Kobe Bryant reaches 30,000. Knicks retake control atop the East. Rolling Thunder.

History was made to mark the week in the association. Here are some of the happenings from Week 6 of the 2012-13 NBA season.

Kobe hits 30,000 points!

Photo ©Getty Images

In their December 6 (December 5, New Orleans time) game against the New Orleans Hornets at the New Orleans Arena, Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant shot himself to the history as he reached the 30,000 point mark in his illustrious NBA career, making him the youngest player (34 years, 104 days) in NBA history to reach 30,000 career points, all of which donning the purple and gold. He also becomes the 5th player in NBA history to reach the mark joining the likes of Hall of Famers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain. The Lakers capped of the game with a win over the Hornets 103-87. However, the Lakers went into a slide after losing to the reigning Western Conference Champions Oklahoma City Thunder and the Utah Jazz, as the Lakers are outside of the playoff picture out West in 11th place at 9-12. But for a player like Kobe Bryant who is always on a mission to win it all, a lot of work needs to be done in Tinseltown these days.

Knicks once again on top of the East.

Photo ©NBA/Knicks.com

In a very intense competition atop the Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks have once again retook control atop the Eastern Conference as they stand at 15-5, a full game ahead of the reigning NBA champions Miami Heat who are at 13-5. While the Atlanta Hawks have made their way up the ladder and are now sitting in third place in the East at 12-5. While the Chicago Bulls lead the Central Division at 11-8. The Knicks have remained unbeaten at home in Madison Square Garden where they are 8-0. Carmelo Anthony has shouldered the load for the Knicks as he won the Eastern Conference Player of the Week award for Week 5 of the season. Things are looking bright in Manhattan, they are well in contention for a shot at the NBA championship, if their friends from South Beach or down the East River in Brooklyn have anything to say about their chances of winning the title this season.

 Eight in a row for the Thunder.

Photo ©NBA/Thunder.com

The reigning Western Conference Champions Oklahoma City Thunder have made it eight straight wins in a row picking up wins this week against the Brooklyn Nets in Brooklyn and against the Los Angeles Lakers and Indiana Pacers at home. The Thunder are currently tied with the San Antonio Spurs for the best record in the NBA at 17-4. Once again, Kevin Durant has been leading the way for the Thunder bagging his second Western Conference Player of the Week award in Week 5 of the season, and he has been backed up well by the entire Thunder roster with players like Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka, Kevin Martin, Nick Collison and Kendrick Perkins to name a few helping out Durant this season. Indeed, these guys are ready to contend for another shot at the NBA title.

Meanwhile, LeBron James of the Miami Heat was named Eastern Conference Player of the Month for October-November. James for the month finished with averages of 25.0 points per game, 8.9 rebounds per game and 6.5 assists per game on 53% field goal shooting. 

While Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder was crowned the Western Conference Player of the Month. Durant for October-November finished with averages of 26.5 points per game, 8.8 rebounds per game, 4.4 assists per game and 1.6 blocks per game on 51% shooting from the field, 43% shooting from 3 point range and 89% shooting from the free throw line.

Also, the first Rookie of the Month selections of the season were named. For the month of October-November, Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers took the honors in the Western Conference. Lillard stands out among the rookies alongside top pick Anthony Davis as he led all rookies in scoring (18.4 PPG), assists (5.9 APG) and steals (1.4 SPG) for the month.

While Michael Kidd-Gilchrist of the Charlotte Bobcats took top honors in the Eastern Conference. Kidd-Gilchrist finished the month with averages of 10.9 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.2 SPG, and 1.3 BPG.

The first Coach of the Month awards were also given. Out West, the award went to Lionel Hollins who led the Memphis Grizzlies to their best start in franchise history at 12-2 for the month. While Avery Johnson took the honors in the Eastern Conference as he led the Brooklyn Nets to also their best start in franchise history at 11-4 for the month.

Here's how the teams are faring across the association:

Western Conference:

1. Spurs (17-4), 2. Thunder (17-4), 3. Grizzlies (14-4), 4. Clippers (14-6), 5. Warriors (13-7), 6. Jazz (12-10), 7. Timberwolves (9-9), 8. Mavericks (10-10), 9. Nuggets (10-11), 10. Rockets (9-10), 11. Lakers (9-12), 12. Trail Blazers (8-12), 13. Kings (7-12), 14. Suns (7-15), 15. Hornets (5-14)

Eastern Conference:

1. Knicks (15-5), 2. Heat (13-5), 3. Hawks (12-5), 4. Bulls (11-8), 5. Nets (11-8), 6. 76ers (11-9), 7. Celtics (11-9), 8. Bucks (10-9), 9. Pacers (10-11), 10. Magic (8-12), 11. Bobcats (7-12), 12. Pistons (7-15), 13. Cavaliers (4-17), 14. Raptors (4-17), 15. Wizards (2-15)

17 of the 30 teams have picked up 10 wins this season, on both sides of the standings, things are looking clear and tightly contested on top of both conferences, at the same time in the middle of the standings, it is a log jam of teams trying to gain a better footing in the standings.

Stay tuned as a new edition of my NBA weekly blog comes out soon.

