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.
