daltontr

Tales from the front office: DDSPB

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OCTOBER 2020
In the season preview we were ranked #1 in the Division and #2 in the Conference. However, that was before the two trades that sent Markkanen to the Grizzlies and Allen to the Pelicans. Consequently, the slow start to the season is somewhat concerning. No one has hit the panic button just yet, but this isn't the best of starts and some pundits are already calling for my head. However, it's still early days and as I anticipated, we are marginally down in scoring, but much improved on defense. Last year we were ranked 2nd in offense and 28th in defense; so far this season we are 7th in offense and 14th in defense. 

REGULAR SEASON RECORD
3-4 (4th - Central 0-0)

Key Injuries
10/31 - PG Kyrie Irving (Sore Back - should return 11/3)

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Edited by daltontr

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NOVEMBER 2020
This time last year we were 8-12, so the 14-8 start is much improved. Kyrie is ranked 7th in the league in scoring, averaging 27.2 ppg and the team is far better defensively than it was last year. More importantly, Jaren Jackson is ranked 24th, averaging 21.5 ppg, which is significantly better than the 15.9 ppg of Lauri Markkanen. I know it's only two months into the season, but I'm starting to feel much better about the future of this team and Skip Bayless can go suck it. We are currently ranked 2nd in the league in points per game and lead the league in blocked shots with 8.1 bpg. Not bad for a team with the second lowest payroll in the league...did I mention that Skip Bayless can suck it, because he can. 

Interesting note: The 76ers are a league best 19-1 and are currently on a thirteen game winning streak. Their only loss was a 95-88 defeat on Nov. 1st to the Portland Trailblazers. The Utah Jazz are also on a twelve game winning streak of their own and the woeful Toronto Raptors have only won one game all year. The Raptors have lost eleven straight and their only victory was an 88-79 win over the Orlando Magic. 

REGULAR SEASON RECORD
14-8 (2nd - Central 2-2) 

Offensive Rating - 6th (111.4)
Defensive Rating - 11th (106.9)

Key Injuries
11/3 - SF Rui Hachimura (Sprained Ankle - should return 11/13)

 CONFERENCE STANDINGS
  EASTERN | WESTERN 
PHI 19-01 | LAL 19-04
DET 14-06 | UTA 18-04
CHI 18-08 | POR 15-06
NYK 14-09 | GSW 15-06
BOS 10-11 | HOU 14-07
ATL 10-12 | NOP 13-08
BKN 09-12 | PHO 12-08
CHA 08-13 | LAC 13-09
----------|----------
IND 07-13 | DAL 12-09
ORL 07-13 | SAS 12-10
MIL 06-14 | SAC 10-11
MIA 06-14 | DEN 09-13
CLE 06-16 | MEM 07-13
WAS 05-16 | MIN 07-15
TOR 01-20 | OKC 05-15

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Edited by daltontr

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DECEMBER 2020
The 76ers are still the best team in the NBA, but Joel Embiid went down with a broken ankle on Dec. 10th against the Warriors and Philadelphia has looked rather pedestrian, going 6-5 in his absence. It could be worse though, as the Toronto Raptors have been absolutely wretched. They are ranked 30th overall in offense and 24th in defense. On the bright side, they did manage to win three games in the Month of December and that is a vast improvement over their 1-20 start to the season. For the Bulls, we continue to play well and went 7-2 after Kyrie went down with an injury. It's good to know that we have enough depth to stay competitive even when our best player is sidelined with an injury. We are a little over a month away from the trade deadline, but I don't see any reason to mess with success at this point. Barring any injuries, I think we are poised to make a deep run in the playoffs, which would thrill Mr. Reinsdorf. 

REGULAR SEASON RECORD
26-11 (1st - Central 7-2) 

Offensive Rating - 2nd (112.8)
Defensive Rating - 11th (106.8)

Key Injuries
12/15 - PG Kyrie Irving (Strained Hamstring - should return 12/30)

 

CONFERENCE STANDINGS
  EASTERN | WESTERN 
PHI 28-09 | LAL 28-10
CHI 26-11 | LAC 24-13
DET 24-11 | HOU 24-13
NYK 27-13 | NOP 22-13
BKN 19-17 | DAL 22-14
BOS 18-18 | POR 22-14
ATL 18-19 | UTA 22-15
IND 15-19 | GSW 21-15
----------|----------
CHA 14-22 | PHO 18-17
MIA 14-22 | SAC 17-18
MIL 12-24 | SAS 18-20
ORL 12-24 | DEN 16-21
CLE 10-26 | OKC 16-21
WAS 10-27 | MEM 12-25
TOR 04-13 | MIN 11-24

