Hoop Nut

The NBA: Stars Are Aligned

2012-02-03T05:35:00.000-08:00

Meet the starters for the 2012 NBA All-Star Game.
(finished image by Hoop Nut; faces from Yahoo! Sports,
and jersey images from SB Nation)

*Unless otherwise specified, all images are by the Associated Press.

EAST All-Star Starters: Dwight Howard, Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Derrick Rose

WEST All-Star Starters: Andrew Bynum, Blake Griffin, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul

That’s 7 of my 10 picks right there. I voted for Josh Smith as an East forward, Pau Gasol as the West center, and Kevin Love as a West forward. I can live with the choices, though, since Melo, Bynum and Blake should provide some nice highlights that will make us flood YouTube.

Now for the reserves.

Here are, whom I believe, are some prime candidates for either team: (leaving out the injured guys)

EAST Centers: Joakim Noah, Tyson Chandler, and Greg Monroe

EAST Forwards: Josh Smith, Ryan Anderson, Chris Bosh, Danny Granger, Paul Pierce, Andre Iguodala, Kevin Garnett, Amar’e Stoudemire

EAST Guards: Brandon Jennings, Joe Johnson, Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo, Deron Williams, Kyrie Irving

WEST Centers: Pau Gasol, Marc Gasol, Al Jefferson, Tim Duncan

WEST Forwards: Kevin Love, Paul Millsap, Danilo Gallinari, LaMarcus Aldridge, Dirk Nowitzki, Rudy Gay

WEST Guards: Russell Westbrook, Kyle Lowry, Kevin Martin, Steph Curry, Ricky Rubio, Steve Nash, Jason Terry, Monta Ellis, Tyreke Evans

Based on the starters alone, I think the East will have a bit of an edge. They have the best center in the world, they have the reigning MVP, and they have, admittedly, the best all-around player on the planet (yes, that’s LBJ).

The East should win.

Oh, but they have Melo.

Oops.

After the JUMP, key stat-stuffers for today’s games:

MEM over ATL, 96-77 – Finally. After failing to book a W in Atlanta for a little more than 6 years, the Grizz finally bagged one. And how! Rudy Gay led 4 other Grizzlies in scoring twin digits to help Memphis snap an Atlanta-losing spell dating back to late 2005.

CHI over NYK, 105-102 – Derrick Rose displayed paramount fortitude in repeatedly turning back the Knicks’ rallies as the Bulls find themselves amidst a 9-game road trip. The Knicks, meanwhile, have lost their 10^th in 12 games.

SAS over NOH, 93-81 – Tim Duncan is still hanging in there, and so are the Spurs. TD scored 19 points as the Spurs ran past the Hornets in the final frame to get their 3^rd straight victory. He’ll probably see some rest time, however, as the Spurs plan on preserving him as much as they can.

SAC over POR, 95-92 – John Salmons hit three triples and shot 8-of-14 overall from the field to help Sacramento get only its 2^nd win over the Blazers in 14 meetings. For his part, Salmons is hoping this performance will check his shooting slump – 35% from the field and just 21% from beyond the arc prior to this game.

GSW over UTA, 119-101 – When Steph Curry, Monta Ellis, and David Lee all combine for 85 points, the Warriors will surely be pretty tough to beat. This was the Warriors’ highest-scoring game of the season, and they hope they can continue against the Kings on Sunday (Manila time).

DEN over LAC, 112-91 – Timofey Mozgov probably didn’t like that his chief claim to fame was being on the wrong end of a Blake Griffin dunk back in 2010, and that Griffin was probably pumped to do a number on him again after posterizing Kendrick Perkins two days ago. So when the Clips’ All-Star forward tried to jam it home against Mozgov in the 3^rd canto, the Russian shut the door hard and made sure it was Griffin’s to look up.

Super Scorers (Top scorers of the night!)

Amar’e Stoudemire (NYK) – 34

Monta Ellis (GSW) – 33

Derrick Rose (CHI) – 32

Steph Curry (GSW) – 29

LaMarcus Aldridge (POR) - 28

Ragin’ Rebounders (Top rebounders of the night!)

LaMarcus Aldridge (POR) & David Lee (GSW) – 14

Jason Thompson (SAC) & Dante Cunningham (MEM) – 12

LaMarcus Aldridge's big double-double still wasn't
enough for the Blazers to prevail over Sacramento.

Dynamic Dishers (Top playmakers of the night!)

Derrick Rose (CHI) & Jamal Tinsley (UTA) - 13

Steph Curry (GSW) – 12

Derrick Rose's 13 assists helped stymie the late
rally of the New York Knicks.

Terrific Thieves (Top thieves of the night!)

Mike Conley (MEM) – 4

A LOT with 3

Boomin’ Blockers (Top blockers of the night!)

DeAndre Jordan (LAC) & Marcus Camby (POR) – 5

Joakim Noah (CHI) – 4

Sharpshooters (Top 3-point shooters of the night!)

Danilo Gallinari (DEN) – 5

Kyle Korver (CHI), John Salmons (SAC), Landry Fields (NYK), & Monta Ellis (GSW) – 3

Feb. 2, 2012 First Five

C – LaMarcus Aldridge (POR) – 28pts, 14rebs, 2asts

F – Amar’e Stoudemire (NYK) – 34pts, 11rebs, 2asts, 1stl, 1blk

F – Danilo Gallinari (DEN) – 21pts, 6rebs, 5 treys, 4asts

G – Derrick Rose (CHI) – 32pts, 13asts, 4rebs, 1stl

G – Steph Curry (GSW) – 29pts, 12asts, 5rebs, 3stls

Danilo Gallinari has been the most golden nugget for
Denver this season.

Honorable Mention:

Monta Ellis (GSW) – 33pts, 4rebs, 3stls, 3 treys, 2asts

Tim Duncan (SAS) – 19pts, 9rebs, 2stls, 1ast, 1blk

David Lee (GSW) – 23pts, 14rebs, 2asts

For a full summary of the day, here’s today’s NBA Daily Zap:

The NBA: Setting Sun

2012-02-02T01:36:00.000-08:00

Steve Nash is the brightest Sun on a
slowly flickering roster.

*All images are by the Associated Press.

“To be honest, it pales in comparison to getting the win. The things that really matter about (the record) is: One, to be up there with Kevin, who was a great, great player and deserves a lot of credit for what type of player he was. And then the other one, just I love the city and organization and to do it for the Suns is a real honor. But other than that I’m just glad the team got the win.” – Steve Nash on surpassing Kevin Johnson’s all-time Suns assists record and beating the New Orleans Hornets

Damn right Steve’s more glad about the win than passing KJ.

Damn right the two-time MVP is concerned about his team’s chances rather than his own personal triumphs.

Damn right, Steve.

You deserve better.

You deserve more than the current 8-13 record of the city you love.

You deserve more than what looks to be your team’s second-straight losing season.

You deserve to be in the playoffs.

You deserve to win.

But you aren’t, and won’t. Not many games, at least.

Steve Nash is fine not being his team’s leading scorer. That’s never been his job. He is a playmaker first. Always was, always will be. But something HAS to be wrong when Marcin Gortat, at 15.3ppg, is the best possible scoring option for the Phoenix Suns.

Where and when did everything go downhill?

Apart from last year, the only other time the Suns failed to go into the playoffs since Nash’s return in 2004 was in 2009, and even then Phoenix won 46 games out of 82 (that’s an impressive 56%). They were second in their division, and, had they been in the East, they would’ve been the 5^th seed. If they were in the East last year, they would’ve been able to slip past the Pacers for the last postseason slot.

This year, however, things have really gone bad. Not even relatively bad. Just plain bad.

The current 8^th slot in the East belongs to Milwaukee with 10 wins. Phoenix is 2 games behind them. They’re even further down in their own conference, as they are 4.5 games behind the Lakers for the 8^th spot. The rise of the Clippers has also almost assuredly demoted the Suns to, at best, 3^rd place in the Pacific Division. That hasn’t happened since the 2003-2004 season, when the NBA still had only 4 divisions and the Pacific had 7 teams.

By all intents and purposes, the Suns are fading – have faded. And now that he’s in his 15^th season, with a team that’s devoid practically of anything positive aside from himself (the Suns are top 10 in just one stat – FT% – but they are dead last in FT attempts, so that doesn’t help much), don’t be at all surprised if he hangs up his laces soon.

Simply put, the horizon just doesn’t look very good for this setting sun.

Or he can always move to the New York Knicks.

After the JUMP, key stat-stuffers for today’s games:

ORL over WAS, 109-103 - The Magic came into this game losers of four straight, and with dropping morale. Good thing it was the Wizards they met. Ryan Anderson’s 6 threes helped him get 23 points and, more importantly, their first win in what seemed like a lifetime.

PHI over CHI, 98-82 – Many felt the Sixers’ relatively “soft” schedule helped them pad their win-loss record. Well, now that they’ve beaten both the Magic and the Bulls in the space of a few days, perhaps some more respect will go their way. They can claim legit status by beating Miami on Friday.

NJN over DET, 99-96 – Deron Williams has scored in double digits in every game he played so far this season. His 26 points makes this his fifth straight 20+ outing. Best player on a bad team? No doubt.

BOS over TOR, 100-64 – The Cs led by as many as 40 points in the second half, and were content to have the bench mob take care of the scraps in the fourth quarter. R O U T. In other news, Pauk Pierce is just 60 points away from Larry Bird as the Celtics’ #2 scorer of all time.

IND over MIN, 109-99 – The Pacers breached the 100-point mark for just the second time this season. Good thing they did it against the usually high-octane T-Wolves. Danny Granger got the better of former Team USA teammate Kevin Love, scoring 29 of his 36 points in the second half to lead the Pacer win.

MIL over MIA, 105-97 – Brandon Jennings had 31 points, 8 assists, and, more importantly, 0 turnovers, as the Bucks repeated over the Heat. They withstood LeBron James’s 40-point outburst, and have now won their 3^rd game in a row.

OKC over DAL, 95-86 – KD and Jet Zero combined for 56 points, but even more impressive was Serge Ibaka, who blocked TEN shots to add to his 11 rebounds for a well-rounded effort. This win also enabled OKC to snap the Mavs’ 3-game winning run.

PHX over NOH, 120-103 – In only the Suns’ fourth win on the road, Steve Nash was more scorer than facilitator. He made 30 points to lead Phoenix past the Hornets, but his 10 dimes also enabled him to pass Kevin Johnson as the Suns’ assist king.

SAS over HOU, 99-91 – Tim Duncan went back in time, scoring 16 third quarter points to help the Spurs overhaul an 18-point deficit and eventually defeat the Rockets. This win gives San Antonio their 11^th win in 12 home games.

POR over CHA, 112-68 – Excuse me. This IS the NBA, right? The Blazers scored a season-high while limiting the Cats to their season-low. Charlotte tumbles to its 10^th defeat in a row, and, well, they sure as hell won’t win any more games the way they played here.

LAC over UTA, 107-105 – For the first time since 2003, the Clippers finally won one in Salt Lake City. CP3 and BG both topped the 30-point mark for the Clips, who have won just 2 of 6 on the road this season.

Super Scorers (Top scorers of the night!)

LeBron James (MIA) – 40

Danny Granger (IND) – 36

Chris Paul (LAC) – 34

Russell Westbrook (OKC) – 33

Wade and James lost to the Bucks. Again.
Contrapelo?

Ragin’ Rebounders (Top rebounders of the night!)

Dwight Howard (ORL) – 18

Kevin Love (MIN) – 17

Blake Griffin (LAC) & Ersan Ilyasova (MIL) – 14

Dynamic Dishers (Top playmakers of the night!)

Greivis Vasquez (NOH) – 12

Chris Paul (LAC) – 11

John Wall (WAS) & Steve Nash (PHX) – 10

Terrific Thieves (Top thieves of the night!)

Dwight Howard (ORL), DaJuan Blair (SAS), & Brandon Jennings (MIL) – 4

Boomin’ Blockers (Top blockers of the night!)

Serge Ibaka (OKC) – 10

Marcus Camby (POR) – 5

A LOT with 3

Vinsanity was the recipient of one of Ibaka's
TEN blocks of the night.

Sharpshooters (Top 3-point shooters of the night!)

Brandon Jennings (MIL) – 7

Ryan Anderson (ORL) & Kevin Martin (HOU) – 6

Feb. 1, 2012 First Five

C – Al Jefferson (UTA) – 27pts, 12rebs, 4asts, 1stl

F – Blake Griffin (LAC) – 31pts, 14rebs, 3blks, 2asts, 1stl

F – LeBron James (MIA) – 40pts, 8rebs, 5asts, 4 treys, 2stls

G – Chris Paul (LAC) – 34pts, 11asts, 5rebs, 3stls, 3 treys

G – Steve Nash (PHX) – 30pts, 10asts, 2rebs, 1stl, 1blk

Honorable Mention:

Brandon Jennings (MIL) – 31pts, 8asts, 7 treys, 4rebs, 4stls

Danny Granger (IND) – 36pts, 7rebs, 5 tryes, 2asts

Dwight Howard (ORL) – 23pts, 18rebs, 4stls, 3asts

Brandon Jennings's 7 threes propelled the Bucks to
a 2-0 head-to-head slate against the Heat.

For a full summary of the day, here’s today’s NBA Daily Zap:

Blue vs. Green: The Dream Game MacBook Air Promo!!!

2012-02-02T00:54:00.000-08:00

Sa Blue o sa Green? San ka?!
(image from InterAKTV.ph)

After the JUMP – find out what you have to do to win one of two MacBook Air units at stake in the Blue vs. Green: The Dream Game event!

What is this?

A simple promo where fans are asked to choose which team they are rooting for (green or blue) in the upcoming Dream Game on Feb. 5, 2012.

Fans are the asked submit a cheer for the said team.

Cheers submitted will be shown live on the microsite until the end of the

Game on Feb. 5.

2 Macbook Air units will be also be given away – 1 for a BLUE fan and 1 for a GREEN fan. Winners will be raffled from the microsite registration database.

Mechanics

1. Register and submit a Cheer on the Blue vs. Green microsite – http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/bluevsgreen/

2. Tick the box of your choice (True Blue or Green Blooded).

3. After choosing, write your cheer for your chosen team on the space provided and submit it.

4. Confirmation of your registration and reception of your cheer entry will be shown. Only entries with complete registration and corresponding cheer entry will be considered valid.

