... let the flames lick thy foes (nba conference finals sneak peek)

With only four teams left to compete for the NBA Championship, the 2009 playoffs gets more and more intense. Here's a sneak peek of the wars that are to come.

THE WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

Los Angeles Lakers (1) v. Denver Nuggets (2)

When these two teams meant business, they always mean that there is no time for playing around.

The Lakers, after a tiring seven-game series with the defense-oriented Houston Rockets, still have lots to prove in this playoff series. They haven't found their consistency yet, as they had their own ups and downs in the second round, which, as analysts would say, should have been finished a week ago. However, in spite of plays going bad and shots bouncing off the rim, the Lakers know how to stand still and keep up with their opponent. Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol try to get rid of this bipolar personality by scoring big baskets and distracting the defense, and they are going to need all the help they can get from their bench.

While the other team is struggling, Denver seems to have been more relaxed than ever. Nearly sweeping the Dallas Mavericks in a 5-game battle, they seem to elucidate fear among their opponents, telling everyone that they are the new Denver Nuggets that can crush opponents if they want to. Chauncey Billups did a good job at playing the point and scoring when needed. Anthony and J.R. Smith can score both from the inside and the outside, and K-Mart and Birdman can take care of the paint. Denver is indeed lock-and-loaded for this fight, and they are not going to hold back.

However, Lakers defense can edge them out, and Phil Jackson could outwit George Karl in terms of plays. Lakers in 7.

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

Cleveland Cavaliers (1) v. Orlando Magic (3)

It's the battle for the crown in the east and a chance to get the NBA Championship for these ring-hungry teams. Is it going to be the King or Superman who will step up and emerge victorious?

The Cleveland Cavaliers, having an 8-0 record in the playoffs, should prepare themselves for what we call as real battles. Clearly, their opponents in the previous rounds weer nothing compared to them, showing that LeBron could singlehandedly beat these teams. The other player in this team that made a difference is Mo Williams, who was James' partner and go-to guy in case of defensive pressure. They should be more than prepared now, having been able to rest and come up with new styles of play. The other Cavs should be pumped up too and prepared to step up during difficulties.

However, the Magic had lessons of their own in their seven-game fight against the defending champion Boston Celtics. Without Garnett, they were able to utilize the strength and power of the Manchild to crush Ray Allen and Paul Pierece's company. However, it would not be possible without the help of his partners Rafer Alston and Hedo Turkoglu, who had been making big big shots most especially in the last three games of the series. Can they hold on to their hopes and defeat the brick wall of Cleveland? Everything would entirely depend on their teamplay.

This would be a rough fight, but Lebron would be able to stand his ground. Cavaliers in seven.

Opinions, anyone?

keeping up with the lake show.

okay, so the lakers had a good game against houston, probably the best game ever in the playoffs. they escaped with a 118-78 win over them, and gained the lead in the best-of-seven series. Typical reaction: "now that's what i'm talking about!" however, i think that it's not really much of a statement. it is more of a reminder that the lakers have to play with energy if they really want to grab a championship.

and from here on, we discuss the different problems that kobe and co. must face not only in this playoff series, but in the next season, and the next after that.

let's start with the obvious, team-wise. the lakers have been playing inconsistently during their past 10 playoff games, and we could push this back even to their last 10 or so regular season games. blowing off huge leads, unable to shove off their opponents' leads, soft plays that resort to poor outside shots, less rebounding efforts, and with defense that lets aaron brooks and deron williams penetrate only to have them find three-pointers that could get it in. what have happened to them? we started with the season being number 1 in both sides of the court (having the most scored points and the least points allowed). their first games were leads of 20 and more. but in spite of that, they ended the season with only the second best record and having the most lopsided defeats, including that against Charlotte, Philadelphia, and Atlanta.

is it about the bench? or kobe scoring less and passing more? or the frontcourt (with special mention to C Andrew Bynum) not being strong enough to fight with boards and inside scores? Individually, the Lakers are strong, but couldn't they be collectively stong? can't they handle their own strengths and work together, or the other way around, that they couldn't unleash this strength because of too much confidence and pressure from their fans and from themselves.

