"I believe in angels. When I know the time is right for me. I'll cross the stream. I have a dream." Thank you for all the music Westlife.

Westlife (Kian, Shane, Nicky, Mark and Bryan)

Westlife, the Irish boyband who for 14 years won the hearts of many fans from all over the world is breaking up for good after their very final concert last night in Ireland.

I remember when I was a little kid growing up with my little brother Andrei, We both listened to a lot of their songs every afternoon when one or more of their songs are on the Top 10 songs for the day.

Songs like Flying Without Wings, I Have A Dream, Swear It Again, My Love, World of Our Own, Seasons in the Sun, If I Let You Go, I Lay My Love on You, When You're Looking Like That, More Than Words, Fool Again, Change the World, You Raise Me Up and a host of other songs over the years. Each and every song made my day better. Even today, I still keep a lot of their songs on my music playlist.

I was more accustomed to their songs when they were a quintet when Bryan was still with the band until 2004. And one of my biggest regrets was never seeing them on concert when they visit the Philippines (the last one was just last year).

Westlife defined my childhood as well as many other people not only in the Philippines but also across the world. It's tough to see you disband for good, but your music will live on with the hearts of all the fans who followed you over the years.

As we bid goodbye to one of the greatest boybands of all-time. I say Thank you for all the memories and all that music which inspired each and every one who we're a part of this journey. You will be missed.

Thank You Westlife!

K-Smoove

2012 NBA Finals Blog: MIAMI HEAT 2012 NBA CHAMPIONS. KNOCKS OUT THE THUNDER IN GAME 5 121-106. LEBRON JAMES CROWNED AS FINALS MVP.

The Miami Heat are the 2012 NBA Champions

Photo ©NBA.com

For the second time in franchise history, the Miami Heat are the NBA Champions and they did it in style as they win in a blowout against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 5 at the American Airlines Arena 121-106 to clinch the championship.  

For LeBron James, after nine years in the NBA without a championship, he has fulfilled his promise to bring a championship and can now be called as a champion. He has also silenced his critics with the championship. He also took home the Finals MVP Trophy for his all-around performance all series long. There was jubilation in South Beach and for the many members of the Heat Nation. For Dwayne Wade, he gets his second NBA title with Udonis Haslem as the only two remaining members from the 2006 Miami Heat who won the title against the Dallas Mavericks. For guys like Chris Bosh, Mario Chalmers, Mike Miller, Shane Batter among others, they get their first taste of championship glory. For Fil-Am coach Erik Spoelstra he solidifies his coaching resume with a championship.

It was a bitter ending for the Oklahoma City Thunder where after winning Game 1 of the series, they went on to lose the next 4 games as they blow out the opportunity to bring the NBA title for the first time in the state of Oklahoma. It was a tough lesson for these young guns led by Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Serge Ibaka and the rest of the Thunder players. Thunder coach Scott Brooks will learn from the experiences of this series. I say Kudos! to the Thunder for putting up a great battle as they have gone this deep to the NBA Finals and I'm sure they will be a team to watch for many years to come

In Game 5, the Heat shot 40-77 (51%) from the field compared to the Thunder who only shot 36-87 (41%). The Heat shot excellent from 3 point range, shooting 14-26 (54%) compared to the Thunder who only shot 11-28 (34%).

James led the Heat in Game 5 with a triple-double 26 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds with 2 blocks on 9-19 FG shooting and 8-9 FT shooting. Bosh added 24 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks on 9-14 FG shooting, 1-1 3PT shooting and 5-5 FT shooting. Miller coming off the bench added 23 points and 5 rebounds on 7-8 3PT shooting and 2-2 FT shooting. Wade added 20 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocks on 7-12 FG shooting and 6-9 FT shooting. Battier added 11 points and 4 rebounds on 4-8 FG shooting and 3-7 3PT shooting. Chalmers added 10 points, 7 assists and 2 steals on 3-6 FG shooting, 2-4 3PT shooting and 2-2 FT shooting.

Durant led the Thunder in Game 5 with a double-double 32 points and 11 rebounds with 3 assists and 2 steals on 13-24 FG shooting, 3-6 3PT shooting and 3-3 FT shooting. Westbrook and Harden coming off the bench each scored 19 points. Westbrook added 6 assists, 4 rebounds and 3 steals on 4-20 FG shooting and 11-13 FT shooting. Harden added 5 assists, 4 rebounds and 2 steals on 5-11 FG shooting, 3-8 3PT shooting and 6-6 FT shooting. Derek Fisher added 11 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists on 4-7 FG shooting and 3-6 3PT shooting.

Once again, I did this banner in DEFEAT. I did it before in 2010 when I rooted for the Boston Celtics but they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in 7 games.

I can say it was a bitter end to this lockout shortened season for me since I rooted for the Thunder to win the NBA Championship this season. It was a season full of heartbreak from the time the season began when Yao Ming one of the players I admire announced his retirement during the lockout. My team the Houston Rockets failed to make it to the playoffs for the 3rd straight season (Ironically, it was the Heat who sent the Rockets' playoff aspirations down the toilet.) From my other favorite teams like the Hawks, Magic, Celtics, Thunder, among other teams falling short in their playoff runs, and to my favorite players getting hurt like Derrick Rose, Kyle Lowry, Kevin Martin, among others.

Guilty as charged, I hated LeBron James since he made "The Decision" to leave Cleveland for Miami. PEEPS for LeBron can now tell me straight to the face to shut my mouth since he now has the championship in his grasp and nobody can take that distinction away from him it away from him. Yet despite the criticism I have against him, He's a great player and I can say he deserves to win the championship.

