daltontr

STAFF Head Coach | RECORD | AGE | PLAYOFFS | TITLES | EXP | SALARY | STR | OFF | DEF | POT | DEV | Randy Wittman | 371-477 (.438) | 61 | 4 | 1 | 12 | $5,137,809 | B | C | B | C | C | Assistants | AGE | PLAYOFFS | TITLES | EXP | SALARY | STR | OFF | DEF | POT | DEV | Fred Hoiberg | 49 | 1 | 0 | 4 | $3,175,478 | C | A | D | A | C | Jason Thompson | 43 | 0 | 0 | 0 | $1,100,000 | D | D | D | C | D | Phil Weber | 60 | 0 | 0 | 0 | $1,030,000 | D | D | D | D | C |

Note: Originally, this is the point in which I started using graphics in lieu of text. However, the process was a bit clunky and I got tired of capturing and uploading pics. They looked nice, but managing them was a pain and it created a situation where the entire thread could get orphaned of information. I then figured out how to display simple text properly, so I'm going back and replacing all the graphics with simple text, like below. It's not as pretty, but it's easy to manage and I don't have to worry about it disappearing. TEAM INFO Team Salary | $124,904,000 | Waived Salary | $0,000 | CAP Status | -$7,094,000 | DRAFT PICKS Year | RND | TEAM | 2022 | 2 | Magic | 2022 | - | - | 2023 | 1 | Bulls | 2023 | - | Bulls | 2024 | 1 | Bulls | 2024 | 2 | Bulls |

2021-2022 SEASON We are currently $7 mil over the cap. We have several players that will become free agents at the end of the season, but Zach LaVine and Chandler Hutchison are the only players that I'm concerned about. I'm going to make every effort to keep them both, but LaVine is a priority. Right now I'm happy with our current lineup and I don't think I will regret the loss of Jaren Jackson as much as I originally thought I would. FREE AGENCY Didn't do much during the free agent period, as we didn't have enough cap space to sign anyone of any significance. We did fill some bench positions and I traded center Wendell Carter and our 2022 1st round pick (NOP) to the Sacramento Kings for rookie center Jaquay Bailey. Yes, that is the same guy I was targeting in the draft. So, I suppose I'm still calling upon the spirit of ole Sonny Weaver, but this decision really has that "Draft Day" feel about it. You know what I'm talking about; when Kevin Costner totally screws up the draft and somehow manages to accidentally wiggle himself out of the fire and keep his job. Yea...kinda like that, but you know the old saying, better to be lucky than good. SIGNINGS C Anzejis Pacecniks 7'1" / 220 lbs / 26 year old (1-Year $1.5 mil) SG Dion Waiters 6'3" / 210 lbs / 30 year old (1-Year $2.5 mil) PF Christian Wood 6'10" / 214 lbs / 26 year old (1-Year $2.0 mil) PG David Stockton 5'11" / 165 lbs / 30 year old (1-Year $1.8 mil) RELEASED C Zhou Qi Lastly, I went ahead and exercised the 3rd year rookie option on both Jaquay Bailey and Jimmy Dixon. With the exception of Zach LaVine, I have all of my starters under contract through the 2022-2023 season and since LaVine will be a free agent at the end of this year, I tried to offer him an extension, but could get around the 7.5% limitation. Oh yea, I'm going to try and add some pictures and screen grabs in the future. ---------------------

2021-2022 SEASON PRE SEASON REPORT OWNER MEETINGS I told Jerry we were championship material. What else was I going to say? We just won the NBA title and will be hanging a the banner this fall. Oh sure, we were the worst team since the 77-78 Bullets to win a title, but no matter. With Jerry's permission to exceed the cap, I should be able to bring in a couple of key players to really strengthen the team and I've already got my eye on a couple of free agents. STAFF CONTRACTS I couldn't come to terms with Chris Fleming and Nate Loenser, therefore they are no longer with the organization and have been replaced by Jason Thompson and Phil Weber. The 43 year old Thompson will take over for the departed Fleming as the 2nd assistant and Weber will replace Loenser. Both Thompson and Weber were signed to four year deals for $1.1 mil and $1 mil respectively. That was the easy part, the hard part comes later, as Head Coach Randy Wittman is in the final year of his contract. Fred Hoiberg still has two years remaining, but I'm sure he is itching to take the reigns, if not here, then some where else. The problem is that Wittman is probably going to want a huge raise and Hoiberg is sure to bolter at the end of his contract if Wittman gets a new deal. In other words, it's going to get a messy and expensive. It's just a matter of time. Oh and by the way, neither Fleming or Loenser caught on with another team. DRAFT REPORT We began the draft with the 20th overall pick, but made a deal with Washington, who were looking to trade down from the 4th spot. I then traded the 4th overall pick and PF Jaren Jackson to the Orlando Magic, to move up two spots. Why? Well, I really wanted a big man and I had my heart set on Jaquay Bailey, a 6'-9', 253 lbs center out of Tennessee-Martin. The mock draft had him going second overall, with SF Nate Richardson being the consensus number one pick going to Sacramento at #1. So, I summoned the spirit of Sonny Weaver Jr. (Movie Draft Day) and I did something totally irrational and borderline stupid. You see, the Kings completely blew up my plan and took, stole is a better word, Jaquay Bailey with the #1 overall pick. I was completely shocked and really pissed, because I had just traded away Jaren Jackson and I wasn't even going to get "my" guy. I literally woke my wife up to complain about the injustice I had just been served. I'm not kidding, she went to bed just as I was starting the draft and less than five minutes later I was in the bedroom going, "Your not going to believe this shit!" Anyway, that left Nate Richardson on the board, but I wasn't sold on him, plus I already had Rui Hachimura and I now needed to fill the void left by Jackson...ugh. What a debacle. I have to admit, I was really disappointed with how I handled the draft. I totally botched it and should have just stuck with the #4 pick. Hell, I'd already given up a lot to get that...dumb. The only bright side is that Jackson was in the final year of his contract and I probably wouldn't be able to resign him at the end of the season anyway, so replacing him now would allow me to draft a player that would eventually save me some cap space over the long haul. Ultimately we drafted Jimmy Dixon, a 6'-8", 229 lbs power forward out of Temple. Dixon averaged 25.4 ppg and 11.7 rpg in college and he has the potential to be as good or better (fingers crossed) than Jackson, but I would be lying if I didn't think I've made a terrible mistake. I suppose it could have been worse, but it was definitely a Sonny'esc moment. Note: I did get SG Terrence Ross in the deal with the Magic and he will step right into the shoes of the soon to be departing Lou Williams. UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS We have five UFA's, SG Lou Williams, SG Pat Connaughton, PF Luke Kornet, PG Chris Chiozza and C Issac Humphries. I renounced the rights to all five players, to free up some cap space. ---------------------