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Edited by daltontr

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JANUARY 2021
Well...I just had to say it didn't I. "Barring any injuries, I think we are poised to make a deep run in the playoffs, which would thrill Mr. Reinsdorf." Never, ever, ever suggest that everything is going to be great, barring an injury, unless your looking for the basketball gods to strike down your starting guard. Yep, Zach Lavine is lost for the season with an ACL tear. Zach is an integral part of this team. No one gets more minutes than Zach and his 18.1 ppg is going to be sorely missed. 

Since we don't have a lot of depth at that position, I decided to see if any team would be willing to part with a veteran player who was in the final year of his contract. Rent-a-guard so to speak. Enter guard Lou Williams. Williams is a 6'-1", 175 lbs, 34 year-old shooting guard from the L.A. Clippers. He has excellent ball handling skills and is a good shooter. Lou is in the final year of his $8 mil contract and looking for playing time, so he fits the bill perfectly. I was able to obtain him from the Clippers for SG Allan Crabbe and two second round draft picks. Williams will jump right into the starting role vacated by Lavine. 

REGULAR SEASON RECORD
34-18 (1st - Central 11-3) 

Offensive Rating - 3rd (112.2)
Defensive Rating - 12th (107.1)

Key Injuries
1/6 - SG Pat Connaughton (Sprained Wrist - Out until 1/18)
1/26 - SG Zach Lavine (Torn ACL - Out until 11/22/21)

 

CONFERENCE STANDINGS
  EASTERN | WESTERN 
PHI 38-11 | LAL 36-16
NYK 37-15 | HOU 36-17
CHI 34-18 | NOP 32-17
DET 31-18 | DAL 31-19
ATL 28-22 | LAC 30-21
BOS 26-22 | UTA 29-21
BKN 28-24 | GSW 28-22
IND 21-28 | PHO 27-23
----------|----------
CHA 20-31 | SAS 28-24
MIA 19-32 | POR 26-25
MIL 18-33 | DEN 25-29
ORL 17-33 | OKC 23-28
WAS 15-35 | MEM 21-29
CLE 13-37 | SAC S0-30
TOR 08-44 | MIN 15-36
ROSTER
PG | 4.0 | Kyrie Irving
SG | 3.0 | Lou Williams 
SF | 3.0 | Rui Hachimura
PF | 3.5 | Jaren Jackson
 C | 3.0 | Derrick Favors
BENCH
 C | 2.5 | Wendell Carter
PG | 3.0 | Coby White
SG | 2.0 | Pat Connaughton
PF | 2.0 | Luke Kornet
SF | 2.0 | Chandler Hutchison
PG | 2.5 | Chris Chiozza
PF | 2.0 | Daniel Gafford
G-LEAGUE
SF | 2.0 | Torrey Craig
 C | 2.0 | Zhou Qi
INJURED (Season Ending)
SG | 3.5 | Zach Lavine

 

CONTRACTS
Player             | Pos|  Ht | Wt  |Age | Contract
Wendell Carter Jr. | C  | 6-9 | 259 | 21 | $5,448,840/2y 
Daniel Gafford     | PF | 6-10| 234 | 22 | $1,517,981/3y
Chandler Hutchison | SF | 6-7 | 197 | 24 | $2,443,440/2y
Luke Kornet        | PF | 7-2 | 240 | 25 | $2,304,878/1y 
Zach LaVine        | SG | 6-6 | 181 | 25 | $19,500,000/2y
Jaren Jackson      | PF | 6-11| 242 | 21 | $7,257,360/2y
Coby White         | PG | 6-4 | 185 | 20 | $5,572,680/2y (RO)
Kyrie Irving       | PG | 6-2 | 195 | 28 | $33,329,100/3y 
Derrick Favors     | C  | 6-9 | 246 | 29 | $15,404,013/4y
Rui Hachimura      | SF | 6-8 | 230 | 22 | $4,692,840/2y (RO)
Chris Chiozza      | PG | 5-11| 175 | 25 | $1,517,981/1y
Pat Connaughton    | SG | 6-5 | 209 | 28 | $1,954,634/1y
Lou Williams       | SG | 6-1 | 175 | 34 | $8,000,000/1y
Torry Craig        | SF | 6-7 | 215 | 30 | $75,000 (2W-GLG)
Zhou Qi            | C  | 7-1 | 210 | 25 | $75,000 (2W-GLG) 

