Wednesday, December 01, 2010

2010-11 NBA Season: He Treats Everyone Like a Servant

"The fundamental problem for Spoelstra isn’t that James doesn’t respect coaches – he doesn’t respect people. Give LeBron this, though: He’s learned to live one way with the television light on, and another with it off. He treats everyone like a servant, because that’s what the system taught him as a teenage prodigy. To James, the coach isn’t there to mold him into the team dynamic. He’s there to serve him." - Adrian Wojnarowski
Wow, I thought I was the only one who sees James for who he is and besides that, why does everyone call him a King? Yea Yea, he's won two MVP awards but has he ever worn a championship ring? Like I've said on one of my previous posts, basketball is about teamwork. If LeBron tries to do things his way, he probably won't win a single ring.

He's just been too overrated.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

2010-11 NBA Season: Heat-Cavs MatchUp Hyped Up

Brace yourself. Three days and counting until touchdown at The Q, where LeBron James will make the most awaited appearance in Cleveland since ... well, since the Cavaliers drafted him in 2003, turning him into an instant civic treasure. And the spectacle will only be surpassed by the buildup, which promises to be both fascinating and insufferable.

Well, maybe it's just me, but is this really a good thing for the NBA?

This game is being hyped and anticipated for all the wrong reasons. Nobody's tuning in to see a potentially classic contest, or a terrific one-on-one matchup, or even a Game 7.

We're watching to see a scorned city give the finger to Public Enemy No. 1.

We're watching to rubberneck at LeBron's expense, wondering if anything more lethal than a boo will fly from the stands.

It has less to do with basketball and more to do with verbal mayhem, or the promise (hope?) of it, anyway.

The game is secondary. The abuse and anger and revenge factor and mob mentality? That's primary. That's the show. That's not the main attraction; it's the only attraction.

Folks wanna know: How will Cleveland react? What will the fans say and do? What about the homemade signs, will they be safe for children to read? Will Dan Gilbert, the Cavaliers owner, bring along his LeBron voodoo doll? Will the sellout crowd blow talcum powder in LeBron's face? Will they stand in silent protest during pregame introductions? And how will he respond and hold up to the venom and the hate?

Boy, this is a sticky situation for the NBA. The buzz for this game is squarely focused on a negative. David Stern can't be thrilled about the circumstances and the reason this game holds such appeal for the masses, and yet like the rest of us, the commissioner will watch.

When additional security is needed for a December game on a Thursday, to protect a player not from a crush of adoring fans but from being crushed by someone who took "The Decision" a bit too personally, then it's not good for the league. Imagine if this game gets the highest ratings of the season. Sure, business is business, but is that really worth celebrating?

Actually, it's sorta been that way all season for the NBA and LeBron. Imagine: One of the league's best and highest-profile players is as welcome across the NBA as a fungus. Nobody comes to see LeBron play; people come to see LeBron fail. That makes him tough to market and promote in a league that relies so heavily on star power. The only folks with a trickier job when it comes to LeBron and his "appeal" are those who work for Nike.

How would the NFL feel, for example, if Peyton Manning was suddenly cast as a villain? Or in the NHL, if Sidney Crosby was booed in every arena outside of Pittsburgh? Or major league baseball, if the Yankees were despised everywhere they played? (Oh, wait.) Point is, LeBron is supposed to be one of the four or five league showpieces, someone to be respected in opposing arenas if not adored (like Michael Jordan was), but those days are gone, perhaps forever. And that point will be rammed home with authority come Thursday in Cleveland.

Yes, this game will draw high ratings, but will also cause a high degree of discomfort for the league. It will be the same squeamish feeling as when Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal met following their tense parting of the ways from the Lakers in 2004. Strangely enough, and foolishly in hindsight, the league scheduled that grudge match game on Christmas Day, giving it prime-time real estate on the highest profile day of the regular season, essentially tossing logs on the fire. That was an awkward message to send: "Come See Two Guys Who'd Love To Clobber Each Other."

The Heat-Lakers game itself was secondary to the bitter backdrop. Would Shaq and Kobe shake hands or at least touch fists in a show of solidarity before tip-off? (They didn't.) Would Shaq give Kobe a hard foul? Would Kobe try to dunk on Shaq? The interplay between former teammates, their championship-rich relationship ripped apart by jealousy and greed and ego, overwhelmed all else.

