The Finale Rematch

6/7/2014 10:57:36 AM

It’s on again, like an Alicia Keys and Kendrick Lamar soundtrack, as after one exhilarating season accompanied by tune-up changes in roster and several off-court controversies as well as shifting of records, statistical averages and awards garnered, it all comes down to one grand finale—two teams squaring off against each other once again.

Yes, sirs. The San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat will clash for the second straight time; and the National Basketball Association (NBA) championship stage will feature a rematch for the first time since 1998.

Well, sounds new for the newbies out there, especially if you are younger than us 90s babies.

So it’s kinda a “rare phenomenon” to think about considering that the last time the NBA Finals ended up this way was during 1998–when the Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz fared up to each other one last time. Their first duel was in 1997, with the Bulls owning the homecourt advantage and dispatched the Jazz in five games. And on their second encounter in ’98? The four-game-home floor favour was on their side, but still it was the Bulls which prevailed in the end courtesy of the game-winning move by then sick-but-heroic superstar named Michael Jordan.

And if you’ll do your research, you’ll see that even before 1998, there were a lot of Finals rematches in the NBA, especially if we’re talking about “way back” to the past (I mean, literally).

Fast forward to two thousand thirteen first; the Spurs always won the odds (Games 1, 3, and 5), while the Heat were the ones always playing catch-up basketball to even their series (Games 2, 4 and 6).

Apparently, the Spurs were on the verge of pulling a Game Six victory on the American Airlines Arena in the South Florida beach when a sudden rally courtesy of LeBron James and Ray Allen was staged. Talk about pulling off a “never-say-die” spirit, huh? But talks from people will tell you that it was perhaps one of the greatest moments in the recent NBA Finals.

Turns out the Heat rally dictated the final days of the series in their hands when they pulled an improbable overtime win to even the series for the third and last time in the 2013 finale; as Miami went on to close out the duel and the title in their home on Game 7, 97-88; with then-Most Valuable Player (MVP) LeBron James nailing a much-needed, cold-blooded dagger, to avenge his personal Finals loss against Tim Duncan and company in 2007.

Well, let’s move on to 2014. Things have been working well for the Spurs. They won 19 straight contests during the regular season; they were the first-ranked team in the Playoffs; they shrugged off their perennial playoff and state rival Dallas Mavericks in seven games in the first round; they shut down Portland in five; and a massive turn-around clincher against the Thunder, the team that has this season’s scoring champ and MVP in Kevin Durant, and also the squad which owned San Antonio in their four regular season outings.

The Thunder could have even force a Game 7 only if they prevail in overtime. Prior to that, they even tied the series, 2-2, before San Antonio zoomed in to their crucial victories.

On the other hand, Miami Heat, the two-time (and three-peat seeking) defending champions were rolled with inconsistencies. Yes, they are the champions, but one thing poisoned their form—rebounding. They were the worst rebounding team for this season. Yet, they pulled more victories, however, not the same type as they were before. Come to think that Miami even loses to those “dropped” teams during the 82-game regular season.

Both teams got better bench players though. I mean those role key guys who usually came off the bench. Plus, they also had three-point shooters. San Antonio may be aging though, but like a Rowdy Piper sound byte goes, “Legends don’t get old, they just got better.”

Despite the huge disadvantage though, Miami managed to sweep their first round assignment against Charlotte. They also dispatched Brooklyn, the squad which owned Miami during the regular season, in six games; and last year’s rematch Eastern Conference finalist Indiana, in six games. That just proved that even if you won four games in a very close-contested result (how about a total of 12-point winning margin during those four games that the Nets won against the Heat), it doesn’t matter in the playoffs.

And also, looks like the Pacers will have to learn their sets of lessons during this adventurous ride for 2013-2014 wars. They were the first-seeded team in the East, only to get down to their heels for numerous times during the post-season party. In addition, they were better than ever on paper–they just failed to take advantage of it. And include their team chemistry issues right there.

This time around though, San Antonio was way better than Miami; though in their two regular outings, both teams pulled off marginal victories in their respective floors. And I think that will be the typical grind for them this season.

I’m seeing San Antonio will prevail in this rematch should they zoomed on to an early 2-0 lead and if they will win at least one game in the Florida beach come Games 3 and 4. And if that’s the case, the Spurs will be going 2-1 against LeBron, 1-1 against the Heat, and a guaranteed fifth NBA title over the last 15 years.

