Already over the 1st round of the NBA Playoffs - Let's keep it moving please

I'm not going to lie.  For me, fatigue is setting in with the 1st round of the NBA Playoffs.  I'm ready to start the Conference Semifinals.  I'm glad that teams such as the Dallas Mavericks, the Atlanta Hawks, and the Los Angeles Lakers decided to finish up tonight so that we can keep it moving in the NBA on the road to the Finals...

Is it just me or was that Atlanta Hawks v Orlando Magic match-up incredibly painful to watch?   I couldn't get into that series AT ALL.  Thank goodness they kept that game off of TNT tonight.  There is no question that Orlando is worse after the big trade.  As a result, any plan to visit the "new" Amway Arena will be postponed yet another year (i.e. at least).  As for the Hawks, I like Jamal Crawford and have enjoyed the way he's matured as a player, but without Coach Woodson, I just can't actively support this team.  I don't feel like they play inspired basketball.  I remember the Joe Johson Craigs list ad.  Needless to say, I'm taking the Chicago Bulls in the next series.

In contrast to the Hawks v Magic series, I never wanted the Dallas Mavericks v Portland Trail Blazers match-up to end, but all good things...  I enjoy watching the Blazers.  I like the play of LaMarcus Aldridge.  I believe in Brandon Roy and want him to succeed.  The games he played AFTER he complained about his playing time showed me that he wanted to EARN his minutes.  I think he apologized for going to the media to vent his emotions.  I'm glad that he learned that his play speaks for itself.

The Dallas Mavericks v Los Angeles Lakers series should be HOT, but I think the Boston Celtics v Miami Heat will be more exciting.  I remember the Nike Party during NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles this year.  I saw Dirk Nowitzki joking around with Kobe Bryant and flashing him the "L" (i.e. loser symbol).  Sure they shared laughs, but you know the saying ~ "There's truth in humor."  I'm sure that Dirk and the Mavs would like to eliminate the Lakers.  I'm also confident that Phil Jackson would like to leave the Lakers as a WINNER.  I don't question Kobe's heart.  After seeing the way he looked at Pau Gasol, after Gasol had a few "oopsies" in Game 5, I don't want to get on Kobe's bad side.  ****  Seriously.  If looks could kill, the Lakers would be a man down.

As for the eagerly anticipated Celtics v Heat match-up, I really hope that the Celtics manage to "Beat the Heat".  Earlier today I read Jay-Z's Life+Times blog post about Chris Bosh.  I was irritated on various levels after reading the post.  For the sake of completeness, I'll post my comments here.  Here are my comments (forgive the capitalization): "people don't like bosh for a variety of reasons. he actually believes he's at a level that puts him in the same category of wade and james. THIS IS SIMPLY NOT TRUE. bosh's perceived bravado, ineffectivenes, crying, and whining are a few of the reasons why he's the subject of criticism. nobody likes a pompous whiner that's unreliable when it comes to productivity. the heat are wade's team. d wade should get the final shot. bosh should realize that it's an honor JUST for him to be "nominated".

Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to read Jay-Z's post about Bosh yourself, here: http://bit.ly/lkVV8p

That's all I have for now.  Like I said, I'm already starting to feel the fatigue of the 1st round.  In my head, I'm already "on to the next one".

****  Oh, and if you're one of those people that watched the NFL Draft today, I really don't know how you do it...  After I heard Cam Newton went #1 to the Carolina Panthers, I lost interest.


THE WIRK

Father-Daughter Vegas vacation ~ Great laughs, big wins!!

My dad is the best, and we just had another father-daughter weekend in Vegas.  What started out with father-daughter dinners as a girl scout and father-daughter dances in high school graduated to weekends in Vegas.  It may not be for everyone, but it works for us!

Here are some random thoughts, status updates, and quotes from the weekend.

• Just landed in Vegas. Flight attendant says that our bags are coming in on carousel 7. The guy behind me starts yelling, "seven"! I turn around and say, "So you're a don't guy?". He says, "yep". End of discussion.

As soon as I landed, within an hour or so, I received a text from my best friend from college/medical school.  He was in Vegas also.  Talk about lucky!  What a great coincidence...

Eventually, my dad got hungry so it was off to Gaylord India Restaurant at the Rio Hotel and Casino.  It's one of our favorites.  As soon as we ordered, there was an Asian waitress that came over.

• Dad (As Chinese waitress brings new plates): Wow, big china...
  Me: You can't call her that.
  Dad: What the hell are you talking about? I'm talking about the bigger dishes (as he holds up the new plate).
  Me: Oh...

We ordered the chicken curry.  When it came out, there was also some vegetarian curry.

