can they maintain their incredible run without him

Momma MooVeronica Hull, mother of Digital Chaos David Moo Hull, said shes in awe of the Dota 2 experience. This is her first time watching her son play in person and said the event is much bigger than she thought.Davids been into games since he was five and supports himself with the money he makes from gaming, she said. She allowed him to take six months off to professionally pursue gaming and within three weeks, he signed with a team. David now lives in the team house in Arizona.We had no idea how big this is and hes been very intelligent about it, she said.Veronica, who lives outside Dayton, Ohio, understands the basic elements of the game but is surrounded by fans who are teaching her. She has two other children who are not gamers.Not a fan of magicJamison Stone, a 31-year-old fantasy novelist, is a big Dota fan and plays about five days a week with his younger brother who lives in Massachusetts. Jamison says, Weve created a little community with other players, even one from Peru. Ive met them in person.Hes spent almost $800 on his Compendium recently.Fan of precisionThea Steele, a 31-year-old Seattleite who works as a software engineer, is a big Dota fan and plays about five days a week.Like the windKeegan Sullivan, a pizza shop manager in Sacramento, CA, poses for a portrait. Sullivan, 21, has invested about $400 to get to a level 100 Compendium in the game.?Its good to know that you contributed and are part of the community.Secret fanKevin Metan, 28, flew to Seattle from Germany to cheer on Team Secret. After an early elimination for Team Secret, Kevin then moved on to pulling for Team OG, the two-time Major champion. He met two friends from South Africa and one from Singapore at the Dota2 International competition in Seattle.It is unclear for whom Metan is now cheering after OGs early exit.USA! USA!Blake Seiber wore an American flag cape and shorts during the Dota 2 International competition in Seattle, WA on August 11, 2016 at Key Arena. Seiner, 19, is a student in Seattle.His Make America Great Again hat, often seen in support of Donald Trump, doesnt reflect his political views. Hes a Bernie supporter and is not planning to vote this election season.Hes here to support Evil Geniuses, an American team. Hell watch the Olympics next week and cheer on his country there as well, but for now, hes focused on The International.An ancient for the agesReinessa is known for her online personality and helps host the TI6 Today morning show at The International, but she finds dressing up as one of the characters as another great way to be part of the event.Cosplaying is how I can give back to and be a fun part of the community, she said. ?Im not artistic in the traditional sense, so this my version of fan art! The [cosplay] competition lets us display our hard work and be a part of an event we all dream about all year long.In addition to Ancient Apparition, she is also competing in the cosplay competition as Rubick, and she spent a great deal of effort making the costumes.[Ancient Apparition] was a year of mental work to figure out the concept, [then] about a month of five-to-six hours a week to make it. The Rubick Im in the contest for was ?about three weeks of six-to-seven hours a week to make.Stay frostyEighteen-year-old Sammy Abikoff plays about five Dota 2 matches per day and came to the tournament from Washington, D.C. with her friend Josh Evans, left.OmniscientRaffi Kurbe, 21, from Los Angeles, CA made the trip to celebrate the players as heroes and celebrities.Raffi says, The nerd community has grown together throughout all these years in order to establish our heroes. Not all of us can play sports. Personally, I have a leg injury. I cant run for a long distance. I used to look up to Kobe. I lost the love of the sport but I sat in front of the computer all the time. I want these people to represent us as a group.Best friendsJen Miyashiro (left) sits with her best friend Brittani Wargin to watch The International on the lawn outside of KeyArena. ?Best friends since high school, Jen introduced Brittani