Author: retrojordansol

Memphis Knows That The Higher They Are The Harder They Fall


When the San Antonio Spurs clinch the No. 1 seeded in the West after a great 61-21 season, just one game behind the Chicago Bulls for the best record overall, the expectations about the future of the team where set up high. Facing the last seeded Memphis Grizzlies didn’t seem as much of an obstacle for them in order to advance into the conference semifinals.Not only those conditions placed them as the favorite squad to win the series, but history also backed them up, since only one eight seeded team had been able to eliminate a top seeded in a first round seven game series: the Golden State Warriors in 2007 when they stunned the Dallas Mavericks.If the 2011 NBA Playoffs were played on assumptions, the Spurs would have been the winner, but they are not disputed that way. Just in case one had any doubts, Memphis made that very clear by upsetting them on the road by 101-98 on game one.That loss was the first wake-up call for the Spurs that tried to turn off the buzzer on game 2 with a 93-87 victory over the Grizzlies to square the series to one game apiece, prior to traveling to Memphis for the next two games.

But it looks like the flight got them sleepy again, and the price to pay was going to be high: losing game three by 91-88, in what was their second wake-up call of a series that the Grizzlies were now leading 2-1.On game four the Spurs got their third wake-up call, it was Tim Duncan’s birthday and they not only wanted to celebrate it with a victory, but also needed it to avoid compromising themselves with a 3-1 scenario.That game disputed on Monday night at the FedEx Forum represented a turning point for the Grizzlies, because with a victory they could leave behind their underdog role and pass it over to the Spurs. All of their players were focused in making this happen, from the starters to the bench, and they wanted to do it big.With five players with double digits -Zach Randolph, Tony Allen, Mike Conley, Darrell Arthur and O.J. Mayo- plus the non despicable sum of 49 points from the bench, the Grizzlies outplayed the Spurs with a resounding 86-104 victory.Winning by an 18 point margin against the number No. 1 seeded and placing themselves on the lead 3-1 means that the surprise would now be that the Spurs manage to come from behind and win the series, and not the Grizzlies being eliminated.It is a big challenge what the Spurs will have to face now, for only eight teams in history have been able to overcome a 3-1 situation successfully. Not to forget the boost that these three wins has given to the Memphis, which will make of them an even tougher rival to defeat.

Gary David A New Super Star


Gary David of Powerade has become a true warrior in the field of basketball after displaying superstar skills in fight against B-Meg for the semi-finals.History of a SuperstarGary David had been in the PBA for almost 8 years playing as a professional basketball player. And finally, starting January 4, according to PBA Latest News, the former Lyceum standout will be working to again get there and etch his name in the annals of the Philippine Basketball Association as a champion.Gary David was Picked 10th overall by the old Coca-Cola franchise in the 2004 Draft, David has blossomed into a star in the pro league-but not one regarded by what most players work to be: a winner.A Born SuperstarAfter that scorching shooting display in the deciding match of Powerade’s quarterfinal series with top-ranked B-Meg last week, David has finally arrived and is now legitimately considered to be a superstar in the league.David scored 16 straight points in a four-minute span bridging the fourth period and extension, almost single-handedly beating the star-studded Llamados and taking the Tigers this deep in the playoffs for the first time since the 2004 Fiesta Conference.

Upcoming BattlesNo doubt that the Tigers and their rivals in the best-of-seven series, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, don’t have the players that command enormous following. But there is no doubt, also, that Powerade and Rain or Shine will be able to produce new heroes once their series starts, with both squads loaded with talents waiting to shine and both franchises hungry to win a championship, such as Rain or Shine’s Paul Lee.Rain or Shine has super rookie Paul Lee and former Rookie of the Year Gabe Norwood to lean on, plus two under-rated wingmen in Jeff Chan and Ryan Arana who are both-also-ready to answer calls to superstardom. If Lee, Norwood and the lefties Arana and Chan consistently play well, then it is safe to say that the Painters have the edge.According to PBA News, David will, however, get help from backcourt mates JV Casio and Marcio Lassiter, two highly-regarded rookies who have so far justified their high selections in the Draft. For more information visit to our site at