5. Cheers must follow the succeeding guidelines:

o Must not contain defamatory, slanderous or libelous materials

o Must not be indecent, obscene, inappropriately revealing or suggestive in a sexual or lewd way, as determined by TV5’s sole discretion

o 2 Macbook Air units up for grabs! 1 winner each from Blue and Green Entries will receive an Apple Macbook Air 11” (64gb).

o Cheers submitted will appear LIVE on the microsite cheerboard.

The Blue vs Green microsite/cheerboard looks like this.
(screen grab from InterAKTV.ph)

Twitter

Fans may also tweet their cheers!

Key in: “Your Cheer” #SaTrueBlue or #SaGreen Blooded @AKTVonIBC13

Ex. “Go Ateneo! Larry! PBA Finals MVP!” #TrueBlue @AKTVonIBC13

Tweets submitted will be shown live on the microsite cheer board.

Note: In order to be eligible for the raffle, one should register on the microsite. If one just tweets, then he/she would see it live on the cheerboard, but he/she won’t be eligible for the MacBook Air unit.

Asean Basketball League Roundup: February 1, 2012

2012-02-01T20:45:00.000-08:00

Michael Earl led the Cobras to an upset of
the erstwhile undefeated Malaysia Dragons.

*All images are from AseanBasketballLeague.com

BANGKOK COBRAS over WESTPORTS MALAYSIA DRAGONS, 73-70

The Dragons took the lead first with a 7-point gap, but a sloppy play by the Dragons resulted in a slam dunk by Michael Earl that gave the Cobras their first lead a little over two minutes remaining in the first half. This seemed to spark the Cobras confidence and, in retrospect, it was symbolic of how the game played out.

The second quarter saw the Dragons putting in a better performance with sharpshooter Satyaseelan Kuppusamy starting things off with his three-point shooting. He helped the Dragons keep in-step with the Cobras when the break came up.

A good halftime talk by Coach Vanguardia saw the Dragons fired up in the third quarter. A defensive rebound by Brian Williams off of Gentry Lewis missed shot was just what the Dragons needed as they took the lead for the first time in the second half care of Shee Fai Loh’s basket. The Dragons played good D, keeping the Cobras at bay and they finished the period up, 43-42.

Things seemed to be going well for the Dragons in the fourth quarter, until a Michael Earl dunk sparked the Cobras to fight back. The Dragons were now in trouble, hanging on to a one-point lead with just under three minutes left on the clock. Their frustration showed as a foul by Patrick Cabahug on Chanachon Klahan finally resulted in the Cobras regaining the lead for the first time in the half with only one and a half to go. This was the final push that they needed, and the Cobras finished well to get their second win in four games.

BGK 73 – Earl 20, Cruz 14, Kruatiwa 13, Klahan 10, Lewis 9, Wanna 3, Chaiwat 2, Kongkum 2, Apiromvilaichai 0, Limsuwan 0

WMD 70 – Wade 22, Williams 17, Belasco 9, Cabahug 6, Loh 5, Kuppusamy 4, Batumalai 3, Pacana 3, Chee 1, Kwaan 0

QS: 16-11, 36-30, 49-54, 73-70

Gentry Lewis takes the low block against
Malaysia's Li Wei Chee.

Nic Belasco gets into a tight spot
against Lewis's D.

SINGAPORE SLINGERS over SAN MIGUEL BEERMEN, 71-63

The Slingers wore their inaugural pink jerseys in honor of Cancer Awareness Day. Pink didn’t help the Slingers win, their grit and toughness did.

A lack of intensity appeared to be one of the Beermen’s main problems in the first half. They only managed to score 25 points in the first 20 minutes compared to the 39 points scored by the Slingers. In the 3rd quarter, the Beermen raised their intensity and started to put some pressure on the Slingers’ guards, which cause them to turn the ball over several times.

SMB’s Froilan Baguion, Dalron Johnson and Junmar Fajardo all combined to tie the match at 59 with 5 minutes left. The Slingers, however, were able to keep their composure in front of their home crowd. Slingers’ guard Wong Wei Long hit a big three point shot with 53 seconds left to increase their lead to 7 and help extend their winning streak to 4 games.

The Slingers played well on defense to contain the Beermen’s imports. Slingers’ Louis Graham had a tough night shooting the ball, but played great defense to limit SMB’s Doug Thomas to just 10 points.

SGS 71 – Dulay 23, Graham 16, Wong 11, Little 10, Oh 5, Canta 5, Matialakan 1, Lim 0, Khoo 0

SMB 63 – Johnson 19, Baguion 15, Thompson 10, Fajardo 6, Avenido 4, Rizada 4, Fernandez 3, De la Pena 2, Luanzon 0, Mangahas 0, Cabatu 0, Gonzales 0

QS: 24-14, 39-25, 54-48, 71-63

SMB import Doug Thompson attempts
a reverse against the pink Slingers.

Donald Little tries to drive left against Thompson.

Pinoy import Don Dulay led the way for the
streaking Slingers.

CHANG THAILAND SLAMMER over INDONESIA WARRIORS, 82-70

This was an important game for both teams, who have not been doing well recently. The Warriors have lost their last two games and the Slammers have lost their last three, landing them both in the bottom half of the table.

Both teams came out strong, trading baskets as the first frame ended with the Slammers up, 23-18. The second quarter was just as tight as the score was deadlocked five times before the break, which had the Thais still ahead, 40-37.

Deandre Thomas, though, stepped up both offensively and defensively in the second half, using his size and strength to keep the Warriors at bay. The Slammers sank 24 points in the third period and kept the Warriors down to just 16, giving them their biggest lead in the game so far, 64-53.

The Warriors tried their best to get back in the game in the fourth, but with time running out fast and problems on both ends of the floor, even back-to-back threes in the waning moments from star guard Mario Wuysang were not enough to get their groove back.

Both teams’ scoring percentages were fairly even, but the Slammers outrebounded them 46 to 29. The Slammers’ Chester Tolomia finished the game as the top scorer with 24 points, while teammates Deandre Thomas and Kenneth Walker each had a double-double.

CTS 82 – Tolomia 24, Thomas 20, Walker 12, Lertmalaiporn 8, Jantuma 6, Apiromvilaichai 4, Pinitpatcharalert 3, Williams 3, Bautista 2, Ghogar 0

INW 70 – Smith 18, Thomas 16, Wuysang 12, Canada 11, Ricafuente 9, Gunawan 4, Wibawa 0, Sta. Cruz 0, Prihantono 0

QS: 23-18, 40-37, 64-53, 82-70

Mario Wuysang hit some big shots in the endgame,
but they were too little too late.

Attaporn Lertmalaiporn's Slammers checked their slide
with this win in Indonesia.

AIR ASIA PHILIPPINE PATRIORS over SAIGON HEAT, 76-62

It was a very busy night for the 2012 ASEAN Basketball League as all eight teams hit the court on the same day. In the first game of the night the AirAsia Philippine Patriots hosted the Saigon Heat at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City, Philippines.

The Heat came into the game still searching for their first win but the the Patriots made it clear early in the game that they were not going to be pushovers as Anthony Johnson and Jonathan Fernandez led the team, contributing a combined 16 out of their team’s first quarter.

Saigon, however, refused to go down without a fight, and the second quarter saw the team pulling themselves together both offensively and defensively. They not only outrebounded the Patriots 28 to 11 at this point, they also managed to increase their field goal percentage, scoring 21 points this quarter and keeping the Patriots down to just 14.

Both teams continued to fight hard in the final half with the Patriots starting strong until back to back baskets from Julius Hodge and Minh Trieu cut the Patriots’ lead back to just 7 points with just under five minutes left on the clock. Despite their best efforts, though, the Patriots were simply too much for the Heat, and the scoreboard read 76-62 for the Pinoys.

Saigon’s Julius Hodge continued his amazing run to finish the game as the top scorer with a double-double line of 26 points and 10 rebounds. His teammate, Jonathan Jones, also completed the game with a double-double of 21 points and 14 rebounds. The Patriots’ top scorer was Anthony Johnson with 23 points, followed by Nakiea Miller’s 20 markers.

APP 76—Johnson 23, Miller 20, Fernandez 12, Vergara 10, Rodriguez 5, Larong 4, Arellano 2, Laure 2, Ybanez 0, Wainwright 0, Saldua 0, Raymundo 0.

SGH 62—Hodge 26, Jones 21, Smith 6, Minh 6, Sophoeun 3, Duong 0, Capati 0, Tung 0, Son 0, Tung 0.

QS: 21-9, 35-30, 57-45, 76-62.

*Game Recaps compiled and compressed from AseanBasketballLeague.com

Pumped Up Kicks: The Adidas Adizero Rose 2.5

2012-02-01T19:04:00.000-08:00

The adidas adiZero Rose 2.5 meets the world today.

*Photos from the event are by me, while those of the shoe (the nice ones) and of Derrick Rose are from Adidas Philippines.

After the JUMP – highlights of the Rose 2.5 media launch and what makes this particular shoe one of the most awesome finds out there.

The 2.5 is so light it keeps D-Rose
in flight much longer than most!

Adidas can throw one hell of a media launch!

Where: Moro Lorenzo Sports Center in the sprawling Ateneo de Manila University Campus

When: January 25, 2012

Hosts: Rico Robles and Lia Cruz for the actual launch and Andre Felix and Eric Tipan for the Media Game

Rico Robles and Lia Cruz were the official emcees.

What Happened:

- Skills Challenge: Adidas organized a not-so-simple skills challenge to show off how the pros can benefit from wearing the 2.5s. The challengers were B-Meg’s Josh Urbiztondo, JC Intal (he was still a Gin King then, but now he’s with B-Meg!) and Ateneo’s Gwynne Capacio. They had to sidestep parallel to one end of the court, run full speed to the other end, backpedal parallel to that end, dribble-weave thru a set of cones for a lay-up at the opposite basket, make a chest pass thru a vertically-oriented hoop, dribble-weave again, hit a free throw, hit a three, make a bounce pass thru a negatively-inclined hoop, then dribble all the way to the opposite end for a lay-up or, in Intal’s case, a dunk! Phew! Did you get all that? Quite a test for the players and the 2.5s.

Not surprisingly, Urbiztondo was the fastest of the three. Though Intal had considerably longer strides, it was Urbiztondo’s quickness at the turns and accurate outside shooting that enabled him to win. Curiously enough, all three fumbled when it came to the bounce-pass station of the course. I guess not even a great pair of shoes can cure problems with fundamentals.

Josh Urbiztondo getting ready for the Skills Challenge.

- Shoe Introduction: Rico Robles and Lia Cruz introduced the shoe to the different members of the media. By media, I don’t simply mean people from TV, radio, or print. Those were all represented, of course, but one of the things I loved about this event was that Adidas went out of its way to invite “online media people” like bloggers (ahem!) to participate. Props to them for recognizing the changing media landscape. Bloggers rule!

Wesley Gonzales chilling with his new 2.5s.

Some Ateneo Blue Eagles got their 2.5s, too!

Sole Movement's Martin David (white shirt) looks
at the shoe with intense interest.

Some celebs from the world of pro sports media
were on hand to participate.

The Media peeps stretching before the Media Games.

- Anyway, officials from Adidas Philippines, led by Nolet Puno, JM Pilares, and Ryan Gan explained the many aspects of the 2.5, and what made it a distinctly superior choice compared to many other shoes in the market. These will be detailed below.

Ryan Gan explaining the Speed Cell.

Nolet Puno with opening remarks.

JM Pilares (left) went thru the different details of the shoe.
Here he's with UP stars Jett Manuel and Mike Silungan.

- Media Games: The main attraction for the event, of course, was the shoe, but the main activity/event were the basketball games between the different media people. Outfitted with gear from Adidas (including the 2.5s!), the myriad of writers, marketing people, newscasters, and photographers were divided into four teams in a single-elimination tournament. “Win or Go Home” as the NBA adage goes. I was placed into Team 3, and my most recognizable teammates were Jude Turcuato of the “Kaboom!” phrase fame, and former UE courtside reporter, current Magic 89.9 DJ, and SLAM writer, Nikko Ramos. Jude was a solid presence down low and Nikko was our top wing player. Both could shoot from the outside and pound it inside. I was more of the playmaker (naks!). We romped past Team 4 in our first game and withstood Team 1’s late rally in the second game to win the whole thing! What was our prize? Read on and find out!

Freebies & Prizes: All participants were given the following freebies from Adidas (all original mind you):

- Reversible red/black Clima-Lite/Dri-Fit Jersey (the proper Adidas term is Clima-Lite, but most people recognize the cloth as Dri-Fit)

- Reversible red/black Clima-Lite/Dri-Fit Shorts

- White Adidas Ankle Socks

- Adidas Adizero Rose 2.5 Shoes

- Micoach Speed Cell

- 1GB Adidas USB Flash Drive

- Our team’s prize for winning the Media Games was 60k worth of GCs! Divided 12 ways, it came around to 5k per person!

- All in all, I think each member on Team 3 went home with upwards of 15k worth of stuff! Awesome!

One blogger getting a photo-op with the shoes. All the gear
on him was free c/o adidas Philippines.

One word for the Adizero Rose 2.5 – A W E S O M E!!!

Here are the specs of Derrick Rose’s new pair of kicks. We were all given high-cuts, but I’m pretty sure they’ll come out with mids sometime in the year. It was mentioned that D-Rose started using the 2.5s as early as December 2011, but its official release is today, February 2, 2012, here in the Philippines.

Specs:

- Weight: About 11 ounces! To put this in perspective, my baby daughter’s Dr. Brown’s feeding bottle can hold a maximum of 12 ounces. Just imagine, a baby’s feeding bottle is heavier than this shoe!

- Technology: Here’s an excerpt from the official Adidas Adizero Rose 2.5 press kit à

o The tech in the UPPER:

§ Inspired by the Adizero Crazy Light, the 2.5 features premium SPRINTFRAME execution and an enlarged SPRINTWEB area to reduce weight, add support and allow maximum motion control. The GEOFIT memory foam collar provides optimum comfort and fit.

o The tech in the OUTSOLE:

§ The 2.5 uses the Adizero Crazy Light outsole traction system and has varied engineered thickness to ensure maximum grip in high wear perimeter zones, and less thickness and weight in low perimeter zones like the midfoot.

- Colorways (Home, Away, Dragon, Brenda, All-Star, and Memphis): The 2.5 comes in 6 different colorways that should any and all preferences.

