Kobe Bryant saves the day once again.
In his return after missing five games due to a ankle injury, Bryant won the game for the Los Angeles Lakers in Memphis tonight.
In the first quarter, Bryant and the Lakers looked so great, holding the Memphis Grizzles to 16 points and scoring 27, Bryant had 11 points that included two dunks and a four point play.
As in every basketball game, no lead is safe, after the Lakers had had a lead as high as 14 points, the Grizzles cut it by five heading in at halftime.
The second half was not the best time for the Lakers, because the Grizzles caught the Lakers and took the lead for the majority of the second half.
With the lack of effort and their big men, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum struggling with foul trouble, Los Angeles looked like they were going to drop another loss in Memphis.
Deja vu struck again, it felt like the last game the Lakers played in Memphis just three weeks ago, down by one point and less than 24 seconds left for the Lakers to win the game.
Last time, the Lakers were unsuccessful with a Ron Artest missed three from the corner after Memphis was the first successful team to force Bryant to pass up the winning shot.
This time history did not repeat itself, because Bryant was not going to let the Grizzles get in his way in his welcome back game.
With less than eight seconds left in the game, Bryant came off a Gasol screen and took a jumper beyond the three point line and swished in the winning bucket with less than two seconds.
The Grizzles had a chance to spoil the celebration for Bryant, but O.J Mayo missed a 15 footer as time expired.
Bryant now has six games where he has won the game for the Lakers, the others came against the Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavricks, Boston Celtics, and Bryant came close to winning a seventh game against the Toranto Raptors.
Los Angeles has to feel great to have their assassin back.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Manny is never boring
Without no time to waste in the first day of Spring training, "Manny being Manny," strikes again.
In the first day of the Los Angeles Dodgers Spring training, Manny Ramirez said he is probably not going to be with the team next year.
Ramirez said he doesn't believe the Dodgers want him back after his two year contract is over after the upcoming season.
All he has left to offer is being a slugger, because Ramirez is beginning the start of the end of his career.
With what Ramirez believes is just an opinion, has blown up out of prospective and people believe it is a shot at the Dodgers.
He is known for stirring up controversies, and everyone knows Ramirez loves to be in the center of attention, that is why his nickname, "Mannywood," fits him so perfect.
The season has not started for the Dodgers and Ramirez but if this is the start of many unexplainable actions Ramirez has up his sleeves, than it will be a long season for Dodger nation.
In the first day of the Los Angeles Dodgers Spring training, Manny Ramirez said he is probably not going to be with the team next year.
Ramirez said he doesn't believe the Dodgers want him back after his two year contract is over after the upcoming season.
All he has left to offer is being a slugger, because Ramirez is beginning the start of the end of his career.
With what Ramirez believes is just an opinion, has blown up out of prospective and people believe it is a shot at the Dodgers.
He is known for stirring up controversies, and everyone knows Ramirez loves to be in the center of attention, that is why his nickname, "Mannywood," fits him so perfect.
The season has not started for the Dodgers and Ramirez but if this is the start of many unexplainable actions Ramirez has up his sleeves, than it will be a long season for Dodger nation.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Smart Move Pays Off For No. 48
The Nascar Sprint Cup Chase reached the California Speedway in Fontana for the Auto Club 500 today, and Jimmie Johnson made his first move to capturing his fifth straight championship.
During the whole race, Johnson battled and won almost all the challenges he received by other drivers, after the first 20 laps, he took over first place after Juan Mantoya led most of the beginning laps, and later Mantoya would finish the race early after engine failure.
Johnson fell behind during the cautions that followed in the race, and he found himself battling fourth through sixth with other drivers with less than 100 laps to go.
With less than 25 laps left, Johnson was in the top 10 and he decided to make a pit stop, at the same time Johnson committed to pit, Brad Keselowski spun out in front of the starting/finish line.
With the bold move, Johnson was given the pass and was in first place with 19 laps to go.
