HEAT vs CELTICS: RIVALRY BORN

It all boils down to this. The most anticipated match-up of the 2011 NBA season, even surpassing the Finals. It may have come too early, but we'll take it.  And that not even adding the numerous subplots behind this series. Will LeBron James and Dwyane Wade have their revenge on the Celtics in the Playoffs? How about Shaq (if ever he can play) playoff return in Miami. I wouldn't even mention the Delonte West controversies.  Ever since James and Bosh came down to South Beach, they know they have to go through Boston to achieve their "...not five, not six, not seven championships."

This semifinals series features more than half of the Eastern Conference All-Stars. I expect a Finals atmosphere with all the hate each team is getting (remember James' return to Cleveland).  Both of these teams preaches defense, and rightfully so, that these two teams belong in the top five in defense in the league. Who has the better defense?  The Celtics are still big even if they traded away Kendrick Perkins.  Yet the Heat have a better defense in the perimeter with James and Wade.

 The Celtics has an upperhand when it comes to experience (even championship experience) add to that the chemistry of their stars playing a lot more longer together. The key for Boston is the play of their point guard, Rajon Rondo, as he is the one steering this old legs. He had a great series against the Knicks, and where Rondo goes, the Celtics go.  I expect one hell of a series; tough, physical, and close.

Will LeBron James gets his revenge on the Celtics in the Playoffs? This is his third series against Boston. How bout Dwyane Wade's team last season? Like Rondo, Chris Bosh has to step up in order to will this team to the promise land. At the start of the season, we all see Bosh the the whipping lad of the team, but as the season progress, Bosh has been the steady force down low for the Heat. He has to take advantage of the front court of the Celtics now that Perkins is in OKC and Shaq is still questionable. I think his match up against Garnett is the key.

Boston may have been old and tired, but last season showed that they are still deadly. Barely finishing the regular season healthy, they cruised through the Playoffs and went on to play the Finals, eventually losing in game 7.

This season, the Celtics won the series, 3-1, with the Celtics winning at an average of 5 points, while the Heat routed them in their last regular season game.  But all of that is history. This is a whole new ballgame. This is the series that everyone is talking about. People are excited to see whose Big Three is better... Let's get it on!!

My pick: Miami in 7

The Stage is Set: PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals 2011

As the title said, the stage is set. It's between two bigtime teams, the Talk N' Text Tropang Texters up against the Ginebra Gin Kings.  I will give a  head to head match-up between these to PBA powerhouses. The Tropang Texters had an easy semis against a tired Air21 team and simply out muscled their way towards the Finals. Meanwhile, the Gin Kings almost had the same fate but Smart-Gilas fought back in Game 3, and the series had been physical.

Backcourt

The Kings's backcourt of Caguioa, Miller, Tubid, and Cortez practically carried this team all the way. Mark Caguioa has been sensational all playoffs reminding us of the "Spark" we once knew. Tubid has been steadily rising during the playoffs, even playing his best ball yet. Miller, on the other hand, has been still Miller. How about the Cortez's game in Game 4. I thought he was wearing a La Salle jersey rather than Ginebra's.  On the flip side, TnT's Alapag, Castro, and Reyes, has been a steady force for Coach Chot. Jimmy Alapag as we all know, has been great steering this star-studded line up. His stop-and-pop very dangerous. I have always set my eyes on Castro even during his PCU days. He could spell problems for Ginebra's old legs, as he is living up to his moniker, "Blur." With all of Castro's and Alapag's offense, stood Ryan Reyes' defense. He is their anchor defense in the perimeter, but watch out for his deadly three's. I still go for Ginebra.

Frontline

TnT clearly has an advantage here as Ali Peek, Kelly Williams, Ranidel de Ocampo have been dominating teams. Add Harvey Carey and they are one scary team.  They're offense-defense as Peek and de Ocampo could put up huge numbers against Ginebra's thin bigs. TnT leads the league in rebounding. Meanwhile, the only inside presence for the Gin Kings had been their import. Rudy Hatfield has to do double against TnT as Menk and Villanueva is still sidelined. Mamaril and Yancy de Ocampo just aren't enough. TnT by a mile.


Imports

Paul Harris has been a complete compliment to the style of play of the Texters. He does not have to do all the scoring. Meanwhile Brumfield although has been great for Ginebra is going to have a tough time inside. Harris don't have to guard Brumfiled as TnT has enough big men to handle Nate. Paul Harris will have his way against Nate Brumfield.

Coaching

Chot Reyes and Jong Uichico are two of the great coaches in the PBA. They are championship caliber.  I'd say they are pretty even. 


X-Factor

Ginebra's crowd could out number Talk N' Text's.

