Sports, Scores & More

Steve Nash is Phoenix Suns Career Assist Leader in Win against New Orleans Hornets

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:48:00 +0000

I'm glad that Steve Nash & the Phoenix Suns won again. This time against the New Orleans Hornets 120 - 103 in the compacted 2011 - 2012 NBA Season

I'm glad that Steve Nash reached a new milestone - being the Sun's franchise most prolific passer. He now holds the record of 6, 522 assists and counting as a Phoenix Suns. His career assist total is 9, 441. He stands to surpass Oscar Robertson who only has 46 more assists as 4th assists leader all time in the NBA.

Go, Suns!

A Phoenix Suns Win for a Change

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:17:00 +0000

Finally, I get to read something good about Steve Nash and my Phoenix Suns. They won over the New York Knicks that has Carmelo Anthony (although not 100%), former Sun, Amar'e Stoudemire and newly acquired Tyson Chandler.

The conspiracy theorist in me says this was a gimme win because of Phoenix former ties to now Knicks Coach Mike d'Antoni. But the Knicks themselves are in dire need of wins after their underperforming start for the season. That ridiculous thought is quickly dispelled.

Understandably, the Suns haven't been talked about this NBA 2011-2012 season because of a weak roster. But I am glad that they are still battling out there, ably lead by the unaging Nash.

If they could just squeeze in as the 8th seed on a highly competitive Western Conference, that would be an early Christmas sports present for me.

Nadal Criticizing Federer Sounds More like Sourgraping than Players' Grievance on Tour Schedule

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:55:00 +0000

Rafael Nadal criticized Roger Federer for being mum about the tough tour schedule of the ATP and letting other players like him to speak out and burn themselves.

From ESPN website

Come on Rafa. Really now?!

I believe that in the past, Federer spoke of being amenable to a reduced tour calendar. And if I remember correctly, he even agreed to re-scheduling the Australian Open to give way to longer off season.

Calling out someone to join your cause is not the smartest way to go about it.

Nadal can not be faulted for asking the greatest of all time to be more vocal about the schedule. Tour officials will surely take notice if Federer does. But to point out how the older Federer manages the physical demands of the tour better than other players speaks of jealousy.

I researched Rafa's and Fed's results for 2011. Rafa had a 69 - 15 record while Federer had 64 - 12 last year. A difference of 8 games. 6 of those are because Rafa represented Spain in the Davis Cup. Not counting the Davis Cup & Grand Slams, Rafa entered (13) just two more tournaments than Federer (11).

Tennis is an extremely strenous sport. Nadal's style of play is punishing to the body. Novak Djokovic had his share of injuries in the latter part of 2011, too. Nadal's body also broke down early in 2009 because of a hectic 2008 that includes the Olympics. But I can not remember him going this route (calling out Federer). Why? because he's winning then?

A message to Rafa. It is a matter of taking care of your body and better schedule management to be consistent on tour and prolonging one's career. Also, if you want Federer to side with any of your advocacy or initiatives, calling him out in public is also "ungentlemanly". Rather it paints a picture of a sourgrape or worse a cry baby.

I sure hope that Federer will be motivated by this criticism for the Australian Open. Given that Fed and Rafa are on the same bracket, it would be good to at least deny Rafa of advancing to the finals.

Chicago Bulls Beats LA Lakers in the NBA Season Opener

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 08:39:00 +0000

I was fortunate to remember today is the season opener of the 2011 - 2012 NBA Season. Just in time to witness Loul Deng, Derrick Rose & the Chicago Bulls pull the rug under the Los Angeles Lakers 88 - 87.

Wow. I thought that the Lakers won it after Kobe made a contested short corner jumper to give the Lakers a seemingly safe 6 point lead. However, Deng was great on both ends of the floor in the clutch and Rose made a difficult floater over Pau Gasol as the Bulls open their campaign on a bright note.

There is actually little to draw from this opening game. The Lakers are dealing with a new coach in Mike Brown and new personnel minus Lamar Odom. Kobe even have an injured list. But still there's so much expectations with Kobe and company especially that they are opening the season at home. This loss is hard for the Lakers especially to Gasol. He gave Deng a 3-point play opportunity and then failed to block Rose's floater.

