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Written by Randy Watson
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Wednesday, 07 May 2008 |
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 San Antonio Spurs
During the season, the Spurs/Suns rivalry was one of the more interesting, and with Phoenix adding Shaquille O’Neil just before the trade deadline, basketball fans were salivating over the matchup between the Southwest Conference rivals with many pundits seeing the series going seven games. The Spurs, however, had different opinions.
The Spurs pulled out a hard-fought, 117-115 victory in Game 1 which saw Tim Duncan blow up for 40 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists. The game was a classic between the two teams, going into double overtime, and Duncan hit a rare three pointer with three seconds left in the first overtime to extend the game. In addition to Duncan’s effort, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili added 26 and 24 points, respectively. The game set the tone for the series, as the Spurs went on to win 4-1.
Game 5 was the Duncan/Parker show, as they were the only Spurs to score in double digits (29 and 31), but the team’s defense was the difference down the stretch. Although the Suns were better offensively most of the night, the Spurs defense caused several costly turnovers late in the game. That, combined with solid free throw shooting by Ginobili as time ran out, allowed the Spurs to advance to face the New Orleans Hornets, and sent the Suns back to the desert to ponder their future.
This season, the Spurs have been a bit schizophrenic, putting together runs where they look like the defending champs that they are, and other times where they have looked like a team struggling to make the playoffs. Against the Suns, the good San Antonio Spurs showed up, and took the series fairly easily. Against the Hornets, it seems that the bad Spurs have appeared, and after two games, San Antonio finds itself down 0-2 having been beaten soundly by the younger Hornets. In Game 1, New Orleans’ interior defense held Tim Duncan to a career playoff low of 5 points and only 3 rebounds. San Antonio’s star center was double teamed all night long, and although the Spurs hit 12 three pointers but shot 31 for the game, and New Orleans won a comfortable 101-82 victory.
Unfortunately for the Spurs, the New Orleans formula worked again for Game 2, as their double teams rattled the defending champs, forcing them to shoot from long range, where San Antonio made 8-27 from behind the arc. Tim Duncan recovered from his miserable Game 1, scoring 18 points and grabbing 8 rebounds, but it wasn’t nearly enough. Tony Parker scored 11, and Brent Barry added 14. Unfortunately, the Spurs defense was not up to par, as New Orleans shot almost 60% from behind the three point line, and nearly 50 from the field.
The series has been lopsided so far, but digging out of a two game hole is still something that the veteran Spurs can do against the young Hornets, but it won’t be easy. The Spurs have to ratchet up the defense that allowed them to be the feared playoff team that can shut down any team in the league. To be able to move on to the next round in the playoffs, San Antonio will have to come up with some answer for Chris Paul. So far the young guard has outplayed Tony Parker, while Tyson Chandler has been holding his own against Tim Duncan.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 07 May 2008 )
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Written by Randy Watson
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Saturday, 19 April 2008 |
Playoffs Set: Spurs Suns Set to Battle
 San Antonio Spurs With the regular season in the books, the Spurs can focus their energy on that time of the season when they typically turn their game up a notch and focus just a bit more. San Antonio ended the regular season tied for first place in their division with New Orleans with a 56-26 record. In the Western Division, the two teams finished one game back of the LA Lakers.
The Spurs quest to defend their title will start off against the rival Suns. Last year, the series was a hard-fought battle that featured suspensions, hard fouls, and harder feelings. The Celtics still look like the team to beat overall, having won 66 games and winning the East by 7 games, but the Lakers have closed the season on a good note, and will be a tough out in the West.
The Spurs ended the season fairly average, having won 3 of the last 5, but Spurs fans might not be sleeping easily considering who the two losses were to, and by how much. On April 9, Phoenix paid a visit to San Antonio in what would be a warm up to the first round of the playoffs, and left with a 96-79 victory. While Tim Duncan and Tony Parker played well, only one other player, Michael Finley, managed to score in double digits for the Spurs. For Phoenix, 6 players scored 10 or more points, and the Suns defense held San Antonio to just a bit over 20% from behind the arc, and out-rebounded San Antonio as well.
Two nights later, the Spurs got some revenge of their own when the Supersonics came to town. The Spurs took out some frustrations against one of the worst teams in the league, beating them 95-74 behind Tony Parker’s 20 points, and 7 assists.
