Cavs v Wizards ~ Andray Blatche had a career night, Wizards get the "W"

Yesterday, I was flipped a last minute ticket to the Cleveland Cavaliers v Washington Wizards game at the Verizon Center.  I wasn't overly excited about going to the game, but I thought it'd be a good chance to see an old friend and watch two under-performing squads battle.  I didn't expect much from last night's match-up, especially since John Wall was serving a suspension (i.e. he had scuffled with the Miami Heat's Zydrunas Ilgauskas on Wednesday night).

*****  I'd be lying if the chance to eat Dippin' Dots again didn't factor into the equation also.  I have new found love for those treats.  You'd think they were new, but I've re-discovered my love for the ice cream.  Incidentally, at the Verizon Center, the serving size is smaller than the larger size at the Quicken Loans Arena, but the Verizon Center charges more (i.e. $5).  Beggers can't be choosers, though so I spent the money.  Oh, it's cash only at the Verizon Center so be prepared.

The story of the game was Andray Blatche's performance to lead the Washington Wizards to victory.  That's right, boys and girls, the Wizards won the game.  Blatche had 36 points and 19 rebounds. 16 of Blatche's rebounds were offensive.  JaVale McGee added 25 points, and Jordan Crawford notched a triple-double (i.e. 21 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds).

In the losing effort for the Cavaliers Ramon Sessions led the team by dropping 26 points.  ****  I remember when he "played" for the Minnesota Timberwolves...

Another thing that was interesting was seeing Baron Davis is a Cleveland Cavaliers uniform.  I actually wonder if he's gotten used to seeing himself in the uniform as well.



The Cavs look very different this season



The Wizards, without Wall, take the court



I may not be familiar with the roster of Byron Scott's Cleveland Cavaliers, but since Ohio will always be "home" I do feel connected to them.  It was great to see Max Benton, the trainer, on the bench still.  Veteran, Strength and Conditioning coach, Stan Kellers, was there also, sitting behind the bench.  It must be strange for them to be a part of and remember the Cavs' glory days and now be a part of the organization...

At least things can only get better for the Cavs franchise...  Right?!?!

Wizards won: 115-107.

THE WIRK

Baron Davis' Lexus CT200h Challenge to benefit Rising Stars of America

As some of you travel to Los Angeles to take part in the NBA All-Star festivities, parties, and maybe even athletic events, there may be some of you looking for things to do during the day.  Well, I was provided the following information about Baron Davis' event with automaker Lexus.  ****  FYI: I drive a Lexus, and I like it.

Here is the information from the press release, " On Thursday, February 17th at 4 pm, Los Angeles Clippers point guard Baron Davis will host The CT 200h Challenge in Downtown Los Angeles. Davis is teaming up with leading luxury automaker Lexus to raise monies for his foundation, The Rising Stars of America (RSOA). The Challenge will consist of a competitive race in Lexus CT 200h hybrid vehicles driven by Davis and his celebrity friends. The winner will receive either a year lease of the CT 200h or have the opportunity to donate the lease of the vehicle to a charity of his or her choice. Further, Davis is challenging fellow celebrities via his Twitter handle, @Baron_ Davis, to race on a specially constructed obstacle course near the Staples Center."

Here's a video of Baron Davis, calling various celebrities out.  The video may look corny, but it's in the same style as when he used to do his Ibeatyou.com internet challenges.



Being that I'm not on the ground in LA on Thursday, I cannot attend this event.  I have no idea what the course looks like.  If I can get a picture of the course on Thursday (or Wednesday if the course is set up early), I'll update this post with it.

I've pared down the celebrities that are confirmed for the event (i.e. according to the press release) but here are a few that may interest you:

• Terrell Owens
• Jaleel White (“Road to the Altar”) <-- ****  Everyone knows him as Steve Urkel. 
• Jessica Alba 
• Michael Strahan
• Robert Horry

I've also checked out Baron Davis' Twitter feed and it looks like John Salley, Boris Kodjoe, and Willie McGinest are also driving.  Keep an eye on Baron_Davis and/or #CTChallenge on Twitter if you want the "latest" as there's a good amount of talking going on among the racers.