NBA Playoffs- Miami Heat takes 3-1 lead over Boston Celtics


The Boston Celtics came into game four with a slight disadvantage. Miami’s big three was younger then the Boston Celtics big three. Let’s be clear about this: I’m not saying that they are necessarily better, that’s not the case. On the third game of the series, the Celtics big three proved that despite their age, they can still outplay three of the younger and more talented players in the league. The problem for the Celtics came when finally the Heat big three began to play like they were hired to. And that takes us to game four in the Boston Garden. Sure, LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh had to push the Celtics into overtime to win this game, but they were unstoppable. LeBron James scored 35 points, Dwayne Wade had 28 and Chris Bosh finished off with 20, as they lead the Miami Heat on a 98-90 overtime win at Boston. This gives the Miami Heat a 3-1 lead in the series and gives them the opportunity to close off the deal on Wednesday in South Beach.That’s it: head coach Erik Spoelstra is just one game away from reaching the Eastern Conference Finals. But he knows there is no celebrating just yet. Spoelstra is well aware of the fact that the Celtics will come out on Wednesday night with all they’ve got.

There is no tomorrow for the Veteran Celtics. They know what it is to play under pressure. They know very well what it takes to make it into the Finals. They know what it takes to beat the Heat, they’ve defeated them three times during the regular season and once in this playoffs. I would go out as to say that the only thing they are not really sure of, is if they can manage to win this next game, and heck, why not the series, without their all-start point guard in his best shape. The Celtics big three don’t really have to prove to anyone their worth. They are bound to end up in the Hall of Fame because of their merits. Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen can still surprise their fans with plays that one could only imagine from players 5-6 years their juniors. The thing is that the catalyst for the Celtics play is one Rajon Rondo, and despite what his looks might tell you, he is in pain. Rajon Rondo dislocated his left elbow Saturday night in Game 3 in a mingled play with Dwayne Wade.He played 39 minutes on game four with a padded sleeve covering what appeared to be a brace on his left arm, scoring 10 points with five assists. Yes, Rondo is brave and though, but he is not the agile, fast paced dribbler that could cut through the defense like a knife. And the Celtics couldn’t keep up with the Heat. In order to defeat the Miami Heat, the Boston Celtics must rely on their big four: Garnet, Pierce, Allen and Rondo. Paul Pierce scored 27, Ray Allen had 17 and Kevin Garnett had seven points and 10 rebounds for Boston, but there is still plenty of work ahead of them. And those numbers have to improve. Miami’s big three brought their A-game to this fourth game. Just one game after their worst performance as a threesome, James, Wade and Bosh had 83 of Miami’s 98 points and 35 of its 45 rebounds. The Celtics are going to have to find a way to toughen up their defense, and close on the opportunities that are given to them in the next round. They now must win 2 of the 3 remaining games, including two in Miami if they want to defend their title. It’s not going to be an easy task, but we don’t see the Celtics giving it up so easily.

Fantasy Basketball Tips for Beginners


Welcome to the wonderful world of fantasy basketball. This is the total entertainment game for people who are huge fans of sports like basketball, who like watching NBA, like reading up on statistics and who like the competition. Playing fantasy basketball is basically about picking and getting the right draft to win. This can only be achieved through research and being able to read the numbers right.So here are tips to follow in fantasy basketball so that you can win the season.Fantasy basketball tip #1: Learn your league’s settings.Each fantasy football league has different rules and orientation. Choose a draft pick based on which the league prefers. Do they give importance to assists? Does it utilize head to head scoring? If yes, that means you have to choose players with high field goal percentage.Fantasy basketball tip #2: It’s a numbers game.Focus on choosing a draft based on the number, rather than subjectively choosing a player because you were a fan since that NBA star’s first year as an athlete.Fantasy basketball tip #3: List down you draft and do tons of research.Choose the best and the high performers from rounds 1 4, then you can add the quirky favorite NBA athlete of yours on round 5 or 6.Fantasy basketball tip #4: Scan for opportunities.

