AFP/Ezra Shaw

Fearless Prediction

I better say this before the series even start. This Lakers-Pistons series will at least go six games, AND Pistons may win. No one would agree with me, except the Pistons fans and millions of Lakers haters. But wait, I can explain why I take this stance. Defense wins championship. Pistons have defense, and mostly defense. Their offense build up from their defense. Ben Wallace is the second best person to guard Shaq (the best is Vlade Divac, because he knows how to flop). Pistons's tight defense would not allow Karl Malone to shoot those 18-feeter so easily. As of what I have heard, Tayshuan Prince, who has been superb last series against the Pacers, will guard Kobe. The key of Kobe's game is not his shooting, it's his ability to drive the lane with his big steps. Tayshuan Prince's good footwork and long arms can break Kobe down.

The key for the Pistons is to win game one. Game one is very important. I can feel that this Pistons team can surprise the Lakers at Los Angeles like the Sixers three years ago. This Lakers team had no respect for the Timberwolves in the last round. This year is different from last year, or years before when the Lakers got three in a row. They have two hungry players, in Gary Payton and Karl Malone. I can't say that the lack of hunger in Lakers will guard them from the championship, but the Pistons are much hungrier. The Lakers can lose game one, and put themselves in danger.

This is closer than a lot of people think. They always say that defense wins games. This statement will be put into test in this final series. After all, I won't be surprised if the Pistons win this series. This Eastern conference challenger is the strongest since the NBA power shifted to the West when Michael Jordan retired six years ago. The Lakers better be aware.

Portugal and Euro

I was raised in Macau, a former Portugal colony. It didn't make me a Portuguese national soccer team fan. In fact I don't really have a favorite national team, except rooting for the Chinese team, I don't think they are going anywhere anytime soon. I used to follow the English Premier League. It doesn't make me a English team fan. I just like to see them play because it's like watching an Premier League all-star game. This year in the Euro championship, I'm rooting for Portugal to win. I think they deserve to win, and they can win. This team is a great ensemble of talent rarely seen from this small country in the European Union. They lost to Italy four years ago in Euro 2000 in extra time. They shockingly collapsed in World Cup 2002. Luis Figo is a great player and he deserves to win this in his home before his prime fade away.

Now I'm excited about this upcoming big soccer event. Too bad no one in the US watches soccer, unless I'm willing to pay $179 for all the games, $19 each individual games and $24 for semis and final.