OFF SEASON REPORT League News The salary cap for the 2021-2022 season has been set at $117.8 mil and the luxury cap is now $143.7 mil. That puts us currently $4.9 mil under the cap. Contract News If it ain't broke, don't fix it. I exercised the rookie options on guard Coby White and forward Rui Hachimura, which will cost us an additional $2.8 mil, but that won't affect us until the 2022 season. The following players are all coming to the end of their respective contracts: G Lou Williams, G Pat Connaughton, G Chris Chiozza, F Luke Kornet and C Issac Humphries. Of those five, Williams and Kornet would be the two biggest losses and in hindsight, I wished I'd tried to extend their contracts before the end of the season. I might have been able to get them cheaper than what their free agent asking price is sure to be. Williams played a significant role for the team, starting in place of the injured Zach LaVine and Kornet has been coming off the bench to provide valuable minutes for the last two years. If I had my choice, I'd resign them both. Meeting with Jerry Reinsdorf Anti-climatic. That would be the best way to describe my post season conversation. "How do I think I did?" Really...I just won you the NBA title with the second lowest payroll in the league...THAT'S I DID! No congrats? No well done or nice job, would you please sign this ten year contract, because your the greatest! Nope, cold as ever...what an a-hole. ---------------------

2020-2021 SEASON AWARDS MOST VALUABLE PLAYER Anthony Davis - Forward (LAL) 27.8 ppg / 4.2 apg / 12.0 rpg / 1.9 spg / 2.8 bpg. DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Anthony Davis - Forward (LAL) 27.8 ppg / 4.2 apg / 12.0 rpg / 1.9 spg / 2.8 bpg. SIXTH MAN OF THE YEAR Monte Morris - Guard (DEN) 15.3 ppg / 4.6 apg / 2.9 rpg / 0.9 spg / 0.4 bpg ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Bernard Person - Forward (PHO) 21.0 ppg / 1.8 apg / 7.6 rpg / 1.3 spg / 1.1 bpg COACH OF THE YEAR Brett Brown - Philadelphia 76ers 63-19 ALL-LEAGUE 1st TEAM G Kemba Walker (BOS) G James Harden (HOU) F Kawhi Leonard (LAC) F Anthony Davis (LAL) C Karl-Anthony Towns (MIN) ALL-LEAGUE 2nd TEAM G Luka Doncic (DAL) G Donovan Mitchell (UTA) F Paul George (LAC) F Kevin Durant (BKN) C Deandre Ayton (PHO) ALL-LEAGUE 3rd TEAM G Damian Lillard (POR) G Bradley Beal (WAS) F LeBron James (LAL) F Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL) C Nikola Vucevic (ORL) ALL-DEFENSIVE 1st TEAM G Luka Doncic (DAL) G James Harden (HOU) *Really ?!? Bull fighter of the year maybe, but first team All-Defense...please. F Jayson Tatum (BOS) F Anthony Davis (LAL) C Mitchell Robinson (NYK) ALL-DEFENSIVE 2nd TEAM G Kemba Walker (BOS) G Donovan Mitchell (UTA) F Paul George (LAC) F Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL) C Rudy Gobert (UTA) ALL-ROOKIE 1st TEAM G Marlin Taylor (CHA) G Kelley Phillips (MEM) F David Hayes (MIA) F Bernard Person (PHO) C Jason Robertson (DET) ALL-ROOKIE 2nd TEAM G Alfred DePina (BKN) G Kevin Dickel (UTA) F Antone Angner (LAC) F Randy Bradford (TOR) C Tyrone Maloney (ATL) Note: Not a single Chicago Bull...hmm...I guess you don't need a superstar to win an NBA title. ---------------------

