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Grimoire Lenin

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Still though, what an impeccable swing of things for my predictions. :heston
 

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1980playoffs3.jpg


Game 1 - #5 Salt Lake Stallions at #2 Denver Nuggets

Unsurprisingly, the Stallions kept their high scoring ways and won a shootout in Denver to steal home court advantage once again. Salt Lake’s scoring was top heavy, 112 of their 124 points were scored by Bernard King (40), Pistol Pete (37) and Adrian Dantley (35). Dan Issel got the better of Artis Gilmore, scoring 39 and keeping Gilmore off the court, but it wasn’t enough. Skywalker added 29.

Stallions 124, NUGGETS 116 (Stallions lead 1-0)

Stallions Stats

Bernard King: 40 PTS, 10 REB, 5 AST, 12/22 FG, 16/21 FT
Pete Maravich: 37 PTS, 10/16 FG, 5/7 3P, 12/12 FT
Adrian Dantley: 35 PTS, 9 REB, 11/23 FG, 13/15 FT

Nuggets Stats
Dan Issel: 39 PTS, 9 REB, 13/26 FG
David Thompson: 29 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST, 2 BLK, 11/15 FG, 7/12 FT


***

Game 1 -
#2 Houston Rockets at #1 Philadelphia 76ers

A one point game heading into the 4th, but the 76ers hounded Moses Malone and while they didn’t stop him, he went for a 28-19, they did force 7 turnovers and the Sixers pulled away in the 4th to take Game 1. The Rockets turned the ball over 29 times. Maurice Cheeks had 5 steals, and Dr. J, Robert Parish, and Bobby Jones all had multiple steals. Parish also held his own against Malone, with 28.

76ERS 112, Rockets 103 (76ers lead 1-0)

Rockets Stats

Moses Malone: 28 PTS, 19 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL, 2 BLK, 7 TO, 11/18 FG, 6/8 FT
Mike Dunleavy: 18 PTS, 9 REB, 6 AST, 3 STL

76ers Stats
Robert Parish: 28 PTS, 6 REB, 11/20 FG
Julius Erving: 22 PTS, 7 REB, 6 AST, 3 STL, 9/15 FG
Doug Collins: 24 PTS, 9/16 FG


***

Game 2 - #5
Salt Lake Stallions at #2 Denver Nuggets (Stallions lead 1-0)


Adrian Dantley
put together another 48 minute masterpiece, scoring 39 points, but the Nuggets’ strong second half and Dantley, Artis Gilmore and Bernard King’s struggle to hold onto the ball led to Denver tying the series at 1. David Thompson dropped 30 and Dan Issel had 29. Dantley, Gilmore and King combined for 19 turnovers while Gary Garland and Issel had 5 steals apiece.

NUGGETS 115, Stallions 107 (Series tied 1-1)

Stallions Stats

Adrian Dantley: 39 PTS, 12 REB, 4 AST, 11/19 FG, 17/20 FT
Artis Gilmore: 25 PTS, 9 REB, 2 BLK, 9/11 FG, 7/8 FT, 6 TO
Bernard King: 14 PTS, 8 TO

Nuggets Stats
David Thompson: 30 PTS, 9 REB, 11/23 FG, 8/8 FT
Dan Issel: 29 PTS, 8 REB, 5 STL, 13/22 FG
Gary Garland: 11 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST, 5 STL


***

Game 2 -
#2 Houston Rockets at #1 Philadelphia 76ers (76ers lead 1-0)

The Sixers stayed one step ahead of Houston in Game 2. Only Moses Malone and Robert Reid got anything going as they made 18 of 28 of Houston’s field goals. Julius Erving led Philly with 29 points while Robert Parish held his own on the glass. The series moves onto Houston in a must-win situation as they are now down 0-2.

76ERS 86, Rockets 75 (76ers lead 2-0)

Rockets Stats

Moses Malone: 27 PTS, 12 REB, 11/23 FG, 5/5 FT
Robert Reid: 15 PTS, 9 REB, 7/11 FG

76ers Stats
Julius Erving: 29 PTS, 13/21 FG
Doug Collins: 22 PTS, 7/15 FG, 8/10 FT
Robert Parish: 12 PTS, 15 REB, 4 BLK


***

Game 3 -
#2 Denver Nuggets at #5 Salt Lake Stallions (Series tied 1-1)

The Nuggets blew the game open with a 39 point third quarter, and were up 104-97 with 2 minutes to go. Maravich hits a three though, making it 104-100. Artis Gilmore fouls Dan Issel and sends him to the line. Issel hits both, going up 106-100. The Stallions find another three points, as Adrian Dantley drives to the hole with a monstrous jam over Issel, who commits the foul. The crowd goes wild as Dantley hits the free throw, making it 106-103.

Denver can’t get a shot off, excellent defense was played by the Stallions, and they turn the ball over with a shot clock violation, leaving a minute left. Maravich finds Dantley on the other end to make it a 1 point game. David Thompson takes a shot with 22 seconds left from the free throw line, but it goes in and out! Dantley grabs the rebound. It’s not Dantley, but Bernard King who shoots the winning 12 footer, putting the Stallions up 107-106 with 2 seconds left! Denver calls timeout and finds Thompson on the inbound play, but Dantley blocks the shot from behind! The Stallions steal the win from the Nuggets! Thompson is clearly dejected with how the last two minutes played out.

STALLIONS 107, Nuggets 106 (Stallions lead 2-1)

Nuggets Stats

David Thompson: 30 PTS, 3 REB, 3 AST, 7/18 FG, 16/21 FT
Dan Issel: 30 PTS, 10 REB, 2 BLK, 11/18 FG, 8/9 FT
George McInnis: 17 PTS, 10 REB, 5 STL, 6/11 FG, 5/6 FT

Stallions Stats
Adrian Dantley: 29 PTS, 9 REB, 5 AST, 12/24 FG, 5/5 FT
Bernard King: 32 PTS, 9/19 FG, 14/17 FT, Game Winning Shot
Pete Maravich: 19 PTS, 6/15 F, 5/8 3P


***

Game 3 - #1
Philadelphia 76ers at #2 Houston Rockets (76ers lead 2-0)

The Rockets had a lot of opportunities, but struggled from the floor. While Moses scored 30, it took 32 shots to get there. Dr. J and Doug Collins led the Sixers to a big win as they pulled away in the second half. Houston couldn’t hang at all and now face the potential of being swept.

76ers 113, ROCKETS 89 (76ers lead 3-0)

76ers Stats

Julius Erving: 25 PTS, 7 REB, 5 AST, 11/20 FG
Doug Collins: 27 PTS, 10/14 FG, 7/9 FT
Bobby Jones: 16 PTS, 5/7 FG, 6/9 FT, 5 REB, 5 AST, 5 BLK

Rockets Stats
Moses Malone: 30 PTS, 14 REB, 13/32 FG
Robert Reid: 13 PTS, 5 REB, 3 STL, 6/11 FG


***

Game 4 -
#2 Denver Nuggets at #5 Salt Lake Stallions (Stallions lead 2-1)


Game 4 was a back-and-forth classic. John Roche hit a jumper for the Nuggets with just 8 seconds left, tying the game at 114. Salt Lake gets the ball to the Pistol and he hits a moving shot from the baseline, giving the Stallions the lead with 4 second left! Denver comes out of a timeout looking for Skywalker, but Roche gets the ball and hits his second straight huge shot to tie the game at 116 to force overtime!

With 3 minutes left in overtime, John Roche steals a pass from Bernard King to Adrian Dantley and hits a layup to put the Nuggets up 123-118. Dantley responds with a dunk to make it 123-120. With 2 minutes left Artis Gilmore hits a small bunny to make it a 1 point game. Dan Issel misses a layup, but George Johnson manages to get a tip in and Denver goes back up 125-122. Maravich finds Gilmore on the other end, making it 125-124. With 48 seconds left, Bernard King hits a shot from the post, using the glass, and the Stallions go up 126-125. Dantley breaks up a pass from Issel to Thompson, but a questionable foul was called on Dantley. With 11 seconds left, Issel gets a shot off but it misses. Dantley gets fouled and makes his two free throws, and the Nuggets don’t have a chance to shoot for the tie. Another huge win for the Stallions, as they go up 3-1 and look to close things out in Denver.

STALLIONS 128, Nuggets 125 (OT) (Stallions lead 3-1)

Nuggets Stats

David Thompson: 32 PTS, 7 REB, 8 AST, 12/24 FG, 7/12 FT
George McInnis: 25 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST, 3 STL, 10/16 FG
Dan Issel: 25 PTS, 8 REB, 4 AST
John Roche: 17 PTS, 8 AST, 8/17 FG

Stallions Stats
Adrian Dantley: 35 PTS, 5 REB, 7 AST, 12/21 FG, 11/14 FT
Bernard King: 31 PTS, 15 REB, 5 AST, 12/21 FG, Game Winning Shot
Pete Maravich: 31 PTS, 3 REB, 4 AST, 11/20 FG, 4/9 3P, 5/8 FT
Artis Gilmore: 20 PTS, 7 REB, 9/14 FG


***

Game 4 - #1
Philadelphia 76ers at #2 Houston Rockets (76ers lead 3-0)

With the Sixers playing their best ball but the Rockets refusing to go down quietly, we got our second classic Game 4 of these Conference Finals.

Moses, playing like the MVP, gets a dunk and Robert Parish’s attempt to hack and stop him fails. Moses drains the free throw, and the Rockets trim the Sixer lead to two, 118-116. Doug Collins, who’s been having a great series, responds with a jumper from the left wing to push it back to four. The Sixers are all over Moses, but this allows Allen Leavell to find Mike Dunleavy to hit a jumper and bring it back to 120-118. Moses knocks the ball out of Parish’s hands, giving the Rockets a chance to tie with 53 seconds left. Moses finds Dunleavy driving in, and the game is tied with 48 seconds left.

Bobby Jones banks a shot off the class to give the Sixers back the lead, 122-120. Leavell sends the ball to Robert Reid, who sends it to Moses at the free throw line. Moses fakes out Parish and gets a layup to tie the game again with just 21 seconds left. Bobby Jones misses a potential series winning jumper and we head to OT.

After a minute of a couple of misses, Bobby Jones gets a nice pass from Dr. J to put the Sixers up 124-122 in OT. Moses refuses to give up and hits a nice turn around from the post to tie it up again. We get a pair of great defensive plays from both teams as Rick Barry finds a steal, but Dollins blocks Dunleavy on the other end. Robert Reid ends up taking a shot and gets fouled by Jones. He hits both free throws to put Houston up 126-124. Erving, looking to take over, drives in and gets enough height that his layup is unblockable. 126-126. Robert Reid responds with a bank shot to make it 128-126 with 2:55 left. Moses blocks a Doug Collins inside shot, and Dr. J ends up getting called for the charge on the offensive rebound, causing him to foul out!

Reid loses the ball and Maurice Cheeks gets a layup with 2 minutes left, tying the game at 128. With 1:38 and Dr. J on the sidelines, the Sixers go to Parish against the MVP, and Parish finds a good shot to put Philly up 130-128. Reid misses on the other end. Parish gets free and Rudy T fouls him as he goes up. Parish makes one of two, putting Philly up by three. With time running out Steve Mix of the Sixers misses and the Rockets bring the ball down. Mike Dunleavy gets a good look from three, but it misses and the Sixers hold on to finish off the sweep.

76ers 131, ROCKETS 128 (OT) (76ers win 4-0)

76ers Stats

Julius Erving: 40 PTS, 8 REB, 8 AST, 12/19 FG, 15/19 FT
Robert Parish: 26 PTS, 14 REB, 10/16 PG, 9 TO
Bobby Jones: 22 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST, 8/9 FG

Rockets Stats
Moses Malone: 46 PTS, 17 REB, 2 STL, 6 BLK, 20/30 FG, 6/10 FT
Mike Dunleavy: 21 PTS, 7 AST, 6/13 FG, 2/5 3P, 7/8 FT


***

Game 5 - #5
Salt Lake Stallions at #2 Denver Nuggets (Stallions lead 3-1)


The Nuggets took care of home court to keep their season alive. Denver went up 39-29 and never looked back. Dan Issel and David Thompson combined for their usual 60+ in this game, while only Adrian Dantley got going for Salt Lake. The Stallions will look to move past this and win the series at home in Game 6.

NUGGETS 127, Stallions 94 (Stallions lead 3-2)

Stallions Stats

Adrian Dantley 38 PTS, 5 REB, 2 STL, 11/21 FG, 16/17 FT
Artis Gilmore: 13 PTS, 10 REB, 5 AST, 5 BLK

Nuggets Stats
Dan Issel: 32 PTS, 9 REB, 4 AST, 10/20 FG, 12/14 FT
David Thompson: 30 PTS, 6 REB, 12/19 FG, 6/9 FT


***

Game 6 -
#2 Denver Nuggets at #5 Salt Lake Stallions (Stallions lead 3-2)

Once again, the Nuggets kept things close. Skywalker, who’s taken over the game at this point, hits a shot from the right wing to put Denver up 109-108 with 2:50 left. Adrian Dantley, who is again working on a 48 minute game, misses a layup. John Roche gets to the line and hits both, making it 111-108. Bernard King finds Maravich and he hits a shot to bring it back to a 1 point game. Denver looks for Issel, but he can’t find a shot. He finds Thompson though and Skywalker hits a shot from the baseline to put Denver back up 3 with 2 minutes left.

The Stallions take their time to find the right shot, and Dantley takes one late into the shot clock and makes it a 113-112 game, once again putting the Stallions within 1. Thompson tries to respond again, but he misses and Artis Gilmore grabs the rebound. The Salt Lake City crowd gets loud as the Stallions look to take the lead, but Issel surprises Gilmore with a block with 40 seconds left! Gilmore looks for a foul, and Thompson runs down the court and gets a layup to make it 115-112 with 17 seconds left! The Stallions try to get to Maravich to tie the game but he can’t get one off and passes to King. King also gets nowhere and Gilmore gets the ball, but time runs out and Denver forces a Game 7! The Stallions and their fans are stunned.

Nuggets 115, STALLIONS 112 (Series tied 3-3)

Nuggets Stats

David Thompson: 43 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST, 15/23 FG, 13/14 FT
Dan Issel: 36 PTS, 17 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL, 3 BLK, 15/32 FG
John Roche: 10 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST

Stallions Stats
Adrian Dantley: 35 PTS, 7 REB, 11/17 FG, 13/15 FT
Bernard King: 29 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST, 12/16 FG
Artis Gilmore: 20 PTS, 9 REB, 8/15 FG


***

Game 7 - #5
Salt Lake Stallions at #2 Denver Nuggets (Series tied 3-3)

It’ll go down as one of the all-time great duels in NBA playoff history. Adrian Dantley and David Thompson traded basket for basket. While Dantley slightly won the battle statistically, scoring 45, Thompson’s 39 led Denver to victory. Denver completed a 3-1 comeback to punch in their trip to the NBA Finals. The Nuggets make sure to congratulate Dantley, who went all-out all season. Denver will meet Philly, where the NBA Finals will feature an ABA duel between Dr. J and Thompson.

NUGGETS 127, Stallions 119 (Nuggets win 4-3)

Stallions Stats

Adrian Dantley 45 PTS, 6 AST, 15/23 FG, 15/18 FT
Pete Maravich: 19 PTS, 5/11 FG, 5/7 3P
Bernard King: 25 PTS

Nuggets Stats
David Thompson: 39 PTS, 5 REB, 6 AST, 10/17 FG, 19/22 FT
Dan Issel: 22 PTS, 9 REB, 5 AST, 2 STL, 8/17 FG
George Johnson: 11 PTS, 8 REB, 3 STL



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1980playoffs4.jpg


Preview

Best of Seven (2-3-2)
#2 Denver Nuggets (59-23) vs. #1
Philadelphia 76ers (61-21)

January 17, 1980 – 76ERS 113, Nuggets 95
March 24, 1980 – NUGGETS 101, 76ers 100

Denver Nuggets
Record: 59-23
PPG: 104.3 (7th)
oPPG: 100 (3rd)
Offensive Eff: 106 (8th)
Defensive Eff: 101.4 (4th)
eFG: 48.5% (8th)
Reb%: 50.8% (7th)

Starters/Key Players
Dan Issel – 22.8 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 49.4% FG, All-Star
George McInnis – 12 PPG, 7.3 RPG
David Thompson – 28.6 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 50.1% FG, 81.3% FT, All-Star, All-NBA 2nd Team
Gary Garland – 7.4 PPG, 1.7 SPG
John Roche – 12.4 PPG, 4 APG
George Johnson – 7.6 PPG, 6.2 RPG

Key Injuries
None

Philadelphia 76ers
Record: 61-21
PPG: 110.3 (2nd)
oPPG: 100.4 (5th)
Offensive Eff: 109.6 (2nd)
Defensive Eff: 99.6 (1st)
eFG: 50.9% (3rd)
Reb%: 52% (2nd)

Starters/Key Players
Robert Parish – 23 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 2.3 BPG, 55% FG, All-Star, MIP, All-NBA 3rd Team
Bobby Jones – 12.1 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 1 BPG
Julius Erving – 27.8 PPG, 6 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.8 SPG, 1.2 BPG, All-Star, All-NBA 2nd Team
Doug Collins – 16.7 PPG
Maurice Cheeks – 12.1 PPG, 6.5 APG
Caldwell Jones – 5 PPG, 6.4 RPG

Key Injuries
None

***

Prediction Contest – ONLY PREDICT THE FINALS

1st Round –
Picking the Winning Team is worth 10 Points, Picking the Exact Amount of Games is worth 2 Points

Results

No One Predicted!

Semi-Finals – Picking the Winning Team is worth 25 Points, Picking the Exact Amount of Games is worth 5 Points

Results

We had one prediction! Unfortunately, @Grimini Killer scored no points as each series went the other way!

Conference Finals – Picking the Winning is worth 50 Points, Picking the Exact Amount of Games is worth 10 Points

Results

@Grimini Killer – 50 Points
Grim is on the board getting Denver correct. Will anyone contend against in the Finals?

NBA Finals – Picking the Winning Team is Worth 100 Points, Picking the Exact Amount of Games is worth 20 Points

Guessing the Finals MVP: Worth 20 Points

Winning the Competition Each Year: Worth +10%


I will eventually find use for prediction points, as you will keep them over the years. Predictions accepted until Semi Results are posted.

