NBA: The Modern Game Era

[RDT]

THE ROAD TO THE PLAYOFFS

The Western Conference more or less played out as expected. The Lakers held on and locked in the #1 seed, with Magic Johnson winning his first MVP. The Spurs locked up the Midwest behind Scoring Champion George Gervin, but the Rockets weren’t that far behind with Moses back. The Sonics and Trail Blazers rode rookies Mar Aguirre and Kelly Tripucka to playoff berths, and the Warriors edged out the Kings for the final playoff spot.

The East had some surprises. The Celtics continued riding Larry Bird to their first Atlantic Division title in the Bird era, and the #1 seed. But surprisingly, the 76ers fell off massively. While an injury to Robert Parish slowed them down, just overall the Sixers weren’t the same team that dominated the East in the first 60% of the season. They didn’t even lock up the #3 seed as the Bucks stormed through the last part of the season. The defense added from Artis Gilmore did wonders, as he and Sidney Moncrief led the Bucks to the best defense in basketball. The Hawks also delivered on their potential by locking up a playoff spot, while the Bullets held on to make it as well, carried by Kareem. Surprisingly, the Knicks never recovered from early injuries in the season. While they finished above .500, last season’s Eastern Conference #1 seed missed the playoffs entirely.

NOTABLE GAMES SO FAR

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

11/3/81: MAVERICKS 93, Supersonics 85 – In a battle between the #1 and #2 NBA Draft picks, Isiah debuts with a 21-9 to put the Mavs over Mark Aguirre’s Sonics

11/4/81: SIXERS 94, Celtics 93 – First battle of the top teams in the Atlantic, the Sixers use a balanced attack to survive Bird’s 30

11/6/81: Spurs 143, LAKERS 139 (2OT) – A wild double overtime game ends with 13 players in double digit scoring. The Spurs’ balanced attack overcomes Magic’s 25-13-13 and Bernard’s 28-7-9.

11/6/81: Knicks 131, SIXERS 117 – Micheal Ray reminds the Sixers’ who actually won the Atlantic Division last season with a 22-16.

11/7/81: Nets 142, LAKERS 138 (2OT) – The Lakers lose a second straight game in double overtime. Some insane statlines in this one. Magic Johnson had 17 points, 13 rebounds and 20 assists. Jamaal Wilkes had a 39-4-6 and Bernard a 35-5-5. Cliff Robinson had a 27-14-6-5 for the Nets.

11/11/81: Pistons 133, MAVERICKS 126 – Rookie Tom Chambers and 2nd Year Kiki Vandeweghe put on a scoring clinic (or expose their defensive deficiencies) as Chambers drops 37 and Kiki drops 44, with 14 assists going to Isiah.

11/17/81: Spurs 101, CELTICS 100 – Ice wins a duel with Bird, scoring 27 but coming out with a win against Bird’s 36-15.

11/19/81: MAVERICKS 102, Rockets 95 – Dallas upsets Houston despite Moses’ 48 minute, 40 point, 17 rebound performance. Isiah has a 20-14.

11/22/81: LAKERS 133, Rockets 130 – Moses’ 52-18 isn’t enough to overcome the Laker offensive attack. Magic had a 20-15.

12/4/81: ROCKETS 105, Hawks 102 – Moses continues with the “holy shit” stat lines, scoring 34 with 29 rebounds in a tough win against the Hawks.

12/21/81: Spurs 107, CAVALIERS 104 – “Ice” puts up 48 to lead the Spurs on the road

12/23/81: PACERS 126, Nuggets 87 – Alex English inserts himself into the MVP discussion, dropping 49 and grabbing 14 boards against the struggling Nuggets.

12/25/81: 76ers 101, BULLETS 89 – Parish and Kareem battle as the Bullets fail to gain ground. Dr. J made the difference with 33.

12/30/81: 76ers 114, CELTICS 110 – Parish has a 32-14 and Dr. J adds another 32 as the Sixers score a huge win over Bird and Boston.

1/4/82: Lakers 128, SPURS 125 – The Lakers overcame 50 from Gervin, with Magic, Wilkes, and Bernard putting together 76 points to score an important road victory.

1/9/82: 76ers 143, CELTICS 140 (OT) – In one of the wildest games in NBA history, the Sixers barely overcame Boston again. Bird did all he could with a 40-8-13, but four Sixers scored 23+ and it was just enough.

1/9/82: NUGGETS 128, Stallions 113 – It hasn’t been a good season for either team, but memories of just a couple seasons ago were revisited as Adrian Dantley and David Thompson just went at one another. Skywalker scored 43 and got the win, overcoming Dantley’s 53.

1/12/82: NUGGETS 111, Rockets 110 – It may be a rough season for Denver, but Thompson hasn’t given up. He dropped 51 in this one.

1/18/82: CELTICS 120, Pacers 113 – Larry Bird sent Indiana a reminder of who he is with a 47-14-10.

1/25/82: Lakers 139, NUGGETS 121 – David Thompson put up 44, but Denver couldn’t hang with Magic and the Lakers. Jamaal Wilkes and Bernard King had 58 total, a lot of those being the result of 17 assists from Magic.

1/28/82: LAKERS 132, Spurs 123 – In what may be a preview of the Western Conference Finals, this Magic-Ice battle went to Magic this time. Magic’s 32-8-13 to offset Gervin’s 39.

2/1/82: Lakers 120, SPURS 113 – The Spurs had three cracks at the Lakers in this set, each one coming close, but each ended in a loss. Gervin had 53 and was unstoppable, but Magic had a 32-7-18.

2/4/82: SPURS 102, Rockets 89 – Moses was back with a vengeance with a 35-25, but there wasn’t much help to beat San Antonio. Iceman had 42 in a big Midwest win.

2/23/82: Lakers 127, 76ERS 117 – Magic puts on a show, scoring 21 with 23 assists and 12 rebounds against potential Finals opponent Philadelphia.

3/9/82: SUNS 106, Mavericks 100 – Despite the loss, Isiah shows off what he’s capable of with a 23-17.

3/11/82: Spurs 120, NUGGETS 118 – Ice scored 56 as the Spurs keep rolling.

3/29/82: Rockets 103, SPURS 93 – Moses reminds Gervin and the Spurs that the West still goes through Houston with a 36-14 on 19 FGA.

4/3/82: Spurs 117, PACERS 114- English’s 50 isn’t enough to overcome the Spurs. Gervin had 37.

4/11/82: CELTICS 119, Pacers 117 – Bird plays all 48 minutes and puts up a 45-17-8 and outduels English’s 38.

4/15/82: Knicks 106, HEAT 100 – Micheal Ray does what he can to get New York back in the playoffs, with a 25-11, and 10 steals to complete the triple-double.

4/21/82: SPURS 124, Lakers 116 – The Spurs finally find a way to beat the Lakers as Gervin’s 38 is enough to overcome Magic’s 33-13-15.

4/21/82: 76ers 114, BULLETS 93 – Dr. J does what he can to pull Philadelphia out of their late-season funk with a 40-8-9.

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 1982 Rookie Draft Class. Age is listed as time of the draft.

Dominique Wilkins – Small Forward, 6’8”, Georgia, 22: Oh man. There’s already serious hype for ‘Nique, nicknamed the “Human Highlight Film”. An unstoppable scorer in transition. It would be a shocker for him to fall out of the Top 3.

James Worthy – Small Forward, 6’9”, North Carolina, 21: All-American dynamic scorer who may lead the Tar Heels to a NCAA Championship this year. Tall frame makes him ridiculously tough to guard. Probably a “safer” pick than Wilkins.

Terry Cummings – Power Forward, 6’9”, Depaul, 21: Nearly unstoppable inside player and a strong rebounder. With the Chicago Bulls holding two high picks fans will definitely be rooting for a Cummings selection, as he is a Chicago native.

Fat Lever – Point Guard, 6’3”, Arizona State, 21: Even though the top 3 seem to be at a consensus, Lever isn’t that far behind them and will likely be a top 5 pick. An interesting jack of all trades type, can score, distribute, play defense, shows three-point range and rebounds well for his size. But is he elite at anything?

Sleepy Floyd – Combo Guard, 6’3”, Georgetown, 22: Combo guard who can score an distribute. Could be picked anywhere from fringe top 5 to somewhere outside the top 10.

Ricky Pierce – Shooting Guard, 6’4”, Rice, 22: Good scorer who’ll be 23 when the season starts.

Bill Garnett – Power Forward, 6’9”, Wyoming, 22: Garnett shows a good all-around game that should get him picked somewhere in the top 10.

Mark Eaton – Center, 7’4””, UCLA, 25: Monstrous Eaton is a gamble. He could easily block everything in the middle and be a force, but a lack of speed may cost him on both ends and he’s limited offensively. Someone may take a shot at him in the top 10…or he could fall all the way to near the second round.

Rod Higgins – Shooting Guard, 6’7”, Fresno State, 22: Solid scorer who shows three-point range.

LaSalle Thompson – Center, 6’10”, Texas, 20: Good back-to-the-basket big who can rebound and block shots.

Paul Pressey – Shooting Guard, 6’5”, Tulsa, 23: Defensive based guard, has scoring ability too.

Trent Tucker – Shooting Guard, 6’5”, Minnesota, 22: All around guard who shows some three-point range.

Clark Kellogg – Small Forward, 6’7”, Ohio State, 20: Strong scoring threat who may go as high 4th in the draft to the right team.

Craig Hodges – Point Guard, 6’3”, Long Beach State, 21: Another three-point gunner who has playmaking ability.

John Bagley – Point Guard, 6’0”, Boston College, 22: Stronger playmaker than the likes of Hodges, but doesn’t have the three-point range.

Quintin Dailey – Shooting Guard, 6’3”, San Francisco, 21: Scoring based guard who may be able to guard points as well.

Cliff Levingston – Small Forward, 6’8”, Wichita State, 21: Has the size of a small forward, but will likely play power forward because of his rebounding ability.

Keith Edmonson – Shooting Guard, 6’5”, Purdue, 21: Scoring guard who helped lead Purdue to the Final Four in 1980.

Lester Conner – Combo Guard, 6’4”, Oregon State, 22: Guard who can play either guard position.

Terry Teagle – Shooting Guard, 6’5”, Baylor, 22: Another all-around shooting guard who shows some three-point range.

David Thirdkill – Small Forward, 6’7”, Bradley, 22: All-around swingman.

Mike Sanders – Shooting Guard, 6’6”, UCLA, 22: Scoring guard who may fall out of the first round.

Derek Smith – Wing, 6’7”, Louisville, 20: Shows some scoring potential, but unsure if he’s ready for the NBA game.

Rory White – Small Forward, 6’8”, South Alabama, 22: All-around wing who could be more assertive.

Brook Steppe – Combo Guard, 6’5”, George Tech, 22: Combo guard with good size for the 5.

***

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division

Boston Celtics (1)
1982 Record: 60-22 (20-6, 15-3, 25-13)
Key Players: Larry Bird (27.7 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 5.7 APG, 1.9 SPG, 50.1% FG, 90.2% FT), Gus Williams (17.1 PPG, 4 APG, 1.9 SPG))
Big Moves: None

Powered by Larry Bird, the Celtics put together a good finish to the season to capture the #1 seed and lock in a 60 win season.

Philadelphia 76ers (4)
1982 Record: 51-31 (18-7, 19-2, 14-22)
Key Players: Robert Parish (21.5 PPG, 11 RPG, 2.5 BPG, 52.7% FG), Julius Erving (25.8 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.7 SPG, 54% FG), Doug Collins (17 PPG), Bobby Jones (13.6 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 1.2 BPG), Maurice Cheeks (12.3 PPF, 3.8 RPG, 7.7 APG, 2.7 SPG)
Big Moves: None

The Sixers suddenly and unexpectedly went into a free fall. Which Sixer team will show up in the playoffs?

Washington Bullets (6)
1982 Record: 45-37 (15-13, 10-10, 20-14)
Key Players: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (20.8 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 2 BPG, 54.3% FG)
Big Moves: None

We’ll see if the Bullets can build on this playoff spot, or if this was all Kareem could do. A playoff appearance has to be a positive for the price they paid for Kareem.

New York Knicks
1982 Record: 44-38 (11-13, 13-9, 20-16)
Key Players: Micheal Ray Richardson (17.7 PPG, 10 APG, 2.4 SPG), Bill Cartwright (17.2 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1.3 BPG, 58.1% FG)
Big Moves: None

With Cartwright only played 54 games and Micheal Ray played 67, and it was just too many missed games for the Knicks to overcome.

New Jersey Nets
1982 Record: 33-49 (13-15, 5-14, 15-20)
Key Players: Cliff Robinson (16.7 PPG, 9.6 RPG), Calvin Natt (17 PPG, 6 RPG), Jay Vincent (14.8 PPG, 6.1 RPG), Darrell Griffith (18.5 PPG)
Big Moves: None

After a playoff run last year, the Nets took a big step back as opposed to contending for the Atlantic. They have interesting pieces, but perhaps need a real center or playmaking point guard. Mike Bratz and Eddie Jordan were the APG leaders for the Nets with only 3.6, and rookie Vincent played way out of position at center most of the season.

Miami Heat
1982 Record: 24-58 (9-16, 6-15, 9-27)
Key Players: Andrew Toney (22.5 PPG), Clint Richardson (14.5 PPG)
Big Moves: None

Year two from Miami had some bright spots. Andrew Toney showed some excellent growth, increasing his PPG by 5, FG% by 6 points and his three point % by 8 points.

Eastern Conference

Central Division

Indiana Pacers (2)
1982 Record: 51-31 (18-7, 14-7, 19-17)
Key Players: Alex English (30.3 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.2 BPG, 50.6% FG, 83.9% FT), Brad Davis (14.9 PPG, 6 APG, 1.2 SPG), Johnny Davis (17 PPG, 5.4 APG, 1.3 SPG), Billy Knight (13.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.2 SPG)
Big Moves: None

Indiana wasn’t great down the stretch, but just held off Milwaukee for the division.

Milwaukee Bucks (3)
1982 Record: 51-31 (14-11, 10-12. 27-8)
Key Players: Sidney Moncrief (18.7 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.9 SPG, 49.9% FG, 85.6% FT), Junior Bridgeman (14.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 1.2 SPG), Marques Johnson (20.2 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 48.6% FG), Artis Gilmore (13 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 1.5 BPG, 54.2% FG)
Big Moves: None

The Gilmore move helped Milwaukee become the best defensive team in basketball and Milwaukee rolled down the stretch, nearly stealing the Central division from Indiana.

Atlanta Hawks (5)
1982 Record: 46-36 (14-14, 11-10, 21-12)
Key Players: Eddie Johnson (17.9 PPG, 5 APG, 1.3 SPG), Dan Roundfield (18.5 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 54.4% FG), Terry Furlow (16.1 PPG, 1.7 SPG), Tree Rollins (7.6 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 2.9 BPG)
Big Moves: None

Atlanta played well down the stretch and locked in a playoff spot. Tree Rollins may miss Game 1, which would be huge with Philly having Parish. Still, promising year for Atlanta.

Cleveland Cavaliers
1982 Record: 19-28 (15-13, 4-15, 19-16)
Key Players: Rolando Blackman (16.2 PPG), Kevin McHale (16.3 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 1.8 BPG, 56.8% FG), Mike Mitchell (13.8 PPG, 6.1 RPG)
Big Moves: None

It’s a shame that middle stretch of the season was so bad for Cleveland, as they showed promise at every other point of the year.

Chicago Bulls
1982 Record: 15-32 (8-19, 7-13, 14-21)
Key Players: Reggie Theus (20.8 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 4.5 APG), Vinnie Johnson (12.1 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 7.7 APG, 1.8 SPG), Johnny Moore (12.1 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 7.7 APG)
Big Moves: None

The Bulls are looking forward to the lottery for sure, with the Stallions pick they got for Gilmore a couple years ago and their own pick. Adding one of the top three to an already nice nucleus is more than enough reason to be excited in Chicago.

Detroit Pistons
1982 Record: 27-55 (9-15, 8-15, 10-25)
Key Players: Tom Chambers (22.0 PPG, 6.2 RPG), Phil Hubbard (15.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG)
Big Moves: None

Voters looked the other way when it came to team success when it came to the playoffs, with Chambers winning the award over Mark Aguirre, Isiah Thomas and Kelly Tripucka.

Western Conference

Midwest Division

San Antonio Spurs (2)
1982 Record: 59-23 (22-6, 15-5, 22-12)
Key Players: George Gervin (33.5 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 54.4% FG, 84.8% FT), Campy Russell (15.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.3 SPG), John Lucas (13.5 PPG, 7.7 APG, 2.4 SPG)
Big Moves: None

The Spurs continued to roll throughout 1982. A late victory over the Lakers has to have San Antonio feel confident. Gervin lost out for MVP to Magic though, but that may fire him up. A match-up with Houston also awaits.

Houston Rockets (3)
1982 Record: 51-31 (18-8, 8-11, 25-12)
Key Players: Moses Malone (29.4 PPG, 15.4 RPG, 2 BPG, 56.5% FG), Dennis Johnson (18.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 4.1 APG, 2 SPG), Kevin Grevey (15 PPG)
Big Moves: None

Moses is back and the Rockets finished the season strong. Assuming they defeat Golden State, a showdown with the Spurs looms.

Kansas City Kings
1982 Record: 41-41 (12-12, 9-14, 20-15)
Key Players: Otis Birdsong (23.3 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 1.7 SPG), Swen Nater (10.5 PPG, 9.1 RPG)
Big Moves: None

The Kings played well down the stretch, but just fell short. They’ll have to decide what direction to go as they have a lot of expected free agents.

Denver Nuggets
1982 Record: 35-47 (5-21, 9-12, 21-14)
Key Players: David Thompson (28.8 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 51.4% FG)
Big Moves: None

Skywalker showed that Denver can still play winning basketball, but Denver likely can’t get to the next level as currently constructed.

Dallas Mavericks
1982 Record: 25-57 (8-18, 8-10, 9-29)
Key Players: Isiah Thomas (19.5 PPG, 6.7 APG, 1.5 SPG), Kiki Vandeweghe (21 PPG, 4.6 RPG)
Big Moves: None

Isiah and Kiki played well together, but it didn’t lead to wins. We will see who they end up with in the draft.

Salt Lake Stallions
1982 Record: 13-69 (4-20, 3-18, 6-31)
Key Players: Adrian Dantley (28.7 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1 SPG)
Big Moves: None

One has to imagine that Dantley will be on the move in the off-season as the Stallions face a long rebuild. They don’t have their 1st this season.

Western Conference

Pacific Division

Los Angeles Lakers (1)
1982 Record: 63-19 (20-6, 18-3, 25-10)
Key Players: Magic Johnson (22.4 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 11.6 APG, 1.9 SPG, 55.7% FG, 84.8% FT), Jamaal Wilkes (23.9 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 51.3% FG), Bernard King (21.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3 APG, 54.7% FG
Big Moves: None

Pat Riley has the Lakers on top of the West with Magic winning the MVP. Winning the #1 seed was important as they will only face one of San Antonio or Houston, unless Seattle or Portland can pull of the upset.

Seattle Supersonics (4)
1982 Record: 45-37 (13-14, 13-7, 19-16)
Key Players: Mark Aguirre (21 PPG, 5.4 RPG), Jack Sikma (21.2 PPG, 10.3 RPG)
Big Moves: None

Arguably robbed of Rookie of the Year, Mark Aguirre has the motivation to play well in his first playoffs. Other than Sikma, Seattle’s been totally rebuilt and already trending upward.

Portland Trail Blazers (5)
1982 Record: 44-38 (12-11, 12-9, 20-18)
Key Players: Kelly Tripucka (19.3 PPG, 4.1 RPG), Maurice Lucas (17.5 PPG, 8.4 RPG), Jim Paxson (15.9 PPG, 4 APG), Kermit Washington (11.6 PPG, 9.5 RPG)
Big Moves: None

Good news for Portland is that Tripucka seems like a keeper. The bad news? Tripucka injured his foot in the last game of the season and will miss the series against Seattle.

Golden State Warriors (6)
1982 Record: 42-40 (14-12, 9-11, 19-17)
Key Players: Darryl Dawkins (18.3 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 2.4 BPG), Phil Smith (15.6 PPG, 3.5 APG, 1.2 SPG)
Big Moves: None

Golden State has a big task ahead of them taking on the defending champions. Can Chocolate Thunder slow down Moses enough for the upset?

San Diego Clippers
1982 Record: 37-45 (12-14, 11-9, 14-22)
Key Players: World B. Free (18.2 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.4 SPG), Joe Barry Carroll (14.5 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 1.7 BPG), Larry Nance (15.1 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 1.4 BPG)

A rough ending to the season had the Clippers fall short. Larry Nance was awarded All-Rookie 1st Team over playoff contemporaries Tripucka and Aguirre though, so that’s something to look forward to.

Phoenix Suns
1982 Record: 30-52 (6-19, 9-12, 15-21)
Key Players: Walter Davis (18.8, 4.2 RPG, 4 APG, 1.8 SPG), Bob McAdoo (15.6 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.4 BPG), Paul Westphal (15 PPG, 4.9 APG, 1.8 SPG), Truck Robinson (14.2 PPG, 7 REB)
Big Moves: None

Time to start over in Phoenix.

***

AWARDS

Most Valuable Player
Magic Johnson, Lakers: 82 G, 22.4 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 11.6 APG, 1.9 SPG, 55.7% FG, 84.8% FT

Rookie of the Year
Tom Chambers, Pistons: 82 G, 22 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 47% FG, 84.1% FT

Defensive Player of the Year
Maurice Cheeks, 76ers: 82 G, 2.7 SPG (1st), 101.1 DEF EFF (5th)

6th Man of the Year
Terry Furlow (2), Hawks: 82 G, 3 GS, 16.1 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.7 SPG, 49.4% FG, 86.4% FT

Most Improved Player
Andrew Toney, Heat: 82 G, 22.5 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.1 SPG, 47.3% FG, 80.9% FT, 34.9% 3P

Coach of the Year
Doug Moe, Spurs: 59-23 (4 Game Improvement), 2nd in Western Conference, Midwest Division Champions

NBA 1st Team
Moses Malone, Rockets (4th: 4/0/0)
George Gervin, Spurs (8th: 5/3/0)
Larry Bird, Celtics (3rd: 3/0/0)
Magic Johnson, Lakers (3rd: 3/0/0)
Sidney Moncrief, Bucks (1st: 1/0/0)

NBA 2nd Team
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Lakers (12th: 6/5/1)
Julius Erving, 76ers (10th: 5/5/0)
Alex English, Pacers (2nd: 0/2/0)
Micheal Ray Richardson, Knicks (3rd: 1/2/0)
John Lucas, Spurs (1st: 0/1/0)

NBA 3rd Team
Robert Parish, 76ers (3rd: 0/1/2)
Adrian Dantley, Stallions (3rd: 0/1/2)
David Thompson, Nuggets (6th: 2/2/2)
Maurice Cheeks, 76ers (1st: 0/0/1)
Jamaal Wilkes, Lakers (1st: 0/0/1)

All-Defense 1st Team
Robert Parish, 76ers (2nd: 2/0)
Dudley Bradley, Pacers (2nd: 2/0)
Dennis Johnson, Rockets (2nd: 2/0)
Maurice Cheeks, 76ers (3rd: 2/1)
John Lucas, Spurs (1st: 1/0)

All-Defense 2nd Team

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bullets (10th: 4/6)
George Johnson, Nuggets (1st: 0/1)
Larry Bird, Celtics (1st: 0/1)
Magic Johnson, Lakers (3rd: 1/2)
Jim Paxson, Trail Blazers (1st: 0/1)

All-Rookie 1st Team

Jay Vincent, Nets
Tom Chambers, Pistons
Larry Nance, Clippers
Isiah Thomas, Mavericks
Frank Johnson, Bullets

All-Rookie 2nd Team
Herb Williams, Bucks
Kelly Tripucka, Trail Blazers
Mark Aguirre, Supersonics
Danny Ainge, Pistons
Al Wood, Warriors

NBA Scoring Champion
George Gervin (4), Spurs, 33.5

NBA Rebounding Champion
Moses Malone (4), Rockets, 15.4

NBA Assists Champion
Magic Johnson (2), Lakers, 11.6

NBA Steals Champion
Maurice Cheeks (2), 76ers, 2.7

NBA Blocks Champion
Tree Rollins (2), Hawks, 2.9

***

Players of the Week (Listed by Week Ending)

11/8 – Moses Malone, Rockets, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bullets
11/15 – George Gervin, Spurs, Robert Parish, Sixers
11/22 – Moses Malone, Rockets, Larry Bird, Celtics
11/29 – George Gervin, Spurs, Alex English, Pacers
12/6 – Moses Malone, Rockets, Larry Bird, Celtics
12/13 – David Thompson, Nuggets, Larry Bird, Celtics
12/20 – Magic Johnson, Lakers, Cliff Robinson, Nets
12/27 – George Gervin, Spurs, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bullets
1/3 – Magic Johnson, Lakers, Alex English, Pacers
1/10 – George Gervin, Spurs, Micheal Ray Richardson, Knicks
1/17 – David Thompson, Nuggets, Larry Bird, Celtics
1/24 – George Gervin, Spurs, John Drew, Hawks
1/31 – Magic Johnson, Lakers, Julius Erving, 76ers
2/7 – George Gervin, Spurs, Reggie Theus, Bulls
2/14 – Magic Johnson, Lakers, Calvin Natt, Nets
2/21 – David Thompson, Nuggets, Larry Bird, Celtics
2/28 – Magic Johnson, Lakers, Larry Bird, Celtics
3/7 – Adrian Dantley, Stallions, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bullets
3/14 – Moses Malone, Rockets, Larry Bird, Celtics
3/21 – Magic Johnson, Lakers, Julius Erving, 76ers
3/28 – Moses Malone, Rockets, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bullets
4/4 – Magic Johnson, Lakers, Alex English, Nuggets
4/11 – George Gervin, Spurs, Julius Erving, 76ers
4/18 – Darryl Dawkins, Warriors, Calvin Natt, Nets

Players of the Month

November: Moses Malone, Rockets, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bullets
December: George Gervin, Spurs, Larry Bird, Celtics
January: Magic Johnson, Lakers, Larry Bird, Celtics
February: Magic Johnson, Lakers, Larry Bird, Celtics
March: Moses Malone, Rockets, Larry Bird, Celtics
April: George Gervin, Spurs, Alex English, Pacers

Rookies of the Month

November: Isiah Thomas, Mavericks, Rolando Blackman, Cavaliers
December: Mark Aguirre, Sonics, Tom Chambers, Pistons
January: Mark Aguirre, Sonics, Tom Chambers, Pistons
February: Kelly Tripucka, Trail Blazers, Tom Chambers, Pistons
March: Kelly Tripucka, Trail Blazers, Tom Chambers, Pistons
April: Mark Aguirre, Sonics, Tom Chambers, Pistons

***

Next: Round 1 Playoff Predictions!

