A Fantasy World - Year One (Rockets)

Tell stories based on your franchise and career mode games here.

Re: A Fantasy World - Year One (Rockets)

Postby yeahnah on Mon May 30, 2022 2:08 pm

BRING OUT YOUR BROOMS; ANOTHER ROCKETS WIN

New Orleans Pelicans (0-2) @ Houston Rockets (2-0)
De’Aaron Fox | Kevin Huerter | Jimmy Butler | Wendell Carter Jr | Alperen Sengun
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | D’Angelo Russell | Matisse Thybulle | Precious Achiuwa | Jarrett Allen


The Pelicans fought hard but ultimately couldn’t steal their first win of the series in Houston. New Orleans heald the lead for the entire first half as they exploded out of the blocks but the clamping defence of the Rockets proved too strong in the third as they began a fantastic comeback to ultimately run away with it down the stretch.

The Pels were down by just four points with a minute remaining on the clock when D’Angelo Russell got the ball and made up for his quiet night by sinking a dagger three-pointer over De’Aaron Fox. New Orleans decided to start Kevin Huerter over DiVincenzo to make Russell’s life tougher and he achieved that admirably. The Pelicans were probably the better team on the night, however still are struggling to get any meaningful production out of Jimmy Butler, who posted just 13 points in the contest at a 25% clip from the field.

For Houston, their dependable names continued to shine, particularly through the second half. D’Lo and SGA have been simply unstoppable throughout this series, as the lack of D in the Pelicans’ backcourt has been exposed by the two explosive players. The win on their home floor means that the Rockets are just one game away from a sweep against the #2 seed and onto the second round.

NOP | 29 | 26 | 13 | 23 | 91
HOU | 15 | 24 | 25 | 34 | 98

Gilgeous-Alexander: 25pts, 8reb, 6ast
Russell: 22pts, 6reb, 8ast
Allen: 14pts, 15reb, 2blk
Achiuwa: 12pts, 11reb

Fox: 23pts, 4reb, 7ast
Sengun: 23pts, 11reb
Huerter: 14pts


SWEEP OFFICIAL - HOUSTON MOVES ON TO ROUND TWO

New Orleans Pelicans (0-3) @ Houston Rockets (3-0)
De’Aaron Fox | Kevin Huerter | Jimmy Butler | Wendell Carter Jr | Alperen Sengun
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | D’Angelo Russell | Matisse Thybulle | Precious Achiuwa | Jarrett Allen


It was the same old story as the Rockets were yet again led by their backcourt to a blowout win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Russell, Allen and Gilgeous-Alexander showed why they are the most exciting big three in the league as they dominated from the outset on the way to a 31 point win.

De’Aaron Fox led an offensive explosive, dropping 40 points of his own as Jimmy Butler finally showed up to the party with a series-high 25 points. This wasn’t enough on the night, as a demolition job in the second and third stanzas saw the Rockets close out the series and move onto the West semi-finals.

The Rockets will be pleased with the production of their usual names, however mostly excited by Jalen Green’s career play-off high of 22 points as he took advantage of Donte DiVincenzo having the job of guarding him. Houston will most likely take on Minnesota in the next round.

For New Orleans, they simply did not get enough out of Jimmy Butler this series. On paper, they should be competing with the best of them, but were found out with their lack of offensive creativity and their inability to defend the paint. Butler is tied down until 2025 on a bumper contract so it remains to be seen how he and De’Aaron Fox can grow together along with young gun Alperen Sengun. Over the off season they will need to hunt down some stronger role players and also some interior defenders if they want to have another tilt at the title next year.

NOP | 27 | 21 | 29 | 33 | 110
HOU | 29 | 34 | 42 | 36 | 141

Russell: 32pts, 5reb, 9ast
Allen: 24pts, 13reb, 5blk
Gilgeous-Alexander: 23pts, 6reb, 7ast, 2stl, 2blk
Green: 22pts, 3reb, 3ast

Fox: 40pts, 6ast
Butler: 25pts, 10reb, 7ast
yeahnah
 
Posts: 159
Joined: Sun Jun 12, 2011 1:07 pm
Location: Straya

Re: A Fantasy World - Year One (Rockets)

Postby yeahnah on Fri Jun 17, 2022 9:34 am

UPSETS APLENTY IN WILD FIRST ROUND
An unpredictable start to the playoffs has fans salivating for the rest of the season

Western Conference

(8) Memphis Grizzlies defeated (1) Golden State Warriors 4-3

MEM @ GSW 97-153
MEM @ GSW 117-162
GSW @ MEM 109-115
GSW @ MEM 122-123
MEM @ GSW 118-116
GSW @ MEM 139-109
MEM @ GSW 114-110



Despite kicking the series off with two of the largest wins in playoff history, the Warriors were hunted down by a hungry Memphis side. The age old story of a team of champions vs a champion team was showcased as LaMelo Ball and Bradley Beal led Memphis to perhaps the greatest ever first round upset in NBA history.