K-Smoove

CAMPEONE! UST GROWLING TIGERS: 2012 PCCL CHAMPIONS

UST Growling Tigers

2012 PCCL CHAMPIONS

Photo ©GMA News Online

Last Friday, 57 days after suffering a bitter defeat in the UAAP Finals. The UST Growling Tigers got their revenge on the the team they lost to in the UAAP Finals this year, the Ateneo Blue Eagles as for the first time ever the Growling Tigers are the "NATIONAL CHAMPIONS" and the "BEST COLLEGIATE TEAM in the PHILIPPINES" this year as they win in the 2012 Philippine Collegiate Champions League Finals in Game 3 of the Finals series 81-76 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City, taking the Finals series 2-1. Their win in the PCCL brought cheers to the Thomasian community who came out once again in full force at the Ynares Sports Arena and the Growling Tigers never disappointed the strong contingent in YELLOW, bringing them something to celebrate, after their tough defeat in the UAAP a few weeks back.

Jeric Teng led the Growling Tigers in Game 3 scoring 13 of his game-high 22 points in the critical fourth quarter, Kevin Ferrer added 21 points while Jeric Fortuna added 11 points in his final game in a UST Growling Tigers uniform.

Kiefer Ravena and Ryan Buenafe led the Blue Eagles with 20 points each, while Greg Slaughter who played his final game in a Blue Eagles uniform added 11 points.

After the game, in a show of sportsmanship. Karim Abdul traded jerseys with Slaughter and wore it as a tribute to the battles these two men faced in the last two years.

Teng was named the Finals MVP of the tournament, while Fortuna and Karim Abdul were named in the Mythical Five alongside Teng and Ateneo's Ravena and Slaughter. While UST Head Coach Pido Jarencio was named Coach of the Year.

The Growling Tigers took home the Manuel V. Pangilinan Perpetual Trophy which they will keep for one whole year, as well as a replica of the trophy, and P700,000 worth of prizes for the school.

"Nakabawi din sa kanila." - Jeric Teng

"It's nice to play our last game for UST with a championship." - Jeric Fortuna

"I've always wanted to have his (Slaughter) jersey." - Karim Abdul

"This one's for the UST community and the people who supported us all along."  - Coach Pido Jarencio

Box score:

UST (81) - Teng 22, Ferrer 21, Fortuna 11, Abdul 8, Bautista 7, Daquioag 6, Afuang 4, Mariano 2, Hainga 0, Pe 0, Lo 0

Ateneo (76) - Ravena 20, Buenafe 20, Slaughter 11, Salva 9, Elorde 7, Tiongson 5, Sumalinog 3, Chua 1, Golla 0, Gonzaga 0

Yes! The Growling Tigers cap off 2012 with a BANG! A National Championship to cap off the careers of the two graduating players for the Growling Tigers in "The Captain" Jeric Fortuna and Melo Afuang. It is also a prelude of what is to come for the Growling Tigers next year as they will move on to preparations for UAAP Season 76 with a virtually intact core led by Jeric Teng, Karim Abdul, Aljon Mariano, Clark Bautista and Kevin Ferrer.

For now, the Thomasian community can now savor the taste of victory the have long been waiting for to happen. Finally, as a Thomasian, I can savor a victory in basketball. After the bitter defeat in the UAAP Finals, I am very happy and delighted for not only these guys, but also to all my Thomasian PEEPS. FINALLY! We are the CHAMPIONS! With the victory, my FAITH in Philippine collegiate basketball has been RESTORED!

CAMPEONE!
K-Smoove

Spurs fined $250K for sitting out 4 key players, Thunder getting their groove, Heat on a hot streak.

Five weeks into the 2012-13 NBA season, here are some of the happenings from Week 5 of the season

Spurs fined $250,000 for resting 4 key players

Photo ©NBA/Spurs.com

The San Antonio Spurs have been fined by the NBA $250,000. The fine came as the Spurs decided hours before their 100-105 road loss against the Miami Heat to sit out their three star players + 1 player on their roster namely Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Danny Green. It all came to a decision by head coach Gregg Popovich who decided to sit out his star players after the Spurs underwent a grueling early-season road trip. Fans had mixed reactions about the fine, some say the fine is well played, while others think that the team should had not been fined. After the fine was imposed though, the Spurs came back home and responded with a 99-95 overtime win over the West leading Memphis Grizzlies. Parker scored 30 points and 6 assists, while Duncan added 27 points and 15 rebounds. Life goes on in the Alamo City as the Spurs continue to challenge for control of the Western Conference.

Thunder getting their grove out West.