Reigning MVP Rose was adjudged the best player of the game but to me Deng was the difference maker. He should be credited for this come-from-behind victory for scoring baskets and playing superb defense, culminating on his block on Kobe's final shot attempt.

I sure missed how newly acquired Rip Hamilton played with the Bull's system and Metta World Peace, the-basketball-player-we-formerly-knew-as-Ron-Artest.

Tiger Woods , A Winner Again

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 03:20:00 +0000

Tiger Woods is finally winner again after a clutch win at the 2011 Chevron World Challenge.

After going winless in 26 tournaments that spanned over two years, Woods finally hoisted a winner's trophy, besting a spirited challenge from former Masters champion Zach Johnson and 16 other golfers. Woods birdied the last two holes, finishing 10-under 278, enroute to winning the Chevron World Challenge for the fifth time.

Woods hosts this annual golf tournament for his own Tiger Woods Foundation, donating $1.2 million for his win this year.

I actually believed that last year's Chevron challenge will be Woods' breakthrough win after going through a sex scandal, a divorce, swing & personnel changes and injuries. But he squandered a 4-shot lead entering the final round, eventually losing to 2010 US Open champ Graeme McDowell in a play-off.

The win pushes Woods' ranking in the Official World Golf Rankings to No. 21. After almost a lifetime of being no. 1, his rankings plummeted to no. 58 this year. More importantly, the win signifies that Woods is closer to being his former self.

Elsewhere in the world, Rory McIlroy and Lee Westwood also won. The 2012 golf season just became curiouser.

WTA Championships: I wish we get to see women's players in elegant dress more often.

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:46:00 +0000

Beauty pageant? Nope.

They are the 8 top women's tennis players in the world right now. Not their usual attire but I greatly welcome the elegant change. And they will be competing for the year-end championships for women's tennis dubbed WTA Championships to be held in Istanbul, Turkey.

The contenders for the 2011 WTA Championships
Image taken from ESPN/Julian Finney/Getty Images

From the picture, I can only identify Maria Sharapova ( world no. 2) and Li Na (5). The other players that will vie for the title are; Caroline Wozniacki (1), Petra Kvitova (3), Victoria Azarenka (4), Vera Zvonareva (6), Samantha Stosur (7) & Agnieszka Radwanska.

As an asian myself, I'm rooting for the reigning French Open women's champion, Li Na.

Djokovic End Year as No. 1

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 08:56:00 +0000

The undisputed number one on the tennis court, Novak Djokovic, this year is now assured of taking the top ranking over 2012 as Nadal's latest loss will make him unable to surpass Djokovic on men's world rankings for the rest of 2011. If anything, it is a testament how difficult it is to be a top dog in men's tennis. And, all apologies, a further testament to the greatness of Roger Federer. But coming 2012, I hope Federer will still challenge Djokovic and Nadal. Perhaps, one grand slam more, for the road?

Andre Agassi to Tennis Hall of Fame

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 17:12:00 +0000

Andre Agassi has been inducted to the International Tennis Hall of Fame last July 9, 2011.

Rightfully so, he is considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Beyond his achievements on the tennis court, his influence in the global popularity of the sport can not be under stated and his philantropical initiatives secures his place as one of the most famous and well-liked athletes in sports history.

Andre Agassi
Recently inducted to the Tennis'
International Hall of Fame
Image from Wikipedia

True, there are others who outshine him in terms of career or grand slam wins. But that may be attributed to his lack of focus in the early days of his career. He was able to revive his career to become the only male singles player in history to have won all four grand slam tournaments, an Olympic Gold Medal in tennis and the ATP Tour World Championships.

In his autobiography, Agassi admitted using crystal meth and lied about it when he tested positive to avoid being penalized. But I doubt if that would significantly tarnish his legacy.

Agassi should be a source of inspiration to other athletes for coming back after falling so low in the rankings and to other sports superstars, for doing charity right at his hometown.

Thank you, Andre Agassi, for entertaining us with your tennis play and serving as our inspiration.

Novak Djokovic is 2011 Wimbledon Champion & Undoubtedly Men's No. 1 Tennis Player

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 13:18:00 +0000

Novak Djokovic IS Wimbledon champion and along with that comes the much deserved validation - being the no. 1 rated men's tennis player in the world today and in 2011.