Series MVP: Bradley Beal - 25.5ppg, 3.3rpg, 4.5apg, 0.9spg

(5) San Antonio Spurs defeated (4) Los Angeles Clippers 4-3

SAS @ LAC 109-123
SAS @ LAC 97-100
LAC @ SAS 105-122
LAC @ SAS 105-119
SAS @ LAC 131-86
LAC @ SAS 127-105
SAS @ LAC 125-118


The superteam of Murray, Giannis and Ayton were challenged admirably by LeBron James and the Clippers, but ultimately were far too strong down the stretch. With this series win, the Spurs are firm favourites to take out the Western Conference. For the Clippers, what is next with an ageing roster and playoff success alluding them yet again?

Series MVP: Giannis Antetokounmpo - 26.4ppg, 10.5rpg, 4.5apg, 1.4spg, 1.5bh

(6) Minnesota Timberwolves defeated (3) Los Angeles Lakers 4-0

MIN @ LAL 112-98
MIN @ LAL 131-105
LAL @ MIN 104-131
LAL @ MIN 97-120


The Minnesota Timberwolves absolutely stifled the Lakers on their way to a dominant first round sweep. LA never looked like winning as the Wolves immense defence paved their way to the second round.

Series MVP: Joel Embiid - 35.3ppg, 15.8rpg, 5apg, 1.5spg, 1.5bpg

(7) Houston Rockets defeated (2) New Orleans Pelicans 4-0

HOU @ NOP 130-101
HOU @ NOP 125-111
NOP @ HOU 91-98
NOP @ HOU 110-141


This series saw the continuation of lower seeds winning out West this year as the much-explored capitulation of Jimmy Butler saw a young Rockets side cruise through to the conference semis. Explosive performances on the offensive end for the Rockets was the key to their dominant victory.

Series MVP: D’Angelo Russell - 30.1ppg, 4.7rpg. 6.8apg

Eastern Conference

(1) Chicago Bulls defeated (8) Cleveland Cavaliers 4-2

CLE @ CHI 99-138
CLE @ CHI 108-127
CHI @ CLE 109-118
CHI @ CLE 111-112
CLE @ CHI 92-119
CHI @ CLE 140-121


The Cavaliers dared to dream against the league’s best team but that wasn’t enough as the Bulls stormed home to win in six. Cavs fans will hold their heads high but ultimately they couldn’t stop the firepower the Bulls have with the ball in hand.

Series MVP: Zach LaVine - 35ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.8apg

(5) Boston Celtics defeated (4) Orlando Magic 4-2

BOS @ ORL 104-119
BOS @ ORL 110-124
ORL @ BOS 104-112
ORL @ BOS 102-126
BOS @ ORL 131-120
ORL @ BOS 106-115


Staring down a 2-0 series deficit, the Celtics were able to turn the corner the win four straight in order to secure the series. Orlando’s Anthony Davis did all he could but this was a case of a star not getting enough help as Devin Booker and Pascal Siakam's supporting cast gave Boston a leg up to progress.

Series MVP: Devin Booker - 31ppg, 4.7rpg, 4.4apg

(3) Philadelphia 76ers defeated (6) Washington Wizards 4-2

WAS @ PHI 120-129
WAS @ PHI 135-115
PHI @ WAS 92-137
PHI @ WAS 131-122
WAS @ PHI 106-116
PHI @ WAS 142 -120


It doesn’t seem right to have Steph Curry knocked out of the first round, however the 76ers did just that as they took home the spoils in a see-sawing series. With their backs to the wall trailing 2-1, Philly were able to get some momentum together to comfortably win the final three games.

Series MVP: Jaren Jackson Jr - 18.4ppg, 8.1rpg, 1spg, 1.9bpg

(7) New York Knicks defeated (2) Atlanta Hawks 4-0

NYK @ ATL 146-109
NYK @ ATL 135-109
ATL @ NYK 92-138
ATL @ NYK 126-128


Yet another upset as the Knicks scored with ease on their way to sweep the Hawks. New York just has so many weapons that Nikola Jokic and crew simply couldn’t contain as they were demolished through these four games.

Series MVP: Dejounte Murray - 24.5ppg, 9.5rpg, 9.7apg, 3.7spg
yeahnah
 
Posts: 159
Joined: Sun Jun 12, 2011 1:07 pm
Location: Straya

Re: A Fantasy World - Year One (Rockets)

Postby yeahnah on Fri Jun 17, 2022 10:05 am

ROUND TWO - FIGHT!