The adiZero Rose 2.5 Away colorway.

The adiZero Rose 2.5 Home colorway.

The adiZero Rose 2.5 Dragon colorway.

The adiZero Rose 2.5 Brenda colorway.
(named after D-Rose's mother)

The adiZero Rose 2.5 All-Star Weekend colorway.

The adiZero Rose 2.5 Memphis colorway.
(named after D-Rose's college team -- the Memphis Tigers)

- Another nice touch is that, if one would look close enough, an embossed image of a top-down Google Earth view of D-Rose’s home neighborhood of Englewood, Chicago can be seen on the upper of the shoe. Rose’s signature and jersey number 1 are also featured in other parts of the 2.5.

- Perhaps one of most glaring differences between this particular shoe and the others, however, is an added piece of tech called the miCoach Speed Cell. It’s basically a chip/digital device that tracks and uploads the wearer’s performance data, including speed, maximum speed, number of sprints, distance, distance at high intensity levels and time. The data from the Speed Cell can then be used to upgrade one’s original Adidas miCoach avatar on the web, or shared with friends on Facebook for “bragging rights.” The Speed Cell is attached to the shoe pre-play, detached post-play, and then connected to either a PC or Mac to be uploaded to the miCoach software.

The miCoach Speed Cell.

Track your performance in your computer!

Create an avatar and upgrade him thru your
own performance!

How it made me feel: Simply put, wearing the shoe felt awesome!

- It lived up to its claim of being really light! The insole was soft, but the lining was solid enough so as not to make the shoe feel flimsy. Nice balance all throughout. The upper was solid, too, and was tight enough so as to help decrease the chances of sprains and other ankle-related injuries. I felt that the shoe wrapped around my feet quite snugly (yes, that’s a real word).

- When running/jogging, I only really felt I was wearing shoes because, in my mind, I knew I had them on, and I could see them. Otherwise, it was hardly noticeable that there was any added weight on my feet. Again, pretty awesome. Probably the lightest shoes I’ve ever worn. The closest that can come to the 2.5’s “lightness” is probably the Nike Air Foamposites from years past.

- I can’t really say the 2.5 “made me faster,” but it certainly made “bursting into a sprint” or making a quick turn a little easier. I mean, no shoe can really make anyone The Flash, but that extra ease in transitioning from a stationary position to a sprint or jump can be the difference in making a play or not.

So All in All…

The shoe is awesome. Light as a feather. And if you use it well, you’ll sting like a bee. And, well, it’s the preferred shoe of the youngest NBA MVP ever. I think that speaks for itself.

By today, the 2.5s should be available in Adidas stores all over. SRP is Php 6,995.00.

Light as a feather, so you can sting like a bee.

The NBA: Pacing

2012-02-01T06:02:00.000-08:00

Roy Hibbert and the Pacers have a gleaming
chance to be an awesome Eastern team.

*All images are from the Associated Press.

“… if we want to make it far in the playoffs, we can't lose more than two games in a row." – Darren Collison after the Pacers defeated the Magic two days ago.

Collison might be thinking a little too far ahead, but give the Pacers credit. If they keep true to their current trajectory, then the playoffs won’t be so far-out.

Collison actually said that line in reference to the fact that the Pacers have not had a losing streak so far this season. They’ve absorbed 6 losses already, but they haven’t dropped two in a row yet.

Looking at their stats makes it easy to see why Indiana has had a greater-than-expected measure of success thus far.

Consider these:

- They have a relatively efficient offense: 7^th in 3pt% and 3^rd in offensive rpg.

- They are a relatively aggressive team, getting to the line 24 times a game, and they lead the whole league in FT% at 80.4%.

- They are 6^th overall in defensive rebounds and 2^nd in total rebounds per outing.

- They are also top 10 in steals and blocks per game.

- They have five guys averaging in double-digits, with Ty Hansbrough and George Hill close behind at 9.5 and 9.7ppg respectively.

The Pacers have had more road games so far, but they’ve been surprisingly successful, winning 8 of 13. And considering they are 6-1 at home, with 26 more home games coming up, it won’t be too farfetched for them to breach the 45-win barrier.

In nutshell, Indiana has been pacing itself really well, seemingly setting itself up for a nice mid-to-late season run that should give them a good spot in the East’s playoff race. And with the decline of Orlando, and the persisting struggles of both Boston and New York, this compressed season might just be the Pacers’ for the taking.

After the JUMP, key stat-stuffers for today’s games:

IND over NJN, 106-99 - Paul George scored a career-high 24 points to lead the Pacers, who went on a 12-0 run in the middle of the third quarter to put just enough distance between them and the Nets, who have lost two straight overall and nine straight against the Pacers.

BOS over CLE, 93-90 – The Celtics barely held off the Cavs, and withstood Anderson Varejao’s 20-20 game, to avenge a disappointing loss to this same team two days ago. Kyrie Irving led another furious last-ditch Cavs rally, but this time they fell short as KG and Paul Pierce hit some key shots in the last minute.

ATL over TOR, 100-77 – In just three periods, Joe Johnson matched his season-high with 30 points. The Hawks wrapped up their most successful five-game road swing in more than four decades, going 4-1 with wins against the Bucks, Pistons, Hornets, and now the Raptors. Their lone loss was against the Spurs.

NYK over DET, 113-86 – Melo returned to the floor to score 25 points and help the Knicks snap a 3-game skid. For the first time this season, the Knicks shot above 50% from the field – a red-hot 60% at that! Meanwhile, the Pistons continued to struggle without Ben Gordon, Charlie Villanueva and Will Bynum.

MEM over DEN, 100-97 - O.J. Mayo hit a go-ahead 3-pointer in overtime to help the Grizz get past the Nuggets, and halt their 4-game slide in the process. Both Rudy Gay and Marc Gasol had bad nights on offense again, but they still managed to score in the 20s as Memphis went above .500 in the standings.

GSW over SAC, 93-90 - Brandon Rush scored 15 points in the fourth quarter, sparking a late rally that gave Warriors coach Mark Jackson a win over his predecessor.

LAL over CHA, 106-73 – Kobe’s 24 points improved the Lakers’ record at Staples to 11-2, while sending the Cats to their 9^th loss in a row. Strangely enough, this is just the Lakers’ 3^rd win against Charlotte in their last 11 meetings.

Super Scorers (Top scorers of the night!)

Deron Williams (NJN) – 34

Joe Johnson (ATL) – 30

Anthony Morrow (NJN) – 28

Carmelo Anthony (NYK) – 25

Ragin’ Rebounders (Top rebounders of the night!)

Anderson Varejao (CLE) – 20

Roy Hibbert (IND) & DeMarcus Cousins (SAC) – 14

Dynamic Dishers (Top playmakers of the night!)

Ramon Sessions (CLE) – 10

Tyreke Evans (SAC) & Jose Calderon (TOR) – 9

Ramon Sessions might be dishing out assists for a team
other than the Cavs pretty soon.

Terrific Thieves (Top thieves of the night!)

Landry Fields (NYK) – 5

Mike Conley (MEM), Greg Monroe (DET), & Alonzo Gee (CLE) – 4

Boomin’ Blockers (Top blockers of the night!)

Roy Hibbert (IND), Ekpe Udoh (GSW), & Tony Allen (MEM) – 4

Sharpshooters (Top 3-point shooters of the night!)

Anthony Morrow (NJN) – 5

A LOT with 4

Jan. 31, 2012 First Five

C – Anderson Varejao (CLE) – 20pts, 20rebs, 2asts, 1blk

F – Al Harrington (DEN) – 23pts, 10rebs, 4asts, 3 treys, 2stls

F – Joe Johnson (ATL) – 30pts, 7asts, 4 treys, 2rebs, 1blk

G – Tyreke Evans (SAC) – 22pts, 10rebs, 9asts, 3stls, 1blk

G – Deron Williams (NJN) – 34pts, 7asts, 4 treys, 2rebs, 1blk

Joe Johnson remains one of the most under-appreciated
wingmen in the NBA today.

Honorable Mention:

Andrew Bynum (LAL) – 20pts, 11rebs, 2blks, 1ast

Paul George (IND) – 24pts, 4rebs, 4 treys, 2stls, 1ast, 1blk

Landry Fields (NYK) – 18pts, 5rebs, 5stls, 4 treys, 3asts, 1blk

For a full summary of the day, here’s today’s NBA Daily Zap:

The NBA: Dunk of the Year?

2012-01-31T01:38:00.000-08:00

By now, you should've seen this on YouTube. As for Kendrick Perkins,
well he probably won't show his face around LA anytime soon.
(image by Noah Graham/Getty Images)

*Unless otherwise specified, all images are from the Associated Press.

"I think I jumped up as high as he did." – Reggie Evans after teammate Blake Griffin dunked on Kendrick Perkins

It’s still a couple of months too early for this dunk to be declared the DOTY, but it will be damn tough to beat, even by the LBJ-over-John-Lucas jam.

It was THE highlight in a game full of Clipper panache, but it wasn’t the only good thing that happened in the Clippers’ win over the team that has the best record in the West.

Six guys scored in double-figures for LA, with 3 scoring 22 or more. CP3 had 14 dimes. DeAndre had 11 boards with 3 rejections. The Clips shot a blistering 56% from the field, including an insane 52% from three. They had 5 less turnovers than OKC, and had 13 more assists.

Just plain awesome.

And this is me, an OKC convert, who just wrote that.

Will I convert to the Clips anytime soon? Not really, but they sure as hell are fun to watch.

This win brings CP3’s crew a game and a half ahead of the Lakers in the Pacific Division, and, together with the surging Dallas Mavericks, they’re now tied at a game behind the second place Nuggets in the conference.

Getting Paul, Butler and Billups has paid the once-bemoaned franchise immediate dividends. And though it’s still a long way from the postseason, the Clippers’ trajectory looks pretty good.

They’re top 10 in several key stats – ppg, bpg, apg, 3pt% (and makes), and FG% (and makes). They went 11-4 to start 2012, including wins over Portland, Miami, the Lakers, Dallas, Memphis, Denver and now Oklahoma City.

Quality wins for a quality team currently leapfrogging most other teams that SHOULD be better than them, and they aren’t showing any sign of slowing down.

As long as they stay on-track, Reggie Evans won’t be the only one jumping as high as Blake Griffin.

After the JUMP, key stat-stuffers for today’s games:

PHI over ORL, 74-69 - Andre Iguodala had a double-double to lead the Sixers to their third straight win. It gets tougher from here, though, as Philly takes on both Chicago and Miami this week.

CHI over WAS, 98-88 – D-Rose finished with a season-high 35 points as the Bulls rebounded after the heartbreaker in Miami. Chicago still leads the East at 18-5.

MIA over NOH, 109-95 – LBJ and D-Wade each had 22 points as the Heat recovered from a slow start to beat the hapless Hornets. Miami has won 8 of their last 9 and had six players in double figures.

SAS over MEM, 83-73 - Matt Bonner hit 5 triples to lead the Spurs in sending Memphis to its fourth straight loss. The Grizz were held to just 37% FG shooting as Gay and Gasol combined for just 3-of-18 from the floor.

MIL over DET, 103-82 - Drew Gooden scored 10 points in a decisive 12-2 run in the third quarter as the Bucks got their fourth win in six games after dropping three in a row.

MIN over HOU, 120-108 - Michael Beasley had 34 points, Kevin Love had 29, and Ricky Rubio flashed another double-double as former Houston mentor Rick Adelman won over his former team.

DAL over PHX, 122-99 – The Mavs did fine even without Jason Kidd, who’s out with a strained calf, routing the Steve Nash-less Suns. Delonte West filled up the Kidd-shaped void well, hitting 5 treys on his way to 25 markers.

UTA over POR, 93-89 – The Jazz used a 13-0 run in the fourth to buck the absence of Al Jefferson and Raja Bell to hand the Blazers their 8^th loss on the road.

LAC over OKC, 112-100 – CP3 had 26 points and 14 assists as the Clips snapped the Thunder’s 4-game win streak. BG led a dunk-a-thon against the NBA’s best team, record-wise, and Kendrick Perkins will probably NOT log on to YouTube anytime soon.

Super Scorers (Top scorers of the night!)

Kevin Durant (OKC) – 36

Derrick Rose (CHI) – 35

Michael Beasley (MIN) – 34

Russell Westbrook (OKC) – 31

Ragin’ Rebounders (Top rebounders of the night!)

Ryan Anderson (ORL) – 20

Paul Millsap (UTA) – 15

Joakim Noah (CHI) & Kevin Durant (OKC) – 13

Dynamic Dishers (Top playmakers of the night!)

Chris Paul (LAC) – 14

Tony Parker (SAS) – 12

Ricky Rubio (MIN) – 11

Terrific Thieves (Top thieves of the night!)

Russell Westbrook (OKC) & Earl Watson (UTA) – 5

Danny Green (SAS) & Tony Allen (MEM) – 4

Russell Westbrook and the Thunder ran into
a hot-shooting Clippers club.

Boomin’ Blockers (Top blockers of the night!)

Samuel Dalembert (HOU), Elton Brand (PHI), Marcin Gortat (PHX), & Marcus Camby (POR) – 4

Sharpshooters (Top 3-point shooters of the night!)

Kyle Korver (CHI), Matt Bonner (SAS), Vince Carter (DAL), & Delonte West (DAL) – 5

Kyle Korver's 5 triples helped the Bulls recover
after losing a close on to the Heat yesterday.

Jan. 30, 2012 First Five

C – LaMarcus Aldridge – 25pts, 7rebs, 2blks, 1ast, 1stl

F – Kevin Durant (OKC) – 36pts, 13rebs, 4 treys, 3blks, 1ast

F – Michael Beasley (MIN) – 34pts, 3rebs, 1ast, 1stl

G – Derrick Rose (CHI) – 35pts, 8asts, 3blks, 2stls

G – Chris Paul (LAC) – 26pts, 14asts, 2stls

Michael Beasley exploded for a season-high 34 against
his coach's former team, the Rockets.

Honorable Mention:

LeBron James (MIA) – 22pts, 11rebs, 8asts, 1stl

Delonte West (DAL) – 25pts, 6asts, 5 treys, 3rebs, 2stls

Russell Westbrook (OKC) – 31pts, 5stls, 4rebs, 4asts, 1blk

For a full summary of the day, here’s today’s NBA Daily Zap:

Tuesday’s Three Ts Are for Teng, Toroman, and the Three-Way

2012-01-30T17:51:00.000-08:00

After the JUMP – commentaries on Jeron Teng choosing DLSU, Rajko Toroman leaving the Philippines, and the first big trade of the 2011-2012 PBA Season.