Here's to an exciting Championship Series.

Three Defensive Player Award and counting for Superman

Magic center, Dwight Howard, now won an NBA record three consecutive Defensive Player of the Year Award. As everyone is expecting that, it had me thinking, is he really dominant defensively? At 6-foot-11, Superman is a freak with his physique and leaping ability. No one will dare enter the shaded area when he is there manning it.

Here's my problem, Dwight Howard doesn't lead the league in any of the defensive "stats."  He ranked second in rebounds (14.1 rpg) and fourth in blocked shots (2.38 bpg). The Orlando Magic as a whole only ranked third in defensive efficiency. He does however lead the NBA with 66 double-doubles.

Its really hard to quantify defense because of the lack of real stats as compared with offense. Defense I think is mostly subjective, the way we see the defensive dominance on court.


My point is, D12 spends most of the game under the basket guarding the other big men, and center nowadays, are really just there because of their size and not their basketball skills. (I missed the 90s where centers really dominated the game, e.i. Olajuwon, Robinson, Mourning, Ewing, Mutombo, even the younger Shaq.)  Howard, however, is the most skilled big man and combined with his strength and leaping, obviously has the advantage over the rest.

When I watch videos of this blocks, although I get pump of how he erases shots, I see them mostly being batted away toward the third row (compare to Mourning blocks which were mostly toward a teammate thus gaining possession).


I am not blaming Dwight Howard for defending mostly scrubs inside the painted area, but the NBA's best players are mostly perimeters players (Kobe, LeBron, DWade, Rose). Howard doesn't defend them until they penetrate inside thus just giving help defense.

But anyway, congratulations to Superman. At this rate, he may even surpass Dikembe Mutombo's and Ben Wallace's four DPoYs.

EPIC FAIL: Handshake

I don't know if it's prerequisite to make a handshake after a freethrow but these guys just have to overdo this gesture

At least Kevin Love has someone, check out Gary Neal's imaginary teammates...

PHOTO OF THE DAY: Did you expect it's going to be this hard, Melo?

The Knicks are back in the Playoffs after an eon, but they're going out of it faster than they think.

Video: Oh! LeBron!!

Just a reminder, LeBron James is 6-foot-9, 270-pound freak. Karl Malone was about the same size. 

Playoff Round Up, Day 1

Here a quick Recap of the very first day of the 2011 Playoffs


Chicago 104, Indiana 99 --  The Chicago Bulls used an impressive late rally to top the Indiana Pacers 104-99 in the opening game of their first-round NBA playoff series on Saturday in Chicago. Down 98-88 with 3:28 left in the game, Chicago outscored the Pacers 16-1 the rest of the way to pull out the victory. League MVP favorite Derrick Rose scored five unanswered points during that stretch, finishing with a career-playoff-high 39, to go with six rebounds and six assists. (Yahoo!)


Miami 97, Philadelphia 89 -- Finally finding a way, the Heat worked their way past the Philadelphia 76ers, 97-89, on Saturday at AmericanAirlines Arena in the opener of the best-of-seven first-round NBA playoff series. Bosh closed with 25 points and 12 rebounds, with James finishing with 21 points and 14 rebounds. Wade added 17 points, seven rebounds and five assists. (TCPalm)


Atlanta 103, Orlando 93 -- Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard had a record-setting night in the first half Saturday night.  Howard's teammate, point guard Jameer Nelson, had a record-setting third quarter.  Both would just as soon forget Saturday night as a whole, though, as the Atlanta Hawks performed the magic act of the night, making the rest of the Magic players disappear, shooting 51 percent and walking out of Amway Center with a 103-93 victory and a 1-0 lead in their Eastern Conference first round series. (FSSouth)


Dallas 89, Portland 81 --The Portland Trail Blazers overcame a 10-point halftime deficit to grab a 68-63 lead in the fourth quarter, but Dirk Nowitzki tallied 18 fourth-quarter points and the Dallas Mavericks closed the night out with a 23-9 run to pull away and seal the win in Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs.  (iamatrailblazersfan)

2011 NBA Playoffs: Western Conference Preview First Round

Yesterday I tackled the East. Now, we take a look at the other side of the fence.  As usual, the West has been tight all throughout the season. With San Antonio rolling though most of the regular season as the best in the West as well as the league, until their last game where they gave up the top seed overall to the surging Bulls. Lakers and Mavs fighting for second seed in the West through the last game of the season. OKC, Denver, the surprising Blazers, Hornets, and the Grizzlies round up our contenders in the Wild West.

