Spurs get "SWEEP" revenge to advance to the NBA Finals.

Two years ago, the San Antonio Spurs suffered a tough defeat in the first round against the Memphis Grizzlies, this year they got their redemption as they knocked off the Grizzlies in a sweep of the Western Conference Finals to advance to the NBA Finals for the fifth time in franchise history.

Photos ©NBA

The Grizzlies pulled off their best season in franchise history as they made the trip to the Western Conference Finals for the first time after knocking out the reigning West champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder in five games. Led by Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol, Mike Conley and Tony Allen. The Grizzlies used defense to their advantage in making the trip this season. Unfortunately for them, they suffered a ton of setbacks that led them getting swept by the Spurs. Their offense struggled throughout the series as they struggled shooting the ball on all ends from three point shooting to free throw shooting. Randolph also got a handful against the Spurs defense which have gone back up to the level we used to see them of. Add to that, they suffered a couple of heartbreaking overtime defeats in this series. To put everything in place, they lost to a better team.

The Spurs came in the series after knocking out the Golden State Warriors in 6 games, and came out swinging in the series, blowing the Grizzlies in Game 1, then pulling off two straight overtime victories before sweeping the brooms in Game 4. The Spurs are a better offensive team than what we have seen from them in previous years as defense had been a staple for this franchise. Tony Parker shot magnificently throughout the series and the Spurs were able to dissect the Grizzlies defense apart with tough screens and great ball movement, something we haven't seen from them most of the times. Add to that, the shot the free throws well throughout the series. Tim Duncan turned back the clock with his near unstoppable plays. Players like Manu Ginobili, Kawhi Leonard, Danny Green and Tiago Splitter have also contributed big in this run for them. Now they return to the NBA Finals where they won it all in four trips, the last one was in 2007. They'll be ready to bring the title back to the Alamo City, six years after they last won it.

The Spurs will face the winner of the Eastern Conference Finals matchup between the Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers. The series currently stands with the Heat leading 2-1.

As for the Grizzlies, their magnificent playoff comes to a tough and bitter end. Now the question looms on the players that will stay and go for this franchise. Even the fate of head coach Lionel Hollins is in question. They had a great run this year, but they lost to a better team.

Here are the scores from all games of the series:

GAME 1 @ San Antonio: Grizzlies 85-103 Spurs

Grizzlies leaders:

Points: Pondexter 17, Gasol 15, Conley 14

Rebounds: Gasol 7, Randolph 7

Assists: Conley 8, Bayless 5

Spurs leaders:

Points: Parker 20, Leonard 18, Green 16

Rebounds: Duncan 10, Ginobili 5, Green 4

Assists: Parker 9, Duncan 4, Ginobili 3, Green 3

GAME 2 @ San Antonio: Grizzlies 89-93 Spurs (OT)

Grizzlies leaders:

Points: Conley 18, Bayless 18, Randolph 15

Rebounds: Randolph 18, Gasol 14, Pondexter 9

Assists: Conley 4, Gasol 4, Randolph 3, Bayless 3

Spurs leaders:

Points: Duncan 17, Parker 15, Splitter 14

Rebounds: Duncan 9, Leonard 9, Parker 5, Joseph 5

Assists: Parker 18, Ginobili 4, Duncan 3

GAME 3 @ Memphis: Spurs 104-93 Grizzlies (OT)

Spurs leaders:

Points: Parker 26, Duncan 24, Ginobili 19

Rebounds: Leonard 11, Duncan 10, Ginobili 7

Assists: Parker 5, Duncan 5, Ginobili 5

Grizzlies leaders:

Points: Conley 20, Gasol 16, Pondexter 15

Rebounds: Randolph 15, Gasol 14, Allen 7

Assists: Gasol 5, Conley 4, Bayless 4

GAME 4 @ Memphis: Spurs 93-86 Grizzlies

Spurs leaders:

Points: Parker 37, Duncan 15, Leonard 11

Rebounds: Duncan 8, Ginobili 6, Leonard 6

Assists: Parker 6, Ginobili 6, Splitter 3, Diaw 3

Grizzlies leaders:

Points: Pondexter 22, Gasol 14, Randolph 13

Rebounds: Randolph 8, Allen 8, Conley 6, Arthur 6

Assists: Conley 7, Gasol 5

Spurs win series 4-0

K-Smoove

On the highway to nowhere. The Subic Bay Chronicles.

Last Friday, my family went on a trip up north to Subic Bay in Zambales. But, before we got to the place we will be staying in, a lot of things happened on the long trip from Manila to Subic Bay. In Bulacan, we saw the ongoing construction of the Philippine Arena along Bocaue.

