NBA 2K simulation of 2017-18 season predicts shocking Finals matchup
theScore's NBA team simulated the 2017-18 regular season using the NBA 2K18 video game. Injuries and trades were turned off, allowing for a more precise analysis of what each team is capable of at full strength as currently constructed.
Here are our results:
NBA All-Star Rosters
Eastern Conference
| Team | Player |
|---|---|
| Toronto Raptors | Kyle Lowry |
| Toronto Raptors | DeMar DeRozan |
| Milwaukee Bucks | Giannis Antetokounmpo |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | LeBron James |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | Kevin Love |
| - | - |
| Washington Wizards | John Wall |
| Washington Wizards | Bradley Beal |
| Boston Celtics | Gordon Hayward |
| Miami Heat | Hassan Whiteside |
| New York Knicks | Kristaps Porzingis |
| Orlando Magic | Nikola Vucevic |
| Brooklyn Nets | D'Angelo Russell |
- The East has five first-time All-Stars (Beal, Whiteside, Porzingis, Vucevic, and Russell), with four members of last year's squad now in the West.
- Notable snubs: Kyrie Irving (BOS), Joel Embiid (PHI), Kemba Walker (CHA), Myles Turner (IND), Isaiah Thomas (CLE)
Western Conference
| Team | Player |
|---|---|
| Oklahoma City Thunder | Russell Westbrook |
| Houston Rockets | James Harden |
| Golden State Warriors | Kevin Durant |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | Karl-Anthony Towns |
| New Orleans Pelicans | DeMarcus Cousins |
| - | - |
| Golden State Warriors | Stephen Curry |
| Portland Trail Blazers | C.J. McCollum |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | Paul George |
| New Orleans Pelicans | Anthony Davis |
| Utah Jazz | Rudy Gobert |
| Houston Rockets | Chris Paul |
| Portland Trail Blazers | Damian Lillard |
- Notable snubs: Draymond Green and Klay Thompson (GSW), Jimmy Butler (MIN), Carmelo Anthony (OKC), Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan (LAC), Marc Gasol (MEM)
Final Standings
- The last time the San Antonio Spurs notched fewer than 50 wins during a full 82-game slate was 1996-97 (20-62).
- New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls supporters will be pleasantly surprised to see their teams in the postseason. Dumbfounded, even.
- The Warriors fell just short of tying the NBA record for most wins in a season at 73, set back in 2015-16.
- Biggest jump in East: Philadelphia 76ers (+16)
- Biggest dip in East: Atlanta Hawks (-13)
- Biggest jump in West: New Orleans Pelicans (+14)
- Biggest dip in West: San Antonio Spurs (-27)
Statistical Leaders
Points: Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors (30.8)
Rebounds: Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz (13.5)
Assists: Chris Paul, Houston Rockets (11.8)
Year-End Awards
Most Valuable Player: Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
- Note: Curry also set a new NBA record by converting 440 3-pointers, shattering the previous record of 402 that he set in 2015-16.
Rookie of the Year: Lonzo Ball, Los Angeles Lakers
Defensive Player of the Year: Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz
Most Improved Player: Jerian Grant, Chicago Bulls
NBA Sixth Man of the Year: Jeremy Lin, Brooklyn Nets
NBA Coach of the Year: Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors
2017-18 NBA Playoffs
- The conversation about the league lacking parity can be put on hold, as two teams not named the Warriors and Cavaliers will duke it out in The Finals for the first time since 2014.
- The Cavaliers were swept out of the playoffs by the same team they swept themselves the year prior in the Toronto Raptors. Revenge is truly a dish best served cold.
- The Melo-less Knicks sneaking into the playoffs is one thing, but shocking the No. 2-seeded Washington Wizards in the opening round? Was the game functioning properly?
- This marks the Raptors' first appearance in a Finals, and Houston's fifth.
2017-18 NBA Champions: Rockets over Raptors in 6
Finals Most Valuable Player: James Harden
(Photos courtesy: NBA 2K18)