Jeron Teng to DLSU

The jacket makes it official: Jeron Teng is a Green Archer.
(image from GoArchers.com/Noli Eala)

With the exception of Chris Tiu, no blue-chip HS player from Xavier School has chosen to play for fellow Jesuit School Ateneo de Manila in the past decade.

Consider these:

Blue-Chip Xavier hoopsters by batch:

2001: Joseph Yeo went to De La Salle Univ. (DLSU)

2002: TY Tang went to DLSU

2003: Chris Tiu went to Ateneo de Manila Univ. (AdMU)

2005: Rejan Lee went to DLSU

2006: Woody Co went to Univ. of the Philippines (UP)

2008: Gab Banal went to DLSU (now he’s transferred to Mapua)

2009: Jeron Teng went to Univ. of Sto. Tomas (UST)

2010: Jett Manuel went to UP
2012: Jeron Teng to DLSU

*Gian Chiu, Ael Banal and Paulo Pe, who all played for the Ateneo HS Blue Eaglets, were originally from Xavier. Gian and Ael transferred after Grade 7 and Paulo after 1^st year HS. Gian, if I’m not mistaken, and Ael now play in the US, while Paulo plays center for the UST Growling Tigers.

This has always bugged me because, like what I mentioned earlier, both Xavier and Ateneo are Jesuit schools. They are “brother” institutions. It stands to logic that students from both Xavier HS and Ateneo HS would have the desire to matriculate at the only Jesuit university in Manila, which is, obviously, Ateneo. And many, if not most, actually go that route.

Just not the ballers.

Most interesting are the cases of Tang and Banal. Tang because his family is reportedly close to the Jesuits. His brothers, elder bro Terrence and younger bro Thomson, both went to Ateneo. It was actually a bit of a surprise he “went green.” Some rumors swirled about playing time, or playing behind a certain LA Tenorio, being a big factor in his decision. Would’ve been awesome to see him orchestrate the “gunners” play with best friend Chris Tiu for the Blue & White.

Banal’s case is also interesting, since, at the time he chose DLSU, his family had considerable Ateneo pedigree. His father was famously known for steering the 2002 Blue Eagles to their first UAAP title after 13 years. Ael, his younger bro, was also playing for the Eaglets at that time. His other brothers also went to Ateneo. What could’ve been the deciding factor?

I guess we’ll never know.

Now we have Jeron Teng, arguably the biggest name who’ll grace the 2012 season as a rookie, deciding to wear La Salle green. Would’ve been wonderful seeing how he’d play alongside Kiefer Ravena and Greg Slaughter, but now he’ll play against them instead.

I don’t want to “analyze” his choice and lay out the competition he has for playing time on La Salle. I don’t want to go thru the nitty-gritty stuff. I just want to say that I was surprised he chose DLSU. I though UST would’ve been a natural choice, since his bro was there. I thought AdMU would’ve been good, too, because of the chance to play with Kiefer and Greg and be coached by Norman Black.

But something made him choose DLSU. And, honestly, it’s not a bad choice. DLSU is college basketball royalty. It has an enviable championship pedigree.

I just want to know what made him, and his other fellow Xavier hoops alumni, NOT choose Ateneo.

What is that something? Is it a matter of Xavier blue-chippers really not wanting to play for the Blue & White, or the Ateneo program not prioritizing the talent from the Blue & Gold? Or is it the school/basketball version of sibling rivalry?

Points to ponder, I guess.

Godspeed, coach Rajko!

We're worse off without coach Rajko Toroman.
(image from GMANews.tv)

I’m not privy to the inner workings of the deal between former Smart-Gilas coach Rajko Toroman, the Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) group, and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), but, generally speaking, I believe they (the MVP group and the SBP) should’ve done everything, and then some, to keep the highly respected Serbian tactician.

Yes, he came up short in steering our National Team to the gold in Wuhan, China last year, but maybe not even someone like Phil Jackson could’ve done that. Hell, maybe not even Phil Jackson could’ve made as big a difference coach Rajko did.

He changed things in our part of the basketball sphere. He was more than a coach who drew up plays and castigated erring players. He was more than someone who knew a lot about the international game. He was more than the shrug he does every time a ref makes a questionable call.

He was a game-changer, a mentality-changer. He made us understand that Pinoy ball had to adapt to the International game. We all knew it. We’ve all heard it. We’ve all seen how our brand of hoops just couldn’t cut it beyond our borders.

But coach Rajko made it happen. He made waves with Gilas. He won fans over. He won coaches over. He won players over. He won us over.

Now everything is just, well, over.

Whoever’s going to inherit his role for the new iteration of Smart-Gilas will have his work cut out for him. The pressure will be tremendous. His health will decline. His sacrifices will be unparalleled. And he’ll be under 24/7 scrutiny. Coach Rajko went thru all of these things, and still coming back to Gilas was his first choice. Too bad we didn’t give it to him.

There are three slots at stake for the 2014 FIBA Worlds. We could nail one of those in the 2013 FIBA-Asia tourney, which, hopefully, will be held here at home.

It will be a tall order, a tough task. The road to that moment is riddled with uncertainties (Who will coach? Who will make up the core players? Will the PBA help? Who will be the new batch of Fil-Foreigners? Will Javale McGee replace Marcus Douthit?), but one thing is certain.

A sad thing.

We will not have Rajko Toroman on the sidelines.

Godspeed, coach. I hope you know you changed us.

PBA Three-Way: Llamados, Gin Kings and Energy

Kerby Raymudo moves to the Ginebra Gin Kings.
(image by Pranz Kaeno Billones/InterAKTV.com)

“The three-way trade was fairly sound and reasonable. The teams gave and received players and picks of relative even value and use for their respective purposes.” – PBA Commissioner Chito Salud, who approved the big trade last week.

So here’s how it all went down:

o The B-Meg Llamados received JC Intal from Ginebra and a 2012 2^nd round pick from Barako Bull.

o Ginebra received Kerby Raymundo from B-Meg and Dylan Ababou from Barako.

o Barako Bull received Ronald Tubid, Reil Cervantes, and a 2014 2^nd round pick, all from Ginebra.

Some interesting facts that accompany this transaction:

o Ababou will rejoin fellow rookie Allein Maliksi, who was also traded from Barako Bull to Ginebra in the previous conference.

o This is already the second three-way in which these teams have been involved. The first one had Maliksi going to Ginebra, as mentioned above, and Maierhofer joining him from B-Meg.

o Strangely enough, Barako Bull seems to be allergic to its rookie picks. Last year, they traded away the Blue Eagle duo of Nonoy Baclao and Rabeh Al-Hussaini, along with former Smart-Gilas standout Rey Guevarra, to another SMB franchise – the Petron Blaze Boosters. Now they’ve parted with two versatile forwards who have tremendous upside. If the SMB trio of clubs (Petron, B-Meg, & Ginebra) dominate in the remaining two conferences of this season, then maybe they should thank Bert Lina’s Barako Bull for the lift.

I think the Kings are big winners here. Ababou and Maliksi should give them a lot of flexibility at the wings, especially since they’ve parted with Intal.

Intal will be okay in B-Meg, but I don’t think he’ll be the game-changer he’s expected to be. At his best, he can be as good as Arwind Santos, but his normal state is just a flashier Gabby Espinas (I feel bad writing that about a former Blue Eagle). That’s not to say he’s bad, but he just hasn’t reached his potential yet. Then again, he just might blossom with guys like James Yap, PJ Simon and Josh Urbiztondo opening up the lane with their outside shooting. Who knows, right?

I think Barako Bull shot themselves in the foot here. If they hadn’t traded away all their rookie picks, they would have had a competent young core that could, arguably, be a serious playoff threat. Now they’re left with a mixture of young and old guys who might not mesh well. Danny Seigle, Tubid, and Cervantes all play relatively the same position, so it’ll be interesting to see who gets to see some burn, and who gets to ride the pine.

The NBA: Of Things to Come

2012-01-30T06:01:00.000-08:00

Derrick Rose will look forward to the next time they meet the
Miami Heat, and a renewed shot at redemption.
(image from the US Presswire)

*Unless otherwise specified, all images are from the Associated Press.

"Every time we play the Bulls it's going to be like that. It's going to be a drag-out fight every game." – Chris Bosh, on the intensity of Sunday's game.

It’s a joy seeing LeBron James miss free throws late in a game.

Especially if those free throws could’ve given the Heat a late lead.

Especially against Derrick Rose and the mighty Chicago Bulls.

Too bad that was spiked by seeing Rose miss his own set of freebies and then miss a potential tie-maker.

Sigh.

Oh, but it is just the first of four meetings in the regular season, right? And then maybe more by the time the playoffs come along.

I just hope that D-Rose sitting down, face looking at the hardwood, thinking of what could’ve been, won’t be something I’ll see come April, May or June.

I hope that the Heat winning even if the self-made King missed his freebies won’t be a portent of things to come.

The Bulls were in white – the White Knights with the humble MVP.

The Heat were clad in sinister black – the Sith with Darth Vader’s #6.

And the Heat won.

Oh, please no.

After the JUMP, key stat-stuffers for today’s games:

MIA over CHI, 97-93 – Derrick Rose missed two free throws. LeBron James missed two free throws. Derrick Rose missed a potentially game-tying one-hander. And then it was over. Boo hoo.

TOR over NJN, 94-73 – DeMar DeRozan’s 27-point performance sends the Raps to a tie with the Nets for… last in the Northeast Division. Bleh.

CLE over BOS, 88-87 – What a guy that Kyrie Irving. His game winner not only gives the Cavs their 8^th win, it also snaps the Celts’ 4-game winning run.

IND over ORL, 106-85 – Another game, another embarrassment for the Magic. They were outscored 58-34 in the second half. Eject button, Dwight. Eject button.

DAL over SAS, 101-100 (OT) – Spurs made a good run to send it into an extra session, but Jason Terry was too much. He made the last four points of the game to frustrate San Antonio into their 8^th road loss.

LAL over MIN, 106-101 – The Lakers finally won one on this road trip, but not after staving off a stiff challenge from the T-Wolves. The Lakers are still in mediocre shape, though, after going just 5-5 in their last 10. Props to Kobe, who passed Abdul-Jabbar as the Lakers’ all-time leader in FGs made.

ATL over NOH, 94-72 – Jeff Teague, Marvin Williams, and Willie Green combined to shoot 11 threes and leave the Hornets gasping for breath at home.

LAC over DEN, 109-105 – Denver still has the second-best record out West, but the Clips aren’t far behind after CP3 scores 25 to lead them over the Nuggets… in Colorado at that!

Super Scorers (Top scorers of the night!)

LeBron James (MIA) & Kobe Bryant (LAL) – 35

Derrick Rose (CHI) & Jason Terry (DAL) – 34

Kevin Love (MIN) – 33

LeBron James's supreme conditioning has helped
him get a leg up on the competition.

Ragin’ Rebounders (Top rebounders of the night!)

Kobe Bryant (LAL) – 14

Dwight Howard (ORL), Blake Griffin (LAC), & DeAndre Jordan (LAC) – 13

Dynamic Dishers (Top playmakers of the night!)

Andre Miller (LAC) & Darren Collison (IND) – 10

Jose Calderon (TOR) – 9

Andre Miller loses the ball here, but his 10 assists
against the Clips is a testament to his great playmaking.

Terrific Thieves (Top thieves of the night!)

Alonzo Gee (CLE) – 4

A LOT with 3

Boomin’ Blockers (Top blockers of the night!)

DeAndre Jordan (LAC) & Brendan Haywood (DAL) – 5

Josh Smith (ATL) & Blake Griffin (LAC) – 4

Sharpshooters (Top 3-point shooters of the night!)

Chauncey Billups (LAC) – 6

Kobe Bryant (LAL) – 5

Willie Green (ATL), Jeff Teague (ATL), & Ray Allen (BOS) – 4

Jan. 29, 2012 First Five

C – Pau Gasol (LAL) – 28pts, 6rebs, 3asts

F – Kevin Love (MIN) – 33pts, 13rebs, 2asts, 1stl

F – LeBron James (MIA) – 35pts, 11rebs, 5asts, 1blk

G – Kobe Bryant (LAL) – 35pts, 14rebs, 5 treys, 2asts, 2blks

G – Jason Terry (DAL) – 34pts, 4asts, 2rebs

Looks familiar? Yep, that's Jason Terry in flight, leading the Mavs
to the best record in the Southwest Division.

Honorable Mention:

Derrick Rose (CHI) – 34pts, 6rebs, 6asts, 1stl, 1blk

Chris Paul (LAC) – 25pts, 7asts, 6rebs, 3 treys, 2stls, 1blk

Chauncey Billups (LAC) – 32pts, 6 treys, 4rebs, 2asts

For a full summary of the day, here’s today’s NBA Daily Zap:

Asean Basketball League Roundup: January 28-29, 2012

2012-01-29T22:44:00.000-08:00

Anthony Johnson slams one home as the Patriots
defeated the Warriors at home.

*All images are from AseanBasketballLeague.com

AIR ASIA PHILIPPINE PATRIORS over INDONESIA WARRIORS, 86-73

Both teams came into this game searching for wins after bitter losses last weekend. The Patriots lost to the San Miguel Beermen and the Warriors lost against the Westports Malaysia Dragons.

The Pinoys started the fourth quarter on a 10-2 run and held on to their lead to eventually beat the Indonesians. Patriots’ import Anthony Johnson led all scoring with 33 points, while his teammate Nakiea Miller recorded his second double-double of the season with 19 points and 16 rebounds. On the other end, Warriors’ point guard Mario Wuysang led his team with 24 points.

The Patriots’ big men dominated the paint as they outscored the Warriors 40-28 inside and outrebounded the Warriors 44-28. Johnson was in attack mode in this game and was aggressive on offense. The Patriots also got key contributions from their point guard, Al Vergara, who scored 14 points.

Indonesia Warriors’ two imports, Steven Thomas and Jonathan Smith, were limited to 16 points each, while their three ASEAN imports Harold Sta. Cruz, Jerick Canada, and Ricky Ricafuente had a tough game as they only managed 7 combined points.