Stats Site
 
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Grimoire Lenin

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Nuggets in 7 :garrett
 

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1980playoffs4.jpg


(All Box Scores to be added after the end of the season)

Game 1 - #2 Denver Nuggets at #1 Philadelphia 76ers

Game 1 already delivered an epic Dr. J vs. Skywalker duel…it was a close game the whole way and it went down to the wire. With 4:15 left Thompson followed up a John Roche miss with a thunderous dunk, tying the game at 91. Dan Issel blocks Bobby Jones, giving Denver the initiative. Issel throws the ball way on the inbound. Maurice Cheeks hits a shot from the wing to make it 93-91 Philly. John Roche misses on the other end, and Doug Collins gets to the line as he’s fouled by Thompson. Collins hits both, making it 95-91 Sixers.

Collins gets a steal, but Erving ends up getting called for a 3 second violation which results in huge jeers from the crowd to the referees. Issel hits a layup to make it a two point game with 2:36 left. Bobby Jones misses, but Issel gets called for traveling on the other end (a make-up call perhaps). Dr. J can’t find a shot and Cheeks takes one, but he misses. George McInnis gets fouled by Collins, sending him to the line. The crowd roars when he misses the first, but he makes the second and it’s 95-94. With a minute left Cheeks finds Dr. J who hits the layup to make it 97-94. Skywalker tries to tie it up, but Collins fouls him on the layup and the ball just rims out to Thompson’s frustration. Thompson makes the first, but the second rims out. 97-95 Sixers with 49 seconds left.

Gary Garland steals the ball from Robert Parish! Thompson takes a shot to tie from the free throw line, but it rims out! Denver elects to let the clock tick, and Dr. J fails to put the game away as he misses a jumper with 3 seconds left. Denver calls timeout and it’s McInnis who gets a shot off from the right wing, but it misses and the Sixers survive Game 1. Thompson had 45, but Dr. Jr’s 38 was enough to offset.

76ERS 97, Nuggets 95 (76ers lead 1-0)

Nuggets Stats

David Thompson: 45 PTS, 10 REB, 2 BLK, 18/34 FG
Dan Issel: 18 PTS, 9 REB, 2 BLK, 6/9 FG

76ers Stats
Julius Erving: 38 PTS, 8 REB, 3 STL, 4 BLK, 15/21 FG
Robert Parish: 13 PTS, 10 REB
Bobby Jones: 13 PTS, 12 REB, 4 STL, 2 BLK, 4/7 FG


***

Game 2 -
#2 Denver Nuggets at #1 Philadelphia 76ers


Game 2 was as close as Game 1, but unfortunately some of the late game issues that plagued Denver in the Western Conference Finals appeared here. David Thompson breaks a full court press to hit a layup to make it 110-104 Denver with 3:37 left…but it would be the last points the Nuggets would score. Philly would score 11 straight points. A Dr. J jam, two free throws and a layup from Bobby Jones tied it. Robert Parish gets the go ahead basket, and Maurice Cheeks and Dr. J added three free throws. Denver blanked on their last six possessions and missed two free throws to allow Philly to win and go up 2-0.

76ERS 115, Nuggets 110 (76ers lead 2-0)

Nuggets Stats

David Thompson: 32 PTS, 3 REB, 3 AST, 12/22 FG
John Roche: 21 PTS, 7 AST, 6/10 FG, 2/3 3P, 7/7 FT
Gary Garland: 11 PTS, 3 REB, 5 AST, 3 STL, 2 BLK, 4/8 FG, 2/2 FT
Dan Issel: 17 PTS, 8 REB

76ers Stats
Julius Erving: 23 PTS, 6 AST, 2 STL
Robert Parish: 22 PTS, 12 REB, 9/14 FG, 4/4 FT
Maurice Cheeks: 11 PTS, 11 AST, 6 STL


***

Game 3 - #1
Philadelphia 76ers at #2 Denver Nuggets


Unlike in Game 2, Denver put on the jets in Game 3. Down by four, the Nuggets won the fourth quarter 30-14 to hand the Sixers their first defeat of the playoffs. David Thompson scored 26 and got a little more help from his team than Dr. J. Denver hit 57% of their shots in the victory.

NUGGETS 114, 76ers 102 (76ers lead 2-1)

76ers Stats

Julius Erving: 33 PTS, 3 AST, 11/20 FG, 11/11 FT
Robert Parish: 23 PTS, 12 REB, 2 STL, 2 BLK, 10/15 FG
Maurice Cheeks: 7 PTS, 7 REB, 6 AST

Nuggets Stats
David Thompson: 26 PTS, 9 REB, 11/18 FG
Dan Issel: 22 PTS, 5 REB, 9/18 FG, 4/4 FT
George McInnis: 18 PTS, 11 REB, 6 ST, 7/12 FG
John Roche: 13 PTS, 7 AST, 2 STL, 2 BLK, 6/9 FG
George Johnson: 13 PTS, 6 REB, 4 STL, 5/6 FG


***

Game 4 - #1
Philadelphia 76ers at #2 Denver Nuggets

Denver took 25 more field goals than Philadelphia, but shot below 40% as they blew an opportunity to tie the series. David Thompson, Dan Issel and Gary Garland combined to shoot 15/45. Dr. J led the way for Philly with 23 points and Robert Parish blocked 10 shots. Philly has a chance to win their third NBA Champions in Denver for Game 5.

76ers 104, NUGGETS 96 (76ers lead 3-1)

76ers Stats

Julius Erving: 23 PTS, 11 REB, 4 AST, 8/15 FG
Robert Parish: 18 PTS, 7 REB, 10 BLK
Maurice Cheeks: 15 PTS, 4 REB, 3 AST, 2 STL, 5/5 FG, 1/1 3P

Nuggets Stats
David Thompson: 27 PTS, 11 REB, 4 AST, 6/18 FG, 15/18 FT
John Roche: 20 PTS, 7/12 FG, 2 STL
Dan Issel: 14 PTS, 6 REB


***

Game 5 - #1
Philadelphia 76ers at #2 Denver Nuggets


The Sixers deflated the Denver crowd in the McNichols Sports Arena with a 27-14 first quarter and the Nuggets never got back into the game. Dr. J led the way to his first Finals MVP, scoring 32 points. Bench player Tom Boswell found 18 points for Denver and David Thompson ended with 17.

76ers 114, NUGGETS 92 (76ers win 4-1)

76ers Stats

Julius Erving: 32 PTS, 6 REB, 3 AST, 4 STL, 9/17 FG, 14/15 FT
Robert Parish: 22 PTS, 10 REB, 4 BLK, 7/11 FG
Bobby Jones: 14 PTS, 8 REB, 5/10 FG

Nuggets Stats
Tom Boswell: 18 PTS, 7/10 FG, 4/4 FT
David Thompson: 17 PTS, 8/16 FG
George McInnis: 10 PTS, 15 REB


1980playoffs5.jpg

Prediction Contest

1st Round –
Picking the Winning Team is worth 10 Points, Picking the Exact Amount of Games is worth 2 Points

Results

No One Predicted!

Semi-Finals – Picking the Winning Team is worth 25 Points, Picking the Exact Amount of Games is worth 5 Points

Results

We had one prediction! Unfortunately, @Grimini Killer scored no points as each series went the other way!


Conference Finals – Picking the Winning is worth 50 Points, Picking the Exact Amount of Games is worth 10 Points

Results

@Grimini Killer – 50 Points

NBA Finals – Picking the Winning Team is Worth 100 Points, Picking the Exact Amount of Games is worth 20 Points

Guessing the Finals MVP: Worth 20 Points

Winning the Competition Each Year: Worth +10%

Results

@Grimini Killer – 55 Points

Grim was wrong about the Finals, but as the only predictor is the first winner! He gets a 10% increase on his total score and those 55 points will always be in reserve. Congrats!

Prediction points will likely be used in the 2020s once I run out of real players, and those points will help create players. Yes I plan to make this BTB last that long!

Stats Site
 
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Post #2 is updated with up to date information.

The All-Star Game, Final Regular Season Post Notable Games and All Playoff Games have box scores added!

The off-season will likely be one giant post and then we'll get rolling to 80-81. Thanks to all following so far!
 
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1980 NBA Off-Season

The NBA off-season began with some team movement, expansion and some coaching changes. As announced previously, the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks relocated to the Central Division of the Eastern Conference, while the two Texan teams, the San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets move to the Midwest. A third Texas based team, the expansion Dallas Mavericks also joins the Midwest while the Miami Heat join the Atlantic Division. This should make things a lot more difficult in the Western Conference as the Spurs and Rockets were playoff teams while Chicago is rebuilding and Milwaukee is a question mark. The playoff format will remain the same for the ’80-’81, ’81-’82, and ’82-’83 seasons (although there is talk about the opening round series going from Best of Three to Best of Five). For the ’83-’84 season, the New Orleans Jazz will return to the NBA in the Central division, as well as a franchise in Sacramento.

Chuck Daly, an assistant coach for the NBA Champion 76ers, has left Philly to guide and coach the new Heat. Frank Layden, a former assistant coach for the Hawks well take his first head coaching job in Dallas. Jerry Sloan is out in Chicago, with assistant Phil Johnson replacing him. Don Nelson is out in Milwaukee, with former ABA coach Bill Musselman taking over. Dick Motta has left Washington and has been replaced by LA Clippers Head Coach Gene Shue. Shue left LA and was replaced by Rockets assistant Scotty Robertson.

Next up was the first ever NBA Draft Lottery. All teams who missed the playoffs last year (or who owned the 1st round pick of a team not in the playoffs) were put in a lottery where three teams had a chance to rise to the top 3 selection seeds. The Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat were not permitted to join the lottery, but were locked into the #4 and #5 overall selections (to be decided by a coinflip). Here were the pre-lottery odds.

1. Nets
2. Bulls
3. Cavs
4. Bucks
5. Pistons
6. Kings
7. Warriors
8. Clippers
9. Hawks
10. Bullets

The lottery took place in Secaucus, NJ. The lottery draft spots were announced in reverse order.

12. Bullets
11. Hawks
10. Warriors

This meant the Clippers had a shot at the top three.

9. Bucks
8. Pistons

This meant the Kings leaped into the top three.

7. Cavs
6. Bulls
5. Mavericks (Lost Coinflip to Miami)
4. Heat (Won Coinflip against Dallas)

The top 3 were revealed…

3. Kings
2. Clippers
1. Nets

The Nets were thrilled to add to the core of Calvin Natt and Cliff Robinson with another young star.

Next, the Mavericks and Heat participated in an expansion draft made up of players that teams chose to not protect. Dallas and Miami took very different approaches. Both Dallas and Miami do not have full access to their entire salary cap. Dallas decided to draft many two year contract players, meaning they have a roster full of veterans. Elvin Hayes from the Bullets, Swen Nater from the Clippers and Calvin Murphy from the Rockets all were picked by Dallas despite expensive contracts. Miami went a different route, drafting tons of young players. The draft went as follows, with the team listed being the team they were drafted from.

1. Mavericks – Elvin Hayes, Bullets
1. Heat – Clint Richardson, Sixers
2. Mavericks – Swen Nater, Clippers
2. Heat – Andre Wakefield, Bulls
3. Mavericks – Calvin Murphy, Rockets
3. Heat – Jeff Judkins, Celtics
4. Mavericks – John Johnson, Sonics
4. Heat – Sylvester Norris, Spurs
5. Mavericks – Charlie Scott, Nuggets
5. Heat – Marlon Redmond, Kings
6. Mavericks – Bingo Smith, Cavs
6. Heat – Tony Zeno, Pacers
7. Mavericks – Joe Meriweather, Knicks
7. Heat – Roy Lee Hamilton, Pistons
8. Mavericks – Bob Gross, Trail Blazers
8. Heat – Brad Holland, Lakers
9. Mavericks – Sam Smith, Bulls
9. Heat – Pat Cummings, Bucks
10. Mavericks – Darnell Hillman, Warriors
10. Heat – Ernie Grunfield, Suns
11. Mavericks – Steve Hawes, Hawks
11. Heat – George Johnson, Nuggets

Next was the NBA Rookie draft.

NBADraftlogo-e1665026029600.png


There was no true consensus for the #1 pick. The Nets decided to compliment Calvin Natt and Cliff Robertson with exciting highlight reel guard Darrell Griffth.

1. Nets – Darrell Griffith

The Clippers perhaps tipped their hand when they allowed Swen Nater to go to Dallas in the expansion draft. They picked center Joe Barry Carroll.

2. Clippers – Joe Barry Carroll

Next the first trade of the draft took place. The Cavaliers sent 2nd year man Bill Laimbeer with the #7 pick in this draft for the #3 and a second round pick in this draft as well (the #32). The Cavs got their man in Kevin McHale.

3. Cavs (From Kings) – Kevin McHale
4. Andrew Toney
5. Kiki Vandeweghe

The two expansions went next, taking scorers who may be the first face of their franchises. Seattle and Chicago made a trade, as Chicago sent the #6 and #14 picks in this draft for youngsters Johnny Moore, Vinnie Johnson and the 1982 Sonics 1st Round pick.

6. Sonics (From Bulls) – Mike Gminski
7. Kings (From Cavs) – Mike O’Koren
8. Pistons – Jeff Ruland
9. Bucks – Mike Woodson
10. Warriors – Butch Carter

The Lakers decided to give Magic the complete keys to Showtime, sending Norm Nixon to Atlanta with the #24 for the #11 and the 1981 1st Round pick for Atlanta.

11. Lakers (From Hawks) – Rick Mahorn
12. Bullets – Rory Sparrow
13. Trail Blazers – Darwin Cook
14. Sonics (From Stallions, via Bulls) – Bill Hanzlik
15. Suns – Jawann Oldham
16. Pacers – Kurt Nimphius
17. Spurs – Wes Matthews
18. Knicks – Michael Wiley
19. Sonics – Louis Orr
20. Rockets – Larry Drew
21. Celtics – Kurt Rambis
22. Nuggets – Mike Harper
23. Warriors (from Sixers) – Larry Smith
24. Hawks (from Lakers) – Rickey Brown

We won’t cover the 2nd round, but you can view the site for more info.

FREE AGENCY

There were some major surprises. With the cap increasing and the introduction of soft cap rules teams had money to spend to build their teams, but to a limit. Darryl Dawkins kicked things off resigning with the Warriors for 7 Years for over $6,000,000 total, a max contract. Robert Parish resigned with the champion Sixers for the same amount. Alex English also returned to Indiana for a max, while the Pacers also resigned Johnny Davis for 4 Years, $1,150,000. The Stallions brought back scoring machine Adrian Dantley for the max. The Suns brought back key pieces Paul Westphal and Alvan Adams for 3 year deals worth a little more than $1,000,000. The Lakers were able to secure Jamaal Wilkes for 5 years and nearly $3,000,000.

Some notable players signed with new teams. Notable 1979 Finals MVP Dennis Johnson left the Sonics to sign with the Rockets for 6 Years and nearly $5,000,000. The Rockets also added scorer Kevin Grevey with a 4 year deal. The Spurs also added some help for George Gervin, getting Campy Russell for a great 4 year deal that’s worth less than half-a-million, and APG leader John Lucas for 2 years and $700K. Sixers defender Caldwell Jones went to rival Boston, and Ricky Sobers joined him as well.

And with that, we are on the cusp of the 1980-1981 season! Preview is next!
 
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1980-1981 Season Preview

1980-1981 Team Information

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division

Boston Celtics

1980 Record: 55-27 (2nd in Atlantic, Lost in Semi-Finals to Rockets)
Head Coach: Bill Fitch (2nd Year)
Key Players: Larry Bird (26 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.7 SPG, 48-91-34%), Cedric Maxwell (14.4 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 54% FG), Tiny Archibald (12.9 PPG, 7 APG, 1 SPG)
FBB Ranking: 4/24

Larry Bird ended up being everything Boston hoped. Can he lead the Celtics to a title in season #2? Newcomers Ricky Sobers for scoring and Caldwell Jones for defense should help.


Miami Heat
1980 Record: Expansion
Head Coach: Chuck Daly (1st Year)
Key Players: Andrew Toney (Rookie, #4 Pick)
FBB Ranking: 24/24

Going to be a tough inaugural season for Miami, but rookie Toney is a good start.


New Jersey Nets
1980 Record: 19-63 (5th in Atlantic)
Head Coach: Kevin Loughery (8th Year)
Key Players: Cliff Robinson (20.9 PPG, 7.5 RPG), Calvin Natt (20.6 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 3.5 APG, 15 Games), Darrell Griffth (Rookie, #1 Pick)
FBB Ranking: 19/24

Darrell Griffth, Calvin Natt and Cliff Robinson should provide a fun young trio that hopefully can stay healthy. Probably still a year away from making a playoff run, but the Eastern Conference did weaken so we will see.

New York Knicks
1980 Record: 48-34 (3rd in Atlantic, Lost to Spurs in Round 1)
Head Coach: Red Holzman (13th Year)
Key Players: Bill Cartwright (20.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.1 BPG, 52.1% FG), Ray Williams (15 PPG, 1.5 SPG), Micheal Ray Richardson (16 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 8 APG, 2.3 SPG)
FBB Ranking: 11/24

There’s excitement in New York after a good, improved run last year. Micheal Ray Richardson improved greatly and rookie Bill Cartwright had a great season as the Knicks returned to the playoffs. The challenge? Playing in the same division as the Celtics and champion 76ers.

Philadelphia 76ers
1980 Record: 61-21 (1st in Atlantic, NBA Champions)
Head Coach: Billy Cunningham (3rd Year)
Key Players: Robert Parish (23 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 2.3 BPG, 55% FG), Bobby Jones (12.1 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 1 BPG), Julius Erving (27.8 PPG, 6 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.8 SPG, 1.2 BPG, 53.4% FG), Doug Collins (16.7 PPG, 52.4% FG)
FBB Rank: 3/22

The Sixers ran through the Eastern Conference after a huge mid-season trade that brought in Robert Parish. They kept most pieces, only losing backup big, but strong defensive player Caldwell Jones. There’s little reason to believe the Sixers won’t return to the NBA Finals, tough division or not.

