NBA: The Modern Game Era

[RDT]

1987-1988 Season Preview

1987-1988 Team Information

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division

Baltimore Bullets
1987 Record: 41-41 (4th in Atlantic, Lost to Pistons in Round 1)
Head Coach: Mike Fratello (5th Year)
Key Players: Sam Bowie (16.5 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 2.4 BPG), Alex English (21.9 PPG, 7.3 RPG), Adrian Dantley (26 PPG, 7 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 50.6% FG)

The Bullets are strong offensively thanks to the trio of Sam Bowie, Alex English, and Adrian Dantley. The Bullets hope they can make a big step and advance past the first round of the playoffs over the next couple of years as they do not have a 1st round pick until 1990. Washington’s hopes will likely rely on Bowie and if he can develop into a top center in the NBA.

Boston Celtics
1987 Record: 42-40 (3rd in Atlantic, Lost to Heat in Round 1)
Head Coach: K.C. Jones (7th Year)
Key Players: Larry Bird (24.3 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 6.2 APG, 1.8 SPG), Larry Nance (21.4 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 2.1 BPG, 53% FG), Purvis Short (23.5 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 1.2 SPG), Joe Barry Carroll (15.1 PPG, 7.7 RPG)

After a disappointing title defense the Celtics have taken a chance, adding Joe Barry Carroll to slot in at center. Carroll will join Larry Bird, Purvis Short and Larry Nance to see if Boston can return to the NBA Finals once more in the 80s.

Miami Heat
1987 Record: 61-21 (3rd in Atlantic, Lost to Cavaliers in ECSF)
Head Coach: Chuck Daly (8th Year)
Key Players: Michael Jordan (33.3 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 6.1 APG, 2.6 SPG, 57.8% FG, 82.4% FT, MVP), Sidney Moncrief (20.2 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 4.4 APG, 2.4 SPG)

In just his third year Michael Jordan collected what will likely be the first of many MVP awards in his career. Still, for the first time Miami had some real expectations and they did not deliver, falling in the Semi-Finals for the second straight year. Adding Sidney Moncrief though suddenly makes the Miami backcourt the best in basketball, and gives Jordan a complimentary player who can take over some games himself.

New Jersey Nets
1987 Record: 55-27 (2nd in Atlantic, lost to Bulls in Round 1)
Head Coach: Jimmy Rodgers (1st Year)
Key Players: Moses Malone (14.8 PPG, 11.3 RPG, 1.4 BPG), Cliff Robinson (17.5 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 1.4 BPG), Sam Perkins (14.5 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 1.2 BPG)

It’s a new era in New Jersey as Phil Jackson is gone and so is Sidney Moncrief. The Nets received some interesting pieces for Squid in Derek Harper, Clark Kellogg and Sam Perkins so the season shouldn’t be a complete wash. Still, Moses Malone is looking older every year. Only Cliff Robinson remains from the turn of the decade young trio. Will likely be a year somewhere in the middle for the Nets. Moses still has a monster 3 years remaining on his contract.

New York Knicks
1987 Record: 23-59 (6th in Atlantic, Missed Playoffs)
Head Coach: Don Nelson (1st Year)
Key Players: Roy Tarpley (10.2 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 1 SPG, 1 BPG, 49.3% FG), Tony Campbell (15 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.4 SPG), Fat Lever (12.6 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 9.6 APG, 2 SPG), Horace Grant (#7 Overall Pick)

Don Nelson comes in to try to bring the Knicks out of the cellar. There are a lot of young pieces in New York…so it probably doesn’t happen this year.

Orlando Magic
1987 Record: Expansion
Head Coach: Jerry Sloan (1st Year)
Key Players: Kenny Smith (#4 Overall Pick), Dave Corzine (8.4 PPG, 8.2 RPG)

We will see what the expansion Orlando Magic can do in their first season. Orlando is flush with younger players who haven’t had big roles in their career so far, such as Drazen Petrovic, Bernard Thompson and Rod Higgins. We will see if any of them can break out into becoming a star.

Philadelphia 76ers
1987 Record: 34-48 (5th in Atlantic, Missed Playoffs)
Head Coach: Larry Brown (2nd Year)
Key Players: Len Bias (24.4 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 4 APG, 49.6% FG, 84.9% FT), Manute Bol (7.2 RPG, 3.8 BPG), Maurice Cheeks (15 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 7 APG, 2.3 SPG), Antoine Carr (13.6 PPG, 48.1% FG)

There’s new life for the 76ers as Len Bias looked like a future megastar in the NBA in his rookie season. We’ll see if he can get Philly back to the playoffs.

Eastern Conference

Central Division

Atlanta Hawks
1987 Record: 36-46 (5th In Central, Missed Playoffs)
Head Coach: John MacLeod (1st Year)
Key Players: Bill Laimbeer (14.9 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 1.5 BPG), Karl Malone (17 PPG, 7 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 56.1% FG), Mark Aguirre (18.1 PPG, 5.4 RPG)

The Hawks have their big three locked with Bill Laimbeer, Karl Malone, and Mark Aguirre. That’s seen the playoffs before, but unless Malone breaks out to the next level or Aguirre finds another gear, it’s hard to see Atlanta get farther than Round 1.

Chicago Bulls
1987 Record: 51-31 (3rd in Central, Lost to Pistons in ECSF)
Head Coach: Paul Westhead (6th Year)
Key Players: Dominique Wilkins (35.2 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 1.8 SPG, 53.8% FG), Terry Cummings (20.1 PPG, 9.5 RPG), Vinnie Johnson (13.4 PPG, 4.7 RPG), Byron Scott (15.8 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.6 SPG)

Good news for Chicago is that the Bulls got their revenge on the Nets in Round 1. Unfortunately they ran into the juggernaut Pistons, ending their season short of the Conference Finals once again. Their Finals run seems like a long time ago. This Bulls teams looks very different too as they not longer have Alton Lister or Alvan Adams in the middle and have switched Johnny Moore for Byron Scott.

Cleveland Cavaliers
1987 Record: 60-22 (2nd in Central, Lost to Pistons in ECF)
Head Coach: Stan Albeck (9th Year)
Key Players: Kevin McHale (25.3 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 3.9 BPG, 52.7% FG, 83.4% FT), Orlando Woolridge (19.1 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 1.2 BPG, 54% FG), Rolando Blackman (20.4 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 3.4 APG, 49.4% FG, 80.4% FT), Mike Woodson (15.3 PPG, 1.4 SPG)

Cleveland made it to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second straight season, but once again couldn’t make much noise as they lost to division rival Detroit. They’ll bring back the same big three: Kevin McHale, Orlando Woolridge and Rolando Blackman. They also add scorer and former 6th Man of the Year Mike Woodson.

Detroit Pistons
1987 Record: 67-15 (1st in Central, Won NBA Championship)
Head Coach: Lenny Wilkens (4th Year)
Key Players: Tom Chambers (32.3 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 1 BPG, 55% FG, 81% FT), Michael Cooper (13.4 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.9 SPG, 1.2 BPG), Micheal Ray Richardson (15.8 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 10.7 APG, 1.6 SPG), David Thompson (14 PPG, 4.1 RPG)

The NBA Champion Pistons are bringing back most of the same crew, although the bench is slightly weaker. Still, don’t be surprised with a repeat, especially as Tom Chambers is in his prime.

Indiana Pacers
1987 Record: 16-66 (6th in Central, Missed Playoffs)
Head Coach: Bob Hill (2nd Year)
Key Players: David Robinson (#1 Overall Pick)

Welcome to the David Robinson era. There’s a lot of work to do in Indiana, but Robinson is one hell of a starting piece.

Milwaukee Bucks
1987 Record: 16-66 (7th in Central, Missed Playoffs)
Head Coach: Bernie Bickerstaff (2nd Year)
Key Players: Reggie Williams (#3 Overall Pick), Chuck Person (16.2 PPG, 6.3 RPG)

The Bucks pair another scoring rookie in Reggie Williams with Chuck Person, and surrounds them with a couple of former Dallas Mavericks in Thurl Bailey and Mike McGee. We’ll see if that’s enough to get the Bucks back into the playoffs.

New Orleans Jazz
1987 Record: 42-40 (4th in Central, Lost to Cavaliers in Round 1)
Head Coach: Dick Motta (5th Year)
Key Players: Charles Barkley (24.3 PPG, 13.9 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 54.1% FG), Magic Johnson (21.3 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 10.1 APG, 1.8 SPG, 52.6% FG, 91.2% FT), Bill Cartwright (13.4 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 1.1 BPG), Detlef Schrempf (13.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG)

It’s a party in New Orleans as Magic Johnson has come to town! Magic joins Charles Barkley in what easily is the most intriguing new pair in the NBA. Is it enough to get the Jazz through the strong Central Division?

Western Conference

Midwest Division

Dallas Mavericks
1987 Record: 64-18 (1st in Midwest, Lost to Suns in WCSF)
Head Coach: Bill Fitch (3rd Year)
Key Players: James Worthy (23 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 51.3% FG), Isiah Thomas (19.8 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 11.7 APG, 3 SPG), Brad Daugherty (17 PPG, 8 RPG)

Another monster regular season ended in disappointment for the Mavericks, and again injury to Ralph Sampson played a big factor. This time Dallas made a massive change in the off-season to see if that changes, sending Sampson to Seattle for a package highlighted by second year big Brad Daughterty. Isiah Thomas and James Worthy both seem primed to have another big year.

Denver Nuggets
1987 Record: 26-56 (6th in Midwest, Missed Playoffs)
Head Coach: Dave Wohl (2nd Year)
Key Players: Chris Washburn (11 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 49.4% FG), Dennis Hopson (#9 Overall Pick), Ron Harper (15 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.6 SPG)

Denver needs Chris Washburn and Ron Harper to take big steps in order to sniff the playoffs. Denver’s biggest move perhaps was to completely go with Washburn after sending Joe Barry Carroll to Boston.

Houston Rockets
1987 Record: 34-48 (4th in Midwest, Missed Playoffs)
Head Coach: Rudy Tomjanovich (1st Year)
Key Players: Kelly Tripucka (25.6 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 3.9 APG, 49.3% FG), Reggie Miller (#11 Overall Pick), Darrell Griffith (18.9 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.4 SPG)

The Rockets added some young pieces to a team that, if they perform, could break out in the West. Kevin Willis, Charles Oakley, Darrell Griffith and Kelly Tripucka have all shown they can be great players, but if they don’t overcome their weaknesses the Rockets will be stuck in the middle again.

Minnesota Timberwolves
1987 Record: Expansion
Head Coach: Don Cheaney (1st Year)
Key Players: James Edwards (13.8 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1 BPG), Armen Gilliam (#5 Overall Pick)

Similar to fellow expansion Orlando, the Timberwolves have some interesting talent that if one or two break out, they may be decent rather quickly.

Salt Lake Stallions
1987 Record: 26-56 (5th in Midwest, Missed Playoffs)
Head Coach: Bill Musselman (1st Year)
Key Players: Reggie Theus (18.3 PPG, 4 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.6 SPG), Eddie Johnson (20.4 PPG, 6.6 RPG)

We will see how the post-Adrian Dantley era in Salt Lake goes.

San Antonio Spurs
1987 Record: 37-45 (3rd in Midwest, Lost to Mavericks in Round 1)
Head Coach: Johnny Bach (3rd Year)
Key Players: LaSalle Thompson (9.1 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 2.5 BPG), A.C. Green (13.3 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 1 BPG), George Gervin (13.8 PPG, 4.7 RPG)

Iceman career points count: 29,091. Will likely be a rough year otherwise.

Spirits of St. Louis
1987 Record: 45-37 (2nd in Midwest, Lost to Kings in Round 1)
Head Coach: Donnie Walsh (5th Year)
Key Players: Buck Williams (20.4 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 56.3% FG), Dale Ellis (19.6 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 48.5% FG), Alvin Robertson (17.9 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 7.3 APG, 2.2 SPG), Mark Eaton (8.2 RPG, 3.8 BPG), Otis Birdsong (19.9 PPG, 4.5 RPG)

On paper, the Spirits look like they may be ready to take the next step and be a Western Conference contender. They have four guys who offensively can take over any game, and one of the strongest defensive players in the league (and former Defensive Player of the Year) in Mark Eaton.

Western Conference

Pacific Division

Anaheim Light
1987 Record: 8-74 (7th in Pacific, Missed Playoffs)
Head Coach: Mike Schuler (1st Year)
Key Players: Jawann Oldham (9.2 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 1.4 BPG), Scottie Pippen (#6 Overall Pick), Joe Dumars (11.2 PPG)

With how poorly Anahiem played last season, you could pretty much slot them as an expansion team. There is some young talent here, but there’s likely a lot of time needed for them to be fully develop. You’d think they could beat last season’s eight wins nonetheless.

Golden State Warriors
1987 Record: 56-26 (2nd in Pacific, Lost to Pistons in NBA Finals)
Head Coach: George Karl (5th Year)
Key Players: Darryl Dawkins (12.9 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 1.5 BPG, 50.9% FG), Danny Schayes (10.3 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 49% FG), Kiki Vandeweghe (25.6 PPG, 5 RPG), John Stockton (16.7 PPG, 11.6 APG, 2.7 SPG, 47.1% FG, 80.8% FT, 38.9% 3P), Andrew Toney (21.3 PPG, 1.1 SPG, 48.7% FG, 80.1% FT)

What a big year for Golden State! The Warriors made a surprise run to the NBA Finals last year, overcoming previous demons in the Lakers and scorching hot teams like the Suns. The Warriors have brought back most of the same pieces, we’ll see if that leads to another run…and maybe a NBA Title.

Los Angeles Lakers
1987 Record: 46-36 (5th in Pacific, Lost to Golden State in Round 1)
Head Coach: Rick Pitino (1st Year)
Key Players: Otis Thorpe (12.9 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 51.9% FG), Marques Johnson (17.8 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 1.1 SPG), Oscar Schmidt (13 PPG, 5 RPG, 40.1% 3P), Jeff Malone (16.5 PPG), Doc Rivers (14.2 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.4 SPG)

The Pitino era begins in Los Angeles. The Lakers have a team made up of pieces they received from the Magic and King trades. All solid players, but they’ll need a break out to match LA’s success from earlier this decade. LA has put a lot of hope on Doc Rivers.

Phoenix Suns
1987 Record: 47-35 (4th in Pacific, Lost to Warriors in WCF)
Head Coach: Cotton Fitzsimmons (2nd Year)
Key Players: Arvydas Sabonis (19.7 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 3.6 APG, 46% FG, 91.1% FT, 38.5% 3P), Jack Sikma (13.3 PPG, 10.9 RPG), Clyde Drexler (21.3 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 4.5 APG, 2 SPG, 49.2% FG), Ricky Pierce (21.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG)

The Suns bounced back after missing the playoffs in 1986 to make their second Conference Finals in three seasons. They have top level talent to make a Finals run, especially powered by Arvydas Sabonis, Clyde Drexler and Ricky Pierce.

Portland Trail Blazers
1987 Record: 53-29 (3rd in Pacific, Lost to Suns in Round 1)
Head Coach: Rick Adelman (3rd Year)
Key Players: Alton Lister (7.5 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 3.9 BPG, 50.7% FG, Chris Mullin (18.5 PPG, 1.8 SPG), Bernard King (28.9 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 53.4% FG), Darrell Walker (13 PPG, 4 RPG, 4.8 APG, 2.6 SPG)

Portland cashed in all their assets to add scoring machine and NBA Champion Bernard King. Suddenly, Portland is eyeing the NBA Title with King, Chris Mullin and defensive enforcer Alton Lister.

Sacramento Kings
1987 Record: 58-24 (1st in Pacific, Lost to Warriors in WCSF)
Head Coach: Del Harris (4th Year)
Key Players: Hakeem Olajuwon (26.6 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 1.9 SPG, 4.4 BPG, 54.1% FG), Patrick Ewing (23 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 2.1 BPG, 49.8% FG), Danny Ainge (14 PPG, 4 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.5 SPG), Johnny Moore (8.9 PPG, 9.3 APG, 2 SPG)

The Hakeem-Ewing once again had a huge regular season only to be upset by the Warriors in the Semis. The Kings still rule the Pacific, but the division has gotten much stronger overall.

Seattle Supersonics
1987 Record: 22-60 (6th in Pacific, Missed Playoffs)
Head Coach: Hubie Brown (4th Year)
Key Players: Ralph Sampson (24 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 2 BPG, 51.9% FG), Calvin Natt (17.4 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 50.4% FG), Kevin Johnson (#2 Overall Pick)

Surprisingly, the Sonics made some big moves and come into this season with a brand new big three. Ralph Sampson comes from Dallas, looking to prove he can stay healthy in a playoff run and lead his own team. Calvin Natt has shown to be a strong scorer for a 50+ win playoff team, and rookie Kevin Johnson will run the show. Very interesting team overall.​

***

REGULAR SEASON FANTASY CONTEST!

Rules are the same. Pick six players. One must be a rookie. Your team may not share more than three players with any other team (so, first come, first serve, but this is so someone can’t hog say, Magic or Bird for themselves).

Example

Team A picks: Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Kevin McHale, Dominique Wilkins and Patrick Ewing

Team B picks: Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Ralph Sampson, David Thompson, Isiah Thomas, Patrick Ewing

Team C picks: Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, Rolando Blackman, Benoit Benjamin

Team A shares only three players with Team B (Magic, Bird, Ewing) and Team C (Magic, Bird, Jordan). Team B shares only two with Team C (Magic, Bird). So all teams are legal. Again, it’s first come first serve.

Failing to field a legal team will result in non-entry.

1 Fantasy Point is Worth the Following (Each Stat is separate)

100 Points
50 Rebounds
25 Assists
10 Steals
10 Blocks

This is a full regular-season, roto style contest. Your six players will be added up and the winner will be who has the most total points (fractional points will be part of it).

10% Bonus to the winner as this will be added to your running totals.

1986-1987 Fantasy Stats

Past Prediction Results

@Dubble J : 3,249 Points (7x Champion (2x Season, 5x Playoffs): 1986, 1987 Season, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1987 Playoffs)
1981 Playoffs: 302 (Champion)
1982 Playoffs: 237 (Champion)
1983 Playoffs: 269 (Champion)
1984 Playoffs: 220
1985 Playoffs: 422 (Champion)
1986 Regular Season: 459 (Champion)
1986 Playoffs: 317
1987 Regular Season: 586 (Champion)
1987 Playoffs: 447 (Champion)

@Alansmithee: 2,235 Points (2x Champion: 2x Playoffs: 1984, 1986 Playoffs)
1983 Playoffs: 215
1984 Playoffs: 394 (Champion)
1985 Playoffs: 381
1986 Playoffs: 484 (Champion)
1987 Regular Season: 372
1987 Playoffs: 389

@Grim : 447 Points (1x Champion (1x Playoffs): 1980 Playoffs)
1980 Playoffs: 55 (Champion)
1981 Playoffs: 90
1986 Playoffs: 302

@BattleTank : 411 Points
1986 Regular Season: 411

@Joey Bananas : 55 Points
1981 Playoffs: 55

The goal for prediction results: when we get into the late 2020s and 2030s, to allow users to create their own rookies based on the prediction points they built up.

Stats Site​

 

[AlanSmithee1981]

My picks: Michael Jordan, Patrick Ewing, Tom Chambers, Dominique Wilkins, James Worthy, and Scottie Pippen...

 

[Dubb]

Michael Jordan, Kevin McHale, Hakeem Olajuwon, John Stockton, Len Bias, David Robinson

 

[RDT]

1987-1988 Part 1 – Through Christmas

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division

Miami Heat (1)
1987-1988 Record: 19-4
Key Players: Michael Jordan (30.1 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 6 APG, 3.2 SPG, 51.9% FG, 83.2% FT), Sidney Moncrief (15.6 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 4.8 APG, 2.9 SPG)
Big Moves: None

The backcourt of Michael Jordan and Sidney Moncrief is averaging over six steals a game and powers the best defense in basketball. Xavier McDaniel, Kevin Duckworth, and Robert Parish have all played decently as big man pieces, but if they don’t win the title getting outplayed on the inside will likely be why. Then again with MJ it may not matter.

Baltimore Bullets (5)
1987-1988 Record: 12-13
Key Players: Sam Bowie (22.5 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 3.2 APG, 50.7% FG, 82.4% FT), Alex English (16 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.8 APG), Adrian Dantley (23.6 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.8 SPG, 53% FG)
Big Moves: None

Baltimore again is stuck in the middle despite gains from Sam Bowie. The only good news is that the Eastern Conference is a bit weaker so far this year so the Bullet currently sit with the #5 seed.

Boston Celtics (6)
1987-1988 Record: 12-13
Key Players: Larry Bird (26.2 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 7.5 APG, 2.6 SPG, 47.6% FG, 95.3% FT, 39.5% 3P), Purvis Short (22.5 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1 SPG, 47.1% FG), Larry Nance (20.1 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 1.7 BPG, 53.5% FG), Joe Barry Carroll (13.4 PPG, 7.5 RPG)
Big Moves: None

Despite Larry Nance’s excellent play on the defensive end Boston has struggled to defend this season. Bird, Nance and Purvis Short still keep Boston in games on the offensive end. Joe Barry Carroll has not been the force in the middle Boston’s needed. Gus Williams looks done.

New York Knicks (8)
1987-1988 Record: 12-14
Key Players: Tony Campbell (21.7 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.7 SPG), Far Lever (13.1 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 11.1 APG, 2.4 STL)
Big Moves: None

Solid start for the Knicks. New York, who won 23 games last season, has already managed to win more than half of that. It’s unclear how they’ll move forward as they’ll need some of their younger guys to step up. Tony Campbell is an early contender for Most Improved Player of the Year.

New Jersey Nets
1987-1988 Record: 11-14
Key Players: Moses Malone (13.2 PPG, 10.3 RPG), Cliff Robinson (18.7 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.7 SPG), Sam Perkins (18.5 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 43.8% 3P)
Big Moves: None

There’s has been an expected fall-off for the Nets. Good news is that Sam Perkins has looked quite good, making perhaps the trade with Miami one that will work out for the Nets. They’re still looking to move Moses.

Philadelphia 76ers
1987-1988 Record: 10-14
Key Players: Len Bias (11 Games, 28.8 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 5.4 APG, 2.1 SPG, 55.4% FG, 93.5% FT), Manute Bol (8.2 RPG, 6 BPG), Maurice Cheeks (18.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 7 APG, 2.4 SPG), Antoine Carr (14.3 PPG)
Big Moves: None

The Sixers have sneakily showed to be one of the deepest teams in the league so far, with Antoine Carr and Craig Ehlo playing strong minutes off the bench. The silver lining for the Sixers is that Len Bias fractured his cheekbone, missing 13 games so far. Philly was 7-4 in games Bias played and he’s due back soon.

Orlando Magic
1987-1988 Record: 5-21
Key Players: Drazen Petrovic (13.7 PPG, 1.5 SPG), Rod Higgins (13.7 PPG, 5.2 RPG), Kenny Smith (13.5 PPG)

Orlando is just going through the standard expansion team issues. Right now they’re trying to see if they have any keepers.

Eastern Conference
Central Division
Cleveland Cavaliers (2)
1987-1988 Record: 21-5
Key Players: Kevin McHale (22.2 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 3.4 BPG, 49.7% FG, 86.1% FT, 36.8% 3P) Orlando Woolridge (22.3 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1.6 BPG, 56.8% FG), Rolando Blackman (18.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 3.2 APG, 48.7% FG)
Big Moves: None

The Cavalier big three have played excellently so far. Is it enough this time to break through and make the NBA Finals?

New Orleans Jazz (3)
1987-1988 Record: 20-5
Key Players: Charles Barkley (25.8 PPG, 13.5 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 55.4% FG), Magic Johnson (21.6 PPG, 8 RPG, 12.2 APG, 2.4 SPG, 54.2% FG, 87.3% FT), Bill Cartwright (14.6 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.3 BPG), Detlef Schrempf (16 PPG, 6 RPG, 3.4 APG, 53.2% FT, 86.6% FT, 40% 3P)
Big Moves: None

Magic Johnson has blended in seamlessly with not only Charles Barkley but the entire Jazz team. The Jazz look like a real title contender.

Indiana Pacers (4)
1987-1988 Record: 16-11
Key Players: David Robinson (25.9 PPG, 13.4 RPG, 2.7 SPG, 2.5 BPG, 55.2% FG), Mark Price (15.9 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 1.2 SPG), James Bailey (14.1 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1.6 BPG)
Big Moves: None

David Robinson has completely changed the direction for the Indiana Pacers. Indiana has already won as many games this season than they won all last season. Mark Price has also been a nice surprise for the Pacers, giving Robinson a solid floor general to work with.

Detroit Pistons (7)
1987-1988 Record: 11-12
Key Players: Tom Chambers (8 Games, 29.5 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 53.8% FG), Benoit Benjamin (10.3 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 3.2 BPG), Micheal Ray Richardson (14.7 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 9.7 APG, 1.2 SPG)
Big Moves: None

Without Tom Chambers’ offense for most of the season, the Pistons have struggled to reach last season’s heights. Chambers is still gone for another month with a concussion. We’ll see if the Pistons can hang in there until he returns.

Milwaukee Bucks
1987-1988 Record: 9-17
Key Players: Chuck Person (22.8 PPG, 8.9 RPG), Mike McGee (15.7 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.5 SPG), Reggie Williams (15.2 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.3 SPG), Thurl Bailey (13.2 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 2.2 BPG)
Big Moves: None

Chuck Person has looked great in his second season, Mike McGee and Thurl Bailey have provided solid production from Dallas and rookie Reggie Williams has been solid. It just feels like the Bucks need another piece or two to get back to playoff contention.

Chicago Bulls
1987-1988 Record: 8-17
Key Players: Dominique Wilkins (29.3 PPG, 8 RPG, 1.8 SPG, 52.8% FG), Terry Cummings (19.6 PPG, 9.5 RPG), Byron Scott (16.5 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.1 SPG), LaSalle Thompson (9.3 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 1 SPG, 2.3 BPG
Big Moves: Traded Vinnie Johnson and a 1990 First Round Pick for LaSalle Thompson

The bottom has fallen out in Chicago. An attempt to replace the defense lost from Alton Lister with LaSalle Thompson hasn’t resulted in wins either. It may be time for a huge overhaul in Chicago.