We also got to savor the scenery along NLEx. But as soon as we got into our exit in NLEx in Pampanga, we got into a hailstorm, that's right hail fell from the skies accompanied by lightning that was very close to the road. As soon as we got into the SCTEX, the weather improved and we got to see the sights and scenery of the SCTEx as well as the Subic-Tipo Expressway.

We arrived in Subic Bay in the late afternoon, and we had dinner at a Jollibee there since I wanted to eat their Amazing Aloha burger once again, four years after it last came back for a limited offering. Afterwards, we started the trip to the place were staying in near the airport. We went around circles in the area without knowing we passed the place we were supposed to turn to get to our destination thrice. Since the car was running short on gas we took a detour to gas up. Then finally on the fourth attempt, we got to the right place and arrived at the place we're staying. As soon as we got into the house, it was complete with a lot of amenities from high definition satellite television, air conditioning units, very fast internet connection and a nice view of Subic Bay and the airport. We settled in for the night then after.

As I woke up the following day, it was already late in the morning and right away I got to see the scenery of Subic Bay from the vantage point of the house. Then the rest of our relatives arrived at the house from Manila. Where we had a nice lunch by the nice scenery. I took a photo of the scenery in the afternoon and I got a photo of myself with it.

Then I got to roam around the area to savor the nice view of Subic Bay from the airport. At home, well I savored the moment of watching television in high definition from channels like History, HBO, NBA Premium TV to name a few. As well as taking advantage of high speed internet connections at the place. Then we settled in for dinner, and afterwards watched a movie before settling in for the night.

Then on our last day there, I woke up early in the morning and had a nice breakfast, as well as getting ready to leave the house for the trip back home. While the others were packing. We watched Game 6 of the Pacers-Knicks series in HD. It was worth the treat for me as a basketball fan getting to watch a live NBA game in HD was something special. After the game, we all left the house for the last time. But before we left the area, we took one last picture as a family with the view of the place as well as the scenery.

Once we left the area, we went on a detour along Subic Bay, travelling the open road to places filled with trees even monkeys. We went to the place where Ocean Adventure and Camayan Beach Resort is located so we took a look at the places before heading back to the center of Subic Bay. Along the way, we stumbled upon a tall fire tree and we took pictures with it.

Afterwards, we went to the center of Subic Bay where we went to buy some things at the duty free stores within the free port area. We saved a lot from buying some stuff along the way, including a gallon's worth of ice cream for the price less than a 3L Selecta ice cream bought elsewhere in the Philippines. I also got to buy myself a new Adidas shoe from their outlet store in the area.

After buying from the duty free stores, we went for lunch at Xtremely Xpresso where they have nice food from 22'' pizzas with lower prices than a 18'' Yellow Cab Pizza. As well as a tasty meat lasagna. I also got to try their Coffee Jelly Frappe drink which has a strong taste but is also good. After lunch, we went in for the long trip back to Manila.

So yeah it was pretty much a rewarding experience to get to Subic Bay for the first time in my life. I sure will come back again and get a nice deal here especially with the duty free shops in the area. It's also a great place because of the discipline here which is way better than here in Manila, traffic enforcement here is strict unlike other parts of the country. I sure hope I'll be coming here again in the near future.

Finding my solitude right here.
K-Smoove

Pacers make trip back to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Remember when Reggie Miller scorched the Knicks to become the "Knick Killer"? or when Larry Johnson knocked in a four point play to propel the then 8th seeded Knicks to stun the Pacers? Well, in a rebirth of a classic rivalry from the 1990s, the third seeded Indiana Pacers came out as the better team, as they defeat the second seeded New York Knicks to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2004.

Photos ©NBA

The Knicks came into the playoffs as one of the elite teams in the Eastern Conference. They won the Atlantic Division title for the first time since 1994 and won a playoff series for the first time since 2000 when they knocked off their Atlantic division rival Boston Celtics in six games. Led by scoring champion Carmelo Anthony and joined with this year's Sixth Man of the Year J.R. Smith, last year's Defensive Player of the Year Tyson Chandler, Raymond Feltion, Iman Shumpert and Pablo Prigioni to name a few. The Knicks looked poised to take their playoff run further deep. Unfortunately, their title run ends in the second round. They were unable to beat the Pacers on the road and allowed them to take Game 1 on their home floor. It was a bitter finish to their remarkable season and a season where they rejoined the elite of the East.