PLAYOFFS (FINALS) NBA FINALS GAME 1 | GAME 2 | GAME 3 | GAME 4 | GAME 5 | GAME 6 | GAME 7 | (4) CHI 110 (0) | CHI 110 (1) | CHI 130 (2) | CHI 128 (3) | CHI 119 (4) | (1) LAL 124 (1) | LAL 102 (1) | LAL 119 (1) | LAL 126 (1) | LAL 103 (1) | GAME 1 (Staples Center) In a game that was never really in doubt, the Lakers easily defeated the Bulls 124-110. The Lakers shot 56% from the field and went into the half time break leading 63-47. The Bulls made a run in the third quarter, closing the gap to 88-84, but never got any closer than that and the Lakers pulled away down the stretch. LeBron James scored 24 points and Kyle Kuzma added an additional 23 points to Anthony Davis's game high 33 points. Kyrie Irving led the Bulls with 30 points and 11 assists in defeat. POTG: Anthony Davis - forward (LAL) 33 points / 5 assists / 15 rebounds / 4 blocks / 4 steals GAME 2 (Staples Center) The Lakers Anthony Davis had his worst game of the year and eventually left the game after only sixteen minutes with a mysterious injury. It was the only game that Davis failed to score in all year and the Bulls took full advantage of his absence, outscoring the Lakers 39-28 in the final quarter. It is no secret that Davis is the key to the Lakers, but LeBron James stepped up and scored 36 points and L.A. led 74-71 at the end of the third quarter. Ultimately, the game came to down free throwing shooting and the Bulls went 23 of 23 from the free throw line, with Kyrie hitting 11 of 11 of his own. The series now shifts back to Chicago for game three and it remains to be seen if Anthony Davis will be in the Lakers starting lineup. POTG: Kyrie Irving - guard (CHI) 38 points / 8 assists / 4 rebounds / 1 blocks / 0 steals GAME 3 (United Center) When it was clear that Anthony Davis was going to start game three for the Lakers, no one would have predicted a Bulls victory, but I guess that's why they play the games. For the most part the Bulls held the Lakers in check and the triple threat of Davis, James and Kuzma combined 71 points. However, the Bulls starting five out scored the Lakers starting five 108-79, leaving the Lakers bench to make up the slack and they weren't up to the task. So, the Bulls taking a surprising or should I say, shocking, two games to one lead in the series, with a pivotal game four to be played at the United Center. Although Laker fans certainly have reason for concern, no one is ready to jump off the bandwagon just yet, but a Bulls victory in game four would dramatically diminish the odds of an L.A. repeat. In other words, live it up now LeBron haters, because it might not last. POTG: Kyrie Irving - guard (CHI) 43 points / 11 assists / 6 rebounds / 1 blocks / 0 steals GAME 4 (United Center) What is happening! Seriously...I'm going to take a moment to step outside of the game and say that there have been a lot of very interesting things to happen during my short time playing DDSPB20. They have mostly felt realistic and accurate, but this...I'm really having difficulty believing this is really happening. One game away from an NBA title, with the best shooting guard on the team out with an injury? Not to mention it is against the best team in the league that features Anthony Davis, LeBron James and Kyle Kuzma?!? I set the game to be as realistic and difficult as possible (at least I think I did) and I understand that there is always a certain bit of randomness to any simulation, but this doesn't "feel" quite right. I say that, because I would never have expected a team comprised of Kyrie Irving, Jaren Jackson, Rui Hachimura, Derek Favors and Lou Williams to win an NBA title. Even before the playoffs started, I was already thinking about who might be a good addition to the team, because we were still missing one or two players to make us a serious threat. Granted, we haven't exactly won the NBA title...yet...but even if we lose three straight, just coming within a single game, with this team, is a wee bit difficult for me to fathom. Okay, back to the game report... The Chicago Bulls are poised to pull of one of the greatest NBA upsets in recent memory. When the playoffs started, no one would have predicted that the Bulls would make it to the NBA Finals, much less hold a three games to one lead over the defending champions. If the Bulls do indeed pull of the impossible, it will likely be because of game four. This was quite the game, as there were 33 lead changes, 16 ties and the largest lead of the game was a mere nine points. The home town fans certainly got their moneys worth, to say the least. Kyrie Irving led all scorers with 33 points and all five Chicago starters were in double figures. At this point the Lakers must be scratching their heads. They dominated points in the paint 76-46, second chance points 21-12 and fast break points 22-18, but still somehow fell short? Well, if you were paying attention and dig a little deeper into the post game stats, you would likely identify the Lakers downfall without too much difficulty. It was their free throwing shooting, again. Yes, the Bulls shot 40 free throws compared to the Lakers 25, but of those 25, the Lakers only made 13, for a 52% free throw shooting percentage. In contrast, the Bulls shot 70% from the free throw line. So, it's back to Los Angeles for game five. The Lakers have their backs against the wall and the Bulls only needing a single victory to snatch the title away. POTG: Kyrie Irving - guard (CHI) 33 points / 13 assists / 5 rebounds / 0 blocks / 1 steals GAME 5 (Staples Center) The Chicago Bulls are the NBA Champions! Bulls fans and LeBron haters around the world rejoice, because the L.A. Lakers just completed one of the most unlikely collapses in the history of professional sports. Down three games to one and at home, the Lakers squandered a 23 point lead and then were outscored 20-4 in overtime. That's right, twenty to four! The Lakers jumped out to an early 33-14 lead in the first quarter and led 55-40 at the half. However, the Bulls clawed their way back and outscored the Lakers 38-23 to push the game to extra time. In overtime the Lakers couldn't hit water if they fell out of a boat and the Bulls raced away to capture their first title since Michael Jordan and company. Now that the question of who will be the NBA Champion has been answered, there are still many questions on peoples minds. Like, how did the Lakers manage to throw away a 23 point lead? How did the Bulls manage to win four straight against the defending champs? How did LeBron James go 5 of 19 and 0 of 5 from three, in the most important game of the year? Is the Lakers collapse on par with the Falcons 28-3 choke in the superbowl? How good are the Bulls...really? Honestly, I'm still stunned. Don't get me wrong, I believe I've assembled a pretty decent team, but winning the NBA Championship with the current roster just never crossed my mind. It was simply too much of an impossibility and I am hesititant to actually enjoy the success. It still doesn't feel real or possible. I suppose Jerry Reinsdorf will be thrilled. Hell, he should be. We just won an NBA title with the second lowest payroll in the league. Only Charlotte has more room under the cap than we do and they stink on wheat. I hate to say it, but the victory feels a little hollow right now...I really don't know what else to say. Hurray?!? POTG: Jaren Jackson - forward (CHI) 23 points / 1 assists / 9 rebounds / 6 blocks / 0 steals ---------------------