The right pick, even on a last moment, can make the difference as to winning or losing. Search the web, newspapers and magazines for the numbers and check players who are not so popular but has the right numbers that can boost your fantasy basketball team.Fantasy basketball tip #5: The better the draft, the less you need to manage.Want to take it easy within the fantasy basketball season? Choose the correct draft from the beginning and you will have less to manage and worry about in the middle of the game.Remember, unlike the NFL, the NBA game is more erratic in its value of players and there is a bigger chance of an NBA athlete fluctuating in performance and statistics during the season.Fantasy basketball tip #6: Watch for changes in the basketball roster.

When they announce in the NBA that there is a new roster, you can bet that it will change the numbers. It can be a positive thing and not totally a negative factor, but either way you be on top of it and know what is going on as a fantasy basketball team manager.Fantasy basketball tip #7: Follow what your gut tells you.Fantasy basketball is about the numbers but a small factor to winning is also following your gut. If you think that you need to change your line up, do it fast and do it at the beginning of the season. Start checking free agents if you have to.

How Michael Jordan Overwhelmed People


The second year, Michael Jordan was chosen by Sporting News as the best college basketball player in that year and the third year, he won the same award as last year and got the Wooden Awards. In his third year, Michael Jordan was chosen by Chicago Bulls. There is no surprise that Huston’s center forward was picked as the number one scholar of Huston in that year. It is surprised for people to accept the fact that Sam Bowie, the center forward, was chose by Portland Blazers for its runner-up scholar. Bowie got hurt several time in his college life. Because Portland Blazers get their full back, Clyde, he could won scores easily and make people excited. Therefore, Portland Blazers did not pick up Michael Jordan. We all know the result is that Clyde became the superstar while the guy inclined to get hurt, Bowie, did not make achievements.As we all know, Michael Jordan had a blazing rookie season after he won the championship in the 84 Olympic Games. Michael Jordan won the title of the best new star these years.

His average score is up to 28.2 scores and this record is just inferior to Bernard King and Bird. In Michael Jordan’s rookie seasons, his attacking scope is not large enough and he is a little loose at defense, Michael Jordan’s fist coach in NBA said. People firmly believe that Huston Rockets and Portland Blazers will regret their choices even just before the official beginning of the rookie seasons. And the score king of that year also said these words to Hoop magazine. Bernard King said surely that what I only want to say is that Chicago people would make a lot of money. The fact is also like his words Michael Jordan vanquished basketball fans in the rookie seasons. The number of people who came to the Chicago athletic museum increased geometric times. As long as they can see the wonderful performance of Michael Jordan, the fans of opposite team even would like their support team lose the game. At the same time, the behavior of Michael Jordan out of court is also unique and charming as same as he is in the court.

Nike saw his infinite prospect, so they signed a contract with Michael Jordan as their main spokesman of ball shoes.The effect that Nike got still far surpassed the effect they planed in the beginning. In the preseason games of the rookie seasons, Michael Jordan wore the new shoes and NBA thought this behavior obeyed the principle of clothes conformity in the beginning. If Michael Jordan continued to wear this pair of shoes, he will be charged with fine. However, Michael Jordan wore this pair of boots several times, consequently this shoes style and other series of Michael Jordan shoes seduced the unprecedented upsurge in the market. Different from most of players, there is an article in the contract of Michael Jordan that he could play basketball at any time during his seasons and this article is called basketball love article. Michael Jordan could play basketball at any time when he was in his seasons. This relies on his excellent skills and wonderful performance in the court.

The Shortcut To Being On The Basketball Team


There is an endless line of prospective athletes who want to qualify for a basketball team, be it youth level, school teams, club teams, college teams and even semi-pro teams. But few are aware of the shortcuts available that can get them there ahead of most others.The first and normally just about the only skill that prospective hoopers spend what seems like forever practicing is scoring. Honing their shooting skills is all most everyone seems to be motivated to do.As a result, shooters are a dime a dozen. Note I did not say scorers as that is a whole other matter. But just about anyone who likes to play the game can shoot since most of their time has been spent lifting the ball towards the basket. In other words, virtually everyone is a shooter. Therefore it follows that the most difficult part of the game within which an athlete can distinguish themselves is shooting. To be recognized as exceptional in that skill set is the most difficult route one can pursue to get noticed and be of value to the team. Yet that is where almost every perspective player focuses.

