My latest reports on the world of sports. Welcome to Vaughn's World Sports Network. Here, you will receive nothing but pure, absolute, unbiased facts and opinions on the world of sports. I was inspired to create this, because of my undying passion for sports, and love of history. For those who desire a healthy combination of history with modern facts, this is the place for you. Follow me on Twitter: @301kingvaughnjr
This was in my view, the BEST wrestling video game in Nintendo 64 History. WWF No Mercy was the culmination of wrestling games on Nintendo 64 before WWF/E made their transition to Nintendo Gamecube. By this point, WWF destroyed WCW in the Monday Night Wars and the roster was even more incredible than before. The Rock was at the very top of his game. It was the perfect combination of Revenge and WrestleMania 2000. Create A Wrestler Mode was more detailed and improved, where there were more movesets, more attributes to customize, and each piece of ring attire is put in different sections. Like Revenge and WM 2000, wrestlers have four different types of ring attires. Unlike WM 2000, you could not only edit the heights and weights of wrestlers, but you could also edit their body type and music as well. The movesets will still have to be the same. Some of the unlockables, such as Taka Michinoku, Funaki, JR and Jerry Lawler have different slots, but identical movesets. No Mercy also marked the first time that wrestlers could fight backstage. This was also the first Nintendo 64 wrestling game that included ladder matches and special guest referee matches. Each superstar had a referee shirt as their fourth attire. This was also the first game where you could break the announcer's table. No Mercy goes to another level beyond the career mode of WrestleMania 2000. WWF No Mercy introduces a Championship Mode, where you could choose which titles that you want to go for. Each title has a story behind it (Which is how things should still be). Angles included Stone Cold's feud with The Rock, and the angle between Triple H and Mankind.
Titles in Championship Mode:
WWF Championship
Intercontinental Championship
European Championship
Tag Team Championship
Hardcore Championship
Another huge feature was added to the game called "Smackdown Mall". When you earn money through winning matches through Story and Survival mode, you could use it to unlock characters, arenas, ring attire, moves, weapons, props, and weapons. The Roster was loaded even more.
The Rock
Stone Cold
Undertaker
Triple H
Kane
Mankind
Big Show
Y2J Chris Jericho
Kurt Angle
Chris Benoit
Eddie Guerrero
Dean Malenko
Perry Saturn
British Bulldog
Tazz
Edge
Christian
X-Pac
Dudley Boyz (Buh Buh & D-Von)
Matt Hardy
Jeff Hardy
Faarooq
Bradshaw
Viscera
Test
Albert
Steven Richards
Bull Buchanan
Hardcore Holly
Crash Holly
Al Snow
Rikishi
Grand Master Sexay
Scotty Too Hotty
Road Dogg Jesse James
Billy Gunn
D'Lo Brown
Mark Henry
Godfather
Val Venis
Big Bossman
Essa Rios
Women:
Chyna
Trish Stratus
Lita
The Kat
Terri Runnels
Ivory
Tori
Jacqueline
Debra
Unlockables:
Characters:
Shawn Michaels
Andre The Giant
Vince McMahon
Cactus Jack
Mick Foley
Ken Shamrock
Shane McMahon
Stephanie McMahon
Linda McMahon
Jim Ross/Jerry Lawler
Pat Patterson/Gerald Brisco
Earl Hebner
Godfather's Ho
Michael Cole
Paul Bearer
Funaki
Howard Finkel
Arenas:
Backlash
Titles:
Smoking Skull Belt
WWF had great new additions with new phenomenon Kurt Angle. WWF also added other former WCW/ECW stars Chris Benoit, Eddie Guerrero, Perry Saturn, Dean Malenko and Tazz, to add into the mix.
Overall, No Mercy received great reviews. IGN gave it a 9.0, 7.7 from GameStop, and B+ from Game Revolution. When GamePro said that it would have you grappling for days, they were not lying at all. I was hooked even more than I was to Revenge and WrestleMania 2000. The initial copies of No Mercy had issues where the saved content would get erased. Thankfully, I never faced that problem, as I apparently purchased one of the later copies. No Mercy is another classic that us Old School fans from the late 90's will always enjoy.
East:
Heat over Bucks (4-0)
Celtics over Knicks (4-2)
Bulls over Nets (4-2)
Pacers over Hawks (4-1)
West:
Thunder over Rockets (4-0)
Spurs over Lakers (4-0)
Clippers over Grizzlies (4-3)
Nuggets over Warriors (4-2)
East:
Heat vs. Bucks:
Miami will skate through the first round through Milwaukee. The Bucks stops with the Heat.
Celtics vs. Knicks:
Even though Carmelo won the scoring title, I believe that Boston's defense will neutrailize New York's ballstopping. The Knicks live by outside shooting, and during the playoffs, teams that live by that more often than not will die by that. Even with Rondo out, Boston will find a way to rally and regroup.