Photo ©NBA/Thunder.com

The reigning Western Conference Champions Oklahoma City Thunder are riding on a 5 game winning streak and are tied for second place at 14-4 with the San Antonio Spurs. Their wins include against teams like the Philadelphia 76ers in Philadelphia, Charlotte Bobcats at home, Utah Jazz at home, New Orleans Hornets in New Orleans and a win at home against the Houston Rockets in which guard James Harden returns to Oklahoma City after being traded to Houston before the season began. The reigning scoring champion Kevin Durant has currently dropped his scoring averages averaging 26.2 points per outing which is 2nd best in the NBA, but has improved other assets of his game averaging 8.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.6 blocks per outing on 51% shooting from the field, 44% shooting from three point range and 90% shooting at the line. Russell Westbrook who has been dubbed a "selfish" player last season has dropped more assists so far this season averaging 8.7 assists per outing to go along 20.7 points, 5.1 rebounds ans 2.1 steals per outing on 41% shooting from the field. The Thunder had also gotten help from players like Kevin Martin who arrived from Houston in the Harden deal is now embracing his role as the 6th man coming off the Thunder bench, Serge Ibaka has also improved his numbers while maintaining his great shotblocking ability. As well as role players like Thabo Sefolosha, Kendrick Perkins and Nick Collison to name a few. This team had so far learned it's lesson after a bitter defeat in the NBA Finals last season. This team is once again ready to compete for one more shot at the NBA championship.

Champs on a hot streak.

Photo ©NBA/Heat.com

The defending NBA champions Miami Heat are riding a hot streak, currently riding the longest winning streak in the NBA right now at six wins. The Heat are also leading the Eastern Conference with a record of 12-3, a game ahead of the New York Knicks. Their wins include against the Nuggets and Suns on the road, the Bucks, Cavaliers, Spurs and recently against the Nets at home. Their win against the Spurs involves another big shot by Ray Allen late in the fourth quarter and it was a close call for the champions as they played the game with the Spurs sitting out their Big 3 in Parker, Duncan and Ginobili. In today's game, the Heat came back from a 14 point first half deficit to defeat the Brooklyn Nets 102-89. Dwayne Wade led the Heat with 34 points and 7 assists while LeBron James added 21 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Ray Allen scored 13 off the bench, while Norris Cole added 12 points. The Heat are looking good early in the East, the question is can they hold their ground and contend for a back-to-back this season. That we will have to see.

Meanwhile, last week Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs was named the Western Conference Player of the Week. Duncan is the 4th player this season to be awarded in the West. While Al Horford of the Atlanta Hawks was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week. Horford is the 3rd player this season to be awarded in the East.

Here's how the standings look like in the NBA today:

Western Conference:

1. Grizzlies (12-3), 2. Thunder (14-4), 3. Spurs (14-4), 4. Warriors (10-6), 5. Clippers (10-6), 6. Jazz (9-9), 7. Lakers (8-8), 8. Rockets (8-8), 9. Nuggets (8-9), 10. Mavericks (8-9), 11. Timberwolves (7-8), 12. Suns (7-10), 13. Trail Blazers (7-10), 14. Hornets (4-11), 15. Kings (4-12)

Eastern Conference:

1. Heat (12-3), 2. Knicks (11-4), 3. Nets (11-5), 4. Bucks (8-7), 5. Hawks (9-5), 6. 76ers (10-7), 7. Bulls (8-7), 8. Celtics (9-8), 9. Pacers (8-8), 10. Bobcats (7-8), 11. Magic (5-10), 12. Pistons (5-13), 13. Cavaliers (4-13), 14. Raptors (4-13), 15. Wizards (1-13)

Once again, the race out West has been tightly contested. 13 of the 15 teams have picked up at least 7 wins. With the Warriors and Clippers contending for the lead in the Pacific Division and the Lakers coming off the heels of these two squads. Meanwhile out East, the Hawks and 76ers have better records against the Central Division leading Milwaukee Bucks, and finally the Wizards have picked up a win this season.

Keep in touch for a new edition of the weekly NBA blog, next week.

K-Smoove

Winding down the year.

Here we are, we bid good bye to November and we are now on the final month of every year. December, and Christmas is right around the corner. The temperature is going down here in Manila, and we're seeing hot afternoons and cool nights. Call this bipolar weather. Cool nights mean that waking up in the morning will be always be a challenge, especially you're sleeping well in cooler weather. A full month for the second semester is in the books.

Well, I have accepted a lot of leadership roles in some of the activities/projects we will have soon. Thus giving me opportunities to prove myself and lay all my cards on the table to deliver one great push. Well as they quote "With great power comes great responsibility." I'm all in to put everything on the line for the success of each endeavor I will pursue. It has been a roller-coaster of a semester already, and it's not going to get pretty as each day rolls along. Like I said before, I keep my head down, focused and ready to strike and come in each and every day with a positive mindset.

Well, in two weeks it's going to be the CTHM College Week, and it will be filled with a ton of activities for our college, and in three weeks time, it's the annual Thomasian christmas party called "Paskuhan", leading up to the Christmas break which is shorter than previous years. Christmas parties are being prepared everywhere, especially in a country with the longest Christmas celebration in the world. Christmas lights and decorations are up at homes, roads, and other places. Well for Christmas, I do not hope for a lot of Christmas gifts, but if I get lucky to get things on my wishlist, then I'll be happy about it. I'm not really a gift giving person, but on exchange gifts, I give my very best to give a great gift to the person who I picked to give a gift for Christmas.

Another year is coming to an end, time really flew by fast. I really hope for something great to cap the year off in high spirits.

Winding down the road.
K-Smoove