This season may have been full of heartbreak, yet there are still some good moments to remember like those Shaqtin'-a-Fool videos which made me laugh all-season long, the different memes that came up from the Spurs Men In Black to the Amare' Fire Extinguisher meme and to the unforgettable JaVale McGee moments as a Wizard. Philadelphia's magical run in the playoffs. The Thunder beating the past 3 champions from the West in the playoffs (Mavericks, Lakers & Spurs), the emergence of Jeremy Lin, those clutch plays all-season long, and many other things.

It could take me awhile to suck in the defeat of the Thunder in the Finals. I know, I'll be fine when the time comes.

So until then,

SEE YOU NEXT SEASON!
K-Smoove

2012 NBA Finals Blog: Heat one win away from the NBA title. Wins Game 4 vs the Thunder 104-98.

LeBron James, Mario Chalmers and the Heat celebrate as they win Game 4 vs the Thunder

Photo ©NBA.com

This is my 100th blog entry since I returned to blogging last April so let's get it on with today's edition of the 2012 NBA Finals Blog. 

The Miami Heat are now one win away from the NBA Championship as they win Game 4 of the 2012 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the American Airlines Arena 104-98. The Heat rallied from a 17 point first half deficit and now lead the series 3-1. The Heat shot 39% from 3 point range compared to the Thunder who only shot 19%. Game 5 will be back in Miami on June 22 as the Heat will have the opportunity to win the title in front of their home crowd, while the Thunder would look to extend the series by forcing a Game 6 back in Oklahoma City with a win in Game 5.

LeBron James led the Heat with a near triple-double 26 points, 9 rebounds and 12 assists with 2 steals on 10-20 FG shooting, 1-4 3PT shooting and 5-8 FT shooting. Dwayne Wade and Mario Chalmers each scored 25 points. Wade also added 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks on 8-19 FG shooting, 2-3 3PT shooting and 7-9 FT shooting. Chalmers added 3 assists and 2 steals on 9-15 FG shooting, 3-9 3PT shooting and 4-5 FT shooting. Chris Bosh added 13 points and 9 rebounds on 6-12 FG shooting.

Russell Westbrook led the Thunder with 43 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists on 20-32 FG shooting and 3-3 FT shooting. Kevin Durant added 28 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds and 2 steals on 9-19 FG shooting, 1-5 3PT shooting and 9-9 FT shooting. James Harden off the bench pulled down 10 rebounds with 8 points on 2-10 FG shooting, 1-5 3PT shooting and 3-4 FT shooting.

2012 NBA Finals Board

 

On Friday, my PRIDE is on the line. Hoping for the best.
K-Smoove

2012 NBA Finals Blog: Heat take control of the series with win in Game 3 vs the Thunder 91-85. Heat now up 2-1.

The Heat celebrate the win in Game 3 vs the Thunder
Photo ©NBA.com

The Miami Heat come back from a 10 point deficit in the 3rd quarter to win in Game 3 of the 2012 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the American Airlines Arena 91-85. It was a grind out game as both teams struggled from the field with the Heat only shooting 38% from the field and 30% from 3 point range while the Thunder shot 43% from the field and only 22% from 3 point range. Free throws also played a factor with the Heat shooting 31-35 (89%) while the Thunder only shot 15-24 (63%). The Heat now lead the series 2-1 with Game 4 back in Miami on June 20.

LeBron James led the Heat with a double-double 29 points and 14 rebounds with 3 assists on 11-23 FG shooting, 1-4 3PT shooting and 6-8 FT shooting. Dwayne Wade added 25 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals on 8-22 FG shooting and 9-11 FT shooting. Chris Bosh also finished with a double-double 10 points and 11 rebounds with 2 blocks on 3-12 FG shooting and 4-4 FT shooting. Shane Battier added 9 points and 3 rebounds on 2-2 3PT shooting and 3-3 FT shooting.

Kevin Durant led the Thunder with 25 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks on 11-19 FG shooting, 1-4 3PT shooting and 2-4 FT shooting. Russell Westbrook added 19 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks on 8-18 FG shooting, 1-4 3PT shooting and 2-2 FT shooting. Kendrick Perkins finished with a double-double 10 points and 12 rebounds on 3-5 FG shooting and 4-6 FT shooting. James Harden and Derek Fisher off the bench each scored 9 points. Harden added 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals on 2-10 FG shooting and 5-7 FT shooting. Fisher added 2 steals on 3-8 FG shooting and 2-3 3PT shooting.

2012 NBA Finals Board

K-Smoove

One week in the books.

The 5-day first week of classes in CTHM has come to an end with a Saturday make-up class. It was my first Saturday class in my tenure in UST. Of course, it was to make up the week we lost when there was the APacCHRIE Youth Conference last week. A lot has happened all-week long from catching up with my classmates and PEEPS from in and out of the campus. Meeting our professors for the semester. The (sometimes long) breaks. My hoop dreams (which never took flight), and a story of giving tips for the freshies.

It was one day, I was walking by P.Noval and then a group of freshies from the College of Science asked me:

"Kuya, saan po Mang Tootz?"

Prior to that, I just passed by the place with a very long line as I was looking for a place to buy food at a low price (I'm saving.)

Then I told them.

"Derecho lang. May makikita kayong sign sa kaliwa. Mahaba pila!"

It was a very fulfilling experience. Knowing two years ago, I was in the same situation as they were experiencing right now.