yet there is their master phil, who always has a trick or two to pull off when times get more difficult. they blew one at home, they got back at the toyota center with one good win. they lost at game 4, but had this big game 5 win. he always tells the team not to worry, but I agree that they shouldn't listen and instead focus on the team play that they had during the regular season.

of course, there are the individual players who have to find their game. the lakers big three (bryant-gasol-odom) shouldn't have a problem with this, as they have gone over this last season. they should have the strength and determination to lead this team and bring out the full potential of everyone. however, bryant needs to distract the defense with greater effort, and, well, pau and lamar should really work hard, be tough, and muscle their way inside the basket. The only other player that has been working so hard was Trevor Ariza, who manages to poke the ball and score points off turnovers, as well as provide scoring opportunities from beyond the three-point arc.

and then there was Andrew Bynum, who a moment ago was just branded as the difference for this championship team. but now, what he just contributes are low scores and boards, and a lot of fouls (take note that the lakers had more fouls than the rockets in their 5-game series). he also admits that he was still not yet ready to handle the physical and mental pressure that the playoff games has brought upon him. we know that the MCL brought him problems, but still, it's about time that he bring his A-game into the court, especially during these times when they needed him most.

And for the rest, they have to improve. Derek Fisher looks like he has to really run fast and defend well, because Aaron Brooks has already left him behind a number of times. Good thing Jordan Farmar was there to take the responsibility of handling Brooks both in offense and defense. Sasha has to oil himself up because he has been getting bad shots in open spots, and that would be very difficult. Josh Powell and DJ Mbenga need to beef up and play as real Centers and Forwards that they are. Luke Walton and Shannon Brown seem to be in good shape, and could provide more strength in shooting and defending. And Adam Morrison? He's for the next season.

In the end, it boils down to teamwork and the power to express their hunger for the crown to win. It has been 7 years, and the Lakers need to win a ring or three before Kobe and Phil retire. If they could play the same level as they were during their best playoff games, then there should be no problem getting to the Finals and facing LeBron James and the Cavaliers (I'm assuming now...), and they could win over them in five or six games.

But as a few friends I have said, it is a good thing that the Lakers play more than ten playoff games. Both wins and losses should by now be their learning experiences and reminders that they have to play at the maximum level. It could help them straighten and strengthen themselves up for the difficult stages to come, namely the Denver Nuggets, with a strategic offense that could equal the Lakers', and LeBron James (who hungers to put the Lakers down because of soiling their home record and blowing their lead), or the Celtics (who shouldn't be underestimated), or the Magic (whom the Lakers really couldn't defeat.

Game time, everyone. What do you think?

twit twit.

http://twitter.com/earlstreats

donnie darko

why should we care?

because the rabbits are us.

yes. us.

28 days... 6 hours... 42 minutes... 12 seconds

t's Not About The Drama, It's About The Game - NBA Playoffs Second Round Peek

After much drama and speculation, the NBA Playoffs have now advanced to the conference semi-finals, and from the best sixteen teams in the league, only the eight better ones remain. Let us take a look at the four matches of the second round.

1.Los Angeles Lakers (1) v. Houston Rockets (5)

Considering that both teams were both searching for their A-game, this series should get more intense as the games proceed.

The Lakers, despite trashing the Jazz in five games, haven't tapped their full potential. Kobe is not the scoring machine that everyone knows of, and Andrew Bynum is still in bad shape, not really pulling off the double-digit boards that Phil Jackson is expecting him to get. However, Pau Gasol and Trevor Ariza, inarguably the best guys on this team in so far as the postseason goes, keeps the team up and running.

The Great Wall has to be the best player on both sides for the Houston Rockets, backed up by the defense of Ron Artest and Shane Battier. Their battle against that offensive weapon named Portland Trailblazers put up a statement with a big capital D. They were able to stop Brandon Roy and his team in six games, a feat that defensive teams can only achieve. However, to win, the Rockets need not only their defense, but also the offensive plays that coach Rick Adelman prepared for them, with Yao and Artest in the centerpiece.