Bulls vs. Nets:
Tough series for me to call, but I see Chicago finding a way to regroup after that humiliating loss in Game 1. Even with their franchise player (Derrick Rose) out for such a long time, the Bulls have proven that they can be a down and dirty team that will fight even harder with their back against the wall. Noah has been battling injuries, while Deng, Hinrich and Gibson fell flat in Game 1. Boozer led with 25, while Nate Robinson came off the bench with 17, along with Marco Belinelli had 13. The Starters have to raise their game to give Chicago a stronger chance. Meanwhile, the Nets had six players in double-figures: Deron Williams (22), Brook Lopez (21), Joe Johnson (16), Gerald Wallace (14), Former Bull C.J. Watson (14), and Andre Blatche (12). If Chicago's nucleus can pull their own weight, this will be the blue-collar matchup that will be right in their favor.
Pacers vs. Hawks:
Indiana's nucleus of Danny Granger, Paul George, Roy Hibbert, David West, George Hill, and Tyler Hansborough will be too much for the Hawks to handle. The Pacers have been a more proven playoff team for the past two years. In 2011, they were a tougher matchup for the Bulls than the Hawks were. In 2012, they put Miami against the wall in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Pacers are too physical for the Hawks to overcome.
West:
Thunder vs. Rockets:
This will be a very interesting matchup, with former Sixth Man James Harden facing his former team as a star for the Houston Rockets. This storyline will be the focus of the series. In the season opener, Harden made his own statement versus the Thunder, with a career-high 46 points in Houston's only win against Oklahoma City during the season. The Duo of Harden and Jeremy Lin have led the Rockets to the 8th Seed in the West. Meanwhile, Oklahoma City will zero in on James Harden, after Harden hit a wall in the Finals against the Heat, costing them the series. James Harden has averaged 25.9 ppg in his first season as a starter. Meanwhile, the Thunder have not missed a beat with new addition Kevin Martin (the very player they traded Harden for). Kevin Durant led the team in Scoring (28.1 ppg- 2nd in NBA), with Russell Westbrook finishing 2nd on the team in Scoring (23.2 ppg). Kevin Martin sacrificed his scoring, with 14.0 ppg, while Serge Ibaka put in 13.2 ppg. The games themselves will be pretty tough, but Oklahoma
Spurs vs. Lakers:
Both teams have been battling health issues. Clearly, the Lakers lost their franchise player for the next 6-9 months. However, San Antonio has proven to be a more effective and devastating team, when both are healthy. The Lakers have greatly underperformed all season long, with the team that they have assembled. (Kobe, Dwight, Nash, Pau Gasol, Artest) San Antonio's chemistry and Basketball IQ will exploit that massive weakness. However, I see the Lakers pulling out at least 1, as they will find a way to move the ball around more without Kobe. The Spurs will pick them apart with their superior ball movement, defense, and other strategies.
Clippers vs. Grizzlies:
I see this series being more of the same from last year's series. In Game 1, the Clippers had their way with Memphis (112-91), with Chris Paul leading the way with 23 points, Eric Bledsoe with 15, Chauncey Billups with 14, Caron Butler and Jamal Crawford both with 13, and Blake Griffin and Matt Barnes both with 10. Memphis has the advantage inside (Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol), but the Clippers perimeter will find a way to neutralize them.
Nuggets vs. Warriors:
This will be a battle of two great small ball teams. Led by 3-point marksman Stephen Curry along with the likes of David Lee, Klay Thompson and co. Golden State will be a very intriguing matchup for Denver. However, the Nuggets have a more well-rounded team in my view. Denver has a very dangerous combination of guards (Ty Lawson, Andre Miller) star wingman (Andre Iguodala), along with an interior presence (Javale McGee). The Nuggets can not only run the table on fastbreaks, but can dominate inside as well. As I have said about the Knicks, teams that live too much by the three will die by it in the playoffs. I see this happening with the Nuggets using their size to take great advantage as well.