It's way too early to judge, so give time before you say something. One week is in the books, still a long way to go. This year is going to be a big challenge, it will be a ride worth taking, and at the end of the day, you will be fulfilled.  

3T5, It's back to the grind. We'll get through these challenges. In every tough challenge that will come, never ever give up!


Words of the week:
"I got lost!" - Me, getting lost in explaining in one discussion. (Cobwebs on my thoughts.)

"I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul." - From the poem Invictus by William E. Henley


Let's get it on! Impossible is nothing.
K-Smoove

2012 NBA Finals Blog: Heat even up series vs the Thunder with Game 2 win 100-96.

LeBron James and the Heat win Game 2 vs the Thunder

Photo ©NBA.com

The Miami Heat even up the 2012 NBA Finals at 1-1 as they pick up a huge road victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena 100-96. The Heat never trailed in the game despite numerous comeback attempts by the Thunder all game long. The Heat shot 36-76 (47%) from the field while the Thunder only shot 34-79 (43%). The series shifts to Miami for Game 3 on June 18.

LeBron James led the Heat with 32 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists on 10-22 FG shooting and 12-12 FT shooting. Dwayne Wade added 24 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists on 10-20 FG shooting and 4-6 FT shooting. Shane Battier scored 17 points on 6-8 FG shooting and 5-7 3PT shooting. Chris Bosh who returned to the starting lineup finished with a double-double 16 points and 15 rebounds with 2 blocks on 6-13 FG shooting and 4-5 FT shooting.

Kevin Durant led the Thunder with 32 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals on 12-22 FG shooting, 4-10 3PT shooting and 4-6 FT shooting. Russell Westbrook added 27 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists on 10-26 FG shooting, 2-6 3PT shooting and 5-7 FT shooting. James Harden off the bench added 21 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists on 7-11 FG shooting, 2-3 3PT shooting.and 5-7 FT shooting. Serge Ibaka blocked 5 shots with 7 points and 4 rebounds on 2-5 FG shooting and 3-4 FT shooting.

2012 NBA Finals Board

K-Smoove

2012 NBA Finals Blog: Thunder wins Game 1 vs the Heat 105-94.

Kevin Durant high fives the fans after the Game 1 victory.

Photo ©NBA.com

Even though I wrote it way too late (due to my classes). Here is the first edition of my 2012 NBA Finals Blog.

The Oklahoma City Thunder playing the very first NBA Finals game to be held in Oklahoma City did not disappoint as they take Game 1 of the 2012 NBA Finals against the Miami Heat at the Chesapeake Energy Arena 105-94. The Thunder outscored the Heat 58-40 in the 2nd half after the Heat opened the game with a 54-47 lead at halftime. The Thunder shot 40-77 (52%) from the field, while the Heat only shot 36-78 (46%). Game 2 will be held back in Oklahoma City on June 15.

Kevin Durant led the Thunder with 36 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists on 12-20 FG shooting, 4-8 3PT shooting and 8-9 FT shooting. Russell Westbrook finished with a near triple-double 27 points, 8 rebounds and 11 assists on 10-24 FG shooting and 7-9 FT shooting. Serge Ibaka added 10 points and 6 rebounds on 5-10 FG shooting. Thabo Sefolosha added 9 points and 2 steals on 2-5 FG shooting. Nick Collison off the bench added 8 points and 10 rebounds on 4-5 FG shooting. Derek Fisher added 6 points and 3 rebounds on 3-6 FG shooting.

LeBron James led the Heat with 30 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals on 11-24 FG shooting, 1-3 3PT shooting and 7-9 FT shooting. Dwayne Wade added 19 points, 8 assists and 4 rebounds on 7-19 FG shooting and 5-5 FT shooting. Shane Battier added 17 points and 4 rebounds on 6-9 FG shooting and 4-6 3PT shooting. Mario Chalmers added 12 points and 6 assists on 5-7 FG shooting and 2-4 3PT shooting. Chris Bosh off the bench added 10 points and 5 rebounds on 4-11 FG shooting and 1-3 3PT shooting. Udonis Haslem pulled down 11 rebounds.

2012 NBA Finals Board

K-Smoove

Here we go. Happy Independence Day. 2012 NBA Finals begins tomorrow.

Yesterday, my España journey continues. I'm now officially a Junior Thomasian and a part of 3T5. The day was short-lived. Spent only a couple of hours on campus (1 hour on classes, the other hour never took place since our professor was not around), then I went home afterwards. But that was enough time for me to catch-up with my classmates and PEEPS and roam around campus where the rumor that a Pancake House stall is now open in the carpark is true. Of course, we get to see the freshies for the first time. We will meet them soon enough. I brought a camera on the first day. Unfortunately, I never got to use it to take photos around campus. Despite that, all the bad vibes from my tough Sports Junkie Sunday where every team/athlete I rooted for lost in their battles has come and go. So I'm feeling good right now.


Today is the 114th Independence Day of the Republic of the Philippines. As a proud Filipino I say, Happy Independence Day to all the Filipino people here in the Philippines and abroad.

Tomorrow, the 2012 NBA Finals will begin as the Oklahoma City Thunder will go up against the Miami Heat for the right to be crowned the 2012 NBA Champions. Game 1 will be in Oklahoma City at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. Tipoff is at 9:00 am PHT and can be seen on ABS-CBN, Basketball TV and NBA Premium TV. It will be a great matchup as its the battle of the Big Three's with the Thunder Big 3 of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden going up against the Heat Big 3 of LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh.

I'm excited on what's ahead for us this school year. So I'll sit back,  work hard, relax, and enjoy the ride.