Atlanta Hawks
1987-1988 Record: 7-18
Key Players: Bill Laimbeer (14.3 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 1.8 BPG), Karl Malone (20 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.5 SPG, 53.4% FG), Mark Aguirre (19.7 PPG, 5.8 RPG)
Big Moves: None

For whatever reason, it continues not to work in Atlanta. It may be time to rebuild around Karl Malone.

Western Conference
Midwest Division

Dallas Mavericks (2)
1987-1988 Record: 17-8
Key Players: James Worthy (5 Games, 21 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 52.6% FG, 40% 3P), Isiah Thomas (26.6 PPG, 11.8 APG, 2.3 SPG), Brad Daugherty (15.1 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 52.1% FG), Dell Curry: 15 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 50.4% FG, 80.4% FT, 38.4% 3P), Jerome Kersey (13.9 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 55.1% FG, 36.8% 3P)
Big Moves: None

The Mavericks have shown to be a deeper team than previous years. An early injury to James Worthy hasn’t hurt them that much, and other than Worthy they have five players averaging double-digit scoring. Isiah Thomas is also playing out of his mind once again.

Spirits of St. Louis (5)
1987-1988 Record: 15-9
Key Players: Buck Williams (20.5 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 1.1 BPG, 54.1% FG), Dale Ellis (22 PPG, 7 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 47.7% FG, 39.5% 3P), Alvin Robertson (20.3 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 6.6 APG, 2.5 SPG), Mark Eaton (9.3 RPG, 5 BPG), Otis Birdsong (18.8 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.5 SPG)
Big Moves: None

This looks like theSpirits chance to make a real run. Buck Williams, Dale Ellis, Alvin Robertson, and Mark Eaton are all playing great, and while Otis Birdsong missed some games he’s playing well too.

Houston Rockets
1987-1988 Record: 13-14
Key Players: Kelly Tripucka (24 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 5.4 APG, 1.3 SPG), Reggie Miller 14.7 PPG, 49.2% FG, 84.7% FT, 36% 3P), Darrell Griffith (18.3 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.7 SPG), Charles Oakley (10.6 PPG, 10.9 RPG)
Big Moves: None

The Rockets feel like a team on the verge of breaking through. But one has to wonder if Kelly Tripucka and Darrell Griffith are part of the future or two guys Houston needs to move on from to get to the next level.

Salt Lake Stallions
1987-1988 Record: 10-17
Key Players: Eddie Johnson: 20 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 46.7% FG, 84.1% FT, 39.5% 3P), Reggie Theus (18.9 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.3 SPG), Mark Jackson (14.9 PPG, 5.6 APG, 2 SPG)
Big Moves: None

Eddie Johnson and Reggie Theus are playing well together, but it’s not enough to get Salt Lake wins.

Minnesota Timberwolves
1987-1988 Record: 8-15
Key Players: Armen Gilliam (15.3 PPG, 6.4 RPG), James Edwards (13.8 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.2 BPG), Nate McMillan (8.1 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 8.3 APG, 1.2 SPG)
Big Moves: None

Minnesota has played well enough to be .500 at home. The road record isn’t there, but for an expansion team that’s a great sign.

San Antonio Spurs
1987-1988 Record: 9-20
Key Players: A.C. Green (15.8 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 49.9% FG), Anthony Bowie (17.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.9 SPG)
Big Moves: Traded LaSalle Thompson to Chicago for Vinnie Johnson and a 1990 1st Round Pick

Iceman career points count: 29,358. Anthony Bowie and A.C. Green have proven to be solid building blocks so far.

Denver Nuggets
1987-1988 Record: 6-20
Key Players: Chris Washburn (16.7 PPG, 7 RPG, 48.6% FG), Johnny Dawkins (17.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 7.1 APG, 2.4 SPG), Ron Harper (18.5 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.7 SPG)
Big Moves: None

Despite some gains from Chris Washburn and Johnny Dawkins, Denver is still light years away from contention.

Western Conference
Pacific Division

Sacramento Kings (1)
1987-1988 Record: 18-6
Key Players: Patrick Ewing (27.6 PPG, 11 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 2.1 BPG, 52% FG), Hakeem Olajuwon (25 PPG, 12.2 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 3.5 BPG), Terry Porter (14.1 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 4.8 APG, 2.1 SPG)
Big Moves: None

An injury to Hakeem Olajuwon didn’t slow down the Kings as Patrick Ewing dominated the first six weeks of basketball.

Portland Trail Blazers (3)
1987-1988 Record: 17-7
Key Players: Bernard King (26 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.1 SPG), Chris Mullin (21.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.1 SPG), Johnny Newman (14.6 PPG), Michael Cage (11.9 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 1.2 BPG), Alton Lister (7.8 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 2.5 BPG)
Big Moves: None

It looks like Portland’s rebuild has paid off as the Trail Blazers are right behind the Kings for the Pacific Division. Alton Lister has anchored the defense while Bernard King and Chris Mullin carries the offense.

Phoenix Suns (4)
1987-1988 Record: 18-10
Key Players: Arvydas Sabonis (26.6 PPG, 14.8 RPG, 5.4 APG, 1.2 BPG, 47.5% FG, 92.4% FT, 36.5% 3P), Clyde Drexler (23.1 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 4.8 APG, 2.3 SPG, 49% FG), Ricky Pierce (20.5 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1 SPG)
Big Moves: None

With Arvydas Sabonis playing like the likely league MVP, the Suns are also in contention for the Pacific Division. Clyde Drexler and Ricky Pierce are capable of going off any night as well.

Golden State Warriors (6)
1987-1988 Record: 16-10
Key Players: Kiki Vandeweghe (28.5 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 49.2% FG, 87.9% FT), John Stockton (19.4 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 11.7 APG, 2.8 SPG, 49% FG), Andrew Toney (19.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 4.1 APG), Danny Schayes (12.2 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 1 SPG, 1.4 BPG)
Big Moves: None

The defending Western Conference Champions haven’t been quite as good as last year, but they’re still in the mix for the strong, but wide open West.

Seattle Supersonics (7)
1987-1988 Record: 15-11
Key Players: Ralph Sampson (28.4 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 3.6 BPG, 47.7% FG, 36.2% 3P), Calvin Natt (19.9 PPG, 7.3 RPG), Kevin Johnson (11.6 PPG, 8.1 APG, 1.5 SPG)
Big Moves: None

For the first time in years the Sonics are playing winning basketball. Ralph Sampson has been dominating while Calvin Natt has been a strong #2. Rookie Kevin Johnson already seems to have the playmaking chops down as well.

Los Angeles Lakers (8)
1987-1988 Record: 13-13
Key Players: Doc Rivers (19.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 6.9 APG, 1.7 SPG), Jeff Malone (16.6 PPG, 4.3 RPG), Marques Johnson (14.9 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 1.1 SPG), Otis Thorpe (14.6 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 59.1% FG)
Big Moves: None

The post Magic/King era has been mixed so far. Regardless the Lakers have talent and could remain in the playoffs despite all of their moves.

Anaheim Light
1987-1988 Record: 8-18
Key Players: Joe Dumars (17.7 PPG, 5 APG, 1.1 SPG), Scottie Pippen (11.3 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.8 SPG)
Big Moves

Good news for Anaheim: they’ve already won as many games as all of last season.

***

NOTABLE GAMES

11/3 - PACERS 127, Nets 109 – David Robinson debuts with a massive 33 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals, and 6 blocks on Moses Malone in a Pacer victory

11/3 – Warriors 135, CELTICS 117 – Kiki Vandeweghe kicks off the season with 49 points in a win against Bird and the Celtics

11/3 – Hawks 107, 76ers 98 – Bill Laimbeer and Karl Malone drop 28 apiece to overcome Len Bias’ 41-15-6

11/3 – LIGHT 100, Suns 93 – Anaheim kicks off the season with an upset win, led by Joe Dumars’ 24 points and rookie Scottie Pippen’s 15 points and 14 rebounds

11/4 – SUPERSONICS 114, Mavericks 109 – Ralph Sampson drops 25 in a victory over his previous team. Calvin Natt led with 43

11/8 – Warriors 121, TRAIL BLAZERS 120 (OT) – The Warriors overcome 50 points from Bernard King and win an early Pacific Division game

11/10 – JAZZ 132, Celtics 117 – Magic Johnson puts up a 40-7-10 against old rival Boston

11/11 – PACERS 125, Stallions 116 – David Robinson continues his early dominance with 32 points, 17 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 steals and 4 blocks

11/12 – SUPERSONICS 111, Mavericks 110 – Sampson and Natt drop 27 each to take down Dallas again

11/14 – Mavericks 117, SUNS 105 – Despite an insane 39-point, 26-rebound, 10-assist performance from Arvydas Sabonis, the Mavericks beat the Suns in overtime behind a triple-double from Isiah

11/16 – Heat 110, SUPERSONICS 103 – MJ outduels Sampson with a 39-6-6-6 against Sampson’s 37-18 and 5 blocks

11/19 – JAZZ 151, Celtics 112 – Magic and the Jazz go off on Boston again, led by Magic’s 37-9-11 and Barkley’s 36-13

11/23 – PACERS 107, Cavaliers 105 – Robinson dominates all-defense Kevin McHale with 27 points and 21 boards

11/24 – JAZZ 134, Bucks 126 – Magic goes off for 40-9-13 and Barkley adds 39 points and 22 rebounds in a win over Milwaukee

11/26 – HEAT 120, Supersonics 104 – Despite a monster Ralph Sampson performance: 42 points, 16 rebounds, the Heat win behind a team effort led by Michael Jordan’s 27

12/2 – Warriors 118, KINGS 111 – Kiki drops 42 to overcome Hakeem’s 35-21

12/5 – SUNS 135, Warriors 120 – Sabonis goes completely crazy again with 30 points, 22 rebounds and 11 assists to lead Phoenix over Golden State

12/12 – Cavaliers 134, CELTICS 131 (OT) – The Cavs overcome Larry Bird’s 51-9-8-5 thanks to 75 combined points and 25 combined rebounds from McHale and Woolridge

12/14 – SPIRITS 141, Suns 132 – The Spirits overcome Sabonis’ 32-21-10 as Robertson, Ellis, Buck Williams (21 boards!) and Birdsong all go for 20+

12/17 – JAZZ 122, Heat 115 – Michael Jordan’s triple-double isn’t enough to overcome Magic’s 20 points and 19 assists, nor Barkley’s 33 points

12/21 – PACERS 83, Supersonics 75 – David Robinson destroys Ralph Sampson with 36 points and 14 rebounds

12/21 – 76ERS 103, Bullets 87 – Manute Bol puts up 16 rebounds and an eye-popping 16 blocked shots to help the Sixers beat the Bullets

***

Top 10 PPG
1. Michael Jordan, MIA, 30.1
2. Dominique Wilkins, CHI, 29.3
3. Kiki Vandeweghe, GSW, 28.5
4. Ralph Sampson, SEA, 28.4
5. Patrick Ewing, SAC, 27.6
6. Arvydas Sabonis, PHO, 26.6
7. Isiah Thomas, DAL, 26.6
8. Larry Bird, BOS, 26.2
9. Bernard King, LAL, 26.0
10. David Robinson, IND, 25.9

Top 10 RPG
1. Arvydas Sabonis, PHO, 14.8
2. Charles Barkley, NOJ, 13.5
3. David Robinson, IND, 13.4
4. Kevin McHale, CLE, 12.4
5. Ralph Sampson, SEA, 12.4
6. Hakeem Olajuwon, SAC, 12.2
7. Buck Williams, STL, 11.8
8. Patrick Ewing, SAC, 11.0
9. Charles Oakley, HOU, 10.9
10. Alton Lister, POR, 10.8

Top 10 APG
1. Magic Johnson, NOJ, 12.2
2. Isiah Thomas, DAL, 11.8
3. John Stockton, GSW, 11.7
4. Fat Lever, NYK, 11.1
5. Micheal Ray Richardson, DET, 9.7
6. Nate McMillan, MIN, 8.3
7. Kevin Johnson, SEA, 8.1
8. Mark Price, IND, 7.8
9. Larry Bird, BOS, 7.5
10. Johnny Dawkins, DEN, 7.1

Top 5 SPG
1. Michael Jordan, MIA, 3.2
2. Sidney Moncrief, MIA, 2.9
3. John Stockton, GSW, 2.8
4. David Robinson, IND, 2.7
5. Larry Bird, BOS, 2.6

Top 5 BPG
1. Manute Bol, PHI, 6.0
2. Mark Eaton, STL, 5.0
3. Ralph Sampson, SEA, 3.6
4. Hakeem Olajuwon, SAC, 3.5
5. Kevin McHale, CLE, 3.4

Player of the Week
11/8 – Sam Bowie, Bullets, Arvydas Sabonis, Suns
11/15 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Arvydas Sabonis, Suns
11/22 – Magic Johnson, Jazz, Arvydas Sabonis, Suns
11/29 – Magic Johnson, Jazz, Ralph Sampson, Supersonics
12/6 – Dominique Wilkins, Bulls, Clyde Drexler, Suns
12/13 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Kelly Tripucka, Rockets
12/20 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Patrick Ewing, Kings

Player of the Month
November: Magic Johnson, Jazz, Arvydas Sabonis, Suns

Rookie of the Month
November: David Robinson, Pacers, Mark Jackson, Stallions

***

Fantasy Standings

@AlanSmithee1981 – 91.86

Michael Jordan – 24.93
23 Games, 693 Points, 159 Rebounds, 138 Assists, 73 Steals, 20 Blocks

Patrick Ewing – 22.26
24 Games, 662 Points, 263 Rebounds, 62 Assists, 28 Steals, 51 Blocks

Tom Chambers – 6.18
8 Games, 236 Points, 71 Rebounds, 25 Assists, 8 Steals, 6 Blocks

Dominique Wilkins – 20.38
25 Games, 732 Points, 201 Rebounds, 66 Assists, 44 Steals, 20 Blocks

James Worthy – 3.11
5 Games, 105 Points, 32 Rebounds, 13 Assists, 9 Steals, 0 Blocks

Scottie Pippen – 15.00
26 Games, 294 Points, 164 Rebounds, 57 Assists, 47 Steals, 18 Blocks

@Dubble J – 137.56

Michael Jordan – 24.93
23 Games, 693 Points, 159 Rebounds, 138 Assists, 73 Steals, 20 Blocks

Kevin McHale – 26.98
26 Games, 578 Points, 322 Rebounds, 64 Assists, 33 Steals, 89 Blocks

Hakeem Olajuwon – 18.01
17 Games, 425 Points, 207 Rebounds, 33 Assists, 24 Steals, 59 Blocks

John Stockton – 26.70
26 Games, 504 Points, 95 Rebounds, 304 Assists, 73 Steals, 3 Blocks

Len Bias – 10.59
11 Games, 317 Points, 108 Rebounds, 59 Assists, 23 Steals, 6 Blocks

David Robinson – 30.35
27 Games, 699 Points, 363 Rebounds, 55 Assists, 72 Steals, 67 Blocks

Stats Site​

 

[RDT]

1987-1988 Part 2 – Through All-Star Weekend

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division

Miami Heat (1)
1987-1988 Record: 33-12 (19-4, 14-8)
Key Players: Michael Jordan (30.2 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 5.9 APG, 2.8 SPG, 54.1% FG, 80.2% FT), Sidney Moncrief (16.8 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 4.8 APG, 2.7 SPG)
Big Moves: None

Heat are still rolling. Michael Jordan has this team thinking title.

Philadelphia 76ers (5)
1987-1988 Record: 25-20 (10-14, 15-6)
Key Players: Len Bias (27 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 5.7 APG, 1.9 SPG, 52% FG, 87.6% FT), Manute Bol (8.6 RPG, 5.8 BPG), Maurice Cheeks (17 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 7.3 APG, 2.6 SPG), Antoine Carr (14.5 PPG)
Big Moves: None

Philadelphia got healthy and looked really good as the calendar turned to 1988. Len Bias is looking like one of the best players in the league.

Boston Celtics (6)
1987-1988 Record: 25-22 (12-13, 13-9)
Key Players: Larry Bird (25.1 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 7.4 APG, 2.2 SPG, 47.2% FG, 94% FT, 39.4% 3P), Purvis Short (23.6 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1 SPG), Larry Nance (20 PPG, 9 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 2 BPG, 53.8% FG Joe Barry Carroll (14.1 PPG, 7.7 RPG)
Big Moves: None

Boston continues to play well enough on offense to offset a defense that’s flat out struggling. As long as you have Larry Bird though you’re probably at least going to be okay.

New Jersey Nets
1987-1988 Record: 21-25 (11-14, 10-11)
Key Players: Moses Malone (12 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 1 BPG), Cliff Robinson (19.4 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 2 SPG, 1.1 BPG), Sam Perkins (19.4 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 1 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 42.1% 3P)
Big Moves: None

The silver lining for the Nets is that Sam Perkins has looked great this year.

Baltimore Bullets
1987-1988 Record: 21-25 (12-13, 9-12)
Key Players: Sam Bowie (23.7 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 3.3 BPG, 49.8% FG), Alex English (16.3 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 4.1 APG), Adrian Dantley (22.3 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 50.7% FG)
Big Moves: None

It’s unfortunately just not working for Baltimore despite Sam Bowie looking like a superstar center. Alex English has seemingly run out of gas.

New York Knicks
1987-1988 Record: 17-30 (12-14, 5-16)
Key Players: Tony Campbell (19.7 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.6 SPG)
Big Moves: Traded Fat Lever and two 2nd Round Picks to Atlanta for a 1990 1st Round Pick and John Paxson

The Knicks decided to move on from Fat Lever (and more specifically Fat Lever’s contract) and nabbed a 1st Round Pick from Atlanta. Lever’s looked pretty good in Atlanta so far, but that’s likely of little concern for the Knicks as the rebuild is on.

Orlando Magic
1987-1988 Record: 11-35 (5-21, 6-14)
Key Players: Rod Higgins (14.5 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.1 SPG), Drazen Petrovic (14.1 PPG, 1.6 SPG), Kenny Smith (13.3 PPG, 1.1 SPG)

Orlando is just going through the standard expansion team issues. Right now they’re trying to see if they have any keepers. They’ll have to decide how much money Petrovic is worth as he’s on a 2nd round pick contract and has shown promise.

Eastern Conference
Central Division
Cleveland Cavaliers (2)
1987-1988 Record: 34-14 (21-5, 13-9)
Key Players: Kevin McHale (21.5 PPG, 12 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 3.6 BPG, 49.8% FG) Orlando Woolridge (22.1 PPG, 8 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 55.3% FG), Rolando Blackman 20.1 PPG, 6 RPG, 3.6 APG, 49.7% FG, 80.8% FT)
Big Moves: None

While Cleveland has looked great once again, the Jazz are right on their trail in the Central Division. The East is as difficult as ever.

New Orleans Jazz (3)
1987-1988 Record: 32-13 (20-5, 12-8)
Key Players: Charles Barkley (26.6 PPG, 13.9 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 55.7% FG), Magic Johnson (22.4 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 12.1 APG, 2.3 SPG, 53.7% FG, 87.5% FT), Bill Cartwright (14.1 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 1.3 BPG), Detlef Schrempf (16.6 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 3.1 APG, 54.8% FG, 84.4% FT, 41.8% 3P
Big Moves: None

Perhaps it was silly to think the Jazz wouldn’t be contenders. Sure, the defense is middle of the pack…but the offense is a tier above everyone else’s and no team plays faster. Magic and Barkley are running teams off the court.

Detroit Pistons (4)
1987-1988 Record: 27-17 (11-12, 16-5)
Key Players: Tom Chambers (19 Games, 28.7 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 53.6% FG, 38.5% 3P), Benoit Benjamin (9.5 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 3.1 BPG), Micheal Ray Richardson (14.2 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 10.3 APG, 1.4 SPG)
Big Moves: None

Tim Chambers is back, and the Pistons look like a contender again.


Indiana Pacers (7)
1987-1988 Record: 24-22 (16-11, 8-11)
Key Players: David Robinson (26.3 PPG, 13.4 RPG, 2.6 SPG, 3.0 BPG, 54.9% FG), Mark Price (15.1 PPG, 7.4 APG, 1.2 SPG, 36.7% 3P), James Bailey (13.2 PPG, 8 RPG, 1.4 BPG)
Big Moves: None

The Pacers are likely a couple pieces away from being a contender. David Robinson is putting together a monster rookie season and Mark Price has developed into a solid #2 (who was a 2nd round pick and will need to be re-signed). Amazing how different the Pacers look from just a couple years ago.

Atlanta Hawks (8)
1987-1988 Record: 23-23 (7-18, 16-5)
Key Players: Bill Laimbeer (15.5 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 1.7 BPG), Karl Malone (20.7 PPG, 10 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 54.3% FG), Mark Aguirre (19.9 PPG, 5.6 RPG), Fat Lever (13.6 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 10.5 APG, 2.3 SPG)
Big Moves: Traded a 1990 1st Round Pick and John Paxson to New York for Fat Lever and two 2nd round picks

The Fat Lever trade has re-invigorated Atlanta. Lever has been excellent for the Hawks, giving them the playmaker they were missing for Laimbeer, Malone and Aguirre.

Chicago Bulls
1987-1988 Record: 15-30 (8-17, 7-13)
Key Players: Dominique Wilkins (29.3 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 53.1% FG), Terry Cummings (20.3 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 1.1 SPG), Byron Scott (16.9 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.9 APG), LaSalle Thompson (8.2 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 2.2 BPG)
Big Moves: None

Complete mess in Chicago. They team still heavily revolves around ’Nique and Terry Cummings with still five years left on their big deals. Building around them will be the challenge.

Milwaukee Bucks
1987-1988 Record: 15-30 (9-17, 6-13)
Key Players: Chuck Person (22.7 PPG, 8.7 RPG), Mike McGee (16.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 1.7 SPG), Reggie Williams (14.2 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 2.2 SPG), Thurl Bailey (12.6 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 1.9 BPG)
Big Moves: None

Despite solid improvement from Chuck Person, there’s still a lot to be done in Milwaukee.

Western Conference
Midwest Division

Dallas Mavericks (2)
1987-1988 Record: 32-14 (17-8, 15-6)
Key Players: James Worthy (5 Games, 21 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 52.6% FG, 40% 3P), Isiah Thomas (25.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 11.1 APG, 2.6 SPG), Brad Daugherty (16.5 PPG, 9 RPG, 54.4% FG)
Big Moves: None

No Worthy, no problem. In contrast to last season, the Mavericks’ depth alongside brilliant play from Isiah Thomas has Dallas eyeing another Midwest Division title. Dallas has gotten very useful contributions from Louis Orr, Jerome Kersey, Dell Curry and rookie Derrick McKey.

Spirits of St. Louis (4)
1987-1988 Record: 28-15 (15-9, 13-6)
Key Players: Buck Williams (20.3 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 1.2 BPG, 56.2% FG), Dale Ellis (21.7 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1 SPG, 38.4% 3P), Alvin Robertson (20.1 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 7.3 APG, 2.3 SPG), Mark Eaton (9.7 RPG, 5 BPG), Otis Birdsong (18.7 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.6 SPG)
Big Moves: None

Everything St. Louis has built since their entry into the NBA looks to be culminating into this season. Four strong offensive weapons along with a former Defensive Player of the Year is a formidable lineup.

Houston Rockets (7)
1987-1988 Record: 27-20 (13-14, 14-6)
Key Players: Kelly Tripucka (24.5 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 5.1 APG, 1.3 SPG), Reggie Miller (15 PPG, 3.6 APG, 50.1% FG, 88.7% FT, 36.4% 3P), Darrell Griffith (18.4 PPG, 5 RPG, 1.6 SPG), Charles Oakley (10.3 PPG, 10.3 RPG)
Big Moves: None

Here come the Rockets! Houston has looked strong since Christmas. They have a lot of pieces that can do different things on the court. We’ll see if they can all come together to make a run in the West.

Salt Lake Stallions
1987-1988 Record: 18-27 (10-17, 8-10)
Key Players: Eddie Johnson (21.9 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 49.6% FG, 38.7% 3P), Reggie Theus (18.9 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.5 SPG), Mark Jackson (14.7 PPG, 5.5 APG)
Big Moves: None

The Stallions are in a weird spot where they can’t quite get above the .500 barrier, but their talent won’t let them get much lower than that. Expect to see big changes barring a huge run in 1988.

San Antonio Spurs
1987-1988 Record: 15-35 (9-20, 6-15
Key Players: A.C. Green (14.4 PPG, 8.2 RPG), Anthony Bowie (16.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 1.7 SPG)
Big Moves: None

Iceman career points count: 29,542. Anthony Bowie and A.C. Green have proven to be solid building blocks so far.

Denver Nuggets
1987-1988 Record: 12-34 (6-20, 6-14)
Key Players: Chris Washburn (17.7 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 49.4% FG), Johnny Dawkins (16.8 PPG, 7.3 APG, 2.3 SPG), Ron Harper (18.3 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 4.3 APG, 2.1 SPG)
Big Moves: None

All Denver can do at the moment is hope their younger guys continue to improve while hitting some future draft picks.

Minnesota Timberwolves
1987-1988 Record: 9-36 (8-15, 1-21)
Key Players: Armen Gilliam (16.2 PPG, 6.1 RPG), Nate McMillan (7.8 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 8.4 APG, 1.2 SPG)
Big Moves: None

The Timberwolves fell back to earth and looked like an expansion team. Nothing wrong with that of course.

Western Conference
Pacific Division
Sacramento Kings (1)
1987-1988 Record: 33-11 (18-6, 15-5)
Key Players: Patrick Ewing (27 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 2.3 BPG, 53.6% FG), Hakeem Olajuwon (24.9 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 4.1 BPG), Terry Porter (13.6 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 4.6 APG, 2.3 SPG)
Big Moves: None

This could be the Kings year. They own the best record in all of basketball at the moment.