PLAYOFFS (CONFERENCE FINALS) GAME 7 Bulls 134, Celtics 132 (United Center) The Bulls win a nail biter and advance to the NBA Championship after a tumultuous 134-132 game seven victory. Chicago led by as much as 23 points in the third quarter and the game appeared to be all but over, but the wheels began to off at the start of the fourth quarter. Boston made a furious run in the final 8 minutes, outscoring the Bulls 42-24, but came up just two points short of sending the game to overtime. If not for Kyrie Irving's near triple-double, the Celtics would surely have prevailed, as the Bulls offense disappeared late in the game. Irving scored 32 points, had 9 assists and grabbed 12 rebounds and was named Player of the Game. For the Celtics, Kemba Walker scored 37 points and had 15 assists in defeat. In the Western Conference, the Lakers easily prevailed over the Golden State Warriors 132-112 and advance to their second consecutive NBA Championship series. There is little doubt that LeBron James is a Hall of Fame player and has been the superstar every where he has played, but make no mistake, the Lakers live and die with Anthony Davis. Davis is the heart and soul of this team and he proves it every time he steps out onto the court. Davis torched the Warriors for 43 points and 18 rebounds and will now get a chance to lead his team to a second consecutive NBA Championship. Something that all the LeBron haters will...well...hate. It's very clear that the Lakers will be the overwhelming favorites to repeat and the apparently unstoppable Davis is going to be the one who will determine whether of not they full fill their destiny. For the Bulls, they have to be thrilled with their playoff performance, as no one outside of the organization thought they could get this far. It really is astonishing how Chicago has managed to bounce back after the loss of Zach Lavine, but I don't think anyone would argue that they will be a huge underdog when pitted against the L.A. juggernaut. PLAYOFF TREE EASTERN CONFERENCE GAME 1 | GAME 2 | GAME 3 | GAME 4 | GAME 5 | GAME 6 | GAME 7 | (4) CHI 134 (1) | CHI 115 (2) | CHI 110 (2) | CHI 123 (2) | CHI 116 (3) | CHI 114 (3) | CHI 134 (4) | (6) BOS 121 (0) | BOS 97 (0) | BOS 111 (1) | BOS 131 (2) | BOS 108 (2) | BOS 124 (3) | BOS 132 (3) | WESTERN CONFERENCE GAME 1 | GAME 2 | GAME 3 | GAME 4 | GAME 5 | GAME 6 | GAME 7 | (1) LAL 115 (1) | LAL 104 (2) | LAL 102 (2) | LAL 116 (2) | LAL 128 (3) | LAL 104 (3) | LAL 132 (4) | (3) GSW 105 (0) | GSW 93 (0) | GSW 113 (1) | GSW 131 (2) | GSW 111 (2) | GSW 124 (3) | GSW 112 (3) | ---------------------

PLAYOFFS (CONFERENCE FINALS) GAME 6 Celtics 124, Bulls 114 (TD Garden) The Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors both staved off elimination, sending their respective series to a seventh and deciding game. Adam Silver couldn't be more thrilled. In the Eastern Conference, it was once again the Celtics Kemba Walker leading the way with 30 points, 14 assists and 7 rebounds. The Bull countered with Kyrie Irvings 30 points, 8 assists and 11 rebounds, but the Bulls fell just bit short in a close game that featured 22 lead changes and 14 ties. In the Western Conference, Golden States Steph Curry hit 11 of 14 three pointers, on his way to a 48 point, 8 assist and 7 rebound night. For the Lakers, James led the way with 30 points and Davis contributed another 27, but Golden State led this game wire-to-wire and the series now moves back to L.A. for a game seven. PLAYOFF TREE EASTERN CONFERENCE GAME 1 | GAME 2 | GAME 3 | GAME 4 | GAME 5 | GAME 6 | GAME 7 | (4) CHI 134 (1) | CHI 115 (2) | CHI 110 (2) | CHI 123 (2) | CHI 116 (3) | CHI 114 (3) | (6) BOS 121 (0) | BOS 97 (0) | BOS 111 (1) | BOS 131 (2) | BOS 108 (2) | BOS 124 (3) | WESTERN CONFERENCE GAME 1 | GAME 2 | GAME 3 | GAME 4 | GAME 5 | GAME 6 | GAME 7 | (1) LAL 115 (1) | LAL 104 (2) | LAL 102 (2) | LAL 116 (2) | LAL 128 (3) | LAL 104 (3) | (3) GSW 105 (0) | GSW 93 (0) | GSW 113 (1) | GSW 131 (2) | GSW 111 (2) | GSW 124 (3) | ---------------------

PLAYOFFS (CONFERENCE FINALS) GAME 5 Bulls 116, Celtics 108 (United Center) The Celtics Kemba Walker recorded a triple-double, 36 points, 16 assist and 16 rebounds, but like game one, it wasn't enough to over come the Bulls 116-108. Kyrie Irving came close to a triple-double himself, with 32 points, 7 assists and 10 rebounds in the Bulls game five victory. All five Bulls starters were in double figures and Rui Hachimura had his best game of the series, scoring 19 points of his own. Chicago is now only a game away from the NBA Finals. In the Western Conference, the Lakers also are a game away from clinching the series, after defeating the Warriors 128-111. LeBron James and Kyle Kuzma combined for 38 points, but it was Anthony Davis and his 49 points and 14 rebounds that was the difference in the game. Steph Curry scored 32 points in defeat. So far, the home team has won every game in both the Eastern and Western Conference series. PLAYOFF TREE EASTERN CONFERENCE GAME 1 | GAME 2 | GAME 3 | GAME 4 | GAME 5 | GAME 6 | GAME 7 | (4) CHI 134 (1) | CHI 115 (2) | CHI 110 (2) | CHI 123 (2) | CHI 116 (3) | (6) BOS 121 (0) | BOS 97 (0) | BOS 111 (1) | BOS 131 (2) | BOS 108 (2) | WESTERN CONFERENCE GAME 1 | GAME 2 | GAME 3 | GAME 4 | GAME 5 | GAME 6 | GAME 7 | (1) LAL 115 (1) | LAL 104 (2) | LAL 102 (2) | LAL 116 (2) | LAL 128 (3) | (3) GSW 105 (0) | GSW 93 (0) | GSW 113 (1) | GSW 131 (2) | GSW 111 (2) | ---------------------

