00s Tournament: North Region

[KG215]

2000 Blazers vs. 2002 Pistons

Scottie Pippen: 40.1 MPG, 15.4 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 5.6 APG, 1.0 BPG, 1.7 SPG, 2.0 TOV, .417 FG%, .240 3P%, .611 FT%

Rasheed Wallace: 36.0 MPG, 17.0 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.4 BPG, 1.4 SPG, 1.4 TOV, .505 FG%, .250 3P%, .579 FT%

Steve Smith: 36.6 MPG, 17.0 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 3.6 APG, 0.6 BPG, 1.4 SPG, 2.3 TOV, .427 FG%, .304 3P%, .929 FT%

Damon Stoudemire: 31.3 MPG, 13.7 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 5.3 APG, 0.0 BPG, 1.4 SPG, 2.0 TOV, .416 FG%, .333 3P%, .897 FT%

Arvydas Sabonis: 30.6 MPG, 12.3 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.3 BPG, 1.0 SPG, 1.1 TOV, .434 FG%, .850 FT%


Jerry Stackhouse: 39.3 MPG, 18.9 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 6.6 APG, 0.7 BPG, 1.0 SPG, 3.6 TOV, .338 FG%, .300 3P%, .767 FT%

Clifford Robinson: 38.7 MPG, 17.6 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.3 BPG, 0.9 SPG, 3.0 TOV, .475 FG%, .467 3P%, .714 FT%

Ben Wallace: 39.9 MPG, 10.7 PPG, 15.6 RPG, 2.3 APG, 4.3 BPG, 1.3 SPG, 0.9 TOV, .531 FG%, .385 FT%

Chucky Atkins: 31.1 MPG, 15.3 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 3.1 APG, 0.4 BPG, 1.1 SPG, 2.0 TOV, .550 FG%, .444 3P%, .429 FT%

[hangintheair]

The 2002 Pistons is my choice for an upset. It so close to win it all but after all its the fullpack Blazers.

[IceMan2]

6 2007 Phoenix Suns

vs.




11 2007 Chicago Bulls

Preview: The 2007 Phoenix Suns went 61-21 in the regular season and many thought were robbed by the refs in a series against the eventual champion Spurs. In fact, many thought the Suns were a championship caliber team and deserved the championship in 2007. So they are as good as anyone in this tournament. They were led by Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire, and Shawn Marion as their all-stars. They also had defensive stopper Raja Bell. Overall, this team is loaded and will not go down without a fight.

The 2007 Chicago Bulls went 49-33 in the regular season before losing to the Pistons in the 2nd round. Ben Wallace joined the Bulls in 2007 and instantly turned them around making them an elite defensive team. They also had Gordon, Hinrich, and Deng, each having good seasons on offense and making this team an offensive threat as well.

This series shows us a matchup against an offensive orientated team in the Suns and a defensive orientated team in the Bulls. This is also the 1st matchup where both teams were from the same year. The Suns are obviously the favorites here, the Bulls will somehow need to stop this offense and hope Ben Gordon gets hot.

[KG215]

Was staring to wonder if you had given up on this.

[IceMan2]

Game 1: at Suns 119, Bulls 96

Box Score: http://whatifsports.com/nba/boxscore...u=1&teamfee=-1

Player of the Game: S.Marion 32pts/15reb/4stl on 14/20 FG

Recap: The Suns rout the Bulls Game 1. They had no trouble on offense as they were led by 32 from Marion, 16 points and 17 assists from Nash, and 24 from Barbosa off the bench. Overall as a team they shot nearly 55% from the field. They also kept the top scorers of Chicgo in check, Bell played good defense on Gordon preventing him from blowing up.

Game 2: Bulls 107, at Suns 99

Box Score: http://whatifsports.com/nba/boxscore...u=1&teamfee=-1

Player of the Game: B.Wallace 7pts/14reb/4stl

Recap: The Bulls make some adjustments on defense and stun the Suns in Game 2. The Suns were not able to get into their offensive rythm all game as the Bulls defense was strong. The effort on defense of course was led by Ben Wallace.