Portland Trail Blazers (3)
1987-1988 Record: 29-15 (17-7, 12-8)
Key Players: Bernard King (28.8 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.3 SPG), Chris Mullin (21.0 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 2.0 SPG), Johnny Newman (14.8 PPG), Michael Cage (11.9 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 1.2 BPG), Alton Lister (7.9 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 2.5 BPG), Darrell Walker (12.1 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 5.9 APG
Big Moves: None

Portland looks good. Bernard King is looking to add championship #3 to his resume this season.

Golden State Warriors (5)
1987-1988 Record: 27-19 (16-10, 11-9)
Key Players: Kiki Vandeweghe (28.8 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 49% FG, 85.7% FT, 34.9% 3P), John Stockton (17.5 PPG, 11.9 APG, 2.3 SPG), Andrew Toney (19.3 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 43.3% 3P), Danny Schayes (11.5 PPG PPG, 10.6 RPG, 1.6 BPG)
Big Moves: None

The main concern for Golden State: can they overcome what is currently a 24th ranked defense?

Phoenix Suns (6)
1987-1988 Record: 27-20 (18-10, 9-10)
Key Players: Arvydas Sabonis (25.6 PPG, 14.5 RPG, 6.2 APG, 1.1 BPG, 48.1% FG, 89.7% FT, 36.6% 3P), Clyde Drexler (23.6 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 4.9 APG, 2.1 SPG, 48.9% FG), Ricky Pierce (19.6 PPG, 4.4 RPG), Jack Sikma (10.8 PPG, 10.2 RPG)
Big Moves: None

Surprising rough stretch for Phoenix. Despite Arvydas Sabonis and Clyde Drexler playing well, the offense still stagnates at times. They could be in the market for stronger play at the point guard position.

Seattle Supersonics (8)
1987-1988 Record: 26-20 (15-11, 11-9)
Key Players: Ralph Sampson (29.4 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 3.5 BPG, 49.4% FG, 35.1% 3P), Calvin Natt (17 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.3 SPG), Kevin Johnson (12 PPG, 7.9 APG, 1.5 SPG)
Big Moves: None

The big question for the Supersonics will be how will they improve. While of course it’s great they got Ralph Sampson, it cost them all their draft capital for years. They’ll have to figure out something in free agency.

Los Angeles Lakers (8)
1987-1988 Record: 23-23 (13-13, 10-10)
Key Players: Doc Rivers (18.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 7.3 APG, 1.8 SPG), Jeff Malone (17.5 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.9 APG), Marques Johnson (17 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 48% FG), Otis Thorpe (15.6 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 60.2% FG)
Big Moves: None

The talent is there, but we’ll need a little more from Doc Rivers. He doesn’t have to be the next Magic, but the city of Los Angeles won’t tolerate .500 ball for much longer.

Anaheim Light
1987-1988 Record: 12-34 (8-18, 4-16)
Key Players: Joe Dumars (16.3 PPG, 4.9 APG), Scottie Pippen (13 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.7 SPG)
Big Moves

The Light just need to take the time and go through the rebuild.

***

NOTABLE GAMES

11/3 - PACERS 127, Nets 109 – David Robinson debuts with a massive 33 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals, and 6 blocks on Moses Malone in a Pacer victory

11/3 – Warriors 135, CELTICS 117 – Kiki Vandeweghe kicks off the season with 49 points in a win against Bird and the Celtics

11/3 – Hawks 107, 76ers 98 – Bill Laimbeer and Karl Malone drop 28 apiece to overcome Len Bias’ 41-15-6

11/3 – LIGHT 100, Suns 93 – Anaheim kicks off the season with an upset win, led by Joe Dumars’ 24 points and rookie Scottie Pippen’s 15 points and 14 rebounds

11/4 – SUPERSONICS 114, Mavericks 109 – Ralph Sampson drops 25 in a victory over his previous team. Calvin Natt led with 43

11/8 – Warriors 121, TRAIL BLAZERS 120 (OT) – The Warriors overcome 50 points from Bernard King and win an early Pacific Division game

11/10 – JAZZ 132, Celtics 117 – Magic Johnson puts up a 40-7-10 against old rival Boston

11/11 – PACERS 125, Stallions 116 – David Robinson continues his early dominance with 32 points, 17 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 steals and 4 blocks

11/12 – SUPERSONICS 111, Mavericks 110 – Sampson and Natt drop 27 each to take down Dallas again

11/14 – Mavericks 117, SUNS 105 – Despite an insane 39-point, 26-rebound, 10-assist performance from Arvydas Sabonis, the Mavericks beat the Suns in overtime behind a triple-double from Isiah

11/16 – Heat 110, SUPERSONICS 103 – MJ outduels Sampson with a 39-6-6-6 against Sampson’s 37-18 and 5 blocks

11/19 – JAZZ 151, Celtics 112 – Magic and the Jazz go off on Boston again, led by Magic’s 37-9-11 and Barkley’s 36-13

11/23 – PACERS 107, Cavaliers 105 – Robinson dominates all-defense Kevin McHale with 27 points and 21 boards

11/24 – JAZZ 134, Bucks 126 – Magic goes off for 40-9-13 and Barkley adds 39 points and 22 rebounds in a win over Milwaukee

11/26 – HEAT 120, Supersonics 104 – Despite a monster Ralph Sampson performance: 42 points, 16 rebounds, the Heat win behind a team effort led by Michael Jordan’s 27

12/2 – Warriors 118, KINGS 111 – Kiki drops 42 to overcome Hakeem’s 35-21

12/5 – SUNS 135, Warriors 120 – Sabonis goes completely crazy again with 30 points, 22 rebounds and 11 assists to lead Phoenix over Golden State

12/12 – Cavaliers 134, CELTICS 131 (OT) – The Cavs overcome Larry Bird’s 51-9-8-5 thanks to 75 combined points and 25 combined rebounds from McHale and Woolridge

12/14 – SPIRITS 141, Suns 132 – The Spirits overcome Sabonis’ 32-21-10 as Robertson, Ellis, Buck Williams (21 boards!) and Birdsong all go for 20+

12/17 – JAZZ 122, Heat 115 – Michael Jordan’s triple-double isn’t enough to overcome Magic’s 20 points and 19 assists, nor Barkley’s 33 points

12/21 – PACERS 83, Supersonics 75 – David Robinson destroys Ralph Sampson with 36 points and 14 rebounds

12/21 – 76ERS 103, Bullets 87 – Manute Bol puts up 16 rebounds and an eye-popping 16 blocked shots to help the Sixers beat the Bullets

12/31 – CELTICS 111, Pacers 88 – Despite another monster game from David Robinson (30-11-4 steals, 6 blocks), Larry Bird (22-11-5-4) and Purvis Short (29 points) take care of Indiana

1/5 – SPIRITS 115, Heat 110 (OT) – St. Louis overcomes Michael Jordan’s 42 as Alvin Robertson flirts with a quadruple-double (16-14-11 and 7 steals)

1/6 – JAZZ 135, Bulls 120 – The Jazz take down the Bulls in a game that featured one of the greatest duels in NBA history: ‘Nique had 50, but Charles Barkley went for a monster 51 points and 21 rebounds

1/7 – Jazz 132, BULLS 122 – The next night, ‘Nique dropped another 47, but this time Magic got involved with a 36-10-13 to aid another 34 points from Barkley to ensure another Jazz win

1/13 – Trail Blazers 131, JAZZ 123 – Bernard King drops 46 and offsets Barkley’s 39-16 to lead Portland to victory

1/18 – Jazz 125, BULLETS 119 – Sam Bowie’s career high of 50 points goes to waste as Magic goes for 21-13-20 and Barkley gets a 31-22 to lift the Jazz over the Bullets

1/25 – SUNS 142, Warriors 141 – The Suns and Warriors went on a scoring war, but Golden State’s 51 4th quarter points just came up short. Suns were led by Ricky Pierce with 44 and Sabonis had a 30-16-10 in the win

1/27 – SUPERSONICS 109, Trail Blazers 96 – Ralph Sampson’s 45 overcomes Bernard’s 50 in a big win in the West for the Sonics

1/30 – SUPERSONICS 98, Nuggets 89 – Ralph Sampson blocks almost every shot Denver takes in the paint, finishing with 15 to go with 24 points and 14 boards to beat Denver

***

Top 10 PPG
1. Michael Jordan, MIA, 30.2
2. Ralph Sampson, SEA, 29.4
3. Dominique Wilkins, CHI, 29.3
4. Bernard King, POR, 28.8
5. Kiki Vandeweghe, GSW, 28.8
6. Patrick Ewing, SAC, 27.0
7. Len Bias, PHI, 27.0
8. Charles Barkley, NOJ, 26.6
9. David Robinson, IND, 26.3
10. Isiah Thomas, DAL, 25.8

Top 10 RPG
1. Arvydas Sabonis, PHO, 14.5
2. Charles Barkley, NOJ, 13.9
3. David Robinson, IND, 13.4
4. Hakeem Olajuwon, SAC, 12.1
5. Kevin McHale, CLE, 12.0
6. Ralph Sampson, SEA, 11.7
7. Buck Williams, STL, 11.1
8. Sam Bowie, BAL, 10.7
9. Patrick Ewing, SAC, 10.6
10. Danny Schayes, GSW, 10.6

Top 10 APG
1. Magic Johnson, NOJ, 12.1
2. John Stockton, GSW, 11.9
3. Isiah Thomas, DAL, 11.1
4. Fat Lever, NYK/ATL, 10.5
5. Micheal Ray Richardson, DET, 10.3
6. Nate McMillan, MIN, 8.4
7. Kevin Johnson, SEA, 7.9
8. Mark Price, IND, 7.4
9. Larry Bird, BOS, 7.4
10. Alvin Robertson, STL, 7.3

Top 5 SPG
1. Michael Jordan, MIA, 2.8
2. Sidney Moncrief, MIA, 2.7
3. David Robinson, IND, 2.6
4. Maurice Cheeks, PHI, 2.6
5. Isiah Thomas, DAL, 2.6

Top 5 BPG
1. Manute Bol, PHI, 5.8
2. Mark Eaton, STL, 5.0
3. Hakeem Olajuwon, SAC, 4.1
4. Kevin McHale, CLE, 3.6
5. Ralph Sampson, SEA, 3.5

Player of the Week
11/8 – Sam Bowie, Bullets, Arvydas Sabonis, Suns
11/15 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Arvydas Sabonis, Suns
11/22 – Magic Johnson, Jazz, Arvydas Sabonis, Suns
11/29 – Magic Johnson, Jazz, Ralph Sampson, Supersonics
12/6 – Dominique Wilkins, Bulls, Clyde Drexler, Suns
12/13 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Kelly Tripucka, Rockets
12/20 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Patrick Ewing, Kings
12/27 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Kiki Vandeweghe, Warriors
1/3 – David Robinson, Pacers, Kelly Tripucka, Rockets
1/10 – Len Bias, 76ers, Buck Williams, Spirits
1/17 – Michael Jordan, Heat, Hakeem Olajuwon, Kings
1/24 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Bernard King, Trail Blazers
1/31 – Magic Johnson, Jazz, Arvydas Sabonis, Suns
2/7 – Michael Jordan, Heat, Hakeem Olajuwon, Kings

Player of the Month
November: Magic Johnson, Jazz, Arvydas Sabonis, Suns
December: Larry Bird, Celtics, Ralph Sampson, Supersonics
January: Michael Jordan, Heat, Hakeem Olajuwon, Kings

Rookie of the Month
November: David Robinson, Pacers, Mark Jackson, Stallions
December: David Robinson, Pacers, Reggie Miller, Rockets
January: David Robinson, Pacers, Armen Gilliam, Timberwolves

***

Fantasy Standings

AlanSmithee1981 – 166.2

Michael Jordan – 46.91
45 Games, 1361 Points, 326 Rebounds, 267 Assists, 127 Steals, 34 Blocks

Patrick Ewing – 41.16
44 Games, 1190 Points, 467 Rebounds, 118 Assists, 51 Steals, 101 Blocks

Tom Chambers – 13.52
19 Games, 546 Points, 158 Rebounds, 50 Assists, 13 Steals, 16 Blocks

Dominique Wilkins – 35.96
45 Games, 1320 Points, 348 Rebounds, 105 Assists, 78 Steals, 38 Blocks

James Worthy – 3.11
5 Games, 105 Points, 32 Rebounds, 13 Assists, 9 Steals, 0 Blocks

Scottie Pippen – 25.54
46 Games, 596 Points, 254 Rebounds, 100 Assists, 78 Steals, 27 Blocks

Dubble J – 263.56

Michael Jordan – 46.91
45 Games, 1361 Points, 326 Rebounds, 267 Assists, 127 Steals, 34 Blocks

Kevin McHale – 48.92
48 Games, 1032 Points, 577 Rebounds, 109 Assists, 56 Steals, 171 Blocks

Hakeem Olajuwon – 38.54
35 Games, 870 Points, 425 Rebounds, 61 Assists, 47 Steals, 142 Blocks

John Stockton – 43.99
46 Games, 803 Points, 150 Rebounds, 549 Assists, 104 Steals, 6 Blocks

Len Bias – 30.90
32 Games, 864 Points, 326 Rebounds, 181 Assists, 62 Steals, 23 Blocks

David Robinson – 54.3
46 Games, 1208 Points, 618 Rebounds, 99 Assists, 120 Steals, 139 Blocks

***

ROOKIE-SOPHOMORE GAME

Rookie Starters
C – David Robinson, Pacers
F – Armen Gilliam, Timberwolves
F – Reggie Williams, Bucks
G – Reggie Miller, Rockets
G – Kevin Johnson, Supersonics

Rookie Bench
Chris Dudley, Bulls
Scottie Pippen, Light
Kenny Smith, Magic
Mark Jackson, Stallions
Reggie Lewis, Rockets
Horace Grant, Knicks
Derrick McKey, Mavericks

Sophomore Starters
C – Arvydas Sabonis, Suns
F – Chuck Person, Bucks
F – Len Bias, 76ers
G – Ron Harper, Nuggets
G – Mark Price, Pacers

Sophomore Bench
Brad Daugherty, Mavericks
William Bedford, Light
Anthony Bowie, Spurs
Dell Curry, Mavericks
Johnny Newman, Trail Blazers
Roy Tarpley, Knicks
Chris Washburn, Nuggets

Rookies defeated Sophomores 125-115 behind the scoring of Kenny Smith and the all-around play of David Robinson, who won MVP.

Rookie Stats
David Robinson: 22 PTS, 7 REB, 3 STL, 3 BLK, 8/8 FG, MVP
Kenny Smith: 26 PTS, 4 AST, 4/8 3P
Scottie Pippen: 19 PTS, 5 REB
Mark Jackson: 19 PTS, 7 AST

Sophomore Stats
Arvydas Sabonis: 16 PTS, 8 REB, 6 AST
Ron Harper: 15 PTS, 6 REB, 2 STL, 6/9 FG
Chuck Person: 14 PTS, 4 REB, 6 AST
Chris Washburn: 26 PTS, 6 REB

---

THREE POINT SHOOTOUT

Round 1
1. Joe Dumars, Light, 19 (Advances)
2. Derek Harper, Nets, 14 (Advances)
3. Drazen Petrovic, Magic, 13 (Advances)
4. Larry Bird, Celtics, 12 (Eliminated)
5. Terry Porter, Kings, 9 (Eliminated)
6. Sam Perkins, Nets, 9 (Eliminated)

Final Round
1. Joe Dumars, Light, 12, Winner
2. Drazen Petrovic, Magic, 10
3. Derek Harper, Nets, 8

DUNK CONTEST

Round 1
1. Adrian Dantley, Bullets, 50.0 (Advances)
2. Michael Jordan, Heat, 49.9 (Advances)
3. Charles Barkley, Jazz, 46.3 (Eliminated)
4. Chris Mullin, Trail Blazers, 46.2 (Eliminated)
5. Buck Williams, Spirits, 45.5 (Eliminated)
6. Len Bias, 76ers, 45.0 (Eliminated)

Final Round
1. Michael Jordan, Heat (51%), Winner
2. Adrian Dantley, Bullets (49%)

***

ALL-STAR GAME

West Starters
C – Hakeem Olajuwon, Kings (4th Appearance)
F – Patrick Ewing, Kings (3rd Appearance)
F – Kiki Vandeweghe, Warriors (4th Appearance)
G – Bernard King, Trail Blazers (5th Appearance)
G – Isiah Thomas, Mavericks (6th Appearance)

West Bench
Arvydas Sabonis, Suns (1st Appearance)
Buck Williams, Spirts (3rd Appearance)
Clyde Drexler, Suns (4th Appearance)
Reggie Theus, Stallions (6th Appearance)
John Stockton, Warriors (2nd Appearance)
Ralph Sampson, Supersonics (4th Appearance)
Doc Rivers, Lakers (1st Appearance)

East Starters
C – David Robinson, Pacers (1st Appearance)
F – Charles Barkley, Jazz (2nd Appearance)
F – Larry Bird, Celtics (8th Appearance)
G – Michael Jordan, Heat (4th Appearance)
G – Magic Johnson, Jazz (8th Appearance)

East Bench
Sam Bowie, Bullets (1st Appearance)
Karl Malone, Hawks (1st Appearance)
Len Bias, 76ers (2nd Appearance)
Adrian Dantley, Bullets (9th Appearance)
Fat Lever, Hawks (3rd Appearance)
Dominique Wilkins, Bulls (6th Appearance)
Kevin McHale, Cavaliers (6th Appearance)

The East poured on the points and defeated the West 181-149. Magic Johnson won MVP with a 22-13 on 10/11 FG.

West Stats
Buck Williams: 25 PTS, 7 REB
Hakeem Olajuwon: 16 PTS, 6 REB, 4 BLK, 8/11 FG
Clyde Drexler: 21 PTS

East Stats
Magic Johnson: 22 PTS, 13 AST, 10/11 FG
Kevin McHale: 27 PTS, 12 REB, 5 BLK
David Robinson: 19 PTS, 10 REB, 4 AST
Michael Jordan: 19 PTS, 4 REB, 3 AST, 2 STL

***

Stats Site​

 

[RDT]

1987-1988 Part 3 – Season’s End

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division

Miami Heat (1)
1987-1988 Record: 61-21 (19-4, 14-8, 28-9)
Key Players: Michael Jordan (30.3 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 6.2 APG, 2.7 SPG, 55.4% FG, 81.5% FT, NBA MVP, All-NBA 1st Team, All-Defense 1st Team), Sidney Moncrief (18.3 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 5.2 APG, 3 SPG, All-Defense 1st Team)
Big Moves: None

No surprises here for Miami. Michael Jordan was awarded his 2nd straight MVP award, and both he and Sidney Moncrief took down All-Defense 1st Team honors. It feels like championship or bust for the Heat.

Boston Celtics (7)
1987-1988 Record: 44-38 (12-13, 13-9, 19-16)
Key Players: Larry Bird (25.4 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 7.5 APG, 2.1 SPG, 46.8% FG, 94% FT, 42% 3P, All-NBA 1st Team, All-Defense 2nd Team), Purvis Short (23.3 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1 SPG), Larry Nance (20.8 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1.9 BPG, 55.9% FG), Joe Barry Carroll (13.7 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 51.2% FG)
Big Moves: None

We’ll see what magic Larry Bird can pull out in the playoffs. Despite Bird being awarded with a All-Defense 2nd team spot, the Celtics finished the season with the 27th ranked defense in the league. That’s going to be tough to overcome as they’ll take on the best offense in basketball in New Orleans.

Philadelphia 76ers (8)
1987-1988 Record: 43-39 (10-14, 15-6, 18-19)
Key Players: Len Bias (28.0 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 5.3 APG, 2.1 SPG, 1 BPG, 53% FG, 86.1% FT, All-NBA 3rd Team), Manute Bol (8.1 RPG, 5.4 BPG), Maurice Cheeks (16.5 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 7.9 APG, 2.5 SPG), Antoine Carr (13.8 PPG, 51.2% FG)
Big Moves: None

Bad news for the Sixers: Len Bias, who had a great 2nd season, will miss the first two games at least in the opening series. It probably wouldn’t have mattered anyway, but it’s still a shame. We’ll see if Dr. J has anything left to lift the Sixers against Miami.

New Jersey Nets
1987-1988 Record: 34-48 (11-14, 10-11, 13-23)
Key Players: Moses Malone (12.6 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 1.1 BPG), Cliff Robinson (19 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 3 APG, 1.9 SPG, 1.2 BPG, All-Defense 1st Team), Sam Perkins (20.2 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 1 BPG, 42.2% 3P)
Big Moves: None

Really big year for both Sam Perkins and Cliff Robinson. The Nets will likely pay Perkins…but they have to find something to do with Moses Malone’s contract.

Baltimore Bullets
1987-1988 Record: 32-50 (12-13, 9-12, 11-25)
Key Players: Sam Bowie (22 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 3.1 BPG), Jeff Hornacek (12.4 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 4.7 APG, 2.2 SPG), Alex English (15.5 PPG, 5.7 RPG), Adrian Dantley (22.5 PPG, 6 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 50.5% FG, 82.4% FT)
Big Moves: None

Not the season the Bullets wanted. Expect Sam Bowie, after his breakout season, to command the maximum, but there’s not enough depth to get this team to the next level.

New York Knicks
1987-1988 Record: 27-55 (12-14, 5-16, 10-25)
Key Players: Tony Campbell (18.6 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.7 SPG), Roy Tarpley (12.8 PPG, 10 RPG, 1 BPG)
Big Moves: None

We’ll see what New York can do in the draft. Their Finals appearance feels like such a long time ago.

Orlando Magic
1987-1988 Record: 17-65 (5-21, 6-14, 6-30)
Key Players: Rod Higgins (15 PPG, 5.6 RPG), Drazen Petrovic (14.1 PPG, 1.5 SPG), Kenny Smith (13.2 PPG, 4.1 APG, 1.1 SPG)

Orlando has the best odds in the draft lottery. We’ll see how that plays out for the young team.

Eastern Conference
Central Division
New Orleans Jazz (2)
1987-1988 Record: 56-26 (20-5, 12-8, 23-13)
Key Players: Charles Barkley (25.5 PPG, 13.5 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 56% FG, All-NBA 2nd Team), Magic Johnson (22.7 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 12.2 APG, 2.2 SPG, 53.2% FG, 86.2% FT, All-NBA 1st Team), Bill Cartwright (14.1 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 1.3 BPG), Detlef Schrempf (17.6 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 3.3 APG, 55.4% FG, 85.7% FT, 43.5% 3P)
Big Moves: None

Things are looking great for the Jazz in only year five. Magic Johnson has made this team a title contender. Their defense is questionable, but Magic, Barkley and Detlef Schrempf make up the most dangerous offense in basketball. The Jazz can absolutely win the title here.

Cleveland Cavaliers (3)
1987-1988 Record: 53-29 (21-5, 13-9, 19-15)
Key Players: Kevin McHale (22.7 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 3.2 BPG, 49.3% FG, 83.7% FT) Orlando Woolridge (22.7 PPG, 8 RPG, 1.3 BPG, 55.5% FG), Rolando Blackman (19.4 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.6 APG, 48.7% FG)
Big Moves: None

An injury to Rolando Blackman late caused Cleveland to sputter down the stretch. It remains to be seen how much losing the Central Division will matter, but the Cavs are mostly healthy when it matters (Orlando Woolridge is day-to-day).

Detroit Pistons (4)
1987-1988 Record: 51-31 (11-12, 16-5, 24-14)
Key Players: Tom Chambers (57 Games, 28.3 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 52.9% FG), Benoit Benjamin (8.9 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 3.2 BPG), Micheal Ray Richardson (13.6 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 10.5 APG, 1.4 SPG)
Big Moves: None

Detroit looked like a team ready to defend their NBA title down the stretch. The Piston defense finished in the top 3, and Tom Chambers has looked unstoppable since his return.

Atlanta Hawks (5)
1987-1988 Record: 45-37 (7-18, 16-5, 22-14)
Key Players: Bill Laimbeer (15.6 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 1.7 BPG), Karl Malone (21.6 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.5 SPG, 56.1% FG), Mark Aguirre (20.2 PPG, 5.4 RPG), Fat Lever (12.9 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 10.1 APG, 2.6 SPG, All-Defense 2nd Team)
Big Moves: None

Atlanta continued to look good in 1988 and peaked just at the right time, reaching the #5 seed. Unfortunately, they’ll be without Mark Aguirre for most if not all the series, and that’s going to be tough to overcome against Detroit.

Indiana Pacers (6)
1987-1988 Record: 45-37 (16-11, 8-11, 21-15)
Key Players: David Robinson (26.4 PPG, 13 RPG, 2.6 SPG, 3 BPG, 57.8% FG, Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, All-NBA 2nd Team, All-Defense 1st Team), Mark Price (15.4 PPG, 3 RPG, 7.2 APG, 1.1 SPG, 41.5% FG), James Bailey (13.2 PPG, 8 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 48.8% FG)
Big Moves: None

David Robinson has completely turned the Pacers around. Indiana improved by 29 games this year, and Robinson was awarded with the Defensive Player of the Year in this rookie year. With Mark Price making strides, Indiana looks like a fixture in the East for years to come.

Chicago Bulls
1987-1988 Record: 39-43 (8-17, 7-13, 24-13)
Key Players: Dominique Wilkins (30.2 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 1.8 SPG, 53.4% FG, All-NBA 1st Team, All-Defense 2nd Team), Terry Cummings (20.1 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 1.1 SPG), Byron Scott (16.8 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.6 SPG), LaSalle Thompson (7.9 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 2.1 BPG)
Big Moves: None

Dominique Wilkins almost brought the Bulls back with a super strong stretch since the All-Star break. Ultimately the defense just fell apart in Chicago, and they’ll need to address that to get back to contention next season.

Milwaukee Bucks
1987-1988 Record: 30-52 (9-17, 6-13, 15-22)
Key Players: Chuck Person (22.9 PPG, 8.9 RPG), Mike McGee (17 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 2 SPG), Reggie Williams (14 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 2 SPG), Thurl Bailey (13.7 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2 BPG)
Big Moves: None

The Bucks nearly doubled their win total in 1988. We’ll see if the Chuck Person, Reggie Williams combo can get Milwaukee back into the playoff next season.

