Umuwi Na Si LeBron. Eh Ano Ngayon?

7/13/2014 11:02:56 AM

So, ayan na. After four years, balik siya sa kanyang tirahan (hoy, bahay yan, iba kagad iniisip mong hinayupak ka eh). From Miami, he’s back to the Cavaliers.

So, ano na? Ano naman ngayon kung babalik siya sa Cleveland? Ano o anu-ano ang mga posibleng mangayri, maliban sa malamang na maapektuhan na naman ang takbo ng NBA nito gaya ng paglipat niya sa Heat noong 2010.

Actually, ewan ko. Basta, ito lang ang mga siguradong mangyayari.

Yes, alam ko. Marami na naman dyan ang magiging hater, err, HEATer pala. Lagi naman eh. Ano pa bang bago sa mga ito? Noong nadraft siya sa NBA, maraming pumuna sa kakayahan niya. Noong lumipat siya sa Miami, desperado raw. Eh ngayong babalik siya ng Cleveland, ano na?

And actually, pustahan, nangyayari rin yan sa ibang player. Ang pinagkaiba lang: dahil maboka siya at lagi niyang kadikit ang media hype... ay, matik na ‘yan: sa kada desisyong nagaganap, laging may tatlong panig – ang mga taong susuporta sa iyo, yung madidsmaya sa ‘yo, at yung mga simply... walang pakialam.

Eh ano naman kung lilipat si LeBron sa Cavs? Gaya ni Pau Gasol sa Chicago? At ni Melo sa... teka, saang koponan nga ba? I think babalik siya sa New York eh. Ganun din si Chris Bosh.

Wala na bang pag-asa magchampion muli ang Miami Heat dahil disbanded na ang superstar trio nila, gaya na lamang ng nangyari sa Boston Celtics? Sa tingin ko, mas lalawak muli ang kumpetisyon nito para sa kampeonato na napanalunan ng San Antonio Spurs nitong nakaraang buywan lang. Pero mas malaki ang pagkakataon para sa OKC nito. Yan ay kung makapag-paMVP muli si Durant, at kaya nilang kontaminahin ang Spurs.

Pero, ano naman ngayon kung aalis si LeBron ng Miami? Kung gusto niyang bumalik sa bahay niya – sa Cleveland? Pustahan, yung mga hater nya sa Cavs, malamang karamihan dun, magbabalik-loob muli sa kanilang pagiging malanding fanboy. Ayos din kayong mga bandwagon-riders e no?

At malamang, karamihan dyan ay magsasabi ng ganito:

Hindi na ako fan ng Heat.

Bakit?

Eh wala na dyan si LeBron eh.

Wow, okay sana eh. Kaya sa totoo lang, mas prefer ko na lang na maging fan ng mga player kesa sa team.

Mukhang buong summer na naman magiging talakayan ito sa larangan ng palakasan ah.

Anyway, ayos lang yan. Pero uso magmove on, mga tol, ha?

Author: slickmaster | ©2014 september twenty-eight productions

King's Decision Round 2

06/23/14 02:01:02 PM

Ladies and gentlemen, the spotlight is on again for the marquee players who will face another big-time decision on the scene we would like to call as “free agency.”

And we've heard his name before. Now that another summer passed by, questions are up in the air gain whether LeBron James will stay in Miami or not.

And the result? He opted for free agency.

The controversy was nothing new to James, whose origin is from Akron, Ohio. After spending his first seven seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers, James moved to the South Florida beach, then-hoping to earn his first NBA championship. It was the biggest drastic move a team has made in the NBA–the first since Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett joined Paul Pierce in Boston. However, his decision, which rooted from years of mounting frustration-driven futile, earned him massive negative reactions from both the league and the ballclub's fans.

Prior to making his decision, several NBA teams expressed interest in luring “the King” in their lineup. With the New York Knicks as the most notable squad.

However, his sojourn ride to the championship went to naught on their first try. They were up 2-1 against the Dallas Mavericks in the 2011 NBA Finals, only to be swept by the next three games – with much of them due to a bunch of “fourth quarter meltdown.” His second championship series defeat drew another ire and criticism from the sport aficionados; thus, questioning his capability to take home the biggest prize, specifically during “crunch time.”

LeBron proved them wrong, however, as the Heat rolled to their second straight NBA Finals appearance in 2012. This time, they faced another generation star in Kevin Durant and the rest of the Oklahoma City Thunder. And the Heat shrugged off any signs of collapse as they emerged victorious in four straight games after losing the opener, to take home the title. Plus, it was a sweet victory in their home floor; and a very first-yet-memorable one for James as well as Chris Bosh and other Heat players like Mario Chalmers and Shane Battier.

And they did it again, in a blockbuster seven-game series against then undefeated San Antonio Spurs. With James earning his second title in three years with the Heat, it was also considered another prime era for the 6-foot-8 250-pound forward (who can also play the entire five basketball positions). No doubt about it.

But after the Spurs successfully snatched the title from the not-so-White Hot team this year, James' future was questioned yet again.

Facing such scenarios weren't really a new thing to a professional basketball superstar. Remember Dwight Howard, the young center from Atlanta whose drafted by the Orlando Magic in 2008 as the first overall pick? After failing to live up to their expectations during playoff time, Dwight also made a career-defining movement—that is taking his talent to the West Coast. But after shifting to Los Angeles Lakers, things just got even worse for the big man. Frustrated anew, he moved to the Houston Rockets.

Speaking of which, talks that several teams including the Rockets, are rolling again. This mystery has yet to be resolved though; whether James would REALLY move out of Miami or re-sign another contract with them. That's a big IF though, financially-wise speaking.

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions

Andray the Pinoy?

