On an emotional night for Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers, the Indiana Pacers took care of business and went out with a 107-103 win for the 2015-2016 NBA Regular Season.
The Indiana Pacers was cruising for most part of the game, when Lakers mad an improbable run towards the end of ballgame.
Boistered by the homecourt fans who were emotional over the announced retirement of Kobe after this NBA Season, Metta World Peace lead the Lakers defensive intensity in the fourth quarter, even adding a crucial 3 pointer before fouling out.
And as if on queue and as he had done all his career, Kobe Bryant made a 3 pointer to bring his team closer. However, his last trey to tie the game was off target and air-balled out of bonds.
Paul George was steady on the free throw line and finally closed out the Lakers.
Thanks to ABS-CBN Sports free live streaming, I was able to watch this game between the University of Sto. Tomas Growling Tigers against the National University Bulldogs. This is part of the second round of eliminations for the UAAP Season 78 Men's Basketball.
Tournament leader UST was cruising along in the first two and a half quarters, leading by as much as 12 points most of the way.
But Alolino, Aroga and an ace defense from NU made it an exciting game in the fourth quarter, eventually taking the lead after Alolino's 3 point shot 55 - 54. UST got the lead back on a basket by Vigil. Sheriff made a steal that led to a lay-up by Daquioag for a 58 -55 score.
An exchange of baskets to UST advantage, NU failed to score on their posession. Karim Abdul made two free throws for a more comfortable 62-57 lead for UST with only 26.9 seconds to go.
After a time-out, Alolino missed on his three-point try. And there goes their chances as Kevin Ferrer closed the scoring in the free throw line 65 - 57.
UST exacted revenge for their only of Season 78 so far. More importantly, their 8th win secured for them at least a play-off berth for a final four slot.
For NU, the loss will make it doubly harder for them to reach final four and be able to defend the championship they won last year.
SIDE NOTE:
One of the referees who officiated this game was my P.E. Teacher for Basketball, Mr. Ballecer.
I'm glad that Steve Nash & the Phoenix Suns won again. This time against the New Orleans Hornets 120 - 103 in the compacted 2011 - 2012 NBA Season
I'm glad that Steve Nash reached a new milestone - being the Sun's franchise most prolific passer. He now holds the record of 6, 522 assists and counting as a Phoenix Suns. His career assist total is 9, 441. He stands to surpass Oscar Robertson who only has 46 more assists as 4th assists leader all time in the NBA.
Go, Suns!
Finally, I get to read something good about Steve Nash and my Phoenix Suns. They won over the New York Knicks that has Carmelo Anthony (although not 100%), former Sun, Amar'e Stoudemire and newly acquired Tyson Chandler.
The conspiracy theorist in me says this was a gimme win because of Phoenix former ties to now Knicks Coach Mike d'Antoni. But the Knicks themselves are in dire need of wins after their underperforming start for the season. That ridiculous thought is quickly dispelled.
Understandably, the Suns haven't been talked about this NBA 2011-2012 season because of a weak roster. But I am glad that they are still battling out there, ably lead by the unaging Nash.
If they could just squeeze in as the 8th seed on a highly competitive Western Conference, that would be an early Christmas sports present for me.
Rafael Nadal criticized Roger Federer for being mum about the tough tour schedule of the ATP and letting other players like him to speak out and burn themselves.
Come on Rafa. Really now?!
I believe that in the past, Federer spoke of being amenable to a reduced tour calendar. And if I remember correctly, he even agreed to re-scheduling the Australian Open to give way to longer off season.
Calling out someone to join your cause is not the smartest way to go about it.
Nadal can not be faulted for asking the greatest of all time to be more vocal about the schedule. Tour officials will surely take notice if Federer does. But to point out how the older Federer manages the physical demands of the tour better than other players speaks of jealousy.
I researched Rafa's and Fed's results for 2011. Rafa had a 69 - 15 record while Federer had 64 - 12 last year. A difference of 8 games. 6 of those are because Rafa represented Spain in the Davis Cup. Not counting the Davis Cup & Grand Slams, Rafa entered (13) just two more tournaments than Federer (11).
Tennis is an extremely strenous sport. Nadal's style of play is punishing to the body. Novak Djokovic had his share of injuries in the latter part of 2011, too. Nadal's body also broke down early in 2009 because of a hectic 2008 that includes the Olympics. But I can not remember him going this route (calling out Federer). Why? because he's winning then?
