The Rockets have won 21 consecutive games, the second most in the league history, rivaled only by the 1971/72 Lakers team which won 33 straight with the help of their center, Wilt Chamberlain. They went and beat the Knicks in the finals to lift the trophy.
Now, Rockets are without their center, and also the star player of the team. Yao Ming leads in scoring and rebound for the team, and when he went for surgery a few weeks ago, a lot of people wrote down their chances. No way they can continue the streak without Yao.
But 9 games later, they are still winning. Now they sit at the top of the Western Conference, sharing the lead with the Lakers. Lakers have been revitalized with the arrival of Pau Gasol, climbing their way up the table and becoming yet again a force to be reckon with.
Of course, there is also the Kobe factor.
Tomorrow, it's going to be Rockets vs Lakers. Clash of the top two teams. It's going to be an important game for the Rockets, because this is where their mettle will be tested. This is when their championship credentials will be proven. This is The Game.
And after the Lakers, it's going to be the Celtics, who have the best record in the NBA now, then another encounter with the Hornets. Then it's going to be the Warriors and the Suns.
These are going to be tough games for them. Their shooting percentage has been dropping lately, and they've been relying a lot on their defense. And also unexpected heroes. McGrady has been tanking for the team, but in every game, there have always been the unlikely heroes. Landry and Scola did his part, and so did Novak and Mutombo. And in yesterday's win against the Bobcats, it was Michael Harris, who was one of Rockets' final training camp cuts. And I haven't even heard of him until yesterday.
I will be watching the game closely tomorrow, from the net. And hopefully, at the end of it, I'll be jumping up and down and grinning wildly.
33 in a row? Sounds impossible, but with some luck and hustle play, it can happen again.
And the Rockets might just rewrite history.
Sunday, March 16
Sunday, March 9
Intense moments
It was the day where the nation decides. The votes have all been cast, they're now being counted. And everywhere in the nation, everyone is glued in front of the TV watching the results as they are being announced live.
So far, it has been a bloodbath, so to speak.
As suspected, BN has won Sabah and Malacca. And PAS has retain Kelantan. And surprisingly, BN has won Perlis easily too. While the upsets would definitely be the lost of Penang to the opposition. Kedah and Perak are very close at the moment, and it's very hard to predict the winner for these two states. While everywhere else, the battle is tensed and heated. One thing for sure, BNs majorities have been significantly reduced.
If there is a time to be worried, now would be a good time.
And if there is a time to be rejoiced, now would be a good time too.
It's no surprise that it's going to be a very close fight. And it's no surprise that there will be plenty of upsets too. I think everyone is sick of watching the BN's commercial which keeps on appearing on TV every 5 minutes or so. And for someone who spends most of the nights in front of the TV, I was brainwashed by the commercial. Brainwashed into hating and loathing the frequency of the commercials.
My vote was based on that, simply for that reason alone.
Well, maybe there is another factor, come to think of it. I am also a sucker to cute Chinese Politicians.
But I digress.
From a landslide victory in 2004 for BN, it is now a different story for them. I think the people are getting sick and tired of the things that have been going on for the past 4 years, and it shows in the results. One thing I notice also is the number of spoilt votes which have increased too. This must be the ones who decided that both parties are incapable of running the country, and they want their voices to be heard.
One thing for sure, people is hoping for change.
And I think, in a few hours more, we might see some big changes.
So far, it has been a bloodbath, so to speak.
As suspected, BN has won Sabah and Malacca. And PAS has retain Kelantan. And surprisingly, BN has won Perlis easily too. While the upsets would definitely be the lost of Penang to the opposition. Kedah and Perak are very close at the moment, and it's very hard to predict the winner for these two states. While everywhere else, the battle is tensed and heated. One thing for sure, BNs majorities have been significantly reduced.
If there is a time to be worried, now would be a good time.
And if there is a time to be rejoiced, now would be a good time too.
It's no surprise that it's going to be a very close fight. And it's no surprise that there will be plenty of upsets too. I think everyone is sick of watching the BN's commercial which keeps on appearing on TV every 5 minutes or so. And for someone who spends most of the nights in front of the TV, I was brainwashed by the commercial. Brainwashed into hating and loathing the frequency of the commercials.
My vote was based on that, simply for that reason alone.