to Dota2. Brittani admits she doesnt like playing but really enjoys watching the competition.?AvowedlyMichael Dureska, 21, stands at a food truck outside KeyArena. Dureska got help from his mom when making his costume.Living in Illinois, hes pulling hard for Team Evil Geniuses as they are the American team. It becomes more fun when its a battle between two countries and not just [two teams].Staging a comebackAndrei Eremenco, 23, works with his dad on construction and remolding projects.This is the highlight of the year, says Eremenco. Its a big deal living close to the biggest tournament of the game that I love. Its relaxing to watch. 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Organizers poked a little fun at the now-infamous opening ceremony gaffe that saw only four out of five snowflakes open up into rings, leaving the Olympics logo one ring short. Custom Chicago Cubs Nike Jerseys . Canada is now down to its 22-player limit, although but players wont be registered until Christmas Day. Changes could still be made as a result of a suspension or injury. Custom Seattle Mariners Nike Jerseys . -- An ugly goal by Nick Bonino helped the Anaheim Ducks overcome the defensive-minded Phoenix Coyotes on a night when their ragged power play continued to struggle. The Warriors have thrown out the welcome mat, and they will welcome all challengers. Can the Clippers get lucky with injuries, and will the Spurs be there again? Theyre the key questions in the NBA West, but the battle for the final playoff spots always goes down to the wire -- and it should be just a tense this season.Dallas MavericksPlenty of experience on this Mavericks roster, but they saw a lot of talent walk out the door during the off-season. Can they make another playoff push? Can Dirk Nowtzki continue to fight off Father Time?RosterLost: Raymond Felton, David Lee, Zaza Pachulia, Chandler Parson, Jeremy Evans, Javale McGeeAdded: Andrew Bogut, Harrison Barnes, Quincy Acy, Seth Curry, A.J HammonsStar: Dirk Nowitzki. Still their No. 1 offensive weapon.Breakout: Seth Curry. Will step out of his brothers shadow and prove he belongs.Last Season: Secured 6th then pushed aside by OKC; 42-40.Projection: Can Dirk take the Mavs into another playoff run? 41-41 (9th)Denver NuggetsDenver have an odd-looking roster that could either do very well or combust completely. They have depth, which is always a good thing to have, but theyll be active around trade time.RosterLost: D.J Augustin, Joffrey LauvergneAdded: Jamal Murray, Juan Hernangomez, Malik Beasley, Petr CornelieStar: Emmanuel Mudiay. Still young but will lead this team back to glory days.Breakout: Will Barton. Should be in the running for 6th man of the year.Last Season: Surprise packet that pushed for 11th; 33-49.Projection: Plenty of talent but still need time; 36-46 (12th)Golden State WarriorsStill hurting from the end of last season, but went out and replaced Andrew Bogut and Harrison Barnes with Kevin Durant and Zaza Pachulia. Not sure how any team can match up with them at either end of the floor, and watch for the small ball lineup.RosterLost: Andrew Bogut, Harrison Barnes, Festus Ezeli, Brandon Rush, Marreese Speights, Leandro BarbosaAdded: Damian Jones, Patrick McCaw, Kevin Durant, Zaza Pachulia, David WestStar: Steph Curry. The best shooter in the game gets more firepower around him.Breakout: Patrick McCaw. Only a rookie but should get plenty of fourth-quarter minutes.Last Season: Runners up; 73-9 record.Projection: They look formidable and nigh unstoppable; 67-15 (1st)Houston RocketsWas it Dwight Howards fault that they couldnt get anything going? Is James Harden too selfish? Plenty of questions were raised last season, but Harden will showcase why he is a legitimate MVP chance as he leads the Rockets into the playoffs.RosterLost: Dwight Howard, Terrence Jones, Jason Terry, Michael Beasley, Andrew GoudelockAdded: Chinanu Onuaku, Zhou Qi, Ryan Anderson, Eric Gordon, Nene, Pablo Prigioni, Tyler EnnisStar: James Harden. Will claim his first MVP.Breakout: Eric Gordon. Injury plagued for so long, but will play a full season and show