Friday, December 28, 2007

31.9

31.9 is the number that initially registered in my mind & I find the thought of it very awful. Extremely awful. The San Antonio Spurs [20-8] lost to the Toronto Raptors [16-4] 83-73 and they were shooting only 31.9 percent plus 19 turnovers. Now, the Spurs got their second loss at home [15-2]. Tim Duncan got a double-double 16 pts and 13 rebounds and add 5 turnovers [great eh! grrhh]. And Tony Parker? He's got 15 pts, "only" 7 turnovers, & 4 assists. Michael Finley had 20 pts, Bruce Bowen got 7 pts, Matt Bonner gave up 10 pts, while Ime Udoka posted 5 pts. Technical fouls were called on Tim Duncan, Matt Bonner, & Gregg Popovich, who was ejected with only 5:59 minutes left during the 4th quarter.



"They're a good basketball team. They're the defending world champs. And we beat them on this floor," Mitchell said. The Raptors had their Bargnani in the starting lineup. The Raptors leading scorer was the ace 3-pointer Jason Kapono. Jose Calderon put up 14 pts 7 rebounds, & 5 assists. And Andrea Bargnani got 11 pts and 3 blocks. Chris Bosh was silent with 10 pts & 9 rebounds. The Spurs-Raptors game is one of the lowest scoring percentage of the Spurs. "I think they were looking for some calls they didn't get. For us, we want it to be a situation where the ball is getting poked loose and guys are coming all over the place." - Kris Humphries, Toronto Raptors

Recap: Spurs-Raptors @ NBA.com

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Spurs Rout the Bulls

The San Antonio Spurs have the best record at home in the Western Conference. Today the Spurs' record becomes 15-1 as they beat the Bulls 94-79. The Spurs' leading scorer was Tony Parker, collecting 28pts and having 5 assists. Tim Duncan got most of the boards by having 11 rebounds and getting 8 pts and 2 blocks. Ime Udoka had the time of his playing career as a Spur with 12pts [he's one hell of a 3-pointer]. Bruce Bowen & Matt Bonner each had 12pts. And Michael Finley, who's been playing more minutes than he usually does, contributed 15pts. Francisco Elson is back from the injury list but still not in condition with only 2pts, 3 rebounds, & a block. On to the Chicago Bulls side, Ben Wallace wasn't shooting well but Bulls' interim coach Pete Myers said Ben did a good job in containing Duncan. Wallace had 2pts with 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Even Andres Nocioni wasn't in the rhythm with only 3pts & 4 rebounds. The Bulls' top rebounder was Joe Smith having 11 boards and with 19pts. Ben Gordon, Luol Deng, & Chris Duhon are all in double figures, with 18pts, 12pts, & 13pts respectively. But unfortunately the entire team was only shooting 41% that'll make their record even worse. And honestly, I don't like Pete Myers to be their coach. Peace out Myers fans! [if there are] =P

For injury news, Manu Ginobili, as expected, was out of the game and is going to joined by Brent Barry, who has sported a strained left calf. Just when will the Spurs lineup be complete? This month, the Spurs really filled in their injury list with Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Francisco Elson, & now Brent Barry. Who will be next? I hope none.

I do not disagree that the Spurs are getting old but they are tougher than what they seem to be. I just hope that when the Playoffs come, the Spurs will be healthy. As for the Bulls, they are having one of their worst seasons ever.

Bulls-Spurs game Stats

"I felt like something was going to happen. I didn't know whether it was players or coaches. But you could definitely feel there was something. It just didn't seem like we were on the same page." - Luol Deng, Chicago Bulls on Scott Skiles dismissal >>>

Bulls Face the Spurs

Greetings everyone! After a long vacation, I'm back to blogging again. Hmm. Today's game includes: the Bulls v the Spurs, the Mavs v the Jazz, the Bucks v the Nuggets.