STATS SITE
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[RDT]

Playoff Preview

Western Conference Round 1

Best of Five
#5 Trail Blazers (44-38) vs. #4 Seattle Supersonics (45-37) – Winner Faces the #1 Lakers

1/19/81 – TRAIL BLAZERS 101, Supersonics 78
12/15/81 – Trail Blazers 98, SUPERSONICS 85
1/3/82 – SUPERSONICS 103, Trail Blazers 92
2/18/82 – SUPERSONICS 124, Trail Blazers 115
4/5/82 – TRAIL BLAZERS 106, Supersonics 98
4/16/82 – Supersonics 98, TRAIL BLAZERS 80

Portland Trail Blazers
Record: 44-38
PPG: 100.8 (13th)
oPPG: 99.0 (6th)
Offensive Eff: 103.2 (13th)
Defensive Eff: 101.5 (6th)
eFG: 47.7% (12th)
Reb%: 49.7% (12th)

Starters/Key Players
C – Kermit Washington – 11.6 PPG, 9.5 RPG
PF – Maurice Lucas – 17.5 PPG, 8.4 RPG
SF – Ron Brewer – 10.4 PPG (No Starts This Season)
SG – Lionel Hollins – 10.5 PPG, 4.1 APG, 1.7 SPG
PG – Jim Paxson – 15.9 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 4 APG (2nd Team Defense)

Key Injuries
Kelly Tripucka – 19.3 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 3.1 APG (Stress Fracture, Out for Series)

Seattle Supersonics
Record: 45-37
PPG: 103.7 (9th)
oPPG: 103.2 (16th)
Offensive Eff: 104.8 (9th)
Defensive Eff: 104.4 (16th)
eFG: 48.7% (9th)
Reb%: 52.6% (2nd)

Starters/Key Players
C – Jack Sikma – 21.2 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 1 BPG (All-Star)
PF – James Bailey – 11.6 PPG, 6.6 RPG
SF – Mark Aguirre – 21 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 3.2 APG (2nd Team Rookie)
SG – Louis Orr – 11.2 PPG, 4 RPG
PG – Tony Gwynn – 6 PPG, 4.6 APG

Key Injuries
None

Best of Five
#6 Golden State Warriors (42-40) vs. #3 Houston Rockets (51-31) – Winner Faces #2 Spurs

11/9/81 – ROCKETS 91, Warriors 74
12/2/81 – ROCKETS 96, Warriors 81
12/13/81 – WARRIORS 93, Rockets 91
2/14/82 – WARRIORS 89, Rockets 68
4/2/82 – WARRIORS 106, Rockets 103

Golden State Warriors
Record: 42-40
PPG: 102.1 (12th)
oPPG: 101.7 (10th)
Offensive Eff: 103.3 (12th)
Defensive Eff: 103.1 (10th)
eFG: 47.5% (14th)
Reb%: 51.3% (5th)

Starters/Key Players
C- Darryl Dawkins – 18.3 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 2.4 BPG, 56% FG (All-Star)
PF – Terry Tyler – 6 PPG, 4.3 RPG (Defensive Specialist)
SF – Al Wood – 13.5 MPG, 7.1 PPG (No Starts)
SG – John Long – 11.6 PPG, 4 RPG
PG – Phil Smith – 15.6 PPG, 3.5 APG, 1.2 SPG
6th – Sonny Parker – 10.5 PPG

Key Injuries
Purvis Short – 13.5 PPG, 4.4 RPG (Broken Arm, Out for Series)

Houston Rockets
Record: 51-31
PPG: 100.6 (16th)
oPPG: 94.3 (2nd)
Offensive Eff: 106 (6th)
Defensive Eff: 99.5 (3rd)
eFG: 48.8% (8th)
Reb%: 52.4% (3rd)

Starters/Key Players
C - Moses Malone – 29.4 PPG, 15.4 RPG, 2 BPG, 56.5% FG (NBA 1st Team, All-Star)
PF – Rudy Tomjanovich – 9 PPG, 5.4 RPG
SF – Dennis Johnson – 18.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 4.1 APG, 2 SPG (1st Team Defense, All-Star)
SG – Kevin Grevey – 15 PPG
PG – Pete Maravich – 9.4 PPG, 38.9% 3P
6th – Wes Unseld – 5.2 PPG, 6.9 RPG
Bench – Bill Walton – 8.3 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.4 BPG

Key Injuries
Allen Leavell – 8.5 PPG, 4.9 APG (Broken Foot, Out for Series)

Eastern Conference Round 1

Best of Five
#5 Atlanta Hawks (46-36) vs. #4 Philadelphia 76ers (51-31) – Winner Plays #1 Celtics

11/28/81 – 76ERS 130, Hawks 128
12/22/81 – 76ERS 107, Hawks 88
2/15/82 – 76ERS 111, Hawks 106
3/17/82 – 76ers 123, HAWKS 108

Atlanta Hawks
Record: 46-36
PPG: 103.7 (8th)
oPPG: 102.6 (14th)
Offensive Eff: 104.7 (10th)
Defensive Eff: 103.6 (12th)
eFG: 48.3% (10th)
Reb%: 49.7% (13th)

Starters/Key Players
C - Tree Rollins – 7.6 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 2.9 BPG
PF - Dan Roundfield – 18.5 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 1.4 BPG
SF - John Drew – 18.8 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.6 SPG
SG - Eddie Johnson – 17.9 PPG, 5 APG, 1.3 SPG
PG - Norm Nixon – 12.3 PPG, 6.3 APG, 1.5 SPG
6th - Terry Furlow – 16.1 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.7 SPG (6th Man of the Year)

Key Injuries
None

Philadelphia 76ers
Record: 51-31
PPG: 106.9 (5th)
oPPG: 102.4 (13th)
Offensive Eff: 105.5 (7th)
Defensive Eff: 101.1 (5th)
eFG: 49.0% (6th)
Reb%: 50.7% (7th)

Starters/Key Players
C – Robert Parish - 21.5 PPG, 11 RPG, 2.5 BPG (NBA 3rd Team, Defensive 1st, All-Star)
PF – Bobby Jones – 13.6 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.2 BPG
SF – Julius Erving – 25.8 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.7 SPG, 54% FG (NBA 2nd Team, All-Star)
Doug Collins – 17 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1 SPG
Maurice Cheeks – 12.3 PPG, 7.7 APG, 2.7 SPG (Defensive Player of the Year)

Key Injuries
None

Best of Five
#6 Washington Bullets (42-40) vs. #3 Milwaukee Bucks (51-31) – Winner Plays #2 Pacers

12/7/81 – BUCKS 83, Bullets 74
1/13/82 – Bucks 95, BULLETS 87
1/17/82 – BULLETS 111, Bucks 103
4/13/82 – BUCKS 99, Bullets 67

Washington Bullets
Record: 45-37
PPG: 96.8 (20th)
oPPG: 97.4 (4th)
Offensive Eff: 102.4 (17th)
Defensive Eff: 103.1 (9th)
eFG: 46.9% (18th)
Reb%: 49.6% (15th)

Starters/Key Players
C – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – 20.8 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 2 BPG, 54.3% FG (NBA 2nd Team)
PF – Bob Dandridge – 10.5 PPG, 4.1 RPG
SF – Eddie Johnson – 14.5 PPG, 5 RPG, 1 SPG
SG – John Williamson – 17.8 PPG
PG – Rory Sparrow – 8.8 PPG, 5.2 APG
6th – Dave Corzine – 7.2 PPG, 7.1 RPG

Key Injuries
None

Milwaukee Bucks
Record: 51-31
PPG: 98.1 (19th)
oPPG: 94 (1st)
Offensive Eff: 102.9 (15th)
Defensive Eff: 98.6 (1st)
eFG: 47.5% (13th)
Reb%: 49.9% (11th)

Starters/Key Players
C – Artis Gilmore – 13 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 1.5 BPG
PF – Marques Johnson – 20.2 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.2 SPG
SF – Junior Bridgeman – 14.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 1.2 SPG
SG – Brian Winters – 10 PPG
PG – Sidney Moncrief – 18.7 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.9 SPG, 49.9% FG
6th – Herb Williams – 8.9 PPG, 4.4 RPG (Rookie 2nd)

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%

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

Past Prediction Results

@Dubble J : 302 Points (1x Champion: 1981)
1981: 302 (Champion)

@The Grimch : 145 Points (1x Champion: 1980)
1980: 55 (Champion)
1981: 90

@Joey Bananas : 55 Points
1981: 55

STATS SITE​

 

[RDT]

Game 1 - #5 Portland Trail Blazers at #4 Seattle Supersonics

It seemed apparent that Seattle’s depth may make the difference in this series. Portland played well without Kelly Tripucka, but four players played over 40 minutes for them, while Seattle was able to spread out their minutes between nine players. Seattle had a big 4th quarter as a result to take Game 1 behind Mark Aguirre’s 18 points.

SUPERSONICS 102, Trail Blazers 91 (Sonics lead 1-0)

Trail Blazers Stats
Kermit Washington: 18 PTS, 13 REB
Maurice Lucas: 16 PTS, 16 REB
Jim Paxson: 21 PTS

Sonics Stats
Mark Aguirre: 18 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST
Jack Sikma: 17 PTS, 9 REB
James Bailey: 17 PTS, 7 REB, 8/12 FG
Louis Orr: 12 PTS, 10 REB

***

Game 1 - #6 Golden State Warriors at #3 Houston Rockets

With 1:48 left, the Rockets led 89-84 after two Moses Malone free throws. Chocolate Thunder Darryl Dawkins gets a quick layup to cut the lead to three with 1:35 left. Dennis Johnson looks to make something happen for Houston, but Al Wood gets his hands on the ball, leading to a jump ball which Wood wins. Wood finds Dawkins and Dawkins again scores and gets fouled by Larry Drew! Free throw is good, and we’re tied at 89 with 1:08 left! Dawkins is all over Moses, preventing him from getting the ball late, and Kevin Grevey ends up taking a shot which misses. Dawkins grabs the board with just 36 seconds remaining. Al Wood, making the most of his first career start, finds Terry Tyler for the go- ahead lay-up!

Kevin Grevey ends up losing the ball on the other end, and Houston never gets another chance as Golden State hits two free throws. This is a huge upset in Houston as the Warriors take Game 1 from the defending NBA Champions.

Warriors 93, ROCKETS 90 (Warriors lead 1-0)

Warriors Stats
Darryl Dawkins: 21 PTS, 12 REB, 3 BLK
Phil Smith: 14 PTS, 4 AST
Al Wood: 11 PTS, 4 AST, 5/7 FG

Rockets Stats
Moses Malone: 30 PTS, 16 REB, 4 AST, 3 BLK
Dennis Johnson: 14 PTS

***

Game 1 - #5 Atlanta Hawks at #4 Philadelphia 76ers

The Hawks were missing defensive piece Tree Rollins for this game, but they didn’t miss a beat as Dan Roundfield went off for 35. The Hawks upset the Sixers in Philly behind Roundfield’s big game. Dr. J only had 18 and Robert Parish added 22, while Bobby Jones led Philly with 23. Helping the Hawks was that they held Philly to 38.8% shooting overall.

Hawks 103, 76ERS 97 (Hawks lead 1-0)

Hawks Stats
Dan Roundfield: 35 PTS, 16 REB, 5 AST, 14/26 FG
Norm Nixon: 18 PTS, 6 AST, 8/10 FG
Terry Furlow: 14 PTS, 4 REB, 5 AST

76ers Stats
Bobby Jones: 23 PTS, 9 REB
Robert Parish: 22 PTS, 14 REB, 2 STL, 4 BLK
Julius Erving: 18 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST

***

Game 1 - #6 Washington Bullets at #3 Milwaukee Bucks

Unfortunately for the Bullets, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar may have finally shows his age with a 2/14 FG with 7 points while rookie Herb Williams came off the bench with 26 points and 7 boards. The Bucks continued to look like the hottest team in the league with a dominating Game 1 win. Sidney Moncrief helped Williams with a 19-7-7.

BUCKS 102, Bullets 83 (Bucks lead 1-0)

Bullets Stats
John Williamson: 21 PTS, 4 REB, 3 ST

Bucks Stats
Herb Williams: 26 PTS, 7 REB, 13/17 FG
Sidney Moncrief: 19 PTS, 7 REB, 7 AST, 8/13 FG

***

Game 2 - #5 Portland Trail Blazers at #4 Seattle Supersonics (Sonics lead 1-0)

Another big 4th quarter from the Sonics has them up 2-0 heading into Portland. Jack Sikma went off for 33 points. Ron Brewer played great in place of Kelly Tripucka, but outside of Jim Paxson he didn’t get much help. Mark Aguirre managed to score 16 in only 24 minutes.

SUPERSONICS 102, Trail Blazers 94 (Sonics lead 2-0)

Trail Blazers Stats
Ron Brewer: 31 PTS, 4 AST
Jim Paxson: 22 PTS, 7 REB, 6 AST
Maurice Lucas: 14 PTS, 10 REB

Sonics Stats
Jack Sikma: 33 PTS, 10 REB
James Bailey: 17 PTS, 9 REB, 7/13 FG
Mark Aguirre: 16 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST

***

Game 2 - #6 Golden State Warriors at #3 Houston Rockets (Warriors lead 1-0)

The Rockets responded to Golden State’s Game 1 upset by putting their foot to the gas and never letting go. Houston led wire-to-wire behind two big performances from Moses Malone (25-18) and Dennis Johnson (22-6-4). Still, Golden State got the essential road split if they are going to win this series. Game 3 is in Oakland.

ROCKETS 106, Warriors 90 (Series Tied 1-1)

Warriors Stats
Al Wood: 14 PTS
Darryl Dawkins: 10 PTS, 6 REB

Rockets Stats
Moses Malone: 25 PTS, 18 REB, 6/12 FG, 13/14 FT
Dennis Johnson: 22 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST
Kevin Grevey: 19 PTS

***

Game 2 - #5 Atlanta Hawks at #4 Philadelphia 76ers (Hawks lead 1-0)

This game will go down as the Dr J vs. Eddie Johnson duel. Johnson scored a little more (40 to 35), but took 10 more shots to do it. The Sixers went off big in the 4th to make sure they didn’t go down 0-2. While Eddie Johnson went for 40, no other Hawk broke 12. Series is tied heading into Atlanta.

76ERS 112, Hawks 99 (Series tied 1-1)

Hawks Stats
Eddie Johnson: 40 PTS, 6 AST, 16/26 FG, 8/10 FT

76ers Stats
Julius Erving: 35 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL, 2 BLK
Robert Parish: 21 PTS, 9 REB, 3 BLK
Maurice Cheeks: 12 PTS, 7 AST, 7 REB

***

Game 2 - #6 Washington Bullets at #3 Milwaukee Bucks (Bucks lead 1-0)

Kareem was better, but the result was the same. A balanced attack for the Bucks proved to be too much to handle for the Bullets. Outside of Kareem, the Bullets shot just 20 for 59. The Bucks had six scorers in double-digits., led by Moncrief with 16. Bullets look to bring the series back in Washington.

BUCKS 96, Bullets 79 (Bucks lead 2-0)

Bullets Stats
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: 23 PTS, 11 REB, 10/17 FG
John Williamson: 17 PTS

Bucks Stats
Sidney Moncrief: 16 PTS, 5 REB, 2 STL
Marques Johnson: 15 PTS, 5 REB
Artis Gilmore: 12 PTS, 8 REB

***

Game 3 - #4 Seattle Supersonics at #5 Portland Trail Blazers (Sonics lead 2-0)


Jack Sikma went off again as for the third straight game Seattle owned the 4th quarter, finishing off Portland to advance to the Western Conference Semi-Finals. Sikma went for 26 and 19, a performance which will lead to Portland wondering if Kermit Washington and Maurice Lucas are the guys to go with at the center and power forward spots in the future. Seattle gets to take on the high-powered Lakers in the next round.

Supersonics 94, Trail Blazers 85 (Sonics win 3-0)

Sonics Stats
Jack Sikma: 26 PTS, 19 REB, 2 BLK
Mark Aguirre: 14 PTS, 6 REB

Trail Blazers Stats
Jim Paxson: 18 PTS, 4 REB, 3 STL
Maurice Lucas: 16 PTS, 12 REB
Ron Brewer: 16 PTS

***

Game 3 - #3 Houston Rockets at #6 Golden State Warriors (Series Tied 1-1)

No mercy from Moses in Game 3 as the Rockets retook control of the series. Golden State put up an early fight, but the Rockets blew the game open in the second and never looked back. 40 points and 17 boards from Moses put the Rockets in position to eliminate Golden State in Game 4. For the Warriors, rookie Al Wood continued to score and lead the way with 16.

Rockets 113, WARRIORS 96 (Rockets lead 2-1)

Rockets Stats
Moses Malone: 40 PTS, 17 REB, 3 STL, 4 BLK
Dennis Johnson: 14 PTS, 9 REB, 6 AST
Pete Maravich: 13 PTS, 3/6 3P

Warriors Stats
Al Wood: 16 PTS
Terry Tyler: 15 PTS, 7 REB
Darryl Dawkins: 13 PTS, 7 REB

***

Game 3 - #4 Philadelphia 76ers at #5 Atlanta Hawks (Series tied 1-1)

There was no duel this time. Dr. J was unstoppable all game as he dropped 40 to push the Sixers ahead 2-1. Robert Parish added 28 and 9 and the Hawks just didn’t have the firepower to hang with them. Notably, Eddie Johnson was a disaster, with 12 turnovers, most of them caused by steals by Defensive Player of the Year Maurice Cheeks (8) and Doug Collins (6).

76ers 111, Hawks 96 (76ers lead 2-1)

76ers Stats
Julius Erving: 40 PTS, 7 REB, 5 AST
Maurice Cheeks: 12 PTS, 8 AST, 8 STL
Robert Parish: 28 PTS, 9 REB, 3 BLK
Doug Collins: 7 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST, 6 STL

Hawks Stats
Eddie Johnson: 19 PTS, 9 AST, 12 TOs

***

Game 3 - #3 Milwaukee Bucks at #6 Washington Bullets (Bucks lead 2-0)

The Bucks failed to sweep Washington as Kareem and John Williamson combined for 59 points, staving off elimination. The Bucks got big scoring games from Junior Bridgeman and Marques Johnson, but it wasn’t enough. Bucks still have a chance to close out the series in Washington in Game 4.

BULLETS 114, Bucks 102 (Bucks lead 2-1)

Bucks Stats
Junior Bridgeman: 28 PTS, 4 REB, 13/21 FG
Marques Johnson: 26 PTS, 8 REB, 6 AST, 2 BLK, 9/17 FG, 8/10 FT
Sidney Moncrief: 10 PTS, 8 REB, 6 AST

Bullets Stats
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: 29 PTS, 12 REB, 4 AST, 3 STL
John Williamson: 30 PTS, 11/22 FG, 8/10 FT

***

Game 4 - #3 Houston Rockets at #6 Golden State Warriors (Rockets lead 2-1)

Moses and Dennis Johnson had big games, but the Warriors were able to withstand and take Game 4, forcing a deciding Game 5. Chocolate Thunder led with 21, and he was aided by 19 points apiece from John Long and Phil Smith. Rookie Orlando Woolridge added 13 off the bench as well. The Warriors have to win in Houston one more time to pull off a massive upset.

WARRIORS 112, Rockets 102 (Series tied 2-2)

Warriors Stats
Darryl Dawkins: 21 PTS, 11 REB, 6 BLK
John Long: 19 PTS
Phil Smith: 19 PTS, 10 AST

Rockets Stats
Moses Malone: 27 PTS, 13 REB, 4 BLK
Dennis Johnson: 35 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST, 5 STL

***

Game 4 - #4 Philadelphia 76ers at #5 Atlanta Hawks (76ers lead 2-1)

The crowd at the Omni was quickly deflated after the Sixers went up 41-17 (and 72-35 at the half). After so much optimism after Game 1, the Hawks go home in Round 1 again. Eight players scored in double-digits for the Sixers, led by Robert Parish’s 27. The Hawks will go home and figure out if this core can get to the next level. The Sixers advance to a showdown with Atlantic Division rival Bird and the Celtics.

76ers 130, Hawks 90 (76ers win 3-1)

76ers Stats
Robert Parish: 27 PTS, 7 REB, 10/16 FG
Steve Mix: 17 PTS
Maurice Cheeks: 14 PTS, 12 AST, 7 REB

Hawks Stats
Eddie Johnson: 18 PTS, 4 REB, 3 AST

***

Game 4 - #3 Milwaukee Bucks at #6 Washington Bullets (Bucks lead 2-1)

Milwaukee took a double-digit lead, then played tight defense the rest of the way to take care of the Bucks in Washington. It wasn’t an offensive battle overall either way as both teams combined shot under 40%. The Bucks were led by Marques Johnson’s 17 while Kareem found 19 points and 14 rebounds. The Bullets sacrificed a lot to get Kareem and it did turn the direction of the team around…but one has to wonder if this was a short term boom. In other words, how many more great years does Kareem have left? The Bucks meanwhile take on division rival Indiana, coached by previous Bucks coach Don Nelson.

Bucks 81, BULLETS 73 (Bucks win 3-1)

Bucks Stats
Marques Johnson: 17 PTS
Artis Gilmore: 12 PTS, 9 REB, 2 BLK

Bullets Stats
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: 19 PTS, 14 REB, 5 BLK, 8/11 FG
John Williamson: 18 PTS

***

Game 5 - #6 Golden State Warriors at #3 Houston Rockets (Series tied 2-2)

This one went down to the wire, as the Warriors played the Rockets to a draw in the first half, and were only down six headed into the fourth. With 3:20 left, the Warriors brought the game back to one, with Houston up 114-113.

Golden State’s Sonny Parker fouls Pistol Pete right away. Maravich makes one-of-two, but Rudy Tomjanovich grabs the offensive rebound and hits a shot off the glass, giving Houston back a four point lead. Al Wood finds Dawkins who finds Butch Carter for a jumper on the wing to make it 117-115 Rockets. Maravich tries to hit a dagger in the heart of Golden State with a three, but it rims out. Moses is right there though with the put back jam, putting Houston back up four again. Al Wood makes another play and finds Phil Smith for another basket as the Warriors just won’t go away.

Moses misses and the Warriors have a chance to tie or even lead. John Long goes up for a lay-up and is fouled by Kevin Grevey. Long makes both free throws, and it’s tied at 119 with 1:53 left. Everything gets quiet in Houston. The Rockets make the most of the next possession as they use the clock and Moses finds Grevey for a jumper, putting Houston up. Long again tries to make a play, but the Pistol makes a clean steal. Maravich finds Jeff Lamp and the Rockets go back up four with 55 seconds left.

Long misses again and suddenly this is slipping away for Golden State. Grevey gets to the line and makes one of the two free throws, and now it’s 124-119 with just 37 seconds left. John Long again tries to score and Maravich gets another steal, but it’s ruled a foul! Maravich was not happy, but Long only makes one of the free throws. Maravich gets fouled intentionally to finish the Warriors off 126-120.

It was a valiant effort from Golden State, but the defending champion Rockets now get to move-on to take on the Midwest Division Winning Spurs.

ROCKETS 126, Warriors 120 (Rockets win 3-2)

Warriors Stats
Darryl Dawkins: 22 PTS, 7 REB, 2 BLK, 6/8 FG
Sonny Parker: 18 PTS, 5 REB, 7/11 FG
Al Wood: 16 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST, 7/9 FG

Rockets Stats
Moses Malone: 32 PTS, 14 REB, 5 AST, 12/16 FG
Pete Maravich: 24 PTS, 6 AST, 9/16 FG
Jeff Lamp: 16 PTS, 7/12 FG

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Playoff Preview
Western Conference Semi-Finals

Best of Seven
#4 Seattle Supersonics (45-37) vs. #1 Los Angeles Lakers (63-19)

11/11 – Lakers 131, SUPERSONICS 111
12/24 – Supersonics 126, LAKERS 119
2/3 – LAKERS 132, Supersonics 111
3/3 – SUPERSONICS 112, Lakers 99
3/4 – Lakers 130, SUPERSONICS 118
3/29 – LAKERS 127, Supersonics 88

Seattle Supersonics
Record: 45-37
PPG: 103.7 (9th)
oPPG: 103.2 (16th)
Offensive Eff: 104.8 (9th)
Defensive Eff: 104.4 (16th)
eFG: 48.7% (9th)
Reb%: 52.6% (2nd)

Starters/Key Players
C – Jack Sikma – 21.2 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 1 BPG (All-Star)
PF – James Bailey – 11.6 PPG, 6.6 RPG
SF – Mark Aguirre – 21 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 3.2 APG (2nd Team Rookie)
SG – Louis Orr – 11.2 PPG, 4 RPG
PG – Tony Gwynn – 6 PPG, 4.6 APG

Key Injuries
None

Los Angeles Lakers
Record: 63-19
PPG: 118.2 (1st)
oPPG: 107.8 (22nd)
Offensive Eff: 113.2 (1st)
Defensive Eff: 103.1 (11th)
eFG: 53.7% (1st)
Reb%: 53.1% (1st)

Starters/Key Players
C – Alvan Adams - 12.2 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1 SPG, 57.3% FG, 82.4% FT
PF – Buck Williams - 12.8 PPG, 6 RPG, 59.8% FG
SF – Bernard King – 21.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3 APG, 54.7% FG
SG – Jamaal Wilkes – 23.9 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 51.3% FG (NBA 3rd Team, All-Star)
PG – Magic Johnson – 22.4 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 11.6 APG, 1.9 SPG, 55.7% FG, 84.8% FT (MVP, All-Star)
6th – Michael Cooper – 8.1 PPG, 1.4 SPG, Defensive Specialist

Key Injuries
Jamaal Wilkes – Likely to miss Game 1, but should be available for remainder of the series.