The RETURN of the COMEBACK. FOR REAL has begun.

I'm proud to be a Filipino.

K-Smoove

Sport Junkie Sunday: A heartbreaker. I got a quadruple-whammy on the last day of summer.

Today was a great day for sports for we had great sporting events today. Unfortunately for me. It was a heartbreaking one. Full of defeats.

First it was the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals  for the right to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals. The Celtics fought valiantly, but they just came up short as the Heat won the game and the series which sent heartbreak to a lot of Celtics fans including myself and brought joy to the entire Heat Nation. That game could also be the end of the Big 3 era for the Celtics.

Then it was our "Pambansang Kamao" Manny Pacquiao defended his WBO Welterweight Title against Timothy "Desert Storm" Bradley. Pacquiao clearly dominated the match. Unfortunately, he also lost by split decision as the judges scores 115-113, 113-115, 113-115 which broke the hearts of many Filipinos including myself and brought out the jeers from those who watched the match in Las Vegas and around the world. Knowing the fact, he dominated the match.

Finally, it was the Shakey's V-League Finals Game 3 between the UST Tigresses and the Ateneo Lady Eagles. UST went down 0 sets to 2, but fought back valiantly and gained the next 2 sets to send the game to a deciding 5th set. But their efforts came up short as the Lady Eagles won the set 15-13 on their way to the championship.

So yes. This day was full of heartbreak for me. I know there are a lot of other sporting events to see like Petron going up against Ginebra in the PBA Governor's Cup (I'm rooting for Petron). In tennis, Novak Djokovic going up against Rafael Nadal and the 2012 Canadian Grand Prix in Formula 1 with Sebastian Vettel in pole position (I'm rooting for McLaren, Lewis and Jenson).


Despite these great sporting events to see. My heart sank at a all-time low. Plus one other thing outside of sports that sank my heart. It could take me a long time to get my mojo back. Especially, these all happened on the last day of my summer. It's a tough pill to swallow for me. I believe when the right time comes. I'll be back in my old cheerful self.

So I give my kudos to the Boston Celtics that despite the criticism stacked against them, they fought with resiliency and got this far deep in the playoffs. To Manny Pacquiao who despite losing in an upset, he's a great sport, and I can't wait for their rematch and I hope this fight comes clean, and to the UST Tigresses who never gave up despite the hole they got in early in the match.


My first day of classes is tomorrow as is with my PEEPS at CTHM, I don't know if I'll be fine when I come along, but hey I can't wait to see my PEEPS there, and I got to stay focused for I'm hoping to bounce back for myself after a mixed last semester.


My heart sank BIG. But get ready for the "Return of the Comeback. For Real."
K-Smoove

NBA Daily Blog Eastern Conference Finals: THE MIAMI HEAT ADVANCE TO THE NBA FINALS FOR THE SECOND STRAIGHT SEASON. WINS GAME 7 VS THE CELTICS 101-88. WILL FACE THE THUNDER IN THE NBA FINALS.

LeBron James lays it in on Paul Pierce

Photo ©NBA.com

The Miami Heat are back in the in the NBA Finals for the 2nd straight season as they defeat the Boston Celtics in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals at the American Airlines Arena 101-88. The Heat outscored the Celtics 55-35 in the 2nd half. The Heat shot 51% from the field while the Celtics only shot 47%. The Miami Heat will now face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2012 NBA Finals with Game 1 in Oklahoma City on June 13.

LeBron James led the Heat with a double-double 31 points and 12 rebounds on 9-21 FG shooting, 1-5 3PT shooting and 12-17 FT shooting. Dwayne Wade added 23 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists on 8-17 FG shooting and 7-8 FT shooting. Chris Bosh off the bench added 19 points and 8 rebounds on 8-10 FG shooting and 3-4 3PT shooting. Shane Battier added 12 points and 3 steals on 4-9 3PT shooting. Mario Chalmers added 9 points, 7 assists and 4 rebounds on 4-6 FG shooting and 1-3 3PT shooting.

Rajon Rondo led the Celtics with a triple-double 22 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds on 10-22 FG shooting and 1-2 3PT shooting. Paul Pierce added 19 points and 4 rebounds on 7-18 FG shooting, 2-6 3PT shooting and 3-5 FT shooting. Brandon Bass added 16 points, 5 rebounds and 4 steals on 6-8 FG shooting and 4-4 FT shooting. Ray Allen added 15 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals on 5-11 FG shooting and 3-8 3PT shooting. Kevin Garnett added 14 points and 7 rebounds on 6-12 FG shooting.

2012 NBA Playoffs Bracket (as of 12:24 PHT)

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

#1 Spurs vs #2 Thunder

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER WIN SERIES 4-2

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

#2 Heat vs #4 Celtics

MIAMI HEAT WIN SERIES 4-3

K-Smoove

The Final Push. A break from the action. Tomorrow's a day for sports junkies.

There are only two days left before my summer vacation comes to an end. Well, the first day of my classes will be cut short as morning classes where most of my schedule is placed will be affected by the suspension due to the visit of the former Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad at the University of Santo Tomas in the morning. So it means I'll only go for two classes that would last 2 hours.


Today, it's a break from the NBA Playoffs. As there are no games today since the Thunder wrapped up their series against the Spurs in Game 6. Whereas, a Game 7 would be held today if the Spurs won that game. So right now, I'm relaxing on the final moments of the vacation.


