Manila Red Nation

The thoughts of K-Smoove. A blogger who stands for what he believes in.

[karlcrockets]

Chito Miranda x Rico Blanco - Panahon Na Naman ng Harana HD

Chito Miranda and Rico Blanco.. Mash-up of Rivermaya's Panahon na Naman and Parokya ni Edgar's Harana.. For the win!!

[karlcrockets]

Afternoon out after a long time.

Yesterday, I decided to go out of home to relax in a different place as well as to beat the scorching summer HEAT in our home. Originally, I was supposed to go out alone. Yeah I'm an ambivalent person, and I'm proud to say that. But, one of my best friends from grade school Raphael reminded me about having our next meet up when I have free time to burn. So yeah, we pushed through with the plan. I went early to SM North EDSA to enjoy a nice coffee drink at Starbucks as I waited for him to finish his classes. Then at around 2pm, he arrived and we went on to do a lot of things. We played 2 hours worth of NBA 2K13 at Cyberzone. Then we went next door to TriNoma to eat at Sbarro. Along the way, we did a ton of catching up to do and tell stories about what has been happening with our own lives, the NBA, racing, anime, tech, as well as look back to the memories when we were still classmates and the past reunions afterwards. We spent the whole afternoon as well into the night before we went home by taking a diversionary route to Cubao via the MRT since the terminal along TriNoma was packed up to the max since it was rush hour, before we took the ride back home and went our own ways. It was nice seeing him again, after a very long time. We had great memories together as classmates as well as great friends afterwards. Though it would have been better if our friend Dominique who's now in Ireland return home. So come home soon homie! We're gonna have a good one when you come back here in the Philippines. So thanks for the time and we'll see each other again soon. A break from it all. K-Smoove

[karlcrockets]

Missed opportunity to see "The Great Wall"

Yesterday, the Philippine men's national basketball team battled against the Shanghai Sharks in an exhibition game at the Mall of Asia Arena. But with all the basketball happening on the court, one guy stands out among the crowd. I mean he literally stands out. That person was Yao Ming, the former Houston Rockets center who is the owner of the team he played for before he was drafted by the Rockets #1 overall in 2002. Yao and the Sharks arrived in Manila over the weekend, where Yao met with Vice President Jejomar Binay for "Basketball diplomacy" as well as conducting basketball clinics to aspiring Filipino basketball players before his Sharks played against the national team yesterday. The national team would end up defeating the Sharks 80-72. When I said he stands out, he really is as shown on this photo with the Vice President.

Photo ©Yahoo News Philippines

Yeah, I'm having a bit of a regret that I was unable to see him in person. I knew about his visit weeks before he arrived here in the Philippines. I mean he's the reason I became a member of Red Nation (Houston Rockets fanbase for those who don't know it.) from the time he was drafted to the NBA. Even though he hanged up his jersey for good two years ago with all the injuries he got throughout his 9 year NBA career. He's still one of my favorite basketball players of all-time and I've been riding with Red Nation since he left the league to include those 9th place finishes as well as their recently concluded playoff run. 

Then again, I'm saving up for the NBA preseason game between the Rockets and the Indiana Pacers this October which could possibly be worth a lot of money but it will be all worth it if I can get the tickets to see my favorite team in the NBA play on Philippine soil. So yeah, I must control my spending to get a better seat once tickets of the game come out very soon. I may not have seen him when the opportunity was within reach. But definitely, I hope I will get to see him very soon. He's one of those guys you'll love and look up even if his basketball career was cut drastically short.

The Great Wall lives on.

K-Smoove

[karlcrockets]

Bulls survive Nets comeback push.

In the only first round series that went to seven games, the fifth seeded Chicago Bulls survive a comeback run by the fourth seeded Brooklyn Nets. This after the Bulls go up 3-1 in the series, they allowed the Nets to come back and force a 7th game on the Nets' home floor. However, the Bulls sealed the series on the road to advance to the second round.

 Photos ©NBA

The Nets had a great first season since they moved from the Garden State of New Jersey to the New York City borough despite going through a coaching change during the middle of the season as Avery Johnson who led the Nets to a great start, faltered afterwards and was fired thus opening the door to PJ Carlesimo to call the shots for the Nets for the rest of the season. Brook Lopez had an All-Star year for the Nets, this despite Deron Williams having a rough season. Also helping the Nets cause are Gerald Wallace, Joe Johnson, Kris Humphries, CJ Watson and Andray Blatche to name some. The Nets took the opening game of the series. They lost the next three, but fought back to even the series and force a 7th game on their home floor. But their comeback bid came up short as their first season in Brooklyn ends in a tough home defeat.

As for the Bulls, they played all season long without their superstar Derrick Rose who was cleared by his doctors to play as early as January after his rehabilitation from the torn ACL he suffered in last year's playoffs. Despite not having Rose on the floor, the Bulls kept themselves competitive led by All-Stars Luol Deng and Joakim Noah as well as Carlos Boozer. Outside of the frontcourt trio, they have Nate Robinson, Kirk Hinrich, Jimmy Butler, Taj Gibson and Marco Belinelli to name some. They survived a comeback bid in this round as they went up 3-1 but lost the next two to set up a seventh and decisive game which they won on the road. It is still unclear if Rose will come to play in the next series, but the Bulls need to push themselves more in order to keep their playoff push alive.

The Bulls will face the defending NBA champions Miami Heat in the second round who are well rested after their sweep of the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round.

As for the Nets, they will look back on this series and the question on whether their head coach PJ Carlesimo will be back full time to call the shots next season, but as they say pro sports in Brooklyn is back.

Here are the scores from all games of the series:

Game 1 @ Brooklyn: Bulls 89-106 Nets

Bulls leaders: Points: Boozer 25, Robinson 17, Butler 13, Belinelli 13

Rebounds: Boozer 8, Gibson 7, Noah 5

Assists: Boozer 4, Deng 3

Nets leaders:

Points: Williams 22, Lopez 21, Johnson 16

Rebounds: Evans 13, Wallace 6, Lopez 5

Assists: Williams 7, Johnson 4 Game 2 @ Brooklyn: Bulls 90-82 Nets Bulls leaders:

Points: Deng 15, Boozer 13, Hinrich 13

Rebounds: Boozer 12, Deng 10, Noah 10

Assists: Hinrich 5, Deng 4, Noah 3

Nets leaders:

Points: Lopez 21, Johnson 17, Watson 10

Rebounds: Evans 8, Blatche 7, Lopez 5, Humphries 5

Assists: Williams 10, Watson 5, Johnson 4 Game 3 @ Chicago: Nets 76-79 Bulls Nets leaders: Points: Lopez 22, Williams 18, Johnson 15 Rebounds: Evans 12, Lopez 9, Wallace 4 Assists: Williams 4, Johnson 3, Watson 3 Bulls leaders: Points: Boozer 22, Deng 21, Hinrich 12 Rebounds: Boozer 16, Deng 10, Noah 8

Assists: Boozer 3, Deng 3 Game 4 @ Chicago: Nets 134-142 Bulls (3OT) Nets leaders: Points: Williams 32, Lopez 26, Johnson 22 Rebounds: Evans 13, Lopez 11, Wallace 9

Assists: Williams 10, Wallace 4, Blatche 3, Watson 3 Bulls leaders: Points: Robinson 34, Boozer 21, Hinrich 18 Rebounds: Noah 13, Boozer 8, Deng 8 Assists: Hinrich 14, Deng 6, Robinson 4 Game 5 @ Brooklyn: Bulls 91-110 Nets Bulls leaders: Points: Robinson 20, Butler 18, Deng 12

Rebounds: Boozer 10, Deng 8, Noah 4, Mohammed 4 Assists: Robinson 8, Butler 3, Deng 3 Nets leaders: Points: Lopez 28, Williams 23, Blatche 13 Rebounds: Evans 12, Lopez 10, Humphries 6

Assists: Williams 10, Wallace 3, Lopez 2 Game 6 @ Chicago: Nets 95-92 Bulls Nets leaders: Points: Lopez 17, Johnson 17, Williams 17 Rebounds: Evans 15, Blatche 7, Humphries 4 Assists: Williams 11, Johnson 4, Wallace 3 Bulls leaders: Points: Belinelli 22, Robinson 18, Butler 17 Rebounds: Noah 15, Boozer 13, Butler 7 Assists: Belinelli 7, Butler 6, Noah 5 Game 7 @ Brooklyn: Bulls 99-93 Nets Bulls leaders: Points: Noah 24, Belinelli 24, Boozer 17 Rebounds: Noah 14, Boozer 7, Belinelli 6 Assists: Butler 4, Robinson 4, Teague 3, Cook 3 Nets leaders: Points: Williams 24, Lopez 21, Wallace 19 Rebounds: Evans 13, Lopez 9, Williams 6 Assists: Williams 7, Wallace 5, Blatche 4 Bulls win series 4-3 K-Smoove

[karlcrockets]

No matter what happens each season, Red Nation for life.

