 1.1 TOV, .392 FG%, .382 3P%, .852 FT%

[B]Tayshaun Prince:[/B] 36.0 MPG, 12.2 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.1 BPG, 0.6 SPG, 1.5 TOV, .491 FG%, .364 3P%, .928 FT%

[B]Rasheed Wallace:[/B] 30.5 MPG, 14.7 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.7 BPG, 0.8 SPG, 2.6 TOV, .443 FG%, .421 3P%, .857 FT%

[B]Carmelo Anthony:[/B] 38.3 MPG, 18.2 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.8 APG, 0.5 BPG, 0.6 SPG, 4.1 TOV, .339 FG%, .167 3P%, .775 FT%[/QUOTE]

Caremlo really struggled this series

Series MVP: B.Wallace

[CENTER][IMG]http://allnewsite.info/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Miami-Heats-Logo-290x286.jpg[/IMG]

[B][SIZE="4"]3 2006 Miami Heat [/SIZE]

[/B]

vs.


[B][SIZE="4"][IMG]http://intercontinentalfutsalcup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/charlotte_hornets-300x263.jpg[/IMG]

14 2000 Charlotte Hornets[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER]


[B]Preview:[/B] The 2006 Miami Heat went 52-30 in the regular season and then won the NBA Championship. They are the last and lowest seed of all the NBA champions: A 3 seed. That though tells them they have a point to make. They are led by the duo of Wade & O’Neal, one of the best duos we saw in the 00s. Besides for these 2 they had many good veteran role-players. Ultimately they are champions so they will be tough to beat.

The 2000 Charlotte Hornets went 49-33 in the regular season. They are a balanced team with 6 players in double-figures, led by a prime Eddie Jones. Along with Eddie Jones they also had physical Derrick Coleman and Anthony Mason giving them a nice presence inside on the glass. They did not get very far in the playoffs losing in the 1st round.

The balanced Hornets square off against the superstar combo of the Heat. A classic battle between a more ‘team-orientated’ approach vs. ‘superstar’ approach. The Hornets have a prime Eddie Jones who was one of the top perimeter defenders to help slow down Wade, but can they stop Shaq? The Heat’s defense will also be key in getting the stops they should as the Hornets are not that good of an offensive team overall.

[SIZE="3"][B]Game 1: at Heat 117, Hornets 95 [/B][/SIZE]

Box Score: [url]http://whatifsports.com/nba/boxscore.asp?GameID=8066122&nomenu=1&teamfee=-1[/url]

Player of the Game: S.O’Neal 26pts/13reb on 11/17 FG

[B]Recap:[/B] The Heat take Game 1 with great offense. Wade and Shaq both had over 20pts, while Walker and Posey added 17 for the Heat. Overall in the 2nd half they scored 68 points as the Hornets just had no answer for the Heat offense.

[SIZE="3"][B]
Game 2: at Heat 105, Hornets 90[/B][/SIZE]

Box Score: [url]http://whatifsports.com/nba/boxscore.asp?GameID=8066160&nomenu=1&teamfee=-1[/url]

Player of the Game: D.Wade 26pts/13ast/9reb on 12/23 FG

[B]Recap: [/B]The Heat were simply too good for the Hornet again taking a 2-0 lead in the series. The Hornes made adjustments and slowed down Shaq Game 2 but Wade was able to free himself and have a good game. The Heat supporting cast was strong as well.


[SIZE="3"][B]Game 3: Heat 107, at Hornets 103[/B]
[/SIZE]
Box Score: [url]http://whatifsports.com/nba/boxscore.asp?GameID=8066178&nomenu=1&teamfee=-1[/url]

Player of the Game: E.Jones 32pts/8reb/5ast

[B]Recap:[/B] The Hornets gave it all they had this game but it was not enough to take down the Heat. The game came down to the wire but Wade/Shaq put the game away in the 4th. Jones was named POG despite being on the losing end of this. The Heat now lead the series 3-0. .

[B][SIZE="3"]Game 4: at Hornets 107, Heat 73[/SIZE][/B]

Box Score: [url]http://whatifsports.com/nba/boxscore.asp?GameID=8066246&nomenu=1&teamfee=-1[/url]

Player of the Game: D.Coleman 14pts/14reb/5ast

Recap: [/B] The Miami Heat come out with no effort while the Hornets come out with full heart. It was a blowout. Kind of embarassing for the Miami Heat this game. Everyone is laughing at them and they need to get serious Game 5.