The action heats up as we move to the Conference Semi-Finals

Western Conference

(5) San Antonio Spurs vs (8) Memphis Grizzlies
Jamal Murray | Will Barton | Danny Green | Giannis Antetokounmpo | DeAndre Ayton
Key bench players: Jakob Poeltl, Buddy Hield, P.J. Tucker
LaMelo Ball | Bradley Beal | Bojan Bogdanovic | Jonathan Kuminga | Robert Williams
Key bench players: Marcus Smart, Cameron Thomas, Ivica Zubac, Theo Maledon, Reggie Bullock


The Memphis Grizzlies shocked the world when they defeated the top seed in the West in clinical fashion. The Spurs were also made to work hard to progress thanks to the work of LeBron James, setting up what should be a fantastic matchup. San Antonio are definitely not short of star power and on paper should blitz these Grizzlies, however Memphis have a bit more depth and if they can defeat the Warriors, they can arguably take anyone down. This should be a genuine classic and if anyone can spring an upset here, it’s the Grizzlies.

Last time they met: MEM @ SAS 117-113
Key to the series: Can the Grizzlies continue their giant slaying ways against a genuine superteam?
Expert prediction: The Super Spurs will be too strong, winning in 5


(6) Minnesota Timberwolves vs (7) Houston Rockets
Ben Simmons | Jordan Poole | Talen Horton-Tucker | Draymond Green | Joel Embiid
Key bench players: Lauri Markkanen, Terence Mann, Tim Hardaway Jr, DeAndre Jordan
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | D’Angelo Russell | Matisse Thybulle | Precious Achiuwa | Jarrett Allen
Key bench players: Joe Harris, Jalen Green, Dorian Finney-Smith, Danilo Gallinari


The seeding of both of these teams is not reflective of the amount of talent and skill present as two pretty young sides look to assert their dominance over the other. Both Minnesota and Houston swept their first round matchup and have a raft of momentum heading into this series. Both sides have an immense defensive prowess, with Houston maybe a bit more gifted offensively. The rapidly rising Rocket’s front court will be facing a huge test as they look to shut down Joel Embiid in order to propel their side to the West finals.

Last time they met: HOU @ MIN 94-108
Key to the series: Ben Simmons vs SGA is the matchup that will decide this series
Expert prediction: Down to the wire this one - toss a coin in 7 games


Eastern Conference

(1) Chicago Bulls vs (5) Boston Celtics
Fred VanVleet | Zach Lavine | Dillon Brooks | Al Horford | Andre Drummond
Key bench players: Kyle Anderson, Patrick Beverley, Joe Ingles, Dwight Howard, Kris Dunn
Ricky Rubio | Devin Booker | T.J. Warren | Jalen Smith | Pascal Siakam
Key bench players: Jae’Sean Tate, Amir Coffey, Serge Ibaka


Chicago have regained their place at the top of the NBA and will be disappointed if they can’t continue on and take out the chip. Standing in their way is an extremely impressive Boston Celtics side that can match it with any team in the league. This will be a tall order for the C’s but they will like their chances against the one seed. Another series that should be tight all the way through.

Last time they met: CHI @ BOS 136-110
Key to the series: It’s obvious isn’t it - LaVine vs Booker
Expert prediction: The Bulls to keep running and win this one in six.


(3) Philadelphia 76ers vs (7) New York Knicks
Derrick Rose | Gary Trent Jr | Harrison Barnes | Jaren Jackson Jr | Rudy Gobert
Key bench players: Tyrese Maxey, Cody Zeller, Immanuel Quickly, Eric Paschall, Grayson Allen
Dejounte Murray | Collin Sexton | Michael Porter Jr | Herbert Jones | Karl-Anthony Towns
Key bench players: Nassir Little, Derrick Jones Jr, R.J. Hampton


New York basketball is back as they are rampaging their way through the playoffs after a slow start to the regular season. It’s all about peaking at the right times in professional sport and the Knicks are doing exactly that right now. Hoping to quell their momentum is the arguably overachieving Philadelphia 76ers, led by an immense front court that won’t let any easy buckets in. This Atlantic division showdown could go either way and is set to be a highly competitive series between two clubs with extremely vocal fanbases.

Last time they met: NYK @ PHI 121-103
Key to the series: How do you stop a side that features Murray, Sexton, MPJ and KAT all at once? The Philly defence needs to step up in a major way if they’re gonna be a chance at all.
Expert prediction: Knicks in 6
yeahnah
 
Posts: 159
Joined: Sun Jun 12, 2011 1:07 pm
Location: Straya

Re: A Fantasy World - Year One (Rockets)

Postby Andrew on Fri Jun 17, 2022 2:11 pm

A Wild West of upsets indeed! Sim engines love their unlikely results.
User avatar
Andrew
Assist Enthusiast
Administrator
 
Posts: 113903
Joined: Thu Aug 22, 2002 8:51 pm
Location: Australia

Previous

Return to Stories from the Virtual Hardwood

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 20 guests