Western Conference
Midwest Division

Dallas Mavericks (2)
1987-1988 Record: 55-27 (17-8, 15-6, 23-13)
Key Players: Isiah Thomas (25 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 11.3 APG, 2.6 SPG, All-NBA 2nd Team, All-Defense 2nd Team), James Worthy (31 Games, 20.6 PPG, 7 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 49.8% FG), Brad Daugherty (15.9 PPG, 9 RPG, 3.3 APG, 52.2% FG)
Big Moves: None

Despite only 31 games from James Worthy, the Mavericks held on to win a 5th straight Midwest Division title. Dallas’ depth has been impressive this season, with Louis Orr, Dell Curry, Derrick McKey, Jerome Kersey and Gerald Henderson all providing support, especially with Worthy gone as long as he was. Isiah was excellent as well.

Spirits of St. Louis (3)
1987-1988 Record: 53-29 (15-9, 13-6, 25-14)
Key Players: Buck Williams (20.3 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 58.7% FG), Dale Ellis (20.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.1 SPG), Alvin Robertson (20.5 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 7.8 APG, 2.5 SPG, All-NBA 3rd Team), Mark Eaton (9.6 RPG, 5.2 BPG, All-Defense 2nd Team), Otis Birdsong (17.4 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.4 SPG)
Big Moves: None

With four strong scorers and a top defensive player, the Spirits bring a well balanced attack to the playoffs. Any one of Buck Williams, Dale Ellis, Alvin Robertson or Otis Birdsong can go off to win a game.

Houston Rockets (6)
1987-1988 Record: 49-33 (13-14, 14-6, 22-13)
Key Players: Kelly Tripucka (23.5 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 4.9 APG, 1.3 SPG), Reggie Miller (14.9 PPG, 3 RPG, 3.4 APG, 49% FG, 88.1% FT, 38.6% 3P), Darrell Griffith (18.7 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.7 SPG), Charles Oakley (10.7 PPG, 10 RPG), Kevin Willis (11.9 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 2 BPG, 50.9% FG)
Big Moves: None

Houston held onto their spot and return to the playoffs. We’ll see if they can make some noise as, like their first around opponents St. Louis, they have a lot of guys who can go off to win a game.

Salt Lake Stallions
1987-1988 Record: 30-52 (10-17, 8-10, 12-25)
Key Players: Eddie Johnson (21.9 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.1 SPG), Reggie Theus (17.4 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.5 SPG), Mark Jackson (14.1 PPG, 5.4 APG, 1.9 SPG)
Big Moves: None

Eddie Johnson had a good season, but the Stallions have a lot of work to do to get back to contention.

Denver Nuggets
1987-1988 Record: 22-60 (6-20, 6-14, 10-26)
Key Players: Chris Washburn (18.5 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 49.5% FG), Johnny Dawkins (17.8 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 7.1 APG), Ron Harper (17.7 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 4.5 APG, 2.1 SPG)
Big Moves: None

Washburn, Dawkins, and Harper all showed improvement this year, we’ll see if that translate to a return to the playoffs next year.

San Antonio Spurs
1987-1988 Record: 21-61 (9-20, 6-15, 6-26)
Key Players: A.C. Green (14.1 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 50.2% FG), Anthony Bowie (15.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.6 SPG)
Big Moves: None

Ice is just 129 points away from 30K. His contract makes it seem he will return. Otherwise, San Antonio needs to continue the rebuilding process.

Minnesota Timberwolves
1987-1988 Record: 20-62 (8-15, 1-21, 11-26)
Key Players: Armen Gilliam (15.8 PPG, 6 RPG), Nate McMillan (8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 8.6 APG, 1.6 SPG), Dennis Rodman (8.9 PPG, 8.9 RPG)
Big Moves: None

Minnesota will look to continue building from a decent expansion start.

Western Conference
Pacific Division
Sacramento Kings (1)
1987-1988 Record: 61-21 (18-6, 15-5, 28-10)
Key Players: Patrick Ewing (26.1 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 2.4 BPG, 51% FG, All-NBA 2nd Team, All-Defense 1st Team), Hakeem Olajuwon (57 Games, 25.5 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 3.8 BPG, 56.3% FG), Terry Porter (14.9 PPG, 5 RPG, 5.3 APG, 2.3 SPG)
Big Moves: None

If this is the Kings’ year, they’ll have to face a tough 1st round test. Hakeem Olajuwon will miss at least the first two games, recovering from a dislocated shoulder. Patrick Ewing will have his hands full with Ralph Sampson and Seattle.

Portland Trail Blazers (4)
1987-1988 Record: 53-29 (17-7, 12-8, 24-14)
Key Players: Bernard King (28.9 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, All-NBA 3rd Team), Chris Mullin (22 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.9 SPG, 46.8% FG, 86.4% FT, 36.1% 3P), Michael Cage (11.0 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 1.1 BPG), Alton Lister (7.5 PPG, 10 RPG, 2.8 BPG), Darrell Walker (12 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 6.1 APG, 1.9 SPG)
Big Moves: None

Portland will get a rematch with Phoenix in the 1st Round. Portland also sports a very balanced team, led by one of the best scorers in the game, Bernard King.

Phoenix Suns (5)
1987-1988 Record: 52-30 (18-10, 9-10, 25-10)
Key Players: Arvydas Sabonis (27.6 PPG, 14.2 RPG, 5.9 APG, 1.1 BPG, 51% FG, 91.1% FT, 40.8% 3P, Most Improved Player of the Year, All-NBA 1st Team), Clyde Drexler (61 Games, 23.2 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 4.8 APG, 2 SPG, 49.5% FG), Ricky Pierce (20.9 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 3.2 APG), Jack Sikma (11.7 PPG, 10.2 RPG)
Big Moves: None

Arvydas Sabonis turned into the most dominant player we’ve seen in recent NBA history, as he finished with 51-91-41% splits and averaged a 28-15-6. This included a monster 61-23-9 game in March. Unfortunately for the Suns, Clyde Drexler tore a ligament and missed the last quarter of the season. Ricky Pierce has stepped up as the Suns still played well down the stretch, but no Drexler will make it tough for them to get through the playoffs.

Golden State Warriors (7)
1987-1988 Record: 48-34 (16-10, 11-9, 21-15)
Key Players: Kiki Vandeweghe (29 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 48.6% FG, 85.5% FT, 34.6% 3P, All-NBA 3rd Team), John Stockton (17.3 PPG, 11.7 APG, 2.4 SPG, All-NBA 2nd Team), Andrew Toney (17.5 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.2 SPG), Danny Schayes (11.1 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 1.5 BPG, 50.6% FG)
Big Moves: None

The Warriors will have to overcome a questionable defense in order to return to the NBA Finals. Their offense is still Top 10.

Seattle Supersonics (8)
1987-1988 Record: 46-36 (15-11, 11-9, 20-16)
Key Players: Ralph Sampson (29.2 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 1 SPG, 3.6 BPG, 50% FG, All-NBA 3rd Team), Calvin Natt (16.9 PPG, 7 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.4 SPG), Kevin Johnson (12.7 PPG, 8.4 APG, 1.5 SPG)
Big Moves: None

The Sonics return to the playoffs behind a monster season from Ralph Sampson. Kevin Johnson has shown some early signs of stardom too.

Los Angeles Lakers
1987-1988 Record: 39-43 (13-13, 10-10, 16-20)
Key Players: Doc Rivers (18.7 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 7.8 APG, 1.9 SPG), Jeff Malone (57 Games, 17.5 PPG, 4 RPG, 3.8 APG), Marques Johnson (17.2 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 1.3 SPG), Otis Thorpe (16.8 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 59.6% FG)
Big Moves: None

Late injuries to Doc Rivers and Jeff Malone cost LA a chance to sneak into the playoffs. They’ll need Doc to continue to get better in order for the Lakers to get back on track.

Anaheim Light
1987-1988 Record: 22-60 (8-18, 4-16, 10-26)
Key Players: Joe Dumars (16.6 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 5.2 APG), Scottie Pippen (12.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.6 SPG)
Big Moves

The Light improved by 14 games this season. Dumars and Pippen will likely be a part of their future.

***

NOTABLE GAMES

11/3 - PACERS 127, Nets 109 – David Robinson debuts with a massive 33 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals, and 6 blocks on Moses Malone in a Pacer victory

11/3 – Warriors 135, CELTICS 117 – Kiki Vandeweghe kicks off the season with 49 points in a win against Bird and the Celtics

11/3 – Hawks 107, 76ers 98 – Bill Laimbeer and Karl Malone drop 28 apiece to overcome Len Bias’ 41-15-6

11/3 – LIGHT 100, Suns 93 – Anaheim kicks off the season with an upset win, led by Joe Dumars’ 24 points and rookie Scottie Pippen’s 15 points and 14 rebounds

11/4 – SUPERSONICS 114, Mavericks 109 – Ralph Sampson drops 25 in a victory over his previous team. Calvin Natt led with 43

11/8 – Warriors 121, TRAIL BLAZERS 120 (OT) – The Warriors overcome 50 points from Bernard King and win an early Pacific Division game

11/10 – JAZZ 132, Celtics 117 – Magic Johnson puts up a 40-7-10 against old rival Boston

11/11 – PACERS 125, Stallions 116 – David Robinson continues his early dominance with 32 points, 17 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 steals and 4 blocks

11/12 – SUPERSONICS 111, Mavericks 110 – Sampson and Natt drop 27 each to take down Dallas again

11/14 – Mavericks 117, SUNS 105 – Despite an insane 39-point, 26-rebound, 10-assist performance from Arvydas Sabonis, the Mavericks beat the Suns in overtime behind a triple-double from Isiah

11/16 – Heat 110, SUPERSONICS 103 – MJ outduels Sampson with a 39-6-6-6 against Sampson’s 37-18 and 5 blocks

11/19 – JAZZ 151, Celtics 112 – Magic and the Jazz go off on Boston again, led by Magic’s 37-9-11 and Barkley’s 36-13

11/23 – PACERS 107, Cavaliers 105 – Robinson dominates all-defense Kevin McHale with 27 points and 21 boards

11/24 – JAZZ 134, Bucks 126 – Magic goes off for 40-9-13 and Barkley adds 39 points and 22 rebounds in a win over Milwaukee

11/26 – HEAT 120, Supersonics 104 – Despite a monster Ralph Sampson performance: 42 points, 16 rebounds, the Heat win behind a team effort led by Michael Jordan’s 27

12/2 – Warriors 118, KINGS 111 – Kiki drops 42 to overcome Hakeem’s 35-21

12/5 – SUNS 135, Warriors 120 – Sabonis goes completely crazy again with 30 points, 22 rebounds and 11 assists to lead Phoenix over Golden State

12/12 – Cavaliers 134, CELTICS 131 (OT) – The Cavs overcome Larry Bird’s 51-9-8-5 thanks to 75 combined points and 25 combined rebounds from McHale and Woolridge

12/14 – SPIRITS 141, Suns 132 – The Spirits overcome Sabonis’ 32-21-10 as Robertson, Ellis, Buck Williams (21 boards!) and Birdsong all go for 20+

12/17 – JAZZ 122, Heat 115 – Michael Jordan’s triple-double isn’t enough to overcome Magic’s 20 points and 19 assists, nor Barkley’s 33 points

12/21 – PACERS 83, Supersonics 75 – David Robinson destroys Ralph Sampson with 36 points and 14 rebounds

12/21 – 76ERS 103, Bullets 87 – Manute Bol puts up 16 rebounds and an eye-popping 16 blocked shots to help the Sixers beat the Bullets

12/31 – CELTICS 111, Pacers 88 – Despite another monster game from David Robinson (30-11-4 steals, 6 blocks), Larry Bird (22-11-5-4) and Purvis Short (29 points) take care of Indiana

1/5 – SPIRITS 115, Heat 110 (OT) – St. Louis overcomes Michael Jordan’s 42 as Alvin Robertson flirts with a quadruple-double (16-14-11 and 7 steals)

1/6 – JAZZ 135, Bulls 120 – The Jazz take down the Bulls in a game that featured one of the greatest duels in NBA history: ‘Nique had 50, but Charles Barkley went for a monster 51 points and 21 rebounds

1/7 – Jazz 132, BULLS 122 – The next night, ‘Nique dropped another 47, but this time Magic got involved with a 36-10-13 to aid another 34 points from Barkley to ensure another Jazz win

1/13 – Trail Blazers 131, JAZZ 123 – Bernard King drops 46 and offsets Barkley’s 39-16 to lead Portland to victory

1/18 – Jazz 125, BULLETS 119 – Sam Bowie’s career high of 50 points goes to waste as Magic goes for 21-13-20 and Barkley gets a 31-22 to lift the Jazz over the Bullets

1/25 – SUNS 142, Warriors 141 – The Suns and Warriors went on a scoring war, but Golden State’s 51 4th quarter points just came up short. Suns were led by Ricky Pierce with 44 and Sabonis had a 30-16-10 in the win

1/27 – SUPERSONICS 109, Trail Blazers 96 – Ralph Sampson’s 45 overcomes Bernard’s 50 in a big win in the West for the Sonics

1/30 – SUPERSONICS 98, Nuggets 89 – Ralph Sampson blocks almost every shot Denver takes in the paint, finishing with 15 to go with 24 points and 14 boards to beat Denver

2/9 – Kings 122, 76ERS 107 – Hakeem goes crazy with a 48-17 to destroy Manute Bol and the Sixers

2/12 – Kings 121, CELTICS 111 – Hakeem and Ewing combine for 74 points, 25 rebounds, 4 steals, an 7 blocks and the Celtics have nothing for them

2/15 – PACERS 118, Hawks 116 (OT) – David Robinson goes for 44 points and 20 boards to take down division rival Atlanta in overtime

2/16 – Pistons 120, PACERS 115 (OT) – Robinson goes off again in an OT game with a 42-13, 8 steals and 4 blocks…but the Pistons manage to overcome thanks to 33 from Chambers

2/22 – Kings 129, SUNS 126 – Three of the best big men in the game all have big nights. Hakeem had a 34-18-2-6, Ewing a 35-14-4-4, to overcome Sabonis’ 40-15-5

2/28 – LAKERS 144, Jazz 136 – Doc Rivers played Magic Johnson to a draw in LA, leading the Lakers with a 31-15 against Magic’s 28-7-18

3/5 – WARRIORS 132, Cavaliers 112 – John Stockton distributes 22 assists to lead Golden State over Cleveland (and McHale’s 41)

3/7 – Suns 136, JAZZ 119 – Arvydas Sabonis reminds people of Wilt with a 61-point, 23-rebound, 9-assist performance

3/8 – BULLS 114, Hawks 108 – Dominique scores 57 to keep the Bulls alive in the playoff hunt

3/11 – Bulls 106, 76ERS 105 – ‘Nique drops another 57 to push to the Bulls closer to the #8 seed

3/12 – Pacers 112, CAVALIERS 104 – David Robinson puts up a 29-16 and adds 6 steals and 5 blocks against McHale

3/12 – Kings 142, MAVERICKS 141 (OT) – The best two teams in the West go to war. Hakeem and Ewing go for 69 points total, and the Mavs just fall short

3/17 – Pacers 117, CAVALIERS 111 – David Robinson gets the better of Kevin McHale again, dropping a 40-15 with 6 steals, ending out McHale’s 38

3/20 – JAZZ 141, Bullets 130 – Magic records 25 assists as part of a triple-double and the Bullets just couldn’t keep up

3/25 – MAVERICKS 159, Cavaliers 90 – Dallas scored 92 first-half points in am embarrassing loss for Cleveland

3/31 – Jazz 137, HEAT 122 – Magic records 19 assists, and Barkley scores 32, showing Michael Jordan and the Heat that they can be beaten. MJ had a 43-7-8

3/31 – Supersonics 94, KINGS 85 – Without Hakeem, Sampson spanks Ewing with 28 points and 24 rebounds

4/16 – SUPERSONICS 130, Spirits 122 – Kevin Johnson shows some superstar potential with 37 points and 10 assists in a win against a good Western Conference team

YEARLY AWARDS

Most Valuable Player: Michael Jordan (2), Miami Heat, 82 Games, 30.3 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 6.2 APG, 2.7 SPG, 55.4% FG, 81.5% FT

Rookie of the Year: David Robinson, Indiana Pacers, , 79 Games, 26.4 PPG, 13 RPG, 2.1 APG, 2.6 SPG, 3 BPG, 57.8% FG

Defensive Player of the Year: David Robinson (1), Indiana Pacers, 79 Games, 2.6 SPG, 3 BPG, 9th Ranked DEF EFF

Sixth Man of the Year: Mike Gminski (1), Minnesota Timberwolves, 82 Games, 0 Games Started, 10 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.1 BPG

Most Improved Player: Arvydas Sabonis (1), Phoenix Suns, 82 Games, 27.6 PPG, 14.2 RPG, 5.9 APG, 1.1 BPG, 51% FG, 91.1% FT, 40.8% 3P

Coach of the Year: Bill Fitch (2), Dallas Mavericks, 55-27, Midwest Division Champions, #2 Seed

All-NBA 1st Team
Arvydas Sabonis, Suns (1st: 1/0/0)
Larry Bird, Celtics (8th: 8/0/0)
Dominique Wilkins, Bulls (6th: 4/0/2)
Michael Jordan, Heat (4th: 3/1/0)
Magic Johnson, Jazz (8th: 7/1/0)

All-NBA 2nd Team
David Robinson, Pacers (1st: 1/0/0)
Charles Barkley, Jazz (2nd: 0/2/0)
Patrick Ewing, Kings (2nd: 0/1/1)
Isiah Thomas, Mavericks (5th: 2/3/0)
John Stockton, Warriors (2nd: 0/2/0)

All-NBA 3rd Team
Ralph Sampson, Supersonics (4th: 0/1/3)
Len Bias, 76ers (2nd: 0/1/1)
Kiki Vandeweghe, Warriors (2nd: 0/1/1)
Alvin Robertson, Spirits (1st: 0/0/1)
Bernard King, Trail Blazers (2nd: 0/1/1)

All-Defense 1st Team
David Robinson, Pacers (1st: 1/0)
Cliff Robinson, Nets (2nd: 2/0)
Patrick Ewing, Kings (2nd: 1/1)
Michael Jordan, Heat (3rd: 2/1)
Sidney Moncrief, Heat (3rd: 3/1)

All-Defense 2nd Team
Mark Eaton, Spirits (3rd: 2/1)
Larry Bird, Celtics (5th: 1/4)
Dominique Wilkins, Bulls (2nd: 0/2)
Isiah Thomas, Mavericks (3rd: 2/1)
Fat Lever, Knicks/Hawks (1st: 0/1)

All-Rookie 1st Team
David Robinson, Pacers
Scottie Pippen, Light
Armen Gilliam, Timberwolves
Kevin Johnson, Supersonics
Mark Jackson, Stallions

All-Rookie 2nd Team
Chris Dudley, Bulls
Reggie Williams, Bucks
Derrick McKey, Mavericks
Reggie Miller, Rockets
Kenny Smith, Magic

***

Top 10 PPG
1. Michael Jordan (1), MIA, 30.3
2. Dominique Wilkins, CHI, 30.2
3. Ralph Sampson, SEA, 29.2
4. Kiki Vandeweghe, GSW, 29.0
5. Bernard King, POR, 28.9
6. Tom Chambers, DET, 28.3
7. Len Bias, PHI, 28.0
8. Arvydas Sabonis, PHO, 27.6
9. David Robinson, IND, 26.4
10. Patrick Ewing, SAC, 26.1

Top 10 RPG
1. Arvydas Sabonis (1), PHO, 14.2
2. Charles Barkley, NOJ, 13.5
3. David Robinson, IND, 13.0
4. Hakeem Olajuwon, SAC, 12.1
5. Kevin McHale, CLE, 12.1
6. Ralph Sampson, SEA, 11.5
7. Buck Williams, STL, 10.9
8. Danny Schayes, GSW, 10.7
9. Patrick Ewing, SAC, 10.6
10. Sam Bowie, BAL, 10.3

Top 10 APG
1. Magic Johnson (5), NOJ, 12.2
2. John Stockton, GSW, 11.7
3. Isiah Thomas, DAL, 11.3
4. Micheal Ray Richardson, DET, 10.5
5. Fat Lever, NYK/ATL, 10.1
6. Nate McMillan, MIN, 8.6
7. Kevin Johnson, SEA, 8.4
8. Maurice Cheeks, PHI, 7.9
9. Doc Rivers, LAL, 7.8
10. Alvin Robertson, STL, 7.8

Top 5 SPG
1. Sidney Moncrief (2), MIA, 3.0
2. Michael Jordan, MIA, 2.7
3. David Robinson, IND, 2.6
4. Fat Lever, NYK/ATL, 2.6
5. Isiah Thomas, DAL, 2.6

Top 5 BPG
1. Manute Bol (2), PHI, 5.4
2. Mark Eaton, STL, 5.2
3. Hakeem Olajuwon, SAC, 3.8
4. Ralph Sampson, SEA, 3.6
5. Kevin McHale, CLE, 3.2

Player of the Week
11/8 – Sam Bowie, Bullets, Arvydas Sabonis, Suns
11/15 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Arvydas Sabonis, Suns
11/22 – Magic Johnson, Jazz, Arvydas Sabonis, Suns
11/29 – Magic Johnson, Jazz, Ralph Sampson, Supersonics
12/6 – Dominique Wilkins, Bulls, Clyde Drexler, Suns
12/13 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Kelly Tripucka, Rockets
12/20 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Patrick Ewing, Kings
12/27 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Kiki Vandeweghe, Warriors
1/3 – David Robinson, Pacers, Kelly Tripucka, Rockets
1/10 – Len Bias, 76ers, Buck Williams, Spirits
1/17 – Michael Jordan, Heat, Hakeem Olajuwon, Kings
1/24 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Bernard King, Trail Blazers
1/31 – Magic Johnson, Jazz, Arvydas Sabonis, Suns
2/7 – Michael Jordan, Heat, Hakeem Olajuwon, Kings
2/14 – Michael Jordan, Heat, Isiah Thomas, Mavericks
2/21 – David Robinson, Pacers, Doc Rivers, Lakers
2/28 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Hakeem Olajuwon, Rockets
3/6 – Sam Bowie, Bullets, Kiki Vandeweghe, Warriors
3/13 – Dominique Wilkins, Bulls, Arvydas Sabonis, Suns
3/20 – Magic Johnson, Jazz, Ralph Sampson, Supersonics
3/27 – Michael Jordan, Heat, Alvin Robertson, Spirits
4/3 – Len Bias, 76ers, Chris Mullin, Trail Blazers
4/10 – Magic Johnson, Jazz, Arvydas Sabonis, Suns
4/17 – Len Bias, 76ers, Arvydas Sabonis, Suns

Player of the Month
November: Magic Johnson, Jazz, Arvydas Sabonis, Suns
December: Larry Bird, Celtics, Ralph Sampson, Supersonics
January: Michael Jordan, Heat, Hakeem Olajuwon, Kings
February: David Robinson, Pacers, Hakeem Olajuwon, Kings
March: Michael Jordan, Heat, Kiki Vandeweghe, Warriors
April: Michal Jordan, Heat, Arvydas Sabonis, Suns

Rookie of the Month
November: David Robinson, Pacers, Mark Jackson, Stallions
December: David Robinson, Pacers, Reggie Miller, Rockets
January: David Robinson, Pacers, Armen Gilliam, Timberwolves
February: David Robinson, Pacers, Reggie Miller, Rockets
March: David Robinson, Pacers, Kevin Johnson, Supersonics
April: David Robinson, Pacers, Kevin Johnson, Supersonics

***

Fantasy Standings

@AlanSmithee1981 – 335.07

Michael Jordan – 85.59 (5th)
82 Games, 2487 Points, 612 Rebounds, 507 Assists, 224 Steals, 58 Blocks

Patrick Ewing – 76.26 (12th)
82 Games, 2140 Points, 868 Rebounds, 215 Assists, 91 Steals, 198 Blocks

Tom Chambers – 41.62 (95th)
57 Games, 1614 Points, 467 Rebounds, 141 Assists, 55 Steals, 50 Blocks

Dominique Wilkins – 67.22 (20th)
82 Games, 2476 Points, 647 Rebounds, 203 Assists, 148 Steals, 66 Blocks

James Worthy – 19.98 (220th)
31 Games, 638 Points, 218 Rebounds, 96 Assists, 46 Steals, 8 Blocks

Scottie Pippen – 44.40 (80th)
82 Games, 1012 Points, 470 Rebounds, 177 Assists, 133 Steals, 45 Blocks

@Dubble J – 469.41

Michael Jordan – 85.59 (5th)
82 Games, 2487 Points, 612 Rebounds, 507 Assists, 224 Steals, 58 Blocks

Kevin McHale – 82.28 (8th)
82 Games, 1864 Points, 991 Rebounds, 198 Assists, 98 Steals, 261 Blocks

Hakeem Olajuwon – 62.27 (22nd)
57 Games, 1455 Points, 690 Rebounds, 103 Assists, 81 Steals, 217 Blocks

John Stockton – 78.49 (10th)
82 Games, 1417 Points, 272 Rebounds, 962 Assists, 195 Steals, 9 Blocks

Len Bias – 68.12 (19th)
68 Games, 1906 Points, 692 Rebounds, 358 Assists, 144 Steals, 65 Blocks

David Robinson – 92.66 (1st)
79 Games, 2088 Points, 1026 Rebounds, 169 Assists, 209 Steals, 236 Blocks

Dominating victory for @Dubble J this season. He will get 517 points with the bonus.

