And Now It’s a Series

“We’re back” Purefoods Coach Ryan Gregorio said in a post-game news conference after the third game of the All Filipino Cup championship series last night. “Our battlecry coming into this game was to stay alive. I thought my players showed a great sense of survival instincts.”

It was an exciting night for PBA fans as both teams delighted the crowd with a very exciting high-octane game. Sta. Lucia Realtors tried to take the 3-0 advantage but the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants didn’t give in and put up a valiant effort to take their first win in the series over the Realtors (118-107).

Giants stalwarts James Yap and Kerby Raymundo had their usual production of 20-plus points finishing with 27 and 26 points respectively but it was Peter Jun Simon who spelled the difference. Simon finished with 26 big points including nine straight points at the end of the third period.

“Machine Gun” Kelly Williams had an off night and finished with only 10 points. The Giants anticipated Williams’ second half explosion and adjusted fittingly and had him covered every time he touched the ball. Joseph Yeo provided the offense for the Realtors and finished with 22 points but had little help from his teammates. Six key players of the Realtors saw limited playing time due to foul trouble. Veteran Realtor Dennis Espino had 20 points and Dennis Miranda added 17 points before he fouled out.

Game 4 is on Friday, February 22 at the Araneta Coliseum, 7 in the evening.

 

-fouledout

Kidd is Back in Dallas

All-Star point guard Jason Kidd is back in Dallas where his NBA career started. An eight player trade was arranged to bring Kidd back in Dallas. The Mavericks also received veteran Malik Allen and swingman Antoine Wright in exchange for Devin Harris, Maurice Ager, Trenton Hassell, DeSagana Diop, and “retired” Keith Van Horn. The Nets also included the 2008 and 2010 first round draft picks and cash considerations.

 

“I’m just very happy that this deal is done. I’m happy to be back here in Dallas. I’m happy that (Cuban) and (Johnson) believe in my talent and my teammates’ talents - that we can help the Mavs in pursuing that ultimate goal, and that’s to win a championship.” Kidd said at a press conference.

 

A 14 year veteran, Jason Kidd was originally drafted second overall by the Dallas Mavericks. He shared Rookie of the Year Honors with Grant Hill in 1995 before being traded to the Phoenix Suns in 1996. Kidd was traded again in 2001 to the Nets in exchange for Stephon Marbury.

 

Jason Kidd demanded to be shipped out of New Jersey this season because of their lackluster performance. Kidd was at the helm when he led the Nets to two consecutive NBA Finals appearances in 2002 and 2003 but failed to capture the gold at both times. Playing with the Mavericks will give Jason Kidd a new opportunity to finally capture the NBA crown.

Kidd, 34, is still playing at a very high level this season as he is averaging 11.3 points, 8.1 rebounds and 10.4 assists in 51 games for the Nets this season.

 

-fouledout

King James Rules over the All-Star Games

Lebron James’ near triple-double stat powered the Eastern Conference All-Stars to a 134-128 victory over the Western Conference All-Stars. James posted 27 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists in 30 minutes of action. He also had 2 steals and 2 blocks. Lebron James was awarded the All-Star MVP trophy for the second time in three years. He was the All-Star MVP in 2006.

Kobe Bryant started in the game but played for only three minutes to rest his injured finger. The Eastern All-Stars took advantage of Kobe’s absence and avenged their embarrassing 153-132 loss last year in Las Vegas.

Ray Allen hit five 3-pointers and led the game with 28 points. Dwight Howard, who was perfect from the field (7-7), had 16 points. Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh had 14 points apiece for the Eastern team. Amid trade rumors, Jason Kidd started in the game and finished with only two points but had 10 assists, 4 rebounds and 4 steals.

The offense of the Western Conference was evenly distributed. Carmelo Anthony, Brandon Roy and Amare Stoudamire each had 18 points. Home-town favorite Chris Paul finished with 16 points and 14 assists. Carlos Boozer added 14 points and 10 rebounds for the Western team.

 

-fouledout