Game 3: Suns 108, at Bulls 79

Box Score: http://whatifsports.com/nba/boxscore...u=1&teamfee=-1

Player of the Game: A.Staudomire 28pts/12reb on 11/18 FG

Recap: The Suns fight back with a great defensive effort of their own. They held the Bulls to just 35% shooting playing excellent defense throughout. Amare finaly had a big game on offense for the Suns as they regain the lead in the series 2-1. The Bulls did a good job limiting Nash again but Marion and Amare continue to produce. Gordon struggled shooting 7/21 this game.

Game 4: Suns 107, at Bulls 96

Box Score: http://whatifsports.com/nba/boxscore...u=1&teamfee=-1

Player of the Game: A.Staudomire 25pts/17reb on 11/21 FG

Recap: In a close battle all throughout the Suns finally pulled away in the 4th quarter to take a 3-1 lead on the Bulls. Amare had another big game on the road while Nash added a personal high 24 points in the series. This game was physical, close, but the Suns just outlastedt the Bulls who gave it everything they had.

Game 5: at Suns 109, Bulls 99

Box Score: http://whatifsports.com/nba/boxscore...u=1&teamfee=-1

Player of the Game: A.Staudomire 22pts/10reb on 8/14 FG

Recap: The Suns finish the series off at home in 5 games. They led as much as 17 points in the 1st half, but the Bulls showed heart cutting it down to 5. However, the Suns got serious again and finished it

2007 Suns Win 4-1

[Doctor K]

2nd Round Showdown: 2006 Heat vs. 2007 Suns

[IceMan2]

7 2001 San Antonio Spurs

vs.




10 2001 Dallas Mavericks

Preview: The 2001 San Antonio Spurs went 58-24 in the regular season before losing to the eventual champion LA Lakers in the WCF. They were led by the twin-towers, Duncan-Robinson. Duncan was in his prime while Robinson was 35 by this time, though still effective and impacting. Overall this team had many veterans and played great defense to win games with Duncan and Robinson altering shots. They are the highest non-championship Spurs seed in this tournament.

The 2001 Dallas Mavericks went 53-29 in the regular season before losing to the, guess who, 2001 Spurs in the western semi-finals. This was the 1st year where the

[IceMan2]

The Spurs have the most teams in this tournament (5) and the Mavericks are tied with the 2nd most (4). So far all 4 Spur teams have advanced and all 3 Maverick teams have advanced to the 2nd round. Will be interesting to see which franchies takes all their teams to the 2nd round and which franchise loses 1.

[IceMan2]

Game 1: at Spurs 92, Mavericks 84

Box Score: http://whatifsports.com/nba/boxscore...u=1&teamfee=-1

Player of the Game: T.Duncan 29pts/20reb on 9/16 FG

Recap: Tim Duncan has a big game 1 to give the Spurs a 1-0 lead in the series. Duncan had a 20-20 game while Robinson added 20pts/18reb/5blk. Both Robinson and Duncan made it very tough for the Mavericks on offense, as the great Dallas offense scored just 84 points.

Game 2: Mavericks 91, at Spurs 78

Box Score: http://whatifsports.com/nba/boxscore...u=1&teamfee=-1

Player of the Game: D.Nowitzki 15pts/8reb/8ast

Recap: The Mavericks take Game 2 to even the series. The Spurs continue to play great defense but had a lot of struggle on offense today. Duncan was quiet today with only 16 points. He will have to do more for the Spurs if they want to win this series.