1988 Fantasy Stats

***
Stats Site​

 

[RDT]

Playoff Preview
Western Conference Round 1

Best of Five
#8 Seattle Supersonics (46-36) vs. #1 Sacramento Kings (61-21)

Season Results – Kings win 3-2
11/7 – Kings 105, SUPERSONICS 85 (SAC: P. Ewing: 23 PTS, 11 REB, 6 BLK, H. Olajuwon: 16 PTS, 9 REB, 2 STL, 6 BLK, SEA: R. Sampson: 18 PTS, 15 REB)
1/2 – KINGS 113, Supersonics 91 (SAC: P. Ewing: 35 PTS, 12 REB, 4 AST, 2 BLK, H. Olajuwon: 29 PTS, 9 REB, 3 STL, 3 BLK, SEA: R. Sampson: 37 PTS, 9 REB, 2 STL)
3/31 – Supersonics 94, KINGS 85 (SEA: R. Sampson: 28 PTS, 24 REB, 2 BLK, K. Johnson: 20 PTS, 5 AST, SAC: P. Ewing: 23 PTS, 12 REB, 5 BLK)
4/3 – SUPERSONICS 117, Kings 88 (SEA: R. Sampson: 27 PTS, 11 REB, 5 AST, 2 BLK, C. Natt: 22 PTS, 7 REB, SAC: D. Ainge: 21 PTS)
4/13 – KINGS 102, Supersonics 82 (SAC: P. Ewing: 26 PTS, 13 REB, D. Ainge: 20 PTS, SEA: R. Sampson: 25 PTS, 15 REB)

Seattle Supersonics (46-36)
PPG: 100.1 (17th)
oPPG: 100.1 (9th)
Offensive Eff: 101.0 (18th)
Defensive Eff: 101.0 (8th)
eFG: 46.4% (15th)
Reb%: 49.9% (15th)

Starters/Key Players
C – Ralph Sampson – 29.2 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 3.6 BPG, 50% FG, All-NBA 3rd Team, All-Star
PF – Steve Stipanovich – 12.3 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1 BPG, 48.9% FG
SF – Sonny Parker – 7.4 PPG
SG – Calvin Natt – 16.9 PPG, 7 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.4 SPG
PG – Kevin Johnson – 12.7 PPG, 8.4 APG, 1.5 SPG, 85.5% FG

Key Injuries
None

Sacramento Kings (61-21)
PPG: 109.2 (9th)
oPPG: 97.5 (2nd)
Offensive Eff: 107.1 (6th)
Defensive Eff: 95.6 (2nd)
eFG: 49.0% (4th)
Reb%: 50.9% (8th)

Starters/Key Players
C – Greg Kite – 3.8 PPG, 4.3 RPG/Hakeem Olajuwon – 25.5 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 3.8 BPG, All-Star
PF – Patrick Ewing – 26.1 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 2.4 BPG, 51% FG, All-NBA 2nd Team, All-Defense 1st Team, All-Star
SF – Danny Ainge – 12.9 PPG, 4 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.7 SPG
SG – Terry Porter – 14.9 PPG, 5 RPG, 5.3 APG, 2.3 SPG
PG – Johnny Moore – 6.7 PPG, 7.1 APG, 1.8 SPG

Key Injuries
Hakeem Olajuwon – Likely to miss first two games, may miss even more

Series Preview
The Kings went on an absolute tear late in the season, winning 21 straight games until a loss to the Jazz. The big issue that has suddenly thrown Sacramento’s season in question was losing Hakeem Olajuwon to a dislocated shoulder. We should see Hakeem in this series, but this may be the opportunity Ralph Sampson and the Sonics were waiting for. Seattle returns to the playoffs for the first time since 1984. Don’t let the middling ranks for Seattle fool you, Sampson has had a great season, Calvin Natt has provided a scoring punch and rookie Kevin Johnson looked great down the stretch.

Best of Five
#5 Phoenix Suns (52-30) vs. #4 Portland Trail Blazers (53-29)

Season Results – Trail Blazers win 4-1
1/19 – TRAIL BLAZERS 101, Suns 92 (POR: B. King: 24 PTS, 8 REB, PHO: R. Pierce: 25 PTS, 4 REB, A. Sabonis: 23 PTS, 13 REB, 10 AST)
1/22 – SUNS 113, Trail Blazers 97 (PHO: R. Pierce: 32 PTS, 5 AST, A. Sabonis: 31 PTS, 13 REB, 6 AST, POR: M. Cage: 17 PTS, 14 REB, 3 BLK, A. Lister: 10 PTS, 16 REB, 4 BLK)
12/31 – TRAIL BLAZERS 91, Suns 84 (POR: B. King: 26 PTS, 11 REB, 4 AST, PHO: A. Sabonis: 28 PTS, 14 REB, C. Drexler: 20 PTS, 7 REB)
3/8 – TRAIL BLAZERS 112, Suns 100 (POR: C. Mullin: 32 PTS, 11 REB, 6 AST, 3 STL, B. King: 30 PTS, 7 REB, 5 AST, PHO: C. Drexler: 25 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST, A. Sabonis: 15 PTS, 14 REB, 7 AST)
3/28 – Trail Blazers 127, SUNS 111 (POR: B. King: 49 PTS, 8 REB, C. Mullin: 30 PTS, 5 REB, 6 AST, 4 STL, PHO: R. Pierce: 23 PTS, 8 REB, 4 AST, A. Sabonis: 22 PTS, 9 REB, 6 AST)

Phoenix Suns (52-30)
PPG: 111.4 (5th)
oPPG: 105.2 (20th)
Offensive Eff: 107.6 (4th)
Defensive Eff: 101.8 (13th)
eFG: 49% (5th)
Reb%: 52.2% (4th)

Starters/Key Players
C – Arvydas Sabonis – 27.6 PPG, 14.2 RPG, 5.9 APG, 1.1 BPG, 51% FG, 91.1% FT, 40.8% 3P, All-NBA 1st Team
PF – Jack Sikma – 11.7 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 1 BPG
SF – Ricky Pierce – 20.9 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 3.2 APG
SG – Craig Hodges – 10.3 PPG
PG – Brad Davis – 12.1 PPG, 6.7 APG, 1.6 SPG

Key Injuries
Clyde Drexler – Phoenix will be without their All-Star swingman for the series.

Portland Trail Blazers (53-29)
PPG: 104.5 (14th)
oPPG: 99.1 (5th)
Offensive Eff: 104.6 (10th)
Defensive Eff: 99.3 (5th)
eFG: 47.5% (13th)
Reb%: 51.9% (5th)

Starters/Key Players
C- Alton Lister – 7.5 PPG, 10 RPG, 2.8 BPG
PF- Michael Cage – 11 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 1.1 BPG
SF – Chris Mullin – 22 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.9 SPG, 36.1% 3P
SG – Bernard King – 28.9 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, All-NBA 3rd Team, All-Star
PG – Darrell Walker – 12 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 6.1 APG, 1.9 SPG
6th Man – Johnny Newman – 12.2 PPG

Key Injuries
None

Series Preview
A rematch of last season’s Western Conference #4 and #5 seeds. Portland may have ended up with the same record as last year, but the additions of Alton Lister and Bernard King have them thinking Championship. Lister’s defense has helped hold Phoenix’s Arvydas Sabonis to reasonable numbers, a big factor in Portland’s season series against the Suns. Unfortunately, the Suns will be without Clyde Drexler, still out for another 3-5 weeks with a torn ligament in his leg. The Suns managed to win games without Drexler as Ricky Pierce stepped up, but it’ll be hard to beat this Portland team the same way.

Best of Five
#7 Golden State Warriors (48-34) vs. #2 Dallas Mavericks (55-27)

Season Results – Mavericks win 2-1
2/3 – MAVERICKS 140, Warriors 103 (DAL: I. Thomas: 31 PTS, 15 AST, 8 STL, Brad Daugherty: 29 PTS, 8 REB, GSW: K. Vandeweghe: 37 PTS, 8 REB)
3/13 – WARRIORS 120, Mavericks 115 (GSW: K. Vandeweghe: 28 PTS, 5 REB, 6 AST, D. Dawkins: 8 PTS, 20 REB, DAL: J. Worthy: 27 PTS, I. Thomas: 13 PTS, 17 AST)
4/12 – MAVERICKS 133, Warriors 92 (DAL: I. Thomas: 17 PTS, 18 AST, 4 STL)

Golden State Warriors (48-34)
PPG: 112.5 (2nd)
oPPG: 111.2 (26th)
Offensive Eff: 106.6 (8th)
Defensive Eff: 105.3 (20th)
eFG: 19.4% (3rd)
Reb%: 49% (21st)

Starters/Key Players
C – Darryl Dawkins - 12.5 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 1.9 BPG, 50.1% FG
PF – Danny Schayes – 11.1 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 1.5 BPG, 50.6% FG
SF – Kiki Vandeweghe – 29 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1 SPG, 48.6% FG, 85.5% FT, All-NBA 3rd Team, All-Star
SG – Dudley Bradley – 11.1 PPG, 4.3 RPG
PG – John Stockton – 17.3 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 11.7 APG, 2.4 SPG, All-NBA 2nd Team, All-Star
6th Man – Andrew Toney – 17.5 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 3.6 APG, 36.2% 3P

Key Injuries
Darryl Dawkins – He’ll be in the lineup most likely, but is recovering from a broken foot.

Dallas Mavericks (55-27)
PPG: 111.3 (6th)
oPPG: 103.3 (15th)
Offensive Eff: 107.6 (5th)
Defensive Eff: 99.9 (8th)
eFG: 50% (2nd)
Reb%: 50% (14th)

Starters/Key Players
C – Brad Daugherty – 15.9 PPG, 9 RPG, 52.2% FG
PF – Jerome Kersey – 12.6 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 55.9% FG
SF – James Worthy – 20.6 PPG, 7 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 49.8% FG
SG – Dell Curry – 12.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 37.6% 3P
PG – Isiah Thomas – 25 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 11.3 APG, 2.6 SPG, All-NBA 2nd Team, All-Defense 2nd Team, All-Star

Key Injuries
Gerald Henderson – Bench scoring guard with playoff experience. He’ll miss the entire series

Series Preview
The Mavericks took a different approach this season, relying on their depth instead of being front loaded. The result had 8th players averaging at least 8 points a game and a top 5 offense. This was despite James Worthy missing most of the season. But with Worthy back and Isiah Thomas running the show, the Mavericks looks ready to finally break through to the NBA Finals. Their first test comes in the form of the defending Western Conference Champions. While the Warriors took a step back record wise, they brought back the same team and their offense has also shown to be strong. Their defense has some holes, so they’ll have to look to outgun Dallas. Stockton vs. Isiah is an intriguing point guard match-up that may swing the series, although each team has multiple guys who can just go off on their own.

Best of Five
#6 Houston Rockets (49-33) vs. #3 Spirits of St. Louis (53-29)

Season Results – Rockets win 3-2
11/8 – SPIRITS 120, Rockets 112 (STL: Birdsong: 34 PTS, 11 REB, A. Robertson (28 PTS, 6 REB, 7 AST, HOU: K. Tripucka: 29 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST, K. Willis: 20 PTS, 9 REB, 4 BLK)
11/18 – SPIRITS 122, Rockets 98 (STL: A. Robertson: 23 PTS, 7 REB, 9 AST, HOU: D. Griffith: 24 PTS, 5 REB, 2 STL)
12/22 – ROCKETS 121, Spirits 104 (HOU: R. Miller: 26 PTS, C. Oakley: 15 PTS, 19 REB, STL: D. Ellis: 20 PTS, B. Williams: 14 PTS, 15 REB, M. Eaton: 13 REB, 7 BLK)
1/17 – ROCKETS 109, Spirits 103 (HOU: K. Tripucka: 29 PTS, 7 REB, R. Miller: 21 PTS, 5 AST, STL: A. Robertson: 25 PTS, 10 REB, 12 AST, B. Williams: 37 PTS)
2/26 – ROCKETS 108, Spirits 106 (HOU: R. Miller: 28 PTS, 6 3PM, K. Tripucka: 17 PTS, 9 REB, 10 AST, STL: A. Robertson: 27 PTS, 8 REB, 7 AST, B. Williams: 25 PTS, 14 REB, 2 BLK)

Houston Rockets (49-33)
PPG: 104.8 (13th)
oPPG: 102.5 (11th)
Offensive Eff: 104.0 (12th)
Defensive Eff: 101.7 (12th)
eFG: 47% (14th)
Reb%: 50.2% (13th)

Starters/Key Players
C – Kevin Willis – 11.9 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 2 BPG, 50.9% FG
PF – Charles Oakley – 10.7 PPG, 10 RPG
SF – Kelly Tripucka – 23.5 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 4.9 APG, 1.3 SPG
SG – Reggie Miller – 14.9 PPG, 3.4 APG, 49% FG, 88.1% FT, 38.6% 3P
PG – Darrell Griffth – 18.7 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.7 SPG
6th Man – Reggie Lewis – 10.1 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.5 SPG

Key Injuries
Tripucka is day-to-day with a sprained ankle, but is expected to play

Spirits of St. Louis (53-29)
PPG: 109.5 (8th)
oPPG: 104.1 (18th)
Offensive Eff: 104.6 (11th)
Defensive Eff: 99.5 (6th)
eFG: 48.1% (9th)
Reb%: 53.4% (3rd)

Starters/Key Players
C- Mark Eaton – 5.1 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 5.2 BPG, 48.5% FG, All-Defense 2nd Team
PF- Buck Williams – 20.3 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 58.7% FG, All-Star
SF – Dale Ellis – 20.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 35.7% 3P
SG – Otis Birdsong – 17.4 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.4 SPG
PG – Alvin Robertson – 20.5 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 7.8 APG, 2.5 SPG, All-NBA 3rd Team

Key Injuries
None

Series Preview
There are high hopes for the Spirits. With four players who can dominate and win a game in Dale Ellis, Alvin Robertson, Buck Williams, and Otis Birdsong and a strong defensive anchor like Mark Eaton, the Spirits will be a tough out in the playoffs. But Houston has a lot of weapons themselves, as well as two bigs to throw at Eaton and Williams. Kevin Willis and Charles Oakley will play Eaton and Williams tough. Question is for Houston is if Tripucka, rookie Reggie Miller and/or Darrell Griffth can put enough points on the board to hang with the St. Louis scorers. Should be a good series.

Eastern Conference Round 1

Best of Five
#8 Philadelphia 76ers (43-39) vs. #1 Miami Heat (61-21)

Season Results – Heat win 3-2
11/28 - HEAT 115, 76ers 90 (MIA: M. Jordan: 36 PTS, 10 REB, PHI: S. Mitchell: 19 PTS, 10 REB)
2/3 – HEAT 112, 76ers 99 (MIA: M. Jordan: 32 PTS, 12 REB, 8 AST, 5 STL)
2/14 – 76ERS 103, Heat 102 (PHI: L. Bias: 30 PTS, 15 REB, 6 AST, MIA: M. Jordan: 32 PTS, 11 REB, 7 AST, 4 STL)
3/23 – 76ERS 110, Heat 101 (PHI: L. Bias: 29 PTS, 11 REB, 7 AST, W. Cooper: 20 PTS, 12 REB, 3 BLK, MIA: M. Jordan: 34 PTS, 11 REB, 9 AST, S. Moncrief: 22 PTS, 6 REB, 6 AST)
4/18 – Heat 118, 76ERS (MIA: M. Jordan: 24 PTS, 2 STL, R. Parish: 20 PTS, 10 REB, PHI: L. Bias: 33 PTS, 6 REB)

Philadelphia 76ers (43-39)
PPG: 100.0 (18th)
oPPG: 99.8 (8th)
Offensive Eff: 100.0 (20th)
Defensive Eff: 99.7 (7th)
eFG: 45.8% (17th)
Reb%: 50.6% (12th)

Starters/Key Players
C – Manute Bol – 4.5 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 5.4 BPG
PF – Wayne Cooper – 11 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2 BPG
SF – Sam Mitchell – 4.5 PPG/Len Bias – 28 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 5.3 APG, 2.1 SPG, 1 BPG, 53% FG, 86.1% FT, All-NBA 3rd Team, All-Star
SG – Julius Erving – 8.6 PPG, 3.2 RPG
PG – Maurice Cheeks – 16.5 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 7.9 APG, 2.5 SPG
6th Man – Antoine Carr: 13.8 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 51.2% FG

Key Injuries
Len Bias: A broken finger will keep him out of Game 1 and likely Game 2.

Miami Heat (61-21)
PPG: 111.6 (4th)
oPPG: 98.1 (4th)
Offensive Eff: 108.1 (2nd)
Defensive Eff: 94.9 (1st)
eFG: 47.9% (10th)
Reb%: 53.9% (1st)

Starters/Key Players
C – Kevin Duckworth – 11.1 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 49.6% FG
PF – Xavier McDaniel – 11.5 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 48.7% FG
SF – Albert King – 9.6 PPG, 5 RPG, 1.1 SPG
SG – Michael Jordan – 30.3 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 6.2 APG, 2.7 SPG, 55.4% FG, 81.5% FT, NBA MVP, All-NBA 1st Team, All-Defense 1st Team, All-Star
PG – Sidney Moncrief – 18.3 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 5.2 APG, 3 SPG, All-Defense 1st Team

Key Injuries
None

Series Preview
Good luck to the Sixers. While they showed some life in the regular season and beat Miami twice, having Len Bias miss games feels like making a long shot impossible. Maurice Cheeks is going to have his work cut out for him, dealing with the two best defensive guards in the game, nevermind the league MVP. Michael Jordan will likely be on a tear looking to avenge last season’s disappointing finish.

Best of Five
#5 Atlanta Hawks (45-37) vs. #4 Detroit Pistons (51-31)

Season Results – Hawks win 3-2
2/21 – PISTONS 106, Hawks 78 (DET: T. Chambers: 37 PTS, 9 REB, ATL: F. Lever: 12 PTS, 10 REB, 10 AST)
3/7 – HAWKS 88, Pistons 80 (ATL: M. Aguirre: 24 PTS, 6 REB, F. Lever: 13 PTS, 14 REB, 7 AST, DET: T. Chambers: 28 PTS, 5 REB)
3/11 – Hawks 95, PISTONS 84 (ATL: M. Aguirre (24 PTS, 10 REB, K. Malone: 20 PTS, 12 REB, 5 AST, 4 STL, F. Lever: 12 PTS, 12 REB, 10 AST, DET: M. Cooper: 18 PTS, 6 REB)
3/18 – Pistons 98, HAWKS 83 (T. Chambers: 40 PTS, 15 REB, 3 STL, 2 BLK, ATL: K. Malone: 25 PTS, 9 REB)
3/23 – Hawks 93, PISTONS 84 (ATL: K. Malone: 23 PTS, 20 REB, F. Lever: 18 PTS, 7 REB, 8 AST, DET: T. Chambers: 25 PTS, 11 REB)

Atlanta Hawks (45-37)
PPG: 98.8 (22nd)
oPPG: 98.0 (3rd)
Offensive Eff: 101.8 (16th)
Defensive Eff: 101.2 (11th)
eFG%: 46.1% (16th)
Reb%: 50.7% (9th)

Starters/Key Players
C – Bill Laimbeer – 15.6 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 1.7 BPG
PF – Karl Malone – 21.6 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.5 SPG, 56.1% FG, All-Star
SF – George Johnson – 4.3 PPG, 3.8 RPG/Mark Aguirre – 20.2 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 3.1 APG
SG – Jon Sundvoid – 8.7 PPG
PG – Fat Lever – 12.9 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 10.1 APG, 2.6 SPG, All-Defense 2nd Team, All-Star
6th Man – Eddie Johnson – 8.3 PPG

Key Injuries
Mark Aguirre – Coming back from a stress fracture, but is questionable to even make it back by Game 4 or 5.

Detroit Pistons (51-31)
PPG: 99.9 (19th)
oPPG: 93.4 (1st)
Offensive Eff: 102.6 (13th)
Defensive Eff: 95.9 (3rd)
eFG%: 47.6% (12th)
Reb%: 51% (7th)

Starters/Key Players
C – Benoit Benjamin – 8.9 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 3.2 BPG, 52.7% FG
PF – Tom Chambers – 28.3 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1 SPG, 52.9% FG
SF – Michael Cooper – 13.1 PPG, 4 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.5 SPG, 48.9% FG
SG – Dennis Johnson – 12 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.9 APG, 2 SPG
PG – Micheal Ray Richardson – 13.6 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 10.5 APG, 1.4 SPG
6th Man – David Thompson – 8 PPG

Key Injuries
None

Series Preview
Both Atlanta and Detroit started this season off slowly for different reasons. Detroit was missing their offensive force in Tom Chambers, where the Hawks needed to trade for a playmaker, doing so in obtaining Fat Lever. The Pistons are still littered with potential future Hall of Famers, and all of them will look to defend the NBA title ruthlessly. There’s a personal rivalry here too, two years ago Detroit traded Lever away to obtain Micheal Ray Richardson. The Hawks are made up with some players not really in the spotlight. Karl Malone has come along nicely while Mark Aguirre has been a consistent scorer for years. Unfortunately for Atlanta though, we may not see Aguirre in this series, and it’s not clear how Atlanta overcomes this against one of the league’s best defenses.

Best of Five
#7 Boston Celtics (44-38) vs. #2 New Orleans Jazz (56-26)

Season Results – Jazz win 3-0
11/10 – JAZZ 132, Celtics 117 (NOJ: M. Johnson: 40 PTS, 7 REB, 10 AST, 3 STL, C. Barkley: 19 PTS, 13 REB, 4 STL, BOS: L. Bird: 32 PTS, 12 REB, 5 AST)
11/19 – JAZZ 151, Celtics 112 (NOJ: M. Johnson: 37 PTS, 9 REB, 11 AST, 4 STL, C. Barkley: 36 PTS, 13 REB, 5 AST, 3 STL, BOS: L. Nance: 23 PTS, 7 REB)
12/8 – Jazz 142, CELTICS 133 (NOJ: M. Johnson: 36 PTS, 11 REB, 12 AST, C. Barkley: 38 PTS, 15 REB, BOS: L. Bird: 35 PTS, 14 REB, 8 AST, P. Short: 28 PTS)

Boston Celtics (44-38)
PPG: 112.5 (3rd)
oPPG: 111.6 (27th)
Offensive Eff: 107.6 (3rd)
Defensive Eff: 106.9 (27th)
eFG%: 48.9% (6th)
Reb%: 50.6% (11th)

Starters/Key Players
C – Joe Barry Carroll – 13.7 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 51.2% FG
PF – Larry Nance – 20.8 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 1.9 BPG, 55.9% FG
SF – Larry Bird – 25.4 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 7.5 APG, 2.1 SPG, 46.8% FG, 94% FT, 42% 3P, All-NBA 1st Team, All-Defense 2nd Team, All-Star
SG – Purvis Short – 23.3 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1 SPG
PG – Gus Williams – 7.9 PPG, 3.6 APG

Key Injuries
None

New Orleans Jazz (56-26)
PPG: 119.9 (1st)
oPPG: 112.6 (28th)
Offensive Eff: 112.2 (1st)
Defensive Eff: 105.2 (18th)
eFG%: 51.2% (1st)
Reb%: 53.7% (2nd)

Starters/Key Players
C – Bill Cartwright – 15.5 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.3 BPG, 49.5% FG
PF – Charles Barkley – 25.5 PPG, 13.5 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 56% FG, All-NBA 2nd Team, All-Star
SF – Detlef Schrempf – 17.6 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 55.4% FG, 85.7% FT, 43.5% 3P
SG – Ron Brewer – 8 PPG, 1.2 SPG
PG – Magic Johnson – 22.7 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 12.2 APG, 2.2 SPG, 53.2% FG, 86.2% FT, All-NBA 1st Team, All-Star
6th Man – Quinten Dailey – 11.5 PPG, 1.5 SPG

Key Injuries
None

Series Preview
Magic vs. Bird?! In the First Round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs? Magic fit in seamlessly with New Orleans, powering the Jazz to the best offense in basketball by a wide margin. With Charles Barkley grabbing every rebound out there, the Jazz maximize their possessions and score more efficiently than anyone else. If Bird and the Celtics are going to have a chance, it’s that their offense, good by default when Larry Bird is on your team, has to take advantage of New Orleans’ below average defense. Then again, the reverse is more likely to happen…the Celtics had the second-worst defense in basketball.

Best of Five
#6 Indiana Pacers (45-37) vs. #3 Cleveland Cavaliers (53-29)

Season Results – Pacers win 5-0
11/23 – PACERS 107, Cavaliers 105 (IND: D. Robinson: 27 PTS, 21 REB, 4 STL, 3 BLK, CLE: R. Blackman: 30 PTS, 7 REB, K. McHale: 19 PTS, 11 REB, 3 STL, 5 BLK)
1/29 – PACERS 113, Cavaliers 93 (IND: D. Robinson: 25 PTS, 13 REB, 4 STL, 5 BLK, J. Bailey: 20 PTS, 13 REB, CLE: R. Blackman: 18 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST)
3/12 – Pacers 112, CAVALIERS 104 (IND: D. Robinson: 29 PTS, 19 REB, 6 STL, 5 BLK, M. Price: 17 PTS, 8 AST, CLE: K. McHale: 28 PTS, 16 REB, 3 BLK)
3/17 – Pacers 117, CAVALIERS 111 (IND: D. Robinson: 40 PTS, 15 REB, 6 STL, 2 BLK, CLE: K. McHale: 38 PTS, 8 REB, 5 AST, M. Woodson: 22 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST)
4/5 – PACERS 115, Cavaliers 103 (IND: J. Bailey: 24 PTS, 8 REB, M. Price: 14 PTS, 12 AST, P. Pressey: 11 PTS, 9 REB, 10 AST, 6 STL, CLE: K. McHale: 29 PTS, 8 REB, R. Blackman: 25 PTS)

Indiana Pacers (45-37)
PPG: 106.0 (11th)
oPPG: 103.8 (17th)
Offensive Eff: 102.3 (14th)
Defensive Eff: 100.2 (9th)
eFG%: 47.6% (11th)
Reb%: 49.6% (18th)

Starters/Key Players
C – David Robinson – 26.4 PPG, 13 RPG, 2.6 SPG, 3 BPG, 57.8% FG, Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, All-NBA 2nd Team, All-Defense 1st Team, All-Star
PF – James Bailey – 13.2 PPG, 8 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 48.8% FG
SF – Toby Knight – 9.3 PPG, 3.6 RPG
SG – Paul Pressey – 11.8 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 5.6 APG, 1.7 SPG
PG – Mark Price – 15.4 PPG, 7.2 APG, 1.1 SPG, 41.5% 3P

Key Injuries
None

Cleveland Cavaliers (53-29)
PPG: 107.1 (10th)
oPPG: 99.7 (7th)
Offensive Eff: 106.7 (7th)
Defensive Eff: 99.3 (4th)
eFG%: 48.2% (8th)
Reb%: 48.4% (23rd)

Starters/Key Players
C – Kevin McHale – 22.7 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 3.2 BPG, 49.3% FG, 83.7% FT, All-Star
PF – Orlando Woolridge – 22.7 PPG, 8 RPG, 1.3 BPG, 55.5% FG
SF – Rolando Blackman – 19.4 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.6 APG, 48.7% FG
SG – Gerald Wilkins – 9.8 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 1.2 SPG
PG – Jim Paxson – 9.5 PPG, 1.8 SPG
6th Man – Mike Woodson – 12.1 PPG, 4.1 RPG

Key Injuries
Orlando Woolridge – Day to Day with a broken nose, but should play

Series Preview
On paper the Cavs should take care of business here, but the season series sticks out. Not only did Rookie of the Year David Robinson dominate Cleveland all year, but the Pacers even won a game against Cleveland without Robinson. The Cavs will need to figure Indiana and Robinson out, and figure it out soon. The Pacers are still a building and incomplete team, but Robinson and Mark Price have expedited Indiana’s rebuild.