A message to Rafa. It is a matter of taking care of your body and better schedule management to be consistent on tour and prolonging one's career. Also, if you want Federer to side with any of your advocacy or initiatives, calling him out in public is also "ungentlemanly". Rather it paints a picture of a sourgrape or worse a cry baby.
I sure hope that Federer will be motivated by this criticism for the Australian Open. Given that Fed and Rafa are on the same bracket, it would be good to at least deny Rafa of advancing to the finals.
I was fortunate to remember today is the season opener of the 2011 - 2012 NBA Season. Just in time to witness Loul Deng, Derrick Rose & the Chicago Bulls pull the rug under the Los Angeles Lakers 88 - 87.
Wow. I thought that the Lakers won it after Kobe made a contested short corner jumper to give the Lakers a seemingly safe 6 point lead. However, Deng was great on both ends of the floor in the clutch and Rose made a difficult floater over Pau Gasol as the Bulls open their campaign on a bright note.
There is actually little to draw from this opening game. The Lakers are dealing with a new coach in Mike Brown and new personnel minus Lamar Odom. Kobe even have an injured list. But still there's so much expectations with Kobe and company especially that they are opening the season at home. This loss is hard for the Lakers especially to Gasol. He gave Deng a 3-point play opportunity and then failed to block Rose's floater.
Reigning MVP Rose was adjudged the best player of the game but to me Deng was the difference maker. He should be credited for this come-from-behind victory for scoring baskets and playing superb defense, culminating on his block on Kobe's final shot attempt.
I sure missed how newly acquired Rip Hamilton played with the Bull's system and Metta World Peace, the-basketball-player-we-formerly-knew-as-Ron-Artest.
Tiger Woods is finally winner again after a clutch win at the 2011 Chevron World Challenge.
After going winless in 26 tournaments that spanned over two years, Woods finally hoisted a winner's trophy, besting a spirited challenge from former Masters champion Zach Johnson and 16 other golfers. Woods birdied the last two holes, finishing 10-under 278, enroute to winning the Chevron World Challenge for the fifth time.
Woods hosts this annual golf tournament for his own Tiger Woods Foundation, donating $1.2 million for his win this year.
I actually believed that last year's Chevron challenge will be Woods' breakthrough win after going through a sex scandal, a divorce, swing & personnel changes and injuries. But he squandered a 4-shot lead entering the final round, eventually losing to 2010 US Open champ Graeme McDowell in a play-off.
The win pushes Woods' ranking in the Official World Golf Rankings to No. 21. After almost a lifetime of being no. 1, his rankings plummeted to no. 58 this year. More importantly, the win signifies that Woods is closer to being his former self.
Elsewhere in the world, Rory McIlroy and Lee Westwood also won. The 2012 golf season just became curiouser.
Beauty pageant? Nope.
They are the 8 top women's tennis players in the world right now. Not their usual attire but I greatly welcome the elegant change. And they will be competing for the year-end championships for women's tennis dubbed WTA Championships to be held in Istanbul, Turkey.
The contenders for the 2011 WTA Championships
Image taken from ESPN/Julian Finney/Getty Images
From the picture, I can only identify Maria Sharapova ( world no. 2) and Li Na (5). The other players that will vie for the title are; Caroline Wozniacki (1), Petra Kvitova (3), Victoria Azarenka (4), Vera Zvonareva (6), Samantha Stosur (7) & Agnieszka Radwanska.
As an asian myself, I'm rooting for the reigning French Open women's champion, Li Na.
The undisputed number one on the tennis court, Novak Djokovic, this year is now assured of taking the top ranking over 2012 as Nadal's latest loss will make him unable to surpass Djokovic on men's world rankings for the rest of 2011. If anything, it is a testament how difficult it is to be a top dog in men's tennis. And, all apologies, a further testament to the greatness of Roger Federer. But coming 2012, I hope Federer will still challenge Djokovic and Nadal. Perhaps, one grand slam more, for the road?
Andre Agassi has been inducted to the International Tennis Hall of Fame last July 9, 2011.
Rightfully so, he is considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Beyond his achievements on the tennis court, his influence in the global popularity of the sport can not be under stated and his philantropical initiatives secures his place as one of the most famous and well-liked athletes in sports history.
