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The US Olympic Basketball Team finished its last exhibition game in Shanghai winning over the Aussies by 11 points. It was a bad performance for the basketball superstars because of a dreadful night from the 3-point range and the free throw line. These were the same areas that caused the semifinal loss to Greece in the world championships 2 years ago.

The US dream team led only by 4 points halfway through the third quarter and was up only by seven midway through the fourth against the Australian team. This was the period when the Aussies were resting its best player Andrew Bogut, Milwaukee Bucks center.

Their saving grace had to come from aggressive defensive efforts to finally overcome their bad shooting. This is a shaky preview for the basketball team as they now head towards Beijing to win the gold. Do they have what it takes? In a few more days, we will see.

I just got this off the newsflash…

NBA Superstar Kobe Bryant, scored 39 points in today’s game versus bitter opponent San Antonio Spurs, to seal their best-of-seven series in 5 games. With this LA win, I think the controversial “no-foul” call (or simply non-call) made in Game 4 has now become moot and academic and I don’t think the protest (if there is any) would make any difference because by the looks of it, Kobe and his boys have convincingly proven that they are the best Western Conference team, at least for this year.

For now, the Lakers can relax while they wait for the winning team in the semi-final Eastern Conference match between the Boston Celtics and the Detroit Pistons.

Personally, I’d be backing any team going against Kobe Bryant. I know he has the ability and he will probably make (or even beat) all NBA scoring records, but an airbag like Bryant will never ever achieve the greatness of Michael “Air” Jordan. Be that as it may, the Lakers will surely be the heavy favorite in the finals series because aside from Bryant’s fire power and exciting fancy court moves, coach Phil Jackson’s return to the NBA Finals is something that basketball afficionados have been looking forward to in a while.