First wimbledon singles title
2nd Australian Open title
Eight Titles (total in 2011 so far)
48 - 1 record in 2011 (so far)
41 wins to start 2011 season

2011 Wimbledon Men's Singles Champion
Novak Djokovic
Image grabbed from Busted Racquet Photo Gallery

New wimbledon champ, Novak Djokovic of Serbia (SRB) dethroned defending champ and former no. 1, Rafael Nadal of Spain (ESP) 6-4, 6-1, 1-6, 6-3.

The newly-crowned champ, tasted wimbledon grass and gave away Novak Djokovic rackets as part of his celebration for his most recent triumph.

Djokovic's recent victory is his fifth against the great Nadal. Djokovic has turned to become the wall to Nadal's success this year, denying the spaniard 5 titles. Djokovic now owns Nadal as Nadal has owned my Federer in their head-to-head match-ups.

Now, that Djokovic tasted a wimbledon men single's title, and the wimbledon grass for that matter, he would surely be hungry for more.

Congrats, Nole!

Warming Up to Novak Djokovic

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 12:54:00 +0000

I feel like I'm warming up to Novak Djokovic.

In part because my favorite Roger Federer stopped - The Streak - at the 2011 French Open Semis. More so because of remembering some things I saw watching him play and a an old video of him I saw recently.

Now, I'm remembering that Djokovic applauds great shots of his opponents during games, apologizes for points won on luck and lastly, because of this video.

Granted that videos like this may only be for publicity or promotional purposes, Djokovic vibrates a genuine feeling of being loose, enjoying the moment and having fun.

Ate Gigie, would sure enjoy Novak's I Will Survive video. *wink*wink*

Unlike, Federer's very demure turn. In fact, I even liked Rafael Nadal's turn more. [BTW, Ana Ivanovic is ~~hot~~ in here.]

Hat tip to Ms.JessicaZafra.

*****

Apologies for not being able to blog about the 2011 French Open Tennis Championhsips. It coincided with an important family affair.

Congrats, Rafa!

Novak Djokovic Adds 2011 Italian Open

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Wed, 18 May 2011 01:01:00 +0000

There seems to be no stopping Novak Djokovic on his sublime season ~~start~~ as he added the Rome Masters/Italian Open to his streak of 37 straight victories.

The Italian Open/Rome Masters is played on clay and Djokovic once again beat world no. 1 and clay court king Rafael Nadal for the title via 6-4, 6-4 straight sets win. Along with the amazing streak is 4 consecutive finals win over Nadal, the last two on clay.

The ultimate test will be the upcoming French Open where the stakes are much higher. Right now, Djokovic appears ready to challenge Nadal's stranglehold of that grand slam.

But the French open being the most unpredictable grand slam event in tennis and produced the most surprising winners, someone may crash and spoil a Rafa - Nole finals.

[Yes, I'm calling out Roger Federer. Let's go, Fed!]

*****

On the women's side, Maria Sharapova won. Women's tennis is looking for a recognizable face or dominant player to market their tour. Well, Sharapova can really help in that department minus the annoying sounds she makes on the court.

Monster Djokovic

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Mon, 09 May 2011 03:20:00 +0000

Rafael Nadal said this about Novak Djokovic moments after Djokovic beat him at the 2011 Madrid Open final.

"I came up against a great player obviously -- he's having a monster year,".

When you've just beaten the top ranked tennis player in the men's tour, the greatest clay court tennis player in history, in straight sets and in his home soil, that clinches it. Djokovic is looking like a monster on the tennis court.

[Thanks, Rafa. I'm running out of apt adjectives for blog titles about Djokovic.]

Novak Djokovic's season remained perfect but beating Rafael Nadal for a title on the clay surface is the better headline. Djokovic won the Madrid Open title by dealing a rare loss to Nadal on clay, 7-5, 6-4.

Image from AP, Yahoo Sports/Tennis Gallery

The way he's playing and the confidence of beating Nadal on their last 3 finals clash, augurs well for Djokovic' chances at this year's French Open. The way I see it, Djokovic has better chance of toppling Nadal on his favorite grand slam tourmanent than Federer had on his prime.

Djokovic remains unbeaten in 2011 (30-0). He defeated Nadal for the third straight time in a finals. The Madrid Open is his 6th title of the year including the Australian Open, Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, BNP Paribas Open, Sony Ericsson Open and the Serbia Open. It includes three straight wins against Nadal and Federer.