The Chicago Bulls [9-16] visits the San Antonio Spurs [19-7] at the AT&T Center without their coach Scott Skiles. Replacing coach Skiles for the meantime is the Bulls assistant coach Pete Myers. Bulls starting lineup: Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon, Luol Deng, Joe Smith, & Ben Wallace. For the Spurs: Tony Parker, Michael Finley, Bruce Bowen, Tim Duncan, & Fabricio Oberto. Manu Ginobili will be out due to a sprained left index finger & Francisco Elson will be a gametime decision. Looks like Ime Udoka is going to have more playing time, just like what happened during the Clippers-Spurs game where he got 17 pts & 9 rebounds [career high].

They hate it and they love it. They hate having guys hurt, because everybody wants the best chance to win, but they love getting minutes." - Gregg Popovich, San Antonio Spurs

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Gay's Jumper

The place is the FedExForum arena at Memphis and the name of the Grizzlies hero is Rudy Gay.

Rudy Gay, jersey #22, is the culprit for the 2nd loss of the San Antonio Spurs. With only 2.4 secs left on the 4th quarter, Manu Ginobili dunked and tied the game to 85-85. But then, Rudy Gay hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer, giving the Grizzlies a win against the Spurs. The Memphis Grizzlies outscored the San Antonio Spurs during the 1st half. But after halftime, the Spurs defense throttled the Grizzlies. Tim Duncan had another double-double collecting 16pts and 14 rebounds. Manu Ginobili got 20pts, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. The Spurs' bench provided some depth adding 39pts. But unfortunately, Rudy Gay was at the right spot, at the right time and hit the winning shot. The Grizzlies won 88-85.

Rudy Gay's winning shot, nice view, eh ;-)
Grizzlies' Gay Halts Spurs' Comeback Bid

Injured list:
[SAS] Francisco Elson[sprained right ankle]and Tony Parker[sprained left ankle]; [MEM] Pau Gasol[jammed big toe] and Mike Conley[labral tear, right shoulder]

---

Feels like the playoffs, huh? Nah!.. It's just the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns or should I say Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki. Hmm. The Suns gave the Spurs their first loss at the Alamo City on their previous game. The Suns gave their effort to play good defense against the Spurs. But today, is a different story the Suns didn't beat the Mavs at the American Airlines Center, Dallas, for a reason I could not very well comprehend. The stats tell me that Suns should've won. They were shooting 52% while the Mavs were contained to 46%. What happened? Nash had an airball on a crucial moment of the game, maybe that was it. It would've made a difference like the shot Rudy Gay made. [sigh!] Nowitzki had a stunning 31pts. Erick Dampier was the king of the boards getting 10 rebounds. The flaw of the Suns play would probably be their rebounds. They were outrebounded by the Mavs. The Mavs won 108-105 against the Suns.

Mavs Hold Off The Suns

Monday, December 17, 2007

First Loss at Home


There is always a first time and this time the San Antonio Spurs got their first loss at home to the Phoenix Suns. Tim Duncan, the highest scorer of the Spurs, got 36pts, 17 rebounds, and 4 assists [looks like he's back in action!]. Grant Hill haven't aged at all with 22pts, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks. Suns who are in double-figures are Steve Nash [10pts, 10 assists], Amare Stoudemire [17pts], Leandro Barbosa [18pts], and Boris Diaw [11pts]. The San Antonio Spurs outrebounded the Phoenix Suns with 49 boards but that wasn't enough though. The game was tight even without Tony Parker and I am glad that Tim Duncan's numbers are back. Cheers to the Suns because they are the first team to beat the Spurs at the Alamo City this season.

Halftime

It's halftime guys and the Suns-Spurs game is close. Very close indeed, the Phoenix Suns leading by one pt 51-50 and Tim Duncan already has 24pts, 12 rebounds [a very nice double-double], and 2 turnovers. On the side of the Suns, the leading scorer is the veteran Grant Hill having 12pts and a block. Jacque Vaughn replaced Tony Parker, who's sported a sprained left ankle, as a starting point guard has 6pts and 4 assists. Steve Nash, of course, leads the Phoenix Suns in assists. There's still a lot of time and anything can happen on the next 24mins.