Washington Bullets
1980 Record: 36-46 (4th in Atlantic)
Head Coach: Gene Shue (1st Year)
Key Players: Wes Unseld (8.9 PPG, 11.8 RPG), Bobby Dandridge (14.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG)
FBB Rank: 22/24

Time to start over. With Elvin Hayes gone to Dallas and Wes Unseld and Bobby Dandridge aging, it’s time for Washington to start over.

Eastern Conference

Central Division

Atlanta Hawks

1980 Record: 36-46 (4th in Central)
Head Coach: Hubie Brown (5th Year)
Key Players: Tree Rollins (9.3 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 4.2 BPG), Dan Roundfield (16.4 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.7 BPG), John Drew (14.8 PPG), Eddie Johnson (19.9 PPG, 4.7 APG, 1.6 SPG), Norm Nixon (12.6 PPG, 6.9 APG)
FBB Rank: 5/24

The addition of Norm Nixon give Hawk fans something to be excited about from the point guard position. With Houston and San Antonio in the West, there is a lot of hype for the Hawks to break through in the Central.

Chicago Bulls

1980 Record: 22-60 (5th in Midwest)
Head Coach: Phil Johnson (1st Year)
Key Players: David Greenwood (14.8 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 1.1 BPG), Reggie Theus (17.8 PPG, 5.2 APG, 1.5 SPG)
FBB Rank: 18/24

The Bulls took an interesting strategy towards their rebuilding, trading for building blocks Johnny Moore and Vinnie Johnson. Likely won’t lead to wins this year, but it’s an intriguing young core with Reggie Theus at least.

Cleveland Cavaliers
1980 Record: 27-55 (6th in Central)
Head Coach: Stan Albeck (2nd Year)
Key Players: Kevin McHale (Rookie), Mike Mitchell (21.1 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 52.2% FG), Randy Smith (20.8 PPG, 3.8 APG), Mike Dunleavy (14.4 PPG, 4.9 APG, 1.1 SPG)
FBB Rank: 21/24

The Cavs moved up a little bit to get Kevin McHale in the draft. They’re likely till years and pieces away, but there’s definitely some talent here, especially on the scoring end with Mitchell and Smith. Adding Mike Dunleavy from Houston also may help with scoring.

Detroit Pistons
1980 Record: 30-52 (5th in Central)
Head Coach: Richie Adubato (2nd Year)
Key Players: Terry Tyler (10.8 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1 SPG, 1.8 BPG), John Long (19.7 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.6 SPG), Jeff Ruland (Rookie)
FBB Rank: 23/24

Another team that’s at the bottom and needs to rebuild. They’ll have their eye on the lottery for sure.

Indiana Pacers
1980 Record: 47-35 (3rd in Central, Lost to Celtics in Round 1)
Head Coach: Slick Leonard (13th Year)
Key Players: James Edwards (16.3 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 1.1 BPG), Alex English (21 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 1.1 BPG), Dudley Bradley (DPOTY), Johnny Davis (17.6 PPG, 5.5 APG), Billy Knight (16 PPG, 6MOTY)
FBB Rank: 8/24

The Pacers are bringing back the same core as last season, led by Alex English. With Houston and San Antonio in the West Indiana has high expectations to win the division.

Milwaukee Bucks
1980 Record: 30-52 (3rd in Midwest)
Head Coach: Bill Musselman (1st Year)
Key Players: Marques Johnson (26.2 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 1.2 SPG), Junior Bridgeman (18.9 PPG, 5.6 RPG), Brian Winters (15.8 PPG), Sidney Moncrief (18.9 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 1.9 SPG)
FBB Rank: 10/24

A very interesting team here. There’s a lot of talent here on both sides of the ball, and if Marques Johnson and Sidney Moncrief continue to improve off great seasons the Bucks may prove to be the X-factor in the Central.

Western Conference

Midwest Division

Dallas Mavericks

1980 Record: Expansion
Head Coach: Frank Layden
Key Players: Elvin Hayes (20.8 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 1.9 BPG, 49.4% FG), Swen Nater (14.9 PPG, 11.9 RPG), Kiki Vandeweghe (Rookie)
FBB Rank: 16/24

Dallas took a different approach than Miami, filling the teams with veterans, but with all 2 year deals. They surround rookie Kiki Vandeweghe, who has great potential as a scorer.

Denver Nuggets

1980 Record: 59-23 (1st in Midwest, Lost NBA Finals to Sixers)
Head Coach: Donnie Walsh (3rd Year)
Key Players: Dan Issel (22.8 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 49.4% FG, 82% FT), David Thompson (28.6 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 50.1% FG, 81.3% FT), John Roche (12.4 PPG, 4 APG, 44-85-41%)
FBB Rank: 20/24

For the second season in a row FBB Rank has shown no respect to the Nuggets. They don’t look amazing on paper, but David Thompson turned into one of the league’s best players last season and if he plays like that again, Denver will be hard to ignore.

Houston Rockets
1980 Record: 51-31 (1st in Central, Lost Conference Finals to Sixers)
Head Coach: Del Harris (2nd Year)
Key Players: Moses Malone (30.1 PPG, 13.9 RPG, 1.7 BPG), Dennis Johnson (20.3 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.6 SPG), Kevin Grevey (17.7 PPG, 4 RPG, 3.2 APG)
FBB Rank: 1/24

Last season Moses Malone won a second straight MVP and flat out dominated the regular season. It’ll be interesting to see if Houston can make a title run this year as they made two massive moves in Free Agency, adding 1979 Finals MVP Dennis Johnson and scorer Kevin Grevey. DJ and Grevey were Finals participants for Seattle and Washington in ’78 and ’79, it’ll be interesting to see them as teammates.

Kansas City Kings
1980 Record 30-52 (4th in Midwest)
Head Coach: Cotton Fitzsimmons (3rd Year)
Key Players: Bob Lanier (14 PPG, 1 BPG), Otis Birdsong (22.5 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 2 SPG), Mike O’Koren (Rookie)
FBB Rank: 12/24

The Kings will likely struggle the most with the new alignment. No idea what FBB Rank is seeing here.

Salt Lake Stallions
1980 Record: 45-37 (2nd in Midwest, Lost Conference Finals to Nuggets)
Head Coach: Tim Nissalke (2nd Year)
Key Players: Artis Gilmore (21.9 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 1.9 BPG, 58.4% FG), Bernard King (25.6 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 3.3 APG, 54.2% FG, Adrian Dantley (31.6 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 3.7 SPG, 51.5% FG, 82.3% FT), Pete Maravich (23 PPG, 3.5 APG, 47-85-47%)
FBB Rank: 13/24

Once again the Stallions bring together a deadly top 4 with little depth elsewhere. It brought them within one game of the NBA Finals…can they take it to the next level?

San Antonio Spurs
1980 Record: 48-34 (2nd in Central, Lost to Sixers in Semi-Finals)
Head Coach: Doug Moe (5th Year)
Key Players: George Gervin (31.2 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 52.5% FG, 85.3% FT), Campy Russell (17.1 PPG, 5.6 RPG), James Silas (20.9 PPG, 4.2 APG), John Lucas (11 PPG, 9.2 APG, 1.6 SPG)
FBB Rank: 9/24

The Spurs have built an interesting team around Ice that should score a lot of points. Will the additions of Campy Russell and John Lucas be enough to get through the West?

Western Conference

Pacific Division

Golden State Warriors

1980 Record: 31-51 (6th in Pacific)
Head Coach: Al Attles (12th Year)
Key Players: Darryl Dawkins (17.1 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 1.9 BPG, 55.8% FG), Purvis Short (16.7 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.2 SPG), Phil Smith (18.8 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 3.1 PG, 1.3 SPG)
FBB Rank: 17/24

The Warriors have went massive changed over the past year. They’ve committed to “Chocolate Thunder” Darryl Dawkins and let John Lucas sign with San Antonio. There’s a lot of work to be done. Expect them to be active in the trade game.

Los Angeles Lakers
1980 Record: 64-18 (1st in Pacific, Lost to Stallions in Semi-Finals)
Head Coach: Paul Westhead (2nd)
Key Players: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (28.8 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 3.8 BPG, 57.5% FG), Jamaal Wilkes (19.5 PPG, 5 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 53.7% FG), Magic Johnson (20.9 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 8.4 APG, 2.3 SPG, 55.1% FG, 82.6% FT)
FBB Rank: 2/24

After a disappointing playoff performance following a monster regular season, the Lakers retooled. They traded Norm Nixon, who was misplaced as a SG, and added some defensive toughness with rookie Rick Mahorn. Michael Cooper, also a strong defensive player, also moves to the starting lineup.

Phoenix Suns
1980 Record: 45-37 (3rd in Pacific, Lost to the Stallions in Round 1)
Head Coach: John MacLeod (8th)
Key Players: Bob McAdoo (14.1 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.1 BPG), Truck Robinson (18.3 PPG, 8 RPG, 54.4% FG), Walter Davis (23.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.7 SPG, 51-84-34%), Paul Westphal (20.1 PPG, 4.6 APG, 1.4 SPG)
FBB Rank: 6/24

The Suns bring back the same core as the previous season and could be in the trade hunt to keep up with the rest of the Western powers.

Portland Trail Blazers
1980 Record: 38-44 (4th in Pacific, Lost to Sonics in Round 1)
Head Coach: Dr. Jack Ramsay (5th Year)
Key Players: Maurice Lucas (19.3 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 1 BPG), Kermit Washington (12.3 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 1 SPG, 1.1 BPG), Mike Newlin (15.1 PPG)
FBB Rank: 14/24

Portland pretty much brings back the same crew from the year prior. With a stronger Western Conference, it’s hard to see them making the playoffs.

San Diego Clippers
1980 Record: 31-51 (5th in Pacific)
Head Coach: Scotty Robertson (1st Year)
Key Players: Joe Barry Carroll (Rookie, #2 Pick), Bill Walton (12.7 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 2.3 BPG), World B. Free (25.1 PPG, 4.4 APG)
FBB Rank: 15/24

San Diego has begun the rebuilding process by getting lucky in the lottery to land Joe Barry Carroll. We will see if they try to integrate Free and Walton or move on from them.

Seattle Supersonics
1980 Record: 49-33 (2nd in Pacific, Lost in Semi-Finals to Nuggets)
Head Coach: Lenny Wilkens (7th Year)
Key Players: Jack Sikma (16 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 1.1 BPG, 49% FG, 85.2% FT), Fred Brown (15.4 PPG, 1.6 SPG), Gus Williams (21.1 PPG, 1.9 SPG), Mike Gminski (Rookie), Louis Orr (Rookie)
FBB Rank: 7/24

The Sonics era has seemingly come to an end as Dennis Johnson signed with Houston. They’ll be playing rookies Orr and Gminski minutes and while Jack Sikma, Fred Brown, and Gus Williams is still there, it looks tough to see Seattle making it back to the playoffs. Despite FBB Rank.

Stats Site
 

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EARLY NBA SEASON RECAP SO FAR

The NBA has decided to be off for Christmas Day after a strong first couple of months of the NBA season.

A few teams have jumped out of the gate so far. The Western Conference looks like it’s headed to a Lakers-Rockets showdown, but the Spurs and defending Western Conference Champion Nuggets aren’t that far behind. The Atlantic Division has an insane three-way battle between the Celtics, Knicks and defending NBA Champion Sixers. Even the Central, pegged to be the worst division in the league by far, is showing some heart as the Pacers and Hawks sport winning records.

While the Lakers lead the way once again with a 22-4 start to the season, Showtime clearly runs through Magic now. While Kareem is still a solid performer and the team’s leading scorer at 23.2 PPG, Magic’s 22.7-8.7-9.7 with 2.5 SPG, 57% FG and 87% FT has the league talking MVP. But Moses Malone of the Rockets has his eye on MVP #3 as Houston also started strong at 20-4. Moses again is dominating the center position at 28.6 PPG and 15 RPG. Dennis Johnson as the #2 man on the offensive side (19 PPG) has seemingly transformed Houston. “Iceman” George Gervin has the new-look Spurs rolling as he leads the league with 33.4 PPG. “Skywalker” David Thompson, one year removed from leading the Nuggets to the Western Conference Finals, is having another huge year and has Denver close by at 17-9. The Stallions have struggled somewhat though. Artis Gilmore and Pete Maravich have fallen off, and Adrian Dantley is only scoring 20.2 PPG this year after taking the league by storm and signing a max contract. Bernard King is leading the way though with 30.8 PPG, keeping the Stallions over .500. A trade for Wes Unseld unfortunately lasted 20 minutes as Unseld hurt his foot in his first game for Salt Lake.

The biggest story in the Eastern Conference is perhaps the continued emergence of New York’s Micheal Ray Richardson. Richardson is currently averaging 19.7-6.5-11.9 for the 17-5 Knicks and is drawing comparisons to Magic. Larry Bird has the Celtics rolling again at 20-7, and with the recent trade for Seattle’s Gus Williams Boston has someone who can run the offense for Bird to give him a breather once in a while. The defending NBA Champion 76ers have continued their momentum as Dr. J and Robert Parish continue to dominate and Maurice Cheeks shows improvement. Alex English has become one of the deadlier scorers in the league (29.8) and has Indiana on top of the Central, but the Hawks are close as they’ve shown promise.

ROOKIE REPORT

Dallas’ Kiki Vandeweghe
has shown to be a strong scoring option thus far, scoring 20.6 PPG. Darrell Griffith is also close to the 20 PPG clip and has helped the Nets flirt with .500. Andrew Toney is doing his best to lead the Heat with 17.5 PPG. Joe Barry Carroll has struggled with injuries for the Clippers, but he’s been solid at 13-6 so far. Kevin McHale is also averaging a 13-6. Michael Wiley has a solid spot on the Knicks so far and is adding 12 PPG.

NOTABLE GAMES SO FAR

(Note – Links will be added to Part 3 at season’s end)

11/5/80: Nuggets 121, STALLIONS 119 – In a rematch of the previous’ season’s Western Conference Finals, Denver defeats Salt Lake despite Bernard King’s 46 points

11/7/80: ROCKETS 104, Trail Blazers 93 – Moses rips apart Portland for 30 points and 24 boards

11/8/80: MAVERICKS 105, Suns 103 – Behind Swen Nater’s 18-14, Dallas gets their first franchise victory in only their third game

11/10/80: Rockets 95, NUGGETS 92 – Moses posts a second straight 20-20 game with a 27-22, this time in a road win against the defending Western Conference Champion Nuggets

11/14/80: HEAT 102, Bulls 90 – Miami gets their first win in franchise history behind Pat Cummings 27 points

11/16/80: MAVERICKS 105, Rockets 97 – In a shocking upset, the expansion Mavericks survive Moses’ 36-16-4-3-3 to defeat one of the title favorites. Rookie Kiki had 31

11/17/80: MAVERICKS 104, Rockets 97 – Just one day after upsetting the Rockets, Dallas upsets the Lakers behind Kiki’s 26

11/20/80: Spurs 118, SUNS 117 – “Ice” makes sure the Spurs are on everyone’s radar with a monster 51 points in a close win against the Suns

11/23/80: Knick 124, BULLETS 99 – Micheal Ray Richardson scores 25, grabs 12 boards and adds 21 assists in his “I’ve arrived” statement game

11/26/80: Knicks 115, KINGS 103 – Micheal Ray Richardson lights up the Kings with 19 points, 12 rebounds and 20 assists, his second triple-double with 20+ assists in a few days, to solidify himself as an early MVP candidate

12/5/80: 76ers 109, BULLETS 100 – Riding a double-digit winning streak, Robert Parish smashes the Bullets with 38-18

12/13/80: LAKERS 102, Pacers 91 – Magic shows his ability as not only an elite playmaker but an elite scoring, dropping a 39 point triple-double with 13 rebounds and 10 assists

12/23/80: LAKERS 130, Stallions 122 – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar still shows elite all-around skill, nearly putting together a quadruple-double with 30 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists and 7 blocks

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As the regular season is broken into three parts, we’ll look at ten upcoming players, with the intent that these are the top 25 prospects, that will be a part of the 1981 Rookie Draft Class. Age is listed as time of the draft.

Mark AguirreSmall Forward, 6’6”, DePaul, 22: Scoring machine for DePaul may very well be the #1 pick in the draft. A homegrown Chicago talent, Bulls fans are especially hoping to land Aguirre, but any building team can use his scoring.

Isiah ThomasPoint Guard, 6’1”, Indiana, 20: Potential is through the roof for Isiah. While a bit undersized, his combo of playmaking and scoring is unmatched, and despite his size he’s one of the toughest prospects out there.

Buck WilliamsPower Forward, 6’8”, Maryland, 21: Despite being a little on the undersized side for a 4, Williams will likely be a double-double threat every night regardless. He’s nearly unstoppable inside and has a knack for finding missed shots, especially on the offensive end.

Rolando BlackmanShooting Guard, 6’6”, Kansas State, 22: Another scoring machine from the guard position, has to be looked at for the #1 pick.

Kelly TripuckaSmall Forward, 6’6”, Notre Dame, 22: Another player with some elite scoring potential and has the bonus of showing three point range, a skill with untapped potential.

Larry NancePower Forward, 6’10”, Clemson, 22: Athletic big who should be a double-double threat every night. Of all the top 10 prospects in the draft, he may be the best defensive player and shows great potential as a rim protector.

Mike McGeeShooting Guard, 6’5”, Michigan, 21: Solid all-around guard who may be picked for a team looking to play it safe. Could come off anywhere in the 6-15 range.

Tom ChambersPower Forward, 6’10”, Utah, 21: Yet another scoring machine with awesome leaping potential, but there are a lot of questions about him on the defensive side of the ball.

Alton ListerCenter, 7’0”, Arizona State, 23: The big, bruising Lister would be great for a team who needs someone in the middle to block shots, grab boards and knock someone down.

Herb WilliamsCenter, 6’11”, Ohio State, 23: Herb is another scoring type big, although his size will lend to some rebounding as well. Isn’t quite the athlete as others in this draft but his size may be too good to pass up.