Tennis fans should look forward to Djokovic matching or breaking John McEnroe's record of 42 straight wins at the start of the 1980 tennis tour.

To match the record, Djokovic should capture his next tournament, Internazionali BNL d'Italia in Rome, and reach the semifinals of the French Open. Coincidentally, Djokovic can break it by winning the French Open.

By then, I need to come up with another adjective.

* Somewhere out there, I know that Ate Gigie is smiling pretty because she's a big Novak Djokovic fan.

Dallas Mavericks Beat L.A Lakers up 3-0 in West Semis @ 2011 NBA Playoffs

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Sat, 07 May 2011 04:42:00 +0000

Wow! The Dallas Mavericks is now up 3 - 0 against the two-time defending champs Los Angeles Lakers in their Western Conference Semifinal Playoff series. I just read that the Mavs beat the Lakers in Game 3, at Dallas, by the score of 98 - 92.

Peja Stojakovic and Dirk Nowitzki fueled the win from the outside.

The Lakers haven't really looked like the contenders they ought to be and basically riding their championship reputation towards the playoffs. Yes, Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks are capable of beating the Lakers.

But by this lopsided of a series? Wow!

I can't recall Phil Jackson getting swept in a playoff series. I wonder what Kobe would do. I've heard in a pod cast, jokingly I may add, that Pau Gasol's uninspired play is due to a broken heart. That's talking about emotional injury.

Mark Cuban finally found the right deals to shore up his team. Tyson Chandler and Peja stojakovic was great acquisition this season. Dirk and Mavericks can surely exorcise the ghosts of playoff's past failures by sweeping the once mighty Los Angeles Lakers.

Uh-oh. A Mavericks-Heat finals rematch is now more seemingly possible.

Derrick Rose is MVP

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Wed, 04 May 2011 13:14:00 +0000

Congratulations to Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls for being named the Most Valuable Player of the NBA for the regular season 2010 - 2011.

Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls Main Man
MVP of NBA 2010 - 2011 Regular Season
Image from Wikipedia

Rose became the youngest NBA player ever named MVP. A nice reward for leading his team, the Chicago Bulls to be the no. 1 team in the 2010-2011 regular season. He has followed Michael Jordan as the other Chicago Bulls player named MVP.

What a career trajectory!

2008 - 2009 Rookie of the Year
2009 - 2010 All-Star Selection
2010 - 2011 Most Valuable Player

The Chicago Bulls passed the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs but was upset by the surging Atlanta Hawks in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference Semifinal round playoff series. Worse, he sprained his left ankle in that last game.

Winning the MVP is good but winning the championship is the ultimate prize for Rose. But to do so, he needs to be 100% in uniform.

It is the same ankle he sprained against the Pacers. X-rays were negative thankfully.

If I am Derrick, I would be extremely annoyed going to check ups at this juncture of the playoffs even if I'm attended by lovely female attendants in sexy scrubs such those at http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/categories/Scrubs/Scrubs-for-Women/ .

Phoenix Suns 2011 Season Ends with a Win

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 11:10:00 +0000

Phoenix Suns 2011 Season Ends

One of the reasons I lost my zeal to blog about the NBA season like before was the sad state of my favorite team - the Phoenix Suns.

Today my beloved Suns ended their 2011 season with a win over bitter rivals San Antonio Spurs. Granted that Manu Ginobili suffered an injury, I do not consider this as a gimmie.

The Spurs started their three main guys - Duncan, Ginobili & Parker. A sign that the Spurs wanted to win the game and have a chance of securing through out the playoffs until the championship round. But since they lost, the Chicago Bulls holds that advantage.

I wonder what will happen to my Phoenix. But just like what they are named after, I hope that they do rise from the ashes of losing 2011 NBA Season and be the Phoenix Suns that will contend in the playoffs next year.

Charl Schwartzel, 2011 Masters Champion

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 02:21:00 +0000

Charl Schwartzel emerged from highly contested final round in recent memory in Augusta to don the symbolic Green Jacket as the 2011 Masters Champion.

Charl Schwartzel wears the Green Jacket, helped by 2010 champ Phil Mickelson
Image from ESPN/Golf Video

Casual golf fans like me never heard of him, but it sure is a great way to introduce one's self via The Masters at the famed Augusta National Golf course.