Last week, I paid tribute to the Legendary "WWF WrestleMania 2000" for Nintendo 64. Now, I will highlight the very game that pushed WWF to that next level in my view. Today, I will talk about "WCW/NWO Revenge". At the time, WCW was already miles ahead of WWF in terms of video games. While WWF was stuck in the dark ages with In Your House Shows and Arcade Games (WrestleMania: Arcade), WCW was breaking ground with wrestling games, while using 3-D graphics on N64. (WCW/NWO World Tour) Even though WWF was winning the Monday Night Wars during the release, WCW/NWO Revenge was the wrestling game of the year in 1998. IGN gave Revenge an 8 out of 10, Gamespot gave it a 7.2 out of 10, while GamePro gave it a 4.5 out of 5 stars. Revenge was a tremendous success, as it was the best-selling wrestling video game for the N64, according to IGN in 1999. I was a kid growing up in the Attitude Era at the time, but enjoyed what WCW brought to the table. I remember times after school or on the weekends I would go to my friends house to play Revenge. It amazed me every time I played it. The grappling system was among the best, which was simple for me to grasp. The finishing moves were very on point as well, such as Kevin Nash's Jacknife Powerbomb, Goldberg's Jackhammer, Sting's Scorpion Deathlock, and Chris Jericho's Liontamer to name a few. The game was downright addictive, as we would play match after match after match without ever getting bored. The game also included arenas such as Nitro, Starrcade, Bash at the Beach, Fall Brawl, Souled Out and Halloween Havoc. Revenge also included Championship mode, where you would go through a journey to win whatever title you choose. You would also unlock the wrestler who previously held the title. For example, in order to unlock Rowdy Roddy Piper, you had to defeat him for the WCW World Heavyweight Title. (This was the closest that Piper would ever come to being a World Champion, sadly)
Titles in Championship Mode:
WCW World Heavyweight Championship- Roddy Piper
U.S. Heavyweight Championship- Curt Hennig
World Television Championship- Kanyon/Mortis
Cruiserweight Championship- Kidman
Tag Team Championship- Meng & Barbarian
*-Champions to unlock
Even among that, the Roster itself really caught my attention. The roster was so large (63 Wrestlers), that they had to be placed in different divisions. The NWO and Raven's Flock were divided into their own roster sections. The Cruiserweights had their own roster section.
NWO White:
Hollywood Hogan
The Giant
Brian Adams
Scott Hall
Scott Norton
Buff Bagwell
Scott Steiner
Curt Hennig*
NWO Red (Wolfpac):
Kevin Nash
Sting
Konnan
Lex Luger
Randy Savage
Raven's Flock:
Raven
Sick Boy
Kidman*
Reese
Riggs
Lodi
WCW 1:
Roddy Piper*
Goldberg
Diamond Dallas Page
Bret Hart
Booker T.
Chris Benoit
Rick Steiner
Fit Finley
WCW 2:
Saturn
Disco Inferno
Jim Neidhart
British Bulldog
Glacier
Kanyon/Mortis*
Meng*
Van Hammer
WCW 3:
Yugi Nagata
Larry Zbysko
Barbarian*
La Parka
Stevie Ray
WCW 4 (Cruiserweight Division):
Chris Jericho
Eddie Guerrero
Rey Mysterio Jr.
Juventud Guerrera
Dean Malenko
Psychosis
Ultimo Dragon
Chavo Guerrero Jr.
Alex Wright
EWF:
AKI/THQ Man
Shogun
Executioner
Dr. Frank
Jekel
Maya Inca Boy
DAW:
Hawk Hana
Kim Chee
Dake Ken
Brickowski
Ming Chee
Han Zo Mon
WCW-1 was for the Top Main Event Wrestlers in the company who were not with either NWO factions or with Raven's Flock. WCW-2 was for the Midcarders. WCW-3 was for those who were not quite Jobbers, but at least third tier. Obviously, the fourth division was for the Cruiserweights (My personal favorite outside of the NWO and Main Event) This was also the first game where you could use weapons, and make your opponent bleed. I could not believe what I saw. It was incredible. Overall, WCW/NWO Revenge raised the bar for wrestling games even higher, as it was ahead of it's time in many different ways. This game is a Legend among wrestling/fighting video games.