When you really stop to consider that fact, it makes little sense to follow that crowd if you want to be a part of a basketball team. So what to do?First and foremost, keep in mind that basketball is a team game. Also remember that it requires a variety of skill sets. The game needs scorers, rebounders, defenders and ball handlers most particularly passers. Unlike a game such as football, there are not lineup changes for offense, defense and specialties. Keeping in mind that most all prospective players spend their skill development time to become shooters, all of the other skill sets are largely ignored. Yet those ignored skill sets are of equal value to scoring and no one is working to master any one of them.If you want to get on the fast track to qualifying for the team and even more significantly being an impact player, specialize in developing one or two of the other skill sets.Although this is not rocket science, it is amazing how overlooked this simple idea is by literally millions of athletes wanting to play on a basketball team. However, if you pause to consider the value and importance to getting this right, you can shortcut the team tryout process.Have you ever heard the phrase, “defend to win”? Most people who understand basketball know the value of defense. Theoretically, it is impossible for an opponent to win if they never score! Make your self the clearly superior defensive player trying out for the team and you will not only make the squad, you will get major playing time.Or how about being the best shot blocker and rebounder? It is very difficult if not impossible to keep a great rebounder and shot blocker out of a game, let alone not make them part of the team.

In basketball, possessions (that is the number of times your team has the ball as opposed to the other team) are a huge factor in determining team success. Rebounders and shot blockers provide for extra possessions and that often is the difference between winning and losing.Many will say they are too short or that they cannot jump high enough to be effective rebounders and shot blockers. That is just plain bunk! Just as it is possible to train shooting skills, it is possible to train jumping skills. In fact, it is possible for almost anyone to make huge improvements in their leaping ability should they really want to be on the team.But as we all know, almost no one does. They are just too busy trying to become shooters where they in fact will just be part of the crowd.For those few who are really driven to make a team, abandon the path followed by all of your competitors and get on a track that will not only land you on the team but will make you an invaluable part of the squad.All skill development work is hard work and that holds true for improving vertical jump. But if you get into a proved comprehensive jump development system, the future is yours. There are good options available if you seek them out. Do it, and the rest of us will see you in uniform busily providing those extra possessions for your team.

See the Knicks play at Madison Square Garden in 2012


The New York Knicks is a name to be reckoned with and there is no doubt that it is at the heart ofthe matter for all basketball fans. Only two teams have stayed true to their home town since theirorigins and the Knicks are one of them. This makes them the quintessential New York basketballteam and also the team that many of the world immediately associate with the great game.Immortalised in films, TV shows and music, the New York Knicks are a perfect example of basketballgreatness and so much more.There is no doubt that history makes up a great deal of the excitement and passion that makes upthe club. The Championship years may not come around as often as they did in the 60s and 70sbut the Knicks have always bounced back. Stars like Patrick Ewen and Willis Reid have written theirnames all over the record book and are still talked about in excited tones by Knocks fans today. Notthat the current crop should feel intimidated by these legends though as there are a number of greatplayers in the current line-up.There is something magical about the New York Knicks when they are on form, carrying the hopesand dreams of their city on their shoulders.

Sporting success, like in many cities, is crucial to thepsyche of the average New Yorker and the form of the Knicks can have a massive impact on the dayto day mood of people in the city. Roaring along in support of the team could make the differenceto the sort of service you receive the following day! This is why so many people are turning to make sure that they grab hold of their New York Knicks tickets.Of course, if you want to see the New York Knicks in their true home, you will have the chance to seeone of the finest venues the world has ever seen. Madison Square Gardens is not only an amazingsporting venue, it has played host to some of the biggest names in music, comedy and theatre aswell. There is no doubt that buying Madison Square Garden tickets is as big a part of the event formany people as getting to see the basketball action! If you are a tourist looking to see all the sightsor you just want to see one of the finest sporting venues around, a visit to the MSG has to be onyour agenda.The retired jerseys hanging from the rafters indicates that the New York Knicks have more thantheir fair share of heroes and legends but there is plenty of room for more. With keen rivalries andtensions with a number of other NBA teams, there is usually a heated passion and excitement to befound in the MSG when the Knicks are playing. When it comes to watching quality basketball in aworld famous venue, it is hard to find better than the New York Knicks and Madison Square Gardens.