That game appealed to the beast in all of us, just like LeBron's return to Cleveland will. It's almost like the reasons some people watch hockey, not for the sport, but for the chance to see someone get sucker-punched.

Oh, well. Such is the life LeBron made for himself, and by extension, for Cleveland. Come Thursday, we get a player whose silly and callous disregard for Cleveland transformed him from a local sports hero into a national outcast, and a battered but proud city ready and willing to issue a stiff and firm payback, rooted on by an entire country. Yes, come see anger, stripped bare and specifically targeted at one person, flow in all of its R-rated glory.

Isn't that why you'll watch?

by Shaun Powell

Sunday, November 28, 2010

NBA 2010-11: Spurs Win over the Hornets, 109-85

The New Orleans Hornets is the last NBA team left unbeaten at home.

But not for long.

The San Antonio Spurs beat the Hornets 109-95 today, slashing Chris Paul's perfect home win to one loss. Manu Ginobili, with eight assists and 23 points drove the Spurs to their 14th win this season with huge help coming from Richard Jefferson's end with 3 three pointers.

Hornet's scoreboard: David West with 23 points, 7 rebounds; Chris Paul dishing out 15 points, 7 assists.

Tuesday, November 02, 2010

Ginobili: Too Much For the Pacers

On an average, all four Tallbiceleste representatives in the NBA had a good night but only one was on the winning side.

Carlos DELFINO had a superb start for the Milwaukee Bucks against the New Orleans Hornets. He was on target for 5 times from the 3 points paint, totaling 19 points plus 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 3 steals. But the Bucks went down 91-95.

NOCIONI made his debut for the Philadelphia 76ers against none other than the much talked about Miami Big 3. Coming from the bench, he posted 10 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists plus one block shot. Though the Heat was very much the stronger side, the Sixers still gave a respectable performance before going down 87-97.

The biggest show of the night must have come from Luis SCOLA, as he was bombing the Golden State Warriors. Following his performance against the Lakers from the previous night, SCOLA produce another double-double with 36 points and 16 points plus a steal and block shot. Even that wasn’t enough for his side as the Rockets lost 128-132.

So what about Manu GINOBILI?

Well the newly turned Dad still had all the right stuff in him. GINOBILI was 5 of 9 from three points range posting 22 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals plus one block shot as the Spurs started off with a 122-109 win over the Pacers. The original Big 3 was indeed back in business though the season has just started.

“All three played pretty well for the first game of the season,” GINOBILI said. “And when that happens, everything becomes better.” (quoted from the Associated Press).

Hopefully he will stay healthy throughout the season and we will see more from him.

A post from Mundo Albiceleste.

Friday, October 29, 2010

Phil on Suns

Now this is the kind of pair I'm looking forward to watch -- LA Lakers v Phoenix Suns. What makes it exciting for me? Firstly, there'll be NO more Amar'e Stoudemire, who's now in the New York Knicks. It's all on Steve Nash. But it's not like Nash is anywhere close to getting the championship ring but for sure getting rid of someone like Stoudemire in the team is better.

Kobe Bryant, on the other hand, wouldn't mind the changes. It was the Lakers anyway who got rid of the Suns during last season's playoffs. "The combination with Stoudemire and Nash has been great in the last few years, so that will need a little timing. But this will be a good team, Phoenix will still be a real good team," said Lakers coach Phil Jackson.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Change is Inevitable. -- Dwayne Wade

Change is inevitable indeed. If it's for the good, however, Dwayne Wade welcomes anyone who joins him in his quest for the championship ring -- even if its a LeBron James we're talking about.

The King certainly came to Miami.

Unfortunately, the opening game against the Boston Celtics gave them their first loss this season - 80-88 points. A loss that tells a lot on how these two basketball superstars' rapport will be in the next few months.

Aside from the big tweak that happened in Miami, Carmelo Anthony could make use of change by making a huge career move. Melo told Yahoo! Sports that he's still not set on re-signing a $64 million dollar contract with the Denver Nuggets.