Well, maybe there is another factor, come to think of it. I am also a sucker to cute Chinese Politicians.
But I digress.
From a landslide victory in 2004 for BN, it is now a different story for them. I think the people are getting sick and tired of the things that have been going on for the past 4 years, and it shows in the results. One thing I notice also is the number of spoilt votes which have increased too. This must be the ones who decided that both parties are incapable of running the country, and they want their voices to be heard.
One thing for sure, people is hoping for change.
And I think, in a few hours more, we might see some big changes.
Saturday, March 8
15 points blowout
17 in a row. Now if that is not impressive, I don't know what is. Oh, I know. 18 in a row. Now that would be something.
But up next would be the surprise-of-the-season team - the Hornets. Chris Paul and his rag-a-tag band might have a different ball game up their sleeve, what with Peja Stojakovic finding his range again beyond the arc, and Tyson Chandler making himself present in the paint. The hornets are clinging to the second spot in the tough Southwest Division, but it won't be for long now. But I believe the Rockets are not interested in second spot, they are looking for the top spot, and with that, the Western Conference title. Wouldn't that be something?
But a lot has been said about this streak. Will they have what it takes to sustain until the playoffs? With Yao Ming out for the season, what will happen when they are up against the top teams with the big man? The Suns have Shaquile O'Neal and Amare Stoudamire. The Lakers are prospering with Pau Gasol and the soon to be fit Andrew Bynum. And Spurs can always rely on Tim Duncan. And in the playoffs, it's another ball game. You choke, you lose. And Rockets are well aware of this. Numerous first round exits must be painful for veteran players like Tracy McGrady, who never seem to be able to carry his team past the first round. Last year they did well to take the first two games against the Jazz, but in the end they lost the 7th game. And three years ago, it was the Mavericks who dispatched them in 6 games.
Speaking about the Mavericks, they got trashed yesterday morning by an energetic Rockets team. Dirk Nowitzki was suspended for the game, for the flagrant foul he committed on Andrei Kirilenko. The game was close until the third quarter, when the Rockets pulled away and the Mavs struggling with their shots. In the end, it was a huge win, something that they've been getting quite often nowadays.
With 21 games more to go, a lot of things can happen. And that includes a record breaking 30 games winning streak. Hey, it is possible!
All they need is to believe in themselves. Which they are, at the moment.
But up next would be the surprise-of-the-season team - the Hornets. Chris Paul and his rag-a-tag band might have a different ball game up their sleeve, what with Peja Stojakovic finding his range again beyond the arc, and Tyson Chandler making himself present in the paint. The hornets are clinging to the second spot in the tough Southwest Division, but it won't be for long now. But I believe the Rockets are not interested in second spot, they are looking for the top spot, and with that, the Western Conference title. Wouldn't that be something?
But a lot has been said about this streak. Will they have what it takes to sustain until the playoffs? With Yao Ming out for the season, what will happen when they are up against the top teams with the big man? The Suns have Shaquile O'Neal and Amare Stoudamire. The Lakers are prospering with Pau Gasol and the soon to be fit Andrew Bynum. And Spurs can always rely on Tim Duncan. And in the playoffs, it's another ball game. You choke, you lose. And Rockets are well aware of this. Numerous first round exits must be painful for veteran players like Tracy McGrady, who never seem to be able to carry his team past the first round. Last year they did well to take the first two games against the Jazz, but in the end they lost the 7th game. And three years ago, it was the Mavericks who dispatched them in 6 games.
Speaking about the Mavericks, they got trashed yesterday morning by an energetic Rockets team. Dirk Nowitzki was suspended for the game, for the flagrant foul he committed on Andrei Kirilenko. The game was close until the third quarter, when the Rockets pulled away and the Mavs struggling with their shots. In the end, it was a huge win, something that they've been getting quite often nowadays.
With 21 games more to go, a lot of things can happen. And that includes a record breaking 30 games winning streak. Hey, it is possible!
All they need is to believe in themselves. Which they are, at the moment.
Wednesday, March 5
Looney Toons
There's something definitely wrong with Newcastle United. They have not won in a very long time. Their last league win was in December last year, and that was a one nil scoreline away at Fulham. They did beat Stoke City sometime in January, but that was an FA Cup tie, which they played twice because the first game ended in a draw.
