AS IF in perfect cadence with our thrust to return to some semblance of normalcy, the Pinoys’ favorite game was back the other day.
Speaking of back to normal, on a personal note — remember that this is the time to be extra careful.
Even more so than when we were in ECQ status. Why?
Some people do not have a safety-first mindset and people who were not supposed to be out (and still are not supposed to be out) WILL be going out under GCG, congregating and catching up.
And with our nine percent asymptomatic rate, you can do the math and figure it out yourself.
2020 FUNK. The NBA returned with a bang featuring the New Orleans Pelicans vs. the Utah Jazz. Strangely, the guy who caused the stoppage, Rudy Gobert, was also the guy who made the first basket as well as the winning basket of the first game back.
Serendipity?
What were the odds? It’s 2020 folks. Anything and I mean anything can happen.
LA. But the game on everyone’s mind was the battle for LA.
I am picking the Lakers as the favorites to win the NBA title because of Lebron James. He is capable of singlehandedly dragging any rag-and- tag team screaming and kicking to the NBA finals.
This year, with all the help he has been hoping for finally arriving, he has all the tools he needs.
The game against the Clippers though, was a cause for concern. They won by a whisker and thanks to a very lucky bounce.
James was able to follow up off a missed horrible running shot he tossed up, to make what would turn out to be the game’s winning basket.
But remember that the Clippers were without Montrezl Harrel and Lou Williams — a terrific duo that combines for at least 40 points off the bench. However, that’s not the biggest issue for me as the Lakers have enough talent to counter their production.
My biggest concern was Anthony Davis. Yes, he was spectacular and he should be in order for the Lakers to win against the Clippers. They just have no answer for him. In the four games against the Clippers, he has averaged a scorching 28.3 ppg. He was all over the court, making alley hoop dunks, shooting threes.
The problem is that he disappears entirely in the fourth quarter and this time it was no different. He attempted only one field goal and missed it. He only made two points from free throws, but little else from him.
Lebron usually takes over in the fourth and it’s been the same pattern for their four encounters. By the time these teams meet again in the playoffs, the Clippers will most likely be ready with a different strategy and this team will prove to be the biggest stumbling block on the road to Lebron’s dream of winning his 4th ring.
LAST ROUND. It’s on my cousin Buddy Tiu who recently celebrated his birthday. Cheers!