This week, I would like to wish a Happy 66th Birthday to NBA Icon and Legend, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Formerly known as Lewis Alcindor, Kareem was a force in basketball ever since playing on the Playgrounds of Rucker Park as well as being the star at Power Memorial High School. While at Power Memorial, Lew Alcindor led his team to a 27-game winning streak en route to the 1963 Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) Championship. The streak continued into the following season as Alcindor led Power Memorial to an undefeated record while winning their 2nd Consecutive CHSAA Championship in 1964. Power Memorial's amazing streak ended at 71 games at the hands of Dematha High School, 46-43. During Alcindor's High School Career, Power Memorial went 96-6. The Undefeated 1963-64 team was named "The #1 High School Team of the Century" by National Sports Writers, while being inducted into the CHSAA Hall of Fame still being recognized as "The #1 High School Team of the Century". Overall, Power Memorial won three New York City Catholic High School Championships, with Alcindor being the key. Lew Alcindor would transfer his success over to UCLA, joining the freshmen team in 1965-66. In his freshman season, UCLA was ranked 1st in the preseason. However, during the season opener on November 27, 1965, Lew Alcindor led the freshman to a victory over the varsity team, 75-60. Alcindor scored 31 points while grabbing 21 rebounds during that winning effort. Alcindor would go on to play a total of four seasons with the Bruins (1966-69), under Hall of Fame Coach John Wooden. During his tenure, Alcindor led UCLA to a record of 88-2 in a three year run (1967-69). Lew Alcindor dominated the College Basketball landscape like no other player before or since. He rewrote the record books. UCLA will forever be "The House that Lew built". During his stellar college career, Alcindor received the following accolades:
Lew Alcindor at UCLA:
3-time NCAA Champion (1967-69)
3-time NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player (1967-69)
3-time College National Player of the Year (1967-69)
Led UCLA to 88-2 Record (1967-69)
3-time 1st Team All-American (1967-69)
USBWA College Player of the Year (1967, 1968)
1st ever Naismith College Player of the Year (1969)
3-time Helms Foundation Player of the Year (1967-69)
UCLA #33 retired
As a UCLA Bruin, Alcindor was a game changer in many ways. In 1967, dunking was banned from college basketball, because of his dominance of the shot. It would not return to college until 1976. On January 20, 1968, Lew Alcindor and the UCLA Bruins faced Elvin Hayes and the Houston Cougars in what would be known as the "Game of the Century". The Game was a history maker in large part, because it was the first ever nationally televised regular-season basketball game in NCAA History. The Game was held live at the Houston Astrodome in front of 52,693 fans. Big E dominated the game with 39 points, 15 rebounds, while Alcindor was limited to 15 points, because of the scratch on his left cornea (which caused him to later wear goggles). Houston defeat UCLA, 71-69. However, Alcindor would avenge that loss in the 1968 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament, as UCLA annihilated Houston 101-69 in the semifinals. A healthy Alcindor scored 19 points with 18 rebounds. The Bruins would go on to win their 2nd straight National Championship.
UCLA Records:
Highest career scoring average: 26.4
Most career field goals: 943 (tied w/Don MacLean)
Most points in a season: 870 (1967)
Highest season scoring average: 29.0 (1967)
Most field goals in a season: 346 (1967)
Most free throw attempts in a season: 274 (1967)
Most points in a single game: 61
Most field goals in a single game: 26 (vs. Washington State, 2/25/1967)
Of course, Alcindor would go on to become the 1st Overall Pick of the 1969 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. Lew Alcindor's arrival came at the perfect time, following the departure of Bill Russell. Automatically, Alcindor would be linked to Wilt Chamberlain as his future successor, as Wilt was 33 years old. During the 1969-70 season, Alcindor's dominance led the Bucks to a 29-game improvement from the previous season. That season, Milwaukee went from 27-55, to 56-26 leading them to second place in the Eastern Conference. His impact was immediate, as he ranked 2nd in scoring (28.8 ppg) and 3rd in rebounding (14.5 rpg), on 51% shooting from the field. while unanimously winning the NBA Rookie of the Year. Alcindor was also named to his first of a record 19 All-Star Games. Things only improved for Milwaukee, as they acquired Hall of Fame Point Guard "Big O" Oscar Robertson from the Cincinnati Royals. During the 1970-71 campaign, Alcindor would lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 66 win season (20 game win streak), with Oscar Robertson by his side. That season, Alcindor won his first scoring title (31.7 ppg), along with 16.0 rpg, on 57% shooting. which also earned him his 1st out of a record 6 NBA Most Valuable Player Awards. In the playoffs, the Bucks went 12-2, while sweeping the Baltimore Bullets (4-0) to win their first championship in franchise history. During the Finals, Lew Alcindor was named NBA Finals MVP (27.0/18.5/2.8). After the Finals, Alcindor officially changed his name to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. His production didn't hurt however. In 1971-72, Kareem won his second straight MVP Award, while leading the NBA in scoring for the second time. Kareem averaged a career-high 34.8 ppg, while averaging 16.6 rpg, and 4.6 apg on 57% FG. That season, Jabbar also led the Bucks in ending the Lakers 33-game winning streak. In 1972-73, Kareem recorded his third straight season of 30 ppg or higher (30.2) with 16.1 rpg, and 5.0 apg on 55% FG. (Personally, I believe Kareem was the real MVP that season) In 1973-74, Kareem won his third MVP Award in five seasons while averaging 27.0/14.5/4.8 on 54% FG shooting. This was also the first season that Blocks/Steals were recorded as Kareem averaged 3.5 bpg. That season, Jabbar led the Bucks back to the NBA Finals, where they would fall short to the Boston Celtics in seven games. However, Kareem was terrific (32.6/12.1/5.4). The following season (1974-75) would be Kareem's last in Milwaukee. That season, he averaged 30.0/14.0/4.1 as he led the league in blocks. (3.3 bpg)
