Pryor Shines, Raiders Fall to Bolts

Terrelle Pryor made his first official NFL regular season start yesterday to end the Raiders' season. The last pick of the late Al Davis, Pryor completed 13 of 28 passes for 150 yards with 2 TDs and 1 INT as well as rushing for 49 yards for 1 TD, but one costly decision to stay in bounds at the end of the 2nd quarter lead to the Raiders downfall as they come up short against the Chargers 21-24. Darren McFadden had 19 carries for 57 yards and Rod Streater lead the team in receptions with 4 receptions for 77 yards while Brandon Myers came in 2nd also with 4 receptions for 53 yards.

Final Score: @ San Diego 21-24 [L]
Full recap: http://www.raiders.com/news/article-1/Raiders-Fall-to-Chargers-24-21/a6593c0f-5753-414c-834d-94195fbeb072

Final Record: 4-12, .250, 3rd AFC West, Home: 3-5, Road: 1-7, Div: 2-4, Conf: 4-8, Non-Conf: 0-4,

Final Word: Thank God the torture is over. No high expectations coming into this season. Hard to believe this team went from an 8-8 team the last two seasons to a Jamarcus Russell-esque season of 4-12 this year. I admit, the salary cap issues really screwed us over and Hue Jackson's all-in trade for Carson Palmer last season. 10 years of no playoffs, it's frustrating. Anyways Raider Nation, you may have heard that the Raiders fired Greg Knapp today and most of the coaching staff that specialize in the Zone Blocking Scheme. All I can say is: GOOD F*CKING RIDDANCE AND TAKE YOUR ZBS CRAP WITH YOU AND DON'T COME BACK TO OAKLAND, ESPECIALLY YOU KNAPP! For the draft, I've only got one name in mind: Manti Te'o. It's McKenzie's first season with a full load of picks heading into the draft (I think) and I hope we draft guys who are passionate about the game and will give their all for the team that drafted them. A lot of work to be done guys and hope there is someone who can make an impact to the team whether through the draft or free agency.

Anyways Happy New Year Raider Nation and here's to a better season. Stay tuned all January because I will be recapping the 10 year anniversary of the 2002-03 Raiders. Yes the last team that took pride in the Raider uniform and played their guts out only to fall short in the dreadful Super Bowl XXXVII loss to the Bucs and the last time they made it to the promised land. It'll be fun to recall the season of a Raider team consisting of Rich Gannon, Jerry Rice, Tim Brown, Charles Woodson, Bill Romanowski, Rod Woodson, and others. So stay tuned.

Lakers Back At .500 After Blazers Rout

12/25/12 vs. New York 94-100 [W] < Missed due to spending time with family during Christmas
12/26/12 @ Denver 114-126 [L] < Missed due to illness

A day when the Lakers retired #52 in honor of Jamaal Wilkes, they end the year on a high note with a win against the Blazers in a beating of 87-104 at Staples putting them back at .500. Playing to reach the .500 mark is always a dangerous game. Kobe Bryant lead the Lakers with 27 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists and added 2 steals while Dwight Howard recorded 21 points and 14 rebounds with 3 blocks. Pau Gasol seems to be finding his rhythm in Mike D'Antoni's offense recording 15 points including 2-3 shooting from behind the 3 point line.

Final Score: vs. Portland 87-104 [W]
Full recap: http://www.nba.com/games/20121228/PORLAL/gameinfo.html

Highlights*

Next Game: vs. Philadelphia (01/01/13)

* = New Feature

Raiders Banged Up vs. Panthers

Some significant injuries occurred during the game which hurt the Raiders chances of putting some TDs on the board. Matt Leinart filled in for Carson Palmer, who suffered a big hit to the ribcage. Leinart completed 16 of 32 passes for 115 yards, but couldn't get the Raiders into the end zone as they fall to Cam Newton and the Panthers 6-17. Darren McFadden had 17 carries for 33 yards and Darrius Heyward-Bey lead the team in receiving yards with 31 yards an Marcel Reece lead the team in receptions with 4 for 18 yards.

Final Score: @ Carolina 6-17 [L]
Full recap:

Next game: @ San Diego (Week 17, 12/30/12)

Lakers Triumphant With Nash's Return in Thriller

Probably one of the most entertaining games I've seen from the geographical rival between L.A. and The Bay. Steve Nash, first game back since suffering a fractured fibula, scored 12 points and racked up 9 assists including a couple of big buckets while playing 40+ mins as he was a huge difference maker in the Lakers thrilling 118-115 victory over the Warriors. Kobe Bryant was the Lakers' top performer with 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists, but in the process, took 41 shots. Dwight Howard added 11 points and big contribution from the bench. MWP gives the Lakers a huge game changer off the bench scoring 20 points while Jodie Meeks and Jordan Hill followed suit with 12 points from Meeks and 14 points and 8 rebounds from Hill.