Game 3: at Mavericks 104, Spurs 103

Box Score: http://whatifsports.com/nba/boxscore...u=1&teamfee=-1

Player of the Game: D.Nowitzki 27pts/10reb/5ast

Recap: A big shot from Finley saved the Mavericks from a huge letdown. The Mavericks led by 16 entering the 4th, but Daniels jumper with 27 seconds left gave the Spurs a 1 point lead in an incredible comeback. But the game was not over, Finley

[KG215]

2007 Suns vs. 2007 Bulls

Steve Nash: 39.4 MPG, 18.8 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 11.2 APG, 0.0 BPG, 0.8 SPG, 4.4 TOV, .436 FG%, .375 3P%, 1.000 FT%

Amare Stoudemire: 35.4 MPG, 21.6 PPG, 13.0 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1.0 BPG, 1.2 SPG, 2.8 TOV, .568 FG%, .889 FT%

Shawn Marion: 41.0 MPG, 21.0 PPG, 12.6 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.8 BPG, 1.6 SPG, 2.0 TOV, .613 FG%, .533 3P%, .833 FT%

Leandro Barbosa: 29.8 MPG, 15.8 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 5.0 APG, 0.2 BPG, 0.8 SPG, 1.0 TOV, .422 FG%, .346 3P%, .941 FT%

Raja Bell: 37.2 MPG, 13.6 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 2.8 APG, 0.0 BPG, 0.4 SPG, 0.8 TOV, .460 FG%, .393 3P%, .917 FT%

Boris Diaw: 27.8 MPG, 8.0 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 4.2 APG, 0.4 BPG, 0.2 SPG, 1.8 TOV, .500 FG%, .333 3P%, .600 FT%


Kirk Hinrich: 37.6 MPG, 15.2 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 6.8 APG, 0.2 BPG, 1.8 SPG, 3.8 TOV, .435 FG%, .400 3P%, .533 FT%

Ben Gordon: 36.6 MPG, 24.4 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 4.2 APG, 0.2 BPG, 1.2 SPG, 4.2 TOV, .412 FG%, .355 3P%, .771 FT%

Luol Deng: 36.4 MPG, 13.4 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2.4 APG, 0.8 BPG, 1.0 SPG, 1.4 TOV, .441 FG%, .625 FT%

Ben Wallace: 37.8 MPG, 8.4 PPG, 11.4 RPG, 2.6 APG, 2.6 BPG, 2.2 SPG, 0.4 TOV, .429 FG%, .500 FT%

[IceMan2]

2007 Suns vs. 2007 Bulls

Steve Nash: 39.4 MPG, 18.8 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 11.2 APG, 0.0 BPG, 0.8 SPG, 4.4 TOV, .436 FG%, .375 3P%, 1.000 FT%

Amare Stoudemire: 35.4 MPG, 21.6 PPG, 13.0 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1.0 BPG, 1.2 SPG, 2.8 TOV, .568 FG%, .889 FT%

Shawn Marion: 41.0 MPG, 21.0 PPG, 12.6 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.8 BPG, 1.6 SPG, 2.0 TOV, .613 FG%, .533 3P%, .833 FT%

Leandro Barbosa: 29.8 MPG, 15.8 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 5.0 APG, 0.2 BPG, 0.8 SPG, 1.0 TOV, .422 FG%, .346 3P%, .941 FT%

Raja Bell: 37.2 MPG, 13.6 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 2.8 APG, 0.0 BPG, 0.4 SPG, 0.8 TOV, .460 FG%, .393 3P%, .917 FT%

Boris Diaw: 27.8 MPG, 8.0 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 4.2 APG, 0.4 BPG, 0.2 SPG, 1.8 TOV, .500 FG%, .333 3P%, .600 FT%


Kirk Hinrich: 37.6 MPG, 15.2 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 6.8 APG, 0.2 BPG, 1.8 SPG, 3.8 TOV, .435 FG%, .400 3P%, .533 FT%

Ben Gordon: 36.6 MPG, 24.4 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 4.2 APG, 0.2 BPG, 1.2 SPG, 4.2 TOV, .412 FG%, .355 3P%, .771 FT%

Luol Deng: 36.4 MPG, 13.4 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2.4 APG, 0.8 BPG, 1.0 SPG, 1.4 TOV, .441 FG%, .625 FT%

Ben Wallace: 37.8 MPG, 8.4 PPG, 11.4 RPG, 2.6 APG, 2.6 BPG, 2.2 SPG, 0.4 TOV, .429 FG%, .500 FT%

Beast series from Marion, Bulls did a good job slowing Nash though.