Lew Alcindor's 1971 MVP Season w/Milwaukee Bucks:
Kareem would later depart to Los Angeles to play for the Lakers, the team that he spent 14 of his 20 seasons with. Therefore, this is the team he has been the most famous for. As a Laker, Kareem did not miss a beat. In his first season (1975-76), Kareem averaged 27.7 ppg on 53% shooting, while leading the NBA in Rebounding (16.9 rpg- career- high), and Blocks. (4.1 bpg- career high) Therefore, it was no surprise that Kareem won MVP in his first season as a Laker. In 1976-77, Jabbar also led the league in Field Goal Percentage (58%- career high), while averaging 26.2/13.3/3.9.3.2. Kareem's production earned him his fifth MVP (second straight with the Lakers). Kareem missed his only All-Star game because of an injury that season. However, he picked things back up the following season. In 1978-79, Kareem averaged 23.8/12.8/5.4 with a league best 4.0 bpg. In 1979-80, Kareem won his sixth and final MVP Award (24.8/10.8/4.5/3.4) Kareem led the NBA in Blocks for the fourth time (3.4 bpg), while also shooting a career-high 60% from the field. With Rookie Sensation Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Kareem and the Lakers were rejuvenated making their first Finals appearance since 1973. That season, the Lakers went 60-22. Kareem was phenomenal in the playoffs, averaging 31.9 ppg, 12.1 rpg, 3.1 apg, and 3.9 bpg. Kareem had his best Finals performance as the Lakers defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in six games. (33.4/13.6/4.6/3.2) Kareem also had a field goal percentage of 54%, while shooting an incredible 80% from the free throw line. However, that amazing production was overshadowed when Kareem went down with an injury during Game 5. Kareem was ROBBED of the Finals MVP Award, when Magic Johnson caught lighting in a bottle in Game 6, where he recorded 42 points, 15 rebounds, 7 assists. It was an incredible game, but Kareem was the REAL MVP of that series. This was clearly an example of the media cherry picking to snub the best player (Kareem), because they did not like his personality. Instead, they wanted to award their personal favorite (Magic) even though Kareem was more established, proven and had a Legendary series. Personality aside, Kareem carried more weight for that team and was the True Leader, regardless of his character flaws. When analyzing and awarding athletes, I throw personality issues out of the window and focus on what they do in the games. That is how it should be. As much as I respect Magic Johnson, that Finals MVP will always be tainted in my book. Not to cry over spilled milk, but I just had to vent for a moment. Kareem was the "Leader" on his first of 5 Championships as a Laker. In 1980-81, the Lakers suffered a Sophomore slump, with a Magic Johnson injury and lack of team chemistry. Both issues came to bite them in the playoffs, as they were upset by the Rockets in the 1st Round. In the 1982 Finals, Magic truly made the emergence of being an equal Co-Leader. That series, he averaged, 16/10/8, winning the 2nd Finals MVP. During this time, Kareem's production would take a decline, because of his age. Having an incredible squad with the likes of Magic Johnson, James Worthy and others took the load off of Kareem's shoulders, while covering his weaknesses from age. On April 5th 1984, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar surpassed Wilt Chamberlain to become the All-Time Leading Scorer in NBA History (A record he still holds to this day).
Here is where Kareem breaks Wilt's Career Scoring Record:
(4/5/1984)
After two consecutive losses in the Finals (1983 to Sixers, 1984 to Celtics), the Lakers redeemed themselves. While going 62-20, the Lakers returned to the NBA Mountain. This season was historic because of a number of things: The Lakers won their first championship over the Celtics in the history of their rivalry. Kareem became the oldest player to win Finals MVP. (25.7/9.0/5.2) After an upset by the Rockets in the 1986 WCF, Kareem handed the scoring load over to Magic Johnson. As a result, the Lakers won back-to-back Championships (1987, 1988) becoming the first team to do that since the Celtics. (1968-69) Kareem would finally retire after the 1989 season. During the time of his retirement, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was the NBA's All-Time Leader in points scored, all-star games, games played, minutes played, field goals made, field goals attempted, blocked shots, defensive rebounds and personal fouls. Kareem was widely considered the Greatest Player in NBA History, before the Dominance of Michael Jordan. Kareem's body of work speaks for itself, and you could still make a strong argument today.As I have always said, if you include what he did in High School (Power Memorial) along with College (UCLA), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the most accomplished player in the History of Basketball on all levels, including the Pros.
