My first NBA coverage: What an experience!
By Ed de la Vega, DDS
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 31 Dec 2012
The word came from PhilBoxing.com NBA page editor Homer Sayson, who has covered the NBA since 1993 for a couple of newspapers and, most recently, this website since 2008.
"Can you cover games for us?" asked Homer, who is also currently a columnist for NBA.com Philippines (ph.nba.com).
It was like asking a kid if he wanted candy.
And with that, a new journey begins for yours truly.
When the boxing rings are quiet, I will join PhilBoxing's growing list of NBA correspondents -- Joan and Ryan Medida who cover the Golden State Warriors, lawyer Alberto Montefalcon Jr, who covers the Sacramento Kings, Reynaldo Seno and Roel Iway who cover the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets, and course, Homer and his slew of writers who cover the Bulls in Chicago.
My first assignment was Sunday night (Monday morning in the Philippines) when the Los Angeles Clippers hosted the Utah Jazz. Thanks to the NBA, I had a floor seat under one of the goals at the Staples Center, a sweet spot which provided me a unique view of the action as it unfolded.
It couldn't have come at a better time.
The Clippers hit the floor on a a scorching 16-game winning streak which included a punishing five games in one week against opponents which all except one had a record of over .500.
Just two nights before, the Clippers played the same Jazz team at the Energy Solutions Arena in Utah. In that encounter, the Clippers trailed by 19 points but reversed the outcome on the strength of Chris Paul's superlative performance in which the All-Star guard shot 8-of-18 field goals and 13-of-14 free throws.
But this game was different. This wasn't just about continuing a hot streak and making it 17 in a row. This was about going for a perfect 16-0 December record. Only two teams in the history of the NBA have gone unbeaten for a whole month -- the 1971-72 L.A. Lakers and the 1995-96 San Antonio Spurs.
And sure enough, the boys from L.A. did not disappoint. And while the stubborn Jazz kept it close, even taking the lead at one point, the Clippers went home with a 107-96 victory.
Jamaal Crawford pumped 11 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter to help L.A. hold back Utah, which came in with a meager 6-12 road record. Caron Butler finished with 29 points topped with six three pointers while Chris Paul tallied 19 points and nine assists.
Al Jefferson led the Jazz with 30 points.
With 17 wins and a lot of momentum in their hands, the sky is the limit for these Clippers. And with the way they're playing right now, I won't be surprised if they do get there.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ed de la Vega, DDS.
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