Up next for San Antonio was a trip to LA to face the Lakers, who are the class of the Western Conference, and the owners of the number one seed. The trip was not kind to the Spurs, as they suffered a 21 points loss, 106-85. Tony Parker led the team with a 20 point, 7 rebound effort , but it wasn’t enough. Tim Duncan scored 16 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, but was countered by Lamar Odom’s 17 points and 14 rebounds.
Also on their west coast swing, the Spurs also faced Sacramento, and fared better against them than in the previous game. Although it was close, the Spurs managed to split the last road trip of the regular season by beating the Kings, 101-98. Tony Parker kept his play at a high level, scoring 32 points and dishing out 11 assists, and Michael Finley and Duncan both added 19. Ex-Spurs guard, Beno Udrih, scored 16 in the contest.
The Western Conference was perhaps the most competitive in the history of the NBA with only 7 games separating the first seed from the last. In the East, for comparison, Boston finished 29 games ahead of Atlanta, who was the eighth seed. If San Antonio is to defend their championship this year, they will certainly have their work cut out for them. Just to show how competitive the West was, Golden State missed the playoffs with a 48-34 record. Atlanta finished with a record of 37-45. It looks as if the Western title is up for grabs, and anyone has a shot at winning it.
The Spurs always ratchet things up in the post-season, and they will have their work cut out for them right off the bat. Phoenix has added Shaq since last year, and Amare Stoudamire has been playing well since that trade. The Spurs are healthy, having overcome injuries to what seems like every major player on their team, at some point during the year. If the Spurs are to win it all again, they will have to once again rely on defense, veteran leadership and experience, and their big three, Duncan, Ginobili, and Parker to play hard, smart, and unselfish, as they did last year when they won it all.
Good Luck Spurs!
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 19 April 2008 )
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Written by Randy Watson
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Monday, 31 March 2008 |
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Final Four Set for Tip-Off in San Antonio
 NCAA Basketball
Kansas, North Carolina, UCLA, and Memphis have all been the most dominant teams throughout the preseason, conference seasons, and now through the tournament. In this tournament, each team has dominated some opponents, but each has also found itself in some difficult, hard-fought battles. Each team is stocked with future NBA talent, great coaching, and enough basketball tradition to make the last three games of the season play out like a hall of fame tournament.
UCLA has been a fixture in the Final Four since Ben Howland took over the program just a few years ago. They have made it to the last weekend of the tournament for the last three years, but haven’t been able to win the championship yet. The Bruins are led by freshman sensation, Kevin Love, who has elevated his game more and more as the season has gone on. Memphis has a super freshman of their own in Derrick Rose, who is thought to be a lottery pick in the NBA draft when he decides to announce. Memphis has only lost once all year. The Tigers’ coach, John Calipari has been to the Final Four before, as he led the University of Massachusetts there in 1996. North Carolina is the ACC champion and is led by All-American, Tyler Hansboro and speedy guard, Ty Lawson. Kansas has reached the final 8 often since coach Bill Self took over the program, but has fallen short of the Final Four in years past.
The games should be stellar games pitting UCLA’s stingy defense and efficient offense against Memphis athleticism and power, while Kansas goes up against former coach Roy Williams, who led the Jayhawks to the Final Four several times as Kansas’ coach, but never could win the championship there. What made the move all the worse for Kansas fans was that Williams led Carolina to the national championship in his second year at UNC. He was elected into the Basketball Hall of Fame last year.
San Antonio is ready for the action, and tickets still remain. In addition to the games themselves, there are tons of other events that will be going on throughout the city in conjunction with the culmination of the tournament. The best part? Some of the better events feature A-list stars and free entrance! Friday, the AT&T Block Party kicks off the weekend as Fall Out Boy, The Roots, and Ludo provide the musical entertainment for the evening, which ends with a huge fireworks display.
Saturday evening brings the Pontiac Garage at the Final Four, which features a full day of pep rallies, a military fly over, and the musical performances of Kid Rock, Puddle of Mud, and Meridianwest, who will all perform leading up until tip off. People without tickets can still enjoy the games which will be broadcast on giant screens. Sunday brings My Coke Fest, which will be hosted by Ryan Seacrest, and will feature Taylor Swift, 3 Doors Down, and All American Rejects.
Before the Championship Game on Monday night, Robert Earl Keen, Bob Schneider, and Mingo Flagship will all perform leading up to the tip-off which is set for 8:15.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 31 March 2008 )
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Written by Administrator
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Saturday, 22 March 2008 |
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Fiesta Sporting Events
San Antonio is known as one of the best cities in America for eating, and while Fiesta may a time for some to put on weight eating fajitas, oysters, barbeque, and more, there is also a wide variety of sports and physical activities to stay in shape and work off some of the extra calories that Fiesta can result in.