There are still those today that consider him the greatest, like his peer Julius Erving:
As the Master of the Sky Hook, Kareem was able to pile honor after honor, while terrorizing opponents. Here are his achievements:
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (20 NBA Seasons):
19x NBA All-Star (1970-77, 1979-89) (Most in NBA History)
6x NBA Most Valuable Player (1971, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1980)
Second Place for MVP once (1973)
Third Place twice ('70, '81)
Top Five 15 times ('70-'81, '84-'86)
Top Ten 17 times ('70-'86)
2x Scoring Champion (1971, 1972)
4 Seasons of 30+ ppg
1 Season of 32+ ppg
Rebounding Champion (1976)
4x Blocks Leader (1975, 1976, 1979, 1980)
6x NBA Champion (1971, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988)
2x NBA Finals MVP (1971, 1985)
10x All-NBA 1st Team (1971-'74, '76-'77, 1980-'81, '84, '86)
5x All-NBA 2nd Team (1970, 1978-'79, '83, '85)
5x All-Defensive 1st Team (1974-'75, 1979-'81)
6x All-Defensive 2nd Team (1970-'71, 1976-'78, 1984)
Today, I will be going in a different route in honor of "Throwback Thursday". While everyone puts "throwback" pictures on Instagram (some we don't need to see), I will go back down Memory Lane in terms of my favorite Video Games. For this installment of "Throwback Thursday", I will be spotlighting "WrestleMania 2000". During the Attitude Era, while WCW pushed the envelope on Nintendo 64 with "WCW/NWO World Tour" and "WCW/NWO Revenge", WWF raised the bar with "WrestleMania 2000". This was their first exclusive N64 game, with the same gameplay and graphics as their cross-promotion counterparts. This was also groundbreaking for the fact that, this was the very first WWF/E game under THQ. All around, this game was a major breakthrough for WWF, because it shattered the mold that they were stuck in for years with limited gigabyte games like RAW on Sega/SNES, the MK-like WrestleMania: Arcade, and of course WWF: Warzone along with WWF: Attitude. The controls were much more simple and easier to comprehend than on PS1. Gone were the days where you had to press multiple buttons at one time to do a finisher. If you didn't press them in the same sequence, you have to do it all over again. There were times where I would find myself looking back at someone's move list during the game just to remember the combination. Let me tell you, that it was frustrating. However, with WM 2000, you didn't have to use a strange combination of buttons at one time just to do a move. The grapples were much better, and during the match you could build up for the finisher. If you want to get there faster, just do more taunts. As a bonus, you could also STEAL your opponent's finisher. Competition forced WWF not only to raise their game in ratings, but also in games. What better time to innovate than during the highest point of creativity? (Attitude Era) Titantrons were also included, you could also edit wrestler attires, as well as a "Create A Wrestler" mode. This was a feature that separated them from WCW, because World Tour and Revenge did not have a feature where you could Create your very own Wrestler. You could also give your wrestler movesets and taunts, not only from WWF superstars, but stars from Revenge as well. The Royal Rumble and King of the Ring Tournament are both included as well. Another thing that set this game apart was the concept of defending titles in Exhibition Mode, something that had NEVER been done in WWF games before. In fact, wrestlers are expected to defend titles in Story Mode. The Roster was amazing as well, featuring the best of the best of that era, including their latest addition, Chris Jericho.
Overall, WrestleMania 2000 was a gamechanger (no pun intended), and a groundbreaker that was sorely needed. When they were called to change, they stepped up to the plate. This game will always be a CLASSIC, and that's the bottom line!
Michael Jordan's production for a Guard is staggering. (30+ ppg, 10 scoring titles, 6 Finals MVP's, 5 NBA MVP's, 6 seasons of 50% shooting or higher) Jordan was and still is the gold standard for perimeter players. His numbers are comparable to that of Big Men, which is why the best comparisons for him would be against them. Therefore, in this presentation, I will compare him to the Iconic Wilt Chamberlain. Both Michael and Wilt Chamberlain have had tremendous runs in their prime. The peak value for both of them is off the charts. The NBA record books have their names written all over them. In terms of scoring, no one else is even within striking distance. (except at least Kareem) Both Michael and Wilt have won an unprecedented 7 consecutive scoring titles. I wanted to do this comparison just for personal interest, and for really good fun. I also hope to bridge some kind of gap between two of the greatest eras ever. (60's/70's-80's/90's) As long as both men are among the Top 3, I am satisfied. Now, let the battle begin:
Michael Jordan:
vs.
Wilt Chamberlain:
Awards:
Rookie of the Year:
Michael Jordan: Yes
Wilt Chamberlain: Yes
All-Star Selections:
Michael Jordan: 14
Wilt Chamberlain: 13
All-NBA 1st Teams:
Michael Jordan: 10
Wilt Chamberlain: 7
MVP Awards:
Michael Jordan: 5
Wilt Chamberlain: 4
All-Defensive 1st Teams:
Michael Jordan: 9
Wilt Chamberlain: 2
*Keep in mind that All-Defensive Teams were not awarded until later in Wilt's career. I pointed this out in the West vs. Kobe comparison. Steals and Blocks were not recorded at all during Chamberlain's career. If so, who knows what kind of havoc he would have wreaked in Blocks? He already did major damage in Scoring and Rebounding. Therefore, Defensive Player of the Year is a moot point. Bill Russell was recognized as the Best Defender in that Era.