6/8/2014 11:30:12 AM

Nakarating na sa bansa si Andray Blatche, ang player ng Brooklyn Nets na magiging Pinoy kung sakali man na mapirmahan ng Pangulong Benigno Aquino ang kanyang papeles para maging opisyal na Filipino citizen at makalaro sa opisyal na koponan ng basketball na Gilas Pilipinas.

At kung maisakatuparan ito, ay buti naman kahit papaano ay nagbunga din ang mga ginawa nila Robbie Puno at Sonny Angara na nagsulong niyan sa kani-kanilang opisina sa Kongreso at Senado. Dapat lang din, no. 

Bago ka humirit d’yan ng “Eh marami png mas mahalagang panukala kesa dyan eh,” ay isa rin sa mga dapat prayoridad ng pamahalaan ay ang sports (yung tunay na tranalsated meaning ng Pinoy na salitang “palakasan”). Mas okay pa nga yan kesa sa mga kung anu-anong kababawan na pautot na ipinapanukala din ng mga mambabatas eh.

Kung sakali man na maging parte na ng roster si Blatche, paano na kaya si Marcus Douthit? Hindi naman siguro siya maeechapwera. Siyempre, kelangan mo ring gumawa ng iba pang plano maliban pa sa mga lineup na nakuha mo ngayon. Pang-“long term” ba.

Ano nga ba ang maitututlong ni Andray sa Gilas? Siguro, experience na ring maitutring ito, dahil pagdating sa height ay aminin man natin – no match tayo kung ikukumpara sa ibang bansa. Pero dati, kahit height is might ang basketball ay isa ang bansa natin sa mga matatayog ang lipad sa basketball. Ngunit sa paglipas ng panahon, samahan mo na ng kaliwa’t kanang sitwasyon ng pulitika sa ating bansa, ay parang napag-iwanan na tayo. Oo, tayo nga ang tahanan ng pangalawang professional basketball league sa buong mundo (oo, pangalawa tayo sa NBA), kaso… eh ano naman na? Ang ibang bansa, ke maliit man o malaki, ay may player na sa NBA. Kunsabagay, tayo naman ay may coach din dun, at champion coach pa.

Pero, ‘di ba, parang mas okay kung iho-hone rin natin ang mga kasalukuyang talent ng ating local na manlalaro? Tama rin naman kahit papaano si El Presidente eh. Pero siguro, parte na rin ng palo ng Gilas yan. Of course, kaya ng asila nagte-train eh. Yun nga lang siguro, sa mga susunod na kumpetisyon ay baka mag-iba rin ang mga tao dyan. (I mean, may aalis at may papalit.)

Siguro, let’s hope na hindi lang magstay for World Cup alone si Blatche. I mean, talagang paninindigan niya ang pagiging naturalized player niya, tulad ni Douthit.  Pero alam n’yo kasi, kahit parte na rin ng kalakaran sa mudo ng basketball ang pagnanaturalized ng mga player (gaya na lamang ni Jarvis Hayes na naging player na ng Qatar, Chris Kaman a Germany, atbp.), ay isa rin itong mahirap na parte para sa isang basketball player. Dahil siyempre, kailangan mo ring alagaan ang sarili mo, lalo na kung sa NBA ka mas kumikita (o sa Euroleague, CBA, ABL, at sa iba pang professional basketball league). Ang paglalaro para sa bansa ay isang malaking sakripisyo, kung tutuusin.

Well, wish you luck, Andray. Welcome to the Philippines.  It’s more fun playing basketball here. Oo, sa tindi ng fun, tignan mo na lang ang litratong ito na pinost din ni Kevin Durant sa kanyang Facebook page noong 2012.

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions

NBA Finals Na! Eh Ano Ngayon? (v. 2014)

6/8/2014 11:03:32 AM

It’s that time of the year-slash-season again. NBA Finals na naman! I mean, for the 67th (?) time. At sa pagkakataong ito, rematch ang NBA Finals, dahil ang muling magtutuos sa hardcourt ay ang dalwang koponan na naglaban din sa NBA Finals last year. Tama, ang Miami Heat at ang San Antonio Spurs. Ang isa dyan na nagmula sa Eastern Conference Southeast Division ay nanaig at tinanghal na NBA Champions sa taon na rin na iyun; samantalang ang isa naman na nagmula sa Western Conference at Southwest Division ay naging runner-up sa liga matapos ang pukpukan sa Game 7 ng serye na ito.

NBA Finals na! Eh ano ngayon? Ang mga tanong: sa ikalawang pagkakataon ay manaig kaya ang Miami Heat para masungkit ang ikatlong sunod na kampeonato – at ika-apat sa kanilang franchise history? O makakakganti ang San Antonio Spurs para kunin ang unang titulo sa nakalipas na pitong taon – at para na rin sa kanilang ikalimang kampeonato sa kasaysayan ng kanilang pagpartisipa sa pinakaunang play-for-pay basketball league sa buong mundo?

At kung sakali man isa sa kanila ang manalo, sino kaya ang magpapakitang gilas nang bonggang-bonga?

NBA Finals na! Eh ano ngayon? Pustahan, yan ang usapan ng tao sa ngayon, mula sa mga kwentong tambay hanggang sa social media. Galit-galit muna ang mga tao dahil may papanigan sila sa puntong ito–bagay na ginagawa rin ng mga PBA fans pag game time na (“San ka? Kampihan na!”). Yan yung mga panahon na magiging aman ng news feedmo sa Facebook at Twitter ang mga laro ng NBA, mga naglalabang koponan, at samahan mo na rin ng mahaba-habang asaran at pikunan. Oo, pustahan tayo, madalas mangyayari talaga yan. Speaking of which…

NBA Finals na! Eh ano ngayon? Pustahan. Oo, mauuso muli ang pustahan, na halos walang pinagkaiba kung ikukumpara sa ibang mga sporting events gaya ng UFC, WrestleMania, PBA Finals, UAAP at NCAA finals, at ultimong laban nila Pacquiao at iba pang boksingero. Siyempre, matik na yan. Depende pa yan kung sino ang mananalosa game na ito, o kung anong koponan ang makakasungkit ng kampeonato at kung ilang games lang itatagal ang serye na ito.