Best of Seven
#3 Houston Rockets (51-31) vs. #2 San Antonio Spurs (59-23)

11/14 – Rockets 113, SPURS 111
12/9 – Spurs 104, ROCKETS 96
1/24 – Spurs 110, ROCKETS 100
2/4 – SPURS 102, Rockets 89
2/21 – Spurs 109, ROCKETS 104
3/29 – Rockets 103, SPURS 93

Houston Rockets
Record: 51-31
PPG: 100.6 (16th)
oPPG: 94.3 (2nd)
Offensive Eff: 106 (6th)
Defensive Eff: 99.5 (3rd)
eFG: 48.8% (8th)
Reb%: 52.4% (3rd)

Starters/Key Players
C - Moses Malone – 29.4 PPG, 15.4 RPG, 2 BPG, 56.5% FG (NBA 1st Team, All-Star)
PF – Rudy Tomjanovich – 9 PPG, 5.4 RPG
SF – Dennis Johnson – 18.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 4.1 APG, 2 SPG (1st Team Defense, All-Star)
SG – Kevin Grevey – 15 PPG
PG – Pete Maravich – 9.4 PPG, 38.9% 3P
6th – Wes Unseld – 5.2 PPG, 6.9 RPG
Bench – Bill Walton – 8.3 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.4 BPG

Key Injuries
Allen Leavell – 8.5 PPG, 4.9 APG (Broken Foot, Out for Series)

San Antonio Spurs
Record: 59-23
PPG: 107.9 (3rd)
oPPG: 101.1 (8th)
Offensive Eff: 107.9 (3rd)
Defensive Eff: 101 (4th)
eFG: 49.5% (5th)
Reb%: 49.5% (16th)

Starters/Key Players
C – Bill Laimbeer – 8.5 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 1.1 BPG, 49.8% FG, 89.8% FT
PF – Campy Russell – 15.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.3 SPG
SF – George Gervin – 33.5 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 54.4% FG, 84.8% FT (NBA 1st Team, All-Star)
SG – James Silas – 13.5 PPG, 3.5 APG
PG – John Lucas – 13.5 PPG, 7.7 APG, 2.4 SPG (NBA 2nd Team, Defensive 1st, All-Star)
6th – Larry Kenon – 10.7 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 49% FG

Key Injuries
None

Eastern Conference Semi-Finals

Best of Seven
#4 Philadelphia 76ers (51-31) vs. #1 Boston Celtics (60-22)

11/4 – 76ERS 94, Celtics 93
12/30 – CELTICS 114, 76ers 110
1/9 – CELTICS 143, 76ers 140
3/8 – Celtics 123, 76ers 110
3/12 – CELTICS 109, 76ers 95
3/24 – Celtics 97, 76ERS 96

Philadelphia 76ers
Record: 51-31
PPG: 106.9 (5th)
oPPG: 102.4 (13th)
Offensive Eff: 105.5 (7th)
Defensive Eff: 101.1 (5th)
eFG: 49.0% (6th)
Reb%: 50.7% (7th)

Starters/Key Players
C – Robert Parish - 21.5 PPG, 11 RPG, 2.5 BPG (NBA 3rd Team, Defensive 1st, All-Star)
PF – Bobby Jones – 13.6 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.2 BPG
SF – Julius Erving – 25.8 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.7 SPG, 54% FG (NBA 2nd Team, All-Star)
Doug Collins – 17 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1 SPG
Maurice Cheeks – 12.3 PPG, 7.7 APG, 2.7 SPG (Defensive Player of the Year)

Key Injuries
None

Boston Celtics
Record: 60-22
PPG: 107.3 (4th)
oPPG: 98.8 (5th)
Offensive Eff: 107.6 (4th)
Defensive Eff: 99.1 (2nd)
eFG: 50.2% (3rd)
Reb%: 51.8% (4th)

Starters/Key Players
C – Caldwell Jones – 6.5 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.2 BPG, 53.9% FG, Defensive Specialist
PF – Cedric Maxwell – 11.5 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 59.3% FG
SF – Larry Bird – 27.7 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 5.7 APG, 1.9 SPG, 50.1% FG, 90.2% FT (NBA 1st, All-Star)
SG – Ricky Sobers – 13.1 PPG, 3.9 APG, 1.3 SPG
PG – Gus Williams – 17.1 PPG, 4 APG, 1.9 SPG

Key Injuries
None

Best of Seven
#3 Milwaukee Bucks (51-31) at #2 Indiana Pacers (56-26)

11/3 – PACERS 117, Bucks 95
1/19 – Pacers 115, BUCKS 97
1/23 – PACERS 115, Bucks 101
12/18 – Bucks 122, PACERS 120
1/3 – Pacers 114, BUCKS 110
2/15 – Bucks 118, PACERS 107

Milwaukee Bucks
Record: 51-31
PPG: 98.1 (19th)
oPPG: 94 (1st)
Offensive Eff: 102.9 (15th)
Defensive Eff: 98.6 (1st)
eFG: 47.5% (13th)
Reb%: 49.9% (11th)

Starters/Key Players
C – Artis Gilmore – 13 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 1.5 BPG
PF – Marques Johnson – 20.2 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.2 SPG
SF – Junior Bridgeman – 14.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 1.2 SPG
SG – Brian Winters – 10 PPG
PG – Sidney Moncrief – 18.7 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.9 SPG, 49.9% FG
6th – Herb Williams – 8.9 PPG, 4.4 RPG (Rookie 2nd)

Key Injuries
None

Indiana Pacers
Record: 51-31
PPG: 111.5 (2nd)
oPPG: 106.8 (21st)
Offensive Eff: 108.6 (2nd)
Defensive Eff: 104 (13th)
eFG: 49.7% (4th)
Reb%: 49.2% (18th)

Starters/Key Players
James Edwards – 14.1 PPG, 8 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 54.9% FG
Alex English – 30.3 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 1.2 BPG, 50.6% FG, 83.9% FT (NBA 2nd Team, All-Star)
Dudley Bradley – 7.8 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.5 SPG (Defense 1st Team)
Brad Davis – 14.9 PPG, 6 APG, 1.2 SPG (All-Star)
Johnny Davis – 17 PPG, 5.4 APG, 1.3 SPG
6th – Billy Knight – 13.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.2 SPG

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

No one predicted, so 1982’s contest is still wide open!

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%

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

Past Prediction Results

@Dubble J : 302 Points (1x Champion: 1981)
1981: 302 (Champion)

@The Grimch : 145 Points (1x Champion: 1980)
1980: 55 (Champion)
1981: 90

@Joey Bananas : 55 Points
1981: 55

Stats Site
​

 

[Dubb]

Lakers over Sonics in 5
Rockets over Spurs in 7

76ers over Celtics in 6
Pacers over Bucks in 5

 

[RDT]

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

Best of Seven
Game 1 - #4 Seattle Supersonics at #1 Los Angeles Lakers

It’s Showtime in LA! While Mark Aguirre and the Sonics put up a decent fight, they were unable to hang with Magic and the Lakers in Game 1. The Lakers blew the game open by halftime with a 70-56 lead and never looked back. Magic opened his playoffs with a 28-10-11 triple-double and Bernard King added 36. Aguirre had 26 for the Sonics.

LAKERS 129, Supersonics 110 (Lakers lead 1-0)

Sonics Stats
Mark Aguirre: 26 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL, 9/16 FG
Louis Orr: 20 PTS, 8/16 FG, 4 REB, 3 AST

Lakers Stats
Bernard King: 36 PTS, 5 REB, 13/20 FG, 10/13 FT
Magic Johnson: 28 PTS, 10 REB, 11 AST
Buck Williams: 20 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST, 7/11 FG, 6/7 FT

***

Best of Seven
Game 1 - #3 Houston Rockets at #2 San Antonio Spurs

Unsurprisingly, Game 1 between Houston and San Antonio went down to the wire. With 2:42 left Moses Malone hits two free throws to put Houston up 95-91.

The Spurs run a strong offensive set, surprisingly without Ice touching the ball at all, but it works as James Silas scores to put it back to two. Moses wastes no time on the other end. As soon as Rudy T finds him, Moses cuts to the basket, leaving Bill Laimbeer frozen as he scores to put the Rockets back up 97-93. This time the Iceman and John Lucas play a two-man game, and Gervin eventually drives to the hoop, only to be fouled by Jeff Lamp. The ball just rims out to the crowd’s dismay. Gervin is automatic from the line, making it 97-95 with 100 seconds to go. Gervin then makes a great defensive play on the other end, nearly stealing the ball from Larry Drew and causing a jump ball. Gervin wins that jump ball and finds Lucas. Lucas is fouled by Drew on a shot attempt and ties it up with his free throws at 97.

Moses demands the ball, but he tricks the swarming Spurs defense as he ends up quickly passing it out to Drew, who hits a massive three to redeem himself and make it 100-97. The Rockets trap Gervin in the corner with the half-court line, but Ice escapes and Lamp fouls out. Ice gets to the line and makes two more free throws. Under a minute left, 100-99 Rockets. Rockets eat up the clock and Bill Walton finds Drew, but Drew misses. Moses basically shoves Laimbeer out of the way and gets the rebound. Spurs elect to play it as opposed to fouling. Rockets eat up the clock again, but Moses misses and James Silas gets the rebound and calls timeout. Just three seconds left.

Silas looks for Gervin, but he’s basically triple teamed. Silas just gets a pass off to Campy Russell, who’s turnaround hits to win the game for the Spurs! San Antonio goes crazy as Moses slams his hand on the court in frustration. 1-0 Spurs.

SPURS 101, Rockets 100 (Spurs lead 1-0)

Rockets Stats
Moses Malone: 30 PTS, 16 REB, 12/21 FG
Rudy Tomjanovich: 13 PTS, 5 REB, 6 AST

Spurs Stats
George Gervin: 35 PTS, 8 REB
Campy Russell: 11 PTS, 4/7 FG, Game Winning Shot

***

Best of Seven
Game 1 - #4 Philadelphia 76ers at #1 Boston Celtics

As expected, this one was a close battle, but Bird and Boston pulled away in the 4th to secure Game 1 at home. The Sixers only had three scorers in double figures as the starting backcourt struggled mightily. Larry Bird showed off his all-around brilliance once again, with 24 points to go with 12 boards and 4 three-pointers. Dr. J was no slouch, leading all scorers with 25. Philly will have to be better everywhere though to get by Boston.

CELTICS 98, 76ers 91 (Celtics lead 1-0)

76ers Stats
Julius Erving: 25 PTS, 9 REB, 4 STL
Robert Parish: 20 PTS, 13 REB
Bobby Jones: 15 PTS, 12 REB

Celtics Stats
Larry Bird: 24 PTS, 12 REB, 4 ASTS, 2 STL, 4/8 3P
Greg Ballard: 14 PTS, 7 REB, 4 STL
Gus Williams: 14 PTS, 7 REB, 4 STL

***

Best of Seven
Game 1 - #3 Milwaukee Bucks at #2 Indiana Pacers

Many had thought the Bucks run would end here, but the Bucks surprised everyone with a big Game 1 victory, stealing homecourt advantage. The Bucks blew the game open with a 29-18 advantage in the third. Marques Johnson played Alex English to a draw, and the rest of the Bucks took advantage. Despite the game being in Indianapolis, the Bucks got to the line twice as many times as the Pacers (44 to 21), and that more than made the difference.

Bucks 112, PACERS 102 (Bucks lead 1-0)

Bucks Stats
Marques Johnson: 24 PTS, 10 REB, 3 STL
Junior Bridgeman: 21 PTS
Sidney Moncrief; 14 PTS, 6 REB, 8 AST, 5 STL, 5/10 FG, 4/4 FT

Pacers Stats
Alex English: 24 PTS, 10 REB, 3 BLK
Brad Davis: 18 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST
Johnny Davis: 15 PTS, 3 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL

***

Game 2 - #4 Seattle Supersonics at #1 Los Angeles Lakers (Lakers lead 1-0)

It was more of the same from Game 1 in Game 2. The Lakers stormed to a 37-23 lead at the end of the first and piled on 109 points by the end of the third. Seattle went to their bench reserves by the third quarter. Bernard has 28 and Magic had 1 26-9-9 to lead LA.

LAKERS 131, Supersonics 101 (Lakers lead 2-0)

Sonics Stats
Mike Gminski: 20 PTS, 10 REB
Bill Hanzlik: 18 PTS, 6/8 FG

Lakers Stats
Bernard King: 28 PTS, 12/13 FG
Magic Johnson: 26 PTS, 9 REB, 9 AST, 7/10 FG, 11/12 FT
Michael Cooper: 13 PTS, 5 REB, 6 AST, 2 STL, 1 BLK, 5/8 FG

***

Game 2 - #3 Houston Rockets at #2 San Antonio Spurs (Spurs lead 1-0)

Ice went off for 40 as the Spurs took care of business and avoided losing homecourt in Game 2. The Spurs led the whole way. After a nailbiter in Game 1 that made many feel that Houston was the better team, San Antonio put out a statement that they’re the favorites this time around. Bill Laimbeer did well enough to “contain” Moses to a 24-13 (with Laimbeer putting up a 15-11 himself). Spurs take a 2-0 lead heading to Houston and the defending champs need to find a couple of wins.

SPURS 105, Rockets 83 (Spurs lead 2-0)

Rockets Stats
Moses Malone: 24 PTS, 13 REB, 1 STL, 1 BLK
Dennis Johnson: 15 PTS

Spurs Stats
George Gervin: 40 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST, 15/23 FG, 10/11 FT
Campy Russell: 17 PTS, 6 REB
Bill Laimbeer: 15 PTS, 11 REB, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 6/9 FG, 3/3 FT

***

Game 2 - #4 Philadelphia 76ers at #1 Boston Celtics (Celtics lead 1-0)

Dr. J went off early to lead the Sixers to an all-out rout of the Celtics. Dr. J had a 33-10-8, while Larry Bird had a rare no-show in a playoff game (10-10-5, 4/12 FG). The Sixers silenced Boston Garden leading 66-53 at the half, and Boston could never catch-up. Robert Parish added 24 for the Sixers as they control the series now.

76ers 119, CELTICS 100 (Series tied 1-1)

76ers Stats
Julius Erving: 33 PTS, 8 REB, 10 AST, 11/22 FG
Robert Parish: 24 PTS, 11 REB, 10/12 FG
Bobby Jones: 16 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST

Celtics Stats
Cedric Maxwell: 18 PTS, 11 REB
Larry Bird: 10 PTS, 10 REB, 5 AST, 1 STL, 2 BLK

***

Game 2 - #3 Milwaukee Bucks at #2 Indiana Pacers (Bucks lead 1-0)

Indiana was shocked as the Bucks steamrolled them in the third quarter and never looked back. Milwaukee won both games in Indiana, requiring a miracle for the Pacers to even get back in the series. Sidney Moncrief was fantastic, scoring 23 with 11 boards and 7 assists while playing exceptional defense on Johnny Davis. Alex English scored 27, but it wasn’t enough.

Bucks 111, PACERS 101 (Bucks lead 2-0)

Bucks Stats
Marques Johnson: 24 PTS, 8 REB, 4 AST, 3 STL
Sidney Moncrief: 23 PTS, 11 REB, 7 AST, 3 STL
Junior Bridgeman: 21 PTS, 4 REB, 3 AST

Pacers Stats
Alex English: 27 PTS, 7 REB, 3 AST
James Edwards: 23 PTS, 17 REB, 3 BLK

***

Game 3 - #1 Los Angeles Lakers at #4 Seattle Supersonics (Lakers lead 2-0)

It’s been a great season for Seattle, but it’s clear that the Lakers are in another class entirely. LA got off to another hot start, winning the 1st 31-19, and Seattle could never make up the difference. Magic was fantastic again with a 25-7-15. Lakers will look to sweep in Game 4.

Lakers 123, Supersonics 115 (Lakers lead 3-0)

Lakers Stats
Magic Johnson: 25 PTS, 7 REB, 15 AST, 5/12 FG, 15/15 FT
Jamaal Wilkes: 28 PTS, 6 REB, 5 STL 12/24 FG
Alvan Adams: 18 PTS, 7 REB, 9/11 FG

Sonics Stats
Mark Aguirre: 22 PTS
Jack Sikma: 20 PTS, 9 REB, 1 BLK
James Bailey: 19 PTS, 7 REB, 5 AST, 8/10 FG

***

Game 3 - #2 San Antonio Spurs at #3 Houston Rockets (Spurs lead 2-0)

After a competitive first quarter, Game 3 went completely off the rails in Houston. The Spurs only scored 44 points in the final three quarters and managed 68 total as the Rockets blew them out to get back into the series. San Antonio went 24/72 overall. Houston was led by Moses’ 28 and DJ’s 24.

ROCKETS 101, Spurs 68 (Spurs lead 2-1)

Spurs Stats
Bill Laimbeer: 14 PTS, 4/6 FG
George Gervin: 12 PTS

Rockets Stats
Moses Malone: 28 PTS, 12 REB, 10/17 FG, 8/10 FT
Dennis Johnson: 24 PTS, 7 REB, 9/14 FG
Wes Unseld: 9 PTS, 11 REB, 1 STL, 1 BLK

***

Game 3 - #1 Boston Celtics at #4 Philadelphia 76ers (Series tied 1-1)

Through three-and-a-half quarters the Celtics enjoyed a double digit lead they had built in the first, but the Sixers came storming back. With 5:21 left, a Doug Collins jumper put Philly up 99-98.

Larry Bird faked everyone on a drive and found an open Dave Cowens to put Boston back up. The Sixers came right back as Steve Mix hit a jumper from the free throw line, giving Philly the lead again. Bird gets a good look at a three the next possession but it just rims out and for the first time Philly has a chance to build a lead. Robert Parish grabs the rebound for Philly and finds Mix, who quickly tries a jumper. It’s no good, but Jo Jo White gets the offensive rebound. He misses too and it’s still just a one-point game. Dr. J steals the ball from Cowens, but the referee calls a foul. Fans don’t like that one, but Cowens turns the ball over again anyway as Collins tips away his pass! He finds Parish, who ran the floor well here, but Cedric Maxwell comes up with a huge block and Bird gets the ball. Four minutes left, Sixers up 101-100.

Bird finds Ricky Sobers, who finds Gus Williams for a lay-up, putting Boston back on top. Dr. J finds Parish on the next play and the Sixers take the lead again! Bird and Dr. J face-off outside the three point line with the crowd going crazy. Bird beats Dr. J off the dribble, but Dr. J uses his athleticism for a fantastic block that’ll make all the highlight reels. Unfortunately for Philly, Bird recovered the block and scores, giving Boston a one-point lead again. The Sixers can’t find a shot the next possession as Boston has stepped up the defense, leading to a shot-clock violation. Gus Williams misses a three on the other end, but Doug Collins misses as well. Parish grabs an offensive rebound, his 14th total board of the game, but Gus gets a steal on Dr. J. Maxwell ends up missing on Boston’s end. Suddenly both teams are tight as it’s 104-103 Boston with just two minutes left.

Philly takes their time on the next possession, leading to Mo Cheeks finding Collins for an easy lay-up and a Sixer lead! Bird again beats Dr. J off the dribble, and his drive-in results in an open Sobers, who Bird finds. Sobers hits the jumper and Boston has taken the lead again, 106-105. Philly tries to respond somewhat quickly, but Collins misses a jumper and Boston has the rebound with just 50 seconds left. Parish gives Maxwell a receipt from earlier and blocks his lay-up. Sobers gets the rebound and misses a shot, and Parish cleans up the board. With 20 seconds left, the Sixers have a chance to win.

The Sixers play it on the court as is and Cheeks finds Dr. J right away. Erving misses though and Bird secures the rebound and is fouled. Philly fouls again, which puts Sobers on the line with five seconds left. He makes them both, and it’s 108-105 Celtics. Erving ends up taking a two pointer trying to draw a foul, but it misses, and Boston escapes Philadelphia with a victory.

Celtics 108, 76ERS 105 (Celtics lead 2-1)

Celtics Stats
Larry Bird: 30 PTS, 8 REB, 5 AST, 4 STL, 3 BLK, 13/23 FG
Gus Williams: 19 PTS, 4 REB, 5 AST, 3 STL
Cedric Maxwell: 14 PTS, 3 REB, 2 BLK

76ers Stats
Julius Erving: 22 PTS, 9 REB, 4 AST
Doug Collins: 22 PTS, 3 AST, 3 STL
Robert Parish: 13 PTS, 16 REB, 4 AST, 3 BLK

***

Game 3 - #2 Indiana Pacers at #3 Milwaukee Bucks (Bucks lead 2-0)

In a series that’s surprised everyone so far, the Bucks continued to roll. Milwaukee took a commanding 3-0 lead on Indiana as Alex English basically shot Indiana out of the game. Marques Johnson and Sidney Moncrief both played well. The Pacers just haven’t been able to find a solution to the Bucks’ stingy defense and need a miracle to make this series competitive.

BUCKS 101, PACERS 93 (Bucks lead 3-0)

Pacers Stats
Alex English 25 PTS, 5 REB, 3 STL, 9/27 FG, 7/7 FT
James Edwards: 20 PTS, 11 REB, 4 BLK

Bucks Stats
Marques Johnson: 22 PTS, 6 REB, 3 STL, 11/16 FG
Sidney Moncrief: 18 PTS, 9 REB, 9 AST, 4 STL

***

Game 4 - #1 Los Angeles Lakers at #4 Seattle Supersonics (Lakers lead 3-0)

The writing has seemingly been on the wall since Game 1. The Lakers once again were unstoppable against the Sonics. Magic saved his best for this elimination game, scoring 36 with 10 assists. Seattle did their best to hang in there, but there’s just too much firepower on the LA side. The Sonics still had a great season they can build on, while the Lakers will face the winner of the Spurs-Rockets series.

Lakers 131, Supersonics 118 (Lakers win 4-0)

Lakers Stats
Magic Johnson: 36 PTS, 5 REB, 10 AST, 11/19 FG, 13/15 FT
Jamaal Wilkes: 19 PTS

Sonics Stats
Jack Sikma: 28 PTS, 5 REB, 12/14 FG
James Bailey: 20 PTS, 7/8 FG
Mark Aguirre: 17 PTS, 7 REB, 6 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK

***

Game 4 - #2 San Antonio Spurs at #3 Houston Rockets (Spurs lead 2-1)

Talk about night and day. The Spurs responded with a monster 40 point second quarter, stunning Houston and taking a commanding 3-1 lead over the defending champions. Iceman was huge with 42 points. Only Moses and a throwback game from Pete Maravich scored in double-digits for Houston. They were 14/24 with the rest of the Rockets only shooting 17/45.

SPURS 118, Rockets 97 (Spurs lead 3-1)

Rockets Stats
Moses Malone: 27 PTS, 17 REB, 4 AST, 3 BLK, 27 PTS
Pete Maravich: 22 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST, 6/10 FG, 4/5 3P, 6/6 FT

Spurs Stats
George Gervin: 42 PTS, 6 REB, 2 STL, 12/23 FG, 18/23 FT
Campy Russell: 18 PTS, 4 AST, 6 STL, 7/11 FG
John Lucas: 14 PTS, 11 AST, 6 STL

***

Game 4 - #1 Boston Celtics at #4 Philadelphia 76ers (Celtics lead 2-1)

This one looked to be going down to the wire…until Larry Bird and the Celtics turned it on in the 4th quarter. The Celtics held the Sixers to 16 4th quarter points while scoring 33 themselves, silencing the Philadelphia faithful. Bird’s 35 just edged Dr. J’s 34 and Ricky Sobers added 22. The Celtics look to finish off Philly in Boston in Game 5.

Celtics 105, 76ERS 90 (Celtics lead 3-1)

Celtics Stats
Larry Bird: 35 PTS, 8 REB, 14/26 FG
Ricky Sobers: 22 PTS, 12 AST, 7/15 FG, 4/4 3P, 4/4 FT
Cedric Maxwell: 11 PTS, 9 REB, 1 STL, 1 BLK

76ers Stats
Julius Erving: 34 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST, 4 BLK, 12/23 FG, 10/11 FT
Robert Parish: 22 PTS, 10 REB, 4 AST

***

Game 4 - #2 Indiana Pacers at #3 Milwaukee Bucks (Bucks lead 3-0)

The Bucks completed their surprising destruction of the Pacers. It was 61-33 at the half. While the Pacers showed some life in the third, they scored 11 in the 4th. It’s a surprising listless performance for Indiana. Alex English was good as he hit 16 of the Pacers 34 total field goals. The Bucks had seven scorers in double-figures, led by Marques Johnson’s 22. The Bucks face the Celtics-Sixers winner while the Pacers go home early once again.

BUCKS 106, Pacers 85 (Bucks win 4-0)

Pacers Stats
Alex English: 36 PTS, 8 REB, 16/26 FG
Billy Knight: 16 PTS, 7 REB

Bucks Stats
Marques Johnson: 22 PTS, 7 REB, 10/18 FG
Sidney Moncrief: 12 PTS, 8 AST
Kent Benson: 10 PTS, 9 REB
Junior Bridgeman: 15 PTS, 6 REB, 2 STL

***

Game 5 - #3 Houston Rockets at #2 San Antonio Spurs (Spurs lead 3-1)

Iceman tries to put away the defending champs, but Moses, DJ and Kevin Grevey all had big games, and a big 38 point 4th quarter scored Houston a season saving road win in Game 5. Gervin had 36, but Moses was in his MVP form with a 31-16-4-3-2. The Rockets have a chance to force Game 7 with a win in Houston.

Rockets 126, SPURS 111 (Spurs lead 3-2)

Rockets Stats
Moses Malone: 31 PTS, 16 REB, 4 AST, 3 STL, 2 BLK, 11/19 FG, 9/11 FT
Kevin Grevey: 25 PTS, 4 REB, 7 AST, 9/14 FG
Dennis Johnson: 20 PTS, 4 AST, 3 STL, 7/11 FG
Pete Maravich: 19 PTS, 3 REB, 3 AST, 7/13 FG, 2/4 3P

Spurs Stats
George Gervin: 36 PTS, 4 REB, 2 STL, 13/25 FG, 9/10 FT
John Lucas: 18 PTS, 6 REB, 8 AST, 4 STL, 8/12 FG, 2/3 3P
Campy Russell: 13 PTS, 7 REB, 6 AST, 3 STL

***

Game 5 - #4 Philadelphia 76ers at #1 Boston Celtics (Celtics lead 3-1)

Boston brought a 13 point lead into the 4th quarter, but like Game 3 the Sixers were able to bring the game back with a strong 4th quarter. With just 1:46 left, Boston was up only three, 106-103.

Julius Erving finds Mo Cheeks for a lay-up as the Sixers are almost back, down only one. Ricky Sobers quickly finds Gus Williams to put the Celtic lead back to three. Doug Collins misses as Boston still has a chance to lock up the game and the series. Philly comes out with a full court press leading to a rare Larry Bird mistake as Bird throws a pass to the crowd. Sobers fouls Collins, sending Collins to the line. Collins makes one, making it 108-106 Boston with less than a minute left. Boston manages to squeeze the clock down to 22 seconds, but Gus misses, giving the Celtics a chance to send the series back to Philly.

Collins looks for Erving, but has to go to Robert Parish instead. Parish misses and Gus gets the rebound and gets fouled. Bird gets fouled on the inbound, sending him to the line. Bird drains them both, effectively ending the game and the series. Dr. J tries a meaningless three and it misses as the Celtics advance to face the Bucks.

CELTICS 110, 76ers 106 (Celtics win 4-1)

76ers Stats
Julius Erving: 25 PTS, 5 REB, 9/17 FG
Robert Parish: 24 PTS, 10 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL, 11/17 FG
Maurice Cheeks: 14 PTS, 7 REB, 12 AST
Doug Collins: 19 PTS

Celtics Stats
Larry Bird: 23 PTS, 5 REB, 3 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK
Gus Williams: 24 PTS, 4 REB, 7 AST, 11/21 FG
Ricky Sobers: 15 PTS, 4 Reb, 4 AST, 2 BLK

***

Game 6 - #2 San Antonio Spurs at #3 Houston Rockets (Spurs lead 3-2)

To no one’s surprise, Game 6 went back and forth. The Spurs looked to get past division rival Houston for a playoff rematch with the Lakers while the Rockets looked to continue their title defense. Moses hit a lay-up with 3:10 left to tie the game at 105.

