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.
Another huge difference that Paul has next to Rondo is humility. You got me all rooting for the Hornets even more with that kind of attitude. Can someone bring Rondo back to Earth? He's probably seeing himself so good. He is good but not as good as Paul is.
It's just the beginning of the NBA season and yet, here I am getting too excited about it. There's just a lot going on in the association - changes. Shaq's now with King James, unfortunately it was pretty much a slow start for the Cleveland Cavaliers. [not giving anymore side comments on Shaq] The San Antonio Spurs, however, had a good start against the Byron Scott's Hornets with a 113-96 win.
The road in the West for the Hornets, however, was blocked by the San Antonio Spurs. The series of the Hornets against the veteran Spurs were among the must-see games in the West. Chris Paul & Co. were in the lead during the first two rounds of the series and the 4-time champions almost on the verge of elimination. Then, the veterans showed the stingy Hornets who they were playing against and tied the series to 2-2. But the Hornets hopes were high because the tie would mean that they would go back to the Big Easy, which houses the most unified crowd. The result was a 3-2 lead of the bees and a game 4 at the Alamo City. The Spurs turned it over for the Hornets and tied the series again. And then it was the deciding game, Game 7, the Spurs outplayed the Hornets and left the newbies in awe for what could have been a great season against the LA Lakers. It was the Lakers, though, who got rid of the Spurs during the Western Conference finals.
The Hornets team that has surprised everyone last season is all set for this season, bringing all the lessons [even memories] of the last season. Paul, West, & the rest of the Hornets' weapon? Well, it would definitely be their 3-pt efficiency and there's no doubt that their defense is pretty [I think, even better than the Lakers]. But there's still definitely more room for improvement specially in the West side of America.
What went wrong with the Spurs? The defending champs simply didn't have the consistency on the offensive end. During the first round against the Phoenix Suns, the Spurs didn't have that much troubl with regards to their shooting. But every game against the Suns was a hard-fought battle for the Spurs. Their offensive problems showed during their series against the New Orleans Hornets, which went up to seven games. And when the series against the Lakers began, the Spurs just hung in the balance because of their poor shooting and the supporting casts' lack of contribution on the offense. I know the Spurs played against the Lakers the best they could but they just weren't strong enough to go along with KB24 and the rest of the Lakers.
As for the Pistons, the Celtics outplayed them in four games and that was all. For the postseason record of the Bad Boys, they played neck-and-neck against an underdog named Anrei Iguodala and the Philadelphia 76ers. The way the Sixers played against the Pistons really shocked me but in the end it was the Sheed's company who won and advanced to the semis to face the Orlando Magic. I thought it was going to be another neck-and-neck battle but I was wrong. The Pistons prevailed after finishing Superman and his allies in five games. And off they went to the conference finals where the legendary Celtics await them. The series was then tied to 2-2, Ray Allen even said that the series felt like it was back to zero. Then after Game 5, the Celtics had the 3-2 lead. But the Bad Boys of Motown weren't the type who's going to lose their cool just because their behind. What's good news for the Pistons was that they were playing at The Palace - their home. But I guess being at home doesn't really assure you a win. The Pistons eventually lost to the Celtics and KG advances to meet KB24 in the Finals.
I don't really know where to go from here. Two of my favorite teams have been eliminated by the teams that are going to the Finals. Honestly, I want the Lakers to win because I want the loss of the Spurs to be worth it. So, I'll be rooting for the Lakers in the Finals. Why I don't like the Celtics? The answer is wearing the #20 green jersey. =p
Do we [Spurs' fans] have to endure that same feeling when the New Orleans Hornets buried the San Antonio Spurs to a 0-2 deficit again? I understand if the Spurs are still weary after that strenuous job of eliminating the Hornets. But it's the conference finals and it's the Lakers that they're battling against. Okay, inhale-exhale. Breathe Halley, just relax.
I told myself yesterday thay before I write something about Game 7 of the San Antonio Spurs and the New Orleans Hornets series, I am going to watch it. And yes, I've watched the game and again it was an outstanding performance from the Spurs' 6th Man extraordinaire Manu Ginobili. Ginobili led the Spurs to a 91-82 win against the crowd favorites the Hornets. The Argentinean poured in 26 points for the win, along with the 17 points and 16 points from Tony Parker and Tim Duncan, respectively. Fab Oberto also played brilliantly with four points and nine critical rebounds. Everybody from the Spurs simply played their part, even the bench players played a vital part for the victorious Game 7 win. “I’m sure glad that’s over," said Spurs coach, Gregg Popovich.
For CP3 & Co. I definitely applaud them for being a good sport. The Spurs played better this time and they [Hornets] were simply not making shots especially on the third quarter. David West, as expected, was great with 20 points and nine rebounds. Chris Paul scored 18 points and provided his team with 14 assists and Tyson Chandler, who guarded Duncan the entire series, added 13 points and 15 rebounds. The Hornets really caused a lot of trouble for the Spurs, offensively and defensively. The few days of rest, I guess helped the Spurs recover and mull over about how to win against these Hornets in their home, where the Spurs lost with double-digit margins.