 San Antonio Fiesta Sports
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Saturday, April 19 is the day for most of the sporting events, which start off with the Fiesta Mission 10K and Kids’ Runs. The event starts at 7 AM as the San Antonio Roadrunners sponsor the 34th edition of the race which begins and ends in Mission County Park. The kids’ run gets started at 9:30, and all participants will receive a t-shirt, and prizes are given to winners from different age groups.
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At 7:30, Fort Sam Houston is the site of the 10K Caminada de Fiesta Walk. Sponsored by the Texas Wanderers, the Army Medical Department Activities, and the Fort’s Outdoor Recreation Division, this walk is a great opportunity to walk through the grounds of Fort Sam Houston and see some of San Antonio’s history while getting some exercise.
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Starting at 8 AM and going all day, the Women’s Soccer Association of San Antonio sponsors its 30th annual co-ed tournament for teams of all ages.
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The San Antonio Botanical Society sponsors its yearly Walk Across Texas, which meanders through the 11 acres of the Botanical Gardens and through the Texas Native Trail. Along the hike, participants can visit Texas cabins, lakes, and see all the natural beauty that the Hill Country has to offer. This event goes from 9 AM until noon.
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The girls of Zeta Phi Beta sorority host their 24th annual kids’ track meet. Youths from the ages of 6-14 are invited to participate, and winners receive ribbons, and all participants will get a certificate of participation.
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Starting at 9 AM, San Antonio’s Lacrosse Association sponsors their 34th annual youth lacrosse tournament, as teams from across the state get together to play in the tournament.
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The Alamo City Rugby Football Club gets their Rugby Battle underway at 9 AM, and features teams ranging from youths, to military, men’s and college teams. In addition, teams from across the world come to participate in this event.
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The last day of Fiesta, April 26, just before the Fiesta Flambeau Night Parade, the San Antonio Roadrunners sponsor a 2.6-mile Fun Run that goes along the parade route, from Grayson and Broadway to Columbus Park. Crowds will line the route, so participants can expect to be cheered on along their journey. Registration can be done the day of the race at Sunken Gardens, or online at saroadrunner.com.
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 22 March 2008 )
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Written by Randy Watson
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Saturday, 22 March 2008 |
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Fiesta is San Antonio’s moment to shine, and is certainly known for its pageantry and parades which demonstrate the city’s tradition and heritage in a series of bright and colorful parades and balls. While these are the biggest and most well-known events, and are broadcast on TV to hundreds of thousands—if not millions—each day is also full of smaller, more intimate gatherings and events that may not receive the publicity of the big ones, but are still lots of fun and shouldn’t be missed!
Let’s have a look at what is on the schedule for the first day of Fiesta!
April 18, 9 AM
The opening ceremony takes place at the Alamo Plaza, and the party officially gets underway as the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and the Alamo Heroes Committee declare, “Viva Fiesta!” The event ushers in the newest installment of Fiesta with dancing, singing, and all the pageantry that participants expect.
10 AM
Across the city, the morning sees a variety of choices depending on individual tastes.
· At the Witte Museum dancing aficionados will want to come and enjoy an elaborate display which traces the art of dance through the years of Fiesta. Throughout the years, the samba, polka, ballet, and more have been parts of the celebration, and this exhibit shows off some of the gowns and dresses that have made Fiesta such a colorful experience.
· The Alamo Plaza is also home to the Randolph Art League Exhibit which allows local artists to show and sell their pieces. The exhibit is ongoing throughout the day.
· At the River City Christian School, the special needs community celebrates with a family-friendly event featuring carnival rides, music, dancing and more.
· All day long, Market Square is open for music lovers to attend the free concerts taking place on five stages. People with all musical tastes should find something to fit the bill, as country-western, Latin Jazz, Tejano, and more will be represented. Food lovers will also enjoy finding something delicious at one of the many food booths.
11 AM
· UTSA has its own mini-Fiesta, featuring food, music, games, and other forms of entertainment, the proceeds of which go to supporting school groups and associations.
· Fiesta is quite different from Mardi Gras, but nevertheless gives a nod to the New Orleans celebration, as the San Antonio Zulu Association offers food, music, kid’s areas, and every kind of music imaginable. Brackenridge Park is home to lots of kids’ events, such as face painting, moonwalks, slides, and more.