Ice tries to score, but has to let it go as there’s no shot for him. Bill Laimbeer takes a shot but it misses. Moses cleans up the rebound. Moses throws a long pass to Kevin Grevey who finds Pistol Pete for a three! 108-105 Rockets. Maravich has found the fountain of youth in this series. Laimbeer gets to the line the next possession and hits both free throws. DJ misses a shot but Moses grabs the offensive rebound. Grevey misses, but DJ gets the rebound this time. Moses gets fouled on his shot and hits both free throws. 110-107 Houston with 1:09 left.

John Lucas gets fouled by Rudy T and gets to the line, once again cutting the lead to one. The Spurs defense lapses though, with Grevey knocking down an open three-pointer to make it 113-109. Ice scores with 21 seconds left, making it a two-point game. Spurs have to play the free throw game now and Gervin sends DJ to the line. DJ makes them both and it’s a four-point game again. Bill Laimbeer gets to the line but there’s only six seconds left. He makes them both and the Spurs do get another foul in, but they’ve run out of time. Grevey makes one to officially end the game. Game 7 is in San Antonio.

ROCKETS 116, Spurs 113 (Series tied 3-3)

Spurs Stats
George Gervin: 28 PTS, 4 REB, 2 BLK, 11/15 FG
John Lucas: 18 PTS, 8 AST, 6/11 FG
Bill Laimbeer: 12 PTS, 9 REB
Larry Kenon: 16 PTS, 6 REB, 2 STL, 7/12 FG

Rockets Stats
Moses Malone: 35 PTS, 12 REB, 15/26 FG
Kevin Grevey: 24 PTS, 5 REB, 3 AST, 8/15 FG, 2/5 3P
Larry Drew: 15 PTS, 4 AST, 7/10 G

***

Game 7 - #3 Houston Rockets at #2 San Antonio Spurs (Series tied 3-3)

It was another close one, with the Rockets leading by 1 heading into the 4th. The defending champions went through a lot this season and unfortunately for them, they ran out of gas. The Spurs won a defensive battle in the 4th, holding the Rockets to 10 points as they avoided blowing a 3-1 series lead. Ice shot horribly, but got to the line over and over again to score 27 points and lead the way. The Rockets went on a 6 minute scoring drought in the 4th and couldn’t hang on. Moses went for 27-17 to lead the Rockets. The Spurs will face the Lakers in the Conference Finals.

SPURS 98, Rockets 89 (Spurs win 4-3)

Rockets Stats
Moses Malone: 27 PTS, 17 REB, 2 STL, 2 BLK
Kevin Grevey: 16 PTS, 4 REB

Spurs Stats
George Gervin: 27 PTS, 3 AST, 5/22 FG, 17/18 FT
Bill Laimbeer: 14 PTS, 12 REB, 2 STL, 1 BLK
John Lucas: 12 PTS, 9 AST, 5 STL

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Playoff Preview
Western Conference Finals

Best of Seven
#2 San Antonio Spurs (59-23) vs. #1 Los Angeles Lakers (63-19)

11/6 – Spurs 143, LAKERS 139
1/4 – Lakers 128, SPURS 125
1/28 – LAKERS 132, Spurs 123
2/1 – Lakers 120, SPURS 113
4/21 – SPURS 124, Lakers 116

San Antonio Spurs
Record: 59-23
PPG: 107.9 (3rd)
oPPG: 101.1 (8th)
Offensive Eff: 107.9 (3rd)
Defensive Eff: 101 (4th)
eFG: 49.5% (5th)
Reb%: 49.5% (16th)

Starters/Key Players
C – Bill Laimbeer – 8.5 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 1.1 BPG, 49.8% FG, 89.8% FT
PF – Campy Russell – 15.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.3 SPG
SF – George Gervin – 33.5 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 54.4% FG, 84.8% FT (NBA 1st Team, All-Star)
SG – James Silas – 13.5 PPG, 3.5 APG
PG – John Lucas – 13.5 PPG, 7.7 APG, 2.4 SPG (NBA 2nd Team, Defensive 1st, All-Star)
6th – Larry Kenon – 10.7 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 49% FG

Key Injuries
None

Los Angeles Lakers
Record: 63-19
PPG: 118.2 (1st)
oPPG: 107.8 (22nd)
Offensive Eff: 113.2 (1st)
Defensive Eff: 103.1 (11th)
eFG: 53.7% (1st)
Reb%: 53.1% (1st)

Starters/Key Players
C – Alvan Adams - 12.2 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1 SPG, 57.3% FG, 82.4% FT
PF – Buck Williams - 12.8 PPG, 6 RPG, 59.8% FG
SF – Bernard King – 21.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3 APG, 54.7% FG
SG – Jamaal Wilkes – 23.9 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 51.3% FG (NBA 3rd Team, All-Star)
PG – Magic Johnson – 22.4 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 11.6 APG, 1.9 SPG, 55.7% FG, 84.8% FT (MVP, All-Star)
6th – Michael Cooper – 8.1 PPG, 1.4 SPG, Defensive Specialist

Key Injuries
None

Eastern Conference Finals

Best of Seven
#3 Milwaukee Bucks (51-31) vs. #1 Boston Celtics (60-22)

11/9 – Celtics 94, BUCKS 91
11/10 – CELTICS 88, Bucks 87
1/26 – Celtics 95, BUCKS 82
2/22 – CELTICS 103, Bucks 83
3/5 – BUCKS 101, Celtics 96

Milwaukee Bucks
Record: 51-31
PPG: 98.1 (19th)
oPPG: 94 (1st)
Offensive Eff: 102.9 (15th)
Defensive Eff: 98.6 (1st)
eFG: 47.5% (13th)
Reb%: 49.9% (11th)

Starters/Key Players
C – Artis Gilmore – 13 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 1.5 BPG
PF – Marques Johnson – 20.2 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.2 SPG
SF – Junior Bridgeman – 14.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 1.2 SPG
SG – Brian Winters – 10 PPG
PG – Sidney Moncrief – 18.7 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.9 SPG, 49.9% FG
6th – Herb Williams – 8.9 PPG, 4.4 RPG (Rookie 2nd)

Key Injuries
None

Boston Celtics
Record: 60-22
PPG: 107.3 (4th)
oPPG: 98.8 (5th)
Offensive Eff: 107.6 (4th)
Defensive Eff: 99.1 (2nd)
eFG: 50.2% (3rd)
Reb%: 51.8% (4th)

Starters/Key Players
C – Caldwell Jones – 6.5 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.2 BPG, 53.9% FG, Defensive Specialist
PF – Cedric Maxwell – 11.5 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 59.3% FG
SF – Larry Bird – 27.7 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 5.7 APG, 1.9 SPG, 50.1% FG, 90.2% FT (NBA 1st, All-Star)
SG – Ricky Sobers – 13.1 PPG, 3.9 APG, 1.3 SPG
PG – Gus Williams – 17.1 PPG, 4 APG, 1.9 SPG

Key Injuries
None

***

Prediction Contest – ONLY PREDICT THE CONFERENCE 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, so 1982’s contest is still wide open!

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

@Dubble J has gotten on board, scoring 25 points for the Lakers pick (missing the rest). He leads obviously with those 25.

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%

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

Stats Site
​

 

[Dubb]

Lakers over Spurs in 7
Celtics over Bucks in 5

 

[RDT]

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

Best of Seven
Game 1 - #2 San Antonio Spurs at #1 Los Angeles Lakers

The Iceman came out firing in Game 1 on the road, leading the Spurs to a huge road Game 1 victory over the Lakers. The Spurs went down early 37-22, but came back firing with a 41 point second quarter. They shockingly blew out the Lakers in the 4th 35-21. John Lucas found Gervin all day. Gervin ended up with 40, Lucas with 17 points and 18 assists. Magic had the ball moving, but no one really broke out for LA and now they need to get to work to avoid a third straight disappointing playoff run.

Spurs 119, LAKERS 109 (Spurs lead 1-0)

Spurs Stats
George Gervin: 40 PTS, 4 STL, 17/29 FG
John Lucas: 17 PTS, 18 AST, 8/10 FG

Lakers Stats
Magic Johnson: 21 PTS, 7 REB, 14 AST, 4/9 FG, 13/14 FT
Jamaal Wilkes: 21 PTS

***

Best of Seven
Game 1 - #3 Milwaukee Bucks at #1 Boston Celtics

The Bucks hot streak stopped dead in its tracks as Boston dominated from the opening tip to the very end. Boston won each quarter by at least five, led by Larry Bird’s 32. Sidney Moncrief was surprisingly ineffective against Gus Williams as well. Rough start for the Bucks as Boston looks to return to the NBA Finals for the second straight season.

CELTICS 107, Bucks 81 (Celtics lead 1-0)

Bucks Stats
Marques Johnson: 18 PTS, 4 REB, 3 STL
Sidney Moncrief: 12 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST

Celtics Stats
Larry Bird: 32 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST, 12/25 FG, 6/12 3P
Gus Williams: 18 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST, 7/14 FG

***

Game 2 - #2 San Antonio Spurs at #1 Los Angeles Lakers (Spurs lead 1-0)

The Lakers were in full control of Game 2. Jamaal Wilkes went off for 37. Gervin scored 21 for the Spurs but only in 21 minutes as he was plagued with foul trouble. The game was never in doubt as LA went on a first quarter tear again (36-21) but this time held the lead the whole day. Still, the Spurs will take a split into San Antonio.

LAKERS 111, Spurs 93 (Series tied 1-1)

Spurs Stats
George Gervin: 21 PTS
Bill Laimbeer: 13 PTS, 12 REB
John Lucas; 9 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST

Lakers Stats
Magic Johnson: 11 PTS, 12 AST, 7 REB, 3 STL
Jamaal Wilkes; 27 PTS, 5 REB, 12/22 FG
Buck Williams: 22 PTS, 6/8 FG, 10/12 FT

***

Game 2 - #3 Milwaukee Bucks at #1 Boston Celtics (Celtics lead 1-0)

This was a close one. The Bucks led 93-88 with four minutes to go before Boston went on a tear. Bird found Cowens, then found Maxwell a couple of plays later to bring the game within one. Sidney Moncrief had a strong game and scored to temporarily keep Boston at bay, but Bird found Gus Williams for a good look at the basket to get free throws. Herb Williams would hit a free throw for Milwaukee with 2:26 left, making the score 96-94 Bucks, but the Bucks would never score again.

Bird hit a dagger of a three with 1:37 left to give Boston the lead, then after a Marques Johnson illegal screen Gus Williams hit a pair of free throws. Ricky Sobers stole the ball from Moncrief and Bird would score one more time to finish the end and the game. Boston ended the game on a 11-3 run to win. While Moncrief scored 29 to lead Milwaukee, Bird was again phenomenal with a 36-8-7. The series now moves to Milwaukee.

CELTICS 101, Bucks 96 (Celtics lead 2-0)

Bucks Stats
Sidney Moncrief: 29 PTS, 8 REB
Marques Johnson: 13 PTS, 9 REB

Celtics Stats
Larry Bird: 36 PTS, 8 REB, 7 AST, 14/25 FG
Gus Williams: 20 PTS, 7 REB, 5 STL

***

Game 3 - #1 Los Angeles Lakers at #2 San Antonio Spurs (Series tied 1-1)

The Lakers and Spurs stood neck and neck all game. With 3:20 left the Spurs led 104-103. Magic was quick to find Buck Williams to put LA on top by one. Iceman, who’s been unstoppable all game, gets by Jamaal Wilkes and hits a wide-open lay-up to put SA back up. The lead changes again though as Magic finds Bernard King to put LA up 107-106. Iceman puts his head down and drives to the rim again, hitting another lay-up to put SA up 108-107.

The Lakers slow things down, but that leads to a Wilkes miss. The Spurs come up empty as well as John Lucas misses from the free throw line. Magic finds Bernard to try to get back the lead, but King loses the ball out of bounds. 1:30 left, still 108-107 Spurs. The Lakers swarm Gervin, leading to Lucas missing again. With 51 seconds left King and Wilkes play a scary two-man game, and Wilkes ultimately hits a shot to put LA up 109-108! Iceman has had enough and once again finds a way to drive to the hoop, but Magic fouls him hard in mid-air. We almost get a fight started as San Antonio nearly riots with Gervin hitting the floor. Gervin picks himself up and calmly drains both free throws, putting SA back up 110-109!

Campy Russell steals the ball from Alvan Adams and gets a breakaway lay-up, putting SA up three with 38 seconds left. Wilkes quickly scores on the other end, making it 112-111 SA. The Lakers decide to foul quickly as Buck Williams fouls James Silas, and Silas makes them both, putting SA up three with 28 seconds left. Embarrassingly, the Lakers last possession becomes a game of hot potato, and when Jamaal Wilkes tries to score the time runs out for a shot clock violation! Spurs burn the last few seconds and hold on to win at home!

SPURS 114, Lakers 111 (Spurs lead 2-1)

Lakers Stats
Magic Johnson: 18 PTS, 12 AST
Jamaal Wilkes: 36 PTS, 7 REB, 16/30 FG
Bernard King: 15 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST, 710 FG

Spurs Stats
George Gervin: 47 PTS, 7 REB, 2 STL, 13/20 FG, 21/24 FT
James Silas: 21 PTS, 5/9 FG, 11/11 FT

***

Game 3 - #1 Boston Celtics at #3 Milwaukee Bucks (Celtics lead 2-0)

Despite another strong game from Larry Bird, the Bucks clamped down and held the Celtics to just 86 points as they got on the board with a victory. Junior Bridgeman and Marques Johnson led the way for Milwaukee as they answered any critics that thought they were somewhat lucky to get to this point. Game 4 is in Milwaukee.

BUCKS 96, Celtics 86 (Celtics lead 2-1)

Celtics Stats
Larry Bird: 31 PTS, 13 REB, 4 AST, 3 STL, 13/25 FG
Gus Williams: 17 PTS, 6 AST, 4 STL

Bucks Stats
Junior Bridgeman: 22 PTS, 8 REB
Marques Johnson: 18 PTS, 12 REB, 7/11 FG

***

Game 4 - #1 Los Angeles Lakers at #2 San Antonio Spurs (Spurs lead 2-1)

It was a good ol’ shootout at the Alamodome. It was close until the fourth, where the hometown Spurs powered through to the end (43 point 4th quarter!) and took a commanding 3-1 lead in the series. Usually Ice had been the dominating scorer for the Spurs, but this time four Spurs scored 20+ and the Lakers just couldn’t keep up. The Lakers head to the Forum down 3-1 with their season suddenly, and maybe surprisingly, on the line.

SPURS 139, Lakers 129 (Spurs lead 3-1)

Lakers Stats
Magic Johnson: 26 PTS, 10 REB, 9 AST, 3 STL, 10/13 FG, 6/7 FT
Jamaal Wilkes: 34 PTS, 3 REB, 4 AST, 17/26 FG
Bernard King: 14 PTS, 8 REB, 9 AST
Buck Williams: 17 PTS, 6 REB, 1 STL, 2 BLK

Spurs Stats
George Gervin: 26 PTS, 5 REB, 8/10 FG
John Lucas: 27 PTS, 10 AST, 9/18 FG, 4/7 3P, 5/6 FT
James Silas: 23 PTS, 7/11 FG
Larry Kenon: 21 PTS, 9 REB, 6/6 FG

***

Game 4 - #1 Boston Celtics at #3 Milwaukee Bucks (Celtics lead 2-1)

It looked like we are clearly headed to a 2-2 tie. Heading into the 4th, it was 87-68 Bucks. The defense had held up again. Even as time ticked away it seemed the Bucks were gonna hold on. With five minutes, it was 96-81 Bucks.

Until the Celtics caught fire.

Amazingly, with just 1:30 left, the Celtics had almost come all the way back. A Gus Williams jumper made it 98-96 with the Bucks holding onto a mere two-point lead. A Moncrief miss is rebounded by Ricky Sobers. Moncrief guards Sobers the whole way and makes a huge steal with 54 seconds left. It’s a pure breakaway and Moncrief’s jam gets the Milwaukee crowd back into it. 100-96 Bucks. Gus gets a lay-up with 42 seconds left.

But that’s as close as the Celtics would get as Milwaukee kills the clock, gets an offensive rebound and avoids getting fouled, holding onto the 100-98 win. But boy did they almost throw it away. We are tied up heading back to Boston.

BUCKS 100, Celtics 98 (Series tied 2-2)

Celtics Stats
Larry Bird: 35 PTS, 11 REB, 6 AST, 14/28 FG, 5/10 3P
Gus Williams: 23 PTS, 4 REB, 3 AST, 9/18 FG

Bucks Stats
Artis Gilmore: 23 PTS, 8 REB, 9/14 FG
Sidney Moncrief: 21 PTS, 11 REB, 3 AST, 2 STL
Marques Johnson 14 PTS, 7 REB, 5 AST

***

Game 5 - #2 San Antonio Spurs at #1 Los Angeles Lakers (Spurs lead 3-1)

Back in LA the Lakers showed they weren’t going down quietly. Another super strong first quarter for LA (38-22) turned out to be par for the course. The Spurs did inch their way back into the game, but the Lakers put up another 39 in the 4th and that was that. The Laker starting lineup was huge, with each player scoring at least 18 points and the group scoring 118 total. Still, the Spurs have a chance to win the series at home in Game 6.

LAKERS 131, Spurs 116 (Spurs lead 3-2)

Spurs Stats
George Gervin: 28 PTS, 7 REB, 2 STL, 9/16 FG, 10/11 FT
John Lucas: 10 PTS, 12 AST

Lakers Stats
Magic Johnson: 27 PTS, 7 REB, 9 AST, 6 STL, 8/10 FG, 11/12 FT
Jamaal Wilkes: 30 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST, 14/23 FG
Bernard King: 25 PTS, 3 REB, 3 AST, 10/14 FG

***

Game 5 - #3 Milwaukee Bucks at #1 Boston Celtics (Series tied 2-2)

Boston had made it clear, the Bucks need to find a win in Boston if they want to win this series. The game was somewhat closer than it looked, but the Celtics led this important Game 5 wire-to-wire. Gus Williams led with 30, and while Sidney Moncrief played well Gus’s success this series is something that falls on Moncrief’s shoulders. The Bucks need to shut down Boston one more time in Game 6 to get to a deciding Game 7.

CELTICS 111, Bucks 93 (Celtics lead 3-2)

Bucks Stats
Sidney Moncrief: 23 PTS, 5 REB, 3 AST, 4 STL, 10/18 FG, ½ 3P
Marques Johnson: 16 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK

Celtics Stats
Larry Bird: 24 PTS, 8 REB, 6 AST, 5 STL, 917 FG, 3/6 3P
Gus Williams: 30 PTS, 12/17 FG

***

Game 6 - #1 Los Angeles Lakers at #2 San Antonio Spurs (Spurs lead 3-2)

If there was a potential weakness for the Lakers, it was the big man game. Alvan Adams was more than serviceable and rookie Buck Williams has potential, but Spurs bench player Larry Kenon had another big 20 minutes off the bench and Campy Russell led the way with a 29-11 as the Spurs sent the Lakers home in Game 6. It has to be promising for the Spurs that they’re important games without a big scoring performance from Geroge Gervin. The Spurs have been close in the past few years, they made the Conference Finals in ’79 and lost in the Semis in ’80 and ’81. The Spurs also avenged their seven-game loss to the Lakers last year. This is their first trip to the NBA Finals. The Lakers meanwhile finish a third straight season with 60+ regular season wins and no NBA Finals appearance. MVP Magic Johnson had a monster game, but Jamaal Wilkes finally had a bad one (6 points) and Bernard King never had a monster performance in this series. The Spurs await the Celtics-Bucks winner.

SPURS 110, Lakers 100 (Spurs win 4-2)

Lakers Stats
Magic Johnson: 37 PTS, 12 REB, 5 AST, 9/15 FG
Bernard King: 16 PTS
Alvan Adams: 15 PTS, 8 REB, 6/9 FG

Spurs Stats
George Gervin: 20 PTS, 3 BLK
Campy Russell: 29 PTS, 11 REB, 10/18 FG
John Lucas: 19 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST, 4/6 FG

***

Game 6 - #1 Boston Celtics at #3 Milwaukee Bucks (Celtics lead 3-2)

Perhaps the gas has run out for both teams heading into the 4th. Scoring had come to a crawl, but the game was still close down the line. Sidney Moncrief’s lay-up ties the game with 1:44 left.

The Celtics use nearly every second of the shot clock partly due to intent, and partly due to Milwaukee forcing them. They end up with a Gus Williams three, but that misses. Cedric Maxwell grabs the rebound and again Boston drains the clock some more. Brian Winters gets called for a foul on Bird, drawing huge boos from Milwaukee. Bird of course is automatic, and it’s 87-85 Celtics with 56 seconds left.

Moncrief loses the ball to Ricky Sobers, and again the crowd is irate as there’s no foul there. Sobers gets trapped at midcourt…but then Moncrief is called for a foul, sending Sobers to the line. The conspiracy theory that the NBA wants Boston in the Finals is going to be all over the place. Sobers makes both and Milwaukee can’t find a basket. The Bucks put on a tough performance, but it just wasn’t enough.

Celtics 89, BUCKS 85 (Celtics win 4-2)


Celtics Stats
Larry Bird: 27 PTS, 13 REB, 4 AST
Ricky Sobers: 18 PTS, 4 REB, 5 AST, 3 STL

Bucks Stats
Marques Johnson: 26 PTS, 11 REB, 9/14 FG
Junior Bridgeman: 19 PTS, 6 REB, 6 AST, 2 STL

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NBA FINALS Preview

Best of Seven
(Celtics Have Home Court)
#2 San Antonio Spurs (59-23) vs. #1 Boston Celtics (60-22)

1/17 – Spurs 101, CELTICS 100
11/29 – SPURS 109, Celtics 88

San Antonio Spurs
Record: 59-23
PPG: 107.9 (3rd)
oPPG: 101.1 (8th)
Offensive Eff: 107.9 (3rd)
Defensive Eff: 101 (4th)
eFG: 49.5% (5th)
Reb%: 49.5% (16th)

Starters/Key Players
C – Bill Laimbeer – 8.5 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 1.1 BPG, 49.8% FG, 89.8% FT
PF – Campy Russell – 15.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.3 SPG
SF – George Gervin – 33.5 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 54.4% FG, 84.8% FT (NBA 1st Team, All-Star)
SG – James Silas – 13.5 PPG, 3.5 APG
PG – John Lucas – 13.5 PPG, 7.7 APG, 2.4 SPG (NBA 2nd Team, Defensive 1st, All-Star)
6th – Larry Kenon – 10.7 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 49% FG

Key Injuries
None

Boston Celtics
Record: 60-22
PPG: 107.3 (4th)
oPPG: 98.8 (5th)
Offensive Eff: 107.6 (4th)
Defensive Eff: 99.1 (2nd)
eFG: 50.2% (3rd)
Reb%: 51.8% (4th)

Starters/Key Players
C – Caldwell Jones – 6.5 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.2 BPG, 53.9% FG, Defensive Specialist
PF – Cedric Maxwell – 11.5 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 59.3% FG
SF – Larry Bird – 27.7 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 5.7 APG, 1.9 SPG, 50.1% FG, 90.2% FT (NBA 1st, All-Star)
SG – Ricky Sobers – 13.1 PPG, 3.9 APG, 1.3 SPG
PG – Gus Williams – 17.1 PPG, 4 APG, 1.9 SPG

Key Injuries
None

***

Prediction Contest – ONLY PREDICT NBA FINALS and FINALS MVP

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

Results

No one predicted, so 1982’s contest is still wide open!

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

Results

@Dubble J has gotten on board, scoring 25 points for the Lakers pick (missing the rest). He leads obviously with those 25.

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

Results

@Dubble J gets to add 50, putting his total to 75, with the correct pick of the Celtics

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%

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

Stats Site​

 

[Dubb]

Spurs in 6.
MVP: George Gervin

 

[RDT]

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

Game 1 - #2 San Antonio Spurs at #1 Boston Celtics

Boston came out strong in Game 1, not allowing the Spurs to get ahead at any point. San Antonio kept it close as Larry Bird and George Gervin played to a virtual draw on the scoring end. Bird’s 33-11-8-4 proved to be too much for San Antonio in Game 1. Bird especially connected well with bench players Gerald Henderson and Dave Cowens (who had a bit of a throwback 15 points and 11 boards). One major piece of bad news for Boston though, Gus Williams, who scored 22 in 34 minutes, injured his foot in the fourth. It was later revealed to be a broken foot. Boston will have to find a way to make up the scoring for who’s been Bird’s second option so far. Still, it’s 1-0 Celtics.

CELTICS 118, Spurs 107 (Celtics lead 1-0)

Spurs Stats
George Gervin: 33 PTS, 5 REB, 13/24 FG
John Lucas: 26 PTS, 6 AST, 2 STL, 9/14 FG

Celtics Stats
Larry Bird: 33 PTS, 11 REB, 8 AST, 4 STL, 13/23 FG, 3/5 3P
Gus Williams: 22 PTS, 5 REB, 6 AST

***

Game 2 - #2 San Antonio Spurs at #1 Boston Celtics (Celtics lead 1-0)

When the spotlight is on, the best of the best step up. In this case, both Larry Bird and Ice had big games. But it took another Celtic throwback game, this time from Tiny Archibald, to power the Celtics to a 2-0 lead. Both Bird and Gervin stuffed the stat sheet, Bird had a 40-8-7-3-2 and Gervin a 37-5-3-1-2. Tiny started for the injured Gus Williams and scored 18 and had 6 assists. The Celtics ended up with six double-digit scorers overall thanks to their tremendous passing. The Spurs got big games from Gervin and John Lucas again, but they either need someone else to step up or they need to clamp on the defense. Boston brings a 2-0 series lead to the three game stretch in San Antonio.

CELTICS 133, Spurs 115 (Celtics lead 2-0)

Spurs Stats
George Gervin: 37 PTS, 5 REB, 3 AST, 1 STL, 2 BLK, 12/25 FG, 13/16 FT
John Lucas: 20 PTS, 7 AST, 7/13 FG
Campy Russell: 14 PTS, 5 REB, 8 AST, 3 STL, 6/10 FG

Celtics Stats
Larry Bird: 40 PTS, 8 REB, 7 AST, 3 STL, 2 BLK, 18/27 FG, 4/7 3P
Gerald Henderson: 23 PTS
Nate Archibald: 18 PTS, 3 REB, 6 AST

***

Game 3 - #1 Boston Celtics at #2 San Antonio Spurs (Celtics lead 2-0)

The difference between playing in Boston and playing in San Antonio is like day and night. Ice led the Spurs to a 40-19 1st quarter and that was pretty much the game. Bird dropped 24 but didn’t have much help otherwise. Notably, the Celtics turned the ball over 29 times opposed to the Spurs 14.

Ice only had to play 21 minutes, but scored 19. James Silas showed up for the first time this series and led the Spurs with 22. Notably, Spurs back-up center Paul Griffin left the game in the third quarter and was diagnosed with a bruised hip. He’ll be day-to-day.