Final Score: @ Golden State 118-115 (OT) [W]
Full recap: http://www.nba.com/games/20121222/LALGSW/gameinfo.html

Next Game: vs. New York (12/25/12) *Even though I would usually post up Christmas games, I won't post this game up for this year, just feel like taking this time off spend the whole day with the family*

A Disappointing Victory: Lakers vs. Bobcats

Looks like the stress is ticking in. The Lakers have been on a roll lately and this game has got to be the most bitter, but as usual a win is a win. Kobe Bryant lead the Lakers with 30 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists as the Lake Show spoil Ramon Sessions' return to LA in a frustrating 100-101 victory. Dwight Howard added a double-double with with 16 points and 18 rebounds and Pau Gasol, returning after missing 8 games, added 10 points. MWP seems to have founded a new role as he, along with Jodie Meeks, lead the bench with 17 points.

Final Score: vs. Charlotte 100-101 [W]
Full recap: http://www.nba.com/games/20121218/CHALAL/gameinfo.html

Next game: @ Golden State (12/22/12) < THE WORLD IS NOT GONNA END THE DAY BEFORE THIS GAME

Lakers Hit 2 Game Win Streak @ Philly

Missed Games (Finals Week in College):

vs. Utah 110-117 [L]
@ Cleveland 94-100 [L]
@ New York 107-116 [L]
@ Washington 102-96 [W]

The Lakers could be planning a winning streak after this game regardless if Steve Nash and Pau Gasol are not healthy. Good balanced effort from both the starting lineup and the bench. Kobe Bryant lead the Lakers with 34 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists to help power the team pass the free falling 76ers 111-98. Dwight Howard and Metta World Peace, both players with doubles with Dwight recording 17 points and 11 rebounds and MWP 19 points and 16 rebounds (surprising double-double performance by Metta). Chris Duhon added 14 points and Jodie Meeks and Darius Morris, bright spots off the bench with 12 points from Meeks and 15 points from D-Mo.

Final Score: @ Philadelphia 111-98 [W]
Full recap: http://www.nba.com/games/20121216/LALPHI/gameinfo.html

Next Game: vs. Charlotte (12/18/12)

Raiders Shut Out Ailing Chiefs

The best player on the Raiders since the team drafted him in the first round of 2000, Sebastian Janikowski bails the Raiders out again with chip shot field goals. It's just regular day in the office for Jano as he scored 5 field goals from 20, 50, 57, 30, 41 yards and missing only one as the Raiders shut out the Chiefs 0-15. The effort was not also just from Sebass, but the defense stepped up, holding the Chiefs to just 119 yards and hold off Jamaal Charles to 10 yards rushing (previously held Charles to 4 yards rushing in week in Kansas City). Darren McFadden, a bright spot today, had 30 carries for 110 yards and Rod Streater lead the team in receptions with 5 for 62 yards.

Final Score: vs. Kansas City 0-15 [W]
Full recap: http://www.raiders.com/news/article-1/Raiders-Shut-Out-Chiefs-15-0/0cd303f2-c08a-4095-af33-d812d4fdee33

Next Game: @ Carolina (Week 16 12/23/12)

Lakers Too Little too Late to Rally vs. Thunder

The Lakers wrap up a three game road trip in a loss to the Western Conference young blood, Oklahoma City Thunder. Kobe Bryant, two days after reaching the 30,000 points mark, lead the Lakers with 35 points, 3 rebounds, and 7 assists, but the Lakers couldn't pull off a miracle and a taste of revenge as the Lakers fell 108-114 to the Thunder. Dwight Howard added 23 points and 18 rebounds, Chris Duhon racked up 14 points, and Jodie Meeks came off the bench with 17 points.

Final Score: @ Oklahoma City 108-114 [L]
Full recap: http://www.nba.com/games/20121207/LALOKC/gameinfo.html

Due to finals week in college, I will not post the following Laker games from 12/9-12/13

12/9 vs. Utah
12/11 @ Cleveland
12/13 @ New York

Prime Time Dud: Raiders Fall to Denver...Again

Being that the Broncos are my favorite AFC West rival to hate, I guess I should get used to this as long as Peyton Manning is around. It's been a frustrating season overall an it just didn't get better with this loss to an AFC West rival. Carson Palmer, throwing too much yet again completed 19 of 30 passes for 273 yards connecting 2 TDs and allowed only 1 INT, but what a mess. Even though there were good goal line stands by the defense, the game goes on the offense for failing to put points on the board early; that costed the Raiders to lose to the AFC West runaway leader, Broncos 26-13 as Denver sweeps the Raiders in divisional match ups. Darren McFadden, welcome back, but ZBS is still killing you rushed for 52 on 11 carries and scored his first TD back on a 6 yard reception and Rod Streater lead the team in reception with 4 for 100 yards.

