Hoop Nut

Sunday, May 19, 2013

2013 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals Roundup: Game 3

Wala pa ring tatalo sa Alaska. That’s probably the new go-to line of every PBA fanboy right now. After all, it sums up just how awesome the Alaska Aces have been in their quest to be this season’s Commish Cup Champions.

Don Don Hontiveros has two thumbs up after
the Aces swept the Kings in the Finals.

In retrospect, it seems this really was meant for them. They lost just three games in the eliminations to finish as the #1 seed. They exorcised their demons by beating San Mig Coffee in the semifinals, and now they completed their quest by sweeping an embattled Ginebra squad. It's a storybook tale fit for a franchise that seemed to lose its luster after going through more downs than ups in the past few seasons.

NBA West Finals Preview 2013: (2) San Antonio Spurs vs. (5) Memphis Grizzlies

What follows is a preview of the Spurs-Grizzlies West Finals series by one of our good friends here at Hoop Nut, Mr. Jay Santiago. Jay is, quite possibly, one of the most die-hard Spurs fans you'll ever meet.

This year’s Western Conference championship was supposed to be a toss-up between two teams and two teams only: the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers. Instead, both teams have now entered the offseason, and in their places are the teams that knocked them out of the playoffs – the Memphis Grizzlies and the San Antonio Spurs.

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Saturday, May 18, 2013

The 2013 Filoil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup: May 18, 2013 Roundup

Adamson trounced Benilde, UE upset UST, and San Beda won a tight one against FEU in yesterday’s Filoil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup action!

Ralf Olivarez broke out against the Growling Tigers.

Roundup:

In the day’s opener, the San Beda Red Cubs leaned on a strong fourth quarter to beat the NU Bullpups, 74-66. Arvin Tolentino was dominant, registering 21 points, 15 rebounds, and 3 blocks. The former Energen Pilipinas RP-Youth team standout is expected to be the leading candidate for the NCAA Juniors MVP this season and is rumored to be a sure-recruit for the De La Salle Green Archers next year. Fellow RP-Youth players Rev Diputado and Radge Tongco backed him up with 16 and 13 markers respectively. Former College of San Benildo stalwart Javee Mocon also did well with SEVEN blocks. On the other end, coach Jeff Napa’s wards were led by the combined 37 points of Chino Mosqueda and Hubert Cani, while the big man duo of John Cauilan and Mark Dyke paired up to haul down a total of 24 rebounds. The Cubs remained steady at 3-0, while the Bullpups absorbed their second loss in four games.

2013 East Asian Basketball Championships Roundup: Day 3

The Koreans topped Group A by beating Macau, while the Japanese advanced after a nail-biter against the Taiwanese. Also, the Chinese trampled all over Mongolia to sweep Group B.

Li Muhao and the Chinese continue to roll
in the 2013 EABA tournament.
(image from Sohu.com)

In the first game, Japan and Taiwan fought tooth-and-nail till the very end, but it was Team Hayabusa that came out on top, 71-70. By virtue of this win, Japan finishes second in Group A, advances to the semifinals, and books one of the five East Asia seats to the 2013 FIBA Asia tourney in Manila. Taiwan, on the other hand, is relegated to the battle for fifth place against Mongolia and must win that match in order to earn the last ticket to the Manila joust (provided they don’t boycott it, of course). The backcourt duo of Kosuke Kanamaru and Ryota Sakurai led Japan in this one. Kanamaru scored 15 points while Sakurai added 13 markers. Kosuke Takeuchi, who was rested in yesterday’s game versus Macau, also did well with 12 points and 8 rebounds, though he didn’t score any in the fourth period. Four players, meanwhile, scored in double-figures for Taiwan. Jet Chang was aggressive all throughout and was rewarded with a game-high 21 points, while Hung Chih-Shan and Douglas Creighton each netted a dozen markers. Star big man Tseng Wen-Ting contributed 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists in the losing effort.

Friday, May 17, 2013

The 2013 Filoil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup: May 17, 2013 Roundup

National University and De La Salle both kept their records unblemished, while Letran got back above .500 at the expense of Lyceum in the 2013 Filoil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup.

Norbert Torres and the Archers remained unbeaten
in the 2013 Filoil tourney.