TEAM SALARY $109,033,747  
CAP STATUS +$6,466,253

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Edited by daltontr

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FEBRUARY 2021
New arrival Lou Williams has played well at times, but his shooting has been somewhat streaky and his defense has been suspect at best. However, filling the shoes of a star player like Zach Lavine is a big ask for the 34 year-old. Also, center Zhou Qi tore his MCL while playing for the Bison in the G-League, so we do not have anyone we can call up in the event of an injury to Derrick Favors or Wendell Carter. Consequently, I decided to sign free agent center Isaac Humphries to a one-year $1.5 mil contract to provide a little short-term depth at the position. 

REGULAR SEASON RECORD
39-23 (1st - Central 11-3) 

Offensive Rating - 6th (111.5)
Defensive Rating - 11th (106.8)

Key Injuries
1/26 - SG Zach Lavine (Torn ACL - Out until 11/22/21)

 

CONFERENCE STANDINGS
  EASTERN | WESTERN 
PHI 47-13 | HOU 42-20
NYK 44-19 | NOP 40-21
CHI 39-23 | LAC 41-22
DET 38-23 | GSW 38-23
ATL 36-25 | UTA 37-24
BKN 35-27 | DAL 37-25
BOS 31-28 | LAC 37-25
MIA 25-37 | SAS 33-29
----------|----------
CHA 24-37 | PHO 31-29
IND 23-38 | DEN 33-31
MIL 22-39 | POR 31-30
ORL 19-43 | MEM 26-34
WAS 18-44 | OKC 26-37
CLE 15-45 | SAC 24-36
TOR 12-50 | MIN 17-44

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Edited by daltontr

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MARCH 2021
Injuries, injuries, injuries...There is really not much else to say. It was bad enough losing Zach Lavine for the season with an ACL tear, but one after another, key players fell to the injury bug. Wendell Carter, then Derrick Favors, followed by Jaren Jackson and Rui Hachimura. Literally every starter, with the exception of Kyrie Irving "Knock on Wood" went down with an injury in the month of March. Consequently, our hopes of a 50 win season are very likely dashed with only six games remaining on the schedule. 

3/10 Kyrie named the NBA player of the week. 

REGULAR SEASON RECORD
42-32 (1st - Central 12-4) 

Offensive Rating - 5th (111.1)
Defensive Rating - 14th (107.2)

Key Injuries
1/26 - SG Zach Lavine (Torn ACL - Out until 11/22)
3/2  - C Wendell Carter (Broken Finger - Out until 4/14)
3/7  - C Derrick Favors (Strained Calf - Out until 3/20)
3/11 - PF Jaren Jackson (Mild Concussion - Out until 3/22)
3/19 - SF Rui Hachimura (Bruised Abdominal - Out until 4/9)

 

CONFERENCE STANDINGS
  EASTERN | WESTERN 
PHI 58-18 | HOU 52-24
NYK 52-24 | LAL 52-25
BKN 46-30 | GSW 50-27
CHI 44-32 | NOP 48-28
DET 44-32 | UTA 46-30
ATL 41-34 | DAL 46-30
BOS 39-36 | LAC 45-31
MIA 30-46 | DEN 42-35
----------|----------
IND 29-47 | SAS 40-36
MIL 29-47 | POR 39-37
CHA 29-48 | PHO 39-37
ORL 25-52 | MEM 34-42
WAS 24-52 | OKC 34-43
CLE 18-58 | SAC 30-45
TOR 14-63 | MIN 23-53

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Edited by daltontr

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APRIL 2021
We won the Central Division with a 12-4 record, but a fourth place overall finish in the conference was disappointing. Our 47-35 record would only be good enough for eighth place in the Western Conference. As a matter of fact, the Eastern Conference is so weak, that the Milwaukee Bucks made the playoffs with a record of 34-48. That's right 14 games under .500%! That is ridiculous and the NBA should seriously reconsider having two conferences. It really was a difficult end to the regular season with all the injuries and with all the losses, it really feels like we're backing into post season. On the bright side, only Connaughton remains on the injury report and of course Lavine was lost for the year back in January. 