***

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division

Boston Celtics (1)

1981 Record: 20-7
Key Players: Larry Bird (25.9 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.4 SPG, 53-90-37%), Gus Williams (19.8 PPG, 4.1 APG, 2.5 SPG
Big Moves: Traded for Gus Williams

Technically #1 due to win total, the Celtics are in a wild three-way brawl with the Sixers and Knicks. The addition of Seattle’s scoring guard Williams gives Bird more ammo this time around, especially since they won’t have Tiny Archibald through New Year’s.

New York Knicks (3)
1981 Record: 17-5
Key Players: Bill Cartwright (19.8 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 62.5% FG), Micheal Ray Richardson (19.7 PPG, 6.5 PPG, 11.9 APG, 2.1 SPG, 51.2% FG), Ray Williams (17.8 PPG, 4.9 APG, 1.5 SPG, 51.2% FG)
Big Moves: None

Micheal Ray has Knicks fans talking title after nearly a decade.

Philadelphia 76ers (4)
1981 Record: 18-6
Key Players: Julius Erving (25.4 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 4.3 APG, 2.1 SPG, 53.5% FG), Robert Parish (24.2 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 2.7 BPG, 57% FG), Bobby Jones (10.9 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 1.5 BPG), Doug Collins (17.3 PPG, 50.2% FG), Maurice Cheeks (14 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 8.2 APG, 2.7 SPG)
Big Moves: None

The Sixers boast the most all-around talent in the Eastern Conference if not the league. They’re just unlucky at the moment they share a division with Bird’s Celtics and the surprising Knicks.

New Jersey Nets
1981 Record: 11-14
Key Players: Cliff Robinson (18 PPG, 8.4 RPG), Clavin Natt (19.7 PPG, 5.6 RPG), Darrell Griffith (19.2 PPG, 3.6 RPG)
Big Moves: None

A great start for the young Nets trio! Can they improve a little and sneak into the playoffs as a #6 seed?

Washington Bullets
1981 Record: 5-20
Key Players: John Williamson (18.6 PPG)
Big Moves: Traded Wes Unseld to the Stallions for a future 1st round pick

It’s clearly time to start things over in Washington just a few years removed from their title and the Unseld trade was a step in the right direction.

Miami Heat
1981 Record: 3-24
Key Players: Andrew Toney (17.5 PPG)
Big Moves: None

Welcome to the NBA Miami!

Eastern Conference

Central Division

Indiana Pacers (2)

1981 Record: 14-9
Key Players: Alex English (29.8 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 1.5 BPG, 51.8% FG, 81.7% FT), Johnny Davis (18.2 PPG, 6.3 APG, 1.5 SPG), James Edwards (14.3 PPG, 8.7 RPG)
Big Moves: None

Alex English has arrived and is carrying Indiana. In a wide open Central Division that’s a dangerous thing.

Atlanta Hawks (5)
1981 Record: 15-11
Key Players: Eddie Johnson (18.1 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 48.9% FG), Norm Nixon (13.8 PPG, 7.7 APG)
Big Moves: None

The Hawks are taking advantage of an easier Central and have started strong. The addition of Norm Nixon seems to be helping all-around.

Detroit Pistons (6)
1981 Record: 12-11
Key Players: John Long (19.3 PPG, 1.7 SPG, 48.3% FG, 83.8% FT)
Big Moves: None

Surprise! Detroit so far as exceeded pre-season expectations (which basically said this was the worst team in basketball) to a .500+ record so far! Is it a fluke or can John Long get this team a #6 seed?

Chicago Bulls
1981 Record: 11-13
Key Players: Reggie Theus (25.3 PPG, 5.8 APG, 1.2 SPG), Vinnie Johnson (18.4 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 1.5 SPG), David Greenwood (15.8 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1.5 BPG), Johnny Moore (9 PPG, 8 APG)
Big Moves: None

Another surprise, although this one is a little easier to explain. Chicago traded for Vinnie Johnson and Johnny Moore in the off-season and it looks like they got a couple of magic seeds as both look like keepers so far. Bulls fans are torn though, as draft prospects from the Chicago area Aguirre and Isiah will require a top 5, if not 3, pick.

Milwaukee Bucks
1981 Record: 8-16
Key Players: Sidney Moncrief (18.2 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.8 SPG), Marques Johnson (22.1 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.5 SPG)
Big Moves: None

Easily the biggest disappointment in the league so far. Milwaukee was eyeing a division title and have struggled out of the gate.

Cleveland Cavaliers
1981 Record: 8-19
Key Players: Mike Mitchell (17.6 PPG, 7.5 RPG), Kevin McHale (12.6 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 2.4 BPG
Big Moves: None

Expected so far. Rookie McHale looks solid so far, especially from a shot blocking perspective.

Western Conference

Midwest Division

Houston Rockets (2)

1981 Record: 20-4
Key Players: Moses Malone (28.6 PPG, 15 RPG, 2 BPG, 56.9% FG), Dennis Johnson (19 PPG, 4 RPG, 1.8 PG, 48-89%s)
Big Moves: None

The Rockets are performing as expected with their upgrades, and don’t be surprised to see if they look to make another big move to compete with the Lakers for the West. As the Sixers showed last season, one big move can make all the difference.

San Antonio Spurs (3)
1981 Record: 18-6
Key Players: George Gervin (33.4 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 59.7% FG, 80.9% FT), John Lucas (10.9 PPG, 9.4 APG, 1.9 SPG), Campy Russell (15.4 PPG, 5 RPG)

The Iceman cannot be stopped this season, scoring at a ridiculous rate and %. Will it be enough to overcome Moses, Kareem and Magic in the West?

Denver Nuggets (4)
1981 Record: 17-9
Key Players: David Thompson (29.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG), Dan Issel (19 PPG, 7 RPG)
Big Moves: None

Despite the increased competition in the Midwest Denver is still holding their own. It may be tough to overcome Houston, San Antonio and LA to get back to the Finals, but the way Skywalker is playing it can’t be ruled out.

Salt Lake Stallions (5)
1981 Record: 13-11
Key Players: Adrian Dantley (20.2 PPG, 5.4 RPG), Bernard King (30.8 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 3.4 APG)
Big Moves: Traded for Wes Unseld

One on hand, the Stallions have started better than they did last season. On the other, there are tons of questions. Why has Adrian Dantley fallen off? Are Artis Gilmore and Pete Maravich on their last legs? How will they integrate Unseld, who played about 20 minutes for Salt Lake before breaking his foot (out through January)? Can they storm back and make a run like last year? Bernard taking over as the top scoring option was a surprise, but it wasn’t a total surprise, if that makes sense.

Kansas City Kings
1981 Record: 11-14
Key Players: Otis Birdsong (23.8 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.6 SPG), Bill Laimbeer (10.3 PPG, 9.3 RPG)
Big Moves: None

The Kings are knocking on the door of the #6 seed. Youngster Laimbeer, who the Kings traded for, looks solid so far.

Dallas Mavericks

1981 Record: 5-22
Key Players: Kiki Vandewghe (20.6 PPG, 4 RPG), Swen Nater (10.4 PPG, 9.4 RPG)

The highlight of the season for the expansion Mavs will likely be the random back-to-back where they defeated juggernauts Houston and Los Angeles.

Western Conference

Pacific Division

Los Angeles Lakers (1)

1981 Record: 22-4
Key Players: Magic Johnson (22.7 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 9.7 APG, 2.5 SPG, 56.7% FG), Jamaal Wilkes (20.7 PPG, 5.6 RPG), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (23.2 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2.5 BPG)
Big Moves: None

Another “magical” start. While Kareem starts to show his age, Magic has taken over Showtime and has the Lakers rolling.

Phoenix Suns (6)
1981 Record: 14-12
Key Players: Walter Davis (23.8 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.6 RPG)
Big Moves: None

The Suns are trying to keep up with the rest of the powers of the West, but a Concussion to Davis has likely derailed their season as Truck and Westphal have fallen off a little bit.

Golden State Warriors
1981 Record: 11-14
Key Players: Darryl Dawkins (17.6 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 2.2 BPG), Purvis Short (17.3 PPG, 5.4 RPG)
Big Moves: None

Time will tell how good Golden State can get, as they await Dawkins and Short to develop.

Portland Trail Blazers
1981 Record: 11-15
Key Players: Maurice Lucas (19.8 PPG, 9.2 RPG), Jim Paxson (15.3 PPG, 1.8 SPG)
Big Moves: None

Portland is just short on talent to make a run, but their starting five is decent enough to win some games. They need to choose a direction. Rookie Cook hasn’t given them anything so far.

San Diego Clippers
1981 Record: 8-17
Key Players: World B. Free (20.2 PPG, 4 APG), Joe Barry Carroll (13.3 PPG, 6.1 RPG)

Another team that needs a multiple year rebuild, and they need to do something with Free.

Seattle Supersonics
1981 Record: 8-17
Key Players: Jack Sikma (16.9 PPG, 9.1 RPG), Fred Brown (19.1 PPG)
Big Moves: Traded Gus Williams to Boston

The days of the Sonics-Bullets Finals are over. While Boston is making moves to build the to the future and are getting good value from rookies Orr and Hanzik, trading youngsters Moore and Vinnie Johnson may prove to be a bigger mistake that’ll set them back.

***

Top 5 PPG: 1. George Gervin, SAS (33.4), 2. Bernard King, SLS (30.8), 3. Alex English, IND (29.8), 4. David Thompson, DEN (29.4), 5. Moses Malone, HOU (28.6)

Top 5 RPG: 1. Moses Malone, HOU (15), 2. Robert Parish, PHI (12.1), 3. Darryl Dawkins, GSW (10.7), 4. Tree Rollins, ATL (10), 5. Swen Nater, DAL (9.4)

Top 5 APG: 1. Micheal Ray Richardson, NYK (11.9), 2. Magic Johnson, LAL (9.7), 3. John Lucas, SAS (9.4), 4. Maurice Cheeks, PHI (8.2), 5. Johnny Moore, CHI (8)

Top 5 SPG: 1. Maurice Cheeks, PHI (2.7), 2. Eddie Jordan, NJN (2.6), 3. Magic Johnson, LAL (2.5), 4. Gus Williams, BOS (2.5), 5. Michael Cooper, LAL (2.2)

***

Players of the Week (Listed by Week Ending)


11/9 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Magic Johnson, Lakers
11/16 – Micheal Ray Richardson, Knicks, Moses Malone, Rockets
11/23 – Larry Bird, Celtics, George Gervin, Spurs
12/7 – Robert Parish, 76ers, George Gervin, Spurs
12/14 – Larry Bird, Celtics, George Gervin, Spurs
12/21 – Alex English, Pacers, Moses Malone, Rockets

Players of the Month

November: Larry Bird, Celtics, Magic Johnson, Lakers

Rookies of the Month

November: Andrew Toney, Heat, Kiki Vandeweghe, Mavericks

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THROUGH ALL-STAR WEEKEND

Unlike last season, this time the mid-season trades are being made by the teams caught in the middle. The Warriors were approaching the 6th seed and made a big deal to acquire Detroit’s John Long and Terry Tyler…but it promptly failed as Darryl Dawkins went down and Golden State struggled without him. Dallas proved that their expansion draft strategy was smart, as they found suitors for both Calvin Murphy (to Denver) and Swen Nater (to Kansas City) and getting future first round picks as a result.

Still, at the moment, the juggernauts of the league haven’t changed much. Iceman and the Spurs aren’t that far behind Moses and the Rockets. From a seeding perspective they’re both chasing the Magic’s Lakers, although LA will be missing Jamaal Wilkes for the next three months. In the Atlantic division the Sixers-Celtics-Knicks war continues, with all teams at a .700 winning percentage or better. The Pacers have shown that they are no slouches as they lead the Central. From a statistical point of view, Ice still leads the scoring race, Moses looks for MVP #3 with a 30-15.5 average, and Micheal Ray and Magic sport all-around lines (20-12-7 for Micheal Ray, 22-10-9 for Magic). Larry Bird is dominating in his own right as he’s shooting lights out. He currently is shooting 53-91-42%s.

ROOKIE REPORT

Kiki Vandeweghe
still leads all rookies with 22 PPG with Darrell Griffth and Andrew Toney just a shade under 20. 10 rooks have a double digit scoring average. The other seven are Joe Barry Carroll, Louis Orr, Keivn McHale, Michael Wiley, Rory Sparrow, Lorenzo Romar and Mike Woodson. McHale notably is blocking 2 shots a game. Griffith has the Nets near a playoff berth.

NOTABLE GAMES SO FAR

(Note – Links will be added to Part 3 at season’s end)

11/5/80: Nuggets 121, STALLIONS 119 – In a rematch of the previous’ season’s Western Conference Finals, Denver defeats Salt Lake despite Bernard King’s 46 points

11/7/80: ROCKETS 104, Trail Blazers 93 – Moses rips apart Portland for 30 points and 24 boards

11/8/80: MAVERICKS 105, Suns 103 – Behind Swen Nater’s 18-14, Dallas gets their first franchise victory in only their third game

11/10/80: Rockets 95, NUGGETS 92 – Moses posts a second straight 20-20 game with a 27-22, this time in a road win against the defending Western Conference Champion Nuggets

11/14/80: HEAT 102, Bulls 90 – Miami gets their first win in franchise history behind Pat Cummings 27 points

11/16/80: MAVERICKS 105, Rockets 97 – In a shocking upset, the expansion Mavericks survive Moses’ 36-16-4-3-3 to defeat one of the title favorites. Rookie Kiki had 31

11/17/80: MAVERICKS 104, Rockets 97 – Just one day after upsetting the Rockets, Dallas upsets the Lakers behind Kiki’s 26

11/20/80: Spurs 118, SUNS 117 – “Ice” makes sure the Spurs are on everyone’s radar with a monster 51 points in a close win against the Suns

11/23/80: Knick 124, BULLETS 99 – Micheal Ray Richardson scores 25, grabs 12 boards and adds 21 assists in his “I’ve arrived” statement game

11/26/80: Knicks 115, KINGS 103 – Micheal Ray Richardson lights up the Kings with 19 points, 12 rebounds and 20 assists, his second triple-double with 20+ assists in a few days, to solidify himself as an early MVP candidate

12/5/80: 76ers 109, BULLETS 100 – Riding a double-digit winning streak, Robert Parish smashes the Bullets with 38-18

12/13/80: LAKERS 102, Pacers 91 – Magic shows his ability as not only an elite playmaker but an elite scoring, dropping a 39-point triple-double with 13 rebounds and 10 assists

12/23/80: LAKERS 130, Stallions 122 – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar still shows elite all-around skill, nearly putting together a quadruple-double with 30 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists and 7 blocks

12/27/80: Spurs 107, MAVERICKS 96 – Iceman gives Dallas his official “Welcome to the NBA” by dropping the first 60+ scoring game of the Modern Era…he had 63 with 10 boards.

1/3/81: 76ERS 126, Knicks 107 – Dr. J establishes the Sixers’ Atlantic Division dominance dropping 43 and adding 10 boards and 6 assists in a big win for the Sixers over division rival Knicks

1/5/81: KNICKS 118, Heat 108 – Micheal Ray comes just two stats away from a quadruple-double with a 17-9-16-9 win against Miami

1/16/81: Sonics 119, NUGGETS 118 – Struggling Seattle finds a win against Denver in Double OT where Denver’s David Thompson plays 56 of a possible 58 minutes and scores 51

1/19/81: Rockets 116, LAKERS 100 – Moses comes into LA and reminds Magic and Kareem who the MVP is with a 33-14 on 14/18 FG

1/25/81: Nuggets 115, SONICS 104 – Skywalker and Denver get revenge as Thompson drops 47 in a Denver win on the road

1/30/81: LAKERS 98, Trail Blazers 87 – Lakers lose Jamaal Wilkes for three months, but Magic carries with a 32-14-11 and 5 steals…it’s his fifth triple-double of the month

2/1/81: Pacers 121, CELTICS 116 – Alex English makes sure Boston and the rest of the East aren’t counting out the Pacers…he dropped 49 to outlast Bird’s 29-11-5 in a huge win

NBADraftlogo-e1665026029600.png

As the regular season is broken into three parts, we’ll look at ten upcoming players, with the intent that these are the top 25 prospects, that will be a part of the 1981 Rookie Draft Class. Age is listed as time of the draft.

Mark AguirreSmall Forward, 6’6”, DePaul, 22: Scoring machine for DePaul may very well be the #1 pick in the draft. A homegrown Chicago talent, Bulls fans are especially hoping to land Aguirre, but any building team can use his scoring.

Isiah ThomasPoint Guard, 6’1”, Indiana, 20: Potential is through the roof for Isiah. While a bit undersized, his combo of playmaking and scoring is unmatched, and despite his size he’s one of the toughest prospects out there.

Buck WilliamsPower Forward, 6’8”, Maryland, 21: Despite being a little on the undersized side for a 4, Williams will likely be a double-double threat every night regardless. He’s nearly unstoppable inside and has a knack for finding missed shots, especially on the offensive end.

Rolando BlackmanShooting Guard, 6’6”, Kansas State, 22: Another scoring machine from the guard position, has to be looked at for the #1 pick.

Kelly TripuckaSmall Forward, 6’6”, Notre Dame, 22: Another player with some elite scoring potential and has the bonus of showing three point range, a skill with untapped potential.

Larry NancePower Forward, 6’10”, Clemson, 22: Athletic big who should be a double-double threat every night. Of all the top 10 prospects in the draft, he may be the best defensive player and shows great potential as a rim protector.

Mike McGeeShooting Guard, 6’5”, Michigan, 21: Solid all-around guard who may be picked for a team looking to play it safe. Could come off anywhere in the 6-15 range.

Tom ChambersPower Forward, 6’10”, Utah, 21: Yet another scoring machine with awesome leaping potential, but there are a lot of questions about him on the defensive side of the ball.

Alton ListerCenter, 7’0”, Arizona State, 23: The big, bruising Lister would be great for a team who needs someone in the middle to block shots, grab boards and knock someone down.

Herb WilliamsCenter, 6’11”, Ohio State, 23: Herb is another scoring type big, although his size will lend to some rebounding as well. Isn’t quite the athlete as others in this draft but his size may be too good to pass up.

Eddie JohnsonSF/SG, 6’7”, Illinois, 22: Should be a solid scorer, although top end potential feels a little questionable. Has shown three point range. A top 15 for sure.

Darnell Valentine – Point Guard, 6’2”, Kansas, 23: Decent scoring point guard with okay but not great playmaking ability. There aren’t many point guards in the draft, so could get picked a little earlier due to need.