After 82 regular season games and 6 playoff games, the 2012-13 season is over for my favorite team in the NBA, the Houston Rockets. Well in this blog entry, we look back on what has been one season for the books for these "Youngbloods" and what to look forward come next season. After three seasons of sitting in ninth place in the Western Conference standings despite having winning seasons in all three of those season, the off-season began when Rockets GM Daryl Morey making a large roster overhaul. He brought in players like Jeremy Lin who was coming off the "Linsanity" fare in New York, Omer Asik who was playing as the back-up center for the Bulls. He also brought in players like Toney Douglas, Carlos Delfino as well as drafting Jeremy Lamb, Terrence Jones and Royce White in the draft. Gone were players like Goran Dragic, Kyle Lowry, Luis Scola, Courtney Lee, Chase Budinger, Samuel Dalembert and Marcus Camby. However, all that was overshadowed when the Rockets pulled a trade with the Thunder sending Kevin Martin and Lamb to Oklahoma City for Sixth Man of the Year awardee James Harden, together with Cole Aldrich, Daequan Cook and Lazar Hayward. When the dust settled, only Chandler Parsons, Patrick Patterson, Greg Smith and Marcus Morris remained from last year's roster as the season began. The Rockets would make moves during the off-season as Patterson, Douglas and Morris were sent elsewhere and they brought in players like Francisco Garcia and Thomas Robinson. They also signed players like Patrick Beverley and Donatas Motiejunas as well as bringing back 2010 Most Improved Player awardee Aaron Brooks who was a part of that 2009 Playoff run. James Harden had a breakout year for the Rockets, from a sixth man in Oklahoma City to becoming the face of the franchise in Houston. He finished the season 5th in scoring in the NBA. He also is one of the league leaders in free throws made and attempted. He was named to his first All-Star selection at home and is on track to become a part of this year's All-NBA team. Jeremy Lin had a nice season with the Rockets on his first full year playing starter's minutes. He showed his durability as he was able to play all 82 regular season games while putting up respectable numbers. He also came out as one of the league leaders in steals as well as keeping his turnovers down which has been a problem throughout his entire career. He participated in All-Star weekend at the Skills Challenge. Chandler Parsons came out big in his sophomore campaign. Being one of the two guys (Greg Smith) left from last year's roster, Parsons came out as the second leading scorer for the Rockets this season behind Harden. He also shot the ball better from three point range as he led the Rockets this season in 3 point percentage. He also played in the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge during All-Star weekend. Omer Asik also came out huge when he got starter's minutes for the Rockets. He finishes the season as one of the leaders in rebounding, as well as providing a defensive presence for the Rockets all season long. Like Lin, he was able to play into all 82 games during the regular season and was able to play in all six playoff games. Carlos Delfino and Francisco Garcia provided a veteran presence on a very young team. These two players live and die with the three pointer. They also have been great elder statesmen as they have been in the league for a long time now. Patrick Beverley and Aaron Brooks brought along speed and pure heart on a season which they never played from start to finish. It would be great to see them back in a Rockets uniform for a full year. Greg Smith, Terrence Jones, James Anderson and Donatas Motiejunas will have time to develop their game in the seasons to come. Give a ton of credit also to head coach Kevin McHale who in his second year as the man calling the shots for the Rockets. He was able to find a style of play which made the Rockets a very exciting team during the course of the regular season despite going through a large roster overhaul during the off-season and the regular season.  The Rockets finished 45-37 this season and were seeded 8th in the Western Conference ending a four year playoff drought. They would push the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder to six games before bowing out. So yeah, it's been a great time being part of Red Nation this season. This is a a season to remember for me in the 10 years I've been a part of Red Nation. No one else though that this team, the youngest team in the NBA today would come up with a ton of heart and grit all season long. Now the off-season begins for them. With a cap space large enough to lure a big name in. These "Youngbloods" will be out to make a ton of noise come next season. To cap this blog entry, let me share to you this banner made by the Rockets for the Red Nation. Truly the New Age has only just begun.

Photo ©Houston Rockets

RED NATION for LIFE.  See you in October here in the Philippines. K-Smoove

[karlcrockets]

West champs survive Rockets scare.

Two of the youngest teams in the NBA went to war as the top seed in the West and the reigning Western Conference Champions Oklahoma City Thunder survive a late push by the eight seeded Houston Rockets after a series which saw the Thunder up 3-0, the Rockets winning two straight before the Thunder wrapped them up in six games on the road.

Photos ©NBA

The Rockets came into the season as the youngest team in the NBA with the players averaging 25 years of age. They also underwent a major roster overhaul during the off-season and during the regular season itself. Coming into the playoffs, Only two players remained from the Rockets roster last year. Chandler Parsons who have stepped up big during his sophomore campaign this season and Greg Smith who have become servicable throughout the season. Talking more about the major overhaul, they brought in a big fish in James Harden who has turned himself from a sixth man in Oklahoma City to the face of the Rockets franchise. They also brought in Jeremy Lin coming off from his Linsanity days in New York. As well as other players like Omer Asik, Carlos Delfino, Francisco Garcia, Aaron Brooks (Brooks, a relic from the Rockets' last playoff run in 2009) and Patrick Beverley. Down 0-3 in the series, everyone else thought it would end in a sweep. However, they pushed the series to six games before bowing out at home in Game 6.

As for the Thunder, who are gunning for a season of redemption after losing to the Heat in the NBA Finals last season, their road back to the Finals hit a roadblock during this series as their spark plug All-Star point guard in Russell Westbrook went down with an injury after Game 2 that put him out of commission for the rest of the playoffs. Now, the focus is now on Kevin Durant who scored well in the series and is the leading scorer in this year's playoffs so far. But Durant can't do it alone, he must find other options on offense. Players like Serge Ibaka, Kevin Martin, Reggie Jackson and Derek Fisher should step up offensively if the Thunder would have a shot on winning the championship. Aside from the usual defensive presence of Ibaka, Kendrick Perkins, Thabo Sefolosha and Nick Collison. The Thunder may have survived this series, but their road to redemption will get tougher with each game that come along.

The Thunder will face the fifth seeded Memphis Grizzlies who stunned the Los Angeles Clippers in six games setting up a rematch between the two teams in the second round who last fought in 2011.

As for the Rockets, though their season ended in a bitter defeat, with a lot of cap space this off-season, the future looks bright for these "Youngbloods" as they will look to catch another big fish come the off-season, and work on the development of their young but already potent team. Watch out for them to make a ton of noise come next season. Now here are the scores from all games of the series: Game 1 @ Oklahoma City: Rockets 91-120 Thunder Rockets leaders:

Points: Harden 20, Beverley 11, Delfino 10

Rebounds: Jones 8, Asik 7, Harden 6

Assists: Lin 4, Beverley 4, Brooks 3 Thunder leaders:

Points: Durant 24, Westbrook 19, Ibaka 17

Rebounds: Westbrook 8, Ibaka 7, Durant 6

Assists: Westbrook 10, Durant 4, Jackson 4, Collison 4 Game 2 @ Oklahoma City: Rockets 102-105 Thunder Rockets leaders:

Points: Harden 36, Parsons 17, Beverley 16

Rebounds: Asik 14, Beverley 12, Harden 11

Assists:Harden 6, Beverley 6, Lin 3 Thunder leaders: Points: Durant 29, Westbrook 29, Ibaka 12

Rebounds: Ibaka 11, Sefolosha 7, Perkins 6

Assists: Durant 9, Westbrook 4, Jackson 3

Game 3 @ Houston: Thunder 104-101 Rockets Thunder leaders:

Points: Durant 41, Ibaka 17, Jackson 14

Rebounds: Durant 14, Ibaka 11, Sefolosha 9

Assists: Durant 4, Jackson 3, Martin 3 Rockets leaders:

Points: Harden 30, Parsons 21, Garcia 18

Rebounds: Harden 8, Asik 8, Parsons 7, Jones 7

Assists: Parsons 7, Harden 6, Delfino 4

Game 4 @ Houston: Thunder 103-105 Rockets

Thunder leaders:

Points: Durant 38, Jackson 18, Martin 16

Rebounds: Durant 8, Collison 6, Ibaka 5, Liggins 5

Assists: Durant 6, Jackson 3 Rockets leaders:

Points: Parsons 27, Asik 17, Beverley 16

Rebounds: Asik 14, Parsons 10, Beverley 4, Delfino 4

Assists: Parsons 8, Harden 3, Beverley 3, Delfino 3

Game 5 @ Oklahoma City: Rockets 107-100 Thunder

Rockets leaders:

Points: Harden 31, Asik 21, Garcia 18

Rebounds: Asik 11, Harden 8, Beverley 8

Assists: Parsons 4, Garcia 3, Harden 3, Brooks 3

Thunder leaders: Points: Durant 36, Jackson 20, Ibaka 14

Rebounds: Ibaka 9, Sefolosha 8, Durant 7

Assists: Durant 7, Sefolosha 6, Jackson 3

Game 6 @ Houston: Thunder 103-94 Rockets

Thunder leaders:

Points: Durant 27, Martin 25, Jackson 17

Rebounds: Collison 9, Durant 8, Jackson 7, Ibaka 7

Assists: Jackson 8, Durant 6, Martin 3 Rockets leaders:

Points: Harden 26, Parsons 25, Asik 13

Rebounds: Asik 13, Parsons 7, Harden 6, Garcia 6

Assists: Harden 7, Garcia 5, Parsons 3

Thunder win series 4-2

K-Smoove

[karlcrockets]

Grizzlies "Grit-n-Grind" themselves to Round 2.