Popovich isn't the type of coach, who causes hype because he's is not very pleased with the way his players played. He talks little but with a lot of sense and humor that is why he is considered to be one of best coaches in the association today. He made good decisions in the past and is now reaping the end result. Take a look at Parker. When Parker joined the Spurs in 2001, he was this stubborn teenager with little idea on how to satisfy Pop. They've probably had arguments but that paidoff with Parker as one of the best point guards of today. What's nice about the relationship between these two is that Pop trusts Parker. During a timeout in the first quarter, instead of Pop holding the magic board for some coaching I saw TP holding it and instructing something to Duncan, who simply nodded and nodded. And when Pop went to their side, the game was about to start again. It was just amazing how Pop trusts his players. TP isn't the only one whom Pop trusts and is confident about. I'm talking about Ginobili. Just putting Manu as the 6th man and hearing nothing from him, made Pop to put a lot of trust to his Argentinean player. Of all the Spurs, Manu is the one who showed a lot patience. He just doesn't stop shooting and when he gets his rhythm the game is truly on for the Spurs. With the win against the Hornets, the Spurs are off to Hollywood to face KB24 and the rest of the LA Lakers. What I know is that this series is going to be a lot more exciting than the one with the Hornets and the Phoenix Suns. I wish to write more, but I still have work to do. So, I guess that's all for now. Have a great day!.. =)
The end of the conference is near and eight teams are still vying for spots in the Conference Finals. Okay, I mean there are only seven teams vying for the Conference Finals because the Detroit Pistons already had a spot after winning the series 4-1 against the Orlando Magic. The other Eastern Conference series is still on going with the Boston Celtics leading 3-2 against King James and the rest of the Cleveland Cavaliers. You know what I think? I think the Celtics will win this series, KG is very determined to win the ring and he knows that Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and everyone wearing the green jersey, shares that same attitude. King James is young with a lot more to learn. But I don't he has the perfect combination of Knights to help him earn the sweetest victory a NBA player could achieve.
Let's go to the toughest Western Conference semis I've seen. The LA Lakers are a game away from achieving a spot in the conference finals with a 3-2 lead. But I don't think the Utah Jazz is ready to give up. I think anyone who's watched the Jazz play last year during the conference finals against the San Antonio Spurs can really tell that the team has improved a lot - particularly Mehmet Okur. Yes, Okur was pretttty boring last season but now?? He's playing great and I can't put into words what I feel whenever I see him make shot after shot. It's still very unbelievable for me. [with sarcasm] KB24 isn't feeling 100 percent okay, but I don't think it'll stop him from reaching his goal and that is to win the NBA Finals. As for the Spurs-New Orleans Hornets series, which is now tied to 3-3, there were no excuses made and both teams have played their hearts out. But definitely, I'm going for the Spurs. I know some might think that they're old and they can't win against the young and stingy Hornets. I really don't care. I love the Spurs. And I know they enjoy playing against the Hornets despite the sleepless nights of coach Popovich and Manu Ginobili's incredible willpower after each loss. [Go Argentina!! << for the Beijing Olympics] I also salute the Hornets for playing outstanding basketball! David West really caught my attention and I kinda like him because at a young age, he's become a very versatile player just like his idol David Robinson, which ironically is a former Spur and who also played with Tim Duncan.
Yes!! The San Antonio Spurs won 99-80 against New Orleans Hornets. The series is now tied to 3-3 and the Spurs go back to the New Orleans Arena. Game 7 will definitely be one-heck-of-a-game. The Spurs who dominated was Tim Duncan, with 20 points and 15 rebounds, and Manu Ginobili scoring 25 points. Tony Parker was subtle with only 15 points. Ime Udoka and Kurt Thomas helped boost the Spurs' bench. Udoka with 13 points and Thomas with nine boards. The Spurs' 2nd-Half Syndrome was gone. In fact, they outscored the Hornets during the 2nd half. Bravo!.. On the Hornets side, David West came out of the game because of back problems, leaving him with only 10 points and 6 rebounds. Chris Paul had 21 points and eight assists. The second leading scorer for the Hornets was Tyson Chandler adding 14 points and followed by Peja Stojakovic with 13 points one of which was a 3-points.
Cheers to the Detroit Pistons in making it to the Eastern Conference Finals! Whoever faces them, the Boston Celtics or the Cleveland Cavaliers, I know they'll put up a good fight. What worries me right now is the 3-2 status of the New Orleans Hornets, who just won 101-79 against the San Antonio Spurs. The Hornets is just a game away from the Western Conference Finals and I definitely don't want them to win this series. I respect the Hornets [a lot] and coach Byron Scott, but it's the Spurs who I want to continue on. During the first half of Game 5, the Spurs were looking good with a 4-point lead. But as soon as the second started and the Hornets began to shoot effectively, they [Spurs] were slowly dismantled. Their 2nd Half Syndrome only shows when they're playing in New Orleans Arena. Manu Ginobili was the Spurs' top scorer with 20 points and seven assists. Tony Parker added 10 points while Tim Duncan contributed 10 points and 23 boards. “Hopefully, I can make an adjustment and do better in the next game,” said Spurs forward, Duncan. Game 5 seemed like the repeat of the first two games, which were all awful games from the Spurs. “Now we are in a really tough situation,” said Ginobili.
