NBA Daily Blog Eastern Conference Finals: Heat win in a overtime thriller against the Celtics in Game 2 115-111. Heat now up 2-0

LeBron James drives on Mickael Pietrus

Photo ©NBA.com

The Miami Heat survive in overtime as they defeat the Boston Celtics in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals at the American Airlines Arena 115-111. The Heat trailed by as many as 15 points, and led by as many as 11 points at one stretch. They also missed free throws down the stretch, but they were able to hold off the Celtics in the final minutes of overtime. The Heat now lead the series 2-0 as the series shifts to Boston for Game 3 on June 2, as the Celtics would look to regroup on their home floor.

LeBron James led the Heat with a near triple-double 34 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists on 7-20 FG shooting, 2-6 3PT shooting, and 18-24 FT shooting. Dwayne Wade added 23 points (21 in the 2nd half and overtime) with 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks on 8-15 FG shooting, and 7-11 FT shooting. Mario Chalmers added 22 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds and 2 steals on 8-16 FG shooting, and 3-6 3PT shooting. Udonis Haslem off the bench finished with a double-double 13 points and 11 rebounds with 2 steals. Shane Battier scored 9 points.

Rajon Rondo led the Celtics with a near triple-double 44 points (career high), 10 assists and 8 rebounds with 3 steals on 16-24 FG shooting, 2-2 3PT shooting, and 10-12 FT shooting while playing the whole game (53 minutes of playing time). Paul Pierce added 21 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists before fouling out in the 4th quarter while shooting 8-19 from the field and 5-6 at the line. Kevin Garnett added 18 points and 4 rebounds. Ray Allen added 13 points and 5 assists. Brandon Bass added 8 points and 10 rebounds.

2012 NBA Playoffs Bracket (as of 12:43 PHT)

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

#1 Spurs vs #2 Thunder (Spurs lead series 2-0)

Game 3: June 1, 9:00 am PHT on Basketball TV and NBA Premium TV, delayed telecast on ABS-CBN 10:00 am PHT (replay on Studio 23 9:30 pm PHT)

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

#2 Heat vs #4 Celtics (Heat lead series 2-0)
Game 3: June 2, 8:30 am PHT on Basketball TV and NBA Premium TV, delayed telecast on ABS-CBN 10:00 am PHT (replay on Studio 23 9:30 pm PHT)

K-Smoove

NBA Daily Blog Western Conference Finals: Spurs take Game 2 vs Thunder 120-111. Spurs extend win streak to 20, stays perfect 10-0 in the playoffs.

Tony Parker shoots over Kevin Durant

Photo ©NBA.com

The San Antonio Spurs keep on winning in the 2012 NBA Playoffs as they defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals at the AT&T Center 120-111. The Spurs have now won 20 straight games (10 straight in the playoffs) which is one of the best winning streaks in NBA history. Excellent ball movement and hot shooting won the game for the Spurs as they beat the Thunder in assists 27-19 and field goal pecentage 55.1%-42.0%. The series now shifts to Oklahoma City on June 1 as the Thunder would look to bounce back on their home floor.

Tony Parker led the Spurs with 34 points, 8 assists and 3 rebounds on 16-21 FG shooting. Manu Ginobili off the bench added 20 points and 4 assists. Rookie Kawhi Leonard finished with a double-double 18 points and 10 rebounds with 2 blocks. Tim Duncan also finished with a double-double 11 points and 12 rebounds with 6 assists and 4 blocks. Danny Green added 10 points and 5 rebounds.

Kevin Durant led the Thunder with 31 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks. James Harden off the bench added 30 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals before fouling out in the 4th quarter. Russell Westbrook added 27 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds. Derek Fisher added 10 points and 3 rebounds.

2012 NBA Playoffs Bracket (as of 12:19 PHT)

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

#1 Spurs vs #2 Thunder (Spurs lead series 2-0)

Game 3: June 1, 9:00 am PHT on Basketball TV and NBA Premium TV, delayed telecast on ABS-CBN 10:00 am PHT (replay on Studio 23 9:30 pm PHT)

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

#2 Heat vs #4 Celtics (Heat lead series 1-0)
Game 2: May 31, 8:30 am PHT on Basketball TV and NBA Premium TV, delayed telecast on ABS-CBN 10:00 am PHT (replay on Studio 23 9:30 pm PHT)

K-Smoove

NBA Daily Blog Eastern Conference Finals: Heat take Game 1 vs the Celtics 93-79.

LeBron James drives on Mickael Pietrus

Photo ©NBA.com

The Miami Heat begin the Eastern Conference Finals with a victory in Game 1 over the Boston Celtics at the American Airlines Arena 93-79. The Heat outscored the Celtics 47-33 in the second half after the game was tied at 46 at halftime. Game 2 will be played in Miami on May 31.

LeBron James led the Heat with a double-double 32 points and 13 rebounds with 3 assists and 3 blocks. Dwayne Wade added 22 points, 7 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 blocks. Shane Battier also finished with a double-double 10 points and 10 rebounds with 2 blocks. Mario Chalmers added 9 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Mike Miller off the bench scored 8 points.

Kevin Garnett led the Celtics with a double-double 23 points and 10 rebounds. Rajon Rondo added 16 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists. Paul Pierce added 12 points and 3 assists. Brandon Bass scored 8 points.