They have only scored 30 goals while letting in a whooping 53 goals in 28 games. Basically, their goal difference is second worst after Derby. But Derby County is going down, that's a fact. The other two teams with the same goal difference with Newcastle are languishing at the bottom of the league.
So does this mean Newcastle might join in the fray?
Can you imagine Michael Owen, or Mark Viduka, or even Damien Duff playing in the League Championship (the equivalent to the First Division)? Well, they might have better sense and pack their bags to head to a greener pasture before that happens. But what about the rest of the team? Shay Given is a world class goalkeeper. And there's Obafemi Martins, Alan Smith, Joey Barton and Geremi. Imagine Barton playing in the lower leagues? He's already in enough trouble surviving the Premier League, what's with his off-field antics, his drinking and brawling. I think he's still in jail somewhere, but I might be wrong.
And talking about Shay Given, he used to be a very good goalkeeper. There was a time when a lot of big clubs were interested in him, but he remained loyal to the Toons. He's getting old, but he's a goalkeeper! And I thought goalkeeper gets better with age. I mean, look at David James. He was Calamity James when he was with Liverpool, now his Steady James at Portsmouth. And he still dons England number 1, but that is because there's simply nobody else. Heck, they're even thinking of promoting Ben Foster to No. 1. I mean, if that can't be desperate, I don't know what can!
Kevin Keegan must be having sleepless nights thinking about his predicament. He is doing everything he thinks right, motivating and pushing his players to get the results, yet everytime when the final whistle blows, he is left covering his face and avoiding the cameras. Sooner or later, he will get his first win. He knows it. They won't sack him. Not yet. Not now. Maybe not for a very long time yet. Simply because nobody else is interested in the job. So Keegan is stuck with the team, stuck with a bunch of talents who are so demotivated that they can barely keep their head high after each game.
So the question now is, when will he gets his first win?
You want to know what I think? Definitely not this weekend.
Because they are playing Liverpool!
They have only scored 30 goals while letting in a whooping 53 goals in 28 games. Basically, their goal difference is second worst after Derby. But Derby County is going down, that's a fact. The other two teams with the same goal difference with Newcastle are languishing at the bottom of the league.
So does this mean Newcastle might join in the fray?
Can you imagine Michael Owen, or Mark Viduka, or even Damien Duff playing in the League Championship (the equivalent to the First Division)? Well, they might have better sense and pack their bags to head to a greener pasture before that happens. But what about the rest of the team? Shay Given is a world class goalkeeper. And there's Obafemi Martins, Alan Smith, Joey Barton and Geremi. Imagine Barton playing in the lower leagues? He's already in enough trouble surviving the Premier League, what's with his off-field antics, his drinking and brawling. I think he's still in jail somewhere, but I might be wrong.
And talking about Shay Given, he used to be a very good goalkeeper. There was a time when a lot of big clubs were interested in him, but he remained loyal to the Toons. He's getting old, but he's a goalkeeper! And I thought goalkeeper gets better with age. I mean, look at David James. He was Calamity James when he was with Liverpool, now his Steady James at Portsmouth. And he still dons England number 1, but that is because there's simply nobody else. Heck, they're even thinking of promoting Ben Foster to No. 1. I mean, if that can't be desperate, I don't know what can!
Kevin Keegan must be having sleepless nights thinking about his predicament. He is doing everything he thinks right, motivating and pushing his players to get the results, yet everytime when the final whistle blows, he is left covering his face and avoiding the cameras. Sooner or later, he will get his first win. He knows it. They won't sack him. Not yet. Not now. Maybe not for a very long time yet. Simply because nobody else is interested in the job. So Keegan is stuck with the team, stuck with a bunch of talents who are so demotivated that they can barely keep their head high after each game.
So the question now is, when will he gets his first win?
You want to know what I think? Definitely not this weekend.
Because they are playing Liverpool!
Tuesday, March 4
Cabs from hell
Cabdrivers are assholes. I do not know how they passed their road exams, but they definitely do not know the first thing when it comes to the laws of the road. It's either that, or they just simply don't care, disregarding everyone and everything like they are the king of the roads. Or maybe they have a different set of exams, where they learn how to cheat and break traffic laws.