At the first half, Chris Paul wasn't still on his rhythm and the only Hornet in double figures is David West. Both of them turned over the game during the 2nd half leaving the Spurs with just 11 points during the 3rd quarter. The Spurs, I guess, got lost along the way like they did during the first two games. I'm really really hoping that the Spurs win Game 6 and win this series. I know, there'll be articles about the Hornets showing the Spurs how old they were. That's alright with me, the losing team always gets the worst criticism anyway. So, whatever happens on Game 6, I'll take it as it is.
Game 5 is in progress and the San Antonio Spurs lead by four points. Manu Ginobili, the Spurs' top scorer for the first half, has 15 points. David West, on the side of the New Orleans Hornets, started hot with 22 points.
During Games 3 & 4, the San Antonio Spurs showed the New Orleans Hornets what made them the defending NBA Champions - defense. From a 0-2 deficit, the Spurs bounces backs and ties with the Hornets to 2-2. “We are in a different situation now, but we have to try to do it the same way,” said Spurs' guard Manu Ginobili. As the series shifts back to the Big Easy, winning for the Spurs won't come easy. The Spurs' effective approach to the Hornets' stiff defense and surging offense is to play stiffer defense and not stopping Chris Paul. Yes, you heard me right [I actually heard this from one of the commentators] the Spurs aren't stopping CP3. Instead, they'll be stopping everybody else. Surely, CP3 can't win the game by himself. Very clever move from Spurs' coach Gregg Popovich. The question now is, will the Spurs hear each other out for this approach with the L-O-U-D crowd that is sure to fill the New Orleans Arena today? We'll see!..
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.
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??
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.
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.
The Spurs have won because Tony Parker is fast, and because Manu Ginobili is a magician, and because Tim Duncan is the greatest power forward in the history of the NBA. --Mike Finger of the San Antonio Express-News
Wow, I missed logging on to NBA.com. I just wish it wasn't blocked by the technical department here in our office. Sigh!.. But anyways, I was pissed with how the San Antonio Spurs played against the New Orleans Hornets, Boston Celtics, & Philadelphia 76ers! [with a big exclamation mark] And then, there was the suspension of Bruce Bowen. Argh! Bear with me, okay. I was just annoyed by the fact that the regular season is coming to a close and yet the Spurs are struggling. This is the time where they usually put the pieces of the puzzle and gear up for the playoffs. Am I simply expecting too much from them? I guess I am and I think everybody [Spurs fan] is on the same page as well.
All I think of whenever the Spurs lose is that Pop's rotation didn't work and that's all. But there is no room for error now esp with the tight competition in the Western Conference. I wouldn't be this worried if the Spurs are on the East, you know. Sigh! Don't get too stressed like me, okay. I'm fine. I'll get over this for sure. [maybe I'm just so hooked to basketball] Sigh! Again.
“I loved it. It gives us our familiarity, our continuity, our personality, our comfort zone. Back the way we were," said Popovich. This is the final starting lineup: Tony Parker, Michael Finley, Tim Duncan, Bruce Bowen, and Fab Oberto. The bench: Manu Ginobili, Ime Udoka, Kurt Thomas, Jacque Vaughn, Robert Horry, Damon Stoudamire, Matt Bonner, Ian Mahinmi, and Brent Barry*. I know many Manu fans [including me] would disagree with this move, but hey Manu isn't complaining that is the sign of his sportsmanship. Let's just support him and root for him to win the 6th Man of the Year award this season.
Soon I guess because just now the Hornets stung the Spurs with a 100-75 win. That hurts! What's more painful is despite the 42.9 field-goal percentage of the Spurs, they couldn't contain the outburst of the 58.7 field-goal of the Hornets. Hornets' All-Star Chris Paul poured in 26 points, 16 assists, and 3 steals. David West, coming back from an injury, added 29 points and 10 boards. As for the Spurs, Tim Duncan and Tony Parker had 24 points apiece. Manu Ginobili had 11 points and 4 assists. The Spurs need time to rest after playing against winning teams because they'll be playing against more winning teams such as the Detroit Pistons and the Boston Celtics. "Somebody made a mistake to do that," said ex-Spur-now-Hornets Melvin Ely. Whether the confetti was a mistake or not, they certainly enjoyed it because they defeated the Spurs once again. =p
Another trade comes from the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs plan to trade Francisco Elson and Brent Barry [!!] for Kurt Thomas. I understand why Pop chose Elson but Barry? I just don't understand it. Barry has been playing great. If not for his injury, he would've proven to Pop that he's worthy to remain as a Spur. "I wish there had been a local bar that was open," said Barry. And FYI the teams that are showing their interest on Barry are the Phoenix Suns and the Houston Rockets!.. Argh! What can Kurt Thomas do to the Spurs now? Can someone tell me? Oh and by the way, Manu Ginobili rocked the Spurs game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Manu poured in 44pts and Tim Duncan adding 24 pts with 14 rebounds. Spurs won 100-99.