Tomorrow, it will be a big day for sporting events to be seen here in the Philippines, it starts with Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat where the winner will face the Oklahoma City Thunder. Then it will be our "Pambansang Kamao" Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao going to battle against undefeated American Timothy "The Desert Storm" Bradley for the WBO Welterweight Championship. To cap the day, it will be Game 3 of the Shakey's V-League Finals between the UST Lady Tigresses and the Ateneo Lady Eagles where the winner wins the championship.


What a way to cap off the vacation with these sports events, as a sports junkie (mostly a hoops junkie). I enjoy this great  I hope the Celtics, Manny Pacquiao and the Lady Tigresses win their matches. That would truly cap off my vacation with a BANG!

To my friends and classmates at UST. I'll see you all on Monday! I'll be happy to see you guys around. I don't know what this new school year will bring, but I'm ready.
GET READY FOR "K-SMOOVE: RETURN OF THE COMEBACK! FOR REAL!"
K-Smoove

NBA Daily Blog Eastern Conference Finals: LeBron's 45-15-5 carries Heat past the Celtics in Game 6 98-79. Heat force a Game 7 back home.

LeBron James drives on Greg Stiemsma and Mickael Pieturs

Photo ©NBA.com

The Miami Heat are going back home for one more game as they defeat the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals at the TD Garden 98-79. The Heat shot 49% from the field while the Celtics only shot 43%. The Heat made 7 three pointers compared to only 1 for the Celtics. With the series tied at 3-3, Game 7 will be played back in Miami on June 10 as the winner will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2012 NBA Finals.

LeBron James led the Heat with a double-double 45 points and 15 rebounds with 5 assists on 19-26 FG shooting, 2-4 3PT shooting and 5-9 FT shooting. Dwayne Wade added 17 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals on 6-17 FG shooting and 5-5 FT shooting. Mario Chalmers added 9 points and 2 steals on 3-4 3PT shooting. Shane Battier added 8 points and 2 steals on 2-4 3PT shooting.

Rajon Rondo led the Celtics with a double-double 21 points and 10 assists with 4 rebounds and 3 steals on 8-14 FG shooting and 5-7 FT shooting. Brandon Bass and Kevin Garnett each scored 12 points. Bass added 7 rebounds on 5-8 FG shooting and 2-3 FT shooting. Garnett added 5 rebounds on 6-14 FG shooting. Ray Allen added 10 points and 3 rebounds on 3-7 FG shooting, 1-3 3PT shooting and 3-4 FT shooting. Paul Pierce struggled with only 9 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals on 4-18 FG shooting and 0-6 3PT shooting.

2012 NBA Playoffs Bracket (as of 11:41 PHT)

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

#1 Spurs vs #2 Thunder
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER WIN SERIES 4-2

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

#2 Heat vs #4 Celtics (Series tied 3-3)

Game 7: June 10, 8:30 am PHT on Basketball TV and NBA Premium TV, delayed telecast on ABS-CBN 9:00 am PHT

Fans in Boston are one of the most passionate, even if they lost in a blowout, they sticked with their team and chanting "Let's Go Celtics!"

K-Smoove

NBA Daily Blog Western Conference Finals: THE OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER ADVANCE TO THE NBA FINALS. WINS GAME 6 VS THE SPURS 107-99.

Kevin Durant and Derek Fisher celebrate the Thunder advancing to the NBA Finals
Photo ©NBA/Thunder.com

The Oklahoma City Thunder are heading to the NBA Finals as they come back from a 18 point deficit to beat the San Antonio Spurs in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals at the Chesapeake Energy Arena 107-99. The Thunder after a sloppy first half finished the game shooting 50% from the field and 56% from 3 point range. The Spurs who had a great first half finished flat shooting only 44% from the field and 42% from 3 point range. The Thunder advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since the team moved from Seattle where their last Finals appearance was in 1996 when they faced the Chicago Bulls and lost in 6 games. The Thunder now await the winner from the Eastern Conference between the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics with Game 6 coming up tomorrow in Boston with the Celtics leading the series 3-2.

Kevin Durant led the Thunder with a double-double 34 points and 14 rebounds with 5 assists and 2 blocks on 9-17 FG shooting, 4-8 3PT shooting and 12-15 FT shooting. Russell Westbrook added 25 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists on 9-17 FG shooting, 1-1 3PT shooting and 6-7 FT shooting. James Harden off the bench added 16 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists on 4-9 FG shooting, 3-4 3PT shooting and 5-6 FT shooting. Serge Ibaka added 10 points, 4 rebounds and 2 blocks on 4-8 FG shooting and 2-3 FT shooting. Derek Fisher scored 9 points on 4-7 FG shooting and 1-3 3PT shooting. Thabo Sefolosha also scored 9 points with 4 rebounds and 2 steals on 4-5 FG shooting and 1-2 FT shooting.

Tony Parker led the Spurs with a double-dobule 29 points and 12 assists with 2 steals on 12-27 FG shooting, 1-4 3PT shooting and 4-5 FT shooting. Tim Duncan also finished with a double-double 25 points and 14 rebounds with 2 blocks on 11-23 FG shooting and 3-4 FT shooting. Stephen Jackson off the bench added 23 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals on 6-7 3PT shooting and 5-6 FT shooting. Manu Ginobili added 10 points and 5 rebounds on 4-12 FG shooting and 2-8 FT shooting.

2012 NBA Playoffs Bracket (as of 12:34 PHT)

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

#1 Spurs vs #2 Thunder

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER WIN SERIES 4-2

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

#2 Heat vs #4 Celtics (Celtics lead series 3-2)
Game 6: June 8, 8:30 am PHT on Basketball TV and NBA Premium TV, delayed telecast on ABS-CBN 9:00 am PHT

Even though the Thunder are heading to the NBA Finals, I feel sorry for the city of Seattle. 4 years after they moved out of town, there in the NBA Finals.