Frank Johnson – Point Guard, G, 6’3”, Wake Forest, 22: A big stronger than Valentine, but a little more raw. In a similar situation as Valentine that he may get picked for need a little earlier. Brother of Atlanta’s (not draft classmate) Eddie Johnson.

Danny Ainge – Combo Guard, 6’5”, Brigham Young, 22: Taller than most points, but can play the position. Much rawer than Valentine and Johnson, but size and potential are plusses. Could get picked anywhere from fringe top 10 to missing the first round entirely

Danny Schayes – Center, 6’11”, Syracuse, 22: Has the pedigree as father is Hall-of-Famer Dolph. Could be a double-double threat night in and night out, but potential is unclear. Probably getting picked in the 11-20 range.

Jay Vincent – Small Forward, 6’8”, Michigan State, 22: Former teammate of Magic Johnson at Michigan State. Has elite scoring potential, but questionable everywhere else. Probably a 11-20 pick, but could fall out of the first round

Steve Johnson – Center, 6’10”, Oregon State, 23: Johnson is a solid big with good movement around the basketball. Needs to become a better banger on the boards to be a high level NBA player

Orlando Woolridge – Small Forward, 6’9”, Notre Dame, 21: An interesting question for Woolridge is really what position does he play. Has some power forward size, but plays like a wing. He’ll either cause mismatches for opponents or won’t be effective enough in either spot. Still an intriguing prospect nonetheless.

Albert King – SF/SG, 6’6”, Maryland, 21: Another combo guard with scoring potential. There’s a lot of this in this draft, so his selection will really be a result of scouting by select teams.

Al Wood – Shooting Guard, 6’6”, North Carolina, 23: More on the ready made side of things, but another scoring based shooting guard

***

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division

Philadelphia 76ers (1)

1981 Record: 35-10 (18-6, 17-4)
Key Players: Julius Erving (27.4 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.8 SPG, 1.2 BPG, 52.5% FG), Robert Parish (24.4 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 2.8 BPG), Maurice Cheeks (13.8 PPG, 8.1 APG, 2.5 SPG), Bobby Jones (12.1 PPG, 7 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 1.5 BPG)
Big Moves: None

Injuries to Cheeks and Doug Collins haven’t stopped the Sixers from rolling. A second straight title may be inevitable.

New York Knicks (3)
1981 Record: 33-11 (17-5, 16-6)
Key Players: Bill Cartwright (18.8 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 1.1 BPG), Micheal Ray Richardson (20.3 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 11 APG, 2.3 SPG), Ray Williams (17.6 PPG, 5.1 APG, 1.7 SPG)
Big Moves: None

Micheal Ray has continued his elite play into 1981. A near quadruple-double have fans all over the country arguing about if he’s better than Magic. Can he lead the Knicks back to the title?

Boston Celtics (4)
1981 Record: 32-14 (20-7, 12-7)
Key Players: Larry Bird (26.3 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.5 SPG, 53.2% FG, 90.5% FT, 41.8% 3P), Gus Williams (19.2 PPG, 2.5 SPG)
Big Moves: None

Not the greatest set of games for Boston, but Bird has the Celtics still in the mix.

New Jersey Nets (6)
1981 Record: 23-20 (11-14, 12-6)
Key Players: Cliff Robinson (17.8 PPG, 8.6 RPG), Calvin Natt (20 PPG, 5.4 RPG), Darrell Griffith (19 PPG)
Big Moves: None

This young trio for the Nets has them in the 6th seed at the moment.

Washington Bullets
1981 Record: 9-38 (5-20, 4-18)
Key Players: John Williamson (18.7 PPG)
Big Moves: None

1978 feels like so long ago.

Miami Heat
1981 Record: 9-39 (3-24, 6-15)
Key Players: Andrew Toney (18 PPG)
Big Moves: None

Not a terrible stretch for the expansion Heat.

Eastern Conference

Central Division

Indiana Pacers (2)

1981 Record: 29-17 (14-9, 15-8)
Key Players: Alex English (27.6 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 1.3 BPG), James Edwards (14.8 PPG, 9 RPG)
Big Moves: None

A very good month for Indiana has them on top of the Central, and they’ve given the Atlantic Division contenders notice that they shouldn’t be overlooked.

Atlanta Hawks (5)
1981 Record: 25-21 (15-11, 10-10)
Key Players: Eddie Johnson (17.7 PPG, 4.5 APG, 1.3 SPG), Tree Rollins (8.6 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 4.1 BPG)
Big Moves: None

Not the best turn of the year for the Hawks, but they’re still in good position in the East so far. Probably a likely candidate to make a trade to see if they can contend.

Milwaukee Bucks
1981 Record: 20-25 (8-16, 12-9)
Key Players: Sidney Moncrief (18.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.7 SPG), Marques Johnson (15.6 PPG, 4.7 RPG)
Big Moves: None

A solid second wave of the season has Milwaukee in striking distance of a playoff spot.

Cleveland Cavaliers
1981 Record: 21-27 (8-19, 13-8)
Key Players: Mike Mitchell (18.2 PPG, 7.3 RPG), Kevin McHale (13 PPG, 6 RPG, 2.1 BPG)
Big Moves: None

A surprisingly good second set for the Cavs, who are on the outside looking in for the playoffs.

Chicago Bulls
1981 Record: 20-26 (11-13, 9-13)
Key Players: Reggie Theus (23.8 PPG, 5 APG), David Greenwood (16.9 PPG, 8.8 RPG), Johnny Moore (9.5 PPG, 8.9 APG)
Big Moves: None

Injury to Vinnie Johnson slowed the Bulls’ momentum, but they aren’t totally out of it for the #6 seed. Definitely one of the surprises of the season.

Detroit Pistons
1981 Record: 16-27 (12-11, 4-16)
Key Players: Greg Kelser (18.3 PPG, 6 RPG, 1.8 SPG)
Big Moves: Sent John Long and Terry Tyler to Golden State for two future 1st round picks

Despite starting .500, the Pistons decided to move towards the future and traded scorer Long and defensive player Tyler.

Western Conference

Midwest Division

Houston Rockets (2)

1981 Record: 36-10 (20-4, 16-6)
Key Players: Moses Malone (29.7 PPG, 15.5 RPG, 1.8 BPG, 57.5% FG), Dennis Johnson (19.7 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1.5 SPG)
Big Moves: None

A very good set for Houston. Despite the talent in the league, it may be impossible to deny Moses a 3rd straight MVP.

San Antonio Spurs (3)
1981 Record: 33-14 (18-6, 15-8)
Key Players: George Gervin (32.3 PPG, 6 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 57.7% FG), Campy Russell (17.2 PPG, 5.7 RPG)

January could have been even better for San Antonio. George Gervin missed four straight games in the middle of the month, all losses. Otherwise, they went 15-4 in the set and Ice dropped 63 in one.

Denver Nuggets (4)
1981 Record: 29-17 (17-9, 12-8)
Key Players: David Thompson (29.8 PPG, 5.2 RPG), Dan Issel (18.8 PPG, 7.7 RPG)
Big Moves: Traded for Calvin Murphy

December ended with a struggle for Denver, but then the Nuggets made a run after a trade for Calvin Murphy from Dallas. There’s still a bit of a playmaking issue there, but Skywalker may be good enough that it doesn’t matter.

Salt Lake Stallions (5)
1981 Record: 25-19 (13-11, 12-8)
Key Players: Adrian Dantley (20.9 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 3 APG), Bernard King (28.1 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 3.4 PG)
Big Moves: None

It’s still strange that this became Bernard’s team as opposed to Dantley’s. With Wes Unseld returning, we will see if Salt Lake can make a run similar to last season’s.

Kansas City Kings
1981 Record: 21-24 (11-14, 10-10)
Key Players: Otis Birdsong (24.3 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.7 SPG)
Big Moves: Traded for Swen Nater

The Kings are still on the outside looking in. They’ve made a trade for Swen Nater, who’s averaging a double-double. We will see if that’s enough.

Dallas Mavericks
1981 Record: 11-36 (5-22, 6-14)
Key Players: Kiki Vandewghe (22.1 PPG, 4 RPG)
Big Moves: Traded away Calvin Murphy and Swen Nater for future 1st Round picks

Biggest question for Dallas? Will Kiki Vandeweghe win Rookie of the Year?

Western Conference

Pacific Division

Los Angeles Lakers (1)

1981 Record: 37-9 (22-4, 15-5)
Key Players: Magic Johnson (21.9 PPG, 9 RPG, 9.9 APG, 2.7 SPG, 54.9% FG), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (23 PPG, 7.8 RPG)
Big Moves: None

Magic has kept the ball rolling and may be the MVP so far. The big question for the Lakers will be if they can overcome losing Jamaal Wilkes, who may not return until the playoffs if even then.

Phoenix Suns (6)
1981 Record: 22-25 (14-12, 8-13)
Key Players: Walter Davis (23.8 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.6 RPG)
Big Moves: None

Walter Davis will be back soon. Phoenix will need him in order to hold onto their playoff spot.

Portland Trail Blazers
1981 Record: 17-29 (11-15, 6-14)
Key Players: Maurice Lucas (20.6 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 1 BPG)
Big Moves: None

Unfortunately the Trail Blazers are trending the wrong way. They’ll need to get Maurice Lucas some help.

Golden State Warriors
1981 Record: 16-29 (11-14, 5-15)
Key Players: Darryl Dawkins (16.8 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 2.1 BPG), John Long (18.9 PPG, 1.6 SPG), Purvis Short (16.9 PPG, 5.1 RPG)
Big Moves: Traded for John Long and Terry Tyler

Bad luck for Golden State. The moment they traded for Detroit’s Long, Dawkins went down and the Warriors couldn’t buy a win.

Seattle Supersonics
1981 Record: 16-30 (8-17, 8-13)
Key Players: Jack Sikma (18.1 PPG, 9.3 RPG), Fred Brown (18.6 PPG)
Big Moves: None

1979 feels like a long time ago.

San Diego Clippers
1981 Record: 14-32 (8-17, 6-15)
Key Players: World B. Free (21 PPG, 3.7 APG), Joey Barry Carroll (14.8 PPG, 6.6 RPG)

Expect Free to be a trade candidate.

***

Top 5 PPG: 1. George Gervin, SAS (32.3), 2. David Thompson, DEN (29.8), 3. Moses Malone, HOU (29.7), 4. Bernard King, SLS (28.1), 5. Alex English, IND (27.6)

Top 5 RPG: 1. Moses Malone, HOU (15.5), 2. Robert Parish, PHI (12.4), 3. Darryl Dawkins, GSW (10.3), 4. Swen Nater, DAL/KCK (10.2), 5. Tree Rollins, ATL (10.1)

Top 5 APG: 1. Micheal Ray Richardson, NYK (11.0), 2. Magic Johnson, LAL (9.9), 3. Johnny Moore, CHI (8.9), 4. John Lucas, SAS (8.2), 5. Maurice Cheeks, PHI (8.1)

Top 5 SPG: 1. Magic Johnson, LAL (2.7), 2. Eddie Jordan, NJN (2.6), 3. Maurice Cheeks, PHI (2.5), 4. Gus Williams, BOS (2.5), 5. Micheal Ray Richardson, NY (2.3)

Top 5 BPG: 1. George Johnson, MIA (4.3), 2. Tree Rollins, ATL (4.1), 3. Robert Parish, PHI (2.8), 4. Harvey Catchings, MIL (2.8), 5. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, LAL (2.5)

***

Players of the Week (Listed by Week Ending)

11/9 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Magic Johnson, Lakers
11/16 – Micheal Ray Richardson, Knicks, Moses Malone, Rockets
11/23 – Larry Bird, Celtics, George Gervin, Spurs
12/7 – Robert Parish, 76ers, George Gervin, Spurs
12/14 – Larry Bird, Celtics, George Gervin, Spurs
12/21 – Alex English, Pacers, Moses Malone, Rockets
12/28 – Robert Parish, 76ers, Moses Malone, Rockets
1/4 – Julius Erving, 76ers, Moses Malone, Rockets
1/11 – Micheal Ray Richardson, Knicks, Magic Johnson, Lakers
1/18 – David Greenwood, Bulls, Moses Malone, Rockets
1/25 – Julius Erving, 76ers, Moses Malone, Rockets
2/1 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Magic Johnson, Lakers

Players of the Month
November: Larry Bird, Celtics, Magic Johnson, Lakers
December: Robert Parish, 76ers, George Gervin, Spurs
January: Julius Erving, 76ers, Moses Malone, Rockets

Rookies of the Month
November: Andrew Toney, Heat, Kiki Vandeweghe, Mavericks
December: Kevin McHale, Celtics, Kiki Vandeweghe, Mavericks
January: Andrew Toney, Heat, Kiki Vandeweghe, Mavericks

***

1981as.gif


ROOKIE-SOPHOMORE GAME


Rookie Starters: Joe Barry Carroll (Clippers), Mike Gminski (Sonics), Kiki Vandeweghe (Mavericks), Darrell Griffith (Nets), Rory Sparrow (Bullets)

Rookie Bench: Kevin McHale (Cavaliers), Rick Mahorn (Lakers), Andrew Toney (Heat), Bill Hanzlik (Sonics), Mike Woodson (Bucks), Michael Wiley (Knicks), Louis Orr (Sonics)

Sophomore Starters: Bill Cartwright (Knicks), Cliff Robinson (Nets), Larry Bird (Celtics), Gary Garland (Nuggets), Magic Johnson (Lakers)

Sophomore Bench: Bill Laimbeer (Kings), David Greenwood (Bulls), Calvin Natt (Nets), Billy Ray Bates (Trail Blazers), Sidney Moncrief (Bucks), Greg Kelser (Pistons), Johnny Moore (Bulls)

This was a close one, but Larry Bird led the way as the Sophomores edged out the Rookies 103-101.

Rookie Best Performers

Darrell Griffith: 20 PTS, 5 REB
Kevin McHale: 16 PTS, 7 REB, 8/13 FG
Kiki Vandeweghe: 15 PTS, 6/10 FG

Sophomore Best Performers
Larry Bird: 20 PTS, 5 REB, 3 STL, 9/15 FG (MVP)
Magic Johnson: 10 PTS, 4 REB, 6 AST, 2 STL, 2/3 FG, 6/6 FT
Cliff Robinson: 17 PTS, 5 REB, 8/16 FG
Bill Cartwright: 15 PTS, 7/11 FG, 5 REB

***

On Saturday we had the second Dunk Contest and, with the addition of a three point line, a Three Point Contest. This year we did get our Pistol vs. Bird showdown, but the man named Dr. Dunkenstein also joined the fray. Still, Maravich’s shooting couldn’t be stopped, and he edged out Bird for the 2nd year in a row.

THREE POINT CONTEST

Round 1

Pete Maravich (SLS) – 12/30 - Advances
Darrell Griffith (NJN) – 10/30 – Advances
Larry Bird (BOS) – 9/30 – Advances
Fred Brown (SEA) – 9/30 – Eliminated
World B. Free (SDC) – 9/30 – Eliminated
John Roche (DEN) – 8/30 – Eliminated

Final Round
Pete Maravich (SLS) – 14/30 – Winner
Larry Bird (BOS) – 13/30
Darrell Griffith (NJN) – 9/30

***

The Dunk Contest told a good feel-good story, as Calvin Natt, injured his rookie year, defeated Adrian Dantley.

SLAM DUNK CONTEST

Round 1

Andrian Dantley (SLS) – 49.3 – Advances
Calvin Natt (NJN) – 48.2 – Advances
Bernard King (SLS) – 46.7 – Eliminated
Cedric Maxwell (BOS) – 46.3 – Eliminated
Kiki Vandeweghe (DAL) – 43.6 – Eliminated
Alex English (IND) – 43.5 – Eliminated

Final Round – FAN VOTE
Calvin Natt (NJN) – 55.1% - Winner
Adrian Dantley (SLS) – 44.9%

***

The 1981 All-Star Game was a wild affair. Alex English went off for 41, leading the East to a 172-163 victory over the West.

ALL-STAR GAME

Western Conference Starters

C – Moses Malone, Rockets (5th Appearance)
PF – Bernard King, Stallions (1st Appearance)
SF – George Gervin, Spurs (8th Appearance)
SG – Adrian Dantley, Stallions (2nd Appearance)
PG – Magic Johnson, Lakers (2nd Appearance)

Western Conference Bench
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Lakers (11th Appearance)
Campy Russell, Spurs (2nd Appearance)
Otis Birdsong, Kings (2nd Appearance)
John Lucas, Stallions (1st Appearance)
Maurice Lucas, Trail Blazers (5th)
David Thompson, Nuggets (6th Appearance)
Dan Issel, Nuggets (9th Appearance)

Eastern Conference Starters
C – Robert Parish, 76ers (2nd Appearance)
PF – Alex English, Pacers (2nd Appearance)
SF – Larry Bird, Celtics (2nd Appearance)
SG – Julius Erving, 76ers (10th Appearance)
PG – Micheal Ray Richardson (2nd Appearance)

Eastern Conference Bench
Calvin Natt, Nets (1st Appearance)
Bill Cartwright, Knicks (1st Appearance)
Johnny Davis, Pacers (2nd Appearance)
Marques Johnson, Bucks (3rd Appearance)
Reggie Theus, Bulls (1st Appearance)
Ray Williams, Knicks (1st Appearance)
Sidney Moncrief, Bucks (2nd Appearance)

West Best Performers
Moses Malone: 22 PTS, 4 AST, 9/12 FG
Bernard King: 26 PTS, 4 REB, 5 AST, 13/17 FG
Adrian Dantley: 22 PTS, 10/11 FG
Magic Johnson: 11 PTS, 9 REB, 12 AST, 4/4 FG
Otis Birdsong: 26 PTS, 10/17 FG, 6/7 FT

East Best Performers
Alex English: 41 PTS, 5 REB, 19/27 FG (MVP)
Marques Johnson: 32 PTS, 8 REB, 16/22 FG
Ray Williams: 20 PTS, 5 REB, 6 AST, 10/13 FG

(Box Score Link to be Added Later)

STATS SITE
 
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The Road to the Playoffs

The final months of the regular season focused on several races, some for division glory and some for making the playoffs outright! The race for the Atlantic Division lived up to the hype. The Knicks, 76ers and Celtics all battled to the wire, with the Knicks winning the #1 seed off a tiebreaker against the Sixers at 60-22. Micheal Ray Richardson was recognized with All-NBA 1st Team honors for his efforts. He couldn’t hold onto the assists title though as he was edged out by the Lakers’ Magic Johnson. The Lakers couldn’t hold onto the #1 seed due to injuries as the Rockets led the way at 63-19. The Rockets are led by the now three-time MVP Moses Malone.