2012 NBA Playoffs Bracket (as of 11:37 PHT)

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

#1 Spurs vs #2 Thunder (Spurs lead series 1-0)
Game 2: May 30, 9:00 am PHT on Basketball TV and NBA Premium TV, delayed telecast on ABS-CBN 10:00 am PHT (replay on Studio 23 9:30 pm PHT)

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

#2 Heat vs #4 Celtics (Heat lead series 1-0)

Game 2: May 31, 8:30 am PHT on Basketball TV and NBA Premium TV, delayed telecast on ABS-CBN 10:00 am PHT (replay on Studio 23 9:30 pm PHT)

K-Smoove

The last Frappuccino Happy Hour. I finish 4 for 5.

Photos ©Karl Carandang

Today is the final day of the promo of Starbucks called Frappuccino Happy Hour. Like I said in my previous blog, the price of Frappuccinos are discounted by 50%, so it was worth buying coffee on discounted prices, especially on a regular day it does cost a fortune. So I left home and went to a nearby Starbucks branch and I bought coffee not only for myself, but also for my little brother. I had it "To Go" so I can enjoy it at my home. I had the usual Coffee Jelly Frappuccino while I bought my little brother a Decaf Mocha Frappuccino. I was able to save P156 on these two cups of coffee. It could have cost me P310 if I bought these on a regular day. So at the end of the promo period, I've been on 4 of the 5 Frappuccino Happy Hour days from April 30 until today. I really took advantage of this promo they have to enjoy a cup of coffee on generous servings of Coffee Jelly.

As of the moment, I'm enjoying this cup of coffee. Like I said, today's the last day. So if you want to take advantage of cheaper Frapps, head to a Starbucks branch near you before 6pm tonight when the promo ends.

Fueled by coffee.

K-Smoove

NBA Daily Blog Western Conference Finals: Spurs keep winning. 19 straight wins. Wins Game 1 vs the Thunder 101-98.

Manu Ginobili drives on Daequan Cook

Photo ©NBA.com

The San Antonio Spurs continue their winning ways, they have now won 19 straight games (last 10 games of the regular season, 9 straight in the playoffs) as they take Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the AT&T Center 101-98. The Spurs outscored the Thunder 35-18 in the 4th quarter to pick up the win. Game 2 will be played in San Antonio on May 30.

Manu Ginobili off the bench led the Spurs with 26 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Tony Parker added 18 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals. Tim Duncan finished with a double-double 16 points and 11 rebounds. Gary Neal scored 12 points. Tiago Splitter added 9 points and 6 rebounds.

Kevin Durant led the Thunder with a double-double 27 points and 10 rebounds with 4 assists, 3 blocks and 2 steals. James Harden off the bench added 19 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals. Russell Westbrook added 17 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 blocks. Derek Fisher scored 13 points.

2012 NBA Playoffs Bracket (as of 11:26 PHT)

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

#1 Spurs vs #2 Thunder (Spurs lead series 1-0)
Game 2: May 30, 9:00 am PHT on NBA Premium TV

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

#2 Heat vs #4 Celtics
Game 1: May 29, 8:30 am PHT on NBA Premium TV and Studio 23

K-Smoove

NBA Daily Blog Playoff Edition: Celtics advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, beats the 76ers in Game 7 85-75.

Rajon Rondo lays it in

Photo ©NBA/Celtics.com

The Boston Celtics advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the third time in five seasons as they defeat the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 7 of their second round series at the TD Garden 85-75. The Celtics will now face the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals with Game 1 of that series to be played down in Miami on May 29. For the second straight season, a #8 team gets knocked out in the second round by a #4 team in 7 games (Last year, the #8 team in the West, the Memphis Grizzlies got knocked out in 7 games against the #4 team the Oklahoma City Thunder)

Rajon Rondo led the Celtics with a triple-double 18 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists with 3 steals, including 11 points in the final minutes of the 4th quarter after Paul Pierce fouled out with 4:16 left in the 4th and the Celtics led by only 3 points 71-68. Kevin Garnett finished with a double-double 18 points and 13 rebounds with 2 steals. Brandon Bass scored 16 points. Pierce added 15 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks and 2 steals. Ray Allen added 11 points and 4 rebounds.

Andre Iguodala led the 76ers with 18 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Jrue Holiday added 15 points, 9 assists and 5 steals. Elton Brand also scored 15 points with 6 rebounds before fouling out in the 4th quarter. Lou Williams off the bench scored 7. Thaddeus Young pulled down 10 rebounds with 6 points.

2012 NBA Playoffs Bracket (as of 13:01 PHT)

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

#1 Spurs vs #2 Thunder
Game 1: May 28, 8:30 am PHT Channel TBD

EASTERN CONFERENCE

#4 Celtics vs #8 76ers

BOSTON CELTICS WINS SERIES 4-3

#2 Heat vs #4 Celtics

Game 1: May 29, 8:30 am PHT Channel TBD

#2 Heat vs #3 Pacers

MIAMI HEAT WINS SERIES 4-2

K-Smoove

A 5' 9.5'' dude on a lazy Satuday says Thank You PEEPS! ;)

This is my 75th blog entry, we take a break from NBA action since there are no games today. So yes, my blog is swinging well. My Blogger blog is about to reach 2,000 views all-time, and my WordPress blog is about to reach 1,200 views all-time. While my "Some tips worth taking for our UST Freshies" blog entry on Blogger recently passed the 500 views mark, the WordPress version is nearing the 200 views mark. I also want to say Yo! to my 3 blog followers on Blogger and 14 blog followers on WordPress. If you have a Blogger and/or WordPress blog, please don't forget to follow my blog. I follow back. Once the NBA season is over, expect more things about my life journey soon.