This will be a classic battle between coaches and players of both teams, considering that Phil Jackson and Rick Adelman are facing each other again. Lakers in 7.

2.Denver Nuggets (2) v. Dallas Mavericks (6)

The Denver Nuggets seem to have gotten their own momentum as a team, but the Dallas Mavericks have to catch up with that if they want to last longer in the postseason.

Chauncey Billups banked on his playoff experience and his skill of finding open teammates in leading his team to the second round. He was able to play well with Carmelo Anthony, Nene, and Chris Andersen. Their game against the New Orleans Hornets, with a record of leading over 50 points, showed that the Nugs should not be underestimated. They played great defense. They distributed the ball well. And undoubtedly, they know how to play ball after the regular season.

It's not Dirk that will be the greatest weapon of the Mavericks for this season. Instead, it will be his teammates who will and should be ready to score when the German all-star will be tightly guarded above and inside the key. Josh Howard could provide the distraction for he is able to get the ball in by twenty-footers, and at the same time be able to slash and get a foul. J.J. Barea and Jason Kidd could do a good job in setting up the play and making unbelievable assists. It is true that beating the Spurs may not have been the challenge that they were looking for, but in this stage, all of them have to really step up.

It's the battle of the point guards as this series would progress, but I think Chauncey will get the better share, with Nuggets in 6.

3.Cleveland Cavaliers (1) v. Atlanta Hawks (4)

All of us (even the Lakers fans) have to admit that in the postseason, Cleveland is the strongest team out there. However, their last series wasn't much of a challenge. Will Atlanta prove to be a formidable opponent for LeBron and his squad?

The Cavaliers kept their energy up despite knowing that the Pistons couldn't equal them. LeBron James, this year's Most Valuable Player, has shown that his team could break all obstacles in the road that leads them to the championship. Sweeping the Pistons, once a true playoff contender, is already a warning that if teams wouldn't be serious with Cleveland, they'll receive humiliating losses.

But it seems that Atlanta is prepared to face the first seed team. Mike Bibby and the rest of the Hawks are better than they were during their explosive playoff appearance last season, and they have proven this by forcing Dwyane Wade and the Heat to pack their bags and rest for the summer. If there's an advantage that they had over Miami, it has to be their incredible teamwork and their smooth ball distribution that broke down the Heat defense. Whether their method will work against the raging Cavaliers is still a question, as they face a challenge that is beyond them.

Though Atlanta might prove to be strong, I don't think they can last that long against the Cavaliers. It'll be Lebron in 6.

4.Boston Celtics (2) vs. Orlando Magic (3)

Two dominating teams, and we all know that only one really make it.

The Orlando Magic, despite having a difficult time playing with the Sixers and defeating them for good, have always relied on Dwight Howard. However, during the postseason, we witnessed all of the Magic stepping up and assisting Dwight Howard. There's Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu, who were very helpful on both sides of the court. Also, there are the team snipers, ready to pull off quick treys and mid-range jumpers, such as Courtney Lee, Rafer Alston, and JJ Redick. Even without top point guard Jameer Nelson, the Magic are ready to fight until the end.

On the other hand, the Boston Celtics still cannot find their good game amidst top forward Kevin Garnett's injury. It seems that they have just been lucky enough to escape with a game 7 win over the Chicago Bulls. To look at the whole series, they are on the brink of elimination. Thanks to Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, the Celtics' go-to guys. But can the Celtics rely on them the same way as they did against the Bulls, when we mean serious business, meaning playing against lock-and-loaded Magic?

Though the Magic lack still lack the playoff experience that can equal that of the Celtics, I still think that Dwight Howard will make the difference. Magic in 7.

Own predictions, anyone?

my first public sharing at mass - 4.30.09

really a breathtaking experience. no fright, but there is just a need to hold on to the ambo as i share my thoughts.

good thing that people listened intently.

and i had to repost a piece of what i have shared (i did not really read this, and most of what i have said didn't come here.)

xxx


Mga kapatid kay Kristo, uulitin ko po ang nabanggit na noong mga nakaraang hapon. Si Hesus ang tinapay ng buhay, at siya ang matindi, mapag-aruga, at wagas na Pag-ibig ng Panginoong ating Ama.