5 PM
· St. Mary’s University Alumni Association gets the night off on the right foot with their 92nd Annual Fiesta Oyster Bake. They will cook over 100,000 oysters, and also will have fajitas, hamburgers, sausages, and much more. Music includes Latin, country, and rock and roll. This is a three day event, and Friday’s festivities conclude with a fireworks display. All proceeds go towards scholarships and student programs, so enjoy the bake and support education at the same time!
· Fans of Tejano music will not want to miss Friday night’s Tejano Explosion at Cattleman’s Square. This is a family event, featuring food and music as well as carnival rides for the kids.
6:30 PM
· Join the mariachis and the throngs of people gathered for the coronation of 2008’s El Rey Feo. The crowning takes place at the Main Plaza, and the reception afterwards will be held in the AT&T Community Center.
7:00 PM
· The WEBB party is San Antonio’s largest alternative event, which raises money for the San Antonio AIDS Foundation. Come down and enjoy the open bar, DJs, food, and silent auction and help support a good cause also.
8:00 PM
· Omega Psi Phi Fraternity hosts its annual Fiesta Jamboree. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their best party duds for the chance to win $100 for the best costume. The party lasts until midnight at the Doubletree Hotel.
· At La Villita, Incognito: Fiesta’s Masked Ball, invites guests to dress up in their best South American flavored outfit, and join in the Carnival-inspired party.
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 22 March 2008 )
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Written by Administrator
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Saturday, 22 March 2008 |
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 San Antonio Spurs
Three of the four losses did come against teams who all have a legitimate shot at winning the title this year, but those were also games which could have sent a strong message to the rest of the league that San Antonio is ready to defend their title, and that teams should be on notice. Instead, the Spurs did send a message, but not the one that they probably wanted.
The game that started the slide was against division rival, New Orleans, who is currently in first place in the division. In this game, the Spurs simply had no answer for Chris Paul, who exploded for 26 points and 17 assists, to lead the Hornets to the comfortable 100-75 victory. David West also blew up San Antonio for 29 points and 10 rebounds. Tony Parker and Tim Duncan each had 24 points, but no one else helped out.
Next up was a visit to Detroit and an always tough game with the Pistons. Again, Parker and Duncan were the team leaders, scoring 26 and 20, respectively, but no one else was there to pick up the slack. Ginobili had a bad game, only managing 9 points. One bright spot for the Spurs was that they did manage to hold the Pistons to 11% shooting from beyond the arc. For Detroit, Antonio McDyess grabbed 17 rebounds to easily lead both teams in that category. The Pistons outrebounded San Antonio 51-39, and won the game 84-80.
Against the surprising 76ers, the Spurs ran into a team playing for a spot in the playoffs, and sporting a .500 record. Although Manu Ginobili regained his form, and scored 22 in the game, it wasn’t enough to counter Andre Miller’s season high 32 points and 7 assists. Duncan had an off night, only scoring 16 points and getting 6 rebounds. Tony Parker led the team with 27 points and 5 assists.
With three road losses, the Spurs finally were back home, but unfortunately they were playing host to the Boston Celtics. Early in the game, it looked like San Antonio was going to run Boston out of the building, building a 22 point lead at one point. Unfortunately for Spurs fans, the final score read Celtics 93, Spurs 91. Manu Ginobili did all he could, scoring 32 points, but Duncan again had an off-night, as he only scored 10 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. Tony Parker added 17, but no one else scored in double digits.
The Spurs had to go on the road to Chicago to do it, but they finally got back on track against the Bulls with a powerful 102-80 victory. Tim Duncan broke out of his funk, scoring 22 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, and Tony Parker came through with 23 points. At one point, San Antonio led by as many as 28, and had a 22-4 run. Chicago’s fans were booing throughout the game, which must have sounded like music to the ears of the Spurs.
With the conference race so close, losing a few games can have an enormous effect. Coach Popovich said before the Chicago game that San Antonio was 2 games out of first and 2 games out of 8th. The race is certainly a close one, and another streak like the last one could really damage San Antonio’s seeding in the playoffs.
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 22 March 2008 )
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Written by Randy Watson
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Sunday, 16 March 2008 |
 Fiesta Flaumbeau Parade
April is almost upon us, and that means one thing for San Antonio-Fiesta! While other cites have huge celebrations for St. Patrick’s Day, or Mardi Gras, Fiesta is San Antonio's own unique celebration, and the multiple parades that spice up the city with their floats, colors, costumes, music, and host of cast of characters that participate, make these one of the best-loved parts of the whole affair.