how good he is.Last Season: Snuck in to the playoffs only to be pushed aside by GSW; 41-41..Projection: New pieces will fit in nicely around Harden; 44-38 (7th).LA ClippersThe Clippers have a phenomenal roster and they can push the Warriors so long as they can stay healthy. If things arent smooth sailing from the outset, moves could be on the cards with a star potentially being shopped around.RosterLost: Jeff Green, C.J Wilcox, Branden Dawson, Jeff Ayres, Pablo Prigioni, Cole AldrichAdded: Brice Johnson, David Michineau, Diamond Stone, Alan Anderson, Brandon Bass, Raymond Felton, Xavier Munford, Marreese Speights, Dorell WrightStar: Blake Griffin. When healthy hes an MVP threat; can he stay healthy?Breakout: Austin Rivers. Signed a big contract and will prove worthy.Last Season: Disappointing end going out in the first round; 53-29.Projection: Its now or never for this squad; 59-23 (2nd)Los Angeles LakersLakers fans are excited for the season ahead, which says a lot. Theres not going to be the glory days of years gone by, but there is plenty of promise. Give the kids time to find their feet, and theyll get the ball rolling.RosterLost: Kobe Bryant, Brandon Bass, Robert Sacre, Roy Hibbert, Ryan KellyAdded: Brandon Ingram, Ivica Zubac, Luol Deng, Timofey Mozgov, Thomas Robinson, Yi Jianlian, Jose CalderonStar: DAngelo Russell. Embroiled in controversy last season, but will become the leader this season.Breakout: Brandon Ingram. The next KD?Last Season: One of the worst in Lakers history; 17-65.Projection: Lakers fans will talk about the future all season long; 25-57Memphis GrizzliesCruelled by injuries last season, but still snuck into the playoffs, Marc Gasol is back, and he will prove once again that he is a top 10 big man on both ends of the floor. Mike Conley has something to prove after signing his new massive contract; can he live up to it?RosterLost: Chris Andersen, Matt Barnes, Jordan Farmer, Xavier Munford, Lance Stephenson, Bryce CottonAdded: Wade Baldwin IV, Deyonta Davis, Rade Zagorac, Wang Zhelin, James Ennis, Chandler Parsons, Troy DanielsStar: Marc Gasol. Makes the offence flow, and theyll struggle without him.Breakout: Chandler Parsons. Needs to make a big impact in Memphis.Last Season: Fell into the playoffs and swept aside by Spurs; 42-40.Projection: Wont get hit by the injury curse this time; 47-35 (5th)Minnesota TimberwolvesEvery single person has the Wolves on their must-watch list this season, as theyre incredibly young and loaded with talent. Wont necessarily translate to wins, but theyll be competitive right down to the final buzzer.RosterLost: Kevin Garnett, Damjan Rudez, Greg SmithAdded: Kris Dunn, Cole Aldrich, Jordan Hill, Brandon Rush, Rasual ButlerStar: Karl Anthony-Towns. In for a big, big season.ddddddddddddBreakout: Zach LaVine. No longer just a dunk champion.Last Season: So much talent, but still finding their way; 29-53.Projection: You have to watch this team; 38-44 (11th)New Orleans PelicansAnthony Davis will be hoping to play more than 70 games for the first time in his career; if he can do that, the Pelicans can challenge. Should be active around the trade period as theyre still a few pieces short from competing.RosterLost: Ryan Anderson, Eric Gordon, James Ennis, Luke Babbitt, Jordan Hamilton, Toney DouglasAdded: Buddy Hield, Lance Stephenson, Cheick Diallo, Chris Copeland, Langston Galloway, Solomon Hill, Terrence Jones, ETwaun Moore, Robert SacreStar: Anthony Davis. Can do it all and will show the world just how dominant he can be.Breakout: Buddy Hield. Offensive weapon and will get plenty of freedom with Davis.Last Season: Nothing seemed to go their way; 30-52.Projection: Still a piece or two away from the big time; 39-43 (10th)Oklahoma City ThunderKevin Durant walked out, and the city of Oklahoma crumbled. Russell Westbrook needs to rebuild the faith and show he can lead this team to the glory without Durant. Westbrook is angry; you wont like him when hes angry.RosterLost: Kevin Durant, Dion Waiters, Serge Ibaka, Randy FoyeAdded: Ersan Ilyasova, Victor Oladipo, Joffery Lauvergne, Ronnie Price, Domantas Sabonis, Daniel HamiltonStar: Russell Westbrook. Hes on a warpath, and you best not get in his way.Breakout: Domantas Sabonis. If he possess one fifth of his dads skills, look out.Last Season: Lost Western Conference Finals; 55-27.Projection: Big losses, tough to overcome. Can they surprise? 