So yesterday, our family went for a physical examination at the clinic. We took a blood test, x-ray, cleaning of our teeth, and other physical tests. It was also on the examinations I found out that I'm 5 feet and 9.5 inches tall. I'm as tall as NBA player Nate Robinson (though I can't jump as high as he is). I'm still hoping that I could get as high as 6 feet tall. But also, I needed to gain a little more weight to compensate my height spark. Like they say, It's a free country, You can do what you want. I just remembered I used to be a chubby kid before the height spark came along. True enough, I came a long way from that time in my life.


I had another great time at Shakey's, the food and the service was great like our previous visits and we love to come back again. On Tropical Bacon pizza, Mojos and rootbeer, I have one happy tummy.

I hope I can go back to Starbucks on the last day of the Frappuccino Happy Hour this coming Monday and take advantage once again of half-priced coffee. If that happens, I would be 4 for 5 on Frappuccino Happy Hour this year.

There is only 16 days left before I head back to school. I don't have clear ideas of what to do to make these days count. But I'll do my best to make it all worth it. Of course, I can't wait to see my PEEPS in UST from my classmates, batchmates and other people around the university.

Once again, I thank the PEEPS for visiting my thought ladder since I returned to blogging last month, and I hope you come back to check on all my future posts here.

MAKE PEACE, NOT WAR.
K-Smoove

NBA Daily Blog Playoff Edition: Heat advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, defeats the Pacers in Game 6 105-93.

Dwayne Wade lays it in over Roy Hibbert

Photo ©NBA.com

The Miami Heat advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second straight season as they defeat the Indiana Pacers to take the series 4-2 in Game 6 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse 105-93. The Heat will face the winner in the other second round series between the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers where Game 7 of that series will be played in Boston on May 27.

Dwayne Wade led the Heat with a double-double 41 points and 10 rebounds with 3 assists and 2 steals. LeBron James added 28 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds and 3 steals. Mario Chalmers scored 15 points. Mike Miller off the bench scored 12.

David West led the Pacers with 24 points and 5 rebounds. George Hill added 18 points, 5 assists and 2 steals. Danny Granger added 15 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Roy Hibbert added 12 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks. Paul George finished with a double-double 11 points and 10 rebounds.

2012 NBA Playoffs Bracket (as of 13:27 PHT)

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

#1 Spurs vs #2 Thunder
Game 1: May 28, 8:30 am PHT Channel TBD

EASTERN CONFERENCE

#4 Celtics vs #8 76ers (Series tied 3-3)
Game 7: May 27, 8:00 am PHT Channel TBD

#2 Heat vs #3 Pacers
MIAMI HEAT WINS SERIES 4-2

K-Smoove

Enrollment day blues. Thank God we have a good schedule.

So today was Enrollment Day for me and the rest of my classmates, batchmates, as well as the sophomores and some seniors of our entire college at the University of Santo Tomas. I had to wake up and leave early to avoid the traffic jam on the way down to school.

The enrollment time was from 11am to 2pm, but I was on campus as early as 9:30 am. It was a mixed that, it was raining when I left home, but the sun was shining hard when I got on campus. I joined in with my troupe and some of my classmates to get enrolled. It was like a "race" as we wanted to go ahead with the rest so we can finish early and do more things afterwards. Enrollment was a snap like the past few years, from 5-10 minutes, it was finished.

Afterwards, we went to chill out a bit at a store nearby. I just came for the chill out, and not to buy drinks from the store. I was really hungry then, but I don't want to leave. Later, some members of the troupe came along. We stumbled by on card games and a lot of catching up to do.

They went elsewhere afterwards, but I had to part ways with them as I can't come along, because I didn't have the money and time to do so. So before I left for home, I went for lunch and spent the afternoon with some friends, when the left I was hanging by on campus, looking like a man with the blues. (That's why I wrote this as a title for my blog today.) Was it the feeling after I parted ways with my troupe and friends? or something else that bothered my head? Who knows? But at least when I got home, I was feeling good.

Anyway, my "our" schedule is like a flashback of my schedule in high school, starts at 7 in the morning, and ends at around 3 in the afternoon. So for this semester, I "We" get a break from those brutal 12 hour span schedule. The schedule this semester is great. It's manageable and favorable. So I'm happy with that. 

French classes go up to the next level, Mathematics/Accounting is back in the mix, another research paper to write, this time in English, the one thing we awaited for since the start of our college journey, the Events Management class where in the end, we'll make an event of our own, and a lot of other subjects to take.


We're officially Juniors, and now we are 3T5, time really flew by fast.

So, classes begin in UST on June 4, but for CTHM, we begin on June 11 because of the convention our college is hosting on the first week of classes. But we have to make up classes with 4 Saturday classes (2 in June and 2 in July), but it's okay with me, at least the schedule is not as deadly this time around.