Roundup:

In the day’s first game, the San Sebastian Staglets moved up to 3 wins and 1 loss after beating NCAA rivals Mapua/Malayan, 83-64. Five Baste boys scored in double-figures, led by Lorenzo Navarro’s 18 markers – all from three-point land. Rhanzel Yong and Jazneth Causon each scored a dozen points, while Cholo Loor and Alfren Gayosa netted 11 and 10 respectively. Mapua’s scoring machine, Noah Lugo, pace the Red Robins with 19 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals, while lefty playmaker Kevin Cabural added 16 markers on 8-of-10 FG shooting. Mapua’s win-loss slate is now 2-2.

2013 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals Roundup: Game 2

And just like that, Alaska is one away from its first title in three years, and, perhaps more importantly, first in the post-Time Cone era. And, man, despite the focus being put squarely on nouveau villain Calvin Abueva, the Gatas Republik have many heroes to thank for its 2-0 series lead.

The Alaska Aces hold a commanding 2-0 series
lead over the Ginebra Gin Kings.

I am rooting for Alaska here, and one big reason why is I love how Rob Dozier is just coolly outplaying Vernon Macklin in the series. Dozier, a true workhorse who doesn't look for his own offense, has been nothing short of magical. In Game 2, he scored 15 points and, more importantly, grabbed 20 rebounds and limited V-Mack to just 8 markers.

I can only imagine how frustrating this must be for Ginebra and its throngs of fans. Another game, another blowout, another loss. The Gin Kings just can't seem to solve the Alaska riddle. They are now 0-4 against the Aces this conference, losing by an average of 13.8 points. Should we even have a Game 3?

The thing is coach Luigi Trillo has a lot of Aces up his sleeve. I mean, he must feel pretty good right now. He has maybe the most consistent import in the conference, his team is just a win away from its first title in three years, and his locals, oh man, they have been nothing short of amazing. In this game, Sonny Thoss, Calvin Abueva, Cyrus Baguio, Dondon Hontiveros, and JV Casio all scored 13 or more points. Wow. What's the quintessential Alaska jingle again?

Wala pa ring tatalo...

2013 East Asian Basketball Championships Roundup: Day 2

The Koreans continued to roll, while Japan and Hong Kong earned their first wins in Day Two of the 2013 EABA Championships in Incheon, South Korea.

Lee Jong-Hyun slams one home against the Taiwanese.

In the first game, the hosts bucked a slow start to dispose of the pesky Taiwanese, 78-56. Taiwan, led by big man Tseng Wen-Ting and swingman Tsai Wen-Cheng, had a fast start, leading the Koreans, 21-15, after the first quarter. That advantage didn’t last very long, however, as Heo Il-Young and Doo Kung-Min spearheaded a second quarter rally that saw SoKor take the lead into the half, 37-31. Taiwan continued to struggle in the second half as the Koreans pulled away for their second win in as many games. Taiwan, meanwhile, fell to 1-1. Heo hit 3 triples and led SoKor with 13 points, while Doo added a dozen markers. 21-year old 6’7 reserve big man Lee Seoung-Hyun contributed 11 points and 10 rebounds. Tsai was the only one to score in double-figures for the losing side with 13 markers.

The NBA: 2013 Playoffs: Spurs to the WCF, Knicks Survive

Ginobili and Parker shot poorly in Game 6 but they combined for 19 assists
(Image from: Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

#WCF #MovingOn #clutch
The Spurs are back in the Western Finals for the 2nd straight year after beating the Warriors in 6 games. They will have a chance to avenge their 2011 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. This win was a complete team effort with all their starters scoring in double digits led by the ageless Tim Duncan. Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili struggled shooting (combined 4-22) but they came up with 19 assists to keep their teammates involved. Parker had a big 4th quarter and was clutch as usual with 8 points in the last 5 minutes including 2 threes, a shot which he rarely takes and makes. Kawhi Leonard (16 points) and Tiago Splitter (14 points) had solid games to compensate for Manu finishing with just 2 points. The Warriors came close to sending this series to a Game 7 but they could not connect on a bunch of threes that rolled in and out. The Dubs were relying on isolation plays and ended up hoisting contested long jumpers. In the end, the Spurs made the big shots while the Warriors will have this summer to get better.