Sa kaniyang sobrang pagmamahal sa atin, si Hesus, ang Diyos Anak, ay naging tao at nakasama natin. Isipin ninyo, ang Diyos, makapangyarihan at kayang gawin ang kahit ano, ay nagpakababa at naging katulad natin, upang makita natin at madama ang Kaniyang pag-ibig! At bukod pa roon, ibinigay niya ng buo ang Kaniyang sarili at inihandog sa atin upang tayo ay magkaroon ng bagong buhay. At kahit hanggang ngayon, inaalala at sinasariwa natin ang pagbibigay niyang ito sa Banal na Misa, kung saan tinatanggap natin si Hesus tuwing tumatanggap tayo ng Komunyon. Ibig sabihin, kapiling natin ang Panginoon. The Lord does not just watch over us. He walks with us. He is within us! Sa pagtanggap natin ng Kaniyang Katawan, tinatanggap na rin natin Siya sa ating buhay. Kasa-kasama natin Siya, sa lahat ng ating mga karanasan sa buhay, masaya man, o malungkot, o masakit, o matagumpay. Nariyan lagi ang Panginoon para sa atin, patuloy tayong binibigyan ng biyaya upang patuloy na tahakin ang landas patungo sa Kaniya, at sana po ay nadarama natin ito sa bawat sandali ng ating buhay.

That is why every moment in our life is a Jesus-moment. Sa bawat karanasan natin, kasama nating maglakad si Hesus. Sa mga masasayang sandali, kung saan tayo ay naging matagumpay sa ating mga gawain tulad ng pag-aaral, trabaho, o sa relasyon, naririyan si Hesus upang makisalo sa atin. Sa mga panahon kung saan tayo ay hindi naging matagumpay, kung saan tayo ay nagkulang o nagkamali, o sa mga pagkakataong masasabi nating “hindi lang talaga maganda ang mga nangyayari,” nariyan si Hesus upang makiisa sa atin, at bigyan tayo ng lakas at inspirasyon na magpatuloy at hindi sumuko. Sa tuwing may pinagdadaanan tayong mga pagsubok, nariyan Siya, binibigyan tayo ng lakas upang marating natin ang ating mga ninanais at pinapangarap sa buhay. Nariyan Siya.

Balikan po natin ang ating buhay. Kailan po natin tunay na naramadaman ang pag-ibig ng Panginoon, ang pag-ibig ni Hesus sa atin? Kailan natin naramdaman at nasabi sa ating sarili na “Ako ay mahal ng Panginoon!”?

Magandang gabi po sa inyong lahat.

------------------------

converse shoes

Kids of the '90s would usually go for the CONS logo, settling for cheap but durable Converse PE shoes while filling up their piggy banks for Nike or Adidas kicks.

One of the classic Converse basketballs shoes (long before the guy named Dwyane Wade caused Converse Basketball sales to skyrocket) was THE WEAPON series, which I could say were very simple yet durable and comfortable.

Chicago Bulls star Kirk Hinrich sports the red and black colorway that suits his team colors.

on the enneagram, i'm a 3

my spiritual director advised me to take online enneagram tests.

and so far, what i got (frequently) was that I am a 3.

any further explanations?

... and we've had three overtimes

ties and lead changes are the only things that matter most in this game. who leads? who tied the score?

and there goes a lot of buzzers and whistles.

ray allen was too irritating because of his fast release.

and so were the consecutive baskets made by both teams.

while kirk hinrich pissed off the chicago crowd, joakim noah pissed off pierce and the boston bench.

ben gordon came out, and so were paul pierce, kendrick perkins, and glen davis. this time, brad miller made his free throws.

while the other one, didn't make it.

but derrick rose was the difference.

this was just too good.

almost 4 hours of game time. 20+ ties and lead changes. a lot of ejected players (plus a technical foul for a rondo-hinrich quarrel).

yet i believe this one's on boston.