Two teams have made their early exit in the first round of the 2008 NBA Playoffs. The star-studded Denver Nuggets failed to win even a single game in its best of 7 series against the number 1 team in the West, LA Lakers. Over the East, the Orlando Magic headed by "Superman" Dwight Howard ended the season of the Toronto Raptors, 4 games to 1.
WESTERN CONFERENCE I beleive this is how things will go this season. Spurs will definitely triumph over the Suns and so is the Jazz over the Rockets and the Hornets over Dallas (poor Dallas).
Moving to the next round,the Lakers-Jazz series doesn't need much of Xs and Os. It's LA. Interesting match-up is the showdown between the youthful New Orleans Hornets and defending champs San Antonio Spurs. This series will definitely test the character of the Hornets. This is also a valuable experience for the young team. CP3 will go face to face with spitfire guard Tony Parker. I'm sure this matchup will bring out the best in Chris Paul. However, I think this series will end 4-2, in favor of San Antonio. The bench is the vital factor in this series and at that, the Hornets is no match. Experience wise, I think the Hornets winning over the Mavs proves it is not as crucial as what most people think.
EASTERN CONFERENCE Aside from the Hawks and the Sixers stealing 2 games in their respective series, there will be no other surprises at the end of the first round. BUT in the second round, as you can see, I have the Cavs winning over the Boston Celtics. At the very start of the playoffs, I was very much in doubt if the Cavaliers can pull it off against Boston. However, with Atlanta winning two games over the Celtics, it convinced me that Lebron James and his crew can triumph over the Boston's triple-threat. Need not to explain why right? And so the Eastern Conference finals will be a rematch of last year's Detroit Pistons vs Cleveland Cavaliers. Keeping my fingers crossed, it will be the Cavs winning once again over Detroit.
And so prepare yourselves for a Kobe-Lebron treat for the 2008 NBA finals.
This week, I have browsed several gadget reviews websites since I finally I'll be buying a DVD RW. At the same time, my sister is also in search for a "worth-the-price" digital camera.
With google, it is so easy to find gadget related websites, and technology reviews. However, you have to pick the most "reliable" review. Since there are plenty of reviews available, you'll be able to match common feedbacks and comments from users. For Digital camera reviews, there are sites that include sample shots from different cameras using the same material. The sample shots were very useful in determining which digital camera is better.
Everyone is crazy over gadgets. Ipod, psp, notebooks, are some of the hottest gadgets not just for the techy people, but for almost everybody. There are people who just want to be updated with the latest gadgets out in the market. Worse, some are just buying it in order to be recognized as "techy!"
I envy kids who play with PSP as they walk around the mall. Gosh! I even had my first mobile phone when I was in high school! hahaha Now, a pre-schooler already owns a Nokia N-series phone or the latest Ipod! Weeow!
The Dallas Mavericks now faces another impending early exit in the NBA 2008 Playoffs. (applause! hahahaha) Last year, despite being the number one team in the West, Dallas was eliminated by the number 8 team, Golden State Warriors. This is perhaps the nightmare that haunts the entire team especially the management which is why the team made some major roster movement this year.
Mark Cuban, team owner of the Dallas Mavericks insisted on acquiring future hall of famer point guard, Jason Kidd. He believes that the 35 year old veteran point guard will spell the difference for his team this season. However, acquiring Kidd required letting go of spitfire guard Devin Harris, big man D. Diop, and other bench players.
Today, the Mavs lost once again to the youthful New Orleans Hornets to the tune of 127-103. CP3 lead the Hornets to a dominating victory over the Mavericks. Hornets now take a 2-0 advantage in their best-of-seven showdown. Chris Paul showed superb leadership on and off the court scoring 32 points plus 17 assists (now that's leadership for yah!). Stojakovic and all-star David West also provided support finishing with 22 and 27 points each.
Last season, according to critics, Dirk Nowitzki was the missing link. The sweet shooting 7-footer of Dallas didn't play well against the small but scrappy front-line of the Warriors. But this season, based on the couple of games that I've seen between these two teams, Nowitzki is very comfortable playing against Chandler or David West of New Orleans. So who is or who are the missing links, at least for the first two games of the series?
This is Game 2 box score for the Mavs. Looking at it, Howard, Stackhouse, and J. Kidd is way below expectations in terms of scoring. Josh Howard should always be scoring more than 20. I believe Kidd and Stackhouse should give at least 15 points per for them to deserve where they are right now and the playing time given to them.
Note that in Game 1, Howard, Stackhouse, and Kidd scored 17, 9, and 11 respectively. Howard's 17 points was a 4-16 clip from the field (poor 25% FG).
I have seen the Mavs play its A-game against the Hornets. It was a game were every jumpshot of Terry, Howard, and Kidd dropped. Stackhouse drove to the basket anytime he wanted to and Kidd dominated the young Chris Paul. They say playoffs is a different level of basketball. Here, the boys are seperated from the men. Looks like the Hornets have taken their game way higher than the Mavs.
I finally had the chance to check out Marco Polo's newest attraction, "The Deck!" The Deck is a P50 million upgrading project of its pool area. Aside from a calming swimming pool, The Deck includes the hotel's newly constructed, "Lazuli Spa."
Together with the first class spa, The Deck is composed of Polo Bistro Pool Lounge, Sarangani Function Room, and Marco Polo's Fitness Center. Lazuli Spa is very inviting. However, knowing their rates will definitely make you think twice.. more than twice!
Located at the 4th level, The Deck is a perfect place to "chillax." I got there at around 4:00 PM. The sun was just right. The heat isn't much to be afraid of though because their pool side beds are placed under huge umbrellas. After a cooling dip in the pool, laying down with drinks and chips on the side is a perfect treat under the sun.
Nothing extraordinary with their swimming pool. They gave it an infinity pool look though with the water leveling to the ground. The pool is good for kids since it is only 3-5 feet deep (no division).
This is the classy Polo Bistro Pool Lounge. I heard dining at Polo Bistro costs P1,000 per head. Wish I could give it a try so I could justify its cost. hehehe
It's best to take a plunge during weekdays at around 2-5 PM for you to have privacy, "own" the place and enjoy the "just right" heat of the sun. There are more swimmers at night especially during weekends.
Since it's summer already, check out my 2008 Summer fun posts. These posts will feature summer hot spots that I've been to and the places that I'd love to see this hot hot summer!
Spurs will definitely triumph over the Suns and so is the Jazz over the Rockets and the Hornets over Dallas (poor Dallas).
And so the Eastern Conference finals will be a rematch of last year's Detroit Pistons vs Cleveland Cavaliers. Keeping my fingers crossed, it will be the Cavs winning once again over Detroit.