SAN ANTONIO SPURS (1) VERSUS MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (8)

Regular Season Series:  Tied 2-2

The Spurs practically rolled through the season being the league best until the last game. Their Ol' Big Three finally  playing together and healthy. Although Manu's late injury  could bring an impact to the Spurs. Meanwhile, Memphis have been a steady young team I expected of them. They could be a scary team to face for the Spurs. The eight-seeded Grizzlies have the size and athleticism --two things the Spurs don't have.

San Antonio in 7

LOS ANGELES LAKERS (2) VERSUS NEW ORLEANS HORNETS (7)

Regular Season Series: Lakers won 4-0

The Lakers avoided a match up against Portland. They will now take advantage of of David West-less Hornets. The Andrew Bynum injury may not hurt the Champs as Pau and Lamar could handle Emeka Okafor down low.  The Lakers just have too much firepower against the Hornets, and Chris Paul's 20ppg alone would not make the cut.

LA in 4.

DALLAS MAVERICKS (3) VERSUS PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS (6)

Regular Season Series: Tied 2-2

This series is going to be an exciting one as it features two of the best power forwards in the league. The addition of Gerald Wallace gave the Blazers the toughness and defense. Now, we will see how the paid off against a much better offensive team. I expect a very tight and intense series here with no clear cut winner. It could go either way.

Portland in 6.

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER (4) VERSUS DENVER NUGGETS (5)

Regular Season Series: Thunder won 3-1

I look forward to this series simply because they are the future of the NBA. The Thunder has leaped from a glad-to-be-in-the-playoffs team that gave a scare to the eventual champions last year to a legit contender this year. The Durant-Westbrook combination have been their back bone, but the acquisition of Perkins and Ibaka sliding into the starting lineup made then one hell of a young team. Meanwhile, the Nuggets actually played better post-Melo trade. They are now a more balanced, athletic team, plus they are younger. The only flaw I see is their lack of cohesion given their limited time playing together. But look out for them as I see bright future in their rebuilding process.

OKC in 5.

2011 NBA Playoffs: Eastern Conference Preview First Round

The real battle begins.

Today, I put my 2 cents on the First Round of the Eastern Conference. This is going to be an epic one as I am hopeful of an upset or two. I'll give you a my prediction of each match up.

CHICAGO BULLS (1) VS INDIANA PACERS (8)

Regular Season Series: Chicago won 3-1

Chicago will win this one. No upset unfortunately, but neither sweeps. I think the Pacers could steal a game at home where I expect Granger and Hansbrough get one of their out-of-his-mind game.

Chicago in Five

MIAMI HEAT (2) VERSUS PHILADELPHIA 76ERS (7)

Regular Season Series: Miami won 3-0


Philly has been one hell of a team of late. They are well coached, scrappy, and very over-achieving. Qualities to pull of a very scary team in the playoffs.  Sixers bench could expose the Heat's, but the Big Three could just be too strong for the Sixers. I expect a couple of home games for Doug Collins' squad but will eventually bow out of the series.

Miami in Six

BOSTON CELTICS (3) VERSUS NEW YORK KNICKS (6)

Regular Season Series:  Boston won 3-0

This series is going to be the most exciting and tight. Could the C's defense handle the offensive barrage of Melo and STAT? Or could the NYK breaks Boston's defense. I could smell an upset here. Danny Ainge just gave away Boston's defensive anchor in Perkins. I expect one last stand from Boston's own Big Three. This is going to be a battle to the end.

Boston in seven

ORLANDO MAGIC (4) VERSUS ATLANTA HAWKS (5)

Regular Season Series: Atlanta won 3-1

Atlanta may have one the regular season over the Magic, I don't expect them to go farther than 5 games. The ways they are playing right now, they are the most boring them in the East playoffs. Magic wins easy here unless Superman gets another technical or two.

Orlando in five.


Tomorrow I'll give the Part II of this preview featuring the heavy West.

Sugar Shane Mosley "Google Translate" Tweets

Sugar Shane Mosley attempted to please the Filipino boxing fans by tweeting in Tagalog. Apparently he uses the help of the highly inaccurate Google Translate. This is what it turned out:

• 
  hindi ko nais maliitin ng isang mandirigma Filipino ako igalang ang kanilang espiritu

  

  SugarShaneMApril 11, 2011 at 11:44
• ReplyRetweet

  1-Sending love and respect to the people of the Philippines

  

  SugarShaneMApril 11, 2011 at 11:46
• ReplyRetweet

  pagpapadala ibig at paggalang sa mga tao ng mga Philippines.

  

  SugarShaneMApril 12, 2011 at 2:04
• ReplyRetweet

  i tumingin forward sa magandang malinis na laban. ako excited.