SPURS 117, Celtics 75 (Celtics lead 2-1)

Celtics Stats
Larry Bird: 24 PTS, 7 REB, 9/15 FG
Greg Ballard: 15 PTS, 8 REB

Spurs Stats
George Gervin: 21 MINS, 19 PTS, 4 REB, 6/11 FG
James Silas: 22 PTS
John Lucas: 13 PTS, 10 AST, 5 STL
Campy Russell: 18 PTS, 9 REB
Froots Walker: 5 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST, 5 STL

***

Game 4 - #1 Boston Celtics at #2 San Antonio Spurs (Celtics lead 2-1)

The Celtics were able to play the Spurs tough through three quarters, but the crowd in the Alamodome went wild in the 4th. Ice got hot, Bill Laimbeer couldn’t be stopped, and the Spurs ran the Celtics off the court to tie the series at two apiece. It was Larry Bird’s first off-game in the series as it took 17 shots to score 14. Ricky Sobers, Greg Ballard and Gerald Henderson all put up solid performances to keep things close. Tiny was horrible but had to play 40 minutes, missing all eight of his shots and turning the ball over five times.

Ice led with 28 and Laimbeer had 21. The Spurs outscored the Celtics 36-19. Due to the Finals 2-3-2 set-up, pivotal Game 5 is in San Antonio, but in order for the Spurs to win the series they have to win it in Boston.

SPURS 115, Celtics 88 (Series tied 2-2)

Celtics Stats
Larry Bird: 14 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST
Ricky Sobers: 19 PTS, 4 REB, 3 AST, 5 STL, 8/16 FG
Greg Ballard: 18 PTS

Spurs Stats
George Gervin: 28 PTS, 3 STL
Bill Laimbeer: 21 PTS, 9 REB, 8/10 FG

***

Game 5 - #1 Boston Celtics at #2 San Antonio Spurs (Series tied 2-2)

It looked like San Antonio was going to roll over Boston for the third straight game, but after 11 quarters the Celtics finally woke up. With 3:50 left it was 111-102 Spurs. But Boston went on an 8-0 run, with Larry Bird hitting an open shot to make it 111-110 Spurs with just 1:47 left. Bill Laimbeer and George Gervin both fail to score on the other end, and with a minute left Boston has a chance to steal Game 5 on the road. Ricky Sobers takes it himself but misses a lay-up. The Spurs hit their first shot in four minutes with 24 seconds left.

Ice fouls Tiny, sending Tiny to the line. Tiny makes them both. 113-112 San Antonio. Boston has to send San Antonio to the line and they foul Campy with 12 seconds left. Campy Russell makes one, but the second one misses. Tiny finds Bird, but he can’t find a shot and Bird finds Sobers…but Sobers misses and San Antonio escapes with the series lead heading back to Boston!

SPURS 114, Celtics 112 (Spurs lead 3-2)

Celtics Stats
Larry Bird: 27 PTS, 8 REB, 8 AST, 2 STL, 1 BLK
Cedric Maxwell: 22 PTS, 4 REB, 6 AST, 10/11 FG

Spurs Stats
George Gervin: 33 PTS, 4 REB, 5 AST, 10/17 FG, 2/3 3P
Campy Russell: 27 PTS, 6 REB, 11/14 FG
John Lucas: 11 PTS, 4 REB, 15 AST, 4 STL

***

Game 6 - #2 San Antonio Spurs at #1 Boston Celtics (Spurs lead 3-2)

The Celtic 2-0 lead feels like so long ago. Behind a big third quarter (36-21) that broke open the game and Ice putting up another 30+ scoring night, the Spurs defeated the Celtics in the Boston Garden and capture the NBA Title. Gervin represented Larry Bird’s potential weakness as a man-to-man defender as he was completely unstoppable, hitting finger roll after finger roll. Ice averaged 30.3 points per game in the series in route to capturing Finals MVP.

Larry Bird put together another solid all-around game, although he had to take 29 shots to score his 24. The loss of Gus Williams made it difficult for Bird. The disappointment on Bird’s face was evident as for the second straight year, he, and the Celtics, were two wins away from a NBA Championship.

Spurs 105, CELTICS 93 (Spurs win 4-2)

Spurs Stats
George Gervin: 32 PTS, 8 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL
John Lucas: 22 PTS, 5 REB, 9 AST, 2 STL, 7/12 FG, 3/6 3P
Campy Russell: 20 PTS, 7 REB, 2 STL, 8/13 FG

Celtics Stats
Larry Bird: 24 PTS, 7 REB, 7 AST, 2 STL, 4 3P
Caldwell Jones: 9 PTS, 10 REB, 3 BLK, 4/8 FG

Prediction Contest – 1982 Results

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

Results

No one predicted, so 1982’s contest is still wide open!

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

Results

Dubb has gotten on board, scoring 25 points for the Lakers pick (missing the rest). He leads obviously with those 25.

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

Results

Dubb gets to add 50, putting his total to 75, with the correct pick of the Celtics

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

@Dubble J nailed Spurs in 6 and hit Gervin as Finals MVP to finish with 215 points. He was the only predictor, and thus wins his second straight contest. His final score with the bonus is 237.

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

Total Results

@Dubble J : 539 Points (2x Champion: 1981, 1982)
1981: 302 (Champion)
1982: 237 (Champion)

@The Grimch : 145 Points (1x Champion: 1980)
1980: 55 (Champion)
1981: 90

@Joey Bananas : 55 Points
1981: 55

Stats Site​

 

[RDT]

All box scores updated and the initial history has been updated too! We'll be back sometime next week as we head into 82-83!

 

[RDT]

1982 NBA Off-Season

This is the last off-season without big change league structure wise. In 1983, the Kings move to Sacramento and to the Pacific Division, while the New Orleans Jazz return as a new franchise in the Central, and the St. Louis Spirits join the Midwest Division. Other than the salary cap taking one more massive leap to $3,750,000, a 25% increase, it was business like usual this off-season.

Three legends retired from the NBA. Earl “The Pearl” Monroe had sat on the Knicks’ bench for the past few years as a legendary veteran and finally called it a career. Pistol Pete Maravich of the Rockets and Rick Barry of the Stallions also called it a career. All three will likely make the Hall of Fame. Joining Monroe is Knicks Head Coach Red Holzman, calling it a career for good this time.

The coaching carousel was in full motion in the ’82 off-season. Replacing Holzman for the Knicks is former Bulls Head Coach Jerry Sloan. John MacLeod was fired from Phoenix, but found a spot in Salt Lake as the Stallions fired Tom Nissalke. The Suns hired Larry Brown, who was last seen with the Nuggets in 1979. The Nets let Kevin Loughery go and hired former Nets and Knicks player Phil Jackson for Jackson’s first Head Coaching job. The Bulls let Phil Johnson go and hired former Lakers coach Paul Westhead to run the young squad. Lastly, Denver’s Donnie Walsh was let go for Jack McKinney, who was an assistant for the Lakers.

The NBA Draft Lottery was next. The general consensus is that the top three players in the draft were levels above the others: Dominque Wilkins, Terry Cummings and James Worthy. Here was the original order.

1. Bulls (from Stallions)
2. Heat
3. Mavericks
4. Pistons
5. Bulls
6. Suns
7. Nets
8. Nuggets
9. Clippers
10. Heat (from Cavaliers)
11. Pistons (from Kings)
12. Knicks

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

12. Knicks
11. Pistons (From Kings)
10. Heat (From Cavaliers)
9. Clippers
8. Nuggets
7. Nets
6. Suns
5. Pistons (-1)

Jackpot for the Bulls, who now may have two top three selections.

4. Heat (-2)

Bad news for the Heat for the 2nd year in a row, as they completely fall out of the top three.

3. Bulls (from Stallions) (-2)
2. Bulls (+3)
1. Mavericks (+2)

Things are as bright as they can be for Dallas, who scored the #1 selection for the second straight season. Last year they selected Isiah.

Last year Dallas had a choice between two top selections, Isiah Thomas or Mark Aguirre. This season they have a choice of three.

1. Mavericks – James Worthy
2. Bulls – Dominique Wilkins
3. Bulls – Terry Cummings

Dallas selects perhaps the most NBA ready player in North Carolina’s James Worthy. Chicago takes not only the most exciting player in the draft in ‘Nique, but hometown boy and strong scorer Terry Cummings. Chicago is finally getting back the riches from the Artis Gilmore trade several seasons ago.

4. Heat – Bill Garnett
5. Pistons – Fat Lever
6. Suns – Paul Pressey
7. Nets – LeSalle Thompson

Some surprises. Many expected Miami to trade down or out as they did last year when they missed the #1 pick. Instead they gamble on Bill Garnett, who’s a decent big. He and LeSalle Thompson, who went #7 to the Nets, were considered the best big men who weren’t Terry Cummings. A center was a huge problem for the Nets last year. The Pistons took arguably the fourth best prospect in Lever. Some questions about the Suns taking Pressey though.

8. Nuggets – Sleepy Floyd
9. Clippers – Trent Tucker
10. Heat (from Cavaliers) – Clark Kellogg
11. Pistons (from Kings) – Rod Higgins

The Knicks made the first major move, and it was quite the biggie. Last season it was wondered if David Thompson would remain in Denver as they rebuilt. The answer is no as the Knicks trade the current #12 selection and most of their roster: Ray Williams, Marvin Webster, Michael Wiley, Frank Brickowski, a 2nd round pick in 1983 and a 1st round pick in 1984 to land Thompson. This gives the Knicks an exciting trio of Thompson, Micheal Ray Richardson and Bill Cartwright, but this definitely gutted a lot of the depth of a team that won 60 games when healthy just a couple seasons ago.

Denver quickly flipped the #12 to the Suns for Bob McAdoo, showing that they plan to compete this season nonetheless.

12. Suns – Craig Hodges
13. Warriors – Quintin Dailey
14. Nets (from Trail Blazers) – John Bagley
15. Lakers (from Bullets) – Cliff Levingston
16. Bulls (from Sonics) – Chuck Nevitt

The Knicks weren’t done, surprisingly trading Bill Cartwright to Atlanta for defensive big man Tree Rollins, the #17 pick and a 1984 1st Round Pick. This gives Atlanta a scoring threat in the front court they were missing when playing Rollins. As for the Knicks, the load is going to be on Skywalker and Micheal Ray’s shoulders for sure, although the defense should grade out okay now.

17. Knicks – Mark Eaton
18. Pistons (from Sixers) – Ricky Pierce
19. Stallions (from Bucks) – Ed Nealy
20. Pacers – Mark McNamara
21. Stallions (from Rockets) – Terry Teagle
22. Spurs – Derek Smith
23. Sonics (from Celtics) – David Thirdkill
24. Lakers – Scott Hastings

Free Agency

There weren’t any surprises in free agency. Only two big names ended up moving. Due to Dominque being drafted Chicago moved on from Reggie Theus, allowing him to sign with Salt Lake for a full 6 Years and a little more than $7 Million. Michael Cooper left the Lakers and signed with Indiana for 2 Years, $1.5 Million. Otherwise everyone signed where you’d expect. “Iceman” got paid by San Antonio with the biggest contract in the league (for now), although there is some concern that the last couple of years may not be pretty, especially as the salary cap growth slows down. Here is a list of the major FA signings, with new teams being listed in italics.

George Gervin, Spurs – 7 Years, $13,321,875
Micheal Ray Richardson, Knicks – 7 Years, $9,514,625
Reggie Theus, Stallions – 6 Years, $7,382,820
Maurice Cheeks, 76ers – 6 Years, $7,382,813
Dan Roundfield, Hawks – 5 Years, $4,725,000
James Bailey, Sonics – 4 Years, $2,137,500
Ron Brewer, Trail Blazers – 4 Years, $2,000,700
Michael Cooper, Pacers – 2 Years, $1,470,000
John Lucas, Spurs – 2 Years, $1,290,000
James Bailey, Sonics – 4 Years, $2,137,500
Bill Walton, Knicks – 1 Year, $424,809
Ron Brewer, Trail Blazers – 4 Years, $2,00,700
Wayne Cooper, Nets – 2 Years, $1,376,288

1982-1983 Preview is Next!​

 

[RDT]

1982-1983 Season Preview

1982-1983 Team Information

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division

Boston Celtics
1982 Record: 60-22 (1st in Atlantic, Lost Finals to Spurs)
Head Coach: K.C. Jones (2nd Year)
Key Players: Larry Bird (27.7 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 5.7 APG, 1.9 SPG, 50.1% FG. 90.2% FT), Gus Williams (17.1 PPG, 4 APG, 1.9 SPG)
FBB Ranking: 1/24

Larry Bird was absolutely fantastic last season in leading Boston to a second straight NBA Finals, but once again they fell just short. Boston brings back pretty much the same team again and there’s no reason to think they aren’t the East favorite.

Miami Heat
1982 Record: 24-58 (6th in Atlantic)
Head Coach: Chuck Daly (3rd Year)
Key Players: Andrew Toney (22.5 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.1 SPG, 47.3% FG, 80.9% FT, 34.9% 3P%), Bill Garnett (#4 Overall Pick), Clark Kellogg (#10 Overall Pick)
FBB Ranking: 24/24

Miami once again missed out on a top pick in the NBA Draft, but still managed to pick two intriguing players in Bill Garnett and Clark Kellogg. Miami still has a lot of work to do, but they really need some luck in the draft.

New Jersey Nets
1982 Record: 33-49 (5th in Atlantic)
Head Coach: Phil Jackson (1st Year)
Key Players: Cliff Robinson (16.7 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 51.2% FG), Calvin Natt (17 PPG, 6 RPG, 49.6% FG), Darrell Griffith (18.5 PPG, 1 SPG), LeSalle Thompson (#7 Overall Pick)
FBB Ranking: 10/24

The Nets disappointed last season as they didn’t have a true big man, putting undersized Jay Vincent in that spot. This year they added Wayne Cooper from the Warriors and rookie LeSalle Thompson to plug in that hole. Will it be enough to get the Nets back on track?

New York Knicks
1982 Record: 44-38 (4th in Atlantic)
Head Coach: Jerry Sloan (1st Year)
Key Players: David Thompson (28.8 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 51.4% FG, 82.3% FT), Micheal Ray Richardson (17.7 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 10 APG, 2.4 SPG), Tree Rollins (7.6 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 2.9 BPG)
FBB Ranking: 12/24

The Knicks made a massive move, trading a significant package to acquire “Skywalker” David Thompson. The Knicks also sent Bill Cartwright to Atlanta for defensive minded Tree Rollins. We’ll see if these gambles play out for New York this season. Thompson and Richardson sounds unstoppable, but they will definitely need someone else to step up offensively.

Philadelphia 76ers
1982 Record: 51-31 (2nd in Atlantic, Lost to Celtics in Semi-Finals)
Head Coach: Billy Cunningham (5th Year)
Key Players: Julius Erving (25.8 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.7 SPG, 54% FG), Robert Parish (21.5 PPG, 11 RPG, 2.5 BPG, 52.7% FG), Bobby Jones (13.6 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 1.2 BPG, 49% FG, 80.4% FT), Maurice Cheeks (12.3 PPG, 7.7 APG, 2.7 SPG
FBB Rank: 16/24

Philly looked like they had good shot at winning a second straight NBA Championship, but Bird and the Celtics proved to be playing at another level. With that being said the Sixers are right in the hunt for another title run. They are perhaps the deepest team in the Eastern Conference and have two players who could be in discussion for MVP: Parish and Dr. J.

Washington Bullets
1982 Record: 45-37 (3rd in Atlantic, Lost to Bucks in 1st Round)
Head Coach: Gene Shue (3rd Year)
Key Players: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (20.8 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 2 BPG, 54.3% FG), John Williamson (17.8 PPG)
FBB Rank: 22/24

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar showed he had some basketball to play, leading the Bullets to a playoff spot. But he’s only getting older, can he do it again?

Eastern Conference

Central Division

Atlanta Hawks
1982 Record: 46-36 (3rd in Central, Lost in 1st Round to the 76ers)
Head Coach: Hubie Brown (7th Year)
Key Players: Bill Cartwright (17.2 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1.3 BPG, 58.1%, 81.6% FT), Dan Roundfield (18.5 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 54.5% FG), John Drew (18.8 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 52% FG), Eddie Johnson (17.9 PPG, 5 APG, 1.3 SPG), Terry Furlow (16.1 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 3.2 APG, 49.4% FG, 86.4% FT)
FBB Rank: 14/24

The Hawks traded defense to bring in Bill Cartwright, adding another scoring weapon. With five guys who can go off at any moment, one must wonder if Atlanta is ready to take the next step. After two straight playoff appearances, it’s time.

Chicago Bulls
1982 Record: 29-53 (5th in Central)
Head Coach: Paul Westhead (1st Year)
Key Players: Dominique Wilkins (#2 Overall Pick), Terry Cummings (#3 Overall Pick), Vinnie Johnson (15.4 PPG, 5 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.1 SPG), Johnny Moore (12.1 PPG, 7.7 APG, 1.8 SPG)
FBB Rank: 13/24

It’s a new era for Chicago as they replaced Reggie Theus with rookies Dominique Wilkins and Terry Cummings. Who knows if they’ll deliver right away, but the future is bright in Chicago.

Cleveland Cavaliers
1982 Record: 38-44 (4th in Central)
Head Coach: Stan Albeck (4th Year)
Key Players: Kevin McHale (16.3 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 1.8 BPG, 56.8% FG, 82% FT), Rolando Blackman (16.2 PPG, 48.6% FG, 87% FT)
FBB Rank: 21/24

The Cavs have a lot of interesting role players around Rolando Blackman and Kevin McHale, but they’ll only go as far as Blackman’s and McHale’s upside will take them. 2nd year PG Darnell Valentine will have to make some strides.

Detroit Pistons
1982 Record: 27-55 (6th in Central)
Head Coach: Mike Schuler (2nd Year)
Key Players: Tom Chambers (22 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 47% FG, 84.1% FT), Fat Lever (#5 Overall Pick)
FBB Rank: 23/24

The Pistons found a keeper in Tom Chambers. While they missed out on the top three in the rookie draft, Fat Lever has a lot of potential as a playmaker. They could surprise.

Indiana Pacers
1982 Record: 51-31 (1st in Central, Lost to Bucks in Semi-Finals)
Head Coach: Don Nelson (2nd Year)
Key Players: Alex English (30.3 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.2 BPG, 50.6% FG, 83.9% FT), James Edwards (14.1 PPG, 8 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 54.9% FG), Johnny Davis (17 PPG, 5.4 APS, 1.3 SPG, 47.8% FG, 82.7% FT)
FBB Rank: 3/24

Indiana started off hot last season before falling off and nearly losing the Central to the Bucks. Alex English will look to build on his massive season which could only be good for Indiana. The Pacers also spent big money on defense, adding Michael Cooper. The Pacers once again look like the deepest team in basketball.

Milwaukee Bucks
1982 Record: 51-31 (2nd in Central, Lost to Celtics in Conference Finals)
Head Coach: Bill Musselman (3rd Year)
Key Players: Marques Johnson (20.2 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 48.6% FG), Sidney Moncrief (18.7 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.9 SPG, 49.9% FG, 85.6% FT)
FBB Rank: 2/24

The media is expecting big things for Milwaukee. The Bucks made a huge run in the latter half of the ’82 season, storming all the way to the Conference Finals where they ran into Boston. A mid-season trade for Artis Gilmore helped that run. Sid “The Squid” and Marques Johnson may have the Bucks on top of the Central this year.

Western Conference

Midwest Division

Dallas Mavericks
1982 Record: 25-57 (5th in Midwest)
Head Coach: Frank Layden (3rd Year)
Key Players: Isiah Thomas (19.5 PPG, 6.7 APG, 1.5 SPG), Kiki Vandeweghe (21 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 48.8% FG, 86.7% FT), James Worthy (#1 Overall Pick)
FBB Rank: 20/24

While still not a complete team, the Mavericks have an exciting old trio. Kiki, Isiah and now James Worthy may get Dallas close to .500, if not straight up in the playoffs.

Denver Nuggets
1982 Record: 35-47 (4th in Midwest)
Head Coach: Jack McKinney (1st Year)
Key Players: Bob McAdoo (15.6 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.4 BPG), Dan Issel (15.7 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 49.3% FG, 83.2% FT), Ray Williams (16.2 PPG, 5 APG, 1.6 SPG, 46.8% FG, 83.1% FT), Sleepy Floyd (#8 Overall Pick)
FBB Rank: 19/24

Denver made the tough decision to trade away David Thompson, but they did get a very interesting haul from New York. Ray Williams, Michael Wiley, Marvin Webster are all good players, and Williams could have a big season as a #1.

Houston Rockets
1982 Record: 51-31 (2nd in Midwest, Lost to Spurs in Semi-Finals)
Head Coach: Del Harris (4th Year)
Key Players: Moses Malone (29.4 PPG, 15.4 RPG, 2 BPG, 56.5% FG), Kevin Grevey (15 PPG), Dennis Johnson (18.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 4.1 APG, 2 SPG, 47.1% FG, 81.3% FT)
FBB Rank: 5/24

A healthy Rockets team is of course a threat to win the NBA Title. With that being said, the point guard position is still a bit of a question mark. Houston added Tiny Archibald to come off the bench. But the key will be the performances of Moses and DJ of course.

Kansas City Kings
1982 Record 41-41 (3rd in Midwest
Head Coach: Cotton Fitzsimmons (5th Year)
Key Players: Otis Birdsong (23.3 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 1.7 SPG), Swen Nater (10.5 PPG, 9.1 RPG)
FBB Rank: 17/24

The Kings will go as far as Otis Birdsong takes them. They unfortunately struck out in the Reggie Theus sweepstakes. They did add an aging Elvin Hayes to make some baskets. It’s going to be hard for the Kings take the next step without some help.

Salt Lake Stallions
1982 Record: 13-69 (6th in Midwest)
Head Coach: John MacLeod (1st Year)
Key Players: Reggie Theus (20.8 PPG, 4.5 APG, 1.5 SPG, 49.6% FG, 85.1% FT), Adrian Dantley (28.7 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1 SPG, 52.5% FG, 81.9% FT)
FBB Rank: 6/24

Instead of trading away Adrian Dantley, Salt Lake went huge in free agency, landing Reggie Theus, and adding solid players Mike Dunleavy, Dave Corzine and George Johnson. FBB Rank likes them too, interestingly.

San Antonio Spurs
1982 Record: 59-23 (1st In Midwest, Won NBA Title)
Head Coach: Doug Moe (7th Year)
Key Players: George Gervin (33.5 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 54.5% FG, 84.8% FT), John Lucas (13.5 PPG, 4 RPG, 7.7 APG, 2.4 SPG), James Silas (13.5 PPG), Bill Laimbeer (8.5 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 49.8% FG, 89.8% FT), Campy Russell (15.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.3 SPG)
FBB Rank: 7/24

Ice proved anyone who said he couldn’t win wrong last year by leading the Spurs to the NBA Title. The off-season wasn’t smooth for the Spurs, Lucas ended up only taking a short-term contract, but at least they are keeping the same team together. Could the Spurs repeat?

Western Conference

Pacific Division

Golden State Warriors
1982 Record: 42-40 (4th in Pacific, Lost to Rockets in 1st Round)
Head Coach: Al Attles (14th Year)
Key Players: Darryl Dawkins (18.3 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 2.4 BPG, 56% FG), Phil Smith (15.6 PPG), Purvis Short (13.5 PPG, 4.4 RPG)
FBB Rank: 15/24

The Warriors snuck into the playoffs and almost upset the Rockets in Round 1. If Purvis Short could get to the next level perhaps Golden State can make a run in the playoffs. They have a lot of intriguing pieces, guys like Orlando Woolridge, John Long, Al Wood, Larry Smith, Terry Tyler and Sonny Parker…but it’s a question about how they all fit.

Los Angeles Lakers
1982 Record: 63-19 (1st in Pacific, Lost to Spurs in the Conference Finals)
Head Coach: Pat Riley (2nd)
Key Players: Magic Johnson (22.4 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 11.6 APG, 1.9 SPG, 55.7% FG, 84.8% FT, MVP), Jamaal Wilkes (23.9 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 51.3% FG), Bernard King (21.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1 SPG, 54.7% FG), Buck Williams (12.8 PPG, 6 RPG, 59.8% FG)
FBB Rank: 4/24

Three straight seasons of 60+ win basketball haven’t led to a NBA Finals berth, with last season being especially disappointing. Still, Magic Johnson is coming off winning the MVP. The Lakers did lose Michael Cooper, but they should still be near the top if not at the very top of the standings.

Phoenix Suns
1982 Record: 30-52 (6th in Pacific)
Head Coach: Larry Brown (1st Year)
Key Players: Truck Robinson (14.2 PPG, 7 RPG), Walter Davis (18.8 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 4 APG, 1.8 SPG, 48.5% FG), Paul Westphal (15 PPG, 4.9 APG), Paul Pressey (#6 Overall Pick)
FBB Rank: 11/24

It was rock bottom for the Suns last season. Only rookies Paul Pressey and Craig Hodges are bringing something new this year. It’s going to take a lot for the Suns to crawl out of their hole, and a full rebuild is probably the way to go.

Portland Trail Blazers
1982 Record: 44-38 (3rd in Pacific, Lost to Sonics in Round 1)
Head Coach: Dr. Jack Ramsay (7th Year)
Key Players: Maurice Lucas (17.5 PPG, 8.4 RPG), Kelly Tripucka (19.3 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 47.1% FG, 87.6% FT), Jim Paxson (15.9 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 4 APG, 2.1 SPG)
FBB Rank: 8/24

Portland showed promise after drafting Kelly Tripucka last season, but Tripucka missed the playoffs and Portland fell to the Sonics. Still, there’s promise here.

San Diego Clippers
1982 Record: 37-45 (5th in Pacific)
Head Coach: Scotty Robertson (3rd Year)
Key Players: Joe Barry Carroll (14.5 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 1.7 BPG, 56.3% FG, 80.3% FT), Larry Nance (15.1 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 56.7% FG), World B. Free (18.2 PPG, 3.7 APG, 1.4 SPG)
FBB Rank: 18/24

The Clippers have a lot on their plate, but they do have an intriguing trio with Carroll, Nance and Free. With rumors of the team moving from San Diego, it’ll be interesting if they can make San Diego a basketball city.

Seattle Supersonics
1982 Record: 45-37 (2nd in Pacific, Lost to Lakers in Semi-Finals)
Head Coach: Lenny Wilkens (9th Year)
Key Players: Jack Sikma (21.2 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 48.1% FG, 85.1% FT), James Bailey (11.6 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.3 BPG, 54.7% FG), Mark Aguirre (21 PPG, 5.4 RPG), Louis Orr (11.2 PPG, 4 RPG, 50.4% FG, 81.6% FT
FBB Rank: 9/24

The Sonics burst out of the rebuilding period with a strong season behind rookie Mark Aguirre and Jack Sikma. The role players, Orr, Bailey, etc. will have to step up for Seattle to find their way back to the NBA Finals.

STATS SITE​

 

[RDT]

EARLY NBA SEASON RECAP SO FAR

It’s Laker season so far.

