Despite dislocating a finger in the early part of the game, Kobe was able to outplay Lebron in a showdown between the top teams in the NBA leading the Lakers to a 105-88 victory against the Cavs.
Western Conference leader Los Angeles Lakers snapped a two-game losing skid bringing the Cleveland Cavaliers down the second spot of the Eastern Conference(Behind Orlando).
Bryant dished out 12 assists and scored 20 points including seven of the Lakers' 11-1 run at the fourth quarter. James scored 23 points and shot 9 out of 25 from the field, not enough to add up to their winning streak against the Lakers.
Lakers now improved to 32-8 while the Cavaliers dropped to 31-8. Orlando leads the NBA with 33-8 while the reigning champs, Boston, has 34-9.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Friday, October 31, 2008
Pacquiao vs. Dela Hoya: Is it Possible?
It has been quite a while since we've heard rumors about Pacman facing The Golden Boy but now it's official. Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao will face Oscar "the Golden Boy" dela Hoya at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on December 6, 2008.
The announcement has been made, but the question still remains: Can Pacquiao take on a boxer four inches taller and heavier by 4 or 5 weight classes?
Many Filipino boxing fans are afraid about this risky move by Manny. Obviously, Dela Hoya is bigger, much stronger and more experienced. Maybe Pacquiao is a strong puncher himself and has handled tons of hard punches in his career but he has yet to experience a punch of a jr. middleweight like Dela Hoya.
As far as I know, it will not be Dela Hoya's first time to fight in the 147 lb. division while Pacquiao will still have to put himself 2 weight classes up to reach this weight. Pacquiao has only fought somewhere near the 125 lb. division over his past few fights. That's why many still think that Dela Hoya has the advantage.
Dela Hoya still has the advantage physically, he's bigger and much stronger, but it doesn't mean that Pacquiao is setting himself into an impossible aim. I personally think that he's the more skilled boxer. And anything in this world can be achieved, that's if you want it badly enough and you're willing to pay the price. If Pacquiao will train hard and be able to use his speed, power and agility against Dela Hoya, he'll have a higher chance of winning and shocking the world.
This will certainly be a gigantic event as the whole world witness a "David vs. Goliath" duel between two of the greatest pound for pound boxers in the world.
The announcement has been made, but the question still remains: Can Pacquiao take on a boxer four inches taller and heavier by 4 or 5 weight classes?
Many Filipino boxing fans are afraid about this risky move by Manny. Obviously, Dela Hoya is bigger, much stronger and more experienced. Maybe Pacquiao is a strong puncher himself and has handled tons of hard punches in his career but he has yet to experience a punch of a jr. middleweight like Dela Hoya.
As far as I know, it will not be Dela Hoya's first time to fight in the 147 lb. division while Pacquiao will still have to put himself 2 weight classes up to reach this weight. Pacquiao has only fought somewhere near the 125 lb. division over his past few fights. That's why many still think that Dela Hoya has the advantage.
Dela Hoya still has the advantage physically, he's bigger and much stronger, but it doesn't mean that Pacquiao is setting himself into an impossible aim. I personally think that he's the more skilled boxer. And anything in this world can be achieved, that's if you want it badly enough and you're willing to pay the price. If Pacquiao will train hard and be able to use his speed, power and agility against Dela Hoya, he'll have a higher chance of winning and shocking the world.
This will certainly be a gigantic event as the whole world witness a "David vs. Goliath" duel between two of the greatest pound for pound boxers in the world.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Congratulations Vishy!
The best of 12 championship match between GM Viswanathan Anand and former champion GM Vladimir Kramnik has finally come to an end with Anand retaining his title garnering a score of 6.5/11.
Anand had a commanding 3 point lead at the first half of the match winning games 3 and 5 as black and 6 as white and the rest are draws. Kramnik scored his first and only victory in game 10 playing the Nimzo-Indian opening.
The 11th and last game was a surprise to Kramnik after Anand chose to open with his pet, the sicilian. After the 24th move, Kramnik decided to offer a draw after seeing that Anand had established a slightly better position.