True, there are others who outshine him in terms of career or grand slam wins. But that may be attributed to his lack of focus in the early days of his career. He was able to revive his career to become the only male singles player in history to have won all four grand slam tournaments, an Olympic Gold Medal in tennis and the ATP Tour World Championships.
In his autobiography, Agassi admitted using crystal meth and lied about it when he tested positive to avoid being penalized. But I doubt if that would significantly tarnish his legacy.
Agassi should be a source of inspiration to other athletes for coming back after falling so low in the rankings and to other sports superstars, for doing charity right at his hometown.
Thank you, Andre Agassi, for entertaining us with your tennis play and serving as our inspiration.
Novak Djokovic IS Wimbledon champion and along with that comes the much deserved validation - being the no. 1 rated men's tennis player in the world today and in 2011.
2nd Australian Open title
Eight Titles (total in 2011 so far)
48 - 1 record in 2011 (so far)
41 wins to start 2011 season
2011 Wimbledon Men's Singles Champion
Novak Djokovic
Image grabbed from Busted Racquet Photo Gallery
New wimbledon champ, Novak Djokovic of Serbia (SRB) dethroned defending champ and former no. 1, Rafael Nadal of Spain (ESP) 6-4, 6-1, 1-6, 6-3.
The newly-crowned champ, tasted wimbledon grass and gave away Novak Djokovic rackets as part of his celebration for his most recent triumph.
Djokovic's recent victory is his fifth against the great Nadal. Djokovic has turned to become the wall to Nadal's success this year, denying the spaniard 5 titles. Djokovic now owns Nadal as Nadal has owned my Federer in their head-to-head match-ups.
Now, that Djokovic tasted a wimbledon men single's title, and the wimbledon grass for that matter, he would surely be hungry for more.
Congrats, Nole!
I feel like I'm warming up to Novak Djokovic.
In part because my favorite Roger Federer stopped - The Streak - at the 2011 French Open Semis. More so because of remembering some things I saw watching him play and a an old video of him I saw recently.
Now, I'm remembering that Djokovic applauds great shots of his opponents during games, apologizes for points won on luck and lastly, because of this video.
Granted that videos like this may only be for publicity or promotional purposes, Djokovic vibrates a genuine feeling of being loose, enjoying the moment and having fun.
Ate Gigie, would sure enjoy Novak's I Will Survive video. *wink*wink*
Unlike, Federer's very demure turn. In fact, I even liked Rafael Nadal's turn more. [BTW, Ana Ivanovic is hot in here.]
Hat tip to Ms.JessicaZafra.
*****
Apologies for not being able to blog about the 2011 French Open Tennis Championhsips. It coincided with an important family affair.
Congrats, Rafa!
There seems to be no stopping Novak Djokovic on his sublime season start as he added the Rome Masters/Italian Open to his streak of 37 straight victories.
The Italian Open/Rome Masters is played on clay and Djokovic once again beat world no. 1 and clay court king Rafael Nadal for the title via 6-4, 6-4 straight sets win. Along with the amazing streak is 4 consecutive finals win over Nadal, the last two on clay.
The ultimate test will be the upcoming French Open where the stakes are much higher. Right now, Djokovic appears ready to challenge Nadal's stranglehold of that grand slam.
But the French open being the most unpredictable grand slam event in tennis and produced the most surprising winners, someone may crash and spoil a Rafa - Nole finals.
[Yes, I'm calling out Roger Federer. Let's go, Fed!]
*****
On the women's side, Maria Sharapova won. Women's tennis is looking for a recognizable face or dominant player to market their tour. Well, Sharapova can really help in that department minus the annoying sounds she makes on the court.
Rafael Nadal said this about Novak Djokovic moments after Djokovic beat him at the 2011 Madrid Open final.
"I came up against a great player obviously -- he's having a monster year,".When you've just beaten the top ranked tennis player in the men's tour, the greatest clay court tennis player in history, in straight sets and in his home soil, that clinches it. Djokovic is looking like a monster on the tennis court.
[Thanks, Rafa. I'm running out of apt adjectives for blog titles about Djokovic.]
Novak Djokovic's season remained perfect but beating Rafael Nadal for a title on the clay surface is the better headline. Djokovic won the Madrid Open title by dealing a rare loss to Nadal on clay, 7-5, 6-4.