However, I must point out that Michael Jordan became the first player in NBA History to record 200 steals and 100 blocks in one season, as he did it twice. ('87 & '88) That is right! A SHOOTING GUARD with 100 BLOCKS in one season! Michael's shot blocking was very underrated. Hakeem Olajuwon and Scottie Pippen would be the next two players to achieve this feat.
Regular Season:
Seasons over 50 points per game:
Michael Jordan: 0
Wilt Chamberlain: 1
Seasons over 40 points per game:
Michael Jordan: 0
Wilt Chamberlain: 2
Seasons with 32 points per game or higher:
Michael Jordan: 5
Wilt Chamberlain: 7
Seasons over 30 points per game:
Michael Jordan: 8
Wilt Chamberlain: 7
Consecutive Scoring Titles:
Michael Jordan: 7
Wilt Chamberlain: 7
Career High Scoring Average (Regular Season):
Michael Jordan: 37.1 (1987)
Wilt Chamberlain: 50.4 (1962)
Career High Total Points (Regular Season):
Michael Jordan: 3,041 (1987)
Wilt Chamberlain: 4,029 (1962)
Michael ranks 1st All-Time in Career Points Per Game. Wilt ranks 2nd. In the 1986-87 season, Michael Jordan became the first player in NBA history since Wilt Chamberlain to score 3,000 or more points in a season.
Career Player Efficiency Rating:
Michael Jordan: 27.91
Wilt Chamberlain: 26.13
Career Offensive Win Shares (Regular Season):
Michael Jordan: 149.9
Wilt Chamberlain: 153.3
Career Defensive Win Shares (Regular Season):
Michael Jordan: 64.1
Wilt Chamberlain: 93.9
Career Win Shares (Regular Season):
Michael Jordan: 214.0
Wilt Chamberlain: 247.3
Career Win Shares Per 48 Minutes (Regular Season):
Michael Jordan: .250
Wilt Chamberlain: .248
Seasons leading the league in PER:
Michael Jordan: 7
Wilt Chamberlain: 8
I can't go much into detail with Rebounding, because of the different positions. (MJ-SG, Wilt-Center) However, while Wilt is 1st All-Time in Rebounding no matter the position, Michael Jordan is 3rd all-time in Rebounding for a guard. (Magic Johnson, Oscar Robertson) With his large hands, Jordan was able to grab boards with no problem as a perimeter player.
Obviously Wilt is going to shoot a higher field goal percentage because he was a Center who shot the most. Meanwhile, Michael was the Shooting Guard who shot the most. However, it must be said that Wilt shot 54% while Michael shot roughly 50% (51.5% as a Chicago Bull). Jordan's shooting percentage was that of a Big Man! As a Guard, he attacked the basket and scored like one.
Both have their fair share of haters. The one criticism that Michael and Wilt both share is that they "shot too much". Well, if they are shooting that percentage, wouldn't you WANT them to have the ball? This is merely even more of a testament to Michael's IQ and Excellent Shot Selection.
Now, let's take a look at the various records that both men hold in NBA history:
Michael Jordan Records:
Career Regular Season Scoring Average: MJ (30.12)
Career Playoff Scoring Average: MJ (33.45)
Highest Scoring Average in Playoffs: MJ (43.7)
Highest Scoring Average in NBA Finals series: MJ (41.0)
Highest Career Scoring Average in NBA Finals: MJ (33.6)
Career Total Points in Playoffs: MJ (5,987)
Most Seasons leading league in Scoring: MJ (10)
Most Seasons leading in Total Points: MJ (11)
Most 50 Point Games in Playoffs: MJ (8)
Most 40 Point Games in Playoffs: MJ (38)
Most 30 Point Games in Playoffs: MJ (109)
Most 30 Point Games: MJ (563)
Most Consecutive 50 Point games in Playoffs: MJ (2)
Most Consecutive 45 Point games in Playoffs: MJ (3)
Most Consecutive 40 Point games in Finals: MJ (4)
Most Consecutive 30 point games in Finals: MJ (9)
Most Consecutive 20 point games in Playoffs: MJ (60)
Most Consecutive 20 point games in Finals: MJ (35)
Most Consecutive games in double-figure scoring: MJ (866)
Highest scoring playoff game: MJ (63)
Most points in one-half of NBA Finals: MJ (35)
Oldest to score 50: MJ (51- age 38)
Oldest to score 40: MJ (43- age 40)
Wilt Chamberlain Records:
Most Points in Regular Season: Wilt (4,029)
Highest Scoring Average in Regular Season: Wilt (50.4)
Most Points in a Game by a Rookie: Wilt (58, 1/25/1960 & 2/21/1960)
Most Points by a Rookie: Wilt (2,707- 1959-60)
Most PPG by a Rookie: Wilt (37.6)
Most 60 point games: Wilt (32)
Most 50 point games: Wilt (118)
Most 40 point games: Wilt (271)
Most Consecutive 60 point games: Wilt (4)
Most Consecutive 50 point games: Wilt (7)
Most Consecutive 45 point games: Wilt (7)
Most Consecutive 40 point games: Wilt (14)