PLAYOFFS (CONFERENCE FINALS) GAME 4 Celtics 131, Bulls 123 (TD Garden) Boston's Kemba Walker led all scorers with 36 points and 14 assists in the Celtics 131-123 home victory over the Chicago Bulls. The game was tight through the first three quarters, with the teams exchanging the lead 19 times. However, the Celtics outscored the Bulls 39-30 in the final quarter to knot the series at two games a piece. The series now shifts back to the windy city for game five. Despite LeBron James returning to the Lakers lineup, the Western Conference is also tied at two games each, after Golden State defeated the Lakers 131-116. Golden States D'Angelo Russell led all scorers with 52 points and Steph Curry poured in another 32, as the Warriors shot 62% from the field and 56% from three to tie the series. LeBron James led the Lakers with 31 points and Anthony Davis scored 29 points in defeat. PLAYOFF TREE EASTERN CONFERENCE GAME 1 | GAME 2 | GAME 3 | GAME 4 | GAME 5 | GAME 6 | GAME 7 | (4) CHI 134 (1) | CHI 115 (2) | CHI 110 (2) | CHI 123 (2) | (6) BOS 121 (0) | BOS 97 (0) | BOS 111 (1) | BOS 131 (2) | WESTERN CONFERENCE GAME 1 | GAME 2 | GAME 3 | GAME 4 | GAME 5 | GAME 6 | GAME 7 | (1) LAL 115 (1) | LAL 104 (2) | LAL 102 (2) | LAL 116 (2) | (3) GSW 105 (0) | GSW 93 (0) | GSW 113 (1) | GSW 131 (2) | ---------------------

PLAYOFFS (CONFERENCE FINALS) GAME 3 Celtics 111, Bulls 110 (TD Garden) Kemba Walker scored 31 points, recorded 10 assists and grabbed 8 rebounds in the Celtics 111-110 victory over the Bulls. The game was close from the start, with Boston heading into half time break with a 56-49 lead. The Bulls closed the game to 86-81 at the end of the third, but fell just a bit short, when Jaren Jackson missed a fifteen foot jumper at the buzzer. Kyrie Irving led the Bulls with 43 points in defeat. In the Western Conference, the Warriors took game three 113-102 on the shoulders of D'Angelo Russells 43 points and nine rebounds. Steph Curry contributed 23 points for Golden State and Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 37 points and 11 rebounds. PLAYOFF TREE EASTERN CONFERENCE GAME 1 | GAME 2 | GAME 3 | GAME 4 | GAME 5 | GAME 6 | GAME 7 | (4) CHI 134 (1) | CHI 115 (2) | CHI 110 (2) | (6) BOS 121 (0) | BOS 97 (0) | BOS 111 (1) | WESTERN CONFERENCE GAME 1 | GAME 2 | GAME 3 | GAME 4 | GAME 5 | GAME 6 | GAME 7 | (1) LAL 115 (1) | LAL 104 (2) | LAL 102 (2) | (3) GSW 105 (0) | GSW 93 (0) | GSW 113 (1) | ---------------------

PLAYOFFS (CONFERENCE FINALS) GAME 2 Bulls 115, Celtics 97 (United Center) The Bulls Kyrie Irving recorded a triple-double, with 29 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds in the Bulls convincing 115-97 victory over the Boston Celtics. Kemba Walker scored 37 points for the Celtics, but could only manage 35% shooting from the field and 25% from three. The series now shifts to Boston with the Bulls up two games to none. In the Western Conference, it was once again the Anthony Davis show. Davis put up 39 points, 7 assists and grabbed 25 rebounds in a game that wasn't as close as the score would indicate. The Lakers dominated from the opening tip and were up 52-35 by half time. Steph Curry scored 36 points for the Warriors in defeat and the Lakers lead the series two games to none. PLAYOFF TREE EASTERN CONFERENCE GAME 1 | GAME 2 | GAME 3 | GAME 4 | GAME 5 | GAME 6 | GAME 7 | (4) CHI 134 (1) | CHI 115 (2) | (6) BOS 121 (0) | BOS 97 (0) | WESTERN CONFERENCE GAME 1 | GAME 2 | GAME 3 | GAME 4 | GAME 5 | GAME 6 | GAME 7 | (1) LAL 115 (1) | LAL 104 (2) | (3) GSW 105 (0) | GSW 93 (0) | ---------------------

PLAYOFFS (CONFERENCE FINALS) GAME 1 Bulls 134, Celtics 121 (United Center) The Celtics shot 57% from the field and Kemba Walker scored 50 points, but it was not enough as the Bulls easily took game one of the Eastern Conference finals 134-121. Kyrie Irving led the Bulls with 32 points, but he had a lot of support, as seven players scored in double figures for the Bulls. In the Western Conference, Anthony Davis led the LeBron-less Lakers to a 115-105 victory, scoring 38 points and grabbing 17 rebounds. LeBron is still nursing a calf injury, but is scheduled to return for game four. PLAYOFF TREE EASTERN CONFERENCE GAME 1 | GAME 2 | GAME 3 | GAME 4 | GAME 5 | GAME 6 | GAME 7 | (4) CHI 134 (1) | (6) BOS 121 (0) | WESTERN CONFERENCE GAME 1 | GAME 2 | GAME 3 | GAME 4 | GAME 5 | GAME 6 | GAME 7 | (1) LAL 115 (1) | (3) GSW 105 (0) | ---------------------