Once again from the press release, the information is below for your convenience.

WHAT: Lexus CT200h Challenge
WHEN: Thursday, February 17, 2011 from 4pm – 8pm
WHERE: 1220 South Figueroa Street; Downtown Los Angeles
WHY: To benefit Davis’ foundation, The Rising Stars of America (RSOA). $1,000 will be awarded to Davis for each celebrity who participates in the competition. RSOA is a non-profit organization founded in 2004 that utilizes athletics, mentorship and positive role modeling to teach kids life skills as well as ethical and social values.

The event is happening tomorrow, rain or shine, and it is free to the public as long as you RSVP ( http://www.ct200hchallenge.com/).   You can RSVP all the way up until the event closes.  ****  I was informed that the guest lists at the door will be refreshed every hour.

Enjoy!


THE WIRK

Clippers visit the Timberwolves tomorrow night ~ Griffin visits Beasley and Love

The last time I saw the Los Angeles Clippers play, I was in Las Vegas and it was during NBA Summer League.  Baron Davis and Blake Griffin didn't play and the NBDL All-Stars won the final game over the Los Angeles Clippers on a last second, buzzer beater.

Just like in Las Vegas, Baron Davis, won't be playing tomorrow night.  However, there are at least two key differences.  For one, the competition for the Clippers will be the Minnesota Timberwolves.  The Timberwolves' Michael Beasley and Kevin Love have been playing TOUGH.  ****  If you haven't heard about Beasley's scoring (42 one night, followed by 35 the next) and Love's 31-31 performance, then you're not a true basketball sports fan. 

Another difference is that Blake Griffin will be playing, and I'm curious to see him on the court.  It's his rookie season, and I plan to take advantage of the game tomorrow in Minneapolis to see if anything special happens.  Hopefully, the folks at the Target Center are treated to a show.  Personally, I'm tired of missing the Timberwolves highlights and having to watch them on TV.

No street clothes for Blake Griffin tomorrow

The "good" news is that tickets for Timberwolves' games aren't that difficult to get.  I just did a Stubhub search and Row 1 on the sidelines is $140. Face value is $200.  Therefore, I'd be willing to bet I can get a scalper to sell it to me for less than $100.  Now that I think about it, I might be able to get a free one...  Regardless, I'm not too concerned about where my seat is for the game.  I looked at the Ticketmaster seating chart of available seats and it looks like the 11th hour of a game of Battleship with my brother (i.e. plenty of seats available).  ****  Yes, I used to cheat and move my ships.  I could do that because I tracked his hits and misses.  Whatever.  We were young.

THE WIRK

2010 NBA Summer League ~ Las Vegas

I went to watch NBA Summer League in Las Vegas this year.  I've never been to Summer League before, but after spying my friend Mandy's pictures I decided I wanted to join in the fun.

I checked in the newly renovated Hard Rock Hotel and explored the new HRH Tower and pool during my "down time".  My room over looked the main pool and the Sunday Rehab party.

Rehab

I watched various Summer League games and the final game between the NBDL Select team and the LA Clippers.  I was sitting courtside and saw the buzzer beater that put the NBDL team over the Clippers for the win.

For anyone who's never been to Summer League and is interested in scouting new NBA talent, I highly recommend taking the trip.  It is an international event and there are scouts, coaches, players, reporters and everyone is incredibly accessible.  Trust me.  In 2 days I sat  behind Vlade Divac and played craps with Bill Laimbeer.  How random is that?

Lithuanian fan in front of me

Vlade Divac

For about $25 you can get a ticket for the day's events.  Games were held at both the Cox Pavilion and the Thomas & Mack Center.

UNLV retired jerseys

For you Ohioans out there, you might recognize the name Mike Gansey.  He's a hard worker and plays tough.  I had to look him up after watching him play, and yes - I might just have a little bit of a crush.  He's super cute!

Mike Gansey

Baron Davis rooting on his LA Clippers

The NBDL Wins

THE WIRK