#DubNation #SplashBrothers #StandingOvation
The Dubs finished the season with a loss but overall, their season was a success. Not a lot of people expected them to reach the playoffs (I predicted them to make it) but the Warriors overachieved. GSW grabbed the 6th seed in the West and they managed to upset the Denver Nuggets in the first round without David Lee. They gave the Spurs a big scare and if they did not have an epic collapse in Game 1, maybe the Warriors win this series. Steph Curry cemented himself as a rising superstar and if his ankles stay healthy, Curry could easily be a top 10 player. Klay Thompson improved during his 2nd year and his defense was solid. Klay is already arguably in the Top 5 of shootings guards (Kobe, Wade, Harden, Iggy). Harrison Barnes had a successful postseason as a rookie. Barnes had better numbers in the playoffs in all major offensive categories compared to his so-so regular season. Jarrett Jack proved to be a clutch performer and a savvy leader while Carl Landry was solid off the bench. They were the most exciting team to watch in the playoffs and it's too bad they are gone.

#WinorGoHome #Stayin'Alive
The Knicks got to extend the series to 6 games. Carmelo Anthony made some big shots and he scored 28 points after taking 28 shots. Melo still relied on isos and he finished with ZERO assists. That lack of ball movement needs to improve if the Knicks want to win in Indiana on Saturday. The Knicks also got a lucky break when George Hill missed this game due to concussion symptoms. Hill was amazing in Game 4 when he had 26 points. DJ Augustin started and the Pacers fell behind early. Indy could not get closer than 4 points due to their 19 turnovers and 36% shooting. The Knicks finally got some production from JR Smith who had 13 points and 6 boards. The biggest surprise was the added production from Chris Copeland who had 13 points in 19 minutes. Copeland was getting less than 8 minutes and 3.8 points in the previous 4 games before stepping up big in Game 5. On other hand, Jason Kidd (5 minutes) and Amare Stoudemire (7 minutes) got limited action. They need to provide something IF they get to play again. Paul George had 23 points, 6 boards and 6 dimes in the loss. PG has been playing a lot better than Melo and he has been far more efficient and a better all-around player. That cannot continue if the Knicks want to advance.

#Stats #News

Only 8 teams have won a series after being down 3-1
Ginobili shot below 35% in the series and averaged 10 points
Thompson averaged 10 points in his last 4 games after scoring 34 in Game 2
Jason Kidd is still scorless in the series (0-8 FGs)
Pacers bench got outscored 35-10
Paul George

#Player of the Night
Kawhi Leonard (Spurs) - 16 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals AND a clutch three

#Highlights of the Night
Kawhi goes sky-high
Hibbert continues to dominate Chandler

#Tweets of the Night

‏@GaryPayton_20

Great season for @JacksonMark13 and the young Warriors....Spurs are just too tough and experienced. Kawhi is a player

‏@Rachel__Nichols

Knicks JR Smith in response to Rihanna-drama: "I'm not worried about Instagram. I'm worried about the playoffs"

Thursday, May 16, 2013

2013 East Asian Basketball Championships Roundup: Day 1

Today was the inaugural day of competitions in the 2013 East Asian Basketball Championships (EABC), and it saw a trio of blowouts as China, South Korea, and Taiwan came out as early winners.

Kim Jong-Kyu slams one home as Korea had an
easy time trouncing Japan.

In the first game, Taiwan ran roughshod over Macau, 108-32, thanks to the 28 points of Jet Chang. Chang shot 10-of-17 from the field and added 4 steals for good measure, while Lin Chin-Pang added 17 markers in a supporting role off the bench. Lin Kuan-Lun and Lin Yi-Huei also added 10 points apiece. Nobody scored more than 7 points for the Macanese, who appeared severely outmatched throughout the entire game.

The NBA: 2013 Playoffs: Heat, Grizz Advance!