PLAYOFFS (2 Round) ROUND 2/GAME 6 76ers 121, Bulls 128 (Wells Fargo Center) Game three of the series was certainly epic, but this game will go down in history as one of the greatest of all time. This was a game that featured all ten starters, on both teams, in double figures and each team shot in excess of 50% from the field. However, that's not how this game will be remembered. History will remember this game as one of the greatest game seven performances of all time. There is no denying that Joel Embiid was great and he was a mere single assist from scoring a triple double, but it was Kyrie Irving who stole the show with an NBA record 52 points, 9 assists and 9 rebounds. Kyrie's 52 points broke the previous NBA game seven record of 47 points, previously shared by Dominique Wilkins (88') and Sam Jones (63'). With the victory the Bulls advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2010 and will now face the Boston Celtics for an opportunity to play for an NBA title. PLAYOFF TREE EASTERN CONFERENCE GAME 1 | GAME 2 | GAME 3 | GAME 4 | GAME 5 | GAME 6 | GAME 7 | (1) PHI-109 (0) | PHI-135 (1) | PHI-115 (2) | PHI- 81 (2) | PHI-100 (3) | PHI- 97 (3) | PHI-121 (3) | (4) CHI-117 (1) | CHI-129 (1) | CHI-112 (1) | CHI- 98 (2) | CHI- 94 (2) | CHI-108 (3) | CHI-128 (4) | (6) BOS-120 (1) | BOS- 94 (1) | BOS-121 (2) | BOS-121 (3) | BOS-133 (4) | (2) NYK- 99 (0) | NYK-124 (1) | NYK-103 (1) | NYK-103 (1) | NYK-121 (1) | WESTERN CONFERENCE GAME 1 | GAME 2 | GAME 3 | GAME 4 | GAME 5 | GAME 6 | GAME 7 | (1) LAL-121 (1) | LAL-120 (2) | LAL-114 (3) | LAL-106 (3) | LAL-132 (4) | (5) UTA-102 (0) | UTA-110 (0) | UTA-104 (0) | UTA-116 (1) | UTA-120 (1) | (3) GSW-114 (1) | GSW-121 (2) | GSW-106 (3) | GSW-108 (4) | (7) LAC-101 (0) | LAC-110 (0) | LAC- 98 (0) | LAC-102 (0) | ---------------------

PLAYOFFS (2 Round) ROUND 2/GAME 6 Bulls 108, 76ers 97 (United Center) Joel Embiid scored 40 points, but it was Kyrie Irving who took player of the game honors. Kyrie only scored 27 points, but he shot 50% from the field and from three and was a perfect 12 of 12 from the free throw line. This was also the first game in the series that the Bulls shot more free throws than the Sixers. The Bulls was a near perfect 30-31 from the free throw line, while the 76ers were 14 of 18 from the charity stripe. As mentioned previously, the Bulls were going to need help from the supporting cast and they got it. Lou Williams contributed 23 points and Jaren Jackson 22 points to help carry the Bulls to a game seven. The series now moves back to Philadelphia and although I believe the Sixers will have a decided home court advantage, if the Bulls can continue to get scoring from Jackson and Williams, they could steal game seven from the heavily favored Sixers. PLAYOFF TREE EASTERN CONFERENCE GAME 1 | GAME 2 | GAME 3 | GAME 4 | GAME 5 | GAME 6 | GAME 7 | (1) PHI-109 (0) | PHI-135 (1) | PHI-115 (2) | PHI- 81 (2) | PHI-100 (3) | PHI- 97 (3) | (4) CHI-117 (1) | CHI-129 (1) | CHI-112 (1) | CHI- 98 (2) | CHI- 94 (2) | CHI-108 (3) | (6) BOS-120 (1) | BOS- 94 (1) | BOS-121 (2) | BOS-121 (3) | BOS-133 (4) | (2) NYK- 99 (0) | NYK-124 (1) | NYK-103 (1) | NYK-103 (1) | NYK-121 (1) | WESTERN CONFERENCE GAME 1 | GAME 2 | GAME 3 | GAME 4 | GAME 5 | GAME 6 | GAME 7 | (1) LAL-121 (1) | LAL-120 (2) | LAL-114 (3) | LAL-106 (3) | LAL-132 (4) | (5) UTA-102 (0) | UTA-110 (0) | UTA-104 (0) | UTA-116 (1) | UTA-120 (1) | (3) GSW-114 (1) | GSW-121 (2) | GSW-106 (3) | GSW-108 (4) | (7) LAC-101 (0) | LAC-110 (0) | LAC- 98 (0) | LAC-102 (0) | ---------------------

PLAYOFFS (2 Round) ROUND 2/GAME 5 76ers 100, Bulls 94 (Wells Fargo Center) Joel Embiid is virtually unstoppable. Embiid led all scorers with 23 points, but it was his 25 rebounds that made the difference in the game. It also didn't hurt that all five starters for the 76ers were in double figures. For the Bulls, it was once again Kyrie Irving leading the way with 22 points, but the Bulls only shot 36% from the field and went 9 of 34 from three. It was certainly a game the Bulls could have won, but the Sixers were just a little bit better in every category. If the Bulls want to extend this series to a game seven, they are going to have to get better production from the supporting cast, because Kyrie simply can't do it alone. As it stands, this is the only series left to be decided. The Warriors swept the Clippers in four and the Celtics and Lakers both clinched their respective series four games to one. PLAYOFF TREE EASTERN CONFERENCE GAME 1 | GAME 2 | GAME 3 | GAME 4 | GAME 5 | GAME 6 | GAME 7 | (1) PHI-109 (0) | PHI-135 (1) | PHI-115 (2) | PHI- 81 (2) | PHI-100 (3) | (4) CHI-117 (1) | CHI-129 (1) | CHI-112 (1) | CHI- 98 (2) | CHI- 94 (2) | (6) BOS-120 (1) | BOS- 94 (1) | BOS-121 (2) | BOS-121 (3) | BOS-133 (4) | (2) NYK- 99 (0) | NYK-124 (1) | NYK-103 (1) | NYK-103 (1) | NYK-121 (1) | WESTERN CONFERENCE GAME 1 | GAME 2 | GAME 3 | GAME 4 | GAME 5 | GAME 6 | GAME 7 | (1) LAL-121 (1) | LAL-120 (2) | LAL-114 (3) | LAL-106 (3) | LAL-132 (4) | (5) UTA-102 (0) | UTA-110 (0) | UTA-104 (0) | UTA-116 (1) | UTA-120 (1) | (3) GSW-114 (1) | GSW-121 (2) | GSW-106 (3) | GSW-108 (4) | (7) LAC-101 (0) | LAC-110 (0) | LAC- 98 (0) | LAC-102 (0) | ---------------------