In the East the Bucks made a late run, but it wasn’t enough to catch up to the Nets, who locked in the 6 seed behind the young trio of Darrell Griffth, Calvin Natt and Cliff Robinson. In the West Bernard King went down again for the Stallions, and a late season collapse leaves them without a playoff spot as the Suns and Kings nabbed spots at 39-43.

ROOKIE REPORT

Despite the playoff berth for Darrell Griffth, the Mavericks’ Kiki Vandeweghe locked up Rookie of the Year honors averaging 20.9 PPG. Ten rookies averaged double figures. Washington’s Rory Sparrow led rooks with 6.6 APG, and Joe Barry Carroll led with 6.6 RPG.

NOTABLE GAMES SO FAR

(Note – Links will be added to Part 3 at season’s end)

11/5/80: Nuggets 121, STALLIONS 119 – In a rematch of the previous’ season’s Western Conference Finals, Denver defeats Salt Lake despite Bernard King’s 46 points

11/7/80: ROCKETS 104, Trail Blazers 93 – Moses rips apart Portland for 30 points and 24 boards

11/8/80: MAVERICKS 105, Suns 103 – Behind Swen Nater’s 18-14, Dallas gets their first franchise victory in only their third game

11/10/80: Rockets 95, NUGGETS 92 – Moses posts a second straight 20-20 game with a 27-22, this time in a road win against the defending Western Conference Champion Nuggets

11/14/80: HEAT 102, Bulls 90 – Miami gets their first win in franchise history behind Pat Cummings 27 points

11/16/80: MAVERICKS 105, Rockets 97 – In a shocking upset, the expansion Mavericks survive Moses’ 36-16-4-3-3 to defeat one of the title favorites. Rookie Kiki had 31

11/17/80: MAVERICKS 104, Lakers 97 – Just one day after upsetting the Rockets, Dallas upsets the Lakers behind Kiki’s 26

11/20/80: Spurs 118, SUNS 117 – “Ice” makes sure the Spurs are on everyone’s radar with a monster 51 points in a close win against the Suns

11/23/80: Knicks 124, BULLETS 99 – Micheal Ray Richardson scores 25, grabs 12 boards and adds 21 assists in his “I’ve arrived” statement game

11/26/80: Knicks 115, KINGS 103 – Micheal Ray Richardson lights up the Kings with 19 points, 12 rebounds and 20 assists, his second triple-double with 20+ assists in a few days, to solidify himself as an early MVP candidate

12/5/80: 76ers 109, BULLETS 100 – Riding a double-digit winning streak, Robert Parish smashes the Bullets with 38-18

12/13/80: LAKERS 102, Pacers 91 – Magic shows his ability as not only an elite playmaker but an elite scoring, dropping a 39-point triple-double with 13 rebounds and 10 assists

12/23/80: LAKERS 130, Stallions 122 – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar still shows elite all-around skill, nearly putting together a quadruple-double with 30 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists and 7 blocks

12/27/80: Spurs 107, MAVERICKS 96 – Iceman gives Dallas his official “Welcome to the NBA” by dropping the first 60+ scoring game of the Modern Era…he had 63 with 10 boards.

1/3/81: 76ERS 126, Knicks 107 – Dr. J establishes the Sixers’ Atlantic Division dominance dropping 43 and adding 10 boards and 6 assists in a big win for the Sixers over division rival Knicks

1/5/81: KNICKS 118, Heat 108 – Micheal Ray comes just two stats away from a quadruple-double with a 17-9-16-9 win against Miami

1/16/81: Sonics 119, NUGGETS 118 – Struggling Seattle finds a win against Denver in Double OT where Denver’s David Thompson plays 56 of a possible 58 minutes and scores 51

1/19/81: Rockets 116, LAKERS 100 – Moses comes into LA and reminds Magic and Kareem who the MVP is with a 33-14 on 14/18 FG

1/25/81: Nuggets 115, SONICS 104 – Skywalker and Denver get revenge as Thompson drops 47 in a Denver win on the road

1/30/81: LAKERS 98, Trail Blazers 87 – Lakers lose Jamaal Wilkes for three months, but Magic carries with a 32-14-11 and 5 steals…it’s his fifth triple-double of the month

2/1/81: Pacers 121, CELTICS 116 – Alex English makes sure Boston and the rest of the East aren’t counting out the Pacers…he dropped 49 to outlast Bird’s 29-11-5 in a huge win

2/16/81: Lakers 126, NUGGETS 112 – Magic records an insane triple-double…a quad-double with turnovers…as the Lakers establish their dominance in the West. Magic had a 39-16-16-(10)

3/24/81: SPURS 126, Lakers 120 – The Lakers had no answer for Ice, as he scored 51 to lead the Spurs to a big win.

4/4/81: Spurs 120, LAKERS 110 – In an epic duel that may serve as a playoff preview…Iceman scored 43 to beat Magic’s 23-10-18-5 STL.

4/16/81: Lakers 95, ROCKETS 92 – The Lakers show the Rockets that the West goes through them, beating the Rockets despite Moses’ 35-21.

4/19/81: Lakers 118, SPURS 109 – In another Ice-Magic way, Ice scores 45, but Magic comes back with 20 points, 23 assists and 12 rebounds as the Lakers win one on the road.

4/20/81: Kings 113, SUNS 104 - With a playoff spot on the line, Otis Birdsong plays 48 minutes and drops 53 points in a key win over the Suns.

4/22/81: KNICKS 109, Celtics 100 – With the Knicks starting the day a game behind the Sixers but ahead of the Celtics, they survive a Bird 31-8-5. This put New York in control of the Atlantic division.

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As the regular season is broken into three parts, we’ll look at ten upcoming players, with the intent that these are the top 25 prospects, that will be a part of the 1981 Rookie Draft Class. Age is listed as time of the draft.

Mark AguirreSmall Forward, 6’6”, DePaul, 22: Scoring machine for DePaul may very well be the #1 pick in the draft. A homegrown Chicago talent, Bulls fans are especially hoping to land Aguirre, but any building team can use his scoring.

Isiah ThomasPoint Guard, 6’1”, Indiana, 20: Potential is through the roof for Isiah. While a bit undersized, his combo of playmaking and scoring is unmatched, and despite his size he’s one of the toughest prospects out there.

Buck WilliamsPower Forward, 6’8”, Maryland, 21: Despite being a little on the undersized side for a 4, Williams will likely be a double-double threat every night regardless. He’s nearly unstoppable inside and has a knack for finding missed shots, especially on the offensive end.

Rolando BlackmanShooting Guard, 6’6”, Kansas State, 22: Another scoring machine from the guard position, has to be looked at for the #1 pick.

Kelly TripuckaSmall Forward, 6’6”, Notre Dame, 22: Another player with some elite scoring potential and has the bonus of showing three point range, a skill with untapped potential.

Larry NancePower Forward, 6’10”, Clemson, 22: Athletic big who should be a double-double threat every night. Of all the top 10 prospects in the draft, he may be the best defensive player and shows great potential as a rim protector.

Mike McGeeShooting Guard, 6’5”, Michigan, 21: Solid all-around guard who may be picked for a team looking to play it safe. Could come off anywhere in the 6-15 range.

Tom ChambersPower Forward, 6’10”, Utah, 21: Yet another scoring machine with awesome leaping potential, but there are a lot of questions about him on the defensive side of the ball.

Alton ListerCenter, 7’0”, Arizona State, 23: The big, bruising Lister would be great for a team who needs someone in the middle to block shots, grab boards and knock someone down.

Herb WilliamsCenter, 6’11”, Ohio State, 23: Herb is another scoring type big, although his size will lend to some rebounding as well. Isn’t quite the athlete as others in this draft but his size may be too good to pass up.

Eddie JohnsonSF/SG, 6’7”, Illinois, 22: Should be a solid scorer, although top end potential feels a little questionable. Has shown three point range. A top 15 for sure.

Darnell Valentine – Point Guard, 6’2”, Kansas, 23: Decent scoring point guard with okay but not great playmaking ability. There aren’t many point guards in the draft, so could get picked a little earlier due to need.

Frank Johnson – Point Guard, G, 6’3”, Wake Forest, 22: A big stronger than Valentine, but a little more raw. In a similar situation as Valentine that he may get picked for need a little earlier. Brother of Atlanta’s (not draft classmate) Eddie Johnson.

Danny Ainge – Combo Guard, 6’5”, Brigham Young, 22: Taller than most points, but can play the position. Much rawer than Valentine and Johnson, but size and potential are plusses. Could get picked anywhere from fringe top 10 to missing the first round entirely

Danny Schayes – Center, 6’11”, Syracuse, 22: Has the pedigree as father is Hall-of-Famer Dolph. Could be a double-double threat night in and night out, but potential is unclear. Probably getting picked in the 11-20 range.

Jay Vincent – Small Forward, 6’8”, Michigan State, 22: Former teammate of Magic Johnson at Michigan State. Has elite scoring potential, but questionable everywhere else. Probably a 11-20 pick, but could fall out of the first round

Steve Johnson – Center, 6’10”, Oregon State, 23: Johnson is a solid big with good movement around the basketball. Needs to become a better banger on the boards to be a high level NBA player

Orlando Woolridge – Small Forward, 6’9”, Notre Dame, 21: An interesting question for Woolridge is really what position does he play. Has some power forward size, but plays like a wing. He’ll either cause mismatches for opponents or won’t be effective enough in either spot. Still an intriguing prospect nonetheless.

Albert King – SF/SG, 6’6”, Maryland, 21: Another combo guard with scoring potential. There’s a lot of this in this draft, so his selection will really be a result of scouting by select teams.

Al Wood – Shooting Guard, 6’6”, North Carolina, 23: More on the ready made side of things, but another scoring based shooting guard

Danny VranesSmall Forward, 6’8”, Utah, 22: Cousin of Miami’s Judkins. Good all around player with defensive ability. Decent rebounder as well. Should be an 11-15 pick.

Yasutaka OkayamaCenter, 7’7”, Osaka (Japan), 27: Unknown monster from Japan. Probably a second round pick, but his size may entice someone. Not sure how much of an athlete he’ll be and if he can hang at the NBA level.

Tony GwynnPoint Guard, 5’11”, San Diego State, 21: Dual-sport star at San Diego State who had hometown baseball Padres interested. Great hand-eye coordination, curious to see how he’ll do at NBA-level.

Frank BrickowskiPower Forward, 6’9”, Penn State, 21: Hard nosed big who won’t let anyone get any easy points. Offense is questionable, but that’s not likely why he’s being drafted.

Jeff LampWing, 6’6”, Virginia, 22: Solid scorer from the wing. Probably a late 1st, early 2nd round pick.

***

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division

New York Knicks (1)

1981 Record: 60-22 (17-5, 16-6, 27-11)
Key Players: Bill Cartwright (18.6 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 1.2 BPG), Micheal Ray Richardson (19.7 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 10.4 APG, 2.5 SPG, 1st Team), Ray Williams (17.2 PPG, 4.7 APG, 3rd Team)
Big Moves: None

The Knicks surprisingly overcame both the Sixers and Celtics for the #1 Seed. Can Micheal Ray lead them to the Finals…and perhaps another NBA Title?

Philadelphia 76ers (3)
1981 Record: 60-22 (18-6, 17-4, 25-12)
Key Players: Julius Erving (26.7 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 5 APG, 1.8 SPG, 1.2 BPG, 2nd Team), Robert Parish (23.6 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 2.9 BPG, DPOTY, 2nd Team)
Big Moves: None

The important thing for the Sixers as they look to defend the NBA Title is that they are coming into these playoffs healthy. The Sixers boasted the best defense in the NBA this year, with Parish, Dr. J, Bobby Jones and Maurice Cheeks all finding spots on the All-Defense teams.

Boston Celtics (4)
1981 Record: 57-25 (20-7, 12-7, 25-11)
Key Players: Larry Bird (26.3 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.4 SPG, 53-91-44%s, 1st Team), Gus Williams (18.5 PPG, 2.3 SPG)
Big Moves: None

Gus Williams has proved to be an excellent addition to the Celtics. Despite falling short for the division, the Celtics have just a good a shot at the title as anyone else. Does anyone want to really face the sharpshooting Bird?

New Jersey Nets (6)
1981 Record: 41-41 (11-14, 12-6, 18-21)
Key Players: Cliff Robinson (17.2 PPG, 8.6 RPG), Calvin Natt (19.4 PPG, 5.7 RPG, MIPOTY), Darrell Griffith (18.9 PPG)
Big Moves: None

Injuries to Eddie Jordan may hurt the Nets, but the young trio of Robinson, Natt and Griffith has brought tons of excitement back to New Jersey basketball. Can they find an upset against the Sixers?

Washington Bullets
1981 Record: 22-60 (5-20, 4-18, 13-22)
Key Players: John Williamson (19.1 PPG)
Big Moves: None

Good news for the Bullets, the Stallions missing the playoffs will reward them with another lottery selection.

Miami Heat
1981 Record: 15-67 (3-24, 6-15, 6-28)
Key Players: Andrew Toney (17.6 PPG)
Big Moves: None

Not the worst 1st season. We will see who Miami brings back next year.

Eastern Conference

Central Division

Indiana Pacers (2)

1981 Record: 56-26 (14-9, 15-8, 27-9)
Key Players: Alex English (27.3 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 2nd Team), Johnny Davis (19 PPG, 6.3 APG, 2nd Team)

Indiana has dominated the Central and cleanly took down the #2 seed. No one’s talking about Indiana getting out of the East, but English and the Pacers can’t be ruled out.

Atlanta Hawks (5)
1981 Record: 45-37 (15-11, 10-10, 20-16)
Key Players: Eddie Johnson (19 PPG, 4.5 APG), Tree Rollins (8.e PPG, 9.8 RPG, 3.7 BPG), John Drew (17.5 PPG, 5.4 RPG)
Big Moves: None

A good ending stretch for the Hawks has them locked into the playoffs. Can they upset Bird and co.?

Milwaukee Bucks
1981 Record: 37-45 (8-16, 12-9, 17-20)
Key Players: Sidney Moncrief (17 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.8 SPG), Marques Johnson (24 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.3 SPG)
Big Moves: None

A disappointing conclusion for Milwaukee, but Johnson and Moncrief still provide a solid foundation for the future.

Chicago Bulls
1981 Record: 36-46 (11-13, 9-13, 16-20)
Key Players: Vinnie Johnson (18.3 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.5 SPG, 33 G), Reggie Theus (23.7 PPG, 5.1 APG), Johnny Moore (10.3 PPG, 8.5 APG, 1.8 SPG)
Big Moves: None

They didn’t quite make the playoffs, but Chicago has to be loving their future with the Johnson-Theus-Moore trio with a lottery selection.

Cleveland Cavaliers
1981 Record: 35-47 (8-19, 13-8, 14-20)
Key Players: Mike Mitchell (17.7 PPG, 7.2 RPG), Kevin McHale (13.1 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.0 BPG)
Big Moves: None

The Cavs couldn’t quite make the playoffs, but have to be encouraged by the development of rookie Kevin McHale.

Detroit Pistons
1981 Record: 27-55 (12-11, 4-16, 11-28)
Key Players: Greg Kelser (20.1 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.4 SPG)
Big Moves: None

Detroit sealed their fate for this season when they traded Long and Tyler, and it worked out as Golden State failed to make the playoffs.

Western Conference

Midwest Division

Houston Rockets (2)

1981 Record: 36-10 (20-4, 16-6, 27-9)
Key Players: Moses Malone (29.7 PPG, 15.4 RPG, 1.8 BPG, MVP, 1st Team), Dennis Johnson (19.1 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3 APG, 1.4 SPG)
Big Moves: None

A strong 27-9 finish nabbed the 1st seed from the Lakers. Moses locked in a third straight MVP, and the Rockets are rolling.

San Antonio Spurs (3)
1981 Record: 55-27 (18-6, 15-8, 22-13)
Key Players: George Gervin (31.6 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 1st Team), Campy Russell (16.9 PPG, 5.8 RPG), John Lucas (11.5 PPG, 8 APG)

Ice locked up a scoring title led by a few huge games against the Lakers. If the Spurs are to make a run, they’ll likely need to get through both LA and Houston, but they’ve proven they can beat both.

Denver Nuggets (4)
1981 Record: 48-34 (17-9, 12-8, 19-17)
Key Players: David Thompson (30.5 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3 APG, 3rd Team), Dan Issell (18.9 PPG, 8.2 RPG)
Big Moves: None

Not the best ending for the Nuggets, but they’ve locked in a playoff spot nonetheless. One thing they have is the experience of being the defending Western Conference Champions. That and David Thompson, despite only making 3rd team, has been playing out of this world basketball.

Kansas City Kings (6)
1981 Record: 39-43 (11-14, 10-10, 18-19)
Key Players: Otis Birdsong (25.3 PPG, 5 RPG, 1.8 SPG), Swen Nater (10.6 PPG, 10 RPG)
Big Moves: None

Thanks to a huge late-season run by Otis Birdsong and a Stallions collapse, the Kings locked up the #6 seed where a tough match-up with the Spurs awaits.

Salt Lake Stallions
1981 Record: 38-44 (13-11, 12-8, 13-25)
Key Players: Adrian Dantley (21.5 PPG, 5.8 RPG), Bernard King (27.1 PPG, 7.1 RPG)
Big Moves: None

A Bernard King injury sank Salt Lake’s season. Just one game from the NBA Finals last year, now all that remains are huge questions. Will Bernard King re-sign? What to make of Maravich and Gilmore, who took steps back?

Dallas Mavericks
1981 Record: 21-61 (5-22, 6-14, 10-25)
Key Players: Kiki Vandewghe (20.9 PPG, 4 RPG, ROTY)
Big Moves: None

Dallas won 20+ games, traded some pieces for future 1st round picks and have a top lotto pick. Now they’ll enter the next year with a lot of expiring contracts, which may prove to be valuable.