It's Anand's third time to win the title and is now the undisputed world champion in chess.
Position after 24 ...Be3 (Anand vs. Kramnik 11th game)
For the complete game with commentary, go to chess.com
Anand had a commanding 3 point lead at the first half of the match winning games 3 and 5 as black and 6 as white and the rest are draws. Kramnik scored his first and only victory in game 10 playing the Nimzo-Indian opening.
The 11th and last game was a surprise to Kramnik after Anand chose to open with his pet, the sicilian. After the 24th move, Kramnik decided to offer a draw after seeing that Anand had established a slightly better position.
It's Anand's third time to win the title and is now the undisputed world champion in chess.
Position after 24 ...Be3 (Anand vs. Kramnik 11th game)
For the complete game with commentary, go to chess.com
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Kobe or LeBron?
When asked "who's the best player in the game" who would you have in mind? Most of you would probably choose between Kobe and Lebron.
One has been in the league for 12 years, wears three NBA championship rings, and named last season's Most Valuable Player. Not to mention the 81 point night he had against the Raptors (which is the 2nd highest individual scoring game in NBA history). The other has been in the league for only 5 years, named rookie of the year in his first season, was one of the front runners for NBA Most Valuable Player, led the NBA in scoring last season and now earns the nickname "The King".
There are many differences between these two extremely talented individuals. First is the experience. One won't have a good understanding on things he has yet to experience. That's why during critical points of the game you would go with Kobe than Lebron. Kobe has been in professional basketball since 1996 and you know that he has done tons of miraculous game winning shots through out his career. He can beat you off the dribble and attack the basket or maybe pump-fake you three times and shoot a fade-away 3-pointer left handed with two defenders and hands in front of his face. Lebron, without a doubt, is also reliable but there's a chance that he gets fouled and fail both free throws where Kobe also has an edge.
Size is also a big difference. Lebron stands 2 inches taller and about 50 pounds heavier than Kobe. With this advantage coupled with speed, Lebron will be able to attack the basket easier and more powerful.
There's also a significant difference between the two when it comes to shooting the ball. Kobe, undoubtedly, favors this one. He can shoot from beyond the arc way better than Lebron and connects his free throws at a higher percentage. He also holds the NBA record for the most 3 point shots (with 12) made in a game. That's why in situations where your team is down three with 10 seconds to go, you better give it to #24 than #23. I think Lebron should still work with his mid-range and 3-point shooting.
There are also some distinctions when it comes to their style of play on the court. Kobe is more of an individual player who could carry the entire load along. He's the type who may miss five consecutive shots but will come back with ten shots in a row. Lebron is more of a passer. Many compare him to Magic Johnson for his sharp court vision. Even his teammates themselves get surprised with his flashy passes.
I have to admit it, I enjoy watching both of them but I'm really more of a Kobe Bryant fan. I only started watching the NBA during the last LA Championship year (Beating the Nets 4-0 in the finals). I was 9 years old back then and i slowly got attracted to the game watching Kobe and the Lakers. But with Lebron James only with his sixth NBA season, we've already seen a lot. He became the NBA rookie of the year, has led the league in scoring and became a member of the USA Olympic team, the "Redeem Team" where he plays together with Kobe. It really is difficult to choose between them. But with the experience that Kobe has, I think he still has a slight edge over Lebron. Lebron may also want to improve some areas of his game particularly his shooting.
They may have a lot of dissimilarities when it comes to playing the game but obviously they're both amazing to watch. With Kobe's fancy spin moves, miraculous game winning shots, "in-your-face" fade-away shots and Lebron's flashy passes and emphatic facial slam dunks, what's not to love? Truly, NBA is where amazing happens.
One has been in the league for 12 years, wears three NBA championship rings, and named last season's Most Valuable Player. Not to mention the 81 point night he had against the Raptors (which is the 2nd highest individual scoring game in NBA history). The other has been in the league for only 5 years, named rookie of the year in his first season, was one of the front runners for NBA Most Valuable Player, led the NBA in scoring last season and now earns the nickname "The King".