With his strong racing throughout the race and his car being the best all day, Johnson was able to hold off Kevin Harvick and Jeff Burton to win the race.
During the whole race, Johnson battled and won almost all the challenges he received by other drivers, after the first 20 laps, he took over first place after Juan Mantoya led most of the beginning laps, and later Mantoya would finish the race early after engine failure.
Johnson fell behind during the cautions that followed in the race, and he found himself battling fourth through sixth with other drivers with less than 100 laps to go.
With less than 25 laps left, Johnson was in the top 10 and he decided to make a pit stop, at the same time Johnson committed to pit, Brad Keselowski spun out in front of the starting/finish line.
With the bold move, Johnson was given the pass and was in first place with 19 laps to go.
With his strong racing throughout the race and his car being the best all day, Johnson was able to hold off Kevin Harvick and Jeff Burton to win the race.
Kevin Durant's MVP Thunder Season
The 2009-2010 NBA MVP should be Kevin Durant, because the man is pulling his Oklahoma City Thunder's team to possibly their first playoff appearance since moving from Seattle as the Supersonics.
Thus far Durant is averaging 29.8 ppg, 7.5 rpg and 2.9 apg, as the Thunder currently sit in the fifth seed of the Western conference with a record of 32-21.
Durant is averaging the same amount of points as LeBron James, who is leading all scorers with 29.9 ppg.
Many had expected the Thunder to make the playoffs this year, but not as good as possibly being the fifth seed or better.
Every year the Western conference is tight heading to the final weeks of the season, and this year is no surprise as it's the same.
From seeds 2-11, the teams are bunched up within 9.5 games apart, making it difficulty for any team to secure a playoff spot anytime soon.
The Los Angeles Lakers have secured the No. 1 spot since they acquired Pau Gasol two seasons ago, so no one is even trying to challenge the Los Angeles, but the Thunder can achieve any seed the wish.
Durant is valuable to be mentioned with James and Kobe Bryant for MVP and he should win since he is on the verge of putting his Thunders into the playoffs since the team moved to Oklahoma City three years ago.
Thus far Durant is averaging 29.8 ppg, 7.5 rpg and 2.9 apg, as the Thunder currently sit in the fifth seed of the Western conference with a record of 32-21.
Durant is averaging the same amount of points as LeBron James, who is leading all scorers with 29.9 ppg.
Many had expected the Thunder to make the playoffs this year, but not as good as possibly being the fifth seed or better.
Every year the Western conference is tight heading to the final weeks of the season, and this year is no surprise as it's the same.
From seeds 2-11, the teams are bunched up within 9.5 games apart, making it difficulty for any team to secure a playoff spot anytime soon.
The Los Angeles Lakers have secured the No. 1 spot since they acquired Pau Gasol two seasons ago, so no one is even trying to challenge the Los Angeles, but the Thunder can achieve any seed the wish.
Durant is valuable to be mentioned with James and Kobe Bryant for MVP and he should win since he is on the verge of putting his Thunders into the playoffs since the team moved to Oklahoma City three years ago.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
A game the Lakers wished Kobe played
The Los Angeles Lakers played four straight games without their super star Kobe Bryant and won all of them by fashionable margins.
The fans were excited about the wins against the Portland Blazers, San Antonio Spurs, Utah Jazz and Golden State Warriors, since they came up with a new quote, "No Kobe, no problem".
A fifth game came, a game most players and fans hoped Bryant would have returned for, a game against hated the Boston Celtics. But Bryant was still rehabbing a swollen sprang ankle and he could not play another game.
Without their super star and up against a Celtics team fully healthy of their core players, the Lakers had to defend their home court as a team.
Surprisingly, the Lakers led by Lamar Odom and Ron Artest kept close to the Celtics for all of the game.
Unfortunately, Los Angeles never lead in any of the first three quarter, losing the first by three, the second by two, the third by one.