K-Smoove

NBA Daily Blog Eastern Conference Finals: Celtics steal a win in Game 5 vs the Heat 94-90. Leads series 3-2.

Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett in Game 5 vs the Heat

Photo ©NBA.com

The Boston Celtics have seized control of the Eastern Conference Finals as they win on the road in Game 5 against the Miami Heat at the American Airlines Arena 94-90. Paul Pierce hits a big three pointer with 52.9 seconds left in the 4th to give the Celtics a 90-86 lead, and the Celtics hit clutch free throws to seal the victory and prevent the Heat from stealing the victory from them. The Celtics 41% from the field, while the Heat shot 39%. The Celtics now lead the series 3-2 with the series heading back to Boston on June 8, as the Celtics have the opportunity to advance to the NBA Finals for the 3rd time in 5 years.

Kevin Garnett led the Celtics with a double-double 26 points and 11 rebounds with 2 blocks on 11-20 FG shooting and 4-6 FT shooting. Paul Pierce added 19 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals on 6-19 FG shooting, 2-5 3PT shooting and 5-5 FT shooting. Ray Allen and Mickael Pietrus off the bench each scored 13 points. Allen also added 7 rebounds on 2-9 FG shooting, 1-4 3PT shooting and 8-8 FT shooting. Pietrus also added 3 rebounds and 2 steals on 5-8 FG shooting and 2-4 3PT shooting. Brandon Bass added 10 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals on 4-8 FG shooting. Rajon Rondo dished out 13 assists with 7 points, 6 rebounds and 4 steals.

LeBron James led the Heat with a double-double 30 points and 13 rebounds with 2 steals on 11-25 FG shooting, 2-6 3PT shooting and 6-8 FT shooting. Dwayne Wade added 27 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists on 10-22 FG shooting, 1-3 3PT shooting and 6-8 FT shooting. Chris Bosh who returned to the lineup after missing the last 0 games with a lower abdominal stretch added 9 points and 7 rebounds on 3-8 FG shooting and 3-3 FT shooting while coming off the bench. Mario Chalmers also scored 9 points with 4 rebounds and 3 assists on 3-7 FG shooting, 1-5 3PT shooting and 2-3 FT shooting. Udonis Haslem pulled down 14 rebounds.

2012 NBA Playoffs Bracket (as of 12:09 PHT)

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

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

Game 6: June 7, 9:00 am PHT on ABS-CBN, Basketball TV and NBA Premium TV

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

#2 Heat vs #4 Celtics (Celtics lead series 3-2)
Game 6: June 8, 8:30 am PHT on Basketball TV and NBA Premium TV, delayed telecast on ABS-CBN 9:00 am PHT

K-Smoove

NBA Daily Blog Western Conference Finals: Thunder seize control of the series, win Game 5 vs the Spurs on the road 108-103.

Kevin Durant and James Harden celebrate the Game 5 victory vs the Spurs
Photo ©NBA.com

The Oklahoma City Thunder have taken control of the Western Conference Finals as they defeat the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 at the AT&T Center 108-103. The Thunder pick up the first victory by a road team in the Conference Finals as the home team was 8-0 prior to the game. The Thunder shot 50% from the filed while the Spurs only shot 46%. Both teams shot 38% from 3 point range. The Thunder now lead the series 3-2 with Game 6 back in Oklahoma City on June 7 as they have the opportunity to advance to the NBA Finals with a victory at home.

Kevin Durant led the Thunder with 27 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds and 3 steals on 10-19 FG shooting, 2-6 3PT shooting and 5-6 FT shooting. Russell Westbrook finished with a double-double 23 points and 12 assists with 4 rebounds and 4 steals on 9-24 FG shooting and 5-5 FT shooting. James Harden off the bench added 20 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals on 6-11 FG shooting, 3-4 3PT shooting and 5-6 FT shooting. Serge Ibaka added 9 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks on 4-6 FG shooting. Daequan Cook scored 8 points on 3-3 FG shooting and 2-2 3PT shooting. Kendrick Perkins pulled down 10 rebounds.

Manu Ginobili who started the game instead of coming off the bench led the Spurs with 34 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds and 2 steals on 11-21 FG shooting, 5-10 3PT shoting and 7-8 FT shooting. Tony Parker added 20 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists on 5-14 FG shooting and 10-12 FT shooting. Tim Duncan finished with a double-double 18 points and 12 rebounds on 7-10 FG shooting and 4-5 FT shooting. Stephen Jackson off the bench added 13 points, 3 assists and 2 steals on 5-9 FG shooting and 3-6 3PT shooting. Rookie Kawhi Leonard pulled down 10 rebounds.

2012 NBA Playoffs Bracket (as of 12:20 PHT)

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

#1 Spurs vs #2 Thunder (Thunder lead series 3-2)
Game 6: June 7, 9:00 am PHT on ABS-CBN, Basketball TV and NBA Premium TV

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

#2 Heat vs #4 Celtics (Series tied 2-2)
Game 5: June 6, 8:30 am PHT on Basketball TV and NBA Premium TV, delayed telecast on ABS-CBN 9:00 am PHT

K-Smoove

NBA Daily Blog Eastern Conference Finals: Celtics survive in overtime, tie series vs the Heat with win in Game 4 93-91.