Nike Zoom Kobe VI All Star Version New Release Image


This year NBA All-Star Game will be held in Los Angeles, after reported Nike Air Max LeBron 8 V / 2 all-star version and Chris – Paul Jordan all-star version, now it is turn to the Nike Zoom Kobe VI all-star version as the host exclusive. This Nike Zoom Kobe VI All-Star version uses mainly in red tone on behalf the Western All-Star. The overall upper feature red and black gradient design with “WEST” word printed on the tongue In addition, “West” and “2011 LA” are also printed on insole. I believe the expense of Kobe Bryant last Christmas, Star game will be good to wear this shoe to hit back James. Please wait and see! December 7, 2010, Nike and Kobe Bryant in Beaverton, Oregon, released Nike Zoom Kobe VI basketball shoes, inspired by Kobe Bryant on the court’s nickname “Black Mamba.”This section designed by the ferocious Black Mamba of inspiration, while incorporating low basketball shoe to help the main functional elements. “Zoom Kobe VI is a highly personalized shoe, with a strong ‘Black Mamba’ mark.” Kobe Bryant said, “As always, we have used in the design of this shoe a lot of advanced technology, and strive to create a pair with excellent functional basketball shoes, from the appearance, I think you have never seen more than it overhangs the shoes. It is make my love black mamba into a reality.

” Nike creative director Eric Avar and Kobe Bryant led the design team together with the “Black Mamba” presented at the Nike Zoom Kobe VI basketball shoe.The unique polyurethane imitation snake skin texture “bump” sizes, covered the entire upper surface to prevent wear and tear, and can accurately increase the wear resistance of a particular site. Before the end outside the Ministry of shoes engraved “Venomenon”, highlights the deadly black mamba venom. “Kobe Bryant considers that Black Mamba is one of the deadliest predators on Earth,” Eric Avar said: “Accurate and fast is his way to win in each match.” “To the extreme will be Nike and do something completely revolutionary work, which is my goal,” said Bryant, the winner has received the most valuable player three times NBA champion, “I want to create a pair of magic performance basketball shoe, it has unlimited color and style, this dedicated players around the world. “Nike Zoom Kobe VI of the issue, so Kobe’s dream come true.

Nba: History of Minnesota Timberwolves


The Minnesota Timberwolves joined the National Basketball Association in 1989 as an expansion team. The team did not have great success from the beginning, managing just a 22-60 record, but they did set an NBA record for attendance, drawing more than a million fans in their opening season. This included the 3rd largest crowd in NBA History in their final home game of the season.The team had been playing the Metrodome, the home of the Minnesota Twins, but later moved to the Target Center, their current home. The team did not manage to find much success in their early years. They had a few notable players on their team, but they never managed to find success.The tides turned for the Timberwolves in the 1995 draft. Although today we see players entering the NBA on a regular basis, it was not all too common in 1995. The Timberwolves saw the potential of an 18 year old power forward named Kevin Garnett. Garnett was a raw, young talent but he managed to pull down more than 10 rebounds a game in his rookie season.The Timberwolves managed to add another piece to the puzzle the following year by adding Stephon Marbury. Marbury was added in a trade sending Ray Allen to the Milwaukee Bucks. The combination of Marbury and Garnett became a popular one among fans. Add in Tom Gugliotta and the team was headed towards their first playoff appearance.The team finished that season with a 40-42 record, but they did make the playoffs. Their appearance did not last long.