However, if Miami can get their players healthy, whether it’s Dwyane Wade or LeBron, they will remain dangerous. All it takes is to withstand everything, including the atmosphere whether it’s in the Alamo or in Miami. And possibly, Miami can take this thing in six; and in case they win and grab their fourth title in franchise history, they will join the Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers as the other team to dominate the NBA in the last one and a half decade (come to think that if this will happen, all of them have at least four championship titles, with the Lakers earning five, and one apiece for the 2008 Boston Celtics and 2004 Detroit Pistons).

So expect (and I’ll quote Hulk Hogan’s adjectives for this) a “running wild” game ahead of you, accompanied by an even running wild fans which will make this finale the “talk-of-the-world.”

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions 

Just My Opinion: WWE Extreme Rules 2014

5/21/2014 8:31:25 AM

Everything just went extreme during that first Sunday of May 2014, as the World Wrestling Entertainment unleashed their latest edition of the Extreme Rules pay-pwe-view event held May 4 at the Izod Center in East Rutherford.

And over that three-hour stretch, I can only come with few takes regarding the matter, but too bad the Wee-LC match between El Torrito and Hornswoggle was not shown on air though. I can only manage to catch-up via their highlights aired during the evening. On the shallow aspect, it was indeed entertaining.

Paul Heyman was indeed the master of all heels, though it took some time for the universe to recognize his latest guy Cesaro as one. But come on, Mr. Hustler. Move on, no one really cares about how your beast incarnate dragged the Undertaker and his 21-undefeated battle run to death.

It’s just the Italian fella proved to be an even hell-sick performer from time-to-time.

Looks like it was a “Bad News” era for the former Inter-continental champion named Big E Langston. I just noticed. Since his title-defense defeat to the new IC titlist Wade Barret, Big E has been on a slump. But maybe, that’s how the plot should roll in his character considering this heavyweight lifter-looking athlete has been dominating though not earning a total primetime card slot.

Paige has been successful in her title defense against the always-dangerous TaminaSnuka. And their match proved to be one. On that note, the match already earned my nod for the second best match of the night.

Rusev has shown much promise, despite facing a numbers game versus the combo of Xavier Woods and R-Truth. 

But could the match go even well only if the Bulgarian brute (oh, sorry. He’s already a Russian according to his manager-slash-rumored dating partner Lana) didn’t unload his shot before the bell rang? Too bad, their battle went only short-lived and the super-athlete proved to be too much for the two of ‘em.

On the other side though, no wonder why NXT talents like him and Paige would be lording over the main roster soon. I suggest he should face either Bray Wyatt or Brock Lesnar in the future.

Sorry for both the Buzzard and Cenation follower, but the “steel cage match” between John Cena and Bray Wyatt sucks. Seriously, it is. Not because it is really plain scripted by acting-wise speaking, but because it’s damn ill-executed. Forget the child with that weird-sounded voice singing “He’s got the whole world in his hands,” it’s just kinda ill-planned despite both fighters appeared they played well against each other.

So the plot continues, and we’ll hope on Payback, their clash (which by the way, is on the verge of creating a trilogy a la boxing) will top them all… even the ones they had at WrestleMania.

Kane and Daniel Bryan were on the title match. And everything went to their extremities (though still nothing compares to that term during the WWE’s attitude era), you see those backstage brawl that includes crashing cars, forklift, fiery table, and even a sparking television set (when thrown without any unplugging per se on a bucket full of iced water).

But sadly, it was not that epic thing to see. Still, I gave them my verdict as the third best match of Extreme Rules 2014. Plus, Daniel Bryan may have won the match and retained his WWE World Heavyweight title, but never enough to finish one daunting important task – that is to slay the demonizing red-head demon.

And of course, I reserved this last spot for what would the best match of the night – the trio versus trio clash between Evolution and Shield. Seriously, they should have been co-headlined Extreme Rules aside from the title clash between these two former tag team members of Hell No.

And this time around, it was not Reigns who emerged the most – it was Rollins. Talk about that highlight moment when he jumped for like 10 feet above the stands and landed on two Evolution members. Perhaps if you were seated near to Seth’s jumping row, you already saw it coming. But the aftermath was just sick as fuck – the “holy shit” chants which I’m afraid the MTRCB would not be able handle (and just imagine if it was airing here on free TV: you might get irate on why suddenly your TV went mute for that matter).

Reigns have been a usual one-man show. It may be too much for us to see, but it was impressive to do a one-man screwjob anyway, no matter how many the odds are placed on the squared circle.