Rajon Rondo lays it on Dwayne Wade

Photo ©NBA.com

The Boston Celtics survive a 2nd half push which led into overtime as they defeat the Miami Heat to even up the series at 2-2 in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals at the TD Garden 93-91. The Heat came back from a 18 point deficit and had their chances to win the game, but Udonis Haslem missed badly at the end of regulation and Dwayne Wade missed a three pointer in overtime. The Celtics only shot 41% from the field while the Heat shot 43%. The series now heads back to Miami for Game 5 on June 6.

Paul Pierce led the Celtics in scoring with 23 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals on 8-18 shooting from the field, 2-6 from 3 point range and 5-6 from the free throw line, but fouled out early in the overtime period. Kevin Garnett finished with a double-double 17 points and 14 rebounds with 5 blocks, 2 steals and 3 assists on 8-20 shooting from the field. Ray Allen scored 16 points on 6-16 shooting from the field and 4-11 shooting from 3 point range. Rajon Rondo also finished with a double-double 15 points and 15 assists with 5 rebounds on 7-14 shooting from the field. Brandon Bass added 11 points, 7 rebounds and 2 steals on 3-8 shooting from the field and 5-5 from the free throw line. Keyon Dooling was the lone scorer from the Celtics bench with 10 points on 3-5 shooting from the field and 3-4 shooting from 3 point range.

LeBron James led the Heat in scoring with 29 points and 6 rebounds on 12-25 shooting from the field, 1-3 shooting from 3 point range and 4-8 shooting from the free throw line, but he also fouls out in the overtime period. Dwayne Wade added 20 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals and 3 blocks on 7-22 shooting from the field, 2-6 shooting from 3 point range and 4-5 shooting from the free throw line. Udonis Haslem off the bench finished with a double-double 12 points and 17 rebounds on 4-6 shooting from the field and 4-4 shooting from the free throw line. Mario Chalmers also scored 12 points with 4 assists and 3 rebounds on 5-13 shooting from the field.

2012 NBA Playoffs Bracket (as of 12:37 PHT)

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

#1 Spurs vs #2 Thunder (Series tied 2-2)
Game 5: June 5, 9:00 am PHT on Basketball TV and NBA Premium TV, delayed telecast on ABS-CBN 10:00 am PHT

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

#2 Heat vs #4 Celtics (Series tied 2-2)
Game 5: June 6, 8:30 am PHT on Basketball TV and NBA Premium TV, delayed telecast on ABS-CBN 10:00 am PHT

K-Smoove

NBA Daily Blog Western Conference Finals: Thunder even up series vs the Spurs with Game 4 victory 109-103.

Kevin Durant takes over in Game 4

Photo ©NBA.com

The Oklahoma City Thunder even up the Western Conference Finals as they defeat the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena 109-103. The Thunder shot 56% from the field, while the Spurs shot 50%. The Thunder outrebounded the Spurs 41-31, and had more assists than the Spurs 27-20. Game 5 will be back in San Antonio on June 5 as this series goes down into a Best of 3.

Kevin Durant led the Thunder with 36 points (18 in the 4th quarter), 8 assists and 6 rebounds while shooting 13-20 from the field, 1-2 from 3 point rang, and 9-9 from the free throw line. Serge Ibaka scored a career high 26 points with 5 rebounds and 3 blocks on 11-11 shooting from the field which ties 2nd all time in NBA playoff history in field goals made without a miss in a single game, he also shot 4-4 from the free throw line. Kendrick Perkins added 15 points and 9 rebounds on 7-9 shooting from the field. James Harden off the bench added 11 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists on 4-13 shooting from the field and 2-3 shooting from 3 point range. Nick Collison added 8 points and 2 steals on 4-5 shooting from the field. Russell Westbrook added 7 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds. Thabo Sefolosha added 6 points and 6 rebounds.

Tim Duncan led the Spurs with 21 points and 8 rebounds on 9-17 shooting from the field and 3-7 from the free throw line. Rookie Kawhi Leonard added 17 points and 9 rebounds on 7-8 shooting from the field an 3-4 shooting from 3 point range. Manu Ginobili off the bench added 13 points and 4 assists on 4-7 shooting from the field, 2-3 shooting from 3 point range and 3-3 shooting from the free throw line. Tony Parker and Boris Diaw each scored 12 points. Parker added 4 assists on 5-15 shooting from the field. Diaw added 7 rebounds on 5-11 shooting from the field and 2-4 shooting from 3 point range. Stephen Jackson scored 11 points on 4-6 shooting from the field and 2-3 shooting from 3 point range.

2012 NBA Playoffs Bracket (as of 11:30 PHT)

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

#1 Spurs vs #2 Thunder (Series tied 2-2)
Game 5: June 5, 9:00 am PHT on ABS-CBN, Basketball TV and NBA Premium TV

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

#2 Heat vs #4 Celtics (Heat lead series 2-1)
Game 4: June 4, 8:30 am PHT on Basketball TV and NBA Premium TV, delayed telecast on ABS-CBN 9:00 am PHT

K-Smoove

NBA Daily Blog Eastern Conference Finals: Celtics take Game 3 at home vs the Heat 101-91.

Rajon Rondo shoots over the Heat defense.

Photo ©NBA.com

The Boston Celtics, up by as many as 24 points coming into the 4th quarter, survive a late surge by the Miami Heat in the 4th quarter as they win Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals at the TD Garden 101-91. Celtics shot 50% from the field while the Heat shot 49% from the field. The Celtics went 20-26 from the free throw line while the Heat shot only 10-20. The Heat still lead the series 2-1. Game 4 will be back in Boston on June 4.