In a battle of two contrasting styles, the "Grit-n-Grind" fifth seeded Memphis Grizzlies advance to the second round after knocking out the team that knocked them out of the first round last season, the fourth-seeded Los Angeles Clippers as a second team playing at the Staples Center bows out of the first round this season.

Photos ©NBA

The Clippers finished a franchise season as they won the Pacific Division title for the first time in franchise history and had their best winning season in franchise history. Led by the Lob City duo of Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, the Clippers were poised on following up their nice playoff run from last season. Joining the duo are Jamal Crawford, DeAndre Jordan, Caron Butler, Chauncey Billups, Matt Barnes, Ryan Hollins and Eric Bledsoe to name some. The Clippers looked good when they won the first two games at home including a Paul game winner in Game 2. However, the series went down for them afterwards as they lost the next four games (including one at home) to drop the series and ending a promising season for these men from Lob City.

The Grizzlies haven't missed a beat, even after trading away their star forward in Rudy Gay to the Raptors during the season. In fact, they have played better without Gay as the main focus went to their big men in Zach Randolph who had an All-Star worthy season for the Grizzlies and Marc Gasol who won the Defensive Player of the Year this season and putting up All-star numbers. They also had a big spark from Mike Conley who has been vital in running the "Grit-n-Grind" offense. The players the got in the Gay trade like veteran Tayshaun Prince and Ed Davis made their impact on this Grizzlies team. As well as players like Tony Allen, Jerryd Bayless, Darrell Arthur and Quincy Pondexter. Now, these "Grit-n'-Grind" Grizzlies continue their chase for a shot at the championship this season.

The Grizzlies will face the top seeded team in the West, the Oklahoma City Thunder who survived against the eight seeded Houston Rockets after being up 3-0 in the series and allowing the Rockets to take two games afterwards before the Thunder finally wrapped them up in six games. Thus, it sets up a rematch of their 2nd round battle in 2011.

As for the Clippers, it was a bitter finish to a promising year. In one of those seasons where they came up better than their Staples co-tentants. The spotlight will be on their head coach Vinny del Negro, whether or not he'll continue to coach the Clippers or someone else would come and coach these men from Lob City.

Here are the scores from all games of the series:

Game 1 @ Los Angeles: Grizzlies 91-112 Clippers

Grizzlies leaders:

Points: Bayless 19, Gasol 16, Randolph 13

Rebounds: Davis 6, Randolph 4, Prince 4

Assists: Gasol 7, Conley 5, Bayless 3, Prince 3

Clippers leaders:

Points: Paul 23, Billups 14, Crawford 13, Butler 13

Rebounds: Jordan 8, Butler 7, Odom 7, Griffin 5

Assists: Paul 7, Bledsoe 4, Griffin 3, Odom 3

Game 2 @ Los Angeles: Grizzlies 91-93 Clippers

Grizzlies leaders: Points: Conley 28, Gasol 17, Allen 16

Rebounds: Allen 10, Randolph 8, Gasol 7

Assists: Conley 9, Gasol 2, Bayless 2

Clippers leaders: Points: Paul 24, Griffin 21, Crawford 15

Rebounds: Griffin 8, Jordan 8, Odom 5

Assists: Paul 9, Griffin 4, Odom 2

Game 3 @ Memphis: Clippers 82-94 Grizzlies

Clippers leaders:

Points: Griffin 16, Barnes 12, Billups 11

Rebounds: Jordan 8, Paul 6, Hollins 4

Assists: Paul 4, Crawford 3, Bledsoe 3 Grizzlies leaders: Points: Randolph 27, Gasol 16, Allen 13, Pondexter 13

Rebounds: Randolph 11, Allen 9, Gasol 8

Assists: Conley 10, Randolph 2, Gasol 2

Game 4 @ Memphis: Clippers 83-104 Grizzlies Clippers leaders:

Points: Paul 19, Griffin 19, Crawford 12

Rebounds: Griffin 10, Odom 3

Assists: Paul 6, Bledsoe 5, Griffin 2 Grizzlies leaders: Points: Randolph 24, Gasol 24, Prince 15, Conley 15

Rebounds: Gasol 13, Randolph 9, Prince 6

Assists: Conley 13, Gasol 4, Prince 3 Game 5 @ Los Angeles: Grizzlies 103-93 Clippers Grizzlies leaders: Points: Randolph 25, Gasol 21, Conley 20

Rebounds: Randolph 11, Gasol 8, Allen 8

Assists: Conley 6, Allen 4, Gasol 4

Clippers leaders:

Points: Paul 35, Crawford 15, Bledsoe 7

Rebounds: Barnes 9, Jordan 8, Paul 5

Assists: Griffin 5, Paul 4, Crawford 3

Game 6 @ Memphis: Clippers 105-118 Grizzlies

Clippers leaders: Points: Barnes 30, Paul 28, Butler 14

Rebounds: Barnes 10, Jordan 4, Paul 4, Hill 4

Assists: Paul 8, Bledsoe 3

Grizzlies leaders:

Points: Randolph 23, Conley 23, Allen 19

Rebounds: Gasol 7, Allen 7, Prince 6 Assists: Conley 7, Allen 6, Prince 5 Grizzlies win series 4-2 K-Smoove

[karlcrockets]

Knicks survive emotional Celtics rally.

In a emotional battle between two rival cities, the second seeded New York Knicks survive a comeback push by the seventh seeded Boston Celtics who came back to won two games after trailing the series 0-3. The Knicks would take the series in six games and advance to the second round for the first time since 2000.

Photos ©NBA

The Celtics managed to come back to the playoffs despite losing their superstar point guard in Rajon Rondo to a season-ending foot injury. Led by their trusted veterans in Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, the Celtics keep themselves above the win column despite getting hit by the injury bug all season long. They also got big contributions from Jason Terry, Jeff Green, Brandon Bass and Avery Bradley all season long. They were down 0-3 in the series and managed to put the Knicks on the brink of a 7th and decisive game back in New York. They trailed by 20 points in the 4th quarter and managed to bring the lead down to four. But the Knicks, made all the stops in the final three minutes of the game to seal the series. Despite bowing out in the series, the Celtics fought with a lot of heart and determination especially coming off the Boston Marathon tragedy which is well appreciated by any NBA fan.

The Knicks, led by the new scoring champion Carmelo Anthony won the Atlantic Division title for the first time since 1994. They showed their dominance in this series by going out with three straight wins on the Celtics, before the Celtics won two straight to extend the series before bowing out in Game 6. Anthony is backed up well by J.R. Smith, Tyson Chandler, Raymond Felton, Steve Novak and the rest of the Knicks roster who have been playing great basketball in the Big Apple. The Knicks now continue their run back into contending for a championship come June.

The Knicks will face the third seeded Indiana Pacers in the second round who wrapped up the sixth seeded Atlanta Hawks in similar fashion. Setting up a rebirth of a classic Eastern Conference rivalry.

As for the Celtics, question now looms on whether Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett on whether they will cap off their careers in Boston together with the returning Rajon Rondo or move elsewhere to finish their illustrious Hall of Fame worthy careers.