As for Triple H, Randy Orton, and Batista, they are on the verge of unleashing the vengeance in Payback. I’m seeing another potential match-of-the-year (well, the Shield was always to top contender since their Elimination Chamber 3x3 battle against the Wyatt Family).

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions

Thrilling Finish

09/05/2014 12:54:32 AM

There are five first round match-ups that culminated into game 7 on the NBA playoffs recently.

Well, what’s new? Definitely, a lot!

Before we give an upper hand in everything, check out their game stories in these sets of videos posted by NBA.com.

Like I told you, a lot of things went new here. It’s the first time that majority of the series went on to a very close-contested playoff contention series. The last time we saw a game 7 was last year, and it was only the game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Chicago Bulls.

And the highest number of the first round game 7s in a single year round was only two.

So, it was like a huge massive turnaround, eh?

Supposedly, Houston would contest Portland to a Game 7, but not until Damian Lillard fired a trey bomb that exploded in front of their home floor. Talk about perfect "nailing" play, huh?

The question though is… could we possibly see another set of sudden death finishes in the second round? Honestly speaking, how I wish that will happen. But since everything is down to eight teams and four clashes, things would just get more intense, even if dwindled by number.

Who knows? We might foresee things up? Or if not in the second round, how about both conference and league finals|?

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions

The Pre-Take: Extreme Rules

5/3/2014 10:29:10 PM

As much as everything goes stale for me in the pro wrestling world (specifically I haven’t even wrote my separate takes for the battles for this past Wrestlemania), here are my predictions for WWE Extreme Rules 2014:

- John Cena still prevails over Bray Wyatt in that steel cage match; 'cause pulling off a disappointment can make fans boycott the entire event. But the overturn can still occur, if the Wyatt patriarch uses his physical strength the same as his mind power).

- El Torito will win over Hornswoggle, and that’s another battle for the fans. But, ugh. Seriously?!

- Big E still retains his Intercontinental Championship belt. And no wonder why. All it takes is a neutralizer to a bad news (but hey, Wade Barrett's entertaining though)

- Paige would most likely retain her title as the Diva’s champ over Tamina. But definitely this should be a one heck-of-a-fight considering Superfly’s daughter has always been a strongest contender for the title.

- Daniel Bryan will win it again over Kane. It’s always been like that. Daniel Bryan’s always been a both monster and warrior. He’s on his very toughest and best form. Well, I hope things would not get more over-rated though.

- Cesaro will prevail in their triple threat match against Rob Van Dam and Jack Swagger. Let’s face it. The new Heyman guy may be a heel, but he got the talents of a perennial superstar right now.

- Xavier Woods and R-Truth should have made the contest a “no hold barred” if they want to crush Alexander Rusev. ‘Cause on a very normal 2-vs-1 battle, there’s only a little chance they would lord over the super-athlete.

- Evolution may have the enriched number of experience, but the Shield would stand over the vets once again. They had done that against Kane and the New Age Outlaws on Wrestlemania. Chances are, Reigns might be the destructive force to be reckoned if we’re talking about individual talent here.

Overall, the event looks like a bust when it comes to stipulations. Somehow, the event title match gives a bit of justice, plus there is a steel cage battle, handicap clash and a triple threat match. I just hope Extreme Rules wouldn't turn to be a total bummer unlike the previous pay-per-view events with exception to WrestleMania XXX!

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions

Monolith Fun Run 2014 Launch at Cowboy Grill Quezon Ave. Branch

4/2/2014 10:50:00 PM

Here’s something I spotted over last month. Well, that was the evening of March 12 to be exact.

Monolith has launched their fun run for a cause. It will happen at April 27, Sunday, at the Mall of Asia grounds in Pasay City.

The construction and development firm will also aim to raise funds for the benefit of the survivors of typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan). To do so, you can register at the respective race categories posted.

Yours truly was lucky to be part of the pool of photographers and bloggers (alongside friend SailorStarCatcher who happens to be a runner also) along with their staff when they formally conferred at that Cowboy Grill branch in Quezon Avenue-Delta area in Quezon City.

Meanwhile, as Monolith presented their event to us, so was the Cowboy Grill. I mean, on what their business is really about. Plus, their dinner seemed to suit my stomach more (takaw mode lang eh. Hahaha!)

But anyway, maybe if there’s a place to check out if we’re talking about the less noisier side of nightlife here, I think I found a potential choice! Anyway, since it’s summer, maybe I should take a breather here soon!

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions

Just My Opinion: WWE Royal Rumble 2014

2/21/2014 10:35:39 PM

Before we hit the WWE’s Elimination Chamber this coming Sunday evening in Minnesota, let’s take a look-back in the past month’s edition of Royal Rumble.