[B][SIZE="3"]Game 5: at Heat 114, Hornets 92[/SIZE][/B]

Box Score: [url]http://whatifsports.com/nba/boxscore.asp?GameID=8066250&nomenu=1&teamfee=-1[/url]

Player of the Game: S.O’Neal 23pts/11reb/4blk on 10/14 FG

[B]Recap:[/B] The Heat felt like they had something to prove after the Game 4 blowout and they did. They came out strong today finishing this series off at home in 5 games. O’Neal, Wade, and Walker all had over 20 to seal the series off.



[B][SIZE="4"][CENTER]

2006 Heat Win 4-1[/CENTER][/SIZE][/B]

[CENTER]

[IMG]http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx263/king_catra/Miami-Heat.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER]

And all 9 champions advance...on to the rest lol

So far the results I would say have been expected, hard to upset a champion anyways

[CENTER][IMG]https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/p480x480/970163_617083678304761_221667931_n.jpg[/IMG]

[B][SIZE="4"]4 2004 Indiana Pacers [/SIZE]

[/B]

vs.


[B][SIZE="4"][IMG]http://www.allsportstalk.net/wp-content/uploads/tor-raptors-300.gif[/IMG]

13 2001 Toronto Raptors[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER]


[B]Preview:[/B] The 2004 Indiana Pacers went 61-21 in the regular season good for the best record in the NBA. They lost in the ECF to the eventual champions Detroit Pistons in a very nice defensive series. They were led by All-Star PF Jermaine O

[B][SIZE="3"]2006 Heat[/SIZE][/B]

[B]Shaq:[/B] 33.2 MPG, 22.2 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 3.0 APG, 2.4 BPG, 0.6 SPG, 3.0 TOV, .602 FG%, .586 FT%

[B]Wade:[/B] 41.8 MPG, 21.4 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 8.6 APG, 0.8 BPG, 1.2 SPG, 4.4 TOV, .433 FG%, .750 FT%

[SIZE="3"][B]Game 1: at Pacers 92, Raptors 83[/B][/SIZE]

Box Score: [url]http://whatifsports.com/nba/boxscore.asp?GameID=8094060&nomenu=1&teamfee=-1[/url]

Player of the Game: J.O

[QUOTE=KG215][B][SIZE="3"]2006 Heat[/SIZE][/B]

[B]Shaq:[/B] 33.2 MPG, 22.2 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 3.0 APG, 2.4 BPG, 0.6 SPG, 3.0 TOV, .602 FG%, .586 FT%

[B]Wade:[/B] 41.8 MPG, 21.4 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 8.6 APG, 0.8 BPG, 1.2 SPG, 4.4 TOV, .433 FG%, .750 FT%[/QUOTE]

Series MVP: Shaq

Hornets did a good job defending Wade this series.

Has there been an upset yet?

[QUOTE=JimmyMcAdocious]Has there been an upset yet?[/QUOTE]
Nope lol
Full bracket link is posted on OP, here it is:
[url]http://betterbracketmaker.com/#!/46ffb17c92c15[/url]

I mean its not that surprising, it is best out of 7 and all these upper-seeded teams were pretty good. I mean amongst the 4 seeded teams: 3 of them had the best record in the NBA that season and the one that didn't went to the finals.


A few Game 7s though so its been close.

[B][SIZE="3"]2004 Pacers vs. 2001 Raptors[/SIZE][/B]

[B]Jermaine O'Neal:[/B] 36.8 MPG, 21.6 PPG, 14.2 RPG, 2.4 APG, 3.0 BPG, 0.4 SPG, 3.2 TOV, .478 FG%, .782 FT%

[B]Ron Artest:[/B] 38.8 MPG, 17.8 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.6 BPG, 3.2 SPG, 2.0 TOV, .457 FG%, .454 3P%, .714 FT%

[B]Al Harrington:[/B] 26.2 MPG, 13.2 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.0 BPG, 0.2 SPG, 1.4 TOV, .489 FG%, .285 3P%, .842 FT%

[B]Reggie Miller:[/B] 30.6 MPG, 8.8 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 4.6 APG, 0.2 BPG, 0.4 SPG, 1.4 TOV, .394 FG%, .363 3P%, 1.000 FT%


[B]Vince Carter:[/B] 40.2 MPG, 22.2 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.2 BPG, 1.6 SPG, 3.6 TOV, .386 FG%, .400 3P%, .950 FT%