PHP 86 - Johnson 33, Miller 19, Vergara 14, Larong 11, Raymundo 4, Wainwright 3, Laure 2, Ybanez 0, Fernandez 0, Saldua 0, Arellano 0, Rodriguez

INW 73 - Wuysang 24, Smith 16, Thomas 16, Prihantono 10, Sta. Cruz 4, Canada 3, Ricafuente 0, Gunawan 0

QS: 17-15, 37-35, 62-56, 86-73

Jerrick Canada had an off-game against his fellow Pinoys.

Nakiea Miller and Steve Thomas battle for the rebound.

WESTPORTS MALAYSIA DRAGONS over SAIGON HEAT, 97-86

The Westports Malaysia Dragons were on fire in front of their home crowd today as they recorded their third straight win, leaving them as the only team in the ABL that is currently unbeaten.

The Dragons hit the ground running and within the first two and a half minutes of the first quarter, they led the Heat, 22-8, which prompted a timeout by Coach Newsom to try and get his team back on track. Jonathan Jones came back in and managed 2 points and although they managed to cut the Dragons’ lead by a little bit, the quarter ended with the Dragons up 25-14.

The Dragons never lost the lead the entire game and the team shot very well, making 54% of their field goals and converting 63% of their three pointers, with Guganeswaran Batumalai, Brian Williams and Patrick Cabahug sinking all of their attempts in the game. Brian Williams ended the game with another double-double line of 20 points and 13 rebounds.

The top scorer for the game, however, was Saigon Heat’s Julius Hodge, who put in an incredible 42 points, nearly half of his team’s total. Fellow import Jonathan Jones had his first double-double of the season with 16 points and 12 rebounds.

WMD 97 - Wade 26, Williams 20, Loh 14, Cabahug 11, Kuppusamy 11, Batumalai 6, Belasco 5, Pacana 4, Lau 0, Kuek 0, Ng 0, Chee 0

SGH 86 - Hodge 42, Jones 16, Smith 13, Oeun 7, Capati 6, Trieu 2, Nguyen 0, Doan 0, Ly 0

QS: 25-14, 51-37, 71-56, 97-86

John Smith was one of the lone bright spots for the
expansion Saigon Heat team.

Brian Williams tries to sneak one in
against the D of Jonathan Jones.

Chris Pacana has been a dependable stabilizer
for the WM Dragons.

SAN MIGUEL BEERMEN over CHANG THAILAND SLAMMERS, 68-59

The Chang Thailand Slammers came into the game looking to bounce back from their loss against the Bangkok Cobras last weekend, while the San Miguel Beermen came in high after besting the AirAsia Philippine Patriots.

Kenneth Walker and DeAndre Thomas led their team in the first quarter, contributing 14 out of the team’s total of 19 points. The San Miguel Beermen, however, stepped it up in the second quarter, and a strong performance from Darlon Johnson gave his team the lead for the first time in the game. The San Miguel Beermen were on top at halftime, 33-32.

The game remained tight as the Slammers tried their best to regain the lead throughout the third quarter, but the Beermen stubbornly held on. SMB eventually entered the final period leading, 51-48.

The Thais still tried hard to catch up in the fourth period and managed to cut the lead down to just two points with eight minutes left on the clock. This only prompted a resurgence by the Beermen, who answered with an 8-point run to leave the Slammers behind. Sterling performances from Dalron Johnson and Leo Avenido saw the Beermen notch up their second consecutive win.

Despite the loss, the Slammers’ Kenneth Walker had an impressive game, recording a double double with 21 points and 11 rebounds.

SMB 68 - Johnson 21, Avenido 14, Thomson 10, Fernandez 9, Rizada 5, Fajardo 3, Baguion 3, Cabatu 3, Luanzon 0, Mangahas 0, Gonzales 0

CTS 59 - Walker 21, Thomas 15, Tolomia 11, Suttisin 5, Lertmalaiporn 4, Apiromvilaichai 3, TIntai 0, Sangthong 0, Jantuma 0, Williams 0

QS: 15-19, 33-32, 51-48, 68-59

Dough Thomson (wearing a Thomas jersey)
jams it home for the Beermen.

Leo Avenido waxed hot in the second half to
put the Slammers away.

Junmar Fajardo rises for the emphatic block.

SINGAPORE SLINGERS over BANGKOK COBRAS, 73-48

The Singapore Slingers recorded their third win for the season against the Bangkok Cobras. It was a very close game in the first half with both teams matching each other point-for-point throughout the first quarter. The point spread did not go beyond two and the quarter ended with both teams tied at 14.

The Slingers stepped it up in the second quarter, however, with import Louis Graham almost unstoppable in the paint. They kept the Cobras down to just 7 points this quarter, while the Slingers racked up 19, giving them a comfortable 12 point lead going at the break.

The second half was all about the Slingers as they continued to dominate in the paint both offensively and defensively. The Cobras recorded 16 turnovers in total throughout this game, double the total for the Slingers. The Slingers also managed 42 points in the paint as compared to the Cobras’ 16.

Wong Wei Long top-scored for the Slingers with 15 points and his teammate Louis Graham contributed another double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Donald Little was also a force to be reckoned with under the basket, recording 17 rebounds in this game. For the Bangkok Cobras, Ratdech Kruatiwa was the top scorer with 11 points and 7 rebounds, followed by teammates Gentry Lewis and Michael Earl with 10 points apiece.

SGS 73 - Wong 15, Graham 14, Dulay 10, Little 9, Oh 8, Ng 5, Tan 4, Lim 4, Khoo 2, Canta 2, Matialakan 0, Goh 0

BKC 48 - Kruatiwa 11, Lewis 10, Earl 10, Apiromvilaichai 5, Limsuwan 5, Kongkum 3, Chaiwat 2, Klahan 2, Wanna 0

QS: 14-14, 33-21, 52-32, 73-48

Gentry Lewis evades the D of SG's Lim Sheng Yu.

Gentry Lewis rises up against the outstretched
arm of Louis Graham.

Donal Little does a Statue of Liberty slam against the Cobras.

*Game Recaps compiled and compressed from AseanBasketballLeague.com

2011-2012 PBA Philippine Cup Finals Game 5: Inevitable

2012-01-29T21:43:00.000-08:00

The 2012 PBA Philippine Cup Champions:
the Talk N Text Tropang Texters
(image by Paul Ryan Tan/InterAKTV.com)

TALK N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS over POWERADE TIGERS, 110-101

“It took 27 years for a team to defend this championship. Mas matagal iyon kaysa huling grand slam (1996 by Alaska Milk). That made it so special.” – Chot Reyes, coach of the Talk N Text Tropang Texters – the 2012 PBA Philippine Cup repeat champions.

Like their victims the TNT Tropang Texters can also be considered, in many ways, a “Cinderella” squad. Consider these:

- They lost a heartbreaking series to the Petron Blaze Boosters in the last conference of the previous season.

- Though their roster is the most stacked in the league, they hardly enjoyed their depth as many of their players suffered a plethora of injuries throughout the Philippine Cup.

- We all know what happened to Ali Peek, right?

- They were down 1-3 to their former tormentors, Petron, in the semifinals.

Despite all those bumps in the road, however, coach Chot Reyes’s crew stuck in there and seemingly willed their way to win 7 of their last 8 matches, ending with something that hasn’t happened in nearly 3 decades – an All-Filipino title successfully defended.

Talk N Text’s stars came together at just the right time. Ali Peek’s return brought awe and inspiration to the PBA faithful. They rallied to beat the Boosters, and get a measure of vengeance in the process. They showed their superiority against a hot-shooting Powerade five.

It was a great ride for the Texters, and, through it all, the lone star who shone the brightest and played in ALL of TNT’s games was decorated as the Finals MVP – Larry Fonacier.

The Baby-Faced Assassin, as he is fondly tagged, averaged a shade above 16 points per game in the Finals, showing the versatility and shooting that made him a feared competitor in years past. Now, it seems there’s no slowing him, and the Texters, down.

Right now the Tropang Texters are the best in the Philippines, and if one is to simply look back at their story, it would be easy to conclude that all this glory in which they are basking was, after all, inevitable.

After the JUMP -- the compressed game recap from PBA.ph:

From the brink of disaster all the way to the pinnacle of glory.

Talk N Text completed this incredible ride as the Tropang Texters brushed off the Powerade Tigers to successfully defend the PBA Philippine Cup championship to the delight of their cheering fans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday. The Texters sprang back strong from their Game Four defeat, overwhelming the Tigers with a massive effort to reward themselves with a third title in the last four conferences

It was so sweet as it made them only the first team in 27 years to rule the most prestigious tourney in back-to-back fashion.

Reyes had his personal achievement, catching up with Jong Uichico at fourth in the all-time ladder among champion coaches. Reyes and Uichico have got eight to Baby Dalupan’s 15, Tim Cone’s 13 and Norman Black’s 10.

The eloquent TNT bench tactician, now with five all-Filipino championships under his belt, said the tragedy suffered and survived by Ali Peek and the epic comeback they pulled off against Petron Blaze in the Final Four made their latest conquest more meaningful. The Texters completed a special journey while cutting short the Tigers’ Cinderella ride.

Ryan Reyes sizzled with a league all-time high 10 steals plus 20 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists, and Ranidel de Ocampo, Jimmy Alapag, Jayson Castro, Ali Peek, Kelly Williams and Larry Fonacier had their own shining moments as they negated Gary David’s 37-point explosion.

Ryan Reyes picked a good game to flash fine form from
both ends of the floor.
(image by Paul Ryan Tan/InterAKTV.com)

What can’t be taken away from Powerade was the gallant stand the Tigers put up despite all their handicaps. The Cinderella team, making it all the way to the Finals after barely entering the playoffs, refused to give up even if they fell behind by 24 points in the third quarter.

But the Texters, calm, composed and simply the better team, hung in there.

Fonacier scored only 9 points, but he put in all these in a decisive run helping the Texters pull away in the second quarter.

The former Ateneo Eagle averaged 16.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists in the series and was named the Bayad Center Finals MVP.

Larry Fonacier accepts his well-deserved recognition
as the Conference Finals' Best Player.
(image by Pranz Kaeno Billones/InterAKTV.com)

TNT 110 - Reyes 20, De Ocampo 18, Alapag 17, Castro 14, Peek 13, Williams 10, Fonacier 9, Dillinger 7, Gamalinda 2, Carey 0.

POW 101- David 37, Anthony 22, Casio 19, Lassiter 12, Adducul 4, Kramer 3, Crisano 3, Vanlandingham 1, Lingganay 0, Allera 0, Cruz 0.

QS: 30-16, 60-46, 85-64, 110-101

Gary David, Marcio Lassiter, and JV Casio have made believers
out of the whole PBA fandom.
(image by Pranz Kaeno Billones/InterAKTV.com)

Source: Game recap was compressed and compiled from PBA.ph

The NBA: The Washington Muggles

2012-01-29T06:27:00.000-08:00

John Wall and Nick Young share a light moment
in Washington's win over the Cats.
(image by the AP)

“Rejoice, for You-Know-Who is gone at last! Even muggles like yourself should be celebrating this happy, happy day.” – JK Rowling, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Happy day indeed! The Washington Wizards have won their first road game of the season and their second W in three games with new head coach Randy Wittman.

The caveat?

Both wins were against the equally woeful Charlotte Bobcats, and the loss was against a fringe playoff team from the West – the Houston Rockets.

Sorry, Washington fans, but these Wizards are still lacking in magic.

This team coach Randy Wittman inherited after Flip Saunders was so unceremoniously let go is bottom five in the league in several key categories – points per game (26^th), assists per game (28^th), free throw % (26^th), 3pt % (27^th), and field goal % (tied for 25^th). They’re also 22^nd in rebounds per game and are the 24^th most turnover-prone group of the whole lot.

Pay close attention to their shooting numbers – they’re awful from everywhere – and yet they’re 6^th in the league in attempts per outing. They jack up about 83 shots, but, on average, make only a paltry 35.

Needless to say, it’s easy to see why they’re the NBA’s worst, and why coach Wittman has his work cut out for him.

Good luck, coach. You’ll need it, especially with a team that, despite being named the Wizards, just doesn’t have anything magical to offer.

Folks, your Washington Muggles.

After the JUMP, key stat-stuffers for today’s games:

WAS over CHA, 102-99 – Javale McGee and Nick Young combined for 43 points while John Wall got a double-double for the Wiz, who are probably feeling all tingly inside after their second win since ousting Flip.

PHI over DET, 95-74 – Andre Iguodala finished with triple 10s to their 10^th home win.

HOU over NYK, 97-84 – The Rockets outscored the Knicks 55-39 in the middle two quarters even as Kevin Martin continued to be in sick bay. Goran Dragic, Chase Budinger, and Jordan Hill combined for 49 points off the bench to the win.

MIL over LAL, 100-89 – The Bucks took the loss of Andrew Bogut in stride, defending their home turf against the visiting Lakers, who are now 1-7 outside the Staples Center.

UTA over SAC, 96-93 – The Jazz withstood Tyreke Evans’s 31-point effort as Gordon Hayward and CJ Miles combined for 41 points on 15-28 shooting.

PHX over MEM, 86-84 – The Suns hand the Grizz their third straight defeat, led by Steve Nash, who racked in 21 markers, 5 boards, and 6 dimes.

Super Scorers (Top scorers of the night!)

Tyreke Evans (SAC) – 31

Kobe Bryant (LAL) – 27

Amar’e Stoudemire (NYK), Drew Gooden (MIL), & Byron Mullens (CHA) – 23

Ragin’ Rebounders (Top rebounders of the night!)

Pau Gasol (LAL) – 15

Samuel Dalembert (HOU) & Paul Millsap (UTA) – 14

Pau Gasol reacts to a call as the Lakers drop another
one on the road.
(image by Streeter Lecka)

Dynamic Dishers (Top playmakers of the night!)

Kemba Walker (CHA) – 11

Andre Iguodala (PHI), Boris Diaw (CHA), Mike Conley (MEM), & John Wall (WAS) – 10

Terrific Thieves (Top thieves of the night!)

Courtney Lee (HOU) – 4

Matt Carroll (CHA), Amar’e Stoudemire (NYK), & Jared Dudley (PHX) – 3

Boomin’ Blockers (Top blockers of the night!)

Javale McGee (WAS) – 5

Marc Gasol (MEM) & Samuel Dalembert (HOU) – 4

Sharpshooters (Top 3-point shooters of the night!)