Final Score: vs. Denver 26-13 [L]

Full recap: http://www.raiders.com/news/article-1/Raiders-Fall-to-Broncos-26-13/212089a8-4faf-4214-a094-5d868f3925ad

Next Game: vs. Kansas City (12/16/12)

Kobe Bryant's 30,000 Career Point Milestone Lifts Lakers Past Hornets

I'm not posting up the Rockets game, but read the full recap here:

http://www.nba.com/games/20121204/LALHOU/gameinfo.html

It was 1996 that the New Orleans Hornets (previously known as the Charlotte Hornets) drafted a standout high school star in Kobe Bryant out of Lower Merion High School. During the draft, Kobe was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Vlade Divac to make room to sign Shaquille O'Neal via free agency. Throughout his 17 year career in the NBA we've seen Kobe Bryant develop from a high school kid who played basketball for the fun of it to becoming the most competitive, hardworking individual, and above all a legend. Last night, he made history yet again, becoming the youngest player to reach 30,000 points in the NBA. Kobe Bryant was the Lakers' top performer scoring 29 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists in a historical night as the Lakers beat the Hornets 103-87.

Final Score: @ New Orleans 103-87 [W]

Full recap: http://www.nba.com/games/20121205/LALNOH/gameinfo.html

Next Game: @ Oklahoma City (12/07/12)

Personal Reflection on Kobe's 30,000 milestone: Wow, just 1,000 more to surpass Wilt, 2,000 more to surpass Jordan, 6,000 more to surpass Malone, and 8,000 more to surpass Kareem. Being a Laker fan since the first three-peat, I'm just blessed to witness how far Kobe Bryant has come. I've never seen Michael Jordan in his prime play, the only vivid memories I've seen of MJ are his flu game, his final shot, and his short tenure with the Wizards. However, to witness Kobe growing up, from his afro days, to the dark days during his sexual assault case, and the transfiguration from 8 to 24, he's just something to behold. 5x champ, 2x Finals MVP, 2008 NBA MVP, 2x scoring champ, 14x all-star, all-time leading scorer in Lakers history, and one of the top five in the all-time scoring list. Just speechless, no matter how Kobe Bryant is ranked at the end of his career whether he's top 5, top 10, top 15, or top 100, he's hands down a first ballot HOF. Congrats Kobe, no matter what happens at the end of your career, you're hands down a legend and in my opinion one of the greatest to ever play the game.

Magic Get Revenge From Howard; Lakers Fall to Orlando

It's an old cliche to say "karma is a b*tch." 4 months since the blockbuster trade for Dwight Howard's arrival from Orlando to LA, the Magic healed some old wounds. Kobe Bryant lead the Lakers with 34 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, but another great game from Kobe couldn't help rally the Lakers as the Lakers fall to Dwight's old team 113-103. Dwight Howard, as mentioned, recorded a double-double of 21 points and 15 rebounds, but again plagued by poor free throw shooting. MWP added 15 points, Pau Gasol added 11 points, and Antawn Jamison came back down to earth again from his 33 point outburst off the bench vs. the Nuggets, tallying only 10 points.

Final Score: vs. Orlando 113-103 [L]
Full recap: http://www.nba.com/lakers/gameday/121202_gameday_magic

Next Game: @ Houston (12/04/12)

Nightmarish Story Continues for Raiders vs. Browns

The blowouts are over, but the mental mistakes and momentum killers are not. It's been a horror story for the Raiders and it's time to add the tenth chapter into the book. The Raiders were pass heavy on Carson Palmer the last 5 games with McFadden and Goodson out as Palmer completed 34 of 54 passes for 351 yards, but a costly INT to help the Browns eek out a win in Oakland 20-17 giving them their first road win of the season. Jeremy Stewart had 9 carries for 46 yards to lead the team in rushing yards and a huge game for Brandon Myers with 14 receptions for 130 yards and 1 TD.

Final Score: vs. Cleveland 20-17 [L]
Full recap:  http://www.raiders.com/news/article-1/Browns-Hold-Off-Raiders-20-17/9ec35a9c-e3f7-43c2-9f11-31d3efd4a028

Next Game: vs. Denver (12/06/12)

Strong Bench Play Helps Lakers Overpower Nuggets

After an abysmal performance against the Pacers, the Lakers obtained some redemption in Friday night's win vs. the Nuggets. Antawn Jamison is getting in sync every game playing as the Lakers' sixth man and scorer off the bench. Jamison was the Lakers' top performer coming off the bench with 33 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 assists to help the Lakers rout the Nuggets 103-122. Dwight Howard came in second also with a double-double of 28 points and 20 rebounds. Jodie Meeks shot lights out, also coming off the bench with 21 points on 7 three pointers, giving Kobe Bryant a break at the shooting guard position as Kobe only tallied 14 points.

Final Score: vs. Denver 103-122 [W]
Full recap: http://www.nba.com/lakers/gameday/121130_gameday_nuggets

Next Game: vs. Orlando (12/02/12)