Yun nga lang, pustahanklang boys ha? Baka naman mauwi pa yan sa patayan na para kayong mga sinidkato o mafia.

NBA Finals na! Eh ano ngayon? Mauuso ang mga viewing party sa mga piling venue tulad na lamang ng mga sports bistro, o ordinaryong restaurant. Minsan nga, kahit sa tinatambayan mo lang na tindahan eh; o sa main lobby ng inyong opisina (at yung chicks na nasa reception desk n’yo, makikiuso na rin tutal pansamantala lang naman yan eh at magkukunwaring fan ni Tony Parker o LeBron James yan); at ultimo sa mga eskwelahan.

Tama, kung may TV ang canteen n’yo, o kung mas galante pa ang paaralang pinapasukan n’yo—sa classroom, magiging instant viewing session yan. Gawain yan madalas ng mga nasa high school na; yung tipong makikiusap sa mga guro nila (at tipong magasasabi na “Ma’am, next eeting na lang quiz natin. NBA Finals na eh!” at aagree naman dito ang buong klase kaya wala nang magagawa pa si Madam kundi sumunod sa mga engot, este sa mga alipores niya). At bakit ganun? Siyempre, sila ang nagbabayad ng tuition sa school na ‘yan na pinapasweldo naman sa kanilang guro (maliban na lamang kung napakastrikto ng eskwelahan na ‘yan, kung wala talagang TV, at kung principal ang teacher n’yo).

Pero either way kasi, masarap manood ng isang malaking sporting event tulad na lamang ng NBA Finals kapag marami kayo. At hindi ko dini-diss ang channel 2 ukol dito. In fact, kung trip mo lang naman na manood sa bahay n’yo kahit walang cable, eh okay lang yan. Buti nga kahit papaano eh andyan sila, at least, nagprovide na matinong alternatibo kesa sa mga sobrang adbstract na cartoons at maaga-agang dramahan sa morning. Gawin naman nating mas exciting tulad nito.

At dahil NBA Finals na, at pagnanalo na ang panalong koponan, ay pustahan, lahat ay magiging instant sports analyst. Yung tipong naging matalino sila sa kung paano iexecute ang play. Oo, maraming ganyan, regardless kung nakapaglaro sila ng sport na yan o hindi. At may hindi sasang-ayon, d’yan magsisimula ang isang kumukulong debate na minsan ay mauuwi sa personalan na sumbatan, at kung minsan ay magkakasakitan pa na parang sa mga eksena ng mga lasheng mo lang nakikita. Ayos, ‘di ba?

O, tama na. Quit talking. Let’s do the watching na lang instead.

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions

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 

Wild Western Dominance

5/24/2014 2:48:29 AM

Let’s face it, fans. The Western Conference teams owned the NBA right now. And I’m not talking about money here; but rather, wins, or overall performance, and playoff and even championship competencies.

Look, in the recent years, the Western Conference teams had a solid outcome after their respective 82-game regular assignments. Out of fifteen teams, it’s like nine or ten (or maybe, eleven) teams finished the wars with at least respectable winning records and corresponding percentages.

That’s in contrast to the overall performance of the Eastern Conference teams where most of the time, squads with superstars on their roster emerged the most. Is it all about money, or honing talent?

Or maybe, it’s just their prime right now?

I doubt.

Some sports aficionados may berate unfair for situations like what happened to this year’s post-season party. Ten Western crews finished at least .500 on winning records; but only the first eight managed to fully advanced to the second phase of the season.

While on the other side, it’s like two-thirds of the East Top 8 have the only best and bragging rights to the playoffs, while the remainder ran much luck to advance. Yes, despite their record which curates more losses than wins (actually, a bit slight difference of Ls and Ws).

So, the question: is the playoff bracket’s unfair at this point? Maybe.

But there’s nothing we can do about it, unless the NBA changed their constitution.

Plus, in conclusion, that only proves how the wild the Western conference was.

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions

Rematch!

5/24/2014 1:34:03 AM

As far as the series is concern, several foes faced each other yet again in the Conference Finals. It’s Miami versus Indiana at the East Finals; while on the West, it’s Oklahoma versus San Antonio once again since ’12.

But before Miami rolled to even their series against Indiana (as of time of writing), how these two fared up against each other for the second straight year?

The Pacers, after losing to the eventual champion Heat, roared all the way through the regular season. They dominated the Eastern Conference with a 59-23 record, whole the Heat came just a bit close to them.

However, the Pacers were already questioned through the course of both first and second round of the playoffs after their starting center used to put up subpar numbers in most of his games.

Well, the Heat was questioned, too. Though lucky for Indiana, Miami was haunted by criticism over the course of regular season, for being lack of rebounding which sometimes, led to their inconsistent winning run. At one point, they will lose for numerous games, which reminded me of LeBron James’ usual era with the Cavaliers.

But make no mistake about it. The tides are turned up. The Pacers topped both the Central Division and the entire EC. Plus, they had homecourt advantage.

However, though, most of the teams that went on to the finals in the recent years were the second-seeded squads.

Nevertheless, I’m seeing a potential Game 7 ender here yet again.

Meanwhile, let’s shift gears, or should I say… direction. Oklahoma City Thunder met the San Antonio Spurs once again. But it’s quite different from the old Seattle Supersonics versus San Antonio Spurs rivalry though.