As for the Pacers, after knocking out the Atlanta Hawks in Round 1, they right away stole Game 1 at MSG which is the turning point of the series as the Pacers maintained a perfect home record at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in the 2013 Playoffs which stands at 6-0. Led by Most Improved Player award winner Paul George and joined by George Hill, Roy Hibbert, David West, Lance Stephenson, D.J. Augustin and Tyler Hansbrough to name a few. These Pacers have put everyone on notice as for most of the season, they were under the radar. Now they have a shot of getting back to the NBA Finals for since Reggie Miller led the Pacers to their lone trip in franchise history in 2000.

The Pacers will now face the defending NBA champions the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals setting up a rematch from last year's second round series which the Heat won in 6 games.

As for the Knicks, their impressive run to the East elite comes to a bitter end. A lot of uncertainty will now bloom in the Big Apple as their offseason begins now.

Here are the scores from all games of the series:

GAME 1 @ New York: Pacers 102-95 Knicks

Pacers leaders:

Points: West 20, George 19, Augustin 16

Rebounds: Stephenson 13, Hibbert 8, Hill 7

Assists: Hill 6, George 4, Hibbert 4

Knicks leaders:

Points: Anthony 27, Felton 18, Smith 17

Rebounds: Anthony 11, Smith 5, Shumpert 4

Assists: Prigioni 6, Felton 3, Smith 2

GAME 2 @ New York: Pacers 79-105 Knicks

Pacers leaders:

Points: George 20, West 13, Hill 12

Rebounds: Hibbert 12, West 6, George 4, Stephenson 4

Assists: Hill 7, West 4, Stephenson 2, B. Hansbrough 2

Knicks leaders:

Points: Anthony 32, Shumpert 15, Felton 14

Rebounds: Anthony 9, Shumpert 6, Smith 6

Assists: Prigioni 4, Kidd 4

GAME 3 @ Indiana: Knicks 71-82 Pacers

Knicks leaders:

Points: Anthony 21, Chandler 9, Smith 9

Rebounds: Shumpert 10, Martin 7, Kidd 6

Assists: Prigioni 4, Felton 2, Shumpert 2

Pacers leaders:

Points: Hibbert 24, Hill 17, George 14

Rebounds: Hibbert 12, West 12, George 8

Assists: George 8, Stephenson 3

GAME 4 @ Indiana: Knicks 82-93 Pacers

Knicks leaders:

Points: Anthony 24, Smith 19, Felton 14

Rebounds: Chandler 10, Anthony 9, Martin 5

Assists: Felton 6, Kidd 3, Martin 3

Pacers leaders:

Points: Hill 26, George 18, Stephenson 13

Rebounds: George 14, Hibbert 11, West 10

Assists: George 7, Hill 4, West 3

GAME 5 @ New York: Pacers 75-85 Knicks

Pacers leaders:

Points: George 23, West 17, Augustin 12

Rebounds: West 10, Stephenson 8, Hibbert 7

Assists: George 6, West 2, Stephenson 2

Knicks leaders:

Points: Anthony 28, Smith 13, Copeland 13

Rebounds: Chandler 8, Anthony 6, Shumpert 6, Smith 6

Assists: Felton 4, Prigioni 3, Smith 2

GAME 6 @ Indiana: Knicks 99-106 Pacers

Knicks leaders:

Points: Anthony 39, Shumpert 19, Smith 15

Rebounds: Smith 10, Anthony 7, Chandler 6

Assists: Felton 6, Prigioni 6, Smith 3

Pacers leaders:

Points: Stephenson 25, George 23, Hibbert 21

Rebounds: Hibbert 12, Stephenson 10

Assists: George 4, Hill 4, West 4

Pacers win series 4-2

K-Smoove

Spurs are back in the Western Conference Finals.

In a battle of youth vs experience. Experience got the better of this match-up as the second seeded San Antonio Spurs are heading back to the Western Conference Finals as they defeat the sixth seeded Golden State Warriors in six games as the Spurs are in the West Finals for a second straight season.

Photos ©NBA

The Warriors, after pulling of a major upset of the third seeded Denver Nuggets in six games, they came in as the lowest seeded team to come out of the first round and these young players led by sweet shooting Stephen Curry battled against a tested veteran team and gave it their all in this series. They manage to win two games in the series including one on the road. However, the more experienced Spurs team came out and delivered when it all mattered the most. Fueled by a frenzied fanbase which pack up their home floor dressed in yellow and pecking the decibel meter up to the roofs every single home game. These young bloods have achieved a nice run with players surrounding Curry like Klay Thompson, David Lee, Harrison Barnes, Carl Landry and Jarrett Jack to name a nice lineup the Warriors had. However, their playoff run comes to an end this time around.