Western Conference

Pacific Division

Los Angeles Lakers (2)

1981 Record: 60-22 (22-4, 15-5, 23-13)
Key Players: Magic Johnson (23.5 PPG, 9 RPG, 10.4 APG, 2.4 SPG), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (24.5 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 2.4 BPG), Jamaal Wilkes (20 PPG, 5 RPG, 1.5 SPG)
Big Moves: None

Injuries to Jamaal Wilkes hindered the Lakers somewhat, but Magic was exceptional and kept the Lakers up top the Pacific. Wilkes should return for the Semi-Finals, where the Lakers will face the Spurs or Kings.

Phoenix Suns (6)
1981 Record: 39-43 (14-12, 8-13, 17-18)
Key Players: Walter Davis (23.8 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.6 RPG)
Big Moves: None

The Suns will have to find a way to defeat the Spurs without the injured Davis, who still hasn’t returned. Davis should be back by the Semis if they can pull that off.

Golden State Warriors
1981 Record: 36-46 (11-14, 5-15, 20-17)
Key Players: Darryl Dawkins (17.2 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 2 BPG), John Long (17.9 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.8 SPG), Purvis Short (15.9 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.1 SPG)
Big Moves: None

Golden State showed some of their new found potential, finishing the 2nd half of the season with above .500 basketball. They have everyone under contract as well.

Portland Trail Blazers
1981 Record: 33-49 (11-15, 6-14, 16-20)
Key Players: Maurice Lucas (20.1 PPG, 9.7 RPG)
Big Moves: None

Portland is currently in the middle of no man’s land. They either need to add help for Lucas, or possibly trade Lucas.

Seattle Supersonics
1981 Record: 16-30 (8-17, 8-13, 16-20)
Key Players: Jack Sikma (18.6 PPG, 9.2 RPG), Fred Brown (18.1 PPG)
Big Moves: None

We will see what Seattle has up their sleeves the next couple of season. Rookies Orr, Gminski and Hanzlik all got time this year to improve and gain chemistry.

San Diego Clippers
1981 Record: 14-32 (8-17, 6-15, 15-21)
Key Players: World B. Free (20.9 PPG), Joe Barry Carroll (14.7 PPG, 6.6 RPG)

Another team with a lot of work to do to get things together.

***

AWARDS

Most Valuable Player

Moses Malone (3), Rockets: 82 G, 29.7 PPG, 15.4 RPG, 187 BPG, 56.8% FG

Rookie of the Year
Kiki Vandeweghe, Mavericks: 75 G, 20.9 PPG, 4 RPG, 2.7 APG, 47.2% FG, 90.2% FT

Defensive Player of the Year
Robert Parish, 76ers: 82 G, 1.0 SPG, 2.9 BPG, Team Def Eff: 97.6 (1st)

6th Man of the Year
Terry Furlow, Hawks: 82 G, 0 GS, 14.3 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.5 SPG, 48.2% FG, 84.3% FT

Most Improved Player
Calvin Natt, Nets: 82 G, 19.4 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 50.6% FG

Coach of the Year
Del Harris, Rockets: 63-19 (12 Game Improvement), 1st in Western Conference, Midwest Division Champions

NBA 1st Team
Moses Malone, Rockets (3rd: 3/0/0)
George Gervin, Spurs (7th: 4/3/0)
Larry Bird, Celtics (2nd: 2/0/0)
Magic Johnson, Lakers (2nd: 2/0/0)
Micheal Ray Richardson, Knicks (2nd: 1/1/0)

NBA 2nd Team
Robert Parish, Warriors/76ers (2nd: 0/1/1)
Julius Erving, 76ers (9th: 5/4/0)
Alex English, Pacers (1st: 0/1/0)
Adrian Dantley, Stallions (2nd: 0/1/1)
Johnny Davis, Pacers (1st: 0/1/0)

NBA 3rd Team
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Lakers (11th: 6/4/1)
David Thompson, Nuggets (5th: 2/2/1)
Reggie Theus, Bulls (1st: 0/0/1)
Otis Birdsong, Kings (1st: 0/0/1)
Ray Williams, Knicks (1st: 0/0/1)

All-Defense 1st Team
Robert Parish, 76ers (1st: 1/0)
Don Buse, Suns (6th: 6/0)
Julius Erving, 76ers (3rd: 3/0)
Magic Johnson, Lakers (2nd: 1/1)
Micheal Ray Richardson, Knicks (1st: 1/0)

All-Defense 2nd Team
Tree Rollins, Hawks (2nd: 0/2)
Bobby Jones, 76ers (6th: 5/1)
Michael Cooper, Lakers: (2nd:0/2)
Gus Williams, Sonics/Celtics: (1st: 0/1)
Maurice Cheeks, 76ers (2nd: 1/1)

All-Rookie 1st Team
Kevin McHale, Cavaliers
Kiki Vandeweghe, Mavericks
Andrew Toney, Heat
Darrell Griffith, Nets
Rory Sparrow, Bullets

All-Rookie 2nd Team
Joe Barry Carroll, Clippers
Mike Gminski, Supersonics
Michael Wiley, Knicks
Mike Woodson, Bucks
Bill Hanzlik, Supersonics

NBA Scoring Champion
George Gervin (3), Spurs, 31.6

NBA Rebounding Champion
Moses Malone (3), Rockets, 15.4

NBA Assists Champion
Magic Johnson, Lakers, 10.4

NBA Steals Champion
Maurice Cheeks, 76ers, 2.6

NBA Blocks Champion
George Johnson (2), Heat, 4.3

***

Players of the Week (Listed by Week Ending)


11/9 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Magic Johnson, Lakers
11/16 – Micheal Ray Richardson, Knicks, Moses Malone, Rockets
11/23 – Larry Bird, Celtics, George Gervin, Spurs
12/7 – Robert Parish, 76ers, George Gervin, Spurs
12/14 – Larry Bird, Celtics, George Gervin, Spurs
12/21 – Alex English, Pacers, Moses Malone, Rockets
12/28 – Robert Parish, 76ers, Moses Malone, Rockets
1/4 – Julius Erving, 76ers, Moses Malone, Rockets
1/11 – Micheal Ray Richardson, Knicks, Magic Johnson, Lakers
1/18 – David Greenwood, Bulls, Moses Malone, Rockets
1/25 – Julius Erving, 76ers, Moses Malone, Rockets
2/1 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Magic Johnson, Lakers
2/8 – Robert Parish, 76ers, George Gervin, Spurs
2/15 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Moses Malone, Rockets
2/22 – Julius Erving, 76ers, Moses Malone, Rockets
3/1 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Magic Johnson, Lakers
3/8 – Reggie Theus, Bulls, Moses Malone, Rockets
3/15 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Magic Johnson, Lakers
3/22 – Alex English, Pacers, David Thompson, Nuggets
3/29 – Robert Parish, 76ers, George Gervin, Spurs
4/5 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Lakers
4/12 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Lakers
4/19 – Larry Bird, Celtics, George Gervin, Spurs

Players of the Month

November: Larry Bird, Celtics, Magic Johnson, Lakers
December: Robert Parish, 76ers, George Gervin, Spurs
January: Julius Erving, 76ers, Moses Malone, Rockets
February: Robert Parish, 76ers, Magic Johnson, Lakers
March: Alex English, Pacers, Magic Johnson, Lakers
April: Larry Bird, Celtics, Moses Malone, Rockets

Rookies of the Month

November: Andrew Toney, Heat, Kiki Vandeweghe, Mavericks
December: Kevin McHale, Celtics, Kiki Vandeweghe, Mavericks
January: Andrew Toney, Heat, Kiki Vandeweghe, Mavericks
February: Andrew Toney, Heat, Kiki Vandeweghe, Mavericks
March: Kevin McHale, Cavaliers, Joe Barry Carroll, Clippers
April: Kevin McHale, Cavaliers, Kiki Vandeweghe, Mavericks

***

Next: Round 1 Playoff Predictions!


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Playoff Preview

Western Conference Round 1

Best of Three

#5 Phoenix Suns (39-43) vs. #4 Denver Nuggets (48-34) – Winner Faces the #1 Rockets

2/5/81 – Nuggets 117, SUNS 106
2/26/81 – SUNS 137, Nuggets 127
3/5/81 – NUGGETS 117, Suns 102
3/31/81 – Suns 116, NUGGETS 102
4/17/81 – Nuggets 108, SUNS 104

Phoenix Suns
Record: 39-43
PPG: 98.8 (14th)
oPPG: 100.9 (11th)
Offensive Eff: 100.9 (12th)
Defensive Eff: 102.9 (12th)
eFG: 47.4% (12th)
Reb%: 46.5% (24th)

Starters/Key Players
Paul Westphal – 16 PPG, 5.1 ASP, 1.7 SPG
Bob McAdoo – 15.4 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.1 BPG
Truck Robinson – 14.4 PPG, 8.2 RPG
Mike Bratz – 11.5 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.7 SPG
Alvan Adams – 10.8 PPG, 5.4 RPG

Key Injuries
Walter Davis – 23.1 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.8 SPG (Unlikely to return in the series)

Denver Nuggets
Record: 48-34
PPG: 107.9 (7th)
oPPG: 106.3 (23rd)
Offensive Eff: 104.9 (9th)
Defensive Eff: 103.3 (15th)
eFG: 47.9% (10th)
Reb%: 50.8% (11th)

Starters/Key Players
David Thompson – 30.5 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3 APG, All-NBA 3rd Team, All-Star
Dan Issel – 18.9 PPG, 8.2 RPG, All-Star
Gary Garland – 8.3 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 3.1 APG
George McInnis – 13.4 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 3.6 APG
Calvin Murphy – 14.8 PPG

Key Injuries
Dan Issel – Day-to-Day with a Sprained Knee

***

Best of Three

#6 Kansas City Kings (39-43) vs. #3 San Antonio Spurs (55-27) – Winner Faces #2 Lakers

11/7/80 – SPURS 103, Kings 91
11/23/80 – SPURS 118, Kings 105
1/6/81 – KINGS 121, Spurs 104
1/17/81 – KINGS 101, Spurs 95
2/5/81 – SPURS 120, Kings 111
3/7/81 – KINGS 112, Spurs 92

Kansas City Kings
Record: 39-43
PPG: 97.7 (17th)
oPPG: 97.6 (2nd)
Offensive Eff: 102 (11th)
Defensive Eff: 101.8 (7th)
eFG: 46.5% (13th)
Reb%: 51.1% (7th)

Starters/Key Players
Otis Birdsong - 25.3 PPG, 5 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.8 SPG, All-NBA 3rd Team, All-Star
Phil Ford – 12.1 PPG, 6.1 APG, 1.2 SPG
Swen Nater - 10.6 PPG, 10 RPG
Scott Wedman – 12.1 PPG, 5.2 RPG
Bill Laimbeer – 9 PPG, 7.3 RPG

Key Injuries
Billy McKinney, 6th Man – 9.6 PPG

San Antonio Spurs
Record: 55-27
PPG: 109 (3rd)
oPPG: 101.7 (13th)
Offensive Eff: 108.8 (4th)
Defensive Eff: 101.5 (6th)
eFG: 50.4% (5th)
Reb%: 48.5% (18th)

Starters/Key Players
Larry Kenon – 13.1 PPG, 7.5 RPG
Campy Russell – 16.9 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.1 SPG, All-Star
George Gervin – 31.6 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.3 SPG, All-NBA 1st Team, All-Star, NBA Scoring Champion
James Silas – 16.5 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 3.4 APG
John Lucas – 11.5 PPG, 8 APG, 2 SPG, All-Star

Key Injuries
None

***

Eastern Conference Round 1

Best of Three

#5 Atlanta Hawks (45-37) vs. #4 Boston Celtics (57-25) – Winner Plays #1 Knicks

11/16/80 – Celtics 113, HAWKS 109
12/11/80 – HAWKS 114, Celtics 109
1/31/81 – CELTICS 110, Hawks 95
4/5/81 – CELTICS 118, Hawks 111

Atlanta Hawks
Record: 45-37
PPG: 106.8 (8th)
oPPG: 102.2 (14th)
Offensive Eff: 107.1 (8th)
Defensive Eff: 102.4 (11th)
eFG: 48.7% (8th)
Reb%: 52% (4th)

Starters/Key Players
Tree Rollins – 8.3 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 3.7 BPG, All-Defense 2nd
Norm Nixon – 13.1 PPG, 7.4 APG
Eddie Johnson – 19 PPG, 4.5 APG, 1.4 SPG
Dan Roundfield – 15.9 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 1.3 BPG
John Drew – 17.5 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.3 SPG
Terry Furlow – 14.3 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 3.2 APG, 6th Man of the Year

Key Injuries
None

Boston Celtics
Record: 57-25
PPG: 108.7 (6th)
oPPG: 100.2 (9th)
Offensive Eff: 108.2 (6th)
Defensive Eff: 99.5 (4th)
eFG: 50.7% (2nd)
Reb%: 51.7% (5th)

Starters/Key Players
Larry Bird – 26.3 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.4 SPG, 53.4% FG, 90.9% FT, 44.1% 3P
Gus Williams – 18.5 PPG, 3.6 APG, 2.3 SPG
Dave Cowens – 8.5 PPG, 6.1 RPG
Cedric Maxwell – 9.7 PPG, 5.8 RPG
Ricky Sobers – 12.3 PPG, 4.2 APG, 1.3 SPG
Tiny Archibald – 7.9 PPG, 3.4 APG

Key Injuries
None

***

Best of Three

#6 New Jersey Nets (41-41) vs. #3 Philadelphia 76ers (60-22) – Winner Plays #2 Pacers

12/13/80 – 76ERS 118, Nets 95
1/7/81 – 76ERS 107, Nets 94
2/2/81 – 76ers 112, NETS 97
3/14/81 – 76ERS 134, Nets 107
4/9/81 – NETS 92, 76ers 81
4/22/81 – NETS 112, 76ers 109

New Jersey Nets
Record: 41-41
PPG: 99.9 (12th)
oPPG: 100.5 (10th)
Offensive Eff: 100.6 (14th)
Defensive Eff: 101.3 (5th)
eFG: 46.5% (14th)
Reb%: 50.5% (13th)

Starters/Key Players
Cliff Robinson – 17.2 PPG, 8.6 RPG
Calvin Natt – 19.4 PPG, 5.7 RPG, All-Star
Darrell Griffith – 18.9 PPG, 3.2 RPG
Rich Kelley – 10 PPG, 8 RPG
Dave Twardzik – 8.4 PPG, 1.5 SPG

Key Injuries
Eddie Jordan – 9.6 PPG, 5.3 APG, Out for Series

Philadelphia 76ers
Record: 60-22
PPG: 108.7 (5th)
oPPG: 98.9 (6th)
Offensive Eff: 107.2 (7th)
Defensive Eff: 97.6 (1st)
eFG: 50.4% (6th)
Reb%: 51.1% (9th)

Starters/Key Players
Robert Parish – 23.6 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 2.9 BPG, Defensive Player of the Year, All-NBA 2nd Team
Bobby Jones – 12.4 PPG, 7.4 RPG, All-Defense 2nd Team
Julius Erving – 26.7 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 5 APG, 1.8 SPG, 1.2 BPG, All-NBA 1st Team, All-Defense 1st Team
Maurice Cheeks – 14.3 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 7.7 APG, All-Defense 2nd Team
Doug Collins – 17.1 PPG

Key Injuries
None

***

Prediction Contest – Only Predict Round 1 For Now

1st Round –
Picking the Winning Team is worth 10 Points, Picking the Exact Amount of Games is worth 2 Points

Semi-Finals – Picking the Winning Team is worth 25 Points, Picking the Exact Amount of Games is worth 5 Points

Conference Finals – Picking the Winning is worth 50 Points, Picking the Exact Amount of Games is worth 10 Points

NBA Finals – Picking the Winning Team is Worth 100 Points, Picking the Exact Amount of Games is worth 20 Points

Guessing the Finals MVP: Worth 20 Points

Winning the Competition Each Year: Worth +10%

I will eventually find use for prediction points, as you will keep them over the years. Predictions accepted until Round 1 results are posted.

Past Prediction Results

@Grimini Killer – 55 Points (1980 Champion)​
 
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(All Box Scores to be added after the end of the season)

Game 1 - #5 Phoenix Suns at #4 Denver Nuggets

A close game throughout, with David Thompson leading the way for the Nuggets in their quest to return to the NBA Finals. The Suns fought with their own balanced attack, still without Walter Davis.

Still, despite missing their best player and being on the road, the Suns sported a 108-101 lead with 4 minutes to play. Gary Garland for Denver hit a jumper to bring it to 108-103. Alvan Adams couldn’t connect on a lay-up on the other end, and Thompson breaks free to his a jumper from the baseline to cut the lead to three. The Suns call timeout and come out with a set play, but Mike Bratz misses. Calvin Murphy gets to the line and hits one of two free throws, and the score is 108-106 Suns.

George McInnis gets a steal and Denver looks to tie, but Phoenix’s Sam Worthen steals a pass intended for Skywalker. The Suns can’t buy a basket, but crash the boards and get an offensive rebound, at least killing some clock. It’s down to 1:20 now, so Phoenix has been scoreless for a couple minutes here. Garland hits another jumper from the baseline to tie things up with a minute left. Truck Robinson can’t get his lay-up to go, and Bob McAdoo gets a tip, but that rims out as well! Dan Issel grabs the board and an epic Suns collapse is almost complete. Don Buse breaks up a pass to Thompson, but gets called for a foul and the Suns are over the limit.

Skywalker hits both FTs and it looks like Denver is going to steal it as they now lead 110-108. The Suns have 14 seconds and can’t get an open shot…but Mike Bratz lets a contended one off from the free throw line and it bounces off the backboard and in as time expires! The Suns avoid the collapse for now as we head to overtime!

Overtime starts and the roles are reversed. Bratz immediately scores again and Denver turns the ball over. Thompson ties it at 112 with 3:35 to go…and Denver would never score again. Truck Robinson scores off his own miss and Denver continues to turn the ball over. The Suns aren’t perfect, it’s only 114-112 Suns with a minute left, but Adams finds Paul Westphal for a score that puts them up 116-112…and Adams gets a steal, yet another Denver turnover! Adams scores and Denver wastes too much time as the game ends. Somehow, the Suns survived their collapse and stole home court!