The Spurs, arguably the league’s second most dominant team for the last one and a half decade (next to the five-peat Los Angeles Lakers), has been on a roll despite their player’s age. Actually, since Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls ended their reign, it was the Western teams that dominated the most.

But they were schooled by the younger legs of Oklahoma City Thunder in 2012. After ruling 2-0, they got ousted in the next four games – with Game 5 staged in their home floor.

Plus, the Thunder has dominated over the silver-and-black squad for the entire regular wars this 2013-2014.

The question though is that can Spurs overcome the tide once again? Considering that they have the MVP in Kevin Durant?

All it takes is the bench key, while taking advantage for the loss of Serge Ibaka.

If San Antonio wins game 3, it’s gonna be a total one-sided affair en route to the biggest stage, where they only lost once – and that was last year in a two-game slide to the eventual champion Heat.

But even if the Pacers might break the supposedly party, I’m still seeing the Spurs will top this one out.

But if Thunder waged a perfect comeback, that it would be a much better affair: ‘Bronvs KD, the second time around. Wow.

However, what if OKC vs Pacers? It’s like offense versus defense teams on a collision course. Perfect finale!

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

Tirada Ni SlickMaster: The Racist Owner

5/13/2014 3:07:28 AM

So nalagay na naman sa alanganin ang National Basketball Association (NBA) matapos ang kontrobersyal na remark mula kay Donald Sterling, ha? Siya lang naman, na nagmamay-ari ng Los Angeles Clippers, ang nagbitaw ng isang “racist” na statement ukol sa mga “black people,” o sa madaling sabi, maiitim.

Paano nga ba siya na-ban sa NBA at pinagmulta ng tumataginting na 2.5 million dollars?

Ayaw n’ya kasi pahintulutan ang kanyang gelpren na magdala ng mga ganung uri (o race) ng tao sa kanyang mga laro. Ayon ito sa isang recording na nakuha ng celebrity gossip site na TMZ na naglalalam ngkanilang pagtatalo ukol sa pagiging… black.

Kung di ka kumbinsido, pakinggan mo na lang ito. Mahaba-haba nga lang, at naka-transcribe pa ‘to para maintindihan mo (kaya wag kang magrereklamo na tinatamad ka).

Sa ilang katiting na segundo ng kabuuan na siyam na minutong recording na ‘yan naging basehan ang lahat-lahat ng reaksyon mula sa mga NBA player hanggang sa mga ultimong kilalalang personalidad sa larangan ng pulitka at entertainment.

Oo, ultimo sila Snoop Dogg at US President Barrack Obama ay nabagot sa sinabi ni Sterling. At sino ba nga naman ang hindi, lalo na’t isa sa mga adbokasiya ng NBA mula noon pa man ang pakikibaka laban sa racism o racist discrimination?

Take note, ha? Hindi lang sila LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, mga nagretiro tulad ni Baron Davis, at kahit ang mga alamat ng laro na sila Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal at Charles Barkley ang mga uminit ang ulo. Dahil kahit ang mga tauhan sa sariling koponan niya ay sukdulan ang pagkadismaya tulad na lamang ng point guard nilang si Chris Paul at head coach Doc Rivers.

Ano ‘to, sagot ni Sterling sa isang kasabihan noon na “white men can’t jump?”

Pero ang akto kasi ng page-generalize, at ultimo ang simpleng akto lang ng pagdidiskrimina sa kapwa mo ay isa nang malaking kasalanan sa lipunan, regardless kung ikaw ay sumasabay lang sa alon tulad ng mga mainstream patrons o isa kang taliwas sa nakararami tulad ng mga sinasabi nilang hipster. As in mas matindi pa ‘to sa ‘mortal sin’ kung tawagin, dahil hindi lang ito base sa relihiyon kundi sa pangkalahatang kamalayan na ng bawat tao.

Kaya nga naman inimpose ni NBA commissioner Adam Silver ang maituturing na pinaka-harsh na penalty sa kasaysayan ng larangan ng palakasan sa Estados Unidos na lifetime ban para sa 80-anyos na si Sterling, samahan mo pa ng pinakamataas na fine na allowed sa konsitutsyon ng liga ($2.5 million), at ito pa: pepwersahin ka na ibenta mo ang sarili mong koponan.

Saklap, ‘di ba?  Tatlumput tatlong taon mo yang pinaghirapan, pinagmanduhan; pero dahil sa katarantaduhan na binitawan mo sa gelpren mo (tsk, parang mistress ang datingan considering na may legal wife ka pa), na in return ay ni-record pala ang usapan n’yo saka pina-obtain sa TMZ, eh sinipa ka palabas ng isa sa mga pinakasikat na liga sa mundo?

Parang “early death present” ang datingan ah, considering na walong dekada ka na at tila ilang taon na lang ang ilalagi mo. Inaykupo.

Ngunit sa kabilang banda, ang isang pribadong usapan ay dapat nakatago na lang, ‘di ba? Wala itong pinagkaiba sa mga sex scandal videos na nirecord n’yong dalawa nooong panahon na nagha-honeymoon kayo, ke sa motel man yan o sa lehitimong hotel (as in nung honeymoon nyo mismo).

Subalit, sa kablang banda, hindi ito mahahalungkat kung hindi dahil sa advent ng teknolohiya ngayon. Isipin mo ha? Kaliwa’t kanan ang pahayag ng mga tao, ordinary man o prominente sa social media? At parang citizen journalism na rin ang datingan nito considering na mula ito sa recording ng babae mismo.

