Are you in the game?!

After an exciting race for the NBA 2008 Most Valuable Player, Kobe Bryant ends up with the precious recognition. It took 12 season before the “Black Mamba” gained the official MVP title.

No doubt, Bryant deserved it this year. He is having an exceptional season. This year, Kobe was not just a showman in the court, he evolved into a matured leader for the Lakers and this made the difference for him. Here’s his 2008 playoffs statistics which clearly shows he has become a better team player.

Runner-ups were New Orleans’ Chris Paul (889 points), Boston’s Kevin Garnett (670 points), Cleveland’s LeBron James (438 points) and Orlando’s Dwight Howard (60 points). Read full article here.

Trivia: Kobe Bryant was only the 13th overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets (now NO Hornets) back in 1996. He was 17 then. The Lakers management that team wanted the young guard so much that they traded center Vlade Divac for Bryant.

Let’s take a look at Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao’s next nemesis on the ring. David Diaz, a native of Chicago, Illinois and turning 32 this June 7 of 2008 is a certified brawler!

He has made a living as a professional boxer in the lightweight division. His record currently stands at 32-1-1. 17 of his victories came by way of knockout. He is the current WBC lightweight champion. His only loss was dealt by Kendall Holt by an 8th round TKO last February 4, 2005. Definitely this man knows how to win, and has less background on defeats. At 5′6″, I expect him to go all out against striky Pacquaio. It’s gonna be a good fight.

I think it will go the distance but we’ll definitely see a boxer kissing the canvass. Can’t wait for their match!! Mark your calendars, June 28, 2008.

The playoffs is heating up once again. After an exciting first-round matches, the 2nd round promises to be even more exciting. It’s definitely a grudge match between the teams. “No games asked, no games given.”

Finally the Celtics can take a deep breath after eliminating the determined Atlanta Hawks in their 1st round playoffs encounter, 4-3. Yes, it went down to 7! I thought I had it right when I forecasted that there will be no more surprises in the East aside from the 2 victories for the Sixers and the Hawks. However, Josh Smith, Marvin Williams, and sweet shooter Joe Johnsohn proved me wrong. The three guys and the rest of the Hawks forced a game deciding game seven after escaping the Celtics by 3 points 103-100 in game 6.

Winning to the tune of 99-65, the Celtics showed their poise and killer instinct. Paul Pierce lead the team with 22 points. KG who said in interview that he was up for more almost 24 hours because of the threatening match had 18 points and 11 boards. Nothing to be ashamed of for the Hawks. They played maturely. I’m very sure that the series was a very good learning experience for a young team like them. Boston moves on to the second round facing Lebron James and the rest of the Cavs.

Moving to the second round, my playoffs picture is so far on track. As of now, the Lakers is ahead of Utah 1-0. The stingy Hornets though took game 1 over the defending champs Spurs. Regrouped Detroit Pistons took game 1 against Orlando.

Aaaahh live NBA games on TV please!!

After an exciting race for the NBA 2008 Most Valuable Player, Kobe Bryant ends up with the precious recognition. It took 12 season before the “Black Mamba” gained the official MVP title.

No doubt, Bryant deserved it this year. He is having an exceptional season. This year, Kobe was not just a showman in the court, he evolved into a matured leader for the Lakers and this made the difference for him. Here’s his 2008 playoffs statistics which clearly shows he has become a better team player.

PPG 34.4  |  RPG 5.40  |  APG 6.4  |  EFF + 32.40 more

Runner-ups were New Orleans’ Chris Paul (889 points), Boston’s Kevin Garnett (670 points), Cleveland’s LeBron James (438 points) and Orlando’s Dwight Howard (60 points). Read full article here.

Trivia: Kobe Bryant was only the 13th overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets (now NO Hornets) back in 1996. He was 17 then. The Lakers management that team wanted the young guard so much that they traded center Vlade Divac for Bryant.