The Lakers did make a effort in the final fourth quarter to come back from seven and win the game, but failed to score in the final five minutes of the game.
Down by one point, with 2.7 seconds left and not having Bryant to take the last shot, the Lakers handed the ball to clutch shooter Derek Fisher.
Fisher got the ball, turned toward to the basket, took a few dribbles, lend into a Celtic player and attempted an awkward off balanced shot that came no near any basket.
Later Fisher said he knew the Celtics had a foul to give and that's why he lend into the player,so he can create a foul.
For the first time, the Lakers finally needed Kobe Bryant.
The fans were excited about the wins against the Portland Blazers, San Antonio Spurs, Utah Jazz and Golden State Warriors, since they came up with a new quote, "No Kobe, no problem".
A fifth game came, a game most players and fans hoped Bryant would have returned for, a game against hated the Boston Celtics. But Bryant was still rehabbing a swollen sprang ankle and he could not play another game.
Without their super star and up against a Celtics team fully healthy of their core players, the Lakers had to defend their home court as a team.
Surprisingly, the Lakers led by Lamar Odom and Ron Artest kept close to the Celtics for all of the game.
Unfortunately, Los Angeles never lead in any of the first three quarter, losing the first by three, the second by two, the third by one.
The Lakers did make a effort in the final fourth quarter to come back from seven and win the game, but failed to score in the final five minutes of the game.
Down by one point, with 2.7 seconds left and not having Bryant to take the last shot, the Lakers handed the ball to clutch shooter Derek Fisher.
Fisher got the ball, turned toward to the basket, took a few dribbles, lend into a Celtic player and attempted an awkward off balanced shot that came no near any basket.
Later Fisher said he knew the Celtics had a foul to give and that's why he lend into the player,so he can create a foul.
For the first time, the Lakers finally needed Kobe Bryant.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Hey Plushenko, real champions have class
There's an old saying that true champions don't just know how to win, they also know how to lose.
Last night in the men's figure skating free skate, Evan Lysacek skated a stronger, more well rounded program than defending Olympic champion Yevgeny Plushenko and won the gold. Plushenko had to settle for the silver.
Unfortunately, Plushenko couldn't accept this outcome with the class and sportsmanship that is expected of a competitor at his level. During the medal ceremony he shifted uncomfortably, barely waved to the crowd and rolled his eyes during "The Star Spangled Banner."
He continued his childish act by criticizing Lysacek in the post competition press conference saying, "you can't be a true men's champion without a quad." Lysacek, who is capable of a quad, chose not to do the risky jump and instead used his artistic abilities to up his score.
Someone needs to explain to Plushenko, that while the competition was close he lost fair and square. That means it's time to man up and act like the champion that you want us to think you are.
It has long been known that Plushenko is severely lacking in artistry and has always relied too heavily on his jumps. Since he took no steps to improve his talent while his competition steadily gained on him, he really has no one to blame but himself.
It is also worth noting that while Lysacek skated clean, landing all his jumps in near textbook fashion, Plushenko bobbled on his quad and was tilted in the air on many of his other jumps, lowering his grade of execution scores.
When the competition is as close as it was last night, you have to be perfect. Lysacek was and Plushenko wasn't, it's as simple as that.
Plushenko has always been cocky and obnoxious, but there is absolutely no call for the poor sportsmanship he displayed last night. He basically spit in the face of everything the Olympics stands for.
Last night in the men's figure skating free skate, Evan Lysacek skated a stronger, more well rounded program than defending Olympic champion Yevgeny Plushenko and won the gold. Plushenko had to settle for the silver.
Unfortunately, Plushenko couldn't accept this outcome with the class and sportsmanship that is expected of a competitor at his level. During the medal ceremony he shifted uncomfortably, barely waved to the crowd and rolled his eyes during "The Star Spangled Banner."
He continued his childish act by criticizing Lysacek in the post competition press conference saying, "you can't be a true men's champion without a quad." Lysacek, who is capable of a quad, chose not to do the risky jump and instead used his artistic abilities to up his score.