Until then, see you on June 11!
K-Smoove

NBA Daily Blog Playoff Edition: 76ers force Game 7 vs the Celtics with win in Game 6 82-75.

Lou Williams and Jrue Holiday celebrate the 76ers victory in Game 6

Photo ©NBA.com

The Philadelphia 76ers force a 7th and decisive game in their second round series against the Boston Celtics at the Wells Fargo Center 82-75. Game 7 will be played back in Boston on May 27. Allen Iverson, one of the greatest players in 76ers history made a eventful return to Philadelphia to give the game ball before tip-off of Game 6.

Jrue Holiday led the 76ers with 20 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals. Elton Brand finished with a double-double 13 points and 10 rebounds. Evan Turner added 12 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Andre Iguodala also scored 12 points with 6 rebounds. Lou Williams off the bench added 11 points and 6 assists.

Paul Pierce led the Celtics with a double-double 24 points and 10 rebounds. Kevin Garnett also finished with a double-double 20 points and 11 rebounds. Rajon Rondo added 9 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals. Ray Allen also scored 9 points.

 Allen Iverson makes his return to Philadelphia

Photo ©NBA.com

2012 NBA Playoffs Bracket (as of 16:45 PHT)

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

#1 Spurs vs #2 Thunder
Game 1: May 28, 8:30 am PHT Channel TBD

EASTERN CONFERENCE

#4 Celtics vs #8 76ers (Series tied 3-3)

Game 7: May 27, Time and Channel TBD

#2 Heat vs #3 Pacers (Heat lead series 3-2)
Game 6: May 25, 8:00 am PHT on NBA Premium TV

K-Smoove

NBA Daily Blog Playoff Edition: Heat take Game 5 vs the Pacers 115-83. Go up 3-2 in the series.

 LeBron James shoots over Paul George

Photo ©NBA/Heat.com

The Miami Heat take a 3-2 series lead as they win Game 5 in a blowout against the Indiana Pacers at the American Airlines Arena 115-83. Game 6 will be played in Indianapolis on May 25 as the Heat have the opportunity to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, while the Pacers would look to force a Game 7 back in Miami on May 27.

LeBron James led the Heat with a double-double 30 points and 10 rebounds with 8 assists. Dwayne Wade added 28 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals. Shane Battier added 13 points and 3 rebounds. Udonis Haslem off the bench added 10 points and 6 rebounds. Mario Chalmers added 8 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists. Joel Anthony blocked 4 shots with 7 points and 5 rebounds.

Paul George led the Pacers with 11 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. Danny Granger scored 10 points, but left the game in the 3rd quarter after suffering a sprained left ankle in the 2nd quarter. David West also scored 10 points with 4 rebounds. Roy Hibbert added 8 points and 12 rebounds. Tyler Hansbrough and Darren Collison also scored 8 points each.


2012 NBA Playoffs Bracket (as of 11:02 PHT)

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

#1 Spurs vs #2 Thunder
Game 1: May 28, 8:30 am PHT Channel TBD

EASTERN CONFERENCE

#4 Celtics vs #8 76ers (Celtics lead series 3-2)
Game 6: May 24, 8:00 am PHT on NBA Premium TV


#2 Heat vs #3 Pacers (Heat lead series 3-2)
Game 6: May 25, 8:00 am PHT on NBA Premium TV


K-Smoove

NBA Daily Blog Playoff Edition: Thunder advance to the Western Conference Finals, defeats the Lakers in Game 5 106-90. Celtics go up 3-2 vs the 76ers 101-85.

The Oklahoma City Thunder celebrate their victory in Game 5 vs the Lakers

Photo ©NBA/Thunder.com

The Oklahoma City Thunder advance to the Western Conference Finals for the second straight season as they take the series win against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 5 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena 106-90. The Thunder will now face the #1 team in the West, the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals which will begin in San Antonio on May 28.

Russell Westbrook led the Thunder with 28 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals. Kevin Durant finished with a double-double 25 points and 10 rebounds with 4 assists and 2 steals. James Harden off the bench added 17 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Kendrick Perkins pulled down 11 rebounds with 6 points and 2 blocks. Serge Ibaka added 8 points, 6 rebounds and 3 blocks.

Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with 40 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals. Pau Gasol finished with a double-double 14 points and 16 rebounds with 3 blocks. Metta World Peace added 11 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals. Andrew Bynum added 10 points and 4 rebounds.

In Boston, the Boston Celtics take a 3-2 series lead as they win Game 5 against the Philadelphia 76ers at the TD Garden 101-85. Game 6 will be back in Philadelphia on May 23. Brandon Bass led the Celtics with 27 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks. Kevin Garnett added 20 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals. Paul Pierce added 16 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Rajon Rondo finished with a double-double 13 points and 14 assists with 4 rebounds and 2 steals. Rookie Greg Stiemsma off the bench added 10 points and 3 blocks. Elton Brand led the 76ers with 19 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals. Rookie Lavoy Allen off the bench scored 12 points. Evan Turner finished with a double-double 11 points and 10 rebounds with 3 assists. Spencer Hawes and Jrue Holiday each scored 10 points.