As for the Spurs, they came into the series well rested after sweeping the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round. The extra rest they got proved to be beneficial especially on a veteran core that they have on the line up. Their experience proved to be a factor in their series as shown by their poise in an thrilling Game 1 victory at home as well as picking up two wins in front of a raucous "Roaracle" Arena crowd in Oakland. Their triumvirate of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili have delivered when it all mattered for the Spurs. Now their quest back to glory will continue as they look to have another shot at an NBA championship as these three men are winding down their decorated NBA careers.

The Spurs will now face the Memphis Grizzlies in the Western Conference Finals. In a rematch of their first round matchup from 2011 when the then eight-seeded Grizzlies knocked off the then top seeded Spurs in six games. Despite having to go through personnel changes over the two years since they last met in the playoffs, expect the same old ballgame that we saw from both teams two years back.

As for the Warriors, their remarkable season comes to an end. This young team will be a team to fear for many years to come. The players on their roster still have a ton of growth ahead of them and this deep playoff experience they had will make them better for even deeper playoff runs when their time comes.

Here are the scores from all games of the series:

GAME 1 @ San Antonio: Warriors 127-129 Spurs (2OT)

Warriors leaders:

Points: Curry 44, Thompson 19, Barnes 19

Rebounds: Bogut 15, Barnes 12, Dr. Green 7

Assists: Curry 11, Bogut 4, Thompson 3

Spurs leaders:

Points: Parker 28, Da. Green 22, Duncan 19

Rebounds: Duncan 11, Leonard 9, Parker 8

Assists: Ginobili 11, Parker 8, Leonard 3

GAME 2 @ San Antonio: Warriors 100-91 Spurs

Warriors leaders:

Points: Thompson 34, Curry 22, Barnes 13

Rebounds: Thompson 14, Bogut 11, Landry 8

Assists: Dr. Green 5, Curry 4, Jack 4

Spurs leaders:

Points: Duncan 23, Parker 20, Ginobili 12

Rebounds: Leonard 12, Duncan 9, Parker 6, Da. Green 6

Assists: Ginobili 4, Parker 3

GAME 3 @ Golden State: Spurs 102-92 Warriors

Spurs leaders:

Points: Parker 32, Duncan 23, Leonard 15

Rebounds: Duncan 10, Leonard 9, Parker 5, Ginobili 5

Assists: Parker 5, Ginobili 4, Duncan 3, Da. Green 3

Warriors leaders:

Points: Thompson 17, Curry 16, Landry 14

Rebounds: Bogut 12, Thompson 8, Barnes 8

Assists: Curry 8, Landry 4, Thompson 2, Barnes 2

GAME 4 @ Golden State: Spurs 87-97 Warriors (OT)

Spurs leaders:

Points: Ginobili 21, Duncan 19, Parker 17

Rebounds: Duncan 16, Leonard 8, Da. Green 7

Assists: Ginobili 3, Parker 3, Diaw 3, Splitter 3

Warriors leaders:

Points: Barnes 26, Jack 24, Curry 22

Rebounds: Bogut 18, Barnes 10, Jack 7

Assists: Curry 4, Jack 4, Landry 4

GAME 5 @ San Antonio: Warriors 91-109 Spurs

Warriors leaders:

Points: Barnes 25, Jack 20, Landry 16

Rebounds: Barnes 7, Landry 6, Bogut 6

Assists: Curry 8, Landry 2, Bogut 2, Jack 2

Spurs leaders:

Points: Parker 25, Leonard 17, Da. Green 16

Rebounds: Duncan 11, Leonard 7, Splitter 6

Assists: Parker 10, Ginobili 5

GAME 6 @ Golden State: Spurs 94-82 Warriors

Spurs leaders:

Points: Duncan 19, Leonard 16, Splitter 14

Rebounds: Leonard 10, Duncan 6, Ginobili 6, Diaw 6

Assists: Ginobili 11, Parker 8, Diaw 4

Warriors leaders:

Points: Curry 22, Jack 15, Landry 11

Rebounds: Bogut 7, Ezeli 7, Landry 6

Assists: Curry 6, Thompson 3, Lee 2

Spurs win series 4-2

K-Smoove

Grizzlies dethrone the Kings of the West.

These two teams battled each other two years ago and fought a nail-biting seven game second round series. This year, the fifth seeded Memphis Grizzlies get their retribution as the knock off the top seed in the West as well as the reigning Western Conference Champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder in five games to advance to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history. The Grizzlies also avenge their loss in 2011 against the Thunder in empathic fashion taking four straight wins after dropping Game 1 on the road.