• Me: What's in the vegetarian curry?
  Dad: Vegetables are for poor people.

Friday night I bet the Atlanta Hawks to cover against the New Orleans Hornets.  Friday night, was also the night that history was made and the Hawks only scored 59 points (i.e. the lowest point total in FRANCHISE history)...  ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!!?  Absolutely ridiculous.

Friday night I was playing rapid craps over at Bill's.  It was painfully slow, but it was great to sit and laugh and catch up with my best friend.  We sat there betting the "Don't" since it was impossible for any shooter to get into any kind of rhythm with a slow dealer.  As we were sitting, he said "Isn't that your dad?"   Sure enough, my dad was walking into the casino.  I was happy to have them both there and I re-introduced them.  Within a few minutes my dad left to go get some food. 

Later that night, I checked out The Cosmopolitan (i.e. I believe it's a Marriott property).  It's fancy.  I don't think it's for a serious gambler.  It's more of a see and be seen place.  I didn't check out the table minimums this trip.  I'll do it next time.

I also walked over to Vdara Hotel and Spa.  The rooms are nice.  I saw an executive suite.  It had a kitchen, washer and dryer, etc. but no casino.  It was nice, but for my money and the location, I'd rather stay at the Palazzo or Venetian.

I passed through the Bellagio on the way back to the strip.  There was no robbery taking place so it was cool.  Based on the decor there and near the Palazzo, I think it's the year of the rabbit.  I'm a rabbit and rabbits are lucky so I couldn't resist taking pictures.

Saturday I dragged myself down to the sportsbook to bet on Ohio State.  The Buckeyes are ranked #1 and were in Illinois.  I had Buckeyes -3.5, the money line, and in a parlay with the Washington Capitals.  All the bets were winners!

Saturday night I was at the Venetian's sportsbook, watching the Golden State Warriors v Los Angeles Clipppers.

• Wankster looking Asian guy in sportsbook yelled, "Real LA fans are Clippers fans because people from LA can't afford Lakers tickets!". Instantly 3 other Asian guys raised their hands and said, "I can afford them.".

I watched the rest of the game after dinner at Harrah's while my dad was at the craps table.  The Indiana Pacers' Posey launched a 3-pointer towards the end of the game.  The way I see it, the Blazers owe me a point, since I lost by half of one.  Those are the breaks...

When I went to check on my dad he was sitting on a stool playing craps with thousand of dollars in front of him.  No wonder he wasn't bothering me.  I tapped him and told him it was time to go.  After another 10-15 mins he left the table a WINNER.

He has to sit since he's not really in condition to stand at a craps table for an extended period of time (i.e. read HOURS).  He's assured me he's going to start exercising so he can walk the strip more and stand longer.  I find this completely hilarious and have asked him to document his training regimen so I could laugh some more.  He thinks that I'm kidding.  I'm not.

Back in the room dad was tired and was rubbing his legs since they were sore.

• Dad (as he is rubbing his legs): I don't know what this is supposed to do, but back home we have servants for this...

The man is funny.

Before I left I gave my dad specific instructions to bet on the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers for the AFC and NFC Championship Games.  I couldn't place my bets since the book had closed, and I was leaving.  He could and did. 

• Me: Go collect the money.
  Dad: Did we win?
  Me: Duh. Of course we did.
  Dad: Again?
  Me: Yep...
  Dad: Oh, ok. That was easy...

We cleaned up nicely...  Now I just need to figure out how to get the money from him. 

THE WIRK

NBA: My thoughts on the Eastern Conference ~ Can't we just pick 6?

I was talking to my friend, Teri, over the weekend and we were talking about the Eastern Conference and how it's "weak" relative to the Western Conference. 

The final 2 spots in the East as of now are being held by 2 teams that are below .500.  When was the last time any of you basketball fans were clamoring to see the Sixers or the Pacers this year?  Yeah, I know.  Me neither.

1. Boston Celtics
2. Miami Heat
3. Chicago Bulls
4. Atlanta Hawks
5. Orlando Magic
6. New York Knicks
7. Philadelphia 76ers (17-23)
8. Indiana Pacers (16-22)

Granted it's still early, but my initial reaction is "ewwwwwww". 

I like the Boston Celitcs on top and with Kevin Garnett back in the line-up, let's hope they stay healthy. Now I just need to check and see if there's a time table for Kendrick Perkins. I know Perkins has practiced, but last I saw he was on the bench during the game.

I'm anti-Lebron but pro-Dwyane Wade/Erik Spoelstra/Pat Riley, so I'm torn when it comes to the Miami Heat. Even being anti-Lebron, I have to admit that play when he twisted his ankle, went out of bounds, and then drained a 3 from the corner was impressive. Yes, I'm not blind. I saw it, and I was impressed.