How often have you been blindsided by cabs who suddenly stopped at the roadside to pick or drop passengers? It can be in the middle of a busy stretch, or a one-way street. Then there are cabs who cut queues, use the emergency lanes, and tailgate others.
And don't get me started on cabdrivers who simply refuse to use the meter, and charge you as they see fit. Have you try to take a cab from Subang Jaya (commuter station and also Carrefoure)? They have a system there, where anywhere around the vicinity is charged a flat rate of RM10. Doesn't matter if it's only 10 minutes away, or just a few blocks away. And try to haggle, and they'll tell you to take the bus.
They really don't care. If you're not going to take their cab, some other sucker will. And they will still get their Rm10. And how much do they charge to get you to KL Sentral? It can be up to Rm40. If you're lucky, you might get away with Rm30 fare. But definitely no meter. They might as well yank out the meter and toss it out in the drain.
Of course, the prices are seasonal. Come the rain, charges can go up by 20%. Come the peak hours, another slight rise. And after midnight, a significant hike. When you think of it, it's amazing how some of them were complaining about how poor they are, and how hard it is being a taxi driver. But I guess those must be the few honest ones, who use the meter and abide traffic laws.
Yes, there are honest cabdrivers out there. And I've encountered them before. Very rarely. They are like an endangered species. You're lucky if you can find one. And if you do, make sure you get their number. Chances are, you might need to get to KLIA one of these days and the number might come in handy.
But for now, I'll stick to the bus.
How often have you been blindsided by cabs who suddenly stopped at the roadside to pick or drop passengers? It can be in the middle of a busy stretch, or a one-way street. Then there are cabs who cut queues, use the emergency lanes, and tailgate others.
And don't get me started on cabdrivers who simply refuse to use the meter, and charge you as they see fit. Have you try to take a cab from Subang Jaya (commuter station and also Carrefoure)? They have a system there, where anywhere around the vicinity is charged a flat rate of RM10. Doesn't matter if it's only 10 minutes away, or just a few blocks away. And try to haggle, and they'll tell you to take the bus.
They really don't care. If you're not going to take their cab, some other sucker will. And they will still get their Rm10. And how much do they charge to get you to KL Sentral? It can be up to Rm40. If you're lucky, you might get away with Rm30 fare. But definitely no meter. They might as well yank out the meter and toss it out in the drain.
Of course, the prices are seasonal. Come the rain, charges can go up by 20%. Come the peak hours, another slight rise. And after midnight, a significant hike. When you think of it, it's amazing how some of them were complaining about how poor they are, and how hard it is being a taxi driver. But I guess those must be the few honest ones, who use the meter and abide traffic laws.
Yes, there are honest cabdrivers out there. And I've encountered them before. Very rarely. They are like an endangered species. You're lucky if you can find one. And if you do, make sure you get their number. Chances are, you might need to get to KLIA one of these days and the number might come in handy.
But for now, I'll stick to the bus.
Monday, March 3
Webtag
Another tag by Naiza.
The Linking Tag Rules
1. List out five favourite links - the links can be of business sites, affiliate links or whatever that suits the blogger.
2. Tag five more people to share their links, so hopefully, at the end of the tag, we would be able to share good links with each other.
3. The links MUST be clean. No X-rated sites.
4. List out only FIVE links.
5. You MUST tell the FIVE people you chose.
6. Provide the link back to the person who tagged you.
7. Obviously, it should be an active link.
Well then, my five links would be:
1. Soccernet - Football related, results and news. And more news (I'm dreading the day when the headlines would read: Benitez sacked!)
2. NBA.com - NBA basketball related, results, videos and news. And statistics! I'm a stat person.
3. Yahoo! Sports - For other sporting results, including tennis, F1 and more NBA.
4. Facebook - A no brainer, since lately I've been hooked to it. Seriously hooked. Favourite application at the moment is Superheroes, Hobowars and Friends for Sale.
5. My blog - Well, it's easier to get around from there. I normally read the blogs listed on the sidebar.
Now let see, who should I tag?
1. Spena
2. Najib
3. Hazyr
4. Bakawali
5. Guile
The Linking Tag Rules
1. List out five favourite links - the links can be of business sites, affiliate links or whatever that suits the blogger.
2. Tag five more people to share their links, so hopefully, at the end of the tag, we would be able to share good links with each other.