Kevin Garnett led the Celtics with a double-double 24 points and 11 rebounds on 10-16 FG shooting and 4-6 FT shooting. Paul Pierce added 23 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks on 7-21 FG shooting, 2-6 3PT shooting and 7-7 FT shooting. Rajon Rondo also finished with a double-double 21 points and 10 assists with 6 rebounds on 9-16 FG shooting and 3-5 FT shooting. Ray Allen added 10 points and 5 rebounds on 4-8 FG shooting and 2-5 3PT shooting. Marquis Daniels off the bench added 9 points and 5 rebounds on 4-6 FG shooting. Keyon Dooling added 7 points and 4 rebounds on 3-4 FG shooting

LeBron James led the Heat with 34 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks on 16-26 FG shooting. Dwayne Wade added 18 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks on 9-20 FG shooting. Mario Chalmers added 14 points and 6 assists on 5-11 FG shooting. Mike Miller off the bench added 11 points and 6 rebounds on 4-8 FG shooting and 3-6 3PT shooting.

2012 NBA Playoffs Bracket (as of 11:44 PHT)

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

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

Game 4: June 3, 9:00 am PHT on ABS-CBN, Basketball TV and NBA Premium TV (replay on Studio 23 9:30 pm PHT)

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

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

K-Smoove

It's June, it's back to the grind in a few days.

So we bid goodbye to the month of May, and we welcome the month of June. Summer is winding down and the rainy season is upon us as there's already a typhoon by our shores at the moment. We should have been on watch for the NBA Finals right now, but due to the lockout-shortened season, we're still in the middle of the Conference Finals as of this moment. Summer vacation is coming to an end, and I and the many students across the Philippines will return to the grind of classes in our respective schools, colleges and universities.

The school year begins in UST where I'm studying begin on June 4 with a mass, though classes will start the following day June 5. However, in the college I belong, CTHM, our classes begin on June 11 as the college will be hosting the APacCHRIE Youth Conference down at the Quadricentennial Pavilion on the first week of classes. However, we have to make up classes so 4 Saturday classes (2 in June, 2 in July) were scheduled after the conference.

Right now, I don't know how to cap off this summer vacation. Maybe I should step out and do something good and lasting to cap off the vacation. I have to make it count. Get time to hang out with my friends one last time before school begins, but my friends will soon go to class starting on the 4th. So time is running out.


The grind of the classes is upon us. The early wake-up calls to come (as seen on my high school like schedule). The many lessons from French to Events Management we will learn in our classes. The tons of schoolwork to come and finish from homeworks, seatworks, quizzes, projects and many other types of schoolwork. The coming of the rainy season means expect a lot of traffic jams on rainy days especially the university is on a flood-prone area. But aside from all of that, spending time with my friends & blockmates at the university.

10 days left until the summer vacation comes to an end for me, and it's back to the grind of classes. I can say my summer this year was one of the best I had in my life, though there were some events that made me sad, nothing too big of a deal to say the least. Hey, I can still cap off this summer with a BANG!

K-Smoove

NBA Daily Blog Western Conference Finals: Thunder take Game 3, snaps the Spurs 20 game winning streak 102-82.

Kevin Durant drives on Kawhi Leonard

Photo ©NBA.com

The Oklahoma City Thunder bounced back on their home floor as they defeat the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of their series at the Chesapeake Energy Arena 102-82. With the win, the Thunder snap the Spurs' winning streak at 20 (which included 10 straight in the playoffs). After trailing 22-24 at the end of the 1st, the Thunder outscored the Spurs 80-58 (including a 32-17 2nd quarter). The Thunder had more steals than the Spurs 14-2 while forcing the Spurs to 21 turnovers compared to only 8 turnovers for the Thunder. The Thunder shot 46% from the field compared to the Spurs' 40%. Game 4 will be back in Oklahoma City on June 3.

Kevin Durant led the Thunder with 22 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists on 8-17 FG shooting and 6-6 FT shooting. Thabo Sefolosha added 19 points, 6 rebounds and 6 steals on 7-16 FG shooting and 4-10 3PT shooting while doing an excellent job of defending Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and the other wing men of the Spurs. James Harden off the bench added 15 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists on 5-10 FG shooting and 4-4 FT shooting. Serge Ibaka added 14 points, 3 rebounds, 3 blocks and 2 steals on 5-9 FG shooting and 4-4 FT shooting. Russell Westbrook had an all-around game with 10 points, 9 assists, 7 rebounds, 4 steals and 2 blocks.

Tony Parker and Stephen Jackson off the bench led the Spurs with both scoring 16 points each. Parker shot 6-12 from the field, 2-4 from 3 point range, with 4 assists. Jackson shot 6-7 from the field, 4-5 from 3 point range. Tim Duncan struggled with 11 points on 5-15 FG shooting while blocking 5 shots as he now leads the NBA all-time in playoff career blocks. DeJuan Blair added 10 points and 6 rebounds on 5-7 FG shooting. Manu Ginobili was held to 8 points on 1-5 FG shooting and 5-5 FT shooting with 6 rebounds.

2012 NBA Playoffs Bracket (as of 12:16 PHT)

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

#1 Spurs vs #2 Thunder (Spurs lead series 2-1)
Game 4: June 3, 9:00 am PHT on ABS-CBN, Basketball TV and NBA Premium TV (replay on Studio 23 9:30 pm PHT)

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

#2 Heat vs #3 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 9:00 am PHT (replay on Studio 23 9:30 pm PHT)

K-Smoove