Now here are the scores from all games of the series:

Game 1 @ New York: Celtics 78-85 Knicks

Celtics leaders:

Points: Green 26, Pierce 21, Bradley 15

Rebounds: Bass 10, Garnett 9, Green 7

Assists: Pierce 7, Bradley 4, Garnett 3

Knicks leaders:

Points: Anthony 36, Smith 15, Felton 13

Rebounds: Martin 9, Anthony 6, Chandler 5, Smith 5, Shumpert 5, Kidd 5

Assists: Felton 6, Kidd 3, Shumpert 3

Game 2 @ New York: Celtics 71-87 Knicks

Celtics leaders:

Points: Pierce 18, Garnett 12, Green 10, Crawford 10

Rebounds: Garnett 11, Bass 10, Pierce 6

Assists: Pierce 6, Terry 3, Bradley 2

Knicks leaders:

Points: Anthony 34, Smith 19, Felton 16

Rebounds: Martin 11, Felton 7, Kidd 6

Assists: Prigioni 5, Felton 2, Kidd 2, Martin 2

Game 3 @ Boston: Knicks 90-76 Celtics

Knicks leaders:

Points: Anthony 26, Smith 15, Felton 15

Rebounds: Chandler 8, Shumpert 8, Kidd 6

Assists: Felton 10, Kidd 6, Smith 3

Celtics leaders:

Points: Green 21, Pierce 17, Terry 14

Rebounds: Garnett 17, Green 9, Bass 7

Assists: Pierce 5, Green 4, Garnett 2, Terry 2

Game 4 @ Boston: Knicks 90-97 Celtics (OT)

Knicks leaders: Points: Anthony 36, Felton 27, Shumpert 12

Rebounds: Shumpert 12, Chandler 11, Kidd 9

Assists: Felton 3, Anthony 2, Prigioni 2, Kidd 2

Celtics leaders:

Points: Pierce 29, Green 26, Terry 18

Rebounds: Garnett 17, Pierce 8, Green 6

Assists: Pierce 6, Garnett 6, Terry 4

Game 5 @ New York: Celtics 92-86 Knicks

Celtics leaders:

Points: Green 18, Terry 17, Bass 17, Pierce 16, Garnett 16

Rebounds: Garnett 18, Bass 5

Assists: Garnett 5, Green 4

Knicks leaders: Points: Anthony 22, Felton 21, Smith 14

Rebounds: Chandler 11, Anthony 7, Shumpert 6, Felton 6

Assists: Felton 4, Anthony 2, Chandler 2, Smith 2

Game 6 @ Boston: Knicks 88-80 Celtics

Knicks leaders: Points: Anthony 21, Shumpert 17, Prigioni 14

Rebounds: Chandler 12, Anthony 7, Smith 7

Assists: Felton 7, Anthony 5, Prigioni 3

Knicks win series 4-2

K-Smoove

[karlcrockets]

Pacers advance to Round 2 for 2nd straight year.

In a series full of double-digit victories, the third seeded Indiana Pacers wrapped up the sixth seeded Atlanta Hawks in six games to advance to the second round for the second straight season.

Photos ©NBA

The Hawks returned to the playoffs for the sixth straight season, that is after they lost one of their main men in Joe Johnson through a trade with the Nets. They were led by Josh Smith who should have been an All-Star this season if not for his off-court troubles. Al Horford had another great season in a Hawks uniform. While Jeff Teague had a career year. They also got help from Kyle Korver, Deshawn Stevenson, Ivan Johnson to name some. They fought their hearts out especially coming back in Game 6 from a huge deficit, but they eventually came up short on their home floor.

As for the Pacers, they won the Central Division title for the first time since 2004 despite losing their main man from their last playoff run Danny Granger to injuries which kept him out for most of the season. With Granger's absence, Paul George stepped up his game leading to a All-Star season for him. Together with David West, George Hill, Roy Hibbert, Lance Stephenson and DJ Augustin. The Pacers turned around a bad start to their season as they were able to get back in third place in the Eastern Conference standings. Now, they'll be back in the second round as their playoff run to prove continues.

The Pacers will now face the second seeded New York Knicks who wrapped up the seventh seeded Boston Celtics in similar fashion as the Pacers setting up a rebirth between these two fierce rivals from the 1990's.

As for the Hawks, the spotlight is now on Josh Smith who is a free agent this offseason, will he stay in his hometown team or move to another team for next season? A lot of uncertainty lies in "The Highlight Factory" this off-season.

Now here are the scores from all games of the series:

Game 1 @ Indiana: Hawks 90-107 Pacers

Hawks leaders:

Points: Teague 21, Smith 15, Horford 14

Rebounds: Smith 8, Horford 6, Johnson 5

Assists: Teague 7, Smith 5, Horford 3, Mack 3

Pacers leaders:

Points: George 23, Hill 18, Hibbert 16

Rebounds: George 11, West 9, Hibbert 8

Assists: George 12, Stephenson 4

Game 2 @ Indiana: Hawks 98-113 Pacers

Hawks leaders:

Points: Harris 17, Smith 16, Teague 16

Rebounds: Horford 10, Smith 6, Stevenson 5

Assists: Horford 5, Teague 5, Harris 4

Pacers leaders:

Points: George 27, Hill 22, Hibbert 15, Green 15

Rebounds: Hibbert 9, George 8, Pendergraph 7

Assists: George 3, West 3, Hibbert 3, Hill 3, Augustin 3

Game 3 @ Atlanta: Pacers 69-90 Hawks

Pacers leaders:

Points: West 18, George 16, Green 10

Rebounds: George 9, Hibbert 9, Hansbrough 9

Assists: Hill 3, Stephenson 2, West 2

Hawks leaders:

Points: Horford 26, Smith 14, Teague 13

Rebounds: Horford 16, Johnson 7, Smith 6, Teague 6

Assists: Smith 6, Teague 5, Harris 4

Game 4 @ Atlanta: Pacers 91-102 Hawks

Pacers leaders:

Points: George 21, West 15, Hibbert 14

Rebounds: George 12, Stephenson 9, Hibbert 7

Assists: Stephenson 8, Hill 6

Hawks leaders:

Points: Smith 29, Korver 19, Horford 18

Rebounds: Smith 11, Petro 8, Horford 5, Harris 5, Korver 5, Johnson 5

Assists: Teague 6, Harris 6, Smith 4, Horford 4

Game 5 @ Indiana: Hawks 83-106 Pacers

Hawks leaders:

Points: Smith 14, Horford 14, Harris 13

Rebounds: Horford 9, Smith 5, Korver 5

Assists: Teague 5, Harris 3, Horford 2

Pacers leaders:

Points: West 24, George 21, Hibbert 18

Rebounds: Stephenson 12, George 10, Hibbert 9

Assists: Hill 10, George 5, Stephenson 4

Game 6 @ Atlanta: Pacers 81-73 Hawks

Pacers leaders:

Points: West 21, Hill 21, Hibbert 17

Rebounds: Hibbert 11, Stephenson 11, West 8

Assists: George 7, Stephenson 6

Hawks leaders:

Points: Horford 15, Smith 14, Harris 14

Rebounds: Smith 9, Horford 7, Petro 6

Assists: Smith 3, Horford 3, Teague 3

Pacers win series 4-2

K-Smoove

[karlcrockets]

Warriors win the high-octane wars.

In a battle of two high-octane teams. The "Youngbloods" prevailed as the sixth seeded Golden State Warriors pull off a stunning first round victory against the athletic and tall third seeded Denver Nuggets in six thrilling games to advance to the second round.

 Photos ©NBA

The Nuggets had a great regular season where they finished with a franchise best 57 wins in the season. However, they suffered a big loss before the start of the playoffs when Danilo Gallinari suffered a season-ending injury. The Nuggets showed their athleticism and their experience advantage over the Warriors all series long. As well as their huge depth with players like Ty Lawson, Andre Iguodala, Kenneth Faried, Wilson Chandler, Andre Miller and JaVale McGee. They won two games in this series, one on a Andre Miller game-winner in Game 1, and pushed the series to a Game 6 with a win in Game 5 at home. Unfortunately, they were unable to take advantage in full of their strengths of their Warriors as one of their best seasons in franchise history ends in bitter defeat.

The Warriors used their high octane offense to their advantage led by their "Splash Brothers" duo of Stephen Curry who is the 4th best scorer in the NBA Playoffs and Klay Thompson. They also withstand the loss of David Lee for most of the series after he suffered an injury in Game 1. Lee, came back to play a few minutes in Game 6. Outside of Curry, the Warriors got big contributions from Andrew Bogut, Harrison Barnes, Carl Landry, Jarrett Jack and Draymond Green throughout the series. They won all three home games as well as Game 2 in Denver. Now these Warriors from the Bay Area are ready to bring their all on to the next round.

The Warriors will now face the second seeded San Antonio Spurs in the second round who have been resting since their sweep of the Lakers in the first round.

As for the Nuggets, they suffered another first round exit. Now it's a matter of how will they improve come next season, and could we see some changes in personnel along the way? That we will have to see as their off-season begins now.

