Playoff Hoopla: The Luckiest Team in the Playoffs

This would be a daily segment on the blog wherein I discuss some puzzling and mind boggling things on the NBA Playoffs. I know I've started late and may use some 'old' material but nevertheless I hope I provide an exciting new daily segment on the blog. 

Inscribed on the mouth piece of LeBron James is the number 16 in Roman numerical form. XVI not only represents how many wins each team needs to win the NBA championship but it's the hardwork, sacrifice, dedication, and luck needed for one team to call themselves NBA Champions. 

In this year's version of the NBA Playoffs, let us catch-up to the latest happenings. 

THE THUNDER ARE THE LUCKIEST TEAM IN THE PLAYOFFS 

The Durantula: Virtually Unguardable.

Think about it this way. Before the postseason started, everybody and I mean everybody knew that the Thunder had the roughest road to the NBA Finals. Dallas, the defending NBA Champions, in the first round. The Lakers in the second round and either LA or the Spurs in the conference finals. They are matched-up with three teams who combined to have win 10 of the last 13 NBA championships. 

Shocking isn't it? 

Game 1 of the first round, Dallas was up 7 heading to the last two minutes of the game poised to steal homecourt advantage from the young and 'inexperienced' team. When all things seem to go as planned, Dirk Nowitzki misses a WIDE OPEN 3-pointer which could have pushed their lead up 10 with less than 2 minutes remaning. He didn't miss that against Miami last year. It was literally cash money! 

Instead. What happens? 

The Thunder go on a sudden offensive surge capped by Kevin Durant's miraculous jumper over Shawn Marion's out stretched arms as time expired. HE JUST FLICKED THE FRIGGIN' BALL!!! 

Game 2. Same scenario but this time it's the veteran Jason Kidd taking and missing another WIDE OPEN 3-pointer. 

Poised to potentially steal another game in Oklahoma and even the series at one apiece... 

Instead. What happens? 

The Thunder again go on another sudden offensive surge and steal game two and sweep the defending champs. 

Think of this way, Dallas could have gone back home with a 2-0 lead instead of an 0-2 deficit.  

Second round against the Lakers. The team (Thunder) who commits the most turnovers per game in the NBA all of a sudden seem to take care of the rock and manage to not throw away the ball. Russell Westbrook, whom I've said time and time again to pass the ball and take care of the ball more, seems to listen to me. He passes the ball to Durant more and score when he needs to. 

Game 2, the Lakers are up down the stretch poised to steal Game 2 and what happens? Kobe Bryant. Yes, you heard that right, freakin' Kobe Bryant throws an stupid and errant lob pass which Kevin Durant easily converts to a fastbreak dunk and starts ANOTHER Thunder comeback. 

And by the way, Kobe doesn't choke. He doesn't miss or screw up during crunch time. That was a miracle in itself!!! 

Game 4, AGAIN (we really have to stress a point here) the Lakers are up down the stretch but the confidence-challenged Pau Gasol throws the ball away and sets up KD for another game winner. 

This really is painful to watch... 

The Thunder are a deadly team. When the game is down the wire and where most teams think that these young players will falter under the bright lights, they don't. They seem to shine and be at their best when the game is on the line. 

Westbrook and the Thunder seem to magically cut down on  their turnovers and convert at a much higher rate. Their relentlessly convert on the break and seem to have an answer to every thing the opposition throws. 

Don't forget they have the Durantula---their secret weapon. 

The sky is the limit for this team but their time to shine maybe not just yet.

Well, luck is definitely on their side. 

6000th Hit Special: Why I Despise Score-First Point Guards and why Chris Paul is the Best

Thanks for the 6,000 views. I really appreciate it! Keep them coming!!! 

Let's be realistic. We have seen a wave of tall, talented, and freakishly athletic point guards come to the NBA. Probably the result of John Calipari's drive and kick offense centered on the 'won and done' concept. We can't generally give all the credit to Coach Cal for coming up with the next version of an NBA point guard but it's safe to say that he has been the one that has brought it to my attention.

Coach Cal has had the luxury to recruit an influx amount of talent to play for him, especially point guards. He had the likes of Tyreke Evans, John Wall, and Derrick Rose to run his blitzkrieg-type offense. He pressured his opponent's to try to find a way to slow the tempo of the game. It hasn't happened and it isn't going to happen.

Those point guards were arguably the first options on their team. They utilized their extreme foot speed and athletic ability to create shots for themselves and their teammates.

But why am I not a big fan of it?

Let's first consider what a point guard is supposed to do. One, set-up the offense. How can that be possible when he's the first option on their team and when he attempts more than twenty shots per game?

Let's use the example of Russell Westbrook and his relationship with Kevin Durant. I am all praises for Durant except for the fact that he isn't that much of a good defender and he takes too many shots. I've come to realize that he takes that much because he knows Westbrook isn't going to pass the ball to him that often. Westbrook probably has the ball 16 seconds of the Thunder's shot clock; dribbling around and creating isolation situations for himself. Yes, he gets to score but how much attempts does he take? The bigger question is, how much attempts does he take away from Durant?

Durant's scoring prowess and ability is limited with time. He struggles getting the ball in his spots because Westbrook isn't an adept passer. At times he may blow you away with 8 or even 10 assists per game but you have to understand that it occasionally comes with 6 or 7 turnovers in the process. Therefore Durant is forced to make do with what he has. He will shoot the ball when he has it therefore making him and the Thunder predictable when Westbrook does decide to pass the ball. 

If Westbrook does evolve to become a pass-first point guard, the Thunder will become a much much better team. Imagine having the NBA's leading scorer three years in the running getting the ball in his spots with an able and athletic scorer-passer waiting. That'd be unstoppable. 

James Harden is a much much better passer that Westbrook. Let him play the point and you potentially have a chance to contend for the title with Westbrook playing the 2. 

Plus, Westbrook isn't a good defender. Yes he gets a steal and a great block here and there but opposing point guards have always capitalized on that match-up.

Derrick Rose, God bless his injured knee, is one heck of a player. A player who at times I think is the only reason why the Chicago Bulls always seem to have the #1 seed in the East year in and year out. He scores in a variety of ways---making tough double-pump reverse lay-ups among many others. People always tell me why am I not a big fan of Derrick Rose. Simple. He shoots too much. At times he is forced to do exactly that with the talent the Bulls have surrounded him with but their level of play will not increase because of the development of their players. 

If Rose were to shoot 15 efficient shots per game and hand out 12 assists, then you can consider him the  best point guard in the league. He has a lot of talent and he can single-handedly change the outcome of the game but he's not going to last long. Perfect example will have to be the playoffs last season. When LeBron James played superb defense on the "MVP", the Bulls got nowhere. Their offense was centered around Rose's attack to the basket and they became stagnant and predictable on offense. 

That's what a score-first point guard brings to the table. Yes he is athletic and can score in any way you want him to but when he's guarded tenaciously and being hounded by pressure, your team is going nowhere. 

But what is a point guard supposed to be? Food for thought I suppose. 

He's suppose to be a willing passer. Someone who sets his teammates up beautifully but has the talent to score and create for himself when needed. Someone who is a threat and makes the defense think what he is going to do. 

That's what I love about the likes of Chris Paul, Steve Nash, and even Evan Turner (LOL!). These players can give you a little bit of everything. They'll score when necessary. Grab a rebound and start a fastbreak when in dire need of points. They'll feed the ball to the post and throw game-changing alley-oops to change the complexion of the game. They have the ability to make the outside shot, which give their big men the luxury of room to operate. They have the composure to make the big shots. The 'Dagger' as it's called.  Point guards are supposed to be difference makers and not mere scorers passers. 

They give you what you need when you need it. A perfect example will have to be what Chris Paul is doing with the Clippers. He single-handedly is willing his team to win. Taking over during the 4th quarter when his team needs a basket. Feeding the ball to Blake Griffin for him to get his confidence back. Pressuring the opponent's ball carriers to commit turnovers which lead to much needed confidence boosting dunks. 

Paul isn't the best athlete in the NBA. We can argue that he is one of the fastest but he doesn't jump as high as Rose or Wall. He is quick and agile on the floor but never mentioned as one of the fastest point guards in the league but he has the biggest heart. He has the leadership to organize and fix his  young and inexperienced team. (They only have LIMITED plays) He has the will to win---a champion within. 

As a point guard, your job isn't simply to score or pass but rather to takeover the game in any way when absolutely necessary.  

Chris Paul should have gotten an MVP before Derrick Rose. It only seems fair. 

Bad Luck or Great D?

The Memphis Grizzlies' shot chart in the last 9 minutes of the game. Bad luck or great D? 

Playoff Gimmicks

One thing I love about the postseason is that it never fails to give us a great side-show, story lines in that matter. It could be about bitter rivals slugging it out once again, a bad run during the postseason a year ago---redemption, a flop, or it's just a great match-up marketing-wise. 

The reason why I'm not a big fan about watching the Playoffs in the PBA is that oftentimes, these plots are too predictable. You have this feeling that something bad is bound to happen. Example, when a team goes up 1-0 or 2-1 in a series, it is expected that the other team will even the series out. It happens because teams and corporations want to maximize this marketing opportunity wherein 10,000+ people are watching in the stands while thousands more on their television sets. They do this to get their brand out more---to reach out. This is just my opinion. Possibly the truth but maybe far from it. 

Observe how the referees will call the game during games such as those. They usually call it in favor of the team catching up in the hopes that their whistles could potentially give them the highly coveted W. The disparity in fouls and free throw attempts are glaring and obvious even leading to the coaches  to constantly complain about the officiating. And yes, they do get fined. 

Note, how many Game 7s have there been for the past several years? Food for thought. 

Exhibit A: Pamboy Raymundo's Sneaky Elbow and Batok 

Exhibit B: Coach Tim Cone accidentally gets 'tripped' by the official

I'm not saying these events were purposely done for the said reasons above. We can infer that these were brought about by the intensity and the emotion of the moment; the entire series in particular. You be the judge of things. Pick your side of the story. 

Though these are the very things that make us enjoy the postseason. Close games and tight match-ups give us, the fans, an exhilarating and exciting feeling. It makes us anxious for the next game. It occasionally even gives us the goosebumps on who will come out on top after each game. 

All I'm saying is that can we let these match-ups run their course. If a team should sweep a certain team, let it happen. Let us not affect the course or the outcome of the game. Bilog nga ang bola... so let the players decide who really should be the victor. 

Notes: Pamboy Raymundo should be suspended... The official didn't purposely trip Coach Tim though we have to give props to him for an excellent fall... I'm not a big fan of Talk N' Text so BMEG in 7. 

NBA Playoffs 2012: Preview

EASTERN CONFERENCE


(1) Chicago Bulls vs (8) Philadelphia 76ers 
Prediction: Bulls in 6 
Rose's entry will cause utter Chaos. He'll shoot over 6 3s a game and make only 1. Brian Scalabrine sighting...

(2) Miami Heat vs (7) New York Knicks
Prediction: Heat in 5 
Miami will let New York win 1 game at MSG. Let the Knicks fans have something to cheer about. LeBron's going to be on a tear. I think he's going to average a 36-8-5-2-2 or at least something close to that.

(3) Indiana Pacers vs (6) Orlando Magic 
Prediction: Pacers in 6 
Usually it is Orlando who has homecourt advantage but sadly, the tables are turned. Remember, Dwight's NOT playing.

(4) Atlanta Hawks vs (5) Boston Celtics 
Prediction: Celtics in 6 
Boston will probably tank several games to keep their legs fresh. Atlanta has never beaten Boston in the Playoffs for the longest time.

WESTERN CONFERENCE 


(1) San Antonio Spurs vs (8) Utah Jazz
Prediction: Spurs in 4 
No way do that Jazz have a chance at stopping the new look Spurs. Timmy D going old school and he's going to have a huge series. Something similar to his back-to-back MVP seasons.

(2) Oklahoma City Thunder vs (7) Dallas Mavericks 
Prediction: Thunder in 6 
As much as I want to see OKC lose, I don't think the Mavericks have the fire power to beat KD and company four times. If there's one series that has an upset, this probably will be it.

(3) Los Angeles Lakers vs (6) Denver Nuggets 
Prediction: Lakers in 5 
Too much height!!!

(4) Memphis Grizzlies vs (5) Los Angeles Clippers 
Prediction: Clippers in 7 
Don't think of it as an upset. This is going to be one fun and exciting series. Chris Paul's just too good.

LOOKING AHEAD 


SEMIS:


EASTERN CONFERENCE


(1) Chicago Bulls vs (4) Boston Celtics 
Prediction: Celtics in 7 


(2) Miami Heat vs (3) Indiana Pacers
Prediction: Miami in 5 


WESTERN CONFERENCE:


(1) San Antonio Spurs vs (5) Los Angeles Clippers 
Prediction: Spurs in 5 


(2) Oklahoma City Thunder vs (3) Los Angeles Lakers 
Prediction: Lakers in 7 


CONFERENCE FINALS: 


(2) Miami Heat vs (4) Boston Celtics
Prediction: Heat in 6 


(1) San Antonio Spurs vs (3) Los Angeles Lakers
Prediction: Spurs in 6 


NBA FINALS: 


(1) San Antonio Spurs vs (2) Miami Heat
Prediction: Heat in 5 
Finals MVP: LeBron James 

JaVale McGee... Me Oh My

Sorry I haven't blogged for a while. I've lost interest watching the NBA and its boring story lines. I'll just have to wait come playoff time. :) 

Well, the video clearly speaks for itself. If all things go as planned, Javale McGee will be tapped as the naturalized player for Smart Gilas 2.0, the Philippine basketball national team who will compete in the different FIBA tournaments. Clearly he'll be an asset; an athletic and long defender who towers above the rest. But if we'll have to deal with that kind of player who doesn't think straight, I'm sorry but WE HAVE NO CHANCE! 

That's just me... 

Basketball: It's More Fun In Xavier

This article was supposed to be published in the main issue of our school paper, Stallion, but due to some circumstances, we didn't come up with a main issue this year. So here is my article for the main issue. The theme for the issue is what are the things More Fun in Xavier. Hope you like it... Forgive the structure of this article. I just copy-pasted it from my computer. #TeamPetiks

          There’s a myth that says that the Filipinos are the most passionate and die-hard fans of the game of basketball and that’s been proven by international acclaimed sports writer Rafe Bartholomew in his novel, Pacific Rims, which talks about the Filipinos deep connection with the game. Here in Xavier, it’s no different.

           As early as Grade 1, one could see the tiny and energetic elementary students strut their stuff in our very own Rafael Cortina Sports Center, then it was the Quadrangle; even purposely skipping their lunch breaks just to ‘reserve’ a court. You see them dribbling with two hands, double dribbling amidst constant double, triple, or even quadruple teams, and even making their own rules such as the infamous ‘double’, wherein one cannot grab his own missed shot if it didn’t hit the rim. They didn’t mind anything. They paid no attention to their sweaty uniforms, leather shoes, the slippery floor, or even playing a game of 10-on-15. They played the game because they loved it. It was a way for them to engage with their fellow classmates- a bonding activity.

            There were even certain strategies on ‘reserving’ a court for break times. You could ask the fastest runner in your class to sprint down to the Sports Center. Another could be that you’d ask your friends whose teacher dismissed them earlier to do it for you in exchange for him a chance to play in the game. Others were just that desperate that they would run once the bell rang and give no particular regard for whatever sanction they would receive from the teacher. To the point of desperation, we even used plastic bags as marker for our court.

          Playing basketball during lunch breaks often completed one’s day. You could talk about it forever and ever how you masterfully snuck in the paint for a reverse lay-up or laugh about someone’s dumb blunder. Basketball was a medium used to unite Xavereans. You could never say that you truly are a Xaverean if you haven’t played a single game of basketball; or you would be missing out on so much.

            Improvement never stops. As one grew older, Xavier would provide its students an opportunity to try-out for the school’s varsity team- the Golden Stallions. During the try-outs, literally hundreds of aspiring students would go to the gym and patiently wait for their turn- their chance to become the next Eric Yao, Joseph Yeo, TY Tang, and Chris Tiu.

         During these try-outs, most of the students just go for the fun of it and with the hope that they would luckily make the cut.  Only a select few really want to become the next King Stallion, a basketball term often associated with the school’s best basketball player.

            Being a varsity player in Xavier is a much more different experience compared to the other schools. Xavier prides itself in creating and producing student-athletes- players who excel both on and off the court. 

          In Xavier, the players and the students pride itself in tradition. The long history of talented players will forever be remembered. Who will forget the original King Stallion Eric Yao who still to this date holds the Tiong Lian record with a 45.8 point per game average highlighted with a career-high 64 point performance during Game 2 of the Tiong Lian Finals, The Ninja Joseph Yeo, the first Xaverean in the PBA, TY Tang, or the multi-talented Chris Tiu? In Xavier, you will always be and forever be remembered for your accomplishments on the court. Unlike any other schools, Xavier has a deep tradition of homegrown talents who have succeeded and that paves the way for a bright future with many of our current players looking up to their ahias.

              One thing to be proud of Xavier is that it has continuously produced talented players who have succeeded in the next level. It has never relied on recruitment or bending the rules for their athletes. Its athletes are no different from their regular students. They take the same exams in the same time. No exceptions.

               Other schools resort to recruitment to keep pace with the different top schools in the country. They continuously look for talented players in the provinces and bring them to Manila for a chance to play basketball and receive a better education. Xavier has always relied on what is has. They have never gone out of their way to recruit a player to make the team better. Consistent development, practice, and improvement are the key ingredients that make Xavier a competitive team year in and year out. They believe that the talent to win is here- in Xavier!

               Xavier does not provide any extra perks or scholarships to its athletes. Talented as they are or may seem, they still pay their tuition fees and go to school by 7:30 in the morning the following day even if practice ended at eight the night before. In a basketball team, there is a star player and a bunch of reserves. These benchwarmers or bangko, a Filipino word which literally means bench or stool, show up to practice day in a day out with the hope that one-day their time will come; their chance to shine. Oftentimes, it doesn’t come and instead of ranting about it or quitting, they continue to persevere and remain patient. They do it for the love of the game.

            As Xavier celebrates its 55^th year, it is only a reminder of how much basketball has been played. It has made friendships deeper than one could ever imagine. It also has produced talented players who still to this very day make the entire Xavier community proud. Basketball is a sport that has shaped and revolutionized the student life in school. Nothing still beats putting the ball on the floor and flinging the ball up high in the air and hearing the peaceful swish of the ball. The sounds, the ambiance, and the company are what makes basketball more fun in Xavier.