2012 NBA Playoffs Bracket (as of 16:52 PHT)

WESTERN CONFERENCE

#1 Spurs vs #5 Clippers

SAN ANTONIO SPURS WINS SERIES 4-0

#1 Spurs vs #2 Thunder

Game 1: May 28, 8:30 am PHT Channel TBD

#2 Thunder vs #3 Lakers
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER WINS SERIES 4-1

EASTERN CONFERENCE

#4 Celtics vs #8 76ers (Celtics lead series 3-2)
Game 6: May 24, 8:00 am PHT Channel TBD

#2 Heat vs #3 Pacers (Series tied 2-2)
Game 5: May 23, 8:00 am PHT on NBA Premium TV

K-Smoove

Today, I spent the whole afternoon with my bro. Taking the good life.

Starbucks put up a promo that began on my birthday April 30, and that is the Frappuccino Happy Hour where all Frappuccino products are at half-price every Monday from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. So, today me and my bro German went for a trip down at a Starbucks branch nearby. Since I promised to treat him with coffee before. I thought today was a perfect opportunity to do so. It was the third time I took advantage of this promo. For German, it was is second time.

Photos ©Karl Carandang

We spent the entire afternoon enjoying our cups of Venti Frappuccino, Coffee Jelly for me, and Caramel for German. I saved a lot of money on these two cups of coffee. It saved me P165 if I bought it on a regular day. We talked a lot of things while we enjoyed our cups from our high school days to playing basketball, from life at the university to sharing a lot of life stories.

We have been "brothers" for about 4 years already since our days in high school at Claret School of Quezon City. He was a classmate of mine in my fourth year high school. It continues today as we study at the University of Santo Tomas taking different courses.

German, thanks for spending the entire afternoon with me. Let's do it again, longer than today, with or without promos, with the rest of our friends, and see you around campus when classes begin. Come by my home soon if the time comes.

Brothers stand for each other, through every challenge.

K-Smoove

NBA Daily Blog Playoff Edition: SPURS PULL OFF ANOTHER SWEEP, MOVES ON TO THE WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS WITH GAME 4 WIN VS THE CLIPPERS 102-99. Heat tie their series against the Pacers with win in Game 4 101-93

The San Antonio Spurs celebrate their Game 4 victory against the Clippers

Photo ©NBA.com

The San Antonio Spurs are going back to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2008 as they pull off another playoff sweep as they defeat the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 4 of their series at the Staples Center 102-99. The Spurs will face the winner between the other second round series in the West between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers with Game 5 of that series to be played tomorrow in Oklahoma City.

Tim Duncan led the Spurs with 21 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks. Tony Parker added 17 points and 5 assists. Danny Green added 14 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Gary Neal off the bench also scored 14 points with 3 assists. Manu Ginobili added 11 points and 4 assists. Tiago Splitter also scored 11 points with 7 rebounds.

Chris Paul led the Clippers with a double-double 23 points and 11 assists with 6 rebounds and 2 steals. Blake Griffin added 21 points and 5 rebounds. Eric Bledsoe off the bench added 17 points, 4 rebounds and 3 steals. DeAndre Jordan added 10 points, 8 rebounds and 3 steals. Randy Foye added 8 points and 3 steals.

In Indianapolis, the Miami Heat even up their second round series against the Indiana Pacers with the win in Game 4 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse 101-93. Game 5 will be played in Miami on May 23. LeBron James led the Heat with a near triple-double 40 points, 18 rebounds and 9 assists with 2 steals and 2 blocks. Dwayne Wade added 30 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 blocks. Udonis Haslem off the bench added 14 points and 4 rebounds. Mario Chalmers added 8 points, 3 assists and 2 steals. Danny Granger led the Pacers with 20 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Darren Collison off the bench scored 16 points. Paul George added 13 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals. Roy Hibbert added 10 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks.

2012 NBA Playoffs Bracket (as of 13:52 PHT)

WESTERN CONFERENCE

 

#1 Spurs vs #5 Clippers

SAN ANTONIO SPURS WINS SERIES 4-0

 

#2 Thunder vs #3 Lakers (Thunder lead series 3-1)

Game 5: May 22, 9:30 am PHT on Studio 23 and NBA Premium TV

 

EASTERN CONFERENCE

#4 Celtics vs #8 76ers (Series tied 2-2)

Game 5: May 22, 7:00 am PHT on Basketball TV and NBA Premium TV

 

#2 Heat vs #3 Pacers (Series tied 2-2)

Game 5: May 23, 8:00 am PHT Channel TBD

 

K-Smoove

NBA Daily Blog Playoff Edition: Spurs on the verge of a sweep taking Game 3 vs the Clippers 96-86. Thunder come back in Game 4, puts the Lakers in 3-1 hole 103-100.

Tony Parker lays it in over Caron Butler

Photo ©NBA/Spurs.com

In the first half of a double-header night at Staples Center in Los Angeles, the San Antonio Spurs are now one win away from advancing to the Western Conference Finals as they come from 22 points down in the 1st quarter to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 3 96-86. The Spurs also went on a 24-0 run in the third quarter and never looked back. Game 4 will be back in Staples Center tomorrow, as the Spurs are looking for another series sweep while the Clippers look to keep their season alive.

Tony Parker led the Spurs with a double-double 23 points and 10 assists. Tim Duncan also came up with a double-double 19 points and 13 rebounds with 4 assists and 3 blocks. Rookie Kawhi Leonard added 14 points, 9 rebounds and 2 steals. Manu Ginobili off the bench added 13 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds.