So there’s a new tag team champs in the New Age Outlaws, eh? Like their attitude is showing up after their first cameo comeback in Old School Raw episode held on the very first Monday of 2014.

Nah, is this serving like a return of a 14-year comeback from Road Dogg and Billy Gunn? I can never tell.

Daniel Bryan will seem to have a long way in terms of his storyline of rivalling the Wyatt Family’s head Bray. The story never ends after joining the creepy buzzards in such a very bizarre moment on the very last Raw episode of 2013. And I think more bizarre rivals will be putted into plots as long as the Wyatt family continues its horrendous domination, including WWE World Heavyweight top contender John Cena.

Speaking of which, do you think Cena did really lost that battle? If some sort of distractions like that is kinda ‘illegal,’ then it appears it’s another ‘cheap way out’ for the champion of champions Randy Orton. But hey, that’s what’s best for business. Sorry, folks!

Brock Lesnar is so unmerciful, it’s like everyone will nto give a shit to cross his driveway or else, either you’ll earn a broken arm, or you’ll need to hide as he will throw some kind of 20 vicious steel chair shots. I swear if the Big Show did have a good fighting condition there, Lesnar will appear like another piece of crap, and just the same way as Show threw him out of the canvas. But too bad, the referee was even helpless. How crap is that, right?

Okay, and how about Royal Rumble? I can only tell one thing: Batista may had a perfect comeback, but certainly Roman Reigns should earn that victory. Can you imagine this long-hair muscleman from the always-heel crew named SHIELD would top almost near-half of the entire Rumbling roster during the match? This guy threw 12 people away – 1 more than Kane’s previous record 13 years ago.

The irony though is that the Animal has threw the Mexican Alberto del Rio is a nonsense manner. It’s just like the Mexican did not even put up a fight. Let’s see as the feud continues in the next few weeks this coming Wrestlemania season.

But still, Reigns deserves to headline Wrestlemania. Looks like this Samoan kid will earn a much better solo career, only if he will oust himself from the so-called ‘Hounds of Justice.’ I mean, seriously. He had a lot of whatever it takes to be a more than just an average WWE superstar. I may don’t like that group, but I believe this guy has that high kind of potential.

But overall, is that all? What a disappointment for the night. Even Mick Foley dissed the WWE for that matter.

Again, how crap was that?

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions

Just My Opinion: The 2014 NBA All-Star Game

2/20/2014 7:20:21 PM

Perhaps, here’s something that I am doing for the second straight year: my take on the NBA All-Star Game.

Wait a second; have you noticed that during the past few years, three of the host cities in the mid-2000s were the same ones who got a chance to host another All-star weekend event?

If you hadn’t... well, I did. First, it was Los Angeles (2004 and 2011), then Houston (2006 and 2012), and now... New Orleans (2008 and 2014).

But anyway, fast-forward to the game itself. It was a contest full of free-flowing offense, with the ball is flying everywhere (say, I liked the new design, eh?) and points are racking up the scoreboard, resulting into previous records shattered by this year’s edition alone.

Talk about KD and Blake’s 38 points apiece, eh? They tied Rick Barry for the all-time 4^thplacer in the mid-season exhibition.

Wait, Kobe did not play the game yet again. And it seems for the third time he did not participated at the All-Star contest, his team lost. So, is there any evident factor regarding his presence on the court? Hmmm.... Well, he played 3 minutes during '08 and was scoreless on a 134-128 triumph.

However, the East may have won the contest, but I think it just proved out that LeBron does not need to win the MVP accolade just for the conference’s victory – their 37^th, in fact.

Is sophomore superstar Damian Lillard earned signs of fatigue following his participation on five (I repeat, FIVE) All-star events, including the main dish? Maybe not. At least, he got the distinction to be part of the best in the wild, wild Western conference.

KD should have earn the prestigious accolade, until Kyrie Irving stole the spotlight from the fab four faves: Durantula, Bron, Melo and Blake.

Well, I think he deserved it though, considering not just on his scoring barrage alone, but the plays he made to complete and 18-point rally to dictate the game’s fate by 8. This guy has 31 pints and 14 assists, perfect for a point guard, though I believe Steve Nash still has an edge over him when it comes to 3-point shooting.

But hey, time flies, and like I said a week ago, who knows, when the Big Easy will host the NBA’s annual mid-season break once again, new youngsters might take place again. And the vets are gone to nowhere.