The Lakers have begun on a white-hot start, 24-2. Magic has continued his MVP-level play while Jamaal Wilkes and Bernard King are both scoring 20+ a game. The remainder of the West is playing out has expected, with the Rockets and Spurs on top of the Midwest and the Supersonics building on last season’s strong performance. Those are the only four teams above .500 in the West so far. In the East, a three-way race on top of the Atlantic evokes memories of two seasons ago. The Celtics, 76ers and Knicks are all within a game of one another. Indiana is also in their normal spot on top the Central, but the young Bulls are in contention. The Bucks haven’t started as hot as they finished last season, but are still in the mix.

The Eastern Conference has a lot of new names playing excellent basketball. Rookies Dominique Wilkins (24.2 PPG) and Terry Cummings (19.2 PPG) have Chicago looking like the future. David Thompson’s arrival to New York and pairing with Micheal Ray has Skywalker leading the league in scoring with 34.2 PPG. While not new to the East, Cleveland’s Kevin McHale has become a force and a frontrunner for Most Improved Player, averaging a 26-9. Larry Bird has been playing at another level, averaging a 34-10-7 for the Celtics. Of course, there are some of the usual suspects out there doing their thing. Moses Malone once again is ripping apart the boards with a 15.4 average, five more than anyone else. Isiah Thomas, James Worthy and Kiki Vandeweghe provide one of the strongest young offensive trios in the league for Dallas. We also can’t forget the defending NBA Champs, as Ice has the Spurs contending once again.

ROOKIE REPORT

We talked about Dominique and Terry Cummings earlier, they sit 1st and 3rd in scoring for rookies this season. 2nd is James Worthy for Dallas. Ricky Pierce and Clark Kellogg have put up strong starts to their career. Pierce, drafted 18th, is scoring 17.8 PPG for Detroit and Kellogg is averaging a 18-9 for Miami.

NOTABLE GAMES SO FAR

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

11/3/82: KNICKS 132, Celtic 130 (2 OT) – A wild night at the Garden where Skywalker’s 43 and Micheal Ray’s 26-15-14 overcame Larry Bird’s insane 52-11-9-6 in double OT. Perhaps a Knicks-Celtics rivalry is imminent.

11/3/82: Lakers 130, MAVERICKS 114 – Magic and Isiah have big nights respectively for their teams, with Magic putting up a 28-12-10 and Isiah delivering a 23-19 with 5 steals…both turned over the ball a lot though.

11/7/82: Knicks 111, NUGGETS 100 – Skywalker drops a 37-7-7 in his return to Denver.

11/9/82: LAKERS 124, Spurs 105 – The Lakers get a measure of revenge against the NBA Champion Spurs, with Magic dropping a 30-11-13.

11/10/82: LAKERS 118, Rockets 116 – The Lakers finish off an impressive back-to-back in Texas, edging Moses and the Rockets behind another amazing Magic performance, a 15-15-14-5.

11/11/82: CELTICS 114, Bulls 110 – Welcome to the NBA to Dominique and Terry Cummings. Larry Bird drops an insane 50-point triple double (50-14-12) as the Celtics roll over the new kids on the block.

11/13/82: KNICKS 103, Nets 94 – Micheal Ray stuffs the stat sheet with a 21-10-17 with Skywalker adding 32.

11/14/82: LAKERS 123, Celtics 111 – The Lakers continue to steamroll the NBA’s best. Bird put up another majestic 42-9-9, but it wasn’t enough to offset 80 combined points from Alvan Adams, Buck Williams and Jamaal Wilkes…with Magic adding a 17-9-15.

11/21/82: ROCKETS 99, Spurs 96 – Houston has a strong 4th quarter behind Moses’ 27-17 in another chapter of the Spurs-Rockets rivalry.

11/22/82: KNICKS 121, Pacers 113 – Micheal Ray found Skywalker over and over again, ending up with 18 assists. Those 18 assists fueled Skywalker’s 54 in a huge win over Conference rival Indiana.

11/25/82: KNICKS 111, Cavaliers 110 (OT) – Kevin McHale’s coming out party comes just short against New York. McHale had 48. Skywalker had 39.

11/25/82: SPURS 123, Supersonics 117 – Jack Sikma’s 46-18 isn’t enough to overcome the defending NBA Champion Spurs.

12/3/82: CELTICS 103, Warriors 100 – Bird puts up another insane statline: 55 points, 16 rebounds, as the Celtics edge the Warriors.

12/8/82: Celtics 134, HEAT 125 – Boston ends up with eight players in double-digits, overcoming a breakout 41 point game from Andrew Toney.

12/12/82: Pacers 149, HEAT 148 – Defense is ignored as Alex English and Andrew Toney trade buckets for 48 minutes. Toney scored a career-high 55, but English had 50 for a close Pacer win.

12/15/82: MAVERICKS 149, Rockets 147 (OT) – The Mavericks go toe-to-toe with Moses and DJ and come out victorious. Moses has a 27-26 and DJ had 43, but Kiki Vandeweghe dropped 45 and Isiah had a 36-11.

12/20/82: Rockets 114, MAVERICKS 105 – Moses extracts revenge on Houston’s loss to Dallas five days prior, dropping a 29-23.

12/22/82: Celtics 106, TRAIL BLAZERS 98 – Larry Bird makes a statement in regards to being the best all-around player in basketball. 28 points, 24 rebounds, 11 assists and 5 three pointers sink Portland.

12/23/82: CLIPPERS 81, Bullets 50 - It’s been a rough time for Washington. They manage the lowest score in post-shot chock era with just 50 points, led by 9 points from John Williamson.

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 1983 Rookie Draft Class. Age is listed as time of the draft.

Thurl Bailey – Forward, 6’11”, North Carolina State, 22: Despite his height, Bailey is a strong option as a combo forward who can score the basketball. That size will likely intrigue a team to pick him in the lotto, if not the top 10 outright.

Antoine Carr – Power Forward, 6’9”, Wichita State, 21: Bruiser who can add toughness on the inside for any team. Likely lotto pick.

Dale Ellis – Shooting Guard, 6’7”, Tennessee, 22: Dale Ellis is an intriguing prospect unlikely to be matched by the other top swingmen in the draft. Ellis provides three-point range and could be the best long-range gunner in the league from his first game. He also stands 6’7”, also a plus. Expect him to go in the top 10, if not the top 5.

Sidney Green – Power Forward, 6’9”, Nevada-Las Vegas, 22: Power forward who can bang a bit as a center. NBA position is likely best as a PF. Decent rebounding ability probably gets him picked in the lotto.

Derek Harper – Combo Guard, 6’4”, Illinois, 21: All-around combo guard, although probably stronger as a point. Also shows some three-point range.

Jeff Malone – Shooting Guard, 6’4”, Mississippi State, 21: Malone is a strong scorer with good size. Probably not the prospect Ellis is, but could be better overall and sooner.

Rodney McCray – Forward, 6’7”, Louisville, 21: Solid athlete with strong defensive potential. Can play both forward spots, although if he can be a top player in either is a question. Likely Lotto pick but could be top 10 because of the defense.

Ralph Sampson – Center, 7’4”, Virginia, 22: The greatest prospect since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. 7’4” with an outside shooting touch, the team that lands Sampson will likely be set for the next decade. He will be the #1 selection.

Byron Scott – Combo Guard, 6’3”, Arizona State, 22: Strong scoring two-guard. Should be drafted somewhere in the Top 10.

Steve Stipanovich – Center, 6’11”, Missouri, 22: The consolation prize for any team looking for a center in the draft. Stipanovich should be solid nonetheless and is a probably top 5 pick.

***

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division

Boston Celtics (2)
1983 Record: 17-8
Key Players: Larry Bird (33.8 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 7.4 APG, 1.8 SPG, 49.4% FG, 97% FT, 46% 3P), Gus Williams (17.2 PPG, 4.3 APG)
Big Moves: None

Larry Bird has been out of this world, but overall the Celtics haven’t been as good as expected. Maybe that changes over the course of the season. Maybe they make a trade. Or maybe it doesn’t matter because of Bird.

Philadelphia 76ers (3)
1983 Record: 17-9
Key Players: Julius Erving (20.1 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 49.1% FG), Robert Parish: 19.7 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 2.6 BPG), Maurice Cheeks (14.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 8.3 APG, 2.9 SPG), Bobby Jones (14.8 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 1.3 BPG)
Big Moves: None

There are two ways to look at the Sixers’ season. There’s some concern that Dr. J may be starting a decline as his scoring is way down. The flip side is that Philly still sports one of the strongest defensive teams in basketball.

New York Knicks (5)
1983 Record: 16-9
Key Players: David Thompson (34.2 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 53.3% FG, 42.9% 3P), Micheal Ray Richardson: 18.8 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 10.2 APG, 2.1 SPG
Big Moves: None

The new look Knicks have shown to be competitive, but they are missing some scoring outside of Micheal Ray, Skywalker and Mike Glenn. Still, it’s exciting to be a Knicks fan.

New Jersey Nets
1983 Record: 10-19
Key Players: Cliff Robinson (17.1 PPG, 10.2 RPG), Darrell Griffith (20 PPG), Calvin Natt (16.3 PPG)
Big Moves: None

Some big decisions are coming for the Nets. The Robinson-Natt-Griffith trio seems to have a ceiling (although they are all in their early-to-mid 20s) and it’s payday for two of them. FA Wayne Cooper has been solid but not great, while LaSalle Thompson has struggles in his rookie season so far.

Miami Heat
1983 Record: 7-17
Key Players: Andrew Toney (24.7 PPG), Clark Kellogg (17.7 PPG, 9.1 RPG)
Big Moves: None

Miami is still in its building phase but is showing some promise thanks to Toney’s development and a surprise from rookie Kellogg. That being said high draft pick Bill Garnett has disappointed a bit so far.

Washington Bullets
1983 Record: 6-19
Key Players: Eddie Johnson: 16 PPG, 5.6 RPG)
Big Moves: None

Last year was a nice story with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar leading the Bullets to a playoff spot. Unfortunately, Kareem looks just about finished, he’s averaging 11 PPG with 7 boards…and the Bullets have suffered as a result. FA signing Foots Walker has been a disaster so far.

Eastern Conference

Central Division

Indiana Pacers (1)
1983 Record: 18-6
Key Players: Alex English (32.2 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 48.8% FG), Brad Davis (15 PPG, 6.8 APG, 1.5 SPG)
Big Moves: None

Alex English has led Indiana to another strong start. He once again is an early MVP candidate. Can Indiana break through this time?

Chicago Bulls (4)
1983 Record: 17-9
Key Players: Dominique Wilkins (24.2 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 51.5% FG, 83.2% FT), Terry Cummings (19.2 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.1 SPG), Vinnie Johnson (16.9 PPG, 6.5 RPG)
Big Moves: None

Chicago is an exciting place for NBA basketball. Dominique and Terry Cummings provide a very bright future for the young Bulls.

Milwaukee Bucks (6)
1983 Record: 13-10
Key Players: Sidney Moncrief (20.7 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 4.8 APG, 2 SPG), Marques Johnson (17.4 PPG, 7.1 RPG)
Big Moves: None

The Bucks haven’t quite continued their massive run from the end of 1982, but they’re still in the hunt. Artis Gilmore is showing his age though, and Marques Johnson missed a few games from injury.

Detroit Pistons
1983 Record: 11-15
Key Players: Tom Chambers (20.9 PPG, 6.3 RPG), Ricky Pierce (17.8 PPG)
Big Moves: None

The Pistons are slowly forming a strong foundation. Ricky Pierce has been a pleasant surprise. Detroit may be a few years away from being a contender.

Atlanta Hawks
1983 Record: 10-16
Key Players: Eddie Johnson (16.8 PPG, 5.1 APG), Dan Roundfield (16.2 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 1.3 BPG)
Big Moves: None

The Hawks may be the biggest disappointment in the NBA so far. The trade for Bill Cartwright has failed horribly so far.

Cleveland Cavaliers
1983 Record: 10-18
Key Players: Kevin McHale (26.4 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.1 BPG), Rolando Blackman (7 Games, 20.6 PPG)
Big Moves: None

It’s hard to determine just how good the Cavs are. Kevin McHale has blossomed into an incredible two-way player, but Rolando Blackman has only played 7 games. Don’t sleep on the Cavs.

Western Conference

Midwest Division

Houston Rockets (2)
1983 Record: 18-7
Key Players: Moses Malone (24.5 PPG, 15.4 RPG, 1.5 BPG), Dennis Johnson (22.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.8 SPG)
Big Moves: None

The Rockets again look to be a threat for the NBA Title, although this is likely the weakest bench they’ve had so far. Still, thanks to Moses and DJ they’re up top the Midwest.

San Antonio Spurs (3)
1983 Record: 20-10
Key Players: George Gervin (26.5 PPG, 6.2 RPG), Bill Laimbeer (13.1 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 1.3 BPG)
Big Moves: None

The defending NBA Champs are a tale of two teams so far. At home, they are nearly unstoppable, sporting a 10-1 record. On the road they’re only 10-9. This is a good sign though, as that means they’ll mostly be playing from home the rest of the season.

Salt Lake Stallions (5)
1983 Record: 13-15
Key Players: Adrian Dantley (27.6 PPG, 5.4 RPG), Reggie Theus (17.2 PPG, 4.6 APG)
Big Moves: None

Salt Lake’s rebuilt team has played solid basketball so far. This is truly Adrian Dantley’s team now, and we’ll see how far the Dantley-Theus combo can go.

Dallas Mavericks
1983 Record: 12-14
Key Players: Kiki Vandewghe (30.2 PPG, 5.7 RPG), Isiah Thomas (20.5 PPG, 9.1 APG, 1.8 SPG), James Worthy (20 PPG, 7.7 RPG)
Big Moves: None

The Mavericks have perhaps the best young offensive trio in the league with Kiki, Worthy and Isiah. A solid presence in the middle is likely what Dallas needs to get to the next level.

Denver Nuggets
1983 Record: 10-16
Key Players: Sleepy Floyd (16.5 PPG, 1.7 SPG), Ray Williams (15.5 PPG, 4 RPG, 5.4 APG, 1.9 SPG), Bob McAdoo (15.1 PPG)
Big Moves: None

This rebuilt Nuggets team in a post-Skywalker world is struggling to get footing. Dan Issel and George McGinnis are both on their last legs it seems.

Kansas City Kings
1983 Record: 7-19
Key Players: Otis Birdsong (25.5 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 2.1 SPG), Swen Nater (10.7 PPG, 10 RPG)
Big Moves: None

The last days in Kansas City don’t look exciting for the kings. Otis Birdsong puts on a show every night, but the Kings need to start over.

Western Conference

Pacific Division

Los Angeles Lakers (1)
1983 Record: 24-2
Key Players: Magic Johnson (22.5 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 11 APG, 1.9 SPG, 61.2% FG, 82.8% FT), Jamaal Wilkes (20.2 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 50.3% FG), Bernard King (22.5 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 3.6 APG), Buck Williams (17.2 PPG, 7.6 RPG)
Big Moves: None

Absolutely unstoppable. Is this the year the Lakers take care of business? They have the Bullets’ 1st too.

Seattle Supersonics (4)
1983 Record: 14-10
Key Players: Jack Sikma (23 PPG, 10 RPG), Mark Aguirre (18.2 PPG, 5.2 RPG)
Big Moves: None

Seattle’s quick rebuild is impressive, but the Pacific is going to run through the Lakers for a while most likely.

Golden State Warriors (6)
1983 Record: 13-15
Key Players: Darryl Dawkins (16.3 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 2 BPG)
Big Moves: None

Golden State needs a push one way or the other. Dawkins’ is good, but likely not a #1 guy to make a deep playoff run.

Portland Trail Blazers
1983 Record: 10-14
Key Players: Maurice Lucas (17.6 PPG, 9.9 RPG), Jim Paxson (16.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.9 APG, 2.3 SPG), Kelly Tripucka (18.5 PPG, 4.3 RPG)
Big Moves: None

A surprising step backwards for Portland so far.

San Diego Clippers
1983 Record: 10-16
Key Players: World B. Free (19.5 PPG, 5.6 APG), Joe Barry Carroll (19.2 PPG, 9.5 RPG), Larry Nance (17.1 PPG, 8.1 RPG)
Big Moves: None

Highlight of the season so far? The Clippers are one of the two teams who’ve beaten the Lakers so far.

Phoenix Suns
1983 Record: 8-18
Key Players: Walter Davis (20.8 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 4.9 APG, 1.6 SPG), Truck Robinson (14.9 PPG, 7.8 RPG)
Big Moves: None

Time to start over.

***

Top 10 PPG
1. David Thompson, NYK, 34.2
2. Larry Bird, BOS, 33.8
3. Alex English, IND, 32.2
4. Kiki Vandeweghe, DAL, 30.2
5. Adrian Dantley, SLS, 27.6
6. George Gervin, SAS, 26.5
7. Kevin McHale, CLE, 26.4
8. Otis Birdsong, KCK, 25.5
9. Andrew Toney, MIA, 24.7
10. Moses Malone, HOU, 24.6

Top 10 RPG
1. Moses Malone, HOU, 15.4
2. Robert Parish, PHI, 10.8
3. Larry Bird, BOS, 10.4
4. Cliff Robinson, NJN, 10.2
5. Jack Sikma, SEA, 10.0
6. Swen Nater, KCK, 10.0
7. Maurice Lucas, POR, 9.9
8. Tree Rollins, NYK, 9.7
9. Joe Barry Carroll, SDC, 9.5
10. Bill Laimbeer, SAS, 9.4

Top 10 APG
1. Magic Johnson, LAL, 11.0
2. Micheal Ray Richardson, NYK, 10.2
3. Isiah Thomas, DAL, 9.1
4. Maurice Cheeks, PHI, 8.3
5. Johnny Moore, CHI, 7.4
6. Larry Bird, BOS, 7.4
7. Norm Nixon, ATL, 6.8
8. Brad Davis, IND, 6.8
9. Allen Leavell, HOU, 6.4
10. John Lucas, SAS, 6.3

Top 5 SPG
1. Maurice Cheeks, PHI, 2.9
2. Allen Leavell, HOU, 2.5
3. Gus Williams, BOS, 2.4
4. Jim Paxson, POR, 2.3
5. Don Buse, DAL, 2.3

Top 5 BPG
1. Tree Rollins, NYK, 3.0
2. Ben Poquette, CHI, 2.8
3. George Johnson, MIA, 2.8
4. Robert Parish, PHI, 2.6
5. Marvin Webster, DEN, 2.3

***

Players of the Week (Listed by Week Ending)

11/7 – Cliff Robinson, Nets, Otis Birdsong, Kings
11/14 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Magic Johnson, Lakers
11/21 – Kevin McHale, Cavaliers, Moses Malone, Rockets
11/28 – Kevin McHale, Cavaliers, Magic Johnson, Lakers
12/5 – Larry Bird, Celtics, George Gervin, Spurs
12/12 – Kevin McHale, Cavaliers, Magic Johnson, Lakers
12/19 – Dominique Wilkins, Bulls, Magic Johnson, Lakers

Players of the Month

November: Larry Bird, Celtics, Magic Johnson, Lakers

Rookies of the Month

November: Dominique Wilkins, Bulls, James Worthy, Mavericks

STATS SITE​

 

[RDT]

Through the All-Star Game

How quickly the winds change.

A surprising amount of movement defined the winter months of the NBA season. That, combined with injuries, has changed the entire course of the season. The Lakers lost Buck Williams, Bernard King and Jamaal Wilkes at different points. While they still managed to hold onto the #1 seed, San Antonio and Houston have now caught up. If it weren’t for Magic Johnson’s stellar play though, it may have been a different story. They no longer have the best record in basketball though, that feat at the moment goes to the Celtics. Boston made a big trade in early January, trading for underachieving Warriors swingman Purvis Short. This move changed everything, as Short has been excellent as part of an offensive trio with Bird and Gus Williams. The Celtics are a whopping 16-2 since obtaining Short. Suddenly, teams started making their move, obviously thinking a window has opened. Milwaukee traded their future and some of their depth for Suns’ star swingman Walter Davis. Indiana traded three first round picks and both Davis’ for Kansas City scorer Otis Birdsong. Atlanta moved on from Dan Roundfield, sending the scoring big to Salt Lake for pieces. This gives Salt Lake an intriguing scoring trio with Theus and Dantley. Seattle decided rebuilding was over and traded for Portland’s Maurice Lucas (obviously the Trail Blazers are starting over). Miami shockingly decided that first draft pick in franchise history Andrew Toney wasn’t the man to build around and got some picks from a desperate Nuggets team. January 1983 was perhaps the wildest trade month in NBA history.

The battle between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird for league MVP is at a climax. Bird put up months of 34-9-8 and 33-11-8 while Magic had to start scoring to make up for injuries. Magic delivered with a 30-10-10 January. Still, the NBA title is wide open. San Antonio started slow, but Ice has the Spurs on top of the Midwest again, looking to repeat. Moses and DJ have the Rockets going as well as Moses looks to capture another rebounding title. On an exciting note, Chicago, Dallas and Detroit, three teams powered by young nuclei, have all shown promise and may see playoff berths.

ROOKIE REPORT

It seems like the Rookie of the Year award is Dominique Wilkins’ to lose. He’s averaging 26 PPG and has Chicago winning. James Worthy is 2nd with 19.9 PPG, although he’s grabbing 8.3 RPG. Terry Cummings for Chicago, Ricky Pierce for Detroit, Clark Kellogg for Miami, Trent Tucker for San Diego and Sleppy Floyd for Denver are all averaging over 15 PPG. Detroit’s Fat Level leads rookies with 5.5 APG, while the Nets’ LeSalle Thompson leads in RPG with 8.8.

NOTABLE GAMES SO FAR

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

11/3/82: KNICKS 132, Celtic 130 (2 OT) – A wild night at the Garden where Skywalker’s 43 and Micheal Ray’s 26-15-14 overcame Larry Bird’s insane 52-11-9-6 in double OT. Perhaps a Knicks-Celtics rivalry is imminent.

11/3/82: Lakers 130, MAVERICKS 114 – Magic and Isiah have big nights respectively for their teams, with Magic putting up a 28-12-10 and Isiah delivering a 23-19 with 5 steals…both turned over the ball a lot though.

11/7/82: Knicks 111, NUGGETS 100 – Skywalker drops a 37-7-7 in his return to Denver.

11/9/82: LAKERS 124, Spurs 105 – The Lakers get a measure of revenge against the NBA Champion Spurs, with Magic dropping a 30-11-13.

11/10/82: LAKERS 118, Rockets 116 – The Lakers finish off an impressive back-to-back in Texas, edging Moses and the Rockets behind another amazing Magic performance, a 15-15-14-5.

11/11/82: CELTICS 114, Bulls 110 – Welcome to the NBA to Dominique and Terry Cummings. Larry Bird drops an insane 50-point triple double (50-14-12) as the Celtics roll over the new kids on the block.

11/13/82: KNICKS 103, Nets 94 – Micheal Ray stuffs the stat sheet with a 21-10-17 with Skywalker adding 32.

11/14/82: LAKERS 123, Celtics 111 – The Lakers continue to steamroll the NBA’s best. Bird put up another majestic 42-9-9, but it wasn’t enough to offset 80 combined points from Alvan Adams, Buck Williams and Jamaal Wilkes…with Magic adding a 17-9-15.

11/21/82: ROCKETS 99, Spurs 96 – Houston has a strong 4th quarter behind Moses’ 27-17 in another chapter of the Spurs-Rockets rivalry.

11/22/82: KNICKS 121, Pacers 113 – Micheal Ray found Skywalker over and over again, ending up with 18 assists. Those 18 assists fueled Skywalker’s 54 in a huge win over Conference rival Indiana.

11/25/82: KNICKS 111, Cavaliers 110 (OT) – Kevin McHale’s coming out party comes just short against New York. McHale had 48. Skywalker had 39.

11/25/82: SPURS 123, Supersonics 117 – Jack Sikma’s 46-18 isn’t enough to overcome the defending NBA Champion Spurs.

12/3/82: CELTICS 103, Warriors 100 – Bird puts up another insane statline: 55 points, 16 rebounds, as the Celtics edge the Warriors.

12/8/82: Celtics 134, HEAT 125 – Boston ends up with eight players in double-digits, overcoming a breakout 41 point game from Andrew Toney.

12/12/82: Pacers 149, HEAT 148 – Defense is ignored as Alex English and Andrew Toney trade buckets for 48 minutes. Toney scored a career-high 55, but English had 50 for a close Pacer win.

12/15/82: MAVERICKS 149, Rockets 147 (OT) – The Mavericks go toe-to-toe with Moses and DJ and come out victorious. Moses has a 27-26 and DJ had 43, but Kiki Vandeweghe dropped 45 and Isiah had a 36-11.

12/20/82: Rockets 114, MAVERICKS 105 – Moses extracts revenge on Houston’s loss to Dallas five days prior, dropping a 29-23.

12/22/82: Celtics 106, TRAIL BLAZERS 98 – Larry Bird makes a statement in regards to being the best all-around player in basketball. 28 points, 24 rebounds, 11 assists and 5 three pointers sink Portland.

12/23/82: CLIPPERS 81, Bullets 50 - It’s been a rough time for Washington. They manage the lowest score in post-shot chock era with just 50 points, led by 9 points from John Williamson.

12/26/82: CELTICS 118, Lakers 109 – Bird leads Boston to a win over a full-strength Lakers’ squad with a 27-13-14.

12/28/82: Lakers 132, PISTONS 127 – Magic welcomes rookie Fat Lever into the league with a 32-17-12.

1/2/83: Celtics 113, 76ERS 101 – Boston trades for Golden State’s Purvis Short, and Short has a monster debut with 24 points, fed by Bird’s 31-16-12.

1/4/83: CELTICS 149, Knicks 120 – A shootout in the Boston Garden as Bird continues his incredible play with a 39-13-14 to lead the Celtics in a big divisional win.

1/8/83: SPURS 116, Lakers 108 – With the Lakers hurting Iceman reminds everyone who the champs are with a huge 41 point performance.

1/10/83: ROCKETS 118, Pacers 97 – Moses destroys Indiana with a 29-22, and Wes Unseld grabs 15 boards off the bench too.

1/13/83: LAKERS 116, Trail Blazers 96 – Magic takes 16 shots to score 36 while adding 18 rebounds and 13 assists in a game without Buck Williams, Jamaal Wilkes, and Bernard King.

1/19/83: CELTICS 126, Stallions 111 – Bird hits almost everything, hitting seven three pointers and dropping 52 points total to destroy the Stallions. He added 10 boards, 8 assists and 6 steals too.

1/25/83: Bulls 105, PISTONS 104 – ‘Nique pulls out all the stops in a rookie battle against Ricky Pierce. Wilkins had 39.

1/27/83: MAVERICKS 150, Lakers 132 – Isiah puts Magic and the Lakers on notice that they are the future of the NBA. Isiah scored 41.

2/4/83: PISTONS 107, Bucks 91 – Ricky Pierce goes crazy with 46 to take down the Bucks.

2/4/83: MAVERICKS 133, Lakers 125 – Dallas gets the Lakers again as Magic’s 34-12-11 doesn’t best Isiah’s 28-14.