PLAYOFFS (2 Round) ROUND 2/GAME 4 Bulls 98, 76ers 81 (United Center) If the last two games were run and gun affairs, game three was a defensive slug fest. Neither team shot particularly well, but it was the Bulls tremendous defense that held the Sixers to 31 of 88 from the field and 5 of 34 from the three point line. Kyrie Irvings 24 points led all scorers and despite the Sixers shooting twice as many free throws, the Bulls never trailed after the first period. The series now shifts back to Philadelphia, with the series tied two games a piece. PLAYOFF TREE EASTERN CONFERENCE GAME 1 | GAME 2 | GAME 3 | GAME 4 | GAME 5 | GAME 6 | GAME 7 | (1) PHI-109 (0) | PHI-135 (1) | PHI-115 (2) | PHI- 81 (2) | (4) CHI-117 (1) | CHI-129 (1) | CHI-112 (1) | CHI- 98 (2) | (6) BOS-120 (1) | BOS- 94 (1) | BOS-121 (2) | BOS-121 (3) | (2) NYK- 99 (0) | NYK-124 (1) | NYK-103 (1) | NYK-103 (1) | WESTERN CONFERENCE GAME 1 | GAME 2 | GAME 3 | GAME 4 | GAME 5 | GAME 6 | GAME 7 | (1) LAL-121 (1) | LAL-120 (2) | LAL-114 (3) | LAL-106 (3) | (5) UTA-102 (0) | UTA-110 (0) | UTA-104 (0) | UTA-116 (1) | (3) GSW-114 (1) | GSW-121 (2) | GSW-106 (3) | GSW-108 (4) | (7) LAC-101 (0) | LAC-110 (0) | LAC- 98 (0) | LAC-102 (0) | ---------------------

PLAYOFFS (2 Round) ROUND 2/GAME 3 Bulls 112, 76ers 115 (United Center) An epic battle from the tip, the Bulls and Sixers traded the lead 40 times and the game was tied 20 times. Neither team led by more than six points and it all came down to who had the ball last. Unfortunately for the Bulls, it was Philadelphia who took the last shot and Josh Richardson buried a long range three as time ran out and the Sixers took game three. Kyrie Irving led the Bulls with 33 points and 14 assists, but it was 76ers big man, Joel Embiid, who was named the player of the game after pouring in 36 points and grabbing 18 rebounds. It truely was an epic game and although it probably won't be remembered, as it was game three of a seven game series, it may have been the game that turned the series back in Philadelphia's favor for good. PLAYOFF TREE EASTERN CONFERENCE GAME 1 | GAME 2 | GAME 3 | GAME 4 | GAME 5 | GAME 6 | GAME 7 | (1) PHI-109 (0) | PHI-135 (1) | PHI-115 (2) | (4) CHI-117 (1) | CHI-129 (1) | CHI-112 (1) | (6) BOS-120 (1) | BOS- 94 (1) | BOS-121 (2) | (2) NYK- 99 (0) | NYK-124 (1) | NYK-103 (1) | WESTERN CONFERENCE GAME 1 | GAME 2 | GAME 3 | GAME 4 | GAME 5 | GAME 6 | GAME 7 | (1) LAL-121 (1) | LAL-120 (2) | LAL-114 (3) | (5) UTA-102 (0) | UTA-110 (0) | UTA-104 (0) | (3) GSW-114 (1) | GSW-121 (2) | GSW-106 (3) | (7) LAC-101 (0) | LAC-110 (0) | LAC- 98 (0) | ---------------------

PLAYOFFS (2 Round) ROUND 2/GAME 2 76ers 135, Bulls 129 OT (Wells Fargo Center) Joel Embiid scored 34 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in an overtime thriller over the Chicago Bulls. In a close game that saw 23 lead changes and 14 ties, the Sixers and Bulls slugged it out for forty-eight minutes, only to end regulation all tied at 121. Kyrie Irving, who scored 39 points in defeat, was unable to knock down two late three pointers and the Bulls were outscore 14-8 in the extra period. The Bulls coaching staff was irate following the game, complaining about what they considered one sided officiating. They had a point. The 76ers shot 46 free throws, as compared to the Bulls 20. To make matters worse, Bulls Jaren Jackson, Rui Hachimura and Derrick Favors were all fouled out in the game and head coach Randy Wittman later received a $25,000 fine for verbally abusing the refs and not leaving the court in a timely manner, after being tossed from the game midway through the overtime period. PLAYOFF TREE EASTERN CONFERENCE GAME 1 | GAME 2 | GAME 3 | GAME 4 | GAME 5 | GAME 6 | GAME 7 | (1) PHI-109 (0) | PHI-135 (1) | (4) CHI-117 (1) | CHI-129 (1) | (6) BOS-120 (1) | BOS- 94 (1) | (2) NYK- 99 (0) | NYK-124 (1) | WESTERN CONFERENCE GAME 1 | GAME 2 | GAME 3 | GAME 4 | GAME 5 | GAME 6 | GAME 7 | (1) LAL-121 (1) | LAL-120 (2) | (5) UTA-102 (0) | UTA-110 (0) | (3) GSW-114 (1) | GSW-121 (2) | (7) LAC-101 (0) | LAC-110 (0) | ---------------------

