Home Sweet Home

KB24 is M-V-P. So, what?! The LA Lakers won't easily get a win at the EnergySolutions Arena where the Utah Jazz rule. And they [Jazz] have really proven that with a 104-99 win against the Lakers on Game 3. Carlos Boozer provided a stunning double-double with 27 points and 20 boards [I think he's turned into a monster]. "I tried to stop thinking so much out there. My teammates were waiting for a big game out of me and I was too," said Boozer. Mehmet Okur [??] added 22 points with Deron Williams following him with 18 points and 12 assists. The Jazz definitely played their best. And the EnerySolutions' crowd? They're much like the crowd of Planet Orange [Phoenix Suns], they're very LOUD! The reason why I still have a question mark on Okur was because he wasn't brilliant on last season's playoffs. I just can't believe that it's really him that's playing exceptionally well or just a doppelganger. I really don't know. Despite the Jazz' win, the Lakers still lead the series to 2-1. I'd love to see the Jazz win this series and the Spurs too.

But as far as I can see KB24 & Co. are giving the Jazz a hard time specially during the first two games. “We competed very hard, much better than we did over there," said Jazz coach, Jerry Sloan. So, basically the Jazz are experiencing what the Spurs are going through. But what can I say, the four teams that are left in the Western Conference semis are among the best this season. It's just amazing how tough the West is and that the top four teams are the ones left vying to get to the Finals.

And Then It's 2-1

Nerve-wracking, Game 3 was. Whew! I took quick peeks at the scoreboard and I never stayed for more than a minute on the scoreboard window. I was just so curious that I don't want the game to distract me from my work, which I experienced during Game 2. "It stunk," said Bruce Bowen. [the moment i woke up, i was already feeling down - maybe that was a bad sign - sigh] Game 3 was different though, I think there was more pressure for the San Antonio Spurs because they're back home. I'm just very happy that they won 110-99 against the New Orleans Hornets. The Hornets still leads the series 2-1 but when I think about it, it's better than 3-0. Almost everyone from the Spurs' stood up for their team. First of, the Big Three played really well. Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker had 31 points apiece. And yes, Manu was back as a starter. Tim Duncan added 16 points, 13 rebounds, and four blocks. Bowen played pretty good as well with 12 points and was successful about Peja Stojakovic, who only had eight points. And although Kurt Thomas only had four points, no one can belittle his 10 rebounds. Off to the bench was Fabricio Oberto with two points and nine rebounds. Michael Finley also had his share with 11 points. Brent Barry, Ime Udoka, Robert Horry with 3 points, and Jacque Vaughn weren't given enough time to prove themselves. But I know they'd really love to help the team win. The Spurs have three days off to rest and practice for Game 4. I hope they continue winning.

On the Hornets' lineup, only three players were in double figures, namely: Chris Paul with 35 points and nine assists; David West adding 23 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks; and Tyson Chandler finishing with 12 points and eight rebounds. I respect the Hornets and their coach. They have class just like the Spurs and losing Game 3, I know they'll bounce and bring their A-game on Game 4. “You can slice it any way you want. But they’re not a team you’re going to stop,” said Spurs' coach Gregg Popovich. And yes, the Spurs still don't have the key to stopping CP3.

So, what was the mindset of the Spurs on Game 3? “Today, for us, it was a Game 7," said Spurs G Manu Ginobili. Manu, back as a starter, is a great idea from coach Pop. Of course TP often gets the credit because he's the Spurs pg. And Tim gets most of the critiques - good and bad, because his the captain and the team revolves around him. But Manu, he makes the difference in every game the Spurs' play. He's just so good at what he does and it's his first All-NBA team along with Tim.

Nah, Just Voicing Out...

Okay, maybe I'm a bit desperate because the San Antonio Spurs are down 0-2 against the New Orleans Hornets. But I'm very hopeful that the Spurs will go on to win this series. It's just that the Hornets seem to play better than the rest of the Spurs', excluding the BIG Three [they've been hurt on Games 1&2, like emotionally hurt]. I'm not saying that the remaining Spurs were not affected with the 0-2 deficit, the hurt is just doubled because they [Big Three] were the ones on the target board of the Hornets. D'you get what I mean? So, everyone has to step up now and I mean everyone. The Spurs' bench hasn't been contributing much during the past games, even during the Suns-Spurs series. Basketball is about teamwork and that's what the Spurs have to do to win four games against CP3 & Co. That's all I really wanted to say right now. I'm not saying much because I want to sleep early tonight because I'm sure Game 3 will be aired and I am going to watch the replay even if it finishes at midnight. Win or lose, I'm going to watch it. Not even my mom can stop me. [no one can stop actually] =p Peace out!.. >> And is this TRUE? Manu is going to start on Game 3??

Covet the ball, make a shot & skip halftime are the keys to winning against the Hornets.

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“They want Tim to be more of a quarterback,” said Spurs guard, Michael Finley.

TOMORROW IS GAME 7 - Manu Ginobili, Spurs guard

"Everybody looks at us as a running team. But we said from Day One, one of our main goals would be to be one of the top five defensive teams in the league. We were able to accomplish that, and that's why we were able to have the season that we had," Hornets coach Byron Scott said.

KB24 Named MVP

Congratulations to Kobe Bryant, of the Los Angeles Lakers, for achieving the 2007-2008 NBA Most Valuable Player Award. I am not a Kobe fan but I admit that he is great and he truly deserves this award. And he looks very happy. Again, congratulations to him!.. [clap clap clap]

“I can’t thank these guys enough. These are my guys, these are my brothers. Let’s get ready for tomorrow,” said KB24.

An Upsetting 0-2 Deficit for the Spurs

When the Phoenix Suns-San Antonio Spurs round began, I was half-expecting and half-hoping that the Spurs will win. When the Spurs won Game 2, I was crossing my fingers and saying to myself to just give the Tim Duncan & Co. a win in Arizona. And they won, so, I was very confident that they'll eventually win the series. During the clash between the Suns and the Spurs, I was also checking other round 1 matchups and was particularly looking out for the Dallas Mavericks-New Orleans matchup. My mind was already set that the Hornets will face the Spurs. As far as I know, the CP3-powered Hornets are better than the Suns this season.

I'm not expecting the Spurs to win this series easily because obviously the Hornets are giving them a hard time but I'm very hopeful about them winning this series. =) The Hornets now leads the series to 2-0. That was expected since they have homecourt advantage. But I think there is something or maybe someone in the Hornets lineup that gives me goosebumps everytime I check the live scoreboards. The Spurs weren't looking as sharp as they should've been on the past two games on both ends. CP3 & his allies were just better, faster, younger, and all the positive -er I could ever think of. "We're definitely a little shocked. They are playing extremely well. If one person's not going, someone else is stepping up," said Spurs Kurt Thomas. The hope that the Spurs will come out of 0-2 deficit now depends on their performance at the AlamoDome.

The Spurs have set the bar so high that different NBA teams have drastically changed their lineup just to better matchup against the defending champions. And as I see it now, no other team has matched up really well against the Spurs than the Hornets. I dreaded their 3-point prowess but now they are so good defensively. The Spurs, on the other hand, are struggling on both ends. The Hornets must've really messed up with their rotation and their defensive strategy. The Spur that is obviously suffering from the Hornets' sting is Duncan. Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker aren't their usual selves, too. I think Mr. Mike Finger is right again, some has to step up against this stingy Hornets. Coach Pop and the rest of the Spurs still have a few days to prepare a gameplan before the Hornets pay a visit at the AT&T Center on Thursday. “We’re fine,” said coach Pop regarding Duncan's fever and Ginobili's injury.