2/8/83 – Bucks 102, BULLS 101 – The Bucks survive ‘Nique’s 49 point explosion.

2/9/83 – BULLS 119, Cavaliers 97 – ‘Nique follows up his 49 pointer with a 42 pointer in a win vs. Cleveland.

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 1983 Rookie Draft Class. Age is listed as time of the draft.

Thurl Bailey – Forward, 6’11”, North Carolina State, 22: Despite his height, Bailey is a strong option as a combo forward who can score the basketball. That size will likely intrigue a team to pick him in the lotto, if not the top 10 outright.

Randy Breuer – Center, 7’3”, Minnesota, 22: We’ll see just how tough he is, but his size may intrigue a team that needs a center. His selection in the draft will likely be based on that.

Antoine Carr – Power Forward, 6’9”, Wichita State, 21: Bruiser who can add toughness on the inside for any team. Likely lotto pick.

Harold Carter – Swingman, 6’6”, Louisiana State, 21: Do it all swingman, but concern that he may be a jack-of-all-trades and a master of none. Has potential though.

Clyde Drexler – Swingman, 6’7”, Houston, 21: Phi Slama Jama star at Houston will excite crowds with his dunking ability, but he needs to improve his shooting to make it as a top NBA talent. The potential is there though.

Dale Ellis – Shooting Guard, 6’7”, Tennessee, 22: Dale Ellis is an intriguing prospect unlikely to be matched by the other top swingmen in the draft. Ellis provides three-point range and could be the best long-range gunner in the league from his first game. He also stands 6’7”, also a plus. Expect him to go in the top 10, if not the top 5.

Sidney Green – Power Forward, 6’9”, Nevada-Las Vegas, 22: Power forward who can bang a bit as a center. NBA position is likely best as a PF. Decent rebounding ability probably gets him picked in the lotto.

Derek Harper – Combo Guard, 6’4”, Illinois, 21: All-around combo guard, although probably stronger as a point. Also shows some three-point range.

Roy Hinson – Forward, 6’9”, Rutgers, 22: Should be NBA ready, but likely grades out as a decent starter depending on which forward position he fits in.

Jeff Malone – Shooting Guard, 6’4”, Mississippi State, 21: Malone is a strong scorer with good size. Probably not the prospect Ellis is, but could be better overall and sooner.

Rodney McCray – Forward, 6’7”, Louisville, 21: Solid athlete with strong defensive potential. Can play both forward spots, although if he can be a top player in either is a question. Likely Lotto pick but could be top 10 because of the defense.

John Paxson – Point Guard, 6’2”, Notre Dame, 22: NBA ready playmaker who has shown three-point range.

Leo Rautins – Forward, 6’8”, Syracuse, 23: Ready-made forward on the smaller side who should be solid all-around, but there are questions about his ceiling.

Ralph Sampson – Center, 7’4”, Virginia, 22: The greatest prospect since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. 7’4” with an outside shooting touch, the team that lands Sampson will likely be set for the next decade. He will be the #1 selection.

Byron Scott – Combo Guard, 6’3”, Arizona State, 22: Strong scoring two-guard. Should be drafted somewhere in the Top 10.

Steve Stipanovich – Center, 6’11”, Missouri, 22: The consolation prize for any team looking for a center in the draft. Stipanovich should be solid nonetheless and is probably a top 5 pick.

Jon Sundvold – Point Guard, 6’2”, Missouri, 21: Stipanovich’s teammate in college. Similar prospect as Paxson, slightly more raw with slightly more upside.

Darrell Walker – Combo Guard, 6’4”, Arkansas, 22: Nicknamed Sky, which of course will bring in comparisons to David Thompson. Another interesting guard who needs to work on his shot. Similar to Drexler, although smaller.

Ennis Whatley – Point Guard, 6’3”, Alabama, 20: Whatley is more raw than Paxon or Sundvold, but definitely has more upside.

***

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division

Boston Celtics (1)
1983 Record: 37-11 (17-8, 20-3)
Key Players: Larry Bird (33 PPG, 11 RPG, 7.6 APG, 1.8 SPG, 50.3% FG, 95% FT, 47% 3P), Gus Williams (16.6 PPG, 47.7% FG), Purvis Short (13.8 PPG, 48.6% FG)
Big Moves: Traded for Purvis Short

The Celtics traded for Purvis Short and haven’t looked back since. Suddenly it’s clear the East runs through them. After not hitting the 20-point mark all season for Golden State, Short has scored at least that many for Boston 11 times, three times more than 30.

Philadelphia 76ers (3)
1983 Record: 33-18 (17-9, 16-9)
Key Players: Julius Erving (20.6 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.6 SPG), Robert Parish (19.4 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 2.5 BPG), Maurice Cheeks (13.7 PPG, 8.4 APG, 2.9 SPG), Bobby Jones (14.5 PPG, 7.3 RPG)
Big Moves: Traded Doug Collins for Ron Brewer

The Sixers lost some ground to Boston, but have been consistent this season. The truth is looming though as Dr. J has declined and Parish, while very good, hasn’t quite taken over as a true #1. We may be getting closer to Philly’s last chance. The trade for Brewer felt like a win-now move.

New York Knicks (6)
1983 Record: 27-22 (16-9, 11-13)
Key Players: David Thompson (32.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 52.4% FG, 80.3% FT), Micheal Ray Richardson (19.6 pPG, 6.7 RPG, 11.1 APG, 2.5 SPG), Mike Glenn (18.1 PPG), Tree Rollins (7.7 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 3 BPG)
Big Moves: None

The Knicks are in a spot where despite having perhaps the most electric guard tandem in the league, there’s not enough offense. The Tree Rollins for Bill Cartwright deal hasn’t quite worked for either side in the short-term.

New Jersey Nets
1983 Record: 22-28 (10-19, 12-9)
Key Players: Cliff Robinson (16.6 PPG, 9.9 RPG), Darrell Griffth (20.2 PPG), Calvin Natt (17.5 PPG, 5.2 RPG)
Big Moves: None

The center combo of rookie LaSalle Thompson and FA signing Wayne Cooper hasn’t delivered for the most part. While the Nets saw some success, it feels like the Natt-Robinson-Griffith trio is being wasted.

Miami Heat
1983 Record: 16-33 (7-17, 9-16)
Key Players: Clark Kellogg (17.8 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 1.4 SPG)
Big Moves: Traded away Andrew Toney for two first-round picks.

Miami surprised everyone by trading the first rookie draft pick in franchise history, Toney, away to Denver. Miami got some juicy assets though, especially with how Denver has been playing.

Washington Bullets
1983 Record: 12-36 (6-19, 6-19)
Key Players: Eddie Johnson: 15.6 PPG, 5.5 RPG)
Big Moves: None

The scariest thing for the Bullets right now: The Lakers have their first-round pick from the Kareem trade, and Kareem looks very done (10.4 PPG, 7.6 RPG)

Eastern Conference

Central Division

Indiana Pacers (2)
1983 Record: 30-18 (18-6, 12-12)
Key Players: Alex English (30.4 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 1.1 BPG), Otis Birdsong (23.6 PPG, 4.7 RPG)
Big Moves: Traded Johnny Davis, Brad Davis and three 1st round picks for Otis Birdsong

A December and early-January slump, combined with Boston and Milwaukee making moves led to Indiana taking a huge risk. The Pacers are 9-6 since trading for Birdsong, but it still feels like a huge overpay.

Milwaukee Bucks (4)
1983 Record: 30-18 (13-10, 15-8)
Key Players: Sidney Moncrief (20.6 PPG, 7 RPG, 4.8 APG, 2.1 SPG, 53.5% FG, 86.8% FT, 36.5% FT), Walter Davis (19.9 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.6 SPG), Marques Johnson (17.6 PPG, 7 RPG)
Big Moves: Traded three-first round picks for Walter Davis

Milwaukee decided to go-all in and traded for Suns’ scorer Walter Davis. Results seem solid so far, 13-7 since, and they’ve caught up to Indiana.

Chicago Bulls (5)
1983 Record: 28-20 (17-9, 11-11)
Key Players: Dominique Wilkins (25.9 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 1.6 SPG), Terry Cummings (19.6 PPG, 7.4 RPG), Vinnie Johnson (15.8 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 3.9 APG)
Big Moves: None

It wasn’t the greatest set of games, but Dominique and Terry Cummings looks like future stars for sure.

Cleveland Cavaliers
1983 Record: 25-27 (10-18, 15-9)
Key Players: Kevin McHale (23.1 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 2.2 BPG, 55.6% FG), Rolando Blackman (21.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG)
Big Moves: None

With Rolando Blackman back, the Cavaliers have looked great and may slide into a playoff spot. Kevin McHale has to be a strong contender for Most Improved Player.

Detroit Pistons
1983 Record: 24-27 (11-15, 13-12)
Key Players: Tom Chambers (20.6 PPG, 6.4 RPG), Ricky Pierce (19.5 PPG)
Big Moves: None

Detroit looked promising over the winter as rookie Ricky Pierce has been excellent. Still, they should be careful not to blow up a strong future with a win-now trade, although the Central looks messy.

Atlanta Hawks
1983 Record: 18-33 (10-16, 8-17)
Key Players: Eddie Johnson (15.9 PPG, 4.6 APG), John Drew (15.6 PPG, 5.6 RPG)
Big Moves: Traded away Dan Roundfield for a 1st round Pick and Mike Dunleavy

It looks like Atlanta’s given up. With Bill Cartwright not being nearly the player he was in New York, the Hawks look like they need to start from square one.

Western Conference

Midwest Division

San Antonio Spurs (2)
1983 Record: 38-15 (20-10, 18-5)
Key Players: George Gervin (27.6 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 51.3% FG), Bill Laimbeer (14.8 PPG, 9.8 RPG)

The defending NBA Champs went on a winter tear. With Ice leading the way and a new, balanced offense with James Silas, John Lucas, Campy Russell and Steve Johnson scoring in double digits, the Spurs look very scary and may be the favorites to repeat.

Houston Rockets (3)
1983 Record: 35-14 (18-7, 17-7)
Key Players: Moses Malone (24.3 PPG, 15.1 RPG, 1.5 BPG, 56.4% FG), Dennis Johnson (22.2 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 4.1 APG)
Big Moves: None

Moses hasn’t been the dominant scorer of his MVP years, but Dennis Johnson’s career best scoring average had made up for it. The Rockets have been an absolute terror at home this year at 21-3.

Salt Lake Stallions (5)
1983 Record: 27-25 (13-15, 14-10)
Key Players: Adrian Dantley (27 PPG, 5.5 RPG), Reggie Theus (19.5 PPG, 5.5 APG), Dan Roundfield (17 PPG, 8.7 RPG)
Big Moves: Traded for Dan Roundfield

This newly rebuilt Stallions team added another offensive weapon in Dan Roundfield. AN interesting scoring trio that right now has a playoff spot in the West and looks decent to keep it.

Dallas Mavericks (6)
1983 Record: 22-28 (12-14, 10-14)
Key Players: Kiki Vandewghe (29.3 PPG, 5.6 RPG), Isiah Thomas (21 PPG, 8.9 APG, 1.8 SPG), James Worthy (19.9 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 1.2 SPG)

It isn’t pretty, but Dallas at the moment would be making their first ever playoff appearance. Kiki, Isiah and Worthy may rule the league someday…but not without a defensive presence in the middle.

Kansas City Kings
1983 Record: 17-34 (7-19, 10-15)
Key Players: Brad Davis (15 PPG, 5.9 APG), Johnny Davis (15.5 PPG, 6 APG)
Big Moves: Traded away Otis Birdsong for Johnny Davis, Brad Davis and three 1st round picks

The draft picks may turn out to be late ones, but that was still an excellent haul for Birdsong.

Denver Nuggets
1983 Record: 15-35 (10-16, 5-19)
Key Players: Andrew Toney (23.7 PPG, 3.7 APG), Ray Williams (15.8 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.8 SPG), Sleepy Floyd (15.6 PPG)
Big Moves: Traded for Andrew Toney

Perhaps thinking they were just a #1 guy away back to the playoffs, the Nuggets have struggled since trading for Toney. Toney is playing well, but Denver now is in a bit of a no man’s land.

Western Conference

Pacific Division

Los Angeles Lakers (1)
1983 Record: 35-13 (24-2, 11-11)
Key Players: Magic Johnson (26 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 10.5 APG, 1.7 SPG), Buck Williams (19.4 PPG, 7.7 RPG), Jamaal Wilkes (19.3 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.3 SPG), Bernard King (24 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 3.4 APG)
Big Moves: None

Injuries ravaged the Lakers in the winter, but Magic Johnson’s stellar play at least allowed the Lakers to play .500 ball. Buck Williams is back, Jamaal Wilkes will be back soon, and Bernard will be back by mid-March. LA just needs to stay healthy for the playoffs if they are going to make that overdue Finals run.

Seattle Supersonics (4)
1983 Record: 30-17 (14-10, 16-7)
Key Players: Jack Sikma (20.2 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 1.4 BPG), Mark Aguirre (18.3 PPG, 5.6 RPG), Maurice Lucas (17.6 PPG, 10 RPG), Jim Paxson (16.3 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 4.4 APG)
Big Moves: Traded for Maurice Lucas and Jim Paxson

Seattle saw an opening with LA’s injuries and decided to take a shot at it, trading for rival Portland’s Maurice Lucas and Jim Paxson. Can they get by LA, San Antonio and Houston now?

San Diego Clippers
1983 Record: 20-28 (10-16, 10-12)
Key Players: Trent Tucker (15.7 PPG, 4.9 RPG), Joe Barry Carroll (19.6 PPG, 9.3 RPG), World B. Free (19.9 PPG, 5.5 APG), Larry Nance (17.8 PPG, 8.1 RPG)

One has to ask when it will come all together for the Clippers. They have an interesting collection of talent yet seem to be underachieving again. They aren’t that far from Dallas for the last playoff spot at least.

Golden State Warriors
1983 Record: 21-30 (13-15, 8-15)
Key Players: Darryl Dawkins (15.3 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 1.6 BPG)
Big Moves: Traded away Purvis Short

There seemed to be some potential last season, but maybe this isn’t the core to make a run with afterall. Chocolate Thunder shouldn’t be regressing at age 26.

Portland Trail Blazers
1983 Record: 19-30 (10-14, 9-16)
Key Players: Kelly Tripucka (21.1 PPG, 4.1 RPG)
Big Moves: Traded away Maurice Lucas, Jim Paxson and Ron Brewer

Portland has decided to start over and has given complete control to Tripucka. The rebuild will likely take a while.

Phoenix Suns
1983 Record: 8-18
Key Players: Truck Robinson (14.6 PPG, 7.4 RPG)
Big Moves: Traded away Walter Davis

With the trade of Walter Davis, Phoenix has hit the reset button.

***

Top 10 PPG
1. Larry Bird, BOS, 33.0
2. David Thompson, NYK, 32.3
3. Alex English, IND, 30.4
4. Kiki Vandeweghe, DAL, 29.3
5. George Gervin, SAS, 27.6
6. Adrian Dantley, SLS, 27.0
7. Magic Johnson, LAL, 26.0
8. Dominique Wilkins, CHI, 25.9
9. Moses Malone, HOU, 24.3
10. Bernard King, LAL, 24.0

Top 10 RPG
1. Moses Malone, HOU, 15.1
2. Larry Bird, BOS, 11.0
3. Robert Parish, PHI, 10.4
4. Jack Sikma, SEA, 10.3
5. Maurice Lucas, POR/SEA, 10.0
6. Magic Johnson, LAL, 9.9
7. Cliff Robinson, NJN, 9.9
8. Bill Laimbeer, SAS, 9.8
9. Joe Barry Carroll, SDC, 9.3
10. Tree Rollins, NYK, 8.9

Top 10 APG
1. Micheal Ray Richardson, NYK, 11.1
2. Magic Johnson, LAL, 10.5
3. Isiah Thomas, DAL, 8.9
4. Maurice Cheeks, PHI, 8.4
5. Larry Bird, BOS, 7.6
6. Johnny Moore, CHI, 7.3
7. John Lucas, SAS, 6.8
8. Norm Nixon, ATL, 6.5
9. Allen Leavell, HOU, 6.3
10. Johnny Davis, IND/KCK, 6.0

Top 5 SPG
1. Maurice Cheeks, PHI, 2.9
2. Allen Leavell, HOU, 2.6
3. Gus Williams, BOS, 2.5
4. Micheal Richardson, NYK, 2.5
5. Otis Birdsong, KCK/IND, 2.4

Top 5 BPG
1. Ben Poquette, CHI, 3.1
2. George Johnson, MIA, 3.0
3. Tree Rollins, NYK, 3.0
4. Robert Parish, PHI, 2.5
5. Kevin McHale, CLE, 2.2

***

Players of the Week (Listed by Week Ending)

11/7 – Cliff Robinson, Nets, Otis Birdsong, Kings
11/14 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Magic Johnson, Lakers
11/21 – Kevin McHale, Cavaliers, Moses Malone, Rockets
11/28 – Kevin McHale, Cavaliers, Magic Johnson, Lakers
12/5 – Larry Bird, Celtics, George Gervin, Spurs
12/12 – Kevin McHale, Cavaliers, Magic Johnson, Lakers
12/19 – Dominique Wilkins, Bulls, Magic Johnson, Lakers
12/26 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Kiki Vandeweghe, Mavericks
1/2 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Bernard King, Lakers
1/9 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Magic Johnson, Lakers
1/16 – Julius Erving, 76ers, Brad Davis, Kings
1/23 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Magic Johnson, Lakers
1/30 – Micheal Ray Richardson, Knicks, Kelly Tripucka, Trail Blazers
2/6 – Sidney Moncrief, Bucks, Magic Johnson, Lakers
2/13 – Alex English, Pacers, Moses Malone, Rockets

Players of the Month

November: Larry Bird, Celtics, Magic Johnson, Lakers
December: Larry Bird, Celtics, Magic Johnson, Lakers
January: Larry Bird, Celtics, Magic Johnson, Lakers

Rookies of the Month

November: Dominique Wilkins, Bulls, James Worthy, Mavericks
December: Dominique Wilkins, Bulls, James Worthy, Mavericks
January: Dominique Wilkins, Bulls, James Worthy, Mavericks

***

ROOKIE-SOPHOMORE GAME

Rookie Starters: LaSalle Thompson (Nets), James Worthy (Mavericks), Dominique Wilkins (Bulls), Ricky Pierce (Pistons), Sleepy Floyd (Nuggets)

Rookie Bench: Mark Eaton (Knicks), Terry Cummings (Bulls), Clark Kellogg (Heat), Trent Tucket (Clippers), Fat Lever (Pistons), Paul Pressey (Suns), Bill Garnett (Heat)

Sophomore Starters: Herb Williams (Bucks), Buck Williams (Lakers), Kelly Tripucka (Trail Blazers), Rolando Blackman (Cavaliers), Isiah Thomas (Mavericks)

Sophomore Bench: Danny Schayes (Kings), Larry Nance (Clippers), Mark Aguirre (Supersonics), Frank Johnson (Bullets), Darnell Valentine (Cavaliers), Tom Chambers (Pistons), Eddie Johnson (Bullets)

The Sophomores defeated the Rookies 107-103. Fans were expecting Isiah, Aguirre, ‘Nique and Terry Cummings to dominate the game, but it was in fact the Sophomore bench that powered the victory. Washington’s Frank Johnson surprised with MVP honors as he scored 14 with 8 assists on 7/9 FG.

Rookie Best Performers
Sleepy Floyd: 15 PTS
Clark Kellogg: 19 PTS, 11 REB, 7/12 FG
Trent Tucker: 16 PTS, 4 3PM

Sophomore Best Performers
Frank Johnson: 14 PTS, 8 AST, 7/9 FG, MVP
Darnell Valentine: 15 PTS
Herb Williams: 14 PTS, 5 REB, 1 STL, 1 BLK

***

With The Pistol gone, the Three-Point Contest would have a new champion. Larry Bird was in the running again, but Kiki Vandeweghe was too hot and took his first Three-Point Crown.

Round 1
1. Kiki Vandeweghe (DAL) – 17
2. Larry Bird (BOS) – 12
3. Trent Tucker (SDC) – 10
4. World B. Free (SDC) – 10 (Eliminated)
5. Ricky Pierce (DET) – 9 (Eliminated)
6. Andrew Toney (DEN) – 6 (Eliminated)

Final Round
1. Kiki Vandeweghe – 13 (Winner)
2. Larry Bird – 10
3. Trent Tucker – 6

***

Kiki Vandeweghe tried to make it two-for-two for the Dunk Contest, but while he made it to the Final Round, he was defeated by Alex English.

Round 1
1. Kiki Vandeweghe (DAL) – 48
2. Alex English (IND) – 46.9
3. Buck Williams (LAL) – 46.1
4. Cedric Maxwell (BOS) – 44.8
5. Adrian Dantley (SLS) – 43.7
6. Calvin Natt (NJN) – 41.8

Final Round
1. Alex English – 58.6% (Winner)
2. Kiki Vandeweghe – 41.4%

***

ALL-STAR GAME

A wild All-Star Game resulted in a big West victory, 169-142. Dennis Johnson led all scorers with 30 points, winning All-Star Game MVP.

Western Conference Starters
C – Moses Malone, Rockets (7th Appearance)
PF – Buck Williams, Lakers (1st Appearance)
SF – Kiki Vandeweghe, Mavericks (1st Appearance)
SG – Adrian Dantley, Stallions (4th Appearance)
PG – Magic Johnson, Lakers (4th Appearance)

Western Conference Bench
Jack Sikma, Supersonics (3rd Appearance)
James Worthy, Mavericks (1st Appearance)
George Gervin, Spurs (10th Appearance)
Dennis Johnson, Rockets (3rd Appearance)
Isiah Thomas, Mavericks (1st Appearance)
Reggie Theus, Stallions (3rd Appearance)
Larry Nance, Clippers (2nd Appearance)

Eastern Conference Starters
C – Kevin McHale, Cavaliers (1st Appearance)
PF – Alex English, Pacers (4th Appearance)
SF – Larry Bird, Celtics (4th Appearance)
SG – David Thompson, Knicks (8th Appearance)
PG – Sidney Moncrief, Bucks (4th Appearance)

Eastern Conference Bench
Robert Parish, 76ers (4th Appearance)
Tom Chambers, Pistons (2nd Appearance)
Dominique Wilkins, Bulls (1st Appearance)
Walter Davis, Bucks (4th Appearance)
Micheal Ray Richardson (4th Appearance)
Julius Erving, 76ers (12th Appearance)
Maurice Cheeks, 76ers (2nd Appearance)

West Best Performers
Dennis Johnson: 30 PTS, 5 REB, 12/15 FG (MVP)
Jack Sikma: 22 PTS, 10 REB
Kiki Vandeweghe: 23 PTS, 4 REB, 9.12 FG
Isiah Thomas: 7 PTS, 11 AST
Moses Malone: 17 PTS, 10 REB

East Best Performers
Walter Davis: 24 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST
Tom Chambers: 20 PTS, 4 AST
Robert Parish: 12 PTS, 8 REB
Larry Bird: 19 PTS, 3 REB, 4 AST, 8/13 FG

(Box Score Link to be Added Later)

STATS SITE​

 

[RDT]

THE ROAD TO THE PLAYOFFS

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

The Boston Celtics finished the season strong. Powered by League MVP Larry Bird and a mid-season trade for Purvis Short, Boston looked nearly unstoppable, finishing the season with the league’s only 60+ win season. While there are several familiar faces in the East ready to challenge Boston, Dr. J and Parish in Philly, Micheal Ray and Skywalker in New York, English and Indiana as well as the Squid and Milwaukee, a newcomer also enters the fray as the Chicago Bulls, powered by rookies Dominique Wilkins (your Rookie of the Year) and Terry Cummings also find themselves in the playoffs. In the West, injuries continued to mount for the Los Angeles Lakers, even losing Magic Johnson for a small period of time. That didn’t stop LA from locking up the Pacific Division by a comfortable margin though, but they did lose out on the #1 seed. That went to Moses, DJ and The Rockets. The Stallions return to the playoffs after their impressive off-season last year, led by scorers Reggie Theus and Adrian Dantley. Seattle also returns, this time with a little extra firepower thanks to a midseason trade for Maurice Lucas. The defending NBA Champion Spurs put together another strong season, but they’ll need to come from the opening round if Ice and company want to repeat. Rounding out the West are the exciting Dallas Mavericks. In only their third NBA season, the Mavericks have locked themselves into the playoffs with smart draft picks, as Isiah Thomas, James Worthy and Kiki Vandeweghe have all jelled quite well together in forming a formidable offensive unit.

ROOKIE REPORT

Chicago’s Dominique Wilkins dominated in his rookie season, averaging 25.7 PPG in route to the Rookie of the Year. Teammate Terry Cummings and Dallas’ James Worthy also put up 20+ PPG seasons. Miami’s Clark Kellogg, Detroit’s Ricky Pierce, San Diego’s Trent Tucker and Denver’s Sleepy Floyd all put up strong scoring seasons of at least 15 PPG. While maybe slightly disappointing, the Nets’ quest for a center led to rookie LeSalle Thompson, who led all rooks with 9.2 RPG. Also worth noting is Detroit’s Fat Lever, who put together an 11.8 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 5.9 APG, 1.6 SPG season.

NOTABLE GAMES SO FAR

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

11/3/82: KNICKS 132, Celtic 130 (2 OT) – A wild night at the Garden where Skywalker’s 43 and Micheal Ray’s 26-15-14 overcame Larry Bird’s insane 52-11-9-6 in double OT. Perhaps a Knicks-Celtics rivalry is imminent.

11/3/82: Lakers 130, MAVERICKS 114 – Magic and Isiah have big nights respectively for their teams, with Magic putting up a 28-12-10 and Isiah delivering a 23-19 with 5 steals…both turned over the ball a lot though.

11/7/82: Knicks 111, NUGGETS 100 – Skywalker drops a 37-7-7 in his return to Denver.

11/9/82: LAKERS 124, Spurs 105 – The Lakers get a measure of revenge against the NBA Champion Spurs, with Magic dropping a 30-11-13.

11/10/82: LAKERS 118, Rockets 116 – The Lakers finish off an impressive back-to-back in Texas, edging Moses and the Rockets behind another amazing Magic performance, a 15-15-14-5.

11/11/82: CELTICS 114, Bulls 110 – Welcome to the NBA to Dominique and Terry Cummings. Larry Bird drops an insane 50-point triple double (50-14-12) as the Celtics roll over the new kids on the block.

11/13/82: KNICKS 103, Nets 94 – Micheal Ray stuffs the stat sheet with a 21-10-17 with Skywalker adding 32.

11/14/82: LAKERS 123, Celtics 111 – The Lakers continue to steamroll the NBA’s best. Bird put up another majestic 42-9-9, but it wasn’t enough to offset 80 combined points from Alvan Adams, Buck Williams and Jamaal Wilkes…with Magic adding a 17-9-15.

11/21/82: ROCKETS 99, Spurs 96 – Houston has a strong 4th quarter behind Moses’ 27-17 in another chapter of the Spurs-Rockets rivalry.