PLAYOFFS (2 Round) ROUND 2/GAME 1 76ers 109, Bulls 117 (Well Fargo Center) The Sixers jumped out to an early ten point lead in the first quarter and led 63-53 at the half. The Bulls then closed the gap to six points at the end of the third quarter and then quite surprisingly dominated the final period, outscoring Philadelphia 32-18. Kyrie Irving led all scorers with 33 points and was named player of the game. What made this game so interesting was the 76ers ability to completely dominate the boards and the Bulls inability to rebound at all. Don't get me wrong, the Bulls did manage to pull down forty total rebounds, but only three were offensive boards...for the entire game...yes...three. Derrick Favors had two and Wendall Carter the other. That's it...just three offensive boards for an entire game. It doesn't seem possible for any team, at any level, to win a basketball game with only three offensive boards, but it must be possible, because it just happened. It sounds even more insane when you say it out loud. Go ahead, try it for yourself. "The Bulls defeated the 76ers 117-109 with only three offensive boards." Sounds like your talking about aliens landing on the South Lawn. About six years ago the Brooklyn Nets set a record for rebounding ineptitude, grabbing a record low seventeen rebounds and only three of those were offensive boards as well. The Nets lost that game 120-95 by the way, so to suggest that three offensive rebounds would be enough to win a game, much less a game in the playoffs against a team that won 63 regular season games is just bonkers. PLAYOFF TREE EASTERN CONFERENCE GAME 1 | GAME 2 | GAME 3 | GAME 4 | GAME 5 | GAME 6 | GAME 7 | (1) PHI-109 (0) | (4) CHI-117 (1) | (6) BOS-120 (1) | (2) NYK- 99 (0) | WESTERN CONFERENCE GAME 1 | GAME 2 | GAME 3 | GAME 4 | GAME 5 | GAME 6 | GAME 7 | (1) LAL-121 (1) | (5) UTA-102 (0) | (3) GSW-114 (1) | (7) LAC-101 (0) | ---------------------

PLAYOFFS (Completing the 1st Round) PLAYOFF TREE EASTERN CONFERENCE (1) PHI---- (4) (8) MIL---- (0) (4) CHI---- (4) (5) DET---- (1) (3) BKN---- (1) (6) BOS---- (4) (7) NYK---- (4) (8) ATL---- (0) WESTERN CONFERENCE (1) LAL-119 (4) (8) DEN-111 (2) (4) NOP---- (0) (5) UTA---- (4) (3) GSW-110 (3) | (3) GSW-118 (4) (6) MAV-103 (3) | (6) MAV-102 (3) (2) HOU- 94 (2) (7) LAC- 99 (4) ---------------------

ROUND 1/GAME 5 Pistons 77, Bulls 91 (United Center) Jaren Jackson's 22 points and 10 rebounds was more than enough for the Bulls to secure victory and close out the Pistons in five games. Next up for the Bulls are the Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers have been the best team all season and made easy work of the Bucks, despite having lost star point guard Ben Simmons for the year with a broken wrist. Simmons was lost back in April, in a 103-90 victory over the Bulls. The 76ers have dominated the Bulls this season, winning all four of their regular season match-ups. However, the loss of Simmons is significant and many wonder whether or not his absence leaves them open to an upset. Obviously, without Lavine, the Bulls have their own injury problems, but Simmons is a much bigger loss. Simmons averaged nearly a triple double during the regular season, with 19.9 ppg, 8.8 apg and 8.5 rpg. It also doesn't help that Philadelphia isn't exactly stacked with talent at the position. The closest thing the Sixers have to a real point guard is Walter Lemon. No, Lemon isn't exactly a household name, but the only other options are Nate Wolters and Shake Milton. Yes, his name is actually Shake. The Sixers may still be the favorites, but I'm predicting the Bulls in six. PLAYOFF TREE EASTERN CONFERENCE (1) PHI---- (4) (8) MIL---- (0) (4) CHI- 91 (4) (5) DET- 77 (1) (3) BKN- 87 (1) (6) BOS-107 (4) (7) NYK---- (4) (8) ATL---- (0) WESTERN CONFERENCE (1) LAL-109 (3) (8) DEN- 95 (2) (4) NOP---- (0) (5) UTA---- (4) (3) GSW-129 (2) (6) MAV-134 (3) (2) HOU-131 (2) (7) LAC-119 (3) ---------------------

PLAYOFFS ROUND 1/GAME 4 Pistons 91, Bulls 81 (Little Caesars Arena) The Pistons stave off elimination in an ugly 91-81 victory over the Bulls. Neither team shot better than 34% and for the first time in the series, the Pistons held a halftime lead, 38-35. Andre Drummond was rightly named player of the game, scoring 27 points and pulling down a whopping 29 rebounds. Not a post season record, but it is certainly approaching Chamberlain, Russell territory. Of the 29 rebounds, 18 were offensive rebounds and that is a playoff record, breaking the old record of 15, which was previously held by Moses Malone. In 1977, Malone grabbed 15 offensive rebounds for the Houston Rockets vs the Washington Bullets and that game went to overtime, which makes Drummond's accomplishment even more impressive. PLAYOFF TREE EASTERN CONFERENCE (1) PHI-103 (4) (8) MIL- 93 (0) (4) CHI- 81 (3) (5) DET- 91 (1) (3) BKN-111 (1) (6) BOS-127 (3) (7) NYK-107 (4) (8) ATL- 99 (0) WESTERN CONFERENCE (1) LAL- 76 (2) (8) DEN-100 (2) (4) NOP-101 (0) (5) UTA-108 (4) (3) GSW-106 (2) (6) MAV-126 (2) (2) HOU-118 (1) (7) LAC-112 (3) ---------------------

PLAYOFFS ROUND 1/GAME 3 Pistons 106, Bulls 119 (Little Caesars Arena) Player of the game, Kyrie Irving, scored 32 points and all five Bulls starters were in double figures as Chicago jumped out to a commanding three games to none lead over the Detroit Pistons. The Bulls led 73-61 at the half and stretched the lead to 98-78 at the end of the third. The forth quarter was nothing more than a formality and only Andre Drummond stood out for the Pistons, scoring 26 points in defeat. The Bulls are now poised to advance to the second round and the team has play quite will, despite the absence of Zach Lavine's 18 ppg. I'm not sure just how far this team can go, but this is a good sign for the future. PLAYOFF TREE EASTERN CONFERENCE (1) PHI-110 (3) (8) MIL- 95 (0) (4) CHI-119 (3) (5) DET-106 (0) (3) BKN-112 (1) (6) BOS-106 (2) (7) NYK-107 (3) (8) ATL- 97 (0) WESTERN CONFERENCE (1) LAL-111 (2) (8) DEN-101 (1) (4) NOP-112 (0) (5) UTA-122 (3) (3) GSW- 85 (2) (6) MAV-110 (1) (2) HOU- 96 (0) (7) LAC-114 (3) ---------------------