There are many differences between these two extremely talented individuals. First is the experience. One won't have a good understanding on things he has yet to experience. That's why during critical points of the game you would go with Kobe than Lebron. Kobe has been in professional basketball since 1996 and you know that he has done tons of miraculous game winning shots through out his career. He can beat you off the dribble and attack the basket or maybe pump-fake you three times and shoot a fade-away 3-pointer left handed with two defenders and hands in front of his face. Lebron, without a doubt, is also reliable but there's a chance that he gets fouled and fail both free throws where Kobe also has an edge.
Size is also a big difference. Lebron stands 2 inches taller and about 50 pounds heavier than Kobe. With this advantage coupled with speed, Lebron will be able to attack the basket easier and more powerful.
There's also a significant difference between the two when it comes to shooting the ball. Kobe, undoubtedly, favors this one. He can shoot from beyond the arc way better than Lebron and connects his free throws at a higher percentage. He also holds the NBA record for the most 3 point shots (with 12) made in a game. That's why in situations where your team is down three with 10 seconds to go, you better give it to #24 than #23. I think Lebron should still work with his mid-range and 3-point shooting.
There are also some distinctions when it comes to their style of play on the court. Kobe is more of an individual player who could carry the entire load along. He's the type who may miss five consecutive shots but will come back with ten shots in a row. Lebron is more of a passer. Many compare him to Magic Johnson for his sharp court vision. Even his teammates themselves get surprised with his flashy passes.
I have to admit it, I enjoy watching both of them but I'm really more of a Kobe Bryant fan. I only started watching the NBA during the last LA Championship year (Beating the Nets 4-0 in the finals). I was 9 years old back then and i slowly got attracted to the game watching Kobe and the Lakers. But with Lebron James only with his sixth NBA season, we've already seen a lot. He became the NBA rookie of the year, has led the league in scoring and became a member of the USA Olympic team, the "Redeem Team" where he plays together with Kobe. It really is difficult to choose between them. But with the experience that Kobe has, I think he still has a slight edge over Lebron. Lebron may also want to improve some areas of his game particularly his shooting.
They may have a lot of dissimilarities when it comes to playing the game but obviously they're both amazing to watch. With Kobe's fancy spin moves, miraculous game winning shots, "in-your-face" fade-away shots and Lebron's flashy passes and emphatic facial slam dunks, what's not to love? Truly, NBA is where amazing happens.
Monday, October 27, 2008
NBA - Where Amazing Happens
With the end of the NBA Preseason comes an even more exciting Regular Season which will tip-off on October 28, 2008. It will feature Los Angeles vs Portland, Boston vs Cleveland and Chicago vs Milwaukee as it's season openers.
The LA vs Portland game is the one that I, and many other Laker fans, highly anticipate. It surely is a good season opener especially with number 24 on the Lakers' line up and with the addition of the 7 footer Greg Oden of Ohio State on the Blazers Roster. Oden is the first overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft but this will be considered his rookie season since he missed the whole 2007-2008 season due to a knee injury.
The Boston vs Cleveland game will also be a good one. Both teams were in the last season's playoffs which ended up with Celtics winning the eastern conference and eventually grabbing the championship trophy. Boston will try to defend their title as NBA champs this season and attempt to do what has not been done by Celtics in 40 years, to win back-to-back NBA Championships. On the other hand, The King and the rest of the Cavs, like all other NBA teams, will try to take it from them.
The LA vs Portland game is the one that I, and many other Laker fans, highly anticipate. It surely is a good season opener especially with number 24 on the Lakers' line up and with the addition of the 7 footer Greg Oden of Ohio State on the Blazers Roster. Oden is the first overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft but this will be considered his rookie season since he missed the whole 2007-2008 season due to a knee injury.
The Boston vs Cleveland game will also be a good one. Both teams were in the last season's playoffs which ended up with Celtics winning the eastern conference and eventually grabbing the championship trophy. Boston will try to defend their title as NBA champs this season and attempt to do what has not been done by Celtics in 40 years, to win back-to-back NBA Championships. On the other hand, The King and the rest of the Cavs, like all other NBA teams, will try to take it from them.
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