Jodie Meeks (PHI) – 4

Isaiah Thomas (SAC), Andrew Goudelock (LAL), Jimmer Fredette (SAC), & Lou Williams (PHI) – 3

Jan. 28, 2012 First Five

C – Marc Gasol (MEM) – 18pts, 13rebs, 4blks, 2asts, 1stl

F – Javale McGee (WAS) – 22pts, 10rebs, 5blks, 2asts, 1stl

F – Kobe Bryant (LAL) – 27pts, 9asts, 8rebs, 2stls

G – Tyreke Evans (SAC) – 31pts, 9asts, 6rebs, 2stls, 1blk

G – Kemba Walker (CHA) – 20pts, 11asts, 10rebs, 2blks, 1stl

Honorable Mention:

Boris Diaw (CHA) – 21pts, 10asts, 3rebs, 1stl

Amar’e Stoudemire (NYK) – 23pts, 8rebs, 3stls, 2blks

Steve Nash (PHX) – 21pts, 6asts, 5rebs, 2stls

For a full summary of the day, here’s today’s NBA Daily Zap:

The NBA: Hawks and Highlights

2012-01-28T23:41:00.000-08:00

Josh Smith is just about the only Atlanta Hawk who
can consistently make the highlight reel.
(image by the AP)

“They can't straggle out of the gate every night. That's just something we have to fix.” – Atlanta Hawks coach Larry Drew on their bad habit to start slow.

Please don’t check if straggle is a typo for struggle.

It’s not.

And the Hawks straggling? That’s no error, too.

Somehow, though, they’ve managed to be good in spite of it. Atlanta has won 7 of its last 10 games, and is just half a game behind the Heat in the Southeast Division.

Still, they have remained under the radar for most NBA fans. That’s even if their record is better than that of much more ballyhooed clubs like Orlando, Boston, and especially New York.

And that’s with Al Horford out and Jeff Teague listed as day-to-day.

The point is the Hawks are doing pretty well, which is to say their hovering in and around the top four slots in the East. And that’s really very good. That’s just about where they were last season – just outside the top four. And where did it eventually get them? They defeated the Magic in the first round and showed the Bulls a scare or two in the Conference Semifinals.

Because their players are less “newsworthy” and “highlight reel material,” Atlanta has always been somewhat overlooked by many fans. Josh Smith is pretty awesome and he’ll make the top 10 maybe every other week, but, really, who expects to see a Joe Johnson three or a Jeff Teague pull-up when they search YouTube for NBA highlights? The Hawks are good, but they’re no substitutes for the magical aura Hawk legend Dominique Wilkins once exuded.

It doesn’t seem to matter much, however, because despite the injuries and the lack of reel-time, they’ve been pretty good.

And they’ll continue to be good – good enough for the postseason and maybe a round or two deeper than anyone expects.

Just don’t bet on any highlights that’ll trump a Blake Griffin throwdown, a Ricky Rubio no-looker, or a Kobe Bryant game-winner.

After the JUMP, key stat-stuffers for today’s games:

NOH over ORL, 93-67 – Nice home win for the struggling Hornets, thanks to the brilliant playmaking of Jarrett Jack.

HOU over WAS, 103-76 – Washington’s new head coach got a taste of what awaits him on a nightly basis – brutal beatings.

CHI over MIL, 107-100 – Joakim Noah pumps in a huge double-double to stave off the solid challenge from the middling Bucks.

MIA over NYK, 99-89 – Bill Walker’s hot shooting helped make this one interesting, but LeBron’s almost-triple-double was just too much for the Knicks.

MIN over SAS, 87-79 – Ricky Rubio continues his meteoric rise in the upper echelon of the NBA’s floor generals with 18 points and 10 dimes.

DAL over UTA, 116-101 – Rodrigo Beaubois was the surprise package for coach Rick Carlisle against the tough visitors from Salt Lake.

PHI over CHA, 89-72 – The Bobcats’ nice shooting and tough D in the fourth quarter resulted in a +9 swing, but even that wasn’t enough to compensate for an atrocious 10-point first period.

BOS over IND, 94-87 – Somehow, the Celtics seem like they’re finally waking up as they upended an Indiana team a couple of notches above them in the East ladder.

ATL over DET, 107-101 – Took the Hawks long enough, but they finally got past the Pistons in OT. Greg Monroe continues to improve with 22 points and 11 boards.

NJN over CLE, 99-96 – Nice battle at the point between current all-world PG Deron Williams and possible future all-world playmaker Kyrie Irving. D-Will got the better of it. Irving should learn from this.

DEN over TOR, Rudy Fernandez had the hot hand as the Nuggets defended their mountain home from the Raps.

POR over PHX, 109-71 – I remember a time when these teams had a rivalry, but I think that was way back when Charles Barkley and Clyde Drexler were still their respective stars. Now, it’s not even close.

OKC over GSW, 120-109 – Thunder are just too good right now, for practically anybody. They’re 9-1 in their last 10, but the Clips should test them next.

Super Scorers (Top scorers of the night!)

Kevin Durant (OKC) – 37

Derrick Rose (CHI) – 34

Kyrie Irving (CLE) - 32

Ragin’ Rebounders (Top rebounders of the night!)

Marcus Camby (POR) – 20

Dwight Howard (ORL), Joakim Noah (CHI), & Kevin Love (MIN) – 16

Dynamic Dishers (Top playmakers of the night!)

Andre Miller (DEN) – 12

Russell Westbrook (OKC) – 11

Deron Williams (NJN), Ricky Rubio (MIN), & Jamal Crawford (POR) – 10

Terrific Thieves (Top thieves of the night!)

Russell Westbrook (OKC) – 7

Dwyane Wade (MIA) – 5

Jrue Holiday (PHI) & Darren Collison (IND) – 4

Boomin’ Blockers (Top blockers of the night!)

Joel Anthony (MIA) – 5

Rodrigo Beaubois (DAL), Javale McGee (WAS), & Tim Duncan (SAS) – 4

Amar'e Stoudemire gets rejected by Chris Bosh
and Joel Anthony of the Miami Heat.
(image by Mike Ehrman/Getty Images)

Sharpshooters (Top 3-point shooters of the night!)

Bill Walker (NYK) – 7

Dorell Wright (GSW) – 6

Deron Williams (NJN), Rudy Fernandez (DEN), & Marvin Williams (ATL) – 5

Jan. 27, 2012 First Five

C – Dwight Howard (ORL) – 28pts, 16rebs, 3asts, 2stls, 1blk

F – Kevin Durant (OKC) – 37pts, 14rebs, 3asts

F – LeBron James (MIA) – 31pts, 8rebs, 7asts

G – Paul Pierce (BOS) – 28pts, 10rebs, 8asts, 4 treys, 3stls, 2blks

G – Russell Westbrook (OKC) – 28pts, 11asts, 7stls, 6rebs

Honorable Mention:

Rodrigo Beaubois (DAL) – 22pts, 7asts, 6rebs, 4blks, 3 treys, 1stl

Dwyane Wade (MIA) – 28pts, 5stls, 4asts, 2rebs, 2blks

Kyrie Irving (CLE) – 32pts, 6rebs, 2asts, 2stls

For a full summary of the day, here’s today’s NBA Daily Zap:

2011-2012 PBA Philippine Cup Finals Game 4: Doable

2012-01-28T06:51:00.000-08:00

Sean Anthony's double-double was a huge factor
in helping the Tigers extend the series to a fifth game.
(image by Paul Ryan Tan/InterAKTV.com)

POWERADE TIGERS over TALK N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS, 100-97

“I’ll be arrogant if I say we can come back. I’ll just say it’s doable,” said Powerade

coach Bo Perasol on their chance to salvage the series.

Realistically, even “doable” is a bit farfetched.

By scraping past (emphasis on SCRAPING) the seemingly indomitable TNT Tropang Texters yesterday, the Powerade Tigers may have found renewed vigor in their quest to be the ultimate Cinderella team in PBA history.

But the history of professional basketball doesn’t seem to agree with the Tigers’ chief desire.

As far as I know, no team has ever come back from a 0-3 hole in PBA history, and even in the NBA, teams that have gone up 3-0 in a 7-game series have come out on top 94 of out 94 times (as of last season).

Frankly speaking, no basketball team has ever come back from that kind of deficit to win four straight games in a win-or-go-home scenario. And in the Finals at that. And against, arguably, the deepest roster in the league.

No way.

Ain’t going to happen.

But don’t let the Tigers hear that. They won’t believe it anyway. They’ll just claw their way and hope for the best in Game 5. If necessary, they’ll do the same in Game 6, too. If the basketball gods are crazy, then maybe we’ll have a Game 7. And if the Tigers do manage to rewrite history, then that will be the day pigs can finally fly.

Doable coach Bo? That’s farfetched.

But farfetched is not impossible.

After the JUMP à the compressed game recap from PBA.ph:

Gary David didn’t disappoint on a night he was crowned the tournament MVP, leading the Powerade charge as the Tigers foiled the Talk n Text Tropang Texters’ sweep bid in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.

Gary David hoists his Best Player of the Conference trophy
moments before Powerade embarked on an improbable
triumph against the Texters.
(image by Paolo Papa/InterAKTV.com)

Before a crowd of over 12,000 at the Araneta Coliseum, David and the Tigers gutted it out to force a Game Five in the best-of-seven titular. Sean Anthony churned out a double-double performance, and the Powerade bench provided ample help as the Tigers survived what’s already their fourth do-or-die game in the tourney.

David provided the lead and his teammates followed as they fought with great resolve and pulled through even though they were held to only a single field goal in the last four minutes of play. They built 14-point spreads in the first half and were still in command at 92-81 before facing a determined Talk n Text chase at the finish.

The Texters had a chance to send the game into overtime, but Jayson Castro and Jimmy Alapag missed a three-point try each in the closing seconds.

Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes rued how their frontliners didn’t do their job. Ranidel de Ocampo was notably a non-factor, going 1-of-8 from the field and 1-of-3 from the stripe for just three points.

David played every inch as the tournament MVP, firing 35 points – his 10th 30+ game in the playoffs and 13th overall in the tourney. Anthony tallied 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Marcio Lassiter, Doug Kramer and Romel Adducul each added double-digit outputs.

Larry Fonacier topscored for TNT with 20 points with Castro and Alapag winding up with 18 apiece.

Larry Fonacier finished with 20 points to lead TNT's
losing cause as they will have to wait at least
one more game before they may be crowned champs.
(image by Paolo Papa/InterAKTV.com)

POW 100 - David 35, Anthony 19, Lassiter 13, Kramer 11, Adducul 10, Casio 7, Lingganay 3, Vanlandingham 2, Cruz 0, Crisano 0.

TNT 97 - Fonacier 20, Castro 18, Alapag 18, Carey 11, Reyes 10, Peek 8, Williams 7, De Ocampo 3, Dillinger 2, Aguilar 0, Alvarez 0, Lao 0.

QS: 25-23, 53-43, 75-75, 100-97

Source: Game recap was compressed and compiled from PBA.ph

The NBA: Leading Los Angeles

2012-01-27T19:17:00.000-08:00

Chris Paul and the Clips rebounded from their loss to the
Lakers by beating the Memphis Grizzlies.

*All images are from the Associated Press.

"I've got a son of my own. I don't know if Pau has kids, but don't touch the top of my head like I'm one of your kids. I don't know if he's got kids, but I'm not one of them." – Chris Paul on Pau Gasol tapping his head.

A little more than a month ago, Chris Paul was raring to go to the Lakers.

Now it seems like he’s raring to take them down.

And, lo and behold, the feeling is mutual.

Chris Paul resented Gasol’s head tap. Kobe traded barbs with Paul. Paul called Gasol soft. Metta World Peace wasn’t exactly living up to his name, too. Ts were called left and right. There was an ejection.

It was awesome drama.

It was awesome TV basketball. (details here)

The Clips still hold an edge in the head-to-head matchup dating back to the preseason, but the Lakers might have finally figured them out. How? Because Mike Brown may have finally figured the Lakers out – he needs to give Peace a chance (pardon the pun), and pound the ball inside to his twin bigs. Those are luxuries he didn’t have in Cleveland, and he should go to them more. Kobe’s awesome as a scorer and he’s has improved as a facilitator, but the Lakers have so many other underutilized weapons, too.

Both LA teams will meet once more in the regular season, and that promises to be another rock ‘em sock ‘em showdown. I’ll put my money on the Lakers, simply because I think they’ll stay true to their trajectory and continue improving.

As of now, however, based on their record and despite this loss, it’s the Clippers who are leading Los Angeles.

After the JUMP, key stat-stuffers for today’s games:

BOS over ORL, 91-83 – Nobody on Orlando has probably ever heard of E’Twaun Moore (honestly, have you?), so they probably weren’t counting on him to lead the 44-15 Boston run in the final 17 minutes that decimated their mighty lead, which stood as high as 27 points. Orlando scored just 56 points a few days ago, and they lost a 27-point lead at home. Do you still see any reason for Big D to stay?

LAC over MEM, 98-91 – CP3, BGTV, Mo Will, and Caron Butler (nickname?) all scored at least 17 points to help the Clips recover after the tough loss to the Lakers yesterday.

Super Scorers (Top scorers of the night!)

Rudy Gay (MEM) & Paul Pierce (BOS) – 24

Blake Griffin (LAC) – 20

Ragin’ Rebounders (Top rebounders of the night!)

Dwight Howard (ORL) – 16

Marc Gasol (MEM) – 11

Kevin Garnett (BOS) – 10

Dwight Howard should really be thinking of
where he'll be come the trade deadline.

Dynamic Dishers (Top playmakers of the night!)

Paul Pierce (BOS) – 10

Blake Griffin (LAC) – 8

Hedo Turkoglu (ORL), Chris Paul (LAC) & Mike Conley (MEM) – 7

Terrific Thieves (Top thieves of the night!)

Mo Williams (LAC) & Mike Conley (MEM) – 4

Kevin Garnett (BOS), Glen Davis (ORL) & Jason Richardson (ORL) – 3

Boomin’ Blockers (Top blockers of the night!)

Keving Garnett (BOS) – 4

DeAndre Jordan (LAC) – 3

Blake Griffin (LAC), Brandon Bass (BOS) & Greg Stiemsma (BOS) – 2

KG and the Celtics did really well despite the absence
of Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen.

Sharpshooters (Top 3-point shooters of the night!)