Ito lang ang mga maari nating matutunan mula sa kalokohang ito: ang racism ay isang malaking kasalanan na magagawa mo. Kaya ingat ka sa mga sinasabi mo, lalo na’t baka mamaya ay magkakaroon pala ito ng backlash mula sa ‘yo. Maaring resulta yan ng pangbaba-backstab ng iba laban sa ‘yo, pero alalahanin mo ha? Na minsan, ang mga akto ng tila ‘kamalasan’ sa mata natin, ay resulta lang din ng ating katarantaduhan.

At hindi lang si Donald Sterling ang racist na namumuhay sa mundo. In fact, lahat tayo ay racist, sa ayaw o sa gusto mo. Oo, kahit ang inyong lingkod, kahit ikaw na nagbabasa nito, kahit yang mga katabi mo, kamag-anak at kaibigan mo ay may pagkaracist – sa kanya-kanyang pamamaraaan nga lang, mula sa simpleng pang-aasar hanggang sa mabibigat na personal na panunumbat.

Kaya mag-iingat ka.

Author: slickmaster  | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions

‘Bron versus KD? Seriously?!

2/22/2014 1:31:36 PM

After comparison between LeBron and Kobe headlined last year, the NBA fans are arguing again on whose player is better this season, and it’s all about LeBron or KD.

Hmm, seriously? DO you think we need to argue on this one?

Look, ‘Bron’s a pro from high school, while KD is not. He spent his collegiate career on Texas though it seemed like a short-time turned sparking sensation.

But seriously? Do we need to argue on this?

Maybe, ‘coz Durnatula’s is on the verge of having his MVP season, while Bron’s team is a bit struggling to keep their championship poise at helm.

OKC’s leading the entire league, while Miami’s on the southeast division only. And he’s carrying the torch over Westbrook’s absence. But nah, forget it.

LeBron and anyone else superstar has done that either. So why we should argue on who should take the MVP award?

Sometimes, it’s not just the fan alone whom making this issue out of proportion, but it’s the media. They’re the witnesses to everything around the association.

Bottom line: they all have their respective eras and primes. They all have their ups and downs; their respective breakouts and downfalls.

So why we should argue about it?

It’s like Jordan being the all-time best while if fact, when we’re talking about decades ago, it’s like Russell-versus-Chamberlain whom were the talk of the town and were branded the best players in the game, and there goes big O, and Bird-Magic rivalry.

Got my point? They’re all best, but in respective eras, and branding them for being the all-time greats may take a long, deadly debate (considering some fans can even took arguments on their idols, too passionately, too personal, and too deadly. Yes, literally).

If you asked my pick, I’ll just tell you, either of them are the best guys this season. But don’t forget Lillard, Irving Blake, CP3, Paul George, and a whole lot of more playas in the NBA either. It’s unfair to take a debate on ‘Bronvs KD while in fact, several other guys may stand an edge over these two either.

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions

Fitting Tribute

‎03/‎09/‎2014 08:56:37 PM

For the last two weeks, we saw this: two members of the '96 NBA draft class went on to get honored on their respective teams.

First, here's "the answer." Yes, Allen Iverson was a hell of scorer during his days with the Philadelphia 76ers. The 6-footer point guard managed to make big time plays in the association.

He even dunked the ball more than those guards who stand an inch (or two or even three) taller more than him.

I used to remember playing those earlier NBA Live series (I think from 2001 to 2005), when I handled the 76ers crew and let this guy score from outside and in.

But heck, the way he scored more points, the more hype he received during his era. So high, it allowed Kobe Bryant to work under the radar en route to his own version of stardom.

This one-time MVP has several on-court issues, specifically during his time with Coach Larry Brown. Too bad, I hoped he will win a title after his finals debut in 2001.

But never the less, aside from Jason Williams, here's a pro baller who can screw everyone and send them to school with his crossover skills. Yes, even Michael Jordan was once his shake-and-bake victim.

Here's the video showing his retirement ceremony slated a month ago in a game against the visiting Washington Wizards at the Wells Fargo Center situated in the city of brotherly love.

Say, don't you just love the boat the company has given to him? Damn nice.

Now, moving on, here's another franchise player in the East (like Iverson to his 76ers playing days) by the name of the Lithuianian Zydrunas Ilgauskas.

The 7-foot-3 center was the 20th overall pick in the same year as Iverson, Bryant and Marcus Camby’s. In such case, despite his white skin, I can tell he was the “dark horse” of them all.

Z went on to become the top franchise guy in the Cavaliers' history. Like AI, he had several achievements. The difference though is that his foot injuries nearly killed his NBA career. He had a huge comeback in the early 2000s and from there, Z stood tall despite the emergence of another giant named Yao Ming.

Plus, being a sidekick to the young highflying LeBron James, the Cavs made a huge turnaround from being a total mediocre to a perennial contender. But from a playoff regular, they were also tagged as chokers either.

In spite of everything,  Z has been steady on being under the radar. He retired on 2011 after being a teammate to his friend LeBron in Miami Heat when they both failed to anchor Wade's team to a promised championship.

But heck, I also used the Cavs team to any NBA Live games before; and I can even let this guy can nail a trey (yes, considering that this guy's part of those European-type of centers and forwards whose shooting from inside and out despite their height).

Before I leave, here is Z's retirement ceremony clip.

Whoa. That was a long run for both players. Much respect to them.

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions

Scoring Bombs

‎03/‎08/‎2014 7:53:40 AM

Here's what we can describe to the week that was in the basketball world: bunch of scoring barrages (at least for the nth time).

First, we'll highlight this huge scoring efforts from Charlotte's big man Al Jefferson. He had a 38-point, 19-rebound performance against the Miami Heat. Now, clearly, he is on the verge of breaking out again anytime soon, which is good. Well, the Bobcats really needed that, considering they will have a winning run sooner or later.