***

Prediction Contest – Only Predict Round 1 For Now

Pick the Winning Team (10 Points) and the Amount of Games that Team Wins in (2)

As a bonus, pick a player for each series. You will receive their fantasy points (same system as regular season) (rounded up, then 2x).

Past Prediction Results
@Dubble J : 3,766 Points (7x Champion (2x Season, 5x Playoffs): 1986, 1987 Season, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1985 Playoffs)
1981 Playoffs: 302 (Champion)
1982 Playoffs: 237 (Champion)
1983 Playoffs: 269 (Champion)
1984 Playoffs: 220
1985 Playoffs: 422 (Champion)
1986 Regular Season: 459 (Champion)
1986 Playoffs: 317
1987 Regular Season: 586 (Champion)
1987 Playoffs: 447 (Champion)
1988 Regular Season: 517 (Champion)

@AlanSmithee: 2,182 Points (2x Champion (2x Playoffs): 1984, 1986 Playoffs)
1983 Playoffs: 215
1984 Playoffs: 394 (Champion)
1985 Playoffs: 381
1986 Playoffs: 484 (Champion)
1987 Regular Season: 372
1987 Playoffs: 389
1988 Regular Season: 336

@Grim : 447 Points (1x Champion (1x Playoffs): 1980 Playoffs)
1980 Playoffs: 55 (Champion)
1981 Playoffs: 90
1986 Playoffs: 302

@BattleTank : 411 Points
1986 Regular Season: 411

@Joey Bananas : 55 Points
1981 Playoffs: 55

The goal for prediction results: when we get into the late 2020s and 2030s, to allow users to create their own rookies based on the prediction points they built up.

Stats Site​

 

[AlanSmithee1981]

My picks: Kings in 3 (Patrick Ewing), Trail Blazers in 5 (Bernard King), Mavericks in 4 (Kiki Vandeweghe), Spirits of St. Louis in 5 (Dale Ellis), Heat in 4 (Michael Jordan), Pistons in 5 (Tom Chambers), Jazz in 3 (Charles Barkley), and Cavaliers in 4 (Kevin McHale)...

 

[Dubb]

Sonics in 4 (Ewing)
Blazers in 3 (King)
Mavs in 4 (Isiah)
Rockets in 5 (Ellis)

Heat in 3 (Jordan)
Pistons in 4 (Chambers)
Jazz in 3 (Magic)
Pacers in 4 (Woolridge)

 

[RDT]

Game 1: #8 Seattle Supersonics vs. #1 Sacramento Kings

The Supersonics struck first against the top
seeded Sacramento Kings, taking a 1-0 lead and home court advantage. Game 1 was a duel between Seattle’s Ralph Sampson and Sacramento’s Patrick Ewing. Sampson went for 41 points on 16/29 FG against Ewing’s 35 points and 19 rebounds, and that was enough. The Kings are already in some trouble without Hakeem.

Supersonics 111, KINGS 103 (Supersonics lead 1-0)

Sonics Stats
Ralph Sampson: 41 PTS, 13 REB, 3 BLK
Kevin Johnson: 16 PTS, 10 AST, 4 STL
Calvin Natt: 14 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST, 3 STL

Kings Stats
Patrick Ewing: 35 PTS, 19 REB
Johnny Moore: 16 PTS, 4 AST
Terry Porter: 15 PTS, 9 AST

***

Game 1: #5 Phoenix Suns vs. #4 Portland Trail Blazers

Game 1 between Phoenix and Portland ended up as an epic that went into overtime. Portland rallied behind the hometown crowd to take a small lead late in OT, but the Suns had the ball with just six seconds left down two. Craig Hodges, who had the game of his life with 38 points, would miss a potential game-tying shot, allowing Portland to escape with a Game 1 victory.

Bernard King had a big game for Portland, dropping 31 points, with Chris Mullin adding 26 and Johnny Newman scoring 24. Hodges did an admirable job replacing the injured Clyde Drexler and Arvydas Sabonis had 36. They’ll likely need a bigger game from Ricky Pierce (17 points) to steal a game in Portland.

TRAIL BLAZERS 126, Suns 124 (OT) (Trail Blazers lead 1-0)

Suns Stats
Arvydas Sabonis: 36 PTS, 12 REB, 4 AST
Craig Hodges: 38 PTS, 8 3PM
Mitchell Wiggins: 18 PTS, 4 AST, 4 STL

Trail Blazers Stats
Bernard King: 31 PTS, 6 REB, 7 AST
Chris Mullin: 26 PTS, 8 REB, 6 AST, 3 STL, 10/14 FG, 2/2 3PM
Johnny Newman: 24 PTS, 5 REB, 8/14 FG, 3 3PM

***

Game 1: #7 Golden State Warriors vs. #2 Dallas Mavericks

This one was a wild all-out scoring bonanza. Isiah Thomas completely dominated the defense of Golden State though, dropping 36 points and 21 assists, and the Warriors just couldn’t keep up with the Mavericks. Most of Isiah’s assists went to James Worthy, who had 31. Kiki Vandeweghe had 40 for the Warriors and John Stockton had a 24-14, but without turning up the defense they’re going to struggle to not only win this series, but to return to the NBA Finals.

MAVERICKS 144, Warriors 133 (Mavericks lead 1-0)

Warriors Stats
Kiki Vandeweghe: 40 PTS, 6 REB, 4 3PM
John Stockton: 24 PTS, 14 AST
Darryl Dawkins: 22 PTS, 13 REB, 11/16 FG

Mavericks Stats
Isiah Thomas: 36 PTS, 5 REB, 21 AST, 4 STL
James Worthy: 31 PTS, 10 REB, 3 BLK
Jerome Kersey: 22 PTS, 5 REB

***

Game 1: #6 Houston Rockets vs. #3 Spirits of St. Louis

The Spirtis dominated the Rockets in Game 1. Unsurprisingly, the balanced attack of the Spirits led to an easy win, with six players scoring in double digits (Alvin Robertson, Buck Williams, Dale Ellis, Otis Birdsong, Sly Williams, and Derek Smith. Darrell Griffth tried to take over for the Rockets, but only managed 27 points on 29 shots.

SPIRITS 114, Rockets 85 (Spirits lead 1-0)

Rockets Stats
Darrell Griffth: 27 PTS, 9 REB
Reggie Lewis: 18 PTS, 3 STL

Spirits Stats
Alvin Robertson: 26 PTS, 7 AST, 2 BLK
Otis Birdsong: 18 PTS, 6 REB, 6 AST
Buck Williams: 12 PTS, 13 REB

***

Game 1: #8 Philadelphia 76ers vs. #1 Miami Heat

In a shocking result, the 76ers stole Game 1 from the top seeded Miami Heat in an overtime thriller. This was despite the Sixers missing their best player, Len Bias. Dr. J, at 38 years old, showed he had some life left, hitting the game sealing lay-up with seconds left in OT. Erving would end up with 22 points. Wayne Cooper, Craig Ehlo and Antoine Carr all added 19+ points as well to complete the upset.

Another big factor for the Sixers was the rim protection of Manute Bol, who had 11 blocks and patrolled the pain. League MVP Michael Jordan struggled getting to the basket, and only went 5 for 20 from the field in the loss.

76ers 118, HEAT 116 (OT) (76ers lead 1-0)

76ers Stats
Julius Erving: 22 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST, 4 STL
Antonie Carr: 25 PTS
Craig Ehlo: 20 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST
Wayne Cooper: 19 PTS, 10 REB, 3 BLK
Manute Bol: 6 PTS, 11 REB, 4 AST, 11 BLK

Miami Heat
Sidney Moncrief: 24 PTS, 10 Reb, 4 AST
Xavier McDaniel: 21 PTS, 13 REB, 4 AST
Michael Jordan: 21 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST, 2 STL

***

Game 1: #5 Atlanta Hawks vs. #4 Detroit Pistons

Atlanta put up a good fight, but the defense of the defending NBA Champion Detroit Pistons prevailed in Game 1. Only Karl Malone shot well from the field for Atlanta, hitting 10 of 16 shots. The rest of the Hawks: 27/75. Dennis Johnson led Detroit with 20.

PISTONS 97, Hawks 90 (Pistons lead 1-0)

Hawks Stats
Karl Malone: 25 PTS, 10 REB
Fat Lever: 16 PTS, 14 AST, 5 AST

Pistons Stats
Dennis Johnson: 20 PTS, 4 STL
Micheal Ray Richardson: 18 PTS, 4 REB, 14 AST

***

Game 1: #7 Boston Celtics vs. #2 New Orleans Jazz

The highly-anticipated Jazz-Celtics quickly turned into a one-sided affair. The Jazz could not be stopped, scoring 88 points in the first half as the Celtics had no answer for anything. Magic Johnson fed everyone and dropped a team leading 31 points himself. Boston got 34 from Larry Nance and Purvis Short had 22. Larry Bird only added 13.

JAZZ 154, Celtics 102 (Jazz lead 1-0)

Celtics Stats
Larry Nance: 34 PTS
Purvis Short: 22 PTS

Jazz Stats
Magic Johnson: 31 PTS, 7 REB, 12 AST
Charles Barkley: 22 PTS, 18 REB
Quintin Dailey: 18 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST
Detlef Schrempf: 17 PTS, 6 REB, 7 AST

***

Game 1: #6 Indiana Pacers vs. #3 Cleveland Cavaliers

Despite a lack of regular season success against Indiana, the Cavs figured out a way to slow down the Pacers. Kevin McHale had a big game with 31 points and 12 rebounds. McHale’s biggest contribution, perhaps, was holding David Robinson to 28 points on 26 shot attempts. The entire Pacer team shot 33 for 108, and the Cavs took Game 1.

CAVALIERS 99, Pacers 92 (Cavaliers lead 1-0)

Pacers Stats
David Robinson: 28 PTS, 16 REB, 2 STL, 5 BLK
Paul Pressey: 10 PTS, 8 REB, 6 AST, 2 STL

Cavaliers Stats
Kevin McHale: 31 PTS, 12 REB, 2 STL, 4 BLK
Rolando Blackman: 21 PTS, 10 REB, 4 AST

***

Game 2: #8 Seattle Supersonics) vs. #1 Sacramento Kings (Supersonics lead 1-0)

The Kings find themselves in complete trouble now, as Ralph Sampson dropped 52 points to lead the eighth seeded Sonics to a 2-0 lead. Sampson was completely unstoppable, as Patrick Ewing, Ken Norman, and Greg Kite had nothing for him. The series moves to Seattle, and the Kings’ promising season is in serious danger.

Supersonics 115, KINGS 106 (Supersonics lead 2-0)

Sonics Stats
Ralph Sampson: 52 PTS, 11 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL, 6 BLK
Calvin Natt: 27 PTS, 8 REB

Kings Stats
Patrick Ewing: 34 PTS, 10 REB, 3 STL
Terry Porter: 15 PTS, 5 REB, 12 AST, 5 STL
Johnny Moore: 14 PTS, 10 AST

***

Game 2: #5 Phoenix Suns vs. #4 Portland Trail Blazers (Trail Blazers lead 1-0)

Arvydas Sabonis’ monster 48 point performance wasn’t enough to overcome the Trail Blazers, as Portland went up 2-0 in the series. Chris Mullin was unstoppable from all spots on the court, scoring 37 on just 20 shots. The Suns got a solid performance from Ricky Pierce (23 points) to try to hang with Portland, but Portland has too many weapons for Phoenix to hang with.

The Suns will hope that traveling to Phoenix will help them slow down Portland.

TRAIL BLAZERS 115, Suns 107 (Trail Blazers lead 2-0)

Suns Stats
Arvydas Sabonis: 48 PTS, 17 REB, 6 AST
Ricky Pierce: 23 PTS

Trail Blazers Stats
Bernard King: 24 PTS
Chris Mullin: 37 PTS, 4 AST, 3 STL, 15/20 FG, 3/3 3PM
Johnny Newman: 18 PTS
Alton Lister: 8 PTS, 14 REB, 2 STL, 5 BLK

***

Game 2: #7 Golden State Warriors vs. #2 Dallas Mavericks (Dallas Mavericks lead 1-0)

A tie game heading into the 4th went Dallas’ way as the Mavericks went up 2-0. Golden State kept it close, but poor shooting down the stretch for Kiki Vandeweghe and John Stockton put them in a hole that they couldn’t just get out of.

Isiah Thomas was fantastic again, with 27 points and 9 steals (Stockton had 6 turnovers), and James Worthy added 32. Golden State’s hope to make their second straight NBA Finals is fading. They’ll need to defend home court.

MAVERICKS 121, Warriors 115 (Mavericks lead 2-0)

Warriors Stats
Kiki Vandeweghe: 29 PTS, 8 REB
John Stockton: 12 PTS, 10 AST

Mavericks Stats
Isiah Thomas: 27 PTS, 12 AST, 9 STL
James Worthy: 32 PTS, 12 REB
Brad Daugherty: 23 PTS, 6 REB

***

Game 2: #6 Houston Rockets vs. #3 Spirits of St. Louis (Spirits lead 1-0)

The Spirit big four all shot 50% from the field and better (35/61) as they took a 2-0 lead on the Rockets. Kelly Tripucka scored 35, and rookie Reggie Lewis had 21, but none if it was enough to stop the Spirits. Series moves onto Houston.

SPIRITS 119, Rockets 108 (Spirits lead 2-0)

Rockets Stats
Kelly Tripucka: 35 PTS, 4 3PM
Reggie Lewis: 21 PTS, 8 REB, 4 AST

Spirits Stats
Alvin Robertson: 28 PTS, 7 REB, 5 AST, 3 STL
Otis Birdsong: 21 PTS, 8 REB, 7 AST
Dale Ellis: 21 PTS, 9 REB, 8/12 FG
Buck Williams: 14 PTS, 11 REB, 4 AST

***

Game 2: #8 Philadelphia 76ers vs. #1 Miami Heat (76ers lead 1-0)

Things went back to normal in Game 2, although Miami was not led by Michael Jordan. Sidney Moncrief went off for 37 as the Heat easily tied up the series against the Sixers. MJ still had a near triple-double to help Moncrief.

The Sixers put up a good fight without Len Bias, led by their veterans Mo Cheeks (25 points) and Julius Erving (16). A split heading into Philly still has to be considered a win for them.

HEAT 119, 76ers 99 (Series tied 1-1)

76ers Stats
Julius Erving: 16 PTS, 5 REB
Maurice Cheeks: 25 PTS, 4 REB, 6 AST

Miami Heat
Sidney Moncrief: 37 PTS, 7 REB
Michael Jordan: 22 PTS, 10 REB, 9 AST

***

Game 2: #5 Atlanta Hawks vs. #4 Detroit Pistons (Pistons lead 1-0)

Game 2 was another decisive defensive performance from the Pistons, allowing only 79 points. Tom Chambers led Detroit with 23, and the Pistons moved to one game away from the Semis. After all the momentum the Hawks brought from the regular season, it’s looking like another early exit for them. We’ll see if they can find a win in Atlanta.

PISTONS 105, Hawks 79 (Pistons lead 2-0)

Hawks Stats
Karl Malone: 17 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST

Pistons Stats
Tom Chambers: 23 PTS, 11 REB
Micheal Ray Richardson: 19 PTS, 12 REB, 9 AST

***

Game 2: #7 Boston Celtics vs. #2 New Orleans Jazz (Jazz lead 1-0)

Unfortunately, there’s not enough balance between the two teams for a Magic vs. Bird showdown. There’s just no one who can slow Magic down on the Celtics, as he went off for 36 points, 13 rebounds and 17 assists in another Jazz blowout win. Magic found Detlef Schrempf all night for six threes as well.

While the Celtics have a core that’s won a championship, some pieces just haven’t been what they once were. Larry Bird hasn’t been the MVP Bird from a couple years ago, and Gus Williams looks finished. We’ll see if Boston has anything for New Orleans when we move to Boston Garden.

JAZZ 143, Celtics 122 (Jazz lead 2-0)

Celtics Stats
Larry Nance: 39 PTS, 13 REB, 18/23 FG
Larry Bird: 26 PTS, 8 REB, 3 AST, 3 STL

Jazz Stats
Magic Johnson: 36 PTS, 13 REB, 17 AST, 17/24 FG
Detlef Schrempf: 34 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST
Charles Barkley: 24 PTS, 16 REB, 4 AST, 3 STL

***

Game 2: #6 Indiana Pacers vs. #3 Cleveland Cavaliers (Cavaliers lead 1-0)

David Robinson fired back with a strong Game 2, and this time with some help from James Bailey and Mark Price to steal Game 2. The Pacers managed to split the series thanks to a 32-18 from Robinson, bettering Kevin McHale’s 18-14. Bailey’s 23 was huge as well as it offset Orlando Woolridge’s 24.

The Pacers now control the series, and have gotten the best of the Cavs throughout the season. If the Cavs can’t figure it out, their hope to finally break through in the Eastern Conference Playoffs will be over.

Pacers 110, CAVALIERS 97 (Series tied 1-1)

Pacers Stats
David Robinson: 32 PTS, 18 REB, 5 STL, 2 BLK
James Bailey: 23 PTS, 7 REB
Mark Price: 12 PTS, 6 REB, 10 AST, 2 STL

Cavaliers Stats
Rolando Blackman: 27 PTS, 5 REB, 6 AST
Orlando Woolridge: 24 PTS, 10 REB, 6 AST
Kevin McHale: 18 PTS, 14 REB, 2 STL, 2 BLK

***

Game 3: #1 Sacramento Kings vs. #8 Seattle Supersonics (Supersonics lead 2-0)

Things did not get better for the Kings in Seattle. The #8 seed finished the sweep of the #1 seed as Ralph Sampson and Kevin Johnson completely owned the game. The Sonics will move on to face Portland or Phoenix. The Kings, meanwhile, face a reality that without Hakeem Olajuwon the team isn’t that good at all. Will there be sacrifices made to add depth, like Dallas did?

The Sonics become the first #8 seed since the playoff expanded to advance to at all in the playoffs.

SUPERSONICS 105, Kings 84 (Supersonics win 3-0)

Kings Stats
Terry Porter: 21 PTS, 5 AST
Patrick Ewing: 19 PTS, 8 REB

Sonics Stats
Ralph Sampson: 25 PTS, 10 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL, 11/16 FG
Kevin Johnson: 24 PTS, 12 AST, 8/12 FG
Steve Stipanovich: 19 PTS, 10 REB

***

Game 3: #4 Portland Trail Blazers vs. #5 Phoenix Suns (Trail Blazers lead 2-0)

Surprisingly, the Suns had nothing for the Trail Blazers in Game 3. Portland dominated the entire way, with Bernard King dropping 35 and getting to the rim at will. Michael Cage added 20. This will be Portland’s first playoff series victory since the Bill Walton era a decade ago.

This was clearly a disappointing end for Phoenix, although they do have a built-in excuse with Clyde Drexler not being available. With Drexler and Ricky Pierce locked up for the next half-decade and Arvydas Sabonis still on his rookie deal, the Suns should be able to get by this setback.

Trail Blazers 111, SUNS 86 (Trail Blazers win 3-0)

Trail Blazers Stats
Bernard King: 35 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST
Michael Cage: 20 PTS, 13 REB
Chris Mullin: 15 PTS, 4 AST

Suns Stats
Ricky Pierce: 20 PTS, 4 REB
Jack Sikma: 8 PTS, 12 REB, 2 BLK
Arvydas Sabonis: 17 PTS, 6 REB

***

Game 3: #2 Dallas Mavericks vs. #7 Golden State Warriors (Dallas Mavericks lead 2-0)

The Warriors put another strong effort up, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Maverick firepower (or the bad Warrior defense). The defending Western Conference Champions went down in a sweep despite 41 points from Kiki Vandeweghe. Dallas had James Worthy, Brad Daugherty, and Isiah Thomas all go for 20+, and they never looked back. Dallas will take on the Spirits-Rockets winner.

We will see if the Warriors bring back to same team. Big decisions will have to be made with Andrew Toney’s expiring contract, and of course they’ll have to lock up John Stockton as well.

Mavericks 119, WARRIORS 113 (Mavericks win 3-0)

Mavericks Stats
Isiah Thomas: 23 PTS, 4 REB, 12 AST, 2 STL
James Worthy: 28 PTS, 11 REB, 14/22 FG
Brad Daugherty: 20 PTS, 13 REB, 4 BLK

Warriors Stats
Kiki Vandeweghe: 41 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST, 4 3PM
John Stockton: 15 PTS, 6 REB, 11 AST, 5 STL
Danny Schayes: 18 PTS, 8 REB, 4 AST, 3 STL, 2 BLK

***

Game 3: #3 Spirits of St. Louis vs. #6 Houston Rockets (Spirits lead 2-0)

Unlike the rest of the Western Conference teams down 0-2, the Rockets got on the board with a surprisingly good defensive performance. St. Louis’ Otis Birdsong and Alvin Robertson went a combined 10 for 35. Kelly Tripucka scored 20 to lead Houston.

If the Rockets can take Game 4, we’ll have an exciting, deciding Game 5. But St. Louis is still in control.

ROCKETS 98, SPIRITS 83 (Spirits lead 2-1)

Spirits Stats
Buck Williams: 24 PTS, 12 REB, 4 AST
Dale Ellis: 14 PTS, 8 REB, 5 AST, 4 STL

Rockets Stats
Kelly Tripucka: 20 PTS
Kevin Willis: 15 PTS, 14 REB, 3 BLK

***

Game 3: #1 Miami Heat) vs. #8 Philadelphia 76ers (Series tied 1-1)

Once again, the Heat did not a monster Michael Jordan game in order to defeat the 76ers. Xavier McDaniel led the Heat with 25 as Miami restored order to the series and regained homecourt, going up 2-1. Len Bias did return to the lineup and played big minutes, but only managed 16 points on 19 shots. Philly will need to defend home court to force a Game 5.

Heat 103, 76ERS 89 (Heat lead 2-1)

Miami Heat
Sidney Moncrief: 22 PTS, 9 REB, 7 AST, 5 STL
Xavier McDaniel: 25 PTS, 7 REB
Michael Jordan: 20 PTS, 6 REB, 6 AST, 2 STL

76ers Stats
Craig Ehlo: 18 PTS, 6 REB
Len Bias: 16 PTS, 11 REB, 5 AST
Maurice Cheeks: 14 PTS, 11 AST, 3 STL, 2 BLK
Manute Bol: 6 PTS, 9 REB, 8 BLK

***

Game 3: #4 Detroit Pistons vs. #5 Atlanta Hawks (Pistons lead 2-0)

Without Mark Aguirre, the Hawks just couldn’t get their offense going. Karl Malone played well, but the rest of the Hawks were shut down as the defending NBA Champion Pistons completed the sweep. Tom Chambers has 37, Micheal Ray Richardson had 18 assists, and Detroit held Atlanta to 82 points to finish them off.

The Hawks will likely give it another shot as they were hot in the second half of the season and didn’t have one of their top two scorers in the playoffs. Detroit will wait for Miami or Philadelphia.

Pistons 103, HAWKS 82 (Pistons win 3-0)

Pistons Stats
Tom Chambers: 37 PTS, 10 REB, 3 STL
Micheal Ray Richardson: 13 PTS, 9 REB, 18 AST

Hawks Stats
Karl Malone: 33 PTS, 10 REB, 5 AST, 2 BLK
Bill Laimbeer: 14 PTS, 11 REB

***

Game 3: #2 New Orleans Jazz vs. #7 Boston Celtics (Jazz lead 2-0)

Larry Bird finally had a really good game, but it wasn’t nearly enough as the Jazz completed the sweep. New Orleans had five players score at least 18 points, and Boston just doesn’t have the talent to keep up. Joe Barry Carroll, a big off-season acquisition for the Celtics, were a major disappointment here with just 6 points and 5 rebounds.

Magic Johnson wins his first Eastern Conference series, ending with a 22-7-10 in Game 3.

Jazz 134, CELTICS 114 (Jazz win 3-0)

Jazz Stats
Magic Johnson: 22 PTS, 7 REB, 11 AST, 6/8 FG, 10/12 FT
Detlef Schrempf: 25 PTS, 6 REB, 9/11 FG
Bill Cartwright: 23 PTS, 4 REB, 5 AST, 3 BLK
Charles Barkley: 22 PTS, 14 REB, 5 AST, 3 STL
Quinten Dailey: 18 PTS, 4 AST, 4 STL

Celtics Stats
Larry Bird: 31 PTS, 7 REB, 11 AST
Larry Nance: 23 PTS, 13 REB, 9 AST, 3 STL, 3 BLK
Purvis Short: 23 PTS, 5 REB

***

Game 3: #3 Cleveland Cavaliers at #6 Indiana Pacers (Series tied 1-1)

This was not the time for the Cavaliers to fall apart.

Only Rolando Blackman scored in double-digits for the Cavaliers, scoring 30 of the Cavs 82 points. Indiana got a well balanced effort comparatively and went up 2-1 in the series, with a chance to end it in Indiana. David Robinson wasn’t a scoring machine, but once again his play on the defensive end made the difference. 5 Steals and 2 Blocks for the Admiral, holding Kevin McHale to 4/18 FG.