3. The links MUST be clean. No X-rated sites.
4. List out only FIVE links.
5. You MUST tell the FIVE people you chose.
6. Provide the link back to the person who tagged you.
7. Obviously, it should be an active link.
Well then, my five links would be:
1. Soccernet - Football related, results and news. And more news (I'm dreading the day when the headlines would read: Benitez sacked!)
2. NBA.com - NBA basketball related, results, videos and news. And statistics! I'm a stat person.
3. Yahoo! Sports - For other sporting results, including tennis, F1 and more NBA.
4. Facebook - A no brainer, since lately I've been hooked to it. Seriously hooked. Favourite application at the moment is Superheroes, Hobowars and Friends for Sale.
5. My blog - Well, it's easier to get around from there. I normally read the blogs listed on the sidebar.
Now let see, who should I tag?
1. Spena
2. Najib
3. Hazyr
4. Bakawali
5. Guile
Saturday, March 1
Streaking Rockets
14 straight win. The longest in the NBA so far this year. And one short of tying the franchise record. And that was an unbeaten February for them, going through the whole month unbeaten.
With Yao Ming out injured for the rest of the season, it looks like a daunting task for the Rockets to keep up with their winning ways. But with Tracy McGrady back to full health, and the Rockets rosters providing ample support, they might just have the chance of progressing far in the playoffs this time around. The West has not been won yet, and any 9 teams at the moment have the chance of winning it. The Rockets are sitting way down on 7th place, but only 2 games separate them from the Spurs who are at the top of the Conference.
The thing is, the lead has been changing for the past few days. The surprising Hornets have been on top, Suns and Lakers alternated a few times, and the rest of the pack are keeping close to them. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Rockets making it to the top, if they keep on playing like they did in February.
I have been particularly impressed with rookie Carl Landry. The power forward has been performing well, averaging 7.9 points and 5.0 rebounds per game with an average of 16 minutes each game. He is also shooting really well, averaging 64.2% from the floor. Other than him, Luis Scola is also doing well, pumping in good numbers for the team, and for the first time in many years, the Rockets finally have a good supporting cast. The recent trade also landed them Bobby Jackson, a 10 years veteran who can provide enough experience and some offense from the bench.
Up next, it's Allen Iverson and the Nuggets at home tomorrow. Then it's the Pacers, and then the Mavericks, which could be the pivotal game that determines which team will finish above the other. But with 24 more games to go, a lot of things can happen. They still have to play the Hornets twice, and Spurs one more time. These might be the games that might shake the standings in the tough Southwest Division.
But if the Rockets keep on playing the way they do right now, with superb defense and workable offense, it could be a good season for them.
And I'm counting on that.
With Yao Ming out injured for the rest of the season, it looks like a daunting task for the Rockets to keep up with their winning ways. But with Tracy McGrady back to full health, and the Rockets rosters providing ample support, they might just have the chance of progressing far in the playoffs this time around. The West has not been won yet, and any 9 teams at the moment have the chance of winning it. The Rockets are sitting way down on 7th place, but only 2 games separate them from the Spurs who are at the top of the Conference.
The thing is, the lead has been changing for the past few days. The surprising Hornets have been on top, Suns and Lakers alternated a few times, and the rest of the pack are keeping close to them. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Rockets making it to the top, if they keep on playing like they did in February.
I have been particularly impressed with rookie Carl Landry. The power forward has been performing well, averaging 7.9 points and 5.0 rebounds per game with an average of 16 minutes each game. He is also shooting really well, averaging 64.2% from the floor. Other than him, Luis Scola is also doing well, pumping in good numbers for the team, and for the first time in many years, the Rockets finally have a good supporting cast. The recent trade also landed them Bobby Jackson, a 10 years veteran who can provide enough experience and some offense from the bench.
Up next, it's Allen Iverson and the Nuggets at home tomorrow. Then it's the Pacers, and then the Mavericks, which could be the pivotal game that determines which team will finish above the other. But with 24 more games to go, a lot of things can happen. They still have to play the Hornets twice, and Spurs one more time. These might be the games that might shake the standings in the tough Southwest Division.
But if the Rockets keep on playing the way they do right now, with superb defense and workable offense, it could be a good season for them.
And I'm counting on that.
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