Charl Scwartzel speaking at the Green Jacket Ceremony
Image from ESPN/Golf Video

Wikipedia says that Schwartzel hails from South Africa who is actively touring the European Tour and Sunshine Tour professional golfing circuits. This is only his 2nd appearance in the Masters and he is another first time Masters and grand slam winner.

What many predicted to be a win, and perhaps a coronation stroll, for Rory McIlroy who had a four stroke lead after the third round turned out to be entirely different. 8 players had at least a share of the lead. This included, Tiger Woods who made a charged fell short in the back nine to finish his best final round in Augusta 67 but only tied for fourth just like last year.

McIlroy carded an 80 in a final round stunning collapse. I remember last year's British Open where he also carded an 80 after a great score the previous round. But at least then, the wind was mad. I think this time, he really felt the pressure of Augusta.

In the end, Charl Schwartel closed out with four straight birdies, two shots clear over Adam Scott and Jason Day to be the 2011 Masters champion.

*****
I'm curious how the Green Jacket is prepared.

Does Augusta measures all contestants and then orders for those who makes it through weekend? Or is it free-sized? :D

Masters Tournament logo taken from Wikipedia

Super Novak Djokovic

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 04:04:00 +0000

Last time I blogged about tennis, I wrote Novak Djokovic is on fire. After his magnificent 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (4) comeback win against world no.1 Rafael Nadal, I'd say he is more like a super nova.

Running out of description of Novak Djokovic's winning the 2011 Sony Ericsson Men's Tennis title versus Rafael Nadal in Key Biscayne, Miami is understandable.

Novak Djokovic's latest win meant he remained undefeated for the year; his fourth straight tournament title; his 26th consecutive match win; his second straight comeback finals win vs. Nadal; he's 8 - 0 against top-10-ranked opponents and that he is in serious contention for the number one ranking in men's tennis this year.

Wow and all of those isn't hyperbole! That, incidentally rhymes with Djokovic's nickname - Nole. :D

On a sad note, Djokovic win is an affirmation that my favorite Roger Federer is indeed, only just the third best tennis player in the world today.

The way Djokovic came back and won a tie break for the Sony Ericson title says a lot. Had Rafael Nadal won, I can think that the gap between world no. 2 Djokovic and Federer is not that wide. And that Federer's loss to Djokovic could be attributed to an out-of-this world streak. Federer did not even won a set or forced a set tiebreak against Nadal in their semis encounter.

Still I'm a Federer fan. It would be gargantuan task to climb back to the top of the tennis world for him given his age. But that would be the stuff to add to his legend. I just want him to disrupt this budding tennis rivalry, Rafa-Nole, every now and then especially in the grand slam events.

The current development in men's tennis isn't good for Federer's fans like me but it's good for tennis in general.

I wouldn't mind blogging about Novak Djokovic if he continues with this kind of tennis excellence. Or for that matter, any other tennis players who can treat fans to a thrilling tennis match.

How Authentic is Your Autographed Sports Memorabilia?

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 04:40:00 +0000

One of the greatest gifts a a sports fan can have is an autographed sports memorabilia from his or her favorite sporting idol.

I would love to have any signed items from Michael Jordan, Roger Federer, Steve Nash or from our Filipino sport heroes like Manny Pacquiao, Efren "Bata" Reyes, Paeng Nepumuceno, Robert Jaworski, Allan Caidic, Vergel Meneses and other PBA stars.

Not every fan are lucky enough to get their basketball cap, ball, shoes or jersey get signed on personally by their sports idol. So, the last recourse of die-hard fans would be to buy one autographed sports memorabilia from the internet.

But how authentic is the autograph on that sporting memorabilia you want to buy?

And we all know that buying online isn't all that good all the time. When a fan buys a signed item, it is all about the "signature" or "autograph" because it would be the connection he or she will have with his/her idol. And with that comes a company that deals with Autograph Authentication.

Autograph Certification Experts LLC (ACE) is one of the leading companies. ACE ensures that fans like me are not duped by forgers. They have an extensive library of signature samples of famous athletes. The ACE experts, headed by Justin Priddy, meticulously studies and analyzes every signature in every way and compares them to genuine signatures of athletes. And lastly, the security labels they will put protect any fan's prized signed memorabilia will almost impossible to remove without damaging the item.