Blake Griffin led the Clippers with a double-double 28 points and 16 rebounds with 3 blocks and 2 steals. Mo Williams off the bench scored 19 points. Chris Paul finished with a double-double 12 points and 11 assists with 2 steals. Nick Young scored 9 points.

In the second half of the double-header at Staples. The Oklahoma City Thunder trailed for most of the game, but they went on a 25-9 run to pull off another come from behind victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 4 of their series 103-100. Game 5 will be in Oklahoma City on May 22 as the Thunder would look to wrap up this series on their home floor while the Lakers season is on the line.

Kevin Durant nailed the tie-breaking three pointer with 13.7 seconds left in the 4th quarter and James Harden sealed the win with two free throws with 7.3 seconds left. Durant finished the night with a double-double 31 points and 13 rebounds with 2 steals. Russell Westbrook led the Thunder with 37 points and 5 assists. Serge Ibaka added 14 points, 5 blocks and 4 rebounds. Harden off the bench added 12 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists.

Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with 38 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Andrew Bynum added 18 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks and 2 steals. Metta World Peace added 14 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals. Pau Gasol added 10 points, 5 rebounds and 3 blocks. Ramon Sessions also scored 10 points with 5 assists.

2012 NBA Playoffs Bracket (as of 13:32 PHT)

WESTERN CONFERENCE

#1 Spurs vs #5 Clippers (Spurs lead series 3-0)

Game 4: May 21, 10:30 am PHT on Basketball TV and NBA Premium TV

#2 Thunder vs #3 Lakers (Thunder lead series 3-1)
Game 5: May 22, 9:30 am PHT Channel TBD

EASTERN CONFERENCE

#4 Celtics vs #8 76ers (Series tied 2-2)

Game 5: May 22, 7:00 am PHT Channel TBD

#2 Heat vs #3 Pacers (Pacers lead series 2-1)

Game 4: May 21, 3:30 am PHT on NBA Premium TV, delayed telecast on ABS-CBN (replay on Studio 23

It's too bad to see both L.A. teams lose on a double-header day at Staples Center. Now both the Lakers and the Clippers are on the brink of defeat. The worst part today is that both teams CHOKED in the END GAME. It's a sad day right now in the "City of Angels". What was supposed to be a great day for sports in the city of Los Angeles turns into a double nightmare. Can they bounce back? We'll see.

K-Smoove

Tips for CTHM Freshies. Loud and proud, we stand out.

It's been two days already since the #TipsForUSTFreshies began trending on Twitter, tweets with the hashtag were posted by many Thomasian students. Blog posts (including my first post) were made with tips for our freshies. Even videos were posted about these tips (you can check one of the videos, this one by themayansprophecy)


Since I'm a Junior student of the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management taking up Travel Management. I thought of posting tips which are applicable to the freshies of our college. So here are some of my tips for our CTHM Freshies.


#1. I can assure you that you will have a great time in your Filipino class. It will be a journey unlike any other with Sir Alvin Ringgo Reyes. (Unfortunately for 1T5 "I'm from 3T5, so you're the new breed who will carry the T5 banner in your batch", you will not experience his teachings this semester.)


#2. For Travel Management freshies, Prepare at least P1,000 for the book with CD. (It is not advisable to use borrowed and/or books bought or passed on from upperclassmen.). It's better to buy a German-English dictionary to compliment your studies. Google Translate is not reliable. PAY ATTENTION to your Daf-Lehrer. (Daf-Lehrer is your German professor), if you don't, you will miss a lot of things.


#3. Follow the dress code accordingly. The college is strict in implementing the dress code. Non-compliance will result to sanctions. Dress code implementation is way stricter for ladies, so please be mindful of the way you wear your uniform. For gentlemen, they look more on the haircut.


#4. For Travel Management freshies, The events by us Juniors will come to your classrooms very soon. So prepare yourselves for a lot of educational, fun and awe-inspiring events. So please support our events, once we get things rolling along. You will also get to do this by the time you reach third year.


#5. For HRM freshies, There will also be events, this time it's from the Seniors. So please support their events, once they come along to your classes.


#6. For HRM freshies, Prepare a scientific calculator for your Math class. Also, it is not advisable to skip your classes, so don't even try to skip this class for a long period of time. You may not like it in the end.


#7. Our uniform is one of the best uniforms anywhere not only within the University Belt, but also the entire country. So wear it with pride and honor. It is not a SM or National Bookstore uniform. (I had an experience in National Bookstore at SM San Lazaro in my uniform looking for some supplies. Then a lady came to me and asked "Nasaan po yung mga papel?")


#8. In the Albertus Magnus Building (our building together with Education, Music and Education High School), odd numbered rooms are on the front side of the building, while even numbered rooms are on the back side of the building.


#9. Be a active member of the organizations within our college. For Travel Management freshies we have the STS (Student's Tourism Society). For HRM freshies we have the HRMS (Hotel and Restaurant Management Society). As well as a host of other organizations you can join like the CTHM Pax Romana, CTHM Chorale, CTHM Journal, CTHM Tiger Flairtending Club, Intenzyc Danzerge and many other clubs to join. The org fair will come very soon.


#10. The Dean's Office is located on the first floor on the back side of the building. Besides the Education High School library.