Rematch : Suns [17-7] - Spurs [18-5]

Today, we're expecting a rematch between the San Antonio Spurs and the Phoenix Suns. The Suns will visit the Alamo City for the first time this season. As I have mentioned on my previous entry, the game between the two top teams in the Western Conference is going to be intense. The San Antonio Spurs have home court advantage but will they be able to keep their clean record at home? Or will the Suns be the first team to win at the AT&T Center? To Suns fans, peace out!

>>Suns-Spurs Preview @ NBA.com

Another news about the Suns-Spurs game, Tony Parker and Francisco Elson might be unable to play. I bet the Suns will take advantage of it.

"Without Parker or Duncan they seem to be doing pretty well anyway. They're a great team and they've got a lot of weapons. It just cuts down one of their main weapons. Obviously, it benefits us, and we've got to take advantage of it." - Mike D'Antoni, Suns coach

"I have nothing against Robert at all," Nash said Sunday. >> That's what a real sportsman is, unlike somebody I know. Peace out!.. =P

And oh! the Dallas Mavericks are facing the Orlando Magic. Ohh I love this, there are a lot of great games to watch today!..

Thursday, December 13, 2007

2nd Straight Loss for the Spurs

So, it's 17-5 for the San Antonio Spurs. The starters for the San Antonio Spurs included Jacque Vaughn, Manu Ginobili, Fabricio Oberto, Bruce Bowen, & Matt Bonner. For the LA Lakers, the starters were Derek Fisher, Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom, Luke Walton, & Andrew Bynum. The Lakers won 102-97, with Bryant having 30 pts, 7 rebounds, 4 steals, & 3 assists. As for the Spurs, the leading scorer was the underrated and tough defender Bruce Bowen. Fabricio Oberto topped the Spurs' lineup in rebounds having a total of 16 rebounds [season high]. Manu Ginobili got 14 pts, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 7 turnovers. Robery Horry had 3 blocks. Four of the Spurs are in double figures but still the Lakers have outscored the Spurs during the 2nd and 4th quarter. Tony Parker as I have expected was out of the game because of a sprained left ankle. I guess losing Tony Parker was too much a burden for the Spurs to get a win against KB24, who's got a whopping 30 pts and 3 assists. And oh! Kobe said he's happy he was not traded. I'm happy for him and to the teams that didn't lost their minds to make a trade for him.


The San Antonio Spurs record is now 17-5. The next game of the San Antonio Spurs will be against the Denver Nuggets. I think both Tim Duncan and Tony Parker will be ready to play against the Nuggets. I'm hoping for the best. Go Spurs!

Anyone Interested On Kobe Trade?

Leave Out All The Rest - Linkin' Park

Get this widget | Track details | eSnips Social DNA

I fell in love with this song.

Leave Out All The Rest
Linkin' Park

I dreamed I was missing
You were so scared
But no one would listen
Cause no one else cared
After my dreaming
I woke with this fear
What am I leaving
When I'm done here

So if you're asking me
I want you to know

Chorus
When my time comes
Forget the wrong that I've done
Help me leave behind some
Reasons to be missed
And don't resent me
And when you're feeling empty
Keep me in your memory
Leave out all the rest
Leave out all the rest

Don't be afraid
I've taken my beating
I've shared what I made
I'm strong on the surface
Not all the way through
I've never been perfect
But neither have you

So if you're asking me
I want you to know

Repeat Chorus

Forgetting
All the hurt inside
You've learned to hide so well

Pretending
Someone else can come and save me from myself
I can't be who you are

Repeat Chorus

Forgetting
All the hurt inside
You've learned to hide so well

Pretending
Someone else can come and save me from myself
I can't be who you are
I can't be who you are

Parker, Duncan Sitting Out?