[KG215]

2001 Mavericks vs. 2001 Spurs


Michael Finley: 42.1 MPG, 20.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 4.4 APG, 0.4 BPG, 1.4 SPG, 1.9 TOV, .471 FG%, .550 3P%, .667 FT%

Dirk Nowitzki: 40.4 MPG, 17.7 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.0 BPG, 0.9 SPG, 1.7 TOV, .434 FG%, .333 3P%, .759 FT%

Steve Nash: 35.1 MPG, 12.3 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 6.9 APG, 0. BPG, 1.1 SPG, 3.3 TOV, .444 FG%, .333 3P%, .800 FT%

Juwan Howard: 33.3 MPG, 14.7 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 2.7 APG, 0.7 BPG, 1.1 SPG, 3.0 TOV, .469 FG%, .929 FT%


Tim Duncan: 38.9 MPG, 22.1 PPG, 14.3 RPG, 3.7 APG, 2.1 BPG, 1.0 SPG, 4.1 TOV, .484 FG%, .500 3P% (1/2), .640 FT%

David Robinson: 33.7 MPG, 15.6 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 1.4 APG, 3.9 BPG, 1.4 SPG, 2.9 TOV, .477 FG%, .657 FT%

Derek Anderson: 35.0 MPG, 16.0 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 3.1 APG, 0.3 BPG, 1.9 SPG, 2.4 TOV, 4.15 FG%, .500 FT%, .962 FT%

[IceMan2]

2001 Mavericks vs. 2001 Spurs


Michael Finley: 42.1 MPG, 20.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 4.4 APG, 0.4 BPG, 1.4 SPG, 1.9 TOV, .471 FG%, .550 3P%, .667 FT%

Dirk Nowitzki: 40.4 MPG, 17.7 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.0 BPG, 0.9 SPG, 1.7 TOV, .434 FG%, .333 3P%, .759 FT%

Steve Nash: 35.1 MPG, 12.3 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 6.9 APG, 0. BPG, 1.1 SPG, 3.3 TOV, .444 FG%, .333 3P%, .800 FT%

Juwan Howard: 33.3 MPG, 14.7 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 2.7 APG, 0.7 BPG, 1.1 SPG, 3.0 TOV, .469 FG%, .929 FT%


Tim Duncan: 38.9 MPG, 22.1 PPG, 14.3 RPG, 3.7 APG, 2.1 BPG, 1.0 SPG, 4.1 TOV, .484 FG%, .500 3P% (1/2), .640 FT%

David Robinson: 33.7 MPG, 15.6 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 1.4 APG, 3.9 BPG, 1.4 SPG, 2.9 TOV, .477 FG%, .657 FT%

Derek Anderson: 35.0 MPG, 16.0 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 3.1 APG, 0.3 BPG, 1.9 SPG, 2.4 TOV, 4.15 FG%, .500 FT%, .962 FT%

Duncan easily outplayed Dirk but Dallas was just deeper. Great series though Game 7 decided by 2 points.

[Magic 32]

More please

[IceMan2]

8 2000 New York Knicks

vs.




9 2008 Utah Jazz

Preview: The 2008 New York Knicks went 50-32 in the regular season before losing to the Indiana Pacers in the ECF. This team was led by a prime duo of Houston and Spreewell with Ewing still being a good contributer inside. Besides for these 3, this team had depth with Larry Johnson, Camby, and Kurt Thomas. Overall an experienced team who has the weapons to keep up with anyone.

The 2008 Utah Jazz went 54-28 before losing to the Lakers in the 2nd round. This team was led by the all-star duo of Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer. This was the new Stockton-Malone in Utah, though of course not as good. Nonetheless they got the job done and had some help with AK-47 and Okur.

This will be an interesting series. The Knicks will somehow have to stop Boozer and Deron. They have the bigs to throw at Boozer, but it will be tough for them to contain Deron with Charlie Ward. The Jazz are a WCF squad which may mean they are tougher and can take on better competition. We will see if this is the case.