PACERS 92, Cavaliers 82 (Pacers lead 2-1)

Cavaliers Stats
Rolando Blackman: 30 PTS

Pacers Stats
David Robinson: 18 PTS, 14 REB, 3 STL, 5 STL, 2 BLK
Paul Pressey: 16 PTS, 10 REB, 4 AST, 3 STL
Mark Price: 15 PTS, 10 AST

***

Game 4: #3 Spirits of St. Louis vs. #6 Houston Rockets (Spirits lead 2-1)

We have a series! Kelly Tripucka and Darrell Griffith took over the scoring load, scoring 52 combined points, as the Rockets tied the series and forced a decisive Game 5. Alvin Robertson did what he could, scoring 28, but Otis Birdsong’s poor shooting night sunk the Spirits when it mattered.

Game 5 is back in Houston.

ROCKETS 109, SPIRITS 102 (Series tied 2-2)

Spirits Stats
Alvin Robertson: 28 PTS, 9 REB, 7 AST, 4 STL
Buck Williams: 18 PTS, 13 REB, 3 BLK
Otis Birdsong: 14 PTS, 5 REB, 6 AST

Rockets Stats
Kelly Tripucka: 26 PTS, 8 REB, 7 AST, 5 STL
Darrell Griffith: 26 PTS, 7 AST
Reggie Miller: 15 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST

***

Game 4: #1 Miami Heat) vs. #8 Philadelphia 76ers (Miami Heat lead 2-1)

The Sixers put on a good fight, but Michael Jordan led a strong 4th quarter run, finishing the series. MJ scored 30 for the game to lead the way for Miami. Len Bias, still recovering from injury, played 43 minutes and played rather well (18-16-7), but the Sixers were clearly the inferior team here.

The Heat will play the Pistons in what should be a great series.

The Sixers are still on the way up and are expected to be better next season. We’ll also see if Julius Erving has played his last game.

Heat 102, 76ERS 95 (Heat win 3-1)

Miami Heat
Michael Jordan: 30 PTS, 8 REB, 4 AST, 6 STL, 2 BLK
Sidney Moncrief: 24 PTS, 8 REB, 4 AST, 4 STL
Xavier McDaniel: 15 PTS, 11 REB

76ers Stats
Len Bias: 18 PTS, 16 REB, 7 AST, 4 STL, 7/11 FG
Manute Bol: 6 PTS, 6 REB, 10 BLK

***

Game 4: #3 Cleveland Cavaliers at #6 Indiana Pacers(Pacers lead 2-1)

A historic performance from rookie David Robinson completed the upset of the Cavs as the Pacers advanced in the playoffs for the first time since 1983. Robinson dropped 39 points and 18 boards, pushing Indiana to victory. Robinson outplayed Kevin McHale all series (and all season really).

This ends the Cav streak of Eastern Conference Final appearances at two. Once again, the guard play of Cleveland was lacking and is something that will need correction. With McHale, Orlando Woolridge, and Rolando Blackman still locked into long term contracts, there’s no reason Cleveland won’t continue trying to break through.

The Admiral will have his work cut out for him as the Pacers will face the Jazz.

PACERS 104, Cavaliers 99 (Pacers win 3-1)

Cavaliers Stats
Kevin McHale: 27 PTS, 12 REB, 4 BLK
Orlando Woolridge: 18 PTS, 14 REB
Rolando Blackman: 16 PTS, 5 REB, 2 STL

Pacers Stats
David Robinson: 39 PTS, 18 REB, 4 STL, 3 BLK
Mark Price: 14 PTS, 4 AST
Paul Pressey: 11 PTS, 8 REB, 7 AST

***

Game 5: #6 Houston Rockets vs. #3 Spirits of St. Louis (Series tied 2-2)

In the only Game 5 of the First Round, the Spirits put together an efficient day scoring the basketball, hitting 51.1% of their shots, to avoid the collapse and defeat the Rockets. Buck Williams, Dale Ellis, Otis Birdsong, and Alvin Robertson scored 78 points total, carrying the scoring load as a team.

It was a promising season for the Rockets, but they are a team right now that needs to figure out who their leaders are, and who the team should be built around in the future. Kelly Tripucka and Darrell Griffith both have three more years on their deals. Does it make sense to hand the reigns to Reggie Miller or bring back this core?

The Spirits will meet the Mavericks in the Semis.

SPIRITS 117, Rockets 102 (Spirits win 3-2)

Rockets Stats
Kelly Tripucka: 19 PTS, 4 REB
Reggie Miller: 15 PTS, 4 AST
Charles Oakley: 15 PTS, 9 REB, 4 AST

Spirits Stats
Alvin Robertson: 18 PTS, 12 REB, 8 AST
Dale Ellis: 21 PTS, 8/12 FG
Otis Birdsong: 20 PTS, 8 REB, 7 AST
Buck Williams: 19 PTS, 11 REB

***

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Playoff Preview
Western Conference Semi-Finals

Best of Seven
#8 Seattle Supersonics (45-37) vs. #4 Portland Trail Blazers (53-29)

Season Results – Supersonics win 3-2
11/27 – SUPERSONICS 109, Trail Blazers 99 (SEA: R. Sampson: 29 PTS, 12 REB, 5 BLK, C. Natt: 25 PTS, 10 REB, 5 AST, POR: Chris Mullin: 34 PTS)
1/25 – TRAIL BLAZERS 110, Supersonics 94 (POR: B. King: 38 PTS, 8 REB, 9 AST, SEA: R. Sampson: 20 PTS, 9 REB, C. Natt: 18 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST, 4 STL)
1/27 – SUPERSONICS 109, Trail Blazers 96 (SEA: R. Sampson: 45 PTS, 11 REB, 3 BLK, POR: B. King: 50 PTS, 9 REB, 4 AST, 3 STL)
3/1 – TRAIL BLAZERS 104, Supersonics 79 (POR: B. King: 22 PTS, 9 REB, C. Mullin: 19 PTS, 5 STL, SEA: C. Natt: 24 PTS, 3 STL)
4/20 – SUPERSONICS 129, Trail Blazers 116 (SEA: R. Sampson: 45 PTS, 9 REB, 5 BLK, C. Natt: 22 PTS, 9 REB, 3 STL, POR: C. Mullin: 32 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST, 3 STL)

Seattle Supersonics (46-36)
PPG: 100.1 (17th)
oPPG: 100.1 (9th)
Offensive Eff: 101.0 (18th)
Defensive Eff: 101.0 (8th)
eFG: 46.4% (15th)
Reb%: 49.9% (15th)

Starters/Key Players
C – Ralph Sampson – 29.2 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 3.6 BPG, 50% FG, All-NBA 3rd Team, All-Star
PF – Steve Stipanovich – 12.3 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1 BPG, 48.9% FG
SF – Sonny Parker – 7.4 PPG
SG – Calvin Natt – 16.9 PPG, 7 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.4 SPG
PG – Kevin Johnson – 12.7 PPG, 8.4 APG, 1.5 SPG, 85.5% FG

Key Injuries
None

Portland Trail Blazers (53-29)
PPG: 104.5 (14th)
oPPG: 99.1 (5th)
Offensive Eff: 104.6 (10th)
Defensive Eff: 99.3 (5th)
eFG: 47.5% (13th)
Reb%: 51.9% (5th)

Starters/Key Players
C- Alton Lister – 7.5 PPG, 10 RPG, 2.8 BPG
PF- Michael Cage – 11 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 1.1 BPG
SF – Chris Mullin – 22 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.9 SPG, 36.1% 3P
SG – Bernard King – 28.9 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, All-NBA 3rd Team, All-Star
PG – Darrell Walker – 12 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 6.1 APG, 1.9 SPG
6th Man – Johnny Newman – 12.2 PPG

Key Injuries
None

Series Preview
Portland will certainly welcome the surprise home court advantage in the Semis. Both Portland and Seattle were very strong at home (Portland 32-9, Seattle 30-11), and throughout their season series the home team won each time. Portland’s goal: do not let Ralph Sampson beat them. Portland has Alton Lister and Michael Cage to throw at Sampson, but Sampson still dominated in games against Portland this season (119 points in 3 wins this season). Likewise, Seattle must stop Bernard King from going off. Despite the seeding disparity, this should be a solid series.

Best of Seven
#3 Spirits of St. Louis (53-29) vs. #2 Dallas Mavericks (55-27)

Season Results – Mavericks win 4-1
11/21 – MAVERICKS 129, Spirits 119 (DAL: I. Thomas: 34 PTS, 11 REB, 18 AST, 3 STL, B. Daugherty: 23 PTS, 4 REB, 5 AST, STL: O. Birdsong: 29 PTS, 6 REB, 6 AST, A. Robertson: 24 PTS, 7 REB, 8 AST, B. Williams: 24 PTS, 15 REB)
2/28 – Mavericks 112, SPIRITS 100 (DAL: I. Thomas: 24 PTS, 12 AST, 4 STL, L. Orr: 26 PTS, 9 REB, STL: O. Birdsong: 24 PTS, 4 REB, 6 AST)
3/17 – MAVERICKS 120, Spirits 107 (DAL: I. Thomas: 15 PTS, 17 AST, 3 STL, B. Daugherty: 24 PTS, 15 REB, J. Worthy: 24 PTS, 14 REB, 7 AST, STL: D. Ellis: 31 PTS, B. Williams: 24 PTS, 6 REB, A. Robertson: 16 PTS, 9 REB, 11 AST, 6 STL)
3/21 – Mavericks 122, SPIRITS 97 (DAL: J. Kersey: 25 PTS, 9 REB, B. Daugherty: 22 PTS, 14 REB, J. Worthy: 23 PTS, 5 REB, STL: A. Robertson: 28 PTS, 10 REB, 4 AST, 3 STL, D. Ellis: 18 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST, B. Williams: 15 PTS, 13 REB, 5 AST)
4/4 – Spirits 135, MAVERICKS 125 (STL: D. Ellis: 36 PTS, 8 REB, B. Williams: 24 PTS, 14 REB, M. Eaton: 10 PTS, 9 REB, 9 BLK, A. Robertson: 14 PTS, 12 REB, 10 AST, DAL: I. Thomas: 34 PTS, 9 REB, 15 AST, 4 STL, J. Worthy: 24 PTS, 5 REB, 7 AST, 5 STL)

Spirits of St. Louis (53-29)
PPG: 109.5 (8th)
oPPG: 104.1 (18th)
Offensive Eff: 104.6 (11th)
Defensive Eff: 99.5 (6th)
eFG: 48.1% (9th)
Reb%: 53.4% (3rd)

Starters/Key Players
C- Mark Eaton – 5.1 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 5.2 BPG, 48.5% FG, All-Defense 2nd Team
PF- Buck Williams – 20.3 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 58.7% FG, All-Star
SF – Dale Ellis – 20.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 35.7% 3P
SG – Otis Birdsong – 17.4 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.4 SPG
PG – Alvin Robertson – 20.5 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 7.8 APG, 2.5 SPG, All-NBA 3rd Team

Key Injuries
None

Dallas Mavericks (55-27)
PPG: 111.3 (6th)
oPPG: 103.3 (15th)
Offensive Eff: 107.6 (5th)
Defensive Eff: 99.9 (8th)
eFG: 50% (2nd)
Reb%: 50% (14th)

Starters/Key Players
C – Brad Daugherty – 15.9 PPG, 9 RPG, 52.2% FG
PF – Jerome Kersey – 12.6 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 55.9% FG
SF – James Worthy – 20.6 PPG, 7 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 49.8% FG
SG – Dell Curry – 12.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 37.6% 3P
PG – Isiah Thomas – 25 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 11.3 APG, 2.6 SPG, All-NBA 2nd Team, All-Defense 2nd Team, All-Star

Key Injuries
Gerald Henderson – Bench scoring guard with playoff experience. He’ll miss the entire series.

Series Preview
Dallas dominated St. Louis for most of the season, but the Spirits found a victory in April. Each team has tons of weapons, but the best player on the floor will be Isiah Thomas. Thomas put together another excellent season and will have his work cut out for him against Alvin Robertson. This year has felt like the Spirits’ year, and they’ll have to do what they came very close to doing two years ago. In the 1986 Western Conference Semi-Finals, the Spirits took the Mavericks to seven games in a tough loss. Another key match-up will be Brad Daugherty against Mark Eaton. Dallas traded away Ralph Sampson for a trade package that was headlined by Daugherty. He’ll need to improve himself against the former Defensive Player of the Year.

Eastern Conference Semi-Finals

Best of Seven
#4 Detroit Pistons (51-31) vs. #1 Miami Heat (61-21)

Season Results – Heat win 3-1
12/10 – HEAT 104, Pistons 88 (MIA: M. Jordan: 34 PTS, 8 REB, 6 AST, 3 STL, DET: B. McKinney: 20 PTS, 4 REB, 3 AST)
1/13 – Heat 111, PISTONS (MIA: M. Jordan: 44 PTS, 8 REB, 8 AST, DET: G. Ballard: 26 PTS, 11 REB, 4 STL)
1/28 – PISTONS 98, Heat 89 (DET: T. Chambers: 38 PTS, 10 REB, M. Richardson: 8 PTS, 16 AST, MIA: M. Jordan: 30 PTS, 12 REB, 5 AST, 3 STL)
4/15 – HEAT 98, Pistons 71 (MIA: M. Jordan: 30 PTS, 8 REB, 10 REB, DET: M. Cooper: 22 PTS)

Detroit Pistons (51-31)
PPG: 99.9 (19th)
oPPG: 93.4 (1st)
Offensive Eff: 102.6 (13th)
Defensive Eff: 95.9 (3rd)
eFG%: 47.6% (12th)
Reb%: 51% (7th)

Starters/Key Players
C – Benoit Benjamin – 8.9 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 3.2 BPG, 52.7% FG
PF – Tom Chambers – 28.3 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1 SPG, 52.9% FG
SF – Michael Cooper – 13.1 PPG, 4 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.5 SPG, 48.9% FG
SG – Dennis Johnson – 12 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.9 APG, 2 SPG
PG – Micheal Ray Richardson – 13.6 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 10.5 APG, 1.4 SPG
6th Man – David Thompson – 8 PPG

Key Injuries
None

Miami Heat (61-21)
PPG: 111.6 (4th)
oPPG: 98.1 (4th)
Offensive Eff: 108.1 (2nd)
Defensive Eff: 94.9 (1st)
eFG: 47.9% (10th)
Reb%: 53.9% (1st)

Starters/Key Players
C – Kevin Duckworth – 11.1 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 49.6% FG
PF – Xavier McDaniel – 11.5 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 48.7% FG
SF – Albert King – 9.6 PPG, 5 RPG, 1.1 SPG
SG – Michael Jordan – 30.3 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 6.2 APG, 2.7 SPG, 55.4% FG, 81.5% FT, NBA MVP, All-NBA 1st Team, All-Defense 1st Team, All-Star
PG – Sidney Moncrief – 18.3 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 5.2 APG, 3 SPG, All-Defense 1st Team

Key Injuries
None

Series Preview
The season series can be easily described as Michael Jordan time. Despite strong defensive wings such as Dennis Johnson and Michael Cooper, Jordan dominated Detroit all season. Of course, the seasons series does not tell the entire story, as Tom Chambers was not available for the first two games. The big storyline here though is the question of if the Heat can get past the Semi-Finals for the first time in history. To do so, they have to beat the defending NBA Champion Pistons. And since they’ve been healthy, they’ve looked a lot like their title team last year.

Best of Seven
#6 Indiana Pacers (45-37) vs. #2 New Orleans Jazz (56-26)

Season Results – Jazz win 3-2
1/2 – Pacers 116, JAZZ 91 (IND: D. Robinson: 27 PTS, 11 REB, 3 BLK, P. Pressey: 10 PTS, 10 REB, 9 AST, 4 STL, NOJ: C. Barkley: 25 PTS, 10 REB)
1/20 – Pacers 122, JAZZ 110 (IND: D. Robinson: 28 PTS, 17 REB, 5 BLK, M. Price: 25 PTS, 9 AST, J. Bailey: 24 PTS, 13 REB, NOJ: C. Barkley: 32 PTS, 15 REB, M. Johnson: 12 PTS, 12 AST)
3/13 – Jazz 108, PACERS 107 (NOJ: M. Johnson: 19 PTS, 8 REB, 13 AST, 7 STL, IND: D. Robinson: 33 PTS, 8 REB, 4 BLK, P. Pressey: 13 PTS, 10 REB, 7 AST)
4/11 – Jazz 130, PACERS 110 (NOJ: B. Cartwright: 23 PTS, 9 REB, 2 BLK, P. Pressey: 18 PTS, 10 REB, 6 AST)
4/15 – JAZZ 132, Pacers 106 (NOJ: C. Barkley: 30 PTS, 13 REB, 7 AST, B. Cartwright: 32 PTS, 9 REB, M. Johnson: 15 PTS, 7 REB, 14 AST, IND: D. Robinson: 18 PTS)

Indiana Pacers (45-37)
PPG: 106.0 (11th)
oPPG: 103.8 (17th)
Offensive Eff: 102.3 (14th)
Defensive Eff: 100.2 (9th)
eFG%: 47.6% (11th)
Reb%: 49.6% (18th)

Starters/Key Players
C – David Robinson – 26.4 PPG, 13 RPG, 2.6 SPG, 3 BPG, 57.8% FG, Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, All-NBA 2nd Team, All-Defense 1st Team, All-Star
PF – James Bailey – 13.2 PPG, 8 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 48.8% FG
SF – Toby Knight – 9.3 PPG, 3.6 RPG
SG – Paul Pressey – 11.8 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 5.6 APG, 1.7 SPG
PG – Mark Price – 15.4 PPG, 7.2 APG, 1.1 SPG, 41.5% 3P

Key Injuries
None

New Orleans Jazz (56-26)
PPG: 119.9 (1st)
oPPG: 112.6 (28th)
Offensive Eff: 112.2 (1st)
Defensive Eff: 105.2 (18th)
eFG%: 51.2% (1st)
Reb%: 53.7% (2nd)

Starters/Key Players
C – Bill Cartwright – 15.5 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.3 BPG, 49.5% FG
PF – Charles Barkley – 25.5 PPG, 13.5 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 56% FG, All-NBA 2nd Team, All-Star
SF – Detlef Schrempf – 17.6 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 55.4% FG, 85.7% FT, 43.5% 3P
SG – Ron Brewer – 8 PPG, 1.2 SPG
PG – Magic Johnson – 22.7 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 12.2 APG, 2.2 SPG, 53.2% FG, 86.2% FT, All-NBA 1st Team, All-Star
6th Man – Quinten Dailey – 11.5 PPG, 1.5 SPG

Key Injuries
None

Series Preview
A different type of challenge for the Jazz in this one, as they deal with rookie sensation David Robinson. Robinson had some success against New Orleans this season as Indiana outright won the first two games. New Orleans figured out some things as the season progressed though. Mark Price will need to find ways to be effective against Magic Johnson in order for the Pacers to have a chance. Nonetheless, Robinson alone was enough to get by Cleveland, so anything could happen.

***

Prediction Contest – Only Predict Semi-Finals For Now

Round 1 Results

@AlanSmithee1981 Ewing (5), Trail Blazers (10), King (5), Mavericks (10), Kiki (4), Spirits in 5 (12), Ellis (7), Heat in 4 (12), Jordan (8), Pistons (10), Chambers (5), Jazz in 3 (12), Barkley (6), McHale (9) = 115

@Dubble J Sonics (10), Ewing (5), Trail Blazers in 3 (12), King (5), Mavericks (10), Isiah (9), Ellis (7), Heat (10), Jordan (8), Pistons (10), Chambers (5), Jazz in 3 (12), Magic (7), Pacers in 4 (12), Woolridge (7) = 129

Pick the Winning Team (15 Points) and the Amount of Games that Team Wins in (3)

As a bonus, pick a player for each series. You will receive their fantasy points (same system as regular season) (rounded up, then 3x).

Stats Site​

 

[AlanSmithee1981]

My picks: Trail Blazers in 6 (Ralph Sampson), Mavericks in 6 (Isiah Thomas), Miami Heat in 5 (Michael Jordan), and Jazz in 5 (Charles Barkley)...

 

[Dubb]

Sonics in 6 (King)
Mavs in 5 (Thomas)
Heat in 6 (Jordan)
Jazz in 6 (Robinson)

 

[RDT]

Game 1: #8 Seattle Supersonics vs. #4 Portland Trail Blazers

Portland seemed to have everything well in hand, holding a double-digit lead all game heading into the 4th. But the Sonics turned on the jets and Portland suddenly couldn’t make a basket. Seattle stormed back, with Ralph Sampson causing all kinds of problems for Alton Lister and Calvin Natt and Bernard King going at it.

Seattle brought the game all the way back, tying it at 101 off Steve Stipanovich free throws with just 4 seconds left. But despite the horrible quarter for the Trail Blazers, Bernard King would not be denied. King got the ball and hit the game winning jumper from the baseline, preventing the collapse and giving Portland the Game 1 victory!

TRAIL BLAZERS 103, Supersonics 101(Trail Blazers lead 1-0)

Sonics Stats
Ralph Sampson: 37 PTS, 10 REB, 6 BLK
Calvin Natt: 26 PTS, 6 REB
Steve Stipanovich: 22 PTS, 10/14 FG

Trail Blazers Stats
Bernard King: 33 PTS, 11 REB, 2 STL
Chris Mullin: 20 PTS, 4 REB, 6 AST, 3 STL, 8/12 FG

***

Game 1: #3 Spirits of St. Louis vs. #2 Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks overpowered the Spirits in Game 1, with four players scoring 20+ points. The Spirits were able to hang around most of the game, but could never make a run at Dallas. James Worthy led the Mavs with 27 as Otis Birdsong led St. Louis with 27 himself.

MAVERICKS 111, Spirits 104 (Mavericks lead 1-0)

Spirits Stats
Otis Birdsong: 27 PTS, 5 REB
Alvin Robertson: 16 PTS, 7 REB, 12 AST, 3 STL
Buck Williams: 16 PTS, 16 REB, 4 AST

Mavericks Stats
James Worthy: 27 PTS, 6 REB
Jerome Kersey: 25 PTS, 14 REB, 3 STL
Isiah Thomas: 20 PTS, 16 AST, 6 STL
Brad Daugherty: 22 PTS, 16 REB

***

Game 1: #4 Detroit Pistons vs. #1 Miami Heat

The defending NBA Champion Pistons had no answer for Michael Jordan in Game 1. Jordan had the Heat in control for the entire game, making key shots anytime Detroit tried to make a run. Jordan led Miami in points, rebounds and assists with a 29-10-8, and the Pistons couldn’t stop him from doing anything.

Sidney Moncrief also came in huge on the defensive end, as Micheal Ray Richardson was stifled all day. Richardson ended with 3 points on 0/10 FG. Moncrief’s addition to the Heat may be what finally gets Miami to the 2nd round.

HEAT 118, Pistons 111 (Heat lead 1-0)

Pistons Stats
Tom Chambers: 27 PTS, 8 REB, 7/10 FG
Benoit Benjamin: 16 PTS, 11 REB, 3 BLK

Miami Heat
Michael Jordan: 29 PTS, 10 REB, 8 AST
Sidney Moncrief: 21 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST, 2 STL
Xavier McDaniel: 18 PTS, 7 REB, 2 STL
Albert King: 14 PTS, 7 STL

***

Game 1: #6 Indiana Pacers vs. #2 New Orleans Jazz

The Jazz out together the blueprint to take down David Robinson and the Pacers. With Bill Cartwright doing a solid job on Robinson, Magic Johnson (20-10-12) and Charles Barkley (22-16) ran rampant and allowed New Orleans to dominate Game 1.

JAZZ 120, Pacers 93 (Jazz lead 1-0)

Pacers Stats
James Bailey: 17 PTS, 10 REB
David Robinson: 15 PTS, 13 REB, 4 AST, 2 BLK

Jazz Stats
Magic Johnson: 20 PTS, 10 REB, 12 AST, 3 STL
Charles Barkley: 22 PTS, 16 REB, 3 STL

***

Game 2: #8 Seattle Supersonics vs. #4 Portland Trail Blazers (Trail Blazers lead 1-0)

Portland began to pull away in what was a back-and-forth game, but Ralph Sampson pulled the Sonics back to where Seattle had a small lead at the end. It was Seattle who had a three-point lead with just 8 seconds left. Chris Mullin had a great look from three to tie, but the ball rimmed out and Seattle took homecourt advantage for the series.

Sampson was completely unstoppable, scoring 42 of his team’s 101 points and making 18 of the team’s 40 field goals.

Supersonics 101, TRAIL BLAZERS 98 (Series tied 1-1)

Sonics Stats
Ralph Sampson: 42 PTS, 6 REB, 5 BLK
Steve Stipanovich: 19 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST

Trail Blazers Stats
Bernard King: 32 PTS, 7 REB, 7 AST
Chris Mullin: 20 PTS, 4 REB

***

Game 2: #3 Spirits of St. Louis vs. #2 Dallas Mavericks (Mavericks lead 1-0)

For the second straight game the Mavericks overpowered the Spirits. This time in addition to 20+ point games from Isiah Thomas and James Worthy, Dell Curry added 27 points. The Mavericks have also did a good job making sure all the big guns for St. Louis aren’t going off at once. Only Alvin Robertson and Buck Williams managed to cross the 20 point barrier in Game 2.

We will see how things go in St. Louis, but the Spirits will need to figure some things out.

MAVERICKS 129, Spirits 119 (Mavericks lead 2-0)

Spirits Stats
Alvin Robertson: 33 PTS, 6 REB, 11 AST, 2 STL
Buck Williams: 22 PTS, 10 REB

Mavericks Stats
James Worthy: 23 PTS, 10 REB, 4 AST
Dell Curry: 27 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST, 3 STL
Isiah Thomas: 25 PTS, 5 REB, 16 AST

***

Game 2: #4 Detroit Pistons vs. #1 Miami Heat (Heat lead 1-0)

The Pistons proved they could overcome Michael Jordan by winning Game 2 despite another great MJ performance. Tom Chambers led the way with his efficient scoring, dropping 26 points. The Pistons were able to hold MJ to 8/23 shooting despite a 26-11-11-5 game. The Heat only managed 98 points against the strong Detroit defense. We’ll see if Miami can recover in Detroit.