Most Consecutive 35 point games: Wilt (33)
Most Consecutive 30 point games: Wilt (65)
Most Consecutive 20 point games: Wilt (126)
Highest Scoring Game: Wilt (100)
Most Points in All-Star Game: Wilt (42)
Most points in 3 quarters: Wilt (69)
Most points in one half: Wilt (59)
*Consecutive Seasons Leading the League in Scoring: MJ, Wilt (tied at 7)
Out of the recognized scoring records in NBA history, Michael Jordan holds 24, Wilt Chamberlain holds 20. (If you include Wilt's rookie records)
Bonus:
Fewest Games to Reach 20,000 points: Wilt (499)
Fewest Games to Reach 30,000 points: Wilt (941)
Career +60 point games:
Michael Jordan: 5
Wilt Chamberlain: 32
Career +50 point games:
Michael Jordan: 34
Wilt Chamberlain: 118
Career +40 point games:
Michael Jordan: 172
Wilt Chamberlain: 271
Career +30 point games:
Michael Jordan: 563
Wilt Chamberlain: 515
Scoring Titles:
Michael Jordan: 10
Wilt Chamberlain: 7
Even though Wilt had a more impressive scoring peak, Jordan maintained his level of scoring dominance for three more seasons. Michael and Wilt have the most consecutive scoring titles in NBA history. Both are neck and neck as far as scoring impact. When you look at many of Wilt's scoring records, Michael Jordan is somewhere in second place in many categories:
60 point games- Wilt (1), MJ (2)
50 point games- Wilt (1), MJ (2)
40 point games- Wilt (1), MJ (2)
Michael was even second behind Wilt in fewest games to reach 20,000 points (620), and fewest games to reach 30,000 (960).
As many of you may notice, Wilt has a strong advantage when it comes to the regular season because of his video game-like numbers. Wilt is only second place to Michael in Scoring Titles, and 30 point games. However, you may also notice that Michael has the advantage when it comes to the playoffs as well. This is where the separation really begins.
NBA Playoff runs over 30 ppg:
Michael Jordan: 12
Wilt Chamberlain: 4
Playoff runs over 32 ppg:
Michael Jordan: 8
Wilt Chamberlain: 4
Playoff runs over 34 ppg:
Michael Jordan: 7
Wilt Chamberlain: 3
Michael's level of play increased during the postseason, while Wilt's level of play dropped. Not only did Wilt's scoring take a blow, but his field goal percentage did as well. The only thing that went up for Wilt in the playoffs was his rebounding. Michael was the ultimate postseason player. Wilt's drop is a big part of the reason why people say that he was a "choker". Not all of that is true, because for a while Wilt did not have the right supporting cast against a team like the Celtics. Yes, Chamberlain blew his fair share of games, but don't put ALL of the blame on him. He was largely a one-man army. Wilt later had to change his game by dialing back his scoring for his teams to win championships. This is what helped cause his drop in points. Jordan was able to keep his scoring title while leading his teams to championships. I will say this in Wilt's defense. Jordan and Chamberlain led what are considered by many as three of the Greatest Championship teams of All-Time:
Michael Jordan:
1995-96 Chicago Bulls (72-10) (MVP- MJ)
Wilt Chamberlain:
1966-67 Philadelphia 76ers (68-13) (MVP- Wilt)
1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers (69-13, 33 game winning streak)
Michael won MVP in '96, while Wilt won it in '67. The 1997 Bulls also won 69 games. The Big separation between the '72 Lakers and '97 Bulls is that the Lakers had the winning streak (33), which made that team even more memorable.
With that said, Wilt Chamberlain was NOT the performer that Michael Jordan was in the Playoffs, especially the NBA Finals:
Finals MVP's:
Michael Jordan: 6 in 6 tries
Wilt Chamberlain: 2 in 6 tries
(The Finals MVP was not awarded in 1967. If it was, Chamberlain would have won it.)
Conclusion:
This is merely a discussion of peak value versus consistency. Taking everything into consideration, Michael was slightly a more consistent scorer than Wilt in the long run. Michael also brought more to the table as a team leader. You can't go wrong with either one. This comparison is always very fun, and is also a testament to how iron clad Wilt's legacy will always be. Both of these men are on my personal Mt. Rushmore of Basketball, along with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson. This is to show how the LeBron's, Kobe's and Durant's of the world CANNOT even come within a 40 foot pole of players like MJ and Wilt.