Companies like ACE, will help ensure that what we worked hard to possess is the real thing, an authentic connection with our sports heroes - through their autographed sports memorabilia.

Novak Djokovic on fire in 2011, Adds BNP Open

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 03:16:00 +0000

Novak Djokovic is, in basketball parlance, on fire.

2011 is shaping out to be Djokovic' year, seemingly at the expense of Roger Federer, to the gloom of die hard fans like me.

Novak Djokovic on Fire
Image from tennis-wallpapers.net

Over last week, I was keeping tab on the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California. I fought the urge to blog about it because Roger Federer is playing & I do not want to jinx him.

I was doing my regular online sports browsing this morning when I learned that Novak just won the BNP Paribas Open championship over world no. 1 Rafael Nadal, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.

2011 is heaven for Djokovic.

2011 Australian Open
Dubai Duty Free Tournament Championship
BNP Paribas Open
18 consecutive wins in 2011
3 Semis win over Federer
3 - 0 in finals (so far)

To the sadness of Federer, die hard fans like me, Novak now seemed to have Federer's number.

Federer, my good ol' great Federer. I don't think he suffers a dip. It is just that his opponents improved over the times he was giving them a beating on the tennis court.

If these achievements come down to Novak's confidence, it probably came from leading Serbia to the Davis cup title at the end of last year.

Well, the good thing. Roger Federer will playing for Switzerland in the Davis Cup July this year. :)

Chicago Bulls East Number One

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 18:26:00 +0000

Almost a month ago, I was happy to blog about the Chicago Bulls because I was able to watch them beat the much hyped Miami Heat.

Back then, the Bull's win for me is an indication that they are serious contenders in the Eastern conference in the play-offs.

To my surprise, the Chicago Bulls is now number one in the team standings in the Eastern Conference after their win against the Washington Wizards, 98 - 79. That is without Joakim Noah & Carlos Boozer.

Wow!

Perhaps they got more inspired seeing MJ & Scottie Pippen recently celebrate the 20th anniversary of Chicago's first NBA championship.

Well, the NBA championship is really won by the team that peaks right into the playoffs.

Though I agree that Derrick Rose should be the MVP of the regular season, (barring any major collapse of the Bulls) I'd still think the Celtics will prevail in the East though.

As for my favorite Phoenix Suns team, Captain Nash is injured and may be it is a little too late to catch the Memphis Grizzlies for the 8th place in the west.

Chicago Bulls Flexes Muscle in Contending the East, Beats the Mighty Miami Heat

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 04:10:00 +0000

Loul Deng's crucial 3 pushed the Chicago Bulls past the mighty Miami Heat, 93 - 89 as the NBA 2010 - 2011 regular season veers to its homestrecth.

I was lucky to be able to watch an important NBA game especially in the east today, the much hyped Miami Heat visited the Chicago Bulls at the United Center.

The first half was all Heat, with Lebron James ending the half rolling in a jumper, the Heat up 53 - 44. I decide to watch something else at the break.

When I switched back, the Chicago Bulls are now up 80 - 75 with less than 6 minutes to go. But James and the Heat scored 9 straight points to go up 84 - 80.

That is when the Bulls woke up.

Kyle Korver started the run with a three-pointer and then challenged Mario Chalmers' shot on the other end, leading to an offensive foul on Chalmers.

The Bulls regained the lead back on Rose's basket, 85 - 84. Deng's jumper at the top of the key and a long two by Rose, put the Bulls in control 89 - 84.

But the Heat weren't finished. Wade scores, and James completed an end-1 play to tie the game 89 - all with just 36.8 seconds left.

In the next play, Rose bid his time before driving on the middle against James, attracting a double-team from Wade that made Deng free for a corner three. Chicago up, 92 - 89 with just 16 seconds left.

Lebron James' tying three didn't even hit the rim. Korver was fouled and made one of two free throws to round up the scoring.

This great win by the Bulls, against the Heat no less, announced its contention for the east title. And now they really complete with Joakim Noah playing again.

Chicago Bulls logo and Miami Heat logo are taken from wikipedia.

Carmelo Anthony Traded to Knicks

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 16:49:00 +0000

Finally, Carmelo Anthony will now be a Knick.