#11. For Travel Management freshies, get to know "Blue Madame", for HRM freshies, get to know Chef Sam. These professors will play a role in your stay in the college.


#12. CTHM is the college of the most beautiful according to the Rector Magnificus.


#13. Remember this song "On top of spaghetti, all covered with cheese..."


#14. Gentlemen are a rarity in our college, especially in Travel Management.


#15. Don't forget to get updates from our CTHM Student Council. You can add them on Facebook. and follow them on Twitter @OfficialCTHMSC.


One last word I can give to you, our CTHM freshies is to STUDY hard and PRAY hard. Find a balance in the time you spend every day. Make a lot of strong connections with your fellow classmates, batchmates, and your upperclassmen (Ate's and Kuya's). The schedule can work for you or against you. So make the best of your time. College life is not a walk in the park. There will be challenges along the way. Face every challenge and learn from every step you take in this journey called "College".


Enjoy your stay here in the University of Santo Tomas College of Tourism and Hospitality Management.


So these are some of my tips for you guys and gals. I hope you learned a lot from these tips I gave you in this blog entry. You can ask more tips from other students in our college. Also remember the tips which are applicable to the entire university from the reg form to pictures and index cards, from The Arch of the Centuries to places to eat inside and outside UST.


Don't forget to share this with your fellow classmates and batchmates.


I hope to see you guys soon inside the Albertus Magnus Building.
K-Smoove

WWE Over The Limit 2012: John Cena vs John Laurinaitis, if Laurinaitis loses, He's fired as Raw and SmackDown GM. CM Punk vs Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship, Fatal 4 Way for the World Heavyweight Title, and much more.

Poster for WWE Over The Limit 2012

Photo ©WWE

On May 20 (May 21 in the Philippines), WWE's pay-per-view where matches go over the limit will come from the PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina.

John Cena, the main man of the WWE will go one-on-one with the Executive Vice President of Talent Relations and the General Manager of Raw and SmackDown John Laurinaitis. If Laurinaitis loses this match to Cena, he will be fired. Also outside interference is not allowed, any superstar/diva who intervenes in the match will also be terminated. John Laurinaitis has taken over both Raw and SmackDown since his team's win at WrestleMania against the team of Teddy Long who now works with him. After his bet Brock Lesnar lost at Extreme Rules to Cena which led to Lesnar quitting the WWE. Laurinaitis now has his sights on Cena. With the entire WWE Universe wanting Laurinaitis' out of the job for his actions which included the uneventful firing of Big Show for his mocking of the GM. Can Laurinaitis find a way to keep his job? or will Cena put the arrogant GM on the unemployment line?


WWE Champion CM Punk will once again defend his WWE Championship against Daniel Bryan. Bryan won the Beat The Clock Challenge to earn the opportunity to face Punk for the WWE Championship. CM Punk is fresh from his title defense at Extreme Rules in his hometown of Chicago against Chris Jericho. While Bryan lost his match at Extreme Rules against World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus in a 2 out of 3 falls match. Can CM Punk continue his 6 month WWE title reign? or can Bryan win the title?


World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus will defend his title in a Fatal Four Way Match against Randy Orton, Chris Jericho and Alberto Del Rio. Can The Great White beat all the odds and defend his title? or are we going to see a new champion out of the three worthy challengers in Orton, Jericho and Del Rio?


WWE Tag Team Champions R-Truth and Kofi Kingston will defend their titles against "The Show-off" Dolph Ziggler and "The All-American American" Jack Swagger. While "Long Island Iced Z" Zack Ryder continues his feud with "The Big Red Monster" Kane in the pre-show match. While Divas Champion Layla will defend her Divas title against "The Glamazon" Beth Phoenix.


K-Smoove

NBA Daily Blog Playoff Edition: Sixers equalize with Game 4 win vs the Celtics 92-83. Lakers take Game 3 vs the Thunder 99-96.

Andre Iguodala defends Paul Pierce

Photo ©NBA/Sixers.com

The Philadelphia 76ers even up their second round series against the Boston Celtics with the win in Game 4 at the Wells Fargo Center 92-83. Game 5 will be back in Boston on May 22.

Andre Iguodala and Evan Turner led the 76ers with both players scoring 16 points each. Iguodala also added 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Turner added 9 rebounds. Lou Williams off the bench added 15 points, 8 assists and 4 rebounds. Thaddeus Young added 12 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists. Jrue Holiday added 11 points and 7 rebounds. Jodie Meeks scored 9 points. Rookie Lavoy Allen pulled down 10 rebounds with 8 points.

Paul Pierce led the Celtics with 24 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks. Rajon Rondo finished with a double-double 15 points and 15 assists with 4 rebounds and 2 steals. Brandon Bass also scored 15 points with 5 rebounds. Kevin Garnett pulled down 11 rebounds with 9 points, 3 steals and 2 blocks.

In Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Lakers return home and came up with a thrilling Game 3 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder at Staples Center 99-96. The Thunder still lead the series 2-1 with Game 4 to be played in Los Angeles tomorrow. Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with 36 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals. Andrew Bynum finished with a double-double 15 points and 11 rebounds with 3 blocks. Pau Gasol also finished with a double-double 12 points and 11 rebounds with 6 assists and 2 blocks. Point guards Ramon Sessions and Steve Blake who came off the bench also scored 12 points. Metta World Peace added 10 points and 2 blocks. Kevin Durant led the Thunder with 31 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals. Russell Westbrook added 21 points, 9 rebounds and 2 steals. James Harden off the bench also scored 21 points with 4 rebounds and 3 steals. Serge Ibaka added 8 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks. Kendrick Perkins blocked 4 shots with 6 points.