The way he's playing and the confidence of beating Nadal on their last 3 finals clash, augurs well for Djokovic' chances at this year's French Open. The way I see it, Djokovic has better chance of toppling Nadal on his favorite grand slam tourmanent than Federer had on his prime.
Djokovic remains unbeaten in 2011 (30-0). He defeated Nadal for the third straight time in a finals. The Madrid Open is his 6th title of the year including the Australian Open, Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, BNP Paribas Open, Sony Ericsson Open and the Serbia Open. It includes three straight wins against Nadal and Federer.
Tennis fans should look forward to Djokovic matching or breaking John McEnroe's record of 42 straight wins at the start of the 1980 tennis tour.
To match the record, Djokovic should capture his next tournament, Internazionali BNL d'Italia in Rome, and reach the semifinals of the French Open. Coincidentally, Djokovic can break it by winning the French Open.
By then, I need to come up with another adjective.
* Somewhere out there, I know that Ate Gigie is smiling pretty because she's a big Novak Djokovic fan.
Wow! The Dallas Mavericks is now up 3 - 0 against the two-time defending champs Los Angeles Lakers in their Western Conference Semifinal Playoff series. I just read that the Mavs beat the Lakers in Game 3, at Dallas, by the score of 98 - 92.
Peja Stojakovic and Dirk Nowitzki fueled the win from the outside.
The Lakers haven't really looked like the contenders they ought to be and basically riding their championship reputation towards the playoffs. Yes, Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks are capable of beating the Lakers.
But by this lopsided of a series? Wow!
I can't recall Phil Jackson getting swept in a playoff series. I wonder what Kobe would do. I've heard in a pod cast, jokingly I may add, that Pau Gasol's uninspired play is due to a broken heart. That's talking about emotional injury.
Mark Cuban finally found the right deals to shore up his team. Tyson Chandler and Peja stojakovic was great acquisition this season. Dirk and Mavericks can surely exorcise the ghosts of playoff's past failures by sweeping the once mighty Los Angeles Lakers.
Uh-oh. A Mavericks-Heat finals rematch is now more seemingly possible.
Congratulations to Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls for being named the Most Valuable Player of the NBA for the regular season 2010 - 2011.
Rose became the youngest NBA player ever named MVP. A nice reward for leading his team, the Chicago Bulls to be the no. 1 team in the 2010-2011 regular season. He has followed Michael Jordan as the other Chicago Bulls player named MVP.
What a career trajectory!
2008 - 2009 Rookie of the Year
2009 - 2010 All-Star Selection
2010 - 2011 Most Valuable Player
The Chicago Bulls passed the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs but was upset by the surging Atlanta Hawks in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference Semifinal round playoff series. Worse, he sprained his left ankle in that last game.
Winning the MVP is good but winning the championship is the ultimate prize for Rose. But to do so, he needs to be 100% in uniform.
It is the same ankle he sprained against the Pacers. X-rays were negative thankfully.
If I am Derrick, I would be extremely annoyed going to check ups at this juncture of the playoffs even if I'm attended by lovely female attendants in sexy scrubs such those at http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/categories/Scrubs/Scrubs-for-Women/ .
Phoenix Suns 2011 Season Ends
One of the reasons I lost my zeal to blog about the NBA season like before was the sad state of my favorite team - the Phoenix Suns.
Today my beloved Suns ended their 2011 season with a win over bitter rivals San Antonio Spurs. Granted that Manu Ginobili suffered an injury, I do not consider this as a gimmie.
The Spurs started their three main guys - Duncan, Ginobili & Parker. A sign that the Spurs wanted to win the game and have a chance of securing through out the playoffs until the championship round. But since they lost, the Chicago Bulls holds that advantage.
I wonder what will happen to my Phoenix. But just like what they are named after, I hope that they do rise from the ashes of losing 2011 NBA Season and be the Phoenix Suns that will contend in the playoffs next year.
Charl Schwartzel emerged from highly contested final round in recent memory in Augusta to don the symbolic Green Jacket as the 2011 Masters Champion.
Charl Schwartzel wears the Green Jacket, helped by 2010 champ Phil Mickelson
Image from ESPN/Golf Video
Casual golf fans like me never heard of him, but it sure is a great way to introduce one's self via The Masters at the famed Augusta National Golf course.