The irony though, LeBron was with Cleveland when he won the plum. Now, Irving is another Cavs member who achieved the feat. Wow, signs of coincidence?

Author: slickmaster | (c) 2014 september twenty-eight productions

2014 na! Eh Ano Ngayon?

1/27/2014 9:13:24 AM

Pasensya na kung inabot ako ng siyam-siyam sa paggagawa ng mga bagong posts ha? Dpaat nga bago matapos ang 2013 ay naisagawa ko na ang artikulong ito. Kaya lang dahil sa maraming constraints na pinagdaanan ng inyong lingkod sa nakalipas na halos isang buwan, medyo naparalisa ako dun ah.

Anyway, tara na’t 2014 na at bagong taon na – 27 days na nga ang nakalipas eh – kaya bago-bago din ng mga habit pag may time.

Okay so 2014 na pala, ano? Eh ano ngayon? Maraming bagay na naman ang painguradong mangyayari sa ngayon. Mula kontrobersiya hanggang kalamidad hanggang sa mga parangal at kung anu-anog good news at bad news.

2014 na! Eh ano ngayon? Panibagong taon. Panibagong kalendaryo. Plus 1 na naman. In short: tatanda na naman tayo sa ayaw o sa gusto natin. Ayos, di ba? Wag ka nang kumontra o magdrama, ganun naman talaga ang buhay at panahon eh. Ika nga ni Ramon Bautista “forward ang direksyon ng buhay.” At wala tayong time machine para makontra ang argumentong ito.

2014 na! Eh ano ngayon? Mauulit ba ang ilang mga bagay na naganap sa atin noong nakalipas na taon? OO. May kasabihan, “History repeats himself,” at dahil likas na rin sa atin ang pagiging pasaway, huwag ka na rin magtaka kung bakit hahaba pa ang telenovela ng pork barrel scam, ang imbestigasyon sa bagyong Yolanda, at ultimo ang awayan ng magkakapatid na Barretto. Alam kong nakakasawa na ang mga ito, lalo na yung pangatlo. Pero ganun talaga eh. Baka nga sa 2016 ay maulit na naman ang mga bagay na naranasan natin noong 2013 at iba pang mga eleksyon. Huwag naman sana.

2014 na! So ano na? Iikot pa rin naman ang mundo at anuman ang sinasabi nilang “end of the world” ay isang malaking kalokohan. 2012 pa nga yan dapat mangyayari, di ba? O don’t tell me di ka pa rin nakamove-on? Buti nga ala nang mga ganyang ugong-ugong at sabi-sabing balita eh.

Ito lang yan: tigilan na ang mga bagay nay an at mabuti pang gumawa na lang tayo ng makabuluhang bagay sa mundo habang nabubuhay pa tayo. Kung sa relihiyosong perspektibo pa ‘to (or actually, kahit hindi rin as long as naniniwala ka sa kanya sa Itaas), mabuti pa ay magpasasalamat ka sa kanya sa kada arawa na nabubuhay ka. Dahil kung naranasan mo na ang “ pinakakatapusan” sa mundong ibabaw, bakit buhay ka pa rin?

2014 na! Eh ano ngayon? Magbago ka na! Ika nga ng kantang ‘Ang Pasko ay sumapit,’ ang pinakasikat na Tagalog Christmas Carol sa ating bansa, “bagong taon ay magbagong buhay nang lumigaya ang ating bayan.” Pero teka, sigurado bang liligaya ang buhay natin pag nangyari yun?

‘de. Sa totoo lang, mas okay na magbago rin tayo ng mga gawi sa ating kanya-kanyang buhay. Walang masama dun. Hindi naman pwedeng habangbuhay ay masatuck na lang tyao o magiging “stagnant.” At hindi sapat ang tinatawag na “new year’s resolution.” Ang iba nga dyan sinusulat ang mga ganyan sa klase, pero pustahan tayo, bago pa magkalagitnaan ng buwan, nakakalimutan natin ang ganyan. Bumabalik tayo sa dati. Kaya sa totoo lang, hindi ako naniniwala sa mga new year’s resolution nay an eh. Mas okay pang gumawa ng bucketlist. Or better yet, idaan na lang sa gawa ang salitang “pagbabago.”

So, 2014 na! Eh ano ngayon? Eh di... tuloy-tuloy lang ang buhay. Period!

(pero ang weird no? Naka-exclamation mark ang pinakadulong ounctuation mark sa halip na “.” lang? Ay, actually, ito pala “?”)

Author: slickmaster | (c) 2014 september twenty-eight productions