And he followed it up with another surprise performance of 34 points and a much surprising win over the East leader Indiana Pacers. Yes, they may lead the conference, but they were on a losing streak either.

After his 54 points some few weeks ago, Kevin Durant fired another huge contest again. 42 points. In a team where offense comes in flurry variety of ways, KD's numbers aren't really surprising. But the idea where he's doing it more recent, and with other players stepping up, he's just the typical standout out there. The performance even overshadowed a quick triple double by point guard Russell Westbrook. Say, the 0 guy can already had more assists as his partner scorer can really nail buckets like that.

How does it feel if you are the opposing team and then, they played with aggressive on you? Though nothing deeper on its intention, it seems to be that way. Look at this statistic: 52 free throws made out of their 64 attempts in the game. The credit actually goes to the Minnesota Timberwolves for their physical play which prompted their opponent the Denver Nuggets to foul them for almost every single time. The final result is 134-128 in favor of Kevin Love's crew. He and Kevin Martin were accountable for near-half of the entire franchise's free throws during the said contest. The duo even dominated the free throw aspect over the Nuggets itself. WOW.

And come to think that it seems to be rare to notice we can only witness the scoreboard racking 126 and above that way. The typical highest we used to see was just around 125 as the highest.

Phoenix Suns' Gerald Green just had a breakout game of his NBA career too. How about the guy scoring his personal high 41 points or an array of trey bombs and tomahawks? Some kind of nasty, eh?

And finally, how about this? A career high for LeBron James for scoring perfromance since the time he was at the Cleveland Cavaliers? It was also a franchise record. His 61 points oveshadowed Glen Rice's feat in the 90s and Bron's 56 (or 57) points of his won during his first eight seasons with then the hyped-driven Cavs. It just came short of the 62 points Carmelo Anthony scored a few months ago though.  The irony is that both came at the expense of one team: the Charlotte Bobcats. Well, maybe a pure coincidence anyway.

Well, can they blame the first week of March for having individual skyrocketing scoring performaces? Well, you can't. Face it. At some point in the basketball history, it was during the econd day of March in the year 1962 when the Big Dipper did the unthinkable on that era: scoring 100 points. He had 31 of them during the fourth quarter to finish as the only player in the association to score triple digits in a single game. How about that? He had 69 in the game, and Kobe Bryant came close to that mark during the times where he was still wearing jersey number 8.

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

Throwback: 2008 NBA All-Star Game

2/13/2014 7:09:46 PM

It’s been five years since I first wrote in this site of mine a piece of something related to the NBA All-Star event, and it’s been a year since the last time I have done so. But anyway, let me allow you to take a trip back to the memory lane; to the setting where I haven’t even got engaged into this kind of venture.

Before we hit the Big Easy again, here’s a piece of some throwback chunks during the All-Star Game itself in 2008. I used to remember a busy Monday for me in Mendiola but still managed to catch everything up on the internet (aside from an audio league pass and player cam feature from my NBA.com account then), and managed to replay this on both YouTube and TV coverage.

The first five field goals made by the Eastern All Stars are all dunks.

Kobe Bryant did played for the All-Star game, but only for about 3 minutes. He did not return to the action after being substituted. If you wondered why, well, blame it to the league policy. He revealed the had a torn ligament in his right pinky finger just a few days before the showcase itself.

It was then Jason Kidd’s last All-Star game wearing an East uniform. Well, he was supposed to be in Dallas that time, but the trade was put on hold then anyway.

Yao finally played his All-Star again after a year of absence depite being elected by who else but most of the city’s and his race’s fans (ain’t a bad thing anyway).

The East features 3 of the 5 big-time ballers of the draft class of 03. Do I need to name them? (By the way, David West belonged to the same year when Melo, Wade, LeBron and Bosh entered the NBA)

Boston and Detroit was the perennial powerhouse in the eastern conference as they had 3 players (including replacements and injured) each.

When the West attempted to rally, the replacement for Caron Butler who’s by the name of Ray Allen came to the rescue. By the way, he should’ve got the All-Star MVP award instead of James, if we’re talking about clutch scoring here (yes, seriously, he topscored for all players with 28 and Bron was just next to him with 27, but I’m not surprised ‘coz LBJ got the more complete package to bag the individual trophy anyway).

So many people deserved to win that MVP by the way. What if the West won? I got two picks: Brandon Roy and who else but the then-hometown little hero itself Chris Paul.

But aside from James and Allen, who should’ve won the All-Star MVP for the East? Nah, it’s only just between King James and Jesus Shuttlesworth.

But on the sidelights, does Dwight Howard really won the award? Maybe, because on the theatrics. It’s always amusing to jump with that superman cape though the downside is when you look on the super-ultra-mega-ultimate... err, phantom (rather) slow mode, it seems he just throw the rock in the hope without some kind of rim-rattling motion (not even a glimpse of a finger touched that rim).

But jumping a dunk from 12 feet (the real one) is kinda impressive. Actually, even Gerald Green and Jamario Moon can even top Howard’s (sorry, Gay).

On the shoot-out from downtown, it seems it was only the time when Jason Kapono’s career was in the top spotlight. I wonder what happened o him afterwards. Say, he hardly earned that title anyway. Now only if Daniel Gibson’s rims cooperated.

Well, seriously I have nothing to say about the other events since I never managed to watch them on my neighbor’s TV.

Just except for the rising stars challenge, where a sophie by the name of then-LeBron’s teammate Daniel Gibson took home the game MVP award for posting 12 3-point shots on his way to 36 points – a team-high.

Damn sakes. Those, aside from 2007 playoffs, seemed to have the best in his NBA career.