11/22/82: KNICKS 121, Pacers 113 – Micheal Ray found Skywalker over and over again, ending up with 18 assists. Those 18 assists fueled Skywalker’s 54 in a huge win over Conference rival Indiana.

11/25/82: KNICKS 111, Cavaliers 110 (OT) – Kevin McHale’s coming out party comes just short against New York. McHale had 48. Skywalker had 39.

11/25/82: SPURS 123, Supersonics 117 – Jack Sikma’s 46-18 isn’t enough to overcome the defending NBA Champion Spurs.

12/3/82: CELTICS 103, Warriors 100 – Bird puts up another insane statline: 55 points, 16 rebounds, as the Celtics edge the Warriors.

12/8/82: Celtics 134, HEAT 125 – Boston ends up with eight players in double-digits, overcoming a breakout 41 point game from Andrew Toney.

12/12/82: Pacers 149, HEAT 148 – Defense is ignored as Alex English and Andrew Toney trade buckets for 48 minutes. Toney scored a career-high 55, but English had 50 for a close Pacer win.

12/15/82: MAVERICKS 149, Rockets 147 (OT) – The Mavericks go toe-to-toe with Moses and DJ and come out victorious. Moses has a 27-26 and DJ had 43, but Kiki Vandeweghe dropped 45 and Isiah had a 36-11.

12/20/82: Rockets 114, MAVERICKS 105 – Moses extracts revenge on Houston’s loss to Dallas five days prior, dropping a 29-23.

12/22/82: Celtics 106, TRAIL BLAZERS 98 – Larry Bird makes a statement in regards to being the best all-around player in basketball. 28 points, 24 rebounds, 11 assists and 5 three pointers sink Portland.

12/23/82: CLIPPERS 81, Bullets 50 - It’s been a rough time for Washington. They manage the lowest score in post-shot chock era with just 50 points, led by 9 points from John Williamson.

12/26/82: CELTICS 118, Lakers 109 – Bird leads Boston to a win over a full-strength Lakers’ squad with a 27-13-14.

12/28/82: Lakers 132, PISTONS 127 – Magic welcomes rookie Fat Lever into the league with a 32-17-12.

1/2/83: Celtics 113, 76ERS 101 – Boston trades for Golden State’s Purvis Short, and Short has a monster debut with 24 points, fed by Bird’s 31-16-12.

1/4/83: CELTICS 149, Knicks 120 – A shootout in the Boston Garden as Bird continues his incredible play with a 39-13-14 to lead the Celtics in a big divisional win.

1/8/83: SPURS 116, Lakers 108 – With the Lakers hurting Iceman reminds everyone who the champs are with a huge 41 point performance.

1/10/83: ROCKETS 118, Pacers 97 – Moses destroys Indiana with a 29-22, and Wes Unseld grabs 15 boards off the bench too.

1/13/83: LAKERS 116, Trail Blazers 96 – Magic takes 16 shots to score 36 while adding 18 rebounds and 13 assists in a game without Buck Williams, Jamaal Wilkes, and Bernard King.

1/19/83: CELTICS 126, Stallions 111 – Bird hits almost everything, hitting seven three pointers and dropping 52 points total to destroy the Stallions. He added 10 boards, 8 assists and 6 steals too.

1/25/83: Bulls 105, PISTONS 104 – ‘Nique pulls out all the stops in a rookie battle against Ricky Pierce. Wilkins had 39.

1/27/83: MAVERICKS 150, Lakers 132 – Isiah puts Magic and the Lakers on notice that they are the future of the NBA. Isiah scored 41.

2/4/83: PISTONS 107, Bucks 91 – Ricky Pierce goes crazy with 46 to take down the Bucks.

2/4/83: MAVERICKS 133, Lakers 125 – Dallas gets the Lakers again as Magic’s 34-12-11 doesn’t best Isiah’s 28-14.

2/8/83 – Bucks 102, BULLS 101 – The Bucks survive ‘Nique’s 49 point explosion.

2/9/83 – BULLS 119, Cavaliers 97 – ‘Nique follows up his 49 pointer with a 42 pointer in a win vs. Cleveland.

2/16/83 – Celtics 92, BULLETS 81 – Bird gets awfully close to a quadruple-double, destroying Washington with a 35-9-9-7.

2/27/83 – KNICKS 102, Pacers 90 – Micheal Ray shows the NBA that he may be the best all-around player in basketball, scoring 29 points and recording 6 rebounds, 12 assists and 9 steals in a big win against an Eastern Conference rival.

2/28/83 – Celtics 120, BUCKS 106 – Bird gets awfully close to another quadruple-double, an insane 40-10-7-8, while dropping eight three-pointers in a huge win over Milwaukee.

3/3 – Bullets 86, ROCKETS 80 – A shocking victory for the Bullets had Kareem looking like the Kareem of old, as he recorded a 16-15, bettering Moses’ 9-13.

3/6 – Knicks 132, SPURS 125 (OT) – A wild overtime battle had Skywalker dropping 53 on 21/27 FG for the Knicks in a big win.

3/7 – CELTICS 103, 76ers 96 – Bird was unstoppable again, this time against division rival Philly, putting together a 26-19-14.

3/18 – Rockets 89, CELTICS 84 – Moses reminds Bird that he’s the NBA alpha, putting up a 23-21 with 2 steals and 2 blocks in a road win against NBA best Boston.

3/22 – SPURS 130, Lakers 128 – San Antonio survives Magic’s 24-11-17 with a well-balanced attack in an important Western Conference match-up.

3/24 – Knicks 152, CELTICS 143 (2OT) – It took two overtimes, but the Knicks surprised division rival Boston in a game that nearly reached 200 combined points. Micheal Ray put up the 4th highest assist total in NBA history with 26 (25-8-26-7), allowing Skywalker to drop 62. Bird had a 36-13-16 while Gus Williams added 39 in the losing effort.

3/28 – CELTICS 136, Supersonics 114 – Bird gets Boston back on track, dropping a 47-10-15.

4/2 – KNICKS 114, Celtics 112 – The Knicks stop Boston again as Skywalker once again shines brighter than Bird, dropping a 49-12.

4/6 – Rockets 113, SPURS 112 (OT) – The Rockets survive Ice’s 40-5-5 in a huge OT win that pushed the Rockets to the Midwest Division title.

4/7 – Rockets 97, SPURS 94 – In a rematch of the prior day, Houston again beats the defending NBA Champs on their home court, this time led by Moses’ 24-20.

4/12 – Lakers 109, SPURS 98 – The Spurs continue to drop home games against the West’s best, this time succumbing to Magic and his 18-16-14.

4/21 – Knicks 115, MAVERICKS 112 – Skywalker locks up the scoring title with a defiant 56 points, powering the Knicks past Isiah’s 30-13 and Kiki’s 40.

As the regular season is broken into three parts, we’ll add top rookie prospects, that will be a part of the 1983 Rookie Draft Class. Age is listed as time of the draft.

Thurl Bailey – Forward, 6’11”, North Carolina State, 22: Despite his height, Bailey is a strong option as a combo forward who can score the basketball. That size will likely intrigue a team to pick him in the lotto, if not the top 10 outright.

Manute Bol – Center, 7’7”, South Sudan, 20: One of the most intriguing players projected to go later in the draft. Despite standing 7’7”, Bol only weights 190 pounds. Could be a late lotto. Could not even be drafted at all. We’ll see.

Randy Breuer – Center, 7’3”, Minnesota, 22: We’ll see just how tough he is, but his size may intrigue a team that needs a center. His selection in the draft will likely be based on that.

Antoine Carr – Power Forward, 6’9”, Wichita State, 21: Bruiser who can add toughness on the inside for any team. Likely lotto pick.

Harold Carter – Swingman, 6’6”, Louisiana State, 21: Do it all swingman, but concern that he may be a jack-of-all-trades and a master of none. Has potential though.

Clyde Drexler – Swingman, 6’7”, Houston, 21: Phi Slama Jama star at Houston will excite crowds with his dunking ability, but he needs to improve his shooting to make it as a top NBA talent. The potential is there though.

Craig Ehlo – Shooting Guard, 6’6”, Washington State, 21: All-around game with defensive and outside shooting potential.

Dale Ellis – Shooting Guard, 6’7”, Tennessee, 22: Dale Ellis is an intriguing prospect unlikely to be matched by the other top swingmen in the draft. Ellis provides three-point range and could be the best long-range gunner in the league from his first game. He also stands 6’7”, also a plus. Expect him to go in the top 10, if not the top 5.

Sidney Green – Power Forward, 6’9”, Nevada-Las Vegas, 22: Power forward who can bang a bit as a center. NBA position is likely best as a PF. Decent rebounding ability probably gets him picked in the lotto.

Derek Harper – Combo Guard, 6’4”, Illinois, 21: All-around combo guard, although probably stronger as a point. Also shows some three-point range.

Roy Hinson – Forward, 6’9”, Rutgers, 22: Should be NBA ready, but likely grades out as a decent starter depending on which forward position he fits in.

Jeff Malone – Shooting Guard, 6’4”, Mississippi State, 21: Malone is a strong scorer with good size. Probably not the prospect Ellis is, but could be better overall and sooner.

Rodney McCray – Forward, 6’7”, Louisville, 21: Solid athlete with strong defensive potential. Can play both forward spots, although if he can be a top player in either is a question. Likely Lotto pick but could be top 10 because of the defense.

John Paxson – Point Guard, 6’2”, Notre Dame, 22: NBA ready playmaker who has shown three-point range.

Leo Rautins – Forward, 6’8”, Syracuse, 23: Ready-made forward on the smaller side who should be solid all-around, but there are questions about his ceiling.

Doc Rivers – Point Guard, 6’4”, Marquette, 21: Rivers is a little more raw than the other point guards in the draft, but he does have good size and a knack for scoring.

Ralph Sampson – Center, 7’4”, Virginia, 22: The greatest prospect since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. 7’4” with an outside shooting touch, the team that lands Sampson will likely be set for the next decade. He will be the #1 selection.

Byron Scott – Combo Guard, 6’3”, Arizona State, 22: Strong scoring two-guard. Should be drafted somewhere in the Top 10.

Steve Stipanovich – Center, 6’11”, Missouri, 22: The consolation prize for any team looking for a center in the draft. Stipanovich should be solid nonetheless and is probably a top 5 pick.

Jon Sundvold – Point Guard, 6’2”, Missouri, 21: Stipanovich’s teammate in college. Similar prospect as Paxson, slightly more raw with slightly more upside.

Darrell Walker – Combo Guard, 6’4”, Arkansas, 22: Nicknamed Sky, which of course will bring in comparisons to David Thompson. Another interesting guard who needs to work on his shot. Similar to Drexler, although smaller.

Ennis Whatley – Point Guard, 6’3”, Alabama, 20: Whatley is more raw than Paxon or Sundvold, but definitely has more upside.

***

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division

Boston Celtics (1)
1983 Record: 62-20 (17-8, 20-3, 25-9)
Key Players: Larry Bird (31.9 PPG, 11 RPG, 7.8 APG, 2 SPG, 49.6% FG, 94.4% FT, 46.2% 3P, MVP), Gus Williams (16.5 PPG, 4.4 APG, 2.6 SPG, DPOTY), Purvis Short (15.2 PPG, 50.3% FG, 81.3% FT)
Big Moves: Traded for Purvis Short

Adding Purvis Short may be the final piece that takes Boston from very good to great. A third straight trip to the Finals looks likely, but can they win it all? If Larry Bird’s MVP season is any indication, my money is on yes.

Philadelphia 76ers (3)
1983 Record: 53-29 (17-9, 16-9, 20-11)
Key Players: Julius Erving (22.1 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 48% FG), Bobby Jones (14.4 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 1.6 BPG, 51.4% FG), Robert Parish (19.7 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 2.5 BPG, 49.4% FG)
Big Moves: Traded Doug Collins for Ron Brewer

While perhaps not quite the same title favorite Sixers team, Philly still finished strong and can’t be counted out. The biggest issue, Robert Parish’s status is unknown as he recovers from a dislocated shoulder. The young Bulls may be ready to take advantage.

New York Knicks (4)
1983 Record: 50-32 (16-9, 11-13, 23-10)
Key Players: David Thompson (33.3 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 52.8% FG, 80.6% FT), Micheal Ray Richardson (19.6 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 11 APG, 2.7 SPG)
Big Moves: None

The Knicks finished the season strong and healthy. With Skywalker thriving in New York besides Micheal Ray, don’t be shocked if New York pulls off some upsets and makes it back to the NBA Finals.

New Jersey Nets
1983 Record: 33-49 (10-19, 12-9, 11-21)
Key Players: Cliff Robinson (16.5 PPG, 9.4 RPG), Calvin Natt (17.3 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 49.2% FG), Darrell Griffith (19.4 PPG)
Big Moves: None

A couple of years ago the Nets looked to be full of promise and were the future of the East. Now, with Robinson’s and Natt’s contracts expiring, this off-season will prove to be a pivotal one for the Nets.

Miami Heat
1983 Record: 23-59 (7-17, 9-16, 7-26)
Key Players: Clark Kellogg (18.7 PPG, 8.2 RPG)
Big Moves: Traded away Andrew Toney for two first-round picks.

One again the Heat are rich in draft capital, but they’ve still yet to make any serious ground. Good news for them: the next few drafts have a ton of talent.

Washington Bullets
1983 Record: 21-61 (6-19, 6-19, 9-25)
Key Players: Eddie Johnson: 15.7 PPG, 5.5 RPG)
Big Moves: None

Will the Lakers score big with the draft pick they received for Kareem? The Bullets need to figure out an complete overhaul at this point. It was a sad way for Kareem to go out unfortunately.

Eastern Conference

Central Division

Indiana Pacers (2)
1983 Record: 52-30 (18-6, 12-12, 22-12)
Key Players: Alex English (28.1 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 1.1 BPG), Otis Birdsong (22.9 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 3.5 APG), Michael Cooper (13.3 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 4.4 APG)
Big Moves: Traded Johnny Davis, Brad Davis and three 1st round picks for Otis Birdsong

The new-look Pacers locked up another Central Division crown. The big mid-season move to trade for Otis Birdsong will be judged based on Indiana’s playoff run.

Milwaukee Bucks (5)
1983 Record: 50-32 (13-10, 15-8, 20-14)
Key Players: Sidney Moncrief (19.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 4.5 APG, 2.1 SPG), Walter Davis (18.5 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.8 SPG), Marques Johnson (17.7 PPG, 7.1 RPG)
Big Moves: Traded three-first round picks for Walter Davis

The Bucks couldn’t quite beat out the Pacers for the Central, but Sid the Squid and Co. can’t be counted out.

Chicago Bulls (6)
1983 Record: 48-34 (17-9, 11-11, 20-14)
Key Players: Dominique Wilkins (25.7 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 53.4% FG, 83.3% FT, ROTY), Terry Cummings (21.1 PPG, 7.4 RPG), Vinnie Johnson (15.5 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 3.9 APG)
Big Moves: None

Rookies Dominique Wilkins and Terry Cummings have changed the face of Chicago Bulls basketball on the post Artis Gilmore world. They get a real test right off the bat against Dr. J and the Sixers.

Cleveland Cavaliers
1983 Record: 43-39 (10-18, 15-9, 18-12)
Key Players: Kevin McHale (22.6 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 2.3 BPG, 55.6% FG), Rolando Blackman (21.6 PPG, 4.8 RPG)
Big Moves: None

Kevin McHale and Rolando Blackman powered the Cavs to a winning record and may be the early dark horse for the Central Division next season.

Detroit Pistons
1983 Record: 38-44 (11-15, 13-12, 14-17)
Key Players: Tom Chambers (20.9 PPG, 6.6 RPG), Ricky Pierce (17.6 PPG), Fat Lever (11.8 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 5.9 APG)
Big Moves: None

The Pistons couldn’t quite hang with the rest of the Eastern Conference, but there’s a solid core here to be built on.

Atlanta Hawks
1983 Record: 34-48 (10-16, 8-17, 16-15)
Key Players: Eddie Johnson (16 PPG, 4.6 APG), John Drew (15.4 PPG, 5.6 RPG)
Big Moves: Traded away Dan Roundfield for a 1st round Pick and Mike Dunleavy

The Bill Cartwright trade looks like it will set Atlanta back quite a bit. What a disaster.

Western Conference

Midwest Division

Houston Rockets (1)
1983 Record: 57-25 (18-7, 17-7, 22-11)
Key Players: Moses Malone (23.3 PPG, 15.4 RPG, 1.6 BPG, 55.6% FG), Dennis Johnson (22.5 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 4.2 APG)
Big Moves: None

The Rockets stole the Midwest from the defending NBA Champion Spurs thanks to a strong year end stretch from Moses and DJ. The Rockets have home court throughout the West.

San Antonio Spurs (3)
1983 Record: 51-31 (20-10, 18-5, 13-16)
Key Players: George Gervin (28.8 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 51.3% FG, 83.7% FT)

Ice leads the defending NBA Champion Spurs with another big scoring season. The remainder of the Spurs combine balance with patches of inconsistency. Still, they had six players average double digits in scoring this season.

Salt Lake Stallions (4)
1983 Record: 27-25 (13-15, 14-10, 19-11)
Key Players: Adrian Dantley (26.5 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 51.7% FG), Reggie Theus (18.7 PPG PPG, 5.2 APG), Dan Roundfield (19.3 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 1.5 BPG)
Big Moves: Traded for Dan Roundfield

The rebuilt Stallions were perhaps the biggest surprise of the NBA season. Dantley-Theus-Roundfield has proven to be a strong trio that can make some noise in the playoffs.

Dallas Mavericks (6)
1983 Record: 42-40 (12-14, 10-14, 20-12)
Key Players: Kiki Vandeweghe (29.4 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 51.5% FG, 88.9% FT,% 37.3% 3P), James Worthy (20.4 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 52.4% FG), Isiah Thomas (21.6 PPG, 9.2 APG, 1.9 SPG)

Dallas recorded a strong finish to the season and will make their playoff debut. Perhaps Spurs-Mavericks becomes the second great Texan rivalry in the NBA.

Kansas City Kings
1983 Record: 28-54 (7-19, 10-15, 11-17)
Key Players: Brad Davis (14.8 PPG, 5.9 APG), Johnny Davis (17.2 PPG, 6 APG)
Big Moves: Traded away Otis Birdsong for Johnny Davis, Brad Davis and three 1st round picks

The Kings are set-up for the future as they’ve played their last days in Kansas City…and in the Midwest.

Denver Nuggets
1983 Record: 21-61 (10-16, 5-19, 6-26)
Key Players: Andrew Toney (22.3 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.6 APG), Sleepy Floyd (15.1 PPG), Ray Williams (15.2 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.8 SPG)
Big Moves: Traded for Andrew Toney

The post-Skywalker rebuilding phase is in full force. Andrew Toney may prove to be a nice future piece.

Western Conference

Pacific Division

Los Angeles Lakers (2)
1983 Record: 56-26 (24-2, 11-11, 21-13)
Key Players: Magic Johnson (24.9 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 10.4 APG, 1.5 SPG, 59.3% FG, 84.3% FT), Jamaal Wilkes (19.3 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.6 SPG), Buck Williams (18.8 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 1.1 BPG, 61.7% FG), Bernard King (23.3 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 56.6% FG)
Big Moves: None

Even Magic got hurt. The Lakers were still able to cruise to the top of the Pacific Division though. The scary part? They come into the playoffs healthy.

Seattle Supersonics (5)
1983 Record: 44-38 (14-10, 16-7, 14-21)
Key Players: Jack Sikma (19.5 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 1.4 BPG), Maurice Lucas (17.4 PPG, 10.1 RPG), Jim Paxson (17.2 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 4.4 APG, Mark Aguirre (18 PPG, 5.4 RPG)
Big Moves: Traded for Maurice Lucas and Jim Paxson

The Sonics surprisingly faltered down the stretch. On paper they have one of the strongest foursomes in the league. We’ll see if they can find an upset and make a return to the Finals.

Golden State Warriors
1983 Record: 39-43 (13-15, 8-15, 18-13)
Key Players: Darryl Dawkins (16.2 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.6 BPG)
Big Moves: Traded away Purvis Short

Golden State made a little run, but Dallas’ run was stronger and the Warriors just missed out on a second straight playoff appearance. Golden State is somewhere in the middle right now.

Portland Trail Blazers
1983 Record: 33-49 (10-14, 9-16, 14-19)
Key Players: Kelly Tripucka (22.6 PPG, 4.5 RPG)
Big Moves: Traded away Maurice Lucas, Jim Paxson and Ron Brewer

It’s rebuild time in Portland.

San Diego Clippers
1983 Record: 32-50 (10-16, 10-12, 12-22)
Key Players: Trent Tucker (15.4 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 3.1 APG), Joe Barry Carroll (19.5 PPG, 9 RPG, 1.4 BPG), World B. Free (20 PPG, 5.2 APG), Larry Nance (18.3 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1.6 BPG)

The Clippers have intriguing talent but for whatever reason just haven’t been able to put it all together. They feel one good off-season away, but it’s not clear if they actually are.

Phoenix Suns
1983 Record: 28-54 (8-18, 6-17, 14-19)
Key Players: Truck Robinson (15.3 PPG, 7.9 RPG)
Big Moves: Traded away Walter Davis

The Suns are in full rebuild mode after the Walter Davis trade.

***

AWARDS

Most Valuable Player
Larry Bird, Celtics: 82 G, 31.9 PPG, 11 RPG, 7.8 APG, 2 SPG, 49.6% FG, 94.4% FT, 46.2% 3P, 310 Made Threes

Rookie of the Year
Dominique Wilkins, Bulls: 82 G, 25.7 PPG, 7 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.5 SPG, 53.4% FG, 83.3% FT, 38.1% 3P

Defensive Player of the Year
Gus Williams, Celtics: 2.6 SPG, 96.2 D EFF (2nd)

6th Man of the Year
Terry Furlow (3), Hawks: 82 G, 0 GS, 13.6 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 3.1 APG

Most Improved Player
Kevin McHale, Cavaliers: 82 G, 22.6 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 2.3 BPG, 55.6% FG, 81.3% FT

Coach of the Year
John MacLeod, Stallions: 46-36 (3rd in Midwest, #4 Seed in Western Conference), 33 Game Improvement

NBA 1st Team
Moses Malone, Rockets (5th: 5/0/0)
David Thompson, Nuggets (7th: 3/2/2)
Larry Bird, Celtics (4th: 4/0/0)
Magic Johnson, Lakers (4th: 4/0/0)
Micheal Ray Richardson, Knicks (4th: 2/2/0)

NBA 2nd Team
Kevin McHale, Cavaliers (1st: 0/1/0)
Kiki Vandeweghe, Mavericks (1st: 0/1/0)
George Gervin, Spurs (9th: 5/4/0)
Adrian Dantley, Stallions (4th: 0/2/2)
Isiah Thomas, Mavericks (1st: 0/1/0)

NBA 3rd Team
Jack Sikma, Sonics (1st: 0/0/1)
Alex English, Pacers (3rd: 0/2/1)
Dominique Wilkins, Bulls (1st: 0/0/1)
Sidney Moncrief, Bucks (2nd: 1/0/1)
Dennis Johnson, Rockets (1st: 0/0/1)

All-Defense 1st Team
Robert Parish, 76ers (3rd: 3/0)
Michael Cooper, Pacers (3rd: 1/2)
Bobby Jones, 76ers (7th: 6/1)
Gus Williams, Celtics (2nd: 1/1)
Maurice Cheeks, 76ers (4th: 3/1)

All-Defense 2nd Team
Tree Rollins, Knicks (3rd: 0/3)
Jawann Oldham, Suns/Celtics (1st: 0/1)
Larry Bird, Celtics (2nd: 0/2)
Micheal Ray Richardson, Knicks (2nd: 1/1)
Jim Paxson, Trail Blazers (2nd: 0/2)

All-Rookie 1st Team
Bill Garnett, Heat
Dominique Wilkins, Bulls
James Worthy, Mavericks
Fat Lever, Pistons
Ricky Pierce, Pistons

All-Rookie 2nd Team
LaSalle Thompson, Nets
Terry Cummings, Bulls
Clark Kellogg, Heat
Sleppy Floyd, Nuggets
Trent Tucker, Clippers

NBA Scoring Champion
David Thompson, Knicks, 33.3

NBA Rebounding Champion
Moses Malone (5), Rockets, 15.4

NBA Assists Champion
Micheal Ray Richardson, Knicks, 11.0

NBA Steals Champion
Micheal Ray Richardson, Knicks, 2.7

NBA Blocks Champion
Ben Poquette, Bulls, 3.0

***

Players of the Week (Listed by Week Ending)

11/7 – Cliff Robinson, Nets, Otis Birdsong, Kings
11/14 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Magic Johnson, Lakers
11/21 – Kevin McHale, Cavaliers, Moses Malone, Rockets
11/28 – Kevin McHale, Cavaliers, Magic Johnson, Lakers
12/5 – Larry Bird, Celtics, George Gervin, Spurs
12/12 – Kevin McHale, Cavaliers, Magic Johnson, Lakers
12/19 – Dominique Wilkins, Bulls, Magic Johnson, Lakers
12/26 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Kiki Vandeweghe, Mavericks
1/2 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Bernard King, Lakers
1/9 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Magic Johnson, Lakers
1/16 – Julius Erving, 76ers, Brad Davis, Kings
1/23 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Magic Johnson, Lakers
1/30 – Micheal Ray Richardson, Knicks, Kelly Tripucka, Trail Blazers
2/6 – Sidney Moncrief, Bucks, Magic Johnson, Lakers
2/13 – Alex English, Pacers, Moses Malone, Rockets
2/20 – Larry Bird, Celtics, James Worthy, Mavericks
2/27 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Kiki Vandeweghe, Mavericks
3/6 – David Thompson, Knicks, Joe Barry Carroll, Clippers
3/13 – David Thompson, Knicks, Isiah Thomas, Mavericks
3/20 – Larry Bird, Celtics, George Gervin, Spurs
3/27 – Sidney Moncrief, Bucks, Magic Johnson, Lakers
4/3 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Jack Sikma, Sonics
4/10 – Larry Bird, Celtics, Magic Johnson, Lakers
4/17 – Alex English, Pacers, George Gervin, Spurs

Players of the Month

November: Larry Bird, Celtics, Magic Johnson, Lakers
December: Larry Bird, Celtics, Magic Johnson, Lakers
January: Larry Bird, Celtics, Magic Johnson, Lakers
February: Larry Bird, Celtics, Moses Malone, Rockets
March: Larry Bird, Celtics, Moses Malone, Rockets
April: Larry Bird, Celtics, Magic Johnson, Lakers

Rookies of the Month

November: Dominique Wilkins, Bulls, James Worthy, Mavericks
December: Dominique Wilkins, Bulls, James Worthy, Mavericks
January: Dominique Wilkins, Bulls, James Worthy, Mavericks
February: Dominique Wilkins, Bulls, James Worthy, Mavericks
March: Dominique Wilkins, Bulls, James Worthy, Mavericks
April: Dominique Wilkins, Bulls, James Worthy, Mavericks

***

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