BEFORE the weekend, there were doubts that the Golden State Warriors could surpass the 72-10 mark that the Michael Jordan led-Chicago Bulls set in the 1995-1996 season.
That was understandable, since they were going up against the equally efficient San Antonio Spurs, a team which was out to protect a 49-game winning streak at home.
Like the Warriors, the Spurs are known for their pass-first mentality and an impregnable defense and could easily match up with the visitors in any position.
But the Dubs’ 92-86 victory over the Spurs yesterday (Manila time), erased any tinge of uncertainty that the Warriors are determined to enter a new page in the NBA record books.
The win incidentally already tied the Warriors with the 1995 Bulls’ record of 72 wins in the regular season, but you can bet your house that Stephen Curry and company will play their guts out to establish a new milestone when they play the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) at their own turf in Oakland.
A win would be special, since the Dubs could celebrate the feat right before their adoring fans, but coach Steve Kerr reminded his wards that the “win meant nothing come playoff time.”
Still, it was a feat so special because no one had expected it to happen, perhaps even the Warriors themselves, but with Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and the rest of the Dubs playing like there’s no tomorrow, that awe-inspiring Bulls’ record could come crashing down on Thursday.
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Like most Filipinos, I followed Manny Pacquiao’s boxing career with keen interest. But I didn’t make an effort to watch the third fight between the Pacman and Timothy Bradley via pay-per-view being shown in theaters and other venues. You see, I didn’t see Pacquiao losing this fight, despite the hoopla that Bradley had become a different, better fighter under Teddy Atlas’ tutelage.
I caught the replay last night, and sure enough, Bradley had shown some improvement in his movements and tried to be a counter-puncher in the first few rounds. But Pacquiao’s power punches changed all that. That left-right combination in the 7th round that dropped Bradley doomed his corner’s strategy as Bradley reverted back to the brawler-fighter that he is. It was then a matter of time before Pacquiao imposed his will on the hapless American for that unanimous decision.
Now, the wait is on whether Pacquiao’s victory against Bradley could translate into a knockout in the voting polls.
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