Pistons 105, HEAT 98 (Series tied 1-1)

Pistons Stats
Tom Chambers: 26 PTS, 9/12 FG
Micheal Ray Richardson: 14 PTS, 7 REB, 10 AST
Michael Cooper: 13 PTS, 7 REB, 6 AST, 4 STL, 2 BLK

Miami Heat
Michael Jordan: 26 PTS, 11 REB, 11 AST, 5 STL
Sidney Moncrief: 20 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST

***

Game 2: #6 Indiana Pacers vs. #2 New Orleans Jazz (Jazz lead 1-0)

Indiana hung tough, but the Jazz once again proved to be too much as they rode their powerful offense to a 2-0 series lead. Magic Johnson was once again fantastic and Charles Barkley once again cleaned up the boards. While David Robinson went off, Bill Cartwright still held his own.

Indiana will need to find a way to slow down the Jazz as the series moves to Indianapolis.

JAZZ 122, Pacers 113 (Jazz lead 2-0)

Pacers Stats
James Bailey: 14 PTS, 15 REB, 4 AST, 2 BLK
David Robinson: 30 PTS, 15 REB, 4 AST, 3 STL, 5 BLK
Paul Pressey: 27 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL

Jazz Stats
Magic Johnson: 31 PTS, 8 REB, 11 AST, 3 STL
Charles Barkley: 26 PTS, 17 REB
Bill Cartwright: 16 PTS, 5 AST
Detlef Schrempf: 11 PTS, 8 REB, 7 AST

***

Game 3: #4 Portland Trail Blazers vs. #8 Seattle Supersonics(Series tied 1-1)

For the third straight game the result was in doubt until the very end. Behind Ralph Sampson’s 48 points, the Sonics led through most of the game. This time it was Portland who stormed back. While it wasn’t efficient, Bernard King kept coming and would not be stopped when it mattered. King managed to get Portland up front in the 4th. With just 10 seconds left, Portland led by two, and it was Steve Stipanovich who took the final shot for Seattle. He missed, and Portland re-took control of the series.

Sampson’s 48 went to waste, as King’s 38 ended up being just enough to get Portland the win.

Trail Blazers 108, SUPERSONICS 106 (Trail Blazers lead 2-1)

Trail Blazers Stats
Bernard King: 38 PTS
Darrell Walker: 16 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST, 3 STL
Alton Lister: 5 PTS, 15 REB, 4 BLK

Sonics Stats
Ralph Sampson: 48 PTS, 13 REB, 2 STL, 4 BLK
Calvin Natt: 18 PTS, 9 REB, 8 AST
Kevin Johnson: 17 PTS, 5 AST, 3 STL

***

Game 3: #2 Dallas Mavericks vs. #3 Spirits of St. Louis (Mavericks lead 2-0)

This time it was the Mavericks needing to play catch-up, and despite a strong 4th they couldn’t quite get there. The Spirits got a strong performance from Dale Ellis, getting on the board in this best-of-7. Ellis and James Worthy went to war, and while Worthy ended up scoring more points, Ellis kept his team up front all day. Isiah Thomas had a good line but shoot poorly, 7/21.

SPIRITS 112, Mavericks 105 (Mavericks lead 2-1)

Mavericks Stats
James Worthy: 39 PTS, 6 REB, 16/19 FG
Isiah Thomas: 22 PTS, 7 REB, 13 AST, 3 STL
Brad Daugherty: 19 PTS, 9 REB

Spirits Stats
Dale Ellis: 27 PTS, 7 REB, 5 AST, 12/18 FG
Otis Birdsong: 19 PTS, 8 REB, 7 AST
Alvin Robertson: 15 PTS, 6 REB, 8 AST
Buck Williams: 16 PTS, 12 REB

***

Game 3: #1 Miami Heat vs. #4 Detroit Pistons (Series tied 1-1)

Michael Jordan walked right into Detroit and retook the series for the Heat. MJ was unstoppable, dominating both ends of the court and finishing with 31 points.

The key though may have once again been the Sidney Moncrief vs. Micheal Ray Richardson match-up. Richardson again struggled to get anything done against “The Squid” while Moncrief complimented MJ with a 23-8.

Heat 114 PISTONS 99 (Heat lead 2-1)

Miami Heat
Michael Jordan: 31 PTS, 8 REB, 5 AST, 3 STL
Sidney Moncrief: 23 PTS, 8 AST, 4 STL
Xavier McDaniel: 22 PTS, 4 REB, 3 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK

Pistons Stats
Tom Chambers: 22 PTS, 8 REB
Michael Cooper: 21 PTS, 6 REB, 7 AST

***

Game 3: #2 New Orleans Jazz vs. #6 Indiana Pacers vs. (Jazz lead 2-0)

This one was all about the Round Mound of Rebound. Charles Barkley was unstoppable with 38 points and 22 rebounds to push the Jazz to a 3-0 lead over the Pacers. David Robinson once again was great, but Bill Cartwright once again played well too to ensure the Jazz would not lose on the inside.

Robinson’s insane rookie season has been a great story. We’ll see if they can avoid the sweep.

Jazz 133, PACERS 118 (Jazz lead 3-0)

Jazz Stats
Magic Johnson: 19 PTS, 5 REB, 7 AST
Charles Barkley: 38 PTS, 22 REB, 15/21 FG
Bill Cartwright: 17 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST, 2 BLK

Pacers Stats
David Robinson: 30 PTS, 13 REB, 5 AST, 5 STL, 4 BLK
Mark Price: 25 PTS, 7 AST

***

Game 4: #4 Portland Trail Blazers vs. #8 Seattle Supersonics(Trail Blazers lead 2-1)

It looks like the Supersonics have run out of gas.

The Seattle Coliseum was left shocked as the Trail Blazers destroyed them, holding Seattle to just 68 points. Ralph Sampson, who had scored 90 points in the last two games, only managed 14. Suddenly the series, which seemed as tight as could be, looks very over heading back to Portland.

Trail Blazers 103, SUPERSONICS 68 (Trail Blazers lead 3-1)

Trail Blazers Stats
Bernard King: 24 PTS, 8 REB, 5 AST
Chris Mullin: 21 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST

Sonics Stats
Ralph Sampson: 14 PTS, 8 REB, 3 STL, 2 BLK
Calvin Natt: 18 PTS, 7 REB

***

Game 3: #2 Dallas Mavericks vs. #3 Spirits of St. Louis (Mavericks lead 2-1)

We have a series! The Spirits turned on the defense to take down Dallas in Game 4 and tie the series at two games apiece. Mark Eaton blocked 8 shots as Alvin Robertson held Isiah to 3 of 12 shooting. Otis Birdsong scored 23 to power the Spirits to enough points to pull out the victory.

We return to Dallas for a pivotal Game 5.

SPIRITS 99, Mavericks 91 (Series tied 2-2)

Mavericks Stats
James Worthy: 22 PTS, 8 REB
Brad Daugherty: 21 PTS, 11 REB, 5 AST
Isiah Thomas: 14 PTS, 7 REB, 12 AST
Dell Curry: 11 PTS, 13 REB

Spirits Stats
Otis Birdsong: 23 PTS, 3 STL
Alvin Robertson: 18 PTS, 12 REB, 9 AST, 4 STL
Mark Eaton: 12 PTS, 13 REB, 8 BLK

***

Game 4: #1 Miami Heat vs. #4 Detroit Pistons (Heat lead 3-1)

In a defensive battle, Michael Jordan again shined to put the Heat on the precipice of the Eastern Conference Finals. Both teams shot 40% from the field, and while Tom Chambers did his normal scoring for Detroit no one else is playing well on that end to help him. Sidney Moncrief again held Micheal Ray Richardson to under 10 points, and it has made all the difference.

Miami can advance to their first Eastern Conference Finals with a Game 5 win at home. Will that be the end of the Pistons’ NBA Title defense?

Heat 98 PISTONS 91 (Heat lead 3-1)

Miami Heat
Michael Jordan: 26 PTS, 12 REB, 6 AST, 5 STL
Sidney Moncrief: 16 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST

Pistons Stats
Tom Chambers: 34 PTS, 7 REB, 2 BLK
Micheal Ray Richardson: 9 PTS, 7 REB, 8 AST

***

Game 4: #2 New Orleans Jazz vs. #6 Indiana Pacers vs. (Jazz lead 3-0)

To their credit, the Pacers did not go quietly in Game 4. Indiana took led heading into the 4th. The Jazz came firing back and we had a close game in the final minutes. It was Toby Knight who hit the winner with just 10 seconds left from a pass by Mark Price to keep Indiana alive.

We’ll see if New Orleans can finish the series back in New Orleans.

PACERS 112, Jazz 110 (Jazz lead 3-1)

Jazz Stats
Magic Johnson: 27 PTS, 7 REB, 16 AST
Charles Barkley: 25 PTS, 15 REB, 4 AST, 2 BLK
Detlef Schrempf: 20 PTS, 9 REB, 3 3PM

Pacers Stats
David Robinson: 30 PTS, 10 REB, 6 STL, 6 BLK
James Bailey: 23 PTS, 13 REB, 3 BLK
Mark Price: 8 PTS, 15 AST, 2 STL

***

Game 5: #8 Seattle Supersonics vs. #4 Portland Trail Blazers (Trail Blazers lead 3-1)

The Trail Blazers finished off the Supersonics in Game 5 behind Bernard King’s 30 and Chris Mullin’s 22. Ralph Sampson was very good again for Seattle, although it took him 31 field goal attempts to score his 27 points.

Portland will advance to the Western Conference Finals and face-off with Dallas or St. Louis.

This was a big bounce back season for Seattle. The Sonics missed the playoffs with sub-25 win records for three straight years before returning to winning this year. There are some depth issues they need to figure out and due to the Sampson trade they don’t have draft capital to really do it that way. Most importantly, the development of Kevin Johnson will probably dictate the ceiling for them in the upcoming years.

TRAIL BLAZERS 92, Supersonics 85 (Trail Blazers win 4-1)

Sonics Stats
Ralph Sampson: 27 PTS, 8 REB
Calvin Natt: 8 PTS, 9 REB, 5 AST, 4 STL

Trail Blazers Stats
Bernard King: 30 PTS, 9 REB
Chris Mullin: 22 PTS, 6 REB, 2 STL

***

Game 5: #3 Spirits of St. Louis vs. #2 Dallas Mavericks (Series tied 2-2)

Dallas and St. Louis went back and forth against one another. Each team and player seemed to play well. In the end, the Mavericks were just slightly better, holding onto a late lead and not letting the Spirits make a run. James Worthy scored 29 and Brad Daugherty had 22 (while dealing with Mark Eaton, who seemed to block every shot in his vincinity). Isiah Thomas against struggled to shoot well against Alvin Robertson, but his distribution of the ball allowed Dallas to score everywhere else on the court.

St. Louis will look to force a Game 7 back in St. Louis.

MAVERICKS 113, Spirits 108 (Mavericks lead 3-2)

Spirits Stats
Dale Ellis: 28 PTS, 11/15 FG
Otis Birdsong: 22 PTS
Alvin Robertson: 19 PTS, 7 REB, 14 AST, 3 STL
Buck Williams: 18 PTS, 14 REB
Mark Eaton: 15 REB, 10 BLK

Mavericks Stats
James Worthy: 29 PTS, 5 REB, 3 AST
Brad Daugherty: 22 PTS, 13 REB
Dell Curry: 18 PTS, 4 REB, 3 AST, 2 STL
Isiah Thomas: 16 PTS, 8 REB, 15 AST, 4 STL
Jerome Kersey: 17 PTS, 8 REB, 3 STL, 2 BLK

***

Game 5: #4 Detroit Pistons vs. #1 Miami Heat (Heat lead 3-1)

Detroit kept it close, trying to keep their NBA title defense alive, but once again Michael Jordan was too much for them. MJ again put together an all-around game (26-10-8) to eliminate Detroit and lead Miami to their first Eastern Conference Finals.

The game was neck-and-neck into the 4th, but Jordan and Albert King were able to take score on the defense of Michael Cooper and Dennis Johnson over and over again. And while Micheal Ray Richardson was a bit better here, he still wasn’t much of a factor thanks to The Squid.

Miami waits for the Indiana-New Orleans winner.

The Pistons defended their title valiantly. The concern the Pistons must have though is age. A lot of their main pieces are on the wrong side of 30. Daivd Thompson and Micheal Ray Richardson, who came from New York just two years ago, are each 33 and haven’t been as good as they once were (especially Thompson). DJ is 33 and Cooper is 32. They may bring back most of this team again next year, especially as Tom Chambers is in his prime. But the clock is ticking for title #2.

HEAT 122, Pistons 114 (Heat win 4-1)

Pistons Stats
Tom Chambers: 34 PTS, 9 REB, 6 AST

Miami Heat
Michael Jordan: 26 PTS, 10 REB, 8 AST, 3 STL
Albert King: 22 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST

***

Game 5: #6 Indiana Pacers vs. #2 New Orleans Jazz (Jazz lead 3-1)

Toby Knight became a hero again, hitting two clutch free throws to get Indiana their second straight victory in the series, this one in New Orleans. Charles Barkley looked to win the game for the Jazz on the final possession, but his attempt at the basket was blocked by James Bailey!

Knight had 18, complimenting David Robinson, who put up a 33-12-5-3-4. While Charles Barkley had a huge game again with 31 and 23, it fell just short. Mark Price did well enough against Magic Johnson and as a result Indiana game themselves life in this series. Game 6 is in Indiana, and if they can hold home court one more time they will force a surprising Game 7.

Pacers 113, JAZZ 112 (Jazz lead 3-2)

Pacers Stats
David Robinson: 33 PTS, 12 REB, 5 AST, 3 STL, 4 BLK
Toby Knight: 18 PTS, 8 REB
James Bailey: 6 PTS, 5 BLK
Mark Price: 11 PTS, 5 REB, 11 AST

Jazz Stats
Magic Johnson: 23 PTS, 7 REB, 12 AST, 5 STL
Charles Barkley: 31 PTS, 23 REB, 5 AST
Detlef Schrempf: 18 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST

***

Game 6: #2 Dallas Mavericks vs. #3 Spirits of St. Louis (Mavericks lead 3-2)

Another close one, and this time the Spirits were able to show off their scoring strength to take Game 6 and force a deciding Game 7 for the second time in three seasons against the Mavericks. St. Louis had four players score over 20 points and the Mavericks just fell short.

Each home team has won in the series so far. The Spirits will need to change that in Game 7 in order to make their first Western Conference Finals.

SPIRITS 119, Mavericks 109 (Series tied 3-3)

Mavericks Stats
James Worthy: 24 PTS, 11 REB, 3 STL
Jerome Kersey: 19 PTS, 7 REB, 3 BLK
Dell Curry: 16 PTS, 7 REB, 6 AST
Isiah Thomas: 15 PTS, 13 AST, 2 STL

Spirits Stats
Buck Williams: 27 PTS, 10 REB, 3 STL, 2 BLK
Dale Ellis: 27 PTS
Otis Birdsong: 22 PTS, 4 REB, 5 AST
Alvin Robertson: 22 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST, 4 STL
Mark Eaton: 6 PTS, 12 REB, 5 BLK

***

Game 6: #2 New Orleans Jazz vs. #6 Indiana Pacers vs. (Jazz lead 3-2)

Game 6 was another nailbiter. The Jazz looked to have the Pacers in trouble early, but Indiana came back and the 4th quarter went back-and-forth. While David Robinson wasn’t amazing, Mark Price had the game of his life to keep Indiana in it. Price drilled the game-tying three pointer with Magic Johnson all over him and 15 seconds left in the game.

Ron Brewer gets an open look for the Jazz to win it, but it misses…just for Magic to tip in the shot as the buzzer sounds to WIN for the Jazz! A truly heartbreaking ending for the Pacers.

This sets up a truly exciting Eastern Conference Semi-Finals between the Heat and Jazz, where Michael Jordan and Sidney Moncrief will take on Magic and Chuck.

Indiana still has to hold their heads up high for the season they had. They’ll have to spend money to retain Price, but as long as they have David Robinson they’ll be in the mix.

Jazz 121, PACERS 112 (Jazz win 4-2)

Jazz Stats
Magic Johnson: 29 PTS, 9 REB, 12 AST
Detlef Schrempf: 27 PTS
Charles Barkley: 17 PTS, 22 REB, 2 STL, 2 BLK

Pacers Stats
Mark Price: 24 PTS, 12 REB, 4/9 3P
David Robinson: 23 PTS, 9 REB, 3 BLK
James Bailey: 20 PTS, 8 REB

***

Game 7: #3 Spirits of St. Louis vs. #2 Dallas Mavericks (Series tied 3-3)

It was close heading into the 4th, but it became clear who the best two players on the court were.

James Worthy and Isiah Thomas took over the 4th quarter to lead the Mavericks past the Spirits. Worthy and Isiah combined for 62 points and were unstoppable all night. No one came up huge for St. Louis when needed as Dallas pulled away in the 4th.

Dallas will take on Portland in the Western Conference Finals. This is their third Western Conference Finals in the last five seasons.

St. Louis can’t help but end up disappointed. It was thought that this could have been their year, but they were never able to catch-up to Dallas in the standings and that lack of home court advantage came into play in this series. We’ll definitely see the Spirits run it back, assuming they pay Robertson. That payroll is getting big though.

MAVERICKS 120, Spirits 103 (Mavericks win 4-3)

Spirits Stats
Alvin Robertson: 20 PTS, 7 REB
Otis Birdsong: 17 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST
Mark Eaton: 6 PTS, 13 REB, 6 BLK

Mavericks Stats
James Worthy: 32 PTS, 5 REB, 2 STL
Isiah Thomas: 30 PTS, 6 REB, 11 AST, 3 STL

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Playoff Preview
Western Conference Finals

Best of Seven
#4 Portland Trail Blazers (53-29) vs. #2 Dallas Mavericks (55-27)

Season Results – Mavericks win 3-0
1/9 – Mavericks 115, TRAIL BLAZERS 108 (DAL: I. Thomas: 30 PTS, 11 AST, 4 STL, J. Kersey: 25 PTS, POR: C. Mullin: 38 PTS, 8 REB, D. Walker: 20 PTS, 7 REB, 5 AST, 5 STL)
1/17 – MAVERICKS 120, Trail Blazers 110 (DAL: I. Thomas: 25 PTS, 15 AST, L. Orr: 24 PTS, 9 REB, B. Daugherty: 23 PTS, 9 REB, POR: B. King: 30 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST, J. Newman: 29 PTS)
3/16 – Mavericks 107, TRAIL BLAZERS 105 (DAL: I. Thomas: 27 PTS, 15 AST, J. Worthy: 24 PTS, 10 REB, POR: B. King: 41 PTS, 9 REB, 5 AST, C. Mullin: 25 PTS, 5 AST)

Portland Trail Blazers (53-29)
PPG: 104.5 (14th)
oPPG: 99.1 (5th)
Offensive Eff: 104.6 (10th)
Defensive Eff: 99.3 (5th)
eFG: 47.5% (13th)
Reb%: 51.9% (5th)

Starters/Key Players
C- Alton Lister – 7.5 PPG, 10 RPG, 2.8 BPG
PF- Michael Cage – 11 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 1.1 BPG
SF – Chris Mullin – 22 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.9 SPG, 36.1% 3P
SG – Bernard King – 28.9 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, All-NBA 3rd Team, All-Star
PG – Darrell Walker – 12 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 6.1 APG, 1.9 SPG
6th Man – Johnny Newman – 12.2 PPG

Key Injuries
None

Dallas Mavericks (55-27)
PPG: 111.3 (6th)
oPPG: 103.3 (15th)
Offensive Eff: 107.6 (5th)
Defensive Eff: 99.9 (8th)
eFG: 50% (2nd)
Reb%: 50% (14th)

Starters/Key Players
C – Brad Daugherty – 15.9 PPG, 9 RPG, 52.2% FG
PF – Jerome Kersey – 12.6 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 55.9% FG
SF – James Worthy – 20.6 PPG, 7 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 49.8% FG
SG – Dell Curry – 12.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 37.6% 3P
PG – Isiah Thomas – 25 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 11.3 APG, 2.6 SPG, All-NBA 2nd Team, All-Defense 2nd Team, All-Star

Key Injuries
Gerald Henderson – Bench scoring guard with playoff experience. He’ll miss the entire series.


Series Preview
While Dallas swept the season series 3-0, none of the three games were decisive. Portland’s biggest issue will be stopping Isiah Thomas. But Bernard King has went off against Dallas as well. The Mavericks will need to contain him to avoid an upset. King is currently the 5th best scorer in the playoffs so far. His talent and championship experience were the reasons Portland traded so much to acquire him. So far it has paid off with King leading Portland to their first Conference Finals in a decade. James Worthy vs. Chris Mullin is also an interesting match-up. Mullin will be tested on defense, but Worthy can’t allow Mullin to go off either, which he is capable of. Both teams are relatively deep too, don’t be surprised if there is an unsung hero. This should be an excellent series.

Eastern Conference Finals

Best of Seven
#2 New Orleans Jazz (56-26)vs. #1 Miami Heat (61-21)

Season Results – Jazz win 3-1
12/17 – JAZZ 122, Heat 115 (NOJ: M. Johnson: 20 PTS, 9 REB, 19 AST, 5 STL, C. Barkley: 33 PTS, 12 REB, 2 BLK, MIA: M. Jordan: 22 PTS, 10 REB, 12 AST, X. McDaniel: 26 PTS, 7 REB)
2/24 – Heat 117, JAZZ 109 (MIA: S. Moncrief: 36 PTS, 5 AST, 5 STL, M. Jordan: 25 PTS, 8 REB, 9 AST, NOJ: M. Johnson: 14 PTS, 15 AST, 3 STL, C. Barkley: 12 PTS, 19 REB)
3/31 – Jazz 137, HEAT 122 (NOJ: M. Johnson: 18 PTS, 7 REB, 19 AST, C. Barkley: 32 PTS, 12 REB, MIA: M. Jordan: 43 PTS, 8 REB, 7 AST)
4/1 – Jazz 118, HEAT 115 (M. Johnson: 23 PTS, 8 REB, 10 AST, C. Barkley: 25 PTS, 8 REB, MIA: M. Jordan: 32 PTS, 14 AST, 4 STL, S. Moncrief: 25 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST, 4 STL)

New Orleans Jazz (56-26)
PPG: 119.9 (1st)
oPPG: 112.6 (28th)
Offensive Eff: 112.2 (1st)
Defensive Eff: 105.2 (18th)
eFG%: 51.2% (1st)
Reb%: 53.7% (2nd)

Starters/Key Players
C – Bill Cartwright – 15.5 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.3 BPG, 49.5% FG
PF – Charles Barkley – 25.5 PPG, 13.5 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 56% FG, All-NBA 2nd Team, All-Star
SF – Detlef Schrempf – 17.6 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 55.4% FG, 85.7% FT, 43.5% 3P
SG – Ron Brewer – 8 PPG, 1.2 SPG
PG – Magic Johnson – 22.7 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 12.2 APG, 2.2 SPG, 53.2% FG, 86.2% FT, All-NBA 1st Team, All-Star
6th Man – Quinten Dailey – 11.5 PPG, 1.5 SPG

Key Injuries
None

Miami Heat (61-21)
PPG: 111.6 (4th)
oPPG: 98.1 (4th)
Offensive Eff: 108.1 (2nd)
Defensive Eff: 94.9 (1st)
eFG: 47.9% (10th)
Reb%: 53.9% (1st)

Starters/Key Players
C – Kevin Duckworth – 11.1 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 49.6% FG
PF – Xavier McDaniel – 11.5 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 48.7% FG
SF – Albert King – 9.6 PPG, 5 RPG, 1.1 SPG
SG – Michael Jordan – 30.3 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 6.2 APG, 2.7 SPG, 55.4% FG, 81.5% FT, NBA MVP, All-NBA 1st Team, All-Defense 1st Team, All-Star
PG – Sidney Moncrief – 18.3 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 5.2 APG, 3 SPG, All-Defense 1st Team

Key Injuries
None

Series Preview
Now this is a money match. Magic vs. Michael. While easily the two most important players in the series, they aren’t the only ones who can impact who wins. The Heat will have their hands full stopping Charles Barkley. While Kevin Duckworth and Xavier McDaniel are both formidable, Barkley has shown to go on scoring and rebounding tears that decide entire games. As for Magic, he will have to deal with the two-way game of Sidney Moncrief. Magic did well against Moncrief in the regular season, but Moncrief had his moments too. Then lastly, the Jazz need to make sure Michael Jordan doesn’t go off and overcome any issues Miami has. The current two-time league MVP has played a very strong all-around game all playoffs. The Jazz truthfully have no one to stop him. They’ll need to outscore anything he does. It’s MJ and the Squid against Magic and Barkley with a trip to the Finals on the line!

***

Prediction Contest – Only Predict Conference Finals For Now

Round 1 Results

@AlanSmithee1981: Ewing (5), Trail Blazers (10), King (5), Mavericks (10), Kiki (4), Spirits in 5 (12), Ellis (7), Heat in 4 (12), Jordan (8), Pistons (10), Chambers (5), Jazz in 3 (12), Barkley (6), McHale (9) = 115

@Dubble J: Sonics (10), Ewing (5), Trail Blazers in 3 (12), King (5), Mavericks (10), Isiah (9), Ellis (7), Heat (10), Jordan (8), Pistons (10), Chambers (5), Jazz in 3 (12), Magic (7), Pacers in 4 (12), Woolridge (7) = 129

Round 2 Results

@AlanSmithee1981: Trail Blazers (15), Sampson (16), Mavericks (15), Thomas (25), Heat in 5 (18), Jordan (18), Jazz (15), Barkley (20) = 142 + 115 = 257

@Dubble J: King (11), Mavericks (15), Thomas (25), Heat (15), Jordan (18), Jazz in 6 (18), Robinson (24) = 126 + 129 = 255

Pick the Winning Team (20 Points) and the Amount of Games that Team Wins in (4)

As a bonus, pick a player for each series. You will receive their fantasy points (same system as regular season) (rounded up, then 4x).

***

Stats Site​

 

[Dubb]

Mavs in 7 (King)
Jazz in 7 (Jordan)

 

[AlanSmithee1981]

Mavericks in 7 (Isiah Thomas), Heat in 7 (Michael Jordan)...