Someone needs to explain to Plushenko, that while the competition was close he lost fair and square. That means it's time to man up and act like the champion that you want us to think you are.
It has long been known that Plushenko is severely lacking in artistry and has always relied too heavily on his jumps. Since he took no steps to improve his talent while his competition steadily gained on him, he really has no one to blame but himself.
It is also worth noting that while Lysacek skated clean, landing all his jumps in near textbook fashion, Plushenko bobbled on his quad and was tilted in the air on many of his other jumps, lowering his grade of execution scores.
When the competition is as close as it was last night, you have to be perfect. Lysacek was and Plushenko wasn't, it's as simple as that.
Plushenko has always been cocky and obnoxious, but there is absolutely no call for the poor sportsmanship he displayed last night. He basically spit in the face of everything the Olympics stands for.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Figure skating reignites the cold war
Tonight's coverage of the Olympics is all about the men's figure skating free skate. With the top three skaters so close they're in a virtual tie, whoever wins the free skate will likely win the gold.
In first place is Yevgeny Plushenko of Russia with 90.85. He is no doubt a talented skater, however, he relies heavily on his technical abilities which leaves him vulnerable artistically.
In second place is reigning world champion Evan Lysacek of the US with 90.30. He is much stronger than Plushenko artistically and has solid technical skills. If he can put them both together, he will win gold.
Finally, in third place is Daisuke Takahashi of Japan with 90.25. He skated the short program of his life to put himself in contention for gold. He is a beautiful skater who often leaves all his emotions on the ice. If Lysacek and Plushenko falter and he skates clean, look for him to get the gold.
Since the short program Plushenko and Lysacek have exchanged trash talk in the media, with Plushenko questioning why Lysacek didn't do a quad in his short and Lysacek questioning Plushenko's artistry.
This gamesmanship has led many analysts to dub this new rivalry a new cold war.
The other part to this story is that the skaters in fourth through seventh place are only six to eight points back. So if they skate clean and one of the top skaters messes up, they have a chance to make the podium.
These skaters include Nobunari Oda of Japan, former world champion Stephane Lambiel of Switzerland, charismatic US skater Johnny Weir and Canada's own Patrick Chan.
Any one of these men is capable of winning a medal. This kind of close competition is what makes the Olympics so exciting.
The real surprise of this is that in recent years the women's competition has been the marquee event. However, I think after the excitement of the men, it will feel anti-climatic.
In first place is Yevgeny Plushenko of Russia with 90.85. He is no doubt a talented skater, however, he relies heavily on his technical abilities which leaves him vulnerable artistically.
In second place is reigning world champion Evan Lysacek of the US with 90.30. He is much stronger than Plushenko artistically and has solid technical skills. If he can put them both together, he will win gold.
Finally, in third place is Daisuke Takahashi of Japan with 90.25. He skated the short program of his life to put himself in contention for gold. He is a beautiful skater who often leaves all his emotions on the ice. If Lysacek and Plushenko falter and he skates clean, look for him to get the gold.
Since the short program Plushenko and Lysacek have exchanged trash talk in the media, with Plushenko questioning why Lysacek didn't do a quad in his short and Lysacek questioning Plushenko's artistry.
This gamesmanship has led many analysts to dub this new rivalry a new cold war.
The other part to this story is that the skaters in fourth through seventh place are only six to eight points back. So if they skate clean and one of the top skaters messes up, they have a chance to make the podium.
These skaters include Nobunari Oda of Japan, former world champion Stephane Lambiel of Switzerland, charismatic US skater Johnny Weir and Canada's own Patrick Chan.
Any one of these men is capable of winning a medal. This kind of close competition is what makes the Olympics so exciting.
The real surprise of this is that in recent years the women's competition has been the marquee event. However, I think after the excitement of the men, it will feel anti-climatic.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Shaun White is an alien
Shaun White can't be human. That's the only reasonable explanation for what he does. The way he moves on a snowboard is ridiculous.