Suns 118, NUGGETS 112 (Suns lead 1-0)

Suns Stats
Truck Robinson: 25 PTS, 12 REB, 7/14 FG
Mike Bratz: 51 MIN, 25 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST, 11/21 FG
Alvan Adams: 24 PTS, 6 REB, 6 STL

Nuggets Stats
David Thompson: 44 PTS, 16/24 FG, 12/15 FT
Calvin Murphy: 12 PTS, 5/7 FG
Bob Wilkerson: 14 PTS, 7/11 FG

***

Game 1 - #6
Kansas City Kings at #3 San Antonio Spurs

The Iceman was able to outlast Otis Birdsong as the Spurs took a 1-0 lead in their best-of-three. Birdsong kept shooting, going 13 for 37 but only scoring 28. Gervin only took 21 shots, but put up 36 as he fought to get to the line. Larry Kenon and Campy Russell supplied rebounding help as well, each had 10.

SPURS 101, Kings 91 (Spurs lead 1-0)

Kings Stats
Otis Birdsong: 28 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST, 13/37 FG
Swen Nater: 12 PTS, 13 REB

Spurs Stats
George Gervin: 36 PTS, 7 REB, 12/21 FG, 11/14 FT
John Lucas: 10 PTS, 8 AST, 5 STL, 7/11 FG
Larry Kenon: 15 PTS, 10 REB
Campy Russell: 12 PTS, 10 REB, 3 STL, 2 BLK

***

Game 1 - #5
Atlanta Hawks at #4 Boston Celtics

Boston had been in complete control of the game, holding a commanding 17 points lead heading into the 4th. But the Hawks wouldn’t give up…with just 4:33 left suddenly it was Celtics 94, Hawks 92!

Larry Bird hadn’t given into the collapse quite yet, stealing a Norm Nixon pass and getting the ball to Cedric Maxwell for a wide-open lay-up, making it 96-92. Gus Williams finds another steal and a breakaway dunk puts Boston back in control at 98-92. The Hawsk still refuse to give up, with Eddie Johnson hitting a jumper. Boston goes 1/2 from the line on their possession, then Dave Cowens hits a short shot to make it 101-94 with just 2:12 left.

But it still wasn’t over. Nixon scores, making it 101-96. John Drew steals the ball and Eddie Johnson scores again, making it 101-98! Bird hits a clutch jumper to put the lead back to five with 85 seconds left, but Drew answers and we’re at 103-100. Eddie Johnson gets a steal and gets to the line, hitting both free throws. Just 43 seconds left and it’s 103-102! Gus Williams misses from the free throw line and Atlanta has a chance to steal a road win with 18 seconds left…but Nixon’s jumper rims out and the Celtics hold-on to win Game 1.

CELTICS 103, Hawks 102 (Celtics lead 1-0)

Hawks Stats
Eddie Johnson: 24 PTS, 7 AST, 8/16 FG
Dan Roundfield: 20 PTS, 7 REB, 6 BLK, 8/12 FG
Tree Rollins: 13 PTS, 17 REB, 3 BLK

Celtics Stats
Larry Bird: 21 PTS, 9 REB
Gus Williams: 20 PTS, 7/22 FG
Cedric Maxwell: 20 PTS, 6/11 FG

***

Game 1 - #6
New Jersey Nets at #3 Philadelphia 76ers

The defending NBA Champion Sixers began defense the playoff defense of their title with a dominant win over the young Nets. The Nets’ Rich Kelley was no match for Robert Parish as the Sixers led the whole way, winning every quarter in route to a 26 point victory.

76ERS 128, Nets 102 (76ERS lead 1-0)

Nets Stats
Darrell Griffith: 20 PTS, 9/25 FG
Calvin Natt: 20 PTS, 8/12 FG
Cliff Robinson: 19 PTS, 7/10 FG

76ers Stats
Robert Parish: 28 PTS, 14 REB, 3 BLK, 6/11 FG, 16/18 FT
Julius Erving: 22 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST, 6/11 FG
Maurice Cheeks: 9 PTS, 9 REB, 6 AST

***

Game 2 – #4
Denver Nuggets at #5 Phoenix Suns (Suns lead 1-0)

Facing elimination, the defending Western Conference Champion Nuggets stayed alive with a strong road win against the Suns. Phoenix came out with a strong first quarter, but the Nuggets rolled from there, led by Skywalker and Dan Issel. This was a golden opportunity for Phoenix, as now in order to pull off the upset they’ll have to beat Denver in Denver again.

Nuggets 106, SUNS 92 (Series Tied 1-1)

Nuggets Stats
David Thompson: 26 PTS, 4 AST, 2 STL
Dan Issel: 22 PTS, 7 REB, 4 STL
Gary Garland: 15 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST, 5 STL

Suns Stats
Paul Westphal: 19 PTS, 5 AST, 3 STL, 5/19 FG, 9/10 FT
Truck Robinson: 16 PTS, 8 REB

***

Game 2 - #3
San Antonio Spurs at #6 Kansas City Kings (Spurs lead 1-0)

The Kings played a tough game and even had it tied heading into the 4th, but Ice and the Spurs proved to be too much as the Kings couldn’t hold on. A lack of a true second scorer to help Otis Birdsong held the Kings back as Otis took another 26 shots and only scored 23 on them. Meanwhile Gervin and James Silas combined for 60 on 40 shots. The Spurs move-on to an exciting series with the Lakers as the Kings need to figure out what their future looks like.

Spurs 105, KINGS 96 (Spurs win 2-0)

Spurs Stats
James Silas: 31 PTS, 10/18 FG, 11/12 FT
George Gervin: 29 PTS, 8 REB, 10/22 FG, 9/10 FT
Campy Russell: 22 PTS, 13 REB, 9/16 FG
John Lucas: 10 PTS, 11 AST

Kings Stats
Otis Birdsong: 23 PTS, 11 REB, 10/26 FG
Bill Laimbeer: 19 PTS, 11 REB, 4 AST, 8/15 FG
Swen Nater: 12 PTS, 11 REB

***

Game 2 - #4
Boston Celtics at #5 Atlanta Hawks (Celtics lead 1-0)

Just like Game 1, the feisty Hawks and the tough Celtics went down to the wire. 105-103 Boston with two minutes left as Tree Rollins takes a charge from Ricky Sobers to get the Atlanta crowd energized! Unfortunately for Atlanta Sobers makes up for that with a steal. Gus Williams is the next to challenge Rollins, but Tree gets the block and Norm Nixon recovers. Cowens fouls Rollins, sending him to the line. Tree Rollins makes both, and we’re tied at 105 with 1:27 left to play.

Bird starts off a hockey assist, finding Cedric Maxwell who finds Gus for the go-ahead jumper. Norm Nixon responds, and we’re tied at 107 with just 50 seconds left. Bird finds Cowens, but Tree Rollins comes up with another clutch block! Ball goes out though, and on the inbound Maxwell finds Sobers for a jumper from the wing, and it’s 109-107 with 22 seconds left. John Drew breaks free of Boston’s full court press and gets a lay-up, tying things at 109 and 11 seconds left!

Bird and Sobers break through Atlanta’s press. Sobers finds Cowens deep, but Cowens defers to Bird. Bird leaps, with his body moving parallel to the bucket from the baseline. The double team of Dan Roundfield and Eddie Johnson do not matter, as Bird gets the shot off just in time, and hits perhaps his first career game winner, ending the Hawks season. Bird makes it a point to celebrate right in front of the Atlanta bench.

Celtics 111, HAWKS 109 (Celtics win 2-0)

Celtics Stats
Larry Bird: 32 PTS, 12/23 FG, Game Winning Shot
Gus Williams: 20 PTS, 8/16 FG

Hawks Stats
John Drew: 25 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST
Terry Furlow: 17 PTS, 9 REB, 7 AST

***

Game 2 - #3
Philadelphia 76ers at #6 New Jersey Nets (76ers lead 1-0)

Good showing for the young Nets, but once the Sixers got ahead things were as good as over. This time Dr. J came in to finish things off with 27. The biggest issue for the Nets was that they couldn’t keep their hands off the Sixers…they committed 41 fouls and allowed a staggering 63 FTA. Experience should only help them. Sixers move on to face Indiana.

76ers 112, NETS 101 (76ers win 2-0)

76ers Stats
Julius Erving: 27 PTS, 9 REB, 4 AST, 9/12 FG
Doug Collins: 21 PTS, 3/7 FG, 15/17 FT
Robert Parish: 21 PTS, 12 REB

Nets Stats
Darrell Griffith: 30 PTS, 4 AST, 13/30 FG
Cliff Robinson: 25 PTS, 8/14 FG, 9/10 FT, 9 REB

***

Game 3 - #5
Phoenix Suns at #4 Denver Nuggets (Series Tied 1-1)

Unfortunately, the Suns couldn’t make this one interesting as they just didn’t have the firepower to outlast Denver again. The Nuggets took a 10 point lead in the 1st, and led by 28 heading into the 4th. Dan Issel did most of the damage for the Nuggets. Paul Westphal and Bo McAdoo weren’t able to fill the scoring hole left by Walter Davis, and the Suns will have questions heading into the off-season. Denver’s season reminds alive as they’ll take on MVP Moses and the Rockets.

NUGGETS 104, Suns 92 (Nuggets win 2-1)

Suns Stats
Bob McAdoo: 22 PTS, 5 REB, 8/13 FG
Paul Westphal: 15 PTS, 7/15 FG

Nuggets Stats
Dan Issel: 29 PTS, 11/17 FG
David Thompson: 19 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST, 2 BLK, 6/13 FG, 7/12 FT
George Johnson: 19 PTS, 13 REB

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1981playoffs2.jpg

Playoff Preview
Western Conference Semi-Finals

Best of Seven

#4 Denver Nuggets (48-34) vs. #1 Houston Rockets (63-19)

11/10/80 – Rockets 95, NUGGETS 92
11/19/80 – ROCKETS 107, Nuggets 101
11/22/80 – ROCKETS 102, Nuggets 84
12/2/80 – Rockets 136, NUGGETS 105
1/6/81 – Rockets 101, NUGGETS 98
1/22/81 – ROCKETS 109, Nuggets 85

Denver Nuggets
Record: 48-34
PPG: 107.9 (7th)
oPPG: 106.3 (23rd)
Offensive Eff: 104.9 (9th)
Defensive Eff: 103.3 (15th)
eFG: 47.9% (10th)
Reb%: 50.8% (11th)

Starters/Key Players
David Thompson – 30.5 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3 APG, All-NBA 3rd Team, All-Star
Dan Issel – 18.9 PPG, 8.2 RPG, All-Star
Gary Garland – 8.3 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 3.1 APG
George McInnis – 13.4 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 3.6 APG
Calvin Murphy – 14.8 PPG

Key Injuries
Dan Issel – Day-to-Day with a Sprained Knee

Houston Rockets
Record: 63-19
PPG: 105.7 (9th)
oPPG: 93.5 (1st)
Offensive Eff: 111.1 (1st)
Defensive Eff: 98.2 (3rd)
eFG: 49.7% (7th)
Reb%: 53.2% (1st)

Starters/Key Players
Moses Malone: 29.7 PPG, 15.4 RPG, MVP
Dennis Johnson: 19.1 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3 APG, 1.4 SPG
Kevin Grevey: 12.6 PPG, 3 REB, 2.6 APG
Allen Leavell: 10.7 PPG, 5.9 APG, 2.1 SPG
Rudy Tomjanovich: 7.5 PPG, 5 RPG
Robert Reid (6th): 9 PPG, 4.3 RPG

Key Injuries
None

Best of Seven
#3 San Antonio Spurs (55-27) vs. #2 Los Angeles Lakers (60-22)

1/10/81 – LAKERS 116, Spurs 114
3/24/81 – SPURS 126, Lakers 120
4/4/81 – Spurs 120, LAKERS 110
4/19/81 – Lakers 118, SPURS 109

San Antonio Spurs
Record: 55-27
PPG: 109 (3rd)
oPPG: 101.7 (13th)
Offensive Eff: 108.8 (4th)
Defensive Eff: 101.5 (6th)
eFG: 50.4% (5th)
Reb%: 48.5% (18th)

Starters/Key Players
Larry Kenon – 13.1 PPG, 7.5 RPG
Campy Russell – 16.9 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.1 SPG, All-Star
George Gervin – 31.6 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.3 SPG, All-NBA 1st Team, All-Star, NBA Scoring Champion
James Silas – 16.5 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 3.4 APG
John Lucas – 11.5 PPG, 8 APG, 2 SPG, All-Star

Key Injuries
None

Los Angeles Lakers
Record: 60-22
PPG: 109 (4th)
oPPG: 98.1 (5th)
Offensive Eff: 108.5 (5th)
Defensive Eff: 97.9 (2nd)
eFG: 50.7% (3rd)
Reb%: 53% (2nd)

Starters/Key Players
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: 24.5 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 2.4 BPG
Rick Mahorn: 5.6 PPG, 5 RPG
Jamaal Wilkes: 20 PPG, 5 RPG
Michael Cooper: 12.9 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 3.8 APG, Def 2nd Team
Magic Johnson: 23.5 PPG, 9 RPG, 10.4 APG, 2.4 SPG, Def 1st Team, NBA 1st Team

Key Injuries
Jamaal Wilkes: Hasn’t played since January 30th and is listed as day-to-day, but should be available.

Eastern Conference Semi-Finals

Best of Seven

#4 Boston Celtics (57-25) vs. #1 New York Knicks (60-22)

11/20/80 – Celtics 130, KNICKS 120
1/2/81 – KNICKS 120, Celtics 106
1/16/81 – CELTICS 105, Knicks 101
2/25/81 – CELTICS 131, Knicks 129
4/19/81 – Knicks 100, CELTICS 99
4/22/81 – KNICKS 109, Celtics 100

Boston Celtics
Record: 57-25
PPG: 108.7 (6th)
oPPG: 100.2 (9th)
Offensive Eff: 108.2 (6th)
Defensive Eff: 99.5 (4th)
eFG: 50.7% (2nd)
Reb%: 51.7% (5th)

Starters/Key Players
Larry Bird – 26.3 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.4 SPG, 53.4% FG, 90.9% FT, 44.1% 3P
Gus Williams – 18.5 PPG, 3.6 APG, 2.3 SPG
Dave Cowens – 8.5 PPG, 6.1 RPG
Cedric Maxwell – 9.7 PPG, 5.8 RPG
Ricky Sobers – 12.3 PPG, 4.2 APG, 1.3 SPG
Tiny Archibald – 7.9 PPG, 3.4 APG

Key Injuries
None

New York Knicks
Record: 60-22
PPG: 111.4 (1st)
oPPG: 104.9 (21st)
Offensive Eff: 109.2 (2nd)
Defensive Eff: 103 (13th)
eFG: 52.3% (1st)
Reb%: 51.2% (6th)

Starters/Key Players
Bill Cartwright – 18.6 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 1.2 BPG
Marvin Webster – 7.9 PPG, 7.6 RPG
Michael Wiley – 12.2 PPG, 3.6 REB
Ray Williams – 17.2 PPG, 4.7 APG, NBA 3rd Team
Micheal Ray Richardson – 19.7 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 10.4 APG, 2.5 SPG, All-NBA 1st
Toby Knight – 13.2 PPG

Key Injuries
None

Best of Seven
#3 Philadelphia 76ers (60-22) at #2 Indiana Pacers (56-26)

12/9/80 – PACERS 122, 76ers 78
1/21/81 – Pacers 115, 76ERS 109
2/4/81 – 76ERS 106, Pacers 84
3/7/81 – PACERS 121, 76ers 107
3/18/81 – 76ers 116, PACERS 113

Philadelphia 76ers
Record: 60-22
PPG: 108.7 (5th)
oPPG: 98.9 (6th)
Offensive Eff: 107.2 (7th)
Defensive Eff: 97.6 (1st)
eFG: 50.4% (6th)
Reb%: 51.1% (9th)

Starters/Key Players
Robert Parish – 23.6 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 2.9 BPG, Defensive Player of the Year, All-NBA 2nd Team
Bobby Jones – 12.4 PPG, 7.4 RPG, All-Defense 2nd Team
Julius Erving – 26.7 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 5 APG, 1.8 SPG, 1.2 BPG, All-NBA 1st Team, All-Defense 1st Team
Maurice Cheeks – 14.3 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 7.7 APG, All-Defense 2nd Team
Doug Collins – 17.1 PPG

Key Injuries
None

Indiana Pacers
Record: 56-26
PPG: 109 (2nd)
oPPG: 102.2 (15th)
Offensive Eff: 109.2 (3rd)
Defensive Eff: 102.3 (10th)
eFG: 50.45 (4th)
Reb%: 51.1% (8th)

Starters/Key Players
James Edwards – 14.8 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 1.8 BPG
Alex English – 27.3 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.2 BPG, All-NBA 2nd Team
Dudley Bradley – 7.1 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.1 SPG
Brad Davis – 13.7 PPG, 5.5 APG
Johnny Davis – 19 PPG, 6.3 APG
Billy Knight – 14.2 PPG

Key Injuries
None

***

Prediction Contest – ONLY PREDICT THE SEMIS

1st Round –
Picking the Winning Team is worth 10 Points, Picking the Exact Amount of Games is worth 2 Points

Results

@ThanksGriming is the only predictor so far. Fortunately, he nailed all four picks team wise, scoring 40, but didn’t pay attention that the series were only best of three, so he missed all the game amounts. Still, a 40 point cushion over anyone who may predict later this playoffs.

Semi-Finals – Picking the Winning Team is worth 25 Points, Picking the Exact Amount of Games is worth 5 Points

Conference Finals – Picking the Winning is worth 50 Points, Picking the Exact Amount of Games is worth 10 Points

NBA Finals – Picking the Winning Team is Worth 100 Points, Picking the Exact Amount of Games is worth 20 Points

Guessing the Finals MVP: Worth 20 Points

Winning the Competition Each Year: Worth +10%

I will eventually find use for prediction points, as you will keep them over the years. Predictions accepted until Semi Results are posted.

Stats Site
 
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