How about Derrick Rose's triple double (i.e. granted it was against the Memphis Grizzlies, but it still counts)?!?!  What about Kyle Korver's 3-point shooting?  If those guys can keep up the effort and keep making shots while Boozer is out, then I'd consider the Chicago Bulls to be a viable threat.  I'm just not sure about their strength with Joakim Noah still out of the line-up.

I think the biggest surprise is Atlanta. In the words of Elmer Fudd, they've been "very, very quiet" yet the numbers don't lie (27-15).

I like the Knicks and am impressed with how well Amare Stoudemire is playing.  I anticipate heading to Madison Square Garden again before the NBA All-Star break to catch the Los Angeles Clippers and/or the Los Angeles Lakers in town.  I'm not sure how long the Knicks can continue to "bring it", but I am pulling for them.   

Those are my thoughts on the East.


THE WIRK

Boston Nope shirts, look more like Josh Smith than LeBron James

If you're in Boston or have been to Boston recently you may have seen the Boston Celtics green on "Nope" T-shirts that are being sold.  To see what I mean, click here, 

If you prefer to copy and paste the link in another window, here's the URL for your convenience: http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/sports/basketball/cavaliers/some-say-%E2%80%98hope,%E2%80%99-others-say-%E2%80%98nope'

If you ask me, the image looks more like the Atlanta Hawk's Josh Smith than LeBron James.  Just saying, but what do you think?

For those that are interested in purchasing a LeBron James "Hope" T-shirt, click here.


THE WIRK

I'm taking the Hawks and the Jazz...

I'm picking the Atlanta Hawks and the Utah Jazz to win tonight...  The Hawks v Bucks series is tied at 2, but Atlanta has Jamal Crawford (i.e. this year's 6th Man of the Year) and is playing at home.   

The Nuggets seem to be free-falling and the Jazz are up 3-1.  The Denver Nuggets definitely have a mountain to climb...

Who do you have winning tonight's games and advancing to the 2nd Round?


THE WIRK

Hawks defeat the Raptors ~ Great win! Thank you Coach Woodson and Jamal Crawford

The plan all along was to hit the Raptors v Hawks game on Friday.  Earlier in the day I called the Hawks and left Coach Woodson a voicemail to wish him well and let him know I was in town.  I remember Coach from his days in Cleveland (i.e. where he served as an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers).  He is a class act, and I believe he truly cares about his players.  To my surprise, later in the afternoon he phoned me back and before you knew it, I had my tickets in motion.  Thank you, Coach.

**** I always call my friends in the league to let them know if I'm coming to town. We all move around so much, that I value staying connected.

I have good friends ~ Thank you

It's good to be back

Got to the seats in time for the opening tip

Game on

Obligatory shot of the banners hanging

The playoff race in the East is a tight one.  Just a minute ago, I saw/heard a bit on TV about the race for the 8th playoff spot.  Currently, both the Toronto Raptors and the Chicago Bulls are battling for the 8th spot.  I think NBA TV is referring to it as "The Race for 8".  Coincidentally both teams lost tonight.  ****The Bulls lost to the Nets in D-OT tonight.  Chris Bosh is out for the rest of the regular season after suffering severe facial injuries, so needless to say the "Bosh-less" Raptors were in Atlanta to play a fully-loaded, Hawks team.  Joe Johnson, Mike Bibby, and Jamal Crawford were definitely ready for action.  Yep, Joe Johnson was back ~ but the story of the game is Jamal Crawford.

Jamal Crawford played an all-around great game!  He logged 25 points and his 27th career 4 point play (i.e. a new NBA record).  Subsequently, the Hawks captured the victory ~ their 50th win this season (i.e. a feat that hasn't occurred since the 1997-1998 season). 

A new NBA record

Hawks defeat the Raptors, 107-101 ~ Now You Know

After the game, I was able to personally congratulate Jamal Crawford on his strong performance and new NBA record.  He seemed sincerely thankful for the kind words.  The humility he projected is rare in the league, especially for veteran players, so it's worth mentioning.

With the star of the game, Jamal Crawford

Thank you, Coach ~ Great win!

The Hawks are away for their next game and take on the Wizards, Saturday at the Verizon Center.  Ironically, Chicago visits the Air Canada Centre on Sunday night.

Aside from singing Jamal Crawford's praises, here are some other thoughts from the night:

• Why is a Seattle Supersonics banner still hanging?  OR maybe the better question is, why aren't the Oklahoma City Thunder represented?

WWKDD?