E’Twaun Moore (BOS) – 4

Rudy Gay (MEM), Michael Pietrus (BOS), OJ Mayo (MEM) & Caron Butler (LAC) – 3

Jan. 26, 2012 First Five

C – Marc Gasol (MEM) – 18pts, 11rebs, 6asts, 2stls

F – Kevin Garnett (BOS) – 12pts, 10rebs, 4asts, 4blks, 3stls

F – Blake Griffin (LAC) – 20pts, 9rebs, 8asts, 2blks

G – Paul Pierce (BOS) – 24pts, 10asts, 6rebs, 1blk

G – Chris Paul (LAC) – 18pts, 7rebs, 7asts, 2stls

Blake Griffin continues to be a formidable
inside force for the new-look Clippers.

Honorable Mention:

Rudy Gay (MEM) – 24pts, 7rebs, 3 treys, 2asts, 1blk

Mo Williams (LAC) – 18pts, 4stls, 3rebs, 2asts

Dwight Howard (ORL) – 16pts, 16rebs, 1blk

For a full summary of the day, here’s today’s NBA Daily Zap:

The NBA: Breaking Even

2012-01-26T22:28:00.000-08:00

Deron Williams is the only reason the Nets are even
drawing any attention. Can he be enough to tow the Nets
to a respectable season?

*All images are from the Associated Press.

"Everything on their team goes through Deron Williams. He's got that ball in his hands the majority of the game. He's going to get in the post, he's going to penetrate, he's going to play a lot of pick-and-rolls, get in the open court… he's a big part of what they do in their offense. In my eyes, he's still an All-Star." – Philadelphia 76ers coach Doug Collins

The way Deron Williams torched the 76ers, you’d think Collins was a prophet.

D-Will led all scorers with 34 points, dished out 11 dimes, grabbed 4 boards and hit 3 triples in a 48-minute tour of duty that saw New Jersey win just its 5^th game since the new year.

The Nets continued to play without “potentially good” center Brook Lopez, and it was also the second game rookie sparkplug MarShon Brooks missed due to injury.

But, somehow, Deron willed the Nets to victory – their 4^th in the last 8 games. That gives them a .500 mark starting January 13, 2012, and, if things continue at that trajectory, maybe, they have a shot at the postseason in the East.

That’s a pretty BIG maybe, though.

The Nets management just missed their chance to extend the contracts of Lopez and injured forward Damion James, which could mean they’ve all but given up on the present iteration of the team, and the current season, in preparation for a wild mid-2012 free agency derby.

But as long as Deron’s there, like Collins implied, New Jersey will have at least one potential All-Star, and a respectable shot at stealing games.

That’s not exactly the kind of net profit the Nets are dreaming of, but it is what it is.

At least right now, in terms of the past 8 games, they’re breaking even.

After the JUMP, key stat-stuffers for today’s games:

CLE over NYK, 91-81 – The Cavs continue to overachieve, though if at 7-10 your team’s overachieving, that’s really saying a lot.

WAS over CHA, 92-75 – Andray Blatche’s double-double gives the Wiz just their 3^rd win, and their interim coach, Randy Wittman, a 1.000 winning percentage to start his tour of duty.

NJN over PHI, 97-90 (OT) – D-Will unloads a double-double as the Nets upset the erstwhile surging Sixers, and on the road, too!

MIA over DET, 101-98 – Pistons almost pulled the rug from under the Heat, if it weren’t for LeBron James’s sharp free throw shooting.

IND over CHI, 95-90 – Bulls’ 4-game win streak gets snapped as the Pacers bounce back form their loss to the Magic.

MIL over HOU, 105-99 – Two straight 30+ point quarters help give the Bucks a nice win over the Rockets, who won 7 in a row before this game.

OKC over NOH, 101-91 – KD and James Harden combined for 43 points as the Thunder sustained their hot start to defeat the Hornets.

SAS over ATL, 105-83 – Tiago Splitter has become a little more consistent in dishing out quality games, helping San Antonio to a 10-1 home record.

MIN over DAL, 105-90 – The Mavericks’ woes continue as they let the Wolves in and were consequently devoured by Kevin Love’s 31 and 10.

TOR over UTA, 111-106 (2OT) – Jose Calderon hit some improbable threes to help the Raptors win their second straight and hand the Jazz just their third loss at home.

DEN over SAC, 122-93 – Gallo continues to wow, netting 23 points to spearhead Denver’s fifth win in a row.

GSW over POR, 101-93 – Curry returns with aplomb, scoring 32 points, grabbing 6 boards and dishing out 7 assists as the Warriors finally win against a Western team.

LAL over LAC, 96-91 – The Lakers finally win one against the Clippers. Twin trees Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol punished the interior, combining for 42 points, 16 rebounds and 5 rejections.

Super Scorers (Top scorers of the night!)

Deron Williams (NJN) – 34

LeBron James (MIA) & Steph Curry (GSW) – 32

Paul Millsap (UTA) & Kevin Love (MIN) – 31

Steph Curry came back and haunted the Blazers
with a superb all-around effort.

Ragin’ Rebounders (Top rebounders of the night!)

Ersan Ilyasova (MIL) & Kris Humphries (NJN) – 19

Samuel Dalembert (HOU) – 18

Dynamic Dishers (Top playmakers of the night!)

Monta Ellis (GSW), Chris Paul (LAC) & Ricky Rubio (MIN) – 12

Terrific Thieves (Top thieves of the night!)

Chris Singleton (WAS) – 5

Tyrus Thomas (CHA), Anderson Varejao (CLE), Steph Curry (GSW) & Ricky Rubio (MIN) – 4

Boomin’ Blockers (Top blockers of the night!)

Tyrus Thomas (CHA) – 9

Darko Milicic (MIN) – 7

James Johnson (TOR) – 6

Tyrus Thomas's 9 blocks is the most yet in a
single game this season.

Sharpshooters (Top 3-point shooters of the night!)

Steph Curry (GSW) – 6

Matt Bonner (SAS), Jimmer Fredette (SAC) & Kevin Martin (HOU) – 5

Jan. 25, 2012 First Five

C – Chris Bosh (MIA) – 27pts, 6rebs, 4asts, 1stl

F – Kevin Love (MIN) – 31pts, 10rebs, 4 treys, 2asts, 2stls, 2blks

F – LeBron James (MIA) – 32pts, 7asts, 6rebs, 2stls

G – Deron Williams (NJN) – 34pts, 11asts, 4rebs, 3 treys

G – Steph Curry (GSW) – 32pts, 7asts, 6rebs, 6 treys, 4stls

It seems Chris Bosh is on a mission to silence
the critics who thought ill of him last year.

Honorable Mention:

Kevin Durant (OKC) – 25pts, 7rebs, 4asts, 3blks, 2stls

Paul Millsap (UTA) – 31pts, 11rebs, 2asts, 1stls, 1blks

Austin Daye (DET) – 28pts, 6rebs, 4 treys, 3asts, 1stl

For a full summary of the day, here’s today’s NBA Daily Zap:

2012 ATENEO BASKETBALL LEAGUE BATCH 99 DIVISION WEEKS 2-3 ROUNDUP

2012-01-25T23:45:00.000-08:00

Bajjie Del Rosario is still in-form in the
2012 Ateneo Basketball League.
(image by Nono Felipe/taken from Bajjie's Facebook page)

WEEK 2:

AHS 4I 99 over AHS 4J 99, 53-41

This game featured both teams shooting poorly from the field, but 4I 99 (composed mostly of I-boys, but with sprinklings of L-boys) did much better from the stripe. 4I 99 converted 64% of their freebies, while the J-boys were successful on just 26%.

On the other hand, 4J 99 ruled the interior, what with the imposing presence of former Juniors big men Marty Gallego (curiously enough, Marty is an L-boy!) and Joe Silva, as well as big guy Dodge Mozo. The trio combined for 23 points, 31 rebounds and 5 blocked shots. Alas, this was well-countered by 4I 99’s backcourt supremacy, bannered by the dynamic duo of TJ Flameño and Euan Sanchez. TJ and Euan paired up for 31 points and a whopping 14 steals!

AHS 4E 99 over AHS 4H 99, 60-51

Despite being outshot and outrebounded, the E-boys were still able to pull off the win by hitting more triples and free throws.

Former Juniors and Seniors mainstay Bajjie Del Rosario had a Kevin Love-ish output of 26 points, 13 rebounds and 2 blocks, while frontcourt mate Pope Gumabao scored a dozen markers and grabbed 8 boards.

4H 99 tried to counter 4E 99’s size with quickness as speedsters Jomar Go and JR Cabalza kept running the floor, but it was to no avail. Even with the huge lift provided by inside operator Marco Campos, who finished with 6 points, 14 rebounds and 3 assists, the H-boys found themselves on the losing end anew.

Best Performances for Week 2 (click on the image to view an enlarged version in a new window/ ctrl+click to view it in a new tab):

WEEK 3:

AHS 4BG 99 over AHS 4J 99, 68-47

Sporting a relatively complete roster, the combo team of 4BG 99 had a hot start and staved off any challenge posed by the J-boys.

Scoring stalwart Yong Gregori played his first game and scored 16 points on 8-of-10 FG shooting while grabbing 6 rebounds and getting 4 steals. Nobody else finished in twin digits for 4BG 99, but they made up for it by shooting at a higher clip from the field (47% vs 31%) and the line (40% vs 29%).

4J 99 was awesome on the boards again, but they got beaten in terms of assists (18 vs 13) and steals (12 vs 4). Marty Gallego had another beastly double-double of 24 points and 23 rebounds while fellow frontliner Joe Silva finished with 13 points and 9 rebounds.

AHS 4E 99 over AHS 4I 99, 68-62

4E 99 kept its record pristine in a tight game. 4I 99 actually made more field goals, grabbed more rebounds, had more assists, and got more steals, but the E-boys used superior outside shooting to outplay the I-boys.

4E 99 shot 8 triples in the game compared to just 2 for 4I 99. Angelo Cabalona led the way with 4 triples, while Bajjie Del Rosario and EJ Solis contributed 3 and 1 respectively. Bajjie was unstoppable again, ending up with 23 points and 9 rebounds even as Angelo finished with 16 markers to go along with 3 swipes.

Another key factor, however, was that 4I 99 missed the services of their own gunner, Euan Sanchez. Paolo Cagalingan (a D-boy), TJ Flameño, Jason Canda and Redg Plopiño all scored in double-figures to lead the losing cause of 4I 99.

Best Performances for Week 2(click on the image to view an enlarged version in a new window/ ctrl+click to view it in a new tab):

Asean Basketball League Roundup: January 25, 2012

2012-01-25T22:43:00.000-08:00

Donald Little led the Slingers in disappointing the Vietnamese
fans who watched the Saigon Heat's home opener.

*All images are from AseanBasketballLeague.com

SINGAPORE SLINGERS over SAIGON HEAT, 60-55

Saigon Heat absorbed a bitter ending to their home opener. Despite having an 8-point lead early in the third quarter and outrebounding the Slingers 48 to 25, the Heat fell to the Singapore Slingers in front of their home crowd at a packed Tan Binh Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City.

Slingers’ big man Donald Little inspired his team’s comeback in the third quarter by scoring 11 big points. Little finished the game as the lead scorer with 22 points and 8 rebounds while Filipino guard Don Dulay contributed16 points.

The Slingers had a tough start as they were able to score only 10 points in the first quarter and 8 points in the second quarter. To add to their troubles, Desmond Oh, who starred in the Slingers’ last game, had to leave the game in the second quarter after a collision with Heat import Julius Hodge. The Slingers’ injury woes did not stop there as import Louis Graham had to leave the game on a stretcher after what looked like an elbow to the face. Fortunately, Graham was able to recover and checked back into the game in the fourth quarter.

Louis Graham bucked an early injury to help the Slingers
to their second win.

The Heat struggled in the last quarter and only managed to make 1 field goal out of 11 attempts in the last three minutes of the game. Condsequently, their shooting percentage dropped to only 29%. Julius Hodge led Saigon with 18 points while Jonathan Jones had a double-double – 17 points and 15 rebounds.

Saigon Heat will try to get their first win against the Westports Malaysia Dragons this Saturday (Jan 28th) at the MABA Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Slingers will also be playing this weekend as they host the Bangkok Cobras at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on the 29th of January.

Wei Long Wong contributed 3 points as the Slingers
climbed atop the ABL standings.

SGS 60 – Little 21, Dulay 16, Graham 11, Wong 3, Canta 3, Oh 2, Khoo 2, Matialakan 2, Lim 0

SH 55 – Hodge 18, Jones 17, Smith 11, Oeun 4, Trieu 2, Ly 2, Capati 1

QS: 10-15, 21-27, 40-42, 60-55

*Game Recaps compiled and compressed from AseanBasketballLeague.com

The NBA: Rookie Class

2012-01-25T20:04:00.000-08:00

Kyrie Irving has been more than advertised for the
struggling Cleveland Cavaliers.
(image by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

*Unless otherwise specified, all images are from the Associated Press.

“He understands he can get better. He is so smart and so quick and has a good understanding of basketball.” – Cleveland coach Byron Scott on #1 pick Kyrie Irving.

The numbers seem to back up coach Scott.

Irving leads the Cavs in 3 stat categories – ppg (17.4), apg (4.8), and FG% (50.7%) – and he’s second in 3pt% (41.9%) behind Boobie Gibson.

Honestly, he’s been better than advertised. And now that he’s played more NBA games (16) than he did in his one year at Duke (11), it’s pretty clear Cleveland choosing him in front of anyone else was justified.

And he’s not the only rookie who has impressed in the first few weeks of the truncated season.

Minnesota’s Ricky Rubio has been an absolute blur, but the watchable kind. He’s averaging almost a double-double (10.7ppg and 8.3apg to go along with 4.6rpg and 2.5spg) for the Wolves, making them relevant and, again, worth watching. His numbers are actually comparable to Jason Kidd’s rookie numbers back in the ’94-’95 season – 11.7ppg, 7.7apg, 5.4 rpg and 1.9spg. Can he be as good, and as durable, as Kidd? Only time will tell, but, for now, we’ll be all too happy searching for Rubio’s highlights on YouTube.

At 15.4ppg and 4.6rpg, while shooting 46.7% from the field and 36.5% from beyond the arc, the 25^th pick from Providence has really come into his own. Some have gone as far as to say he has the same swagger and devil-may-care aura as one Kobe Bryant. I doubt he’ll be the “next Kobe,” but as the first MarShon, he’s doing pretty well.