In the finals of the men's halfpipe he was so fantastic on his first run that he had all but wrapped up the gold medal. So on his second run which turned out to be a victory lap, he busted out his signature double McTwist.
According to nbcolympics.com in a McTwist the athlete rotates 540 degrees in a backside direction while doing a forward flip. White does this move as a double, which is frankly a little insane.
The remarkable thing about White is that he is so good he advanced the sport light years ahead of where it was four years ago when he won his first gold medal. All his competitors had to up their game just to keep up with him.
His response was to go out and do a move so wicked and crazy no one could touch him. You get the sense that all the other snowboarders know that they're just competing for second place.
Now that he has two gold medals I'm wondering what could possibly be next for White as he pretty much owns snowboarding.
In the finals of the men's halfpipe he was so fantastic on his first run that he had all but wrapped up the gold medal. So on his second run which turned out to be a victory lap, he busted out his signature double McTwist.
According to nbcolympics.com in a McTwist the athlete rotates 540 degrees in a backside direction while doing a forward flip. White does this move as a double, which is frankly a little insane.
The remarkable thing about White is that he is so good he advanced the sport light years ahead of where it was four years ago when he won his first gold medal. All his competitors had to up their game just to keep up with him.
His response was to go out and do a move so wicked and crazy no one could touch him. You get the sense that all the other snowboarders know that they're just competing for second place.
Now that he has two gold medals I'm wondering what could possibly be next for White as he pretty much owns snowboarding.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
All Olympics all the time
I love the Olympics. Summer or Winter, I don't care. I watch it all. So you can imagine my excitement that the Olympics started during a four day weekend.
It all began with the opening ceremonies, which were really lovely. Everyone was wondering how Vancouver would compete with the spectacle of Beijing. However, the Vancouver ceremonies were much more intimate and wondrous than China.
The first day of competition featured the women's moguls, where the US won gold and bronze. What amazes me about the moguls is the intense beating the athletes' knees must take. You know these people have to all need surgery when their careers are over.
Day two began the first day of figure skating, which is one of my favorite sports. Chinese pair Shen and Zhao were two time bronze medalists who came out of retirement to try for gold one more time. They set a world record with their score in the short program and went on to take gold with a spectacular free skate, while their teammates Pang and Tong took the silver.
The other big story of the weekend was Apolo Ohno winning silver in short track speed skating and tying Bonnie Blair as the most decorated Winter Olympian. He was almost out of the medals when two of his competitors crashed and he and teammate J.R. Celski skated in for silver and bronze.
After only four days of competition these Olympics have proven so far to be everything that you could want from competitions at this level.
They're exciting, awe-inspiring and heart-stopping. And just think, curling hasn't even started yet.
It all began with the opening ceremonies, which were really lovely. Everyone was wondering how Vancouver would compete with the spectacle of Beijing. However, the Vancouver ceremonies were much more intimate and wondrous than China.
The first day of competition featured the women's moguls, where the US won gold and bronze. What amazes me about the moguls is the intense beating the athletes' knees must take. You know these people have to all need surgery when their careers are over.
Day two began the first day of figure skating, which is one of my favorite sports. Chinese pair Shen and Zhao were two time bronze medalists who came out of retirement to try for gold one more time. They set a world record with their score in the short program and went on to take gold with a spectacular free skate, while their teammates Pang and Tong took the silver.
The other big story of the weekend was Apolo Ohno winning silver in short track speed skating and tying Bonnie Blair as the most decorated Winter Olympian. He was almost out of the medals when two of his competitors crashed and he and teammate J.R. Celski skated in for silver and bronze.
After only four days of competition these Olympics have proven so far to be everything that you could want from competitions at this level.
They're exciting, awe-inspiring and heart-stopping. And just think, curling hasn't even started yet.
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