"I feel it’s a time for change," said Melo.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Tipoff Showdown: Heat v Celtics

And the so the season begins.

Interesting season opener between the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics. LeBron revisits the place where his dreams ended last season as a Cavalier. The 2-time season MVP makes his debut as a Heat, however, who by the way was stripped off by the Celtics during last season's first round.

Now, will James oust the reigning Eastern Conference champions? With the help of Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh, they probably could. And there's also the solid performance the three All-Stars have showed during '08 Beijing Olympics. But will they be able to hold on to the dream of having a championship?

Too early, I think to overrate the new and more powerful Heat lineup. But this I know, Kobe Bryant ain't backing down, now that the LA Lakers has a title to defend. Kevin Durant is not stopping, either.

So, game on!!

Monday, October 04, 2010

Under Construction!

This blog is currently under construction. :) Thank you for visiting.

Friday, September 17, 2010

2010 NBA Season: Spurs Summer Report Card

I've always wondered when San Antonio Spurs coach, Gregg Popovich would get Tiago Splitter. :) Well, he's a Spurs now and even if it was pretty much a quiet offseason move, it sure would make a lot of difference for the team this year.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

September Post

My very first September post. Oh can't believe I missed out two NBA seasons because I was so busy with work. And look what it got me, a blog of fragments from last season.

Well, hope everything goes well because I'm ready to write. :)

Monday, August 30, 2010

Warming Up

Haven't done writing for quite some time. But I'm warming up, hopefully this keeps up when the new season begins. Looking forward! :)

Monday, May 31, 2010

2010 NBA Playoffs: The Finals, a Retribution

I thought the Phoenix Suns had it, but soon fell short against the LA Lakers. And now, Kobe Bryant faces the one team that he probably wishes most to meet in the Finals - the Boston Celtics.

It has been two years, but the memory of the '08 NBA Finals is still clear. The Celtics won and Bryant was left wanting a championship without his chum, Shaquille O'Neal. Everybody was rooting for the Lakers but no one can deny that 2008 was a great year for Boston.

KB24's greatness couldn't be compared to the Big Three. The Celtics have Paul Pierce, with the addition of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. The Lakers only got Bryant and a team seemingly unreliable for a playoff showdown. And then last year, the Lakers won but it appears that there was no sense of fulfillment and left everybody thinking what if it was the Celtics?

The Finals. It's all about winning now. And with the Celtics standing in the way, Bryant is sure to find retribution from the team who's beaten them two years ago.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Need Shaq Enlightenment, If There's Any

I was reading an article about Tim Duncan being considered among the Top 10 NBA players of all-time. Then, I tried to trace some of the links and was not convinced about everything I read about it and it was not even about Duncan that had me ranting this way. I just couldn't believe Shaquille O'Neal to be included in the 10 best players. HELL NO! I would appreciate it more if Kobe Bryant was listed on the Top 10 and not Shaq.

Sometimes, it's not always about the ring, performance, leadership, attitude, or passion. It's a little bit of everything.

If you want to shoot your opinions, post it. Enlighten me.

Monday, April 26, 2010

2010 NBA Playoffs: One More to an Oust?

When my sister told me the Spurs are 2-1, I was like, "Yeah, it's on!"

And I was not mistaken, the San Antonio Spurs won the two home games, putting the Dallas Mavericks on the verge of a first round elimination. The Mavs had an 11-point lead during the first half of the fourth game, which continued down to 14 points. But the Mavs began to miss shots and the stopping the Spurs' Big Three isn't helping. In fact, stopping the Big Three had very little advantage to them because George Hill was the biggest trouble.

Hill led the Spurs with 92-89 win, racking up 29 points and displaying a classic playoffs game. Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker had 31 points combined. The very physical game between this Texas rivals left bruises, fouls, but it was the pressure looming for the Mavs' elimination who's going back to Dallas to hopefully seal Game 5 as theirs. “We’re not looking at three straight. We’re just looking at Game 5 and that’s as far as we can look,” said Mavs point guard Jason Kidd. Dallas is now the ninth team to recover from a 3-1 deficit in NBA history.

Now, the trouble is...