No, this can't be happening! Tim Duncan and Tony Parker will be out? While the rest of the San Antonio Spurs face KB24 & the LA Lakers. Tom James, spokesperson of the Spurs, said Tim Duncan and Tony Parker are injured, but will probably play against the Denver Nuggets on Dec 15 [Saturday]. Gosh, this is good news for the Lakers, I think. So, who will replace Tony Parker as point guard? I hope it's Manu Ginobili. This is my prospected starters from the Spurs [if Tony Parker will be unable to play]: Manu Ginobili[G], Michael Finley[G], Francisco Elson[C], Bruce Bowen[F], & Matt Bonner[F].

But as much as possible I want this starting lineup [without Tim Duncan]: Tony Parker[G], Michael Finley[G], Francisco Elson[C], Bruce Bowen[F], & Matt Bonner[F]. I hope Tony Parker could play [finger's crossed]. I don't want the San Antonio Spurs to lose against the LA Lakers.

"They are not machines." - Popovich, San Antonio Spurs coach

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

21 turnovers?!

I am certainly not happy that the San Antonio Spurs lost to the Golden State Warriors. Stephen Jackson [former Spurs] got 20 pts, 5 assists, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals. Goodness, what happened? Matt Bonner was exceptional having 17 rebounds [definitely a career-high]. And Tony Parker? TP got 6 turnovers. The boards were in favor of the Spurs, but the turnovers it's horrific! The San Antonio Spurs got 21 turnovers while the Golden State Warriors only got 9. How awful is that? And I have to admit the defense played on Manu Ginobili worked which gave him only 13pts and 5 turnovers. Hmm. I can't think well. I can't imagine them [Spurs] losing to the Warriors. =s Oh well, I hope Tim Duncan and the rest of the Spurs are ready for their next game at Staples Center against KB24.

will TD play against the Warriors?

Now, this is going to be an interesting game for the San Antonio Spurs which visits the Golden State Warriors at the ORACLE Arena. This is the first time in the season that the San Antonio Spurs and the Golden State Warriors will meet. Tim Duncan, who sported a sprained right ankle & bruised right knee, is still not sure to play against the Warriors. The game starts at 11:30am here in the Philippines, I'll be standing by for some updates. Here are some of the things I've got: TD Could Be A No-Go

Friday, December 07, 2007

Spurs 12-0 at home

Manu Ginobili of the San Antonio Spurs against Utah Jazz' Carlos Boozer

Yes. The San Antonio Spurs has won against the Utah Jazz without Tim Duncan. The starting lineup of the Utah Jazz included Deron Williams, Ronnie Brewer, Carlos Boozer, Andrei Kirilenko, & Mehmet Okur. The San Antonio Spurs on the other hand has placed Manu Ginobili back to the bench and started with Tony Parker, Michael Finley, Francisco Elson, Bruce Bowen, and Matt Bonner. By halftime, the Jazz led by only a point, 51-50. But then came the 4th quarter, the Spurs got into their rhythm, outscoring the Jazz and winning 104-98. As expected, Manu Ginobili excelled with 37pts, 6 assists, 3 steals [which he does very well], and oh! a block. Fabricio Oberto led the Spurs in rebounds having a total of 11. And Michael Finley, back as a starter, contributed to the Spurs win by having 15pts, four of which were 3-pointers. And Tony Parker? Well, he was in a bad shooting mood but still added 16pts and 7 assists, not bad. Winning against the Jazz at the AT&T Center meant a 12-0 record at home for the Spurs. Kampai!!

Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams each had 28pts. I guess the Jazz duo weren't enough to beat even a Duncan-less Spurs. So, has the Utah Jazz measured their aptitude after losing to the San Antonio Spurs "without" Tim Duncan? I bet they had. Regardless of the Jazz' loss to the Duncan-less Spurs, they were more determined and skilled now than the Jazz who faced the Spurs during last season's Western Conference Finals. Maybe next year, January 28, 2008, the Utah Jazz would be able to beat the Spurs in the EnergySolutions Arena. To the fans, just don't throw stuffs okay?

Hmpf

They don't give up, do they? I'm talking about the Utah Jazz. I don't know what's happening in the game between the Utah Jazz and the San Antonio Spurs. But from what I'm seeing from the scoreboard in NBA.com the Jazz are putting up a good fight against the San Antonio Spurs.

Thursday, December 06, 2007

2 games at the AT&T Center

Even though I wasn't able to watch the game, I know that the game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Dallas Mavericks is a close game. Manu Ginobili's so hot with 37 pts [season high] and with 6 assists. Coach Avery Johnson of the Mavericks made some changes on his roster, putting Jason Terry back on the starting lineup. And so did coach Gregg Popovich [Spurs], putting Manu Ginobili back in the starting lineup. From what I've read, the crowd went loud when Manu came in as a starter. Duncan, on the other hand, sat on the courtside watching as his teammates lash the Mavericks. During the 1st half, the Mavs were up by 7 points but that lead was trimmed down during the 3quarter as the Spurs' offense woke up from a slumber. [which they usually do] Then, the Spurs had the lead and the Mavs weren't able to catch up. Sorry sister. [she's a BIG fan of the Mavs esp of Dirk Nowitzki] She wouldn't believe me that the Mavs won't win against the Spurs especially that they're playing at the AT&T Center. Hahaha!! Better luck next time sis!.. =P

"He [Manu Ginobili] was the hot man, and everything we threw at him he took advantage of." - Jason Terry, Dallas Mavericks

The next game of the San Antonio Spurs will still be at the AT&T Center against their Western Conference rival [last season], the Utah Jazz. Hmm. I'm not really excited about this game. Why? Because I find the Jazz dull that's all. I'm not saying the Jazz ain't good, they're actually playing much better now compared to the last time they played against the Spurs. The Spurs are the Jazz's nemesis? Really? Then, let Boozer-Williams & Co. bring it on at the AT&T Center this Fri. The Spurs are now 11-0 at home, let's see if the Jazz could change it to 11-1.

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

Teardrops On My Guitar - Taylor Swift

Get this widget | Track details | eSnips Social DNA

My friend has been wanting me to listen to "Teardrops On My Guitar" by Taylor Swift. But the song always slips out of my mind. Yesterday, I remembered and found it on Esnips. I actually thought Taylor Swift was a guy, I was wrong, my bad. The song is great, I loved it and I'm sure you'll love it too!..

Teardrops On My Guitar
Taylor Swift

Drew looks at me, I fake a smile so he won't see
That I want and I'm needing everything that we should be
I'll bet she's beautiful, that girl he talks about
And she's got everything that I have to live without

Drew talks to me, I laugh cause it's so funny
That I can't even see anyone when he's with me
He says he's so in love, he's finally got it right,
I wonder if he knows he's all I think about at night

Chorus
He's the reason for the teardrops on my guitar
The only thing that keeps me wishing on a wishing star
He's the song in the car I keep singing, don't know why I do

Drew walks by me, can he tell that I can't breathe?
And there he goes, so perfectly,
The kind of flawless I wish I could be
She'd better hold him tight, give him all her love
Look in those beautiful eyes and know she's lucky cause

Repeat Chorus

So I drive home alone, as I turn out the light
I'll put his picture down and maybe
Get some sleep tonight

He's the reason for the teardrops on my guitar
The only one who's got enough of me to break my heart
He's the song in the car I keep singing, don't know why I do
He's the time taken up, but there's never enough
And he's all that I need to fall into..

Drew looks at me, I fake a smile so he won't see.

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

Remember This?