The 2008 version of Fiesta presents three parades, each produced and sponsored by a different group of patrons.
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 16 March 2008 )
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Written by Administrator
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Tuesday, 11 March 2008 |
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 San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs also have division foe, Houston, breathing down their necks. The Rockets have won an incredible 18 straight games, even after losing Yao Ming for the season. Houston and New Orleans are both just one game back of San Antonio.
The Spurs started out the month of March with back to back games against the New Jersey Nets—one game in Jersey, and then two nights later, a rematch in San Antonio. The Spurs entered the month on an eight-game winning streak, and after sweeping both games against the Nets, took the streak to double digits. In the first game, Tony Parker was brilliant, scoring 25 points, while dishing out seven assists and grabbing 8 rebounds. In the second game, it was Duncan who came up big, scoring 29 points and corralling 12 rebounds. The game was far from pretty, but the Spurs are well-known for winning those types of games. In fact, aside from Duncan, San Antonio was close to awful on the offensive end, shooting 33% from the field. Their defense was the difference in allowing them to get the 81-70 win, as they held the Nets to 4-17 shooting from behind the arc, and out-rebounded New Jersey, 52-42.
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 19 April 2008 )
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Written by Randy Watson
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Wednesday, 05 March 2008 |
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San Antonio’s 2nd Annual Bird and Nature
Festival
When: May 1st - 4th, 2008
Where: San Antonio, Texas
Exact
locations will vary due to schedule.
Visit http://www.wildfestsanantonio.com/
for more details.
 Peregrine Falcon
The first Wildfest was a success and therefore there will be
a second one held on May 1st through the 4th. There is
plenty of beauty within the area this time of year. Areas such as Mitchell
Lake, Medina River, Botanical Gardens, and the National Historical Park will
all be showcased during the event. The WildFest staff pride themselves in being
one of only a few cities in America to have an event such as this.
Not only will you be viewing the natural beauty of the area.
There will also be workshops for the attendee’s. Several of the things being
done during the festival are to involve the children in what nature has to
offer them. You will be looking at the animals, including bats, butterflies,
and birds, as well as the plants and even history.
 Landing Mallards
Do not think that this is simply an event where you sit
outside in a lawn chair and wait for the birds to fly by. You will be going out
and actually finding them in their habitat more often than not. In fact, one of
the major and fun events planned is to actually go to a cave to view bats. It
simply can not be more fun than that for any child interested in nature.
Welcome to San
Antonio Bird and Nature Festival where you are encouraged to bring your whole family!
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Last Updated ( Monday, 25 February 2008 )
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Written by Randy Watson
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Sunday, 02 March 2008 |
San Antonio Folk Dance Festival
When: March 14, 2008 - March 16, 2008
Where: San Antonio, Texas
Times vary based on the difference events that will be held. Visit their
website, http://safdf.org/, for more
information.
Have you always wanted to learn how to folk dance? The San Antonio Folk Dance
Festival has several workshops available at their event in March. Regardless of
how much experience you have or your skill level, you will be able to learn
something at this festival. You may consider yourself one of the best even, and
if that is the case, then you can go to a Review workshop where several teachers
will be reviewing your skills. You will perhaps find some of your weaknesses and
learn what your strengths are. The teachers come from a wide variety of
backgrounds. You will find teachers from Romania, to Czech, and of course your
English Country Dancing instructors in attendance.
Do not worry if you are not a dancer. This festival does not leave you out.
If you would just like to take a seat and enjoy some good live entertainment
then that is available as well. You will find several very good folk dancers
that will be performing throughout the event. Miroslav Bata Marcetic's Serbian
Dance Theater Troupe is a large group with seventy performers. They will be just
one of the many talented dancers you will be able to watch there.
You do not have to be a professional or an absolute beginner either. There
will be several chances for you to get out on the dance floor and enjoy folk
dancing with others. In fact, the last day of the festival there will be plenty
of food and individual entertainment in celebration of this form of dance. All
ages are welcome to attend the San
Antonio Folk Dance Festival!
Randy Watson a San Antonio Real Estate Agent with Mission Realty writes regularly about all
things good in San Antonio including sports, arts, events and tourism. Visit my
weblog at: SATX
Blog. Or visit online to search for San Antonio Homes.
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 02 March 2008 )
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