He’s cooled off quite considerably of late, but there was a 6-game stretch from January 8 till 17 where Kawhi Leonard averaged 13ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.7spg and shot 45% from three-land. In short, he stepped up big time. If he can somehow rediscover that effectiveness, then San Antonio shouldn’t miss Manu as much as they thought.

Averaging almost a dozen points, better than 3 rebounds, better than 3 assists, just over 1 steal, and about 1 three per game in the NBA is nice. Even nicer if you’re the 9^th pick in the draft, coming after underachieving guys like Derrick Williams and Enes Kanter. I don’t expect Kemba Walker to win the ROY, but he will be in the conversation because, at just 21, he’s already one of the best players (despite his FG shooting anomaly) on a terrible Bobcats team.

Come on, honestly, did you expect Norris Cole to make a whiff of a difference for the Miami Heat this season? Oh, but he has. The 28^th pick from Cleveland State is averaging almost 9ppg, just under 3apg and exactly 1spg in just over 21 minutes per outing for the league’s most hated team (sorry, just had to insert that there). He’s made a difference, and as long as Dwyane Wade sits out games, he’ll be expected to make an even bigger difference.

Other notable newbie’s whom I think might still break out this season:

Brandon Knight (DET)

Iman Shumpert (NYK)

Klay Thompson (GSW)

Tristan Thompson (CLE)

Am I missing anyone?

*I think, given enough time, Derrick Williams can break out, too, but he hasn’t exactly done that despite the absence of Michael Beasley. He’s gotta seize the moment.

After the JUMP, key stat-stuffers for today’s games:

NYK over CHA, 111-78 – Tyson Chandler was a tower-of-power, displacing Kemba Walkers’s great scoring performance.

ORL over IND, 102-93 – The Magic almost doubled up on their output a few days ago against Boston. Ryan Anderson is still smoking, hitting 5 treys.

MIA over CLE, 92-85 – Not a lot of hype this time around as Bosh came up big to deflate the Cavs’ challenge.

TOR over PHX, 99-96 – At times, Andrea Bargnani looks like the next Dirk Nowitzki. At times, it seems like he’s just a better version of Nikoloz Tsikitishvili. Good thing he was more Dirk than Skita here.

POR over MEM, 97-84 – Limiting the Grizz to just 31 points thru the middle two periods helped the Blazers to their 11^th win for the season.

Super Scorers (Top scorers of the night!)

Andrea Bargnani (TOR) – 36

Chris Bosh (MIA) – 35

Ryan Anderson (ORL) – 24

LaMarcus Aldridge (POR) – 23

Kemba Walker (CHA) - 22

Andrea Bargnani has been more awesome than awful this season,
but he still needs to work on his consistency.

Ragin’ Rebounders (Top rebounders of the night!)

Marcus Camby (POR) – 22

Tyson Chandler (NYK) – 17

Roy Hibbert (IND) & Marcin Gortat (PHX) – 12

Marcus Camby seems to have rediscovered
the zeal that made him a rebound demon a few seasons ago.

Dynamic Dishers (Top playmakers of the night!)

Steve Nash (PHX) – 14

Jose Calderon (TOR) – 11

Hedo Turkoglu (ORL) – 8

Terrific Thieves (Top thieves of the night!)

Mike Conley (MEM) – 5

Antawn Jamison (CLE) & Shane Battier (MIA) – 4

Boomin’ Blockers (Top blockers of the night!)

Marcus Camby (POR) – 5

Earl Clark (ORL) – 4

Bryon Mullens (CHA) – 3

Sharpshooters (Top 3-point shooters of the night!)

Ryan Anderson (ORL) – 5

Andrea Bargnani (TOR) – 4

Hedo Turkoglu (ORL), Steve Novak (NYK) & Leandro Barbosa (TOR) – 3

Jan. 24, 2012 First Five

C – Tyson Chandler (NYK) – 20pts- 17rebs, 2asts, 1blk

F – Andrea Bargnani (TOR) – 36pts, 6rebs, 4 treys, 2asts, 2stls, 1blk

F – Chris Bosh (TOR) – 35pts, 7rebs, 2asts, 1blk

G – Landry Fields (NYK) – 18pts, 5asts, 4rebs, 2stls, 2blks

G – Steve Nash (PHX) – 17pts, 14asts, 7rebs

When will Tyson Chandler and the Knicks finally
slam the competition like they're supposed to?

Honorable Mention:

Marcin Gortat (PHX) – 21pts, 12rebs, 2blks, 1ast

Ryan Anderson (ORL) – 24pts, 8rebs, 5 treys, 1stl, 1blk

LaMarcus Aldridge (POR) – 23pts, 6rebs, 3asts

For a full summary of the day, here’s today’s NBA Daily Zap:

2011-2012 PBA Philippine Cup Finals Game 3: Died by the Three

2012-01-25T17:26:00.000-08:00

Ranidel De Ocampo came up big in the OT after his
big boo-boo in the end of regulation.
(image by Paul Ryan Tan/InterAKTV.com)

TALK N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS over POWERADE TIGERS, 133-126 (OT)

“This game was determined by hunger, by the team that wanted it more. I told my players before the game that they better be starving because I am,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes postgame.

At some points in Game 3, it looked like the Powerade Tigers might actually, finally, catch a break and get back in the championship series, but the Tropang Texters were just too good.

They were too good at the most important moments.

JV Casio hit an improbable three that sent the game into overtime, but, just as they have done since the start of the season, the Tigers continued to live and die by the three-point shot in the extra session.

They died.

Well, not literally of course, but judging by the fact they’re down 0-3 to the defending champions, and one of the deepest rosters at that, they probably feel they might as well be dead.

No team basketball team (here or in the NBA) has ever come back from a 0-3 deficit to win it all.

Sadly, I don’t think the Powerade Tigers are going to change any of that.

After the JUMP à the compressed game recap from PBA.ph:

Ranidel de Ocampo ought to be swaying to Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song.” De Ocampo committed one of the most terrible errors in PBA Finals history in regulation, but redeemed himself beautifully in overtime as defending champion Talk ‘N Text turned back Powerade to move within a game of sweeping the Philippine Cup Finals at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. The Tropang Texters gun for their fifth title in Game Four Friday night at the same venue, hoping to add the Tigers to 11 previous teams that fell behind 0-3 and never recovered.

TNT appeared to have Game Three under wraps until the shocking developments with 3.3 seconds left. TNT had possession and held a 121-118 lead.

Inbounding from in front of their bench, De Ocampo, who had 12 points in the fourth quarter, miscalculated on a lead pass to teammate Larry Fonacier, who was covered heavily by Gary David. The ball sailed over Fonacier to the backcourt and was scooped up by streaking Powerade rookie JV Casio, who drilled in a huge three point shot to send the game into overtime.

JV Casio hit a bit shot to send the game into OT,
but his guns fell silent in the extra inning.
(image by Paolo Papa/InterAKTV.com)

De Ocampo, who had 21 points behind Fonacier’s 25, then had five points in overtime, including a triple that gave Talk ‘N Text a 126-121 lead which it never relinquished.

David led Powerade with 36 points but was too worn out in overtime to come to his team’s aid, missing all five shots he took. TNT outscored Powerade, 12-5 in overtime. David, Marcio Lassiter, Sean Anthony, Casio and Doug Kramer – the Tigers’ main five – were a combined five points in the extra period.

Powerade shot better from 3-point range, but surrendered 15 more attempts overall from its 43 percent field goal shooting. The Tigers also gave up 15 points in free throw conversions after getting whistled for 25 fouls against TNT’s 14. Bench scoring went one-sided to TNT, 37-4, a testimony to the Texters’ extra deep roster.

Larry Fonacier has blossomed into a possible go-to guy
for the TNT Tropang Texters.
(image by Paul Ryan Tan/InterAKTV.com)

TNT 133 – Fonacier 25, De Ocampo 21, Reyes 19, Peek 16, Williams 14, Castro 10, Alapag 10, Aguilar 6, Dillinger 6, Carey 4, Lao 2, Gamalinda 0.

POW 126 – David 36, Lassiter 25, Anthony 25, Casio 18, Kramer 14, Cruz 3, Adducul 3, Lingganay 2, Vanlandingham 0, Allera 0.

QS: 28-34, 63-60, 87-93, 121-121, 133-126

Source: Game recap was compressed and compiled from PBA.ph

The NBA: No More Magic Left

2012-01-24T06:22:00.000-08:00

Dwight Howard knows there's no magic left in Orlando.

*All images are from the Associated Press.

"I remember, there was this other large person (Shaquille O'Neal), now a television commentator, who once left. And I think I saw Orlando blossom and thrive and build a new arena. So I think this is not a life-threatening event when players move." – David Stern to the Orlando Sentinel

Yeah, sure, easy for you to say, Commish. Your head won’t roll WHEN Dwight Howard jumps ship.

And, yes, he will definitely jump ship.

Because, quite frankly, their 11-5 record notwithstanding, there’s simply no magic left in Orlando.

That doesn’t mean they’re not a good team, because they are. And, yes, Big D is a BIG part of that, but so is their coach, Stan Van Gundy. He’s a trooper, that one. He’ll work with what he’s got, and he’ll shape them up into a well-oiled machine.

But wins don’t necessarily translate to magic, folks. Not when regular season success has not necessarily translated into regular postseason success. And after last season’s snafu that saw them getting kicked out of the first round, there’s even less evidence of wizardry on this side of Florida.

This simply means the Magic will probably never go back to the NBA Finals with Dwight Howard. Because, quite simply, Dwight Howard will leave them. It’ll happen either 1) on or before the trade deadline, or 2) after the season as a free agent or in a sign-and-trade scenario. The only way the Magic can realistically keep Dwight is if they get an all-world PG to don the Magic jersey, or if they make a miracle run at the NBA championship in June 2012.

Both are highly unlikely, to say the least.

And with Jameer Nelson’s performance dipping significantly in terms of points, FG% and 3pt%, the big guy’s need for a quality PG to backstop him becomes even more glaring.

Orlando is doing pretty well. They will make the playoffs. They will end the season with more Ws than Ls.

But, still, they won’t be able to keep Dwight Howard. Because all those things, good as they sound, just aren’t enough to convince him there’s any magic left.

After the JUMP, key stat-stuffers for today’s games:

PHI over WAS, 103-83 – Six guys finished in double-figures for the Sixers in their rout of the Wizards, and Andre Iguodala wasn’t even one of them.

BOS over ORL, 87-56 – How can an NBA team score just 56 points in 48 minutes? Much less, 20 points in 24 minutes? And against the aging Boston Celtics at that?

HOU over MIN, 107-92 – Kyle Lowry’s triple double and Kevin Martin’s 31 points helped deflate Kevin Love’s monster 39-12 output.

SAS over NOH, 104-102 – Tony Parker’s 17 dimes, TD’s 28 points, and RJ’s 4 triples helped the Spurs slog thru just their 5^th win in the last 10 games. The Hornets, meanwhile, have dropped 8 in a row.

CHI over NJN, 110-95 – D-Rose matched Rip’s 22-point effort as the Bulls continued making minced meat of their Eastern foes. They are 3-0 in the Central Division and 10-1 against all Eastern opponents. Shudder in fear.

ATL over MIL, 97-92 – Brandon Jennings had another big night, but his fellow starters combined for just 27 total points. That’s one point lower than Joe Johnson’s 28-point total for the whole game. Ouch.

OKC over DET, 99-79 – Just going thru the motions for the Thunder, who were led by James Harden’s 24 points thanks to 5 conversions from downtown.

DAL over PHX, 93-87 – Big win for the Dirk-less Mavs, who leaned on the unexpectedly sharp sniping of Shawn Marion to hand the Suns their 6^th loss on the road this season.

POR over SAC, 101-89 – The Blazers outscored the Kings 53-35 in the middle two quarters to put this one away. Jamal Crawford came off the pine to drop 26 points and dish out 5 assists.

MEM over GSW, 91-90 – The Warriors nursed a 16-point bubble to start the 4^th period, and then things got crazy. And fast. Tony Allen put the clamps on Monta Ellis while scoring 10 of his 14 points in the fourth frame. Mike Conley and Marreese Speights also did well, combining for 17 points in that furious final flourish.

Super Scorers (Top scorers of the night!)

Kevin Love (MIN) – 39

Kevin Martin (HOU) – 31

Shawn Marion (DAL) – 29

Tim Duncan (SAS) & Joe Johnson (ATL) – 28

For all their flare, Kevin Love and the Minnesota Timberwolves
haven't show much consistency in their play.

Ragin’ Rebounders (Top rebounders of the night!)

Marcin Gortat (PHX) – 17

LaMarcus Aldridge (POR) – 16

Samuel Dalembert (HOU) – 15

Dynamic Dishers (Top playmakers of the night!)

Tony Parker (SAS) – 17

Steve Nash (PHX) & Ricky Rubio (MIN) – 12

Terrific Thieves (Top thieves of the night!)

Kevin Garnett (BOS) & Tony Allen (MEM) – 5

Jason Terry (DAL) – 4

Boomin’ Blockers (Top blockers of the night!)

Serge Ibaka (OKC) – 5

Emeka Okafor (NOH), Marcin Gortat (PHX), Ian Mahinmi (DAL) & Josh Smith (ATL) – 3

Serge Ibaka rejects a shot from
rookie hotshot MarShon Brooks.

Sharpshooters (Top 3-point shooters of the night!)

James Harden (OKC) & Kevin Love (MIN) – 5

Shawn Marion (DAL), Richard Jefferson (SAS) & Kevin Martin (HOU) – 4

Jan. 23, 2012 First Five

C – Marcin Gortat (PHX) – 19pts, 17rebs, 3blks, 2asts

F – Kevin Love (MIN) – 39pts, 12rebs, 5 triples, 1ast, 1stl

F – Josh Smith (ATL) – 19pts, 13rebs, 4asts, 3blks, 1stl

G – Jarrett Jack (NOH) – 26pts, 9asts, 6rebs

G – Tony Parker (SAS) – 20pts, 17asts, 2rebs

Honorable Mention:

Richard Hamilton (CHI) – 22pts, 10asts, 4rebs

Brandon Jennings (MIL) – 21pts, 11asts, 5rebs, 3 triples, 2stls, 2blks

James Harden (OKC) – 24pts, 5rebs, 5 triples, 4asts

Richard Hamilton ripped the Nets for
22 points and 10 assists.

For a full summary of the day, here’s today’s NBA Daily Zap: