East Rombo: The Blog with Balls

Remember in the Western Conference semifinals wherein Dirk made clutch free throws to lead Dallas to victory? After being asked what the secret was to his calm under pressure, he revealed that he sang songs to ease his mind (David Hasselhoff being the example he gave). For those unfamiliar with Hasselhoff's musical career, he is a favorite in countries such as Germany. The movie Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story even had a German team which worshipped David Hasselhoff. After witnessing this music video by the Hoff-man himself, I too became a believer in Dirk's free throw rituals.

Hooked On A Feeling, David Hasselhoff

Not content with this particular music video, I sought out even better ones to use in situations just like Dirk faced. This has nothing to do with basketball, but perhaps you will be able to forgive this off-topic foray after watching it.

Music Video 1 (4 min)
Music Video 2 (30 sec)
Music Video 3 (2 min)

And rightly so. Because this is what they end up doing when they're together.

I came across a YouTube clip of T-Mac's 13 points in 35 seconds to defeat the San Antonio Spurs from last year. It was absolutely amazing. Bruce Bowen - arguably the best perimeter defender in the NBA - was all over him. He did everything but grab McGrady by the arms and slam him down on the ground... and yet McGrady scores 13 points in 35 seconds. The Rockets were down by double digits with less than a minute to go, and T-Mac miraculously scores 13 points in the last 35 seconds to beat the 3-time NBA Champions, Spurs. Have I mentioned that he scored those 13 points in 35 seconds with Bruce Bowen all over him? Well, he did.

Now this got me thinking, how did this feat compare to Kobe's 81-point explosion to bring the Lakers back from a 26-point hole against the Raptors?

Kobe's 81:

• Many would remind you that 81 points is second to only Wilt Chamberlain's NBA record, 100 points. Kobe also brought the Lakers back from a 26-point deficit. Being behind by 26 points is a whole other matter compared to being down by 10.
• Kobe's shots just kept going in. To sustain that over the course of one quarter, much less three quarters, is simply amazing. Never mind 35 seconds. Kobe did it for more than 35 minutes.
• With an entire second half, the Raptors had the opportunity to constantly change Kobe's looks. On one possession, he'd have Mo-pete on him. The next, Jalen Rose. Sure, none of them are Bruce Bowen, but Kobe was able to take whatever they gave him and take it to his advantage.

T-Mac's 13:

• He did it against the San Antonio Spurs. That fact alone counts for a lot. The Raptors are no San Antonio Spurs. And T-Mac didn't just do it against the San Antonio Spurs; he was matched up with Bruce Bowen. C'mon. No on scores 13 points like that against Bruce Bowen.
• This was all in crunchtime. A large chunk of Kobe's points came after the Lakers had already secured the win. All of McGrady's shots went in with his team down, except for that last miracle shot that gave them the lead with 1.7 left.
• He did it against the San Antonio Spurs. 13 points in 35 seconds against the San Antonio Spurs in crunchtime.

It's a pretty close comparison, but I'd have to say T-Mac's feat takes the cake by a narrow margin. What say you?

Scoop Jackson on ESPN.com explains why Kobe is caught in hoops purgatory.

His two theories say it all:

Theory 23/45/23: Had Michael Jordan never existed, Kobe Bryant probably would be the most celebrated basketball player in the world.

If MJ had "never existed", LeBron would probably be the next Kobe.

Theory 8/24: Had Kobe Bryant come into the league in 2002 with Amare or 2003 with LeBron, D-Wade, C-Bosh and Melo, or in 2004 with Dwight, or any year after Michael Jordan left the NBA, the comparisons would not haunt him the way they do.

So true. Kobe, Hill, Penny all had to become potential heirs to MJ's greatness and fail (Kobe, least so) before everyone gave up associating the next big thing to MJ.

I really suggest that you read the entire article if you have the time. It'll definitely make you reconsider your opinions about Mr. Bryant.

As I write this, game 6 between the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers takes the stage as the only game today in the playoffs, and I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for the Phoenix Suns to win this one and advance to the next round. All-season long they've been running a 7-man rotation (with the occasional 8th man in the mix). Nash and Marion - the two stars who are making it all happen - are playing more than 40 minutes a game with their run-and-gun offense. They're human too; they need rest.

After going all the way to seven games in the first round (two OT games included), they barely had any time to recuperate before going back to LA to battle the Clips. This is the opportune time to get their rest if they are to even hope of getting a shot of getting to the finals. Dallas and San Antonio have a very good chance of going to seven games. If the Suns win now, they will earn at least a couple days of rest. Even if the Mavs were to pull an upset, the Suns would still have afforded themselves a little break before the next round.

If Phoenix were to advance to the Western Conference Finals, I highly doubt that they can possibly win in less than seven games against either the Mavs or the Spurs... so for everyone rooting for the Suns, you better hope that they win "tonight" and be able to regroup for the onslaught of the next round.

[Update: LAC. 118-106. Even if the Suns win the next one at home, I wouldn't bet on them getting to the finals now.]

As I was reading the results of this morning's NBA Playoff games, notably the Suns-Clippers game, I found this:

Noted Lakers fan Jack Nicholson was on hand to root on the other Los Angeles team from a seat behind the Clippers' bench.

Balimbing amp*ta! Hehehe. I guess the joke's on him. Pun intended.

Although my birthday and Christmas are months away, I just want to say that if I get a gift like this, I will love you forever.

10. Both are 6 footers.

9. Both weigh more than 200 lbs.

8. Both are great Americans, living the American dream.

Through courage, hard work and determination, they have achieved prosperity many people could only dream about.

7. Both earn big money.

With their talent, do you think a million dollars is enough?

6. Both are men amongst men.

The Top 5 remaining reasons will further convince you of this claim.

5. Both are on the verge of achieving legendary status.

Bradshaw is slowly carving his own niche, defeating superstars who earned the respect of fans and of the business itself. Among those who have fallen to his mighty hand include the Undertaker, Chris Benoit, and the late Eddie Guerrero to name a few. He is also a highly decorated superstar, with numerous titles under his belt.

LeBron James on the other hand is known to be the player who will take the NBA to the next level. At his age of 21, he has achieved feats only a few could boast of. With his superior skill, he is often compared to the game's greats such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Oscar Robertson etc. At such a young age, we could definitely expect more on the upcoming years.

4. Both have fame that most people could only dream about.

Talent + Money + Media Exposure = Fame

Enough said.

3. Both are their respective franchise's icons

Similar to the titan Atlas carrying the world on his broad shoulders, both LeBron and Bradshaw carry their frachises, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Smackdown respectively, on theirs. Not an easy task as many might say, but for these real men, "All in a day's work".

2. Both are anointed monickers that imply divinity of some sort, separating themselves from mere mortals.

LeBron = the Chosen One
Bradshaw = the Wrestling GOHD!




AND FINALLY...


1. Both men possess three letters that signify greatness: J-B-L

With such a similarity, could have there been any doubt? Hehehe

This is an attempt to rip-off YaySports with their photoshopped images. WHEE.

And yes, the crappy dialogue boxes were deliberate. And yes, I think by the look of LeBron's face, Ben just pulled off a Reggie Evans. It's just that the King liked it that's why he didn't punch or shove Ben. Besides, who would be crazy enough to punch or push Big Ben? Even Ron Artest wasn't.

This postseason has had exciting matchups since round 1 (with the exception of a few which I won't name since we all know who they are), but as always, everyone's looking forward to the matchup. The east side vs. the west side. The NBA Finals.

And although at first I thought that in the end, Detroit and San Antonio would have a rematch, the current matchups are saying otherwise. It's 'almost' everyone's ballgame.

Like almost everybody, I'd like to see some interesting matchups in the finals. And here are some matchups that I'd want to see:

1. Miami vs. Phoenix

Just because they both have names pertaining to 'heat'. This matchup would be blazing hot. Or not. Without Kurt Thomas, the Suns would get owned by Shaq. But hey, it'd be a good marketing thing for the Finals.

2. Detroit vs. Dallas

They split the season series 1-1. Although I don't want Dallas to win (there's no love for the team that sweeped Memphis - BOO!), I'd pick the 'lesser evil' since I also don't like the Spurs. So there. It'd be an exciting fight though - both teams have a balance on offense and defense.

3. Cleveland vs. Los Angeles

GO UNDERDOGS! WOO! I still think LA is the underdog in the LA-Phoenix matchup simply because they haven't been in the postseason for such a long time. Same with the LeBrons... I mean the Cavs. May the best underdog win.

And before you all scream bloody murder for me being biased on the teams I root for (well duh, why would I watch teams I don't like? hehe):

4. Miami vs. San Antonio

EW. But then, it'd be a matchup of Duncan vs. Shaq. And Wade vs. Ginobili and Parker. And Payton vs Horry? Hahaha or maybe Van Exel! Woo!

I just realized I'd be at a loss on who to root for when this matchup actually happens. So to choose which is the 'lesser evil', I'll pick the team with the fewest things I don't like.

Heat:
a. Shaq
b. Asshole Stalker
c. Shaq. I mean Pat Riley.

Spurs:
a. Duncan
b. Parker
c. Horry
d. Bowen

Yey! Go HEAT! -_-

I was walking around Greenhills with my mom, my sister and her boyfriend while they were shopping for a fake Louis Vuitton bag for my sister's boyfriend's mother. Lo and behold, in one of the stalls I found a Louis Vuitton basketball. I'm f*cking serious. So I thought that this wonder of wonders was simply some creative attempt at making fake unusual Vuitton goods. Sadly, it seems that I am wrong.


This a picture of a geniune Louis Vuitton basketball that I found on the Internet. (I have no idea why I didn't think of taking a picture of the ball I saw in Greenhills.) The fake one I saw even had a fancy brown leather ball-carry that came with it. No doubt that the real one also comes with one.

Picture from:
http://basketball-sporting-goods-cat.ioffer.com/i/Louis-Vuitton-Basketball-10227605
Another page:
http://basketball-sporting-goods-cat.ioffer.com/i/Louis-Vuitton-basketballs-Only-55-7792617

[First one is from a guy in LA. The second is from a guy in Singapore. Further proof that this is for real.]

I also think it's worth mentioning that there was also a Louis Vuitton soccer ball in the same stall.

Has anyone of you wondered what Lebron said to Arenas after his first miss on the freethrow line for a potential tie (tie nga ba?)? He sure looked so down after that talk from Lebron. Maybe he told Arenas, "Gilbert, it's time to let go now. Don't let the hate consume you..."

Another thing, Ben Wallace won the Defensive Player of the Year award again. Aside from his stats, I think what really helped him in winning this award is his reputation as a player who focuses on defense instead of offense hehe. I just wish other players would have received the award such as Kirilenko, Camby, even Bowen. I didn't include Ronnie since he has been sidelined much of the season.

Too bad it wasn't an underdog year for the playoffs. It would have been an interesting turn of events if a few of the underdog teams have won. Oh well, just hoping for the best on the upcoming games.

(or "Apparently, 4% is not 0%")

Oh, no. I've now officially read too much Yaysports! NBA, as I am now beginning to adapt the site's manner of writing entry titles (i.e. simple sentence structures). *cough*ripoff*cough* Haha.


Whew. That was some series, huh? I mean, heck, it's been a great round of the playoffs so far for nearly everyone--except perhaps for Bucks, Nuggets, and Grizzlies fans. But of course from a very personal standpoint, playoff series don't get any better than this here (at the same time, it doesn't get any worse than this, either--I missed the real fun games to watch live because I suddenly found work again, not that I'm complaining about it). And dare I say it again: it has only been the freaking first round! Hwooh.

Right now, though, disappointment (and yes, that H-word) spreads across the whole of the world--except in Arizona and deep within my heart--as a highly-anticipated civil war in a sunny California city has officially been dismissed. The Phoenix Suns are for peace and unity and free-flowing team play, I tell you.

But man, that was really some first round. Seriously, 1-3? Talk about beating the odds. The Suns practically had only one such odd going their way: that they never lost a first-round matchup. Everything else went against them--they were up against a very storied LA Lakers history, after all. Still, they recovered, they regrouped, and they kicked ass. Made me proud, boys. I love you all. Hugs and kisses. *heart bubbles*

Now, Phoenix challenges the perennial other team from the City of Angels--who all of a sudden became the greater threat just this season. The Suns and Clips split the season series. The Clips are rolling with a helluva swagger--and a big frontline. The Suns are just rediscovering theirs--and still hoping for Kurt Thomas' return...

I say, let's get this party started!

Looks to be another kickass series which I'll miss again because of work. Hwooh.

GO SUNS!

The Wizards. Man, they lost three - THREE! - games to game-winning shots, two of which were from the same guy - the unstoppable King James, himself. The last game was definitely the worst loss. Arenas, an ~80% FT shooter misses the two FTs that could've clinched them the game.

Who else does it suck to be?

The LA Lakers. Damn. They were up 3-1. That's 3-to-frickin-1. One win away from advancing with three chances to do it. And they tire to let the Suns tie it, then get blown out in game 7. Geez.

I truly feel sorry for these two teams. I've become a big fan of Arenas and his eccentric (read: weird) ways and it really sucks to see him and company get eliminated. And while I really did want the Suns to win, I have a lot of newfound respect for Kobe. It's just unfortunate.

Oh well. While I wait for the Timberwolves to start preparing for next season...
Go Clips!

Yeah. Go sour grapes!

I just realized that if the Rapers win tomorrow (they are now officially the Rapers, because of Kwame's 'sexual assault' case), we will all be waiting for the offseason, with the exception of Joe-poy (who's actually rooting for Artest... I mean the Kings... who are also at the verge of elimination).

All the teams we rooted for have fallen one by one: G's Utah Jizz (who never were contenders anyways hehehe peace), my Grizzlies (Game 4 was a fluke. Dirk should have been called for a flagrant foul, not a measly personal foul), Bit's Supersonics and Timberwolves (same with G), Alvin's 76ers (got cut off from the playoffs at the last minute), Jason's Suns (Rapers! Rapers!), and Joe-poy's Kings (actually I also like the Kings to win, but still... the Spurs are STRONG).

Next season, let's just pick the worst teams instead of the best teams. It might be more exciting that way (well any team besides the Knicks).

Hurray for sour graping!

Almost as intimidating as PJ Brown's Baseline Piledriver.

I love going through basketball news and rumors and finding quotes that are just screaming an implied but not explicit message.

"I want Kenyon Martin healthy, for him and maybe for the Denver Nuggets," Karl said. "It's got to be a mutual agreement."

So he wants Kenyon to be healthy. Good for him. He's a caring human being after all. But then he adds, "for him and maybe for the Denver Nuggets."

Karl is a good coach, undoubtedly, but if I was Kenyon, I'd have trouble even considering staying if given the choice.

I'm surprised that no one has posted the video or even talked about it here yet. Well, here's a video. For your enjoyment, it also features the post-game interview with Kaman on the subject and some commentary by the TNT team.



I find it really curious that no one seems to even be attempting to get Evans' side of the story. It's also curious that I have only read one rumor on Hoops Hype that even mentions the possibility of Evans getting suspended.

This year's playoffs is really exciting with teams really grinding each other out and even getting so emotional that they get fined, suspended and snap at each other.

Here's a recap of the matchups so far (the Cavs and Wizards are playing as I type, and the Spurs-Kings match is yet to start):

[sidenote: Let's check how long I write an article. The Cavs-Wiz score is at 90-98, respectively, with 2:48 to go]

1. Detroit vs Milwaukee (Detroit leads 2-1)
Since last year, I have been a fan of Detroit mainly because of two things: they beat Kobe's Lakers in 2004 and I really don't like Tim and the Spurs. I didn't like Kobe because he was egotistical (back then... right now, there's a different Kobe playing in LA), and I didn't like Duncan because he never smiles. Seriously. He looks like he's an emo guy who hates the world and takes his repression out by playing ball.

[update: Cle 92 Was 101, 25.5 seconds left. Oh well, I guess the series is tied 2-2, unless LeBron pulls off a TMac or a Reggie Miller.]

Anyways, given that, my team for the East is Detroit, obviously. They have the best starting lineup although their bench is a bit too limited. They COULD have used Darko and his defense (yes, he does have defense) as a reserve for Big Ben, and although they have Antonio Mcdyess, Lindsey Hunter and Tony Delk, these guys are already old and in a couple of years, are going to retire. Milwaukee is a good team, but not good enough, although I commend their deep bench. Mo Williams and Charlie Bell are good backups for Michael Redd and TJ Ford.

Still, I go with the Beast.

2. Chicago vs. Miami (series tied 2-2)
Although Chicago's wins over Miami were questionable (their home court REALLY is an advantage because most foul calls are called their way. Come on, 31 fouls to 5?), I really do think there's something going on in Chicago.

Still, I never liked Shaq (although he really is good) and although Dwyane Wade is a rising superstar (if not already), I'd want an upset in this one because it's been awhile since the Bulls were the team to beat and Kirk Hinrich and Ben Gordon are playing like crazy right now.