Reports are abound that the Denver Nuggets, the New York Knicks and in lesser extent, the Minnesota Timberwolves all agreed in a multi-player mega deal that finally put an end to the Melo-drama trade speculations.

Though the deal is yet to be formalized, the Denver Nuggets let go Carmelo Anthony to his favored city to play at [Knicks] along with Chaucey Billups, Shelden Williams, Anthony Carter and Renaldo Balkman. In return, the Nuggets will get Danilo Gallinari, Raymond Felton, Wilson Chandler and Timofey Mozgov plus draft pics. Minnesota, as part of this deal, will get Eddy Curry and Anthony Randolph. There are other things involved but those are said to be the player movements.

Melo probably feels like leaping for joy at the top of the Empire State Building no less with this development. He has long given signs that New York is where he wants to play. Not to mention, he also get the $65 million extension.

For the price of giving four NBA starters for Anthony's talents, the New York Knicks are clearly following the blue print of the Miami Heat. And New York can still add another star come 2012.

With Melo, playing alongside Amar'e Stoudemire, the Knicks should be a shoo-in to make the playoffs in the next three seasons at least. And MSG can stand for Melo-Stoudemire Garden.

But to win a championship? they need solid bench play and, of course, defense.

Crackdown on Illegal Streaming of Copyrighted Sports Telecasts

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 06:59:00 +0000

10 sports websites were shut down by US Federal authorities because they are accused of providing illegal access to copyrighted sports broadcasts of the NFL, NBA, NHL, WWE and UFC.

Read the complete report here.

Novak Djokovic, Kim Clijsters Captures 2011 Australian Open Singles Titles

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 03:18:00 +0000

Novak Djokovic of Serbia & Kim Clijsters of Belgium are the singles champion of Tennis' first major of the year, the 2011 Australian Open.

Australian Open via Wikipedia

Novak Djokovic increased his men's singles grand slam title, wnning his second Australian Open Singles title after masterfully denying Andy Murray's hope of his own very first grand slam, 6-4, 6-2, 6-3.

Caught the replay over cable with Djokovic leading with a set and a 5 - 0 lead in the second. Murray held serve and broke Djokovic to move to 5 - 2 before Novak held serve to close the set. The third set was competitive and I felt thta Murray is still in it until he failed to held serve in a much contested game that gave Djokovic a 5 - 3 3rd set lead.

Murray, I think, is quite unlucky with a net. Him shanking so many shots while Djokovic was gifted with one. I think it helped Djokovic held serve at 4 - 3 when obviously, Murray was in great position to hit a great return.

With the loss, Murray probably felt much more, albeit unfairly, the weight of Britain, angling for its first men's single grand slam champion since Fred Perry who won in 1936.

Djokovic & Murray both still young can surely vie for more future grand slam titles if they continue to improve. I think Nadal will be injury prone and Federer is not that dominating anymore.

In the women's side, Kim Clijsters never disappointed in her favorite role, ending an amazing and inspiring campaign of Li Na, the first chinese to reach a grand slam singles final in a 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 finals win.

Clijster came back from a set down to win his 4th grand slam singles title and first Australian Open singles title and her first outside of the US Open.

Unlike Britain, China is probably on a high, after their very own made history and made them proud.

***
I still believe that Federer will win another Australian Open singles title before he retires. :)

Australian Open 2011 - Men's Semis: Djokovic Ousts Federer in Straight Sets

noreply@blogger.com (doms) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 04:52:00 +0000

Novak Djokovic beat Roger Federer 7-6 (3), 7-5, 6-4, at the Australian Open semis, dethroning the defending champ and gave himself a chance of repeating in this tennis grand slam event.

Novak Djokovic at the 2011 Australian Open
Image via flickr - Mo 8910

I was foregoing on blogging about this year's Australian Open for fear of jinxing (again) Roger Federer. But now that it happened, I'm typing this entry with a heavy heart.

After world no. 1 Rafael Nadal was eliminated by compatriot David Ferrer, I was itching to blog that the grand slam is Federer's for the taking.

But Novak Djokovic have plans of his own.

Probably more confident after defeating Federer in the US Open semis last year, Djokovic was steadier in the key moments of their match, defeating Federer in straight sets. In 2008, Djokovic also eliminated Roger enroute to winning the tournament, his only singles grand slam title, so far.

He now awaits the winner of the other semis pitting Andy Murray and David Ferrer.