Wikipedia says that Schwartzel hails from South Africa who is actively touring the European Tour and Sunshine Tour professional golfing circuits. This is only his 2nd appearance in the Masters and he is another first time Masters and grand slam winner.
What many predicted to be a win, and perhaps a coronation stroll, for Rory McIlroy who had a four stroke lead after the third round turned out to be entirely different. 8 players had at least a share of the lead. This included, Tiger Woods who made a charged fell short in the back nine to finish his best final round in Augusta 67 but only tied for fourth just like last year.
McIlroy carded an 80 in a final round stunning collapse. I remember last year's British Open where he also carded an 80 after a great score the previous round. But at least then, the wind was mad. I think this time, he really felt the pressure of Augusta.
In the end, Charl Schwartel closed out with four straight birdies, two shots clear over Adam Scott and Jason Day to be the 2011 Masters champion.
*****
I'm curious how the Green Jacket is prepared. Does Augusta measures all contestants and then orders for those who makes it through weekend? Or is it free-sized? :D
Masters Tournament logo taken from Wikipedia
Last time I blogged about tennis, I wrote Novak Djokovic is on fire. After his magnificent 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (4) comeback win against world no.1 Rafael Nadal, I'd say he is more like a super nova.
Running out of description of Novak Djokovic's winning the 2011 Sony Ericsson Men's Tennis title versus Rafael Nadal in Key Biscayne, Miami is understandable.
Novak Djokovic's latest win meant he remained undefeated for the year; his fourth straight tournament title; his 26th consecutive match win; his second straight comeback finals win vs. Nadal; he's 8 - 0 against top-10-ranked opponents and that he is in serious contention for the number one ranking in men's tennis this year.
Wow and all of those isn't hyperbole! That, incidentally rhymes with Djokovic's nickname - Nole. :D
On a sad note, Djokovic win is an affirmation that my favorite Roger Federer is indeed, only just the third best tennis player in the world today.
The way Djokovic came back and won a tie break for the Sony Ericson title says a lot. Had Rafael Nadal won, I can think that the gap between world no. 2 Djokovic and Federer is not that wide. And that Federer's loss to Djokovic could be attributed to an out-of-this world streak. Federer did not even won a set or forced a set tiebreak against Nadal in their semis encounter.
Still I'm a Federer fan. It would be gargantuan task to climb back to the top of the tennis world for him given his age. But that would be the stuff to add to his legend. I just want him to disrupt this budding tennis rivalry, Rafa-Nole, every now and then especially in the grand slam events.
The current development in men's tennis isn't good for Federer's fans like me but it's good for tennis in general.
I wouldn't mind blogging about Novak Djokovic if he continues with this kind of tennis excellence. Or for that matter, any other tennis players who can treat fans to a thrilling tennis match.
One of the greatest gifts a a sports fan can have is an autographed sports memorabilia from his or her favorite sporting idol.
I would love to have any signed items from Michael Jordan, Roger Federer, Steve Nash or from our Filipino sport heroes like Manny Pacquiao, Efren "Bata" Reyes, Paeng Nepumuceno, Robert Jaworski, Allan Caidic, Vergel Meneses and other PBA stars.
Not every fan are lucky enough to get their basketball cap, ball, shoes or jersey get signed on personally by their sports idol. So, the last recourse of die-hard fans would be to buy one autographed sports memorabilia from the internet.
But how authentic is the autograph on that sporting memorabilia you want to buy?
And we all know that buying online isn't all that good all the time. When a fan buys a signed item, it is all about the "signature" or "autograph" because it would be the connection he or she will have with his/her idol. And with that comes a company that deals with Autograph Authentication.
Autograph Certification Experts LLC (ACE) is one of the leading companies. ACE ensures that fans like me are not duped by forgers. They have an extensive library of signature samples of famous athletes. The ACE experts, headed by Justin Priddy, meticulously studies and analyzes every signature in every way and compares them to genuine signatures of athletes. And lastly, the security labels they will put protect any fan's prized signed memorabilia will almost impossible to remove without damaging the item.
Companies like ACE, will help ensure that what we worked hard to possess is the real thing, an authentic connection with our sports heroes - through their autographed sports memorabilia.