Now here are the scores from all games of the series:

GAME 1 @ Denver: Warriors 95-97 Nuggets

Warriors leaders:

Points: Thompson 22, Curry 19, Landry 14

Rebounds: Bogut 12, Lee 12, Jack 8

Assists: Jack 10, Curry 9, Bogut 3

Nuggets leaders:

Points: Miller 28, Lawson 12, Chandler 11, Fournier 11

Rebounds: Chandler 13, Iguodala 10, Koufos 7

Assists: Miller 5, Iguodala 5, Lawson 4

GAME 2 @ Denver: Warriors 131-117 Nuggets

Warriors leaders: Points: Curry 30, Jack 26, Barnes 24

Rebounds: Bogut 8, Barnes 6, Curry 5

Assists: Curry 13, Jack 7, Thompson 2, Barnes 2

Nuggets leaders:

Points: Lawson 19, Brewer 19, Iguodala 18, Miller 18

Rebounds: Chandler 6, Miller 5, Iguodala 4

Assists: Lawson 12, Iguodala 7, Miller 5

GAME 3 @ Golden State: Nuggets 108-110 Warriors

Nuggets leaders:

Points: Lawson 35, Brewer 16, Faried 15

Rebounds: Chandler 9, Faried 7, Iguodala 5

Assists: Lawson 10, Iguodala 5, Miller 4

Warriors leaders:

Points: Curry 29, Jack 23, Barnes 19, Landry 19

Rebounds: Bogut 9, Barnes 7, Jack 5, Landry 5, Green 5

Assists: Curry 11, Jack 7

GAME 4 @ Golden State: Nuggets 101-115 Warriors

Nuggets leaders: Points: Lawson 26, Iguodala 19, Brewer 14

Rebounds: Faried 12, Iguodala 8

Assists: Lawson 6, Chandler 3, Iguodala 2

Warriors leaders:

Points: Curry 31, Jack 21, Landry 17

Rebounds: Green 6, Bogut 5, Jack 5

Assists: Jack 9, Curry 7, Thompson 5

GAME 5 @ Denver: Warriors 100-107 Nuggets

Warriors leaders:

Points: Barnes 23, Jack 20, Thompson 19

Rebounds: Barnes 9, Jack 6, Thompson 6

Assists: Curry 8, Jack 5, Green 3

Nuggets leaders:

Points: Iguodala 25, Lawson 19, Chandler 19 Rebounds: Iguodala 12, Faried 10, McGee 8

Assists: Lawson 10, Iguodala 7, Miller 5

GAME 6 @ Golden State: Nuggets 88-92 Warriors

Nuggets leaders: Points: Iguodala 24, Lawson 17, Chandler 11, Faried 11

Rebounds: Faried 11, McGee 10, Iguodala 9

Asssists: Iguodala 6, Lawson 6, Chandler 3, Miller 3

Warriors leaders:

Points: Curry 22, Green 16, Bogut 14

Rebounds: Bogut 21, Green 10, Barnes 5, Landry 5, Curry 5

Assists: Curry 8, Jack 4, Bogut 3

Warriors win series 4-2

K-Smoove

[karlcrockets]

19 YEARS STRONG!

So yeah, another year ends in my journey. April 30 has come again on the calendar sheets, and I usher in a brand new year of this journey called LIFE. As the title states, I'm already 19 years old starting today. Well, this April 30 was a bit different than in previous years. In the past couple of years, I threw parties for all my close PEEPS. However, this year I spent my whole day with my entire family. Since I'm saving my party money for the NBA game this October here in the Philippines. Because my team, the Houston Rockets will be playing in that game against the Indiana Pacers. We went to SM North EDSA to have my birthday lunch at Shakey's. Well, I didn't ask for their birthday choir which they do on birthdays of people who dine on all their branches nationwide. Afterwards, we went buying a few clothing. Then before we went back home for the rest of the day. We bought some desserts like pastillas, brownies and ice cream to enjoy for the rest of the day. It's a shame though I wasn't able to take photos along the way since our camera has been lost and we can't find it along our home for the past month. Though I didn't get to spend it with other people in person, it was worth spending time with my family on my day. Add to that, I got a nice birthday win from the Houston Rockets as they won Game 4 against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Playoffs 105-103 to keep their season alive. I was watching the game until halftime, but I had to bail out since we had to go on that trip for lunch. At least, they got the win and no brooms were sweeping on my birthday. I'll take this moment to thank those who remembered my birthday with all the greetings and best wishes on Facebook & Twitter, as well as those who texted my phone for their well wishes. You all have played a part in my life and I'm always thankful to each and every one of you. One thing that made my day is that I was greeted by my "crush" as well as a good old friend of mine. It truly made my day even special. Sorry I can't throw a party this year because like I said earlier, I'm saving for the game. I hope I can throw one next year as I finish the mission which is to graduate. Of course, I'll thank my family for always being there for me in my life from the start until the very end. Finally, I thank God that I made it through another year of my life, and I'll always look up to you every step in my life. I'm hopeful that this year will be filled with a lot of blessings. Danke! Merci! Thank You! Salamat! 19 years on, I still got a lot to prove. K-Smoove

[karlcrockets]

"Texas Sized Sweep" in Hollywood.

In a battle of two of the most decorated and battled tested teams in the Western Conference. The team from the Lone Star State dealt a sweep on the team wearing the purple and gold for the second time in three seasons. As the steady San Antonio Spurs knocked off a injury-riddled Los Angeles Lakers out of the playoffs in a sweep to advance to the second round.

 Photos ©NBA

The Lakers dealt with a lot of injury issues throughout their short playoff run this season as they lost the big star in Kobe Bryant to a knee injury prior to the start of the playoffs. But it wasn't only Vino who got the injury bug as almost every Laker player went through injuries throughout the season from Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol, Steve Nash, Steve Blake, Metta World Peace, Jodie Meeks to name some on a season where expectations on this star-studded lineup were very high and unfortunately, ends up on a massive tail-spin which will be remembered for many years to come. Last time the Lakers got swept in the playoffs was 2 years back when another Texas team, the Dallas Mavericks took them out in the second round on their way to the NBA championship. However the difference this year is that the Spurs swept the Lakers on the road. Unlike the Mavericks who swept the Lakers on their home floor.

The steady Spurs took out the Lakers by a margin of almost 19 points a game. Led by their veteran triumvirate of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. The healthier Spurs took full advantage of the Lakers' injury woes. Including two huge road victories to wrap the series. The Spurs also enjoy a huge supporting cast featuring Kawhi Leonard, Danny Green, Tiago Splitter, Gary Neal, and Matt Bonner to name a few. Of course, directed by their long-time head coach Gregg Popovich. The Spurs are poised to put their six year Finals absence behind them and win it all as their Drive for Five continues.

The Spurs will face the winner of the series between the Denver Nuggets and the Golden State Warriors.

As for the Lakers, there are a ton of questions coming up for them in the off-season as Dwight Howard will be a free agent this season. As well as a ton of players on the trading block and who knows what may happen to head coach Mike D'Antoni during the off-season.

Now here are the scores from all games of the series:

GAME 1 @ San Antonio: Lakers 79-91 Spurs

Lakers leaders: Points: Howard 20, Nash 16, Gasol 16 Rebounds: Gasol 16, Howard 15, World Peace 6 Assists: Gasol 6, Nash 3, Blake 3 Spurs leaders: Points: Parker 18, Ginobili 18, Duncan 17 Rebounds: Leonard 11, Duncan 10, Bonner 5 Assists: Parker 8, Splitter 4, Ginobili 3 GAME 2 @ San Antonio: Lakers 91-102 Spurs Lakers leaders: Points: Howard 16, Blake 16, Gasol 13, World Peace 13 Rebounds: Howard 9, Gasol 9, Blake 6 Assists: Nash 6, Gasol 4 Spurs leaders:  Points: Parker 28, Duncan 16, Leonard 16 Rebounds: Leonard 7, Duncan 5, Ginobili 5, Bonner 5 Assists: Parker 7, Ginobili 7 GAME 3 @ Los Angeles: Spurs 120-89 Lakers Spurs leaders: Points: Duncan 26, Parker 20, Blair 13 Rebounds: Duncan 9, Blair 7, Splitter 6 Assists: Parker 7, Green 4, Joseph 4 Lakers leaders: Points: Howard 25, Morris 24, Goudelock 20 Rebounds: Gasol 13, Howard 11, Hill 5 Assists: Gasol 10, Morris 5 GAME 4 @ Los Angeles: Spurs 103-82 Lakers Spurs leaders: Points: Parker 23, Leonard 13, Blair 13 Rebounds: Leonard 7, Duncan 6, Green 5, Blair 5 Assists: Ginobili 6, Joseph 6, Parker 4 Lakers leaders: Points: Gasol 16, Goudelock 14, Jamison 12 Rebounds: Gasol 8, Howard 8, Clark 6 Assists: Duhon 7, Morris 6, Gasol 5 Spurs win series 4-0 K-Smoove

[karlcrockets]

The Champs just "Sweep the Deer"

Well, in what I will say as the most lopsided matchup I have ever seen in the NBA Playoffs. It's the defending champions + best team in the NBA this season against a team who made it to the playoffs with a losing record. The defending champions proved to be too much for these "Young Deers" as the Miami Heat will continue their quest for a repeat as they knock off the Milwaukee Bucks in a sweep to advance to the second round.

