If you recognize this picture, then you’ll certainly understand the title. If you don’t, then how dare you call yourself a basketball fan… Also, you should check out Vince Carter in the 2000 slam dunk contest.
We have reached my final recap of the season. It has been a long journey. We have laughed and cried, we have shouted and groaned, but most of all, we have experienced the deep love of fantasy basketball that transcends us all. For the good times we’ve had, I thank you. For those who have offered comments, compliments, and constructive criticism, I appreciate you. And for the haters, I say fuck you. Wait, am I allowed to say that??? Well shit…
We start our night in Detroit, where the Pistons barely manage to edge the Nets 90-89… Let’s dive in!
- Brook Lopez – There weren’t really any highlights on the Nets squad, but Brook was definitely a lowlight. 11/9/2/1/1 on 4-17 shooting… Blehhhhhhh.
- Marcus Morris – One of the heroes of the game, he finished with 28 points, 13 boards, and threw in 2 blocks for good measure. The 12-18 shooting will help us to forget about his 4 TOs.
- Ish Smith – Muh boy! I’ve been pimpin’ him all season, and he’s really performing. I highly doubt Reggie Jackson will have a job next season, but that’s just a hunch, so don’t call me on it. Anyway, 21/6/5/0/1 from Ish on 50% shooting and he also hit 3 from deep. Honestly, this could be a pretty typical line next season.
In our second game of the evening, the Timberwolves ran rough-shod over the poor Lakers to the tune of 119-104.
- Ricky Rubio – Absolutely dominated with a stellar 33/5/10/2/0 – He’s been great of late, and one cant help but wonder if the absence of Zach Lavine hasn’t helped him a bit… Oh, he also hit 4/5 from downtown, and it’s obvious that he’s a much more confident shooter lately.
- Karl-Anthony Towns – 32/9/2/2/1. This T-Wolves core is going to be scary in the very near future.
- Gorgui Dieng – 11/15/6/0/3. A fabulous line from Dieng, who has struggled this season. Perhaps he can re-establish himself over the last few weeks here. He certainly has the ability to put up some great multi-cat lines with low TOs. He only had 1 giveaway on the night.
- Andrew Wiggins – 27/4/2/1/0. The counting stats weren’t spectacular, but I think he fits in very well with this young Wolves core. I’m honestly not sure if Lavine helps them in the long run. It seems like they don’t have enough ball to go around when he’s there.
- Jordan Clarkson – He’s been thriving in the PG role, and that didn’t stop tonight. 18/7/3/0/0 with 4 treys. It’s not spectacular, but it’s definitely a big step up from his production from early on.
- Ivica Zubac – Sprained his ankle and left the game after playing only 2 minutes. Unfortunately, the Lakers have a back to back this weekend, so Zubac probably won’t be playing both games…
The struggling Cavaliers suffered a tough loss at the hands of the Bulls – 93-99. They are really going to have to turn it around, if they have any hope of competing for a championship. By the looks of it, the Celtics are the front-runners in the East.
- LeBron James – 26/10/8/1/1. Another solid line from The King, but I think the minutes will take a toll on him if he isn’t rested more before the playoffs.
- Tristan Thompson – 15/9/0/1/0. No blocks tonight, and a rather blah line from Thompson. The FG% is helpful, but the defensive stats really need to pick up for him to have value.
- Nikola Mirotic – Another spectacular night from Mirotic. 28/10/1/0/1 with 6 makes from deep and 9-14 from the field. He is quickly making a case to be drafted in the middle rounds next season.
- Jimmy Butler – The Butler added another solid line to his resume with 25/6/5/2/0. He hit 2 treys, had only 1 TO, and made 10/17 from the field. He’s a stud.
Since it is my last recap of the season, I tried very hard to stay awake, but as I write this, the Clippers-Suns game has just finished, and the Rockets and Trailblazers are still in the 3rd quarter. It really isn’t my fault that the NBA discriminates against the East Coast…
- Blake Griffin – Led the Clips to a win with 31/7/2/2/0 – No blocks in there, but still solid, especially since he shot 12-19 and 2-2 from deep.
- Chris Paul – 29/5/10/1/0 Looks healthy and ready for the playoffs. He was his usual efficient self. Not much to see here.
- Devin Booker – Wilt Chamberlain only managed 33 this game, but that’s only because the Suns were within striking distance, so they didn’t foul the other team for the entire 4th quarter…
- Marquese Chriss – 20/6/2/1/0. He made 2 treys, but with the 4 TOs, it wasn’t a fabulous night. His talent is obvious though.
- Tyler Ulis – The little man had a great 16/3/13/1/0 line with only 2 TOs!! He’s going to be a great piece for the Suns next season, and I think he’ll hold late round value without an injury.
Ladies and gents! I made it to the final game! I thought of quitting, but I soldiered on for you, dear reader. It is now after 1 a.m., so if my writing quality goes downhill, I hope you can understand. As I burn the midnight oil, I shall now tell you the tale of Blazers and Rockets.
- Trevor Ariza – 17/5/2/6/0. He managed 6 steals! Add in the 7-11 shooting, and the 3 treys, and it’s easy to see that the loss doesn’t belong on his shoulders.
- James Harden – Obviously, Harden was the main reason for the L, with 30/8/4/1/0 and 11-30 shooting from the field – there is no one else to blame.
- Al-Farouq Aminu – 15/9/1/2/0. His multi-cat production gave the Blazers a great boost in this one. It’s boring, but versatile.
- Damian Lillard – 31/4/11/2/0. There’s nothing else to say about Lillard, he’s been absolutely fabulous lately. 4 triples.
- Jusuf Nurkic – 19/11/0/1/3. I absolutely loved the move to the Blazers, and it has worked out extremely well so far. The Blazers utilize their big men well, and Nurk is playing like a monster. Perhaps, next season, Jusuf will live up to Slim’s high hopes.
It’s been a pleasure writing for you all this season, and I’ll be back this off-season with some random content for all of you Razzy people! As always, leave your comments/questions below, and make sure to include league size and format with your questions.
Thanks for an awesome season!
Adam out.
*Drops mic*