Fast forward to 2014. After 6 years, the league stages the mid-season extravaganza here at New Orleans yet again. This time around though, we had many youngsters in both squads. And sadly, most of those younger peeps we saw in that ’08 event seem nowhere to be found. Awww.

Anyway, I’ll stay glued on this one this time around.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_NBA_All-Star_Game

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions

The love of doing video mixes.

It’s been two years when I last made a highlight reel video. I am talking about basketball here, by the way. Specifically, NBA. Way back then, doing some video editing is one of my favorite things that I used to do during my past time. And if I’m not mistaken, mixtape was one of the terms used as referring to a video showcasing a basketball highlight mix.

For years, I’ve seen a lot of them before in the video streaming site called YouTube. Whether it is a fan made or for the league’s promotional use; and for other leagues as well such as the local PBA or the famous streetball known as AND1. I remember owning a video compact disc of one of its volumes that my sister’s ex-boyfriend gave me.

Well, on that type of video you can see a lot of more than just a super-typical move. A shake-and-bake act called crossover, a circus-like lay-up, or a thunderous, or monstrous shot called dunk, or even a game-winning play with most of them were the so-called buzzer beaters.

For some people, they may be entertained by the way the video is executed. Camera angles, video effects and transitions and any other technicalities, you name it. Though at some aspect, it is more than just a beautification of each sequence. Like for some people, especially the players and those aspiring ones, seeing highlight reels like that can be a basketball 101 to them. They learn how to move like Kobe, LeBron, or any other superstar (or even an ordinary player) on a single play. So it’s like an infotainment, or information and entertainment in one. (Now I’m talking like Sports Science here, huh?)

Anyway, video editing is one of the things I learned even before I totally put my hand in pursuing a Mass Communications degree. Hence, it trigger to put more of my interest there, though it’s a self-study approach for me right there.

And so much for being a low-profile user, my personal computer can only afford a basic Movie Maker. And from there, it usually took me like 4 to 5 hours for an at least 3-and-a-half-minuter mixtape, from downloading the sources to rendering the project. At first, I received some good remarks. But then, I stopped doing that for public and if I made one, I made sure to put up a disclaimer. Because internet may be free, but let’s face it: we are subjective for copyright infringement, too.

So the only way to cope up with that is to either acknowleged your source, or to put up a disclaimer, claiming that the authorities of YouTube has a right to take the video down or alter the infringed part anytime as they wish once somebody flagged it out and proved that the uploader has a violation right there.

Anyway, that’s it. I just missed doing this stuff. Here I leave you with this last mixtape project that I made way back September 2010.

Author: slickmaster | Date: 09/27/2012 | Time: 10:56 a.m.

MIAMI Heat on total redemption.

One of the most scrutinized teams in the past 2 years; the Miami Heat made all the way to the NBA finals and nailed a championship.

They were barely criticized when they landed LeBron James and Chris Bosh to the South Florida squad join their draft-mate superstar Dwyane Wade, and still failed to manage to take home the championship then after losing to their once-upon-a-finale-rival Dallas Mavericks in the 2011 NBA finals.

Everything has changed then. They faced their finals opponent on their very first NBA regular assignment on Christmas day and won over them. It’s not just a revenge spelling on their acts anymore then, it started a circus run. Going up and down of the first four spots of the Eastern conference and eventually finished at the second spot prior to the post season party.

Facing the Heat were the New York Knicks, a sudden emerged team thanks to the unlikely chance of stardom for Jeremy Lin. However, the Taiwanese-American point guard was injured prior to the preliminary series. Somehow, snapping them out of the run in 5 games. Forget James’ fellow ’03 star Carmelo Anthony for the matter, with Amare Stoudemire, Tyson Chandler, Baron Davis and everyone else. They had a fat chance to upset them. But…

Up, next were the Indiana Pacers. Also an emerging team in the playoffs, they threw the beast by the name of Orlando Magic out of their contention as they took advantage of Dwight Howard’s sick bay absence. In fact, they defeat the Miami Heat at Game 2 of the said series, snapping Miami’s home game winning streak. The series even went on the Pacers’ favour, 2-1, and with the bonus of altercation between LeBron and Danny Granger. But Miami turned everything upside down and won the series by taking the 3 straight victories to avenge that Game 3 loss.

Facing the Eastern conference finals were the aging but still kicking Boston Celtics, a team that had been winning a lot in the playoffs ever since and on the past 5 years. They compiled almost a hundred playoff games won since July 31, 2007 prior to game 7 of their duel. Miami lost to Boston once, and avenged everything the following year. It’s like a 2-on-4 duel in favour of the Green this time. Look, it’s tough to stop Rondo but James and Wade managed to carry the team and not to mention, Bosh’s return ignite the comeback of the Miami Heat whom were down 3-2  prior to Game 6; and Shane Battier’s suddenly hot shooting spelled the doom for the Celtics in a do-or-die contest.

The big dance came in, and all they were up into against Oklahoma City thunder, a team that went into surprise run more than any other team in the Western conference. The Heat were badly hurt after that game 1 collapse which Kevin Durant’s scoring surge won the game for the Thunder. FIRST BLOOD.

But Game 2 went on and Shane’s hand went on fire again, something that went unpredictable for the old wingman’s career. They held off the Thunder then.

The series shifted to the South Florida and everything went into Miami’s favour amidst Oklahoma’s series of runs. They eventually won the 3 middle games despite LeBron’s sudden cramps in Game 4. But never-the-less he carried on his team to an almost triple double statline there.