 Photos ©NBA

The Bucks fought hard in this series as they kept it close against the Heat fueled by the bold statement guard Brandon Jennings gave prior to the playoffs, in which he said that they will knock the champions out of the first round. Well, last season, the 8th-seed in the East Philadelphia 76ers knocked off the top-seeded Chicago Bulls in six games, as the Bulls who lost Derrick Rose to a torn ACL in their Game 1 victory was never the same team that topped the NBA afterwards. The Sixers would have a nice battle in Round 2 against the Boston Celtics, they took them to 7 games before losing on the road. Unfortunately for Jennings and the Bucks, his statements backfired and the Heat just swept them out of the playoffs with big margins averaging almost 15 points a game.

LeBron James has been on a tear for the Heat, leading their chase for the repeat as he is well on his way to winning his 4th MVP Title and a second back-to-back after doing it with his old team, the Cleveland Cavaliers back in 2009 and 2010. The spotlight may be on him, but he's getting help with the rest of the infamous but star-studded trio of Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. As well as the rest of the roster from Ray Allen, Chris Andersen, Shane Battier, Mario Chalmers, Norris Cole, Udonis Haslem to name a few. The Heat are a well-oiled machine and still the favorites to represent the East in the NBA Finals this season.

The Heat will face the winner of the series between the Brooklyn Nets and the Chicago Bulls in the second round. (As of the time of this writing, the Bulls lead the series 3-1, with Game 5 coming up tomorrow in Brooklyn).

As for the Bucks, they picked up hard lessons from this series. Especially on a season of transition as they switched coaches from Scott Skiles to Jim Boylan (which happened before in Chicago). They are one of the youngest teams in the NBA and still have a lot of room to grow in the years to come.

Now here are the scores for all games of the series:

GAME 1 @ Miami: Bucks 87-110 Heat

Bucks leaders:

Points: Jennings 26, Ellis 22

Rebounds: Ilyasova 6, Sanders 5, Henson 5

Assists: Ellis 3, Redick 3 

Heat leaders:

Points: James 27, Allen 20, Wade 16

Rebounds: James 10, Bosh 7, Andersen 7

Assists: James 8, Wade 5

GAME 2 @ Miami: Bucks 86-98 Heat

Bucks leaders:

Points: Ilyasova 21, Dunleavy Jr 16, Sanders 14

Rebounds: Ilyasova 6, Sanders 6, Dunleavy Jr 6

Assists: Jennings 5, Ellis 5, Dunleavy Jr 5

Heat leaders:

Points: Wade 21, James 19

Rebounds: James 8, Bosh 6, Haslem 6, Andersen 6

Assists: James 6, Allen 4, Wade 3

GAME 3 @ Milwaukee: Heat 104-91 Bucks

Heat leaders:

Points: Allen 23, James 22, Bosh 16

Rebounds: Bosh 14, Wade 9, Andersen 6

Assists: Wade 11, Chalmers 8, James 6

Bucks leaders:

Points: Jennings 16, Sanders 16, Ilyasova 15

Rebounds: Sanders 11, Ilyasova 8, Mbah a Moute 6

Assists: Jennings 8, Ellis 6, Ilyasova 4

GAME 4 @ Milwaukee: Heat 88-77 Bucks

Heat leaders:

Points: James 30, Allen 16, Haslem 13

Rebounds: James 8, Chalmers 8, Allen 7

Assists: James 7, Chalmers 6, Miller 4

Heat win series 4-0

K-Smoove

[karlcrockets]

Back when OPM had a life of it's own.

When I was browsing through my music playlist on my PC and on the iPod, I noticed most of my OPM (Original Pinoy Music) songs were from either the 90's or the early 2000's, with a small touch from the old classics of Apo Hiking Society and a few songs made in the late 2000's. It made me think, how come I'm not downloading much OPM songs today as I was before. Well, OPM music has changed over the times. One thing I can't get enough of OPM music on the playlist I have is the message of the songs in which some I can relate to in my life. Take for example, the late great "King of Rap" Francis Magalona and his song "Kaleidoscope World" which shows that we live in a world full of color, both good and bad. Let us also not forget that he is a patriotic person in his songs from hits like "Mga Kababayan Ko", "Ito Ang Gusto Ko" and "Man from Manila". Come and think of it also, his raps were clean and really sends a great message and an inspiration to many who have come to listen to their hits. He may have passed away, but his hits will live on many Filipinos for many years to come.

Francis M

Also, I'm a huge Parokya ni Edgar fan because their songs talk about life itself. Take for example "Harana" which talks about how Filipino men of the time woo a lady through singing to the tune of their guitars in front of the lady's house. "Buloy" which talks about the everyday hardships of the average Filipino. "Sayang" which talks about missing the opportunity to get the right person in life. "Barkada" which talks about the features of a tightly knit friendship with a bunch of people with different upbringings in life. As well as "Halaga" which talks about the importance of taking care of a good lady in life.

Parokya ni Edgar

Well, you don't know Filipino music if you haven't heard about the Eraserheads, dubbed as "The Beatles of the Philippines" for bringing songs that go straight to every Filipino. From their hits "Ang Huling El Bimbo", "Alapaap", "Tindahan ni Aling Nena", "Toyang", "Magasin" and a ton of others over their years as a band from the 1990s until they disbanded in the early 2000s.

Eraserheads

There have been a lot of other noteworthy bands to include like Rivermaya, Hale, Cueshe, Sponge Cola, Sandwich, Bamboo, Kamikazee, 6 Cycle Mind, Silent Sanctuary who have also made great hits which can relate to a ton of people who have listen to their songs. Even with the changing times, I still listen to their hits, because they gave me a lot of inspiration to live my life to the fullest and brought me a lot of lessons about everyday life. Finally, one thing I like about those songs is that they came out of the blue and when the people behind those songs thought about it when they least expected.

Which brings me to the question, how come I'm not into OPM songs which come out at the present time? Unfortunately on my part, I don't like watching music channels anymore because most of the times, they'll put up a ton of Korean songs which I'm not into that much, unlike most people do nowadays. Right now, it's unfortunate that if you're going to be a singer here in the country, you must have the looks and the flair, while they don't touch a lot on the music and the message of each song, which is a hit on the face on my end. Especially, music on my part, motivates and drives me to get better in life. Also, most Filipino singers nowadays just do covers of songs, and if they do come off with an original composition, it would not have a deep and strong message to show to the people. Don't forget, there is no day here in the Philippines when the people do not put those people on the "Trending Topics" list on Twitter, not only here in the Philippines, but also Worldwide which can be somewhat an eyesore for some people including myself.

I remember Ogie Alcasid who is an advocate of OPM music. It's good to see people still advocating the best of OPM music has to offer. I admire his passion and patriotic ideals in promoting Filipino music not only to Filipinos but also to other walks of life. However, nowadays based on the songs of the present OPM scene. It can be an eyesore and definitely not worth listening to on the radio, computer or mp3 players. However, these things can all change if the current artists can go back to the roots of OPM music in order to make hits that will touch a lot of Filipinos here and abroad.

As I wrap this entry up, I like to thank my buddy Sam for giving me the inspiration to write this entry today. It was all worth the talk we had last night about these things and I hope to see you around very soon. I hope the inspiration I gave you will be good for you to write your own blog like mine, and don't forget to hook me up when you're blog is live and kickin'

OPM will always be a part of every Filipino's life

K-Smoove

[karlcrockets]

My homies for life.

Yesterday, I spent time with the MERALCO PEEPS on the birthday of one of our own, Gelo. Where for the last three years has been the "unofficial" reunion party of the entire troupe. However, unlike previous years. Not every one was there as most of the troupe were having jobs during the summer time. It all happened in the afternoon at Dulcinea in Tomas Morato as we joined the other guests from his Thomasian friends (we're both in UST, but on different programs), and his family. We spent time catching up with what's happening with our lives. Even to the point, we rant on each other including how I'm always left out of the picture or the other things we pick on with someone from our troupe. It proves that sometimes, people never change. Even with all that's been happening in our own lives since we took our own paths in college, the feeling is still the same. I got to admit, I was mostly silent for most of the afternoon. Because, I don't have much stories to tell I have to say. Still, I'm always thankful to have them as company.