Well, Manny Pacquiao tried to communicate with Mosley via Twitter (with Google Translate too) and people criticized him of his wrong grammar. Then Mosley attempted his own version, the damned people loved the guy. Irony

They epic fight will be on May 7 (US) live in Las Vegas.

EPIC FAIL: Kobe's Gay Slur

The Lakers star took another hit again. This time he was caught tossing up a gay slur as if hes shooting jumpshot. Kobe Bryant caught on camera after he was T'ed up on their game against the Spurs Tuesday night.  Well you don't have to be an expert lip reader to get this one.

The NBA today fined him a whopping $100,000 for his gay outburst, and then he issued a statement later but I think the entirety of it doesn't include an apology. Nice one Kobe! For this I give you this...

A WORM in the Hall

I thought it's just another April Fools Day prank, but when I heard its true, it got me interested. The Detroit Pistons is retiring the Worm, Dennis Rodman's #10 jersey in the rafters.

If you didn't follow Rodman's career, do not know what kind of a player he was. We all remember the hair, the tattoos, the piercings, and all the stunts he had on and off the court. But what made Rodman a great player was how he work hard. He was the best rebounder in the NBA and probably the best defender the entirety of his career. He was the best for a decade.  He may not be that gifted offensively, but his defense was world class.

Watch the entire video of the ceremony here.

This August, Dennis Rodman will have another ceremony to attend, his enshrinement to the Hall of Fame. In his 14-year career, he led the NBA in rebounding 7 years in a row (a record), career average in rebounds of 13.1 but in 1991-92 he averaged 18.7, won 2 Defensive Player of the Year, won 5 Championships, but what he gave every night was hard work and great defense.

Contraulations to the Worm. Some people may question his entry to the HoF, but a HoF without Rodman is a sham. I just hope he don't go to Springfield like this..

or this...

or this...

hopefully not this again...

DENNIS "the WORM" RODMAN, 1986-2006

Hall of Famer

Are You Ready for the PLAYOFFS?

The whole season has been newsworthy asll year long, even before the season begins, but now it has come to this. All teams has at least 3 games left, and both conferences is almost set.  Hold on to your seats folks.

The East is almost done, with the Bulls beating the C's earlier, they are 1 win away to lock the number 1 seed. Led by MVP front runner Derrick Rose, The Bulls surprised everyone with their sudden surge through the top spot. With coach Thibs sick defense, the Bulls sure brought the wind back to the Windy City.

Boston and Miami is still battling the number 2 seed. The Heat Big Three has been up and down all season but enough spurt to land them here at this stage of the regular season. For me, I don't expect them to win the Finals this year the moment LBJ and Bosh decided to come down to South Beach, but sure got me excited.
The Celtics meanwhile though still at the top of their game, but I think age has caught up with them. Adding to that midseason trade of their starting center, the C's has to rely on an old, can't-seem-to-get-healthy Shaq to man the middle. The moment that trade was made, I told myself, Danny Ainge just threw away the season.

And then there's the Magic and Hawks. Well what can I say, they are reeling, as in reeling. The surprise in the East is the Sixers. Man, I love this team play. They are scrappy, gutsy, and just plain hard worker.  Without a legit "star," this team plays like a team. They are my sleeper, they are scary to match up with come playoff time. To sum it up are the Pacers. I like this team too, but they maybe a season or two away to really come up big. They coaching change did them well. 

We go now to the West, 85% of the season I though7, the Spurs are legit to come up with the championship. I mean before Timmy goes down late in the season, they are far away the league best. Their 4 stars played most of the season together and healthy. But injury bug struck them at the least favorable time. Tough still leading, they are now not locked up to win it all.

The 2-time defending champ has gone 15-1 since the All-Star break and just as we thought their getting ready for the playoffs, 3 game losing streak again. Still, if you have a guy named Kobe Bryant in your team, you can relax. Dallas is still battling the Lakers at the 2 spot, but  by the end of it, I think they'll stay at the 3.

Durant and Westbrook have gone a long way for OKC. After their first playoff appearance and grinding it out with the Lakers, now they are battling home court advantage. This young team is getting exciting every year.

After the Melo trade, everyone said, including I, they the Nuggets are going downhill, but wait, the all their acquisitions and getting contributions from all over made them winner of the trade.

It funny how Nate McMillan manages year after year of injury after injury to his team and yet, he still manages to get them in to the playoffs. Watch out for Portland because they can beat anybody here in the west.

I think Chris Paul is not getting the love he deserved. I mean with a rag tag team and a rookie coach, injuries to Meka and D-West, still Paul keeps this team afloat.

And theres Memphis, always dangerous, like the Sixers in the East, this is onbe scrappy ball club, I expect them to give San Antonio a headache if not an upset, but I'm just wishing.