45-37 (6th)Phoenix SunsGreat pickups in the draft and so much young talent on this roster. Give them time and theyll flouris, but they have to endure the dark times for this season. Still one you should have on the radar as a must-watch team.RosterLost: Chase Budinger, Jon Leuer, Ronnie Price, Mirza TeletovicAdded: Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss, Tyler Ulis, Leandro Barbosa, Jared DudleyStar: Devin Booker. Just 19-years-old but already one of the better shooters in the league.Breakout: Dragan Bender. Special talent.Last Season: Young team learning the ropes; 23-59.Projection: Loads of fun to watch; 27-55 (13th)Portland Trail BlazersSpent a lot of money in the off-season in the hope of bringing in more talent to push for a deeper playoff run. Log jam at the small forward position and plenty of bigs who pack the paint. Can Lillard and McCollum prove theyre the best backcourt in the league?RosterLost: Gerald Henderson, Brian Roberts, Cliff AlexanderAdded: Evan Turner, Festus Ezeli, Jake Layman, Shabazz NapierStar: Damian Lillard. Explosive scoring threat. Can he lead them deeper into the playoffs?Breakout: Meyers Leonard. Will find consistency over the entire season.Last Season: Bundled out the Clippers and then stole one from GSW; 44-38.Projection: Small step back for the Blazers; 42-40Sacramento KingsIts going to be a long hard slog for the Kings this season, DeMarcus Cousins is one of the best big men in the game, but that wont be enough to get them off the bottom of the West. If things are truly bad, he could force his way out.RosterLost: Quincy Acy, Seth Curry, Rajon Rondo, Marco Belinelli, James Anderson, Caron Butler, Duje Dukan, Eric MorelandAdded: Georgios Papagiannis, Malachi Richardson, Skal Labissiere, Isaiah Cousins, Arron Afflalo, Matt Barnes, Jordan Farmer, Ty Lawson, Garrett Temple, Anthony Tolliver, Lamar PattersonLast Season: Despite turmoil, still finished 10th; 33-49.Projection: Wont be pretty; 22-60Star: DeMarcus Cousins. Truly dominant force; unlike anyone else in the league.Breakout: Ben McLemore. Offensive firepower will see him have huge games.San Antonio SpursSan Antonio enter a new era having said goodbye to Tim Duncan; can they maintain their incredible run without him? Kawhi Leonard will continue his march up the ladder of best player in the league while stopping everything defensively.RosterLost: Tim Duncan, Boris Diaw, David West, Boban MarjanovicAdded: Pau Gasol, David Lee, Dewayne Dedmon, Dejounte MurrayStar: Kawhi Leonard. Not just a lock-down defender, and hell average 20+ points.Breakout: Patty Mills. Off the back of his Olympic efforts in Rio, hell look to take the starting role from Tony Parker.Last Season: Couldnt match it with OKC in the playoffs; 67-15.Projection: Loss of superstars wont affect their playoff push; 58-24 (3rd)Utah JazzUtah are going to rattle some cages this season; theyve got a list full of talent, and theyre hungry to make an impact after just missing the playoffs last season. Signed plenty of experience in the off-season to help mentor and teach.RosterLost: Trevor Booker, Tibor PleissAdded: Joel Bolomboy, Marcus Paige, Tyrone Wallace, Joe Johnson, Boris Diaw, George Hill, Henry SimsStar: Derrick Favors. Incredible offensive skillset and should be the go-to for them.Breakout: Dante Exum. Hungry to get back out there, and his versatility will go a long way.Last Season: Just missed playoffs; 40-42.Projection: Young and ready to run, the Jazz are ready; 49-33 (4th)Projected West Standings1. Golden State Warriors2. Los Angeles Clippers3. San Antonio Spurs4. Utah Jazz5. Memphis Grizzlies6. Oklahoma City Thunder7. Houston Rockets8. Portland Trailblazers9. Dallas Mavericks10. New Orleans Pelicans11. Minnesota Timberwolves12. Denver Nuggets13. Phoenix Suns14. Los Angeles Lakers15. Sacramento Kings ' ' '