Game 5 clinched it for Miami. They’re up 3-1 against a younger team whom may had been feeling like “How LeBron experienced his first finals games” in 2007. But James took charge alongside with his buddies Dwyane Wade and Chris bosh. Plus Mike Miller’s 7/8 shooting from downtown, that may be the last for the man’s career, but it could be a memorable one when he waved to the fans on that big screen at the American Airlines Arena. A huge 3^rd quarter run spelled the entire thing in favour of Wade’s crew, eventually winning it, 121-106. And the King has his ring, out of his triple double effort to close out OKC. Thus, winning his first championship, first also for coach Eric Spolestra, and Bron’s first finals MVP as well.

He has been a Cinderella man, whom had been up there, failed to seized the moment and managed to get back regardless of the sparing hatred and controversies.

Author: slickmaster

Date: 06/23/2012

Time: 10:52 AM

© 2012 september twenty-eight productions

Lebron nails it. Now what?

This is it. LeBron James finally got his own ring! After that triple double and an insane 3rd quarter run, the MIAMI HEAT were crowned the 2012 National Basketball Association champions. Thanks to that tune of 121-106 score after those 48 minutes in Game #5 of the NBA finals.

Well, let me guess what are those critics and haters of the 3-time MVP will tell. He won MVP and finals MVP.
So, why the hell would you tell us that it’s only Bosh, Wade and the others’ championship? Bitter much? Hey, ‘Bron didn’t get it all by himself, almost unlike the situation he once had when he was with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Basketball is a team game, and is still a team game and you should know that ever since even if you got a ball-hog like player out there.

He only got that because of Wade? You’re stupid enough to think, right? I already told that in the previous paragraph. Sure, Dwyane Wade is mightier than the king, but the fact that he stepped aside to let the King take the role? Man, you have to love the Flash for that. They’re really more than teammates but they do are friends.

He’s just got lucky? Nah, luck factor was never an evident when it comes to winning games, dude. It’s just a bonus. When you want to win a game, take praises and criticisms but do your hard work first before taking other’s words in instance.

That’s the only thing he’ll have in terms of ring. I swear he won’t get any next time. Nah, that may be true but as long as he never retires, he will continue to reign, just like Kobe, His Airness, or even Wilt. In fact, LeBron’s luckier than Karl Malone. The ex-Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Laker power forward had made it to the big dance thrice, but came up short every time. That’s a heart-breaking moment right there. Who in the world will never be frustrated when you failed to win in the playoffs, even a step of the ladder? I mean, advancing to the coming rounds.

Nah, one thing is for sure. Critics will have something to say, and haters will continue to hate. All we have to do is to move on.

Let the young man seize the moment. He needs that badly. For you he may not be the greatest player, but for a lot of people, he is. That’s why he’s in the NBA right now. And you, hating him? Will just be either sticking out there at the stands, or in front of either your TV or computer. Nah, let’s move on folks.

Author: slickmaster

Date: 06/23/2012

Time: 9:30 AM

© 2012 september twenty-eight productions

Thunder on a surprise run?

Well, not totally.

The HEAT is on once again for the Miami and Thunder will strike again for the Oklahoma City squad as the stage is set for the National Basketball Association finals game 1 today Manila time.

The Western Conference has been the home of the powerhouse ball clubs lately, and one of them is the Oklahoma City Thunder whom had been a major force to reckon since they almost surprise the Dallas Mavericks on their battle fro supremacy, which they had lost, by the way.

The Thunder had won 47 games in a shortened 66-game season, enough for the second spot in the Western Conference, plus a major addition to its roster – a big shot maker in a bulky point guard named Derek Fisher.

Opening their playoff run, they avenged their defeat over the Dallas Mavericks in a rematch of last year’s western conference finals, and dethroned them by a sweep. Moving on, they battled an always-a-playoff-contender team in Los Angeles Lakers and won the series in 5 games, including a surprise rally to finish Game 2 with a 2-0 lead on their hands.

After winning 8 playoff assignments in 9 attempts within those 2 rounds, the Oklahoma City Thunder faced a rejuvenated San Antonio Spurs on the Western Conference Finals, a team that has been on fire since its last 10 games of the regular season. The first two games went in favour of the Alamo squad, and that includes a bunch of scrimmage-looking-plays on the Game 2 of its series.

When the series shifted to Oklahoma, that’s the time when the Thunder took over. With 19 points and 6 steals at helm, Thabo Sefalosha took charged for the home team and led a huge bunch of defensive efforts to snap the Spurs’ 20-game winning streak and ironically won the game by a massive 20-point margin. That negated San Antonio’s Tim Duncan’s move of surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record for the shots blocked at the history of the league’s post-season party.

Despite winning the third contest, the Thunder still trails at the series. However, they have gained momentum where they carried it on to win game 4 in a super humane fashion courtesy of Kevin Durant’s scoring surge. Durantula scored 36 points – with half of them came at the last 7 minutes of the game. And a defensive stalwart Serge Ibaka went perfectly hot from the field to punch 26 markers under his belt. Just enough to save the Thunder after seeing their 15-point lead melted down to 4 at one point in the fourth quarter, and to tie the series at 2-apiece.

Game 5 was set at San Antonio again, and the home team were on the verge of taking a 3-2 lead. Thanks to their star guard Manu Ginobili whose hot shooting from the outside kept them in the game. But James Harden’s long distance shot sealed the deal for the surging visitors to take a step closer to the NBA finals. And the Spurs were dealt with their first home loss since April 11.

Game 6 at the Thunder’s house, but the visiting Spurs took a huge 1^st quarter lead, sending a scare on the home crowd for a possible Game 7. But the Thunder surprised them at the second half to turn up the tide in their favour. Kevin Durant took over like a MVP and collected a game high 34 points and 11 rebounds to solidify their stand at the big dance. He played the entire game, and the Western Conference Championship was the biggest prized that he got.

06/13/2012 02:47 a.m., slick master (c) 2012 september twenty-eight productions