CEBU, Philippines - Arena personnel and security staff were preparing to cordon the basketball court in anticipation of the trophy presentation. With a fraction over 5 seconds, deep in the corner waiting for a pass was the NBA’s clutchier than clutch shooter. He got what he wanted and BAM! If not for him, we won’t be watching a Game 7 today.
Nine points, one rebound, two assists. Ray Allen’s output for Game 6. Not exactly numbers to gloat for but the game-tying three he made in the waning seconds of regulation was the most significant shot of the game, and maybe of the whole titular series.
I’m rooting for San Antonio and when they led by four points with less than a minute left, I was thinking of Tracy McGrady’s good timing of finally having his championship ring. Allen put everything on hold. Today decides who’s the best in the world’s most popular professional basketball league.
As I had said in my previous write-ups, this series will go at least six games for the simple reason that both teams had answers to their respective offensive and defensive sets. Coaches Erik Spoelstra and Gregg Popovich are masters when it comes to adjustments.
Nobody can guard LeBron James and it shows. He is so ridiculously good, it is actually freakish. And the legion of Bron haters are growing because of his abnormal talents. LeBron is the Heat and the Heat is LeBron. It would be idiotic to argue on this. The Lebronites are just there to complete the cast.
Tony Parker can be neutralized. Tim Duncan has slowed down but is still effective. Manu Ginobili, after his vintage Game 5 performance, he went hohum. Coach Pop should use Boris Diaw more over the Splitter named Tiago. He could be a nice reliever to TD but this seven footer has butter fingers.
Miami is the kind of team that almost everyone has already destined to be the NBA champions long before the 2012-2013 NBA season had started, and for obvious reasons. No need to elaborate. San Antonio was not even in the mix, the odds going to the over-hyped LA Lakers and with OKC as an afterthought.
I acknowledge the fact that Miami is a very good team that even without LeBron in their line-up, they would still be with the league’s elite. LBJ made things better and easier for the team. I just don’t cheer for them. And to set records straight, this does not make me a Bron or Heat hater. Our feelings are never felt by the individual or group to whom the affection is directed, be it hostile or otherwise.
Will Allen get his second championship ring? Will LeBron carry the team to its second consecutive title? Can Spo rally the Heat to victory? Will Pop and Tim Duncan receive their fifth ring? And can T-Mac finally ride into the Texas sunset with a championship belt?
The American Airlines Arena will surely be cordoned this time for the trophy presentation. All bets are in. Heat or Spurs. This is it, Miami and San Antonio. Questions will all be answered today.
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Some days ago, a local prelate was pushing and advocating for a gun-less society. The intent was well-meant but it’s easy for him and others with the same mind set to say. Just think of the farcical COMELEC imposed gun ban. For the duration of the imposition, there were more random shootings done on the streets than at the shooting ranges.
And for clarification purposes, I am aware that there are men of the cloth who have firearms in their possession. Remember that priest a couple of years ago from a northern city famous for their paltiks? The good father, aside from giving communion, also dispenses bullets from a rifle. He shot a boy for climbing a fruit-bearing tree. Hello. Check your ranks first before imposing your will on the people.
Gun control laws only apply to the law-abiding set. Lawless elements make a mockery of the law. Law-abiding citizens need to protect themselves from the dregs of civilization. A gun-less society? Even the president of this republic is a gun nut. When trouble comes, don’t go to the police. They have guns. Maybe just pray that bullets make a left turn.
If I only have the resources, I had already armed myself and my family.