For the Spurs, an outraged crowd will be waiting at the American Airlines Center. Will Hill continue to play as he did on Game 4? Will the Big Three be able to come back with more than the 31 combined points they had at the AT&T?

For the Mavs, a looming oust from a 7th-seed team which is unfortunately their long-term Texas rival. They're the best NBA road team, but this is no road game --- this is a home game, an plus for them actually. But just one more loss and they're out of the playoffs.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

2010 NBA Playoffs: Spurs-Mavs Even Out

And Spurs tie the series to 1-1.

His minutes may have lessened but Tim Duncan never ceased to ensure that everything goes well for the San Antonio Spurs. And this was evident game 2, Spurs winning against the Dallas Mavericks 102-88. Duncan dished out 25 points with 17 boards. Manu Ginobili delivered a 23-point second game against the Mavericks. Now, the series goes to the AT&T Center where the Mavs play two games before returning to American Airlines Center.

Right at the Mavs’ side, Jason Terry racked up 27 points followed by Dirk Nowitzki’s 24 points at the score boards and 10 rebounds. Box scores also showed Jason Kidd doing what he’s good at – assisting, finishing the game with eight of it.
The Spurs even the series and has to push their way to a 5-game run, which includes two straight games at home.

Duncan, who’s turning 34 this Sunday, may be growing old but he’s definitely not stirred up by that fact. What made him more efficient this season, is his wiser grasp to the game. “He’ll never lose his skill set,” Dirk on Tim.

As many of his critics say, Duncan is growing old. But certainly, it’s not ALWAYS about the age, right?

Love you Johnny Ludden!

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

2010 NBA Playoffs: KG's Suspension

The 2010 Playoffs is getting even hotter these days with hot matchups including the East’s Boston Celtics and Miami Heat rivalry. Celtics took Game 1 with a 85-76 win over the Heat. But here’s downside, Kevin Garnett’s not playing for the second game.

I watched the video and I pretty much agree with what Doc Rivers, Celtics Head Coach has said – suspend the retaliator and the agitator. Fair enough.


Tell me if my eyes wasn’t seeing very clearly, I saw Quentin Richardson stir up the situation while KG was busy checking up on Paul Pierce. There was the elbow, but if Richardson didn’t start KG wouldn’t be pushed to his limits. It would’ve just been fair to KG if the association re-viewed the video.

Celtics lead the series to 1-0.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

2010 NBA Playoffs: Injury Over Underdogs

I can’t imagine a NBA Playoffs without the LA Lakers playing. They’re simply good or should I say, Kobe Bryant is just so good at playing basketball. This 2010 NBA Playoffs matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder creates a stir among critics as to whether the Lakers can make it to the championship – again.

Let’s see, Kobe’s not 100% healthy.

But hey, it’s Kobe we’re talking about. He never stops shooting. But his injuries will definitely affect maybe and hopefully a fraction of his usual game style. So, does this mean the Thunder is ruined? I don’t think so. With the excellent shooting skills of Kevin Durant and the rest of the team providing 2nd chance baskets and good defense, the young guns aren’t very short of power showdown.

The tempo will be up with the Thunder’s offensive knack but with the Lakers’ defense, the game will be more interesting to watch. Injuries could blight the Lakers eye for the win but they will eventually move through the first round in 5.

2010 NBA Playoffs: Game On!

Here are the list of schedules for the upcoming 2010 NBA Playoffs. Most have really exciting matchups.

Western Conference

Eastern Conference

Source/s:
http://www.nba.com/playoffs2010/series/index.html?ls=nbaplayoffsTab?ls=iref:nbahpt1

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

2010 NBA Playoffs: Is it his time?

Firstly, I can't believe I missed a lot of details in this season's NBA playoffs. Guess my friend was right, I've been too busy with some other stuff. But going back to the topic, the season is officially done and the playoffs is almost there - April 17, 2010. Here are the matchups, got it from Wiki:


I know, the fonts are too small -- just click on the image. I'm pretty much confused on who to root for this coming playoffs season. Of course, I'll always be rooting for my San Antonio Spurs but I know it's anybody's game right now. Remember last season? Everybody's all over Lebron James winning the playoffs but after all that's been said, Kobe and the LA Lakers won.

So, is it his season? Who knows.