FINAL REGULAR SEASON RECORD
47-35 (1st - Central 12-4) 

Offensive Rating - 6th (111.1)
Defensive Rating - 15th (107.5)

Key Injuries
1/26 - SG Zach Lavine (Torn ACL - Out until 11/22)
4/6 - SG Pat Connaughton (Mild Concussion - Out until 4/17

        FINAL
 CONFERENCE STANDINGS
  EASTERN | WESTERN 
PHI 63-19 | LAL 56-26
NYK 55-27 | HOU 54-28
BKN 48-34 | GSW 52-30
CHI 47-35 | NOP 52-30
DET 46-36 | UTA 49-33
BOS 45-38 | DAL 49-33
ATL 44-38 | LAC 48-34
MIL 34-48 | DEN 45-37
----------|----------
CHA 33-49 | POR 44-38
IND 32-50 | PHO 43-39
MIA 32-50 | SAS 42-44
ORL 25-57 | MEM 38-44
WAS 25-57 | OKC 36-46
CLE 20-62 | SAC 34-48
TOR 16-66 | MIN 23-59

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Edited by daltontr

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PLAYOFFS

ROUND 1/GAME 1 
Pistons 98, Bulls 114 (United Center)

Kyrie Irving, who was awarded player of the game honors, scored 29 points in the Bulls 114-98 win over the Detroit Pistons. The game was close in the opening quarter, but the Bulls led 67-52 at the half and never looked back. Lou Williams added 18 points to the starting lineup, but it was the Bulls bench players that really responsible for the game one win. Wendall Carter, Coby White, and Luke Kornet contributed 48 of the Bull 114 points and the team shot 52.1% from the field and 27.6% from the three-point line. The Bulls also took advantage of their thirty trips to the charity stripe, going 30-32 from the free throw line. Blake Griffen was the only bright spot for the Pistons, scoring 31 points in defeat.    

PLAYOFF TREE
EASTERN CONFERENCE

(1) PHI-109 (1) 
(8) MIL- 95 (0) 

(4) CHI-114 (1) 
(5) DET- 98 (0)

(3) BKN-108 (0)
(6) BOS-114 (1)

(7) NYK-107 (1)
(8) ATL- 89 (0)

WESTERN CONFERENCE

(1) LAL-114 (1)
(8) DEN- 93 (0)

(4) NOP-103 (0)
(5) UTA-105 (1)

(3) GSW-103 (1)
(6) MAV- 84 (0)

(2) HOU-107 (0)
(7) LAC-108 (1)

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Edited by daltontr

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PLAYOFFS

ROUND 1/GAME 2 
Pistons 99, Bulls 106 (United Center)

Game two was nearly a carbon copy of game one, with the Bulls jumping out to an early lead and then coasting to the finish. Kyrie Irving led the way with 38 points, with Hachimura, Favors and Williams combining for 42 points in the victory. Although Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond both contributed double-doubles to the cause, it was an otherwise forgettable night for the rest of the Piston team. E'Twaun Moore, who scored 12 points, was the only other Piston to score in the double digits. The Bulls will now travel to Detroit for game three.


PLAYOFF TREE
EASTERN CONFERENCE

(1) PHI-108 (2) 
(8) MIL- 99 (0) 

(4) CHI-106 (2) 
(5) DET- 99 (0)

(3) BKN-122 (0)
(6) BOS-133 (2)

(7) NYK-127 (2)
(8) ATL-117 (0)

WESTERN CONFERENCE

(1) LAL-108 (1)
(8) DEN-124 (1)

(4) NOP-103 (0)
(5) UTA-113 (2)

(3) GSW-118 (2)
(6) MAV-102 (0)

(2) HOU-118 (0)
(7) LAC-121 (2)

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Edited by daltontr

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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)

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Edited by daltontr

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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)

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Edited by daltontr

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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)

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Edited by daltontr

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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)

---------------------

Edited by daltontr

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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) | 

---------------------

Edited by daltontr

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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) | 

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Edited by daltontr

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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) | 

---------------------

Edited by daltontr

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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) |

---------------------

Edited by daltontr

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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) |

---------------------

Edited by daltontr

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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) |

---------------------

Edited by daltontr

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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) |

---------------------

Edited by daltontr

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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) | 

---------------------

Edited by daltontr

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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) |

---------------------

Edited by daltontr

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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) |

---------------------
 

Edited by daltontr

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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) |

---------------------

Edited by daltontr

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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) |

---------------------
 

Edited by daltontr

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