The Battle of Marquette alumni Butler and Wade ended in Game 5 with
D-Wade having his best game in the series
(Image from: USA Today)

#OntotheNext #WoW
The Heat had a big 18-point lead in the 1st quarter and appeared headed for an easy win and a laugher. The Bulls had other ideas and never quit. Miami took their foot of the gas pedal and went on cruise control. Chicago made them pay with a 24-point turnaround that gave the Bulls a 6-point lead at the half. The Bulls were in control during the 4th quarter until D-Wade (Way of Wade) and the Heat decided to turn up the intensity and effort. Wade has been a non-factor for the first 4 games and could have rested for Game 5 due to a bad knee. Good thing Wade decided to play because he helped the Heat overcome the Bulls. Wade had 6 points, a couple of rebounds and a bigtime putback dunk to propel Miami to the win. He also played great defense down the stretch on Butler and Hamilton. Credit to the Bulls for giving the Heat a big scare and this was a tough series. If the Bulls were healthy, then maybe this could have been 7 games.

#Heart #InjuriesSuck
The Bulls battled hard without 3 starters (Deng, Hinrich, Rose) and they almost stretched the series to another game. They played with sheer determination and all heart. You could never count them out and their effort was palpable. Miami had more talent and more players. Chicago could not keep pace with all their missing players and fatigue caught up with them. The Bulls only played 6 deep and that included Hamilton playing major minutes, the same guy who did not play the first 3 games of the series. Critics and fans will lament the fact the Derrick Rose did not play even once. Personally, I thought that Rose should only play if he was ready mentally and emotionally. It does not matter that team doctors declared him physically ready. The decision should be up to Rose and if he felt he was not ready, then dont play at all. The Bulls were not going to beat the Heat even if Rose played during the series. It was safer to save himself for next season and go through training camp and preseason games. Maybe the Bulls have a better chance vs the Heat next year.

#GritnGrind #Z-Bo
The Grizzlies are going to the West Finals and they avenged their 2011 loss to the Thunder. Randolph led Memphis with 28 and 14 as he dominated the Thunder in the paint. OKC played small ball for most of the game which allowed Z-Bo and Marc Gasol to run rampant in the post. There were defensive possessions that had Durant guarding Gasol. It almost worked for the Thunder as they managed to cut a 14-point deficit down to 2 points during the final seconds. Kevin Durant tried to do it all but he was fatigued and shot poorly for the whole game and series. KD had a shot for the tie but he missed an open jumper. The Grizzlies escaped with a win due to their great defense and advantage on talent. Mike Conley has emerged as a Top 10 point guard in the NBA while Tony Allen and Marc Gasol continue to play awesome defense. The Grizzlies are definitely an elite team in the West and they have a realistic shot of making the NBA Finals regardless of who their next opponent will be.

#Harden #Westbrook #Ibaka #Perkins
The Thunder failed to advance to the next round without Russell Westbrook. They were not deep enough to compensate for his injury. Serge Ibaka and Kevin Martin did not elevate their games to another level while Durant struggled with the extra defensive attention that the Grizzlies threw at him. Durant was not ready to carry the team by himself and his teammates failed to offer enough support. Now, the Thunder has to wonder if they did the right thing in trading Harden. I thought it was a BIG mistake to trade Harden at the start of last season. I felt that OKC should have at least tried one more year with their Big 3. That opportunity has vanished and next year could even be tougher. It was also a regretful decision to pick Ibaka (signed to a long contract) over Harden. The Thunder should have amnestied Kendrick Perkins last season which would allow them to have more flexibility with the salary cap. That extra money could have swayed Harden to stay and re-sign with the Thunder during the off-season.

#Stats #News

Wade was averaging 11 points in the first 4 games of the series
Butler played 48 minutes in 3 of the 5 games
Nate Robinson finished the series shooting 33% after going 0-12 in Game 4
Durant struggled shooting vs the Grizzlies, 42% from the field, 78% FTs
Randolph averaged 19 and 11 vs the Thunder
Sacramento will keep the Kings

#Player of the Night
Zach Randolph (Grizzlies) - 28 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists

#Highlights of the Night
Cole-Blooded Lefty Dunk
Prince over the Thunder

#Tweets of the Night

‏@BillSimmons

This tweet is going to be short for me, I have a game to get to in Oklahoma City. Anyway, congrats to Thibs + the Bulls for a great season.

‏@ramonashelburne

Caught Russell Westbrook leaving arena. "It's a little emotional right now, " he said. "but Ill be back. I'll be back"