 Photos ©NBA

The Thunder who rode out the loss of their All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook in their first round series against the Houston Rockets managed to get into the second round after defeating the Rockets in six games. The Thunder had to rely more on Kevin Durant to score the basketball with Westbrook out for the rest of the playoffs. They managed to win Game 1 on their home floor with a clutch jumper by Kevin Durant. Unfortunately, it ended up as their only win of the series as the Grizzlies took the next four games including two games on their own home floor in Loud City. Their quest for redemption comes to a bitter and early end.

As for the Grizzlies, after getting redemption against the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round. They continued to play their style of Grit 'n Grind in their series against the Thunder as they continued to play physical for the entire course of the series. After dropping Game 1 on the road, they responded emphatically as they won the next four games on their way to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history. They also kept themselves undefeated at "The Grindhouse" FedEx Forum as they are 5-0 at home in the NBA Playoffs. With a mix of defensive stalwarts like DPOY Marc Gasol, Tony Allen and Tayshaun Prince as well as an offensive boost from Zach Randolph, Mike Conley and Jerryd Bayless to name a few. These guys play great defense, and as quoted by Bruce Bowen once "Defense wins championships." Now, the road to the championship continues for this team that loves to grind and play tough defense.

The Grizzlies will face the winner of the series between the San Antonio Spurs and the Golden State Warriors. The Spurs currently have a 3-2 series lead over the Warriors and they got a shot of winning the series tomorrow.

As for the Thunder, their quest to return to the NBA Finals comes to an end. They will have Russell Westbrook back healthy next season. However, this team could undergo personnel changes along the way, as an eery silence will loom in Loud City as their off-season begins earlier than most people expect.

Here are the scores from all games of the series:

GAME 1 @ Oklahoma City: Grizzlies 91-93 Thunder

Grizzlies leaders:

Points: Gasol 20, Randolph 18, Conley 13, Pondexter 13

Rebounds: Gasol 10, Randolph 10, Conley 5, Pondexter 5, Prince 5

Assists: Gasol 3, Conley 3, Pondexter 3

Thunder leaders:

Points: Durant 35, Martin 25, Jackson 12

Rebounds: Durant 15, Martin 7, Perkins 7

Assists: Durant 6, Perkins 3, Jackson 2

GAME 2 @ Oklahoma City: Grizzlies 99-93 Thunder

Grizzlies leaders:

Points: Conley 26, Gasol 24, Randolph 15

Rebounds: Conley 10, Randolph 8, Allen 7

Assists: Conley 9, Gasol 5, Randolph 3

Thunder leaders:

Points: Durant 36, Fisher 19, Ibaka 11

Rebounds: Durant 11, Perkins 6, Ibaka 5, Jackson 5

Assists: Durant 9, Sefolosha 3, Jackson 2

GAME 3 @ Memphis: Thunder 81-87 Grizzlies

Thunder leaders: 

Points: Durant 25, Jackson 16, Ibaka 13, Martin 13

Rebounds: Durant 11, Ibaka 10, Jackson 10

Assists: Durant 5, Jackson 2, Sefolosha 2

Grizzlies leaders:

Points: Gasol 20, Conley 14, Allen 14

Rebounds: Randolph 10, Gasol 9, Conley 7

Assists: Conley 6, Gasol 4, Randolph 2, Bayless 2

GAME 4 @ Memphis: Thunder 97-103 (OT)

Thunder leaders:

Points: Durant 27, Martin 18, Ibaka 17

Rebounds: Ibaka 14, Durant 7, Martin 5, Sefolosha 5

Assists: Jackson 8, Durant 7

Grizzlies leaders:

Points: Conley 24, Randolph 23, Gasol 23

Rebounds: Randolph 12, Gasol 11, Allen 6

Assists: Conley 5, Prince 5, Randolph 3, Bayless 3

GAME 5 @ Oklahoma City: Grizzlies 88-84 Thunder 

Grizzlies leaders:

Points: Randolph 28, Conley 13, Allen 11

Rebounds: Randolph 14, Conley 7, Gasol 7

Assists: Conley 11, Randolph 2, Allen 2, Bayless 2

Thunder leaders:

Points: Durant 21, Ibaka 17, Jackson 16

Rebounds: Jackson 9, Durant 8, Ibaka 8

Assists: Durant 6, Jackson 5, Fisher 3

Grizzlies win series 4-1

K-Smoove