Photo ©Aldrin Dayauon

It was only for a short amount of time though as we never went way further into the night since we went our separate ways into the night. It made me think about next year when I hope to bring them in on my birthday and do something about it. I won't do it this year though since like I've been saying time and time again. I'm saving up on the ticket for the Rockets-Pacers pre-season game this October. So once again, I'll thank the birthday dude Gelo for having us over again on his birthday this year. As well as to the MERALCO PEEPS who were there: Aldrin (the "orginizer" as he created the event page on Facebook), JL, Quinn, Edison, Nur, Josh, Philip, Airam, Jolly and Siops. I hope to see you guys again soon as well as the other MERALCO PEEPS who weren't with us yesterday. Thankful for these great men. K-Smoove

[karlcrockets]

Back in the PLAYOFFS for Red Nation.

 Photo ©facebook.com/houstonrockets

After three seasons of settling for winning seasons but only good fort 9th place in the Western Conference standings. Red Nation, the Houston Rockets are back in the NBA Playoffs, and yeah as a member of Red Nation for over 10 years now since a 7'6'' center from China named Yao Ming joined the Rockets and with the players that have come and go like Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley, Tracy McGrady, Shane Battier, Rafer Alston, Luis Scola, Kyle Lowry and Kevin Martin to name some, I'm excited to blog about the Rockets' playoff run this year. Though there's the huge possibility it will be a short one. However, it's been four years since I wrote about the Rockets in the playoffs. I'm gonna make this count. In the First Round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs, the Rockets are seeded #8 in the Western Conference after suffering a final game defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Lakers in L.A. to bump up to #7 in the standings. The loss still bites me, especially I suffered the wrath of rants by the Laker Nation here in the Philippines. Anyway, they will face the reigning Western Conference Champions and this year's top seed in the West, the Oklahoma City Thunder. It will be a fun matchup as last season's Sixth Man of the Year and now the face of the franchise in James Harden will battle his former team in the Thunder which are led by his  good ol' buddies and co-Olympic gold medalists in Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. The spotlight may be on these three men. However, there is more to this match-up as both teams are two of the highest scoring teams in the NBA this season and both teams have very young rosters. The Thunder will have an advantage defensively as they are second in field goal defense behind the Indiana Pacers and have more playoff experience than the Rockets. The Rockets will look to use their high-pace offense where they light up the scoreboard every game and look to make use of their three-point as they are among the league leaders in three points made as a team in the NBA. The focus of this series may be the matchup between Harden vs Durant and Westbrook. But there are other players on both sides to watch out for. For the Rockets, the first man to watch out is Jeremy Lin which will get a taste of the playoffs for the first time in his young but already storied NBA career, as he was unable to play for the Knicks during the playoffs with an injury, Lin played all 82 games this season as the starting point guard and has put up decent numbers, though a little low than his Linsanity numbers, he's gotten better defensively as his steals went up and his turnovers went down. Also taking a first taste of the playoffs would be sophomore forward Chandler Parsons who is the only guy left from the Rockets roster last season, Parsons is the second best scorer for the Rockets after Harden and will be a factor for the Rockets chances in the playoffs. Omer Asik, one of the league's top rebounders has playoff experience, however his minutes were limited in Chicago serving as the backup center for the Bulls to Joakim Noah. Now, he'll get starters minutes in the playoffs as the starting center of the Rockets. The rest of the Rockets are making their first playoff appearance with the exceptions of Carlos Delfino, Francisco Garcia, James Anderson and a relic from the Rockets 2009 playoff run in one-time Most Improved Player Awardee Aaron Brooks who was instrumental in the Rockets playoff push in that season. As for the Thunder, they'll be looking to get back to the NBA Finals after a bitter conclusion last season at the hands of the Miami Heat. Aside from Durant and Westbrook, Serge Ibaka who has improved offensively to complement his great defense will also play a part in the Thunder's playoff push. Harden's replacement as The Sixth Man in OKC Kevin Martin will be the X-Factor for the Thunder as he has a polished offensive game but with a significant letdown on his defensive game. The Thunder will also look at Thabo Sefolosha and Ronnie Brewer who are two great wing defenders in the NBA today. Season series recap: Thunder wins series 2-1 *Dates in Philippine time Game 1, November 29, 2012: Rockets 98-120 Thunder HOU: Points: Patterson 27, Rebounds: Asik 12, Assists: Lin 8 OKC: Points: Durant 37, Rebounds: Ibaka 9, Assists: Westbrook 9 Game 2, December 30, 2012: Thunder 124-94 Rockets OKC: Points: Westbrook 28, Rebounds: Ibaka & Collison 10, Assists: Westbrook 8 HOU: Points: Harden 25, Rebounds: Asik & Smith 8, Assists: Lin 7 Game 3, February 21, 2013: Thunder 119-122 Rockets OKC: Points: Westbrook & Sefolosha 28, Rebounds: Durant 12, Assists: Durant 11 HOU: Points: Harden 46, Rebounds: Asik 10, Assists: Lin 7 Series schedule: Game 1: Rockets at Thunder, April 22, 9:30 am PHT Game 2: Rockets at Thunder, April 25, 7:00 am PHT Game 3: Thunder at Rockets, April 28, 9:30 am PHT Game 4: Thunder at Rockets, April 30, TBD (Birthday game) Game 5: Rockets at Thunder, May 2, TBD* Game 6: Thunder at Rockets, May 4, TBD* Game 7: Rockets at Thunder, May 6, TBD*  This will be a fun series between the two high octane teams. I've been reading through the web about how this series will go. Majority will say the Thunder will win in 5 games. It's true to say that the Rockets will be the underdogs in this series, because of the fact that the Thunder has more playoff experience and has better defense. However, despite all of these things and pundit talk about the playoffs, I'll keep on rooting for the Rockets, as well in the history I have of being an NBA fan, most of the times, I eventually root for the underdog. Dating back in 2009 when the Rockets battled the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round. Most people were rooting for the then Brandon Roy led Trail Blazers squad to win over the Rockets. However, the Rockets would take the series in 6 games which included a Game 1 victory in Portland which is also a tough city for opposing teams and it was the first time the franchise got out of Round 1 since 1997. So yeah, all I can do now is hope for the best and hopefully this will be a great series. In victory or defeat, Red Nation for life! K-Smoove

[karlcrockets]

The season is over for 14 teams, the other 16, welcome to the Playoffs.

It's all over, ladies and gentlemen. The 2012-13 NBA regular season has come to an end, and for 14 teams who didn't made it to the next stage of the season namely the Utah Jazz, Dallas Mavericks, Portland Trail Blazers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings (who may have played their final season in Sacramento as the battle between the city and Seattle wages on), New Orleans Hornets (who will be renamed the Pelicans next year) and the Phoenix Suns out West. Out East, these are the Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors, Detroit Pistons, Washington Wizards, Cleveland Cavaliers, Charlotte Bobcats and the Orlando Magic. Their off-season begins today and would have to go through the draft lottery. Before we go further, here is a final look of the standings at the end of the regular season: Western Conference: 1. THUNDER (60-22) 2. SPURS (58-24) 3. NUGGETS (57-25) 4. CLIPPERS (56-26) 5. GRIZZLIES (56-26) 6. WARRIORS (47-35) 7. LAKERS (45-37) 8. ROCKETS (45-37) 9. Jazz (43-39) 10. Mavericks (41-41) 11. Trail Blazers (33-49) 12. Timberwolves (31-51) 13. Kings (28-54) 14. Hornets (27-55) 15. Suns (25-57) Eastern Conference: 1. HEAT (66-16) 2. KNICKS (54-48) 3. PACERS (49-32)* 4. NETS (49-33) 5. BULLS (45-37)  6. HAWKS (44-38) 7. CELTICS (41-40)* 8. BUCKS (39-43) 9. 76ers (34-48) 10. Raptors (34-48) 11. Pistons (29-53) 12. Wizards (29-53) 13. Cavaliers (24-58) 14. Bobcats (21-61) 15. Magic (20-62) *The April 16 (April 17 PHT) game between the Pacers and Celtics from the TD Garden was canceled following the tragic events that happened in Boston. Thus both teams, only played 81 games for the regular season. As for the 16 teams that remain, their season continues with the 2013 NBA Playoffs where at the end of it all, two teams (one each from the West and East) will advance to play in the NBA Finals this June. We got some exciting first round matchups this season on both sides of the association.