Remember this? I do. Game 4 of the Western Conference semis between the San Antonio Spurs and the Phoenix Suns. I don't want to go with the details of the game because I promised myself to try not to speak of 'dirty' words about some irrelevant player/s. ;-) [oh you know who I'm talking about, right?] Okay enough. I brought this topic because the Spurs and the Suns are going to have a rematch on December 17, which is December 18 here in the Philippines. Yes a rematch and I can't wait to watch it. I expect a tough game between these two. Honestly, the Spurs have a hard time playing against the Suns. It's just that the Spurs defense does not always work against the Suns.

What's nice about the Spurs-Suns game is the intensity. Both teams simply wanted to win against the other, it's like watching the Playoffs. The regular season is not over yet, but the intensity between these two teams is continuously escalating. Oh and I'm also talking about the intensity between the Spurs and the Suns fans. For Phoenix Suns fans who hasn't got over the Suns' demise last season, get over it now! Or you're just going to hurt yourselves even more if the Suns lose to the Spurs on their rematch this month. Ha-ha! =P

11-0 or 10-1

Manu Ginobili, the San Antonio Spurs 2nd leading scorer, has an injured "left" index finger to be exact. Well, I wouldn't be surprised of all his drives through the basket. He can be very agressive at times and he doesn't mind using his body to block opponents. Mind you, he's very flexible. With the two main players of the Spurs injured, how will the rest of the squad win against the Dallas Mavericks this coming Thursday? Playing defense is what the San Antonio Spurs is all about but without the Big Fundamental and their 6th man how will they do that? There's still Bruce Bowen I know. Oh well, I just hope the Spurs could contain the Mavs well or they'd have to savor their first loss at home.

>>The evolution of Dirk Nowitzki on AT&T Center?

Monday, December 03, 2007

I Like Magic


The Orlando Magic, the East's Spurs? Whoa! Wait a minute, last season people were talking about the Cavs as the East's Spurs and now the Magic? I watched the Cavs fall for the Spurs and as far as I have seen the Cavs are no Spurs. Don't get me wrong here, the Cavs are good but they don't really play "D" like the Spurs do. If you ask my opinion about the Magic as the East's Spurs, yea maybe they are [a bit!] and that's mostly because of Dwight Howard. I don't like Dwight Howard's gut at first, but when I saw him play against the Phoenix Suns I say he's pretty good! I don't know how to better explain what I saw because the Magic really put up a tough play against Nash & Co.

Dwight Howard's offensive and defensive plays are really impressive, he just keeps on swatting balls [how awful is that?], getting rebounds, and has double-doubles. Dwight Howard has gotten better after joining Team USA and so has Orlando Magic. I just can't think of what must've Grant Hill felt about his former teammates playing better [15-4] after leaving Orlando. Right now, I like the way Orlando Magic is playing. So, let's us just see if they make it to the Playoffs.

Duncan Will Likely Miss a Few Games

Can't imagine how I'd react if I had seen Tim Duncan got injured in the game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Portland Trailblazers. I'd probably be scared, worried, enraged, just simply overwhelmed.


And from what I've read from various articles about the Spurs-Trailblazers game, Tim Duncan will likely miss a few games or probably some playing time, which I think for me is no good news since their next game would be against the Dallas Mavericks. Argh! But I believe that they can win against Dallas. The Mavs can't win at the AT&T Cemter. The Spurs will not let that happen especially with Duncan injured. Go Spurs!

Saturday, December 01, 2007

Angels..

Angels.. Come as visions, voices, dreams, coincidences, & intuition, the whisper of knowledge at your ear. They come as animals or other people, or as a wash of peace in an ailing heart. Sometimes a stranger may come up & give you just the information or assistance you need. Sometimes you yourself are used as an angel, for a moment, either knowingly or not, speaking words you did not know you knew.

But sometimes these beings come as angels, in the very form that artists show - as beings of light, both with & without wings.

-Sophy Burnham