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LA Lakers have reinstated their dominance in arguably the world's toughest basketball league by trampling on the Orlando Magic with a 4-1 win in a best-of-seven series. The last time Lakers were the team to beat was during the 03-04 season where they completed a hat-trick of NBA bling bling. The dynamic duo of Shaq and Kobe encompassed the ironic beauty of finesse and brute strength. They packed a one-two punch so powerful that opponents could hardly withstand, let alone contain. Then, there was the master motivator Phil Jackson, who had all the wisdom to blend the two conflicting styles and maximise the potential of the team. Unfortunately, the ball-hogger in Kobe took everything asunder. Shaq and Phil could no longer tolerate Kobe doing everything himself. Kobe was too self-absorbed in his monologue. It was impossible for them to colllaborate with someone who did not quite comprehend the concept of TEAM.

A dry spell that lasted four years led to a frustrated Kobe who was on the brink of leaving the Lakers. The management doggedly pleaded with Kobe to stay on. And stay on he did, with one condition. Bring back Phil Jackson and complement him with players of title-contending calibre. The Lakers were not a team to renege on their agreement, especially with the superstar Kobe at stake. They acquired former compatriot and veteran point guard, Derek Fisher and all-rounded Pau Gasol. With a solid bench, viz. Trevor Ariza, Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom etcetera, Lakers looked to wrestle the crown from the Celtics.

With the best win-loss record in regular season and a flattering route to the finals, mostly against teams heavily depleted by injury woes, the Lakers were the hot favourites to win this finals. They sure lived up to expectations by vanquishing the fledgling Orlando Magic in a rather impressive 5 games.

Right after the denouement of the NBA season, the media was quick to heap praises on how Kobe has "matured" and become an "inspiring leader" to his teammates though statistic said otherwise.

However, the immutable truth is Kobe could not have done it without the composure of Derek Fisher, the inside presence of Pau Gasol, the relentless defence of Trevor Ariza and the versatility of Lamar Odom. Michael Jordan could not have done it without Pippen and what makes this supposed closest-thing-to-Jordan exclusive from the basic principles of a team.

It is undeniable that Kobe is right up there amongst the greats and has his name embossed in the list of Hall-of-Famers. However, regardless of your ability (and this applies to anything outside basketball), you should always love your pals and treat them as equals because two or more are always better than one and without them, you are nothing.



This paragraph is dedicated to Leh Chuan and Rui Jie. I am sorry for venting my frustrations on you after the game. I know that those inane remarks would not make a difference. It was just a release of emotions. Anyway, I am in no position to criticize anyone because I am not superior in any way. I am grateful to you for bearing with my annoying complains. Like Leh Chuan said, 'It's only a game.'My competitive nature has gotten the better of me. Hence, I shall strive to change this weakness of mine out of the thousand and one other weaknesses I possess. Do give me time. I am only human.



Recently, I took the Prelim 2 Chinese Paper 1 and 2. I felt the passages in the 阅读理解 and 理解测验 are really inspiring and insightful. One lesson I learnt from both the Chinese Paper and the programme 生活达人 is that God bestows talent upon all of us. It is up to us to discover our aptitude for something and capitalise on it so that the the world can benefit.



A long overdue post-match review. The battle for the crown of Europe. A David and Goliath classic. Barcelona, which went into the game with a ravaged defence, seems befitting of the persona David. Meanwhile, Manchester United, the defending European champions, looks every part a Goliath. In terms of physique, Messi, Iniesta and Xavi are all in the mould of the bantam King of Israel. Conversely, Ferdinand and Vidic are intimidating giants at the heart of Manchester United's defence. On paper, it would seem that the European throne was Manchester United's to lose. However, the final told a very different story.

Initially, the signs seemed to point in Manchester United's favour. Ronaldo threatened with a thunderous freekick from 30 metres and another half-volley steering wide off the far post. Then, a goal came from out of the blue in the 10th minute. Iniesta teleported across Manchester United's midfield like a spaceship powered by anti-matter. He released Eto'o, who got Vidic on his knees with a facile cut back. To add salt to the wound, Van der Sar was beaten by a soft finish at his near post. After nabbing the early goal, Barcelona proceeded with Plan B: Keep possession and waste every second you can. Barcelona began to take their time with throw-ins and goal-kicks. Puyol rolled from one end of the pitch to the other end in agony at the slightest of touches. Messi was moved into midfield to further deprive Manchester United of the ball. The English titans were largely insignificant for the first half of the match.

After a predictable hairdryer treatment by Ferguson during the break, Manchester United seemed revitalized and raring to go. They started the second half with much more attacking intent and tested the nerves of Barcelona's shaky defenders.

It all bode well until the joke of the day. Xavi flighted the ball from the right on to the path of Messi. He headed the ball into goal with a tremendous leap. Ferdinand was staring with disbelief. He watched the Hobbit celebrating his goal and thought that his eyes must be playing tricks on him. 2-0 was the scoreline and United knew they were out of the equation. Indeed, Barcelona finished the game with aplomb as United hardly troubled Barcelona at all.

Many would have chided Ferguson for his sentimentality or Ronaldo for his individualism. Nevertheless, in my opinion, the final was simply lost in midfield.

Has anyone expected an outcome other than the one in the biblical story?