They were quickly eliminated by the Houston Rockets in a 3-game sweep. This was the beginning of a solid run for the Timberwolves.The Timberwolves saw their young talent grow as Garnett and Marbury made their presence felt on the court. Even with Tom Gugliotta out for with an injury the team finished with a record of 45-37. This was the best record in their team’s history and helped them earn another playoff berth. The team collected their first playoff victory in 1997, but they were unable to overcome the Supersonics, losing in 5 games in the opening round.The ego of Stephon Marbury could not coexist with Kevin Garnett’s presence. Garnett received an enormous contract causing jealousy on the team. Marbury forced a trade and ended up in New Jersey. The team picked up Terrell Brandon and a 4th round pick. Even with the absence of Marbury they team made the playoffs yet again.The team signed Joe Smith, an up and coming power forward, but paid heavily for it. Their dealings with Smith were against league policy and they were stripped of their first round pick for 5 straight years. The contract with Joe Smith was also void.The Timberwolves became a perennial playoff team led by Kevin Garnett, but they could not take their game to the next level. They continued to make the playoffs, but over and over again were eliminated in the playoffs in the first round. The team was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for 7 straight seasons.The team’s fortunes changed in 2004. The team won their division and managed to get out of the first round for the first time in team history. Their run went all the way to the Western Conference finals where they met the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers took out the Timberwolves, ending the most successful season in the franchise’s history.After a few seasons it was clear that their team wasn’t going anywhere. Kevin Garnett had carried their team for more than a decade and was ready to move on, asking for a trade. The team traded Garnett and began their rebuilding stage, where they currently sit. The team has some young talent, but does not look ready to contend the in the strong Western Conference just yet.

NBA Carmello Anthony Transferred to The New York Knicks


When it comes to NBA, it is a well-known fact that Basketball, at this level, is a game played by superstars. This holds true particularly if you are playing in the Easter Conference. The New York Knicks were certainly missing that superstar factor. Yes, the Knicks have Stade Stoudemire in their rooster and yes, he has led the team to an unprecedented (at least since the turn of the century) 28-26 season, to hold on strongly to a sixth place in the Easter Conference that might as well just earn the team its first playoffs berth since 2004.Some are venturing to say, even before Mello plays its first game in New York, that this is the best decision the franchise has made since the Knicks picked Patrick Ewing as the No.1 pick in the 1985 draft. Most of the speculation comes from the idea that both Stoudemire and Mello could mix in for quite an aggressive offensive front. Stoudemire has said that with his 26.1 point per game average added to Mello’s 25.2, the Knicks are going to be a really hard team to guard from now on.Yes, on the long run -let’s say two or three years- it is quite possible that the Knicks might work their way back into NBA prominence.

But it is still uncertain if the team might have just what it takes to be truly dangerous in April.The thing here is that regardless of what happens this season, the Knicks really had to find a way to get at least one more top-notch player to at least be competitive in the region. Let’s face it: the Boston Celtics have four superstars in their rooster: Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo, are all top-caliber players that are dominating the conference. As if that was not enough, they also have to face the recently rebuilt Miami Heat with its spectacular rooster that includes LeBron James, Dwight Howard and Chris Bosh.Stoudemire has said the he has no doubt that the two of them could play together, find in the right mix in a matter of days. Only time will tell if they can really get going as soon as they both get on the court, or, like it happened with the Heat, it’s going to take a while to get the gears running smoothly.Details of the deal that took Carmello Anthony from the Denver Nuggets to the New York Knicks are still unclear. All we can say is that he is certainly leaving the Nuggets (the team were he has played all of his 6 seasons as a professional) in much better terms with both the franchise and the fans than LeBron James did with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Certainly Mello learned from other’s mishaps.

So far the details we have been able to scratch together suggest that as a part of the deal, the Knicks will send Wilson Chandler, Raymond Felton, Danilo Gallinari, Timofey Mozgov and a 2014 first-round draft pick to the Nuggets, who would get additional picks and cash. Along with Anthony, the New York Knicks would get Chauncey Billups, Shelden Williams, Anthony Carter and Renaldo Balkman from Denver. So yes, it is quite a big swap.It seems as if the additional picks that the Denver Nuggets will get are originally two second-round selections that the Knicks acquired from Golden State when the Warriors signed forward David Lee during last year’s preseason.