2012 NBA Playoffs Bracket (as of 14:03 PHT)

WESTERN CONFERENCE

#1 Spurs vs #5 Clippers (Spurs lead series 2-0)

Game 3: May 20, 3:30 am PHT on NBA Premium TV

#2 Thunder vs #3 Lakers (Thunder lead series 2-1)

Game 4: May 20, 10:30 am PHT on ABS-CBN (replay on Studio 23) and NBA Premium TV

EASTERN CONFERENCE

#4 Celtics vs #8 76ers (Series tied 2-2)

Game 5: May 22, Time and Channel TBD

#2 Heat vs #3 Pacers (Pacers lead series 2-1)

Game 4: May 21, 3:30 am PHT on NBA Premium TV, delayed telecast on ABS-CBN (replay on Studio 23)

K-Smoove

Some tips worth taking for our UST Freshies.

On Twitter, there was a trend run where Thomasians give #TipsForUSTFreshies. It's a yearly trend for Thomasians to give tips and advise to the Freshmen who will study here in the University. I joined the party, So here are some of my tips for the incoming freshmen of the University of Santo Tomas that I posted on Twitter.

CTHM Freshies, Get ready for the time of your life in Filipino. You will have loads of F.U.N.

The Main Building is not a church.... the Church is just next door... ;)

Your Reg form is your ID until you get you're real ID later in the sem... Don't lose it...

Don't forget to try the food at Mang Tootz in P. Noval. You will have a good time there... ;)

CTHM Gals, remember the heel height. CTHM Dudes, yes may haircut inspection pa rin

CTHM Freshies, sa paghahanap niyo ng rooms... Nandito lang naman kami... Officer or not, we're ready to help..

Travel Management Freshies, Get ready to speak Deutsch!!! :-bd

Travel Management Freshies, Buy a German-English dictionary..

Hindi limitado sa Carpark ang pagkain... labas ka ng UST.. Sa P. Noval, Dapitan at Asturias... ;)

HRM Freshies, Don't even bother not showing up during Math... otherwise, you'll be mark absent.. No excuses accepted

CTHM Uniform is not a National Bookstore Uniform #MyExperience..

Try out Ate Yema's sweets... :-bd There good.. She roams around the campus.. Say Hi! when you see her... ;)

Always bring your umbrella and slippers... ;) Check the weather before you leave... ;)

Join orgs.. On Org Week both University-wide and Local...

You can't browse Facebook, YouTube etc. with UST WiFi... If you want to browse these sites.. bring a USB WiFi stick...

It's not cool to "PDA" around campus...

CTHM Uniform is not also an SM Uniform - from @GMAtanacio

Travel Management Freshies, prepare at least P1,000 for your German book..

CTHM Freshies, Our uniform is one of the best uniforms around.. Wear it with pride.. ;)

Yellow Pad is more used than Intermediate Pad..

Travel Management Freshies, the events by us Juniors will come to your classes soon... So prepare for the ride...

Support your UST Growling Tigers not just in Basketball and Salinggawi but also in other sports..

Most UAAP Basketball games this year, sa Mall of Asia Arena na... Though may ilang games pa rin sa Araneta Coliseum

Engineering Freshies, 15 units bago kayo ma-debar... And mag-aral kayo ng mabuti... mahirap mga aaralin..

RT @GMAtanacio: CTHM is the college of the most beautiful according to the Rector Magnificus 

CTHM Freshies, Know who's the Fairy GodTeacher?

CTHM Dudes, We're a rarity in our college... Make it count...

Theology is not just your ordinary Religion/CLE class in high school

Get ready for the "war" at myUSTe at the end of the sem... haha =))

for CTHM, remember this song "on top of spaghetti, all covered with cheese..." - From @GMAtanacio 

If you're coming from QC going to Quezon Avenue. Please leave early.. Trapik sa Araneta Ave. May ginagawang tunnel..

Fireworks in UST are the BOMB!!! :-bd

Control lang sa pagka-bibo.. baka maging officer ka ng hindi sa oras.. haha =))

Once you get you're ID, take it with your own life... Mahirap mawalan ng ID... mahirap magpapalit..

As Sir @GMAtanacio once said, during exams, don't forget to pray to St. Jude Thaddeus..

CTHM Freshies, Don't forget to check updates from your @OfficialCTHMSC

Kung ganun PE nakuha niyo this sem.. ganun na talaga...

Once you have your ID, always wear it while you roam around campus...

CTHM, Education and Music Freshies, Even numbered rooms at the back side, Odd numbered rooms on the front side..

Here's one tweet I want to say to you CTHM Freshies:

CTHM Freshies, I can't wait to see you guys around campus.. ;)

Well, these are some of the tips I can give to all the incoming freshmen of our university. You can also check out other tips and advice by checking looking for #TipsForUSTFreshies on Twitter. You can see tips that will apply both university-wide and also in your respective colleges.

See you around campus.. ;)

K-Smoove