Shaq has never really wanted to perfect his game. He just focused on his strengths and relied on them to overshadow his weakness: his free throw shooting. Great players should focus on their strengths, but at the same time, work on their weaknesses, because sooner or later, it'll catch up to them. Thus, the Hack-a-Shaq play was born.

3. Indiana vs. New Jersey (series tied at 2-2)
For one thing, I was a Knicks fan back when they had a rivalry with Indiana. Back when Sprewell wasn't concerned about feeding his family and when Allan Houston was in his prime. And during my stay at my cousin's house in White Plains, we always picked different teams, because we were really competing with each other in almost everything (and yeah, I lost most of the video games we played. I think he's half-Korean). His team back then was the Pacers because he was a big Reggie Miller fan, and everytime Miller made the Pacers win, my hate increased. So there.

I want the Nets to win because of what they showed before the season ended (beating the top teams in a run of 14 straight wins) and because I'm a big fan of 'the original' Big Three (well for this season that is. The other Big Three is in Washington).

4. Washington vs. Cleveland (series tied 2-2)
Although Gilbert Arenas is really good right now, I'm sticking with Lebron James going deeper into his career's first postseason. I just hope LeBron doesn't take the path of the MFP (Most Frustrated Player), and no one has ever wrestled that title from none other than: Kevin Garnett.

5. Sacramento vs. San Antonio (Spurs lead 2-1, game 4 ongoing)
I was a big fan of Sacramento because: the first complete NBA game I ever watched (from start to finish, sitting through the commercials and halftime crap) was a Kings-Jazz playoff game with Jason Williams at the point. For one thing, Jason Williams was good, but John Stockton used his dirty plays to take advantage of the rookie, so there. Plus, Peja was a great shooter, and with Doug Christie and Chris Webber, they were almost playoff contenders... until Peja's deep dark secret came out: he is a choker. Maybe the biggest choker in NBA history. He's like the exact opposite of MJ in terms of clutch play. And did I mention that I dind't like Duncan and the Spurs? There. Obviously, I hope the Kings win.

6. LA Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns (Lakers lead 3-1)
This maybe the first upset in the first round. And I am a big fan of underdog teams (as seen in this entry's title). Although I still don't like Kobe (Kobe Blackhole that is. Right now, he's possessed by some playmaker spirit or something) the Lakers are playing REALLY well. Kobe is making his teammates better (There's no argument here. Look at Luke Walton's and Kwame Brown's numbers in the postseason).

Although I also want the Suns to win (no hate here, Jase. hehe) I'm sticking with the Lakers because the Battle of Los Angeles is just too good to pass up.

7. LA Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets (Clippers lead 3-1)
The Clippers are GOOD. Yeah, with Elton Brand and Sam Cassell leading the way, they are a team to beat. Although the Nuggets look like underdogs right now, the Clippers are THE underdogs. They haven't had a postseason since even before I was born and like I said, the Battle of Los Angeles is just to good to pass up. Plus, I don't like Carmelo Anthony (although I like Camby, because he used to be a Knick).

8. Memphis vs. Dallas (Dallas leads 3-0)
Damn. I really want Memphis to win because I never really liked Dallas. Oh and this is my cousin's team too (because he was born there) so there's that a bit of a rivalry thing. But still. Dirk is unstoppable right now, and Pau is choking like Peja. Darn it. You know, their beards really must make them better, but like Samson, their hair is their downfall in the end. I think their beards are the culprits of their choking. Pau should try shaving, just this once.

I still believe in miracles and maybe they can just pull it off (and be the first team to do it) although their path to winning is kinda hard: even if they miraculously survive the Mavericks, they are facing the Spurs or the Kings next, which will also make their playoff lives a living hell (although they are already living it right now)

In the end, I still want Memphis to win but if you want a more reasonable opinion, I want the Kings and Detroit to meet in the Finals. Or Cleveland and the Clippers. Or maybe even the Heat and the Suns. Or maybe a rematch of last year.

[aside: I hate Manu. He only becomes good in the postseason. If you have an NBA fantasy team, don't pick him.]

Word is the Clippers want to re-sign Radmanovic but want to move forward Corey Maggette because the team considers him a selfish offensive player.
[from the Denver Post via Hoops Hype]

Two facts:

• Radman was a total asshole since the pre-season right until he was traded.
• He's in his contract year. You can expect him to play better now than he really would normally.
  

Beyond that, I'm not sure how to react to this...