• My seats were on the hospitality suites side of the arena.  Since I was starving, my friend and I decided to complete a mini "Taste of Philips Arena". 
• Get the Fireside Chicken Nachos, if you have the chance.  They're well worth the $10.25.

• The sushi at the arena is good also.  I think it comes from Goldfish (i.e. the restaurant near Perimeter Mall)
• I know Spike Lee is a NBA fan, but why was he at the game?  Is he working on a project in Atlanta?  I'm curious, since the last time I saw Spike Lee was at the W's Ghostbar during NBA All-Star weekend, in Dallas and generally only expect to see Spike at The Garden.

After the game, Spike Lee exited the tunnel and left the building

Big day tomorrow, as I have to wake up early and head to Augusta.  There's some golf tournament out there that I want to check out  (i.e.  wink wink), so that's all I have for now. 

THE WIRK

Happy belated birthday, Dominique Wilkins and Go Hawks!

View from a suite of the pre-game at Philips Arena, Celtics v Hawks ~ April 2008

Have I mentioned that I love sports? I think it was 2 years ago that, I went to 3 NBA playoff games in 3 consecutive nights in 2 different cities (Atlanta and Washington DC). If I remember correctly, the Hawks were playing the Celtics and the Cavs were playing the Wizards. My friend, Ricky (aka The Wolf), joked that not even Craig Sager has covered 3 playoff games in 3 consecutive nights in 2 different cities ~ and it's been a running joke between us ever since.

Ricky lives in Atlanta, where I used to reside, and I still have an affinity for the city and many friends that still live there. I've been a Atlanta Hawks fan since the days of Dominique Wilkins (aka The Human Highlight Film). Once, while I was in college, I bought a single standing room only ticket so I could go to Richfield Colosseum and see Dominique fly in person. Standing room only are three words that never scared me, because there are people that don't show up for events that they have tickets to, all the time! How wasteful, and in the words of my father, not very "cost effective". At the game I found a father-daughter combo to sit with and they were extremely welcoming once they found out I was by myself. With my eyes glued to the court, I told the father-daughter combo about a trip I took to the Crystal Palace in the Bahamas.

I was in college and on vacation with my dad. Whenever I had a long weekend, it seemed like we were in the Bahamas. Lucky me! Anyway, my dad and I were having lunch at the pool bar and I found myself staring at a man. Staring. I kept staring. Don't worry, he couldn't tell I was looking at him that hard ~ but I was determined to figure out who I was looking at. The man was sitting with a beautiful lady and also enjoying his lunch. My dad noticed I was distracted and asked me what my problem was. I kinda pointed and told him I knew that guy... My dad nonchalantly responded, "Of course you know who that is. He's one of your favorites, Dominique Wilkins."

HOLY CRAP! My dad was right! My internal voice starts screaming at me... Why am I sitting with my dad eating, when I can go meet Dominique?!?! OK ~ must be cool, I tell myself. I leap off my stool, head to my beach chair, and grab an index card and my camera and walk back to lunch with my dad. Index card?!?! Yes, I said index card. What do you expect? I was in COLLEGE. I was studying a little bit on the beach. Back at the beach bar, I wait. and I wait some more. It looks like Dominique and his lady are finished with lunch and getting ready to go back in. Now's my chance. Off my stool and over to the 2 of them I head. I tap him on the shoulder, explain that I'm a huge fan and his lady just sits patiently. He's kind enough to sign my index card and pose for a picture. I stll have both at my mom's house in a photo album. For me, those two items are priceless! As I walked away, I noticed Dominique was talking to another man, and I recognized him as Gerald Wilkins. I let that opportunity pass, because I did not care as much.

It's great to see Dominique at Philips Arena and to see the current success of the Hawks.

Coach Mike Woodson is a class act and one of the few people on the short list of folks who came to the house to check on Zydrunas post-surgery. I'm happy to see him successful after his years in Cleveland as Randy Wittman's assistant. Woody has always been very welcoming to me when I come to Atlanta and it's always great to see a friendly face. I call him once or twice a year and wish him luck, congratulate him on his sucess, and let him know if/when I'm coming to town. One night at Philips Arena, I ran into an old friend, Larry Nance at a Hawks game He was in town, and he noticed the Hawks were home so decided to call Coach Woodson and check out the Hawks. It's great to see the Hawks play as well as the have been, and I'm thrilled that Dominique Wilkins is still a part of the franchise and Woody is leading the charge.

Happy Belated Birthday, Dominique Wilkins, and Go Hawks (i.e. unless of course you're playing the Cleveland Cavaliers)!!!



Post game passes let me catch up with friends, when they're finished working.


Philips Arena, ran into Larry Nance, 2006

THE WIRK