Photo ©NBA.com

In the Western Conference, it will be the reigning Western Conference Champions and the best team in the conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder going up against the 8th seeded Houston Rockets. As former Sixth Man of the Year awardee and the NBA's 5th leading scorer James Harden leads the Rockets back into the Playoffs for the first time since 2009 together with his new buddies in Jeremy Lin, Chandler Parsons and the rest of the high-scoring young guns from Clutch City. Harden and the Rockets will battle against his former teammates in former three-time scoring champion Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka and the rest of these young but battle-tested crew from Loud City in what will be a battle between two of the youngest teams in the NBA. Next, it will be a battle between the two most decorated franchises in the Western Conference as the second seeded Southwest Division champions San Antonio Spurs battle the seventh seeded Los Angeles Lakers in a matchup that would have been perfect in the second round or the West Finals. As Tim Duncan will once again lead these wily and battle tested veterans namely Manu Ginobili, Stephen Jackson, Danny Green, Tracy McGrady and the rest of the guys from the Alamo City to another shot at an NBA title, but that will not be easy as they will go to war against a team where most people who are into basketball would say the "deadliest" lower seed in NBA history as they face the Lakers who despite losing their superstar and the heart of their franchise in Kobe Bryant still pack a punch with Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol and the rest of the men from Tinseltown are still a force to be reckoned with in the NBA Playoffs and can pull of massive upsets. Also, in an interesting matchup, it will be the third seeded Denver Nuggets going up against the sixth seeded Golden State Warriors, as it will be a battle of two different styles of play with the Nuggets led by Ty Lawson and Andre Iguodala playing a balanced attack combined with plenty of athleticism as these men from the Mile High City will also enjoy an impeckable homecourt advantage with the high-altitude in Denver which has been a nightmare for visiting teams. But despite all of that, don't count these boys from the Bay Area led by the high scoring backcourt of the Splash Brothers in Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson who brought the Warriors back into the playoffs for the first time since 2007, they will also enjoy a great homecourt advantage as the Oracle Arena come playoff time is one of the loudest arenas in the NBA. Finally to wrap up the Western Conference first round matchups, it's a rematch of last year's first round match-up as the fourth seeded and Pacific Division champions Los Angeles Clippers will once again wage war against the Memphis Grizzlies. There are differences from the last time these two teams met as now the Clippers will have the homecourt advantage this time around and both teams underwent major personnel changes. However, these two teams still play the same way they played last season as the Lob City crew led by Chris Paul and Blake Griffin will battle the Grit 'N Grind men led by their two big men of Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol. Now, in the Eastern Conference, it will be the reigning NBA champions and the best team in the NBA at the end of the regular season, the top-seeded Miami Heat continue their quest for a back-to-back championship as they begin their playoff run against the eight seeded Milwaukee Bucks who are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2010. The Heat who have been dominant all-season long as testament to their 66-16 record, which includes their 27 game win streak which is second longest in NBA history will once again be led by their Big 3 in reigning MVP LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh as they will battle a Bucks team led by the backcourt duo of Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis and will be joined by this season's shotblock king in Larry Sanders who made it into the playoffs despite having a losing record, it would be a tall order for these guys from Milwaukee to pick up a victory against these dominant men from South Beach. Then, it will be an Atlantic Division showdown as two bitter rival cities will square off as the Atlantic Division champions, the second seeded New York Knicks will battle their rivals in the seventh seeded Boston Celtics. The Knicks will once again be led by the new scoring champion Carmelo Anthony as the Knicks have risen back to the NBA elite, a thing not seen in the Big Apple for a very long time. They will battle their rivals up north in Beantown as these veterans mixed with young blood led by Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett who have been playing without their star point guard in Rajon Rondo still have the heart to go to battle in the playoffs. Also, it will be the Central division champions, the third seeded Indiana Pacers going up against the sixth seeded Atlanta Hawks. The Pacers, reclaimed the Central Division for the first time since 2004 when Reggie Miller was still in town. Even with the injury to their main man last season in Danny Granger, they found new life in All-Star Paul George as these well-rounded team from the Hoosier State would look to do better after getting to the second round last season. They will go up against the high flying Atlanta Hawks, in which hometown man Josh Smith has taken reigns as the leader of these men from the Peach State as the Hawks are once again set to make some noise in the Playoffs this year. Lastly out East, in a good match-up, the fourth seeded Brooklyn Nets will square off against the fifth seeded Chicago Bulls. Post-season action is back in the New York borough of Brooklyn as the Nets will host a playoff game here for the first time since 1956 when the then Brooklyn Dodgers battled their cross-town rivals in the New York Yankees for the World Series. The Nets franchise is also back in the playoffs for the first time since 2007 when they still played in New Jersey. These men from the borough will be led by All-Stars Brook Lopez and Deron Williams, they will square off against the men from the Windy City which will be led by their strong starting frontline of Carlos Boozer, Luol Deng and Joakim Noah. The question remains however if their superstar guard in Derrick Rose play in the playoffs or will sit out until next season. So that's a little teaser of what will come within the couple of weeks here in the NBA. Now here is the schedule of games in the First Round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs. As of time of writing, the NBA has not assigned games to the networks carrying NBA games in the Philippines (ABS-CBN, Studio 23, Basketball TV, NBA Premium TV and Fox Sports): WESTERN CONFERENCE: #1 Thunder vs #8 Rockets (Season series: Thunder win series 2-1) Game 1: @ Oklahoma City, April 22, 9:30 am PHT Game 2: @ Oklahoma City, April 25, 7:00 am PHT Game 3: @ Houston, April 28, 9:30 am PHT Game 4: @ Houston, April 30, TBD Game 5*: @ Oklahoma City, May 2, TBD Game 6*: @ Houston, May 4, TBD Game 7*: @ Oklahoma City, May 6, TBD #4 Clippers vs #5 Grizzlies (Season series: Clippers win series 3-1) Game 1: @ Los Angeles, April 21, 10:30 am PHT Game 2: @ Los Angeles, April 23, 10:30 am PHT Gmae 3: @ Memphis, April 26, 9:30 am PHT Game 4*: @ Memphis, April 28, 4:30 am PHT Game 5*: @ Los Angeles, May 1, TBD Game 6*: @ Memphis, May 4, TBD Game 7*: @ Los Angeles, May 6, TBD #3 Nuggets vs #6 Warriors (Season series: Nuggets win series 3-1) Game 1: @ Denver, April 21, 5:30 am PHT Game 2: @ Denver, April 24, 10:30 am PHT Game 3: @ Golden State, April 27, 10:30 am PHT Game 4: @ Golden State, April 29, 9:30 am PHT Game 5*: @ Denver, May 1, TBD Game 6*: @ Golden State, May 3, TBD Game 7*: @ Denver, May 5, TBD #2 Spurs vs #7 Lakers (Season series: Spurs win series 2-1) Game 1: @ San Antonio, April 22, 3:30 am PHT Game 2: @ San Antonio, April 25, 9:30 am PHT Game 3: @ Los Angeles, April 27, 10:30 am PHT Game 4: @ Los Angeles, April 29, 7:30 am PHT Game 5*: @ San Antonio, May 1, TBD Game 6*: @ Los Angeles, May 3, TBD Game 7*: @ San Antonio, May 5, TBD EASTERN CONFERENCE: #1 Heat vs #8 Bucks (Season series: Heat win series 3-1) Game 1: @ Miami, April 22, 7:00 am PHT Game 2: @ Miami, April 24, 7:30 am PHT Game 3: @ Milwaukee, April 26, 7:00 am PHT Game 4: @ Milwaukee, April 29, 3:30 am PHT Game 5*: @ Miami, May 1, TBD Game 6*: @ Milwaukee, May 3, TBD Game 7*: @ Miami, May 5, TBD #4 Nets vs #5 Bulls (Season series: Bulls win series 3-1) Game 1: @ Brooklyn, April 21, 8:00 am PHT Game 2: @ Brooklyn, April 23, 8:00 am PHT Game 3: @ Chicago, April 26, 8:30 am PHT Game 4: @ Chicago, April 28, 2:00 am PHT Game 5*: @ Brooklyn, April 30, TBD Game 6*: @ Chicago, May 3, TBD Game 7*: @ Brooklyn, May 5, TBD #3 Pacers vs #6 Hawks (Season series: Series tied 2-2) Game 1: @ Indiana, April 22, 1:00 am PHT Game 2: @ Indiana, April 25, 7:30 am PHT Game 3: @ Atlanta, April 28, 7:00 pm PHT Game 4: @ Atlanta, April 30, TBD Game 5*: @ Indiana, May 2, TBD Game 6*: @ Atlanta, May 4, TBD Game 7*: @ Indiana, May 6, TBD #2 Knicks vs #7 Celtics (Season series: Knicks win series 3-1) Game 1: @ New York, April 21, 3:00 am PHT Game 2: @ New York, April 24, 8:00 am PHT Game 3: @ Boston, April 27, 8:00 am PHT Game 4: @ Boston, April 29, 1:00 am PHT Game 5*: @ New York, May 2, TBD Game 6*: @ Boston, May 4, TBD Game 7*: @ New York, May 6, TBD *If necessary In a few days from tonight, the quest continues for these sixteen teams, as they push their respective teams a step closer with every victory to the championship gold, and it all can be summed up with one line: Win or Go Home K-Smoove